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Texas Prepaid Tuition Program Enrollment Deadline Approaches

By
Ezra McMullen
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(AUSTIN) — Texas families can lock in today’s cost of undergraduate tuition and school-wide required fees at Texas public colleges and universities by enrolling their children in the tax-advantaged Texas Tuition Promise Fund® prior to the close of the current enrollment period on Feb. 28.

The Texas Tuition Promise Fund, the state’s prepaid college tuition program, allows participants to prepay undergraduate tuition and school-wide required fees by purchasing tuition units for a four-year degree, two years of community college or just a few semesters at Texas public colleges and universities.

“The Texas Tuition Promise Fund provides an opportunity to start paying for your child’s future higher education at today’s costs,” Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar said. “Starting a plan for your child’s education today will help you save money on tomorrow’s expenses.”

To enroll children younger than 1 in the program at 2017-18 prices, the deadline extends to July 31. The next annual enrollment period begins Sept. 1, with new contract prices based on Texas public college costs for the 2018-19 academic year.

Complete plan information, current prices, enrollment forms and more are available online at TuitionPromise.org, or by calling 800-445-GRAD (4723), Option 5.

Purchasers should carefully consider the risks, administrative fees, service and other charges and expenses associated with the contracts, including Plan termination and decreased transfer or refund value. The Plan Description and Master Agreement contains this and other information about the Plan and may be obtained by visiting the website or calling 800-445-GRAD (4723). Purchasers should read these documents carefully before purchasing a contract.

Participation in the Texas Tuition Promise Fund does not guarantee admission to or graduation from any college or university.

Comments or complaints may be forwarded to the Prepaid Higher Education Tuition Program, Office of the Comptroller of Public Accounts at P.O. Box 13407, Austin, Texas 78711-3407, or by calling 512-936-2064.

Appeal to House Hunters With Smart Home Upgrades

By
Statepoint
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From smart thermostats to remotely controlled showers, connected homes are all the rage for today’s homeowners and those looking to make a purchase, providing easy opportunities to boost your profit when you sell.

Over half of Millennials (57 percent) believe that smart home technology is a good investment in their home, according to a recent survey by “Better Homes and Gardens.” Upgrading to include connected items can make your home more appealing to this “next generation” of homebuyers in particular.

If you’re looking to sell, here are some of the latest and greatest smart home upgrades to have on your radar.

Climate Control

Your thermostat is responsible for half your energy bill — more than appliances and electronics — so make sure to choose one wisely. Consider installing a smart thermostat, which learns your temperature preferences, and can save energy by turning heating and cooling on and off, based on the weather outside, your home’s energy profile and more. Potential homebuyers will love the energy savings, as well as the ability to control the thermostat from anywhere with their devices.

A Hands-Free Faucet

Imagine the convenience of having a kitchen faucet turn water on or off, without a touch. Faucets with hands-free technology, such as Moen’s MotionSense Wave single-sensor models, allow users to easily activate the faucet with the wave of a hand. Great for when your hands are too full or messy to turn on the faucet, the technology also minimizes the spread of dirt and germs, since there’s no need to touch the faucet to start the flow of water. It’s just the type of smart upgrade to attract house hunters of all ages — and easy on the wallet, with options available for under $300.

Bright Lighting

Smart lighting dimmer and sensor systems allow you to turn lights on and off remotely with a smartphone, and can be customized to perform certain actions, such as slowly growing brighter as you wake up or turning off automatically when you leave your home – providing added convenience and customization for prospective buyers. These systems are especially useful when you’re traveling– allowing you to turn your lights on and off remotely, so your home doesn’t look empty while you’re away. Picture showing potential buyers how they can control all of the lights in the home with one device, or turn off the lights after they’re snuggled up in bed – and get ready for the offers to roll in.

A Digital Shower

An updated bathroom is a huge selling point for potential buyers. If you’re planning a renovation, enhancing your space with a digital shower can make a big difference for your family now and for future homebuyers. To provide the ultimate in personalization, select a system such as U by Moen, the first Wi-Fi/cloud-based digital shower on the market, which allows users to precisely set shower temperature and flow with an in-shower digital controller, or from the smartphone app. Plus, it can be voice activated with products like Amazon Alexa, for a connected home experience.

By swapping just one or two items — like your thermostat or a builder-grade kitchen faucet – you can achieve a sleeker, smarter home. And while the return on investment varies for each product, they’re all sure to appeal to tech-loving homebuyers whenever you choose to sell.

(Statepoint)

My Five Cents…

By
Ezra McMullen
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A monthly column from Sen. Robert Nichols by Sen. Robert Nichols, Senate District 3

 

Soon we will celebrate Texas’ Independence Day. Set on the anniversary of the signing of Texas’ Declaration of Independence from Mexico, it is a reminder of our state’s rich history. After the declaration of independence was signed, Texas operated as a stand-alone Republic for 10 years, before joining the United States.

While Texans are proud Americans, we hold on to much of the individual spirit from our time as a separate nation. The bravery and courage of our Texas’ founders continues to inspire our state today through their legacy of freedom, self-reliance and ingenuity.

Here are five things happening around your state this month:

1. FEMA Funding

Texas is expected to receive just over $1 billion in hazard and flood mitigation funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) by the end of the summer to help communities rebuild from the damage caused by Hurricane Harvey last year. Half of that funding is currently available right now for cities and counties which were affected by Harvey. The funding can be used to cover everything from buying out flooded buildings and homes, retrofitting houses and buildings to withstand hurricane winds, storm surge protection programs, building new seawalls and restoring sand dunes. The Texas Department of Emergency Management has been instructed to expedite the distribution of funding once communities or cities send in their applications and they are approved.

2. Protecting Texans

Governor Abbott has announced a new initiative to better protect people from human trafficking. The “Preventing Crime, Protecting Texans, Punishing Criminal” plan includes allocating $22 million to the Department of Public Safety to create regional squads which will help train local law enforcement in recognizing and investigating human trafficking cases. He also suggests in the plan that $14 million should be allocated to address and clear the state’s backlog of sexual assault evidence kits. Other proposals in the plan include a ‘do-not-hire’ registry for school employees placed on probation or who have been convicted of an improper relationship with students.

3. Texas Women’s Hall of Fame

In 1984, the Texas Governor’s Commission for Women established the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame to honor women who have accomplished significant achievements in areas such as arts, business, health, science, education and community service. It includes former First Ladies, entrepreneurs, athletes, artists and many more. Nominations are now being accepted for 2018 and are open to any native or current resident of Texas, living or deceased, who have made a significant contribution to the State of Texas. Texas Women’s University in Denton, currently houses the permanent exhibit which salutes these women. I encourage you to visit https://gov.texas.gov/organization/women/texas_womens_hall_of_fame to learn more about the Hall of Fame and to submit a nomination form.

4. DPS Reversing Decision

Last December, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) made a controversial decision to cut the positions of over 100 law enforcement officers to make up for a budget cut. These older troopers were employed under an agency program which allowed them to retire and then be rehired with the ability to collect retirement benefits and salary. While this program was discontinued in 2013, many of these troopers had been rehired before then. After the decision was made, many associations and many within the Capitol, came out against this decision as they believed it unfairly targeted older officers.

Recently, DPS rescinded that decision, and have allowed the troopers, which are employed under the retire/rehire program, to continue on in their current positions. They would also offer reinstated jobs to any officers who may have already left the Department due to the impending layoffs.

5. Get Appointed

One aspect of state government that many are not aware of is gubernatorial appointments. The Governor of Texas makes approximately 3,000 appointments during a four-year term. These include appointments to state boards, commissions, and councils which advise the Governor on specific agencies and policies. Some of those include the Animal Health Commission, the Soil and Water Conservation Board and the Texas Pharmacy Board.

During my time in the Senate, and having served on the Senate Nominations Committee for six years, I understand the impact state boards have on Texas. Because of this, I want to encourage more Senate District 3 constituents to apply for these positions. Our communities in East Texas are blessed with many individuals whose expertise and backgrounds could benefit our state as a whole and I encourage you to get involved. For an application and more information, please visit www.governor.state.tx.us/appointments.

Think Like a Designer to Update Your Home Like a Pro

By
Statepoint
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Inspiration is everywhere. From a field of yellow sunflowers to unique geometric patterns in the tile of a train station, the littlest things can spark the innovation behind some of the world’s most iconic products and designs.

Over half of Americans (51 percent) say the inspiration for creating a product is important to them when purchasing an item for their home, according to a recent survey from Moen conducted online by Harris Poll among over 2,000 U.S. adults.

When updating your own home’s décor, you can garner inspiration by discovering the creative influences of professional designers.

Go Inside the Minds of the Pros

Designers find inspiration just about everywhere. Pebbles in a stream sparkling in the sunlight have inspired smartphone interfaces, while talking computers on “Star Trek” have contributed to the creation of voice-controlled speakers.

Sometimes designers are inspired by consumers themselves. For example, at Moen, a leading manufacturer of kitchen and bath fixtures, innovation is driven by what homeowners say they want and how they interact with products. When determining the sensor placement for new MotionSense Wave touchless faucets, their design team was inspired by the way hands move around the kitchen sink. The fixtures feature a single-sensor hands-free activation on the base’s left side, allowing users to turn the faucet on and off with the wave of a hand. “We also draw creativity from furniture, tools, architecture, music and museums,” says Steven Ward, Moen’s director of global design.

Seek Your Source of Ideas

Next time you’re updating your bath or restyling your kitchen, act like a professional by venturing outside the box to get your creative juices flowing, whether it’s turning to a favorite song or a piece of artwork. For example, 16 percent of Americans who have done a home design project look to the outdoors for inspiration when planning home design projects, while 15 percent look to architecture. Maybe you’re struck by the colors of the sunset in your family’s summer beach vacation photos or the amazing brick pattern you saw wandering through a historic neighborhood. Consider what colors and patterns grab you and evoke the feeling you want to have within your space. And once you find them, snap a photo and reference it as you’re designing.

Curate Inspiration

Been a while since you took a vacation? Don’t live in an architecturally awe-inspiring locale? Social media is a great proxy. In fact, of Americans who have done a home design project, 33 percent look to social media for inspiration. Just like the pros, create a design plan for your space, but make it easy by using a site like Pinterest. Create boards for color combinations, materials and textures that attract your eye, so you can define your ideal look. Many Pins are shoppable, making it simple to purchase your perfect home décor products with just a click.

While making design decisions, don’t worry about being “on-trend.” If you stay focused on what styles speak to you personally — as well as the functionality your room needs to support — you’ll create a space that feels uniquely yours.

(Statepoint)

5 Overlooked Items for Your Family’s Emergency Supply Kit

By
Statepoint
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0

If you prepped an emergency supply kit for your family, you most likely have the basics covered: batteries, first aid and non-perishable foods. Here are five often overlooked items that can help keep your family safe, comfortable and informed should the unexpected occur.

• Water filter. Tap water is not always safe to drink in emergency situations. While you should have a store of bottled water on hand, you can be extra safe with a high-quality water filter. Consider a portable model, so that if you have to relocate, you can have access to clean water on-the-go.

• Reliable Technology. In an emergency, you may require technology that doesn’t need information from cell towers and doesn’t have to be recharged constantly, such as Casio’s PROTREK PRG600Y-1, which features an altimeter, compass and barometer (great for staying aware of changes in temperature or air pressure). It also delivers this information hands-free, which can be useful any time, but extra valuable in an emergency. Additionally, it features Casio’s Tough Solar Power, allowing the watch to be charged in low or fluorescent light. After a full-charge and without further exposure to light, the timepiece has a battery life of approximately seven months, and a special power save feature conserves energy by enabling the timepiece to power down when not exposed to light.

• Back-up Generator. If the power goes out, a generator can keep you up and running, helping you protect against extreme weather conditions and keeping food from spoiling. Just be sure to operate your generator properly, following all the manufacturer’s safety measures. Never run a generator indoors or in an enclosed space.

• Something to do. The truth is, emergency situations often yield a lot of downtime. Don’t be caught with nothing to do. Find forms of entertainment that can be enjoyed without power, such as books, board games, musical instruments, pen and paper.

• Medication. Beyond first aid, your family likely has other medical considerations for which to prepare. Always have a several days supply of prescription medication for each member of the household. For those who wear glasses, keeping an extra pair handy will keep you seeing straight should your main pair break in an emergency.

To be truly prepared for any emergency, be sure your prep kit goes beyond the standard checklist to include these often-overlooked items.

(Statepoint)

Facts and Myths About Germs at School

By
Statepoint
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0

Everybody seems to have an opinion about germs — what causes them, where they’re located, how to avoid them — especially when it comes to children.

Experts say that American children miss 22 million days of school annually due to colds, flu and other infections.

“Avoiding germs at schools isn’t as simple as just washing your hands in the bathroom or sneezing into your sleeve,” says Charles Gerba, Ph.D., professor of microbiology and environmental sciences at the University of Arizona. “Germs are on everything kids touch in the classroom, as well as around the hallways, cafeteria and playground.”

With this in mind, it is important to separate facts from myths about germs in schools.

• Fact: Desks Are Among the Most Germ-Prone Items. It’s true! Students spend most of the day at their desks — sneezes, coughs and all — and, in some schools, they often switch classrooms and share desks with others. At the end of the day, students bring home that cocktail of germs to their families.

• Myth: Any Hand Sanitizer Will Do. According to research from the University of Colorado at Boulder, people carry an average of 3,200 bacteria on their hands. While most hand sanitizers are 99.9 percent effective at killing germs, some only last for a few minutes or until the application dries on the skin. Therefore, parents should consider applying hand sanitizers for their children that last throughout the day, such as Zoono’s GermFree24, which is proven to last for 24 hours on skin and is available as both a foam and a spray.

• Fact: Germs Can Affect Kids Outside the Classroom. Germs in schools aren’t just isolated to classrooms. They are everywhere, including cafeteria trays, playground jungle gyms and sports equipment. In fact, the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine found 63 percent of gym equipment is contaminated with rhinovirus, which causes the common cold. Reminding children to wash their hands before and after using these items (and wiping them down) will go a long way toward preventing sickness.

• Myth: Sticking Things in Your Mouth is Child’s Play. Sure, curiosity might drive preschoolers to stick items in their mouths that don’t belong. However, older students who nervously chew on pen caps, especially ones they borrow from classmates, or on their own fingernails during tough tests, are susceptible to picking up the germs that are traversing through school.

• Fact: Backpacks Carry More Than Just Books. Backpacks go everywhere — to classrooms, inside lockers, in the cafeteria, in locker rooms — and collect various germs throughout the day. Periodically clean backpacks inside and out. And make sure lunches and other food items, as well as gym clothes, are packed in separate bags to avoid cross-contamination of germs.

• Myth: Sharing is Always Caring. Just about every school supply — from pens and pencils to headphones to sport jerseys — can be a vehicle for harmful bacteria. Make sure children are armed with their own items, including mechanical pencils to avoid using the classroom’s pencil sharpener, and avoid sharing their supplies with classmates.

When it comes to germs, separating myths from facts can help you have a happier, healthier school year.

(Statepoint)

DPS Ramping Up Move Over/Slow Down Enforcement

By
Ezra McMullen
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0

LUFKIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is beginning enforcement efforts across the state focusing specifically on violations of the state’s Move Over/Slow Down law. These periodic enforcement operations by DPS Troopers are planned throughout the year at various locations in Texas, with several operations planned in February. One of those operations will take place in Angelina County on Wednesday, Feb. 21, from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and again from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The DPS-led task force includes the Lufkin Police Department and the Texas Department of Transportation. TxDOT will be participating in a non-enforcement capacity.

The law, originally passed in 2003, requires motorists to move over or slow down when certain vehicles – including police, fire, EMS, Texas Department of Transportation vehicles and tow trucks – are stopped on the side of the road with emergency lights activated.

“Our Highway Patrol Troopers and other offices risk their lives every day for the people of Texas, and their safety is particularly vulnerable while working on the side of the road, where the slightest mistake by a passing motorist can end in tragedy,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “While our officers are serving and protecting Texans, we’re asking drivers to do their part by adhering to the law – simply move over or slow down.”

Specifically, Texas law states that a driver must either:

· Vacate the lane closest to the applicable vehicles stopped on the side of the road (if the road has multiple lanes traveling in the same direction) or

· Slow down to 20 mph below the speed limit. (If the speed limit is below 25 mph, the driver must slow down to 5 mph)

Drivers should only move over if they can do so safely and legally; otherwise, they should slow down.

“In light of the numerous vehicle crashes that occur in Texas and across the nation on a daily basis, and the unfortunate fact that many still violate the state law that has been in effect for nearly 15 years, we are increasing our enforcement and education efforts related to this law,” said Director McCraw. “In addition to complying with the law to protect those who work on the

side of the road, we encourage motorists to show the same courtesy to fellow drivers stopped along the roadways. Let’s all get home safely.”

Violations of the law can result in a fine of up to $200; the fine increases to $500 if there is property damage. If violators cause bodily injury, they can be charged with a Class B misdemeanor, resulting in possible jail time and a maximum fine of $2,000.

Preliminary data from 2017 shows that DPS issued more than 10,650 warnings and citations to motorists violating the Move Over/Slow Down law.

Tips to Boost Your Baby’s Health from Day One

By
Statepoint
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0

New moms want to give their babies everything they need to grow up healthy and strong — and the first six months are some of the most important, helping determine the course of their health trajectories.

During this crucial time, there are many different ways that parents can help create a foundation for life-long health.

• Breastfeed. Breastfeeding is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, as it’s the best source of nutrition for your baby and is beneficial to both mothers and children. The benefits are far-reaching and include protection against diseases and conditions such as respiratory tract infections, type 1 and type 2 diabetes and certain cancers in babies, and can reduce a mother’s risk of breast and ovarian cancers.

• Get more out of breastmilk. For all of breastmilk’s benefits, its third most abundant nutrient is indigestible by babies’ bodies. But recent research from Evivo, a maker of baby probiotics, has solved the paradox: this component of breastmilk is actually the perfect nourishment for a key type of beneficial gut bacteria critical to the development of a baby’s metabolism and immune system during the first six months of life.

It’s this initial setup of good gut bacteria that helps fight off potentially bad bacteria linked to colic, eczema, allergies, asthma, diabetes and obesity.

“Unfortunately, the last 100 years of modern medicine have created a negative shift in the balance of good vs. potentially harmful gut bacteria in most U.S. babies, due to the unintentional consequences of antibiotic use, C-section deliveries and formula feeding,” says Dr. Tanya Altmann, MD, and spokesperson for Evivo. “But parents can restore their baby’s gut microbiome with probiotics.”

To get more out of breastmilk, and promote your baby’s developing metabolism and immune system, Altmann recommends incorporating a probiotic such as Evivo into your routine. Evivo is the only probiotic clinically proven to restore a baby’s gut to the way nature intended. To learn more, visit evivo.com.

• Good nutrition. If you are breastfeeding, consider keeping a food diary to note how your baby responds after you eat different foods. It’s also important to follow safety recommendations regarding alcohol consumption, prescription medications and caffeine.

• Regular check-ups. Follow your pediatrician’s guidelines for scheduling checkups carefully. These appointments are crucial to ensure your baby is growing at a healthy rate, having healthy reflexive responses and is infection-free. This is also one of your best opportunities to have all of your questions answered. Lastly, these appointments will include all the vaccinations your baby needs.

• Healthy interactions. Spending time with your newborn is critical for their physical and emotional health, as well as his or her neurological development. Spend as much time as possible with your baby. If you go back to work, be sure that your baby’s caregivers spend plenty of time holding, playing and speaking to your baby.

The right nutrition and habits can reduce a child’s risk for many common health conditions. Take every step you can to offer your child the healthiest future possible.

(Statepoint)

5 Weight Loss Tips from A Woman Who Lost 128 Pounds

By
Statepoint
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Sometimes the best advice comes from someone who’s been there, done that. So, if you’re working towards losing weight, why not consider the wisdom of someone who faced this challenge, and did so with great success?

Morgan Root, an Army veteran, found that after the birth of her second child, the scale kept going up instead of down. Determined to make a change, Morgan committed to losing weight and shed an inspiring 128 pounds. Here are her tips to help you lose weight:

• Make your excuse your motivation. When you flip your excuses into your motivation, it’s amazing how much you can accomplish. Always remind yourself of why you started and what your motivation is when things get tough. “For me, my kids used to be my excuse for why I couldn’t work out or make myself a priority, but now they’re my motivation,” says Root.

• Find a weight loss plan that works for you. Finding a plan that works for you is so important to fuel your weight loss goals and create sustainable success.

“Being in the army, I was used to structure. As a result, I turned to Nutrisystem, which provided the framework I needed to help me lose the weight,” says Root, who is also a busy mom. “Having portion-controlled meals delivered to my home made it easier. My favorite food is the Margherita Pizza. I could eat pizza when my kids had pizza and didn’t have to think about counting, measuring or weighing anything. It was a win-win!”

• Increase your water intake. Water is so important to your overall health, so invest in a new water bottle and drink up! A study found that when people drink six cups (48 ounces) of cold water, they increase their resting calorie burn by up to 50 calories per day. Water also helps you feel full and potentially eat less. Sometimes when you think you are hungry, you are actually just thirsty. Aim for 64 ounces per day.

• Change your rewards and comforts. When something good happens in life, we often reward ourselves with food, and when something bad happens we comfort ourselves with the same. Find other ways to reward yourself, like buying something new. Comfort yourself by taking a bath or long shower. Chances are, you’ll forget about wanting that food.

• Get moving. Being active not only benefits your weight loss journey, it can also clear your head and will help you feel better overall. Aim for three 10-minute exercise sessions daily. Do a quick workout video before work in the morning, take a conference call on-the-go at lunch and take your dog for an extra walk around the neighborhood when you get home. No matter what, always aim to be active for at least 30 minutes a day. By the end of the week, you’ll have burned as many as 200 extra calories per day.

For more tips to help you on your weight loss journey, visit leaf.nutrisystem.com.

A weight loss journey is never easy, no matter how much you have to lose, but it’s absolutely worth it. “I have found myself again. I am stronger, healthier, confident, driven and determined more than ever,” says Root.

(Statepoint)

Angelina College Fine Arts Hosting Wally Knight Art Exhibition

By
Nancy Reynolds
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LUFKIN, TEXAS, Feb. 20, 2018 – Nacogdoches found object sculptor Wally Knight will exhibit his work March 6 – 28 in the Angelina Center for the Arts Gallery on the Angelina College campus. An opening reception for the artist is set for March 6 from 6-7:30 p.m.

Knight is a long time Nacogdoches resident whose work has inspired his fellow artists and community for many years. He has exhibited his work throughout Texas and the Southwest, and has created an installation in Miltown Malbay, Ireland.

Knight’s career as an artist began in the 1970s when he met William Baker, a California artist and carpenter making his way to the East Coast. Baker’s advice to Knight was that “Everything is already there. You just have to bring the right things together, and they will speak.” Making art from the most humble and unexpected things, Knight has been on this journey through discovery and serendipity since that time.

“When I’m making art with found objects, there is no predetrmined destination. I’m not a designer. I’m just along for the ride. I’m often surprised and sometimes amazed at the directions they take and relationships they form,” he said.

This exhibition will include pieces that have recently been shown in Fort Worth’s Fort Works Art Gallery in an invitational exhibition “Los Fantasmas Ambulantes,” as well as several new works.

This is a free event and is open to the public.

CUTINE: “Mrs. Eye Takes Her Grin to Town” is just one of the works by Wally Knight featured in the upcoming exhibition at Angelina College March 6-28. An opening reception is set for March 6 at from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Angelina Center for the Arts Gallery on the AC campus. For more information, call 936-633-5233.

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