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Southeast Texas Transportation Improvement Projects Update

By
Rep. James White
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(Austin, TX) – Throughout Southeast Texas, Hurricane Harvey highlighted the importance of bridges and roads. In Newton and Polk counties, bridges and roads were the paths to refuge and
safety for thousands of Texans.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) completed the project located in Newton County on SH 87, from FM 253, south to Cypress Creek. The project consisted of an overlay
project.

Additionally Polk County saw the completion of two projects. The first consisted of the replacement of bridges and approaches on Upper Leggett Rd. at the tributary of Big Sandy Creek, Jack Pate Rd. at the north and south tributary of McManus Creek and E. Clamon County Rd. at Bear Creek. The final cost of this project was $1,841,393.73. The second project also replaced bridges and approaches at Dick Skinner Rd. at the tributary of the Neches River, Hooks Rd. at the tributary of Bear Creek and Howell Rd. at Paces Creek. This project was completed at a cost of $1,210,067.34. These projects will improve and enhance safety and convenience for the citizens of Southeast Texas.

“I thank Southeast Texans for their continued support of our bridges and roads. Over the last few years, Texas taxpayers have approved constitutional amendments to dedicate their sales tax dollars and revenues for the Rainy Day Fund for bridges and roads in Texas. Without these vital projects, our economic prosperity would not continue to flourish. I thank the staff at TxDOT for prioritizing these projects that help my constituents get to and from work,” said Rep. White. “During this time of disaster recovery, I am thankful to TxDOT for completing projects that maintain our roadways open and facilitate travel throughout the area,” he concluded.

Please do not hesitate to contact either Saul Mendoza, Chief of Staff, or Shawn Dunn, District Director, with questions regarding these projects at 512-463-0490 or 409-283-3700.

Planning out your vegetable garden

By
Cary Sims
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Even though we’ve just finished another spell of extremely cold weather, I’m hoping you are excited about getting going on a garden. Your new year’s resolutions to exercise and eat better can both be reached by raising a vegetable garden.

But as you move forward with grand plans, please keep the following in mind.

First, keep it modest. When we do decide to garden, we can often go big and that will set us up for failure when schedules get tight, the weather turns hot and the weeds get ahead of us. My suggestion (that has absolutely no scientific backing) is to start with a garden the size of a small bedroom.

Yes that is small, but can be enough to keep up with and provide plenty of food for your family. My son’s first garden was a raised bed garden with four old wooden pallets.

I’m man enough to admit I found that idea on Pinterest.

My son and I grew lots of cucumbers that year as well as some tomatoes and few peppers. First put newspaper on the ground you are going to cover with a pallet. Place your pallet in its spot and then add one bag of good garden compost between the slats and you are ready to plant.

Secondly, choose a location with a full day’s sun. Full sun, all day long, is crucial to optimum vegetable growth and production. Lack of sunlight because of our beautiful tall trees is a common problem and one that may determine where you can put your garden.

Use good soil. Too often we expect a silk purse from a sows ear. Your tomato plant can make 20 lbs of fruit IF it is in good soil, rich in nutrients. Compost is always your best friend. Add compost every year and incorporate into the soil.

Put the garden in a spot that is easy to water. While this isn’t a problem with most, there will be a few where watering becomes quite a chore. Locate your spigots and make plans to get a longer hose.

And along with not having the garden too far from water, don’t have it too far from the house. Ideally, you want it visible from your kitchen window. So close, in fact, that it’s on you mind because you see the garden everyday and are reminded to harvest the potatoes and find those red tomatoes hiding in the dense vegetation.

Let’s be honest, you get in front of the seed display and think “Oh! I’ll try these! I bet I can find a good recipe for them.” Perhaps you can but be truthful and plant that which your family likes to begin with. I think growing beets would be fun, but my family is not a fan of beets. When starting out and limiting your space, plant what folks are looking forward to eating.

Even with this earth-shattering advice, just go plant something because research has found repeatedly that gardening is the ultimate medication! In addition to any medication you can take, studies show gardening helps fight high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, colon cancer, and more.

Besides your physical condition, gardening helps fight depression, and leads to improved sleep, improved relaxation, and overall mental wellbeing.

If my gardening could only make me younger and handsome….

This Monday, Jan 15, at 6:30 pm, the Angelina County Extension Office will hold a seminar on Home Vegetable Gardening. Dr. Joe Masabni, professor and vegetable specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, will be our guest speaker. Cost is $10 per person.

County offices will be closed Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Day, but the meeting will be held that evening.

How to Find an Affordable Home in Today’s Market

By
Statepoint
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Affordable housing is in high demand in cities and counties nationwide. Experts say that areas grappling with affordable housing issues may find factory-built homes to be a powerful tool in addressing this need.

Built in a factory and delivered to home sites, this efficient process translates into lower production costs that are passed on to the consumer. The good news is while manufactured homes cost less than site-built homes they are just as high quality. The average new manufactured home costs around $70,600. The cost for a smaller new single-section home can be as low as $20,000. In 2016, manufactured homes accounted for 80 percent of all new homes sold under $150,000.

Unfortunately, when many people think of manufactured housing, the old stereotype of a run-down trailer park enters their minds. However, most of the more than 37,000 manufactured housing communities in the U.S. are a far cry from that negative image, boasting amenities like community centers, organized activities and children’s play areas. Other benefits may include:

• The option to rent an existing home in the community or place your own home in the community.

• Provided services, which often include professional property management, care and maintenance of common grounds, as well as resources and amenities like trash removal, community centers, playgrounds, storage and laundry facilities.

• The possibility of not paying real estate taxes. While it varies state-to-state, residents of land-lease manufactured home communities often don’t pay real estate taxes, but rather, pay a personal-property tax, offsetting the cost of land-lease rents for the homeowner.

• Affordable homeownership, along with many of its benefits, including control over home and yard improvements, as well as convenient parking.

• A sense of community. In many communities, there are social or activity clubs, fitness amenities, and friendly and caring neighbors. Indeed, “sense of belonging” is among the most frequent responses about why residents enjoy living in a land-lease community.

Newer manufactured homes come in a variety of architectural styles and exterior finishes that will suit most any buyer’s desires, as well as customization opportunities, including interior features like vaulted ceilings, fireplaces and state-of-the-art kitchens and baths.

They also feature enhanced energy efficiency in an era of rising energy costs, thanks to upgraded insulation and more efficient heating and cooling systems than homes from decades ago.

Smart buyers also are turning to ENERGY STAR-labeled manufactured homes for additional savings.

Modern manufactured homes are among the safest housing choices today, as homes must adhere to strict federal building standards. All aspects of construction are continually inspected by professionally trained third-parties, and homes feature smoke detectors, and limited combustible materials around furnaces, water heaters and kitchen ranges, as well as wind resistance in areas prone to hurricane-force winds.

“The need for quality, affordable housing has never been greater. However, today’s manufactured homes are high-quality and cost up to 50 percent less per square foot than conventional site-built homes,” says Richard Jennison, president and CEO of the Manufactured Housing Institute. “These savings are allowing more Americans to own a home in the face of an ever-widening housing affordability gap.”

(Statepoint)

Fun Ways to Help Kids Enjoy Math, Science and Art

By
Statepoint
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Science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) concepts are especially important for young minds. While these are among the most challenging school subjects, at home, these topics can be brought to life through play.

“Children should be encouraged to endlessly explore their creativity and be provided outlets to continuously discover through creative play,” says Hiu Lee, senior VP of Horizon Group USA, a leader in the creative DIY marketplace.

Consider these items that allow children to put real-world science theories to the test while learning fun facts along the way.

-Lab Work

A kid’s activity kit gives little scientists an opportunity to start creating. With the Project MC2 Lip Balm Lab, kids can create single- or multi-layer lip balms. This kit includes all of the ingredients required, plus kids can decorate the finished product with science-themed stickers.

-Chemistry Connection

Transform your kitchen into a scientific laboratory with the 40 fun and interactive experiments and simple chemical reactions found in the Discovery Extreme Chemistry Set. From creating temperature reactions to testing your taste buds, these hands-on experiments are great for parents and kids to do together. Create liquid ice, work through color-changing litmus experiments, create creepy, crawly, slimy worms and more to show children just how connected to chemistry the world around them is.

-Science That Glows

Illuminate your child’s knowledge by combining simple chemistry with glowing power. With the Think Box Glowing Science Lab, kids can explore the basics of chemical compounds and reactions, while creating their own glow-in-the-dark toys and science experiments. The kit includes a ball mold, glow-in-the-dark power ball crystals, zinc sulfate, baking soda, citric acid, guar gum, sodium tetra borate, resealable bags, glow-in-the-dark paint, a mixing stick and a fun poster with instructions.

-Bath Time Bubbles

Mix together compounds, add color and shimmer, and create a molded bath bomb in the shape of your choice with YOUniverse Galactic Bath Bombs. Once you have made your creations, pop them into the bath tub and watch as they fizz and bubble.

By giving kids the tools they need to explore the world around them, you can make the most of play time.

(Statepoint)

5 Hacks for Living with Diabetes

By
Statepoint
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According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), approximately 30.3 million Americans are living with diabetes, which affects people of all ages.

Diabetes requires time and energy to manage but there are many simple things people can do to help make living with the disease easier. Here are five life hacks for those living with diabetes.

• Get Moving. Experts say that exercise helps maintain stable blood glucose levels, but not everyone loves the gym. Whether it’s learning ballroom dancing or joining a basketball league, enjoyable hobbies can boost motivation to exercise. A fitness tracker that counts steps is a good way to discover how much movement you’re getting and allows you to make changes if necessary.

• Travel Smart. Don’t let the logistics of travel put a damper on your next trip or vacation. It just requires a bit of additional preparation. The ADA recommends having a medical exam prior to a trip and bringing at least twice as much medication and supplies as you think you need. If you are flying, be sure to keep your medical supplies in your carry-on baggage.

• Rethink your diabetes management. Consider new medical advancements that can help make diabetes a smaller part of your life. For example, the Omnipod Insulin Management System, a wearable insulin pump, eliminates the need for injections. Its small, lightweight design gives people living with diabetes more freedom and flexibility, and, unlike traditional pumps, has no tubes to disconnect. Offering up to 72 hours of nonstop insulin, the Pod is water-resistant and is the only tubeless insulin pump available in the U.S. A great option for both adults and children, it is discreet, easy-to-use, and allows users to take part in just about any activity.

“Diabetes limits you as a person,” said Ross Baker, an Omnipod user. “I thought using an insulin pump would control my life more – needles, cords, machines. Then I started using the Omnipod System, which takes away the typical limitations of a tubed pump, liberating me to control my diabetes without setbacks.”

To learn more, visit myomnipod.com.

• Make Friends. Diabetes communities exist online and locally, and include specialized support groups for everyone from children to college students to adults. Finding the right group can help make living with diabetes something you don’t have to face alone.

• Use Apps. Free apps available on iPhone and Android phones can make tracking important metrics easier and more streamlined, and can help patients more easily share their data with their healthcare providers. Find and monitor carbs, track glucose levels, fitness, vital stats and more.

To make life with diabetes more manageable, discover the habits, tools and support systems that work for you and your lifestyle.

(Statepoint)

5 ‘Healthy’ New Year’s Resolutions Worth Giving Up

By
Statepoint
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While most New Year’s resolutions are well-intentioned, sometimes they look better on paper than in practice, actually doing more harm than good. Here are five so-called “healthy” resolutions worth giving up in 2018, as well as better solutions.

Resolution 1: I’m going to take up permanent residence in the gym. Working out is an important piece of the weight loss puzzle, but moderation is key. Studies suggest that too much exercise can lead to a number of issues like hormonal imbalance, fatigue, insomnia and even depression. Many people also report experiencing a drastic increase in appetite after extreme bouts of physical activity, which can lead to overeating and negate the weight-related benefits. Plus, if you exercise so intensely that you’re injured or sore for days, it will be difficult to sustain this otherwise healthy habit.

Resolution 2: I’m saying goodbye to fats completely. Fatty foods have gotten a bad rap. The reality is there are good fats and bad fats. In humans, fat helps support normal growth and development, provides energy, allows for proper cellular function, provides protective cushioning for organs, and helps with absorption of certain vitamins. Bad fats are found in foods like meat, butter, lard, cream and trans fats (found in baked goods, fried foods and margarine) and can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Aim to replace these with good fats, which are associated with a decreased risk of chronic disease. Good fats include plant-based oils like olive and canola, avocados, nuts, seeds, and dairy, since these also offer the nutrition your body needs.

Resolution 3: I’m going to skip breakfast to cut calories. According to The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, if you’re skipping breakfast, you’re doing something wrong. Research shows breakfast helps support brain function, energy and mood. And research suggests that people who eat breakfast consume fewer calories throughout the day, weigh less and have fewer risk factors for heart disease. Just a few reasons to load up in the a.m.

Resolution 4: I’ll just crash diet to lose the weight. Crash diets don’t work and many people who do them end up just gaining the weight back.

“Sustainable weight loss should not involve hunger or deprivation,” says Mandi Knowles, dietitian for South Beach Diet. “Your weight loss efforts should include sensible changes that are easy to follow.”

Find a weight loss plan that’s convenient and lets you know with confidence that you are losing weight the healthy way. Plans like South Beach Diet teach portion control through a low-carb, high-protein approach with meals delivered to your door.

Resolution 5: I’m going to stop snacking. Snacks can account for more than a quarter of one’s daily calories. But if you munch on nutrient-dense foods (high in vitamins, minerals and fiber and low in calories), you’re more likely to maintain a healthy weight, according to the “National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.” So, snack wisely.

For more weight loss tips, visit palm.southbeachdiet.com.

In the new year, ditch extreme diets and exercise schemes. You’ll find more success with sustainable health and wellness habits.

(Statepoint)

Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh, Eco-Products Team Up to Offer Dinnerware That’s Good for Guests and the Planet

By
Ezra McMullen
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DENVER, Jan. 11, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh has partnered with Eco-Products to offer innovative dinnerware that does double duty, helping guests and the environment at the same time.

With Garbanzo’s new dinnerware, guests can eat from the plate while dining in, or use it as a takeout container for their meal at home. Better yet: It’s friendlier to the environment.

The plates are made from sugarcane – a 100 percent renewable resource – and the custom to-go lids are made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled plastic. That means the whole package offers significant environmental benefits.

“Among many other reasons, our commitment to our guests and our environment is primarily why we strongly believe in using bio-based materials,” said Devin Handler, Director of Marketing for Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh. “Using these products saves natural resources and doesn’t contribute to the deterioration of our planet by generating materials that are destined for the landfill after just one use.”

Garbanzo, the leading Mediterranean cuisine brand renowned for its focus on healthy, delicious and simple dishes, specializes in freshly-baked pitas, falafels and hand-marinated shawarmas.

“Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh stays ahead of its competition because it’s nimble, forward-thinking and innovative,” said Sarah Martinez, Director of Marketing for Eco-Products. “They truly care about their customers and about the environment. That’s a real recipe for success today.”

With 25 locations and growing, Garbanzo is making fresh Mediterranean cuisine a mainstream favorite across the U.S. Derived from Old World recipes, Garbanzo’s authentic, nutrient-rich dishes are served with a new twist, but without compromise.

Guests customize their orders, choosing from high-quality meats and salads made from scratch to gyros, wraps and pita baked from scratch all day. Garbanzo is dedicated to satisfying every guest, including those seeking delicious vegetarian and gluten-free meals, and firmly believes that “simple tastes better.”

Garbanzo’s plate is made from sugarcane instead of plastic, foam or virgin paper. The plate is durable, grease-resistant, freezer- and microwave-safe, and meets ASTM’s high standards for compostability.

The 9-inch plate comes with a special lid custom-designed by Eco-Products for take-out meals. The lid is made of 100 percent post-consumer recycled plastic, meaning that water bottles and other plastics that could have gone to the landfill are now being given a new life.

“Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh is clearly dedicated to creating better food, better communities and a better world,” Martinez said. “We could not be more thrilled to be partnering with them.”

About Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh
Garbanzo is making fresh Mediterranean cuisine a mainstream favorite across the United States. Its authentic, nutrient-rich dishes are inspired by tradition but not bound by it. Every order is customized to the guest’s liking, with choices from top-quality meats and plant-based proteins to authentic laffa wraps and perfect, pillowy pitas baked in-house throughout the day. Garbanzo is dedicated to satisfying every palate – including vegetarian and gluten-free diners – and wants to show America how delicious nutritious can be.

Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh is headquartered in Colorado with 25 locations nationwide. Visit eatgarbanzo.com for hours, directions, food and catering menu and more information.

About Eco-Products®, Inc.
Eco-Products is the nation’s leading brand of single use foodservice packaging made from renewable and recycled resources. Its products are, relative to traditional counterparts, gentler on the environment because they require fewer virgin resources to produce, and make diversion from landfills an option upon disposal. Eco-Products recently became a Certified B Corporation. Visit www.ecoproducts.com for more information.

Dr. Joseph M. Perlman Provides Safe And Effective Facelift-Type Procedure Sans Surgery

By
Ezra McMullen
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0

Houston plastic surgeon Dr. Joseph M. Perlman, Director of Advanced Plastic Surgery Centre, offers affordable FaceTite treatment for facial rejuvenation that results in significant aesthetic changes without excisional surgery.

HOUSTON, Jan. 11, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Dr. Joseph M. Perlman is now offering a revolutionary service for facial rejuvenation. FaceTite is a minimally invasive treatment using an internal and external radiofrequency probe that gives results similar to a lower facelift.

“This is a nice device for people who want something less costly and more effective. It’s for patients who are not ready for a facelift but have excess skin in the neck and jawline,” said Dr. Perlman, a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. “It shrinks the skin approximately 36 percent.”

FaceTite is a contouring solution for the face. Physicians that use the FaceTite device can achieve great results for mild to moderate skin laxity without excisional surgery. It is an effective and exciting treatment that offers patients significant aesthetic changes. Additionally, the FaceTite device has built-in safeguards including real-time measurements of skin temperature, impedance monitoring, power cut-off and audible feedback that help ensure patient safety.

“I’ve seen a lot of different ways to do facelifts come down the pipe in my 34 years in the business,” concluded Dr. Perlman, who performs over 100 facelifts each year. “Everybody wants procedures with little downtime that are also less invasive. FaceTite is a less invasive treatment with minimal downtime.”

Dr. Perlman also offers Bodytite for skin tightening in the upper arms, medial thigh, tummy and above the knee.

About Dr. Joseph M. Perlman, Advanced Plastic Surgery Centre
Dr. Joseph M. Perlman is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery. The Advanced Plastic Surgery Centre offers skin rejuvenation and plastic and reconstructive surgery to patients across Texas including Spring, Houston, The Woodlands, Atascocita, Conroe, Pasadena, and Baytown. For more information, please call 281-655-8200, or visit http://www.doctorperlman.com. The Advanced Plastic Surgery Centre is located at 8900 Eastloch Drive, Suite 105, Spring, TX 77379.

About the NALA™
The NALA offers small and medium-sized businesses effective ways to reach customers through new media. As a single-agency source, the NALA helps businesses flourish in their local community. The NALA’s mission is to promote a business’ relevant and newsworthy events and achievements, both online and through traditional media. The information and content in this article are not in conjunction with the views of the NALA. For media inquiries, please call 805.650.6121, ext. 361.

SOURCE Advanced Plastic Surgery Centre

Pajama Story Time at the Public Library

By
Ezra McMullen
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(Nacogdoches, TX) – The Nacogdoches Junior Forum volunteers will host a special Pajama Story Time at the Nacogdoches Public Library on January 18th at 6:00 pm.

Children and families are invited to come listen to stories, do crafts and check out books.

The program is free and no registration is required.

Typing Basics at the Public Library

By
Ezra McMullen
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(Nacogdoches, TX) – The Nacogdoches Public Library offers a new basic typing class.
Students will work at their own pace to learn or improve typing skills. Sessions will be
January 10th, 17th, and 24th beginning at 3:30 pm. Registration is required. For more
information about the library computer classes or other programs, please call 559-2970.

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