(Nacogdoches, TX) – The Nacogdoches Public Library invites adults to a workshop entitled Bookbinding: Journals on Thursday, October 12th at 5:30 p.m. as part of the One Book, One City community initiative celebrating the novel True Grit. True Grit is the firsthand account of the adventures of 14 year old Mattie Ross, told many years later as a written record. In the spirit of Mattie’s detailed recounting, we’ll make handbound journals so you can record your own history.
Please visit www.ci.nacogdoches.tx.us/library or call 936-559-2970 to register. All library programs are free to the public. Follow us on Facebook at Nacogdoches Public Library, and on Twitter and Instagram at NacPublicLibrary.
Bookbinding: Journals at the Public Library One Book, One City Event
ANGELINA ARTS ALLIANCE RECEIVES STATE GRANT Texas Commission on the Arts Names 2018 Grant Recipients!
LUFKIN, TX. The Angelina Arts Alliance is proud to announce that it is has been awarded an Arts Create grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts for the first time. The grant amount is $12,000 and must be matched by the Angelina Arts Alliance.
The Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) has approved funding of 778 grants in its first funding round for fiscal year 2018. The grants total over $4 million and will go to nonprofits in 122 cities. These grants include all
of the Arts Create program grants, the first two funding rounds for the Arts Respond Project program, the quarterly Arts Respond Performance Support program and the quarterly Commission Initiatives and Designated Funding category.
“We are pleased to be able to provide support for so many quality arts activities across the state,” said Gary Gibbs, executive director of TCA. “The substantial work that our grantees are doing not only advances the arts in Texas, but provides valuable art experiences to Texans in rural communities, schools, hospitals, social service settings, and more.”
The Arts Create grants provide year-round operational support to Texas arts organizations with budgets over $50,000. For fiscal year 2018, 378 Arts Create grants totaling over $3 million are allocated to 378 organizations in 75 Texas cities. “State funding of the arts is essential to the success of the Angelina Arts Alliance in order to deliver quality programs to the public. It’s essential to Lufkin as well since the arts are proven to be drivers of economic development and tourism,” said Jennifer Allen, Executive Director of the Angelina Arts Alliance.
The mission of the Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) is to advance our state economically and culturally by investing in a creative Texas. TCA supports a diverse and innovative arts community in Texas, throughout the nation and internationally by providing resources to enhance economic development, arts education, cultural
tourism and artist sustainability initiatives. For more information on TCA and its programs, please visit www.arts.texas.gov.
The Angelina Arts Alliance is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to present a wide array of diverse, quality performing arts, along with educational and family performances which collectively enrich, engage and educate the community.
Falling Limbs Caused by an Insect
Have you ever found a nearly perfectly cut tree branch, about the size of your little finger, falling out of trees and on the ground?
Each fall I’ll get more than a few calls about such an event. Many times, the caller is just a little hesitant or maybe reluctant to say to say that something peculiar has been trimming their trees.
Even without seeing the offending insect, this can easily be identified as a twig girdler, Oncideres cingulate.
Twig girdlers are a pest of pecan and hickory, and to a lesser extent several other hardwood trees. The adult beetles girdle twigs and small branches causing the injured portions to break away or hang loosely on the tree. It is not uncommon to see the ground under infested trees almost covered with twigs that have been cut off.
Girdling affects the beauty and aesthetic quality of ornamental plantings. With pecans, the fruiting twigs of heavily infested trees are often reduced, resulting in lower nut yields the following year or years.
During late summer and fall, the presence of severed twigs on the ground or hanging loosely attached or lodged in the canopy is good evidence of twig girdler activity. Most girdled twigs are from 1/4 to 1/2 inch (occasionally up to 3/4 inch) in diameter, and 10 to 30 inches long.
The nature of the girdle itself distinguishes the twig girdler from other branch pruners. The cut by the twig girdler is the only one made from the outside by a beetle and is seldom complete, leaving a small central cylinder (this leaves a central jagged area when the twig breaks).
The girdling extends through the bark and well into the wood in a complete circle around the stem and leaves only a thin column of the center wood attached. Since the twigs are girdled while the leaves are present, the severed twigs retain the brown leaves for some time. Severed twigs lodged in the tree canopy or on the ground and often retain leaves even after the tree sheds its leaves in the autumn.
Close inspection of the severed twigs will reveal tiny egg niches and many mandible marks or grooves made in the bark by the female beetles. Large trees usually sustain the most girdling, but young trees are sometimes heavily damaged.
The adults emerge from late August to early October. They feed on the tender bark near branch ends and mate before ovipositing and girdling the twigs. The branches are apparently girdled by the female so that proper conditions will be provided for the development of the larvae.
Eggs are laid during or after the cutting process, but never before the beetle makes part of the cut. They are inserted singly beneath the bark or slightly into the wood, usually near a bud scar or adjacent to a side shoot. The number of eggs per twig varies from 3 to 8 but may range up to 40.
Adult twig girdlers live 6 to 10 weeks. Females deposit 50 to 200 eggs each, which hatch in about 3 weeks. After overwintering, the larvae grow rapidly in the spring and tunnel toward the severed end of the twig by feeding only on the woody portion and leaving the bark intact.
Your best method of control is picking up the severed twigs on the ground as well as those lodged in the trees. Gather them and burn them or simply throw them away. If possible, be sure to do the same in nearby wood lots containing oak and hickory when nearby plantings have a history of serious damage from this insect pest.
Insecticide is rarely justified or practical. Insecticides may be necessary to prevent damage from heavy infestations in some hardwood tree nurseries. These may be applied once or twice in September and again in October as a protectant to reduce the majority of the twig girdlers.
Picking up the affected twigs can greatly reduce the interesting pest in one or two seasons.
One Book, One City Event Deal Me In: A Night at the Stone Fort Saloon
(Nacogdoches, TX) – The Nacogdoches Public Library and the Stone Fort Museum invite all ages to a one-of-a-kind event on Saturday, October 7th from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The Stone Fort Museum will open for this limited time as the Stone Fort Saloon with card games, barroom food, music and prizes.
Everyone starts their evening with a pocket full of Republic of Texas replica bills. Win or lose at the card tables, or mosey on over to the bar for some sausage and root beer. Trade your earnings in for prizes like a Stone Fort bar towel or shot glass. Leave your six-shooter at home because we’ll have a shooting gallery with rubber band pistols. You might win a set of marbles only to lose them. If you really want to keep your stash of cash, play Go Fish at the kid’s table, but mind your manners!
“Deal Me In: Night at the Stone Fort Saloon” is part of the Nacogdoches Public Library One Book: One City project featuring Charles Portis’ 1968 novel, True Grit. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call the museum at (936) 468-2408 or email stonefort@sfasu.edu or the library at (936)559-2970 or email at hicksc@ci.nacogdoches.tx.us.
Please visit www.ci.nacogdoches.tx.us/library or call 936-559-2970 to register. All library programs are free to the public. Follow us on Facebook at Nacogdoches Public Library, and on Twitter and Instagram at NacPublicLibrary.
LUFKIN DISTRICT TO RECOMMEND TRAFFIC SIGNAL ON US 69S
LUFKIN – After an engineering study and hearing from area residents, the Lufkin District considered various measures to improve the intersection and is recommending that a traffic signal be placed on US 69 at FM 326 near Bald Hill in Angelina County.
In addition to the signal, advance warning overhead flashing lights will alert traffic on US 69 to the approaching signal in both north and southbound lanes approximately 1,500-feet before the intersection. Rumble strips will be placed on US 69 in coming days to help alert traffic to the upcoming intersection.
“We have heard from many residents in the Bald Hill community as well as those who travel US 69 daily,” said Rhonda Oaks, Lufkin District public information officer. “Engineers considered their opinions and the crash study data before making this decision. We feel this project best represents what the public wants and it will also enhance safety at this intersection.”
The district plans to open bids for this construction project in early 2018. The cost will be about $175,000 and is expected to be completed by fall, 2018.
“The poles for this traffic signal and overhead beacon will have to be manufactured and that takes time once the contract is awarded,” said Oaks. “We are asking the public to stay alert, reduce their speed and watch for oncoming traffic on US 69 and for vehicles exiting FM 326.”
For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or (936) 633-4395.
Second Story Tours: Unmasking Downtown Nacogdoches
(NACOGDOCHES, TX) – The City of Nacogdoches Main Street Program is excited to announce tickets are on sale now for Second Story Tours, set for Saturday, October 22, 2017, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in historic downtown Nacogdoches.
This year’s Second Story Tours will feature seven downtown lofts and homes lined up for ticket holders to tour in addition to refreshments and light appetizers will be served at select tour locations.
“This is a great opportunity to spend the day downtown shopping and touring properties, that the general public rarely get to see,” Amy Mehaffey, Communications/Main Street Director said. “We chose to hold this event on a Sunday afternoon to encourage visitors to shop at our downtown shops. Our merchants have recently expanded their hours to accommodate shoppers who visit on Sundays.”
The theme for this year’s event comes from Stephen F. Austin State University and their homecoming events. The Second Story Tours will be held during homecoming weekend, and visitors will have a chance to purchase tickets at Alumni Corner during the Homecoming football game.
Parents visiting for homecoming and the Parent’s Day events are encouraged to participate in the tours to see a new side of Downtown Nacogdoches.
Tickets are $25 and are available now at the Visitor’s Center, the Fredonia Hotel, and online here!
You can also find the link for online tickets on the Nacogdoches Main Street Facebook Page.
Proceeds from this event will go to the beautification of historic downtown Nacogdoches.
For more questions on Second Story Tours or historic downtown Nacogdoches contact the Main Street Office at 936-559-2573 or mehaffeya@ci.nacogdoches.tx.us.
AC THEATRE DEPARTMENT PRESENTS “A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD”
LUFKIN, TEXAS, Oct. 4, 2017 – The Angelina College theatre department is presenting “A Year with Frog and Toad” Oct. 12, 13 and 14 at 6:30 p.m. in Temple Theater. Tickets are $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, students and children. AC students are admitted for free with their student ID.
The play, based on the books by Arnold Lobel, is a story of friendship and adventure. A hit on Broadway, “A Year with Frog and Toad” was nominated for three Tony Awards – including Best Musical. This whimsical show follows two great friends – the cheerful, popular Frog and the rather grumpy Toad – through four fun–filled seasons. The jazzy, upbeat score bubbles with melody and wit, making it an inventive, exuberant and enchanting musical for the whole family.
Riley Elledge of Huntington will play Frog and Cody Carter of Lufkin will play Toad. Other players include Colin Wise of Lufkin as Man , Snail, and one of the Moles; Marina Zinck of Houston as Lady Bird 1 and Turtle, Caitlyn Hutson of Kennard as Lady Bird 2, Mother Frog, Lizard and one of the Moles; Karley LaForge of Lufkin as Mouse, Leandra Wills, Miley Screws, Serenity Wills, all of Bremond, as Squirrels/Flowers/Bees; LLana Baugh of Lufkin as Young Frog, Nicholos Trusclair of
Lufkin as Father Frog, Kase Vann of Nacogdoches as Large & Terrible Frog, and Trinity Galloway of Lufkin as one of the Moles.
Student crew members are Kase Vann, stage manager; Anna Flowers of Diboll, assistant stage manager; Tanya Head of Lufkin, costumes/makeup; Connie Welch, scenic artist; and Taz Powers, light design. The run crew consists of Gregory Bryce and Sara Flowers, both of Diboll.
The play is directed by Andrew Reed, AC theater instructor. Reed is also responsible for choreography and set design.
Beckie Compton, AC music instructor is the music director for the production. Members of the orchestra are Amanda Burns, alto saxophone and tenor saxophone; Ana Watts, violin and flute; Ramona Elliott, flute and piccolo; Scott Williams, trumpet; A.J. Zenn, tuba; Tom Corbitt, drums/percussion; AC Music Instructor, Jimmy Battle, trombone; and Beckie Compton, piano.
For more information about this play or the theatre program at Angelina College, call (936) 633-5233.
WORK BEGINNING ON SL 287 CROSSOVERS NEAR ZOO
LUFKIN – TxDOT will begin construction next week on SL 287/North Medford Drive in Lufkin to redesign the crossovers near the Ellen Trout Zoo and the George H. Henderson Exposition Center.
Angelina County Maintenance crews will begin reconstructing the turn lanes on Monday, weather permitting. Work will include the partial closure of crossovers at MLK Drive near Ellen Trout Zoo and further south near Holmes Smokehouse Foods. Both crossovers will be modified to westbound left turns only. The crossover between the George H. Henderson Exposition Center and Brookshire Brothers Corporate Office will be removed.
“This was a decision that was made after discussions with the city and area business owners,” said Rhonda Oaks, Lufkin District public information officer. “This solution will enhance safety and create a secure and more controlled access for north and southbound traffic in this area.”
Once work is completed, vehicles will no longer be able to cross completely over SL 287 to enter Ellen Trout Zoo, the George H. Henderson Exposition Center or Brookshire Brothers Corporate Office. The city is scheduled to install signs directing southbound traffic to the U-turn bridge at the newly constructed US 59 interchange. Northbound traffic may also travel to the turn-around at SL 287/Kurth Drive or use the newly constructed dedicated left turns. The project will include delineation and/or raised islands and is expected to be completed in about four to six weeks.
As this work begins, motorists are asked to slow down and be cautious and alert to workers and moving equipment. For more information on projects and closures statewide, visit drivetexas.org. For more information on this project and others in the Lufkin District, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or (936) 633-4395.
Día de los Muertos Fiesta in Downtown Nacogdoches
(Nacogdoches, TX) – The 5th Annual Día de los Muertos Fiesta will be held in Downtown Nacogdoches on Saturday, November 4th from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Nacogdoches Public Library is partnering with the SFA Art Galleries and Cole Art Center to present this year’s event which will be held on the downtown square around the Convention and Visitors Bureau. Organizers are inviting businesses, organizations, and other groups to register to participate, and forms will be available at the Nacogdoches Public Library at 1112 North Street and at the Cole Art Center at 329 East Main Street. “This event has become a local treasure thanks to the passion and hard work of John Handley and Alisa Steed at the Cole Art Center, and we’re so pleased with this year’s new location on the square,” says Crystal Hicks, assistant library director. “We welcome a variety of vendors and activity stations, and there will be plenty of entertainment, including a costume contest.” Proceeds from the event will benefit the Friends of the Nacogdoches Public Library. For more information, please call the library at 936-559-2970 or the Cole at 936-468-5500.
No 1 Tyler Shuts Down Lady Roadrunners
After their first attempt at a match ended in a suspended game back on September 23, the Angelina College Lady Roadrunners and the Tyler Junior College Lady Apaches finally got together again on Sunday.
The No. 1-ranked Lady Apaches kept their season record unblemished, pitching their sixth shutout in 10 games to take a 4-0 win over the Lady ‘Runners at Jase Magers Field in Lufkin.
With the win, Tyler moved to 10-0, 4-0 for the year.
The Apaches struck early, with Luanna Munoz scoring off a free kick just two minutes into the match. TJC’s Katelyn Renfro worked her way through the AC defense for a goal in the 16th minute for a 2-0 Apache lead; and Itzayanna Sanchez-Garcia gave Tyler a 3-0, first-half cushion with a penalty kick in the 30th minute.
The Lady Roadrunners organized several attacks in both halves, only to have the Apache defenders turn the ball in the other direction each time. AC’s Olivia Urrutia’s long-range free kick nicked the top of the crossbar in a near miss; and Ashley Mora’s header in the 66th minute sailed just wide.
Tyler’s Sanchez-Garcia capped the scoring on a breakaway in the 80th minute.
The Lady Roadrunners (6-5, 2-2) will host Paris College on Wednesday as part of a women/men doubleheader. The Lady ‘Runners play the Dragons at 5 p.m., with the Roadrunners following at 7 p.m.