Home Blog Page 550

3 Reasons Your Small Business Should Offer An Employee-Retirement Plan

By
Megan Whitworth
-
0

Small business owners probably think they have enough headaches already, what with meeting payroll, dealing with government regulations and pleasing customers.

Setting up a retirement plan for their employees is just extra red tape – and possibly expense – they can do without.

But creating such a plan is more doable than they may realize and even comes with benefits for the small business and its owner, says Andrew Denney, founder and CEO of Prosperity Financial Group (www.pfgmidwest.com).

“I’ve worked with some employee retirement plans where there was in excess of $500 million in the plan,” Denney said. “At the other end, I’ve seen businesses with as few as 10 employees set up a plan.”

Yet as a group, small businesses tend to forgo retirement plans.

For example, only 22 percent of workers at firms with fewer than 10 employees report having access to a workplace savings plan or pension, compared with 74 percent at firms with 500 or more, according to a Pew Charitable Trusts report.

Employee-sponsored 401(k) and IRA plans are among the more popular options for businesses that do offer a retirement benefit. Those savings plans allow the employees to deposit money routinely in the accounts with a deduction taken out of their paychecks.

Since these are tax-deferred retirement plans, the employees see a lower income-tax bill at the end of the year. Some employers also offer a company match, providing an even heftier balance to the accounts.

But employees aren’t the only ones who benefit. Denney says there’s also an upside for the small business owner, including:

• Employee recruiting and retention. Any business wants to hang onto good employees and offering a retirement plan helps do that. They’ll be happier knowing they’re more likely to have some financial security in retirement. A retirement benefit also serves as a recruiting tool. Imagine a job candidate who’s weighing similar offers from two businesses, but one has a retirement plan and the other doesn’t. “It separates you from the pack,” Denney said.
• A lower tax bill. The business potentially can reduce its tax burden because a company’s contributions to the retirement plan are tax deductible. In some cases, the businesses also may qualify for a tax credit to help offset the cost of starting the plan, according to the IRS.
• An opportunity to invest in your own retirement. Like their employees, small business owners may not want to work forever and need to set aside money for their own retirements. They’ll enjoy the same tax-deferred benefits the employees do as they build that nest egg.

“It’s worthwhile for a small business owner to investigate whether an employee retirement plan is more attainable than they might realize,” Denney said. “A financial professional with experience in setting up such plans can explain to them the advantages and disadvantages, and suggest which plan would work best for their situation.”

DIY Window Boxes

By
Megan Whitworth
-
0

I love flowers.

When my husband and I first got married I didn’t have such a green thumb. I always planted pansies in the spring in Texas. Then I would wonder why they died so quickly. (Pansies don’t love heat,  and they really should be planted in the fall not spring.) I’ve gotten just a little bit better over the years. It’s a mix of planting the right type of flowers and watering and feeding them enough, too.

DIY WIndow Box at Gingersnapcrafts.com

These flowers are called Vincas. They are one of my go-to flowers that I plant every spring. They are great to grow this time of year, too, because they are drought and heat tolerant. I always plant several of these around the yard in containers and in flower beds. They do well in both. I even had them seed out before, and they started growing everywhere under my deck. That was kind of neat!

800 flower box tutorial

Recently we added these DIY Window Boxes to the back of our house. I just love them. I love opening my windows and seeing nothing but flowers. Plus, I’d love to share how easy it was to make my own custom cedar window box planters for around $30 each.

Remember safety always comes first. Please use eye protection, ear plugs and follow all safety precautions when using power tools. They can be dangerous!

If you follow this tutorial you will enough wood and supplies to make two 36 inch window boxes. So please adjust the measurements as needed to fit your windows. Let’s get started!

Things you’ll need for this project:

  • 1×12 cedar board
  • 1×8 cedar board
  • Table saw
  • Miter saw
  • Drill
  • Clamps
  • Wood screws
  • 1 inch nails
  • Hammer
  • Wood glue
  • Wood stain (optional)

Step One: Trim your wood.

I chose cedar wood for this project because it holds up well outside and is resistant to decay. You could also use treated wood if desired.

First, you will trim (3) long ½ inch strips off your long 1×12 cedar board. Set them aside to use later on for the trim. Then trim your long board down to match the width of the 1×8 board.

Step Two: Cut the pieces of your window box.

Next cut (6) 36 inch boards & (4) 6 inch boards using the 1×8 & the trimmed down 1×12. Assemble your boxes as shown and clamp each box into place using (3) 36 inch pieces and two shorter 6 inch end pieces. Remember you will be able to make 2 boxes from the wood we cut just cut. Also, on this step you will need to decide if you want the rough side of the board or the smooth side of the board on the outside of your window box. Since I wasn’t planning on staining mine, I decided to have the rough side of the wood out. I love the texture it gives the window boxes.

life-storage-window-box

Cedar Window Box Planter DIY Tutorial

Step Three: Screw your pieces together.

Next, you will screw your boxes together using wood screws. Always predrill your holes before screwing in the screws. This will help prevent the wood from splitting. Use two screws, one at the top and one on the bottom, on each side and on both ends of each of your window boxes.

Cedar Window Box Planter DIY Tutorial

Flip your window box over, clamp on the bottom piece, and then you’ll be able to screw the bottom piece into place. You’ll screw in two screws on each end and two screws along each side of each window box.

Step Four: Drill drainage hole.

You’ll want your window boxes to have good drainage for watering and when it rains. You’ll want to drill four drainage holes along the bottom of each window box using a ½ inch drill bit.

Step Five: Cut and add the trim pieces.

Do you remember the ½ inch trim pieces we set aside in step one? Well, now it’s time to get those out.

For each window box, you will need (4) 34 ½ inch pieces and (2) shorter 8-inch pieces. Using wood glue and 1-inch nails nail them in place with a hammer. To make the x we nailed down one strip going diagonal across the box. Then we used a pencil to mark where to cut the other trim piece where it overlapped. Then we cut that piece with a saw, and then nailed and glued it into place.

Cedar Window Box Planter DIY Tutorial

All done!

The only thing left to do was to hang these window boxes under our favorite windows. To hang ours we used coated wire threaded through the weep holes of our window frames. Then we screwed some wood screws on the back of our boxes and then attached the wire that way. You could also use shelf brackets, screws or wooden braces depending on what your house is made out of and what is recommended.

Then it was time to plant some beautiful flowers.

1920-cedar-window-box-tutorial

d69e6cf2-d987-41ec-9a21-78a7ccb469fe_image04

flower box

 

My Five Cents: An Update from Sen. Robert Nichols

By
Senator Robert Nichols
-
0

While preparing your taxes this month, Texans can be thankful  we are one of only seven states with no state income tax. Lower taxes and efficient government are just a few things which makes Texas a great place to live, own a business and raise a family.

Here are five things happening at your Capitol this week:

License to Carry

This week, Senate Bill 16 was passed on the Senate floor. This bill lowers the fee Texans pay to obtain a license to carry or concealed carry license by $100, making it one of the lowest in the country. Currently, Texas has the highest fees in the nation to obtain a license, which imposes an undue burden on Texans constitutional right to bear arms through these means. The proposed $40 fee would cover the necessary cost by the state for county, state and federal background checks. I am thankful to Lt. Governor Patrick and my colleagues in the Senate for helping to pass this important piece of legislation.

Senate Passes Budget

The Texas Senate has unanimously passed their version of the budget for the next two-years. This was the first time a budget has been passed unanimously by the Senate since 2005. This budget fully funds public education, including funding for student enrollment growth.  It also ensures that Child Protective Services receives an additional $450 million. It also increases funding for mental health in the state, including funding to help eliminate waitlists for community mental health services. Funding is also appropriated for new construction and repairs for our states hospital system and dedicated funds for transportation. When the Texas House passes their version of the budget, the two chambers will come together to work out the differences.

Voter ID

The Texas Senate has approved Senate Bill 5, which would revamp the state’s rules for voter identification. This is in response to a court ruling that the current law may discriminate against minority voters. The bill allows an individual to vote without first presenting a photo id, if they present an alternate form of ID and sign an affidavit swearing to a ‘reasonable impediment’ to obtaining a photo id.  There is also a penalty of up to 10 years in prison, if an individual ‘intentionally’ makes a false claim on the sworn document. Senate Bill 5 allows voters older than 70 to still be able to vote with an expired, but otherwise acceptable photo ID. This bill will now be sent to the Texas House.

Adoption Legislation

The Senate State Affairs Committee heard testimony on two bills related to adoption this week. Senate Bill 329 would allow adult adoptees in Texas to more easily access their birth certificates and medical history. Adoption records are confidential under current law, however, when an adopted person turns 18 they can request a judge to grant a court order to open the sealed file. Senate Bill 329, would allow an adopted adult to gain access to their birth records and birth certificate without a court order.

Senate Bill 1362 seeks to promote the Texas Vital Statistics Unit, a state entity which maintains all vital record data for Texans, and the Voluntary Central Adoption Registry (CAR). The CAR aims to reunite adopt adoptees with their biological parents. They currently release information after both the registered birth parents on the list and the child complete a one-hour counseling session ahead of their reunion. The purpose of the bill is to raise awareness of these programs, while maintaining closed adoptions for those who choose that.

Important Moments in Texas History

This week was a very important one in Texas history. This week in 1945, the Battleship Texas supported the landings for the battle of Okinawa, which was the final great amphibious assault during World War II. This great ship, which also served in World War I, carried many soldiers and provided support during landings all throughout World War II. When it was retired, it was given to the State of Texas and now sits as a memorial at the San Jacinto Monument in Houston.

Another important day this week was in 1836, where at least 342 Texas were executed by the Mexican army at Goliad  This tragic incident, which became known as the ‘Goliad Massacre’, brought the people of Texas to attention in realizing the cruelty of Santa Ana. Goliad joined the Alamo as a rallying cry and helped motivate those fighting for Texas Independence.

Multi-sport Athlete Brings Winning Tradition to AC

By
Gary Stallard
-
0

Mia Williams’ list of accomplishments as a student/athlete at Diboll High School is a long and impressive one, and it would encompass more than one sport.

Williams, a four-year starter on both the Ladyjack volleyball and basketball team, earned numerous awards over the span of her career. However, she said she’s known since a very young age she was destined to narrow her choices down to the sport she loves most – and on Wednesday, she took the next step by signing a letter of intent to play basketball with the Angelina College Lady Roadrunners beginning in the fall of 2017.

“When I was four years old, my uncle (Bodie Williams) was teaching me everything he knew about basketball,” Williams said. “He played at Diboll High School and went on to AC, and he got me started loving basketball.”

Diboll’s Mia Williams on Wednesday signed a letter of intent to play basketball with Angelina College beginning in the fall of 2017. (AC Press photo/Gary Stallard)

In her time as a Ladyjack hoop star, Williams was a two-time All-State selection; a two-time All-Region recipient; a two-time District MVP; a four-time All-District player; and the 2013 District Newcomer of the Year.  

With so many accolades on her resume, there were several options when it came to continuing her playing career at the collegiate level. For Williams, who will major in Athletic Training, the choice came down to those closest to her.

“I want to play at Angelina College because it’s close to my family, and I know they want to come and watch me play,” Williams said. “Plus, I already know a lot of the players. I played against some of them in high school.”

Williams will bring an impressive skill set to Lady Roadrunner head coach Byron Coleman’s basketball program, possessing the abilities to handle the ball, shoot from the perimeter and distribute to her teammates.

“Mia can do multiple things,” Coleman said. “She can handle the ball, she may be one of the best passers I’ve seen and she can stroke the three. She’s going to give us so many options with the girls we have already. She’s played in a dribble-drive system, which is really good for us. Coach (Andre) Emmons has done very well implementing that system here, and her familiarity with the system will allow us to have several good ball handlers on the floor at the same time.”

Coleman, also a three-sport star at Diboll in his high school playing days, said he’s watched Williams developing as a basketball player since her freshman season.

“We knew early on she was going to be pretty good, but she just kept getting better and better over the years,” Coleman said. “Her leadership on the floor and her competitive drive really showed. She doesn’t want to lose, and she helped the Ladyjacks to a great playoff run this past season.

“It speaks volumes that this young lady hasn’t lost a district game in her four years here. What she and Coach Emmons and the other kids have done is just fabulous, and Mia’s the kind of competitor we need. She’ll be a big plus for us.”

Williams is the daughter of Mallory Williams of Diboll.

Diboll’s Mia Williams (seated, center) poses with her family and members of the Ladyjack basketball team during Wednesday’s signing ceremony at Diboll High School. Williams signed a letter of intent to play with Angelina College’s Lady Roadrunners beginning in the fall of 2017. (AC Press photo/Gary Stallard)
Diboll’s Mia Williams (seated, center) on Wednesday signed a letter of intent to play basketball with Angelina College beginning in the fall of 2017. Pictured with Williams are (front row, L-R) mother Mallory Williams and grandmother Diana Camp; and (back row, L-R) AC head coach Byron Coleman, Diboll girls’ head basketball coach Andre Emmons and Diboll athletic director Blake Morrison. (AC Press photo/Gary Stallard)

3 Ways Seniors Can Get More from their Smartphones

By
Megan Whitworth
-
0

With the rapid pace of new developments in smartphone technology, it can be hard to keep up with all the changes, especially if you grew up in an era when phones were attached to a cord.

Phones these days aren’t what they used to be – but that’s for the best, as smartphone technology can actually improve your life. Here are three easy ways that seniors can get more from smartphones:

1. “Read” audiobooks.

Whether your hands are tied up gardening or cooking, or you simply want to give your eyes a rest, consider listening to books on your smartphone. You can purchase audiobooks a la carte or opt for a subscription plan, which offers deals, such as unlimited selections for a flat monthly fee.

Features like bookmarks and back buttons make it easy to “flip through” a digital audiobook.

2. Use health apps to manage conditions.

Well-designed health apps can help patients manage their conditions. For example, ArthritisPower, a free app for patients with arthritis, allows users to track symptoms and treatment outcomes, and share the information with their doctors.

Created by CreakyJoints, a go-to resource for arthritis patients and their families, in collaboration with the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the app is also a data-gathering tool for researchers. Via informed consent, user data is helping researchers better understand how different treatments work for different people.

“One out of every five U.S. adults of all ages lives with doctor-diagnosed arthritis and it’s important that patients actively engage in managing their own treatment plan,” said Seth Ginsberg, President and Co-Founder of CreakyJoints and Principal Investigator of ArthritisPower.

To download the free app or learn more, visit arthritispower.org.

3. Video chat with loved ones.

Talk and see grandkids and other far-flung friends and loved ones between visits with video chatting. It’s the perfect way to ensure you don’t miss important milestones.

Many such video communications services are free, even internationally, and can present affordable alternatives to placing long-distance calls on a landline.

Your smartphone is the world at your fingertips. Make great use of it.

(StatePoint)

5 Helpful Hints for a Clean and Clutter-Free Home

By
Megan Whitworth
-
0

Papers piling up? Toys taking over?

If your home is more cluttered than clean, you’re not alone – 85 percent of homeowners say that organization and storage is the most desired feature in a home, according to OrganizedLiving.com.

Your clean-home dreams can come true. In fact, simply getting rid of clutter alone can eliminate 40 percent of housework in the average home, according to the National Soap and Detergent Association. With a few helpful hints your home can get organized… and stay that way.

With a wealth of gadgets, it’s no wonder the kitchen is a clutter culprit. To start your cleanse, remove everything from drawers and cupboards. If you haven’t used an item in the last month (unless it’s a holiday necessity) – purge it!

Conquer a Clutter-free Kitchen.

With a wealth of gadgets, it’s no wonder the kitchen is a clutter culprit. To start your cleanse, remove everything from drawers and cupboards. If you haven’t used an item in the last month (unless it’s a holiday necessity) – purge it! Next up, clean and line drawer and shelf surfaces with a quality shelf liner, such as Easy Liner brand shelf liners by Duck brand. Not only will it protect them from dirt and grime, but it also offers a good gauge: if you can’t see the shelf liner, it’s time to purge again!

Get a New Spin on the Laundry Room.

Sometimes the laundry room needs a bit of cleaning itself. Detergents and other build-up can cause washing machine odors. Run white vinegar through a cycle to sanitize it with ease. Next, improve efficiency and reduce fire hazards by thoroughly cleaning lint from dryer vents – both inside and out. Finally, use labeled baskets to ensure everything has its place. And, since the laundry room is often a catch-all location, label one as a “put away” basket and be sure to empty it daily, putting its contents back in their proper places.

Control Bathroom Chaos.

From towels to toiletries, bathrooms hold a lot of “stuff,” which can make organizing feel like a losing battle. Create a de-cluttering schedule. Since many toiletries, such as toothbrushes and make-up, should be replaced quarterly, this is the perfect time to purge. Empty drawers and linen cabinets and toss out items that are old or aren’t being used. Shelf liner can once again be a useful addition before putting items back, since products like Easy Liner brand products with Clorox antimicrobial protection can add an extra level of clean by helping prevent the growth of odor-causing mold and mildew on the liner. Plus, you can toss it in the wash for easy cleaning.

Gear-Up Garage Organization.

From toys to tools to seasonal gear, the garage has it all. Unfortunately, 25 percent of two-car garages are so cluttered that there isn’t room to park a car, reports the U.S. Department of Energy. Annually, remove everything and categorize items into “keep,” “sell/donate,” and “trash” piles. Next, designate sections of the garage for “work” (hardware and gardening tools) and “play” (toys, bikes and balls). Create vertical storage by adding hooks and floor-to-ceiling shelves. Finally, label bins, boxes and shelves to encourage everyone to maintain the new-found organization.

Start each season by tossing out tattered pet toys and thoroughly disinfecting the keepers – along with leashes, boxes and bedding.

Purr-fectly Clean Pets.

Humans aren’t the only ones accumulating clutter or making messes. In fact, Trupanion.com discovered that the average number of pet toys in a home was 34! Start each season by tossing out tattered pet toys and thoroughly disinfecting the keepers – along with leashes, boxes and bedding. To keep areas neat and clean, place non-adhesive shelf liner under food and water bowls to keep them in place and spills contained. A piece under the litter box can also reduce litter scatter across floors and the grip surface helps pull litter from dirty paws.

For more information on unique ways to use shelf liner in your home visit www.duckbrand.com.

By following these helpful tips and tricks, your home will soon be clean, organized and clutter-free.

(StatePoint)

How Mobile Technology is Helping Small Businesses and Their Employees

By
Megan Whitworth
-
0

If you run a small business, you know that there is almost always work to be done. However, much of your time may be spent on tasks that you didn’t foresee before you opened shop.

Indeed, up to 25 percent of a business owner’s time can be consumed by human resources and benefits administration, according to the Small Business Administration.

Luckily for those who built a business to follow their passions, not to do paperwork, new mobile technology can help save employers’ time, make employees’ lives easier and attract great staff.

For example, when Michael Kerins, founder of Robust Wealth, a New Jersey-based provider of financial management software and services, began offering health benefits to his staff, he didn’t anticipate the amount of time required to process paperwork and answer questions from employees.

“Too much of my time was tied up filling out paperwork, updating records and helping employees find information,” said Kerins, who switched to using Zenefits, an online, all-in-one platform that includes HR, benefits administration and payroll.

One benefit Kerins quickly realized was time-savings, as employees had access to all of their HR and benefits information in one place — online and through mobile apps.

“Employees can now fill out their own paperwork online, upload necessary documents, and make their own updates when things change. It makes onboarding and benefits administration ridiculously easy and paperless. I never see the forms, but I can see when they have been completed,” says Kerins. He also quickly noticed that his employees appreciate more control over their personal information and the ability to access all of their HR and benefits information in one place, including through their mobile phones.

According to Jim Lundy, principal analyst with Aragon Research, using mobile technology to run a business is not just a convenience, it’s becoming something of a necessity.

“Mobile is now critical in the workplace, as this is how the younger generations expect to work,” Lundy said, “Companies need to adapt or risk missing out on key talent.”

Other mobile apps offer employers and their staff opportunities to streamline project management, email marketing campaigns and more.

“Mobile apps should not only help people access information, but allow them to take actions and move things forward,” Lundy added. “Over the next few years, we predict mobile devices will become the primary computing device for a significant percentage of workers.”

(StatePoint)

USDA Forest Service to Hold Public Hearings on the Forest Plan Revision Process

By
Megan Whitworth
-
0
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service is hosting public meetings around East Texas regarding the Texas Forest Plan Revisions. These meetings will take community concerns and issues about forests and grasslands.
“East Texas has prospered due to the booming economy created by the forest industry. We understand that anything that affects our forests impacts our communities. I ask Texans to weigh in on these public hearings that affect our district,” State Representative James White said.
Public hearings will be held from 6-8 p.m. in the following locations:
April 5, 2017
Davy Crockett Ranger Station
18551 State Hwy. 7 East
Kennard, TX
April 6, 2017
Pitser Garrison Convention Center
601 N. Second St.
Lufkin, TX
A fillable questionnaire can be downloaded, filled out, and returned at texasplanrev.fed.us or mailed to:
National Forests and Grasslands in Texas Legislative Council
Attn: Forest Plan Revision
2221 N. Raguet Street
Lufkin, TX 75904
For more questions regarding House Bill 1911, please contact Rep. White’s Capitol office at (512) 463-0490.

Watch for Scams Associated with Severe Weather

By
Megan Whitworth
-
0

Spring is generally the time we see more severe weather. Better Business Bureau receives hundreds of complaints each year concerning subpar work performed by contractors. BBB advises people to take the time to properly research contractors for any needed repairs.

What you can do to prepare for severe weather:

  • Plan ahead: If your trees need trimming or your roof needs repair, don’t wait for a big storm to blow through. Get it done now to avoid problems later.
  • Insurance: Be sure to understand your home and car insurance policies and deductibles. Have a plan to pay your deductibles should you need to file a claim. Also, be sure you have access to your policies online.
  • Create an emergency kit: Decide ahead of time where you’ll go when severe weather hits. Emergency kits should include items such as water, food, flashlights, batteries, cash, first aid kit, any medications needed, blankets, pillows and any pet care necessities.
  • Pay close attention to weather news and alerts: Consider purchasing a weather radio to stay up-to-date on all weather events.

As the storm system passes, people will evaluate damage and begin the clean-up process. Better Business Bureau serving the Heart of Texas offers these tips for people who find themselves in need of repairs due to the severe weather:

  • Contact your insurance company immediately. Call your insurance company before work begins to make sure all necessary procedures are followed according to your policy. Make sure you fully understand your deductibles and what your policy covers before having any work done. If you do not follow your insurance company’s guidelines, you may be stuck with the entire bill.
  • Find a trustworthy contractor. Deal only with licensed and insured contractors. You can verify licensing information through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Go tobbb.org to find a BBB Accredited business and to get multiple bids. Retain a copy of the final, signed contract before the job begins.
  • Take your time signing a contract. Get a written estimate that includes any verbal promises and get multiple bids.
  • Avoid paying a large sum upfront. Resist dealing with any contractor who asks you to pay for the entire job upfront. A down payment is acceptable, but it should not be a significant amount of the total cost. Pay only by check or credit card – and pay the final amount only after the work is completed to your satisfaction. Avoid paying in cash.
  • Beware of door-to-door solicitations. Sudden, severe storms can bring fly-by-night contractors to the area. Often these contractors solicit work door-to-door, have no license or contact information and require high upfront fees before beginning any work. BBB recommends researching the company before agreeing to have any work done.

Angelina Benefit Rodeo Kicks-off

By
Megan Whitworth
-
0

Grab your boots and hat, the rodeo is coming to town.

The Angelina Benefit Rodeo is riding on through April 26-29 at the George H. Henderson Expo Center in Lufkin. Rodeo officials kicked-off festivities Tuesday afternoon with Rodeo Coordinator Mike Mathis announcing sponsors and performers that will be at this year’s event during Tuesday’s Round Up held at the Expo Center.

Rodeo Coordinator Mike Mathis greets the crowd at Tuesday’s Round Up for the Angelina Benefit Rodeo.

“There’s Christmas, there’s your wife’s birthday or that special someone, and then there’s rodeo,” Mathis said.

There is plenty of rodeos in and around East Texas, if you want to go find them. …But the one we have here, we consider to be very special, ” he added. “The same quality guys that were in Houston, they’re going to be here. It doesn’t matter which world champion you want to talk about, he’s going to be in Lufkin. He’s going to ride here.”

Rodeo Hero, Jimmy Brown, a resident at the Lufkin State Supported Living Center, made his debut at Tuesday’s Round Up.

“Jimmy is someone, if you’ve wondered about handicaps, problems and determination, he fits that bill. I think at the ripe age of eight-weeks-old, an automobile accident cost a problem for Jimmy. From his eye site, to ultimately seizures, to a host of other problems,” Mathis said. “Easily he could have quit, but thank goodness for people and places like the Lufkin State Supported Living Center. He’s become a more of a productive person. …He plays the guitar, sings gospel music, that’s a part of his function at the Lufkin State Supported Living Center. …He’s able to do word work, and a host of other things because there are places like that for him to be.”

The Center is one of the many places the Rodeo will benefit this year, Mathis said.

“They are a part of what we do each year and why we do it,” he added.

Mathis announced bull fighting is back this year for the specialty act. During a competitive fight, the bullfighter has 60 seconds in which to impress judges with style, control and level of difficulty. Meanwhile, the bull can earn up to 50 points for speed aggression and intensity.

“We’ll bring a a great show, I can promise you that,” Mathis said.

For more info on Angelina Benefit Rodeo, visit their website by clicking here. Tickets are available April 3 at Boot Barn Western Wear at Lufkin Mall or contact Rodeo officials at (936) 632-7445.

Community members enjoy BBQ at the Angelina Benefit Rodeo kick-off Tuesday afternoon at the George H. Henderson Expo Center in Lufkin.
Rodeo Coordinator Mike Mathis addresses the crowd at the Angelina Benefit Rodeo kick-off Tuesday afternoon at the George H. Henderson Expo Center in Lufkin.
A photo of Angelina Benefit Rodeo Queen Kadie Beth Wisener.

 

1...549550551...749Page 550 of 749