State transportation agency pays tribute to collaborative history of moving people, goods across the Lone Star State.
WHEN: 2 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2017 WHERE: On the brick street outside Nacogdoches City Hall, downtown Nacogdoches, Texas MORE INFO: A restored, 27-foot-long 1918 Liberty Truck will help tell the district-by-district story of TxDOT’s 100-year history. Along with the truck, the exhibit will feature historical photos, banners and backdrops highlighting significant dates and achievements. A TxDOT spokesperson and speakers will be available for interviews.
The Texas Department of Transportation celebrates a century of service this year with a traveling exhibit to highlight this ongoing and collaborative milestone. Come join us on the square in downtown Nacogdoches for some great TxDOT history, refreshments and view the only remaining 1918 Liberty truck from the original fleet.
From the earliest days of connecting farms and ranches to market, to the modern realities of multi-lane metropolitan highways, TxDOT now manages 80,000 miles of roadway. To commemorate this milestone, TxDOT invites the public to “Track the Truck” at TxDOT.gov/TxDOT100 and join in the celebration.
I’ve gotten a number of questions already this spring on getting rid of weeds by using a “Weed and Feed” product.
Let me get this off my chest right up front: I’m not a fan of the product. It’s not that I’m really opposed to weed and feed, per se. Look at it this way: I consider this combination product as being very similar to a “shampoo and conditioner in one!” product. I mean really, is your hair dirty or do you need to condition your hair?
To get the best-looking yard possible, treat for weeds when you need to get rid of weeds. Fertilize when it needs feeding.
Looking at my lawn and the lawns of others, it is clearly a time to get rid of weeds. What I’m seeing now is an abundance of cool season weeds.
“Cool season” weeds are vegetation that germinated and started growing last fall and during the winter. They are the weeds that you may notice are blooming now. The purple flowers are probably henbit. I have an abundance of wild onion with small white flowers. Clovers are coming up, though I’ve not seen any in bloom yet.
Many of these cool season weeds will be gone by summer. That will be the time for our warm season weeds to germinate and grow.
There are several products on the market that can do a great job. One active ingredient that I’ve bragged about before is atrazine. This was shared with me by a local golf course professional that told me it was the only product he’d use on St. Augustine grass. If you have a Bermuda lawn, go for a 2,4-D product or even a stout product such as MSM (available at many feed stores).
Feeding your lawn now by adding a fertilizer would be akin to preparing breakfast for me at 4 a.m. I’m not even close to waking up at that time!
Likewise, the turf grasses I’ve seen aren’t actively growing and ready to be fed. Give your lawn a few more weeks until its ready to wake up, and then they will utilize the fertilizer you apply for growth.
If you need to add lime, add lime now to your lawns. Lime helps to neutralize the pH in our commonly acidic soils. Lime isn’t really a fertilizer although it does contain Calcium, a secondary nutrient for plants. Lime’s purpose is to provide a better environment for the plants to grow. One of its better attributes is that it allows nutrients to be more available.
So does everyone need to lime? Not at all! Who does? I don’t have a clue. But with $10 spent on a soil test, anyone and everyone can find out exactly how much lime they’ll need to apply. Look up SFA soils lab on your computer’s search engine and download the two page PDF form you’ll need. If you just want to pick one up, our office (located next to the Angelina County Farmers Market) and some feed stores have soil testing forms.
It may be hard for us to understand how the complex environment of soil works. In the chemistry of soils, some nutrients are much more available in a more neutral pH environment. Suffice it to say that fertilizer applied to a very acidic soil may never be available to the plants it was intended to feed.
Lastly, is your sprinkler system running? If so, I’d probably turn it off. Overwatered lawns in the spring are prime targets for fungal disease in the fall. Watch the weather and add water when we have an extended dry spell. Summer is a great time to add water regularly to lawns. Anyone with the automatic system applying water three times a week now may be hurting their lawn more than helping it.
I wish you a lush lawn in 2017. Timing the weed control, the addition of nutrients, and your watering regimen correctly will greatly impact your success.
February is the month of love, and TFCL is bringing local singles to you every Saturday. Our fourth and final bachelorette is the lovely Leslie Durham. Leslie is a mother, college student, and is searching for the man of her dreams!
Keep reading to learn more about Leslie!
Leslie Durham enjoys cooking, Netflix and reading.
Name:
Leslie Durham
Age:
28 Hometown:
Nacogdoches
Leslie prefers a night-in over a night-out on the town.
What do you do?
Currently a student at Angelina College studying legal studies.
Hobbies:
Reading, Netflix & cooking
Three words to describe yourself:
Goofy, smart & sweet
Do you prefer a night in or a night-out on the town?
Night-in
Do you believe in love at first sight?
It takes more than sight to truly get to know someone.
What does a successful relationship look like to you?
Working together, making time for each other, and finding ways to help each other grow.
What do you love/hate most about the dating process?
I love getting to know someone; I hate the nervousness of the initial meeting.
Do you have any pet peeves?
Talking in the phone; I hate it!
What is your favorite way to spend a Saturday night?
Movie night-in with a home-cooked meal.
Leslie prefers flowers over chocolates.
What dating advice would you give to your next boyfriend?
Be patient, we are all a work in progress.
What have you learned from previous heartbreaks?
You have to learn to compromise or you will never grow as a couple.
What’s your ideal date?
Theme park or concerts and dinner.
What do you look most for in a relationship?
I want us to be able to be ourselves with each other.
What is your biggest deal breaker?
Arrogant or negativity.
Do you prefer chocolates or flowers?
Flowers!
Favorite pick-up line?
“Roses are red, violets are blue, lava is hot and so are you!”
Leslie is currently a student at Angelina College studying legal studies.
I’d like to start the column by recognizing a very special group of young constituents that made their way to the Austin this past week. The San Augustine High School Band was selected to come to their State Capitol to help commemorate the State of Texas Anniversary Remembrance Day. It was my distinct honor to introduce them in front of hundreds of Texans in the Capitol rotunda, whom I’m sure were just as blown away by the sound of the band as I was. It was a beautiful start to the week and I was honored to be a part of the ceremony. With that said, here’s an update on what’s happening here in Austin. . .
Meetings and Engagements
I recently had the privilege of delivering the opening address for Texas FFA Day at the Capitol. As a former FFA member, I have a special place in my heart for this youth organization and the values it instills in our young people. I was very pleased with the turnout, and I enjoyed visiting with a number of members from my district. These young people are our future. Therefore, I encouraged them to consider volunteer and public service opportunities in their communities, their state, and their county country, as they graduate from high school.
The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Article III, which I chair, has convened bright and early at 7:30 every morning this week as we begin to consider our state’s budget as it relates to public and higher education. We have heard testimony from the Texas Education Agency, institutions of higher learning, and their related agencies, such as the AgriLife Extension Service and the Texas Forest Service. These early meetings will continue over the next several weeks as we deliberate on how we can responsibly allocate our state’s funds.
Legislation
I’d like to bring everyone up to speed on a couple pieces of legislation regarding the proposed high speed rail project in Texas, which I filed in response to the tremendous amount of opposition our office has heard from constituents. This past week I filed HB 2172, which prohibits the Texas Legislature from appropriating money to pay for the cost of the project. Another bill I filed, HB 2173, would require the Texas Department of Transportation to produce a report that assesses whether ridership will be sufficient to provide the project with enough revenue to sustain long term operation. Moreover, the report must assess any projected costs to the communities that would be affected by the high speed rail. It’s a fact there isn’t a high speed rail project in the world that doesn’t require taxpayer subsidies, and I don’t want Texans to be paying for project that is largely foreign owned and I believe destined to fail.
Reminders
The mobile office is back on the road in March and looks forward to seeing you around the district! Here’s this month’s schedule: March 1st from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. at the Leon County Courthouse in Centerville or from 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Madison County Courthouse Annex in Madisonville. You can also visit us on March 15th from 9am – 11 a.m. at the Houston County Courthouse Annex in Crockett or from 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Trinity County Courthouse in Groveton. Finally, you can come see us on March 22nd from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. at the San Augustine County Courthouse in San Augustine. As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if we can help you in any way. My district office may be reached at (936) 634-2762, or you can call my Capitol office at (512) 463-0508.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 10 percent of mothers who work full-time are still breastfeeding their baby at six months. When mothers rejoin the workforce, they have a unique set of challenges that may hinder or damage their breastfeeding relationship and reaching their breastfeeding goals. In order to successfully balance breastfeeding and work, mothers need to know their legal rights, pump frequently, and exercise breastfeeding-friendly practices at work.
Since March 23, 2010, federal law requires employers to provide break time and a place for hourly paid workers to express breast milk at work. The law states that employers must provide a reasonable amount of time and that they must provide a private space other than a bathroom. They are required to provide this until the employee’s baby turns one. Employees may request a room with a lockable door, a place to sit, and an outlet for their pump.
Below are 10 tips for pumping, working mothers.
1. Bring freezer bags
According to WebMD, mothers can minimize waste by filling individual containers with the amount of milk a baby will need for one feeding. You might start with 2-4 ounces and then adjust as needed. Keep in mind that breast milk expands as it freezes, so don’t fill the containers to the brim.
2. Bring extra bottles
For the first few months, your milk intake will fluctuate, so you need to bring extra bottles in case you pump more than you expect. The worst feeling when you’re pumping is not being able to store/use all the milk you express!
3. Refrigerate breast shields
In order to make enough milk, you have to drink plenty of liquids. Most mothers stick to water because it has no calories or additives.
Put breast shields in a zip-close bag and stick them in the fridge. This will save you time so you don’t have to wash them after every use. Use a baby wipe to wipe down your pumping parts before you use them.
4. Bring an insulated lunch box
You can purchase insulated lunchboxes at most supermarkets. An insulated lunch box is an easy way to bring your pumping parts into your work, and bring your milk and pumping parts back home. It’s also a great way to ensure that your milk will be kept at the correct temperature. You don’t want to put in a bunch of time and effort pumping and then not be able to use the milk.
5. Have Plenty of Water and Snacks
In order to make enough milk, you have to drink plenty of liquids. Most mothers stick to water because it has no calories or additives. However, many mothers have found Gatorade and Powerade helpful because of the added electrolytes.
Lactation cookies are also a delicious and nutritious way to increase your milk supply. They contain items like oats, fenugreek, and brewer’s yeast to increase your milk supply. You can find a plethora of recipes online. I made my own at home and ate them three times a day. I started looking forward to my “cookie time” every day because it was a relaxing way to eat something delicious and increase my milk supply.
6. Bring a hands free pumping bra
Hands free pumping bras allow you to still use your hands while you’re pumping. They slip on easily without you having to remove your nursing bra and shirt. Elastic reinforcements ensure that your bra has a secure fit with no slipping. They maintain a tight seal for bottles as well as provide a modest, discreet cover.
7. Watch a video or listen to a recording of your baby crying
Hearing your baby cry causes your body to release oxytocin. Oxytocin causes the cells in the milk-making lobes of your breasts to contract and eject the milk toward the nipple. While it’s sad to listen to, it will help you have letdowns.
8. Bring extra batteries
Hopefully you will have someplace to plug in your pump. However, you always want to be prepared for worst case scenario. I had the electricity go out on me twice while I was pumping, so I was happy to have packed extra batteries.
9. Massage Your Breasts
Massaging your breasts will clear the milk ducts and get the milk flowing more freely, which will empty the breasts and increase milk production. Grab some coconut oil or lotion for the massage. In a circular motion, massage your lymph glands in your armpits. This will get the blood and toxins flowing. Continue down to your breast by pressing with your thumb down. Don’t be too hard or you could damage your glandular tissue. Breast massages should be done daily.
10. Labels for your bottles
Use waterproof labels and ink and label each container with the date you expressed the breast milk. If you’re storing expressed milk at your baby’s child care facility, add your baby’s name to the label. Place the containers in the back of the refrigerator or freezer, where the temperature is the coolest.
Fifty-two people die every day from opioid overdoses nationwide, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported more than 12 million U.S. residents used prescription painkillers non-medically in the past year.
Unfortunately, even a small dosage can depress respiratory function, and these drugs can be especially dangerous when combined with other common substances like alcohol and sleeping pills. What’s more, prescription drug abuse can be addictive, and even lead to heroin use.
If you love someone who may be addicted to prescription painkillers, here are five things the National Safety Council said you should know.
1. Addiction is a chronic disease that affects the brain. Addiction, like heart disease or diabetes, leads to increasingly poor health, and can be fatal if it’s not effectively treated and managed. People who suffer from addiction still have self-worth and should be treated with dignity. Unfortunately, shame and discrimination prevent many individuals from seeking treatment. Recovery can be achieved in many different ways and all recovery efforts should be celebrated.
2. Medication Helps. Opioid and heroin addiction cause a chemical imbalance in the brain, which medication can help repair. There are three major medications typically used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes counseling and participation in social support programs: Buprenorphine, methadone and naltrexone. Buprenorphine and methadone diminish the effects of withdrawal and cravings restoring brain chemistry. Naltrexone blocks the euphoric effects of opioids and heroin. Buprenorphine and naltrexone can be administered by health care providers. Methadone is delivered in specialized clinics.
3. Traditional treatments aren’t always effective. Recovery is a lifelong journey. Unfortunately, some traditional treatments focus on quicker fixes like attempting it alone or by going cold turkey, which ultimately can be detrimental. Indeed, rates of relapse for people who have gone through in-patient treatment programs are up to 56 percent within the first year following discharge. However, medications, can offer longer-term solutions, and are often less expensive than in-patient treatment. If traditional substance abuse programs haven’t worked, consider medication.
4. Support is critical. A failed cycle of detox and inpatient therapy, then relapse, can leave a person feeling hopeless. This is why support is critical. Doctors and treatment counselors are important, but even more so is a well-informed support group of family and friends.
“Addiction is not a broken arm that can be fixed. It’s like being on a permanent diet with a piece of candy staring at you every day,” said Avi Israel, a survivor advocate who lost his son after battling a prescription drug addiction. He advises friends and family of patients to, “Know the signs of addiction. Don’t judge. Throw tough love out the window. Love. But love with structure.”
5. Understanding addiction is crucial. Both patients and their friends and family should understand that addiction is a disease, and know what is needed to manage it.
“My son had Crohn’s disease, and I knew everything about that. I wish I had known as much about addiction,” said Israel.
There are more options than traditional 30-day-treatment programs and 12-step programs. In addition to medication, there are support programs like SMART recovery, which provide attendees with tools based on the latest scientific research, as well as a worldwide community with self-empowering, science-based support groups.
A road of recovery is paved by many people – not just those in recovery. With the right support systems in place, a successful and sober life is possible.
A majority of Americans drink coffee daily, with an average of about three cups a day, according to Harvard School of Public Health.
Will all those cups of Joe being downed nationwide, it’s important to consider the beverage’s potential effects on your health.
Science indicates there are some substantial health benefits to drinking coffee regularly. Various studies have suggested that drinking coffee regularly could decrease the risk of heart disease and stroke, lower the risk for developing type 2 diabetes, protect against gallstones and lower the risk of developing Parkinson’s Disease.
However, it’s important to note that because of its caffeine content, coffee intake should be moderated. Its acidity can also impact issues like bone and muscle deterioration, and kidney stones. Conventional coffee can also raise cholesterol levels when regularly prepared French press or Espresso style.
For these reasons, many people are rethinking the types of coffee they drink in order to avoid particular health concerns. For example, unlike a conventional acidic cup of coffee, Bio Coffee is alkaline, caffeine-free and made with wheatgrass. It contains three to five servings of vegetables in one cup of coffee, as well as six grams of fiber -approximately 25 percent of the recommended daily amount. It also provides a natural source of pre- and probiotics for better digestive health. To learn more about its health benefits, visit BioCoffee.com.
“With so many people failing to eat enough vegetables, drinking your greens in the form of coffee may be one of the most convenient ways to get one’s daily dose, in addition to a variety of other health benefits,” said14 Dr. Tom Shreves, MD, a Bio Coffee drinker. “It can also help you avoid the issues associated with a typical cup of coffee.”
While most coffee lovers are unlikely to put their mugs down, Bio Coffee can provide a healthy morning ritual.
Parents and caregivers may be underestimating the importance of dental care for children’s “baby teeth.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 63 percent of children ages two to four see the dentist at least annually.
Most dental benefits cover preventive care visits twice a year with no out-of-pocket costs, and these visits are important for small children.
Baby teeth, (also known as primary teeth), play an important role in a child’s overall healthy development. If cavities begin and are left untreated, they can become painful and possibly infected. Loss of these teeth prematurely may impact eating, speaking, learning and self-esteem. Baby teeth help guide the way for permanent teeth to erupt into proper position.
“Tooth decay is preventable. The investment of only a few minutes each day on the part of parents and caregivers, coupled with regular dental checkups, goes a long way in creating healthy smiles to last a lifetime,” said Dr. Diane Monti-Markowski, clinical program director for Cigna Dental.
She offers these oral hygiene tips for those caring for small children:
• Plan to have your child visit the dentist by his or her first birthday or within six months after the first teeth appear.
• As a child’s teeth start to come in, brush them gently twice a day with a child-sized toothbrush and water.
• Begin flossing a child’s teeth daily when there are two teeth that touch.
• Do not put your baby to sleep with a bottle of formula, milk, juice or any other liquid other than water.
• Consider introducing toothpaste for children who are two and older and are able to follow directions to spit after brushing. The American Dental Association recommends using fluoride toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice for children younger than three years old and a pea-size amount for children three to six years old. By age three or four, your child should be able to brush with your supervision.
• Make brushing fun. Let your child pick out the color of his or her toothbrush. Play a favorite song or set a timer to help children understand that good brushing takes about two minutes twice a day.
Find more tips at Cigna.com/dental-resources. For detailed questions or concerns about a child’s oral health, it is important to consult a dentist.
“Adults can also reinforce the importance of oral health by their attitudes,” adds Dr. Monti-Markowski. “Encouraging good habits and showing a positive manner when visiting the dentist can lay the foundation for children to maintain healthy teeth throughout their lives.”
Outdoor living is as classic an American pastime as baseball and summer barbecues, yet these spaces are overlooked time and time again in regards to decorating.
Home owners put so much of themselves into the interiors of their homes, why shouldn’t that same mentality be applied to the exteriors? That is where LuxeDecor comes in. LuxeDecor.com offers premium-quality patio furniture, that brings both comfort and function to your outdoor spaces. With a spacious table and chic, comfortable chairs a patio can be transformed into a rich dining destination. Decorate a cozy porch with a sofa and a classic rocking chair, both adorned with ample cushions, and the porch will quickly become a second family room during the warm weather months. Beyond the scope of outdoor essentials, LuxeDecor offers outdoor fire pit tables, heaters, fountains, and more to lend any open-air space a polished, stylish ambiance, giving new meaning to the words “the great outdoors.”
Outdoor furniture from LuxeDecor.
“I would define outdoor living as an extension of your home into the beauty of nature. The expansion of your lifestyle into the great outdoors can greatly improve the overall function and beauty of your home, but adds value as well,” said Chris Dietrich, Marketing Director of LuxeDecor.com.
Whether your taste leans more modern, you prefer the industrial look, or you’re keen on simple and sweet farmhouse design, you can transform your outdoor space to match this year’s most popular trends. Since most outdoor living spaces are primarily used for entertaining or relaxing, and rarely play host to formal gatherings, pool decks and patios make for the perfect opportunity to style a playful space that reflects your convivial, sparkling, sociable self. Opt for a casual aesthetic to invite unbridled leisure, or kick it up a notch and turn your backyard into a wonderland with the help of bright colors and fantastic designs. Great home design doesn’t have to stop inside, so start designing your outdoor room now with the help of LuxeDecor.
The great outdoors is the perfect place to relax with friends and family. Whether you’re in need of a few lounge chairs, want to enjoy the benefits of a gazebo, or are seeking a single piece to fill out the furniture you have, find everything you need to make your backyard an enjoyable oasis. LuxeDecor’s outdoor offerings encompass a diverse spectrum of styles and pieces, making it easy to create a customized patio arrangement that functions for the way you live life outdoors. Whether you’re throwing parties or simply enjoying a morning cup of coffee, make the most of your fresh air spaces, in style.
Patio furniture from LuxeDecor.
Ready to start styling your outdoor space? Ask yourself these questions before you do anything else:
How is this furniture going to be primarily used?
Who is going to be using the furniture?
Where is the furniture going to be placed?
Are there special considerations you need to account for?
What is your style?
Each outdoor furniture collection has its own approach to style, and many are customizable with cushion choices, choices in finish and more. By focusing in on the pieces best suited to your space and style at the outset, you’ll be able to streamline the shopping process and build your dream backyard faster. Visit LuxeDecor.com to view our curated inventory at your own leisure.
For more information on LuxeDecor’s outdoor furniture, please visit the Outdoor Furniture section of the site.
Tournament Days: pick any day from April 15-May 15
The registration deadline for the Great Texas Birding Classic is approaching quickly. Join this fun, friendly, birdwatching competition. There are tournament categories for all ages and skill levels, so select the one that works best for you.
Here are some quick links to some of the event basics to get you started:
How to participate: All registration forms are online, so it’s easy to enter your team and participate!
Tournament advice: Learn from past participants the best tips for running a Big Sit!, doing a Big Day Tournament, mentoring a youth team, taking on the Weeklong Tournament, or birding with blind or visually impaired birders.
EZ Guide: Explore tools for site managers, birding groups, and community leaders who want to make the most out of the event by hosting or sponsoring a team of local birders.
Sponsorship tips: Learn how community organizations, bird clubs, local businesses and more could sponsor your team(s).
Conservation grant project proposal: Submit projects for a chance to win funding! Project proposals are due by May 1st. If you field a team and your team wins, you could be in a position to select your project proposal.
