“Here, in the dread tribunal of last resort, valor contended against valor. Here brave men struggled and died for the right as God gave them to see the right.”
-Adlai E. Stevenson I
For more information on The Battle of Blackjack Grove, visit their website here.
Saxophonist Shelley Carrol says that music has to be shared to truly be enjoyed, and he’ll have his chance to do so at the March 2 jazz concert/high school jazz festival at Angelina College.
Carrol is stepping in for Joe Eckert who had to bow out unexpectedly. The concert which features the AC Community Big Band and the AC Swingin’ Roadrunner Jazz Combo begins at 7:30 p.m. in Hudgins Hall. Admission is $4 for adults and $3 for seniors, students and children.
Carrol is a renowned saxophonist who has performed with the Grammy-nominated One O’clock Lab Band, the Duke Ellington Orchestra, Sheryl Crow, Maureen McGovern, Tony Bennet, Nancy Wilson, Joe Williams, Roger Waters and a host of others.
He has recorded four albums, “Shelley Carrol With Members of the Duke Ellington Orchestra,” “A Distant Star,” “I Heard That” and “Gentle Friend.”
Carrol has an impressive list of honors including 2006 finalist in the Texas Commission for the Arts State Musician, 2007 Sammons Center Jazz Artist of the Year and 2014 Dallas Observer nominee for Best Jazz Act.
The program for the AC Community Big Band includes “Take the A Train,” “There Will Never be Another You,” “Mambo Hot” and “Samantha.” Band members are Michael Parrish, Anthony Hackney, Dixon Shanks, Al Torres, Bethe Girardi-Bari, Jeff Sorey, Robert Shanks, LaVan Watts, Scott Williams, Steve Brown, Ricky Gay, Mel Miller, Luigi Lazareno, Alex Blair, Mark Saldana and instructors Jimmy Battle and Larry Greer.
The Swingin’ Roadrunner Jazz Combo program includes “Comin’ Home,” “Just Friends,” “Night and Day” and “My Funny Valentine.” Band members are Max Vallejo of Lufkin on the tenor sax, Haley Holcombe of Hudson on alto sax, Hayden Havard of Lufkin on piano, Olajuwon Taylor of Buna on drum set and director Larry Greer on bass.
For information about the music program at Angelina College, contact the Fine Arts Division at (936) 633-5233.
Today, a group of key state lawmakers filed a slate of legislation to push back against Texas Central Railway’s controversial proposal to construct a high-speed rail line between Dallas and Houston. Senators Birdwell (R-Granbury), Creighton (R-Conroe), Kolkhorst (R-Brenham), Perry (R-Lubbock), and Schwertner (R-Georgetown) joined with Representatives Ashby (R-Lufkin), Bell (R-Magnolia), Cook (R-Corsicana), Schubert (R-Caldwell), and Wray (R- Waxahachie) to file a total of 18 bills addressing a number of concerns ranging from protecting landowners threatened by eminent domain abuse, to ensuring the state isn’t later forced to bail out the private project with taxpayer dollars.
“This group of foreign investors is threating to seize family farms, physically divide the state of Texas, and have a gravely detrimental impact on the citizens I represent,” said State Representative Leighton Schubert. “At a minimum, the people of Texas deserve reasonable reassurances that their private property rights will be respected and that they will not be left holding the bag if this ill-conceived project fails.”
In addition to the brewing controversies over eminent domain and the general regulation of high-speed rail, a number of questions remain unanswered regarding the specific details of Texas Central’s proposal. While TCR has claimed that the project will cost just $12 billion to complete, an independent analysis from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) puts that estimate at closer to $18 billion.
Critics have also raised grave concerns about the overall financial viability of the project, noting that without some form of government subsidy, Texas Central will find it virtually impossible to meet their stated ridership estimates at prices competitive with existing modes of transportation.
“This legislation will ensure that the property rights of our constituents are respected and guarantee that state taxpayers won’t be asked to bail out this project when costs inevitably exceed projections and ridership fails to meet expectations.” said Senator Charles Schwertner, expressing his serious doubts about the long-term financial viability of the project. Schwertner went on to cite a recent independent study by the Reason Foundation which indicates a proposed high-speed rail between Dallas and Houston will lose over $537 million a year and could cost taxpayers up to $21.5 billion.
“I won’t stand by while good people are forced to give up their private property rights for a rail project that will bring little to no economic benefit to our region,” Representative Ashby stated. “The opposition to this project has been loud and clear in my district, and I’m proud to stand by the people I represent in fighting for more transparency and thoughtfulness when it comes to projects that effect Texas.”
The current conflict between foreign developers and rural landowners is reminiscent of a similar debate over the so-called Trans-Texas Corridor, a highly-controversial and similarly ambitious statewide transportation project that dominated Texas politics for much of the last decade. Following intense opposition from conservative interest groups, state lawmakers, and rural landowners the project was ultimately abandoned.
“Since the proposed high-speed rail project stretches across Texas, we need to make sure all of the necessary data and research has been completed to ensure private property rights are being protected.” said Senator Charles Perry, a key member of the Senate Transportation Committee.
“Transportation is a critical issue for our state, which requires thoughtful and pragmatic solutions for today and the future,” added Representative Wray. “Texas Central has failed to demonstrate a viable or comprehensive plan addressing the real mobility needs of our state, and the legislation filed today seeks to address the legitimate issues posed by this project.”
State Senator Brian Birdwell, himself a survivor of the September 11, 2001, terror attack on the Pentagon, expressed substantial concerns regarding what security measures will be taken to screen passengers and protect the rail-line from a potential terrorist attack. “For two years I have been an outspoken opponent of this project and the negative impact it would have on the citizens I represent,” said Birdwell. “I’m pleased to be filing security-focused legislation to ensure the safety of all Texans should any future high-speed rail project be undertaken in our state.”
In July, the Surface Transportation Board dealt a substantial blow to Texas Central’s high-speed rail proposal, determining the federal government lacked the authority to grant eminent domain powers to TCR or otherwise regulate the proposed high-speed train. Since then, it’s become increasingly unclear whether TCR has the actual legal authority to take land from private property owners along the train’s proposed path or regulatory framework necessary to operate a high-speed train in Texas.
“It is not a railroad, and therefore, it does not have eminent domain authority,” added Representative Byron Cook, Chairman of the House State Affairs Committee which oversees most eminent domain legislation. “If any train were ultimately to be built, the idea of using a proprietary Japanese technology that is incompatible with other rail technologies used in our state is very problematic. If this initiative is eventually approved, Texas must require a fully vetted, statewide master plan that involves the Texas Department of Transportation.”
“I still have doubts about whether a high-speed rail project makes sense for Texas. Taxpayers should not be expected to pay the bill if the project fails,” said Senator Brandon Creighton.
Representative Cecil Bell, Jr. echoed that sentiment, adding: “Without taxpayer dollars, the project in Texas is on track to fail. My bill would require that at the beginning of such a project, the company take steps to ensure the restoration of this beautiful part of rural Texas if the project ceases to operate.”
“Texans have always had a deep respect for the land and for the law,” added Senator Lois Kolkhorst. “That’s why the Legislature must tread lightly when property rights are at risk.”
The elected officials mentioned above have worked throughout the interim with Texans Against High-Speed Rail (TAHSR). This group represents thousands of affected landowners who are saying ‘no’ to the project. Kyle Workman, spokesman for TAHSR, remains confident in the work put forth by the aforementioned elected officials.
“All of these offices, and many more of their colleagues, have been engaged with our team to make sure that the voices of their constituents are heard loud and clear.” said Workman. “We’re happy to have these Senators and State Representatives on our team as we make progress against the high-speed rail train.”
The following bills were filed this morning:
SB 973 by Creighton/HB 2168 by Bell (Railroad Determination Before Surveys) – prohibits a high-speed rail entity from entering private property to conduct a survey unless the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) first determines that the surveying entity is, in fact, a railroad.
SB 974 by Creighton/HB 2181 by Cook (Option Contract Protection) – voids any high-speed rail option contracts held by a high-speed rail entity upon a bankruptcy initiated by or against the entity.
SB 975 by Birdwell/HB 2169 by Schubert (Security Requirements) – provides a framework of minimum security requirements to be followed during the construction and operation of a private high-speed rail line. Requires the high-speed rail authority to coordinate security efforts with state and local law enforcement, as well as disaster response agencies.
SB 977 by Schwertner/HB 2172 by Ashby (No Taxpayer Bailout) – prohibits the legislature from appropriating new funds, or allowing state agencies to utilize existing funds, to pay any costs related to a the construction, maintenance, or operation of a private high-speed rail in Texas.
SB 978 by Schwertner/HB 2104 Bell (Property Restoration Bond) – requires a private high-speed rail entity to file a bond with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) sufficient to restore property used for the rail service to the property’s original conditions if the service ceases operation.
SB 979 by Schwertner/HB 2179 by Cook (Right of Repurchase for Non-HSR Use) – prohibits an entity that operates or plans to operate a high-speed rail from using property acquired for purposes other than high-speed rail. If the high-speed rail authority doesn’t use the property for that specific purpose, the original landowner must be given opportunity to repurchase the land.
SB 980 by Schwertner/HB 2167 by Schubert (Put Texas First) – prohibits any state money from being used for any purpose related to a privately owned high-speed rail, unless the state acquires and maintains a lien in order to secure the repayment of state funds. Requires that the state’s lien be superior to all other liens, effectively making Texas a priority creditor.
SB 981 by Kolkhorst/HB 2162 by Wray (Interoperability) – requires an entity constructing a high-speed rail line in Texas to demonstrate compatibility with more than one type of train technology.
SB 982 by Perry/HB 2173 by Ashby (High-Speed Rail Feasibility Study) – upon request of a legislator, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) must generate a feasibility study of a proposed high-speed rail project. The study must indicate whether the project is for a public use, whether it will be financially viable, and what impact of the project will have on local communities.
Let’s start this week with a blast from the past: Benjamin Franklin once said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” I love this quote. It’s witty, but a tad sarcastic, as if Ben was saying, “Duh, people. C’mon now.”
For those trying to live the fit life, planning is essential. As a self-proclaimed Type A personality, this comes easy to me. From childhood, I was a list-maker extraordinaire. Organization was something I excelled at. Those attributes definitely play a role in my career today, but, funnily enough, was not something I had planned for or anticipated.
My life is hectic, something that I know everyone living in the 21st century can sympathize with. I go from my full-time job to the Krav Maga gym I co-own, where I might have a class or a personal training session most days of the week. I feed my fur babies, do laundry, and load the dishwasher on my lunch break. Somehow I find time to meal prep a few times and week and drag my butt out of bed at 5 a.m for gym time. My life balance is not perfection, but I try. I wish daily I had more time to read.
I love my Get Fit planner, but I’ve always been a pen and paper kind of girl. The written word is a powerful thing to me, as if writing down my workout is like signing a contract in my own blood. It’s a conversation with myself: You did this today, and you can do this tomorrow. Seeing it in my own handwriting is extremely motivating! Most people these days are a little more attached to their tech. Call me old-fashioned.
Society is becoming increasingly global and each generation is more tethered to technology than the last. We’re rarely unplugged. I challenge anyone to lie that they’ve never taken a call from the toilet. With so little downtime, how do we plan? Also, where do we start to be most efficient?
SMART goals are the way to go! Let’s break it down.
S S stands for specific. As Americans, we are all consumers. We know what we want and we want it now. The problem is, how do we get it? We solved the food problem: fast food, carryout, and delivery. We have drive-thrus everywhere. Even our pharmacies have them (because heaven forbid you walk inside to get your diabetic/cholesterol/blood pressure medication, right?). Despite the conveniences of modern life, fitness is lost in translation. “I want to get fit.” “I want to lose weight.” “I want to be healthy.” Yes, yes, and yes. But why is it important? Be specific. “My goal is to be healthy because I want to be around to see my children grow up and have children of their own.” Now, that’s a specific goal. We have established purpose!
M M stands for measurable. Yes, you want to get fit, be healthy, and lose weight for a reason, but it’s important from a goal-setting perspective to know what it takes to get there. The 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend that everyone needs at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise for baseline fitness. That’s roughly 30 minutes a day five days a week. If you’re a desk jockey at work and a couch potato at home, be honest with yourself: How often are you willing to hit the gym or the outdoors? “I will exercise three times” is a lot more specific (there’s that word again) and meaningful than “I will exercise.” Now, we know how often we should block out for activity.
A A stands for attainable. Is your goal right for you? In other words, don’t swim the English Channel if you can’t swim! This is common sense, right? Once again, have a conversation with yourself: Is your goal something you are comfortable with and will enjoy? So, if you enjoy walking outdoors, but you won’t run unless you’re chased, it would make sense to set the goal “I will walk outdoors.” Or “I will run if I am chased by a dog.” Just kidding. Seriously, this is something many don’t consider before they dive into, well, anything. Planning ahead and maintaining a fit life often involves being creative and flexible. If you don’t take pleasure in what you’re doing, nothing will make you do it. I can’t stress this enough. So many people believe they fail because they’re not good at exercise or they’re not athletic, but this just isn’t the case. Our bodies are made for movement! It’s your mind you have to convince.
R R stands for relevant. This part of your goal definitely ties back into the attainable part. Just as taking part in an activity you enjoy is important, making sure what you choose to do has to be relevant, reasonable, and realistic for your current lifestyle. Joining a trendy boutique fitness studio might seem, well, trendy, but if it costs $150 a month, and you work part-time at the mall, this studio might not be right for you right now. Thankfully, YouTube has tons of workout videos you could do at home for free. If you’re a parent, you might consider childcare. Do you have a sitter, or does your gym offer services while you workout? Unspoken gym etiquette says toddlers climbing gym equipment is not cute nor cool. If you’re an outdoor person, what do you do if Mother Nature pees on your parade? A relevant goal would be “ I will walk outdoors, but will complete a walking video at home in case of rain.” No rain check there.
T T stands for time. Ah, time! There’s never enough, and sometimes too much, in the world of planning and goal-setting. Goals must be time-bound to be effective. Ineffective goals are open-ended: They leave way too much wiggle room for procrastination to sneak in. Procrastination gives Priority as push to make room and then the next thing you know, Priority’s out the door with his friend, the Fit Life. So, just like you considered the measurability, attainability, and relevance of your goal, you should also consider how much time you need. If your dream is to run a 5k, but you’re a beginner, chances are the local 5k in two weeks is a no-go. The one scheduled three months out, however, is looking like a pretty good prospect. If your goal is to walk three times, how long do you need because of the various aspects of your crazy lifestyle? “I will walk three times in one week.”
SMART Goal
“My goal is to be healthy because I want to be around to see my children grow up and have children of their own. I will exercise three times in one week by walking outdoors. I will complete a walking video at home in case of rain.”
Be on the lookout for future articles on planning and preparation. I’m a stickler for it. Also, I have a goal of my own to run my first 10k, Race for Success powered by Junior Achievement of Angelina County, in October 2017. I’ve run several 5ks, but never a 10k, so be ready for reports and updates on my own training leading up to the event.
Now that you know how to make a SMART goal, take charge of your dream of the Fit Life and plan to be successful!
Come one, come all to the first ever Food Truck Fest tomorrow evening at Angelina College from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Popular local food trucks such as Area Lakes Catfish and Seafood, Food Lady Truck, Old Souls Food Truck, Red Tulip Rolling Bistro and Toffee Company, Shorty’s Smokehouse and more will line up for hungry citizens to come dish on foods of all kind.
“Having an event on AC’s campus is an opportunity to present the mobile food trend to a new crowd,” said Tom Boggs, Owner of Old Souls Food Truck. “It’s fun and offers something different for local enjoyment. It is a great opportunity for local food trucks to be in a single location and operate together.”
The Food Truck Fest will also include free activities: a bounce house, bungee run, a local DJ and a photo both.
“Our Student Government Association officers have worked incredibly hard on this event for our community,” said Jordan LaCaille, Student Life Coordinator. “We are trying to provide fun for individuals of all ages.”
LaCaille added that the Student Government plans to annually host the Food Truck Fest, with the goal to include more vendors in the future.
“For the future of the event, we would love nothing more than for it to grow, including food trucks outside of just Lufkin and Nacogdoches,” she said, “as well as incorporating community businesses and other partnerships.”
The Angelina Arts Alliance is proud to present Barefoot in The Park as part of its annual Premier Series of performing arts. The event will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 7:30 p.m. at the Temple Theater on the Angelina College Campus.
Performed by the Montana Repertory Theatre, this Neil Simon classic romantic comedy explores love, relationship, and marriage — the pangs of loss and the joy of reunion. Newlyweds Corie and Paul Bratter set up house in their New York apartment, a dysfunctional fifth-floor walkup. Corie is playful, impetuous, and thrilled with the new adventure of married life. Paul, a conservative young attorney, keeps his emotions in check while focusing on his budding career rather than his marriage. Sparks fly as Corie and Paul’s relationship is tested. Can this nascent marriage be saved?
We invite you to join us for the always-incredible journey of live theatre. Tickets are limited for Barefoot in the Park and are available at the Temple Theater box office. Ticket prices range from $30 to $45 each. Currently, there are a limited number of tickets remaining for this performance. These tickets will be offered at a 50 percent discount beginning one hour prior to the performance. In the event the show sells out of tickets, RUSH tickets will be sold at the door beginning at 6:30 p.m. for $20 each. The purchaser will enter the theater at 7:25 and sit in any empty seat. If they cannot find an empty seat, the $20 will be refunded.
The 2016-2017 Premier Series Season Sponsors are Georgia Pacific and CHI St. Luke’s Health Memorial. The show sponsor for Barefoot in The Park is “A Friend of the Arts,” it is produced by Davis Insurance, Huntington State Bank, and it is presented by Mary and Tom Duncan. The Premier Series always features the best in touring arts and entertainment for the people of Lufkin, Angelina County and the surrounding region.
Montana Rep is funded in part by grants from the Montana Arts Council (an agency of state government), The Dramatists Guild, and The Shubert Foundation, with support from the Montana State Legislature, the University of Montana, the Montana Cultural Trust, North Western Energy, Dr. Cathy Capps, Dr. Sandy Sheppard, Jay Kettering & Gwen McKenna, and Jean Morrison. www.montanarep.org
The Angelina Arts Alliance is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to serve the community by presenting a diverse array of performing arts and educational opportunities.
For more information on the 2016-2017 Performing Arts Series and FunDay events visit the Temple Theater Box Office on the Angelina College Lufkin campus, Monday through Friday 11 am – 5 pm or call (936) 633-5454. Go online at angelinaarts.org, the Arts Alliance website for details and video clips from the entire season. Like the Angelina Arts Alliance on Facebook for late-breaking news, photos, videos and ticket giveaways.
Roberto Malinowski and Josh Elvir each went deep, with Elvir providing a two-run homer, and pitcher Cody Cash earned the win on the mound as the Angelina College Roadrunners salvaged a split with Cedar Valley College Friday at Roadrunner Complex in Lufkin.
Cash scattered seven hits and allowed four earned runs in five innings, striking out three in the 12-4 win in the late game. Jesse Cravy and Hagen Hartman each pitched an inning of scoreless relief. Evian Benjamin drove in three runs, and Malinowski and Elvir finished with two RBI each.
The nightcap win helped overcome a heartbreaking loss in the opener. With the Suns leading 5-3, the Roadrunners loaded the bases with no outs in the bottom of the seventh, managing to push across a run to cut the lead to a single run.
But Cedar Valley reliever Skyler White came on to shut down the threat, striking out the next two AC hitters and ending the game with a groundout for a 5-4 Suns win.
The Roadrunners on Saturday travel to Wharton College. AC will play a seven-inning game against LSU-Eunice at 1 p.m. and a single seven-inning game against Wharton at 3:30 p.m.
The e-mail address for AC’s Sports Information Director is gstallard@angelina.edu.
Angelina College softball player Taylor LaGrange earlier this week signed with Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, Kansas. According to Lady Roadrunner associate head coach Barbi Mattson, the Coyotes are getting more than a mere softball player. They’re getting the whole package: Athlete, student and leader.
“Fundamentally, Taylor is one of the best outfielders we’ve ever had, hands down,” Mattson said. “Her hitting just keeps getting better every game, so (KWU) is getting a great, smart, hard-working, diving outfielder and a consistent stick who constantly provides quality at-bats.
“But what I’ve noticed most in Taylor from her freshman year to this year is her individual growth. I’ve seen her step up as a leader, not just verbally, but with her work ethic and her work in the classroom. I’ve seen her speaking with all of her teammates, making sure they’re feeling well and not having any problems. She’s a very approachable person, and she took the leadership role and ran with it. I have no concerns with her stepping into a four-year program and making an impact. She’s grown more here than a lot of young freshmen and sophomores at four-year schools.”
LaGrange has played a big role in AC’s 17-2 start to the 2017 season. Her 37 at-bats have resulted in 10 hits, eight walks, two homers, 11 RBI and 14 runs scored. She’s also fielded all 16 attempts in the outfield for a fielding average of a sparkling 1.000.
When looking for her new softball home following her final season at Angelina College, LaGrange said she needed just one visit to the KWU campus to realize she’d found her place.
“The school and campus are beautiful, and I was impressed with the academic side as well,” LaGrange said. “They have a really good Business program and master’s program there. The softball team has a new coach, so they’re building the program, but I really like the coach and the girls who are there now.”
LaGrange, a Barbers Hill High School product from Mont Belvieu, Texas, will land on a Coyote team on the upswing after the arrival of a new coaching staff. Coming from one of the top junior-college programs in the nation – the Lady Roadrunners were 2014 NJCAA Division I National Champions – means LaGrange will have the opportunity to bring her AC experiences and expectations along with her when she hits the KWU diamond.
“All three of the KWU coaches have played Division I softball, so they know the game,” LaGrange said. “They’re already 4-0 to start their season, and they drop a lot of bombs just like we do. And just the team itself, facing competition from all over the country, they’re ready to hit, just like our Lady Roadrunners are.”
Along with her on-field abilities, LaGrange said, she’ll be packing what she considers just as important as a smooth swing and a quick glove.
“There’s so much I got here in my two years at Angelina. One of the most important things is the sense of family. Everyone joins together here: The coaches, the players, the coaches’ kids are here with us. Family is the No. 1 thing in knowing how to go in somewhere and fit in.
“And the work ethic. Here, you have to work hard if you want to play. We have a lot of talent, so you have to hit, you have to do the work in the weight room and in the classroom. I know I got what I needed here from AC to prepare me for my next step in life.”
Taylor’s parents are Debbie and Marcus LaGrange.
Margarita Maya – Grand Velas Riviera Maya
1.5 ounce tequila
½ ounce triple sec or cointreau
½ ounce xtabentun
½ ounce lemon juice
1/3 ounce simple syrup
Traditional Margarita at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
1.5 ounce tequila
1 ounce triple sec or cointreau
1 ounce lemon juice
Dash salt
Last week, Speaker Joe Straus appointed State Representative James White as the chairman for the House Committee of Corrections for the 85th Legislature. First elected in 2010, Chairman White has served on the Corrections committee during all of his terms in office and has served in the role of vice chairman for the last two.
“I am honored and thankful that Speaker Joe Straus has given me the opportunity to serve as its chairman this term. I have enjoyed serving on this committee and I am eager to continue working with our public servants in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in maintaining safe communities,” Chairman White said.
With appropriations of $6.8 billion biennially, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) is the largest state employer with almost 40,000 public servants through our great state. During his tenure in the Legislature, Chairman White has worked with his colleagues on the Corrections Committee to implement legislation that has enhanced public safety, saved taxpayer resources, provided relief to victims, and rehabilitated offenders.
“The purpose of government is to restrain evil in order to expand individual liberty,” Chairman White said. “I’m looking forward to working closely with the men and women of TDCJ in devising commonsense conservative solutions that create safe communities.”
Chairman White has brought on Janis Reinken to serve as the committee’s clerk. Along with Chief of Staff, Saul Mendoza, and District Director, Shawn Dunn, Chairman White and his staff will continue working on behalf of our constituents in House District 19 and working on behalf of all Texans on criminal justice matters.
For more information, please contact either Chairman White’s Capitol or district office at (512) 463-0490 or (409) 283-3700. For issues related to the Corrections committee please contact (512) 463-0796.
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