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Five Tips For Traveling With Pets

By
Grace Baldwin
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The road is oft romanticized in American theater, cinema, and folklore. Americans love the idea of traveling in a nice car down a picturesque, open road alone or with a loved one.

doggo-2Americans also love their pets. YouTube was made famous in part due to cute cat videos, as was the meme. There are movies and legends dealing with pets and their owners/best friends, and Americans love adopting pets from shelters or volunteering in a shelter.

So, naturally, Americans would want to mix two of the things they love: pets and travel. This can get tricky, however, if not planned correctly. The whole trip could be made troublesome and problematic for pet owner and pet alike. Here are five tips to help plan that perfect trip for your and your pet:

  1. Plan ahead
    To reach road trip bliss, planning ahead is essential. Pets can easily become confused and frightened in a car or in a new environment if they aren’t used to travel. To console the beloved pets, people often divide their attention between the stressed animal and the road, raising the chances of an accident by a significant amount.
    walk-1385880_1280To prevent any faux-paws in trip planning, make sure to invest in an “away toy” to distract pets in the car. Also, try bringing your pet’s bed or bedding to keep them comfy. Find a good collapsible food and water bowl to help make stops quick and easy for you and your pet. Lastly, look up off leash dog parks on your route to give your pups some freedom to run and stretch their legs. Check out resources like Figo’s Pet Cloud, an app that helps you find pet-friendly hotels, emergency vets, off-leash dog parks, and more.
  2. Visit the vet
    cat-691175_1280Talk to your vet in detail about travel plans and make sure your pets’ vaccines and tags are properly up to date and registered. Also, consider if your travel plans are right for your pets. If you will have to leave them for long periods of time or go places they can’t easily handle, maybe they should come on a different trip instead.
  3. Do a run through

    Grab your pet and let them experience travelling before the big day so they have a moment to get used to it. Let them adjust and get normal.

  4. Consider getting pet insurance
    Health emergencies happen at any time, in any place, and to anyone. Healthcare can be really expensive without the help of insurance, and this is no different for pets. One option is Figo Pet Insurance, which is accepted at any licensed veterinary practice across the U.S. But do your research and decide what is best for you and your furry one.
  5. Accept and enjoy the experience
    Problems will ensue, no matter how much planning you do. If you allow yourself to be flexible and react calmly to the situations that might occur including messes in the car, run-aways at rest stops, and more, you will be able to have a much better trip than if you stress out over them. Show your pet some love on your trip, and they will be so much calmer and happier!

My Workout Routine and Why

By
Susan Domingue Bell
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A photo of Susan Bell exercising.

I thought I’d share what my typical fitness week looks like. My workout regimen has changed over the years. My focus is on what my body needs and what I enjoy. I’m done with workouts that don’t make me happy. I love my routine and look forward to my workouts instead of dreading them.

When it comes to our workout routines, people can have strong opinions about what we “should” do. Regardless of what we hear, we each have to find an exercise routine we enjoy, that gives desired results and is sustainable. Remember, just because Susie Q. does a certain workout, doesn’t mean it’s right for you. I know many people who run marathons and enjoy that type of training. That’s great for them! Super long running doesn’t do it for me. My idea of a perfect run is anywhere from four to six miles. I’m not a happy camper beyond that, and my body pays a price that I’m no longer willing to pay. I also know people who are into lifting heavy weights. If that’s your thing, go for it! Lifting heavy hurts my joints and the weight room can be a lonely place for me. Instead, a group fitness strength class is my happy place. I’ve found the sweet spot for working out for ME and I urge you to find what it is for YOU!

Being a fitness instructor, one of the first things we learn is that when we teach, we should not be focused on getting our own workout. Instead, we should teach. When I lead a class, my first priority is to give my students a top-notch workout while keeping them safe and providing some fun, too. When I teach, I pour my whole heart into my class, and, inevitably when I’m finished, I’m just as tired as my students. I do the workout right along with them, so I can understand what they are feeling and how hard I should push them. I don’t enjoy going to classes where the instructor is walking around and yelling at me to go harder. As an instructor, I am going through the battle with them, and my students seem to appreciate that. Because of the way I teach, I count my own classes as my workout. Trust me, they are tough workouts and my body doesn’t need any more on those days.

My routine is made up of cardio, strength training, and flexibility training. Cardio keeps my heart in shape, keeps me lean, and just makes me joyful. Strength training keeps muscle on my body (we begin to lose muscle during our 30s), which keeps my metabolism up. Strength or resistance training keeps me strong and toned and is also good for my bones. Flexibility training keeps my muscles feeling great, helps prevent injury. and relieves stress.

IMG_1393
Susan Bell shares her weekly exercise routine.

My routine:

Monday– Yoga, Zumba

Tuesday– Body Shaping Class (resistance training), Zumba

Wednesday– Yoga

Thursday– Body Shaping Class, Zumba

Friday– Rest

Saturday– Zumba

Sunday– Rest or running (depending on how my body feels)

I like to have one full rest day and one active rest day (example: Wednesday yoga) per week. Some weeks I may take two full rest days and one active rest day if my body needs it.

Since my job is fitness, I get more exercise than the average person, but it works for me. Find what works for you and don’t worry about what others are doing or telling you to do. Have a fitness routine that you love and look forward to. If you do, working out won’t feel like “work” at all!

Going Pink

By
Megan Whitworth
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Texas Forest Country Living is going pink for the month of October.

We are joining thousands of others in the fight against breast cancer. The ugly disease has affected millions, either by those battling cancer or by knowing a family member, friend or neighbor who has suffered with it. We are here to let you know that you are not alone, and together we can make a big difference.

Will you join us?

Here are four ways to show your support in raising awareness of breast cancer.

support
Show your support to a friend who has breast cancer by listening to them.

Learn to Listen
One of the most important ways to be a friend to someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer is to listen. Listen to their fears, their troubles, their heartaches, their good days, their bad days, their problems, what they’re excited about, what they’re nervous about, and really, sometimes they just need to talk about anything – just listen. Don’t give advice, don’t try to fix their problems, just let them know they are heard, and be there for them when they need it.

Reach Out
Be a friend, someone suffering needs it more than ever. Giving your friend, neighbor, or family member an open-ended invite – for a meal delivery or a friendly drop-by – can be the best kind of support. Give them an unexpected phone call to check-up on their day. Go with them to a doctor’s appointment. Offer to babysit their children during check-ups or even for a get-a-way with their partner. Give them a hug after a bad day. Most of all, don’t treat them any different than you did before – treat them normal.

Be an Advocate
Join the fight against breast cancer. There are many different organizations, such as Susan G. Komen, National Breast Cancer Foundation, American Breast Cancer Foundation, and Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, that are joining to gather to raise money, raise awareness, educate the public, and research ways to prevent, treat, and ultimately eradicate breast cancer. You can join the causes, you can join walks, you can raise money. You can join the fight and become a warrior in the battle. Wear pink, start a blog, and talk to a friend about breast cancer. You can be a part of the change and make a difference in the life of millions.

Get a Check-up
Get a yearly mammogram, and do a monthly self exam. Breast cancer does not discriminate; it can strike anyone at any age. If you are at higher risk of breast cancer, you may need to be screened earlier and more often than women at average risk. Screening is only recommended for some men at very high risk due to an inherited gene mutation or a strong family history of breast cancer, according to komen.org. Possible symptoms of breast cancer include: swelling of all or part of a breast, skin irritation or dimpling, breast or nipple pain, nipple retraction, redness, scaliness, thickening of the nipple or breast skin, and a nipple discharge other than breast milk. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Five Common Things that Happen When You Lose a Noticeable Amount of Weight

By
Misty Boggs
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Whenever someone chooses to commit to a weight loss journey, it’s not just a physical transformation but a mental transformation as well. Regardless of how long it takes for people to reach their goal weight, there are significant things that occur along the way that impact their body image and confidence. For all of the positive reinforcement once receives, they might also notice some negativity or odd reactions from those they are close to. Read on for tips and insights from leading experts that will offer clarity and solutions for anyone seeking to transform or who already has.

1. You shed friends along with pounds.

Dr. Sanam Hafeez PsyD a NYC based licensed neuropsychologist, a teaching faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College, explains that, “It is normal to lose friends as you lose pounds. As you see the payoff from the lifestyle changes you’ve made you may feel disconnected with friends who may still eat and drink things you no longer do. You’re evolving,” offers Dr. Hafeez. She also adds that, “It’s common to notice jealousy, and digs. You may even experience exclusion from dinners out presuming you wouldn’t want to indulge.”

Have faith that your true friends will love you at any size. “It will actually be difficult to tolerate any gossip, negativity or activities that are counterproductive. The last thing you need are people who bring you down when you are doing something positive for your well being. Look out for yourself. At times that may mean distancing from certain people,” advises Dr. Hafeez.

2. Loose skin becomes the new thing you notice.

Once you reach your goal weight, you may love how you look in clothes but naked in or a bathing suit is a whole other story. This is most common when weight loss is significant. Even when weight training is part of the regimen, loose skin does happen.

Dr. John Zannis a board certified plastic surgeon based in New Bern, North Carolina frequently sees and treats patients who went through a weight loss transformation. According to Dr. Zannis, “Loose skin can gather at the stomach, under arms, breasts, buttocks, inner thighs, face and neck. The more significant the weight-loss is, say 50 pounds and above, the more likely a plastic surgeon is sought out to explore body lifts that specifically address loose skin after weight-loss.”

3. You have more energy, are excited about life and can do more!

As you change your diet, add daily exercise to your new lifestyle and see the weight melt off, you gain energy! You don’t feel the need to hit the snooze button anymore. You may wake up energized for that 7am powerwalk or you may be inspired by that beautiful new dress you get to wear to work, another dress size dropped. Yay!

“Use newfound energy to your advantage, encourages Dr. Hafeez, your brain is forming new neuropathways as your perception about your body starts to change. That flight of stairs that was once an obstacle is much easier. Simple things like putting on shoes, picking up toys and pushing a vacuum are done with ease. As you take notice of what your body can do, you gain more confidence and want to do more. This energizes you both physically and mentally,” she adds.

4. Shopping gets interesting.

It is common to get overwhelmed with options now that you can shop the way you always dreamed of. Perhaps your new strong, shapely legs have inspired you to wear dresses again for the first time in years. Or after always covering your arms, you may opt for sleeveless tops. Either way, trying new looks outside of your comfort zone can be daunting. Dr. Hafeez advises to, shop on your own or with someone you really trust. “It is important that shopping is made to be fun by approaching it as a style experiment. Don’t expect everything to look perfect just because you are a much smaller size. Some things will work, others won’t. Look for clothes that feel good. When you smile in the mirror that’s a sign you’re on track.”

5. You make yourself, your health and well being top priority and start to inspire others.

When you lose a noticeable amount of weight other people want to know how you did it and how you are keeping the weight off. Your immediate family may also adapt to your dietary changes and experience weight loss by association. When your kids see you wake up every morning to exercise they see that anything worth having requires commitment. Your significant other may be inspired to also lose weight. “When you take care of yourself and are in a positive mindset, it has a positive impact on everyone you interact with. When the mind and body are aligned you love the way you look and feel, you’re happy and someone others can look up to.”

For information on Dr. Sanam Hafeez visit: http://comprehendthemind.com/about-us/. For information on Dr. John Zannis visit: http://www.zannisplasticsurgery.com/plastic-surgeon-new-bern-nc/.

Official Pink Ribbon Texas License Plate Supports Breast Cancer Awareness this October

By
Misty Boggs
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Most people nowadays are aware that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and as a result, we see a lot of Pink Ribbons displayed during this time of year.

Unfortunately, the risks and impact of breast cancer are not limited to a single month of the year. Breast Cancer doesn’t discriminate: it is a disease that can and does strike at any time, and effects people regardless of race or gender.

An estimated 246,660 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S., along with 61,000 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer. About 1 in 8 U.S. women (about 12%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. In men, it is estimated that about 2,600 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in 2016, according to BreastCancer.org.

Over six years ago, in May 2010, My Plates launched the very first official Breast Cancer Pink Ribbon license plate in Texas. Since then, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of every Pink Ribbon plate sold supports the National Breast Cancer Foundation headquartered in Frisco, Texas. By purchasing one of these plates, you not only support the fight against this disease from a monetary sense, but you also support it by promoting the Pink Ribbon not just in October, but 24/7, 365 days a year.

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, My Plates will donate $10 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation for every “Pink” plate sold, which includes two official Pink Ribbon plate designs, plus four other pink-themed plates.

While sales of all pink-themed My Plates designs will generate a positive donation in October, My Plates encourages the purchase of an official Pink Ribbon plate. “A Pink Ribbon license plate not only brings awareness to Breast Cancer but it helps us show support and strength for Breast Cancer survivors, patients and their families all year round” said Steve Farrar, President of My Plates.

The official Pink Ribbon plates in Texas can be purchased directly online at MyPlates.com.

Pink License Plate Facts:

  • My Plates offers six pink plates including two Pink Ribbon designs.
  • Over 17,000 pink license plates have been sold in Texas.
  • Texas areas that have the most Pink license plates?
    • League City (Houston, TX) with 169
    • Spring with 132
    • Katy with 122
    • Frisco with 118

*Sales data sourced from MyPlates.com: Sales from November 2009 to August 31st, 2016.

San Jacinto, Tyler College Blank AC Soccer Teams

By
Gary Stallard
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Angelina College’s Julio Islas (14) battles San Jacinto’s Jefrey Hernandez for ball control during Friday’s match. The Roadrunners fell 2-0 to the Coyotes, and the Lady Roadrunners dropped a 6-0 decision to Tyler College at Jase Magers Field in Lufkin. (AC Press photo/Gary Stallard)

Both Angelina College soccer teams faced two of the conference’s best teams on Friday night, and both AC teams received lessons on how far they’ll need to go to reach the same status.

San Jacinto’s Coyotes blanked the Roadrunners 2-0, and Tyler’s Lady Apaches scored five second-half goals on their way to a 6-0 win over the Lady ‘Runners at Jase Magers Field in Lufkin.

Despite the loss, the Roadrunners showed vast improvement since the two teams first met nearly a month ago. San Jac’s Ricardo Ramos was credited with a goal with just 1:22 to play in what had been a scoreless first half, although it appeared it may have been an own goal on the part of the Roadrunners. Coyote Andrew Giraldo knocked home the game’s second goal just three minutes into the second half, and the San Jac defense repelled several AC attacks the rest of the way.

The Lady Roadrunners went into the half time break trailing by a single goal at 1-0, but the Lady Apaches roared to five second-half scores, the first one – a long boot from Ana Lesmes – coming just 57 seconds into the half. Other Lady Apaches scoring goals were Claire Ramet, Itzyanna Sanchez-Gracia and O’Shay Nelson-Lawes, who found the net twice.

Both AC teams will play at Paris College on Friday, with the Lady ‘Runners kicking off at 2 p.m. and the Roadrunners starting at 4 p.m. The teams will follow on Saturday with a doubleheader at Northeast Texas Community College, with those games also at 2 and 4 p.m.

What’s In: Fall Football Fashion

By
Neena Mitchell
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It is officially fall!

Finally, after the grueling, hot summer, we have cooler weather, earlier nights, and football to look forward to. On almost every weekend in the fall, there is a football game going on somewhere, and I am here to tell you how to dress appropriately and fashionably for them.

To start off, there are a few staple wardrobe items that come with the fall season that would also be perfect to wear while supporting your favorite team.

boots
Wear cute jeans with a nice pair of boots to the next football game.

Scarves
Scarves come in so many different shapes and sizes, but the simplest ones to pair with an outfit is an infinity scarf or a pashmina. Finding one in the colors of your team shouldn’t be too difficult either, usually infinity scarves, and pashminas are very popular this time of the year. To add some bling to your scarf, try a brooch with your team’s mascot.

Boots
Piece together an outfit by pairing a sweater dress or cute jeans with a nice pair of boots. Boot cuffs or boot socks in the colors of your team can also add some flair to your outfit.

Sweaters/Sweatshirts
As it gets later into the season and the weather becomes harsher, you will probably want to cover up more. Sweaters are a must have, especially custom made sweaters that sport your team’s logo. Sweater dresses give off a sweeter, more feminine look and if the weather is too cold you can pair them with knit leggings.

yo2
Cardigans are a great way to keep warm this fall. 

Vests
Vests are really simple to pair with a long-sleeved shirt and jeans. The two simplest vests to wear to a football game are puffer vests and fur vests (faux). Fur vests go great with sweater dresses as well.

Cardigans
Cardigans are a great way to keep warm while supporting your favorite team. Shawl cardigans, knit cardigans, and long cardigans are the best for warmth and style.

Jeans
Obviously you will be wearing jeans to some games in the fall, but what types of jeans? Distressed jeans, boyfriend jeans, and skinny jeans are the best to pair with boots ranging from ankle to thigh high.

Now you know what it takes to put together a fashionable outfit for all of your fall football needs with these simple items!

 

FM 355 at US 287 in Groveton to be Closed this Week

By
Rhonda Oaks
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An ongoing construction project in Groveton in Trinity County will have FM 355 at US 287 closed and traffic detoured for the remainder of the week.

Smith and Company, contractor for the project that is reconstructing the pavement on US 287, has work planned near the intersection of FM 355 throughout the week. The work will include stabilizing the soil beneath the pavement structure with cement treatment prior to placing the asphalt base.

Traffic will be detoured through the week to Front Street in Groveton to FM 2912 for access to SH 94 or US 287. Motorists are urged to remain alert through this work zone and obey all signals, signs and flaggers in the area.

This work will be adjacent to downtown Groveton and caution is urged. Motorists should reduce speed, expect possible delays and remember that traffic fines double when workers are present.

Roadtripping East Texas: Beaumont

By
Grace Baldwin
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It was a beautiful, hot day in Beaumont when the roadtrip began.

A couple of weeks ago, I took a trip to the city of Beaumont, Texas, and I tried a few attractions that seemed relatively authentic to the culture.

Had it been this week, the weather would have permitted a lot more exploring, but, unfortunately, it was quite hot when I went. Nevertheless, I still found several places I would absolutely recommend to any friend.
Here is a list of some of the things I tried (and a few I missed out on):

golfer
The holes on the mini golf course at Colorado Canyon are challenging and nicely maintained.


1. Colorado Canyon.

I will admit that, on the surface, Colorado Canyon seemed to be a tourist trap geared toward pleasing children, but when I went I was determined to have a good time. I found that the mini golf course was actually pretty challenging. Two sets of holes of all sorts of difficulty were placed throughout the decently sized course. Unique features like a waterfall, tunnels, and ravines were placed in different spots in and around the holes.

waterfall
Many different sights are to be seen while you golf at Colorado Canyon in Beaumont, Texas.

There were even pieces of carpet made to resemble sand traps. Colorado Canyon also offered food arcade games and a laser Grid puzzle attraction, but I did not participate in those. The price for one round of Colorado Canyon mini golf is $7.25, and it is $12 for both courses. I thought the experience was well worth the price.

2. Second and Charles.

Second and Charles is a unique store that is an amalgamation of Hastings, Music World, Game Xchange, and the dream store of the hobbyist or gamer. You could tell Second and Charles does well for itself because of the diversity of its product and the quality of its advertisements in store. For example, one of its most creative designs was a giant wall of books, actual real books, with the Second and Charles logo hanging on it. I was slightly saddened to see so many books being unread, but it did seem as though there were many repeats. So, perhaps these books were just taken from Second and Charles’ excess product.

2nd-and-charles
2nd and Charles’ unique display, made from real books, stands in the middle of the store in Beaumont, Texas.

I met a sales associate who was incredibly personable. He talked all about different, new and old, games on display at the store, his many years of experience in used game exchanges. He offered great advice on different places to go in Beaumont, and by telling me his story of getting a job at a different corporate game store so he could make more money for his girlfriend and baby on the way, he inadvertently gave me hope that a young couple could make it in today’s economic situation.

3. Chaba Thai Cuisine.

Chaba Thai Cuisine is a deliciously different restaurant from most of the cuisine of East Texas. Thai food is a lost art excluded from the tables of the South, except in Austin and other big cities. Chaba Thai Cuisine uses spices I had never ingested before. These are spices I had smelled and used in essential oils, but I had never eaten them. I left very satisfied with with both the taste and the price of my food.

"An Art Happening" made largely through everyday bottle caps, is a colorful piece signaling the beginning of the Rosine Blount McFaddin Gallery in the Art Museum of Southeast Texas.
“An Art Happening” made largely through everyday bottle caps, is a colorful piece signaling the beginning of the Rosine Blount McFaddin Gallery in the Art Museum of Southeast Texas.

4. Art Museum of Southeast Texas.

Browsing through the Art Museum of Southeast Texas was an excellent experience. It is a fairly large exhibit for East Texas, and it features art from a range of genres. Traditional, 3D, and eccentric pieces of art caught my eye as I wandered the halls. The main exhibit was closed for remodeling when I went, but the art that was in the other exhibits was fascinating. I saw pieces I did not believe to be very good, and I saw pieces that took my breath away. It is free to enter the museum, and there is a logbook of all of the people who come visit and where they are from. Right across from the art museum is the energy museum. It is $5 for adults and $3 for senior citizens and children to enter.

downtown
Downtown Beaumont is full of historical monuments, interesting buildings, and sights to be seen.

5. Downtown Beaumont.

I took some time to visit his the historic downtown of Beaumont. Like other cities’ downtown areas, Beaumont’s was full of slightly rustic buildings that varied in ranges of size decay. It was full of personality and beauty, and I enjoyed walking and driving through it. I also enjoyed playing the game Pokemon Go as I walked. More exploring would have commenced had it been at least less hot than Hades.

6. Things I missed.

There are several old houses in Beaumont that I wanted to go to. However, most of them were only open during a certain day of the week. There was also a place in downtown Beaumont called the Haunted Hotel where I really wished I could have gone. Unfortunately, it was two weeks before opening season for the hotel; I might just have to make another trip during Halloween season to attend one of the nights of attractions. I have also heard of several lakes and other natural attractions in the Beaumont area that I may go back and attempt to visit.

 Overall, Beaumont is a beautiful and historic city that I found to have many quirks and interesting activities. It carries with it several of the same trends as most of East Texas, but it also has its own unique flare. I am excited to keep this series going and to keep exploring the amazing cities in East Texas.

Angelina College’s Technology and Workforce Division Increases Enrollment

By
Misty Boggs
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Angelina College’s Technology and Workforce division experienced a dramatic increase in enrollment this fall. Enrollment increased by more than 34 percent, from 1,292 students enrolled in the fall 2014 semester to 1,732 this fall.

The division increased its efficiency by enrolling 427 more students, and offering three fewer course sections in programs with lower enrollment. The average student-instructor ratio is 15:1, still maintaining AC’s commitment to small class sizes.

The division also increased their contact hours by 32 percent, from 93,976 in the fall 2014 semester to 124,202 this fall. Dr. Gary Friery, associate dean of instruction in Technology and Workforce, said, “College funding is dependent, in part, by contact hours. This increase should result in increased funding for the 2017-2019 academic years.”

Friery said the much of the increase in enrollment is due to the extraordinary efforts of faculty to connect with area high schools. “Vicky Milstead and Chandra Cheshire, Child & Family Development instructors, visited 90 high schools. The Child and Family Development program experienced a 155 percent increase in enrollment.”

Enrollment also increased in the following programs: Electrical Technology, 124 percent; Computer Maintenance, 244 percent; Welding, 57 percent; and Diesel Technology, 44 percent. The Welding, HVAC, Automotive, and Diesel programs had to turn away students because all course sections reached capacity.

Other recruitment and retention efforts by faculty include visiting college and career nights at area high schools, special tours of the campus and a welding contest. The division has also expanded its course offerings at AC’s off-campus locations.

For more information about programs in the Technology and Workforce division, contact Dr. Gary Friery at gfriery@angelina.edu or (936) 633-5246.

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