Amy Lee (Eryn Forrest, right) fills in friends Elizabeth (Dianna Saenz, center) and Hattie (Emma McMullen, left) on the latest gossip during Tuesday’s dress rehearsal for “Laundry and Bourbon.” The Angelina College Theater production runs April 18-20 in the Black Box Lab inside the Angelina Center for the Arts building. (Gary Stallard/AC News Service photo)
Play Runs April 18-20 in AC’s Blackbox Lab
Angelina College’s Theater Department is thrilled to present “Laundry and Bourbon,” a heartwarming tale of love, friendship, and life in a small Texas town. The student-led production will run for three nights starting Thursday, April 18, and closing on Saturday, April 20.
Amy Lee (Eryn Forrest, right) fills in friends Elizabeth (Dianna Saenz, center) and Hattie (Emma McMullen, left) on the latest gossip during Tuesday’s dress rehearsal for “Laundry and Bourbon.” The Angelina College Theater production runs April 18-20 in the Black Box Lab inside the Angelina Center for the Arts building. (Gary Stallard/AC News Service photo)
All shows start at 7:30 p.m. and take place in the Black Box Lab inside the Angelina Center for the Arts.
The three-person cast consists of Eryn Presley Forrest (Centerville), who plays the role of Amy Lee while also showing her directorial skills; Emma McMullen (Apple Springs), who brings enthusiasm to her role as Hattie; and Dianna Saenz (Lufkin), who is making her theater debut as Elizabeth Caulder.
Emma McMullen hails from Apple Springs, TX. Emma portrays Hattie’s character with enthusiasm and dedication. Her previous experience and commitment to her craft shine through as she immerses herself in her character. Emma highlights the camaraderie among the cast, saying, “I love being a part of this production because of the closeness of the cast, and we just get closer as opening night approaches!”Dianna Saenz, a Lufkin native, makes her theater debut, stepping into the spotlight as Elizabeth Caulder. Despite initial hesitations, Dianna embraces the stage with newfound confidence, embodying the spirit of self-expression and creativity. She shares her favorite part of acting, saying, “My favorite part is that it allows me to be vulnerable without any personal consequences.”Eryn Presley Forrest is a graduate of Centerville High School in Centerville, TX. Eryn takes on the role of Amy Lee while also showcasing her directorial skills. With a wealth of theater experience and a passion for the stage, Eryn brings depth and authenticity to her performance. Reflecting on her journey, she remarks, “Being an actor has taught me so much, however being on the other side of things is an entirely different world.”
The story, by the late American playwright James McClure, centers around three married women who share the struggles of raising families while “longing for their high school glory days” (TheaterKnoxville.com). With help from a bottle of conversation starter and a laundry basket overflowing with the town’s gossip, the three women come together to solve the world’s problems as only three friends can.
Elizabeth (Dianna Saenz, center) reacts to the latest gossip from Amy Lee (Eryn Forrest, left) and Hattie (Emma McMullen, right) during Tuesday’s dress rehearsal for “Laundry and Bourbon.” The Angelina College Theater production runs April 18-20 in the Black Box Lab inside the Angelina Center for the Arts building. (Gary Stallard/AC News Service photo)
The productions are free to the public, and there is no admission charge. For further information, contact Kary Raine at kraine@angelina.edu.
Patriotic Weekend will kick off with Walking to Remember on Friday, May 24th at 6 pm in Pineland Park. Hemphill VFW Auxiliary Post 10351 will present a Missing Man Table, and we will all have a chance to walk/run a mile in honor of someone we love who has fallen while serving our country. This event is graciously sponsored by Southside Bank (725 Sabine St, Hemphill, TX). Come dressed in red, white, and blue to show your American pride!
Date/Time Information: Friday, May 25, 2024, at 6 pm
Location: Pineland Park, Maple St, Pineland, TX 75968
Food Truck Wednesday is happening this Wednesday at the Chamber. I’ve Got Your Dog will be in the Chamber parking lot starting at 11 AM serving up delicious dogs!
Come join us! We’ll see you then!
Date/Time Information:
Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at 11 am to 1 pm
Be sure to attend this special event in support of the COCISD Education Foundation! The Education Foundation is a non-profit organization designed to help our students and school staff succeed.
Date/Time Information:
Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 6 pm
Location:
San Jacinto County Community Shelter Building
255 Live Oak Street Coldspring, Texas 77331
We have legitimate “pennant races” with our Angelina College softball and baseball programs. We had a Lady Roadrunner basketball player named to TWO All-American lists. We’re hosting a reunion for the only national championship team in AC Athletics history.
And, as always, we had student-athletes involved in our community.
We’ve been a little busy around here.
Here’s a recap of the week, along with some upcoming events.
Lady Roadrunner Softball Stays in Playoff Race with Alvin Sweep
The Lady Roadrunners aren’t finished yet.
AC’s ladies traveled to Alvin on Saturday to face Alvin College in a doubleheader, and the Lady ‘Runners pulled off the upset on the road.
The Lady Roadrunners took both games of the doubleheader, winning 6-2 and 7-5 to stay within striking range of an upcoming post-season berth.
In the opener, a 6-2 AC win, Sandra Quiroz-Catalan doubled twice to drive in three runs, then hit the pitching circle to throw two shutout innings to lift starter Paige Castillo (5 IP, 2 earned runs, 4 Ks) to the win.
The Lady ‘Runners then held off the Dolphins for a 7-5 win in the nightcap, with Riley Davila driving in a pair of runs. AC jumped out to a quick 5-0 lead in the top of the first, then rode the arms of pitchers Jocelyn Cantu and Madison Johnson to cap the sweep.
AC (15-33, 5-9) hosts Alvin College in a Monday doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. at Lady Roadrunner Field on the AC campus.
Roadrunner Baseball Still Fighting for Postseason Spot
The ‘Runners dropped Wednesday’s opener of the three-game series with Tyler Junior College by a 20-10 score despite three RBIs each from Sam Hardcastle and Christian Letendre.
On Saturday, the Apaches completed the sweep by beating the Roadrunners 4-1 and 8-0 in Tyler.
The Roadrunners (15-27, 6-15) continue fighting for a post-season berth this week. First, AC will host Dallas College-Mountain View in Monday’s non-conference game. The single, nine-inning game is scheduled to start at 3 p.m. at Poland Field on the AC campus.
The ‘Runners on Wednesday then host Paris College in the opener of a key division series. AC faces the Dragons at 1 p.m. at Poland Field before traveling to Paris on Saturday for a doubleheader starting at 2 p.m.
AC currently trails fourth-place Paris College by just two games in the race for a post-season berth.
Walker Earns Two All-American Nods
Angelina College’s Amyria Walker had herself quite the year in 2023-2024.
The sophomore from Burleson, Texas led all of Region XIV women’s basketball in scoring by dropping 19.8 points per game. She was also first in the league with total points (635 total, with 314 occurring during conference play) and free throws, converting 134 of 189 attempts.
Her efforts earned plenty of notice: Walker was named Region XIV’s Most Valuable Player, and this past week she picked up a couple of national honors.
The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) named Walker to its 1st Team All-American list. Days later, the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) followed suit, placing Walker on its list as well.
AC’s Coaches Against Cancer Earns Donation to Alliance of Hope
Back in March, Angelina College hosted a “Coaches against Cancer” day that included everything from AC baseball, softball, and basketball games to numerous other activities. The goal: Raising money for cancer awareness.
Cancer survivors Ashley Berry and Daisy Brumley threw out ceremonial first pitches for softball and baseball, and the college hosted several other activities all designed both to honor those affected by the disease and to generate donations from a generous community.
On Tuesday, AC coaches and staff members presented Berry, chairperson of the East Texas Cancer Alliance of Hope, with a check representing those donations.
For the full story, click the link: https://angelina.prestosports.com/general/2023-24/releases/acathleticcanersallianceofhopepresentation2024
Softball National Champions 10-Year Reunion: Yes, 2024 marks the 10th anniversary of Angelina College’s only national title: The Lady Roadrunner Softball team’s 2014 national championship.
This Saturday (April 20), the program will host a reunion for the champs in a ceremony scheduled to start at noon on the softball field. Should inclement weather wreck the day’s game plans, the ceremony will take place inside Shands Gymnasium.
One way or another, we’re going to honor those national champs.
Men’s Basketball Celebrates March Madness with Area Students
The Roadrunner men’s basketball team received an invitation to Lufkin Middle School to help celebrate basketball’s “March Madness” events.
Head coach/athletic director J.J. Montgomery said the event takes place every year, and the class showing the most school spirit wins special prizes and recognition. The ‘Runners were there to hand out popcorn and draw the names of the winners.
This Week’s Schedule (NOTE: Baseball and softball are subject to change with pending inclement weather):
Roadrunner Baseball:
Monday, April 15: AC vs. Dallas College-Mountain View, a single 9-inning game starting at 3 p.m. at Poland Field on the AC campus.
Wednesday, April 17: AC vs. Paris College, a single 9-inning game starting at 1 p.m. at Poland Field on the AC campus.
Saturday, April 20: AC at Paris College, doubleheader starting at 2 p.m. in Paris.
Lady Roadrunner Softball:
Monday, April 15: AC vs. Alvin College, DH starting at 2 p.m. at Lady Roadrunner Field on the AC campus.
Wednesday, April 17: AC at Lamar State College-Port Arthur, DH starting at 1 p.m. in Port Arthur.
Saturday, April 20: AC vs. Blinn College, DH starting at 1 p.m. at Lady Roadrunner Field. A 10th-year reunion for the 2014 National Championship team will start at noon, and the Lady Roadrunners will celebrate Sophomore Day following Saturday’s final game with Blinn College.
For up-to-date information on any potential schedule changes, AC fans can visit the Angelina College Athletics website (www.angelinaathletics.com) or follow on social media (@ACAthletics on X/Twitter, or Angelina College Athletics Facebook page.)
Reminder: Nearly all Angelina College games (even road games) are live-streamed on TSBN Sports. Visit the Angelina College Athletics web site (www.angelinaathletics.com), look for the scrolling schedule on the right, and click the blue “Video” link for the game you’re wanting to watch. (If there’s no blue link, that means TSBN isn’t streaming that particular game.)
The Coalition, Angelina Beautiful/Clean, and the Angelina County Sheriff’s Department are partnering with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to host a Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 27. The Drug Take Back Day is an opportunity to prevent medicine abuse and theft by safely discarding expired, unused, and unwanted medications. Bring your medicine for disposal to the Angelina County Sheriff’s Department at 2311 E. Lufkin Avenue, Lufkin, Texas 75901 on April 30 from 10 am-12 pm. The DEA cannot accept needles or sharps. This drive-thru service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. For more information, contact The Coalition at 936-634-9308.
Since 1988, The Coalition has focused on eliminating the use of harmful substances by affecting public policy, laws, attitudes and behaviors, all in an effort to foster healthy life-long choices for the local community. For more information about medication and prescription disposal, contact Abby Baker at The Coalition at 936-634-9308.
Photo of Gov. Abbott: Joe Timmerman/The Texas Tribune
Our state recently witnessed a total solar eclipse, a rare spectacle that will not occur again in Texas for at least another 20 years. Like many of you, I grabbed my eclipse glasses and stood outside looking towards the heavens to catch a glimpse of the moon aligning perfectly with the sun. As the eclipse unfolded and darkness set in, I couldn’t help but feel as though I was witnessing the extraordinary power of God.
In the days that followed, I came across a piece written by Stephen Danish, Chancellor Emeritus of the Immanuel Christian School in Virginia, that I felt worth sharing because of its poignant encapsulation of God’s power and the beauty of His creation.
“Scientists tell us that the sun is 390 times larger than the moon, but it is also 390 times farther away. Every eighteen months or so, they align perfectly so that the moon’s shadow passes over the earth, and those in the path of that shadow see a solar eclipse. This is often described as one of the great coincidences of our solar system.”
Astronomers also tell us that there are 295 moons in our solar system. And yet, ours is the only moon with the exact size and distance to perfectly match the sun and produce the amazing spectacle we see somewhere on our planet every 18 months or so. If our moon was any smaller, the sky would not turn dark, and if it was any larger, we would never see that brilliant corona. For many, it is a source of wonder, that the one place where these amazing eclipses occur, is the one place where there are observers to see them.
I’m also reminded that God reveals His truth to us in two ways: through the general revelation of His natural world and through the special revelation of His written word. Psalm 19 encapsulates this for us beautifully. ‘The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.’ (Psalm 19:1). There are no words, and yet the message of God’s existence and power is heard everywhere.”
With that, here’s an update from your State Capitol…
Capitol Update
Texas’s fight to secure our border with Mexico marches on in the face of federal absence and apathy. Last week, Governor Abbott announced that the Texas National Guard has deployed more than 100 miles of razor wire on our southern border. Additionally, Governor Abbott announced that since the beginning of Operation Lone Star, state authorities have made 506,500 illegal immigrant apprehensions, 41,200 criminal arrests, and seized 471 million lethal doses of fentanyl, which is enough to kill the entire population of Texas 15 times over.
Texas continues to lead the fight against the surge in illegal activity through initiatives like Operation Lone Star and increased funding from the Legislature for border security personnel and infrastructure. Despite our best efforts, the unfortunate reality is that the ongoing crisis at the border will persist so long as the federal government and this administration continue to ignore the problem. Nevertheless, Texas will continue to rise to the occasion and do everything in its power to keep Texas and the rest of America safe.
The mobile office is still on the road again this month, and our District Director looks forward to seeing you on the following dates on April 17 at the Houston County Courthouse Annex in Crockett from 9-11 a.m. and the Trinity County Courthouse in Groveton from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
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 and my Capitol office may be reached at (512) 463-0508. Additionally, I welcome you to follow along on my Official Facebook Page, where I will be posting regular updates on what’s happening in your State Capitol and sharing information that could be useful to you and your family: https://www.facebook.com/RepTrentAshby/.
Traveling around the county recently, one can’t help but notice that spring is in full swing with many pastures looking great.
It truly is the best time of the year for pastures. Clover and ryegrass are in full swing. You can stock your pasture at the highest stocking rate at this time of year. More than you can any other time of the year.
But let’s fast forward several weeks to warmer temperatures where the summer grasses really take off. There is a potential conflict for some in the transition from cool-season pastures to summer pastures. One of the “good” problems to have is dealing with excess ryegrass as you transition into summer.
Ryegrass can be a nutritious and productive forage. It can be of great benefit to the stockman. Annual ryegrass is a winter annual bunch-grass that originated from Europe. It should not be confused with rye (the grain) or perennial ryegrass used on many athletic fields.
Beef producers typically broadcast ryegrass seed in the fall on summer pastures that have been recently grazed short to allow the seed to have contact with the soil. A seedling rate of 10 to 15 lbs. per acre in early to mid-October is generally the best. Any amount of disking or other soil preparation will certainly increase ryegrass germination, but excessive soil preparation will also encourage weeds.
Ryegrass initially has a slower rate of growth than grains such as wheat, rye and oats. But unlike the larger seeded grains, its ease of sowing and lower cost of equipment needed make it very desirable. Larger grain seed must be drilled into the sod rather than simply broadcast and requires more costly equipment. Additionally, ryegrass tolerates many of the lower acidity soils in our area but responds well to nitrogen.
In the lower Gulf coast region, grazing can begin as early as November, but livestock are typically turned in on ryegrass pasture in mid-January to February in our area.
The only “problem” with ryegrass is that it doesn’t know when to get out of the way and let summer grasses come on. This late spring and potentially early summer growth of ryegrass is enough for some beef producers to shy away from using it.
Some claim ryegrass kills the Bahia or Bermuda grass pastures. In truth, it doesn’t try and kill it outright, but can certainly smother it if is left too tall. Just imagine an emerging leaf of a summer grass trying to compete with the 16 inch tall ryegrass that is blocking all the sunlight!
To overcome losing summer pasture grasses to excess ryegrass, consider the following management strategies. First, stock correctly. Put the number of livestock on a given pasture that can consume it. Un-grazed pasture is wasted money. Secondly, consider baling it up. Even ryegrass, if properly cured and then stored in a barn, would make excellent hay. The key is curing it during wetter weather and storing it well as it is a finer grass.
So, let’s enjoy the lush pastures that we currently have. Let us remember the complexities of stocking rates, forage varieties, and pasture management faced by stockmen – some of our finest stewards of the land.
We cordially invite you to participate in the “Run to Remember 5K Run/Walk” hosted by Southeast Texas Dental Center and Jasper VFW Post 6380. In honor of Memorial Day. Our goal is to help raise money for Jasper VFW Post 6380 for building repair and upgrades. The VFW is a nonprofit veteran’s service organization composed of eligible veterans and military service members from the active Guard and Reserve forces.
For more information contact us by phone at (409)384-5091 or online at www.setxdc.com or on our Facebook page.
Date/Time Information: Saturday, May 11, 2024, from 8 am to 11:30 am
Location:
251 N Main St, Jasper, TX 75951-4113, United States
Angelina College’s Amyria Walker (5), who led Region XIV in scoring and finished as the conference MVP, has been named to both the NJCAA 1st Team and WBCA All-American lists. Walker’s selection marks the fifth straight year the Lady Roadrunner program has produced an All-American. (Gary Stallard/AC Athletics photos)
Angelina College’s Amyria Walker had herself quite the year in 2023-2024.
The sophomore from Burleson, Texas led all of Region XIV women’s basketball in scoring by dropping 19.8 points per game. She was also first in the league with total points (635 total, with 314 occurring during conference play) and free throws, converting 134 of 189 attempts.
Her efforts earned plenty of notice: Walker was named Region XIV’s Most Valuable Player, and this past week she picked up a couple of national honors.
The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) named Walker to its 1st Team All-American list. Days later, the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) followed suit, placing Walker on its list as well.
For departing Angelina College head coach Byron Coleman, Walker’s All-American status marked the fifth straight year a Coleman protégé earned an All-American honor.
Walker’s consistency was remarkable throughout the season. She reached double figures in scoring in all but three games, topping the 20-point plateau 19 times and the 30-point mark a total of three times. Walker converted more than 70 percent of her free throws while dishing out nearly three assists per game.
Walker is a product of Burleson Centennial High School in Burleson, Texas.
The email address for AC’s Sports Information Director is gstallard@angelina.edu
