GALVESTON, June 17, 2015 – With recent attacks in North Carolina and Florida, it seems like sharks may spoil your trip to the beach. Not so, says a Texas A&M University at Galveston expert, who says that the drive to the beach is far more dangerous, as are the peanuts you might be eating along the way and getting stung by a bee as you head to the sand.

David Wells, assistant professor of marine biology who has studied sharks for years, says you should deep-six those shark fears.  Bottom line: the odds are in your favor.

“There are very few shark attacks worldwide, and Texas’ beaches appear to be some of the safest anywhere,” Wells explains.

The International Shark Attack File, run by the Florida Museum of Natural History, is the world’s leading source on shark attacks.  Its records show that from 1959 to 2010, there were 1,970 people killed by lightning strikes in the U.S., compared to 26 shark fatalities.

In Texas during that time, 213 people were killed by lightning while only one shark attack death occurred. Going as far back as 1911, only two shark-related deaths have been reported – one in Galveston County and one in Cameron County.

Florida appears to be ground zero for both sharks and lightning.  Since 1959, it is by far the leader in lightning deaths (459) and shark attack deaths (9).

No doubt, your chances of a shark attack are incredibly small. The Shark Attack File has done the math and the odds of getting killed by a shark are about 1 in 264 million.

Along the Gulf Coast, your chance of getting attacked by an alligator is three to four times more likely than a shark attack, statistics show.

Sun seekers should be more concerned about their drive to the beach than shark attacks, Wells says.  For that matter, they should be more concerned about dying from a bee sting (50 to 100 people die worldwide, and bee stings kill more people each year than all venomous animals combined).

Even killer sharks are no match for killer peanuts: About 100 people worldwide die annually from an allergic reaction to eating peanuts, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation.

While there are numerous kinds of sharks, only four are frequently cited in shark attacks – the bull shark, the tiger shark, the great white shark and the oceanic white tip shark.

“Bull sharks tend to be very aggressive,” Wells says, “and they are commonly seen along the Texas coast.”

Bull sharks have been known to swim many hundreds of miles upstream, such as deep into the Mississippi River, while great white sharks and oceanic white tip sharks are almost never seen off Texas beaches.

“If you want to play it very safe, it’s a good idea not to swim alone,” Wells says.

“And always swim near a lifeguard station. Lifeguards get daily information about possible shark sightings, and they are trained to look for them.  And don’t swim too far out – if there are sharks, they are usually found in chest-deep water, and that’s also about where dangerous rip currents can occur.

“At any given moment, there are tens of millions of people in the world who are at the beach and in the water,” he adds.  “The odds of not getting bitten by a shark are very much in your favor.”

For more about the International Shark Attack File, go to https://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/

Bill would end the ability of DHS to use legal immigration service fees to fund amnesty

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today introduced the

Immigration Slush Fund Elimination Act to prohibit the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from using the fees it collects for the provision of legal immigration services to fund amnesty. The bill would also restore congressional authority over the appropriations process and refocus the department on its national security mission.

“America has always been a land of refuge and opportunity for those seeking freedom, and we should champion legal immigration,” said Sen. Cruz. “Ronald Reagan referred to legal immigrants, immigrants like my father, as Americans by choice. The federal government should not be in the business of looting the wallets of those who followed the law and came here legally to fund the President’s illegal and unconstitutional amnesty. This bill will cut off DHS’s credit card and put Congress back in charge of funding the agencies responsible for immigration.”

Specifically the Immigration Slush Fund Elimination Act proposes the following:

●      End DHS’s ability to fund lawlessness. The Obama Administration’s DHS, via U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), has admitted it uses so-called offsetting accounts (which function like agency checking accounts) to take the fees it charges legal immigrants and use them to fund amnesty and other activities that Congress has not authorized. In recent congressional testimony, USCIS Chief Financial Officer Joseph Moore confirmed that USCIS can access more than $1 billion in fee-based funding, and that it used those funds to pay for an unauthorized amnesty processing center in Arlington, Va. Eliminating the ability of USCIS to use the money it collects to support amnesty and other unauthorized activities is a first step toward reining in the executive branch’s lawless approach to immigration.

●      Restore congressional authority over DHS and immigration issues. By eliminating the offsetting accounts under USCIS’s control, Congress would end USCIS’s ability to self-fund. This would reduce USCIS’s ability to ignore the people’s representatives and restore respect for the Constitution’s separation of powers and the legislative power of the purse.

●      Eliminate DHS’s profit incentive, which distracts from the agency’s core national security mission. Right now, USCIS has an incentive to process as many immigration benefits as possible, without regard to consequences. While legal immigration should be celebrated and supported, the agency’s desire to collect more fee-based revenue – along with its unrestricted ability to keep and use those fees – arguably interferes with USCIS’s objective review of application processing. Removing the focus on fees and revenue will once again focus USCIS on its core responsibilities, including protecting our national security and preventing immigration benefit fraud.

Major reforms in bill include several Cruz amendments to strengthen
U.S. military readiness and capabilities

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) issued the following statement regarding today’s final vote on the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Sen. Cruz introduced or cosponsored more than a dozen amendments that were successfully adopted into the bill.

“The 2016 NDAA will increase the military readiness and capabilities of the United States without increasing spending on programs entirely unrelated to our national defense,” said Sen. Cruz. “And I am grateful for the support my amendments received, including measures that will ensure the readiness of our troops, support for our allies, and continued vigilance against our adversaries. This bill reaffirms our commitment to the physical, mental and financial health of the men and women in uniform who volunteer to serve our nation. The reforms in this bill will provide more of our service members with financial benefits upon leaving military service, appropriate mental and physical health care, and improved quality of life for them and their families. Despite these laudable objectives, I could not vote for this bill because I made a promise when I was elected to office that I would not vote for an NDAA that continued to allow the President to violate the constitutional rights of American citizens by indefinitely detaining them without due process.”

Sen. Cruz sponsored the following amendments to the NDAA that were adopted by the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) during the markup process:

●      Renewable Energy Obstructions near Military Installations helps each branch of the military obtain more direct input into the decisions of the Department of Defense (DoD) Siting Clearinghouse during its assessment of renewable energy projects near military facilities. SASC agreed with Sen. Cruz that the national security and operational concerns of each Service should receive the direct consideration of the clearinghouse with respect to the compatibility of the desired renewable energy construction project and any potential impacts on the safety or readiness of military service members that might result.

●      National Guard Full Time Operational Status modifications will improve the efficiency of the National Guard by requiring the National Guard Bureau to account for states that over-recruit to meet the National Guard’s overall end strength. The National Guard routinely asks Texas to recruit beyond designated levels; and Texans unequivocally answer that call. This amendment directs the National Guard to consider the actual manning level of each state when it allocates Full Time Operational Status funding and positions.

●      Iranian Cyber Capabilities Reporting expands the existing Annual Report on the Military Power of Iran to include an assessment on Iran’s rapidly developing offensive and defensive cyber warfare capabilities. Iran has conducted cyber-attacks against several U.S. businesses, including Wells Fargo, Capital One, Bank of America, and BB&T. To fully understand the threat of the Iranian regime and how to effectively counter it, we must have a comprehensive understanding of Iran’s emerging cyber capabilities and how these operations fit into their regional and global military strategy.

●      People’s Republic of China Cyber Reporting obtains a holistic overview of rapidly increasing Chinese cyber capabilities in the next Annual Report on China’s Military and Security Developments. China has invested enormous resources into cyber operations and has conducted several cyber-attacks against U.S. corporations, including an attack on Westinghouse they used to gain intelligence about ongoing business negotiations. It is critical that the United States have a full understanding of not just Chinese cyber capabilities, but also their strategic and operational cyber objectives.

●      Taiwan Military Capabilities and Training, cosponsored by Sens. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), reaffirms the United States’ commitment to arming Taiwan under the Taiwan Relations Act and expresses the Senate’s position that the United States should invite Taiwan to train with the U.S. Air Force at Red Flag exercises. Red Flag provides a realistic air combat, space, and electronic threat environment that offers invaluable training opportunities for our international partners. Extending this invitation shows the United States’ commitment to Taiwan and will help improve Taiwan’s operational capabilities.

●      Space-Based Missile Defense requests an assessment from the Missile Defense Agency on the research and development of a space-based missile defense capability and its potential role in the layered ballistic missile defense system the U.S. currently possesses. A space-based component is critical to pursue given the increasing global threat environment. This capability would provide additional engagement time and intercept opportunities for the U.S. and better protect the American people, our allies, and our forward-deployed forces.

A complete list of the adopted NDAA amendments sponsored or cosponsored by Sen. Cruz can be found here.

Sen. Cruz supports several provisions in the NDAA to reinvigorate and strengthen the U.S. military with major investments in readiness, shipbuilding, and modernization, including:

●      Authorization of an Army end strength of 475,000 soldiers.

●      New helicopters, better equipment for our ground forces, and improved lethality of Stryker Armored Vehicles in Europe to deter and respond to Vladimir Putin’s continued aggression. 

●      Increased intelligence and surveillance capabilities for the Air Force, provisions for F-35s to fill the aircraft capacity gap created by an aging fleet of fighters, and investments in the long term needs of the strategic bomber fleet. 

●      Beginning rebuilding of an anemic fleet of Navy vessels by accelerating shipbuilding timelines, ensuring the funds required to replace the vital Ohio-class submarine are available, and continuing to procure F-35Bs for the Marine Corps. 

AUSTIN, Texas– Texas Military Forces officials have released the name of a Soldier who died during a training accident at Fort Hood on June 17, 2015. The incident occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m. when four Soldiers from the Texas Army National Guard were involved in a single vehicle (HMMVV) rollover accident during their two-week annual training period.

Private First Class Juan Castro, 19, whose home of record is listed as San Antonio, joined the Texas Army National Guard in February of 2014 as a cavalry scout. He was assigned to B Troop 1-112th Cavalry Regiment, 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 36th Infantry Division, located in Bryan, Texas.

Castro’s awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.

The three soldiers also involved in this training accident sustained non-life threatening injuries. Circumstances surrounding this incident remain under investigation.

For more information, contact the Texas Military Forces state public affairs office at 512-782-5620 or email at ng.tx.txarng.mbx.pao@mail.mil.

The Central Fort Bend Chamber celebrated the ribbon cutting ceremony for

Perry Homes, located at 2807 Rivermist Lane, Richmond, TX 77406.

Perry Homes is committed to providing exceptional, quality and comfortable designs that fit the way you live.

Perry Homes offers designs for every lifestyle at unmistakable values in the most desirable communities and are dedicated to providing the customer service you deserve.

E-mail or call at 1-800-247-3779 today.

AUSTIN, TX – The 84^th Texas Legislature has increased the appropriation of the State Library and Archives Commission by $7.6M for the 2016-2017 biennium. The new funding includes resources to launch the Texas Digital Archive to preserve and make available electronic archives of state government as well as $6M to offer Texans greater access to online information via the popular TexShare and TexQuest programs. The Texas State Library and Archives Commission also gained funds in the new state budget to address salary needs and to implement a new automated accounting and payroll system.

“We are gratified that Texas lawmakers have demonstrated a recognition of the value of library and archival programs as critically important resources in an information-based economy,” commented TSLAC Director and Librarian Mark Smith. “The funding for TexShare and TexQuest will guarantee that academic, public, and school libraries of Texas can offer Texans of all ages the information they need to be productive and informed citizens and the Texas Digital Archive will increase the transparency of state government while protecting and preserving electronic archives,” Smith said.

Funding for the Texas Digital Archive–$706,593 for the 2016-2017 biennium—will allow TSLAC to collect, preserve, and make available, archives of enduring value in digital format. Until this action by the Legislature, Texas had been one of only a few states that did not provide for centralized storage and management of state archives in electronic format.

TexShare is a project that has been in place for over 20 years providing shared access to a vast array of digital resources to the public via participation by Texas public and academic libraries. TexQuest makes similar resources available to students of public K-12 schools in Texas. TexShare resources recorded over 92 million uses in 2014 and schools representing approximately 95% of student enrollment in Texas have access to TexQuest resources.

The increased funding for TSLAC represents a 31% increase in state funding and a 14% increase in overall funding to the agency. With the added appropriations, state funding will increase to $31.4 million for the biennium and overall funding will increase to $63.1 million for 2016-2017. Following significant budget cuts to the agency in the 2011 legislative session, state funding has increased in both the 2013 and 2015 sessions.

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission is a state agency established in 1909 to serve the information needs of Texans by preserving the historical archives of the state, building capacity in libraries statewide, assisting agencies and local governments in maintaining their public records, and providing reading materials to persons with visual impairments or physical disabilities. The agency is governed by a seven-member board appointed by the Governor.
 

(June 18, 2015) – “Red, White & Blue – Fourth of July in Chappell Hill” is this year’s theme for the 39^th Annual Chappell Hill Chamber of Commerce Independence Day Parade scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. on July 4^th”, announced Parade Chairman Joel Romo.  “The Chappell Hill Chamber of Commerce is ready to present one of the “largest small-town parades” in the area, to honor our veterans, thank those that have fought to preserve our freedoms, and celebrate the Fourth of July in Chappell Hill.  Last year we had 80 Parade entries, 80 kazooers join the “World Famous Marching Kazoo Band”, and launched the inaugural Cool Rods Car Show immediately following the Parade. 2014, saw record attendance and we hope to significantly increase those numbers this year,” stated Romo.

“Our community’s Parade has been featured on the PBS’s Globe Trekker documentary, in mainstream media, and attracts visitors from throughout the United States.  The Grand Marshal for this year’s parade will be Mary Brandt, longtime volunteer and community leader. The Patriot Guard will once again help escort the “Fallen Soldier” float as part of the opening ceremony and of course, something unique to our parade is the title of “Official Gunner” – this individual has the honor of helping kick-off the parade by bidding to fire the official parade canon. There is still time to bid online and it would be a great gift for dad!  We encourage all those interested in entering the parade, the World Famous Marching Kazoo Band, bidding for the honor “Official Gunner”, or entering the Cool Rods Car Show to fill out one of the forms online.  Between the Parade and Cool Rods Car Show, we have prizes totaling $1,300.00, thanks to our sponsors,” shared Romo.

“The Cool Rods Show was a hit last year and will be held again immediately following the Parade on the Poplar Street Lot with our local shops open, food and vendors available along with free Choo Choo train rides which can be enjoyed along with local musical group Peyton Kelm and the Rock of Ages, performing immediately following the parade.  The Chappell Hill Chamber of Commerce, our hardworking volunteers and sponsors hope everyone will come celebrate with us in Chappell Hill,” concluded Romo.

There will be two free parking lots available this year, one off of FM 2447 and one off of FM 1155 by the Chappell Hill Volunteer Fire Department.  Anyone wanting additional parade information may visit www.chappellhilltx.com or call 979-421-6353 for additional information.

High school seniors honored for their work promoting litter-free communities among peers  

AUSTIN — While members of Generation Z and Millennials (16 to 34 year olds) continue to litter more than any other age groups, three Texas high school students are doing their parts to keep their communities trash-free and have been recognized for their efforts as this year’s recipients of Don’t mess with Texas® Scholarships.

The Don’t mess with Texas® Scholarship program recognizes the achievements of high school seniors who have taken leadership roles to prevent litter in their schools and/or communities. The contest awards one $6,000 grand prize scholarship and two $2,000 scholarships to high school seniors currently attending public, private or home school who plan to pursue a two- or four-year degree at an accredited university or college in Texas starting in the summer or fall.

The scholarship program is a partnership between Keep Texas Beautiful and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and is sponsored by real estate and oil and gas company Forestar. Scholarship applications are judged based on student essays detailing creative and/or sustainable solutions to prevent litter, encourage anti-littering behaviors and to build awareness of the Don’t mess with Texas® initiative.

“We’re proud to support the efforts of Texas high school seniors who have made a difference in their communities to prevent litter. Giving back through the Don’t mess with Texas Scholarship program helps make the higher education dreams of our state’s most creative and dedicated young people a reality,” said Jim DeCosmo, Forestar’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

This year’s scholarship recipients include:

• Marisol Martinez of Collegiate High School in Corpus Christi, who won a $6,000 scholarship,
• Jaclyn Muniz of William J. Brennan High School in San Antonio, who won a $2,000 scholarship, and
• Charlotte Lichtenheld of McCallum High School in Austin, who won a $2,000 scholarship.

“Winners of the Don’t mess with Texas scholarship exemplify not only hard work in the classroom but a commitment to litter prevention in their communities,” said De J. Lozada, Travel Information Division director for TxDOT. “These three students are helping build awareness among their peers about the importance of keeping our state and our environment litter-free.”

This year marks the 12th year of the Don’t mess with Texas® Scholarship contest with a record 1,456 applications submitted. Throughout its history, the scholarship program has provided more than $60,000 in college scholarships to Texas high school seniors.  Winners were awarded at the Keep Texas Beautiful Conference held in Fort Worth on June 17, 2015.

Information on the program and recent scholarship winners can be found at www.dontmesswithtexas.org/education/scholarship.php.

‘While Republicans did not create this mess, we are ready, we are willing, and we are able to do our best to protect the American people from any more harm caused by the President’s flawed law.’

 WASHINGTON – In remarks on the Senate floor today, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) spoke about the disastrous effects of Obamacare and the King v. Burwell case before the Supreme Court.

Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video of his speech can be found here.

“The President claimed his law would help everyone – miraculously decreasing costs, increasing access, reducing the deficit – when, in fact, time after time after time the opposite has been shown to be the case.”

“What we’ve seen instead is great damage to the health care system in this country, leaving many Americans with their health care disrupted, their work hours cut, and higher costs for their health coverage.”

“If the court rules for King, the plaintiff in the lawsuit, millions more Americans could find their health care coverage temporarily disrupted – just one more painful consequence of this reckless legislation.”

“I continue to believe … that the American people would be well-served to see this entire law scrapped in favor of real patient-centered reforms that lower costs and increase access to care.”

“But I’m here to say that while Republicans did not create this mess, we are ready, we are willing, and we are able to do our best to protect the American people from any more harm caused by the President’s flawed law. And that’s why we’ve been working hard for the last several months to provide the American people with a much-needed offramp from Obamacare should the court rule against the Administration once again.”

“We are prepared to help the more than six million Americans, including nearly a million people in my home state of Texas, whose costs would suddenly skyrocket as yet another consequence of this disastrous legislation.”

“But in doing so, we will empower the states to opt out of Obamacare, allowing them the flexibility to more effectively lower costs and increase choices.”

 “We will promote market-based options without the threat of harmful, onerous, expensive mandates. Repealing these mandates will help the American people finally get the coverage they need at a price they can afford.”

“Republicans stand ready to protect the American people from this failed law while providing a path forward for better health care for our country.”

Senator John Cornyn, a Republican from Texas, is a member of the Senate Judiciary and Finance Committees.

‘By moving this Trade Promotion Authority bill forward, we can ensure that American workers and businesses get the best deal in pending trade agreements.’

 WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) made the following remarks on the Senate floor today after he voted to advance bipartisan trade legislation.

Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video of his speech can be found here.

“This latest vote is just another example of the Senate getting back to work. This is a dramatic departure from the old Senate because there’s actually been a lot of time for consideration of important pieces of legislation from the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act to the budget. And now by moving this Trade Promotion Authority bill forward, we can ensure that American workers and businesses get the best deal in pending trade agreements.”

 “Trade is an engine of growth. It keeps our economy going. And these upcoming trade agreements … serve as an opportunity to turbo-charge that growth. As long as our economy is shrinking and not growing, we’re not going to be able to create the jobs to put America back to work. We’re not going to be able to create the sorts of wages that we want for all working Americans. And so this legislation represents an important step in that direction.”

Senator John Cornyn, a Republican from Texas, is a member of the Senate Judiciary and Finance Committees.

HOUSTON — Author Ava Montgomery announces the nationwide release of her new poetry book, “My Superman: Was My Dad.”

“My Superman” is a dedication and tribute of stories and memories to Montgomery’s father and to all fathers around the world — to the fathers who only get recognition on Father’s Day; to the fathers who go to work full time and take care of their families; and to the unspoken hero around the house who makes sure that their family is always provided for. Appreciate every father’s great deed as one flips along the pages of Montgomery’s heartwarming book.

Published by Tate Publishing and Enterprises, the book is available through bookstores nationwide, from the publisher at www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore, or by visiting barnesandnoble.com or amazon.com.

Montgomery, who is the author of the memoir, “Lord, Help Me, I’m a Single Mother,” is a single mother of three amazing children, Kameron, Jeramiah and Javion. The author, who has always enjoyed spending time with her family during her free time, has also always treasured and remembered the loving relationship she had with her parents, brothers and sisters while she grew up in Vivian, Louisiana. Montgomery holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Wiley College. She is also currently pursuing her master’s degree in human services.

HOUSTON, Texas – This week, independent record label Tate Music Group is excited to announce the official release of Go Hard Global’s new album titled “Hard Love.”                     

Released by Tate Music Group, the album offers 13 tracks and is readily available for purchase nationwide at the iTunes Store, Amazon.com, or directly from TateMusicGroup.com.

Mr. Go Hard is an up-and-coming R&B sensation from Houston who started his journey in music singing for gospel choirs and later on expanding his talent to hip-hop, neo soul, pop, and funk. He considers Michael Jackson, Prince, and Marvin Gaye among his musical influences and is determined to make a mark in the music industry with his smooth and unique R&B pop songs with a fusion of various genres. He has released two independent albums from his own label Go Hard Productions- “Conversation” back in 2002 and “Lude Living” a year after.

His new album “Hard Love” is a collection of cutting-edge and captivating R&B tunes that range from smooth to edgy, with vocals that will captivate listeners and leave a lasting impression. Songs featured in the album include “Feed the World (feat. Juana Garner Jackson),” “Lord” and “Michael Wrote the Songs (feat, D. Pinnock).”

AUSTIN, Texas – A second State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is now open in Harris County for homeowners, renters and business owners who sustained damage as a result of the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding from May 4 to June 19.

Specialists from the State of Texas, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), nongovernmental organizations and the local community are on hand to answer questions and provide information on the types of assistance available to survivors.

The recovery center will serve as a central location for survivors from any of the 30 counties designated for Individual Assistance, who need one-on-one help. State and federal professionals will be available to assist eligible survivors get help as quickly as possible.

Location and hours of operation

Bayland Community Center
6400 Bissonnet Street
Houston, TX 77074

Hours of operation:
9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday (corrected hours)
Closed Sunday

Visiting with a recovery specialist is not a requirement for survivors who want disaster assistance, but the centers are an excellent way for people to get answers to their questions about disaster aid and help applying for it. Some of the services may include:

• Guidance regarding disaster recovery
• Clarification of any written correspondence received
• Housing Assistance and Rental Resources information
• Answers to questions, resolutions to problems and referrals to agencies that may provide further assistance
• Status of applications being processed by FEMA

Assistance for eligible survivors can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, and for other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses or funeral and burial costs. Low-interest disaster loans from SBA also may be available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

Eligible survivors should register with FEMA even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but under-insured applicants may receive help after their insurance claims have been settled.

Houston, TEXAS June 23, 2015: Many children have their favorite item of comfort they can’t bear to part with; sometimes it’s a favorite stuffed animal, a pacifier or a blanket. Oftentimes, a blanket gives them the most comfort, and a special group of women at Parkway Place, a nonprofit senior living community, has embraced the idea of providing comfort to people of all ages by making quilts and donating them. Each Tuesday without fail, six residents have gathered together to bring joy to others. These women have hearts for giving back and have chosen a unique approach to meeting the needs of their fellow residents, as well as adults and children across Houston. They hand-make about 250 beautiful lap quilts a year for a variety of people– residents who are facing illness and have entered into skilled nursing at Parkway Place or a hospital, children at Child Advocates, a nonprofit organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of child abuse, and kids recovering from surgery at Texas Children’s Hospital. The ladies choose a variety of fabrics to appeal to people of all ages and dedicate time outside of their weekly meetings to ensure that these projects are completed with the highest of quality. They are symbols of their care and dedication to serve others.

“Our main purpose is to give quilts away, and that gives me a true sense of fulfillment,” said resident Jane Wulf. “I’ve been at Parkway Place 12 years now and became a part of the group as soon as I heard about it. Working on these quilts together has allowed our group to become very close, keeps us active and gives us a sense of purpose.”

Wulf has been creating with her hands since she was a child. She helped her mom quilt and sew, hobbies she carries on today. Wulf attended Iowa State College and graduated with a degree in home economics. At 91, she is as active as ever and does a lot of prep work for the group outside of their weekly meeting time. In her two-bedroom apartment at the community, she has ample room to prep and cut the fabric, which she enjoys doing. She also picks out the fabric, washes the fabric pieces, irons them and cuts them to size before each weekly meeting. During the meetings, the group ties the batting and fabric together to create these special lap quilts that help bring joy to others.

“It’s a good activity for me because it keeps me involved, and that’s important to me,” said Wulf. “It gives me a responsibility and a goal to meet that gives purpose to my life. There’s a lot of time and love that goes into each quilt. The main reason we do it is to cheer people up, and that’s why I stay with it and will continue to do it as long as I can.”

They sell about half of their quilts in the Parkway Place community gift shop, which is open to residents and visitors. Residents like to buy lap quilts as gifts for grandchildren, and the money received from each quilt goes right back to purchase more supplies, so the group can continue their heartfelt mission.

“This group of women and their dedication to helping people in need is truly amazing and makes Parkway Place a special place to be,” said Susan Phelps, marketing director of Parkway Place. “Their creations bring so much happiness to others and are a source of comfort to those who might be experiencing a hard time.”

The quilting group meets every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon at Parkway Place. If you are a member of the media who would like to cover one of the classes or set up an interview, please contact Susan Hoover via phone at 214-890-7912 ext. 31 or email at  shoover@fortegroupinc.com or Amy Jones via phone at 214-890-7912 ext. 30 or email at ajones@fortegroupinc.com.

 ABOUT PARKWAY PLACE

Parkway Place in Houston, a Buckner Retirement Services community, is a non-profit, faith-based senior living community located on a 15-acre well-manicured campus that includes flowers, walking paths, gazebos, benches and raised gardens, putting green, with an outdoor, heated pool and spas.  It is also one of the few Independent Living communities in West Houston that has no entrance fees, no long-term contracts and provides spacious apartment residences on a rental basis.

As a continuing care community, Parkway Place offers Independent Living apartment residences, spacious Assisted Living, innovative Memory Care and Skilled Nursing services.  The community offers 159 independent apartments, 58 assisted living apartments, 24 memory care support residences and skilled nursing for 60 residents.  A new Wellness Center has been added that features state-of-the-art equipment and a BE Well Program to enhance the four dimensions of wellness.

Residents can enjoy delicious dining and warm fellowship in beautifully arranged dining rooms.  The community also has an on-site life enrichment coordinator, chapel, full-time chaplain, on-site worship services, beauty/barber salon and weekly housekeeping/linen service. For more information about Parkway Place, please visit the community website at www.bucknerparkwayplace.org or call Susan Phelps at (281) 677–5912.

ABOUT BUCKNER RETIREMENT SERVICES

Buckner Retirement Services, Inc. is one of the largest not-for-profit senior living organizations in Texas dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for senior adults and their families by promoting an active, healthy Christian lifestyle while maintaining their independence and dignity. Buckner Retirement Services is part of Buckner International, a global faith-based ministry serving people each year in the United States and worldwide.

Photos Courtesy of Parkway Place

Managing health care decisions and accessing provider relationships is about to get easier for thousands of patients and families in the greater Houston, Texas area thanks to a new mobile application that will be introduced by Texas Children’s Pediatrics and the StayWell Company, LLC (StayWell). The ParentAdvice Center, available for Android and iPhone smartphones, will help families prepare for visits to Texas Children’s Pediatrics while offering mobile access to a library of children’s health topics that were previously only available online.

The new app, which was produced by StayWell, a leading provider of health education and engagement solutions, will help patients and families at Texas Children’s Pediatrics’ 49 practices better understand their children’s health symptoms. The app will give parents the support and information they need to make timely decisions about the appropriate level of care for their child — whether that means providing care for minor illnesses at home or finding a Texas Children’s facility. The mobile app will also give parents access to their child’s health records via the MyChart patient portal.

“When it comes to the health of our children and families, having immediate access to information can be both empowering and comforting,” said Elna Hamp, President, Patient/Member Education Solutions, StayWell. “Mobile technology like ParentAdvice Center puts essential decision support tools in patients’ hands, no matter where they are. It’s a perfect fit for the way people live and use health care today.”

StayWell partnered with Self Care Decisions, a software development company that specializes in health care apps and systems to produce ParentAdvice Center for Texas Children’s Pediatrics. The new mobile platform will provide a variety of valuable features, including:

• Online symptom checker with access to 129 care guides, first-aid illustrations, parent message boards and over-the-counter medication guides.
• Access to MyChart patient portal for personal medical information and to manage relationships with Texas Children’s hospitals and clinics.
• Ability to find a practice or care facility within Texas Children’s Pediatrics, from individual pediatricians, urgent care centers or emergency rooms.
• Tips on how to prepare for an appointment and connections to popular social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.

“This is an important step in meeting the needs of our families where it’s convenient for them on their smart phones,” explained Lou Fragoso, vice president of Texas Children’s Pediatrics. “Now, the hundreds of thousands of Texas Children’s Pediatrics patient families can have easy and quick access to helpful medical information and links to our pediatric practices, urgent care facilities and emergency rooms.”

Fragoso also noted, “The app, while targeted at existing Texas Children’s Pediatrics patient families, is available to any parent who wants to use the ParentAdvice Center.”

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About StayWell

StayWell is a health engagement company that helps its clients engage and educate people to improve health and business results. StayWell brings decades of experience working across the health care industry to design solutions that address its clients’ evolving needs. We fuse expertise in health engagement and the science of behavior change with an integrated portfolio of solutions and robust content assets to effectively engage people to make positive health care decisions. StayWell programs have received numerous top industry honors, including the C. Everett Koop National Health Award and the Web Health Award for health engagement programs. StayWell also has received URAC and NCQA accreditation for several of its programs. StayWell is headquartered in Yardley, Pennsylvania, and also has major locations in Salt Lake City, Utah, and St. Paul., Minnesota. To learn more, visit http://www.staywell.com.

About Texas Children’s Hospital

Texas Children’s Hospital, a not-for-profit health care organization, is committed to creating a healthier future for children and women throughout the global community by leading in patient care, education and research. Consistently ranked as the best children’s hospital in Texas, and among the top in the nation, Texas Children’s has garnered widespread recognition for its expertise and breakthroughs in pediatric and women’s health. The hospital includes the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute; the Feigin Center for pediatric research; Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women, a comprehensive obstetrics/gynecology facility focusing on high-risk births; Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus, a community hospital in suburban West Houston; and Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands, a second community hospital planned to open in 2017. The organization also created the nation’s first HMO for children, has the largest pediatric primary care network in the country and a global health program that’s channeling care to children and women all over the world. Texas Children’s Hospital is affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine. For more information, go to www.texaschildrens.org. Get the latest news by visiting the online newsroom and Twitter at twitter.com/texaschildrens.

The Texas Tribune will host a free, open-to-the-public conversation with policymakers on health care and the 84th Legislature at 11:30 a.m. on June 24 at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. This event is the first in a new three-part conversation series on the future of health care in Texas.

At a time when American health care is undergoing massive, systematic changes, Texas leads the nation in the percentage of people without health insurance. State policymakers must figure out how to balance their obligations to the health care needs of a growing population with the constraints of a tight budget.

The discussion will be followed by an audience Q&A session. A light lunch will be provided. The conversation will be livestreamed at texastribune.org/livestream, and the video will be available for viewing afterward. For media RSVP, contact Natalie Choate at nchoate@texastribune.org. General registration is open at texastribune.org/events.
WHAT: Texas Tribune conversation on health care and the 84th Legislature

WHO:   Evan Smith, The Texas Tribune’s CEO and editor-in-chief

State Rep. Donna Howard, D-Austin, a former critical care nurse

State Rep. Susan King, R-Abilene, a practicing surgical nurse

State Rep. J.D. Sheffield, R-Gatesville, a practicing medical doctor

WHERE: UT Health Science Center at San Antonio School of Medicine; Pestana Lecture Hall; 7703 Floyd Curl Dr., San Antonio, TX 78229. Complimentary parking will be available in Visitor Lot 8.

WHEN: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Wednesday, June 24. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Conversation begins promptly at noon.

This series of conversations on health care is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas. This first conversation in the series is also presented in partnership with the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Tribune events are additionally supported through contributions from members and donors.

The Texas Tribune is a nonpartisan, nonprofit media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues. Learn more at texastribune.org.

(AUSTIN) — Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar today announced funding for a $300,000 research proposal by The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) to study the monarch butterfly. The research will address key questions about the monarch butterfly in Texas and fill important data gaps in determining its need for protection as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) considers whether to place the butterfly on the federal endangered species list.

“In Texas, the monarch butterfly migration runs from the Red River to the Mexico border. There are economic concerns if the butterfly is listed because many industries important to our state’s economy could be affected, from agriculture to land development to energy production,” Hegar said. “This crucial research will help us develop voluntary best management practices to conserve the monarch butterfly while minimizing the impact on economic activity.”

The research will evaluate the abundance, species type and distribution of milkweed — an important food source for monarchs — in Texas. It also will examine land management approaches to enhance the abundance of milkweed if necessary.

“Promoting the overall health of the monarch population and other pollinators is an increasingly important topic for our state and nation, and UTSA is proud to lead this study,” said John H. Frederick, UTSA provost and vice president for academic affairs. “This project is a prime example of how research being conducted at Texas universities can inform both policy decisions and industry practices.”

The research will support the development of voluntary best management practices by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and other program partners through a collaborative stakeholder process. Research and related outreach activities will be coordinated with many program partners, including TPWD, Guadalupe-Blanco River Trust, San Antonio River Authority and the U.S. Forest Service.

TPWD is taking a leading role in the state and nation on monarch butterfly conservation efforts.

“As the official state insect, the monarch butterfly holds a very special place in the hearts of Texans, both young and old,” said Carter Smith, TPWD executive director. “Texas is situated at the center of the biannual monarch migration through North America, and its declining population should be of great concern for everyone. We at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department are honored to represent our great state on the national working group, and we look forward to working with Comptroller Hegar and our interagency partners to do all that we can to ensure this iconic species will be around for future generations of Texans to enjoy.”

The 2013 Texas Legislature appropriated $5 million to the Comptroller’s office to contract with state universities for high-quality species research on species under review for listing. The monarch butterfly research is being funded by that appropriation. The recently gaveled 2015 legislative session appropriated an additional $5 million for this research.

To keep the Texas economy running in the face of existing federal Endangered Species Act regulations, the 2009 Legislature appointed the Comptroller to serve as presiding officer of the Interagency Task Force on Economic Growth and Endangered Species. The task force is intended to assist landowners, industries and local communities in working with endangered species issues and assess their economic impact on the state.

“We look forward to working with our partners on the task force to balance species protection with protecting the Texas economy,” Hegar added.

For more information about the ongoing status of endangered species listing and other environmental actions affecting Texas, visit www.KeepingTexasFirst.org.

Forests across America are a prized natural resource, and anyone can help plant trees in these vital areas by joining the Arbor Day Foundation this month.

Through the Replanting Our National Forests campaign, the Arbor Day Foundation will honor each new member who joins in July by planting 10 trees in forests that have been devastated by wildfires, insects, and disease.

The cost for joining the Arbor Day Foundation is a $10 donation.

America’s national forests face enormous challenges, including unprecedented wildfires that have left a backlog of more than 1 million acres in need of replanting. The Foundation has worked with the United States Forest Service for more than 25 years to plant trees in high-need forests.

Our national forests provide habitat for wildlife, keep the air clean, and help ensure safe drinking water for more than 180 million Americans.

“Keeping our forests healthy is vital to the health of people and the entire planet,” said Matt Harris, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “By planting trees in our national forests, we will preserve precious natural resources and the benefits they provide for generations to come.”

To join the Arbor Day Foundation and help plant trees in our national forests, send a $10 membership contribution to Replanting Our National Forests, Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Ave., Nebraska City, NE 68410 or visit arborday.org/july.

Newly Established Hostage Recovery Coordinator Will Direct a Unified U.S. Government Response and Work Closely to Inform Family Members of Hostages of Ongoing Developments

WASHINGTON –U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Ben Cardin (D-MD) introduced legislation today establishing an Interagency Hostage Recovery Coordinator, a newly established position designated to properly coordinate a unified government response to hostage situations and work to secure the release of all hostages held by terrorist groups. Last month Sen. Cornyn spoke on the Senate floor about Houston native Austin Tice, a Marine veteran and journalist who has been held captive since 2012 – more than 1,000 days.

“Families of Americans held hostage by terrorists, rogue regimes, or other bad actors deserve as much information as possible about the work being done to ensure their loved-ones are returned home safely,” Sen. Cornyn said. “The weeks, months and years of silence about a loved-one’s well-being are unbearable, and we need to do more to help those here in the U.S. waiting for answers and to ensure some unity of effort by the Federal Government.”

 “American hostages held and killed by ISIS and other terrorist groups were aid workers, humanitarians, and journalists – they represent the highest of American ideals and values,” said Senator Cardin. “Too frequently, the suffering families of hostages were left in the dark, unsure who in government was working exclusively to ensure the safe return home of their loved ones.”

In addition to directing the federal government’s response, the newly created Interagency Hostage Recovery Coordinator will establish a fusion cell comprised of various government agencies to respond to each hostage situation, and work closely with family members of hostages and to inform them of developments.

Six Katy ISD (KISD) athletic trainers were recently awarded Sports Medicine scholarships from Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital, the official healthcare provider for KISD.  Cinco Ranch High School’s Brianna Nguyen, Katy High School’s Taylor Pitcock, Mayde Creek High School’s Michael Medina, Seven Lakes High School’s Allysa Santiago, and Katy Taylor High School’s Kendall Langs and Meagan Hookstra each received $500 in recognition of the distinguished service they provided to KISD athletic programs during their high school careers.  The students graduated earlier this month, and each has big plans for the future.

Nguyen will attend Auburn University in the Fall.  Pitcock is enrolled at Louisiana State University.  Both Medina and Santiago will head West to The University of Texas at San Antonio.  Langs also is attending Louisiana State University and Hookstra is enrolled at Austin Community College.

For more information on the hospital, including orthopedic programs and community outreach, visit www.memorialhermann.org or call 713.222.CARE (2273).