Lifestyle

   I have to preface this with a warning that I’m usually a fan of anything Adam Sandler is billed in.
   Heck, I grew up watching plenty of his movies and Saturday Night Live skits.
   And sure, there’s been plenty hits and misses in the past and plenty of critics decided that he can’t be a “serious” actor and should only stick to comedy – that’s a lie when it comes to “Uncut Gems.”
   I chose Uncut Gems to review this week because it’s been making a lot of buzz for that exact reason and a few friends had seen it earlier.
   I have to admit that Sandler shows off his acting chops, but overall, I’m not a fan of the movie.
   It reminds me too much of Joaquin Phoenix’s “Joker” descent into fevered madness and a dash of Leonardo DiCaprio’s angsty, washed-up spaghetti Western actor in “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” but with a better all-around soundtrack.

   Scholarship applications for the Matagorda County Fair & Livestock Association are due noon Monday, Jan. 13, at the fair office.
   Instruction and application forms are available online at matagordacountyfair.com and are open to all county seniors.
   Applications require completed surveys, a fair event participation record, autobiography, recent high school transcript, official SAT/ACT scores, resume and a picture – in order to be completed and considered for the scholarship.
   Scholarships are awarded and paid out over a four-year period and vary from $500-$875 per semester.
   Scholarship money may be used to pay for books, tuition, and fees.
   Time is running out to enter the annual royalty pageant contests as well.
   All royalty contestant applications are due at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, at the multipurpose building.
   Fair and Rodeo Queen Pageant contestants must be students in grades 9-12.

   Congratulations to Carly Lewis, Linnie Roberts Elementary teacher, for being selected for the November/December Bay City ISD “You’ve got heart” honor. 
   This employee recognition award is given to staff who go beyond their “job description” in helping students and staff, who epitomize the concept of “team player,” and who put others first. 
   BCISD staff submit nominations.
   Lewis was nominated by Linnie Roberts Principal Ashley Hagg, who wrote: “We recently had to create a new class to better serve the students on our campus. Even with a full plate, without hesitation, Mrs. Lewis agreed to serve these students. 
   “Her response when I approached her with the situation was ‘You know that I would do anything for our students.’ 
   “She is a true beacon of light on our campus and someone that our staff turns to daily for their needs in the special education world. 

   It is hard to believe that 2020 is already here! 
   With the new year, I want to take the opportunity to again highlight the services offered to Matagorda County citizens through the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension (Extension) office. 
   The Extension office in Matagorda County through Texas A&M AgriLife is one of 250 in Texas. This office is here to assist citizens with university research-based information covering a myriad of topic areas that may be of interest to y you.
   The Matagorda County Extension office has four agents covering primary topic areas with all agents having some level of youth education responsibilities.
   Gabby Washington is the Family and Community Health Agent serving Matagorda County. 
   Gabby’s focus is on all aspects of family health and well-being with audiences of all ages.