Aztec Cultural Ataché links culture, nature, art and education through Day of the Dead celebration and other community activities

On Monday, November 2, 2009, Stephen F. Austin State University, the U.S. Forest Service and Texas Forest Service’s Urban and Rural Connections program will host the Aztec Cultural Ataché, Quetzal Ollín Chicuahuac in a special performance celebrating the Day of the Dead, “el Dia de los Muertos” through interpretive dance and music linking culture and nature.

The cultural celebration links nature, art and education, and the event is FREE to the community. Location of activites is: Pineywoods Native Plant Center, located at 2900 Raguet St. in Nacogdoches.

Special presentations for area schools and SFASU classes will be provided throughout the day. Festivities open to the public will begin at 4:00pm with Forest Mobile activities and information provided by the Forest Information Team, los Amigos del Bosque, and a special visit by Smokey Bear. The primary performance will begin at 6:00pm behind the Tucker House.

The Organization of Latin American Students (OLA) will also participate in event activities and will be offering tostadas and drink for a small fee as a fundraising activity for the OLA organization.

In addition to the local activities, Quetzal Ollín Chicahuac, will partner with Urban and Rural Connections in providing an entire week of educational presentations and conservation education programming for students and community members from Nacogdoches, Houston and Conroe. Program participants will learn links between culture, nature and art through hands-on educational experiences.

Please come out to join in this magnificent community celebration. We hope to see you there.

Ribbon Cutting - Heart to Heart Hospice

Sponsors, Chamber members and guests gathered at the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce for the ribbon cutting of Heart to Heart Hospice. Executive Director Jackie Kendrick and staff welcomed all and celebrated with a ceremony accompanied with great food.



Heart to Heart Hospice
1320 S. John Redditt, Ste. A
Lufkin, TX 75904
(877) 639-6001
www.hearttohearthospice.com

Photos by Francheska Cunningham.

Ag Pond stocked with over 400 catfish to provide sweet spot for better fishing - News

Ag Pond stocked with over 400 catfish to provide sweet spot for better fishing - News: Article by Audrey Spencer, SFA Pine Log.

Photo: Nathan Reeves, age 5, received first place at the SFA Homecoming Kid Fish Catfish Tournament held at the SFA Ag Pond on Oct. 24. The channel catfish weighed three lbs. Also, picutured is his dad, Jason.
(Photo by Doug James)

Winners named in downtown window decorating contest

This year’s winners of the SFA Homecoming downtown window decorating contest are:

• First Place: Law Office of Travis Clardy & Associates (pictured)
• Second Place: House of Traditions
• Third Place: Special Finds Antiques & Collectibles

“The [SFASU] students had a tough time deciding the winners, all of the windows were top notch,” said Main Street Manager Sarah O’Brien. “We were so excited to once again join forces with SFA and show our lumberjack support in historic downtown Nacogdoches.”

For more information or questions about the window display or the Nacogdoches Main Street Program’s revitalization efforts please contact the Nacogdoches Main Street Office at 936-559-2573.

Chamber education program receives state honor

The Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives honored the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce for its NOBLE (Nacogdoches County Opportunity for a Better Learning Experience) program. Major sponsors of the NOBLE program are The Daily Sentinel and Citizens 1st Bank.

NOBLE received an Education Award “In recognition of the design and implementation of the best new Chamber of Commerce program in Texas.” Chamber President/CEO Bruce Partain accepted the award plaque at the TCCE Volunteer Conference on Oct. 9 in Austin.


Pictured in front row are Nacogdoches senior students and NOBLE scholars. From left: Hilario Perez, Jr., Myles Broadway, Jasmine Douglas, Shaylynn Packard, Kwame Deckard, Alton Conyer and Jeffrey Cortes. Back row: chamber Chairman Paul Smith III; past chamber Chairwoman Kim Snyder with Citizens 1st Bank, a major NOBLE sponsor; chamber Education Committee Chairwoman Shirley Luna; and Nacogdoches High School Principal Nathan Chaddick. Co-chairmen for the annual NOBLE Banquet are Luna and Robin Dawley.
(Photo by Kelly Daniel)

Texas Chamber of Commerce Week - Oct. 19-23

Nacogdoches County Chamber participates in Texas Chamber of Commerce Week
Series of events highlight the Chamber’s role in the community

Mayor Roger Van Horn with Chamber Executive Committee. Mayor Van Horn read the city proclamation for Texas Chamber of Commerce week during the Executive meeting on Oct. 15.










County Commissioners, Judge Joe English and Chamber Chairman Paul Smith III at the County Commissioners Court with county proclamation read Oct. 19.

County proclamation read at County Commissioners meeting
9 a.m., Monday, Oct. 19
County Commissioners Court, Ste. 170, first floor of
Nacogdoches County Courthouse

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for new downtown business Macy May
11:30 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 20
114 N. Church St.
Rebecca Welch, owner

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the 30-year anniversary of the Samaritan Counseling Center of East Texas
5:15 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 22
903 North St., second floor of Westminster Presbyterian Church
Jan Rhodes, executive director

Fourth Friday Luncheon sponsored by TXU Energy
Chamber’s monthly membership meeting
Representative Wayne Christian will present “The Texas
Legislature: Where We Are, Why We’re Here, and Where
We’re Headed”
Noon to 1 p.m., Oct. 23, Hotel Fredonia, 200 N. Fredonia St.
Registration is required.

“We are proud to participate in Texas Chamber of Commerce Week,” said Paul Smith III, chairman of Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce. “Our chamber plays a significant role in creating an environment where different industries can succeed and serves as an important resource for all businesses, large and small.”

Smith invites all to make an effort to get to know the Nacogdoches County Chamber better by attending chamber events and visiting with the chamber staff and board members. Click the following link for contact information for chamber directors and staff or call 936-560-5533.

“The chamber board members want to hear from the community, too,” Smith said. “We’re requesting personal testimonials be emailed to Membership and Marketing Manager Kelly Daniel at business@nactx.com. These testimonials will be posted on the chamber’s Web site so everyone will be aware of the good things the chamber accomplishes in the community.”

Ribbon Cutting - Macy May Shopping and Specialty Retail

The Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce held a Ribbon Cutting for Macy May Shopping and Specialty Retail. Owner Rebecca Welch welcomed friends, family and Chamber members to celebrate the opening of her new store located on 114 Church Street in downtown Nacogdoches. Among the guests that attended the ceremony, Rebecca's parent were there, and she gave them a special thanks too.

Click to view more event photos.



Photos by Francheska Cunningham.

Woden High School takes home top honor again

The winner of this year’s Scare on the Square Poster Contest, Woden High School Junior, Jessi Lee. Art classes from throughout the county are invited to participate in the annual competition. The winning poster will be used to promote the event all over town. Both Jessi and Woden High School received checks in the amount of $100. If you would like a copy of the Scare on the Square poster contact the Main Street Office.

Blast from the Past: Nacogdoches Archeology Fair

Saturday, October 24 from 9am to 1pm in Downtown Nacogdoches

The day will be filled with activities for people of all ages from hands on activities to demonstrations to music.

The SFA Archeology Department will be hosting a simulated archeological dig that will allow kids to participate in a real dig and learn what an archeologist does. There will be a demonstration where you can learn how to hunt with a spear like prehistoric peoples. A flintknapper will be at the event to demonstrate how arrowheads and other projectile points were made out of rock. There will also be a blacksmith demonstration, and antique tool demonstration. Pioneer food, some recipes from as far back as 1850, will be given out to anyone who wants a little taste of the past. Also, presentations will be made on the El Camino Real de los Tejas by Jeff Williams of the SFA Forestry Department along with a demonstration by the Columbia Regional Geospatial Services Center and the Center for Regional Heritage Research showing people where they are in the world by using GPS equipment.

The Texas Folklore Society will be doing a 30-minute performance of storytelling, cowboy poetry, and a history of the society and the Sweet Song String Band from Grand Prairie, Texas will be playing old-time string music throughout the day.

Also, the 9 Flags Museum will be open so that visitors can see a real archeological dig in progress. According to Dr. Morris Jackson, owner of the 9 Flags Building, “The excavation in downtown Nacogdoches allows researchers a glimpse into the international, intercontinental, intertribal, and interracial cultures found along the Camino Real in the borderlands of the Spanish empire of the 1700's and early 1800's. It is hoped that our archeological and historical research and effort will lead to a better understanding of that heritage and that we will be able to display and interpret those findings in the Nine Flags Museum downtown in the future.” The building is located in the Downtown Square at 108 North Pecan. Dr. Jackson will open the Nine Flags Museum from 11am to 1pm during the Nacogdoches Archeology Fair.

Archeology is a large part of the history of the City of Nacogdoches. There have been numerous archeological digs at the City’s two historic sites, the Durst Taylor Historic House and Gardens and the Sterne Hoya House Museum and Library. There have also been digs downtown in the pocket park and in countless other parts of the city and county.

Admission to the event is free. Each child will receive a sticker and a folder that is full of information about archeology and flyers will be passed out at each event to help everyone better understand the history behind what they are participating in.

Come join us in Festival Plaza on Saturday, October 24 from 9am to 1pm and learn about the rich history of East Texas. For further information call Jessica Wood, Curator of Collections and Education at 560-5426 or email woodj@ci.nacogdoches.tx.us or visit http://www.ci.nacogdoches.tx.us/archeology/.

Red Ribbon Week - CANned Food Drive

Nacogdoches Safe and Drug Free is gearing up for Red Ribbon Week 2009, October 23-31, with various activities and contests planned throughout our schools in Nacogdoches County.

Plus - one special scheduled events - CANned food drive: You CAN take a Stand Against Drugs. The business/agency/organization will collect CANned food items during Red Ribbon Week and our organization will pick up all donated items and donate those items to local food pantries and charities throughout Nacogdoches County. This would be a great opportunity for us to take a stand against drugs, give back to the community to those less fortunate by providing them with food as we embark upon the holiday season. We expect and appreciate your support in keeping Nacogdoches safe and drug-free!

Melissa Mallory, BBA, ACPS
Prevention Coordinator
Nacogdoches Safe & Drug-Free and Region 5 Prevention Resource Center
Programs of the Alcohol & Drug Abuse Council
1407 N. University Dr. Suite B-2
Nacogdoches, Texas 75961
(936)564-2446

Idgy Vaughn performing at Pickin in Nac

CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED IDGY VAUGHN TO PERFORM AT PICKIN IN NAC
Kerrville New Folk Songwriting Winner to Headline October 24 Show

Award winning songwriter Idgy Vaughn will headline the October 24th Pickin In Nac show. Idgy “seems to exist out of time, like a classic country singer from the 1950’s,” according to National Public Radio’s David Brown. Her unique country style will weave you in and out of decades as she tells her stories with that old time country feel just to follow up with a new song in an Americana folklore way. Her pure voice lends itself to her edgy, witty, personal, and sometimes painful lyrics. Winner of the prestigious Kerrville New Folk Festival, she has shown that yes, indeed, she lives up to the hype.

Doors will open at 7:00, but the show will start at 7:30 with Keith Whitton, just returned from Nashville, opening. This will be Keith's last time to open for Pickin In Nac until sometime next year and this local favorite is one to see. His new album will also be available for purchase that night. Idgy Vaughn will take the stage at 9:00 with the evening to conclude around 10:30.

Pickin In Nac, ‘The best music venue in the oldest town in Texas,’ hosts monthly shows featuring the best songwriting in the roots music genre, encompassing country, blues, bluegrass, Americana, and folk. Owners Grant and Kati Harris, hold the shows in Banita Creek Hall’s Mill Room, a rustic and historic setting where every seat is a good seat. Due to the limited capacity, ordering or reserving tickets in advance is encouraged and can be done through the website, www.PickinInNac.com or by calling (936) 622-6500. Pre-sale or advance reservation tickets are $22 and tickets purchased at the door are $27. Artists performing at Pickin In Nac can be previewed at the site, with samples of their music available.

Pickin In Nac has made a commitment to the Make-A-Wish foundation to donate $6000, the average cost of one wish. All proceeds from the August show were donated, and portions of proceeds from sales from this show, future shows, and merchandise sales will continue to be donated until reaching that commitment. All funds donated are to grant a wish for a local child diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.

Fourth Friday Luncheon

State Representative Wayne Christian will deliver "The Texas Legislature: Where We Are, Why We're Here, and Where We're Headed" at Fourth Friday Luncheon, noon to 1 p.m., Oct. 23, at Hotel Fredonia.

The luncheon, sponsored by TXU Energy, serves as the chamber’s monthly membership meeting, and all from the community are invited to attend. Reservations are required, and lunch is $16 at the door. Contact the chamber at 560-5533 or go to www.nacogdoches.org for a registration form.

The presented information is vital for all local businesses. Please attend and stay on top of what is going on at the chamber and around town.

Watch Brick Street News episodes online

The Brick Street News gives Nac news for City and County. Recent interviews are now available for viewing online.

Click this link and then follow these "clicks."
Click - Video Streams
Click - Brick Street News
Click - any of the listed Program Titles

You also have options to play, download or share the taped shows.

Space availiable at Scare on the Square

City Main Street Manager Sarah O'Brien says there is still plenty of space for vendors at Scare on the Square.

Vendor in this case includes not only folks selling food, but also those just providing a fun game, activity, etc. You can even combine sales, fundraising and seasonal fun. It is ideal for a group - such as student, church, civic, service etc., looking for a community/youth event in which to stand out.

*Cost is as low as only $20. Click here for a direct link to the form.

Photo: Ruby Woodard waves "hello" at 2008 Scare on the Square. (Photo by Bruce R. Partain)

The event will be held from 6-9 p.m., Saturday, October 31, on the historic brick streets of downtown Nacogdoches. Attendees will enjoy a variety of activities and events, including a karaoke contest, a haunted hay ride, a costume contest and the popular haunted house.

*The $20 donation space is for vendors that are giving away items, such as candy, or providing a game. The 10x10-foot space non-food "for profit" vendor charge is $75. The 10x10-foot space food vendor charge is $150.

Biomass plant project update

Learn more about biomass energy plant in Nacogdoches County. Get progress updates for one of the largest energy plant projects in the U.S.

Plans for biomass plant mean growth for Sacul by Holley Nees, KTRE.

Sacul biomass plant project sold, groundbreaking expected this fall by Trent Jacobs, The Daily Sentinel.

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Below is contact information taken from the Fagen, Inc. web site:

We invite you to contact us and discuss how Fagen, Inc. and/or Fagen Engineering LLC can help you. Whether you are considering starting a project or expanding an existing one, contact us today. Also, you can fill out our Contact Form to let us know who you are and what kind of project you are pursuing. For more locations, please refer to the Office Locations section. Or, if you wish to inquire about current employment opportunities at Fagen, Inc. call our employment hotline at 320.564.5155

Fagen, Inc. P.O. Box 159 501 West Highway 212 Granite Falls, MN 56241 320.564.3324 320.564.3278 fax 320.564.5155 employment hotline

Nacogdoches High celebrates new information central space and solar panel project

Photo of Information Central Library and Multimedia by Christy Wooten/The Daily Sentinel

The Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on Saturday, Oct. 10, for the newly-remodeled Information Central Library and Multimedia at Nacogdoches High School, 4310 Appleby Sand Rd. Librarian Kathy McEuen and Dr. Rodney Hutto, NISD superintendent, welcomed guests to the ceremony and enjoyed leading tours through the new, two story space.


After the Information Central ceremony, another ribbon cutting event hosted by TXU Energy was held for a solar panel installation project, also at Nacogdoches High Schoool. Photo of solar panel ribbon cutting by Bruce R. Partain

The library is home to different kinds of new technology including a large number of new computers. The solar panel, a $60,000 donation by TXU Energy, will provide 1800 kilowatts of energy to the school annually and allow different opportunity for students around the district to learn about solar energy.

Red Kettle Season almost here - volunteers needed to ring the bells!

Kettle 2009

Ribbon Cutting - Special Find Antiques and Collectibles

Special Find Antiques and Collectibles celebrated the new chamber membership with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Special Find Antiques and Collectibles is located at 411 E. Main Street in downtown Nacogdoches. Contact owner Jerry Graham at (936)371-2567 or go to www.nacgifts.com


Click here for more ribbon cutting pictures.

Viento Sur Trombones

FREE FREE FREE! Free Admission to the 2009 North American Fall Tour, "Viento Sur Trombones." The show will be Friday October 9, at 7:30 p.m. at Cole Concert Hall.

For more information call (936)468-6407.

United Way ribbon cutting and reception photos

The Nacogdoches County United Way celebrated the kick off of the Live United campaign for 2009-10 with a ribbon cutting ceremony and reception at the Ed and Gwen Cole Art Center in historic downtown Nacogdoches. The United Way office in Nacogdoches is located at 2424 Pecan St., Ste. 101, phone - 936.564.5869, web - www.unitedwaynac.com.

Click here to view more photos from this and other Chamber ribbon cutting events.

Read Chamber Connection - October 2009

Click for the Chamber Connection e-newsletter.

Relief from the Hearts of Nacogdoches - helping families affected by Storm Ondoy

October 4, 2009

Warmest greetings of peace and solidarity!

September 26, 2009 marked the day when Tropical Storm Ondoy (international name – Ketsana) brought a state of calamity in the greater Manila, Marikina and neighboring areas in the region of Luzon, Philippines .

As I have gathered from reports, more than 500,000 people are affected and tens of thousands are currently housed in evacuation centers.

People from all walks of life, young and old were equally affected by the devastation from the storm. Many lives have been lost and property damaged. Homes and lives have been shattered and we need your help in rebuilding these families.

“Relief from the Hearts of Nacogdoches,” a volunteer group interested in helping the families affected by the terrible Storm Ondoy is asking for your help to support the relief mission that we will be conducting in various towns in the Philippines. The group is accepting donations thru Austin Bank, Nacogdoches, Texas with contact number (936) 559-5500. The account is under the name “Relief from the Hearts of Nacogdoches” with account number 0600064786. You can donate directly to Austin Bank and please leave your name and contact information (address, phone number or email address) on the deposit slip so we may thank you. You can also mail a check payable to “Relief from the Hearts of Nacogdoches” to this following address: Jeffrey Cuevas, 3205 North University Dr. Suite M, Nacogdoches, Texas 75965.

Footages of the storm can be viewed on YouTube, under the heading “Typhoon Ondoy.” I will be leaving for the Philippines in two weeks to help and personally oversee the distribution of goods from our volunteer group. Please feel free to call me at (936) 552-7044 or email me at pinoyptako@yahoo.com.

Sincerely,
Jeffrey Cuevas
3205 North University Dr. , Suite M
Nacogdoches , Tx 75965
(936) 552-7044
pinoyptako@yahoo.com

Courtyard by Marriott hotel to open in Lufkin

Courtyard by Marriott Lufkin is a member of the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce.

Image Hospitality, LLC is excited to announce the October 8, 2009 opening of our new Courtyard by Marriott located at 2130 South First Street in Lufkin (near Walmart and Sam’s Club). As the new premier property in Lufkin, we are excited to offer a relaxing respite right here in the heart of the Piney Woods.

Featuring a new contemporary and modern design, our spacious King and Queen/Queen standard guestrooms as well as our King, Queen & Jacuzzi Suites feature Marriott’s signature bedding package, 42” flat panel LCD television, as well as refrigerator - microwave and free Wi-Fi. Our modern décor incorporates granite countertops, natural woods and clean, crisp design unmatched by other area hotels.

During your stay, unwind on our outdoor patio area complete with captivating arbor and fire pit before savoring the fresh, appealing dining selections and Starbucks brand coffee at The Bistro, our in-house restaurant. For the ultimate relaxation, our bartender is ready to make your favorite drink – or you might try his specialty!

Courtyard by Marriott Lufkin also boasts more than 2,800 square feet of meeting or event space that is equipped with state-of-the-art audio/visual equipment as well as separate temperature controls, perfect for your next business meeting, seminar or special event.

In anticipation of our opening, we cordially invite you to participate in our “Sneak Peek Tours” to be held now through October 7 (excluding Saturday and Sunday). Tours will be scheduled by appointment only, so please contact Laura Reina, Sales Manager, at 936-632-0777 x551 to secure a personal showing at your leisure.

In appreciation of your time touring our new property, you will receive a Free Sunday night Jacuzzi Suite room certificate, valid until February 28, 2010.

We look forward to seeing you very soon!

Ernest Thompson, General Manager: Courtyard by Marriott Lufkin
Laura Reina, Sales Manager: Courtyard by Marriott Lufkin
Shuneda Sterrett, Vice President, Sales & Marketing: Image Hospitality, LLC

Make more money...

Attend "Increasing Sales & Profits as a Destination Business" presented by Jon Schallert.

Tuesday, Oct. 6, at Hotel Fredonia.

Registration at the door is accepted. Click for more details.

Car Care for Women

Car Care

Chamber Chair Donna Finley congratulates CItizen of the Year Dr. Patsy Hallman

Nacogdoches County Chamber Chairman of the Board Donna Finley, left, celebrates with Dr. Patsy Hallman, former Dean of Education for Stephen F. Austin State University. Dr. Hallman graciously accepted the "Citizen of the Year" award for 2008-2009. (Photo: Bruce R. Partain)

Click here to view these pictures larger