SFA advances to 2nd Round with win over EWU

The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjack football team recorded its first postseason victory since the 1995 season with a 44-33 win over Eastern Washington Saturday afternoon in the opening round of the NCAA FCS Playoffs.

SFA returns to action Saturday, Dec. 5, when they travel to Missoula, Mont., to take on the Grizzlies. Montana advances to the second round of the playoffs after its come-from-behind win over South Dakota State, 61-48. The Grizzlies scored 40 unanswered points in the final 20:25 to defeat the Jackrabbits.

Click for story at KTRE.com.

Transportation update at luncheon

The Chamber’s November and December Fourth Friday Luncheon meetings are combined in to one event held noon to 1 p.m., Friday, Dec. 4 at Hotel Fredonia. TxDOT district engineer Dennis Cooley, left, will give an “East Texas Transportation Update.”

“The Fourth Friday Luncheon will provide a good opportunity to get information on what’s going on in East Texas Transportation,” Cooley said. “It will also afford those attending an opportunity to share their thoughts or concerns about transportation.”

Cooley’s district comprises nine counties: Angelina, Houston, Nacogdoches, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby and Trinity. He earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Texas A&M University and has worked in TxDOT since the early 1980s.

The presented information is vital for all local businesses, and the luncheon serves as the Chamber’s monthly membership meeting. The Chamber Board of Directors urge you to attend and stay on top of what is going on at the Chamber and around town.

Lunch is $16 and attendee RSVPs are required by Thursday, Dec. 3. Please complete and fax in a registration form. All attending may enter the $50 drawing, and all Chamber members are entered in a $250 drawing, but you must be present to win. Both drawings sponsored by First Bank & Trust East Texas.

'Jacks clinch share of SLC title, will host Eastern Washington in first playoff round

November 23, 2009 - SFA Athletics

Less than 24 hours after defeating Northwestern State to lock up a share of their first Southland Conference title since 1999, the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjack football learned its fate in the NCAA FCS Playoffs. The 'Jacks will host Eastern Washington Saturday at 2 p.m. from Homer Bryce Stadium.

Eastern Washington (8-3) is one of two at-large teams from the Big Sky Conference that advanced to the 2009 NCAA FCS Playoffs. After losing consecutive games to playoff participants Weber State and Montana midway through the season, the Eagles rattled off four consecutive wins to close out the season to earn a spot in the field of 16.

The Lumberjacks are their first postseason appearance since the 1995 season when SFA advanced to the NCAA semifinals. Tickets for Saturday's game are on sale through the SFA ticket office, (936) 468-JACK.

Brick Street News videos are available online

Click to watch Brick Street News for the latest and greatest Nac news with ...

Shelley Brophy, City Commissioner
Karen Tucker, County Extension Agent
Steven Arrequin, Firefighter
Dr. Patsy Hallman, Old University Building
Sara O'Brien, Mainstreet
Coach Kaspar, SFA Basketball
Colette Vallot, TXU Energy
Dr. Steven Galatas, SFA
Myrick Richards, Fire Fighter
Judge Joe English, Nacogdoches County

Brick Street News is produced by Reggie Hudson, NISD.

Announcement from Matt Rocco at Etech, Inc.

Hello Etech Partners:

In our ongoing efforts to create an environment and a culture that will ensure that Etech is:

• Driving Superior Results
• Delighting Our Customers
• Protecting and Enhancing the Etech Brand
• Developing Our People

I am pleased to announce the following changes effective immediately:

Ray Levitzki has promoted to Vice President of Texas Operations. In this new role, Ray will have the responsibility to ensure that our operation teams in Pasadena, Nacogdoches and Lufkin are operating with one common vision and one common goal. He will serve to instill an “espirit de corps” among our centers and look to reignite that swagger that once defined Etech.

Kaylene Eckels has been given the keys to the Lufkin Center and will serve as the Director for the Lufkin operations. Kaylene will now have overall responsibility for Lufkin and will be responsible for ensuring that every customer is delighted and every team member developed. Joining Kaylene in Lufkin as Assistant Director is Shawndra Tobias. Shawndra will partner with Kaylene to ensure the Lufkin is focused each and every day on achieving its goals.

Laminta Fowler has been promoted to Director of the Nacogdoches Center. Laminta will have overall responsibility for the Nacogdoches center and will be responsible for ensuring that every customer is delighted and every team member developed in Nacogdoches. Cindy Edwards joins Laminta as Assistant Director in Nacogdoches. We are all expecting big contributions from these ladies in their mission to restore Nacogdoches to its glory days!

Javier Jiron will now join Ray’s team as Director of the Pasadena Center. Javier will continue to lead our bilingual team as they prepare to take Pasadena to new heights in 2010.

Patrick Reynolds has been promoted to Senior Director of CHAT operations. Pat will have the responsibility of working closely with our Live Person technology partner as well as overall operational responsibility for all chat programs across Etech and Etech India to ensure that we are delighting our customers and earning new business.

I am very excited about these changes to our operations team and anxious to see what lies ahead in 2010. Please join in congratulating each of these leaders and wishing them well! - Matt
(Click image below to view.)

----------------------------
Matt Rocco, Chief Operating Officer
Etech, Inc.
www.etechinc.com

Alive After Five at Clardy, Davis & Knowles

Law firm partners Travis Clardy, Jeff Davis, Drew Knowles and their staff hosted a perfect after business hours event at their newly remodeled offices, downtown at 209 E. Main St. on Thursday, Nov. 19.

Guests enjoyed an evening of good food from Shelley's Bakery Cafe and Delacroix's Cajun Style Seafood, a wine tasting by Kiepersol Estates and beverages from R&K Distributors. A number of nice door prizes were given. The cash drawing was not awarded, so the amount goes up to $400 for the next Alive After Five.





Click for more photos.

Seeking little cowpokes for the Little Cowboy & Cowgirl Contest

LittleCowboy_entryform



The 13th Annual Nine Flags Festival is pleased to present the Little Cowboy & Cowgirl costume contest sponsored by Baskin’s Department Store, Mike’s BBQ, and the Nine Flags Festival. The contest will be held Saturday, December 5 at the Plaza Principal Stage behind the Visitor Center, 200 E. Main. Registration begins at 4 p.m. while judging will take place at 4:30 p.m.

Entries will be judged on overall appearance, neatness, and creativity. Contest is open to all children ages 12 and under, and entry into the contest is free. Prizes will be awarded for categories 6 & under and 7-12 years of age. First place prize in each category includes a Montana Silversmith belt buckle. Second place prize includes a gift certificate to Mike’s BBQ. The third place winner will receive a candy-filled boot.

For a contest entry form and more information about the contest and the Nine Flags Festival, call the CVB at 936-564-7351 or download the form from www.nineflagsfestival.com.

Ribbon Cutting for The King

Pictured above, Elvis, left, and Bobby Ray Bridwell.

The Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Elvis Extravaganza Exhibit at Coldwell Banker Choice Realtors, 2026 N.W. Stallings Dr., (936) 552-7877.

The exhibit will be open to the public 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday, through Dec. 18. Admission is free, and donations to Nacogdoches County United Way are accepted.

Elvis memorabilia collector Bobby Ray Bridwell welcomed sponsors, Chamber members and guests.



Click to view more event photos.

Ribbon Cutting - Horn Welding

Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting Tuesday, November 17 for Horn Welding.

Owner Eddie Horn welcomed sponsors, Chamber members and guests.

Mr. Horn explained that he brings his welding machine to the customer's site, and that he can weld virtually any metal item, from metal fence posts, to metal buildings to farm machinery in need of repair.

Contact Mr. Horn at P.O. Box 631494 Nacogdoches Texas 75963, (936) 645-8370.

Photo: Francheska Cunningham

Economic Development Summit recap

The 2009 East Texas Economic Development Summit held in downtown Nacogdoches on Thursday, Nov. 12, was well-attended by the region's elected officials and business leaders.

The event hosts are Sen. Robert Nichols, Commissioner Todd Staples and Texas Forest Country Partnership.

Click here for story by Donna McCollum, KTRE.

Click here for story by Trent Jacobs, The Daily Sentinel.

Photos from top -
1. Legislative panel, from left, Senator Robert Nichols, Rep. Chuck Hopson, Rep. Jim McReynolds, and Rep. Wayne Christian.
2. Governor Rick Perry.
3. Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples.
4. Lt. Governor David Dewhurst.
5. Nichols, left, and Ray Perryman.

Photos by Bruce R. Partain. Click here to view more event photos.

Farmers Market open on Saturday, Nov 14

Join us this Saturday at the Nacogdoches Farmer’s Market to stock up on local produce and a variety of other items. The Nacogdoches Farmer’s Market is currently open on Saturday mornings and offers locally grown produce and a variety of other unique and delicious items.

This week the Market as always will feature a variety of fresh produce such as: blueberries (frozen & frozen concenterate), cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, green beans, greens (collard, kale, mustard & turnip), herbs (arrugla, Holy basil, Thai basil, sweet leaf basil, cilantro, apple mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sorrel and thyme), Romaine lettuce, onions (white & yellow), oranges, parsley, unshelled pecans, peppers (Bell, banana, cayenne, jalapenos & sweet), persimmons, potatoes (red & white), radishes, squash (acorn, butternut, pumpkin, yellow & zucchini), sweet potatoes, tomatoes (green & regular) and turnips.

We are also proud to have these additional items available this Saturday at the Farmer’s Market :farm raised tilapia, naturally processed &hormone free chickens and farm raised eggs, wonderful fresh cut flowers, homemade candles and perfumes in every scent imaginable, Texas Cheese’s such as fresh made, Gouda, Goat, Jalapeno, Cheddar, Blue & Caraway, freshly ground corn meal, jams & jellies, Carol’s breads, pecan pies, cookies, cakes from Sand hill Farm, and an assortment of other hand crafted items.

Steve Hartz (proprietor of the old time string shop) and Paul Driver will play old time (Americana) music this Saturday, November 14.

If you would like to sign up for the weekly Farmers’ Market email update, please send an email to obriens@ci.nacogdoches.tx.us. You are also more than welcome to visit www.farmermktnac.blogspot.com for the weekly update. Also be our fan on facebook @NacogdochesFarmersMarket.

The Nacogdoches Farmers’ Market, located at the “hitch lot” at the corner of West Main and Pearl Streets, is open from 8 a.m. until noon or later every Saturday. If the market parking lot is full, additional parking is available in the Nacogdoches County Courthouse Annex parking lot.

Ribbon Cutting - Dragonfly Gift Gallery

Richard and Kimberly Wright welcomed friends, family and Chamber memebers to celebrate the opening of their store Dragonfly Gift Gallery. The ceremony was a success as everyone got a chance to see the many "Gifts" the store has. The Dragonfly Gift Gallery is located on 134 N. Mound Street in downtown Nacogdoches.

The Art of Survival - Women's Defense of East Texas

The oldest town in Texas presents "The Art of Survival," Women's Defense of East Texas. The program offers women:

Awareness and Intuition - Develop your awareness and senses in a way that protects you and your loved ones.

Self Defense - Be prepared for any situation you may find yourself in, as well as learning ways to prevent those situations.

Self Control - Learn to take charge of the situation and yourself.

Confidence - Gain confidence as you conquer your fears and goals.

IT'S FUN - Moms do something for yourself, release aggression in a controlled situation.

The event will be on Saturday, Novemeber 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The cost will be $12 per person. You can register at City of Nacogdoches Parks, Recreation & Cemetery Department located on 1112 North Street, Nacogdoches, TX 75961.

For more INFORMATION call (936)559-2960 or go to www.ci.nacogdoches.tx.us.

Community responds to the Fort Hood tragedy of November 5, 2009

Updated Nov. 7, 2009 at 1450. Thus far, we have pledges in excess of $60,000. What can we say but THANK YOU.

We did not want to believe what we saw and heard - and feel compelled to respond. Our AUSA Chapter has stepped forward and is answering the question: what can I do to help?

The answer: Contribute to a Central Texas-Fort Hood Chapter, AUSA fund established to appropriately memorialize this tragedy, and care for the affected Soldiers and their Families. At this moment, we do not know just what those needs might be, but we have learned from prior experience that such tragedies always create need - and Americans always want to help.

Our chapter (an entirely volunteer led 501C3 organization, IRS Tax # 53-0193361) has a 50-year record of always supporting our Soldiers and their Families. One hundred percent of all funds received will go to meet these needs.

So, if you are so inclined, we invite you to contribute, by check, to:

The Central Texas- Fort Hood Chapter
Association of the US Army
Attn: Community Response to 11/5
PO Box 10700
Killeen, TX 76547-0700

Write Community Response to 11/5 on the memo line of your check.

And thank you.
The Volunteer Leadership of The Central Texas- Fort Hood Chapter Association of the US Army
leadership@forthoodausa.org

Junior League of Lufkin New Provisional Class and October Volunteer of the Month

Lorelle Coleman (volunteer of month) and Marcy Weibe (VP Membership).

Lorelle Coleman was recognized as the October Volunteer of the Month. She is the servant in the background who does the work and doesn’t except, or want, recognition. She is a devoted wife, mother and friend who quietly takes care of her responsibilities and finishes any project she accepts with professionalism. She volunteers countless hours at her children’s schools and their church. One friend describes her as fun and tireless, kind and giving, someone who always brings new ideas to the table. When not volunteering, she loves to decorate, and she always makes everything she does look effortless. Another friend says this volunteer’s characteristics are those traits she tries to emulate in her own life.

Her husband says her true gift is serving others. She has made hundreds of meals for others over the years and will drop anything to help a friend. He says she is a fierce protector of their family and calls her the stereotypical “mama bear” who would step in front of a car for him or their two children. She and her husband have a special love for St. Cyprian’s School, Baylor University and all things green and gold. Besides being a mama bear, she loves to root on those Bears! Her husband thinks her favorite JLL placement would probably be vision screening, but we are honoring her this month for her many, many hours researching new projects, placing members and then rearranging those placements with the approval of Spring Market 2010 all with a huge, sincere smile on her face.

Provisionals 2009. 2010.jpg – Front Row (left to right): April Earley, Tamara Day, Deanna Runyan, Laci Driscoll,Stephanie Valentine, Gina Green (Provisional Trainer).
Second Row (left to right): Shanelle Stewart, Rebecca Osborn, Vanessa Durham,Carrie Iversen, Tracy Jerke, Anita Boyd, Angie Williams.
Third Row (left to right): Brooke Vann, Anna Wyatt, Karen Howell, Whitney Garza, Tracie Reynolds, Claudia DeArmond, Hilary Haglund-Walker.
Not Pictured: Donna Quarles and Sandy Linton

About the Junior League of Lufkin
Since its beginning in 1953, the Junior League of Lufkin has supported many local projects and has made a positive impact on countless lives in Lufkin. The vision of our organization’s members is to enhance the lives of children and women in our community. To date, the JLL has donated over $1.8 million dollars to Angelina County. The Junior League of Lufkin is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism and to improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. For more information, visit the website, www.juniorleagueoflufkin.org. The Junior League of Lufkin is a member of the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce.

Nine Flags Festival updates

Click for a full schedule of 2009 Nine Flag Festival events.

Photo-The Budweiser Clydesdales will be coming to the Oldest Town in Texas December 4-6.

The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales, the symbol of quality and tradition for Anheuser-Busch since 1933, are scheduled to make several appearances in the area during the week of December 2. The eight-horse hitch will be harnessed and hitched to the famous red beer wagon during the Christmas Parade on December 5 from approximately 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m., followed by a dazzling fireworks display downtown.

"For those that have never seen them, they are an amazing sight. I’ve seen them many times, and I’m still like a little kid when I see them coming down the street," said Gary Justice, R&K Distributors.

On Friday, December 4 and Sunday, December 6, from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. on both days, area residents will be treated with a “Stable Showing” at Barn #1 of the Nacogdoches County Exposition Center. This activity is free to the public.

2nd annual Spirit of Christmas Toy Drive. The Nacogdoches Convention & Visitors Bureau, located at 200 E. Main Street will serve as a drop off location from November 14th until December 12th, helping community agencies collect much-needed toys and Christmas presents for Nacogdoches County.

Photo-Enjoy a hot cup of wassail during Wassail Fest on Saturday, November 28 in downtown Nacogdoches.

Downtown merchants will once again be competing for bragging rights for the best holiday brew during Wassail Fest. The event is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, November 28, when the wassail will be served at various shops, stores and restaurants within the historic downtown district. This year’s theme will once again be the popular “From Renaissance to Rock ‘n Roll” where merchants can pick which decade they would like to portray. A list of participating merchants can be picked up at the Visitors' Center, located at 200 E. Main St.

The 13th annual Nine Flags Festival will be in full swing Saturday, December 5, in downtown Nacogdoches with an entire day of holiday fun ending with the largest lighted Christmas parade in East Texas sponsored by First Bank & Trust East Texas.

The day starts early with Pancakes with Santa and the Jingle Bell Run and will also offer arts & crafts and food vendors, live entertainment, competitions, children’s activities and a fireworks show.

All parade entries must be received by Friday, November 13. Fees are $30 for floats and trailers and $15 for all other entries. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three entries for float and non-float categories. Judging will be based on aesthetic quality, originality, creativity, use of animation and/or humor and use of illumination.

Sample the wares of arts & crafts and food vendors from 4 to 9 p.m. on the downtown square where a smorgasbord of unique gifts and traditional festival foods await you. Entertainment will be provided by the Cowboy Poet Dave Watson and the SFA Charter School along with other talented acts.

Photo-Join the Oldest Town in Texas to celebrate the Texas flag at the 13th annual Nine Flags Festival Lighted Christmas Parade.

As the day’s events unfold, excitement will be building for largest lighted Christmas parade in East Texas beginning at 6:30 p.m. and winding its way through downtown, which itself will be aglow with more than 3 million festive holiday lights.


For more information about Nine Flags Festival events, please call (936) 564-7351 or go to www.nineflagsfestival.com.

Fall foliage peak to come in the next few weeks in Piney Woods

Leaves are already beginning to turn in Nacogdoches County. For a fall foliage driving map, please contact the Visitor Center at 1-888-OLDEST-TOWN or visit www.visitnacogdoches.org.

Autumn may come to the Piney Woods a little later than most places, but the kaleidoscope of color it brings is well worth the wait.
With its rolling hills and towering forests, the region is home to the most beautiful and scenic fall foliage in Texas. Deep reds and brilliant golds are already painting the Piney Woods landscape, contrasting with the evergreen pines for a resplendent autumn display that will continue through the month of November.
“The cooler temperatures and beautiful fall foliage make this one of the best times of the year to explore Nacogdoches County and the surrounding areas,” said Melissa Sanford, executive director of the Nacogdoches Convention & Visitors Bureau.
“We invite everyone traveling our scenic highways this fall to take the opportunity to stop and enjoy some of the interesting and historic sites and special events along the way.”
Recent cool nights and sunny days have spurred the annual color change in area forests and along the roadsides. East Texas is best known for its tall pine trees, but in fall the black gums, sweet gums, hickories, oaks and sugar maples take center stage.
Travelers can view the fall foliage along numerous highways in the Piney Woods, including the three major routes through Nacogdoches, the oldest town in Texas. They are U.S. Hwy. 59, State Hwy. 21 and State Hwy. 7.
Maps of the Fall Foliage Trail are available at the Nacogdoches Visitors’ Center, located at 200 E. Main St. Those in search of peak fall color can call the CVB at 1-888-OLDEST-TOWN for updates on the best routes to travel or visit us online at www.visitnacogdoches.org.

Chamber Connection - November 2009 e-news

'Click to read Chamber Connection - the Chamber's e-newsletter.

CASA 5K Run - registration form

2009_CASA_5KRun_Registration1

Boot Scoot to A Starry Night during First Friday Nights in November

Put on your boots and scoot on to downtown Nacogdoches for a Starry Night to shop by Friday, November 6, 2009 from 5:00-8:00 p.m.

First Friday Cruise Nights continues this month, with a special holiday open house extravaganza with late night shopping, refreshments, gift-wrapping, door prizes and demos; over 17 downtown businesses will stay open late till eight for your holiday shopping pleasure. Round up your holiday gifts and stroll the brick streets with the glimmer of hundreds of luminaries to light the way. Sponsored by the Nacogdoches Main Street Program and the Downtown Business Association, there is plenty to do in downtown the First Friday Night in November.

Photo of historic downtown by Bruce R. Partain.

An exciting addition to November’s First Friday Cruise Nights is a special showing of Crystalline Glazed Pottery by Roger Hughes at Sherry Wards Fine Arts Studio and Art on Main Gallery, 407 E. Main. Mr. Hughes is a local artist and will be in attendance to visit with guests and introduce his new glazes and shapes of exquisite porcelain crystalline vessels. For this event, Hughes has created a limited number of paper weights in various new glazes to be given away with each purchase of $100.00 or more while supplies last. The gallery will also showcase a display of decorative paintings by Polly Ritterskamp and photographs by Sue Smith in recognition of the 40th anniversary of the Nacogdoches Art League. Both artists are active members of NAL.

The SFA School of Art and Friends of the Visual Arts will present a free one-night film screening of “Handmade Nation” at 7:30 p.m. during First Friday Cruise Nights at The Cole Art Center, 329 E. Main Street.

“We hope everyone can come out and do a little holiday shopping and see how all of the stores are gearing up for the holidays,” said Lyric Muckleroy, president of the Downtown Business Association. “We promise you will not be disappointed with what we have planned for this holiday season.”

A complete list of participating First Friday Cruise Night merchants will be available on Friday, November 6 at the Visitor Center, 200 E. Main Street. For more information on First Friday Cruise Nights, contact the Nacogdoches Main Street office at 936-559-2573.