"Cram" results in passed test

(Click on photos for larger view)

An enthusiastic crowd of Lumberjack basketball fans enjoyed a 64-43 victory over the Texas A&M Corpus Christi Islander Saturday afternoon at Johnson Coliseum in Nacogdoches. The Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce and Stephen F. Austin State University Athletics distributed thousands of free tickets to this game and an earlier Ladyjack game as part of the third annual "Cram the Coliseum" promotion.

(Photos by Bruce R. Partain)

Happy 1st birthday, Nirvaana Medispa

Nivaana 1 Year Birthday Invitation

Signature Smiles Ribbon Cutting

Beth Samford welcomed guests, and Chamber members to the ribbon cutting of her new business, Signature Smiles. Signature Smiles is located at 3205 N. University Dr. Ste. A (across from the post office). They offer an assortment of teeth whitening techniques that is suitable for any lifestyle. Signature Smiles is brightening Nacogdoches one smile at a time, so come on in and see what product suits you.

Whitening:

• Standard Whitening (35%)
• Plus Whitening (44%)
• Super Whitening Package (1 35% treatment and 1 44% treatment

Maintenance:

• "Keep 'em Brite" pen
• Whitening Toothpaste
• Whitening Floss
• Whitening Mouthrinse
• Full Service Kit (1 toothpaste, 1 floss & 1 mouthrinse)

**Gift Certificates, Wedding & Group Rates are also available!**

For questions call (936) 205 - 5915 or email signaturesmileswhitening@gmail.com

You're Invited to Help Celebrate Nirvaana's 1 Year Birthday

Nirvaana 1 Year Birthday Invitation

It’s time to get your spring subscriptions at the Farmer’s Market….

Come out Saturday at the Nacogdoches Farmer's Market to stock up on a variety of handcrafted, locally grown items. The Nacogdoches Farmer's Market is currently open on Saturday mornings and offers fresh produce, unique gifts, and a variety of other delicious items.
Things to look for this coming Saturday: Baked goods, artisan Texas cheeses, Texas citrus, free-range eggs, tilapia fish, flowers, jewelry, plants, starter plants, preserves and local produce such as: collard, mustard & kale greens; onions; potatoes; butternut squash & sweet potatoes.

Josie Crowson with Josie's Fresh Flowers will be at the market accepting subscriptions for fresh cut flower's for the spring season. Gregory Lide of Sacred Spring Organic Farm will be at the market this Saturday accepting new members for his CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farm.

Also be sure to mark your calendar for the Spring Fling scheduled for March 27th. Featuring children's activities, live entertainment and much, much more!

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 become 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 morning. If the market parking lot is full, additional parking is available in the Nacogdoches County Courthouse Annex parking lot.

Early Voting Hours

To check out Nacogdoches' early voting hours click here

EPA Certified Renovator Training Classes Coming to Your Area!

EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule will become fully effective and enforceable on April 22, 2010. The rule applies to all "renovations" including many typical housing maintenance and remodeling activities performed for "compensation" in pre-1978 "target housing" and pre-1978 "child - occupied facilities" when the work will disturb paint, stain, shellac and varnish that has not been tested and certified as lead free.

Approximately 8.4 million renovation, repair and painting projects, large and small, will trigger the EPA Rule's requirements in the first year alone. An estimated 211,000 trade contractors, third-party property managers, residential rental property owners, property leasing agents, and other affected organizations will have to comply with the Rule, including applying to EPA to become "Certified Renovations Firms". Additionally, hundreds of thousand of workers performing these "renovations" will have to be trained and certified as "Renovators" by EPA-accredited trainers. These include:

• Remodelers
• Building maintenance and service personnel
• Drywall mechanics
• Plumbers
• Electricians
• HVAC technicians
• Window and siding installers
• Kitchen and bathroom cabinet specialists
• Painters

With the compliance deadline looming for this new Federal regulation, now is the time to take action. Connor Institute is ready to help!

Connor Institute, an EPA-accredited national training provider, is offering the required EPA Certified Renovator Initial full-day course in your area.

Register now by clicking on the following link to Connor Institutes web page to select and pay for your class: http://www.connorinstitute.com/classes/rrp/aspx.

The registration rate is $250/student, which includes all training materials, AM and PM refreshments, a light lunch, and issuance of the certification document electronically upon successful completion of the course. Classes are limited to 20 students each, so hurry!

The EPA fines and penalties for non-compliance are stiff, and April 22, 2010 will be here before you realize it. Take advantage of this opportunity to get yourself and your employees, as well as your contractors' and subcontractors' workers, trained as Certified Renovators.

To discuss scheduling a class or classes, please contact Robert Bixler at bbixler@connorinstitute.com for more details.

Ladyjacks keep the Cram the Coliseum record perfect

The Nacogdoches County Chamber kicked off the third year of Cram the Coliseum in the now traditional way: with a win. In five total games since 2008, the Ladyjacks and Lumberjacks are undefeated in "Cram" games.

The SFA Ladyjacks poured on the pressure by defeating the Texas State Bobcats 95 to 83 Thursday night, running away with a victory after a close first half. The Chamber and SFA Athletics distributed thousands of free tickets to the game in the weeks leading up to the game.

The tickets are also good for the Lumberjacks vs. Corpus Christi game, scheduled for 2 p.m. this Saturday, Feb. 27, at Johnson Coliseum in Nacogdoches. A very limited number of tickets may be available at the Chamber - 2516 North Street - or at the SFA field house.

(Photo: Bruce R. Partain)

Time to Cram the Coliseum

Charlotte and Gary Lee Ashcraft at a past Cram the Coliseum game.

Click for details on getting free admission tickets to this week's Ladyjacks and Lumberjacks games.

Fourth Friday Luncheon Friday 26, 2010

Mr. Thompson will discuss his insights into Sugar Land and SFASU as regional leaders and his role on the leadership teams of both organizations.

Nacogdoches County Chamber

Fourth Friday Luncheon

"Leading Sugar Land, Leading SFA"

James A. "Jimmy" Thompson

Chairman,SFA Board of Regents

Mayor, Sugar Land, Texas

Friday 26, 2010

Noon- 1:00 p.m.

Hotel Fredonia

Banita Ballroom

Call the Chamber to reserve now!

Nacogdoches Medical Center 35th Anniversary Celebration

Come out and help Nacogdoches Medical Center celebrate thirty-five years of service, care, and quality Thursday, March 25 at 3:00 pm. Nacogdoches Medical Center is located at 4920 NE Stallings Drive and the 35th anniversary celebration will be held in the Women's Center Lobby. For more information call (936) 568 - 3289.

Ribbon Cutting for Practitioners on the Go

Click to view more photos.

This Tuesday, February 23 Rhonda Schmidt (RN, FNP-C) invited Chamber members and guests to the ribbon cutting of her new practice, Practitioners on the Go. Serving Nacogdoches, Angelina, Shelby County and surrounding areas, Practitioners on the Go is reinventing the house call. Take a look at some of the many things Practitioners on the Go can do for you:

• Primary care in clinic or home
• Acute or Episodic care in clinic or home
• Chronic Condition Management
• Well Women Exams
• Labs
• X-ray
• EKG
• Nutritional Assessments
• Home Health Evaluations
• Pediatric to Geriatric
• Pre/Post Hospital and Skilled Nursing Facility Visits.

To find out more information check out the website at www.practitionersonthego.com. The main office number is (936) 205 - 1099 and their toll free number is (888) 315 - 9031. You can even email Rhonda Schmidt at rschmidt@practitionersonthego.com

Rainbow Trout in Nacogdoches?

Doug James with an average two person limit of Rainbow Trout from Lake Side Park Community Fishing Lake on Pearl St, Nacgdoches, TX.



Doug James with a huge 16" Rainbow Trout caught on 2-21-10 From Lake Side Park Community Fishing Lake (CFL) Nacogdoches,TX

Lake Side Park on Pearl Street was recently stocked with an additional 500 Rainbow Trout including some brutes possibly up to four pounds in weight according to TPWD hatchery staff in Jasper. About a month ago, nearly 800 trout were released for the Kid Fish Tournament held every January.

A limit of five fish per person per day is easily attainable.Light line and liht tackle is the key. Sweet canned corn, in line spinners in various colors, and Berkley Powerbaits have been the most popular baits. These are cool water fish. As the outdoor temperatures increase, their numbers wil decrease.

Spring is in the Air at the Farmer’s Market on Saturday!

Join us Saturday at the Nacogdoches Farmer’s Market to stock up on a variety of handcrafted, locally grown items. The Nacogdoches Farmer’s Market is currently open on Saturday & Wednesday mornings and offers fresh produce, unique gifts, and a variety of other delicious items.
Things to look for this Saturday: baked goods (breads, cookies &
pies), artisan Texas cheeses, Texas citrus, freshly ground corn-meal,
organic chicken, free-range eggs, tilapia fish, flowers, jewelry, plants,
starter plants, preserves and local produce (collard, mustard & kale greens;
onions; potatoes; butternut squash & sweet potatoes)

Be sure to mark your calendar for our Spring Fling scheduled for March
March 27th. Featuring children’s activities, live entertainment and much, much more!

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 morning. If the market parking lot is full, additional parking is available in the Nacogdoches County Courthouse Annex parking lot.

First Lady Anita Perry and the Texas Historical Commission Honor Nacogdoches

Representatives from Nacogdoches were present in Austin on Tuesday to accept the award.

From Right to Left: Mary Turner, Texas Forest Trail Coordinator Sarah O'Brien, City of Nacogdoches, Main Street Terry Colley, THC Deputy Executive Director Chay Runnels, SFASU Hospitality Administration Melissa Sanford, Nacogdoches Convention & Visitor's Bureau Mark Wolfe, THC Executive Director First Lady Anita Perry Brian Bray, City of Nacogdoches, Historic Sites Scott Runnels, Historic Landmark Preservation Commission Samantha Mora, Nacogdoches Convention & Visitor's Bureau Dr. Lynda Martin, SFASU Human Sciences

FIRST LADY ANITA PERRY AND TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION HONOR
NACOGDOCHES WITH TEXAS TREASURES AWARD

AUSTIN, Texas — Celebrating a diverse heritage with the Nine Flags Festival, five historic National Register Districts and a revitalized downtown all contribute to earning the City of Nacogdoches a 2010 First Lady’s Texas Treasures Award. The award was presented by First Lady Anita Perry Tuesday at the Texas Travel Industry Association’s annual Unity Dinner in Austin.

Click here to continue reading

More Lone Star Legislative Summit Photos

The Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee greatly thanks the sponsors and volunteers participation and support of the third biennial Lone Star Legislative Summit in Nacogdoches, Feb. 17 and 18.

More than 260 people total registered in advance for the eight sub-events, with more arriving at the registration desk.

The luncheon drew close to 200 attendees.

Photos from the event.

From left, John Ruckel, Rep. Rob Eissler, Rep. Wayne Christian, Paul Smith III.

U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert

NEDCO President Bill King asks a question on transportation options.

Eminent domain panelists included Farm Bureau's Regan Beck, Rep. Wayne Christian, Rep. Allen Ritter, and Rep. Brandon Creighton (not pictured).

Audience members enjoy panelists' remarks.

(Photos (c) 2010 Bruce R. Partain for the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce)

Lone Star Legislative Summit Photos

Summit chair John Ruckel greets attendees.

Question and answer session draws interest.

State Senator Robert Nichols enjoys a light moment.

Education panel participants, from left, Representatives John Otto, Jim Jackson and Rob Eissler.

Governor Rick Perry explains a plan for encouraging young people to complete their high school education.

Here is a selection of photos from the February 17 and 18 Lone Star Legislative Summit in Nacogdoches, produced by the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce.

More than 200 registrants attended eight events that made up the third biennial conference.

A reception was held Feb. 17 at the Hotel Fredonia and the conference sessions on transportation, education, water resources and eminent domain were held at the Stephen F. Austin State University student center.

Texas House Ways and Means Vice Chair Rep. John Otto kicked off the event with a breakfast presentation on the main issues of the 2011 legislative session. U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert brought updates on federal initiatives on health care, immigration and the economy. Texas Governor Rick Perry gave a capstone keynote on challenges facing Texas, and the progress we have made as businesses and individuals.

(Photos: (c) Bruce R. Partain for the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce)

George Foreman at SFA!

Get our your calendars and save the date for the first event in the new Archie McDonald Speaker Series, "A Conversation with Mr. George Foreman," Thursday, April 29, in the Baker Pattillo Student Center.

One of SFA's longtime history professor, Dr. Archie McDonald, will sit down for a chat with the Olympic Gold Medal boxing champion and world-renown entrepreneur beginning at 7:30 pm in the Grand Ballroom. Limited premier reservations are available for $50 which includes dinner with Mr. Foreman at 6:00 pm.

Reserved seats are $15 and general admission is $10. SFA students will be admitted free of charge.

To reserve your seat or get more information about the speaker series, visit www.sfasu.edu/archie or call 936.468.2605.

SFASU Walk and Roll!

The Lumberjack Walk and Roll Web site


The Lumberjack Walk and Roll Web site houses an interactive mapping application that was created to aid pedestrians and wheelchair users to find the most efficient routes throughout the SFA campus.

It allows users to map out the best path to and from buildings and parking lots. If individuals are restricted to wheelchairs, the application will assist users to their desired destinations by directing them to the handicapped accessible entryways of all buildings and walkways.

The Web site was created by SFA student Allison Bergman for a partial fulfillment for a master’s degree and advised by Dr. Darrel McDonald. The application was created using ArcGIS Info and ArcGIS Server.


Visit the Lumberjack Walk and Roll Website!

Even more snow photos from Nacogdoches, Texas

Benchwarmers needed at the head of the Tucker Woods trail.

A good berry to eat if you are a robin.

Extra cushioning on the bicycle seats today.

A trail one expert attributes to a rabbit. Others suspect the neighbor's cat.

Photos (c) 2-12-10 by Bruce R. Partain

Click on photos for larger view.

More snow photos from Nacogdoches

Waiting for a thaw in Kiwanis Park.

Camelias should survive the snow.

Hikers enjoy the SFA Native Plant Center.

The Old University Building gets a fresh coat of soft white foreground.

Isn't that Brad Maule's truck?

Photos (c) 2-12-10 by Bruce R. Partain

Click on photo to enlarge.

Snow day in Nacogdoches, Texas

Quiet scene at the SFA Native Plant Center.

A covey of photographers converges on the SFA campus.

Ski Nacogdoches!

Eventually, they built five snowmen. Then dad said, yes, they could play Xbox.

Antonio Gil y Barbo's statue in the town square takes on a new look.

Photos (c) 2-12-2010 by Bruce R. Partain

(Click on photo for larger view)

Snow kidding

Every so often it actually snows in Nacogdoches. It is doing it tonight.

Possibly will still be around in the morning, but we don't count on that.

Summit Brings Austin and Washington to East Texas

The third Lone Star Legislative Summit is set for February 17 and 18 in Nacogdoches, Texas. The event kicks off with the Lone Star Reception on Wednesday, February 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Hotel Fredonia. Summit sessions begin with an early breakfast on Thursday, February 18 on the second floor of the Stephen F. Austin Sate University Student Center. Sessions run through the afternoon. Topics include Transportation, Education, Water Resources, and Property Rights.

Texas Governor Rick Perry will speak on legislative challenges and opportunities across Texas. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison has been invited to present her views of the national legislative landscape. Weather may prevent her from attending, but we will have an authoritative speaker on national issues on hand.

U.S. Representative Louie Gohmert will highlight federal activity on healthcare, homeland security and other major issues.

Rep. Wayne Christian and State Senator Robert Nichols are co-hosting the event and will welcome fellow legislators to their 'home territory'. Senator Nichols' District 3 covers 16 East Texas counties. He is also a former TxDOT commissioner. Rep. Christian's District 10 includes Nacogdoches, Shelby, San Augustine, Sabine and Jasper Counties.

The Transportation discussion will be moderated by Senator Robert Nichols and includes Texas Department of Transportation Assistant Director of Engineering John Barton and Rep. Allen Fletcher. Rep. Fletcher's District 130 covers part of Harris County. A law enforcement professional, Mr. Fletcher serves on the Criminal Jurisprudence Committee and Urban Affairs Committee.

Chairman of the House Education Committee Rob Eissler leads a panel that also features Rep. Jim Jackson. Rep. Eissler's District 15 covers part of Montgomery County. He was just named to the Select Committee on Public School Finance. Rep. Jackson's District 115 covers part of Dallas County. He also serves on the House Education Committee.

"Water, Water, Everywhere ... is there enough to Drink?" is the title of a panel moderated by David Alders of Nacogdoches. Rep. Allan Ritter and Rep. Brandon Creighton will participate with Jerry Clark, executive vice president of the Sabine River Authority. Rep. Ritter is the chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources. His District 21 covers part of Jefferson County. Rep. Creighton's also serves on the Natural Resources Committee. His District 16 covers part of Montgomery County. An agribusinessman, Mr. Alders serves on the East Texas Region 1 Water Planning Group for the Texas Water Development Board.

Cost for the Wednesday reception is $25. Thursday breakfast is $15 and luncheon is $25. A combination registration for all ticketed events is only $50. The event is produced by the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce. Check out http://www.nacogdoches.org/ to register online, and to see updates on the above information. (Information updated January 27, 2010)

Nacogdoches Set to Make Cancer History at This Year's Relay For Life

In its 12th year during the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Nacogdoches, walkers will go around the clock in the battle against cancer . Nacogdoches residents will gather at the Nacogdoches County Exposition Center in teams on March 5 for an overnight relay against cancer. Relay For Life is a family-oriented team event where participants walk relay-style around the track and take part in fun activities off the track. Teams can include coworkers, club members, family and friends and have gathered donations prior to the event.

The public is also invited and greatly encouraged to attend the Luminaria Ceremony, which will take place after sundown. To honor the community's cancer survivors and to remember those lost to the disease, survivors will circle the track rimmed with glowing luminaria while the names of survivors and those lost to the disease are read aloud. Luminaria can be purchased for $5.00 by calling (936) 634 - 2940. Funds raised at Relay For Life will enable the American Cancer Society to support local services and resources for cancer patients and their families. Funds also support critical cancer research and community education programs designed to teach people how to reduce their risk of developing cancer.

This year's theme is "Making Cancer History" and with over 26 teams signed up for the year's event Nacogdoches' Relay for Life 2010 is sure to be a record breaker.

For more information contact Stacy Dicks or Heather Owens from the American Cancer Society at (936) 414 - 1631 or (936) 552 - 4254 or visit the website at www.RelayForLife.org/Nacogdochescotx

Warmer Weather Will Return in Time for Farmer's Market on Saturday!!

Come out this Saturday at the Nacogdoches Farmer's Market to stock up on a variety of handcrafted, locally grown items. This Saturday the Market will feature a variety of fresh produce such as baked goods, artisan Texas cheeses, Texas citrus, freshly ground corn-meal, organic chicken, free-range egg, tilapia fish, flowers, jewelry, plants, starter plants, preserves and local produce.

If you would like to sign up for the weekly Farmer's Market update email, please send an email to obriens@ci.nacogdoches.tx.us or check out the website for the weekly update at www.farmermktnac.blogspot.com

The Nacogdoches Farmer's 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 morning. If the market parking lot is full, additional parking is available in the Nacogdoches County Courthouse Annex parking lot.

Azalea Trail Sidewalk Sale

Last year during the Azalea Trails more than 8500 people walked through the Visitor's Center doors. This year the event will take place March 13 - April 3rd with hopes of an increase in participants. Make a special note on your calendars for March 20 because the CVB has graciously agreed to promote this year's Sidewalk Sale in conjunction with their Azalea Trail plant sale in over 10,000 AT Brochures, across the state and beyond! The Sidewalk Sale will start at 10 a.m. and last until 4 p.m. there will be activities that day downtown so tell your friends and come out for some fun! To see a full schedule of the days events check out their website at www.nacogdochesazaleas.com

Hotel Fredonia Presents "A Night In Paris"

Tuesday, February 23, 2010 Hotel Fredonia presents "A Night in Paris".

1st Course

Artichoke Hearts with Foie Gras

2nd Course

Roquefort Pear Salad

3rd Course

Butter-Poached Lobster Tail with Caviar Mousse, Wild Rice, and Fiddlehead Ferns

4th Course

Creme Brulee with Fresh Berries and Creme Fraiche

Each Course is served with wine accompaniment

This event starts at 6:30 pm and the cost is $49.00.

To make a reservation call (936) 564 - 1234

Hotel Fredonia is located at 200 North Fredonia, Nacogdoches, Texas 75961

2010 Brings SFA Enrollment Numbers Soaring

Stephen F. Austin State University welcomed 2010 with 12,029 students enrolled for the spring semester. This new number easily surpassed the spring 2009 enrollment by 7.2% or 803 students and also marks the eighth consecutive reporting period of increases in enrollment figures. This growing figure also goes above and beyond the record set more than 25 years ago in the spring of 1984 of 11,886 students. What's causing such an increase? SFA President Dr. Baker Pattillo recognizes the hard work and dedication put in by the employees in all areas of the university as the main cause. He explained that everyone across the campus is involved in recruiting top - quality students to SFA.