Lanana Creek T.R.A.I.L Run!

Nacogdoches Safe & Drug Free Community Coalition presents the Lanana Creek T.R.A.I.L. Run

(Together Reducing All Drugs In Life)

Date - Saturday April 24, 8:00 a.m.

Location - Lanana Creek Trail off Main Street behind Liberty Hall

Registration

Before April 17th

Walkers - $10

Runners- $15

On-Site April 24th

Walkers- $15

Runners- $20

Contact: Debbie Tanner
Community Mobilization Specialist
Nacogdoches Safe & Drug Free Coalition
Another Positive Prevention of the Alcohol & Drug Abuse Council
1407 N. University Drive, Suite B-2
Nacogdoches, Texas 75961
(936) 564-2446

Photos from the Agriculture Appreciation and Awareness Banquet

Photos by Silver Lion Photography, Randy and Marcela Coe. View event photo album - click here.

Ninth Annual Agriculture Appreciation and Awareness Banquet
Monday, March 29, at Banita Creek Hall, 401 W. Main St. in downtown Nacogdoches.

Legendary coach and rancher Gene Stallings, pictured left, delivered a memorable keynote speech.


2010 Ag awards
· Farm Family of the Year: Jerry Nichols Family (Sponsor: Tipton Ford)
· Agriculture Pioneer: Albert Thompson (Sponsor: Heritage Land Bank)
· Agribusiness of the Year: Sam B. Hayter Trust (Sponsor: First Bank & Trust, East Texas)
· Agriculture Educator of the Year: Dr. Dale Perritt (Sponsor: Citizens 1st Bank) Nacogdoches County

From left, Jerry Nichols, Dale Perritt, Henry Sunda and Albert Thompson.


From left, Neal Slaten - owner Tipton Ford, Farm Family of the Year sponsor; Linda, Jerry, Gregg, Reece and Matt Nichols.



Left, Jimmy Mize - First Bank and Trust East Texas, Agribusiness of the Year sponsor; and Henry Sunda, Sam B. Hayter Trust.



Front: holding award, Andy Gardner - Heritage Land Bank, Agriculture Pioneer of the Year sponsor; Albert and Deanna Thompson, Ella Burnett, Seth Burnett, Reanna Burnett, Chloey Burnett (baby), Tawna Burnett.
Second row: Timmy Thompson, Amanda Thompson, Perry Skipper, Daniel Burnett, Jeff Burnett, Cheryl Skipper.
Back: Geri Thompson, Casey Thompson, Ted Thompson, Marty Burnett, Perry Skipper.


Dr. Dale Perritt, center; Chris Sidnell and Kim Luna Snyder - Citizens 1st State Bank, Agriculture Educator of the Year award sponsor.


Dr. Perritt, left, with 2010 agricultural scholarship awards recipients and David Alders, right.

The banquet is a cooperative effort of local agencies interested in promoting and honoring agriculture in Nacogdoches County. Local agencies include Nacogdoches County Farm Bureau, Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce, Nacogdoches Economic Development Corporation (NEDCO) Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Cooperative Extension Program, Pineywoods RC&D, Stephen F. Austin State University - Agriculture Department and Texas Forest Service.

Get your 2010 Census questions answered

Need a form? Have questions about the 2010 Census? Get what you need - from a real person! Click for details.

Fourth Friday Luncheon

On Friday March 26, "Leader in Me" was presented by Education Consultant Landon Shewmake. The Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce Fourth Friday Luncheon was held at the Hotel Fredonia in the Banita Ballroom.

Pictured (left to right) Chamber Chairman Paul Smith, Superintendent Rodney Hutto, NISD Public Relations Coordinator Marty Prince, Fourth Friday Luncheon Program Chair Angela Wiederhold, Speaker Landon Shewmake, and Chamber President/ CEO Bruce Partain.

Click here to view more photos!

El Camino Real Sale on the Trail - May 8

Come shop for treasures in Nacogdoches during the 2nd annual El Camino
Real Sale on the Trail! The sale extends from Natchitoches, LA to
Crockett, TX and beyond! Over 175 miles of bargains!

Historic Downtown Nacogdoches will participate by hosting their
"Saturday Sidewalk Sale" on Saturday, May 8, 2010. Merchants will
feature a variety of great finds, unique specialty items, and
one-of-a-kind antiques.

Those interested in participating in the second annual "Sale on the
Trail" are encouraged to take advantage of a great chance to shop,
sell, or see the sites on the remarkable El Camino Real.

Nacogdoches encourages all land owners, businesses, churches, and
community organizations to hold yard sales, flea markets, festivals,
trade shows, sidewalk sales, etc. along this famous trail, providing a
wonderful weekend of touring and shopping.

The Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors Bureau will have "Sale on the
Trail" signs and balloons available for people interested in
participating in the "Sale on the Trail." Signs as well as red and
yellow balloons will provide continuity along the trail for all shoppers
and trail riders to see. Signs and balloons can be picked up at the
Visitor Center, 200 E. Main St. starting May 3rd.

For more information about Sale on the Trail, please contact Melissa
Sanford, executive director of the Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors
Bureau, at (936) 564-7351, or Ellen Melton, El Camino Real Trail
Partners representative in Sabine County at (409) 628-4876.

The Big Serve

Click to read more about The Big Serve by Regents Academy!

Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce Online Auction Items

With the online auction rapidly approaching, the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce has received a variety of donations from from the community. The auction will be held April 15-May 14, 2010. Here is a sneak peek at some of the items that will be up for auction!



Picnic with Brad Maule at Ag Pond Package includes:

Gift Certificate from Nacogdoches Floral Company

Lunch for 2 from Olde Towne General Store

A Skagen Watch from Kennedy's Jewelers



Music and Meal Package includes:

2 tickets for Philadelphia Orchestra from SFA Fine Arts

Dinner for 2 from Clear Springs/Auntie Pastas



Fabulous Family Feasts Package includes:

Dinner for 4 from Raising Canes

Dinner for 4 from Mazzio's

Gift Certificate from Fuddruckers

35 piece family pack from Wingstop

Dinner for 10 from Chick-fil-A



Queen for the Day Package includes:

Gift Certificate from Julia's for a manicure, pedicure and 1/2 hour massage

Gift Certificate from Macy May

Gift Certificate from The Butterfly

Lunch for 2 from Shelley's Bakery



Your Teeth are so Bright you Gotta wear Shades Package includes:

1 teeth whitening treatment from Signature Smiles

Sunglasses from Nacogdoches Eye Associates

Pendant from Voyagers Dreams



Wine Rack Package includes:

Bicycle wine rack from Nacogdoches Furniture

6 bottles of wine donated by Michelle Smith


Pampered Princess Package includes:

Micropeel Package/Skin Consultation from Nirvaana Medispa

Dinner for 2 from Cotton Patch

Sunglasses from Texas State Optical - Dr. Vardeman



Grill Package Includes

Gift Certificate from CC's Smokehouse

Char-Broil Grill from Lowe's



Sweet Diva Package includes:

Gift Certificate from Just Cheesecake

Cookies with a book on Texas Stories from Pinto Pony

Dove Chocolate Discoveries

Cookies and Creamery



Consultation with Dr. Serigo Package includes:

Consultation from East Texas Urocenter



Party Package includes:

4 movie tickets and popcorn from Blockbuster

Saving bond from Commercial Bank



Quilting Chic Package includes:

8 quilting lessons from Lyric's

2 bracelets from Shely Chi



Wanta Fish Lake Nacogdoches Package includes:

1/2 day 2 person bass fishing or 1/2 day 6 person party boat with tubing



Texas, Our Texas Package includes:

Nacogdoches Flag Pillow from Heart of Texas

Stained Glass Texas Flag from Glass Castles Stained Glass Studio & Gift

Flag flown over the State Capitol


Sports Fan Package includes:

SFASU Athletic Tickets from John Branch

Relaxing Work Out Package includes:

One month membership to Court Club

30 minute session from Absolute Wellness Massage Therapy



No More Hair Package includes:

5 treatments of laser hair removal from Aesthetic Concepts

Schwan's Ribbon Cutting

Today Jody Garvin Schwan's Location General Manager welcomed sponsors, guests and Chamber members to attend the ribbon cutting of Schwan Food Company.

To contact call (936) 564 - 8934 or visit their website at schwans.com to see a full menu and more!

Music to Lunch by

Music to Lunch by is held every Friday in May at the Historic Downtown Nacogdoches Plaza Principal from noon to 1 pm. Lunch is available from various locations across Nacogdoches for no more than $7 or you may choose to bring your own.

May 7th
Food: Hotel Fredonia
Entertainment: The Mix and Matches

May 14
Food: Old Towne General Store
Entertainment: Celtic Instrumental Duo-guitar fiddle bodhran and Christie Cook, local contemporary/Christian/Singer-Songwriter.

May 21
Food: Shelley's Bakery and Cafe
Entertainment: Nickel Draft

May 28
Food: Auntie Pasta's
Entertainment: SFA Young Violinists

So come out for some live entertainment and finger lickin' good food!!

Fourth Friday Luncheon - this week! and Coffee with the Mayor

'Fourth Friday Luncheon - this week! and Coffee with the Mayor in Nacogdoches'

Azalea Trail floral presentation

Click for details.

Dawn Stover, Research Associate with the SFA Mast Arboretum, will conduct a cut flower presentation, “What Grows Out, Can Come In,” at the Art of Floral Design, Color & Textures from the Gardens. The floral exhibit will be held this Saturday, March 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cole Art Center, 329 E. Main, as part of the Nacogdoches Azalea Trail.

Jerry Nichols Family named Farm Family of the Year

The Jerry Dean Nichols family will be honored as the Farm Family of the Year at the Ninth Annual Nacogdoches County Agriculture Appreciation and Awareness Banquet on Monday, March 29, at Banita Creek Hall. Click here to read more.

The Vault- Ribbon Cutting 3-23-10

Owner Susan Reents welcomed sponsors, Chamber members and guest!

The Vault at Hotel Fredonia, 200 N. Fredonia St.

Contact Susan Reents (936)564-1234.

Click here to view photos!

Click here to get more information about Hotel Fredonia!

Farmers' Market is certified by TDA

The City of Nacogdoches Main Street Program is proud to announce that the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has named the Nacogdoches Farmer’s Market a 2010 Certified Farmer’s Market. Nacogdoches is proud to join the ranks of approximately 60 other markets across the state. The Texas Department of Agriculture annually selects markets who meet certain criteria as “Certified” markets, such as a certain percentage of all agricultural products sold through the farmers markets are grown in Texas; and at least two or more of its members are farmers selling their own produce.

The Nacogdoches Farmer’s Market requires that all vendors only sell produce that is grown within a 90-mile radius of Nacogdoches County. We do allow special exceptions for products that cannot be grown locally if they are coming from other certified farms in the State, like citrus fruit. We have very strict guidelines, which are available on the City’s website by visiting http://www.ci.nacogdoches.tx.us/pdf/fmrules.pdf. The Main Street Office has been and will continue to enforce the 90-mile radius rule to ensure we are in compliance with the Texas Department of Agriculture’s guidelines. We strive for our market to be a “true” farmer’s market.

“We want our customer’s to know the farmer’s and vendors they are buying products from put their heart and souls into their products,” said Main Street Manager Sarah O’Brien. The Main Street Office has and will continue to do “farm visits” to ensure compliance. “We are so proud of our farmer’s and the farmer’s market. It is truly an honor to be recognized by the Texas Department of Agriculture,” said O’Brien.

Be sure to mark your calendar for our Spring Fling scheduled for this Saturday. The Farmer’s Market Spring Fling will get underway at 8 a.m. with live entertainment, children’s activities and much more! Children’s Activities include: a Nature Walk, Yoga Class, and Veggie Walk.

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.

Family Issues Summit

Friday, March 26, 2010
SFASU - Early Childhood Research Center
Appropriate for:
Professionals, volunteers, students, community residents, caregivers,
and anyone interested in issues related to families.

Registration begins at 8:15-9:00AM
Welcome 9:00-9:15AM
Dr. Lynda Martin, Director of School of Human Sciences
Dr. Elizabeth Vaughan, Assistant Chair/Professor—Elementary Education
Stephen F. Austin State University
Keynote Speaker 9:15AM-9:45AM
Dancing Babies
Dr. Carolyn Abel, Professor & Dr. Jannah Nerren, Assist. Professor
Stephen F. Austin State University-Department of Elementary Educ.
From dancing babies imitating Beyonce's "Single Ladies," to Plato's
Cave of early learning, learn about the foundations for learning and the
power of emulation.
Break 9:45– 10:00AM
Tour— 10:00-10:30AM
SFA Early Childhood Research Center / Exhibit Viewing
Session A: Financial Management 10:45-11:45AM
1. Guarding Against Identify Theft
Barbara McGinity, LMSW | Program Director
The Better Business Bureau Education Foundation
More and more consumers are being taken advantage of
by someone unknowingly using their personal
information. Learn valuable tips to minimize your risk of
identify theft.
2. The 4 R's of Managing Money and Using Credit
Phyllis Gilbert, M.S., M. Ed., SFASU Professor
This presentation will focus on important guidelines for
money management as well as an update on pro-consumer
credit card reform.
3. The Consumer Cash Crunch
Bill Langley, Regional Director of Education—
Consumer Credit Counseling
Learn about the “Ins and Outs” of credit, as well as, helpful
tips to keep dept under control.
Lunch 11:45AM-1PM
Susan Ballabina, PhD, Texas AgriLife Extension—RPD
The Value of Volunteers
Shelia Lewis, MS, Texas AgriLife Extension—DEA
Recognition of 2009 Master Wellness Volunteers
Session B: Families in Transition 1:00PM—2:00PM
1. Communication at the End of Life
Jessica Henderson, LBSW—Hospice of East Texas
Many caregivers want to protect the ones they love. Learn
the need for effective communication at the end of life.
2. Talking with Your Doctor
Andrew Crocker, Gerontology Health Specialist
Texas AgriLife Extension Service
Communication is a two-way street, especially where your
health is concerned. Knowing how to give and get
information during an appointment with your doctor may
help you take a big step toward your overall health.
3. Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Linda Few James, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council
Learn about signs of alcohol and drug abuse of family
members of all ages, as well as, substance abuse treatment
services.
Session C: Nutrition and Health 2:15PM-3:15PM
1. Nutritious Nibbles
Beth Lloyd, RD/LD, WIC Program Manager &
Mandy Watson NutI, CLC—WIC
Learn hands-on about healthy snacks that any kid
would like. Various snack recipes will be demonstrated,
along with lots of fun tips and ideas for healthy eating.
2. Dinner Tonight
Cassandra Coleman, Kari Aycock, & Claudann Jones
Texas AgriLife Extension Service, CEA-FCS
Learn and experience quick and healthy dinner ideas that
the entire family will love. Dishes will be prepared onsite
for a three course meal demonstrated by agents.
3. A Healthy Life Starts at Home
Kinnie M. Parker, MPH, CHES
Learn about the risk factors of chronic disease, how family
values influence health behavior and how to make
changes in your home to ensure the health of your child.


For more information or questions, please call or email
Holly Black, Texas AgriLife Extension Service- Anderson County,
903-723-3735 or hdblack@ag.tamu.edu.

Pinto Pony cookie mobile

HONK! if you see the Pinto Pony Cookie Factory cookie mobile on the Nacogdoches streets! Pinto Pony owner Samye Johnson, left, is out and about with her amazing cookies. Her cookie packaging is as creative as her transportation! That's Chamber staff member Barbara Holl on the right... looking for any leftover cookies???

Check out all Pinto Pony Cookie Factory goodies and options.



Example of custom cookie packaging from Pinto Pony.
Samye will ship cookies anywhere. Send a box to those you'd like to thank or impress! and get some for yourself!
Can you imagine a person's surprise after opening up a package and finding this cool keep-sake box?




Can you image the delight of finding the delicious, can't-eat-just-one combination of cookies inside?











Samye won't have to look very hard to find Pinto Pony cookie lovers!

Find out what Pinto Pony Cookie Factory product you will be able to bid on during the Chamber's East Texas Spring Online Auction when the auction opens on April 15.

Go to www.nacogdoches.org for updates!

Do Well, Be Well With Diabetes

Do Well, Be Well With Diabetes
A Series of four classes about diabetes management for people affected by type 2 diabetes

Time: 5:00 – 7:00pm
Free of Charge
Where? Nacogdoches Extension Office
When? April 8, 15, 22, 29

Presented by
Karen Sessions Tucker
Family and Consumer Sciences Agent
Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Nacogdoches
In partnership with local community agencies

For reservations contact the Extension Office no later than April 6
(936) 560-7711 or 560-7706 or email kktucker@ag.tamu.edu.

Spring has arrived at the Nacogdoches Farmer’s Market

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 mornings and offers fresh produce, unique gifts, and a variety of other delicious items.

This Saturday, March 20, the musical styling of Adam Lamar will begin at 10 a.m.

Things to look for this Saturday: baked goods (breads, cookies & pies), artisan Texas cheeses, Texas citrus, free-range eggs, tilapia fish, flowers, honey, jewelry, plants, starter plants, preserves and local produce: greens (collard, kale, mustard & Swiss chard), lettuce, green onions, potatoes, butternut squash & sweet potatoes.

Be sure to mark your calendar for our Spring Fling scheduled for Next Saturday. The Spring Fling will get underway at 8 a.m. with live entertainment, children’s activities and much much more! Children’s Activities include: a Nature Walk, Yoga Class, and Veggie Walk.

After you visit the Farmer’s Market, head downtown for the annual Azalea Trail Plant Sale. In addition to this year’s plant sale, the Nacogdoches Main Street Program is sponsoring a sidewalk sale downtown from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Businesses will be offering a variety of specialty and unique items for sale.

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.

Agriculture Pioneer of the Year

Click to read more about the 2010 Pete Smith Agriculture Pioneer of the Year - Albert Thompson pictured right.

Heritage Land Bank sponsors the ag pioneer of the year award.

Check out the items that will be auctioned off at the 2010 Spring Online Auction

The online auction is getting closer and closer. The Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce has collected some generous donations for the auction.
Read More....

Tele-Town Hall Discussion with Senator John Cornyn

Tele-Town Hall Discussion with Senator John Cornyn

Please join U.S. Senator John Cornyn and the Texas Association of Business for a Tele-Town Hall Discussion regarding

Federal Health Care Reform

This Wednesday, March 17^th, at 3:30 p.m. CT

Senator Cornyn will be taking the time to update us as to what is going on in D.C. regarding Federal Health Care Reform, and will also answer questions.

WHO:	Sen. John Cornyn
WHAT:	Tele-Town Hall on Federal Health Care Reform
WHEN:	Wednesday, March 17th, 3:30 p.m. CT
CALL-INFO:	Toll-Free Conference Number: 1-888-632-5950 Call Reference: Conference call with Senator Cornyn.

Vote for two Pepsi grants - success is in your hands!

John and Mable Cannings need your support to win two Pepsi grants!
Please vote EVERY DAY in March.

Quick and Easy Steps:

1. Go to www.refresheverything.com
2. Set up a simple account with username and password
3. VOTE! every day for -

• www.refresheverything.com/nacogdochesgedsweep and
• www.refresheverything.com/empoweredwoman

Solid Foundation - 936-212-6852.

Blueberry talk

Blue lights are shining on Nacogdoches and The Texas Blueberry Festival in new release from Celia Yeary, Texas Blue. read more...

'Jacks Back In Title Game

Text and photo from SFAJacks.com

Watch or listen to Saturday's game starting at 3 p.m.
• SLC TV (Nacogdoches cable channel 8)
• Q107.7 FM
• Free live feed at www.southland.org

The Lumberjacks will take on Sam Houston State Saturday in the 3 p.m. title game that will air nationally on ESPN2. The Bearkats are the Southland regular-season champions and No. 1 seed in the tournament. They knocked off No. 4 Southeastern Louisiana with an 88-85 win in the late semifinal game.

Photo: Senior Walt Harris scored 15 points to lead SFA past Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Thursday.

SFA's Dr. Dale Perritt is Ag Educator of the Year

Dr. Dale Perritt, SFA Agriculture Department chair and professor, works with SFA students. (Photo by Hardy Meredith)

Dr. Perritt will be honored at the Nacogdoches County Agriculture Appreciation and Awareness Banquet, March 29, read more...

Lumberjack Basketball Southland Conference Championships vs. UT Arlington

Watch the game in the Student Center today!
11:50 a.m. • Room 2.201

Watch the game online!
www.southland.org
Sign-up to watch the live feed for free!

The Archie McDonald Lecture Series

SAVE THE DATE!

The Archie McDonald Lecture Series titled "A Conversation with George Foreman:
Reflections on My America" will begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 29, in the Baker Pattillo Student Center, Grand Ballroom. A Silent Auction will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the BPSC, Regents Suite A/B.

For more information about the lecture series or to purchase tickets, please visit www.sfasu.edu/archie or call (936) 468-2605

Horn Welding - From Hobby to Business

Photo: Eddie Horn stands by his most challenging job, a welded fence incorporating curves in the design. (Photo by Chelsea K. Wemhoff)

Career Fireman Eddie Horn turned his welding hobby into a growing business. To read more about his story of success click here

Crawfish Boil

Come out Saturday March 27th across from Clear Springs for some crawfish!! This event begins at 11am and will continue until the crawfish are gone. There will be beer, music, mudbugs and a chance to donate to a special cause! All proceeds will go to Relay For Life American Cancer Society.
Tickets are $8 and that will get you 1lb. of crawfish plus potatoes and corn. Tickets can be purchased at either Clear Springs or Auntie Pastas in advance.
***For more information call (936) 569 - 0489

NISD school board election news

Click for details on when and where.

Spring Fling & Healthy Nacogdoches

All of the details are in place for the Spring Fling to be held on Saturday, March 27th. The Healthy Nacogdoches Coalition will be providing kids activities throughout the morning in the park beside the farmer's market.

We are in search of a few volunteers to further our efforts. We will have a kids cooking demonstration going on in the park throughout the day courtesy of Karen Tucker. We will also be hosting a Veggie Walk (think cake walk with fruit & veggie prizes rather than sugar!) and a Kids Gardening Activity.

We are in need of volunteers to help host the Veggie Walk from 10-11am as well as a few volunteers to assist with the gardening activity (planting seeds in small containers) from 11:45-12:30.

2010 Census - it counts!

The Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce supports the 2010 Census. A count of everyone in U.S. Visit 2010census.gov for details.

Watch for your 2010 Census form. One form per household. Complete it, mail it back. Thank you for making a difference!

Coffee with the Mayor

The City of Nacogdoches and Mayor Roger Van Horn are hosting Coffee with the Mayor Friday, March 26, 2010. The event will be held in the City Council Chambers from 7:30 to 9:00 am, located at 202 E. Pilar Street. Coffee and light refreshments will be served. Discussions will start promptly at 7:45 a.m.

Coffee with the Mayor allows citizens a chance to offer fresh ideas and workable solutions on ways to improve Nacogdoches in a less formal setting than a City Council meeting. Texas’ Oldest Town has grown into a 21st century transportation, business, university and tourism center in East Texas. Ideas and solutions on how to foster current businesses’, encourage entrepreneurship, and techniques aimed at recruiting new retail and industry could be topics of discussion.

Solutions identified at this event will be forwarded to the City of Nacogdoches’ partners the Nacogdoches Economic Development Corporation and to the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce, so economic development efforts can continue. City Staff and representatives from NEDCO and the Chamber will be present to answer questions.

Crucial to the future economic development of Nacogdoches is the 2010 Census. Be sure to complete the 10-question census survey on April 1, 2010. You can visit http://www.census.gov/2010 for more information. Citizens are also encouraged to Shop Nac First. By doing so NEDCO and the City’s capabilities for development are increased greatly. You can visit www.shopnacfirst.com for details, specials, and information about our local retail opportunities.

For more information or questions about Coffee with the Mayor, please contact the City Manager’s Office at 936-559-2502.

Planning a TCCE welcome

Pictured from left are Sherry Banks, Melissa Sanford, Anderson Dolton, Kelly Daniel and Barbara Holl.

Hundreds of Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives from around our state will visit Nacogdoches in June.
more.....

First Friday Cruise Night tonight!

Grab the family and hit the red brick streets this Friday, March 5, 2010 from 5-8 p.m.

First Friday Cruise Nights kicks spring off in style, with late night shopping, classic cars, a great film, and live entertainment at Hotel Fredonia. Downtown provides the perfect backdrop to usher in the spring season. Sponsored by the Nacogdoches Main Street Program and the Downtown Business Association, there is plenty to do in downtown the First Friday Night in March.

The Stephen F. Austin State University College of Fine Arts, School of Art and School of Music will premiere a new feature-length film, "Sara's Book," at 7 and 9 p.m. Friday, March 5, in the Ledbetter Gallery of The Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House in downtown Nacogdoches. Admission is free and open to the public. The Cole Art Center is located at 329 E. Main St. For more information, please call (936) 468-1131.

Photo: Cars will line Pilar Street in front of City Hall from 5 to 8 p.m. this Friday.

The highlight of this month’s Cruise Night may just be parked on the red brick streets near the downtown square. Make sure to bring the kids and your camera’s down to check out the contingents of classic and unique automobiles. Car enthusiasts are invited to cruise into downtown between 5 and 8 p.m. Car clubs, antique cars, boats, and motorcycles welcome. Enthusiasts are asked to contact Doug James at (936) 615-2742 with questions.

A complete list of participating First Friday Cruise Night merchants will be available on Friday, March 5, 2010 at the Visitor Center, 200 E. Main Street and the popcorn machine will be on for visitor’s to enjoy free of charge. For more information on First Friday Cruise Nights, contact the Nacogdoches Main Street office at 936-559-2573.

Farmers Market open Saturday 8 a.m.

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 mornings and offers fresh produce, unique gifts, and a variety of other delicious items.

This Saturday, March 6, Paul Martinez (the Texas Rambler) will be playing. Paul is a singer and songwriter who plays traditional country. He is an inductee of the American Olde Time Country Music Hall of Fame, who moved to East Texas from the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas.

Things to look for this Saturday: baked goods (breads, cookies & pies), artisan Texas cheeses, Texas citrus, free-range eggs, tilapia fish, flowers, jewelry, plants, starter plants, preserves and local produce (collard, mustard & kale greens; onions; potatoes; butternut squash & sweet potatoes)

Josie Crowson with Josie’s Fresh Flowers and Gregory Lide of Sacred Springs Organic Farm will be at the market this Saturday accepting new members and subscriptions for the spring.

Be sure to mark your calendar for our Spring Fling scheduled for
March 27th. The Spring Fling will get underway at 8 a.m. with live entertainment, children’s activities and much much more! Children’s Activities include: a Nature Walk, Yoga Class, and Veggie Walk. Stay tuned for more details!
Photo - Volunteer Market Coordinator Buckley MacInerney is preparing a fantastic lineup for this year's Spring Fling. Photo Provided by: Bonnie Fyffe Lacy

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.

March Chamber Connection e-news

Click here
for the latest Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce news.

Whether your prized and pampered azaleas are the talk of the town or you have the blackest thumb in the neighborhood, the upcoming Azalea Trail Symposium is the place to be Saturday, March 13.

Titled “A Passion for Camellias,” the symposium will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 13, in the Ag Building at Stephen F. Austin State University. Registration is $40 per person, $30 for SFA Gardens members and includes lunch, the workshop, and a guided tour of the Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden – the largest azalea garden in Texas.

The speaker this year, Dr. William Welch from Texas A&M Horticulture, will present the many benefits of adding fall blooming Camellia sasanqua and spring-blooming Camellia japonica to residential azalea gardens.

Flora Garden Club and area nurseries will be offering a variety of azaleas, perennials, houseplants and other choice ornamental shrubs and trees at the annual Azalea Plant Sale Saturday, March 20, on the downtown square.

The plant sale will be held from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. and is part of the 2010 Nacogdoches Azalea Trail, which continues through the end of the month. Organizers say plant enthusiasts should come early for the best selection and bring a cart or wagon to transport plants.

"The plant sale brings our community together to officially kick-off spring and allows patrons to see what local nurseries have to offer to beautify our town," says Camille Bolinger, project chairman for Flora Garden Club. "Proceeds from the sale are put back into community projects by supporting SFA scholarships, the Old Nacogdoches University Building and Gardens, Arbor Day, and Millard’s Crossing."

Plant vendors will be set up along Fredonia Street on the downtown square between Regions Bank and the Visitor Center. Shoppers can park along nearby streets or in the large lot behind the bank.

“The Art of Floral Design, Color & Textures from the Garden,” a Nacogdoches Azalea Trail event, will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, March 27 in The Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House, 329 E. Main Street. This year marks the 10th anniversary for the floral design exhibit.

The floral design exhibit will feature unique floral arrangements displayed on pedestals in the Ledbetter Gallery to showcase the talents of local gardeners, designers and plant enthusiasts. A list of plant materials will be displayed with each arrangement.

The Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors Bureau wants to help homeowners along the Azalea Trail get ready for next year’s big springtime event! To do so, the CVB presents the 2nd annual Extreme Makeover Nacogdoches Yard Edition. “We are thrilled to present this contest to our homeowners along the trails,” said Anderson Dolton, meeting and event coordinator of the CVB. “We couldn’t have pulled it all together without the support of our sponsors and the SFA Gardens.”

All homeowners along the three azalea trails are encouraged to enter the contest. Residents can see if their home qualifies by logging onto www.nacogdochesazaleas.com. The CVB is looking for three special front yards along the three different driving trails that they can enhance with beautiful azaleas, donated by the SFA Gardens.

Entries must be received by 5 p.m. on Monday, April 5, 2010 in order to be selected by a panel of expert judges. Bailey Bark Materials is donating the mulch and Keep Nacogdoches Beautiful will be assisting with labor. The makeover will take place in October, just in time to make the special front yards breathtaking during next year’s Azalea Trail.

Nacogdoches Alumni Chapter March Events

March Events

Networking Lunch
March 29th at Noon
The Barbecue House (next to Lowe's)

Join other SFA alumni from the Nacogdoches area for our monthly networking lunch. This is a very informal gathering that provides a "during the work day" networking experience.

After Work Social
March 30th at 5:30 p.m.
Fuddruckers

Come socialize with other Nacogdoches area SFA alumni at our after work social event. This is a very relaxed informal get-together that allows area alumni a chance to socialize in a comfortable atmosphere. Order food, have drinks, or just socialize.

March Projects

Azalea Trail Table Tent and Brochure Delivery
(to businesses around town)
March 8th - 11th
CVB - Visitors Center (Downtown)

Azalea Sign Distribution
(putting out signs for the trail)
March 12th
CVB - Visitors Center (Downtown)

**Please contact Anderson Dolton if you would like to help:
anderson@visitnacogdoches.org or 888-OLDEST-TOWN

A Blooming Good Volkswagen Show

Soon azaleas will be blooming all over the oldest town in Texas, and that means a swarm of bugs won't be far behind!

The East Texas VEE-DUB Chapter of the Vintage VW Club of America will present The Bloomin' Good Volkswagen Show on Saturday, March 27. As many as 100 Volkswagen's will be on hand for the show, which will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Festival Plaza just south of downtown Nacogdoches.

VWs of all shapes and sizes will be represented, including the vintage restored cars from the '50s; the "VW Thing", Germany's answer to the Jeep; VW busses, the ultimate hippy vans of the '60s and '70s as well as the new VW Beetles.

There is no charge for spectators, but donations are welcome. All proceeds will go to the Relay for Life - Nacogdoches, an annual fundraiser benefiting the American Cancer Society. Organizers are also soliciting sponsorships for the show at a cost of $30 per sponsor. Businesses and individuals interested in sponsoring the show and helping the American Cancer Society should call Smith at (936) 569 - 7821 or James Perryman at (936) 288 - 2724.

To enter a vehicle in the show, just drive it down to Festival Plaza the morning of the event. Entry into the show is $15 per Volkswagen. At the conclusion of the show, many of the VW owners will be cruising the more than 20 miles of designated routes of the Azalea Trail.

Fourth Friday Luncheon 2-26-10

Click here to view these pictures larger

Junior League of Lufkin February Volunteer of the Month – Dessa Glass

Dessa Glass is a wonderful League lady that gives 110% to anything she commits to, and Junior League of Lufkin is just one of the organizations that shines because of her hard work. A fellow league member says “she is a good listener with silent strength.” With this strength, she has undertaken additional workload through her placement (that is still on-going) so that over 4000 children in our community had their vision successfully and correctly screened.

Dessa keeps on giving – to her family, to her friends and to our community!! When she gives of herself, she commits fully and completely. One friend said, “she is driven to be successful at anything she does, and she never does anything half-way!” Another friend said that “she is organized, dedicated, creative, gracious and amazing.” She is dedicated to her church, her kids AND their schools, serving as room mom often, and her commitment to our league. She also has numerous jobs – house manger, taxi driver, nurse, teacher, cheerleader and counselor…just to name a few. Her husband says “she put aside her personal ambitions to be the absolute best mother she can be and to ensure that her children have every opportunity to grow into successful, happy citizens.” She also loves to exercise and shop and cook. She completed the Houston Marathon, but has “marathoned at the Houston Galleria many times!”


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


MEDIA CONTACT:
Julianne Greak
jcgreak@yahoo.com

http://nacogdoches.org/news-view.php?id=368

NOBLE Banquet to honor local high school students

The 19th annual banquet honoring Nacogdoches county high school seniors who have chosen the more rigorous “recommended” or “distinguished” program of study will begin with registration at 6 p.m. Monday, March 1, at Stephen F. Austin State University’s Student Center Grand Ballroom.

According to NOBLE Banquet co-chair Robin Dawley, approximately 250 of an estimated 400 qualifying seniors will attend the banquet, an event sponsored by the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce’s education committee.

“This is a great opportunity for the business community to honor county high school seniors for their commitment to education,” Dawley said. “Local businesses and individuals have supported the banquet through their donations and sponsorships.”
The banquet begins at 6:30 p.m. A reception for parents in the Twilight Ballroom will include refreshments. Representatives from SFA will be present to provide information about the admission process. Parents will join the students at about 7:15 for presentations.

Nacogdoches county NOBLE scholars are eligible to apply for one of an estimated 15 $1,000 scholarships to SFA. Academically qualified scholarship recipients may be eligible for renewal of the scholarship for up to four years. The scholarships are provided by Citizens 1st Bank and the Daily Sentinel. “This year we are challenging other businesses to step up and sponsor one, five or ten scholarships,” said Paul Smith, Chamber chair. Businesses can also sponsor the banquet.
Scholarship applications will be available to students from area high school counselors.

The chamber’s education committee also sponsors Great Expectations, a program that brings local business leaders to county schools to encourage students to take advanced courses, which will better prepare them for the workplace and life. The education committee includes school counselors and administrators, SFA faculty and staff members, and members of the chamber of commerce.

For more information about the banquet, call the chamber at (936) 560-5533.
Sponsorship forms are online at www.nacogdoches.org