Rusk Chamber of Commerce
Weekly E-Update - 02/28/14
2013 Rusk Chamber
Greetings!

Good Morning!

 

In an effort to keep our members updated on Chamber news, Business Member and Community Events, please review this weekly e-newsletter and calendar.

 

Chamber and Business Member special events, ribbon cuttings, grand openings or open houses, are listed on the weekly calendar in bolded red font. Please mark your calendars to attend as many of these events as possible to show support to our members.

 

Now you can share this information on any social networking site by using the "Share" link at the top of this email.

 

Let the Chamber know about other events as well as additional information you would like to see included in this communication.

 

Sincerely,

Rusk Chamber of Commerce Staff

(903) 683-4242 Phone

(903) 683-1054 Fax

www.RuskChamber.com or Facebook  

Check out our Chamber Members!

 

Please click on the following links Bed & Breakfast's, Campground's, Dining, Hotel's & Shopping for locations, hours and additional information about our local Chamber Members. 

Quotes of the Week

 

Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." ~ James 4:13-15 (NIV)

 

On March 2, 1836, Texas declared its independence from Mexico and became the Republic of Texas.  Independence is declared; it must be maintained.  - Sam Houston

Washington - March 2, 1836
In This Issue
Happy 164th Birthday to the Cherokeean Herald Newspaper
Cherokee Trace Drive-thru Safari Spring Extended Hours
2014 Spring Events at the Texas State Railroad
Health Fair at the Rusk Civic Center - 3/6/14
Fall 2014 TJC Vocational Nursing Education Program Applications - Now thru 3/31/14
Weekly Calendar 02/28/14 -03/09/14

Join Our Mailing List

Rusk Chamber of Commerce Elite Platinum Members

 

Please click on the links below to visit their websites:

 

Austin Bank 

 

Citizens 1st Bank 

 

Harry's Building Materials 

 

Texas National Bank 

Happy 164th Birthday to the Cherokeean Herald Newspaper

 

The Rusk Chamber of Commerce would like to congratulate Marie Whitehead, Robert & Terrie Gonzalez and the staff of the Cherokeean Herald newspaper for on their 164th Birthday!  The newspaper was established Feb. 27, 1850.  Please take a moment to call 903.683.2257 or stop by 140 N. Main St. in Rusk and congratulate them for the past, present and future of the newspaper!

 

Make plans to stop by on March 19, 2014 for a planned open house.  A historical marker in front of the news office recognizes the newspaper's 150 years of service as Texas' oldest, continuously published weekly newspaper. 

 

For additional information about the Cherokeean Herald newspaper, advertising products and services, please call (903) 683-2257 or visit the website at www.TheCherokeean.com.

Cherokee Trace Drive-thru Safari Spring Extended Hours

 

Nestled in the lush piney woods of East Texas, Cherokee Trace Drive-thru Safari is a wildlife park that is home to an amazing variety of wildlife. See over a dozen exotic and endangered species that thrive in an open habitat similar to their native territory. At your own pace, enjoy a self-guided drive through the hills and open savannahs of this 300-acre preserve.

 

The Park Spring Hours, effective March 1, 2014 - May 23, 2014 are:

Monday - Saturday - Gates open 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, last car in at 4:30 PM

Sunday - Gates open from 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM, last car in at 4:30 PM

Admission prices are:

Adults: $15.95/person

Kids ages 3-12: $10.95/person

Senior Adults ages 65 and up: $13.95

 

The park is closed on Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

 

For directions, group rates or more information, please call 903.683.3322 or log onto www.cherokeetrace.org or "Like" their page on Facebook.

2014 Spring Events at the Texas State Railroad

 

Pineywoods Excursions - Starting 3/1/14

 

The Texas State Railroad's 2014 train season officially begins on Saturday, March 1. Trains will depart from both the Palestine and Rusk depots at 11am and pass each other at the midway point, the Mewshaw Siding.

 

It is at that point that any halfway riders will get off their train, and board the other one for the return trip to the depot from which they departed. Half-way rides are available at 11am and also at 2pm. Half-way rides are generally an hour and 15 minutes in length. Full, roundtrip rides are four and a half hours in length, including an hour and a half lunch break in the middle of the trip.

 

In addition, passengers also have the option of booking a one-way ride. This ride is one and a half hours in length, but requires the passenger have someone pick them up at the other end.

 

One new change this year involves lunches. Passengers booking Lone Star class of service will now get a box lunch included in the price of their ticket. Last year box lunches were an additional $10 above the price of the ticket. Eight lunch options are detailed on the railroad's web site: www.TexasStateRR.com. Passengers in coach or open air cars have the option of purchasing box lunches at an additional $10 above the ticket price. All passengers also have the option of bringing their own picnic lunch if they prefer. There is also a concession car on the train selling snacks and drinks.

 

The first Saturday of each month Texas Top Guns will entertain guests at the Palestine Depot and on board both trains.

 

And on Sunday, March 2, in celebration of Texas Independence Day, the gift shop will give a 20% discount to any customer wearing Texas flag clothing or jewelry.

 

Dogwood Special Brunch Train - 3/30/14

 

Enjoy nature tourism at its best! Mother Nature puts on a spectacular show here in East Texas during dogwood blooming season and we have created a special brunch train to make this viewing a truly memorable occasion. This steam train departs from the Palestine Depot at 10:15am and returns around 2:45pm. Tickets: $50 per person.

 

Easter Egg Express

Saturday & Sunday, April 12-13 and Friday & Saturday, April 18-19

 

Departs the Rusk Depot 11:00am and 2:30pm

Take a train ride to meet the Easter Bunny! Enjoy an Easter egg hunt, hayride, games, food vendor, and much more!

 

Rail Fan Photographer's Special - 5/3/14

9:00am - 5:00pm

Departing the Palestine Depot

 

Tickets: $85 ages 13 and older

 

Railfans will have the opportunity to photograph a TSRR engine at several locations along the track. Please wear close-toed shoes as you will encounter rough and rural terrain in some locations. Coffee, juice and pastries will be served on board along with drinks throughout the day. Lunch is included and will consist of a ½ lb smoked turkey or BBQ chopped beef sandwich, chip and beverage.

 

For additional information or to book your tickets call 903.683.3098 or visit the website at www.TexasStateRR.com

Health Fair at the Rusk Civic Center - 3/6/14

 

You're invited to the Health Fair at the Rusk Civic Center, located at 555 Euclid St on Thursday, 3/6/14 from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM.

 

Representatives from Beyond Fitness, UT Health Pediatric Asthma, Carter Blood Center, Trinity Mother Frances and East Texas Medical Center Mobil Mammography, among others, will participate in the event.

 

For additional information, call Amy Derrington at 903.683.5916.

Fall 2014 TJC Vocational Nursing Education Program Applications - Now thru 3/31/14

 

The TJC Vocational Nursing Education Program is now accepting applications for Fall 2014 programs, now through March 31.

 

TJC-Jacksonville

9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. * Monday - Friday

East Texas Medical Center Jacksonville * 4th floor

501 South Ragsdale St., Jacksonville

TJC-Lindale

8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. * Monday - Friday

2808 South Main St., Suite A, Lindale, Texas

TJC-Rusk

8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. * Monday - Friday

Rusk State Hospital * Nursing Education Center

805 N. Dickinson, Rusk, Texas

TJC Main Campus

7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. * Monday - Friday

Pirtle Technology Building

 

For more information call 903.510.2471

Weekly Calendar 02/28/14 -03/09/14

 

FRIDAY - FEBRUARY 28, 2014

 

Cherokee Civic Theater Presents " Passing Go "
7:30 PM at 157 W 5th Street in Rusk
For more info, call 903.683.2131, visit the website at www.CherokeeTheatre.net or become friends on Facebook 

Last Day for Early Voting for Democratic & Republican Primary Elections

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM @:

ALTO: 1st Baptist Church, 235 E. San Antonio 936.858.4826

RUSK: Cherokee County Election Office, 138 W. 5th 903.683.8409

JACKSONVILLE: Jacksonville Public Library, 502 S. Jackson, 903.586.7664

Good Samaritan Food Bank & Resale Shop

9:00 AM - 11:30 AM, located 203 W. 2nd Street
Helping needy families with food & other necessities
For more information or to make donations, call 903.683.2376

Heritage Center of Cherokee County Museum

3:00 PM - 6:00 PM on 208 Henderson Street
For more info, please call 903.683.2500 visit the website www.HCCC-Museum.org or Like their page on Facebook 

Cherokee Trace Drive-thru Animal Safari

Gates open 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, last car in at 3:30 PM

$15.95/person, Kids ages 3-12: $10.95/person
Seniors  ages 65 and up: $13.95
For directions, group rates or more information, please call 903.683.3322, visit the website at www.CherokeeTrace.org or Like their page on Facebook 

Rusk High School Eagle Varsity Away Baseball Tournament @ Kilgore

Rusk High School Eagle JV Away Baseball Tournament @ Central

 Rusk High School Lady Eagle JV & Varsity Away Softball Tournament @ Hallsville

 

SATURDAY - MARCH 01, 2014

 

Cherokee Civic Theater Presents " Passing Go "
7:30 PM at 157 W 5th Street in Rusk
For more info, call 903.683.2131, visit the website at www.CherokeeTheatre.net or become friends on Facebook 

2014 Rusk Baseball/Softball Association (RBSA) Registration

8:00 AM -1:00 PM at the Rusk Junior High gym

Registration fees are $35 for Pre T-Ball (Ages 3-4) and $70 for all other age groups.

For more info, call Jereme at 903.780.8237 or James at 903.253.4507 or Craig at 903.316.2306

Texas State Railroad Pineywoods Roundtrip Steam Excursions

11:00 AM Departure from the Rusk & Palestine Depots

For more information, reservations or schedules call 903.683.3098, 877.726.7245 or log onto www.TexasStateRR.com 

Heritage Center of Cherokee County Museum

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM on 208 Henderson Street
For more info, please call 903.683.2500 visit the website www.HCCC-Museum.org or Like their page on Facebook 

Cherokee Trace Drive-thru Animal Safari

Gates open 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, last car in at 4:30 PM

$15.95/person, Kids ages 3-12: $10.95/person
Seniors ages 65 and up: $13.95
For directions, group rates or more information, please call 903.683.3322, visit the website at www.CherokeeTrace.org or Like their page on Facebook 

Boy Scout Venture Crew No. 405 Basement Sale

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM in the basement and parking lot of the Rusk First Presbyterian Church.

The sale will run from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Furniture, clothing, toys, household goods and more will be for sale. All proceeds will benefit the Venture Crew's fund to finance their upcoming trip to SeaBase High Adventure Camp in the Florida Keys

Rusk High School Eagle Varsity Away Baseball Tournament @ Kilgore

Rusk High School Eagle JV Away Baseball Tournament @ Central

 Rusk High School Lady Eagle JV & Varsity Away Softball Tournament @ Hallsville

 

SUNDAY - MARCH 02, 2014

 

Rusk First Baptist Church Spring Revival

Services @ 11:00 AM & 6:30 PM at 372 E 4th Street in Rusk

For more info, call 903.683.5494

Cherokee Civic Theater Presents " Passing Go "
2:00 PM at 157 W 5th Street in Rusk
For more info, call 903.683.2131, visit the website at www.CherokeeTheatre.net or become friends on Facebook 

Texas State Railroad Pineywoods Roundtrip Steam Excursions

11:00 AM Departure from the Rusk & Palestine Depots

For more information, reservations or schedules call 903.683.3098, 877.726.7245 or log onto www.TexasStateRR.com 

Cherokee Trace Drive-thru Animal Safari

Gates open 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM, last car in at 4:30 PM

$15.95/person, Kids ages 3-12: $10.95/person
Seniors ages 65 and up: $13.95
For directions, group rates or more information, please call 903.683.3322, visit the website at www.CherokeeTrace.org or Like their page on Facebook 

Heritage Center of Cherokee County Museum

1:00 PM - 5:00 PM on 208 Henderson Street
For more info, please call 903.683.2500 visit the website www.HCCC-Museum.org or Like their page on Facebook 

 

MONDAY - MARCH 03, 2014

 

Rusk First Baptist Church Spring Revival

7:00 PM at 372 E 4th Street in Rusk

For more info, call 903.683.5494

Good Samaritan Food Bank & Resale Shop

9:00 AM - 11:30 AM, located 203 W. 2nd Street
Helping needy families with food & other necessities
For more information or to make donations, call 903.683.2376

Cherokee Trace Drive-thru Animal Safari

Gates open 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, last car in at 4:30 PM

$15.95/person, Kids ages 3-12: $10.95/person
Seniors ages 65 and up: $13.95
For directions, group rates or more information, please call 903.683.3322, visit the website at www.CherokeeTrace.org or Like their page on Facebook 

Rusk High School Eagle & Lady Varsity Away Golf Tournament - 2014 Jacksonville Indian Classic @ The Woods, Jacksonville TX

Rusk Jr. High School Eagle & Lady Eagle Home Track Meet

 

TUESDAY - MARCH 04, 2014

 

Rusk First Baptist Church Spring Revival

7:00 PM at 372 E 4th Street in Rusk

For more info, call 903.683.5494

Democratic and Republican Primary Elections

Polling locations open from 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM

For more information and polling locations, please call 903.683.8409

The Daily Grind $2.00 Tuesdays

7:00 AM - 6:00 PM at 104 W 5th in Rusk
$2.00 Coffee & Drink Specials
For more info, call 903.683.1500 or visit the website at www.TDGCoffeeHouse.com 

Harry's Building Materials 10% Off Promotion for Veterans & Seniors 55 +.

10% off entire purchase

For more info, call 903.683.2554 visit the website at www.HBMITX.com or Like their page on Facebook 

Heritage Center of Cherokee County Museum

3:00 PM - 6:00 PM on 208 Henderson Street
For more info, please call 903.683.2500, visit the website www.HCCC-Museum.org or Like their page on Facebook 

Cherokee Trace Drive-thru Animal Safari

Gates open 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, last car in at 3:30 PM

$15.00/person, Kids ages 3-12: $10.00/person
Seniors ages 65 and up: $13.00
For directions, group rates or more information, please call 903.683.3322 or click www.CherokeeTrace.org to visit the website

Singletary Memorial Library English as a Second Language Classes

10:00 AM - 12:00 Noon at 207 E. Sixth St. in Rusk

For more info, call 903.683.5916

Singletary Memorial Library After School Activities

3:40 PM - 4:30 PM at 207 E. Sixth St. in Rusk.

For more info, call 903.683.5916

Rusk High School Eagle JV & Varsity Away Baseball Games

Starting at 4:30 PM @ Fairfield

 

WEDNESDAY - MARCH 05, 2014

 

Rusk First Baptist Church Spring Revival

7:00 PM at 372 E 4th Street in Rusk

For more info, call 903.683.5494

Rusk Rotary Club Meeting

12:00 Noon @ Cherokee County Federal Credit Union

For more info, call Debra Dominy at 903.683.1180

Cherokee Trace Drive-thru Animal Safari

Gates open 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, last car in at 4:30 PM

$15.95/person, Kids ages 3-12: $10.95/person
Seniors ages 65 and up: $13.95
For directions, group rates or more information, please call 903.683.3322, visit the website at www.CherokeeTrace.org or Like their page on Facebook 

Singletary Memorial Library Story and Craft Time

10:15 AM at 207 E. Sixth St. in Rusk.

For more info, call 903.683.5916

 

THURSDAY - MARCH 06, 2014

 

Health Fair at the Rusk Civic Center

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM at the Rusk Civic Center, 555 Euclid St in Rusk

For more info call Amy Derrington at 903.683.5916

The Birmingham Forest Golf Course - Thursday Morning Senior Scramble

Starting at 10:00 AM
For more info, call 903.683.9518 or Like their page on Facebook 

Rusk Lions Club Meeting

12:00 Noon at the Lions Club Hall
For more info, call Vic Whadford 903.683.9822

Cherokee Trace Drive-thru Animal Safari

Gates open 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, last car in at 4:30 PM

$15.95/person, Kids ages 3-12: $10.95/person
Seniors ages 65 and up: $13.95  

For directions, group rates or more information, please call 903.683.3322, visit the website at www.CherokeeTrace.org or Like their page on Facebook 

Singletary Memorial Library Basic Computer Class 101

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM at 207 E. Sixth St. in Rusk.

For more info, call 903.683.5916

Singletary Memorial Library After School Activities

3:40 PM - 4:30 PM at 207 E. Sixth St. in Rusk.

For more info, call 903.683.5916

Heritage Center of Cherokee County Museum

3:00 PM - 6:00 PM on 208 Henderson Street
For more info, please call 903.683.2500, visit the website www.HCCC-Museum.org or Like their page on Facebook 

Cherokee Cloggers Beginner Clogging Lessons 5:45 p.m. at the Rusk Senior Center, 555 Euclid St.

There is no charge and special shoes are not needed for lessons.

For more information, contact Patty Benda at 903.262.0670

 

FRIDAY - MARCH 07, 2014

 

Cherokee Civic Theater Presents " Passing Go "
7:30 PM at 157 W 5th Street in Rusk
For more info, call 903.683.2131, visit the website at www.CherokeeTheatre.net or become friends on Facebook 

Good Samaritan Food Bank & Resale Shop

9:00 AM - 11:30 AM, located 203 W. 2nd Street
Helping needy families with food & other necessities
For more information or to make donations, call 903.683.2376

Volunteer Council for the Rusk State Hospital, Inc. Resale Shop

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM at 545 Castner Street
All proceeds benefit the patients and programs at Rusk State Hospital
For more info, call 903.683.7237

Heritage Center of Cherokee County Museum

3:00 PM - 6:00 PM on 208 Henderson Street
For more info, please call 903.683.2500 visit the website www.HCCC-Museum.org or Like their page on Facebook 

Cherokee Trace Drive-thru Animal Safari

Gates open 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, last car in at 4:30 PM

$15.95/person, Kids ages 3-12: $10.95/person
Seniors ages 65 and up: $13.95
For directions, group rates or more information, please call 903.683.3322, visit the website at www.CherokeeTrace.org or Like their page on Facebook 

Rusk High School Eagle JV & Varsity Away Baseball Games

Starting at 4:30 PM @ Carthage

Rusk High School Lady Eagle JV & Varsity Home Softball Games

Starting @ 4:30 PM vs. Van

Rusk High School Eagle & Lady Eagle Away Track Meet @ Bullard

 

SATURDAY - MARCH 08, 2014

 

Cherokee Civic Theater Auditions for " The Dixie Swim Club"
12:00 Noon - 2:00 PM at 157 W 5th Street in Rusk
For more info, call 903.683.2131, visit the website at www.CherokeeTheatre.net or become friends on Facebook 

Cherokee Civic Theater Presents " Passing Go"
7:30 PM at 157 W 5th Street in Rusk
For more info, call 903.683.2131, visit the website at www.CherokeeTheatre.net or become friends on Facebook 

2014 Rusk Baseball/Softball Association (RBSA) Registration

8:00 AM -1:00 PM at the Rusk Junior High gym

Registration fees are $35 for Pre T-Ball (Ages 3-4) and $70 for all other age groups.

For more info, call Jereme at 903.780.8237 or James at 903.253.4507 or Craig at 903.316.2306

Texas State Railroad Pineywoods Roundtrip Steam Excursions

11:00 AM Departure from the Rusk & Palestine Depots

For more information, reservations or schedules call 903.683.3098, 877.726.7245 or log onto www.TexasStateRR.com 

Heritage Center of Cherokee County Museum

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM on 208 Henderson Street
For more info, please call 903.683.2500 visit the website www.HCCC-Museum.org or Like their page on Facebook 

Cherokee Trace Drive-thru Animal Safari

Gates open 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, last car in at 4:30 PM

$15.95/person, Kids ages 3-12: $10.95/person
Seniors ages 65 and up: $13.95
For directions, group rates or more information, please call 903.683.3322, visit the website at www.CherokeeTrace.org or Like their page on Facebook 

Rusk High School Eagle JV & Varsity Home Baseball Games

Starting at 11:00 AM vs. Carthage

 

SUNDAY - MARCH 09, 2014

 

Cherokee Civic Theater Auditions for " The Dixie Swim Club"
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM at 157 W 5th Street in Rusk
For more info, call 903.683.2131, visit the website at www.CherokeeTheatre.net or become friends on Facebook 

Texas State Railroad Pineywoods Roundtrip Steam Excursions

11:00 AM Departure from the Rusk & Palestine Depots

For more information, reservations or schedules call 903.683.3098, 877.726.7245 or log onto www.TexasStateRR.com 

Cherokee Trace Drive-thru Animal Safari

Gates open 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM, last car in at 4:30 PM

$15.95/person, Kids ages 3-12: $10.95/person
Seniors ages 65 and up: $13.95
For directions, group rates or more information, please call 903.683.3322, visit the website at www.CherokeeTrace.org or Like their page on Facebook 

Heritage Center of Cherokee County Museum

1:00 PM - 5:00 PM on 208 Henderson Street
For more info, please call 903.683.2500 visit the website www.HCCC-Museum.org or Like their page on Facebook