Rusk Chamber of Commerce

Weekly E-Update - 05/16/14

In This Issue

Rusk Chamber of Commerce 23rd Annual Fair on the Square

5th Annual "Who Let The Dogs Out??" Fun Run!! - 5/24/14

16th Annual Salute to the Armed Forces - May 23, 24 & 25 @ the Palestine Depot

Final Weekend - Cherokee Civic Theater Presents "The Dixie Swim Club" 5/17 & 5/18

Exercise Your Right To Vote - Early Voting for Democratic and Republican Run-Off Elections starts 5/19/14

Weekly Calendar 05/16/14 - 05/26/14

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

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 & Breakfasts, Campgrounds, Dining, Hotels & Shopping for locations, hours and additional information about our local Chamber Members.

Quotes of the Week

....we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character, and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

~ Romans 5: 3-5 NIV

That all men are created equal and that everyone has within himself the power to make this a better world.

~ Fran Striker from The Lone Ranger's Creed

Rusk Chamber of Commerce 23rd Annual Fair on the Square

You're invited the 23rd Annual Fair on the Square to be held in downtown Rusk on Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday, May 22 - 25, 2014. Crabtree's Amusements will be returning to the festivities. The carnival rides will be located on Henderson and Fifth streets in downtown Rusk. Plan to take some time to get re-acquainted with family, friends and neighbors at the Fair on the Square. Arts & craft booth spaces are still available, $25.00 for Saturday, 5/24/14.

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Carnival Ticket office opens at 5:00 PM, Family $1 Night, Carnival rides will be $1.

Friday, May 23, 2014

Carnival Ticket office opens at 5:00 PM, and will sell wrist bands for an unlimited amount of rides to those who want to ride more than one time. One-time rides will be offered at regular price.

Saturday, May 24, 2014

7:00 AM check in, late registration, 8:00 - 1 mile Kid's Fun Run (12 and under), 8:30 - 5K Run for the 3^rd Annual "Who Let the Dog's Out" 5K Fun. For more information visit www.WhoLetTheDogsOutRace.org/ or contact Chris Holcomb at the Cherokee Animal Clinic at 903.683.5315

9:00 AM, Crafters and exhibits will open their booths. Entertainment and contests throughout the day.

Carnival Ticket office opens at 10:00 AM, and will sell wrist bands for an unlimited amount of rides to those who want to ride more than one time. One-time rides will be offered at regular price.

Sunday, May 25, 2014

Carnival Ticket office opens at 1:00 PM, and will sell wrist bands for an unlimited amount of rides to those who want to ride more than one time. One-time rides will be offered at regular price.

For additional information or to register for a booth space, please call 903.683.4242 or visit the website at www.RuskChamber.com.

5th Annual "Who Let The Dogs Out??" Fun Run!!

Come Run With Your Dog & Have Fun!

Adult 5K & Kid's 1 mile Fun Run & Race to Make a Difference for An Animal! (Sponsored by: Cherokee Animal Clinic).

Proceeds from this race will go to Country Ladies Animal Rescue to help with various operational costs including food, medicines and blankets for the homeless animals of East Texas.

Please help by joining us Saturday, May 24, 2014! Race starts at 8:00 AM. USATF sanctioned! Chip timing provided by No Limits Timing using Chronotrack system. This is being held in conjunction with the Rusk Chamber of Commerce annual Fair On The Square.

Schedule of the Race:

� 7:00 - Check in/late registration

� 7:30 - Warm up / stretch

� 8:00 - 1 mile Kid's Fun Run (12 and under)

� 8:30 - 5K Run

� 10:00 - Awards

Registration:

� $20.00 Before May 20, 2014

� $30.00 Race Day Registration

� Kids under 12 - $10.00

� Dogs run free

� ** No Refunds

This is being held in conjunction with the Rusk Chamber of Commerce annual Fair on the Square. Join the race to help the unwanted animals and enjoy Historical Rusk's Fair on The Square visiting vendors and filling up with good food!

For additional information, call 903.683.5315, or visit the website at www.WhoLetTheDogsOutRace.org

16th Annual Salute to the Armed Forces - May 23, 24 & 25 @ the Palestine Depot

The Texas State Railroad's 16^th annual Salute to the Armed Forces event, scheduled for May 23, 24 & 25 of Memorial Day weekend, has seen a 22-percent increase in participation this year.

"We expected that," said Janet Gregg, event organizer. "Based on anecdotal evidence from others who have hosted The Wall, we knew participation and attendance at our event would increase this year."

Participants include veterans groups, military re-enactment groups and living history exhibitors, plus static military displays, booths by military support groups, displays by first responders, paid vendor booths, a food vendor, a children's activity area and more.

Groups will represent the Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War. Delta Company 3-144 Infantry Regiment of the Texas Army National Guard will represent those currently serving our country.

The Patriot Train will run three times each day, at 10am, 1:30pm and 3:30pm to the Jarvis Wye and back. The ride is roughly an hour in length. All current and former military with ID will be able to ride the train for free.

Each day will begin at 9am with a flag raising ceremony including an honor guard, prayer and speaker. Each day will end at 5pm with a lowering of the colors.

On Saturday, the East Texas Acapella Ensemble will perform mostly patriotic music at 11:30am and 1:30pm in the big tent.

The AVTT Traveling Wall will arrive on Wednesday, May 21. At 3pm, The Patriot Guard and other groups will escort The Wall on its five mile route from the Palestine Mall parking lot to the Texas State Railroad Palestine Depot. Setup for The Wall will begin at 8am on Thursday. Once it is set up it will be available for viewing 24/7 at the Palestine Depot until take-down begins at 8am on Monday, May 26.

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

Final Weekend - Cherokee Civic Theater Presents "The Dixie Swim Club" 5/17 & 5/18

Join the cast of "The Dixie Swim Club" during the final performances this weekend. The show times are Saturday, 5/17/14 at 7:30pm, and Sunday Matinee, 5/18/14, at 2:00pm at the historic Cherokee Civic Theatre, 157 W. 5th Street.

The play is written by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten, authors of the "Dearly" series presented at CCT the past two seasons.

"The Dixie Swim Club" is a hilarious and touching comedy about the lasting friendships of five Southern women, whose friendships began many years ago on their college swim team. The ladies set aside on weekend in August to recharge their friendship, and meddle in each other's lives. The story spans thirty three years, and focuses on four weekends that the quintet spends together.

For tickets and more information, contact the CCT

box office at 903.683.2131 or purchase tickets online at www.cherokeetheatre.net.

Exercise Your Right To Vote - Early Voting for Democratic and Republican Run-Off Elections starts 5/19/14

The most important political office is that of the private citizen. ~Louis Brandeis

Early voting in the Democratic and Republican May 27, 2014 run-off elections begins Monday, May 19, 2014.

Early voting is available at the following locations:

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

Early voting hours are (all locations):

5/19/14 - 5/23/14, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

May 27, 2014 Election Day, polling locations are open from 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM.

For additional information, please call 903.683.8409 or visit their page on Facebook.

Weekly Calendar 05/16/14 - 05/26/14

FRIDAY - MAY 16, 2014

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 - 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

52nd Annual Tops In Texas Rodeo Rodeo

7:00 PM Tops in Texas Rodeo at the Rodeo Arena

For more info, contact the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce at 903.586.2217, 800.376.2217 or visit the website at www.jacksonvilletexas.com

SATURDAY - MAY 17, 2014

Birmingham Forest Golf Club RHS Senior Finale Benefit Golf Tournament

9:00 am Shotgun Start

Tee it up to help support our Rusk Eagles!

For more info, call the Birmingham Forest Golf Club at 903.683.9518

Cherokee Civic Theater Presents "The Dixie Swim Club"
7:30 PM at 157 W 5^th Street in Rusk
For more info, call 903.683.2131 visit the website at www.CherokeeTheatre.net or Like their page on Facebook

Texas State Railroad Pineywoods Roundtrip Steam Excursion

11:00 AM Departures from the Rusk & Palestine Depot's

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

52nd Annual Tops In Texas Rodeo Rodeo

8:00 AM Jr. Rodeo at the Rodeo Arena - Contact DeLeigh Haley at 903.541.5378

10:00 AM Miss Rodeo Jacksonville Contest at the Rodeo Arena

1:30 PM Modeling, Speeches, & Interviews at the First Methodist Church on Loop 456. Contact Sheryal Berry at run4bhorses@aol.com

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Kids Day at the Rodeo Arena

7:00 PM Tops in Texas Rodeo at the Rodeo Arena

For more info, contact the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce at 903.586.2217, 800.376.2217 or visit the website at www.jacksonvilletexas.com.

SUNDAY - MAY 18, 2014

Cherokee Civic Theater Presents "The Dixie Swim Club"
2:00 PM at 157 W 5^th Street in Rusk
For more info, call 903.683.2131 visit the website at www.CherokeeTheatre.net or Like their page on Facebook

Texas State Railroad Pineywoods Roundtrip Steam Excursion

11:00 AM Departures from the Palestine & Rusk 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

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 - MAY 19, 2014

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

Early Voting for Democratic & Republican Run Off 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

TUESDAY - MAY 20, 2014

Rusk Chamber of Commerce Directors Meeting

12:00 Noon at the Cherokee County Federal Credit Union

For more info, call 903.683.4242

Zeal For Life Party

7:00 PM at the Rusk Civic Center, 555 Euclid St

Demonstration of Vitamin Wellness Drinks & Protein Shakes

For more info, contact Scharlette Celestine at www.scharlottecelestine.zealforlife.com

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 Story Time

10:45 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

Early Voting for Democratic & Republican Run Off 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

WEDNESDAY - MAY 21, 2014

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

Singletary Memorial Library Story and Craft Time

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

For more info, call 903.683.5916

Early Voting for Democratic & Republican Run Off 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

THURSDAY - MAY 22, 2014

Rusk Chamber of Commerce 23^rd Annual Fair on the Square

5:00 PM Carnival will open their rides and present Family $1 Night, Carnival rides will be $1.

For more info, call 903.683.4242

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

Singletary Memorial Library Basic Computer Class 101

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

For more info, call 903.683.5916

Singletary Memorial Library Story Time

10:45 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

Early Voting for Democratic & Republican Run Off 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

FRIDAY - MAY 23, 2014

Rusk Chamber of Commerce 23^rd Annual Fair on the Square

5:00 PM Carnival will open

For more info, call 903.683.4242

16th Annual Salute to the Armed Forces @ the Palestine Depot

Patriot Train departs at 10am, 1:30pm and 3:30pm each day

Travelling replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall

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

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

Last Day - Early Voting for Democratic & Republican Run Off 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

SATURDAY - MAY 24, 2014

5th Annual Who Let The Dogs Out?? Fun Run!!

7:00 - Check in/late registration, 7:30 - Warm up / stretch, 8:00 - 1 mile Kid's Fun Run (12 and under)

8:30 - 5K Run, 10:00 - Awards

For more info, call 903.683.5315, visit the website at www.WhoLetTheDogsOutRace.org

Rusk Chamber of Commerce 23^rd Annual Fair on the Square

8:30 AM Crafters and exhibits will open their booths. Entertainment and contests throughout the day.

Carnival Ticket office opens at 10:00 AM, and will sell wrist bands for an unlimited amount of rides to those who want to ride more than one time. One-time rides will be offered at regular price.

16th Annual Salute to the Armed Forces @ the Palestine Depot

Patriot Train departs at 10am, 1:30pm and 3:30pm each day

Travelling replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall

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

Texas State Railroad Pineywoods Roundtrip Steam Excursion

11:00 AM Departure from the Rusk Depot

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

SUNDAY - MAY 25, 2014

Rusk Chamber of Commerce 23^rd Annual Fair on the Square

Carnival Ticket office opens at 1:00 PM, and will sell wrist bands for an unlimited amount of rides to those who want to ride more than one time. One-time rides will be offered at regular price.

16th Annual Salute to the Armed Forces @ the Palestine Depot

Patriot Train departs at 10am, 1:30pm and 3:30pm each day

Travelling replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall

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

Texas State Railroad Pineywoods Roundtrip Steam Excursion

11:00 AM Departure from the Rusk Depot

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

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 - MAY 26, 2014

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