Rusk Chamber of Commerce Weekly E-Update

 

05/23/14


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

 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.

~ Proverbs 3:5,6

 

Heroism is latent in every human soul - However humble or unknown, they (the veterans) have renounced what are accounted pleasures and cheerfully undertaken all the self-denials - privations, toils, dangers, sufferings, sicknesses, mutilations, life-long hurts and losses, death itself - for some great good, dimly seen but dearly held.

~ Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain
In This Issue
Check out Sweets by Pam New Offering's - Pizza & Ice Cream Treats!
Rusk Rotary Club TV Raffle for a 60" Samsung LED Flat Screen TV
Cherokee Civic Theater Thespians 'N Training (TNT) 2014
Annual Cherokee County Juneteenth Parade - 6/14/14
30th Annual Tomato Fest 6/14/14 in Downtown Jacksonville, TX
Weekly Calendar 05/23/14 - 06/01/14
 

Rusk Chamber of Commerce

Elite Platinum Members

 

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

Check out Sweets by Pam New Offering's - Pizza & Ice Cream Treats! 

 

Join Pam Wallace and the staff of Sweets by Pam for their Pizza, Ice Cream Treats or the Soup, Salad and Hot Bar, choose one or all 3 for lunch.  Be sure and Like their page on Facebookto see the daily specials for and the items for the Soup, Salad and Hot Bar.  Sweets by Pam is open Monday - Friday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM and serves lunch from 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM at 121 S Henderson in Rusk, TX.

 

They've added Blue Bell ice cream and Italian cream sodas! Come in for lunch and try their new gourmet pizzas! They have BBQ chicken, Chicken Carbonara, Tuscan Meat Lovers, just to name a few... Get it while it's hot!

 

Casseroles are available refrigerated or frozen, depending upon when you are planning to bake them. While you're enjoying lunch, be sure and take a look at the specialty baked goodies that are available to order for your next event. 

 

For additional information about the bakery and restaurant, please call 903.683.3333 or "Like" their page on Facebook.


Rusk Rotary Club TV Raffle for a 60" Samsung LED Flat Screen TV  


The Rotary Club of Rusk is raffling off a 60" Samsung LED flat screen TV. Drawing will be held July 4 at our 4th of July parade. You do not have to be present to win. Tickets are $2 each or 6 for $10.

 

Tickets are available from any Rusk Rotary Club member or stop by their booth at the Fair on the Square on Saturday, May 24, 2014.

 

Proceeds help benefit the Rusk Rotary Scholarship Fund.

 

For additional information about the Rusk Rotary Club, membership information or to purchase raffle tickets, please contact Debra Dominy at 903.683.1180.

 

Cherokee Civic Theater Thespians 'N Training (TNT) 2014


Cherokee Civic Theatre's TNT (Thespians 'N Training) theatre arts camp is one of the most dynamic in East Texas. Since 2004, young people between the ages of 6 and 18 have produced one-act plays in just 40 hours, hence TNT's nickname of the (40 hour frenzy). Campers are divided into troupes based on ages with each troupe auditioning, rehearsing and building sets, costumes & props for their one-act presentation in the Grand Finale Showcase.

 

TNT's goals are not only to enhance stage skills, but also to promote the cooperation, creativity goal-setting that any theatrical production requires. Our motto is "It's All Good!" because we truly believe that everyone has something to contribute when it comes to creating a great show. The TNT Camper Pledge embodies this philosophy so we follow it closely and expect our campers to do the same.

 

TNT 2014 will run July 14-25 with the Grand Finale Showcases presented for friends, family & the community throughout the day on Saturday, July 26th.

 

***GRADES 3-4 TROUPE ON WAITING LIST***

 

TNT Daytime Troupes (Grades 1-8)

TNT Daytime is for those entering Grade 1 through entering Grade 8. Prior theatre experience is not necessary; just a willingness to learn and have fun. Each troupe works on a progression of theatre arts and learning these onstage & offstage skills is combined with traditional camp fun. Grades 1-4 meet mornings from 9am-1pm and Grades 5-8 meet afternoons from 1-5pm.

 

TNT 2014 Directors:

Moira Debbs (Grades1-2)

Sheilah O'Heaney (Grades3-4)

Judy Faye Garner (Grades5-6)

Debra Petri (Grades7-8)

 

The TNT 2014 Producers are

Judy Faye Garner & Sheilah O'Heaney

 

TNT PM Troupes (Grades 9-12)

TNT PM is for teens entering Grade 9 through exiting Grade 12. Prior theatre experience is not necessary; just a willingness to learn and have fun. TNT PM has a repertory format with all teens enrolling in the program rather than specific troupes. This year, there will be tracks for onstage performance and offstage techinical skill enhancement as well as a limited number of enrollments for 8th graders with significant theatrical experience. TNT PMers may also apply to be Jr. Counselors who assist with the Daytime TNT camps in exchange for work scholarships that cover their TNT PM registration fees. TNT PM meets evenings from 5:30pm-9:30pm.

 

TNT PM 2014 Directors:

Dan "Eddie" Breen

Laura Cunningham

 

The TNT 2014 PM Producer:

Castanya Breen

 

REGISTRATION

 

CLICK HERE FOR ALL TNT FORMS! 

 

All TNT registrations are first-come, first-served and space is limited. All registration forms and fees must be received before a camper is fully registered.  Phone, fax and email registrations are not possible.  Campers registered by June 23rd will receive a free official TNT T-shirt.

Sibling discounts are available for a limited time.

Registrations will be confirmed by phone or email.

Scholarships are available for all ages. Applications are available with the TNT registration forms.

 

For more info, call 903.683.2131 visit the website at www.CherokeeTheatre.net or Like their page on Facebook  


Annual Cherokee County Juneteenth Parade - 6/14/14


 

Mark your calendars to attend the upcoming Annual Cherokee County Juneteenth Parade on Saturday, June 14, 2014.  Line up behind Austin Bank at 10:45 AM and the parade starts @11:00 AM in downtown Rusk.

 

June 19, 1865 more than 250,000 slaves in Texas, who had been the personal property of slave masters, were freed.  This historical event took place two years after the signing of The Emancipation Proclamation which declared all slaves in the United States of America to be free.  The Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863.  This year, 147 years later, we celebrate that freedom.

 

We invite you to join in with us in celebrating this important event in the history of Texas on Saturday, June 14, 2014. The day's activities will begin with a parade through downtown Rusk at 11:00 0'clock A. M. and will end at The I. C. Conley Park on Reeder Street. Lineup will begin about 10:45 AM behind Austin Bank.  You are invited to drive your car, truck, etc. in the parade. 

 

The annual program will begin immediately after the parade and will be held inside Mt. Pleasant CME Church, next door to the park.  Daphne Session, Houston County Attorney, Crockett, Texas and Ralph Carter, retired U. S. Postal Services, Houston, Texas will be the speakers.   Refreshments will be served in the park immediately after the program.

 

We extend to you a warm invitation and we hope you will be able to join us in celebrating this historical event.

 

30th Annual Tomato Fest 6/14/14 in Downtown Jacksonville, TX 


Jacksonville, Texas is known as the Tomato Capital of the World. This title was given to the city back in the early 1900s, when our tasty tomatoes were shipped across the country in state-of-the-art refrigerated rail cars. Nowadays, people from all parts still know a trip to Jacksonville will procure a box or two of our famous tomatoes.

 

In celebration of our renowned crop, visitors arrive for the annual Tomato fest, held every second Saturday in June, just as the tomatoes ripen.

 

Tomato Fest welcomes festival-goers to gather tomatoes to take home, anticipating their transformation into relishes, salsa, stews and more.

 

The festival boasts over 26 various activities for the entire family to enjoy. Activities include: Motorcycle, Tractor and Antique Car Shows, Various Tournaments (fishing, soccer & tennis), Arts/Crafts/Information Booths, Food Court, Farmer's Market, Salsa Contest, Tomato Shed Tour, Tomato Shoot, Tomato Eating Contest (celebrities & kiddos), Live Entertainment, History Display, Tomato Peeling, Tomato Mashing Contest and many Kids' Activities.

 

The final event of the evening is the 9th Annual Chili's Street Dance at Chili's 1225 S. Jackson from 7:00 - 10:00 with entertainment provided by Lady Chazz & The Tramps.

 

Contest Applications

 
Antique Car Show                                                

Bass Tournament 
Motorcycle Show                                                  

Got Talent Contest
Tractor Show                                                      

Baby Crawl Contest
Photo Contest
Best Homegrown Tomato Contest
Salsa Contest   

 

For additional information contact: The Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce @ 903.586.2217 or visit the web at www.jacksonvilletexas.com 

 

Weekly Calendar 05/23/14 - 06/01/14


FRIDAY - MAY 23, 2014

 

Rusk Chamber of Commerce 23rd 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

$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 

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 23rd 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 - 7:00 PM, last car in at 5:30 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 

 

SUNDAY - MAY 25, 2014

 

Rusk Chamber of Commerce 23rd 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 - 7:00 PM, last car in at 5:30 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 - MAY 26, 2014

 

Rusk Chamber of Commerce & City Offices Closed in Observance of Memorial Day

Rusk ISD Closed - All Campuses in Observance of Memorial Day

Rusk VFW Memorial Day Observation

10:00 AM on the Courthouse Lawn at the VFW Memorial

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 - 7:00 PM, last car in at 5:30 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 

 

TUESDAY - MAY 27, 2014

 

Voting for Democratic & Republican Run Off Elections

7:00 AM - 7:00 PM all polling locations

For more info, call the  Cherokee County Election Office, at 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 - 7:00 PM, last car in at 5:30 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 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

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 

 

WEDNESDAY - MAY 28, 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 - 7:00 PM, last car in at 5:30 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 - MAY 29, 2014

 

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 - 7:00 PM, last car in at 5:30 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 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

 

FRIDAY - MAY 30, 2014

 

Rusk High School 2014 Graduation Ceremony

8:00 PM at the Rusk High School Football Field

For more info, call 903.683.5401

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 

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 - 7:00 PM, last car in at 5:30 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 

 

SATURDAY - MAY 31, 2014

 

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 

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 - 7:00 PM, last car in at 5:30 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 

 

SUNDAY - JUNE 01, 2014

 

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 - 7:00 PM, last car in at 5:30 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