Angelina College Athletics Weekly Update

Most households in Deep East Texas get a handful of pieces of mail on a given day. Most inboxes get dozens of emails, most of them opened for two seconds or less before being deleted or ignored. That simple contrast is behind a counterintuitive trend local businesses are being encouraged to notice this fall planning season: physical mail, the channel plenty of businesses quietly stopped using years ago, has become one of the least crowded ways left to actually get someone’s attention.

The case isn’t just intuitive. A research series from the USPS Office of Inspector General, conducted with Temple University’s Center for Neural Decision Making, used neuroscience methods to compare how brains process physical mail against digital advertising, and found that physical ads require meaningfully less cognitive effort to process. In plain terms, a postcard on the kitchen counter isn’t fighting a dozen open browser tabs for attention. It just sits there, tangible, until someone deals with it.

Layered on top of that, response-rate data tracked by the Association of National Advertisers and the Data & Marketing Association consistently shows direct mail outperforming email by a wide margin, piece for piece. Put the neuroscience and the response numbers together, and the picture holds up: mail gets picked up because it demands a physical decision, it’s processed with less mental friction, and it gets acted on more often.

According to MSGPR, the Lufkin communications and print firm serving the region since 1991, none of this means abandoning email or social media. It means recognizing that the channel most competitors have walked away from is, for exactly that reason, less crowded than the one everyone is still fighting over. The firm points out that the difference between a mail campaign that pays for itself and one that quietly flops almost never comes down to the channel itself. It comes down to the planning: building a tight list around people who already have a reason to care, timing the piece to something real like back-to-school season or year-end giving, and designing it to actually be handled rather than glanced at and tossed.

A Lufkin-area church MSGPR has worked with runs exactly this kind of approach every fall, mailing a physical invitation to households in its growth corridor ahead of its harvest festival, paired with a QR code routing to an event page and a follow-up email series. The mail piece isn’t competing with the church’s social presence, it’s doing a job digital channels alone can’t do as well: landing in a stranger’s hand with enough physical presence to earn a second look.

For local business owners assembling a fall marketing calendar and wondering whether direct mail deserves a spot on it again, MSGPR’s full guide walks through the research and the planning steps in detail. Reach the firm at 936-637-7593 or msgpr.com.

Read MSGPR’s full guide here: The Gutenberg Principle: Why Physical Mail Still Works in 2026.

First Friday Luncheon (Angelina County)

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August 28, 2026

September 4 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Join us for First Friday Luncheon on Friday, September 4, 2026. Sheila Youngblood, President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Deep East Texas, will share how the organization is supporting local youth and helping them build brighter futures.

First Friday is presented by Lufkin Coca Cola Bottling Company, with Angelina Community Theatre serving as the monthly sponsor.

Register to attend >>> bit.ly/Sept-FFL-26

Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce

View Organizer Website

Crown Colony Country Club

Related Events

Mechanical Forest Tree Pruning Field Demonstrations

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August 27, 2026

November 17 @ 8:00 am – November 19 @ 5:00 pm

Texas A&M Forest Service and Texas A&M AgriLife Research will host two field demonstrations in cooperation with Baker Forestry & Contracting Ltd. and the Advaligno PATAS standing-tree mechanical pruning system.

Two Opportunities:

November 17, 2026
Location: I.D. Fairchild State Forest

November 19, 2026
Location: TBD in Northeast Texas or Southwest Arkansas

The PATAS system is an innovative approach to mechanically prune standing trees and has potential applications in improving the efficiency and economics of forest management and wood utilization.

More information, including specific locations, times, registration, and field demonstration details, will be provided soon.
Please mark your calendar and plan to join us!

Texas A&M AgriLife

I.D. Fairchild State Forest

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Angelina College’s Electrical Lineworker Program Gets off the Ground

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August 26, 2026

Group 1_Electrical Lineworkers Program_7_31_2026 copy — Students and instructors from Angelina College’s new Electrical Lineworker Program pose during a recent training session. The program provides students with the training, certifications, and hands-on experience needed to pursue careers in the high-demand electrical utility industry. (Gary Stallard photo for AC News Service)

New Program Provides Training in High-Demand Utility Industry

Thanks in part to funding from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s (THECB) Texas Reskilling and Upskilling through Education (TRUE) Grant, Angelina College has officially launched its new Electrical Lineworker Program, providing students with the training, certifications, and hands-on experience needed to pursue careers in the high-demand electrical utility industry.

The inaugural cohort is already hard at work, focusing on the critical safety foundations that serve as the backbone of electrical linework. As part of their training, students earn OSHA 10 and CPR certifications, ensuring they develop the safety knowledge and skills necessary for success in the field.

The Electrical Lineworker Program combines classroom instruction with hands-on field training, allowing students to learn electrical theory, equipment operation, and industry safety standards while gaining practical experience using industry tools and equipment in realistic training environments. Graduates are prepared to meet workforce demands throughout Deep East Texas and pursue entry-level careers in the electrical utility industry.

Developed with support from the THECB TRUE Grant and in collaboration with regional industry leaders, the program was designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge employers need. Industry partners serve on the program’s Advisory Committee and play a key role in developing the curriculum and program learning outcomes.

“The support provided through the THECB TRUE Grant allowed Angelina College to create a program that directly responds to workforce needs across Deep East Texas,” Dr. Esther Campbell, Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs, said. “By combining industry-driven curriculum, hands-on training, and recognized safety certifications, we’re preparing students for rewarding careers that are critical to our communities and infrastructure.”

Advisory Committee members include representatives from the City of Newton, City of Jasper, Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative, Houston County Electric Cooperative, Jasper-Newton Electric Cooperative, Oncor, and Sam Houston Electric Cooperative.

“Our industry partners have been instrumental in helping us build a program that aligns with real-world workforce needs,” Aaron Smith, Lead Instructor for the Electrical Lineworker Program, said. “Their expertise ensures students receive relevant, hands-on training and are prepared to contribute immediately upon entering the profession.”

Angelina College is excited to watch its inaugural class, along with future cohorts, climb toward success as they prepare to become the next generation of electrical lineworkers who will help power homes, businesses, and communities throughout Texas.

For further information regarding the program, contact Aaron Smith at asmith@angelina.edu.

Crockett Area Chamber Quarterly Luncheon (Houston County)

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August 25, 2026

September 3 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Join us for our upcoming Chamber Quarterly Luncheon as we take a closer look at something that is becoming part of all of our lives — Artificial Intelligence!

We’re excited to welcome Team Lead Vernetial Davis of Provalus as our special guest speaker. Vernetial will explore the pros and cons of AI, how it is transforming our daily lives, and what it may mean for the way we live and work in the future.

Come enjoy a great lunch, learn something new, and join the conversation! We’d love to see you there.

Lunch provided by El Jimador
$10 per person

Bring your questions, your curiosity, and maybe even a little skepticism — let’s talk AI!

Crockett Area Chamber of Commerce

(936) 544-2359

View Organizer Website

Crockett Civic Center

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79th Annual Chamber Awards Banquet (Tyler County)

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August 25, 2026

October 22 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Please mark your calendars for the 79th Annual Chamber Awards Banquet! We are excited to celebrate and recognize our achieving businesses of the year with a fun “Fall Fiesta” theme.

Here are the event details:

– Date: Thursday, October 22, 2026
– Time: 6:00 PM
– Location: Church in the Country (Woodville, TX)
– Attire: Casual fun! Feel free to wear fall colors or fiesta style—Pop out that sombrero!

Another email will follow soon regarding the Mystery Box Auction donation details, public voting, individual tickets, table purchases, and sponsorships. We look forward to a wonderful evening of community and celebration!

Tyler County Chamber of Commerce

Nonprofit Leadership Center at Angelina College Honors Recent Graduates

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August 25, 2026

Group 1_NPLC Ceremony_8_20_2026 copy — The Nonprofit Leadership Center at Angelina College recently recognized seven new recipients of the Nonprofit Leadership Management Certificate following completion of the course. Pictured are (L-R) Jack Knox (First Christian Church), Shanie Sanford (Pregnancy Help Center of Lufkin), Charlotte Stanaland (Alcohol and Drug Awareness Council), Shelly Tole-Barnes (Alcohol and Drug Awareness Council), Kim Bartel (Alcohol and Drug Awareness Council), Jakoya Grimes (Alcohol and Drug Awareness Council) and Jansen Davis (Angelina Arts Alliance). (Gary Stallard photo for AC News Service)

The Nonprofit Leadership Center at Angelina College on Thursday recognized seven new graduates of its program with a ceremony held inside AC’s Community Services facility.

Kim Bartel (Alcohol and Drug Awareness Council), Jansen Davis (Angelina Arts Alliance), Jakoya Grimes (Alcohol and Drug Awareness Council), Jack Knox (First Christian Church), Shanie Sanford (Pregnancy Help Center of Lufkin), Charlotte Stanaland (Alcohol and Drug Awareness Council) and Shelly Tole-Barnes (Alcohol and Drug Awareness Council) each received the Nonprofit Leadership Management Certificate following completion of entire course, which features instruction on establishing and maintaining nonprofit organizations.

Heather Kartye, Director of the NPLC, reminded the recipients of their numerous contributions in their various fields.

“Ultimately, your investments and efforts as leaders strengthen not only yourselves, but also your organizations and the communities we serve,” Kartye said. “Those of us who work in the nonprofit sector know our work is incredibly rewarding, but it also asks a lot of us to work in this sector.

“You respond when your communities need you, and often, you put the needs of others before your own needs.”

Angelina College president Dr. Michael Simon emphasized the vital roles nonprofit organizations play in successful communities.

“It’s a challenging work that you all do, and I believe a healthy community has a vibrant and effective nonprofit sector,” Simon said. “I don’t think you’ll find very many communities thriving without a network of nonprofit organizations providing services and supporting the people who need them.”

The Nonprofit Leadership Center at Angelina College recently recognized seven new recipients of the Nonprofit Leadership Management Certificate following completion of the course. Pictured are (L-R) Dr. Michael Simon (Angelina College president) Jack Knox (First Christian Church), Shanie Sanford (Pregnancy Help Center of Lufkin), Charlotte Stanaland (Alcohol and Drug Awareness Council), Shelly Tole-Barnes (Alcohol and Drug Awareness Council), Kim Bartel (Alcohol and Drug Awareness Council), Jakoya Grimes (Alcohol and Drug Awareness Council), Jansen Davis (Angelina Arts Alliance) and Heather Kartye (NPLC Director). (Gary Stallard photo for AC News Service)

The Nonprofit Leadership Center at Angelina College provides affordable, practical, and high-quality classes year-round. Whether one is pursuing professional development or seeking Nonprofit Management Certification, the NPLC programs at AC are designed to enhance overall leadership skills.

NPLC works in collaboration with community leaders, including the Lufkin Chamber of Commerce, while offering essential learning opportunities for both emerging and experienced nonprofit professionals. Those enrolled gain expertise in board governance, high-impact leadership, nonprofit financial management, donor development, marketing, communication, and the latest trends and innovations in philanthropy.

For further information on Angelina College’s Nonprofit Leadership Center, contact Heather Kartye at hkartye@angelina.edu.

Artist Bucheli Displaying ‘Out of the Shadows’ at Angelina College Gallery

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August 25, 2026

Reception and Artist Talk Set for Sept. 1

Angelina College’s School of Visual and Performing Arts will host artist Dario Salvatore Bucheli in an Angelina Center for the Arts Gallery exhibition.

Bucheli’s display “Out of the Shadows” opened August 17 and will run through September 10. A reception and artist’s discussion is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 1 in the ACA gallery.

Students help prepare a temporary mural for the current Dario Salvatore Bucheli exhibition “Out of the Shadows,” currently open and running through Sept. 10 in the Angelina Center for the Arts Gallery on the Angelina College campus. Current and transfer students earned valuable experience in assisting with the exhibition’s overall presentation, and those students will receive recognition at the artist’s reception on Tuesday, Sept. 1. (Contributed photo)

Bucheli’s request for assistance in painting the main mural created an opportunity for past and present AC students to reunite. AC Gallery Director and Visual Arts instructor Le’Anne Alexander said she selected the assistants “based on proven excellence and dedication displayed in her Visual Arts courses.” Brynn Linette (current AC Visual Arts student), Yolanda Crain and Kai Randles (current AC Graphic Arts students), Valerie Runnels and Collin Fuller (recent AC Graduates and current SFA transfer students). Meghan Schieres (AC graduate, working artist/musician) participated in the main mural’s installation and will receive recognition from the artist at the reception.

Bucheli’s image-based practice reflects on the ways myths, symbols, and inherited narratives continue to shape our understanding of the self, memory, and history. Drawing from Mesoamerican cosmology, folklore, craft-based practices, and personal experience, the work inhabits a space between history and imagination, where ancient visual languages offer a framework for navigating contemporary questions of displacement, transformation, and belonging.

Bucheli’s practice spans paintings on canvas, printmaking, and site-specific works. Each work is part of a mythology in which recurring forms, celestial motifs, plants, animals, and ritual objects function as a personal visual vocabulary. Individual symbols shift in meaning through relationships with one another, creating layered compositions that invite multiple interpretations rather than fixed readings.

In “Out of the Shadows,” Bucheli presents a new site-specific temporary painting, as well as a work on canvas, and a small sculptural work. The exhibition centers on the archetypal figure of the rabbit, a crepuscular creature that exists between light and shadow, serving as a symbol of transition, vulnerability, hope, and perseverance. Through this recurring figure, the exhibition reflects on the immigrant experience in the United States, drawing from Bucheli’s own history while engaging broader narratives of migration, resilience, and belonging.

Bucheli is an artist and museum professional currently located in Beaumont, Texas. He received his BA from the University of Dallas and his MFA from Texas Christian University, both in Studio Art with a focus on painting. His work has been exhibited throughout Texas and abroad in solo and group exhibitions.

Admission to the exhibition and reception is free and open to the public.

For further information, contact Le’Anne Alexander at lalexander@angelina.edu.

Nonprofit Leadership Center at Angelina College Releases Course Schedule

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August 25, 2026