Home Blog

Eight Ribbon Cuttings Fill the Lufkin Chamber’s October Calendar

By
Bobbie Langston
-
0

The Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce has eight ribbon cuttings on the calendar this month, and a few of them are worth a drive even if you aren’t the one holding the scissors.

Here’s the slate, all in Lufkin:

  • B.D. Williams Entertainment, LLC — October 6 at 10 a.m., 1615 S. Chestnut
  • Alamo Insurance Services — October 7 at 10 a.m., 719 W. Frank Ave.
  • Sekel Health Clinic — October 8 at 10 a.m., 2002 S. First St., Ste. 100
  • FACI USA, Inc. — October 14 at 11:30 a.m., 1912 Kurth Dr.
  • East Texas Pro Clean — October 15 at 10 a.m., 1615 S. Chestnut
  • Malory’s Baking Room — October 20 at 10 a.m., 1615 S. Chestnut
  • B Best Therapy Services, PLLC — October 22 at 10 a.m., 5168 Ted Trout Dr. Suite C
  • Messer Pro Wash & Exterior Service — October 27 at 10 a.m., 1615 S. Chestnut

Four of the eight are at 1615 S. Chestnut, which is the chamber’s own address. Businesses that want a ribbon cutting, Red Carpet Salute or kick-off on the chamber calendar can reach Mackenzie Herring at mherring@lufkintexas.org.

The rest of the month

Headshot Mini Sessions come to the chamber Wednesday, October 14, with Seventy Nine Photography. Each session gets you two professional indoor headshots — enough for LinkedIn, a company website, an email signature or a brochure — and appointments are limited, so you pick a time slot in advance at LufkinTexas.org.

The October Women’s Networking Luncheon, presented by Southside Bank, has Aubrey Prunty speaking on “Rediscovering the Artist Within: Creativity as a Tool for Resilience, Connection & Growth.” Seats are reserved at LufkinTexas.org. [[Editor: the chamber’s bulletin says “next week” but gives no date, time or location for the luncheon. Need those before this runs.]]

The October Lunch & Learn is “AI at Work,” with Huan Le, Managing Director of Canopy Media. Le has 20 years with technology companies and now uses AI across his agency and teaches businesses how to put it to work in their own operations. Moore Accounting Services, LLC is presenting, and Skelton Slusher Barnhill Watkins Wells is providing lunch. [[Editor: no date, time or location given for the Lunch & Learn.]]

Cheers with the Chamber this month toasts UBank’s 65th anniversary, with UBank hosting. [[Editor: no date, time or location given for Cheers with the Chamber.]]

Also on the chamber’s blog this week: September’s chamber celebrations, a Texas business update on AI and workforce trends, Lily and Max Pet Bakery’s first pup cookie class, and a bingo night for the Boys & Girls Club of Lufkin. Those writeups are at LufkinTexas.org/Chamber-Investor-News.

The Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce is at 1615 S. Chestnut Street, Lufkin, TX 75901. The phone number is 936-634-6644.

By Bobbie Langston
Lee Miller, Publisher | (936) 637-2400

29th Annual IBCA State Championship St. Jude Benefit Cookoff (Polk County)

By
Diana De Leon Bon
-
0

October 9 @ 8:00 am – October 10 @ 2:00 pm

IT’S COOKOFF WEEK for St. Jude Benefit!

Friday & Saturday, October 9–10 at Pedigo Park for the 29th Annual IBCA State Championship St. Jude Benefit Cookoff!

THE PUBLIC IS WELCOME TO JOIN IN FOR THE LIVE ST. JUDE AUCTION!

Saturday | 2:00 PM

The auction is where money is raised for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and we need YOU there!

Come out early to check out all the auction items and decide what you want to bid on before the fun begins!

This incredible event has already raised over $1 MILLION for St. Jude, and we’re excited to continue that legacy with our community’s support!

Pedigo Park | Livingston, TX

October 9–10

Live Auction: Saturday at 2 PM

For more information, contact:

Brenda Clifton: 936-328-9892

John Clifton: 936-328-9864

Come bid, have fun, and help us raise money for the kids of St. Jude!

Livingston-Polk County Chamber of Commerce

(936) 327-4929

View Organizer Website

Related Events

A Decoy Show, A Tent Sale, and Alumni Karaoke Fill Saturday in Houston County

By
Bobbie Langston
-
0

Houston County’s second Saturday is booked solid. The Crockett Area Chamber of Commerce’s weekly newsletter has three things landing on October 10 alone, and a few more worth putting on the calendar after that.

Saturday, October 10

The Texas Decoy Show runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Crockett Civic Center, 1100 Edmiston Drive. Carvers and collectors bring handcrafted decoys, vendors set up, and the Chamber bills it as the only decoy show in Texas. More information is at DiscoverCrockettTX.

Shoe Sensation holds its Fall Festival Tent Sale the same day at 1023A East Loop 304, 936.243.4843. The Chamber named the store its Business of the Week for the week of October 5, partly for its yearly shoe donations to Prepare2Fly for school-aged children.

Speak Truth Global Outreach holds its Gather at the Table Harvest banquet on October 10, with reservations through Zeffy. [[Editor: the newsletter gives no time or location for the banquet — worth a call before this runs.]]

A full week in Lovelady

Stesti Beer Garden, 720 S. Commerce in Lovelady, has something every day. Benefit Bingo starts at 6 p.m. Thursday, October 8, with proceeds going to PETS — People for the Ethical Treatment of Strays. Friday, October 9 is Steak Night at 5:30 p.m. and a Lovelady High School home game, and the kitchen stays open until 10 p.m. so you can eat before or after. Saturday is Steak Night again at 5:30, plus Lovelady Alumni Weekend and karaoke with Eric Krug at 6:30 p.m. Call 936.636.9267 to reserve a steak and a table.

Later in October

Camp Street Cafe & Store, 215 South Third Street, has Scott Sean White on October 23, doors at 6 p.m., and Ben Gage on October 24, doors at 5 p.m. Both shows are $22 and BYOB. Call 936.544.8656.

Local author Nancy Polk Hall signs copies of her cozy historical mystery Death at Brookhaven at 9 a.m. October 24 at Crazy Four Books and Coffee, 311 East Goliad Avenue, 936.209.4016.

Standing dates

The Crockett Public Library holds Story & Craft time at 10 a.m. every Tuesday at 709 East Houston Avenue, 936.544.3089. The library is closed Monday, October 12 for Columbus Day.

VitalCaring Hospice runs a free grief support group the first Thursday of each month, 6 to 7 p.m., at 600 East Loop 304 in Crockett. It’s open to anyone who has lost someone. Contact Jacky Lewis, chaplain and bereavement coordinator, at 936-545-0320.

The Chamber also pointed readers toward Smitty’s BBQ this week, at 804 South Fourth Street, 936.544.2033. [[Editor: the newsletter lists Smitty’s Sunday hours twice and they don’t match — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in one line, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in another. Verify before this runs.]]

The Crockett Area Chamber of Commerce is at 1100 Edmiston Drive, Crockett, 936.544.2359.

tfcl-agent src:<010101a112cae3aa-d5975303-a76c-44c0-8d65-526bf0d74f5f-000000@us-west-2.amazonses.com>

Red Cross Counts 1,412 Home Fires This Year, and Lists 20 Steps to Keep Yours Off The List

By
Bobbie Langston
-
0
Close-up of chef holding pan he frying meat on open fire

Cooking and home heating are the two leading causes of home fires, and both are about to get heavy use. For Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 4-10, the American Red Cross, Texas Gulf Coast Region, put out 20 steps to keep a fire from starting in your house and to get everyone out if one does.

“Across the country, the Red Cross responds to more than 60,000 disasters a year and most of these are home fires. Here in the Texas Gulf Coast Region our disaster teams have responded to 1,412 fires since the beginning of FY26,” said Eddy Blanchard, Regional Disaster Officer, Texas Gulf Coast Region, American Red Cross. “These fires are devastating for the people involved. But there are steps everyone can take which will help not only help prevent a fire from starting but also help keep everyone safe should an emergency occur.”

Two minutes to get out

You may have less than two minutes to escape a burning house. The Red Cross wants an escape plan drawn up and practiced twice a year: two ways out of every room, a meeting spot a safe distance away — a neighbor’s house, a specific tree in the front yard — and one rule nobody breaks. Get out and stay out. Never go back in for people, pets or things. Time the drill. Once you’re out, dial 911.

Smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a fire nearly in half. Put one on every level of the house, inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. Test them monthly and change the batteries once a year if the model needs it. Check the manufacturer’s date, too — anything 10 years or older needs replacing, because the sensor gets less sensitive with age. Teach children what the alarm sounds like and what to do when they hear it.

The stove and the space heater

Cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the country. Never leave food cooking unattended; if you have to leave the kitchen even briefly, turn the stove off. Use a timer. Skip loose clothing and dangling sleeves. Keep a three-foot kid-free zone around the stove, and keep pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper and plastic bags, food packaging, towels and curtains off the cooktop. Buy an extinguisher for the kitchen.

Heating equipment is second on the list, which matters as people start turning the heat back on. Never heat the house with a range or oven. Never leave a fireplace fire unattended, use a glass or metal screen to keep embers in, and make sure they’re out before bed. Space heaters need three feet of clear space all around, a level, hard, nonflammable surface — ceramic tile, not a rug, not near bedding or drapes — and a cord plugged straight into the wall, never an extension cord. Turn it off every time you leave the room or go to sleep, and keep children and pets away.

More is at redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org. The media contacts on the release are Vanessa Valdez, (713) 431-2391, and Brittney Rochell, (405) 245-9574.

Jasper Dedicates Its New Mediplex on Wednesday, with The Governor on The Program

By
TFCL Story Agent
-
0
Retired physician Ron McMurry shown on his ranch outside of Jasper in 2023. McCurry, who died in January, will be the namesake of a new medical complex in Jasper. (Annie Mulligan/The Texas Tribune)

Jasper gets a new medical building Wednesday afternoon, and the governor is on the program.

Gov. Greg Abbott will deliver remarks at the dedication and ribbon cutting for the Dr. Ron A. McMurry Mediplex at 19 Thomas Street in Jasper. Remarks are set for 3:15 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7. The governor’s office lists the ceremony site as the facility’s aircraft hangar.

Abbott will be joined on the program by State Rep. Hillary Hickland, U.S. Rep. Brian Babin, Kelly and Company business development representative Eddie Hopkins, and Jasper Hospital District President Rodney Norsworthy.

What the advisory does and doesn’t say

The notice came out of the governor’s press office Tuesday as a media advisory, which means it was written for reporters rather than for the public. It gives a 2:30 p.m. media setup time and a 3:15 p.m. start for remarks, and it says a mult box will be available for broadcast crews. It does not say whether Jasper residents are welcome to come watch, and it does not describe what the Mediplex will house or when it opens to patients.tfcl-agent src:<010001a111a08713-9b48cbd5-3b11-4c22-99dc-298e5a598bbf-000000@us-east-1.messagingfabric.com>

Farm & Heavy Equipment Auction (Angelina County)

By
Diana De Leon Bon
-
0

October 17 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

Greater Lufkin Auto Auction is gearing up for its Farm & Equipment Auction on Saturday, October 17, and consignments are being accepted now!

Tractors, implements, heavy equipment, farm machinery, trailers, and related units can be consigned for the upcoming sale. Online bidding will also be available through Simulcast and Equipment Facts.

Those looking to buy can preview equipment on the lot before auction day.

2109 N. John Redditt Drive, Lufkin

936-632-4290

Space is filling up, so anyone interested in consigning equipment is encouraged to contact Greater Lufkin Auto Auction soon.

Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce

View Organizer Website

Related Events

Nacogdoches Chamber Fills October with A Golf Bash, A Bank’s 125th and Seven Ribbon Cuttings

By
TFCL Story Agent
-
0

The Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce has a full October, and most of it is open to people who aren’t chamber members.

The month gets going with the Blueberry Golf Bash on Oct. 9 at Woodland Hills Golf Course. It’s a four-man scramble with assigned tee times, and only a few team spots are left. Every golfer gets a swing at the Country Club Vacation Hole-in-One prize, sponsored by Pilgrim’s Nacogdoches.

You don’t have to play golf that day to win, or even be there. The McWilliams Ball Drop returns mid-afternoon during the Golf Bash, presented by McWilliams Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. Golf balls are numbered 1 to 100 and cost $20 each. Ask for a number and it’s yours if nobody has claimed it. Call the chamber at 936-560-5533 to buy one.

“The McWilliams Golf Bash Ball Drop is one of our favorite traditions because everyone can get in on the fun,” Chamber Vice Chair Chris Thomas said. “Purchase a ball today, support The Chamber, and you might be the lucky winner of a cool cash prize!”

A bank turns 125

Commercial Bank of Texas marks its 125th anniversary at Alive After Five on Oct. 13 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. CC’s Smokehouse is handling the food. There are CBTx giveaways and raffle prizes, including a 50-inch TV and a Blackstone grill. Guests can walk through the bank to see memorabilia and what came out of the bank’s time capsule. [[Editor: the chamber notice didn’t give an address for the Oct. 13 Alive After Five

A workshop and a luncheon

“How to Grow Your Business Using AI” runs Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. to noon, part of the chamber’s Business Development Series presented by McWilliams Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. It’s free and open to all, but space is limited and the chamber asks you to register online or at 936-560-5533.

Ashley Morgan, director of the Texas Water Development Board, speaks at the Fourth Friday Luncheon on Oct. 23 at noon at The Fredonia Hotel & Convention Center. The membership meeting is open to the community. Tickets are $30 for chamber members and $35 for non-members, and registration is requested.

Seven ribbon cuttings

The chamber has seven on the books: Tomé on Oct. 2, the Alcohol & Drug Abuse Awareness Council on Oct. 7, Pinnacle Life & Longevity LLC on Oct. 12, Stallings Court Nursing & Rehab on Oct. 14, Rogue Prosthetics on Oct. 22, American Legion Post 86 on Oct. 29, and Harold’s House — East Texas Alliance for Children on Nov. 3.

Seven members are new to the chamber: Pilot Club of Evening Nacogdoches, Nacogdoches Film Commission, Halo Branded Solutions, Stacy Dicks, 1st Call Restoration, Brady Insurance Services and Xpress Auto & Diesel.

A few other dates worth knowing: Leadership Nacogdoches meets Oct. 15, the Leaders of Tomorrow crew takes an excursion Oct. 20, National Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day is Oct. 21, and early voting for the November election begins Oct. 19.

The chamber office is at 2516 North St. in Nacogdoches.

Safe Charging is The Message for Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 4-10

By
Bobbie Langston
-
0
Inflamed plug in power strip indoors. Electrical short circuit

Nine out of 10 wildfires in Texas start with a person. For Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 4-10, the Texas A&M Forest Service is pointing at something sitting in nearly every house and truck in forest country: the charger.

The National Fire Protection Association’s theme this year is “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” and it’s about lithium-ion batteries. Those are the batteries in cellphones, tablets, laptops, flashlights, headlamps, power tools, e-bikes, drones, ATVs, UTVs and RVs. A damaged battery or a bad charging habit can set off thermal runaway — a chain reaction that makes a battery overheat, catch fire or explode.

“As Texans spend time outdoors this fall, whether hunting, camping or enjoying our parks and natural areas, it’s important to remember that wildfire risk remains even as temperatures cool and rainfall increases in some areas,” said Jared Karns, Texas A&M Forest Service fire chief. “Everyday devices and activities can spark a fire if not used properly, and safe charging habits and practices can help protect lives, property and the natural resources we all enjoy.”

What the Forest Service Asks You to Do

Use the cord and charger that came with the device, or one the manufacturer approved. Off-brand and damaged chargers may not meet safety standards.

Plug chargers straight into a wall outlet when you can, instead of an extension cord or a multi-plug adapter.

Charge on a hard, flat surface — a table, a workbench, a bare floor. Not on grass, not on a couch or bed, not under a blanket that traps heat and blocks airflow.

Keep batteries away from water. Unplug devices if your area might flood, and never charge a battery that may have gotten wet.

Skip charging below 32 degrees or above 105 degrees, and store batteries at room temperature. Stop using a battery or device if it gets unusually hot, swells, smokes, leaks or smells strange.

For disposal of a damaged battery or device, call your local fire department or the battery manufacturer.

Outreach Boxes for Volunteer Departments

The Forest Service offered 50 wildfire prevention outreach boxes to eligible volunteer fire departments for the week. The boxes hold educational materials departments can use at community events and school visits.

“Volunteer fire departments play a vital role in wildfire prevention and public education across Texas,” said Taylor Ostic, the agency’s fire information and education program specialist. “These outreach boxes will provide departments with tools and materials to engage their communities and share practical steps Texans can take to prevent wildfires.”

More on wildfire prevention is at tfsweb.tamu.edu. More on Fire Prevention Week and battery safety is at firepreventionweek.org.

Plant Sale, Flu Shots and Nevermore Fill The Second Weekend in Nacogdoches

By
Bobbie Langston
-
0

A plant sale, a flu shot you don’t have to leave the car for, and a madman in the dark — Nacogdoches has a busy second weekend of October, and it isn’t all chamber business.

Saturday is for the garden

SFA Gardens holds its Fabulous Fall Plant Sale on Saturday, Oct. 10. The Nacogdoches Farmers Market is open that same morning, so one trip covers both. Two days earlier, on Thursday, Oct. 8, SFA Gardens has a lecture featuring an ornamental plant specialist.

Flu shots Friday and Saturday

The Annual Flu Drive Thru runs Friday, Oct. 9 and Saturday, Oct. 10.

Something darker after sundown

“Nevermore: A Night in the Mind of a Madman” plays both Friday, Oct. 9 and Saturday, Oct. 10.

Lufkin: Passion for Purple

The 4th Annual Passion for Purple Luncheon is Thursday, Oct. 8, at the Pitser Garrison Convention Center in Lufkin. The program features a domestic violence survivor as speaker.

Classes and a panel

“Live your life, write!” meets Thursday, Oct. 8. It’s a creative writing class that works through several forms — journaling, family stories, or writing with publication in mind.

On Wednesday, Oct. 7, a panel called “Different Disciplines, Shared Purpose” takes up the realities of multidisciplinary practice. And “Exhale: Learning to Let Go of Stress and Anxiety” meets Tuesday, Oct. 6.

Several standing classes keep their usual slots: Total Body Circuit and Stone Fort Chorale rehearsal on Mondays, Total Body Strength on Tuesdays, Recharge Yoga on Wednesdays.

For the full calendar, or to get your own event on it, call the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce at 936-560-5533 or go to www.Nacogdoches.org. The chamber office is at 2516 North St. in Nacogdoches.

tfcl-agent src:<1142351121497.1102237238740.1333838801.0.1061715JL.2002@synd.ccsend.com>

Nacogdoches Library Offers Nerf Battle, FAFSA Help and Pokemon Club in October

By
TFCL Story Agent
-
0

The Nacogdoches Public Library has three programs on the calendar this month, and none of them costs a dime — one for teens who want to run, one for families doing college paperwork, and one that meets every week for the Pokemon crowd.

Nerf battle for ages 12 to 18

Teens 12 to 18 can turn the library into a battlefield on Friday, Oct. 9, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The city’s announcement puts it plainly: teens that age “can join an epic battle in the library.” It’s free, but registration is required through eventbrite.com, and spots are limited.

Two free FAFSA workshops

Families staring down college costs can get hands-on help at two free FAFSA workshops — the first on Oct. 15 at 5:30 p.m., the second on Nov. 19 at 5:30 p.m. The FAFSA is the form students use to apply for financial aid to pay for college or qualifying vocational schools. It’s also the form that stops a lot of first-time filers cold, which is the point of sitting down with someone who has seen it before.

Both sessions are open to prospective and current college students and their families. Register at eventbrite.com.

Pokemon Club every Tuesday

Pokemon Club meets each Tuesday from 4 to 6 p.m. for youth ages 6 to 18. No registration, no sign-up sheet — kids just show up. It runs weekly, so a family that misses one Tuesday can catch the next.

The library is at 202 E. Pilar St. in Nacogdoches. For details on any of the three programs, call Mercedes Franks at 936-559-2970. The library’s main line is 936-559-2502.

The programs were announced Oct. 4 by the City of Nacogdoches Public Information Office.
tfcl-agent src:<1142351492478.1122402231383.1347245839.0.281802JL.2002@synd.ccsend.com>

123...750Page 1 of 750