Relay For Life Shelby County Set for April 27th, Meeting Schedule - February 1, 2012
Submitted by Shirley Brittain

Relay for Life Shelby County is scheduled for April 27, 2012 at the Shelby County Expo Center. Mark your calendar for these important upcoming dates.

2/09 ~ Committee Meeting @ Shelby County Courthouse @ 5:30
2/19 ~ Team Captain Meeting @ Shelby County Courthouse @ 2:00 (Giveaway to Team with Most Participants Registered)
3/15 ~ Committee Meeting @ Shelby County Courthouse @ 5:30 (Logo for T-Shirts due ~ Sponsorship)
3/19 ~ RSVP for Survivor Dinner Due
3/25 ~ Team Captain Meeting @ Shelby County Courthouse @ 2:00
3/29 ~ Committee Meeting @ Shelby County Courthouse @ 5:30
3/30 ~ Deadline for all Participants Registered for T-Shirt
4/02 ~ T-Shirt Order Due (Event Ch011111111111112air)
4/02 ~ All Ceremony Scripts Due ( Luminaria, Survivor & Fight Back)
4/12 ~ Committee & Team Captain Meeting @ Shelby Expo Center (Rodeo Arena) @ 5:30
4/12 ~ Torch Forms & Cancer Fact Sign Due
4/13 ~ Survivor Dinner @ 6:00 - 8:00 ~ Location to be announced later
4/19 ~ BANK NIGHT ~ @ 5:30 ~ Location to be announced later
4/26 ~ Committee Meeting @ 5:30 (FINALIZE RELAY STUFF)
4/27 ~ RELAY FOR LIFE @ Shelby County Expo Center @ 7:00
5/10 ~ Committee Meeting @ Shelby County Courthouse @ 5:30
5/19 ~ WRAP PARTY @ 2:00 - 4:00 ~ Location to be announced later

Shelby County Runners 5K Run/Walk and 1 K Child Walk - January 26, 2012
Submitted by Chandra Atholi, Registration Form

The Shelby County Runners are happy to announce the first annual 5K Run/walk and 1 K Child Walk in Shelby County on Saturday, July 14th at 7am. The event is being hosted by Rotary Club of Center and will benefit the Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center.

Interested individuals or groups may contact ShelbyCountyRunners@googlegroups.com or Carol Eberenz at All Hours Fitness for more information.

If interested to participate, please let us know the following information: First Name, Last Name, Email Address, Telephone number, Event(s) interested in participating in (5 K Run, 5 K Walk, 1 K Kid Walk), and Total number of participants.

Event registration forms and more details regarding the event (such as route, etc.) will be provided to all those who send the information requested above.

Volunteering: We are inviting organizations and individuals to be a part of this Healthy Shelby County movement. To get involved, email shelbyCountyRunners@googlegroups.com

Would you or any one known to you be interested in volunteering for this event?

Save the Date: Meet the Candidates and Cake Auction Coming Soon - January 19, 2012
Click here for event flyer

Save the Date: The Center Crime Stoppers will be hosting a 'Meet the Candidates' and Cake Auction on March 22, 2012 at the John D. Windham Civic Center. Doors will open at 5:30pm and starting at 6:00pm candidates from throughout Shelby County will take the mic for their opportunity to introduce themselves to you! Mark your calendar for this social event of the year!

More details will follow as the event date gets closer. Proceeds will benefit the Center Crime Stoppers program. Center Crime Stoppers was started last year and is working to help provide a tool for all law enforcement in Shelby County to solve crimes. Crime Stoppers provides a safe and anonymous way for anyone who knows something about a crime to report it. Stopping crime is the responsibility of every citizen.

EQIP Ranking Period Ends Soon - February 3, 2012

TEMPLE, TEXAS, Jan. 10, 2012- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) District Conservationist Ray Grant reminds agriculture producers that the ranking period cut-off date for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is February 3, 2012. Producers interested in EQIP should submit applications to the Shelby County NRCS office by the deadline so their applications can be considered during the first ranking period of 2012.

EQIP — one of the largest programs in the Farm Bill — is a voluntary conservation program that promotes environmental quality and assists producers to meet local, state and federal regulations.

"EQIP is a valuable tool to help Shelby County’s agricultural producers implement conservation practices that provide environmental benefits to help sustain agricultural operations," says Grant.

EQIP is a continuous sign-up program that allows landowners or operators to apply for financial and technical assistance for the application of specific conservation practices; but the deadline for the first 2012 funding is February 3, 2012. Contracts are offered periodically depending on budgetary allocations. Applications made after the deadline will be considered in the next funding cycle. Higher priority will be given to those applications that address national, state and local priorities and provide higher cost efficiency.

For more information, including eligibility requirements, call the USDA Service Center office in Center at (936) 598-5557. Service center locations and program information can be found on the Texas NRCS Web site at www.tx.nrcs.usda.gov.

6th Year of SCSP Play Day - January 9, 2012
Submitted by Carmen Hibbard

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Posse Playday will host the 2nd of 10 series on February 4th at the Shelby County Expo Center, Center, Texas. Exhibitions Barrels will start at 8:30 am with the Playday starting at 10:00 am. Entry per event is $8.00. Events include: Barrels, Straight Aways, Speed, Poles, Stakes, Goat Tying, and Breakaway. Participants are broken down into five age groups: ages 0-6, ages 7-9, ages 10-13, ages 14-18, and ages 19 and over. Coggins Papers are required on all horses entering the grounds. For more information, contact Nat Klein at 936-598-8453/936-591-1760 or Carmen Hibbard at 936-488-1798. Click here for flyer.

Kellie's Mirror Images Hosting Hair Styling Class Today - February 2, 2012
Paid Advertisment by Megan McShane

Megan McShane of Kellie's Mirror Images will be hosting a hair styling class, February 2 from 5:30-8pm. Do you ever wonder how to style your hair the way your hairdresser does or want to have hair like celebrities? Come to the styling class to learn the latest hair styles and answer any questions you have about hairstyling! Tickets are $10 which can be purchased before the class or at the door. There will be many items raffled off such as: 2 gift baskets, a Bed Head flat iron, a few smaller prizes. Gift bags will be given to everyone, so no one will leave empty handed! Also, you will be able to buy Scentsy products from 5:30-6pm! Come out and have a good time with us, anyone is welcome! If you have any questions about the class, contact Megan McShane at Kelllie's Mirror Images (936) 598-2069.

Hope Project Golf Tournament - January 31, 2012

The First Annual Hope Project Golf Tournament will be held on Saturday, April 14 starting at 8 a.m. at the Center Country Club.

Hole sponsors and team sponsors are being sought at this time to help make this an exciting and successful event. Team sponsorships are $240, and Hole sponsorships are $100.

Players will have the opportunity to win prizes, including the chance to win a new car as a hole-in-one prize. There will also be several mini games including the Longest Drive contest, Closest to the Hole contest, and a 50-50 raffle drawing. Mulligans are also available for purchase. Lunch will be provided for players.

For information and to sign up call: Sheila Holland or Brandii Polley at 936-248-4648. Email to: sholland@hopeprojecttexas.org, or bpolley@hopeprojecttexas.org.

Sisters of Elite Events to host Sweet Heart Expo - January 25, 2012
Paid advertisement

Sisters of Elite Events presents The Sweet Heart Expo to be held Saturday, February 4, 2012 at the Pineywoods Outreach Center from noon till 6pm. Come out for a great time which include "Sweet Gifts, Sweet Items, Sweet Prices, for Sweet People". Several vendors will have booths and admission is free to attend.

Pineywoods Outreach Center is located at 255 Haley Ave, Center, Texas behind the Shelby College Center on Loop 500.

Life Saving Blood Drive to be held February 7th - January 24, 2012
Submitted by Connie Weaver

The Blood Center of East Texas will host a life saving Blood Drive Tuesday, February 7, 2012 from 10am - 4pm at the First Baptist Church in Center. All walk-ins welcome. Remember this is no substitute for blood. It has to come from one person in order to give to another. Every donation can help save as many as three lives.

Shelby County Advocacy Center to host "Princess Ball" - January 13, 2012
Submitted by Nicole Faulkner

Pictured above from left to right: back row, Stephen Shires, Nicole Faulkner, Dee Wages, Jim Gibson, Jennifer Jones
front row, Shirley Owens, Carolyn Bounds, Denise Merriman

The Shelby County Advocacy center recently met to discuss plans for the upcoming "Princess Ball". This will be a special event for daddies and daughters. The event will be held at the Civic Center on March 3rd. Make plans to bring your "special princess". More information will be posted at a later date.

Meet the Candidates to be Held at Excelsior ISD - February 3, 2012
Submitted by Sonya Wilburn

The West Shelby County Fire Department would like to invite everyone to join them at the Excelsior ISD school gym on Saturday, February 25, 2012. There will be a Hamburger Supper starting at 5pm. Then the fire department & Excelsior PTO will hold a Cake & Pie Auction. All of the Shelby County Candidates are invited to come out and speak. Each candidate will have time to speak to the crowd. Everyone is encouraged to come out and support West Shelby Fire Department, Excelsior PTO and the candidates.

Huxley Helping Hands - February 2, 2012
Submitted by Debbie Gilchrist

Huxley Helping Hands, a local mission group from Lydia Missionary Baptist church, are holding a food pantry for the residents of Shelby County. It will be held the second Saturday of February 2012. The date will be February 11 from 11am-1pm at Hillcrest Baptist Church.

For more information on the Food Pantry contact Jess Kay at 936-572-3463.

Joaquin Athletic Boosters Announces $10,000 Dinner - February 3, 2012
Submitted by Joel McSwain

The Joaquin Athletic Boosters is selling tickets for its $10,000 Dinner on Saturday, March 31, 2012 at 7:00p.m. at the Joaquin ISD Cafeteria. The prize drawing will begin at 8:00p.m. at the Joaquin High School Gym. There will be 250 tickets sold at $100 each. The 1st, 25th, 50th, 75th, 100th, 125th, 150th, 175th, 200th and 249th ticket drawn wins a $500 VISA card! The 250th ticket drawn wins a $5,000 VISA card!!! The fundraiser proceeds will be will benefit all athletic activities of Joaquin Jr. High and High School including baseball, softball, track, tennis, golf, power lifting, basketball, football, and cross country.

Tickets are $100 each which includes two seafood-stuffed pork chops dinners. Please contact Ronnie Belrose, Charlie Leftlett, Tammy Hamilton, Gordon Vaughn, Angela Raymond or Joel McSwain at (936) 269-3128 ext. 223 to purchase a ticket.

Sign-Up for Valentine's Glamour Galore - January 30, 2011
Paid Advertisement

Brazzel Designs and Salon de Coiffure in Joaquin presents Valentine's Glamour Galore on Saturday, February 4, 2012. Sign your sweetheart up for a Hair Cut/Style, Make-up, and a photo session which includes 3 poses with a 4 x 6 print of each pose for a package price of $50. A limited number of appointments will be accepted so reserve your spot today!

Discounted photo packages will be available for an additional charge (Prices good February 4th only).
Package A: (1) 8x10, (2) 5x7, (8) Wallet for $15.
Package B: (2) 8x10, (4) 5x7, (16) Wallet for $25.
Package C: (1) 10x13, (2) 8x10, (4) 5x7, (16) Wallet for $45.
Bonus: Order a package for all 3 poses and receive an additional $5 off.

To schedule an appointment call 936-269-9475 or for more information email brazzeldesigns@yahoo.com

Joaquin VFD Hosting Meet the Candidate - January 25, 2012
Submitted by Donna Fitzgerald

The Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department will be hosting a “Meet The Candidate” rally and cake auction on Saturday, March 24, 2012 at the Joaquin High School Cafetorium. Charcoal hamburgers will be sold starting at 5:00 p.m. with the candidates taking the stage at 6:00 p.m. Each candidate will auction a cake at the end of their presentation. More information to follow as it becomes available. Come meet your candidates and hear their views. All proceeds go the Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department to help our community safe.

Tenaha Tigers Care - February 3, 2012
Submitted by Judy Monroe

The BETA Club and the JCCs are asking for your help and support in donating to our next service project. A new program has begun in Tenaha to help our senior citizens. It is called Five Loaves and Two Fish. A group of volunteers make and deliver lunches daily to senior citizens in the Tenaha area who are homebound.

The BETA Club and the JCCs are starting a can food drive to collect canned goods and nonperishable items to be donated to this wonderful cause. Examples of items to donate include green beans, corn, cornbread mixes and canned fruit. We will start the drive on February 6, 2012, and continue until the end of February. Any donations you would like to make will be greatly appreciated. Donations can be made at any of the school offices or contact one of the club sponsors listed below.

If you have any questions or would like to make a larger donation, please contact Brenda Farmer, Lauri Sisk, Wendy Watson, or Janice Williams at 248-5000.

Mardi Gras Fireworks - January 26, 2012
Submitted by Mary Thompson

Logansport's Krewe of Aquarius has just announced that following the Feb. 4, Mardi Gras parade there will be a large fireworks show over the river front where the floats stop. The fireworks are being sponsored by Community Bank of Louisiana and are an exciting addition to this year's parade. Spectators are encouraged to come to the riverfront when the parade is over to see all the floats, take pictures and see the fireworks. The parade begins at 6 p.m.; the route is Hwy. 5 South then Hwy. 84 West to the bridge, and finally down to the riverfront, stopping before the traffic bridge.

Civil War Horse Soldiers At Mansfield State Historic Site - January 20, 2012

Mansfield, LA - A period Civil War cavalry encampment, complete with authentically uniformed soldiers and their horses will be featured on Saturday, February 4th, at Mansfield State Historic Site. Members of the 8th texas Cavalry living history unit will be portraying Confederate cavalrymen in a typical encampment setting, which will include camp life, drill, and daily soldier life.

The program will run ongoing from 10am to 4pm, with cavalry demonstrations at 11am and 2pm. Admission is $4 person ages 13-61. Children 12 and under, and seniors 62 and over are free.

Mansfield State Historic Site is located three miles south of Mansfield, LA on State Highway 175. The park can be accessed east/west via U.S. Highway 84, or north/south via Interstate 49. the site is the scene of the 1864 Battle of mansfield, a Civil War engagement involving almost 30,000 troops. In addition to Louisiana troops, almost 8,000 Texans were engaged in the battle, the most Lone Star soldiers in any single battle of the Civil War. The park includes a portion of Mansfield battlefield, a walking trail and monuments. The park museum contains an audio-visual program, exhibits, artifact displays and restroom facilities. For more information, call the park at 318-872-1471 or toll-free 1/888-677-6267.

Run For Life 5K/10K Kids Run - January 20, 2012
Submitted by Chandra Atholi

Run for Life! 5K/10K/Kids Run is Saturday February 11th at TJR Elementary. The former Heartbeat 5K has lots of good changes for 2012 and we hope that you can run with us.

New for this year - 10K and Kids Run events, a technical fabric race shirt to the first 250 registered, custom medals for all finishers, prizes for overall and age group winners, and raffle prizes for participants. We will also be utilizing a new (but familiar) course leaving from TJR.

If you register on active.com before 1/31/12, use the coupon code EARLY-BIRD and receive $5 off your registration. Families registering online can receive a discount for 3 or more runners.

Logansport’s Mardi Gras Parade “Masquerade Through the Decades” Update - January 18, 2012
Submitted by Mary Mac Thompson

The 2012 Krewe of Aquarius Mardi Gras Parade at 6:00 p.m., on Sat., Feb. 4, 2012, has a slight change in its route. The parade, which will follow Hwy 5 from LHS to Hwy. 84 (Main St.), will then make its route down Main St. to the Riverfront and will then be extended to just before the Hwy. 84 Bridge before stopping on the Riverfront. This will allow the public to view the floats, take pictures, catch a few more beads and listen and dance to some great DJ music. The Krewe of Aquarius will present the Mardi Gras parade trophies during this time from the River Stage. (In honor of this being the 10th. Anniversary of the Krewe of Aquarius and its Parade, there is NO fee this year to enter a float.)

This year’s Krewe of Aquarius T-shirts will go on sale Tuesday at $15 each and can be purchased at Community Bank and N.J.Caraway & Co. in Logansport.

A reminder that the Mardi Gras Ball will take place Sat., Jan. 28, at Logansport’s Central Station Fire House, beginning at 6 p.m. The King and Queen from each of the past 10 years will be honored at the Ball prior to the crowning of 2012’s King, Stan Haynes and Queen Katherine Freeman. Tickets are $30 per couple and $20 single...heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served. Dress is dressy casual to semi-formal.

Nacogdoches Naturally announces spring and summer Family Outdoor Adventures schedule - January 13, 2012

Mark your calendar for the upcoming 2012 Family Fun Days planned through Nacogdoches Naturally, an outdoor education component of the Stephen F. Austin State University Gardens.

Kicking off the spring, SFA Nacogdoches Naturally will participate in Kid Fish from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, at Lakeside Park, 4800 Pearl St. The event is organized by The City of Nacogdoches Parks and Recreation Department. Other supporting facilitators include Coastal Conservation Association, Doug James Guide Service, Fish Lake Nac, General Mills, Nacogdoches Bass Club, Head Start, Suddenlink and SFA.

Drawings for prizes will be held throughout the day, and major fishing prizes for children 8 and younger and 9 to16 will be awarded at the end of the day. Nacogdoches Naturally will be demonstrating outdoor cooking as well as offering Junior Angler education through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Angler Education program. The city-wide event is free and open to the public. For more information about the Parks and Recreation event, contact Tracy Rucker at (936) 559-2960.

“We have numerous exciting outdoor weekend programs scheduled beginning in January and extending into July,” said Kerry Lemon, project director of Nacogdoches Naturally. “These events offer opportunities for families to experience a variety of outdoor recreational activities. We encourage families to take advantage of our programming and the chance to visit some of the state parks and beautiful, natural areas in East Texas.”

2012 Spring/Summer Calendar, Nacogdoches Naturally–Family Outdoor Adventures

Feb. 11: Day trip to Mission Tejas State Park. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. $5 per family.

March 3: Day trip to Lake Sam Rayburn Nature Center. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Caney Creek Recreation Area. $5 per family.

March 31: Day trip to Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Athens. $5 per family.

April 21: SFA Garden Gala Plant Sale and Earth Day Event. Plant Sale,9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Earth Day,10 a.m. to 2 p.m., SFA Pineywoods Native Plant Center. Free.

April 28 and 29, 2012: Texas Outdoor Family Weekend. 8 a.m. Saturday to 2 p.m. Sunday, Tyler State Park. $5 per family for trip with some extra food expenses for the weekend.

May 12, 2012: Day trip to Red Hills Lake Recreation Area. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sabine National Forest. $5 per family

July 14, 2012: Picnic and water fun at Lake Nacogdoches. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Meet at West Park Lake Nacogdoches. (Location is subject to change, depending on water conditions at the lake.) $5 per family.

All field trips will leave from the SFA Pineywoods Native Plant Center and caravan to the site unless otherwise noted. For further information or to register, contact Kerry Lemon at (936) 468-1832 or e-mail lemonkb@sfasu.edu.

Mid America Bike Week - December 14, 2011
Submitted by Larry Hume

Information for motorcycle riders.

Beginning January 1, 2012 and continuing to April 1, 2012, registration will be open for the 2012 Mid-America Bike Week. This event is a major fundraiser for disabled Veterans and their families. Details about this event can be reviewed online at www.Mid-AmericaBikeWeek.org. Registration forms and payment details can also be found there.

Bonuses:

· The first 100 individuals to register will receive a free event t-shirt at check-in
· The first 500 individuals to register will receive a free event jacket patch

Hotels in the area are on a first come, first serve basis. Some of our hotels have been designated for specific riders with a common interest. They can be found on our Activities page online. If you have any questions feel free to ask at any time.

The Songwriter's Workshop - November 2, 2011
Submitted by Kasey Lansdale

Nacogdoches, TX – Singer, songwriter Kasey Lansdale will host a three hour workshop designed to give performers, producers, & songwriters a unique learning experience opportunity to work with multiple Grammy Award winner, and the only son of John R. Cash and June Carter Cash, John Carter Cash.

Cash’s production career includes material for Loretta Lynn, Josh Turner, Brooks & Dunn, Laura Cash, Elvis Costello, George Jones, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Kris Kristofferson, Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, Earl and Randy Scruggs, Rosanne Cash, John Cowan, Rodney Crowell, Vince Gill, Tony Rice, Sheryl Crow, Miranda Lambert, and John Prine among others.

He is also the author of his mother’s biography, titled “Anchored in Love”. His first children's book, entitled "Momma Loves Her Little Son" was released March 24, 2009, published by Simon and Schuster. In early May of 2010 John Carter ’s second book in the series was released, this one titled “Daddy Loves His Little Girl.” John Carter’s third children’s book, “The Cat in the Rhinestone Suit,” is slated for release spring of 2012. John Carter Cash owns and operates the Cash Cabin Studio near Nashville, Tennessee. Songwriters, performers, and producers at all levels will benefit from the critiques and experience of working with Cash.

Learn the tips and tricks of the professionals by attending the Stage Performance/Songwriter 101 workshop.

Date : February 18th, 2012
Workshop Time: 1:00pm-4:00pm
Book Signing: 6:00pm-7:00pm
Show Time: 7:30pm-9:30pm

at The Runaway Mule, 203 E. Main St, Nacogdoches, TX (936) 645-9800. Advance reservations are recommended as space is limited. Workshop fees are $125 per person. Performance fees are $50 pp including a limited edition workshop t-shirt. To attend only the book signing, purchase of one book per person required. For more information and to make reservations, please contact 936.645.9800 or email: info@kaseylansdale.com

All workshop attendants will receive a FREE pass for book signing & into the acoustic performance of John Carter Cash and Kasey Lansdale for the evening of the Workshop.

All others interested in the performance or signing only, please contact info@kaseylansdale.co