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Hurricane Preparedness 101: Essential Tips for Every Household

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As hurricane season approaches, it’s crucial for every household in Texas Forest Country to be prepared. Hurricanes can bring devastating winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding, posing significant risks to life and property. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you prepare effectively, ensuring you and your family stay safe during these powerful storms.

Assembling an Emergency Kit

An emergency kit is vital for your survival during a hurricane. According to FEMA and the Red Cross, a well-stocked emergency kit should include the following items:

  • Water: At least one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation.
  • Food: At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio: A NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert.
  • Flashlight: Extra batteries are essential.
  • First aid kit: Include necessary medications and medical supplies.
  • Whistle: To signal for help.
  • Dust mask: To help filter contaminated air.
  • Plastic sheeting and duct tape: To create a shelter if needed.
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties: For personal sanitation.
  • Wrench or pliers: To turn off utilities.
  • Manual can opener: For food.
  • Local maps: For navigation.
  • Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery: To stay connected.

Having these items ready and easily accessible can make a significant difference in an emergency. For a more detailed list and customization options, visit FEMA’s Emergency Kit Checklist.

Creating a Family Communication Plan

Communication is crucial during a hurricane. Ensure your family knows how to stay in touch and where to go in case you get separated. Here’s how to create an effective family communication plan:

  1. Contact Information: Compile a list of emergency contacts, including family members, friends, neighbors, and local emergency services.
  2. Designated Meeting Spots: Choose two places to meet — one right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, and another outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home.
  3. Emergency Contact: Identify an out-of-town relative or friend as a central point of contact for all family members.
  4. Communication Methods: Discuss how you will communicate during an emergency (e.g., text messages, social media, phone calls).
  5. Practice Regularly: Review and practice your plan regularly to ensure everyone knows what to do.

For a detailed family emergency communication plan template, visit the Red Cross Family Plan Template.

Understanding Evacuation Routes

Knowing the evacuation routes in your area can save lives. Here are steps to ensure you’re prepared:

  1. Know Your Zone: Familiarize yourself with your community’s hurricane evacuation zones and routes. This information can be found on your local government’s emergency management website.
  2. Plan Your Route: Identify multiple routes to ensure you have alternatives if your primary route is blocked.
  3. Keep Your Vehicle Ready: Ensure your car is in good working condition and keep the gas tank full during hurricane season.
  4. Stay Informed: Monitor local news and weather updates to stay informed about evacuation orders and traffic conditions.
  5. Shelter Locations: Know the locations of nearby shelters and have a plan for reaching them if necessary.

For local evacuation route maps and shelter information, visit the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Preparation is the key to safety during hurricane season. By assembling an emergency kit, creating a family communication plan, and understanding evacuation routes, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from the potential dangers of hurricanes. Stay informed, stay prepared, and stay safe.

For more information and resources, visit FEMA and the Red Cross.


  • Emergency kit List.
  • Family communication plan template.
  • Maps of local evacuation routes.

Stay tuned during this Texas Hurricane Preparedness  Week for more articles in our Hurricane Preparedness series, ensuring you are ready for whatever the season may bring.

BoatUS Helps Boaters Prepare:‘Extremely Active’ 2024 Hurricane Season Expected

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Free boat prep help at BoatUS.com/Hurricanes

Colorado State University’s (CSU) Tropical Weather and Climate researchers, long known for their annual hurricane forecasts, are calling for the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season to be “extremely active.” Above-average warm waters in the eastern and central Atlantic – “fuel” for a hurricane – as well as expected La Niña conditions later this summer/fall, which decrease vertical wind shear, contribute to the potential for increased storm formation this season.

While past storm forecasts averaged just 14.4 named storms and 7.2 hurricanes per season (1991-2020), CSU researchers predict 23 named storms this season, which begins Saturday, June 1, with 11 expected to reach hurricane strength (winds of 74 mph or greater). That could mean more boaters on the coast may find themselves unexpectedly in the “cone,” or predicted path of a hurricane, and need to make preparations to protect their boat to lessen the chance for damage or loss.

Boaters should start preparing now for hurricane season. Waiting until the last minute can mean the difference between surviving or a total loss.

They can start planning now with help from the national advocacy, services, and safety group for boaters, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), which offers free boat, yacht club, and marina preparation information at BoatUS.com/Hurricanes. BoatUS makes this information available to all boaters in hurricane regions (membership not required).

BoatUS hurricane preparation information for boaters includes helpful diagrams on how to best protect a boat stored in water, such as here when a slip is not available.

Offered online is an extensive library of hurricane-preparation videos and BoatUS Magazine articles containing proven tips and techniques amassed from nearly four decades of post-storm recreational vessel recovery, salvage, and wreck-removal experience.

Downloadable guides include “BoatUS Magazine Hurricane Preparations,” “Preparing Boats and Marinas for Hurricanes” and an easy-to-download “BoatUS Hurricane Preparation Worksheet” to take with you to the boat.

To help know when to prepare, an Active Storm Tracker helps keep boaters up to date on the direction and intensity of incoming storms, and the BoatUS App offers text alerts. The Atlantic Hurricane Season ends November 30, but in recent years, hurricanes have occurred outside the typical start and end dates.

Upcoming Texas House Committee Hearings: What You Need to Know

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Following each legislative session, the Texas Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the House assign interim charges for corresponding committees to study topics and develop strategic plans to guide future policymaking in the Texas Legislature. Recently, the Texas House received interim charges, and committees will soon begin holding hearings to monitor the implementation of legislation passed during recent sessions, gather input from interested parties and citizens, and make policy recommendations for the next session. 

Given the recent release of interim charges, I thought it would be informative to dedicate a portion of my subsequent columns to a brief examination of each House Committee and the work they’ll be doing over the interim leading up to the next session.

With that, our first two committees will be the House Committee on Business & Industry and the House Committee on Land & Resource Management.

House Interim Charge: Business & Industry

The House Committee on Business & Industry has jurisdiction over several state agencies, including the State Office of Risk Management, the Division of Workers’ Compensation of the Texas Department of Insurance, and the Texas Mutual Insurance Company Board of Directors. Over the interim, members of this Committee will study the impact of increased housing prices and rent caused by private companies purchasing residential properties and examine the rising number of fraudulent property deeds.

Additionally, the Committee will monitor the implementation of House Bill 4, the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act, which strengthens the right to privacy protections against data and technology companies. HB 4 also requires companies with access to personal data to provide an opt-out provision for users and further requires companies to delete any individual data they retain.  

House Interim Charge: Land & Resource Management

The House Committee on Land & Resource Management has jurisdiction over the School Land Board, the Board for Lease of University Lands, and the General Land Office. Over the interim, members of this Committee will study factors affecting the availability and affordability of housing in Texas. As part of their study, they will examine state and local laws impacting supply and demand for housing, barriers to construction resulting from zoning practices, and the availability and costs of housing inputs.

Additionally, the Committee will monitor the implementation of legislation passed during the 88th Legislative Session related to building codes, property development, and zoning ordinances.

Tyler County US HWY 69 Expansion

The Texas Department of Transportation has scheduled two upcoming public meetings to solicit feedback on the US 69 expansion project in Tyler County. Be sure to mark your calendars for the following dates:

  • Tuesday, June 4, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Kirby Gymnasium, on the Wheat Elementary/Woodville Intermediate Campus of Woodville ISD, located at 507 Kirby Drive in Woodville
  • Thursday, June 6, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the Campus of Warren High School, in Warren

Input from the community is a critical part of the planning process, and will ultimately be used to determine the route and location of the project. I want to encourage all Tyler County residents to participate in the public comment process by attending one of the upcoming meetings, or by submitting comments online. You can submit your comments by emailing bmtproject@txdot.gov or through the online portal at https://engagetxdot.mysocialpinpoint.com/us-69-woodville-colmesneil

The mobile office is on the road again in June, and our District Director looks forward to seeing you on the following dates at the following times: June 5 at the San Augustine County Courthouse in San Augustine from 9-11 a.m.; June 12 at the Polk County Commissioner’s Courtroom in Livingston from 9-11 a.m. and the Tyler County Commissioner’s Courtroom in Woodville from 1:30-3:30 p.m.; and June 19 at the Houston County Courthouse Annex in Crockett from 9-11 a.m. and the Trinity County Courthouse in Groveton from 1:30-3:30 p.m

As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if we can help you in any way. My district office may be reached at (936) 634-2762 and my Capitol office may be reached at (512) 463-0508. Additionally, I welcome you to follow along on my Official Facebook Page, where I will be posting regular updates on what’s happening in your State Capitol and sharing information that could be useful to you and your family: https://www.facebook.com/RepTrentAshby/.

The 34th Annual Texas Blueberry Festival: A Celebration of Community and Tradition

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Get ready for a berry delightful time as the 34th Annual Texas Blueberry Festival, presented by Tipton Ford, rolls into historic downtown Nacogdoches. From Friday, June 7 to Saturday, June 8, this beloved event will transform the town into a vibrant celebration of the blueberry harvest, offering a variety of attractions and activities that draw thousands of visitors each year.

Kickoff and New Additions

5K at the Blueberry Festival photo by: George Nagata 6/13/15

The festivities kick off on Friday, June 7, at 6 p.m. with the Blueberry Festival Carnival, sponsored by Ferrara’s Heating and Air Conditioning. The carnival will be open again on Saturday, June 8, starting at 10 a.m. In addition to the traditional favorites, this year’s festival introduces exciting new attractions, including Mural Painting and Downtown Tours led by Brushing Up Nac. Tipton Ford SORAC (Sasquatch Off Road Adventure Club) will also feature a rock climbing wall in their space on the 400 block of E. Main St.

A Feast for the Eyes and the Palate

Berry Best Photobooth 2021

One of the highlights of the festival is the Blueberry Festival of Quilts, hosted by the Nacogdoches Quilters Guild. Held at Fredonia Hill Baptist Church on South St., this exhibit showcases rows of handmade quilts, vendor booths, and raffles for two prize quilts. The quilt show runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Admission is $5, covering both days.

For those looking for a picture-perfect moment, Tipton Ford offers the Blueberry Festival Ford F1 Photo Op with larger-than-life blueberries and the iconic F1 Blueberry Festival Ford Truck at E. Main St. in front of the Charles Bright Visitor Center.

Entertainment and Activities for All Ages

Kiwanis Blueberry Pancake Breakfast

Throughout the festival, live performances will be held on the Plaza Principal Stage on Pilar St., sponsored by Excel ER. Cool Zones, sponsored by Ferrara’s Heating & Air Conditioning, will be available to provide a refreshing break from the summer heat.

The Kiwanis Blueberry Pancake Breakfast is the perfect way to start your festival day, offering delicious pancakes at the N. Pecan St. and E. Main intersection. Plates are $7 for cash payments or $7.25 with a credit or debit card.

Experience and Participate

Fresh Blueberries for Sale

Festival-goers can purchase fresh East Texas-grown blueberries from Brookshire Brothers by the pint or flat. For those who prefer a hands-on experience, the Blueberry Farm Pick & Peek allows visitors to pick their own berries at The Blueberry Place for $2 per pound, sponsored by Eaton.

The festival also features activities for all ages, including Pickleball Play with Old Town Pickleball at Banita Creek Park, a Blue Washer Board Tournament at Festival Park sponsored by Badders Law Firm, and the True Blue Pet Parade sponsored by Stonewater Roofing. The Vehicle Funcase Car Show in Festival Park, sponsored by Motorhomes of Texas/RV Outfitters of Texas, showcases impressive rides.

Nacogdoches Pickleball Players May 2022
Car Show

For fitness enthusiasts, the Running of the Blueberries offers 5K and 10K routes along the Lanana Creek Trail. The City’s Parks and Recreation team suggests registering early for this popular event.

Family-Friendly Fun

Children and families will enjoy the Splash & Bounce Park, KSWP/KAVX Obstacle Course, petting zoo, and more at Festival Park. Cooking demonstrations by Dr. Mary Olle and Claudanne Jones, sponsored by Oncor Electric Delivery, highlight the culinary uses of blueberries.

For those seeking adventure, the Sasquatch Off Road Adventure Club will display off-road opportunities offered by Tipton Ford in the 400 block of E. Main St. The Blue Pies Smiling at Me Pie Eating Contest, sponsored by McWilliams Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing, promises fun for participants and spectators alike.

Competitions and Demonstrations

Blueberry Cupcake Battle

The Paul Kendrick Memorial 42 Tourney at the County Courthouse Annex benefits The Salvation Army of Nacogdoches, and the Blueberry Cupcake Battle by the Family Crisis Center of East Texas showcases amateur and expert bakers. Enjoy sweet treats and drinks from the Blueberry Soda & Sweet Shoppe, sponsored by Regions Bank and operated by Grandough Bakery.

Plan Your Visit

For more information, including vendor applications and a detailed schedule of events, visit the Texas Blueberry Festival website. Admission and parking for the festival are free, and thanks to Keep Nacogdoches Beautiful, the event is litter-free.

Join us in Nacogdoches on June 8 for a day filled with food, entertainment, contests, and community spirit. The Texas Blueberry Festival promises fun and memorable experiences for visitors of all ages, celebrating the bounty of East Texas and the unique charm of the oldest town in Texas.

Minor Sting Operation

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With funding from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), The Coalition, Inc. recently partnered with the Angelina County Sheriff’s Department and the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) to conduct minor alcohol stings in an effort to decrease the consequences of alcohol purchased by minors. Under the direct supervision of law enforcement officers, juveniles under the legal age to drink/purchase alcohol were used as decoys to enter businesses that are licensed to sell alcohol and then attempt to purchase alcohol.

“Research shows that kids who drink alcohol are more likely to be involved in alcohol-related traffic crashes and more likely to face addiction issues later in life.  Armed with that knowledge, the adults in our community have the responsibility to make sure minors can’t purchase alcohol from our retail stores,” says Sharon Kruk, Executive Director of The Coalition, Inc.  “The Coalition is proud to partner with the Angelina County Sheriff’s Department, TABC and TxDOT to provide minor alcohol stings that we hope will ultimately keep the kids in our community safer.”

During the April minor sting operations, there was one store that sold to minors and 9 that did not. We commend those stores that did not sell alcohol to minors in our community and recognize them for helping to combat underage drinking:

  • Walgreens, 102 N Timberland Drive;
  • Uday #30, 612 W. Frank Avenue;
  • Big’s #3819, 103 N. John Redditt;
  • Family Dollar Store #6227, 1891 W. Frank Avenue;
  • Brookshire Brothers #25, 1807 W. Frank Avenue;
  • CVS/Pharmacy #6846, 1204 E. Lufkin Avenue;
  • Brookshire Brothers #1, 301 S. Chestnut;
  • On the Road #101, 1001 E, Denman Avenue; and
  • JR Food Mart, 1114 E. Denman Avenue.

One business did sell to minors and administrative action was taken against the individual who sold the alcohol:

  • Zaks Food Mart, 1902 W. Frank Avenue.

The sale of alcohol to a minor is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $4,000, confinement up to a year in jail, or both. Persons 21 or older can be held liable for damages caused by the intoxication of a minor under 18 if the adult knowingly provided alcoholic beverages to a minor or knowingly allowed the minor to be served or provided alcoholic beverages on the premises owned by or leased by the adult.

The Coalition, Inc. is funded in part by a grant from TxDOT to reduce the number of alcohol-related crashes in Texas. Since 1988, The Coalition has focused on eliminating the use of harmful substances by affecting public policy, laws, attitudes, and behaviors, all in an effort to foster healthy life-long choices for the local community. For more information on how to prevent underage drinking, contact The Coalition at 936-634-9308.

Honoring Our Fallen Heroes: A Memorial Day Tribute

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As the sun rises over Texas Forest Country this Memorial Day, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Memorial Day is a time of reflection, gratitude, and solemn remembrance, as we pay tribute to those who gave their lives in service to the United States.

The Significance of Memorial Day

Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, began after the Civil War as a way to honor the fallen soldiers of both the Union and Confederate armies. It was officially recognized as a federal holiday in 1971 and is observed on the last Monday of May each year. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the cost of freedom and the courage of those who have fought to preserve it.

Remembering the Fallen

Throughout the years, countless individuals have answered the call to serve, demonstrating unparalleled bravery and dedication. Today, we honor their memory by visiting cemeteries, laying wreaths, and participating in local ceremonies. It is a time to reflect on the lives lost in conflicts ranging from the Revolutionary War to the present day, and to recognize the profound impact these heroes have had on our nation.

Local Tributes in Texas Forest Country

In Texas Forest Country, communities come together to pay their respects through various events and traditions. Many towns host Memorial Day parades, featuring veterans, military units, and local organizations. Memorial services are held at cemeteries and war memorials, where attendees can hear stories of valor and sacrifice.

One such event is the annual Memorial Day ceremony at the Garden of Memories Memorial Park in Lufkin. This solemn gathering brings together veterans, families, and community members to honor those who have given their lives for our country. The ceremony includes the laying of wreaths, a moment of silence, and the playing of “Taps,” a poignant reminder of the fallen.

Personal Reflections and Stories

On this day, we also encourage individuals to share their personal reflections and stories about loved ones who served in the military. These stories help to keep the memories of our heroes alive and inspire future generations to understand the importance of service and sacrifice.

A Call to Remember

As we enjoy the freedoms afforded to us, let us take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day. It is more than a day off or the unofficial start of summer; it is a day to honor the selfless individuals who laid down their lives for our freedom. Their legacy is etched in the history of our nation and in the hearts of all who cherish liberty.

This Memorial Day, Texas Forest Country Living Magazine joins the community in honoring and remembering our fallen heroes. Their sacrifices have paved the way for the freedoms we enjoy today, and their bravery will never be forgotten. As we gather with family and friends, let us keep the spirit of Memorial Day alive by reflecting on the courage and dedication of those who have served and by showing our gratitude for their ultimate sacrifice.

May their memory be a blessing, and may we always strive to uphold the values they fought to protect.

Fruit Drop Seen by Some Home Fruit Growers

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My part of the world has been hit with an inordinate amount of rain in recent weeks. Now that the rain has slowed and warm temperatures have set in, we are seeing some of the unwanted results of excessive rain.

My old friend Joe Noel called earlier and asked why nearly all his plums had dropped from the tree. He has seen this before through the years. There will be no insect or disease issues to be found on the tree – just small, undeveloped fruit all over the ground.

When fruits and vegetables fail to produce fruit and appear to otherwise be in good health and have no apparent issues, I always go to lack of pollination as a likely culprit. If the blooms of your fruit tree were never pollinated by one of our much-needed pollinating insects, then there will be no fruit.

We can safely assume that not a single person reading this has picked a plum, or bought fruit from the grocer thinking about the viability of the seed within it. We really don’t care if the seed will germinate or not. I’m just excited about the sweet fruit surrounding the seed.

But the plant that bears the fruit, is bearing fruit in order to perpetuate itself with its seeds.  If the flower has not been pollinated then the seed will not be viable. The tree knows if the seed is viable and, if not, will drop the fruit and save its resources for next year’s crop.

The next question is “why wasn’t it pollinated?” If you have paid any attention to the gardening press releases for the past several years, you know that we need to be mindful of protecting pollinators. Most folks think about honeybees as the primary (and perhaps only) pollinator, but in fact we are blessed with a huge number of pollinators.

These pollinators include butterflies, moths, wasps, flies, beetles, hummingbirds, and all kinds of native bees that may live solitary lives quite different from the hive structure of honeybees.

I always ask folks if they saw any insects working the flowers while their trees were in bloom. Of course, spraying fruit trees with any kind of insecticide, organic or otherwise, is a huge no-no during bloom. Honestly, while we admire the blooming trees, many of us don’t study the blooms for pollinators during that time.

Now, if pollinators are present in your garden, and you’ve noticed them working on other plants, I wonder about the weather when Joe’s plums were in bloom. If his plums were blooming during the extended time of cloudy, rainy weather, then the likelihood of pollinators getting out to do their work during the rain is greatly reduced.

I remember visiting with a peach grower outside of Tyler some years ago. It was early April when we were talking, and he was already saying his peach crop was going to be a failure. I asked how he figured that out so early in the season. He confidently replied that during the peak bloom of his peaches, there was a string of wet, rainy days without sunshine. The honeybees that he cared for and relied upon are just not that great at working in the rain.

Rain does keep our prized honeybees from foraging and pollinating. Though the bees can certainly still fly in a light shower, they prefer not to do so and certainly don’t head out during heavy rain. Even cloudy weather can put them in a foul mood. Ask any beekeeper, we prefer to work hives in the middle of a calm, sunny day when the workers are out gathering pollen and nectar. When we open the hive during a windy, wet, overcast day, those workers are still in the hive and cranky.

As I think happened this year to my friend Joe, recent rainy weather will hamper production of those fruits and vegetables that bloomed during the wet, rainy weather.

 Looking ahead, rain seems to be much less in the foreseeable forecast and the hot weather with temperatures in the 90’s is already upon us. I do have more peaches on my Red Indian peach tree. I’ve just got to keep them safe from pests till they are ripe.

Freedom Over Crockett (Houston County)

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Join us for “Freedom Over Crockett” – Our Independence Day Celebration, brought to you by the Crockett Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Crockett.
Get ready to experience a day filled with fun and patriotic spirit as we celebrate our nation’s freedom in the heart of Crockett! Mark your calendars and join us for an unforgettable event!
Events within the event (registration links at the bottom):
Parade: The festivities kick off with a patriotic parade starting from downtown Crockett and ending at the historic Davy Crockett Memorial Park. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes will be awarded to winners of the children’s Bicycle Decorating Contest. Parade Floats will also be competing with one another! This year’s categories for the Parade Float Contest are as follows: Most Patriotic, Most Creative, Best Motorcycle, and Grand Champion (overall best float)!
Be part of the spectacle or cheer along the route!
Homemade Pie/Ice Cream Competition: Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice churner, this is your chance to showcase your skills and indulge in a friendly competition. This year’s categories are Homemade Pie and Homemade Ice Cream. Let your taste buds rejoice!
Dessert entries will be made available for purchase after the judging.
FIREWORKS: Get ready to light up the sky! The dazzling fireworks display will kick off at sunset, promising a spectacle that’s bigger and brighter than ever before. Last year’s show left everyone in awe, and this year, we’re raising the bar even higher. Don’t miss out!
Bring your lawn chairs, carve out a piece of grass, and enjoy the celebration of our nation’s birth!
Date/Time Information:
June 29, 2024, at 5 pm
Registration Links:
Children’s Bicycle Decorating Contest:
https://form.jotform.com/241335098807158
Homemade Dessert Registration:
https://form.jotform.com/241375364891161

7th Annual Dueling Pianos (Angelina County)

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We’ve been getting a lot of questions about ticket availability for Dueling Pianos, and the answer is YES—tickets are still available! 

Don’t miss out on this thrilling musical showdown from Fun Pianos – Traveling Dueling Pianos, presented by Commercial Bank of Texas, on Friday, June 7, 2024, from 8 pm to 11 pm, at the Pitser Garrison Convention Center. Enjoy an unforgettable night of music, laughter, and fun, all while supporting a great cause.

Grab your tickets now—$50 per person or $500 per reserved table. Contact the Chamber at (936) 634-6644 to secure your spot. See you there! 

Proceeds benefit the Chamber Foundation leadership programs.

Blood Drive (San Augustine County)

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Mark your calendars!

Blood Drive June 25, 2024 @ The San Augustine County Chamber of Commerce.
Take home a beach towel while saving a life. Scan the QR code and set an appointment, Or walk-ins are welcome.

Time: 9 am to 1:30 pm

QR CODE:

 

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