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AI and Small Business: How Conservative Entrepreneurs Can Use Technology Without Losing Their Values

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just for Silicon Valley giants. It’s reshaping industries, transforming customer service, streamlining operations, and creating opportunities for even the smallest business owners.

But with every new wave of technology comes a tension: how do we embrace innovation without compromising our values?

As a conservative, faith-driven entrepreneur, I believe the answer is simple: we lead with principles, not fear. AI is a tool-powerful, yes, but still a tool. Like a hammer, it can build or it can destroy. The outcome depends on the hands that wield it.

In this post, I want to explore how small businesses-especially those led by conservative entrepreneurs-can leverage AI while staying true to faith, family, and integrity.

Insight #1: AI Is a Servant, Not a Master

One of the greatest dangers with new technology is allowing it to master us instead of serve us. Entrepreneurs who rush headlong into AI risk making it their strategy instead of their support system.

For small businesses, AI should amplify your strengths:

  • Automating repetitive tasks so you can focus on relationships.
  • Providing data insights so you can make wiser decisions.
  • Helping you reach more customers without losing your personal touch.

What AI should never do is replace the very things that make your business distinct-your integrity, your faith-driven approach, and your human connection.

Insight #2: Values Should Drive the Tools You Choose

Not every AI tool aligns with conservative, faith-based values. Some technologies are built with agendas that clash with your worldview. That’s why discernment matters.

Ask questions like:

  • Does this platform respect privacy, or does it exploit customer data?
  • Does this tool help me build community, or does it isolate people?
  • Does this solution encourage honesty, or does it tempt me to cut corners?

Remember: technology reflects the intent of those who create it and those who use it. As Proverbs 4:23 reminds us: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Guard your business the same way.

Insight #3: Conservative Entrepreneurs Have a Distinct Advantage

The world is rushing toward AI adoption with little thought to ethics or long-term consequences. This is where conservative values provide an edge.

  • Personal responsibility ensures you don’t blindly outsource decisions to machines.
  • Stewardship helps you use technology wisely, without waste or reckless spending.
  • Family and community focus ensures AI doesn’t replace human connection but strengthens it.
  • Truth and integrity anchor your use of AI so that what you produce is reliable, not manipulative.

In a market full of shortcuts and hype, businesses that use AI responsibly and ethically will stand out. Customers are already wary of bots and automation. When your business uses AI transparently while keeping a human face, trust grows.

Insight #4: Faith Keeps Technology in Perspective

As people of faith, we know AI is not all-powerful. It cannot create life, replace the soul, or substitute for God’s wisdom. It is simply another tool in humanity’s toolbox.

Faith reminds us that our identity is not in our efficiency or innovation, but in Christ. That grounding frees us from the pressure to chase every trend or bow to every new platform. We can adopt what’s helpful, reject what’s harmful, and move forward with clarity.

Romans 12:2 reminds us: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” That applies to how we use technology as much as any other part of life.

Practical Action Steps for Small Business Leaders

If you’re wondering how to get started with AI without losing your values, here are three practical steps:

1. Start Small, Stay Intentional

Don’t jump into every new tool. Choose one or two AI applications that directly solve a problem in your business (like scheduling, invoicing, or customer support).

2. Keep the Human Touch

Make AI your assistant, not your replacement. For example, let AI draft emails-but review and personalize them before sending. Use AI for research, but add your insight and conviction.

3. Establish Boundaries

Decide upfront what you will and won’t use AI for. Put policies in place for your business: no dishonest use of AI, no replacing human jobs unnecessarily, no compromising customer trust.

The Bottom Line: Principles Over Platforms

AI is not a threat to conservative entrepreneurs-it’s an opportunity. But only if we use it wisely.

The businesses that win in the AI era will not be those who blindly adopt every tool, nor those who resist technology altogether. The winners will be those who combine timeless values with timely innovation.

So embrace AI. Use it to grow, to serve, and to lead. But never forget-technology changes, principles don’t.

Want to know more . . .

Here in the Pineywoods of East Texas, we know that values like faith, family, and integrity still matter. If you’d like to go deeper, I invite you to join my AI Mastermind Collective. Each week, we explore the latest and greatest AI tools, strategies, and features-always through the lens of faith, integrity, and conservative values. It’s a place for entrepreneurs and leaders to learn together, share practical insights, and apply AI responsibly in their businesses. https://MSGPR.com/ai

Halloween Bash at Lost Frontier (Sabine County)

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October 25, 2025 @ 8:00 pm 9:00 pm

Get ready, because our local favorites Next of Kin are back to rock the house with some of your favorite dancing songs, including:

Fireball Whiskey (their original hit!) • Mathilda • Hello Josephine • Marie Laveau • Never Been to Spain • Bony Marony • Don’t Mess with My Toot Toot • Twist • Let It Rock

If you’ve been here in the past, you know these guys bring the good times and keep the dance floor full!

Costume Contest: Your mission—outdress our servers (and that’s no easy task, because they come dressed to the T every year.

Drink Specials: Including our seasonal Drunken Pumpkin Martini + more wicked cocktails!

Bring your friends, your best costume, and your dancing shoes because this is one Halloween night you don’t want to miss at Lost Frontier! $5 cover charge at the restaurant!

Lost Frontier RV Park and Bar & Grill

Kids Talk About God by Carey Kinsolving and Friends

How Do We Know That Jesus Is The Messiah?
 
I asked this question to children as part of the Children’s International Arts Festival at KidsTalkAboutGod.org. Alexandria Dubinin, 12, wrote a wonderful essay that won her family of six a dude ranch vacation at Stagecoach Trails Guest Ranch in Yucca, Arizona. Here is her winning essay:

“Jesus gave us many signs to prove that we was the Messiah. He fulfilled prophecies, performed miracles and changed peoples’ lives.

“We know Jesus is the Messiah because Jesus knew who Nathanael was and what he was doing before Philip had introduced him to Jesus. Through this story we can be sure that Jesus knows who we are and what we are doing every day. Only God has the ability to do this.

“Another way we know that Jesus is the Messiah is because he fulfilled all the prophecies that were made many years before Jesus came to the earth. One of the earliest prophecies was made in Deuteronomy 18:15,18. It tells us that the Lord will raise up a prophet who will know everything. ‘A prophet’ refers to Jesus and Jesus knows everything: past, present and future.

“Another prophecy is found in Isaiah 9:6-7. It says that the Lord will send a king who will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace. He will reign forever in peace and justice. Through these prophecies and others, we know Jesus is the Messiah. He is the only way to salvation.

“Yet another way Jesus shows us that he is the Messiah is through the many miracles that he performed, miracles that only God can do. Jesus healed the sick, turned water into wine and changed peoples’ lives. Jesus will continue to change our lives when we choose to follow him.

“Unfortunately, many people do not believe that Jesus is the Messiah despite all these signs. Many have never even heard. That is why it is our job as Christians to share the good news that Jesus is the Messiah and what he did for us to all the ends of the earth.”

I like the way Alexandria developed her essay. We have prophecy, miracles and changed lives. These three validate the messianic claims of Jesus Christ. Isn’t it amazing that most people never take the time to investigate these claims?

Author and Oxford don C.S. Lewis is famous for his statement that Jesus Christ is either a liar, a lunatic or God. He can’t be just a good man or a prophet because Jesus clearly claimed to be God (John 10:22-33). Good men and true prophets don’t lie. If Jesus wasn’t God, he was either the greatest deceiver of all time or a mad man.

When the Apostle Paul wrote his first letter to Corinthian Christians, he boasted that Jesus appeared to more than 500 men at once in his resurrection body (I Corinthians 15:6). He even said most of the 500 were still alive at the time of his writing. Jesus’ proclamation of victory over death wasn’t done in a dark corner. He dared his readers to validate his claims.

Think about this: The claims of Jesus Christ backed by predictive prophecy, recorded miracles and transformed lives deserve thorough investigation.

Memorize this truth: “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

Ask this question: Is Jesus your Messiah?

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Kids Talk About God is designed for families to study the Bible together. Research shows that parents who study the Bible with their children give their character, faith and spiritual life a powerful boost. To receive Kids Talk About God three times a week in a free, email subscription, visit www.KidsTalkAboutGod.org/email

Angelina College Athletics Weekly Update

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Hey, sports fans,

Our nationally ranked soccer teams had mixed results this past week, with the women and men sweeping LSU-Eunice on Tuesday before both AC teams fell to Blinn College on Friday, as the regular season winds down into its final two weeks. 

The Lady ‘Runner softball team put up a fight against a Division I opponent, and the Roadrunner baseball team broke out some big offense in a home sweep over San Jacinto College.

And in a little more than a week, we’ll host our first live basketball action inside Shands Gymnasium, as the Roadrunner men will host a home scrimmage on Wednesday, Oct. 22.

We are AC, and we’re ready to Run ‘Em.  

Here’s a quick rundown of the past week’s events, along with what’s coming up next: 

No. 17 Roadrunner Soccer Beats LSUE, Falls at No. 12 Blinn

The Roadrunners opened the week on a high note, pounding LSU-Eunice b a 7-2 final Tuesday in Eunice, Louisiana. Jhosua Jory notched his first hat trick of the season, helping AC rally from a 2-0 deficit. Christian Castaneda, Diego Ramirez, Kaisei Nagayoshi and Kanta Maruyama also scored, with Castaneda accounting for two of those assists.

Castaneda’s 11 assists for the season are tied for first place among the NJCAA’s Division I leaders. 

Friday in Brenham, the ‘Runners dropped a 2-0 decision to No. 12 Blinn College.

AC (7-3-1, 5-3-1) next travel to Brownsville on Friday to face Texas Southmost College as part of a women’s/men’s doubleheader scheduled to kick off at 2 p.m.

NOTE: Both the Lady Roadrunners and Roadrunners will celebrate their respective Sophomore Night activities on Friday, Oct. 24, when both teams will host LSUE-E at the Larry Phillips Family Sports Complex on the AC campus. 

No. 14 Lady ‘Runners Blank LSUE, Lose at Blinn College

Juana Bulla scored twice, Anne Vandaele netted another and Olivia Sanchez provided a pair of assists in the No. 14 Lady Roadrunners’ 3-0 win over LSU-Eunice Tuesday in Eunice, Louisiana. 

Goalie Sarah Gonzalez saved all four LSUE shots on goal to help post the shutout.

On Friday, the Lady ‘Runners fell to Blinn College 2-0 in Brenham.

AC’s ladies (7-2-1) still maintained their position atop the Region XIV South Zone standings despite the loss to Blinn, which trails the Lady ‘Runners by two full games.

The Lady Roadrunners travel to Brownsville on Friday to face Texas Southmost College in a women’s/men’s doubleheader starting at 2 p.m.

Lady Roadrunner Softball Keeps Pace with University of North Texas

Facing a Division I softball program is a daunting task for any junior college program, but the Lady Roadrunners under first-year head coach Kassie James aren’t backing away from such a challenge.

Friday in Denton, the Lady ‘Runners jumped out to a 4-0 lead before UNT pulled away later for an 8-5 win over AC.

Eastyn Wilkie, Emily Zunker and Audrey Richardson each finished with an RBI in the loss. Wilkie and Katherine Page also finished with a stolen base each. 

Pitcher Jaycee Knighton allowed just one run on five hits over her five innings of work. Jessi Sumpter tossed another two innings of scoreless relief.

The Lady Roadrunners play at the University of Texas-Tyler on Friday, with the game schedule for a 2 p.m. start. 

Roadrunner Baseball Sweeps San Jacinto College

AC baseball fans have been soaking up the summer-like weather and some good baseball from their Roadrunners, and Friday was another example. 

The Roadrunners, playing in front of another home crowd, swept San Jacinto College by scores of 13-7 and 14-2 at Poland Stadium. 

Daigan Venable, Colton Haas and Cohen Babineaux each drove in two runs, and the ‘Runners capitalized on 10 walks and five hit batsmen from San Jac pitchers to take the win.

In the nightcap, AC’s offense kept rolling with Jackson Batten driving in four runs with two hits. Luke Hamm and Marco Bandiero added two RBI each, and seven ‘Runner pitchers teamed up to hold San Jac to just two runs on four hits. 

 This week, the Roadrunners travel to Houston to face San Jacinto College on Tuesday in a doubleheader set for a 3 p.m. first pitch. On Friday, AC’s at home for another afternoon matinee, hosting TCS Post Grad starting at 1 p.m. at Poland Stadium on the AC campus. 

All AC Teams Have Schedules Up and Running Online

Lady Roadrunner and Roadrunner fans can now find their favorite teams’ schedules on the Angelina College Athletics website (www.angelinaathletics.com). For now, only the fall schedules for baseball and softball are in place (with the potential to add more events later), but all other teams, including both women’s and men’s basketball, are ready for viewing and planning. 

We’ll update any changes as we receive them. 

We can’t wait to see you at the games. 

Live Streaming Reminder: 

All AC Athletics regular-season home games are live streamed on TSBN Sports (a free streaming service for fans), with most of the conference road games also available for streaming. (This does not include baseball and softball fall games, as those are not considered official games.)

Once TSBN posts its schedules, AC fans simply need to visit the AC Athletics web site, look at the scrolling schedule in the middle of the page and click the blue “Video” link. 

TSBN also offers an app great for smart phones, devices and smart TVs. (You’ve GOT to see those matches and games on the big screen.)

Reminder II: Admission to ALL Angelina College Athletics sporting events is free, as is the TSBN live streaming. Any other links offering streaming are scams.  

Reminder III: For the most current schedule updates (especially for potential weather issues) visit the official Angelina College Athletics website (angelinaathletics.com). Fans can also receive updates on the AC Athletics Facebook, X/Twitter, and Instagram pages. 

Upcoming schedules: 

Tuesday, Oct. 7:

Roadrunner Baseball at San Jacinto College, doubleheader starting at 3 p.m. in Houston. 

Friday, Oct. 17:

No. 14 Lady Roadrunner Soccer at Texas Southmost College, 2 p.m. in Brownsville, TX. 

No. 17 Roadrunner Soccer at Texas Southmost College, 2 p.m. in Brownsville, TX. 

Roadrunner Baseball vs. TCS Post Grad, doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. at Poland Stadium on the AC campus. 

Lady Roadrunner Softball at University of Texas-Tyler, 2 p.m. in Tyler, TX. 

Saturday, Oct. 11:

Lady Roadrunner Basketball at Shalin Hoops Showcase in Mansfield, TX. (Teams and times TBA.)

Roadrunner Basketball at Fort Worth Jamboree (Scrimmages) in Fort Worth, TX. Teams and times TBA. 

For any other information, contact Sports Information Director Gary Stallard at gstallard@angelina.edu

We’ll see you at the games.

Gary Stallard
Email: gstallard@angelina.edu.
Phone: (936) 465-4614

Making The Most of Your Irrigation Water

We know that last month was the 2nd driest September in recorded history in Angelina County. And looking ahead, there’s just no rain in any forecast. 

Across Angelina County from 18-hole golf courses to home lawns, and from backyard gardens to commercial blueberry growers, everyone and everything outside is hurting for water. 

How do we efficiently get the most out of our water bill, making sure that every drop we expend gets to the roots that need it most? Below are a couple suggestions. 

First, use a drip system for foundation plantings, landscaped beds, around fruit trees, and in vegetable gardens. Commercial growers have long used a drip system for efficient use of water. From blueberry orchards to watermelon fields, drip emitters have been the water system of choice to effectively place every drop of water. Simple to install kits for homeowners can be found at some big-box stores as well as online.

Second, and what is most likely the case if a sprinkler system is what you use, let’s remember the relatively new strategy: the soak and cycle method. The soak and cycle method breaks up your typical sprinkler cycle into at least 2 different sessions on the same morning to fully allow water to reach deep into the soil. 

You’ve seen it happen countless times: some well-meaning sprinkler system has excess water running out of the yard, down the street, and into the storm drain. It’s a waste of our best water and an unneeded expense to the homeowner. 

The soak and cycle method works best for in-ground sprinkler systems, but for hose draggers (like me) it has merit. The theory behind the method is to soak the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches, which is where grass roots should grow. The cycle phase refers to the fact that water will be applied in at least two applications with a pause between for the ground to absorb the water that was first applied. So first we irrigate for a time, wait to allow that water to move into the soil, and then irrigate again. This process still requires you to water all in one or two mornings in the week. You just stretch out the morning time frame to get it all done.

Far too often, people run their systems over the entire lawn for a little bit every other day. Doing this concentrates all the water in the upper portion of the soil, developing a poorly developed, shallow root system. Let us aim to irrigate deeply but less frequently to encourage strong, deep roots.

The first step is determining the rate you are applying water in each zone. 

Set several rain gauges or straight sided cans in your lawn and measure the amount applied in 15 or 30 minutes. This rate of application combined with the infiltration rate will determine how long to run the system in each zone.  

While you are waiting to see how much water accumulates, watch carefully to see when it starts to run off. You’ll use that time for each cycle. 

Cycle then means to water another zone and allow that water that was just applied to soak into the soil. Then you go back to the first zone and apply water again. This may require several soaking and rest periods to apply the needed 1 inch of water per week to keep the lawn healthy while eliminating runoff. Some homeowners may have irrigation run three or four times on the same zone on a chosen morning to allow water to reach deep into the soil.  

Sound difficult? It’s not. Let’s review the steps.

First, determine the flow rate of your sprinkler heads. How many inches of water do they put out per hour? 

Second, carefully observe your lawn to see how long before it quits absorbing water. 15 minutes? 30 minutes?

Third, re-program your time clock to soak and cycle the zones. Remember, the same zone will be watered multiple times on the same day with just enough water to be absorbed. 

Lastly, monitor the lawn for a few weeks and make adjustments based on weather conditions.

Soak and cycle may still be a new concept for lawn watering but once it is figured out, it takes the guesswork out of the equation. You know how much water is being applied, the rate in which the soil can absorb, and your lawn will be better for it. 

Give these tips a try as we eagerly look for rain in the forecast. 

Feed Your Future (Angelina County)

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October 29, 2025 @ 12:00 pm 1:00 pm

Feed your mind while you eat your lunch! Join the Chamber’s Young Professionals Network (YPN) on Wednesday, October 29 for Feed Your Future: Small Bites. Big Takeaways, a young professionals (under 40) series that brings fresh ideas (and local leaders) to the table.

This month’s speaker is the YPN program sponsor: Brandie Garner with Texas Farm Bureau Insurance, sharing real-world advice on insurance and future planning.

Bring your lunch and leave with something even better, knowledge and connections. Limited seating, so register early >>> bit.ly/YPN1025

1615 S. Chestnut
Lufkin, TX 75901 United States
+ Google Map

Capitol Update: Early Voting and Property Tax Reforms on the November Ballot

As we near the 2025 Constitutional Election Day on November 4, I’d like to offer a friendly reminder that the early voting period will begin on October 20 and will end on October 31. While I always encourage folks to take advantage of the early voting period to avoid Election Day lines, what’s most important is that you plan to participate in the process by exercising your right to vote. For more information about early voting locations, what you’ll need to bring with you to the polling locations, or any other questions you may have, please visit www.votetexas.gov.

With that, here’s an update from your State Capitol… 

Capitol Update

This week, we will continue our examination of constitutional amendments on the ballot for the upcoming November election. Specifically, this column will focus on Propositions 7, 9, 10, 11, and 13, which make much needed reforms to our property tax system. 

Proposition 7 exempts the homes of our veterans who died as a result of a condition or disease that is presumed to have been service-connected for their surviving spouse. I was proud to support this vital legislation which honors the lives of our servicemen and women and ensures Texas continues to honor their sacrifice by taking care of their loved ones. 

Proposition 9 exempts $125,000 worth of ad valorem tax value from properties used for business purposes. Texas is the best place in the world to business, and I was proud to serve as a coauthor of this legislation which will ensure businesses will have reduced expenses and will ensure prices remain low for Texas consumers. 

Proposition 10 temporarily exempts homes destroyed by fire from property taxes. When disaster strikes our fellow Texans, we all have a responsibility to help our neighbors recover and get back on their feet. I was proud to support this legislation which will ensure that taxing entities do not impose insult to injury on struggling Texans. 

Proposition 11 raises the homestead exemption for elderly and disabled Texans from $110,000 to $200,000. Our elderly neighbors and those with disabilities deserve the respect of affordable home ownership that this proposition puts forward. I was proud to serve as a cosponsor of this legislation which will ensure more financial security and peace of mind for those on fixed incomes. 

Proposition 13 raises the homestead exemption for all homeowners in Texas from $100,000 to $140,000. Affordable home ownership is what has made Texas the best place to live work, and raise a family. I was proud to serve as a cosponsor of this legislation which will ensure that Texans will receive meaningful property tax relief in the face of inflation and increased tax rates by local governments. 

The mobile office is still on the road this month, and our District Director looks forward to seeing you October 15 at the Houston County Courthouse Annex in Crockett from 9:30-11:30am, or at the Trinity County Courthouse in Groveton from 1:30-3:30pm.

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 our Capitol office at (512) 463-0508. Additionally, I welcome you to follow along on my Official Facebook Page, where I will post regular updates on what’s happening in your State Capitol and share information that could be useful to you and your family: https://www.facebook.com/RepTrentAshby/.

Bluegrass Festival (Houston County)

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October 23, 2025 @ 8:00 am October 25, 2025 @ 5:00 pm

Salmon Lake Park in Grapeland, TX, is home to the Annual Memorial Day Bluegrass Gospel Festival and the Annual Bluegrass Festival held the 4th weekend in October.

 3 unforgettable days of live music, jamming, dancing, and camping under the stars.

 Featuring a stacked lineup of award-winning bluegrass artists you won’t want to miss!

 Tap through to meet this year’s performers and grab your tickets before they’re gone!

 Grapeland, TX @ Salmon Lake Park, Texas

 October 23–25, 2025

 Tickets: slpbluegrass.com

 Let’s make memories that ring louder than a banjo string! 

Drug-Free All Stars Tour the Angelina County Jail

For the Drug-Free All-Star October meeting, the All Stars toured the Angelina County Jail and received training to participate in alcohol compliance checks. The Drug-Free All Stars of Angelina County are a group of high school seniors who serve as role models for the community by living an alcohol, tobacco, and drug-free life. The Drug-Free All-Star program, in partnership with TxDOT, aims to reduce crashes, injuries and deaths on Texas roadways. The All Stars saw first-hand the results of substance misuse and what daily life is like for inmates.  During the meeting, Angelina County Sheriff’s Deputy Stephanie Davidson trained the Drug-Free All Stars to conduct compliance checks to prevent the sale of alcohol to minors by local businesses. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2024), 47% of people aged 12 or older used alcohol in the past month, and compliance checks are an important prevention strategy to reduce sales to minors. A special thank you to Sheriff Tom Selman, Warden Nick Gardner, Judge Wes Suiter, Captain Alton Lenderman, TABC Agent Jeremy Alexander, Sheriff’s Deputy Stephanie Davidson, and Lieutenant Netherton for providing this experience for the All Stars.  To find out more about the Drug-Free All Star program, contact Abby Baker at (936) 634-9308. 

Since 1988, The Coalition has focused on eliminating the use of harmful substances by affecting public policy, laws, attitudes and behaviors, to foster healthy life-long choices for the local community. Visit The Coalition’s website at www.angelinacoalition.org or follow @TheCoalition936 on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 

Trivia Night at Pineywoods Vineyard (San Augustine County)

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October 10, 2025 @ 7:30 pm 9:00 pm

Lone Star Trivia is hitting the vineyard!

This Friday night, we’re bringing our special General Knowledge Trivia to Pineywoods Vineyard in Hemphill — and this one’s extra special because it’s our very first event at this beautiful venue!
Get ready for a night of laughter, wine, and friendly competition! Whether you’re a trivia pro or just in it for the good vibes (and the wine), you don’t want to miss this one.

Pineywoods Vineyard
101 N Oak St, Hemphill, TX 75948
Trivia starts at 7:30 PM

Free to play!
Bring your best team, grab a glass of local vino, and let’s make this a night to remember, Hemphill!