BLKRT U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO. 102
Commerce, Texas 75428
August 2015
A PUBLICATION OF THE COMMERCE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Successful Independence Day Celebr ation
On July 3, the Commerce 4th of July Celebration went off with a bang! Kona Ice Rocks, concessions provided and prepared by Alliance Bank, along with several
other vendors and bounce houses, lined the park area. Attendees brought a non-perishable food item for entrance, and the Commerce Food Pantry had a final tally of
300 pounds of food. Great job, Commerce! Trainwreck kicked off the musical entertainment, followed by Birthright Blues Project. Then Outta Hand wrapped up with
some great sounds to get everyone ready for the fireworks. At dark, everyone’s focus moved to the area close to Hwy 11 for the greatest fireworks show in northeast
Texas! Pyrotex always does an awesome job for our show, and we would like to thank all the sponsors who help make this great community event possible. This is OUR
Commerce!
Photos
Courtesy of:
Caleb Slinkard
Left:
Face painting
Right:
Riding the Bash
Bug
Left:
Birthright Blues
Project
Right:
Alliance Bank
providing and
cooking
concessions
Page 2
CHAMBER
P re s ide nt ’s L e tt er
August 2015
CHAMBER
Board of Directors
Successful Independence Day Celebration
At first, it looked like we were going to be rained out for the Annual Commerce, Chamber
of Commerce July 4th Celebration (held July 3rd), but instead we had clear skies with lots
of folks ready to join in on the fun.
Commerce celebrated our nation’s independence with wonderful and tasty food, great
music and lots and lots of activities for the kiddos. It has always been an honor to be a part
of the July 4th Celebration with the Chamber, but this year’s independence celebration
meant so much more.
Independence allows us all to unite in harmony and love while having the freedom to enjoy
and pursue happiness and prosperity. Our forefathers did not say we would automatically
have these things given to us, but rather that we would have the right to pursue them.
Each year we have thousands upon thousands that arrive in America to experience “The
American Dream”, but what is that dream? For many they are seeking freedom, freedom
from persecution and for some just the freedom to live a life of prosperity. Freedoms that
many of us take for granted because they have always been freedoms we’ve naturally
enjoyed. Women today have the freedom to vote because of the dedication to independence
and freedom of the women before them. It meant something to the women before our time
to ensure and secure this right for all women. Women before us allowed the women of
today to have a voice.
This just isn’t about the right to vote or about women’s equal rights, this is about
remembering that the freedoms and independence we experience today someone else had
to fight for, they had to pursue.
The best dreams are the ones that are realized and self-actualized by the dreamer. This
means the dreamer never takes or steals from another what they want, but rather all parties
are experiencing the same level of freedom and independence. The women from our past
did not ask that men stop voting, but rather they wanted to enjoy the same rights and
experiences as voting as the men.
Executive Board
Lisa Martinez
Velvete Womack
Julie Gentle Jeannie Creed
Scott Ward
President
Vice President
Past President
Secretary
Treasurer
Permanent Board Members
Marc Clayton
David Collier
Blake Cooper
Bonnie Hunter
Dr. Dan Jones
Elected Board Members
Sarj Agha
Robin Alexander
Jeannie Creed
Joe Feduccia
Shelly Gerard
Tony Henry
Gary Rusch
Joe Shipman
Brent Turner
Scott Ward
Alicia Wittkopf
Velvete Womack
Executive Director
Office Administrator
Paul Voss
Sheryl Millar
1114 Main Street,
P.O.Box 290
Commerce, TX 75429
903.886.3950
f 903.886.8012
commerce-chamber.com
[email protected]
The best freedoms are the freedoms where we are not taking the rights or freedoms away
from another.
So enjoy being free! Allow yourself to dream. Realize the potential within you and not
worry about what another has, but go after your own.
May you be blessed with freedom and peace.
Yours truly,
Velvete Womack, Execute Vice President
Commerce Chamber of
Commerce Mission Statement
The purpose of the Chamber of Commerce shall be to promote the common business interests of merchants and citizens living and working in the City of Commerce, Texas, and in the immediate area; promote the free enterprise system;
encourage the commercial, industrial and agricultural development of the City of
Commerce and the immediate area; assume a role of active leadership in community improvement. The Chamber shall stand for local harmony, cooperation,
and progress and shall be non-partisan, non-sectarian and non-sectional in its
activities.
To place an ad in the CONNECTION feel free to contact us.
Do you want to run an ad in the Connection?
Advertising in the Connection is a great way to increase your businesses visibility
beyond the Connection or Chamber website Directories
Display Ad (Horz. 5” w x 3” h or Vert. 3.25” w x 4.625” h) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 30
Event Showcase (5” w x 6” h) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 50
Back Cover Ad (10.25” w x 10.75” h) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $300
Chamber Membership Levels
Student . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 25
Individual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 57.50
Clubs and Churches. . . . . . . . . . $ 57.50
Business Membership . . . . . . . $172.50
(1-10 full-time employees)
Business Membership . . . . . . . . . . $230
(over 10 full-time employees)
Hotels, Motels & Apartments. . . . $230
Banks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $287.50
Manufacturers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $575
Utility Companies . . . . . . . . . . . . . $575
2nd Business. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1/2 price
Enhanced Online. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 50
Directory Listing
Call 903.886.3950 to join the Chamber today!
August 2015
CHAMBER
Page 3
Calendar of Upcoming Events
Tubby Adkisson Mobile Mammography Coach at the Hunt Regional Emergency Medical Center. . . . . . August 5
Be Prepared: Emergency Preparedness & Trauma Prevention
in the Community Room T HR Emergency Medical Center at Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . August 5
Reception honoring CISD Superintendent Blake Cooper at Central Administration Building,
3315 Washington St., Commerce 11:30 to 1 p.m.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . August 17
Thalian Culture Club Foundation Annual Auction-Sand Hills Country Club - Commerce
Silent Auction at 6:00 pm Live Auction at 7:00 pm Saturday. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . August 22
Bras for the Cause Kick-off Party at 6:30 p.m. at Landon’s Winery in Greenville. . . . . . . . . . . . . August 27
Tubby Adkisson Mobile Mammography Coach at the Hunt Regional Emergency Medical Center. . . . September 2
IV Therapy for Chronic Conditions
in the Community Room T HR Emergency Medical Center at Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . September 2
Miss Bois d’Arc Pageant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . September 19
Bois d’Arc Bash Golf Tournament. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . September 25
Commerce Leadership Institute BBQ Fundraiser. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . September 25
30th Annual Bois d’Arc Bash. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . September 25 – 26
Kiwanis Club Pancake Breakfast at the Bash. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . September 26
Tubby Adkisson Mobile Mammography Coach at the Hunt Regional Emergency Medical Center. . . . . . October 7
Let’s Get Ready To Rumble...With FLU
in the Community Room T HR Emergency Medical Center at Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . October 7
Bras for the Cause Event in downtown Greenville at 6 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . October 8
Bois d’Arc Halloween on the Square. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . October 31
Tubby Adkisson Mobile Mammography Coach at the Hunt Regional Emergency Medical Center. . . . November 4
Diabetic Care & Healthy Eating
in the Community Room T HR Emergency Medical Center at Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . November 4
A&M-Commerce Lions Showcase. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . November 21
Small Business Saturday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . November 28
Merry Marketplace and Lunch for Missions
Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at
First United Methodist Church of Commerce. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 1
Tubby Adkisson Mobile Mammography Coach at the Hunt Regional Emergency Medical Center. . . . December 2
Fire Safety
in the Community Room T HR Emergency Medical Center at Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 2
Bois d’Arc Christmas Parade & Celebration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 5
Free concert by A&M-Commerce Chamber Singers at 6:00 pm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 6
First Presbyterian Church, Commerce.
Bad Weather Date for Parade if needed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 13
If you would like to us to showcase your event or have it added to the
Calendar of Events please e-mail your event information to the
Chamber of Commerce at [email protected]
RECYCLE DAY
IN COMMERCE
The First Saturday of Every Month
• July 4
• August 1
• September 5
• October 3
• November 7
• December 5
• January 2
• February 6
• March 5
• April 2
• May 7
• June 4
between the hours of
9:00 am and 1:00 pm.
at the
City Wastewater Treatment Plant
4000 FM 3218
Commerce, TX 75428
903.886.6792
Clip and Save
This Schedule
Hunt County Tax Office Commerce Sub-Station Hours
at the Chamber of Commerce
Wednesdays from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
(Closed 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. for lunch.)
Offering full service to our taxpayers including motor vehicle registration and property tax collection services.
Online services available at www.hctax.info.
Forfurther information please call 903.408.4000 or by email [email protected]
Page 4
CHAMBER
August 2015
Our Community
Spring 2015 gr aduate accepted
to the Kentucky Equine
Management Internship
By Sydni Sopha
Recent Texas A&M University-Commerce graduate, Meagan Alexander,
will represent A&M-Commerce in the Kentucky Equine Management Internship.
Alexander graduated from A&M-Commerce’s School of Agriculture in the spring
semester of 2015.
“Making a career for yourself in the equine industry takes a lot of commitment,
a strong work ethic and you have to love what you do. Internships give the students
a chance to figure out what they are more passionate about; breeding, or training, or
sales or even barn management. Internships also give students the chance to make
invaluable connection is the horse industry,” said Brooke Harris, equine supervisor
of the A&M-Commerce Equine Center.
The Kentucky Equine Management Internship, also known as KEMI, is
dedicated to improving opportunities for college students wishing to pursue a
career in the field of equine management. The students involved in KEMI will be
employed full-time by participating farms to familiarize them with the day-to-day
management of horses on commercial farms.
RAHAB’S RETREAT & RANCH
www.rahabsretreatandranch.com
www.teresarichenberger.com
Teresa Richenberger to Speak
at FBC Commerce
Women on Mission of First Baptist Church Commerce cordially invite the
Commerce community and surrounding areas to hear Teresa Richenberger speak
on September 20, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. in the FBC Fellowship Hall, located at 1401
Washington Street. Pie and coffee will be served.
Teresa Richenberger is a well-known speaker, author, Bible teacher, and
evangelist in the East Texas Area. After over 12 years in the sex industry, Teresa
discovered the freedom to live victoriously by applying God’s Word to her life.
She is also the founder of Rahab’s Retreat and Ranch outside of Kilgore, a faithbased recovery home and ranch for women and children who are victims of sex
trafficking, the sex industry, and other forms of abuse.
Ms. Richenberger has written two books: Sold to the Highest Bidder: The
Transformation of an Exotic Dancer, which is her story of how God never gives
up on us, and Striking It Rich, a guide book on how to always be aware of God’s
presence and gather the riches of Christ rather than worldly possessions. Additional
credentials include appearances on the 700 Club, God’s Learning Channel, and
KLUV radio.
Come be inspired by Teresa’s testimony and learn about the ministry of
Rahab’s Retreat and Ranch.
Dr. Petra Collyer connected A&M-Commerce with KEMI last fall when
KEMI coordinator, Leslie Janecka, visited campus. “I am delighted that one of
our students was chosen to participate in the program. KEMI provides industry
experience for students focusing on sales (fall) or reproduction (spring). Students
work for well-established Kentucky Thoroughbred farms and with their world-class
horses. This is considered one of the best opportunities to start a career in the
equine industry,” said Dr. Collyer.
CISD STUDENT REGISTRATION
Commerce ISD will conduct online
registration for returning students from
July 27 through August 14.
Parents should access
Skyward Family Acess at
www.commerceisd.org
to complete the process which will take only minutes.
Tablets or smartphones cannot be used.
All new students and students without
technology access should register in person at
Commerce High School on
August 6 from 12 to 6 p.m. and
August 7 from 7;30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
August 2015
CHAMBER
Page 5
Our Community
University libr aries awarded $10k gr ant by American
Libr ary Association and National Endowment
for the Humanities
Texas A&M University-Commerce will host a lecture series during the 20152016 academic year that focuses on the history of Latino Americans. The series
is sponsored in part by a grant awarded to Texas A&M University-Commerce
Libraries from the American Library Association and the National Endowment for
the Humanities. According to the American Library Association, the grant Latino
Americans: 500 Years of History “is a nationwide public programming initiative
that supports the exploration of the rich and varied history and experiences of
Latinos, who have helped shape the United States over the last five centuries.”
A&M-Commerce Libraries is one of 203 institutions in the United States that
were offered a grant. Out of that number only 55 institutions were awarded the
maximum amount of $10,000.
The American Library Association states that institutions from across the
United States “are receiving grant funding, resources and support to host festivals,
collect oral histories, facilitate informed discussions and hold other public events
about Latino American history and culture.” The foundation of the various programs
created through the Latino Americans: 500 Years of History is the documentary
film “Latino Americans” which was created for PBS and funded by a grant from
the National Endowment for the Humanities. The six-part documentary film has
won several awards and examines the history of Latinos in the United States from
the 16th century to the present day. (Learn more about the series here.) The
university will receive a copy of the documentary, which will be the centerpiece
of several programs including a documentary viewing followed by a scholar-led
discussion panel.
A&M-Commerce Libraries will utilize grant funds to bring four nationallyrecognized speakers to campus for three programs during October which is
Hispanic Heritage Month. Several faculty members on campus will participate in
the programs as well. Dr. Robert Rodriguez, assistant professor of political science,
will host a discussion of one of the documentary episodes on campus during the
fall semester, and in the spring he will conduct a program at the Latino Cultural
Center in Dallas. Dr. Christopher Gonzalez, assistant professor of literature and
languages, will serve as panel moderator for two of the visiting speakers in the
fall, and in the spring he will present a program titled “Redrawing the Borders
of Comics, Latino Style” during National Library Week. Assistant Professor of
History, Dr. Mark Moreno, and Dr. Chris Green, associate professor of curriculum
and instruction will both host programs during the spring semester.
The library coordinated and collaborated with several departments across
campus including the ¡Profes! grant, the Office of Hispanic Outreach, and
the Departments of Political Science, Literature and Languages, Curriculum
and Instruction, and History to apply for the grant. The library was also able
to collaborate off campus with the adult literacy program Commerce Plaza
Comunitaria, which offers ESL and Spanish literacy instruction as well as GED
preparation in Spanish. Gilberto Hernandez, ¡Profes! grant coordinator, states
“This is certainly a great day to be a Lion! We are very excited to be a part of a
project that will educate our community about the rich and diverse history of our
Latino roots. The ¡Profes! grant is a proud sponsor of this project as we believe
in fostering an environment that encourages scholarly discussions about Latino
culture, history, and education. “
A&M-Commerce Director of Libraries, Greg Mitchell, states,
“Understanding the contributions of Latinos throughout the years is vital to our
appreciation of Texas and U.S. history and culture. As a state and as a nation, we
have been made stronger because of our diversity. The university libraries have
welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with others on our campus in this effort
to share the importance of our Latino heritage.”
Sarah Northam, head of research and instruction services at James G. Gee
Library, will serve as the project director. She will be responsible for overseeing
grant funds and coordinating activities sponsored by the grant.
Get Happy
Make Us Your
Home
Celebrating 125 years
www.tamuc.edu
Join us for the 125th Anniversary Reveal Thursday, April 24, 2014
3PM-6PM | A&M-Commerce Amphitheater
Oak Meadows Town Homes
150 Maple Street
Commerce, TX 75428
903.886.1555
M-F 8a.m.-5p.m.
Susan Oliver, Manager
Page 6
CHAMBER
August 2015
Our Community
Lamar
Red
River
Fannin
Delta
Hopkins
Rains
Kaufman
Van
Zandt
Dallas
COMMERCE
101 Kings Plaza, Ste. H
Commerce, TX 75428
(903) 886-2666
Fax (903) 886-3773
Chaney’s
TOBACCO
&
DISCOUNT TOBACCO
We Cash All
VAPE STATION
Kinds of Checks
Pre-Paid Visa
Western Union
Commerce, TX 75428 • 1601 Live Oak • 903-886-8080
At Guaranty Bank & Trust, we believe in
growth. Not just for ourselves, but for the
people, businesses and communities we
serve. That growth comes from our
well-trained people, our
forward-thinking, long-term outlook and
a core belief that our success is just a
reflection of the success we help others
enjoy.
Guaranty Bank & Trust, N.A.
Member FDIC
Wood
Camp
Upshur
Smith
SULPHUR SPRINGS
1091 Church Street
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
(903) 439-4757
Fax (903) 885-6278
Toll-Free (800) 216-0970
Toll-Free Fax (877) 214-6884
$10 Off To Chamber Members
Bill Payments
Money Orders
Franklin
Hunt
Rockwall
Titus
Collin
August 2015
CHAMBER
Page 7
Our Community
CHAOS/Boys & Girls Club
After the great fireworks show on July 3rd, CHAOS/Boys & Girls Club
members spent a morning helping the Chamber clean up debris left behind on
Oak Meadows Townhomes property. This is one of their community service
projects for the summer. They are also painting trash cans and repairing and
painting some of the benches downtown.
University choir to perform
at American Chor al
Directors Association
Southwest Conference
By Sydni Sopha
The Texas A&M University-Commerce men’s choir has been selected to
perform at the American Choral Directors Association Southwest Conference
(SWACDA) happening March 7-10, 2016 in Kansas City.
“It is an honor for the Texas A&M University-Commerce Men’s Chorus to
be selected to sing the at the 2016 SWACDA Conference. I look forward to the
preparation, travel and ultimate performance with these talented young men,”
commented the group’s director, Dr. Randall Hooper, ” It will be thrilling to ride
on their energetic, eager, inspired shoulders as we perfect our skill and talent in
preparation for this mountain top experience. We are thankful to SWACDA for
the invitation.”
Choirs wishing to perform at the conference were required to submit an
application before May 15, 2015 containing a CD recording of three selections
sung by the applying choir during a live concert or a studio session.
“Selection for this event is a highly competitive process and we are honored
that the selection committee chose our students to be part of the conference,”
said Dr. David Scott, head of the Department of Music.
The American Choral Directors Association, or ACDA, was founded in
1959 as a nonprofit music-education organization dedicated to the advancement
of choral music. ACDA offers conferences at the state, division, and national
levels, with the latter two being offered in alternating years. ACDA’s conferences
include performances by accomplished choirs, educational clinics, and exhibits
by music-industry representatives.
ITALIAN
FOOD
CONWAY COMPANY CPAs, PC
ACCOUNTANTS AND ADVISORS
www.conwaycpas.com
Office 903-886-2123
Facsimile 903-886-6580
1021 Park Street
Commerce, TX 75428
Page 8
August 2015
A&M-Commerce at Rockwall adds new degree
By Sydni Sopha
Students interested in a degree in psychology will now be able to
graduate through Texas A&M University-Commerce at Rockwall thanks
to an articulation agreement between Collin College and A&M-Commerce.
A signing event took place on July 16, 2015 at 11:15 a.m. at the Rockwall
Center located at 2610 Observation Trail in Rockwall.
“Texas A&M University-Commerce is always looking for innovative
ways to provide educational opportunities to qualified students in our region.
With the signing of this articulation agreement, Collin College students
will be able to transfer seamlessly into A&M-Commerce to complete their
baccalaureate degrees with a major in psychology and without having to
commute extensively to complete the requirements for their degrees,” said
Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Adolfo Benavides.
Prior to this agreement, students based at the Rockwall location of
A&M-Commerce were only offered a portion of the necessary coursework
towards the completion of a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology.
the agreement between Collin College and A&M-Commerce because this
will allow new students easy access to our outstanding program. It opens
opportunities for those in the Metroplex area to pursue a bachelor’s degree in
psychology from A&M-Commerce at an easily accessed campus location.”
“This agreement is another example of the longstanding collaborative
nature of A&M-Commerce and its College of Education and Human Services
faculty. Offering this program will provide students increased access to a
bachelor’s degree in a more efficient manner,” said Dr. Tim Letzring, dean
of the College of Education and Human Services.
The psychology degree at A&M-Commerce at Rockwall is the fourth
degree available at the Rockwall location. A&M-Commerce at Rockwall
also offers a M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction, an Ed.D. in curriculum,
supervision and instruction, and a B.S. in sociology-paralegal studies.
To learn more about the programs at A&M-Commerce’s Rockwall
location visit www.tamuc.edu/Rockwall.
Dr. Jennifer Schroeder, department head for the Department of
Psychology, Counseling and Special Education said, “I’m excited about
Local National Honor Society
Students Help
Clean Up Gr affiti
By Paul Voss
Needing some community service hours for their Junior National Honor Society
obligation Evan Humphries and Ryder Mclaughlin helped the Chamber of Commerce
paint and clean up graffiti in downtown Commerce. These young men are students at
Commerce Middle School and have a number of hours committed to community service
and asked if there was something they could do to help. The Chamber has projects that
try to help our community on a regular basis and the unsightly graffiti left by vandals in
downtown Commerce seemed like the logical place for them to start. Matching the paint
and getting permission from the landowners was a piece of cake and they worked the
better part of the day getting this portion of the work accomplished. We are waiting on the
sandblaster to be put into service to be able to clean the bricks where the last remaining
graffiti exists.
Its good kids like Evan and Ryder that give us hope in the next generation, willing to
give back to their community. I want to thank the Junior National Honor Society sponsors
for creating this avenue for these young people to help in so many ways to help their home
town.
August 2015
Page 9
Northeast Texas Children’s Museum Experiences
Record Attendance in June
June attendance at the Northeast Texas Children’s Museum reflected a
record number of visitors. The month saw a 34% increase from the previous June.
Visitors came from 76 different communities in seven states. First time visitors to
the museum represented 20% of the total visitors.
The variety of activities for July should provide reasons for continuing
strong attendance.
Headline events for the month include Mr. Goodfriend the Magician. He
entertains both kids and adults with his interactive magic show. “Children enjoy
magicians, and we are excited to have Mr. Goodfriend at the Children’s Museum.
We especially appreciate the sponsorship of McDaniel General Dentistry for this
event,” said Sharline Freeman, Executive Director.
Other highlights include a Superhero Event on July 17 at 1:30. Young
superheroes will make capes, masks, armbands, and shields reflecting their inner
superhero. This is part of Superhero Week which includes a superhero each day.
Hero Nurse Patti, and community heroes including Gus the Republic Services
Dump Truck, Commerce Fire Heroes, and Commerce Police Heroes will complete
the week. Superhero Week will be July 14 to July 17.
The Davies family will bring miniature horses and other family animals
on July 30 at 11:00 AM. “Children can’t resist animals, and the Davies family is
sharing their animals with us. This should be a fun part of our Critter Week at the
museum,” said Elana Barton, Director of Development. A variety of critters will
be visiting during Critter Week from July 28 to July 31.
Armadillos, dogs, and a rubber ducky race will complete the week. Puppet
productions
Let’s Put on a Show Week which highlights Mr. Goodfriend will also
include the Foreman Gymnastic Show, Bettina Zvanut’s Puppet Productions, and a
TAMUC Band Ensemble. This will be the week of July 21 through July 24. Puppet
Productions will also be at the museum on July 30 at 2:00. Dino Week and Back
to School Week will conclude the summer programs at the Children’s Museum.
From Superhero Day to Bluebonnet the Armadillo and from Mr.
Goodfriend to rubber ducky races, the Northeast Texas Children’s Museum is the
place to find your summer fun. For additional information on any of the activities,
call the Northeast Texas Children’s Museum at 903-886-6055 or visit our website
at www.netxcm.com.
Page 10
August 2015
Commerce High School
Student Accepts Invitation
from Buzz Aldrin
By Jerrod Knight
When American hero and astronaut Buzz Aldrin sends you a letter that says, “See
you in Boston,” you get yourself to Boston.
Ashley Basham, an incoming senior at Commerce High School, got just such a
letter in the mail this past spring, which led to a life-changing event for the shy-butstudious youth.
Aldrin is the Science Director for the National Academy of Future Scientists and
Technologists, an organization founded on the belief that talent in the fields of science
and technology should be discovered as early as possible, and that students who exhibit
such talent be helped to acquire the necessary skills and experience to take them to the
doorstep of these vital careers. Each year, the NAFST holds a Congress of students from
across the United States who have a minimum 3.5 GPA and a demonstrated passion for
science or technology. This year’s event was at the end of June in Boston.
“I’m not 100% sure how I got selected,” says Basham, “but Susan Thurman, the
scholarship director, sent my nomination letter and her reason for the nomination was
‘based on your outstanding academic achievement at Commerce High School.’”
In a presentation to the Commerce Rotary Club on July 22nd, Basham showed a
number of photos and charts while she recounted the letter from Aldrin, the multi-day
event, the many speakers she heard, the people she met, and the tenets she learned
toward the Congress theme of, “Greatness Awaits.”
“Getting inducted into the Society of the Torch and Laurel, along with a few
hundred other 14 to 19 year olds, was definitely a high point. It was so nice to be in
a place where I could talk about my passions related to physics and technology with
people who are thinking in the same way.”
Another facet for which Basham was grateful, she said, was that she was able to
make the trip with her father.
“I moved here after my freshman year at Lewisville I.S.D. in search of a better high
school experience, and I found it. I’m a member of the National Society of High School
Scholoars, the Louise Drake Garden Club, and I’m a behind-the-scenes tech for the
school’s theatre department. But my dad wasn’t able
to make the move to Commerce with me, so it was a
treat to spend this trip to Boston with my dad, catching
up, celebrating, and seeing Boston’s fantastic fireworks
display.”
Basham says she’s big into the idea of STEM
(Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. She’s
taken and completed 4 dual credit courses to get a
jump start on her collegiate career.
“I want to continue my education and plan on
majoring in Math and Education. I’d like to teach math
in a middle school environment one day.”
For fun, Basham says she loves helping others
and has volunteered many hours for both civic and
special interest activities. Her hobbies are cooking,
photography, reading, ranching, and traveling. In her
spare time she can be found riding her horse or playing
with her dog, “Patton.”
The Texas Sliders won 1st place at the Mesquite Fastpitch Softball Association
Fun, Sun and Softball tournament on July 11 and 12. The girl’s played 10 games
over two days. Pictured are:
Front Row: Tori Reiber, Tara Nicholson, Lauren Miller, Jordyn Sharp, Jelsi Simael, Ali Matlock
Back Row: Coach Bryan Vaughn, Lori Pattillo, Madi Williams , Sammy Jo Wallace, Coach Lance Sharp, Alyssa Redd
Not pictured: Chloe Horn
August 2015
Page 11
Save The Date
2015 North Texas Giving Day
Is September 17!
Give $25
or more to
Want 1 million people a month-to see your business?
Outdoor advertising reaches people where they live. When you
strategically place a billboard along the I-30 corridor you are
reaching a local audience with your businesses message. We are a
longtime Commerce family interested in your business success.
Call
972.212.9315
Find out how
billboard advertising works.
United Way of Hunt County
via NorthTexasGivingDay.org
on September 17th
between 6am and midnight
and your donations will be
multiplied from a pool of
$2 MM of bonus funds and prizes!
BhC
BRIARCLIFF
HEALTH CENTER
Voted Best
Nursing Home
4 Years Running
Hunt County Readers
Choice Awards
of Greenville, Inc.
Locally owned and operated.
Serving the Rehabilitation and Long Term
Care needs of Hunt County for over 25 years.
903.455.8729
4400 Walnut - Greenville, TX
Briarcliffhealthcenter.com
Medical Directors
Dr. Richard Selvaggi
Dr. Thomas Selvaggi
August
2015
Page 12
AugustPage
20151
Thanks Again To All Of Our 4th of July Celebration Sponsors
Ben E Keith Ad.pdf 1 6/5/2013 8:54:30 PM
Red Level Sponsors
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
White Level Sponsors
®
The best in
we do.
all
Cross Trails
Cowboy Church
Blue Level Sponsors
Aaron Ranch
Atmos Energy
Bradford Place Apts.
Briarcliff Health Center
Brookshire’s
Churchill at Commerce
Colonial Lodge
Commerce EDC
Commerce Housing Authority
Commerce ISD
Cypress Bank • Freedom Realty
Greenville Trophies & Awards
Guaranty Bank & Trust
Hunt County Farm Supply
Inwood Bank
Live Oak Professional Center
Personalized Printing
Triple D Properties
Star Level Sponsors
Advantage Copy Systems • Affordable Furniture
Alumni Relations - Texas A&M-Commerce
B & A Concrete
B6UP Pawn & Gun
Best Western Monica Royale - Greenville
Bright Star Equine
Chicken Express • City Sanitation
Commerce Automatic Gas
Commerce Lions Club • Commerce Vet Clinic
Conway Company CPAs PC
Country Cleaners & Electronics
Dan & Jalinna Jones • Dos Laredos Tex-Mex
Duncan Insurance • Dyer Insurance
Edgar J. (Jay) Garrett
Fire & Ice Massage by Velvete
Fix & Feed Commerce Hardware
Flying L Fastmart • Hayter Engineering
Holiday Inn Express-Greenville
Hoover’s Automotive • Jeff’s Carpet Cleaning
Keith & Nancy McFarland • Lonestar Eatery
Longbranch Dental Center
Los Mochi’s Restaurant • LuLu’s Burgers
Magnuson Hotel
Mane Salon & Spa • McKay’s Country Kitchen
Mohawk Industries • Oak Meadows Townhomes
Oncor • Pizza Hut • Pride Coffee & Italian Café
Sonic • State Farm/Dixie Turman
State Representative Dan Flynn
August 2015
CHAMBER
Page 13
Our Community
at
Lo
ne
sta
rE
Betty Brown
Residential Services Coordinator
Commerce Housing Authority
500 Tarter
Commerce, Texas 75428
903-886-2946
www.commercehousing-tx.com
r
yG
r
e
at
Bar.
ill &
ly
on
r
a
edd
New!
h
c
&
f
“French
Dip” roast bee
2203 Culver Street Commerce, TX 75428
l o n e s t a r e a t e r y. c o m | f a c e b o o k
903.886.2121
INWOOD
NATIONAL BANK
1312 Washington Street - Commerce, Texas 75428
903 / 886-2126 - Fax 903 / 886-4552
Metro 972 / 226-0969
www.inwoodbank.com
Member FDIC
Texas A&M University-Commerce
CHILDREN’S LEARNING CENTER
“A 4-Star, Nationally Accredited Learning Program”
2601 State Highway 50-Commerce, TX 75429
903-886-5769
www.tamuc.edu/clc
Page 14
COMMERCE
August 2015
Business Directory
A C C O U N T I N G – C PA’s
Conway Company CPAs, PC
903-886-2123
Deborah Harris CPA, PC
903-886-8727
Kenneth Foust CPA,PC
903-886-3106
ADVERTISING | SPECIALITIES
B&D Signs of Texas
903-513-9463
Giggles & Grins 903-450-4746
Hoss Outdoor Adv. | Billboards I-30
972-212-9315
A I R C O N D I T I O N I N G | H E AT I N G
Ken Parker Service, Inc
903-886-6990
New Covenant Plumbing/Heat/A/C 903-886-8882
Progressive Air and Heat
903-366-8197
A M U S E M E N T | E N T E R TA I N M E N T
NE TX Children’s Museum 903-886-6055
Planetarium 903-468-8652
A N I M A L W E L FA R E
Commerce Humane Assn
903-496-2412
ANTIQUES STORE
Fine Finds 940-231-1362
A PA R T M E N T S | P R O P E R T Y M G M T
American Eagle Properties
903-886-4430
Bradford Place Apts. 903-886-8855
Charlinda Villages
903-886-8807
Churchill at Commerce Apts. (Culver)
903-886-4444
Gant Apartments 903-886-6863
Landmark Properties
903-886-7038
Maple Place Apartments
903-886-4050
Oak Meadows Townhomes
903-886-1555
Sparks Enterprises
817-460-3347
Triple D Properties
903-366-1883
Valentine Properties
903-886-8881
Village Creek Apartments
903-246-3120
ART/GALLERIES/STUDIO
Commerce Office of Cultural Affairs
903-217-8050
Downtown Art Party
903-454-8230
ASSISTED LIVING/RETIREMENT
Colonial Lodge Retirement Inn
903-454-6636
Country Homes Estates
903-886-7754
AT T O R N E Y S
Curtis, Alexander/McCampbell & Morris 903-455-8113
Edgar J. Garrett
903-886-3146
AUTOMOBILE DEALERS
Commerce Auto Group
903-886-4014
Commerce Chevrolet/Buick
903-886-2188
A U T O M O B I L E S E R V I C E S / PA R T S
D & E Auto Supply
903-886-8040
Hoover’s Automotive
903-886-7781
J J’s Quick Lube
903-886-8775
O’Reilly Auto Parts
903-886-1755
BAKERIES
Braum’s
903-886-6242
Brookshire’s
903-886-3252
Good Donuts 903-886-1011
Sweeties Donut Shoppe
903-886-6111
BANKS/CREDIT UNIONS
Alliance Bank
903-886-3244
Cypress Bank
903-886-7425
Dixie Turman/State Farm Bank
903-886-7774
Guaranty Bank & Trust
903-886-2274
Heritage Land Bank
903-455-2835
Inwood National Bank
903-886-2126
BOOKSTORES
East Texas Book Store
903-886-3248
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT/TRAINING
Center for Applied Leadership
903-461-1823
Commerce EDC 903-886-1121
C A R P E T C L E A N I N G & R E S T O R AT I O N
Jeff’s Carpet Cleaning & Restoration
903-885-1320
C AT E R I N G / M E E T I N G FA C I L I T I E S
Peninsula Ranch & Lodge
903-461-9924
Sand Hills Country Club 903-886-4455
Sodexo 903-468-7586
The Billboard House 903-513-9234
CELL PHONES AND SERVICE
ACN-Independent Rep.
903-335-6034
CHECK CASHING/LOANS
Chaney’s Check Cashing Express
903-886-8080
CHILD DEVELOPMENT
A&M-Commerce Children’s Learning Ctr
903-886-5769
Jane Jane’s Day Care
903-886-8605
CHIROPRACTORS
Jensen Chiropractic 903-886-4333
CHURCHES
Bread of Life Church of Nazarene
903-886-1515
First Assembly of God Commerce
903-886-0303
Commerce Church of Christ
903-886-6136
Commerce Community Church
903-513-2699
Cross Trails Cowboy Church 903-886-9114
Disciples of Faith Bible Fellowship
903-886-3644
First Baptist Church
903-886-3189
First Christian Church
903-886-2542
First Presbyterian Church
903-886-3783
First United Methodist Church
903-886-3220
Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship
903-886-8585
Ridgecrest Baptist Church
903-886-6034
St. Joseph Catholic Church
903-886-7135
CLEANERS
Country Cleaners
903-886-1609
CLOTHING/GIFTS
The Bargain Box
903-886-8306
My Sister’s Closet
903-886-1224
Sister Babyz
903-886-3020
West Girls in TX 903-422-2900
COMPUTER SERVICES/FORENSICS
Wolf Security Analysts
903-366-6721
COPIERS
Advantage Copy Systems
903-885-3375
CONCRETE
B & A Concrete 903-886-6845
Brummett Concrete
903-461-2200
D. L. Lennon, Inc.
903-886-3174
Rafter P Construction 903-454-8332
CONVENIENCE STORES
Flying L Fast Mart
903-886-8091
Mr. Minit Food Mart
903-886-3415
COSMETICS/SKIN CARE:
Rosalyn Rose – Mary Kay 972-369-3930
COUNSELING
Lakes Regional MHMR
903-455-5770
COUNTRY CLUBS
Sand Hills Golf/Country Club
903-886-4455
DENTISTS
Commerce Family Dental
903-886-3081
Longbranch Dental
903-455-4161
Mary/Marc McDaniel, DDS
903-886-6945
DISTRIBUTORS
Ben E. Keith Company
903-886-2158
Coca-Cola Bottling Co.
214-388-6052
Dr. Pepper
214-402-2248
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Commerce Economic Dev. Corporation
903-886-1121
E D U C AT I O N
Texas A&M University.-Commerce
903-886-5081
Commerce ISD 903-886-3755
Paris Junior College
903-782-0330
EMBROIDERY/PRNTG/PROMO
PRODUCTS
Adventures In Printing 972-547-4304
B&D Signs of Texas 903-513-9463
Greenville Trophies & Awards
903-455-5441
Personalized Printing 903-886-7173
E M E R G E N C Y M E D I C A L E VA C U A T I O N S
Air-Evac Lifestream
903-886-1551
ENERGY PROVIDERS
ACN-Independent Rep
903-335-6034
Atmos Energy
800-460-3030
Eagle Energy
903-422-2960
FEC Electric
903-455-1715
Oncor Electric Delivery
888-313-6862
ENGINEERS
Hayter Engineering, Inc.
903-785-0303
EQUIPMENT RENTALS
Luckett Crane Service LTD 903-886-3407
FARM/RANCH
Aaron Ranch
903-886-8836
FA R M S U P P L I E S / F E E D
Fix & Feed Commerce Hardware
903-886-7917
Hunt County Farm Supply
903-862-2273
Price Liquid Feed
903-513-4006
Twin Oaks Farm
903-886-5358
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Active Wealth Management
903-455-6956
AIS Financial Services
903-886-8050
Edward Jones & Company
903-886-3333
Dixie Turman/State Farm Bank
903-886-7774
FLORISTS
April Showers 903-886-3104
FOOD-STORES/MARKETS/TRUCKS
Brookshires 903-886-3252
Kathy’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream 469-223-4774
Kona Ice Rocks
469-500-6500
Twin Oaks Farms
903-886-5358
FUNDRAISERS
Kona Ice Rocks
469-500-6500
FURNITURE
Affordable Furniture & Etc.
903-886-6096
The Funky Attic
903-886-0100
GOVERNMENT
City of Commerce
903-886-1100
State Representative Dan Flynn
903-455-0971
HAIR/BEAUTY/NAIL SALON
Aracely’s Hair Salon
903-366-9256
Hair on the Square by Kristie
903-886-0191
The Mane Salon & Spa
903-886-0717
T&M Commerce Nails
214-692-1241
H A R D WA R E
Fix & Feed Commerce Hardware
903-886-7917
HOME BUILDERS
Rafter P Construction
903-454-8332
Crescent Estates Custom Homes
214-957-8549
H O M E H E A LT H
1st Choice
903-886-2666
Home Health Associates 903-886-0612
Visiting Angels 903-784-3902
HOME INSPECTION
JK’s Professional Inspections 903-886-3069
H O M E R E PA I R / M A I N T E N A N C E /
REMODELING
American Eagle Home Maint/Remodeling
903-886-4430
Mas-Con Builders
903-246-1565
Under Construction 903-468-2683
HOSPICE
Gentiva Hospice
903-454-1107
August 2015
COMMERCE
Page 15
Business Directory
HOSPITALS
Hunt Reg. Emergency Medical Ctr at Commerce 903-886-3161
Hunt Regional Medical Center-Greenville
903-408-5000
HOTEL/MOTELS/B&B’s
Bois d’Arc Bed & Breakfast, 903-886-7705
Helm Hotels Group 903-450-5780
Holiday Inn Express, Sulphur Springs
903-885-6851
Magnuson Hotel Commerce
903-886-4777
HOUSING
Commerce Housing Authority
903-886-2946
HUNTING
10-2-4 Ranch
254-485-3080
INSURANCE
Cornerstone Senior Services
903-456-3514
Diversified Insurance
903-886-6943
Duncan Insurance
903-886-2183
Dyer Insurance
903-886-2131
Farm Bureau Insurance
903-455-6782
State Farm Insurance
903-886-7774
I N T E R N E T / C O M M U N I C AT I O N S
ACN-Independent Rep
903-335-6034
CenturyLink
800-788-3500
JEWELRY & REPAIR
Drake Jewelers
903-454-1671
LIBRARIES
Commerce Public Library
903-886-6858
M A N U FA C T U R E D H O U S I N G
Henly Land & Homes, Inc.
903-886-0112
MANUFACT URING
Hydro Aluminum Metal Products
903-468-5012
Zurn/Pex Hydronics
903-886-2580
MASSAG E / NUT RIT I ON
Fire & Ice Massage by Velvete
903-886-0304
METAL BUILDINGS
Rafter P Construction
903-454-8332
MED ICAL SE RVICE S
Dr. David Liao Orthopedics
903-454-9900
Hulsey Therapy Services
903-886-7669
Live Oak Professional Ctr.
903-886-8818
Raffa Clinic
877-707-2332
Air-Evac Lifeteam
903-390-7022
MEN TAL H E ALT H
Lakes Regional MHMR
903 455-5770
MUSIC PRODUCTION STUDIO
Brad Davis Audio Production
903-886-6027
NEWSPAP E RS
The Commerce Journal
903-455-4220
The Commerce Connection
903-886-3950
NURSING H O M E S/LON G TE R M C A R E
Briarcliff Health Center
903-455-8729
Oak Manor Nursing Home 903-886-2510
OFFICE E Q UIP M E N T
Advantage Copy Systems 903-885-3375
OFFICE SUP P L IE S/P R I N TI N G
Latson’s Office Solutions
903-885-1553
Latson’s Print Services
903-886-2710
Personalized Printing
903-886-7173
OPTICAL CENTERS
Texas Optical Center
903-455-0294
ORGANIZ AT IO NS
A&M-Commerce Alumni Chapter
903-886-6175
A&M-Commerce Athletics
903-468-3033
Aglaia Club
903-886-1968
American Legion Post No. 1
903-886-8479
Boys & Girls Club of NE Texas
903-455-9233
Celebrate The Children, Inc.
903-886-8365
Commerce Classroom Teachers Assn.
903-886-3758
Commerce Humane Society
903-496-2412
Commerce Office of Cultural Affairs 903-217-8050
Commerce Parks Foundation
903-886-7697
Coterie Culture Club
IOOF Lodge Commerce
903-348-9874
Kiwanis Club 903-886-4733
Ladonia Chamber of Commerce
972-757-8920
Lions Club 903-886-4034
Louise Drake Garden Club
903-886-6263
Masonic Lodge 903-886-3549
N. Hunt Co. Retired Teachers Assn.
903-886-7695
North Hunt SUD 903-886-3458
Pi Sigma Alpha
903-886-5317
Psychology Club 903-886-6078
Republic of Texas Parrot Head Club
903-366-2737
Rotary Club 903-886-7047
Silver Leos Writing Club 903-468-7391
Thalian Culture Club
903-886-6209
United Way of Hunt County 903-455-7414
Woman’s Culture Club
903-886-2624
PAWN SHOPS
B6UP Pawn and Gun 903-246-3030
United Pawn & Bargain
903-886-7874
PECANS
Campbell Pecans
903-366-1141
PET SUPPLIES/GROOMING/BOARDING
Pet Degrees Mobile Grooming
903-886-8469
PHARMACIES
CVS Pharmacy
903-886-0718
Total Care Pharmacy
903-886-8888
PHOTOGRAPHY
Luminous Productions
903-851-3183
PRINTERS, PUBLISHERS & GRAPHICS
B & D Signs of Texas 903-513-9463
Latson’s Print Services
903-886-2710
Personalized Printing
903-886-7173
P R O PA N E
Commerce Automatic Gas 903-886-3045
PLUMBERS
Ashley Plumbing 903-886-2355
New Covenant Plumbing/Heat/A/C 903-886-8882
Powers Plumbing
903-886-3300
R A D I O S TAT I O N S
E TX Broadcasting, Inc. (95.9)
903-885-1546
Hunt County Radio
903-455-1400
KETR 88.9 903-886-5848
Thunder Country 107.1 903-885-7639
RAILROADS
Blacklands Railroad
903-438-1324
R E A L E S TAT E
Century 21 First Group
903-886-1200
Freedom Realty
903-348-5826
Chapin Real Estate
903-886-6373
RESALE SHOP
Goodwill Industries of NE TX 903-886-3600
My Sister’s Closet (WIN)
903-886-1224
The Bargain Box
903-886-8306
R E S TA U R A N T S | C L U B S
Braum’s
903-886-6149
Chicken Express
903-886-7777
Dickey’s BBQ
903-886-8808
Domino’s Pizza
903-886-2116
Dos Laredos
903-886-1234
Good Donuts
903-886-1011
Lone Star Eatery, Grill and Bar
903-886-2121
Los Mochis Mexican
903-886-8200
Luigi’s Italian Cafe
903-886-2000
Lulu’s Burgers
903-886-3888
McDonalds # 10645
903-886-7771
McKay’s Country Kitchen & BBQ
903-886-6080
Panda Chinese 903-886-4008
Plain & Fancy Sandwich Shoppe
903-246-3048
Pizza Hut 903-886-9600
Pride Coffee & Italian Café
903-886-0753
Sonic Drive-In
903-886-7166
R E TA I L
Wal-Mart 903-886-3108
ROOFING
NovaTech Construction
903-335-6034
RBS Roofing
903-440-4148
Under Construction
903-468-2683
SAND
Com m er ce Sand
903-886-6457
SELF- STO RAG E FACILITIES
All-American Self Storage
903-886-7575
J & R Hill Self Storage
903-886-3133
The Guard House Self-Storage
903-886-6040
SIG NS/ BANNERS
B&D Signs of Texas
903-513-9463
Latson’s Print Services 903-886-2710
Personalized Printing
903-886-7173
SEPTIC SYSTEM
Quality Concrete Products
903-886-3055
STO RM SH ELTER
Quality Concrete Products
903-886-3055
S T U D E N T & C O R P O R AT E L O D G I N G
Lion’s Den
903-246-3174
TA N N I N G S A L O N S
Healthy Glow Tanning Salon
903-886-0100
T I T L E C O M PA N Y
North Texas Title of Hunt County
903-454-3364
T O B A C C O / VA P E S T A T I O N S
Chaney’s Tobacco Station
903-886-8080
T R A N S P O R TAT I O N / T R U C K I N G
BL II Logistics L.L.C .
903-886-2900
TRASH HAULING-COMMERCIAL
City Sanitation
903-886-2314
TREE SERVICE
Shaffer Tree Service 903-582-9160
T R O P H I E S / AWA R D S
Greenville Trophies & Awards
903-455-5441
VETERINARIANS
Bright Star Equine
903-886-0104
Commerce Vet Clinic
903-886-7941
Hunt County Animal Hospital
903-886-3911
V I N TA G E S T O R E S
Fine Finds 940-231-1362
WEBSITE DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT
Luminous Productions 903-851-3183
WEDDINGS
The Billboard House 903-513-9234
Sand Hills Country Club 903-886-4455
Sodexo 903-468-4890
WRECKER SERVICES
Benson Bros.
903-886-2765
WINERY/DISTILLERY
Landon Winery
903-454-7878