JACKSONVILLE — Get your non-profit organization’s fundraisers and other events in the Daily Progress’s What’s News calendar free of charge by e-mailing event information to living@jacksonvilleprogress.com. The newspaper reserves the right to edit any submission for space and content.



THIS MONTH

AgriLife extension agent holds free seminars

Cherokee County AgriLife Extension CEA-Family & Consumer Sciences Agent Wendi Green will hold free seminars at 10:30 a.m. each Monday through the remainder of August in the Ross Senior Activity Center, at the Rusk Civic Center, 555 Euclid St., Rusk. Monday, Aug. 16 the seminar, ‘Better Health with Better Choices,’ will help participants get motivated to eat healthier and keep moving. On Monday, Aug. 23, learn to make your own cleaning products at a fraction of the cost during the ‘Clean & Green’ class. And on Monday, Aug. 30, Wendi will take participants ‘Back to Basics’ by teaching money saving techniques and what home remedies really do work. All seminars are free, refreshments will be available. Sign up by calling 903-683-5416.



AUGUST 17

Almond Tree holds can drive

The Almond Tree will hold an aluminum can drive the week of Aug. 17-21. All proceeds will benefit those in need of help. Drop off locations are The Almond Tree Office at 1508 East Rusk (across from Bill McRae Ford), and the Farm Fresh Produce location 417 West Larrisa (next to D.J.’s Barbeque). For more information, call The Almond Tree at 903-284-6202.



AUGUST 19

Meet with the Mayor held

Local residents will have an opportunity to meet one-on-one with Mayor Robert Haberle from 10:00am to noon on Thursday, August 19th during the mayor’s bi-monthly Open Door meeting. The event will be in the Jacksonville City Hall at 301 E. Commerce Street. No appointment necessary. Time with the mayor is on a first-come, first-served basis.



AUGUST 21

Ross Senior Center holds dance

The monthly community dance at the Rusk Civic Center will be held the third Saturday this month - Saturday, Aug. 21. The Lake Siders classic country band returns for an encore performance to the Rusk Civic Center, 555 Euclid St., Rusk. Doors open at 6 p.m., dancing starts at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $5 a person. Participants may bring snacks and other finger foods to share, if they wish. Beverages will be for sale. Proceeds of the dance and beverage sales benefit the Friends of the Singletary Memorial Library and the Ross Senior Activity Center.



AUGUST 26

Cherokee County Democratic Club

The Cherokee County Democratic Club will meet on Thursday, August 26, at Lupe’s Mexican Restaurant, 517 E. Rusk, Jacksonville, TX. The Democratic Women will meet at 6:30 PM and the Democratic Club will meet at 7:00 PM. We will discuss the local and state campaigns. The meeting room will be open at 6:00 PM and you may order from the menu if you wish to have dinner. Please plan on attending. For additional information, please call 903-586-1465.



AUGUST 31

Military support group meets

A military support group meeting will be held August 31, at 6:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Jacksonville. Literature on support will be available anyone interested is welcome. Also, School supplies for E6 and below will be available as supplies last. For more information call Jullianne Sanford at 903-810-0303.



Chamber holds blood drive

The Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce will hold a blood drive 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 31. at the Norman Activity Center, 526 E. Commerce St. Please see the Chamber Web site, www.jacksonvilletexas.com, after Aug. 16 for more information or contact Amber Mayfield at the Chamber Office at 903-586-2217.



SEPTEMBER 11

Maydelle celebrates centennial

The Maydelle Centennial & Iron Horse Celebration will be held in downtown Maydelle on Saturday, September 11, 2010, from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m..  There will be arts and craft and food vendors, historical displays, kids games, etc.  The Texas State Railroad will be having a special train ride from Rusk to Maydelle, along with the grand opening of the Maydelle Maze.  T-shirts are on sell for $15 for S-XL and $16 for 2X-4X, cookbooks are still available for $12, and both can be purchased at the Old Cherokee Trading Post in Maydelle.  Raffle tickets for a camping/deer processing package are available from several local girls who are running for the title of Miss Maydelle, for $1 apiece, that will be drawn for the evening of 9/11.  Still taking applications for arts & crafts vendors, for more information, go to www.maydellefiredept.com  or call 903-795-3470.



Class of 1975 reunites

The JHS Class of 1975 will have its 35th year reunion on Saturday, September 11, 2010 at The Legacy from 7 p.m. to midnight.  Cost is $35 per person.  Any person who graduated in the 70s is welcome to attend.  For more information, please contact Dianna Patton Smith at 903-721-3122 or by e-mail dismith@jacksonvillemethodist.org.  We are still looking for addresses of our classmates and any others who graduated in the 70s if you have that information.  



SEPTEMBER 14

JC offers Spanish classes to community

Beginning Spanish Conversation I  will be offered as a continuing education course at Jacksonville College from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday evenings, Sept. 14 through Oct. 12. The course is designed for individuals who have had little or no previous Spanish instruction and who are interested in learning basic Spanish conversation skills for business and/or for personal interests. The total cost of the course is $95 (textbook included). Students must register and pay for the course by 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 7.  The class is limited to the first 25 individuals who register.  For more information, contact Dr. David Heflin, at (903) 586-2518 or dheflin@jacksonville-college.edu.  See college homepage of website for application at www.jacksonville-college.edu.



OCTOBER 1

John Tyler Class of 1970 holds reunion

The John Tyler Class of 1970 will hold its 40th class reunion October 1-2 at the Holiday Inn on South Broadway in Tyler. We are still looking for classmates. They may go to www.johntyler1970.com  or call Cindy Connally Grimes at 903-881-8851 for more information and to register.



OCTOBER 19

JC offers Spanish classes to community

Beginning Spanish Conversation II will be offered as a continuing education course at Jacksonville College from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday evenings, Oct. 19 through Nov. 16. The course is designed for individuals who want to continue to develop the communication skills they learned in Beginning Spanish Conversation I, or for those who already have an elementary background in Spanish. The textbook used in Spanish Conversation I will also be used for this course.  The cost of the course is $75. Students who did not take the first course will also have to pay for the textbook ($15) when they register. Students must register and pay for the course by 4:45 p.m. Oct. 12. For more information, contact Dr. David Heflin, at (903) 586-2518 or dheflin@jacksonville-college.edu.



ONGOING

MONDAYS

Mah Jongg lessons offered

The J’ville Mah Jongg Club plays every Monday at 11:00 am at St. John’s Methodist Church - Fellowship Hall (round back). We would love to teach you. Please come by or Call Judith at 903-571-9050.



Cherokee County Genealogical Society meets

The Cherokee County Genealogical Society meets at 7 p.m. the second Monday of each month, September through May, at Bonner Place. Anyone interested in genealogy is invited to attend.



Master Gardeners meet

Cherokee County Master Gardeners Association meets at 10 a.m. the second Monday of each month at the Norman Activity Center. For information regarding the Master Gardeners, e-mail billingsk704@yahoo.com.



Exercise classes offered at Ross Senior Center

The Ross Senior Activity Center is now offering free low-impact cardio aerobics sessions at 9 a.m. every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday of the week at the Rusk Civic Center, 555 Euclid St., Rusk. The classes feature the video Richard Simmons and the Silver Foxes, starring the parents of well-known actors including Silvester Stallone, Dustin Hoffman and Farrah Fawcett. Anyone interested is welcome to participate. The Activity Center also holds free yoga sessions at 9 a.m. every Wednesday at the Civic Center.



New Summerfield Lions meet

The New Summerfield Lions regularly meet on the first and third Monday of every month at the First United Methodist Church in New Summerfield. For additional information, contact 903-586-3228.



Al-Anon meets

Jacksonville Al-Anon family group meets at 6:30 p.m. every Monday at First United Methodist Church, on Loop 456 and Corinth Road, in Jacksonville. Use the Adult Sunday school door.



TUESDAYS

St. John’s UMC seniors hold fellowship time

The St. John’s United Methodist Church seniors hold a fellowship group at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays. Games, dominos, etc., and a light meal are included in the activities. All are welcome to come for the free, fun and fellowship at Terrific Tuesday.



Rusk Kiwanis meets

Rusk Kiwanis Club meets at noon every Tuesday at the Southern Cherokee Federal Credit Union, 602 N. Henderson St., in Rusk. For details, call Kelley Garner 903-683-2414.



WEDNESDAYS

Jacksonville Rotary meets

The Jacksonville Rotary Club meets at noon every Wednesday at Sadler’s Kitchen. For more information regarding the Rotary Club, contact Tim McRae, president, at 903-586-2241 or e-mail, william.mcrae@billmcraeford.com.



Good Sam Resale Shop hours

The Good Samaritan Food Bank and Resale Shop is open 9-11:30 a.m. Wednesdays and Fridays to serve clients. The facility is at 203 W. Second St., Rusk. Families and senior citizens who need assistance with food and other necessities are welcome. For more information or to make donations, please call 903-683-2376.



Rusk Rotary meets

The Rusk Rotary meets at noon every Wednesday at the Southern Cherokee Federal Credit Union, 602 N. Henderson St., in Rusk. For more information, call Roy Reynolds at 903-683-1947.



THURSDAYS

Jacksonville Kiwanis Club meets

The Kiwanis Club of Jacksonville meets at noon every Thursday at Lupe’s Mexican Restaurant located at 517 E Rusk Street in Jacksonville.  Anyone is welcome to attend a meeting.  For more information, call Joan Malone at 903-589-8800.



TOPS meets

The Jacksonville chapter of TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meets every Thursday night at the Senior Center on 300 S. Bolton St. Weigh-in is from 5 to 6 and the meeting is from 6 to 7. Everyone is welcome.



Rusk Lions meet

The Rusk Lions Club meet at noon every Thursday at the Lions Club Hall, 607 W. Sixth St., next door to Dollar General in Rusk. For more information, call Jeff Johnson at 903-683-2204.



Radio Club meets

The Cherokee County Amateur Radio Club holds monthly meetings on the first Thursday of each month at 7 PM in the training room at the Jacksonville Police Department.  All are welcome to attend to learn about the role of amateur radio in public service.  The club also conducts regular test sessions for those seeking an amateur radio license.  The club’s Web site is www.k5jvl.net.  



FRIDAYS

Eagle’s Nest youth center hours

The Eagle’s Nest Christian youth center is open for Jacksonville youth 7-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The center is at the corner of Larissa and Ragsdale streets in Jacksonville. Call operator Larry McGlade, 903-539-1996, for more information or to donate to the center.



Good Sam Resale Shop hours

The Good Samaritan Food Bank and Resale Shop is open 9-11:30 a.m. Wednesdays and Fridays to serve clients. The facility is at 203 W. Second St., Rusk. Families and senior citizens who need assistance with food and other necessities are welcome. For more information or to make donations, please call 903-683-2376.



Literacy Council offers English classes

The Jacksonville Literacy Council is offering English classes at 10 a.m. each Friday at the Literary Council office, 215 E. Commerce St., Suite 215 A in Jacksonville. The class is open to any interested people and will teach basic speaking, reading and writing in English as well as citizenship participation. Please call 903-586-6125 to enroll or for more information. Leave a message if the answering machine answers.



RSH volunteer council opens resale shop

The Resale Shop sponsored by the Volunteer Council for the Rusk State Hospital Inc. is open the first and second Friday of each month from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. The Resale Shop is located at 545 Castner St. in Rusk, just off U.S. Hwy 69 N (turn west on Castner just north of the Sonic). All proceeds go to support the patients and programs at Rusk State Hospital. For more information call 903-683-7327.



SATURDAYS

SCV meets

Attention Southern history lovers. Gen. Joseph L. Hogg Camp, Sons of Confederate Veterans, meets the second Saturday every month in the Bullard-Jacksonville area. Call J. D. Campbell, 903-894-6727, for details.



Heritage Center open weekends

The Heritage Center of Cherokee County Museum is open to visitors 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Saturday and 1-5 p.m. every Sunday. The center is at 208 S. Henderson St., just off the square in Rusk. For more information, call 903-683-5643 or log on to www.hccc-museum.org.



WEEKLY

Rusk senior center open

The Ross Senior Activity Center offers games of dominoes, 42, Chickenfoot and other games from 9 a.m. to noon every Monday and Wednesday. Scrapbooking classes and other paper crafts will be held from 10 a.m. to noon every Thursday. All area scrapbookers are welcome. Refreshments will be served. The Center will begin yoga sessions, from 9 to 10 a.m. every Wednesday  All senior citizens are welcome. The Activity Center is located in the Rusk Civic Center, 555 Euclid St., Rusk. Admission is free. Refreshments are available.



Clothes Closet needs school uniforms

The Clothes Closet in Jacksonville is in desperate need of new or used school uniforms which are given out free of charge to families in need. Mickey Gear, director urges community members to go through and bring any uniform pieces they may have to the clothes closet by July 7. The clothes closet, located at 314. S. Main St. is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  For more information contact the clothes closet at 903-586-0204.



HOPE offers transportation schedule

The HOPE van offers rides to anywhere in the Jacksonville city limits during regular business hours Monday through Thursday. Anyone needing a ride can call 903-586-7781 or 903-393-1921 to make an appointment or to be picked up.



Community Kitchen for HOPE open

The Community Kitchen for HOPE serves breakfast and lunch, free of charge, Monday through Friday to anyone who shows up. Breakfast is served 8:30-9:30 a.m. Lunch is served 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The kitchen is at 595 S. Ragsdale St., Jacksonville.



Rusk offers public transportation

The city of Rusk’s bus service operates within the city limits Monday through Friday. Boarding fee is $1 and entitles the rider to two stops. Additional stops cost 50 cents. There is no charge for the return trip home. Rusk senior citizens and disabled can call 903-683-2213 for pickup or for more details.



Alcoholics Anonymous offers Jacksonville Recovery Group

Alcoholics Anonymous conducts meetings every week at 316 West Larissa St. The meetings take place Monday through Saturday at noon, and Nov. 2 through Sunday at 8 p.m.



CONTINUAL

Almond Tree offers home rehabilitation program

The Almond Tree Community Resource and Training Center will be repairing and rehabilitating homes occupied by very low income and low income rural families. The Almond Tree will be serving Jacksonville, Alto, Rusk, New Summerfield, Henderson, Overton, New London, Mount Enterprise and Tatum. If you are a home owner interested in this program please call The Almond Tree at 903-284-6202



Kids First now enrolling

Kids First Weekday Education at First Baptist Church is now enrolling for the 2010 - 2011 school year. Kids First is a five day a week preschool and Kindergarten utilizing the A Beka curriculum. For more information, please contact Dr. Anita Johnson at 903-586-4844 or 903-258-2937.



American Legion gets P.O. Box for new members

The American Legion, Post No. 868, has a new post office box for new members. Please send correspondence to P.O. Box No. 2333, Jacksonville, TX 75766.



Post 9/11 GI Bill offered

The VA is accepting applications for the Post 9/11 GI Bill now. Individuals with active duty service since Sept. 11, 2001, may be eligible for this benefit and can apply online at www.GIBILL.VA.gov. The program provides tuition assistance, a housing allowance, a books and supplies stipend, and the option to transfer these benefits to family members under certain circumstances. By law, the new benefit is effective Aug. 1. For more information, visit the GI Bill Web site or call 1–888–GIBILL–1 (1–888–442–4551).



CCT seeks stage help

The Cherokee Civic Theatre is always looking for volunteers. If you have ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes, give the theater a call at 903-683-2131; leave a message and one of the theater’s volunteers will return your call; or log on to www.cherokeetheatre.net.



Cherokee Rangers shooting club

Anyone interested in joining the Cherokee Rangers Old West shooting club can call the club range master at 903-539-8316. Members are anyone who enjoys firing a wide variety of classic firearms from the Old West era at its safe secure firing range in the Rusk area, which offers 10 different target stages. The club is family oriented and stresses firearm education and safety.



Car seat safety classes

Living Alternatives Inc. in Jacksonville holds two Safe Rider car seat safety classes a month. Attending parents can receive a new infant/toddler convertible or booster seat for attending at no cost. Seating is limited so call 903-586-9016 to register for a class. Living Alternatives is at 807 S. Jackson St., Suite 204, Jacksonville.



Adopt-a-Street program offered

The city of Jacksonville-sponsored organization, Keep Jacksonville Beautiful, is asking for citizens’ help in getting rid of the litter along the streets and roads. If you would like to adopt a street or road in the city or in Cherokee County, call the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, 903-586-2217.



Klein cookbooks for sale

Klein cookbooks supporting the Klein Animal Shelter are now available for a minimum donation of $12 and can be purchased at 208 E. Tena St. in Jacksonville. The book provides a plentiful supply of palatable treats approved by both people and pets. Keep your VIP (Very Important Pet or Person) howling for more by serving them recipes prepared from this oh-so-unique-collection of delectable treats.



Experience Works helps job-seekers

If you are over 55 years old, living on a limited income and having difficulty finding a job, Experience Works offers part-time, temporary work while you look for permanent employment. For more information, call 800-880-5292.