A PUBLICATION OF THE COMMERCE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

BLKRT U.S. POSTAGEPAID

PERMIT NO. 102Commerce, Texas 75428

August 2015

Successful Independence Day CelebrationOn 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!

PhotosCourtesy of:Caleb Slinkard

Left:Face painting

Right:Riding the Bash

Bug

Left:Birthright Blues Project

Right:Alliance Bank providing and

cooking concessions

Page 2 August 2015

Executive BoardLisa Martinez PresidentVelvete Womack Vice PresidentJulie Gentle Past PresidentJeannie Creed SecretaryScott Ward Treasurer

Elected Board MembersSarj AghaRobin AlexanderJeannie CreedJoe FeducciaShelly GerardTony Henry

Gary RuschJoe ShipmanBrent TurnerScott WardAlicia WittkopfVelvete Womack

Executive Director Paul VossOffice Administrator Sheryl Millar1114 Main Street, P.O.Box 290Commerce, TX 75429903.886.3950f 903.886.8012commerce-chamber.cominfo@commerce-chamber.com

To place an ad in the CONNECTION feel free to contact us.

C H A M B E R President ’s Letter C H A M B E R Board of Directors

Student . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 25Individual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 57 .50Clubs and Churches . . . . . . . . . $ 57 .50Business Membership . . . . . . .$172 .50(1-10 full-time employees)Business Membership . . . . . . . . . $230(over 10 full-time employees)

Hotels, Motels & Apartments . . . $230Banks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$287 .50Manufacturers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $575Utility Companies . . . . . . . . . . . . $5752nd Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1/2 priceEnhanced Online . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 50 Directory Listing

Display Ad (Horz . 5” w x 3” h or Vert . 3 .25” w x 4 .625” h) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 30Event Showcase (5” w x 6” h) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 50Back Cover Ad (10 .25” w x 10 .75” h) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $300

Do you want to run an ad in the Connection?

Chamber Membership Levels

Advertising in the Connection is a great way to increase your businesses visibility beyond the Connection or Chamber website Directories

Call 903.886.3950 to join the Chamber today!

Permanent Board MembersMarc ClaytonDavid CollierBlake Cooper

Bonnie HunterDr. Dan Jones

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.

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

The purpose of the Chamber of Commerce shall be to promote the common busi-ness interests of merchants and citizens living and working in the City of Com-merce, 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 com-munity improvement. The Chamber shall stand for local harmony, cooperation, and progress and shall be non-partisan, non-sectarian and non-sectional in its activities.

Commerce Chamber ofCommerce Mission Statement

August 2015 Page 3

Tubby Adkisson Mobile Mammography Coach at the Hunt Regional Emergency Medical Center. . . . . . August 5Be Prepared: Emergency Preparedness & Trauma Prevention in the Community Room T HR Emergency Medical Center at Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . August 5Reception honoring CISD Superintendent Blake Cooper at Central Administration Building, 3315 Washington St., Commerce 11:30 to 1 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . August 17Thalian Culture Club Foundation Annual Auction-Sand Hills Country Club - Commerce Silent Auction at 6:00 pm Live Auction at 7:00 pm Saturday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . August 22Bras for the Cause Kick-off Party at 6:30 p.m. at Landon’s Winery in Greenville . . . . . . . . . . . . .August 27Tubby Adkisson Mobile Mammography Coach at the Hunt Regional Emergency Medical Center. . . September 2IV Therapy for Chronic Conditions in the Community Room T HR Emergency Medical Center at Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . September 2Miss Bois d’Arc Pageant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . September 19Bois d’Arc Bash Golf Tournament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . September 25Commerce Leadership Institute BBQ Fundraiser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . September 2530th Annual Bois d’Arc Bash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . September 25 – 26Kiwanis Club Pancake Breakfast at the Bash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . September 26Tubby Adkisson Mobile Mammography Coach at the Hunt Regional Emergency Medical Center. . . . . October 7Let’s Get Ready To Rumble...With FLU in the Community Room T HR Emergency Medical Center at Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . October 7Bras for the Cause Event in downtown Greenville at 6 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . October 8Bois d’Arc Halloween on the Square . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .October 31Tubby Adkisson Mobile Mammography Coach at the Hunt Regional Emergency Medical Center. . . November 4Diabetic Care & Healthy Eating in the Community Room T HR Emergency Medical Center at Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .November 4A&M-Commerce Lions Showcase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . November 21Small 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 1Tubby Adkisson Mobile Mammography Coach at the Hunt Regional Emergency Medical Center. . . . December 2Fire Safety in the Community Room T HR Emergency Medical Center at Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .December 2Bois d’Arc Christmas Parade & Celebration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 5Free 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 info@commerce-chamber.com

C H A M B E R Calendar of Upcoming Events

RECYCLE DAY IN COMMERCE

The First Saturday of Every Month

Clip and Save This Schedule

• 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 theCity Wastewater Treatment Plant

4000 FM 3218Commerce, TX 75428

903.886.6792

Wednesdays from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Closed 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. for lunch.)

Hunt County Tax Office Commerce Sub-Station Hoursat the Chamber of Commerce

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 rwineinger@hctax.info

Page 4 August 2015

C H A M B E R Our Community

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 faith-based 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.

RAHAB’S RETREAT & RANCHwww.rahabsretreatandranch.com

www.teresarichenberger.com

Spring 2015 graduate accepted to the Kentucky Equine Management Internship

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.

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.

By Sydni Sopha

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.

CISD STUDENT REGISTRATION

August 2015 Page 5

Celebrating 125 yearsJoin us for the 125th Anniversary Reveal Thursday, April 24, 2014

3PM-6PM | A&M-Commerce Amphitheater

Celebrating 125 yearsCelebrating 125 yearsOak Meadows Town Homes150 Maple StreetCommerce, TX 75428903.886.1555M-F 8a.m.-5p.m.Susan Oliver, Manager

Get HappyMake Us Your

Home

www.tamuc.edu

University libraries awarded $10k grant by American Library Association and National Endowment for the Humanities

Texas A&M University-Commerce will host a lecture series during the 2015-2016 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 nationally-recognized 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.

C H A M B E R Our Community

Page 6 August 2015

C H A M B E R Our Community

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August 2015 Page 7

C H A M B E R Our Community

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University choir to perform at American Choral Directors Association Southwest Conference

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.

By Sydni Sopha

CONWAY COMPANY CPAs, PC

ACCOUNTANTS AND ADVISORSwww .conwaycpas .com

Office 903-886-2123Facsimile 903-886-6580

1021 Park StreetCommerce, TX 75428

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.

CHAOS/Boys & Girls Club

Page 8 August 2015

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.

Dr. Jennifer Schroeder, department head for the Department of Psychology, Counseling and Special Education said, “I’m excited about

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.

A&M-Commerce at Rockwall adds new degreeBy Sydni Sopha

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.

Local National Honor Society Students Help Clean Up GraffitiBy Paul Voss

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

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 Si-mael, Ali Matlock

Back Row: Coach Bryan Vaughn, Lori Pattillo, Madi Williams , Sammy Jo Wal-lace, Coach Lance Sharp, Alyssa Redd

Not pictured: Chloe Horn

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-but-studious 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.”

Commerce High School Student Accepts Invitation from Buzz AldrinBy Jerrod Knight

August 2015 Page 11

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Save The Date2015 North Texas Giving Day

Is September 17!

Give $25 or more to

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!

United Way of Hunt County

Page 12 August 2015August 2015 Page 1

Star Level SponsorsAdvantage Copy Systems • Affordable Furniture

Alumni Relations - Texas A&M-CommerceB & A Concrete

B6UP Pawn & GunBest Western Monica Royale - Greenville

Bright Star EquineChicken Express • City Sanitation

Commerce Automatic GasCommerce Lions Club • Commerce Vet Clinic

Conway Company CPAs PCCountry Cleaners & Electronics

Dan & Jalinna Jones • Dos Laredos Tex-MexDuncan Insurance • Dyer Insurance

Edgar J. (Jay) GarrettFire & Ice Massage by Velvete

Fix & Feed Commerce HardwareFlying L Fastmart • Hayter Engineering

Holiday Inn Express-GreenvilleHoover’s Automotive • Jeff’s Carpet Cleaning

Keith & Nancy McFarland • Lonestar Eatery Longbranch Dental Center

Los Mochi’s Restaurant • LuLu’s BurgersMagnuson Hotel

Mane Salon & Spa • McKay’s Country Kitchen Mohawk Industries • Oak Meadows Townhomes

Oncor • Pizza Hut • Pride Coffee & Italian CaféSonic • State Farm/Dixie TurmanState Representative Dan Flynn

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Ben E Keith Ad.pdf 1 6/5/2013 8:54:30 PM

Red Level Sponsors

White Level Sponsors

Blue Level Sponsors

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Aaron RanchAtmos Energy

Bradford Place Apts.Briarcliff Health Center

Brookshire’sChurchill at Commerce

Colonial LodgeCommerce EDC

Commerce Housing AuthorityCommerce ISD

Cypress Bank • Freedom RealtyGreenville Trophies & Awards

Guaranty Bank & TrustHunt County Farm Supply

Inwood BankLive Oak Professional Center

Personalized PrintingTriple D Properties

Cross Trails Cowboy Church

Thanks Again To All Of Our 4th of July Celebration Sponsors

August 2015 Page 13

C H A M B E R Our Community

I N W O O D

1312 Washington Street - Commerce, Texas 75428903 / 886-2126 - Fax 903 / 886-4552

Metro 972 / 226-0969www.inwoodbank.com

Member FDIC

NATIONAL BANK

Betty BrownResidential Services Coordinator

Commerce Housing Authority500 Tarter

Commerce, Texas 75428903-886-2946

www.commercehousing-tx.com2203 Culver Street Commerce, TX 75428l 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

New! “French Dip” roast beef & cheddar only at L

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Texas A&M University-CommerceCHILDREN’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 August 2015

A C C O U N T I N G – C P A ’ sConway Company CPAs, PC 903-886-2123Deborah Harris CPA, PC 903-886-8727Kenneth Foust CPA,PC 903-886-3106A D V E R T I S I N G | S P E C I A L I T I E SB&D Signs of Texas 903-513-9463Giggles & Grins 903-450-4746Hoss Outdoor Adv. | Billboards I-30 972-212-9315A I R C O N D I T I O N I N G | H E A T I N GKen Parker Service, Inc 903-886-6990New Covenant Plumbing/Heat/A/C 903-886-8882Progressive Air and Heat 903-366-8197A M U S E M E N T | E N T E R T A I N M E N TNE TX Children’s Museum 903-886-6055Planetarium 903-468-8652A N I M A L W E L F A R ECommerce Humane Assn 903-496-2412A N T I Q U E S S T O R EFine Finds 940-231-1362A P A R T M E N T S | P R O P E R T Y M G M TAmerican Eagle Properties 903-886-4430Bradford Place Apts. 903-886-8855Charlinda Villages 903-886-8807Churchill at Commerce Apts. (Culver) 903-886-4444Gant Apartments 903-886-6863Landmark Properties 903-886-7038Maple Place Apartments 903-886-4050 Oak Meadows Townhomes 903-886-1555Sparks Enterprises 817-460-3347Triple D Properties 903-366-1883Valentine Properties 903-886-8881Village Creek Apartments 903-246-3120A R T / G A L L E R I E S / S T U D I OCommerce Office of Cultural Affairs 903-217-8050Downtown Art Party 903-454-8230A S S I S T E D L I V I N G / R E T I R E M E N TColonial Lodge Retirement Inn 903-454-6636Country Homes Estates 903-886-7754A T T O R N E Y SCurtis, Alexander/McCampbell & Morris 903-455-8113Edgar J. Garrett 903-886-3146A U T O M O B I L E D E A L E R SCommerce Auto Group 903-886-4014Commerce Chevrolet/Buick 903-886-2188A U T O M O B I L E S E R V I C E S / P A R T SD & E Auto Supply 903-886-8040Hoover’s Automotive 903-886-7781J J’s Quick Lube 903-886-8775O’Reilly Auto Parts 903-886-1755BAKERIESBraum’s 903-886-6242Brookshire’s 903-886-3252Good Donuts 903-886-1011Sweeties Donut Shoppe 903-886-6111B A N K S / C R E D I T U N I O N SAlliance Bank 903-886-3244Cypress Bank 903-886-7425Dixie Turman/State Farm Bank 903-886-7774Guaranty Bank & Trust 903-886-2274Heritage Land Bank 903-455-2835Inwood National Bank 903-886-2126B O O K S T O R E SEast Texas Book Store 903-886-3248B U S I N E S S D E V E L O P M E N T / T R A I N I N GCenter for Applied Leadership 903-461-1823Commerce EDC 903-886-1121C A R P E T C L E A N I N G & R E S T O R A T I O N Jeff’s Carpet Cleaning & Restoration 903-885-1320

C A T E R I N G / M E E T I N G F A C I L I T I E SPeninsula Ranch & Lodge 903-461-9924Sand Hills Country Club 903-886-4455Sodexo 903-468-7586The Billboard House 903-513-9234CELL PHONES AND SERVICEACN-Independent Rep. 903-335-6034C H E C K C A S H I N G / L O A N SChaney’s Check Cashing Express 903-886-8080C H I L D D E V E L O P M E N TA&M-Commerce Children’s Learning Ctr 903-886-5769Jane Jane’s Day Care 903-886-8605C H I R O P R A C T O R SJensen Chiropractic 903-886-4333C H U R C H E SBread of Life Church of Nazarene 903-886-1515First Assembly of God Commerce 903-886-0303Commerce Church of Christ 903-886-6136 Commerce Community Church 903-513-2699Cross Trails Cowboy Church 903-886-9114 Disciples of Faith Bible Fellowship 903-886-3644First Baptist Church 903-886-3189First Christian Church 903-886-2542First Presbyterian Church 903-886-3783First United Methodist Church 903-886-3220Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship 903-886-8585Ridgecrest Baptist Church 903-886-6034St. Joseph Catholic Church 903-886-7135C L E A N E R SCountry Cleaners 903-886-1609C L O T H I N G / G I F T SThe Bargain Box 903-886-8306My Sister’s Closet 903-886-1224Sister Babyz 903-886-3020West Girls in TX 903-422-2900C O M P U T E R S E R V I C E S / F O R E N S I C SWolf Security Analysts 903-366-6721C O P I E R SAdvantage Copy Systems 903-885-3375C O N C R E T EB & A Concrete 903-886-6845Brummett Concrete 903-461-2200D. L. Lennon, Inc. 903-886-3174Rafter P Construction 903-454-8332C O N V E N I E N C E S T O R E SFlying L Fast Mart 903-886-8091Mr. Minit Food Mart 903-886-3415C O S M E T I C S / S K I N C A R E :Rosalyn Rose – Mary Kay 972-369-3930 C O U N S E L I N GLakes Regional MHMR 903-455-5770C O U N T R Y C L U B SSand Hills Golf/Country Club 903-886-4455D E N T I S T SCommerce Family Dental 903-886-3081Longbranch Dental 903-455-4161Mary/Marc McDaniel, DDS 903-886-6945D I S T R I B U T O R SBen E. Keith Company 903-886-2158Coca-Cola Bottling Co. 214-388-6052Dr. Pepper 214-402-2248E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N TCommerce Economic Dev. Corporation 903-886-1121E D U C A T I O NTexas A&M University.-Commerce 903-886-5081Commerce ISD 903-886-3755Paris Junior College 903-782-0330

E M B R O I D E R Y / P R N T G / P R O M O P R O D U C T SAdventures In Printing 972-547-4304B&D Signs of Texas 903-513-9463Greenville Trophies & Awards 903-455-5441Personalized Printing 903-886-7173E M E R G E N C Y M E D I C A L E VA C U A T I O N SAir-Evac Lifestream 903-886-1551E N E R G Y P R O V I D E R SACN-Independent Rep 903-335-6034Atmos Energy 800-460-3030Eagle Energy 903-422-2960FEC Electric 903-455-1715Oncor Electric Delivery 888-313-6862E N G I N E E R SHayter Engineering, Inc. 903-785-0303EQUIPMENT RENTALSLuckett Crane Service LTD 903-886-3407FARM/RANCHAaron Ranch 903-886-8836F A R M S U P P L I E S / F E E DFix & Feed Commerce Hardware 903-886-7917Hunt County Farm Supply 903-862-2273Price Liquid Feed 903-513-4006Twin Oaks Farm 903-886-5358F I N A N C I A L S E R V I C E SActive Wealth Management 903-455-6956AIS Financial Services 903-886-8050Edward Jones & Company 903-886-3333Dixie Turman/State Farm Bank 903-886-7774F L O R I S T SApril Showers 903-886-3104F O O D - S T O R E S / M A R K E T S / T R U C K SBrookshires 903-886-3252Kathy’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream 469-223-4774Kona Ice Rocks 469-500-6500Twin Oaks Farms 903-886-5358F U N D R A I S E R SKona Ice Rocks 469-500-6500F U R N I T U R EAffordable Furniture & Etc. 903-886-6096The Funky Attic 903-886-0100G O V E R N M E N TCity of Commerce 903-886-1100State Representative Dan Flynn 903-455-0971H A I R / B E A U T Y / N A I L S A L O NAracely’s Hair Salon 903-366-9256Hair on the Square by Kristie 903-886-0191The Mane Salon & Spa 903-886-0717T&M Commerce Nails 214-692-1241H A R D WA R EFix & Feed Commerce Hardware 903-886-7917 H O M E B U I L D E R SRafter P Construction 903-454-8332Crescent Estates Custom Homes 214-957-8549H O M E H E A LT H1st Choice 903-886-2666Home Health Associates 903-886-0612Visiting Angels 903-784-3902H O M E I N S P E C T I O NJK’s Professional Inspections 903-886-3069H O M E R E P A I R / M A I N T E N A N C E /R E M O D E L I N GAmerican Eagle Home Maint/Remodeling 903-886-4430Mas-Con Builders 903-246-1565Under Construction 903-468-2683HOSPICEGentiva Hospice 903-454-1107

COMMERCE Business Directory

August 2015 Page 15

COMMERCE Business DirectoryHOSPITALSHunt Reg. Emergency Medical Ctr at Commerce 903-886-3161Hunt Regional Medical Center-Greenville 903-408-5000 H O T E L / M O T E L S / B & B ’ sBois d’Arc Bed & Breakfast, 903-886-7705Helm Hotels Group 903-450-5780Holiday Inn Express, Sulphur Springs 903-885-6851Magnuson Hotel Commerce 903-886-4777H O U S I N GCommerce Housing Authority 903-886-2946H U N T I N G10-2-4 Ranch 254-485-3080I N S U R A N C ECornerstone Senior Services 903-456-3514Diversified Insurance 903-886-6943Duncan Insurance 903-886-2183Dyer Insurance 903-886-2131Farm Bureau Insurance 903-455-6782State Farm Insurance 903-886-7774I N T E R N E T / C O M M U N I C A T I O N SACN-Independent Rep 903-335-6034CenturyLink 800-788-3500JEWELRY & REPAIRDrake Jewelers 903-454-1671L I B R A R I E SCommerce Public Library 903-886-6858M A N U F A C T U R E D H O U S I N GHenly Land & Homes, Inc. 903-886-0112MANUFACTURINGHydro Aluminum Metal Products 903-468-5012Zurn/Pex Hydronics 903-886-2580MASSAGE/NUTRITIONFire & Ice Massage by Velvete 903-886-0304METAL BUILDINGS Rafter P Construction 903-454-8332MEDICAL SERVICESDr. David Liao Orthopedics 903-454-9900Hulsey Therapy Services 903-886-7669Live Oak Professional Ctr. 903-886-8818Raffa Clinic 877-707-2332Air-Evac Lifeteam 903-390-7022MENTAL HEALTHLakes Regional MHMR 903 455-5770M U S I C P R O D U C T I O N S T U D I OBrad Davis Audio Production 903-886-6027NEWSPAPERSThe Commerce Journal 903-455-4220The Commerce Connection 903-886-3950NURSING HOMES/LONG TERM CAREBriarcliff Health Center 903-455-8729Oak Manor Nursing Home 903-886-2510OFFICE EQUIPMENTAdvantage Copy Systems 903-885-3375OFFICE SUPPLIES/PRINTINGLatson’s Office Solutions 903-885-1553Latson’s Print Services 903-886-2710Personalized Printing 903-886-7173OPTICAL CENTERSTexas Optical Center 903-455-0294ORGANIZATIONSA&M-Commerce Alumni Chapter 903-886-6175A&M-Commerce Athletics 903-468-3033Aglaia Club 903-886-1968American Legion Post No. 1 903-886-8479Boys & Girls Club of NE Texas 903-455-9233Celebrate The Children, Inc. 903-886-8365Commerce Classroom Teachers Assn. 903-886-3758Commerce Humane Society 903-496-2412Commerce Office of Cultural Affairs 903-217-8050Commerce Parks Foundation 903-886-7697

Coterie Culture ClubIOOF Lodge Commerce 903-348-9874Kiwanis Club 903-886-4733Ladonia Chamber of Commerce 972-757-8920Lions Club 903-886-4034Louise Drake Garden Club 903-886-6263Masonic Lodge 903-886-3549N. Hunt Co. Retired Teachers Assn. 903-886-7695North Hunt SUD 903-886-3458Pi Sigma Alpha 903-886-5317Psychology Club 903-886-6078Republic of Texas Parrot Head Club 903-366-2737Rotary Club 903-886-7047Silver Leos Writing Club 903-468-7391Thalian Culture Club 903-886-6209United Way of Hunt County 903-455-7414Woman’s Culture Club 903-886-2624PAWN SHOPSB6UP Pawn and Gun 903-246-3030United Pawn & Bargain 903-886-7874 P E C A N SCampbell Pecans 903-366-1141P E T S U P P L I E S / G R O O M I N G / B O A R D I N GPet Degrees Mobile Grooming 903-886-8469P H A R M A C I E SCVS Pharmacy 903-886-0718Total Care Pharmacy 903-886-8888 P H O T O G R A P H YLuminous Productions 903-851-3183P R I N T E R S , P U B L I S H E R S & G R A P H I C SB & D Signs of Texas 903-513-9463Latson’s Print Services 903-886-2710Personalized Printing 903-886-7173P R O P A N ECommerce Automatic Gas 903-886-3045P L U M B E R SAshley Plumbing 903-886-2355New Covenant Plumbing/Heat/A/C 903-886-8882Powers Plumbing 903-886-3300R A D I O S T A T I O N SE TX Broadcasting, Inc. (95.9) 903-885-1546Hunt County Radio 903-455-1400KETR 88.9 903-886-5848Thunder Country 107.1 903-885-7639R A I L R O A D SBlacklands Railroad 903-438-1324R E A L E S T A T ECentury 21 First Group 903-886-1200Freedom Realty 903-348-5826Chapin Real Estate 903-886-6373 R E S A L E S H O P Goodwill Industries of NE TX 903-886-3600My Sister’s Closet (WIN) 903-886-1224The Bargain Box 903-886-8306R E S T A U R A N T S | C L U B SBraum’s 903-886-6149Chicken Express 903-886-7777Dickey’s BBQ 903-886-8808Domino’s Pizza 903-886-2116Dos Laredos 903-886-1234Good Donuts 903-886-1011Lone Star Eatery, Grill and Bar 903-886-2121Los Mochis Mexican 903-886-8200Luigi’s Italian Cafe 903-886-2000Lulu’s Burgers 903-886-3888McDonalds # 10645 903-886-7771McKay’s Country Kitchen & BBQ 903-886-6080Panda Chinese 903-886-4008Plain & Fancy Sandwich Shoppe 903-246-3048Pizza Hut 903-886-9600

Pride Coffee & Italian Café 903-886-0753Sonic Drive-In 903-886-7166R E T A I LWal-Mart 903-886-3108R O O F I N GNovaTech Construction 903-335-6034RBS Roofing 903-440-4148Under Construction 903-468-2683SANDCommerce Sand 903-886-6457SELF-STORAGE FACILITIESAll-American Self Storage 903-886-7575J & R Hill Self Storage 903-886-3133The Guard House Self-Storage 903-886-6040SIGNS/BANNERSB&D Signs of Texas 903-513-9463Latson’s Print Services 903-886-2710Personalized Printing 903-886-7173 SEPTIC SYSTEMQuality Concrete Products 903-886-3055STORM SHELTERQuality Concrete Products 903-886-3055S T U D E N T & C O R P O R A T E L O D G I N GLion’s Den 903-246-3174T A N N I N G S A L O N SHealthy Glow Tanning Salon 903-886-0100T I T L E C O M P A N YNorth Texas Title of Hunt County 903-454-3364T O B A C C O / VA P E S T A T I O N SChaney’s Tobacco Station 903-886-8080T R A N S P O R T A T I O N / T R U C K I N GBL II Logistics L.L.C . 903-886-2900T R A S H H A U L I N G - C O M M E R C I A LCity Sanitation 903-886-2314T R E E S E R V I C EShaffer Tree Service 903-582-9160T R O P H I E S / AWA R D SGreenville Trophies & Awards 903-455-5441V E T E R I N A R I A N SBright Star Equine 903-886-0104Commerce Vet Clinic 903-886-7941Hunt County Animal Hospital 903-886-3911V I N T A G E S T O R E SFine Finds 940-231-1362 W E B S I T E D E S I G N & D E V E L O P M E N TLuminous Productions 903-851-3183W E D D I N G SThe Billboard House 903-513-9234Sand Hills Country Club 903-886-4455Sodexo 903-468-4890W R E C K E R S E R V I C E SBenson Bros. 903-886-2765W I N E R Y / D I S T I L L E R YLandon Winery 903-454-7878

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