Blood donation

Carter Blood Care-Stewart Regional Blood Center, 2110 S. John Redditt Drive, Lufkin, will hold a Texas Independence Day blood Drive from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday, March 1. Those who donate blood or attempt to donate will receive a Texas-themeddd T-shirt and a goody bag. Refreshments will be available all day and a dozen door prizes will be given. Call the center at 936-639-1534 for information or to schedule an appointement. March 2 is the actual Texas Independence Day.

Applications Available

Applications for the 2010 Texas Main Street Program are now available from the Texas Historical Commission (THC). The Main Street effort brings Texas history to life and helps enhance a community's economic and social health through a program focusing on the revitalization of the state's historic downtowns.

The THC's Texas Main Street Program is based on the National Main Street Center's Four-Point approach of organization, design, promotion and economic restructuring, all within the context of historic preservation. Communities selected to participate in the program receive a range of continual services from the Texas Main Street Program, including technical assistance in design, economic development and strategic planning. Communities selected to participate in the program agree to fund and staff the effort at the local level.

"The Texas Main Street Program helps preserve the real places that tell the real stories of Texas," said Debra Farst, state coordinator of the Main Street Program. "Communities that are selected to participate in the program exemplify a dedication and passion for safeguarding their rich cultural heritage."

Applications, which are due July 31, can be downloaded from the THC's website at www.thc.state.tx.us or obtained through the mail by contacting Texas Main Street Program staff at 512.463.6092. Communities with a population of fewer than 50,000 should submit a small city application through their local government. Those with populations greater than 50,000 should submit an urban application through a nonprofit downtown organization. Complete information on the organization type is contained in the applications. Recertification applications for communities which formerly participated in the program are also available on the THC website. Communities are requested to submit a Letter of Intent by May 15, 2009. Successful applicants officially enter the program Jan. 1, 2010.

Since its inception in 1981, the Texas Main Street Program has worked with more than 140 cities across the state. The program has stimulated more than $1.3 billion in private sector downtown reinvestment; helped retain, expand or recruit more than 6,000 businesses, and created more than 23,000 new jobs in Texas. There are currently 89 Main Street communities in Texas.

For more information on the Texas Main Street Program or the application process, contact Debra Farst at 512.463.5758 or debra. farst@thc.state.tx.us.

Spring Carnival

Herty Primary School will hold its third annual Spring Carnival from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, March 12. The school is at 2804 Paul Ave., Lufkin. The event will include a variety of games, face painting, food, a garage sale, and a raffle. Live entertainment will be provided by the Crime Stoppers Band. Everyone is invited to participate in the fun-filled evening. Art Classes

The First Street Arts Center is now offering Wednesday Art Classes in the morning. Our new art class room is located at 100 S. First Street (right next door). The class will be watercolor, and will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The classes are $25 per class, or $75 per four classes, or $200 per 12 classes. Price does not include supplies. Call now to register for the class. All students must pre-register, so call ahead at 936.639.3250. The center also is offering kid's drawing class from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays. The classes are $15 for 1 class, $40 for 4 classes, or $110 for 12 classes. Supplies are not included, but are very affordable! Instructor is Barb Richert and the ages accepted are 8 to 15 years of age. Children will learn basic drawing techniques. Call the above number for more information.

Forestry banquet

Harvey Kronberg, editor and publisher of The Quorum Report, will be the keynote speaker at the Texas Forest Country Partnership 2009 Membership Banquet on Thursday, March 5 at the Pitser Garrison Civic Center in Lufkin. The event will also be highlighted by the presentation of the Silver Bucket Award, presented by First Bank & Trust of East Texas, that will be awarded to an individual that has given a lifetime of service to this area of East Texas. The event will begin at 6 p.m. with a reception and dinner will be served at 6:45 p.m. Tickets for the event are $40 each or $500 for a table of eight. Tickets may be obtained from TFCP Board Members or by calling the Texas Forest Country Partnership Office 936-632-3552 or e-mailing cdromgoole@ texasforestcountry.com.

Expanding Your Horizons

Girls in sixth through eighth grades may investigate careers ranging from nursing to crime solving at the Feb. 28 "Expanding Your Horizons in Mathematics and Science" conference at Stephen F. Austin State University. The annual conference nurtures girls' interest in science and math courses and encourages them to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and math. The event is hosted by SFA and the local chapter of the American Association of University Women and attracts more than 300 participants each year. The girls choose from more than 30 different 45-minute career workshops offered, including business ownership, photography, forensic science, journalism, chemistry and veterinary medicine. Many of the jobs highlighted are not traditionally held by women and involve math, science or both. The conference will be held from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, in the Baker Pattillo Student Center at SFA. Parents and teachers are invited to attend a separate workshop, which includes a tour of the SFA campus. The registration fee for both girls and adults is $15 and includes lunch, a conference T-shirt and a chance to win door prizes. The girls also will receive a goody backpack for participating. The registration deadline is Feb. 21.

AC's 'Showtime' Angelina College's AC Singers' annual variety show, "Showtime 2009!" is scheduled to take place at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 1, in the Temple Theater. Tickets are $5 for adults and $4 for seniors, students, and children.

Under the direction of Beckie Compton, the popular program will showcase songs and dances from the 1920s to present, and will include a special segment celebrating the music of African-American artists such as Nat King Cole, Duke Ellington, Michael Jackson and others.

Student performers are Sarah Jackson, Josh Griffin, Jeremy Powell, Scott Trantham, Heather Hart, Kaitlyn McMullen, Danie Williams, Ashley Clack, and Meagan Whitmire. Team manager is Brittany Ellington. Choreographer is Stacy Dicks.

For ticket information, call the Temple Theater box office at 633-5454 between noon- 5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.