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2014 Board of DirectorsChairman
LIZ HOPKINSStella Designs & Solutions
First Vice Chair
WESLEY BRINKMEYERBluebonnet Electric Cooperative
Second Vice Chairman
MICHAEL PITTMANScott & White Hospital
Treasurer
MICHAEL GROVESThe Artex Group
Secretary
DEBBIE HAVERSRR Donnelley
Immediate Past ChairKURT PODESZWA
Camp For All
SHARON BRASSKwik Kopy Business Center
RICKY BOEKERCity of Brenham-Fire Chief
CATHY COLE Heritage Texas
Country Properties
COY FONTENOTKruse Village
SUZY HANKINSAnt Street Inn
MICHAEL HAYWOODMission Brenham
JUDI HOUSTONBrazos Valley Schools
Credit Union
CHAD GERKEGerke Law Firm
BRICE MILLIORNEdward Jones Financial
RENEE MUELLERWashington County Attorney
DENNIS CROWSONBlinn College
ASH PATELBest Western Inn–Brenham
GRACIE SLATTERYBrenham Clinic
NATHAN WADE Lazy “D” Ranches
RANDY WEIDEMANN Van Dyke Rankin Insurance
TIFFANY WINKLESBlue Bell Creameries
DECEMBER2014 ChamberWorks
washington county chamber of commerce brenham, texas
Man and Woman of the Year-Lifetime Achievement Award Nominations Now Being Accepted
As the end of the year approaches, it is time to start thinking about who deserves the honor of being selected for the 2014 Man and Woman of
the Year-Lifetime Achievement Awards. This is a long-standing tra-
dition of the Washington County Chamber, recognizing the achieve-
ments of two extra-special indi-viduals each year. The tradition includes the announcement of the winners at the Annual Banquet of the Chamber of Commerce & Economic De-velopment Foundation. The 2013 recipients were Lanella Gray and Bill Rankin.
The next Annual Banquet
will be held January 27, 2015. Prior to the banquet, the immediate Past Chairman of the Chamber Board will select a committee (com-prised of past award recipients) to review all nominations and vote on the candidates for the current year.
If you know someone you would like to nom-inate for this honor, please pick up a nomination form from the Chamber office. It includes judg-ing criteria. You may also call to have a form faxed or emailed to you. Completed nomination forms are due back by noon on Tuesday, January 6, 2015.
Winners are only selected from nominations received. Please note that prior nominations (sub-missions from prior years) may be considered if resubmitted by the January 6 deadline.
Chamber Says Farewell to Retiring DirectorsFollowing innumerable hours of volunteering
at events and attending board meetings over the past three years, several outstanding board members will retire this month, and the Cham-ber wishes them a fond farewell. These retir-ing directors have been closely involved with the Chamber of Commerce since January 2012, and they are greatly responsible for the strides the organization has taken in the past few years.
Outgoing directors include: Ricky Boeker – City of Brenham Fire Chief, Coy Fontenot – Kruse Village, Michael Haywood – Mission Brenham, Judi Houston – Brazos Valley Schools Credit Union, and Renee Mueller – County At-torney, and Michael Watts – Brenham ISD.
Liz Hopkins of Stella Designs & Solu-tions and Mike Hopkins Distributing served as Chairman of the Board in 2014, and she will remain on the board in 2015 as Immediate Past Chairman.
These wonderful volunteers have been valu-able members of committees and projects over the past three years. They will be great-ly missed from the board’s monthly meetings, but we know they will always remain strong members of the Chamber and our local business community.
Please join us in thanking them for their years of service to the Chamber membership the next time you see them!
Congratulations to these seven newly elected board members who will begin their three-year terms of service in January: Kurt Alfred – Bren-ham National Bank, Eric Berg – Washington County D.A. Office, Becky Hanath – Rodney’s General Repair-Chappell Hill, Tammy Jaster – City of Brenham-Blue Bell Aquatic Center, James Pharaon – Germania Insurance, Cyndee Smith – Oldham Goodwin Group, and the Rev. Randy Wells – Faith Mission & Help Center.
Board photo by Scott Hill, Brenham Portrait Gallery
The 2015 Annual Banquet of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce and Brenham Economic Development Foundation will be held on Jan. 27.
The event will be hosted at the Firemen’s Training Center on U.S. 290 in Brenham. Details about the speaker, sponsors and program will be unveiled later this month.
Invitations will be mailed to all Chamber members. Nominations for the Man & Woman of the Year Awards are now being accepted.
Tickets will go on sale on Jan. 2. Reservations for corporate tables may be called in to the Chamber at (979) 836-3695.
Chamber & EDF Annual Banquet Date Announced
SAVE the DATE
Page 2 | Chamber Works | December 2014
GROUP BUYING POWERChamber members can now get major savings on
credit card payment processing.Learn about our new member benefit program.
Contact Will Watson at (979) 345-2988 • [email protected]
www.infintechllc.com
Ribbon Cuttings
New Member
Noble Living StudiosOwners: Paula Carper & Patti Sanchez2540 Ryan St. Office #2562, Brenham
New Member
Thrivent Financial – Journe’e GroupFinancial Associates: Darlene Wieghat & Jennifer Beaudet1306 South Day St., Brenham
New Member
Sew Stitches BoutiqueOwner: Amanda Klehm301 W. Main St, Brenham
Campaign Headquarters
Lois Kolkhorst for Texas Senate516 Hwy 290 E, Brenham
New Member
Barking Ranch Pet ResortOwner: Michelle Panko2459 Hwy 290 W, Brenham
New School
Alton Elementary SchoolPrincipal: Michael Ogg1210 S. Market St., Brenham
Washington County Chamber of Commerce
www.brenhamtexas.com
Page Michel, President & CEOJane Hinze, Member Services Mgr.
Shae Janner, Business Programs Mgr.Lu Hollander, CVB Adv. & PR Mgr.
Jenny Mills, Visitor Center Mgr.Judy Hyman, Visitor Center & Group Contact Mgr.
Debby Welch, Visitor Center AssistantLori Wegner, ReceptionistCheryl Sevin, Bookkeeper
Support Staff: Marge Runge, Jeanine Presswood,
Nelda Snow and Darlene Denman.
THE CHAMBER IS PROUD MEMBERS OF ...
• TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF BUSINESS• TEXAS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EXECUTIVES• TEXAS ASSOC. OF CONVENTION & VISITOR BUREAUS• U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
NEW BLUE BLAZER
Kristie Wensel
Renewing Chamber MembersNovember 1-31
Thanks to the following members for continuing your investment in the Chamber. You are long-term “partners” in our mission to promote and preserve this great community, and we appreciate your confidence in the Chamber’s ability to promote your business.
December 2014 | Chamber Works | Page 3
Memorial Oaks Chapel — 40 yearsMIC Group - Presidential Member — 36 yearsDel Sol Food Company/Briannas - Presidential Member — 26 yearsBBVA Compass — 23 yearsEmerson Process Management/PIC — 22 yearsNational Equipment Corporation — 22 yearsExpress Employment Professionals — 21 yearsRadio Shack — 20 yearsBBA Architects — 18 yearsBrenham Dental Center — 18 yearsPleasant Hill Winery — 18 yearsVolare Italian Restaurant — 16 yearsMr. & Mrs. Herbert Hughes — 15 years
Texas Ranch Life — 15 yearsTres Chic — 14 yearsBank of Brenham — 13 yearsHeritage Place — 10 yearsIndependence Coffee Co. — 10 yearsDocumation of East Texas — 9 yearsJR’s Antiques and Collectibles — 9 yearsJAS Distributing — 8 yearsLeftovers Antiques Home Mercantile — 8 yearsUnion Hill Builders — 8 yearsInternational Discount Mattress Company — 7 yearsLifetime Learning — 7 yearsDenny’s — 6 yearsIntegrity Works — 6 years
Express Home Furnishings — 5 yearsToday And Yesterday — 5 yearsHair Warehouse — 4 yearsBrenham Miniature Horses — 3 yearsTammy Brauner-Washington County District Clerk — 2 yearsLaw Office of Carole Anne Chamberlain — 2 yearsChampion Fellowship — 2 yearsSt. Paul’s Christian Day School — 2 yearsCorner Liquor Store — 1 yearHarmel Electric — 1 yearPastor Ross Shelton — 1 yearJohn L. Studer, DDS, MS — 1 year
Washington CountyBlue Blazers
JOLENE CURTISTexas AgFinance
TIFFANY COMPTON-FALKHodde Real Estate Company
DARLENE DENMANHome Sweet Farm & Washington County Chamber Visitors Center
JOYCE DICKSCHATBrenham National Bank
WENDY FRAZIERBBVA Compass
PAM GREENRE/MAX Advantage
EDDIE HARRISON Individual Member
JARED HARTMANSeidel, Schroeder & Company
TAMMY JASTER City of Brenham-
Blue Bell Aquatic Center
FLORENCE JULIANBlue Bell Creameries
BRICE MILLIORN Edward Jones Investments
LINDA PIPESIndividual Member
CHRISTY SCHLOTTMANNSam Kuver Agency – Allstate Insurance
RANDY WEIDEMANN Van Dyke Rankin
& Company
BARBARA WILGANOWSKI Spherion Staffing
BARKING RANCH PET RESORTOwner: Michelle Panko
2459 HWY 290WBrenham, Texas 77833Phone: 979-836-1956
Dog Boarding/Sitting
THE FORTNIGHTLY CLUB OF BRENHAMPresident: Janie Mehrens
Book House, 906 N. Park (Physical Address)Brenham, Texas 77833
P O Box 2531(Mailing Address)Brenham, Texas 77834Phone: 979-836-6066
Time in Business: 121 [email protected]
Non Profit Clubs & Organizations
HIGH MEADOWS LAND & CATTLE, LLCOwners: Charlie McDaniel & Sandy Gaido
Phone: 281-802-7575 (Charlie) 713-817-7799 (Sandy)
P O Box 598Chappell Hill, Texas [email protected]@hotmail.com
Developer
THE LONE STAR GALLERYOwners: Sterling & Kaci VanCoutren
4212 S. St. HWY 237 (Physical Address)Warrenton, Texas 78961
3513 Shellcastle Lane (Mailing Address)Round Rock, Texas 78681
Phone: 512-797-9815Time in Business: 1 ½ years
Antiques
SEW STITCHES BOUTIQUEOwners: Amanda Klehm & Laurie Meyer
301 W. Main StreetBrenham, Texas 77833Phone: 979-421-8007
Time in Business: 2 [email protected]
Monogramming, Screenprinting, heat transfer
TEXAS BLUEBONNET WINE TRAILSecretary/Treasurer: Linda Meitzen4232 Clover Road (Mailing Address)
Brenham, Texas 77833Phone: 979-836-3252
events@texasbluebonnetwinetrail.comwww.texasbluebonnetwinetrail.comNon Profit Clubs & Organizations
New Chamber Members
Kristie Wensel has lived in Brenham for three decades and is a graduate of Sam Houston State University.
She worked locally in banking for 10 years and 4 of those years as a Branch Manager. With her banking tenure, she was able to become familiar with many residents and build rapport with local businesses.
She’s currently the Community Relations Director for the Brenham State Supported Living Center and the liaison for the Volunteer Services Council. Being the CR Director, she works closely with donors, family members, political figures and most of all the community.
Kristie and her husband Aaron have two sons. Colten is a 3rd grader at Brenham Elementary School and Carson is an Ocean Treasure (Pre-K) at St. Paul’s Day School. Kristie is actively involved in various boards within the community. She enjoys traveling, being outdoors, and spending time with her family.
Bluebonnet re-seedingThe Texas Department of Transportation planted 6 acres of Bluebonnet seeds that were purchased as part of the “A Mile A Year” Keep Washington County Beautiful campaign in which the Chamber of Commerce partnered. Sponsors are: Del Sol Food Company/Briannas, Brenham National Bank, Bluebonnet Electric Coop, Texas Commercial Waste, Mike Hopkins Distributing/Budweiser, Alexander Oil Co., Blue Bell Creameries, In Memory of Elaine Fay by Laina and Doug Freedberg, Brazos Valley Schools Credit Union and The Flower Market.
Thank you to our Presidential Level members ...
Bluebonnet Electric
Metropolitan Water
Company, L.P.
OF BRENHAM
— BrenhamBrenham
Clinic
Brenham National
Bank
BRENHAM
Thank you to our Chairman’s Circle members ...
Page 4 | Chamber Works | December 2014
NEW PRESIDENTIAL MEMBER:Del Sol Food Company - Briannas
Welcome to the Chamber’s newest Presidential Level Member: Del Sol Food Company, makers of Briannas Fine Salad Dressings. Pictured here receiving their Presidential plaque from Chamber President Page Michel are (left to right) Sales Director Jeff Sadler, President/Owner Jerry Brown, Plant Engineer Billy Bowen and Plant Manager Sherald Bell.
The “Presidential Member” designation is given to those that invest $1,650 or more in annual dues. Presidential level members make a major investment in our community and share the vision and desire to tackle the many issues facing the Washington County area and its business environment.
The Chamber Board and staff applaud Del Sol Food Company’s dedication to this community.
Gift Certificates are a great way
to advertise at ‘Business After Hours’
For some businesses, space constraints will not allow you to host a Business After Hours event at your location. By donating an item to be given away, such as a gift cer-tificate or an product from your store, your business can still gain valuable exposure during these popular events. Door prizes are always a highlight of the monthly mix-ers.
Let us know if you have something you’d like to contribute at the next event. You are welcome to bring your item with you to the event, or simply drop it off at the chamber office whenever it’s convenient for you. We will be happy to feature your donation and generate valuable exposure for your busi-ness/organization!
Annual Photo ContestDeadline – Dec. 31
Did you shoot any great photos this year? Maybe during bluebonnet season, the County Fair, Hot Nights Cool Tunes, the Scarecrow Festival – or any other subject that reflects our beautiful Washington County?
Plan to enter the 2014 “Slice of Life” in Washington Coun-ty photo contest. It is sponsored by the Washington County Chamber every year. There are cash prizes for the top three entries! Plus the winning photo will have the honor of being made into a glossy souvenir post card.
Entry forms may be picked up at the Visitor Center or the Chamber office, or found online at www.BrenhamTexas.com (under “News & Events”). The deadline for entries is Decem-ber 31, 2014. Find complete rules on the entry form, or call the Chamber with any questions: (979) 836-3695. Contest winning photos from previous years.
December 2014 | Chamber Works | Page 5
Leadership and Law EnforcementThe November session of the Leader-
ship Washington County program intro-duced the group to local law enforcement. The class met at the Brenham police sta-tion where Corporal Chris Jackson (LWC Class of 2011) introduced them to a full day.
Chief of Police Rex Phelps gave a pre-sentation on leadership and his model, “E to the Fourth Power,” which exemplifies Empathy, Edification, Enthusiasm and Ex-cellence in the workplace. The class also
heard from Washington County District Attorney Julie Renken and County Attor-ney Renee Mueller.
The action-filled day was comprised of more than just lectures. After a tour of the Washington County jail and lunch, the class participated in breakout sessions, in-cluding a “Shoot or Don’t Shoot” scenario, staged “traffic stops” with police officers and Citizens on Patrol members, and an informative demonstration by the SWAT/HNT/Narcotics officers.
Leadership class participant Kristie Wensel said, “My favorite part of the day was the shooting course.” The course ad-dressed the technical aspects of planning and implementing a rapid law enforcement deployment to an active shooter. “The course was an eye opener and definitely gave me an adrenalin rush! Our police of-ficers work day in and day out to keep our city safe. I appreciate their commitment and dedication to our community,” said Wensel.
The next session will focus on Health Care on December 11. Leadership Wash-ington County is a program of the Wash-ington County Chamber designed to train and motivate current and future leaders for our community. The program runs from August to May each year.
The next class will form in July 2015. Those interested are encouraged to call the Chamber office at (979) 836-3695. Details are posted on www.BrenhamTex-as.com.
Police Chief Phelps presents “E to the Fourth Power” to motivate the group toward excellence.
Jeana Bellinger is all smiles behind bars.
During a tour of the county jail, Andrea Drabb portrays an unruly suspect being put in the “chill out” chair.
Winners of the “Shoot, Don’t Shoot” competition were Joshua Hunt, Brandi Daniel and Hannah Schulz.
Shae Janner and Kristie Wensel gear up for the “Shoot, Don’t Shoot” exercise.
www.twitter.com/VisitBrenham or ChamberWashCo
Tourism Tuesday UpdateA lively group of tourism partners joined the Cham-
ber-CVB staff at the November Tourism Tuesday meet-ing. The group included representatives from Washington on the Brazos, Home Sweet Farm, Unity Theatre, Must Be Heaven, R Place at Washington on the Brazos, Quebe Farm, City of Brenham-Parks, Bluebird Off The Square, Ant Street Inn, the Brenham House and Super 8 Somer-ville.
The brand new tourism video was previewed. It is now being distributed to a variety of outlets to promote visita-tion to Washington County.
A discussion followed regarding the success of the Nov. 4-8 Geiger Public Relations press tour. Lu Hollander an-nounced the spring tour dates of March 8-12, 2015.
Jenny Mills announced a newly redesigned visitor web-site, VisitBrenhamTexas.com, should be up and running after the first of the year. A roundtable discussion fol-lowed with tourism partners sharing their activities and any concerns with the group.
The next Tourism Tuesday is slated for January 13, 2015.
Geiger PR Press TourSeventeen travel writers visited the Washington County
area Nov. 4-8, participating in a jam-packed agenda that included visiting attractions, enjoying local food and lodg-ing and generally learning about what the area offers to visitors.
The group represented publications as varied as The New York Times, ABCNews.com, the Oklahoman and At-lanta Journal-Constitution newspapers, RV Life, AAA Home & Away, San Antonio Express-News, Good House-keeping, San Mateo Daily Journal, CanWest Newspapers, True West magazine…just to name a few.
Geiger PR staff members managed the logistics of keep-ing the group on time during their hectic visit, as well as transporting everyone from and to nearby airports.
The Chamber-CVB would like to thank Nathan’s Barbe-cue, R Place at Washington on the Brazos, Must Be Heav-en, Design II, Funky Art Café, Lillian Farms Country Estate and Southern Rose Ranch for providing fantastic meals for the group.
As well, thanks go to Texas Ranch Life, Ant Street Inn and Southern Rose Ranch for hosting the writers at their lodging properties. In addition, Texas Ranch Life provided a horseback riding experience for those who chose it, and cowboy comfort food as well.
Last but not least, thanks go to all local attractions and staff members who made this group feel so welcome and shared so much with them. Good job, all!!
Nathan Winkelmann poses for a selfie with one of the writers as he demonstrates the massive cooking area in the kitchen at Nathan’s BBQ.
Brenham’s Children’s Chorus
BCC presents their Christmas Concert “Bring on the Snow” on Friday, December 12, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, December 13, at 2 p.m. at the O’Donnell Performing Arts Center at Blinn College. For more info, call 979-277-3897 or visit www.BrenhamChildrensChorus.com.
New Year’s Eve BashRing in 2015 on Wednesday, December 31, from 8 p.m.
to 1 a.m. at the Ant Street Inn. There will be live music by The Argyles, great food by Design II and setups provided (yes – it’s a BYOB party). Ant Street Inn is located at 107 West Commerce St. in downtown Brenham. For more info, call 979-836-7393 or visit www.antstreetinn.com.
Holiday Crystal Wine TrailGet a jump start on your holiday gift giving by touring
the Texas Bluebonnet Wine Trail “Holiday Crystal Wine Trail” on two weekends: December 6 & 7 and 13& 14. Blaze your own trail and pick where you want to start and where you want to end. For more info, visit www.Bluebon-netWineTrail.com.
The Nutcracker BalletOvation Ballet Company presents at the legendary Nut-
cracker Ballet at Round Top Festival Hill Institute on Sat-urday, December 13, at 2 p.m. For more info, call 979-249-3129 or visit www.festivalhill.org.
New Year’s Eve GalaThe party begins on Wednesday, December 31, at
7:30pm with appetizers followed by dinner at 8pm. Af-ter dinner, dance on the Festival Concert Hall stage with The Jackie Myers Band. Welcome in 2015 with a compli-mentary glass of champagne. A cash bar will serve fine wine and beer. Don’t feel like driving home after the par-ty? Rest easy in a cozy room for an additional fee. Contact Round Top Festival Hill at 979-249-3129 for more info or visit www.FestivalHill.org.
Candlelight ChristmasBarrington Farm welcomes guests into the 1850s against
the backdrop of a star-filled night sky on Saturday, De-cember 13, from 10am to 8pm. The Candlelight Christmas evening consists of guided tours for small groups that last approximately an hour, with tours leaving every 15 minutes starting at 5 p.m.; last tour leaves at 8pm. Regular admission fees apply. Visitors should dress appropriately for the weath-er and uneven walking surfaces since the event will take place throughout the farm. Visitors are welcome to bring food and drink into the park, but no glass bottles or alcohol-ic beverages are allowed. Leashed pets are allowed in the park, but NOT allowed onto farm site or inside buildings. Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site is located at 23400 Park Rd. in Washington. For more info, call 936-878-2214 or visit www.birthplaceoftexas.com.
Page 6 | Chamber Works | December 2014
Tourism News
Chamber News Get Noticed…
The ChamberWorks newsletter is published inside The Banner-Press on the first Thursday of the month. Cham-ber members have the opportunity to advertise in this newsletter. Rates start at only $25 per month.
If you are looking for a new opportunity to adver-tise, just call Jane Hinze, Member Services Manager, at 836-3695.
Another great way to promote your organization is through targeted emails. The Chamber will forward your “e-message” to all members, as long as it meets certain criteria. For non-profits, it should not have a strong-sell for sponsorships or donations. The message should be news-worthy, typically about an upcoming event. For regular businesses, it should also be about upcoming special events, as long as there is no purchase required for the reader to experience the event.
E-messages are sent a maximum of once per quarter per member during each calendar year.
Working for YOU!As a Chamber member, your promotional information
is seen by thousands of people every month.
WALK-INS
WEBSITEwww.BrenhamTexas.com
Unique VisitorsNov. 2014 — 6,304
Total PagesNov. 2014 — 12,506
Visitor CenterNov. 2014 — 292
HQ BuildingNov. 2014 — 486
WEBSITEwww.VisitBrenhamTexas.com
Unique VisitorsNov. 2014 — 7,244
Total PagesNov. 2014 — 17,110
December 2014 | Chamber Works | Page 7
The back of the property at the Washington County Chamber of Commerce has been barren with only a view of the railroad yard, for over a half century. Now it is scenic and educational, thanks to a grant from Keep Texas Beautiful for a Native & Drought Resistant Plant Demonstration Garden.
Thanks to this grant from KTB and Lowes, our chapter was inspired to have this demonstration garden installed at the Chamber of Commerce. The owner of Wise Landscaping, Ron Wise, who maintains the Chamber property year-round, had his crews do three days of prep work to install an extra large garden when the Lowes Heroes (employee volunteers) arrived, plus he secured additional donations from Home Depot and needed supplies. Ron went above and beyond our expectations to en-sure that the garden was created to be something that KWCB, the Chamber, and the whole community could be proud of.
Partners in this project include: Keep Texas Beautiful, Low-es, Keep Washington County Beautiful, Washington County Chamber of Commerce, Wise Landscaping, Home Depot and City of Brenham.
Stop by soon and take a walk in the back yard of the Chamber to see how nice native plantings can look!
New Demonstration Garden at Chamber
Sandals Grande Riviera:Riviera Bamboo Grove Premium Room = $3934 per coupleButler Village Honeymoon Poolside Villa Room = $3866 per coupleButler Village Honeymoon Poolside 1 Bedroom Villa Suite = $4910 per couple
(Butler Village rooms have Private Butlers)Additional categories available upon request.
WAShINGtON COUNtY ChAMBeR PReSeNtS…Sandals and Beaches Resorts Group Trip ~ Feb. 13-20, 2016 (7 Nights) in Ocho Rios, Jamaica
$400 deposit now per reservation locks in these great rates:
Beaches Ocho Rios:Caribbean Honeymoon Oceanview Concierge Veranda Suite
(Concierge suites have Shared Butlers)Additional categories available upon request.$4158 per room for single occupancy$5544 per room for double occupancy$6160 per room for triple occupancy$6778.80 per room for quad occupancy
Make plans now! Surprise your sweetheart with the news this Christmas!!!CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION and TO MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS:
LEANNE RIGSBY • 979-836-6600 / 713-446-4990 • [email protected]
Page 8 | Chamber Works | December 2014
What’s Happening in DecemberDec 11-24 Ring the Bells forthe Salvation Army Church, family and corporate groups need-ed, sign up online (www.faithmission.us).
Dec 11-13, 18-21 Unity Theatre presents, “Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings” Filled with Christmas standards, the boys are back to do their Christmas Special in this sequel to Forever Plaid. Unity Theatre, 300 Church St., Downtown Brenham. Vis-it www.UnityBrenham.org for show times and ticket information.
Dec 12, 19, 26, Jan 2, 9 Live Music at Nathan’s BBQEntertainment varies, check website or Face-book. 6-9pm, Cajun specials, 1307 Prairie Lea, Brenham (www.nathansbbq.com).
Dec 12-13 Brenham Children’s Chorus Annual Christmas ConcertPresenting “Bring on the Snow”, Friday, 7pm and Saturday, 2pm, Blinn College W.W. O’Donnell Center. Adults $10, chil-dren $5, call for tickets (979-277-3897, [email protected]).
Dec 12Live Music at Buffalo CreekEnjoy live music by Brandon Rhyder. Drinks and light food available, 10827 Hwy 36 S, Bellville (www.BuffaloCreekBellville.com).
Dec 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27, Jan 2, 3 Live Music at The Kenney StoreGo early for dinner and stay late for live music and dancing. Most nights are free, but occasional cover charges, 811 Loop 497 South (www.TheKenneyStore.com).
Dec 13-14 Holiday Crystal Wine Trail Texas Bluebonnet Wine Trail, Holiday Crystal Wine Trail, purchase tickets online(www.localwineevents.com). Dec 13 Christmas at Winedale A mid-19th century Folk life Reenactment includes folk life demonstrations, Winedale Historical Complex, 3738 FM 2714, Round Top (www.winedale.org, 979-278-3530).
Lone Star Gallery Trade Days Second Saturday weekend of every month, featuring vintage, antique, repurposed, shabby and more, 10am-6pm, free admis-sion, free parking, 4214 S. Hwy 237, War-renton (www.thelonestargallery.com).
Christmas on the Brazos Modern and historic activities will be staged throughout the park, Washington on the Brazos, 10am-8pm, find details online (www.BirthplaceofTexas.com).
Round Top Festival Institute “The Nutcracker” Ballet danced by children for children of any age, 4-5:30pm, 248 Jaster Rd (979-249-3129, www.festivalhill.org). Dec 14 & 21 Holiday Brunch with Santa Brunch with Santa includes: cider tasting for adults, holiday cookie decorating for children, a three course brunch, visit with Santa and carriage rides. Two seatings: 11am and 1:30pm, $49 adult, $18 children, reserve online (www.dosbrisas.com).
Dec 14 Blinn College presents “Baldknobbers” One of the first country variety shows to perform in Branson, MO. Brenham High School Auditorium, 3-5pm, tickets $20. Sponsored by Blinn College Foundation (www.blinn.edu/foundation).
Dec 16 Ribbon Cutting - Handy People Join the Chamber Board, Staff, Blue Blaz-ers, City and County officials at this ribbon cutting for a new business, Chamber Con-ference Room, 314 S. Austin St., Brenham, 2:00pm.
Dec 18 Basic QuickBooks Workshop Accounting software. Pre-registration re-quired by 5pm on Dec. 17, $60, register on-line (www.blinncollege.sbdcnetwork.net, 979-830-4333).
Ribbon Cutting - High Hope Care Center of Brenham Join the Chamber Board, Staff, Blue Blaz-ers, City and County officials as we cele-brate at a ribbon cutting for this new re-model, 401 E. Blue Bell Rd., Brenham, 10:00am.
Advanced QuickBooks Workshop Intended for people already using Quick-Books (on Windows using a PC). Pre-reg-istration required by 5pm on Dec. 17, $60, register online (www.blinncollege.sbdc-network.net, 979-830-4333).
Dec 20 Trunk Show- Hand Painted Boots by Sharon Design your own pair! Bring your own or purchase boots to be designed at South Texas Tack, 4765 Hwy. 290 E., Brenham, 11am-4pm.
Dec 21 3rd Sunday Farmers Market Support local farmers and artisans. A wide variety of goods are offered, live music, pony cart rides and on-site lunch prepared by vary-ing vendors, 11am-4pm, Home Sweet Farm Market, 307 S. Park St., Downtown Brenham (www.HomeSweetFarm.com).
Dec 23 LIve Music at Buffalo Creek Featuring The Red Bulls, 7-11pm, 10827 Hwy. 36 S, Bellville (www.BuffaloCreekBellville.com). Dec 31 New Year’s Eve Bash – Ant Street Inn Live music by The Argyles, food by Design II, BYOB (bar set ups included), 8pm-1am, complimentary champagne toast at midnight, 107 W. Commerce St., Downtown Brenham (979-836-7393, [email protected]). New Years Eve at The Kenney Store Live music by Kevin Robinson, drinks and food, 7pm-12:30am, $20, 811 South Loop 497 (www.TheKenneyStore.com).
New Year’s Eve Gala – Round Top Festival Institute Appetizers, sparkling beverages, dinner and dance with The Jackie Myers Band, 7:30pm-midnight, $125, cash bar. Com-plimentary glass of champagne, sparklers, fireworks (conditions permitting), 248 Jas-ter Way (www.FestivalHill.org).
New Years Eve at Buffalo Creek Featuring live music by Bri Bagwell and The Banned, special guest Bo Brumble, 7pm-1am, 10827 Hwy 36 S., Bellville (www.BuffaloCreekBellville.com). Jan 10-11 Brenham Winter Antiques Show Antique to vintage, Americana, Texas fur-niture, glass, china, pottery, sterling silver, regional paintings, & estate jewelry. Look for vintage baskets, Oriental rugs, Jewelry, old toys, quilts, linens, stoneware & adver-tising memorabilia, $5, Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 10am-4pm. Washington County Fairgrounds, 1305 E. Blue Bell Rd., Bren-ham (www.ruraltexasantiques.com).
Discover China – in October 2015Another travel program that the Chamber is of-
fering at this time is the exciting tour: “Discover China!” We are working with the Alvin-Man-vel Area Chamber, Angleton Chamber, and West Chambers County Chamber to host this trip for everyone in the Washington County and Greater Houston areas.
This 9-day adventure will depart from Houston Intercontinental Airport, departing on October 10, 2015. You will enjoy seeing the historic capital city of Beijing and the exciting Shanghai, plus several
other cities. All lodging, airfare and tour costs are included.
Chamber members can book this trip now for only $2,850 per person ($2,950 for non-members). Plus, if you book by May 1, 2015, you can take $250 OFF this price!! You are welcome to have family and friends from other locations in the U.S. join you for this trip.
More details will be available soon, but contact Cricket Cruise & Travel today to book your spots on this amazing tour, and then you can surprise your family with the news at Christmas time!
