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This is the next big event for all ladies in the community to enjoy with co-workers and friends. It’s also a great opportunity for men in the community to provide special gifts to the ladies in your life! Get tickets to reward staff, surprise wives, moms and sisters and more. Tickets can make great teacher gifts. Know any ladies with a birthday this month? Surprise her with a couple of tickets.
This Fall Frolic/Ladies Night Out with the Chamber will be on Thurs-day, October 30, from 5:30-9 pm at Silver Wings Ballroom. It will be an amazing shopping experience with fun entertainment. Guests will be able to spend the evening checking out over 60 vendors with home décor, jewelry, clothes, original crafts, spa and salon products, floral designs, travel getaways and much more.
There will also be delicious food, cold drinks, fashions shows, and a GREAT RAFFLE. If all that sounds good, then plan to pick up tickets at the Chamber or from any member of the Blue Blazers.
There are still sponsorship opportunities and exhibit spaces avail-
able. Full details are posted on www.BrenhamTexas.com under “News & Events.” (Click the pink “Ladies Night Out” link!) Not only will this be a fun event, it can provide great exposure for your business, in front of a crowd of happy, decision-making ladies!
Thanks to these “Fall Frolic 2014” Sponsors:
Dona Lynn’s Unique Gifts & KTTX/KWHI Radio
———Appel Ford/Brenham Hyundai
Ant Street Inn - Blue Bell CreameriesHeritage Texas Country Properties
Ranch Antiques InteriorsScott & White Healthcare - Brenham
———Brazos Valley Schools Credit Union
High Hope Care CenterMike Hopkins Distributing
Washington County Abstract Co.The Bath and Kitchen Showroom at Moore Supply Co.
———John Brieden Insurance
RWG Construction Management, Inc.General admission tickets are available for only $10, but there are
also Dinner tickets available for $30 that include admission plus a ca-tered fajita dinner and one bar drink.
Raffle tickets are available too. Buy them in advance or at the event for $5 each or five for $20. You do not have to be present to win. Prizes include an assortment of 8 VISA gift cards, with the Grand Prize being $500, plus gift baskets and certificates from local businesses. Call or email the Chamber to get some raffle tickets by October 29. Chances are good you will win!!
View all of the Fall Frolic Sponsors and Exhibitors online at www.BrenhamTexas.com. Check out the list and plan to attend or buy some tickets as gifts!
You can also feel good about this shopping spree, because proceeds will benefit Washington County Wildflower Reseeding projects.
Contact the Chamber at (979) 836-3695 or [email protected] for more information or to purchase tickets.
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
OCTOBER2014 ChamberWorks
washington county chamber of commerce brenham, texas
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
washington county’s favorite networking eventsponsored by:
Brenham Clinic“Paint the Town Pink” and show your support for Breast Cancer Awareness
Thursday, Oct. 23 from 5-7 p.m.hosted at the
Hasskarl-Giddings Imaging Center693 North Market St., Brenham
Enjoy great networking and refreshments! Bring plenty of business cards to share with other
members and enter for door prizes.Free for Chamber members and employees.
Beverage sponsors: Mike Hopkins Distributing, Inc. Pleasant Hill Winery - Saddlehorn Winery - Windy Winery
Fall Frolic festivities at Silver Wings - Oct. 30
Page 2 | Chamber Works | October 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
K’s Mutt HutOwner: Kathryn Kwiatkowski6955 Hummingbird, Brenham
Building Renovation
Brenham Elks Lodge #979400 E. Germania Street, Brenham
New Location
Washington County Republican PartyChair: Helen Hink200 U.S. 290 West, Brenham
Washington County Chamber of Commerce
314 S. Austin Street, Brenham979-836-3695
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.
Elect Your New Chamber LeadersAll Chamber members will receive a
ballot to elect new directors to the Cham-ber Board this month. Members vote to elect 7 new board members each year, and they each serve a three-year term.
A nominating committee assigned by the Chairman of the Board developed the fol-lowing list of candidates. Members have the option to write-in candidates on the ballot, if they choose.
Nominees for the 2014 election include:Kurt Alfred
Brenham National Bank - VP of Operations and Finance
Kurt was born and raised in Brenham. After graduation from Brenham High School, he attended one year at Blinn Col-lege before going to the University of Texas at Austin to earn his Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies in 2006. After his undergraduate degree, he pursued an MBA from The University of Texas at San Anto-
nio and graduated in 2008. He served five years in the banking industry in Houston, two as a bank examiner, before moving to Brenham to accept a position with Brenham National Bank. In 2008, he married Lauren (Van Eman) Alfred and they are currently members of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. He is in a leadership position with the Texas Exes Washington County Chap-ter, and was a member of the Leadership Washington County-Class of 2014.
Eric Berg District Attorney’s Office,
Washington County - First Assistant DABorn in Buffalo, NY, Eric moved to
Deer Park in 1975 and graduated from Deer Park HS in 1987. He attended Tex-as A&M University where he graduated with a B.S. in Economics, and Texas Tech
See ELECT, Page 3
Renewing Chamber MembersSeptember 1-30
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.
October 2014 | Chamber Works | Page 3
Woodson Lumber Company — 29 yearsLuedemann Feed & Farm — 23 yearsSears — 22 yearsDr. Michele Bright, D. D. S. — 4 years
Ladco Construction Company — 4 yearsWe Manage Properties — 2 yearsGazebo Terrace Skilled Care & Rehabilitation — 1 yearLance Kuecker Appraisals/Heartland Properties — 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
CAPITOL RANCH REAL ESTATEOwners: Cody & Tracy Maxwell
2280 Jackson League CircleBrenham, Texas 77833Phone: 979-530-7010
Real Estate
DUMAS WALKER PEPPER AND PIE CO.Owners: Rick & Janice Kramer
1505 West Main StreetBrenham, Texas 77833Phone: 979-830-1414
Restaurant
KATE HOLMANP.O. Box 1030
La Grange, Texas 78945Phone: 979-229-5711
Individual
PREMIER DESIGNS-INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR
Owner: Carolyn Muske2106 Beazley
Brenham, Texas 77833Phone: 979-836-9954
WASHINGTON COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY
President: Gary Rothermel2211 S. Day Street, Suite 105
(Mailing Address)Brenham, Texas 77833Phone: 979-633-4848
Non Profit Clubs & Organizations
Welcome New Chamber
Members
School of Law, graduating in 1995. After a brief time working for the governor’s office, he relocated to Green-ville, TX in 1996. There he served as Assistant Hunt County Attorney. In 1998, he accepted a position in the Montgomery County Attorney’s Office, moving closer to family. He served as a misdemeanor “chief” prosecutor before being hired by the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office. As an assistant D.A., he prosecuted adult felony crimes exclusively for almost 5 years. In 2004, he opened his own law office and was a solo prac-titioner for almost 7 years. In 2009, he became Assistant Washington County Attorney and moved to Brenham, serving in that role until 2013, when he became the First Assistant D.A. for Washington County. He helps super-vise the D.A.’s Office, serves as lead counsel on felony cases, supervises drug prosecutions, and consults and ad-vises local law enforcement. A single father of 9-year-old twins who now reside with him, Eric is also a graduate of Leadership Washington County-Class of 2011.
Becky HanathRodney’s General Repair-Chappell Hill
Becky is a native of Washington County, a graduate of Brenham High School and attended Blinn College. Becky and her husband, Rodney, own Rodney’s General Repair in Chappell Hill which has been providing automotive, tractor, farm and construction services to Washington and neighboring counties for the past 30 years. Becky is a life member of the Chappell Hill Chamber of Commerce, as well as a past director. She held the offices of Secretary and Vice President for over the past 6 years. She was the Chappell Hill Chamber’s Woman of the Year in 2010, and their business was 2012 Business of the Year. She is cur-rently a member of the Chappell Hill Historical Society’s Board of Directors and serves as Co-Chair of the Festivals Committee which oversees the operations and organiza-
tion of the Bluebonnet and Scarecrow Festivals. Becky currently manages both the historic Masonic and Atkin-son Cemeteries. Becky and her husband Rodney have two grown children plus spouses, Nicholaus Hanath and Mallory Warzon, and Aurbrey and Blake Eikenhorst. They are currently raising their niece and nephew, Chelsea and Casey Minavi.
Tammy JasterCity of Brenham - Blue Bell Aquatic Center
Aquatic SupervisorTammy was born in Yoakum, Texas and moved to
Brenham in 1992 to attend Blinn College and march with the Buccaneers Band. She fell in love with Brenham and married David, a Brenham native, 19 years ago. She at-tended Blinn College and Sam Houston State Universi-ty. Her careers while in Brenham consist of Communi-ty Education BISD; American Red Cross; and in 2006 returning to the Aquatic/Health & Safety field in her current position at the City of Brenham. She is a proud mother of 2 boys and stepmom to 60+ teenage lifeguards! From training staff, to teaching swim lessons, to budgets, presentations, fundraising, programming, events, and scheduling, she says it keeps the days fun and interest-ing. She also enjoys involvement within the community as a Blue Blazer for 5 years, serving as President the past 2 years. She is an alumni of the Leadership Washing-ton County-Class of 2010. She enjoys welcoming new businesses to the area and celebrating those that have stayed in the community for years. She is involved with St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Special Olympics, Hermann Sons Lodge No. 6, BISD PTO boards, as well as several community organizations.
ElectContinued from Page 2
See ELECT, Page 4
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 | October 2014
James PharaonGermania Insurance-
Senior Creative DesignerOriginally from Houston, James grad-
uated from Sam Houston State Universi-ty where he was active in planning cam-pus events for the Department of Student Activities. James was the SHSU mascot, Sammy Bearkat, for three years and was ranked as one of the top 10 mascots in the nation. He earned a BS in Advertising with a minor in Graphic Design. He has worked in advertising, television production and as a freelance Art Director in Houston. In 2005 he joined Germania Insurance. He also freelances as James Pharaon Creative, where he specializes in kid, family, event and wedding photography as well as wed-ding and event video production. He and his family have lived in Brenham since 2006 and are involved in their church and the community. James was in the Leader-ship Washington County-Class of 2011. His wife, Kristi, served as PTO president at Krause Elementary for two years and is the Children’s Ministry Coordinator at Bren-ham Bible Church. Daughter Kayci attends Brenham Middle School and son Noble at-tends Krause Elementary.
Cynthia (Cyndee) Smith Oldham Goodwin Group -
Vice President, CommercialCountry Properties
Cyndee was raised in Columbus, Texas. After a move to Houston as a young adult, she spent 30 years in commercial real es-tate. She completed a broad spectrum of transactions including landlord representa-tion, new retail development, land sales and tenant representation. Cyndee built a home in Washington in 2000 and several years ago she expanded the scope of her real estate business to include farm and ranch proper-ties. She is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers, South Cen-tral Board of Realtors, Texas Land Broker’s Network, Chappell Hill Historical Society and Houston Rodeo. She is a Founder and Past President of Houston Commercial Real
Estate Women, a three-time recipient of the Houston Business Journal Heavy Hitters Award, Board member of Camp For All and President-elect of Washington on the Bra-zos State Park Association. She was in the Leadership Washington County-Class of 2013. Cyndee has one daughter who grad-uated from Texas A&M. She raises Paint horses with her better half, Tom McMahon, and Bentley, the goldendoodle.
Rev. Randy WellsFaith Mission and Help Center
- Executive DirectorA native of New Orleans, Randy earned
a Bachelor’s Degree from Univ. of New Or-leans in Sociology with a Minor in Political Science (1990) and Masters of Social Work from Southern University at New Orleans (1998). Randy has committed over two de-cades to working with abused and neglect-ed children/families as Director of Health Education & Staff Growth and Develop-ment-Catholic Charities of New Orleans; Director of Therapeutic Services–Method-ist Home for Children; and as certified by Cornell University in 1992 as a Train-the-Trainer in Therapeutic Crisis Management. Ordained and appointed to Pastor Watson Memorial Teaching Ministries in 1998. In addition to his leadership role at Faith Mis-sion, he serves as President-Washington County Ministerial Association, Associ-ate Pastor of St. John AMEC in Brenham, Washington County Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors, Brenham Activist As-sociation, Washington County Rotary Club, Washington County Medical Assistance Board of Directors, Brazos Valley Crim-inal Justice Advisory Board, Jobs for Life Board of Director/Community Instructor, Chaplain-Brenham Police Department, Co-ordinator of Washington County Sheriff’s Department–Jail Ministry Program, Chap-lain–Brenham High School Football Team and Girls Basketball Team, and more. Mar-ried for 22 years to Nelda, he is the proud father of daughter, Randi (16), a junior at Brenham High School and son, Thomas (9), in fourth grade at Krause Elementary.
Following this election, as of January 2015, the remainder of the Chamber Board will include:
Immediate Past Chair:Liz Hopkins – Stella Designs & Solu-
tions/Hopkins Distributing Co.Directors – terms expire December 2015: Wesley Brinkmeyer -- Bluebonnet
Electric Dennis Crowson -- Blinn College Michael Groves -- The Artex GroupBrice Milliorn -- Edward Jones Invest-
mentsAsh Patel -- Best Western Inn-BrenhamGracie Slattery -- Brenham ClinicTiffany Winkles -- Blue Bell Creameries
Directors – terms expire December 2016:Sharon Brass -- Kwik Kopy Business
CenterCathy Cole -- Heritage Texas Country
PropertiesSuzy Hankins -- Ant Street InnChad Gerke -- Gerke Law FirmMichael Pittman -- Scott & White
HealthcareNathan Wade -- Lazy D RanchesRandy Weidemann -- Van Dyke Rankin
Insurance The election ballot is mailed to the
primary representative of each Chamber member business/organization. Please call the Chamber office if you do not receive a ballot by October 20.
ElectContinued from Page 3
Washington County is known for wildflowers, especially bluebonnets. They are a key factor that drives our local economy each spring and leads to a major rise in business activity.
To maintain our status as one of the most scenic regions in the state, and keep the tourism impact that the wildflowers generate, there is a need to re-seed wildflowers along U.S. 290 and sow seeds in safe public viewing spots.
The Chamber is spearheading a project to scatter seeds along “A Mile A Year.” We would like to thank the sponsors who have helped to launch a successful first year:
GOLD Sponsors: BRIANNAS - Fine Salad Dressings
Brenham National BankGREEN Sponsors:
In Loving Memory of Elaine Fay by Laina and Doug Freedberg Bluebonnet Electric • Texas Commercial Waste
BLUE Sponsors:Alexander Oil Co. • Blue Bell Creameries
Brazos Valley Schools Credit Union Mike Hopkins Distributing • The Flower Market
October 2014 | Chamber Works | Page 5
Building a Team of LeadersSeptember marked the second session of
learning experiences for the 2015 Leadership Washington County participants. Understand-ing and implementing different leadership and communication styles was the focus of the ses-sion. Kurt Podeszwa from Camp For All led the day-long workshop.
The sessioin was full of activities to focus on team-building skills. The class was led through several exercises which helped each participant recognize their strengths and weaknesses in order to focus on growth. Throughout the day class members were reminded that leadership is proactive and effective leaders sometimes emerge due to their placement within an orga-nization, not necessarily due to their position.
Kyle Merten of the Blinn College Founda-tion is a member of the class. He said, “Partic-ipating in the teambuilding exercises at Camp For All was an excellent opportunity for me to take a deeper look at how I can continue to be-come a stronger leader by understanding others strengths and weaknesses. The one major thing
I took home was effective leaders know when to take charge, but equally as important is when to sit back and follow.”
Camp Director, Kurt Podeszwa, shared the mission and history behind Camp For All, which hosts over more than 7,000 campers an-nually, and also described the many volunteer opportunities that exist there daily. The day concluded with a walking tour of the camp grounds. A world unto itself, Camp For All was designed with a “can do” attitude. At Camp For All, children and adults with special needs and challenging illnesses have the opportunity to experience horseback riding, canoeing, fishing, archery, water activities, team sports, arts and crafts, nature programs, and much more at their own level.
Leadership Washington County is a program of the Washington County Chamber aimed at educating and motivating current and future leaders. In the next session on October 21, the participants will take learn and explore Wash-ington County’s local history.
Blindfolded participants try to find their way out of the rope maze.
John Winkelmann listens closely as Camp Director Kurt Podeszwa leads a tour of one of the cottages.
The class takes turns making their way through the jump rope without getting hit. The entire class had to make it through or they had to all start over. After several attempts, they succeeded.
What leadership retreat would be complete with-out a trust fall? Ross Shelton takes the plunge as another participant lies underneath.
The group toured the beautiful grounds, including a tree house that sits above a small creek.
Team “Super Troopers”, consisting of Michael Brewster, Shae Janner, Andy Hefferly, Kristie Wensel, Joe Robertson, and Wendy Rubach, discuss their strategy for filling their hoola-hoop with the most items.
Jonas Lacina poses in front of a plaque commemo-rating his very own Eagle Scout project from 1998, which was a small pavilion just in front of the archery range at Camp For All.
www.twitter.com/VisitBrenham or ChamberWashCo
Travel Industry Conference
Over 400 travel industry representatives ranging from major attractions such as Six Flags Over Texas to the Texas Dept. of Transportation-Travel Division to city and county tourism partners gathered in Galveston for the annual con-ference of the Texas Travel Industry Association, includ-ing Chamber-CVB staff member Lu Hollander.
Topics discussed included economic outlooks for the Texas travel & tourism industry, overcoming transporta-tion challenges that could drive visitors away, diversity in the workplace, and managing the emerging travel industry workforce, to name a few.
Economist Dr. Ray Perryman indicated the state is in the 63rd month of an economic depression and that it has taken 58 months to gain 1 million jobs back. The state has more than tripled its oil production in the past three years and can expect another 4% growth in the next few years. Critical to keeping the economy strong are maintaining an educated workforce along with a strong infrastructure.
According to 2013 data, Texas is the 3rd most visited state behind California and Florida and the 6th most visit-ed by international travelers, who tend to stay longer and spend more money. Rural destinations claimed 35 million visitors in 2013 and benefitted from $4.8 million in direct visitor spending. Our state claimed 238 million visitors and the most-visited cities were Dallas/Fort Worth, Hous-ton, San Antonio, Austin, Corpus Christi, Lubbock and Amarillo.
Travel spending in Texas averages about $125 per per-son per day. In terms of choosing where to spend those dollars, the top three draws are culinary dining, shopping and historic sites.
Consumers of travel today are sophisticated, wired, connected and enjoy gaining bragging rights about their travel experiences. Experiences that actively engage and immerse visitors add to that visitor’s “emotional bank ac-count.”
Representatives of the state’s Travel division also re-viewed plans for promoting travel in Texas to the rest of the U.S. as well as other countries. A cover story in Na-tional Geographic China will appear this fall, partially as a result of direct air routes to China that have been added to area flight schedules. The Travel division’s advertising plans also include cooperative opportunities in both print and online.
With both intimate discussion groups and full-house dynamic presentations, attendees gained a great deal of valuable information relating to the travel industry.
During a break between presentations at the TTIA conference: Jessica Paschal, Conroe CVB; Lu Hollander; Hutch Hutchinson, Conroe CVB; and Kimm Thomas, City of Huntsville tourism.
Washington County Read
Join the 6th Annual Wash-ington County Read and re-ception, free and open to the public. Meet Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, author of “One Amazing Thing”, and hear an excerpt from her book on Fri-day, October 17 at 5:30pm at Unity Theatre. For more info, call 979-830-1460 or visit www.unitybrenham.org.
Blinn Theatre Arts presents ‘Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde’
Experience the story of a London lawyer who inves-tigates the strange transformation of his old friend Dr. Henry Jekyll into the evil Mr. Edward Hyde. A great Hal-loween treat that explores good vs. evil. Performances on Thursday, October 16, Friday, October 17, and Saturday, October 18, at 7 p.m., and on Sunday, October 19 at 2 p.m. O’Donnell Performing Arts Center, 600 Blinn Blvd., Brenham. Tickets are $5. For more info, call 979-830-4024 or visit www.blinn.edu.
Brazos Valley MAiZEHead out to the farm to enjoy a corn maze and many
other family-fun activities. Open weekends from Octo-ber 11 through November 16. Hours are Sat-urdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Brazos Valley Maize is located at 3063 Salem Rd. in Bren-ham. For more info, call 979-217-5002 or visit www.BrazosValleyMaize.com.
October Brew FeastAttend a special dinner celebrating Craft Beer and lo-
cal food. Chef Trish Eichelberger and Home Sweet Farm Market will team up with the Brazos Valley Brewery to bring a fabulous farm-to-market dinner with a focus on craft beer. Enjoy a unique event with local farmers and Brewmasters on Saturday, October 18 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are $55 per person and seating is limited. Home Sweet Farm Market, 307 S. Park Street, Brenham. For more info, call 979-530-7993 or visit www.home-sweetfarms.com.
Oktoberfest in BurtonEnjoy German traditional fun with a ceremonial tapping
of the keg, stein races, beer barrel races, wiener dog races, German food, music & wares, Hansel & Gretel village, live auction, street dance, and Best Dressed German lady & gentleman contest. Saturday, October 11 from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. in downtown Burton. Admission is free. For more info, visit www.burtontexas.org.
Heavy lifting at the site of the Simon Theatre res-toration/renovation is easily accomplished with this piece of equipment. Completion of the ball-room on the second f loor will be done this month.
Heritage Society NewsThe Heritage Society of Washington County recently
held its annual Board meeting where new Board Members were inducted and the accomplishments of Cynthia Ham-rick, as outgoing president, were celebrated.
While serving as a president for six years, Cynthia fo-cused on the Heritage Society’s mission to preserve the his-toric homes and artifacts while fostering education about the history of Washington County. Some of those successful efforts include, but not limited to: partnered with the City of Brenham, Brenham Heritage Museum and the Brenham Fire Department to develop Local History Day for 4th and 7th graders, becoming the pilot property for the Chamber’s Bluebonnet Beautification Project, Annual Gala honoring Steve James and working with Heritage Museum to pre-serve photos and documents.
New board members are Rachel Eckert Nordt, president; Carolyn Neal, 1st Vice President; Kristine Trevino, assist-ing with Properties; Holly Johnson, VP of Media; Allison Crownson, VP of Events; Vicki LaRue, VP of Fundrais-ing; Suzann Jones, VP of Tours; Mary Kuecker and Pau-la Buls, Belle Coordinators; Cynthia Hamrick, recording secretary; Ginger Bosse, treasurer; and Katie Burch, Ash-ley Loesch and Theresa Rodenbeck. Not pictured: Casey Rogers, membership secretary.
Page 6 | Chamber Works | October 2014
Tourism News
October 2014 | Chamber Works | Page 7
What’s Happening in OctoberOct 9-12 Unity Theatre presents ‘Boeing, Boeing’A 1960s hilarious classic French farce. Performances Thursday, 7:30pm; Friday-Saturday, 8pm; Sunday, 4pm, Unity Theatre, 300 Church St., Downtown Brenham (www.UnityBrenham.org, 979-830-8358).
Oct 10-11, 17-18, 24-25, 31Live Music at The Stone CellarLive bands, pizza, drinks. Black Cat Choir, Tubie & The Touchtones, Tres Dux, Jack the Sax, Aaron Gross, Eugene Eugene, 204 E. Mill Street, Round Top (www.stonecellarwines.com).
Beer Garden Open at Brazos Valley Brewing Company Open hours are 6pm-10pm, 201 W. First St., Downtown Brenham (www.brazosvalleybrewery.com). Live Music at The Kenney StoreGo early for dinner and stay late for live music and danc-ing. Most nights are free, but occasional cover charges, 811 Loop 497 South (www.TheKenneyStore.com).
Oct 10 New Beginnings Golf Tournament9th Annual Golf Tournament, 4-person scramble, noon-5pm, $85 per player (www.BrenhamPregnancySupport.com).
Oct 10 - 11 Washington County Relay For LifeHunting For A Cure, Firemen’s Park Baseball Field, 6pm-midnight (www.relayforlife.org/washingtoncotx).
Oct 10, 17, 24, 31, Nov 7 Live Music at Nathan’s BBQEntertainment varies, check website or Facebook. 6-9pm, Cajun specials, 1307 Prairie Lea, Brenham (www.nathansbbq.com).
Oct 11Oktoberfest in Downtown BurtonEnjoy German traditional fun for the whole family! Cer-emonial tapping of the keg, stein races, beer barrel races, wiener dog races, German food, music & wares, Hansel & Gretel village, live auction, street dance, and Best Dressed German lady & gentleman contest. Come join us for a whole lot of fun! (www.BurtonTexas.org)
Oct 11-12 Chappell Hill’s 38th Annual Scarecrow FestivalHead to downtown Chappell Hill and enjoy the magical land of scarecrows and a pumpkin patch. 300+ vendor booths, food, live music and family fun! Sat. 10am-6pm, Sun. Noon-5pm (www.ChappellHillHistoricalSociety.com, 979-836-6033).
Texas Bluebonnet Wine TrailOctober is Texas Wine Month! Celebrate on this trail with two select wine tastings, paired with a unique sausage dish at each winery. Tickets are available ONLINE only, $30 in-dividual, $50 couple (www.texasbluebonnetwinetrail.com).
Oct 11-12, 18-19, 25, 29, 31, Nov 8, 16, 17 Brazos Valley Corn Maze & Pumpkin PatchHead out to the farm to enjoy a corn maze and many other family-fun activities. Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 1-7pm, 3063 Salem Rd, Brenham, prices vary (www.BrazosValleyMaize.com).
Oct 12 Health & Safety Fair, Walk Across Texas KickoffSponsored by Washington County 4H. Blood pressure and glucose level check, educational booths, 2-5pm, at Wash-ington County Events Center (Tanya McGonagill, 979-277-6212).
Sermon on the MountLessons for life and leadership with Dr. Lew Sterrett, 6-8pm, Washington County Fairgrounds, free admission (www.sermononthemount.com).
Oct 13 Ribbon Cutting - CK Designs & BoutiqueJoin the Chamber Board, Staff, Blue Blazers and City and County officials as we celebrate this ribbon cutting for a new business, 11am, 1710 S. Day St, Brenham.
Parenting ClassSix-week parenting class starts this Monday night from 5:30 pm- 7:30 pm. For information contact Tanya McGo-nagill (979-277-6212).
Oct 14 Day by Day with DiabetesFree monthly support group. Topics include meal plan-ning, medications, exercise, research, low and high blood sugar, preventing complications, and resources that are available to you. Health Services Center, 5:30-6:30pm (979-251-0646).
Oct 16 Ribbon Cutting - Stylecraft Builders, IncJoin the Chamber Board, Staff, Blue Blazers and City and County officials as we celebrate a ribbon cutting for their new Model Home at 2308 Ralston Creek Ct., Brenham, 11am. Sales Tax SeminarFree seminar presented by State Comptroller’s Office. Learn about recordkeeping requirements and taxpayer re-sponsibilities. 1-3pm, Blinn College Student Center, Bren-ham (Carol Doersom 979-830-4333). Camp For All Annual GalaFireman’s Training Center, 6pm. For more info, con-tact Belinda Munsell ([email protected], www.campforall.org).
Bluebonnet OprySilver Wings Ballroom, 4100 Hwy 105, Brenham. Doors open at 5:30pm, snack bar opens at 6pm, show starts at 7:30pm. Tickets are $5.
Oct 17 BHS Football Hall of HonorProgram to honor former Brenham Cub football players, coaches and supporters. Held at Blinn College Student Center, 11am-2pm, tickets $25. For more information con-tact Delbert Boeker (979-251-0388).
Brenham Cubs Football GameBrenham vs. Magnolia (Hall of Honor), 7pm, Cub Stadium. Washington County READ ReceptionThe 2014 Washington County READ selection is “One Amazing Thing” by Chitra Divakaruni. A free reception to meet the author and enjoy a dramatic reading of excerpts of from the book will be at 5:30pm at Unity Theatre, 300 Church Street, Downtown Brenham.
Brew “U”Learn to appreciate flavor nuances between beers and delicious food pairings, 7:30pm, Bullock Ballroom at Historic Simon Theatre, tickets $45, combo price of-fered with Brew-Step event (www.DowntownBrenham.com/BrewStep).
Oct 18Texas Brew-StepVariety of hand crafted brews from across Texas and beyond will be served in Downtown Brenham’s National Register Historic District. Sample the brews with a keepsake pilsner
glass, tickets $35, combo price offered with Brew “U” event (www.DowntownBrenham.com/BrewStep). Barn Dance & Dinner GalaSteak & shrimp dinner, live auction, dancing, door prize, raffles, music by Bret Graham Band, proceeds preserve and support Texas Cotton Gin Museum, 6-11pm, La Ba-hia Dance Hall, Hwy 23, $50 per person (www.CottonGinMuseum.org).
Oct 22Scott & White Open HouseOpen House for the community celebrating Project SEARCH, a one year high school-to-work program that takes place entirely at the workplace. 5-7pm, Scott & White Hospital Education Room, 700 Medical Parkway, Brenham.
Oct 23-26, 30-Nov 2Unity Theatre presents, “Kayak”Alone on a vast stretch of water, Annie recounts the strange chain of events that left her stranded in her son’s old kayak. Performances Thursday at 7:30pm; Friday-Saturday, 8pm; Sunday, 4pm, Unity Theatre, 300 Church St., Brenham. Tickets $25 (www.UnityBrenham.org, 979-830-8358).
Oct 23 St. Paul’s Christian Day School Fall FestivalDrive-thru BBQ sausage meal, live and silent auctions, drawings, children’s games, fun for the whole family! $8/plate, 5pm, Washington County Fairgrounds (836-1145).
Camo Country ChristmasA corporate shopping extravaganza with entertainment and refreshments, Shirts Caps and More, 32212 Giboney Rd., Hempstead, 4-8pm.
Business After Hours - Brenham ClinicHosted by Brenham Clinic, “Paint the Town Pink” for Breast Cancer Awareness, 5-7pm, Hasskarl-Giddings Im-aging Center, 693 North Market St.
Oct 25 Miracle Farms Pardners RoundUpCelebrate the redemptive mission of Miracle Farm, offer-ing the chance of a lifetime to teenage boys and their fam-ilies to experience healing, earn an education and learn re-spect, 6:30pm, Rockin’ Star Ranch, 8002 Fuelburg Pease Lane, Brenham (www.MiracleFarm.org).
Shakespeare at Winedale - Much Ado About NothingActors From The London Stage perform, 7pm. Tickets $20 or $10 for UT Faculty/UT Staff/Students. Tickets available online or by phone (512-471-4726, www.Shakespeare-wi-nedale.org).
Oct 26 Pumpkin Patch Brunch at The CitadelPick your own pumpkins! Reservations by Oct. 22. Seat-ing times at 11am and 12:30pm, $50 per person, $25 ages 4-12 years, under 4 free. For reservations call Jessie (281-414-2654) or visit www.thecitadeltexas.com.
St. Mary’ Catholic Church Polish Heritage FestivalFeaturing Polish food, music by Daniel & The Country Boys, raffle, live auction, cake booth, grocery booth, coun-try store, children games, 11am-5pm, Parish Activity Cen-ter, 701 Church St., Brenham (979-836-4441).
Oct 29 Brenham Children’s Chorus Drive Thru DinnerCatered by Nathan’s BBQ, 4-6pm, Brenham Community Education Building, 1301 S. Market St, call for tickets, $8 each (277-3897, www.BrenhamChildrensChorus.com).
See CALENDAR, Page 8
VOTE EARLY at your convenience
Monday, Oct. 20, will be the first day of the early voting period for the General Election. Early voting will end on Oct. 31. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2014.
You can vote early at the Courthouse Annex at 100 S. Park Street in Downtown Brenham (across the street from the Courthouse). It is the most convenient way to vote.
Here are the early voting hours: Monday through Fri-day, Oct. 20-24, from 8am un-til 5pm; Saturday, Oct. 25, from 10am until 2pm; Sunday, Oct. 26, from noon until 3pm; and then Monday through Friday, Oct. 27-31 from 8am until 5pm.
Page 8 | Chamber Works | October 2014
Oct 30Fall Frolic 20142nd Annual Ladies Night Out with the Chamber. Shopping, raffle, fashion shows, food, drinks! 5:30-9pm, Silver Wings Ball-room, Brenham. See details on front page of this newsletter.
Oct 31 - Nov 2 Round Top Festival InstituteAnnual Theatre Forum, The Enchanted Years of the Stage: American Voices (1870-1930). Lectures, exhibitions and perfor-mances. 4pm, Festival Hill, 248 Jaster Rd., $120 (www.FestivalHill.org).
Oct 31Kenney Store Halloween Party Featuring the Anthony Moreno Band, Hal-loween Costume Contest. Band starts at 8:30pm (www.TheKenneyStore.com).
A few November highlights…Nov 1-2Highway 36 Grand Art TrailJoin Arts at The Lake for incredible art work by local artists & artisans in Chries-
man, Caldwell, Somerville, Brenham and Bellville, 9am-5pm, Brenham Downtown Gallery, Bellville Holland Street Gallery, Somerville Yegua Center, Art C’s, Tin Star Studio, Bluebonnet Pottery, Caldwell Civic Center (www.ArtsAtTheLake.org).
Nov 1 Pop-up Museum Honoring the 125th Anniversary of the St. Stanislaus Parish in Chappell Hil, open for everyone to learn about Polish heritage in Washington County, 11am-4pm, Chappell Hill Historical Museum (979-836-6033, [email protected]).
Wine Fest in Round TopA leisurely day of shopping while sampling fine wines from around the globe, live mu-sic, 204 E. Mill St., Round Top, 2-7pm, $25 (www.StoneCellarWines.com).
Night at Star of the Republic MuseumExplore the museum by flashlight, dis-cover the history of Texas in a different light, anytime between 7-9pm, bring a flashlight. Adults $5, students $3, children ages 6-under are free. Star of the Repub-lic Museum at Washington-on-the-Brazos (www.StarMuseum.org).
Nov 2 Home Sweet Farm Monthly Market DayHeld the first Sunday each month, 11am-4pm, 307 S. Park St., Downtown Brenham (www.homesweetfarm.com).
Nov 4 Game Day for Batten FoundationReserve a table for your group to play, $50 a person, for Bridge, Mah Jong, Bingo, many others and lunch. Door Prizes through-out the day. Limited to 125 persons. Gold Heart Ranch, Chappell Hill. RSVP by Oc-tober 20 to Lana McDaniel (713-828-7575; [email protected]).
Nov 6Networking Breakfast“Wake Up, Washington County!” Cham-ber Networking Breakfast, 7:45am, Dona Lynn’s Unique Gifts, 100 E. Alamo, Bren-ham. Christ Lutheran Day School Fall Drive-ThruChicken Spaghetti prepared by Herbert’s Catering. 4:30-6:30pm, Jackson Street Park Kitchen. Tickets available at Christ Lutheran Day School or Church, 1104 Car-lee Dr., Brenham.
Nov 7Post-Election Forum “Victory Party”Featuring Rep. Lois Kolkhorst and new-ly-elected officials. Delicious BBQ lunch. 11:30am-1pm, American Legion Hall, Brenham. $18 for Chamber Members, $25 for non-members. (979-836-3695, [email protected]).
Nov 11 Ladies Night Out at Ace HardwareA night set aside for Ladies to experience the latest in Holiday/Home Decor, Gifts, Fashion, Kitchen & Gourmet Foods. Ev-erything from demos with tasty treats to High Tech gadgets. Share the evening with friends while shopping exclusive dis-counts, 6:30-9pm, Allied Ace Hardware, 307 N. Austin Parkway, Brenham.
Nov 13Business After HoursHosted by Artex, 5-7pm, 6351 Highway 36 South, Brenham.
Candlelit Christmas Dinner & ConcertFaith Mission hosts this annual special event at 6pm, Silver Wings Ballroom, purchase a table or tickets, $40 per person, sponsor-ships available, volunteers needed (979-530-8737, [email protected]).
CalendarContinued from Page 7
Vote YES for Prop. 1The Chamber Board would like to encourage all
members to vote YES to support Proposition 1 for transportation infrastructure funding. A strong transportation system is fundamental to our quality of life and economic vitality, attracting new business-es and generating new jobs.
Transportation funding over the past several years has been supplemented by bond programs and those bond programs are now exhausted and have resulted in a significant level of debt for Texas. The proposed amendment would result in an estimated $1.4 billion per year for the state highway fund. It would not fully fund the state’s overall transportation needs, but it would be a key step toward securing critical funding for transportation projects in Texas.
For more information on Early Voting or Proposi-tion 1, please contact the Chamber at (979) 836-3695 or [email protected].
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