February 2015

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FEBRUARY 2015 2015 Board of Directors Chairman WESLEY BRINKMEYER Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative First Vice Chair MICHAEL PITTMAN Scott & White Hospital Second Vice Chair KURT ALFRED Brenham National Bank Treasurer MICHAEL GROVES NOV Elmar Artex Secretary BRICE MILLIORN Edward Jones Immediate Past Chair LIZ HOPKINS Stella Designs & Solutions ERIC BERG District Attorney’s Office SHARON BRASS Kwik Kopy Business Center CATHY COLE Heritage Texas Country Properties DENNIS CROWSON Blinn College CHAD GERKE Gerke Law Firm BECKY HANATH Rodney’s General Repair SUZY HANKINS Ant Street Inn

ChamberWorks

brenham, texas

washington county chamber of commerce

Annual awards and volunteer recognition announced at banquet A crowd of nearly 600 people attended the Annual Banquet held by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce and Brenham Economic Development Foundation on January 27. The theme was “Celebrating Partners in Progress” and Joel Allison, CEO of Baylor Scott & White Health, was the keynote speaker. Newly-elected Senator Lois Kolkhorst presented special remarks to the crowd. Randy Weidemann served as Master of Ceremonies. Thanks to all the members and guests who attended, and to the following headline sponsors for ensuring the success of the event:

Blue Bell - BBVA Compass - Bluebonnet Electric Brenham Chrysler Jeep Dodge - Brenham Clinic Brenham National Bank - Germania Insurance Van Dyke Rankin & Co. - Scott & White Healthcare After the keynote presentation, EDF Chairman Billy Holle was called to the stage. He talked about the history of the EDF and thanked retiring board members Barbara Maurer and Jon Hill for their years of service. He also thanked several partner organizations including the City of Brenham/BCDC, Washington County and Bluebonnet Electric. Next the Chamber Board Chairman for 2014, Liz Hopkins, thanked the retiring directors whose terms ended in December: Ricky Boeker, Coy Fontenot, Mike Haywood, Judi Houston and Renee Mueller. She also thanked the officers who served alongside her in 2014: Michael Groves, Wesley Brinkmeyer, Michael Pittman and Debbie Havers. The current president of the Blue Blazers, Tammy Jaster from the City of Brenham-Blue Bell Aquatic Center, thanked the club members who BANQUET continued on page 4

TAMMY JASTER City of Brenham – Blue Bell Aquatic Center ASH PATEL Best Western Inn – Brenham

Nita Hyatt and Donald Ahrens pause in front of the crowd to accept the honor of being selected Woman and Man of the Year for 2014.

JAMES PHARAON Germania Insurance

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

GRACIE SLATTERY Brenham Clinic

hosted by:

mix , mingle , make connections!

The Citadel

CYNTHIA SMITH Oldham Goodwin Group

3401 U.S. 290 East, Brenham

NATHAN WADE Lazy “D” Ranches

Thursday, March 26 from 5-7 p.m.

RANDY WEIDEMANN Van Dyke Rankin Insurance

Enjoy great networking and refreshments! Bring plenty of business cards to share with other members. Free for Chamber members and all employees!

REV. RANDY WELLS Faith Mission and Help Center TIFFANY WINKLES Blue Bell Creameries

Featured speaker Joel Allison received a framed historic flag in appreciation from Randy Weidemann, MC of the banquet.

Special beverages provided by Mike Hopkins Distributing Learn more about The Citadel at www.thecitadeltexas.com

Page 2 | Chamber Works | February 2015

Ribbon Cuttings

Business Spotlights Brenham Fine Arts League

New Member

New Location

Texas Star Winery

Seidel Schroeder

Owners: Jim & Susan Chisolm 10587 Old Chappell Hill Rd., Chappell Hill

Wade Seidel & James Schroeder 2707 S. Market St., Brenham

For centuries man has reached out through art to form a link from generation to generation. The creation and appreciation of art enhances one’s awareness of the beauty and meaning of life. It was such an awareness that prompted the forming of what is now Brenham Fine Arts League. What began in 1956 to promote awareness and appreciation of art in the community has continued to quietly serve the area for almost 60 years. Membership is now nearing 100. They offer scholarships annually to three high school seniors, classes four days a week in several mediums for both children and adults, numerous workshops through the year, an annual spring Judged Art Show, the Washington County Fair judged art competition, and other fun events. Monthly meetings are held the third Monday at noon for networking and sharing. Guests are always welcome. As of January 2015, the Downtown Art Gallery, LLC became a member-owner gallery providing a place to sell artwork and house an extensive art library and the Brenham Fine Arts League. The Gallery is located at 113 W. Alamo in historic downtown Brenham, and is open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. till 5 p.m.

The Fortnightly Club

New Location

New Member

Kool Shades Window Tint

Fortnightly Club of Brenham

Owner: Wayne Fairman 1654 FM 389, Brenham

Book House 906 N. Park St., Brenham

GROUP BUYING POWER Chamber 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

The Fortnightly Club was organized in December 1895 by 12 women who wanted to learn more about the literary arts.  Their search for knowledge led them to establish the first and only public library in Brenham in February 1901.  They collected about 1,000 books and opened the library in donated space in the Giddings Bank building located on the corner of Park and Alamo Streets. Since 1901 the primary beneficiary of Fortnightly fundraising has been the public library, now called the Nancy Carol Roberts Memorial Library.  The Annual Used Book Sale to benefit the library is scheduled for February 25-28 at the Washington County Fairgrounds. This year, they will celebrate the 120th anniversary of founding of The Fortnightly Club and in 2016 will recognize the 115th birthday of the library. They look forward to celebrating that event in the renovated and expanded building that will be under construction in the very near future. The Used Book House is located at 906 N. Park St., across from Fireman’s Park.

Renewing Chamber Members January 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.

Blue Bell Creameries — Presidential Member — 90+ years Washington County Abstract Company — 50+ years Van Dyke Rankin & Company — Presidential Member — 50+ years Germania Insurance — Presidential Member — 50+ years Seidel Schroeder — 37 years Brenham L-P Gas — 33 years Detering Brothers Investments — 33 years Medi-Care Equipment Specialties — 33 years Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative — Presidential Member — 31 years Brenham Memorial Chapel — 31 years Cattleman’s Brenham Livestock Auction — 31 years Faske’s Jewelry — 31 years TFE Company — 31 years Brenham Veterinary Hospital — 30 years Herrmann International — 30 years Kenjura Pharmacy — 30 years Lacina & Kenjura PC — 30 years Moeller Electric Company — 30 years Thielemann Construction & Stegent Thielemann Plumbing — 30 years Wellmann Insurance Agency — 30 years Thrivent Financial — 28 years Paul LaRoche, III, DDS — 27 years Phillips Painting Contractor — 26 years David Hermann Electric Co. — 25 years Lete Phillips Exercise Program — 25 years Market Realty — 25 years Ant Street Inn — 23 years Enterprise Products — 23 years BABE’S Trucking Co. — 21 years Farmers Mutual Aid Assoc. of Washington Co. — 20 years Unity Theatre — 20 years

Goss Communications — 18 years Hodde Real Estate Company — 18 years Hospice Brazos Valley — 17 years Citizens State Bank — Presidential Member — 16 years Southern Rose Ranch — 16 years Bartay Chiropractic — 15 years Culligan of Brenham — 15 years Paul Ehlert — 15 years Eye Associates of Brazos Valley — 15 years K&M Grocery — 15 years Lampe Surveying — 15 years Total Storage — 15 years Westwood Travel Center — 15 years Woltmann’s Welding & Fabricating — 15 years Martha’s Bloomers — 14 years Brenham Insurance Center — 13 years Dan’s Meat Market — 12 years Longwood Elastomers — 12 years Brazos Valley Food Bank — 10 years Brenham House Bed & Breakfast — 8 years Hollis Energy Resource Services — 8 years Woodforest National Bank — 8 years Burton American Legion Post #242 — 6 years Downtown Art Gallery — 6 years Winedale Historical Complex — 6 years The Gallery at Round Top — 5 years House of Atreus — 5 years Brenham Mobility — 4 years Performance Health & Wellness — 4 years Spherion Staffing — 4 years Yumm! Sweets & Eats — 4 years Zither Music Company — 4 years Hodde Real Estate Company-Tiffany Falk — 3 years Hodde Real Estate Company-Jim Ripple — 2 years BENCOR LLC — 1 year

Chamber Staff adds Dawn Konieczny Please help us in welington County Treasurcoming Dawn Koniecer’s office, the City of zny to the Chamber staff Brenham, Brenham ISD as the new Receptionist. and Brenham Collision She joined the staff in Center. mid-January. Dawn and her husAs a lifelong resident band Curtis have one of Brenham and a graddaughter, Brooke, who uate of Brenham High is a junior at Brenham School, Dawn is faHigh School. In her miliar with many busi- KONIECZNY spare time she enjoys nesses in the community. She has camping, hunting and being with previously worked for the Wash- family.

WASHINGTON COUNTY “ADOPT-A-SIGN” PARTNERS

To ensure the long-term care of the Welcome Sign monuments at the five entry points to Washington County, four landscaping companies from our community have volunteered to oversee their maintenance.

Precision Lawn Management — U.S. 290 West Sign Designing Landscapes — U.S. 290 East Sign Glasco & Company Landscaping — Hwy. 36 North and South Signs Wise Landscaping — Hwy. 105 Sign

Boost your visibility by hosting breakfast Hosting a Chamber event can be a great way to expose your company, your products and/or services, and your staff to the greater Washington County business community. The “Wake Up, Washington County” networking breakfasts are held quarterly. We are looking for host site sponsorships for February, May, August and November. Sponsorships are available each quarter for $200. This promotion is a great value and opportunity to bring 30-50 people through your doors! Breakfast sponsors are needed to cover the cost of food and coffee. Your business can be included as a food sponsor for $150. All sponsors receive valuable exposure on mailed invitations, in the Chamber newsletter, in emails, and at the event. Please contact Jane Hinze, Member Services Manager, as soon as you read this article if you are interested at 979-836-3695 or [email protected]. Mark your calendar now and maybe this will be your New Year’s resolution…to become a great networking partner of the Chamber. You will be surprised at the things you will learn about this community and the connections you will make when you attend Chamber events. Together we can make 2015 great.

February 2015 | Chamber Works | Page 3

New Chamber Members

COMPASS BLUE LLC Owners: Jonathan & Teresa Shuey 8218 Pheasant Lane (Mailing Address) Burton, Texas 77835 Phone: 979-836-7726 [email protected] Rental/Lease Property-Office/Homes

TEXAS COOKIE GARDEN Owner: Alisa Taylor 1730 Coshatte Road (Physical Address) P.O. Box 712 (Mailing Address) Bellville, Texas 77418 Phone: 979-877-5619 [email protected] www.texascookiegarden.com Bakery–Specialty/Retail PPE LLC Manager: Tony Wells 3201 S. Blue Bell Road Brenham, Texas 77833 Phone: 979-353-7300 [email protected] www.prepol.com Manufacturer CAROLYN BILSKI 516 Hwy 290E (Physical Address) Brenham, Texas 77833 721 7th Street (Mailing Address) Sealy, Texas 77474 Phone: 979-256-7028 Individual FLEUR DE LIS Owners: Houshang & Rita Masudi 1607 S. Day Street (Physical Address) 1701 S. Day Street (Mailing Address) Brenham, Texas 77833 Phone: 979-661-0352 [email protected] Bed & Breakfast JOURNEY CONSULTING Owner: Kurt Podeszwa 6301 Rehburg Rd. Burton, TX 77835 Phone: 713-705-9790 [email protected] www.journey-consulting.com Business Consulting/Training LAUREN HAEVISCHER, ASST. D.A. 110 S. Park Street (Physical Address) 100 E. Main Street, Box 303 (Mailing Address) Brenham, Texas 77833 Phone: 979-277-6247 [email protected] Individual THE LAW OFFICE OF LEIGHTON SCHUBERT Owner: Leighton Schubert 108 S. Echols Street (Physical Address) PO Box 753 (Mailing Address) Caldwell, Texas 77836 Phone: 979-567-3999 [email protected] www.schubertlawtx.com Attorneys

Page 4 | Chamber Works | February 2015

Banquet retired in 2014: Jolene Curtis, Tiffany Falk, Pam Green and Jared Hartman. Then, the Blue Blazer of the Year award was announced by Chamber Member Services Manager Jane Hinze. It was won by Tammy Jaster, who was very surprised and gratefully accepted.

Nita Hyatt won the 2014 Woman of the Year-Lifetime Achievement Award. She was introduced by 2013 winner Lanella Gray. Donald Ahrens won the 2014 Man of the Year Award, introduced by the prior year’s winner Bill Rankin. Both winners were stunned and surprised. They expressed sincere

appreciation for being selected and talked about what a great community this is to live in and serve others. That concluded a wonderful evening of celebration for this community’s business leaders and hard-working volunteers. Plans for next year’s banquet are already underway.

TOP PHOTO: The 2014 Blue Blazer of the Year award was won by Tammy Jaster (left) for outstanding service to the community, presented by Jane Hinze (right). RIGHT PHOTO: The 2014 executive officers with plaques in appreciation: from left: Liz Hopkins, Chairman of the Board; Michael Pittman, Second Vice Chair; Michael Groves, Treasurer; Wesley Brinkmeyer, First Vice Chair; and Page Michel, Chamber president.

2014 Chamber chair Liz Hopkins (left) thanked retiring directors from the Chamber Board Coy Fontenot and Mike Haywood. Not pictured: Ricky Boeker, Judi Houston, Renee Mueller and Debbie Havers.

EDF board chairman Billy Holle (right) presented plaques to retiring directors Jon Hill and Barbara Maurer.

Thank you to our Chairman’s Circle members ...

Brenham National Bank

Brenham Clinic

Thank you to our Presidential Level members ...

OF BRENHAM Bluebonnet Electric

Metropolitan Water Company, L.P.

BRENHAM

— Brenham

February 2015 | Chamber Works | Page 5

Leadership in the State In January, the Leadership class traveled to Austin for the State Government session. This session provides in-depth information about our state’s legislative process and judicial process. Newly elected State Senator Lois Kolkhorst (LWC Class of 1995) joined the class in the Senate Chamber for questions and answers. She showed the location of her new desk and explained various protocols of the Senate. She also led the class onto the House floor and talked about the difference between the two chambers. She explained the roles of state lawmakers and possible scenarios that might occur during a legislative hearing. Leadership class members were reminded that our state Senators and Representatives like to hear from constituents and encouraged everyone to contact her office at any time with concerns. The class also got a sneak peek into Senator Kolkhorst’s new office, located on the third floor of the Capitol. After visiting with Sen. Kolkhorst, participants enjoyed a professionally guided tour of the Capitol, hearing about the history of the various statues, paintings, architecture and much more. Following lunch in the Capitol Grill, the class walked to the Texas Supreme Court building. It was raining, but the class had VIP access through the tunnels! They received a rare chance to sit in the court and met with Justice Don Willett. He told the class about what inspired him to become a lawyer and the various roles and positions that led to his achieving an appointment as a Justice of the Texas Supreme Court. The next session will focus on Education in Washington County. Leadership Washington County is a program of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce designed to train and motivate current and future leaders for our community. The next class will form in July. For more details and/or an application, please call the Chamber at (979) 836-3695 or visit www. BrenhamTexas.com.

Leadership Class photo with Senator Lois Kolkhorst.

Inside the Supreme Court of Texas with Justice Don Willett.

ABOVE: A Capitol tour guide tells the story behind the painting of the Battle of San Jacinto. LEFT PHOTO: Class member Taylor Jones ... a future Senator?

Page 6 | Chamber Works | February 2015

Spring Geiger Press Tour Plans are under way for the upcoming Geiger Public Relations press tour for travel journalists scheduled for March 8-12. The group will consist of about 15-17 travel journalists plus four Geiger staff members who organize all details of the trip, including managing an intense daily schedule for the group. A typical jam-packed schedule includes tours of major attractions such as Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site, Blue Bell Creameries, Antique Rose Emporium, the Bush Library, and other key destinations. The group enjoys overnighting at area B&Bs and sampling dining from a variety of restaurants, all hosted by participating tourism partners. The resulting publicity from travel articles and blogs significantly enhances the advertising and public relations efforts of the Chamber-CVB geared toward bringing visitors to the area.

“A Piece of My Heart”

Tourism News

Quilts will be exhibited from a collection dating from late 1700s to current. The Winedale Historical Complex hosts this annual quilt exhibition “Seeing Double: Paired Versions of Popular Quilt Patterns” from Monday, Feb. 16, through Saturday, Feb. 28, from 9am to 4pm daily. Winedale Historical Complex is located at 3738 FM 2714 in Round Top. For more info visit www.cah.utexas.edu.

Tourism Tuesday, held every other month, draws representatives from a variety of visitor attractions in Washington County and the surrounding area. At the January meeting, CVB Website and Social Media Manager Jenny Mills, right, discusses the launch of a new visitor website. It is now live at www.visitbrenhamtexas.com; go take a look! The next Tourism Tuesday is scheduled for March 3 at 10 a.m. in the Chamber conference room.

This is a powerful, fact-based drama of six courageous women who went to Vietnam: four nurses, an intelligence officer, and a country western singer (booked by an unscrupulous agent to entertain the troops). The play portrays each young woman before, during, and after her tour in the war-torn nation and their struggles to make sense of a war that irrevocably changed them. Unity Theatre is located at 300 Church St. in Downtown Brenham. Performances run from February 19-March 8. Performance times on Thursdays are 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 4pm. For more info call 979-830-1460 or visit www.UnityBrenham.org

Valentine’s Day Concert Plan to enjoy the “From Broadway with Love” Concert with Dick Smith and Friends on Saturday, February 14, at 2 p.m. Round Top Festival Institute, located at 248 Jaster Road in Round Top. For more info, call 979-249-3129 or visit www.FestivalHill.org.

New Visitor Guides Deliveries of the 2015 Washington County Visitor Guide are ongoing and should be completed in the near future. If you need some at your place of business and have not yet received a supply, please call the Visitor Center at 979836-3696 and let us know. If you have already run out of the Guides that you received, please let the staff know that as well. You can always drop by the Visitor Center at 115 W. Main Street in Downtown Brenham or the Chamber’s main building at 314 S. Austin Street to pick up a supply.

Judy Hyman, Visitor Center & Group Contact Manager, attended the American Bus Association Marketplace in St. Louis January 10-13. Judy and other representatives worked the Team Texas booth on the networking floor, providing refreshments while promoting our great community and state.

Quilt Event at Winedale

Texas Independence Day Celebration

Celebrate the 179th anniversary of Texas independence where Texas became Texas! Featuring historic re-enactors, musicians, soldiers and craftsmen. Festival hours are Saturday, Feb. 28, and Sunday, March 1, from 10am to 5pm. This is “a must” for all those who love Texas and want to share our state’s unique history in a fun way with younger generations! For more info, call 936-878-2892 or visit www.birthplaceoftexas.com.

Progress is being made on the second of three marketing videos for the Chamber-CVB. The first tourism video has been completed. The second will target the group tour and meeting markets. Here the crew is filming a staged small-scale meeting. They also filmed a visitor interaction scene at the Visitor Center and gathered event footage at the recent Chamber/EDF banquet.

Chocolate and Wine Walk For the love of chocolate, head to Bybee Square, located on the corner of Von Rosenberg and Austin Street in the heart of Round Top, on Saturday, Feb.. 14, from 11am to 5pm. For more info, call 979-249-4042 or visit www.bybeesquare.com.

Working for YOU! As a Chamber member, your promotional information is seen by thousands of people every month.

WALK-INS Visitor Center HQ Building

Jan. 2015 — 1,180

Jan. 2015 — 690

WEBSITE www.BrenhamTexas.com Total Pages Unique Visitors

Jan. 2015 — 7,713

Jan. 2015 — 15,936

WEBSITE www.VisitBrenhamTexas.com Total Pages Unique Visitors

Jan. 2015 — 9,155

Jan. 2015 — 22,761

Marketing Our Community Across the State of Texas The Washington County CVB is a proud and active member of the following state and regional tourism industry associations: Texas Travel Industry Association Texas Assoc. of Convention & Visitors Bureaus Texas Hotel & Lodging Association Texas Society of Association Executives Texas Independence Trail Region I-10 Corridor Association Presidential Texas Central Texas Bluebonnet Travel Council American Bus Association South Central Motorcoach Association

February 2015 | Chamber Works | Page 7

New Blue Blazer

New Blue Blazer

New Blue Blazer

Chris Jackson Chris Jackson has been in law enforcement for 20 years, the last 15 with the Brenham Police Department. He is the Administrative Corporal to the Chief and is the Community Services Officer. He is also helps lead the SWAT Team. Jackson facilitates the Citizens Police Academy and Citizens’ on Patrol program. He is the liaison with the community and is responsible for recruiting. Jackson is involved with the JACKSON Special Olympics, BISD’s Student Health Advisory Council, Relay for Life and the Task Force to Preserve BSSLC. He is a 2011 graduate of the Washington County Leadership Program and serves as a facilitator. He is a board member of the WCPOA and the Washington County Victims’ Task Force. Jackson is a member of Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church and is married to Megan, the director of nursing at Brenham Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. They are the parents of Claire, 8, and Emma, 5.

Kathy Randermann Kathy Schubert Randermann was born and raised in the rolling hills of Brenham. In 1986, she started her family, which would ultimately consist of two boys, two daughters-in-law, and three energetic and fun loving grandchildren. She has always been involved in the community, whether it was watching her sons on the baseball diamond, helping organize Maifest, participating on Washington County Fair committees or heading Sunday school classes. Her constant participation and love for communication has led to a successful 15- RANDERMAMM year career as an outside salesperson. She currently works for KWHI/KTTX Radio. Coming from a family of five siblings, four of which own businesses, and her father who started his business in 1958, she was destined to be a leader and an organized business professional. She and her family still reside in Brenham and she is looking forward to the many years of watching her family and grandchildren continue to grow and thrive in the local community.

Michelle Panko

Michelle grew up in San Diego, California and attended school at the University of Nebraska. After living in La Grange, Texas for some years, Michelle and her husband, Dr. Lee Panko, moved to Brenham in 2009 to become owners of Brenham Veterinary Hospital. They have worked hard to continue the legacy of Brenham Veterinary Hospital, which has been operating since 1952, while always looking to meet the growing needs of the community. With this in PANKO mind, Michelle is currently managing Barking Ranch Pet Resort, a new facility located behind the hospital, that offers boarding, daycare, and grooming to their clients. Michelle and her husband, Lee, have been married for 12 years and have three children. Nicholas is a third-grader at Brenham Elementary School, Marissa is a first-grader at Brenham Elementary School, and 4 year old Luke attends preschool at First Methodist. Their family also includes a sweet blue heeler Ginny, and a very lazy cat, Rocky.

What’s Happening in February Jan 31-March 1 The Art in Fiber 2015 Eleven artists have created artwork for this exciting show:. Free admission 10am-6pm; artist reception January 31 from 3-6pm; at Copper Shade Tree, 102 Schumann Ln., Round Top (www.coppershadetree.com). Feb 13, 20, 27, March 6 Live Music at Nathan’s BBQ Entertainment varies, check website or Facebook. 6-9pm, Cajun specials, 1307 Prairie Lea St., Brenham. Funraiser for Ed Pothul on Feb. 13 (www.nathansbbq.com). Feb 13 Independence Historical Society Monthly meeting 7-8pm, visitors welcome, held at Antique Rose Emporium, 10,000 FM 50, Independence ([email protected]). Josh Ward Band at Buffalo Creek Live with special guest Steven Marshall, 7-11pm; presale tickets at Buck Ferguson Originals and Rocking B Cowboy Supply in Bellville, $10 (www.buffalocreekbellville.com). Feb 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28, March 6, 7 Live Music at The Stone Cellar Live bands, pizza and drinks every weekend! Acts include Black Cat Choir, Tubie & The Touchtones, Tres Dux, Jack the Sax, Aaron Gross, Eugene Eugene, and more. Friday and Saturday 11-7pm; Sunday 5-8pm; some Saturdays 3-6pm; 550 N Hwy 237, Round Top (www.stonecellar wines.com). Live Music at The Kenney Store Live music by varying artists every Friday & Saturday night. Go 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).

Feb 14, 15 Texas Bluebonnet Wine & Chocolate Trail Trail ticket allows you to sample two wines paired with a chocolate delicacy at each of SEVEN member wineries along the Texas Bluebonnet Wine Trail, including Saddlehorn Winery, Pleasant Hill Winery, Windy Winery, Cork This!, Bernhardt Winery, Peach Creek Vineyards, and Messina Hof Winery & Resort; $30 individual or $50 for two (www.texasbluebonnetwinetrail.com). Feb 14 Art from the Heart, Then and Now The first major exhibition of Cheyenne Chapel’s work features award winning drawings, landscapes, shapes and more. Also selections from local artists-past and present including Andrew Hooker and items from Kenya, Dakar, Senegal and South Africa. Celebrate Black History by examining the connections and continuities between past and recent models of African Artistic expression; Chappell Hill Historical Society and Museum, 10am4pm (www.chchg.org). Round Top Festival Institute Valentine’s Day with Dick Smith and Friends, “From Broadway with Love”, Festival Concert Hall, 248 Jaster Road, Round Top, TX, 2-4pm, $25 adults, $10 children (www.festivalhill.org). Feb 16-28 Winedale Quilt Exhibit The Winedale Historical Complex hosts “Seeing Double: Paired Versions of Popular Quilt Patterns”, 9am-4pm, 3738 FM 2714, Round Top, free (www.cah.utexas.edu). Feb 16, 23, March 2, 9 Oil Painting classes at Brenham Fine Arts League Frances Macaulay is a local artist of re-

nown who has been teaching the skill of oil painting to generations. Classes are ongoing, Monday morning, $45, 9:30am12:30pm, Downtown Art Gallery, 113 W. Alamo, Brenham (979-251-7522). Feb 16 Brenham Fine Arts League Monthly meeting and luncheon of Brenham Fine Arts League. Demonstration in pastels by area artist Linda Dellandre. Guests welcome. Noon-3pm, Downtown Art Gallery, 113 W. Alamo, Brenham (281344-7013). Feb 17 “Wake Up, Washington County!” Networking Breakfast Hosted by Blinn College, free for Chamber Members, 7:45am, Janis Sneed Banquet Room in Student Center, Brenham. Feb 17, 24, March 3, 10 Oil painting class at Brenham Fine Arts League Patsy Supak’s oil painting classes emphasize strength of color and composition. Ongoing classes, 10am-1pm, Downtown Art Gallery, 113 W. Alamo St., call for more details (979-836-4278). Feb 19 Bluebonnet Opry Friends of the Bluebonnet Opry featuring Amanda Peevler of Industry, Pricilla Speed of Staples, and Mark Lehmann of La Grange; plus the Bluebonnet Opry House Band. Doors open at 5:30pm, Silver Wings Ballroom, 4100 Hwy. 105, Brenham (www. friendsofbluebonnetopry.org). Ribbon Cutting: Fancy Flushes Join us for a Ribbon Cutting welcoming new member Fancy Flushes, 3:30pm, Chamber Conference Room, 314 S. Austin St., Brenham.

Feb 19 & 26 Youth Sewing Class Projects will include several types of bags, pillows, accessories & more. Students ages 9 and up are welcome, bring your own sewing machine. Brenham Community Ed Building, 1301 S. Market St., 4-5:30pm, $85 per month, including materials (www. sewfunsewing.com, 979-551-0970).

Feb 20 Fruit Tree Management Seminar Monte Nesbitt, extension horticulturist will cover variety/site selection, pruning/ planting demonstrations; registration 1pm, program 1:30-5pm; Winedale Historical Complex, 3738 FM 2714, Round Top, $20. Fruit trees for purchase, pre-orders at www.bluebonnetmastergardener.org (979968-5831). Jon Wolfe at Buffalo Creek, Bellville With special guest Justin Van Sant. $15 presale tickets available at Buck Ferguson Originals and Rocking B Cowboy Supply in Bellville (www.buffalocreekbellville.com).

Feb 21 Living History at Independence Hall and Old Washington Townsite Travel back in time where a nation was born in 1836. Staff and volunteers dressed in period clothing bring to life the people and events of Old Washington providing a unique opportunity to discover various aspects of life; 10am-4:30pm, Washington-on-the-Brazos (936-878-2214).

Brenham Fine Arts League Judged Show The annual spring judged Art Show sponsored by the Brenham Fine Arts League, open to general public, 1-4pm; Downtown Art Gallery, 113 W. Alamo, Brenham (281-344-7013).

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Page 8 | Chamber Works | February 2015

Washington County Day at the Capitol - Feb. 24

As our State legislators and officials convene for the 84th Legislative Session, the Chamber of Commerce will hold its biannual Washington County Day at the Capitol on Tuesday, February 24. The all-day event presents a great public relations opportunity for Washington County residents to visit their legislators and see them in action. Activities begin at 9:30 a.m. in the Rotunda of the Capitol, when the Brenham State Supported Living Center choir performs.  Following that, resolutions will be read in the House and Senate about Washington County and several of local elected officials will be recognized. The day is sponsored by Brenham National Bank, Germania Insurance, Blue Bell Creameries and Del Sol Food Company/Briannas. The Chamber would like to say a special thank you to these businesses for their support of this important event. In continuing a tradition set in place during Lt. Governor Bob Bullock’s tenure, elected officials from Brenham & Washington County will serve Blue Bell ice cream in a private reception for state senators, representatives, officials and their staff. Del Sol Food Company will give gifts of Briannas Salad Dressing to all state legislators. 

Gifts from other local companies may be distributed too.  Please inquire by Feb. 13 if you would like to make a donation from your business (185 items are required to include all state legislators). Teams of volunteers will deliver gifts to each individual legislator’s office throughout the Capitol, along with information about the Top Legislative Priorities for Washington County. Chamber members are welcome to attend, and a few volunteers are still needed to help with the gift deliveries to Senate and House offices. If you have never been to the Capitol in Austin, this will be an exciting and meaningful day to attend. Even if you have been many times before, participating in Washington County Day at the Capitol is guaranteed to make your pride in Washington County grow even deeper. Volunteers may choose to ride to Austin by bus with the Chamber staff. Call to sign up as a volunteer by Feb. 13. The Top Legislative Priorities for Washington County this year are posted on the Chamber’s website, www.BrenhamTexas.com. If there is an issue your business is monitoring this legislative session, please contact us to let us know (979-8363695, [email protected]).

Feb 22 Brenham Presbyterian Church Jazz Concert Featuring the Blinn College Shades of Blue, 4pm, Brenham Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 900 S. Jackson St., Brenham. No charge. Feb 26 Abstract Oils Workshop at Brenham Fine Arts League The art of abstraction by M. Allison, 10am, Downtown Art Gallery, 113 W. Alamo, Brenham, $75 BFAL members, $80 non-members (979-836-1622). 30 Year Anniversary Celebration Faith Mission and Help Center will be celebrating its 30th Anniversary at the New Higgins South Location at 2236 S. Market Street. The event is free and

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open to the public with a dinner program honoring volunteers, church and corporate partners (979-830-1488, www. faithmission.us).

sic, food, traditional crafts, living history presentations, firing demonstrations, historical encampments and commemorative programs. Watch cooking, weaving and period craft demonstrations, and walking trails as Texas forefathers and pioneer families; 10am-5pm, Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site (www.birthplace oftexas.com).

Feb 28 Walk with a Doc Walking program for those interested in a healthier lifestyle. Held the 4th Sat. every month through December, 9-10am, Hohlt Park, meet at amphitheater. Opens with volunteer doctor and short discussion on popular health topic, followed by 30-45 minutes of walking, finishing up walkers can have blood pressure checked, get water, fresh fruit, and a healthy snack. Free.

A few March Events…

Feb 28 - March 1 Texas Independence Day Celebration Two-day celebration featuring live mu-

March 7 Community CPR Class Held at the new EMS Station, 1875 Hwy.

March 3 Arts at the Lake Monthly Meeting Arts at the Lake meets the first Wednesday of each month at the Somerville Senior Center at 7:00 p.m.

290 W., 8:30am-noon, $25 per student (contact 979-277-6267 prior to attending). March 14 Texas Ranger Day Burton Heritage Society host the Fifth Annual Texas Ranger Day (www.burton heritagesociety.org). John P. Coles Home Tours begins Experience the colonial Texas life in a dogtrot log cabin and the John P. Coles Home, two of the earliest homes in Washington County. Free tours are hosted by the Independence Historical Society. Round Top Festival Institute James Dick, concert pianist. Works by Menotti, Beethoven, Poulenc and Ginastera; 3-4:30pm, Festival Concert Hall, 248 Jaster Rd., Round Top (www.festivalhill.org).