Travel Writers 'Fall' for Washington County

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November 2010 2010 Board of Directors Chairwoman JULIE RENKEN Washington County Attorney First Vice Chair CATHY BOEKER Blinn College Second Vice Chair BRICE MILLIORN Edward Jones Investments Treasurer TREY HARDY Germania Insurance Secretary MIKE BAKER MIC Group Immediate Past Chair BARNEY LOESCH Thrivent Financial for Lutherans CHRIS BREWSTER Brewster LLC MELINDA FAUBION Boo Dog Design Group

Travel Writers ‘Fall’ Chamber for Washington County Magazine

Sixteen journalists spent time in Brenham and Washington County this week to experience first-hand what our area has to offer visitors. The group was led by Geiger Public Relations, a national firm contracted by the Chamber and funded by City of Brenham hotel occupancy tax funds. The journalists represented a wide range of publications, including every topic from family interest to travel to history and gardening.

They came from Texas, Arizona, Mississippi and other states. Several also produce features for online media sites. With a packed agenda, the 16 travel writers visited Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, Barrington Living History Farm, Star of the Republic Museum, Blue Bell Creameries, Antique Rose Emporium, Windy Hill, SaddleSee Travel, Page 2

LESLIE HARRELL Brenham Abstract & Title Co. KAREN MORGAN Brenham Clinic Association LETE PHILLIPS Lete Phillips Exercise Studio GLENWOOD PRENZLER Retired Educator ALEJANDRA RAY Bevers Kitchen BARRY BRASS Parcel Plus LAVERNE KRUMREY Horseshoe Junction Family Fun Park JOY NELSON Brenham ISD Krause Elementary LOWELL OGLE City of Brenham CHRIS CANGELOSI Washington County Abstract CONNIE HALL Ingleside Bed & Breakfast MARK PATRANELLA Blue Bell Creameries

Antique Rose Emporium owner Mike Shoup (back to camera) visits with Geiger Press Tour travel writers and city officials.

“BUSINESS AFTER HOURS” Hosted by:

University Cancer Center - Brenham 605 Medical Court - Suite 101, Brenham

Thursday, November 18 — 5-7 p.m.

KURT PODESZWA Camp For All

Enjoy great networking and refreshments. Bring plenty of business cards and enter for door prize drawings. Free for Chamber members and all employees.

JARVIS VAN DYKE Van Dyke Rankin & Company

Special beverages provided by: Mike Hopkins Distributing, Pleasant Hill Winery and Windy Winery.

WENDY YATES Moorman Tate Law Firm

Learn more about University Cancer Center at www.gulfcoastcc.com

Production Underway Production of the 2011 Washington County Chamber Magazine is in progress, and all members are invited to participate in it. The magazine includes a Business Directory with all 775 members listed, plus current community statistics, articles about local history, agriculture, education, real estate, healthcare and more. Free copies are available inside the Chamber’s Visitor Center and at many area businesses, plus they are shipped to new and relocating families and businesses. All Chamber members receive 2 listings in the Business Directory included in your membership dues: one in the Alphabetical listing, and one in the Categories section. (Some members purchase additional listings. Inquire for more details!) You are also welcome to purchase additional space, from business-card size all the way to a full page. See the current Chamber Magazine online at www. BrenhamTexas.com (click on “Chamber Information” then “News & Events”) to get some ideas of how you want to position your business. This is the number one relocation guide for Washington County. It is the “key publication” to be included in if you want to promote your products/services to visiting and relocating individuals and businesses, with the additional benefit of reaching ALL 775 members of the Washington County Chamber. If you would like more details, please call the Chamber at (979) 836-3695. The deadline to confirm participation is November 12-15.

Thank you to our Presidential Level members ...

Bluebonnet Brenham Clinic Electric

Scott & White Hospital - Brenham

Page 2 Chamber Works November 2010

Brenham Dermatology Owner: Dr. Christy Woodruft, M.D. 1910 Niebuhr Street, Brenham Phone: 979-353-4267

Westfield Builders — Stone Hill Garden Homes Grand Opening Owners: Gary & Dennie Bollinger Corner of Stone Hill Drive & Becker Drive Phone: 979-778-0394

Rio de Vida Centro De Adoracion Internacional Asambleas de Dios de Brenham Pastor: Newton Pereira 208 Schuerenberg Street, Brenham Phone: 713-454-3373

Ribbon Cuttings

Brenham Grill Owners: Ana Lilia Jimenez & Jaime Galindo 107 West Commerce, Brenham Phone: 979-251-7800

Renew Art Studio Owner: Cindy Klahn 707 South Austin Street, Brenham Phone: 979-836-1620

Bevers Kitchen – 25th Anniversary Event Owner: Alejandra Ray 5162 Main Street, Chappell Hill Phone: 979-836-4178

Travel

Swell Printing Owner/Designer: Sissi Wellmann 4276 Pitchers Lane, Brenham Phone: 979-836-7781

(Continued from Page 1) horn and Pleasant Hill wineries, Knit- es, Southern Rose Ranch, Royer’s tel Homestead, Burton Cotton Gin & Round Top Café, Briannas, Kountry Museum, Round Top Festival Insti- Boys Sausage, Chappell Hill Laventute, Bybee Square, Ellison’s Green- der Farm and Blue Bell Creameries. houses, Simon Theater, Bush Library, Lodging was provided by Texas Chappell Hill Historical Museum, Ranch Life, Mariposa Ranch, WakeChappell Hill Lavender Farm, Monas- field Farm, The Brenham House, tery Miniature Horses, Downtown Br- Quebe Farm, Lonesome Dove B&B, enham, the antique carousel, Brenham Stagecoach Inn and Lillian Farm Heritage-Fire Museum, and Unity Country Estate. Theatre. Some also enjoyed a history A great big thank you to everyone tour of Brenham and surrounding ar- who contributed to the success of eas guided by Bill Neinast. this writers’ tour. The return on this Hospitality for the group was pro- investment will come in the followvided by Texas Ranch Life, R Place ing months as feature articles and at Washington-on-the-Brazos, Must news segments are produced and Be Heaven, Funky Art Café, Design awareness of our unique destination II Catering, Ellison’s Greenhous- is greatly increased.

Photo Contest Plan to enter the “Slice of Life in Washington County” annual photo contest. Entries are due by Dec. 31, and entry forms are available at the Chamber office or online at www. BrenhamTexas.com under Wildflower Watch. While it’s not bluebonnet season, there are lots of upcoming fall and holiday events that will provide interesting subject matter. Try your hand; you might just be a winner!

A Tribute to area Veterans

You will not want to miss this event!  Plan to attend and see an amazing video documentary about veterans, featuring stories from those in our area.  Let everyone know in your family, neighborhood, congregation and clubs.  This video has been professionally done and is the first of its kind in our community. Featured in the video are local veterans who served in World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War, including a prisoner of war and a veteran who was in the D-Day Invasion landing on Omaha Beach.  The veterans tell their stories. Most Americans today have no idea what these men and women experienced.  Listening to the Veterans tell their stories make us proud to be Americans in a country that God has given us. Honor the men and women who have served and those who continue to be in harm’s way at the present time in Afghanistan, Iraq and many other places in the world.  The goal is to have Brenham High School Auditorium filled to capacity!  Your help will make this goal a reality.  All veterans present at the event will be honored in special way, too. If you have any questions about this program, please contact Clarence Gerke at (979) 836-4564.

WASHINGTON COUNTY CHAMBER BLUE BLAZER OF THE MONTH

Blue Blazers DOUG BAKER City of Brenham

FLORENCE JULIAN Blue Bell Creameries

DR. HENRY BOEHM JR. AMA Home Care and B&L Tire

BRICE MILLIORN Edward Jones Investments

COY FONTENOT Kruse Village Pam Green RE/MAX Advantage EDDIE HARRISON Individual Member

Chamber members post “Hot Deals” on the Chamber website, with special offers on goods and services. You can print coupons right from the site. Check out the latest deals at www. B r e n h a mTe x a s . com. Click on “Chamber Information” on the home page, then look for the Hot Deals icon!

Verizon Wireless

The Blue Blazers are a group of 15 volunteers who act as official greeters and hosts of our community. Their objectives include promoting Chamber programs and increasing membership, and conducting ribbon cuttings and special ceremonies for local businesses. The Chamber thanks these volunteers for their service and hospitality, and also their employers for allowing them the time to dedicate to the organization. A “Blue Blazer of the Month” is recognized at each club meeting for the highest total of achievements the prior month.

JOHANNA FATHEREE RE/MAX Advantage

Check Out the Hot Deals Online!

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

October 2010 Don Wilhelm

JOYCE DICKSCHAT Brenham National Bank

“Lest They Be Forgotten” Wednesday, Nov. 10 7:00 p.m. Brenham H.S. Auditorium

SUE MUZZY Mike Hopkins Distributing Co. BETH ROTHERMEL Washington County Clerk JULIE TIEMANN Thrivent Financial TIM WALTHER Citizens National Bank RANDY WEIDEMANN Van Dyke Rankin & Company DON WILHELM Individual Member

Brenham has a new, close-to-home alternative to slow dial-up internet access. Verizon Wireless has opened a communications store at 270 Highway 290 West (near Highway 36, in the former Tegler Toyota location), featuring the newest smartphones and many wireless high-speed internet devices like Mobile Broadband cards, Netbooks with built in Mobile Broadband, MiFi Wi-Fi hotspots, and more. Verizon introduces the Unlimited Any Mobile plan which offers unlimited mobile-to-mobile calling and texting to any carrier in any domestic location. This new plan allows consumers unprecedented access to communicate with friends and family anytime and anywhere across the country regardless of carrier. In addition to this great offer, just in time for the holiday season, the store will also stock all of the latest craves for giving and receiving, including the iPad, the DROID 2 and Samsung Tab. Stop in and let the store managers and staff show you how to create a high-speed home office, or select the perfect device for everyone on your holiday shopping list. Be the next member in the “Spotlight!” Send submissions to [email protected]. Your “Spotlight” can be about a recent award, event, business expansion or new employee, or simply a couple paragraphs to increase community awareness about your products/services. (100-150 words maximum)

Chamber Works November 2010 Page 3

Welcome New Chamber Members ID THEFT SOLUTIONS OF AMERICA Owner: David Jezierski 23726 Ayscough Lane Katy, Texas 77493 Phone: 713-454-3487 [email protected] www.idtsoa.com Consulting Services MISSION BRENHAM Executive Director: Mike Haywood 1003 Hasskarl, Suite D Brenham, Texas 77833 (Physical) P O Box 1658 Brenham, Texas 77834 (Mailing) Phone: 979-337-9469 [email protected] www.missionbrenham.org Non profit clubs & organizations PANDORA de BALTHAZAR Owner: Ginger Pool 201 E. Austin Street Round Top, Texas 78954 Phone: 979-249-2070 www.pandoradebalthazar.com Home & Garden Accessories/Gifts TEXAS HOMEPLACE MORTGAGE Owners: Sandy Starnes & Gayle Hill 119 W. Commerce Street Brenham, Texas 77833 Phone: 979-353-4234 [email protected] www.texashomeplacemortgage.com Mortgage Companies VERIZON WIRELESSBRENHAM STORE Acting Manager: J. C. Hernandez 300 Highway 290 W Brenham, Texas 77833 [email protected] www.verizonwireless.com Cellular Phones/Accessories

Washington County Chamber of Commerce 314 S. Austin Street • Brenham, TX 77833 Phone: 979-836-3695 Page Michel, President & CEO Jane Hinze, Member Services Manager Lu Hollander, CVB Adv. & PR Manager Seneca McAdams, CVB Mktg. & Sales Mgr. Jeanne Luedemann, Visitor Center Manager Debbie Schroeder, Communication Coordinator Marge Runge, Support Staff Lanette Pledger, Support Staff Judy Grimm, Support Staff

www.BrenhamTexas.com

Page 4 Chamber Works November 2010

Renewing Members (Oct. 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. 5 Star Country Properties — 2 years Adam’s Angels Ministry — 2 years American Cancer Society — 5 years American Red Cross — 12 years Appel Ford Mercury — 24 years Assarian Group - Allstate Insurance — 1 year Auto Salon — 12 years B & C Victorian Antiques — 1 year Ballard & Fleetwood — 1 year Bank of Brenham — 9 years BBA Architects — 14 years BBVA Compass Bank — 19 years Betts, Bill — 12 years Boo Dog Design Group — 6 years Brazos Valley Schools Credit Union — 14 years Brenham Cleaners — 7 years Brenham Dental Center — 14 years Brenham Floral Company — 13 years Brenham Heritage Museum — 16 years Brenham Self Storage Center — 10 years Browning Plantation — 13 years Buchanan Locksmith Services — 1 year C. Michael Altman, DDS — 16 years Calvary Baptist Church — 38 years Champion Fellowship — 3 years Chappell Hill Historical Society — 42 years City of Brenham — 1 year Computer Helpers — 4 years Country Place Cottage — 10 years Dan’s Meat Market — 7 years Del Sol Food Co., Inc. - Briannas — 2 years Dynamic Sounds — 3 years Edward Jones Investments - Andrea Holle — 5 years Express Employment Professionals — 17 years Far View Bed & Breakfast — 17 years Fayetteville Propane Company — 10 years First United Methodist Church — 10 years

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

ID Theft Solutions ID Theft Solutions of America (IDTSOA) is a proactive identity theft protection agency, specializing in protection before, during, and after an identity theft occurs. IDTSOA understands the threat posed to both an individual and a business by identity theft and how significant losses can be when you and/or your employees and associates are forced to address them. At no charge to employers, IDTSOA will help your business create a plan to guard against theft of personal information that you possess and ensure that your organization minimizes the risks and liabilities associated with recent laws and regulations for protecting personal and private data. As an added benefit, IDTSOA offers optional personal identity theft protection and life event legal services to company employees at a discounted rate. Save time. Save money. Increase productivity. A proactive approach to identity theft lets you stay focused on your business. Contact David Jezierski at (713) 454-3487. Be the next member in the “Spotlight!” Send submissions to [email protected]. Your “Spotlight” can be about a recent award, event, business expansion or new employee, or simply a couple paragraphs to increase community awareness about your products/services. (100-150 words maximum)

Front Porch B&B — 6 years Golden Mirror Salon Suites — 5 years Greendoor — 5 years H & H Machine Service — 26 years H. E. B. - Presidential Level Member — 25 years Hughes, Mr. & Mrs. Herbert — 11 years Inn at Indian Creek — 4 years Integrity Works — 2 years JR’s Antiques and Collectibles — 5 years LaBahia Turn Verein - Event Center — 2 years Law Offices of William E. Kendall — 7 years MIC Group-Brenham East — 21 years Neinast, Bill & Jeannine — 8 years Norman’s Pharmacy — 10 years Purcell’s Country Style Buffet — 16 years R Place at Washington-on-the-Brazos — 2 years Radio Shack — 16 years Reeter, Jeff D. — 2 years Rocking B Cowboy Supply — 2 years RWG Construction Management — 11 years Scenic Hill — 6 years Schovajsa’s Catering — 30 years Schulte Roofing — 3 years Scott & White Health Plan — 6 years Sierra Classic Homes — 3 years SportClips — 4 years Sun Pools — 26 years Tex’s Bar-B-Que — 14 years The Brenham Toy Company — 9 years Transcontinental Services — 5 years Tres Chic — 10 years Union Hill Builders — 4 years Washington Animal Clinic — 26 years Washington County Appraisal District — 26 years Westwood Cinema 6 — 13 years Whigham, Larry & Mary — 5 years

‘Business After Hours’ Makes Networking Easy People like to do business with people they know. You joined the Chamber to help your business. Attending the Business After Hours events is one great way to make new contacts and talk with other business people facing the same challenges you do. So how can you get the most out of those mixers? • Come with a positive attitude. Be friendly and outgoing to enjoy and benefit from networking events. • Set a goal for the number of new business contacts you want to make. It is always easy and comfortable to talk to familiar faces, but your goal should be to meet Chamber members you don’t know. One might become a new supplier, a customer, or a colleague you can compare notes with. • Keep a supply of business cards in your hand or pocket to exchange with new contacts. • Rehearse a 30-second description of your business that will clearly explain what you want to promote. • Have others in your company attend to achieve maximum exposure for your business. If you think about it, isn’t it easier for you to refer someone to a business you know? To a person you have met? The reverse holds true for referrals to YOUR business. If you are known, people will be more likely to send business to you, a fellow Chamber member. If you don’t attend Chamber events, you are missing out on great networking possibilities. Remember, people do business with people they know.

How Can You Support the Troops? Here is a simple and meaningful way you can get involved this Fall season and show support for the U.S. Troops. “Letters to Our Troops” is a project being coordinated at the Brenham Clinic by staff. 1) Write a letter to a serviceman and/or servicewoman who is currently serving overseas. 2) Bring your letter to the Brenham Clinic and drop it off in the big silver mailbox located in the lobby. 3) Letters will be mailed to soldiers, Marines, sailors, airmen, and Coast Guardsmen on a weekly basis. In your letter, show your support for the hard work and dedication put forth on a daily basis by members of our military. Send a little piece of “home” to them and remind them how much we appreciate their service to our country! You are also invited to send “care packages” and shipping will be taken care of! Suggested items include: powdered drink mixes, tuna in a pouch, jerky, gum, nuts, dried fruit, hard candy, protein bars, books, magazines, puzzle books, cards, CDs and DVDs, socks, T-shirts, blankets, lip balm, eye drops, razors, etc. Drop off letters and care package items any time the Brenham Clinic Lobby is open: Monday – Thursday from 8 am-6 pm, Friday from 8am-5pm, and Saturday from 8am-12 noon.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Brenham Dermatology Brenham Dermatology is proud to be a member of the Brenham Community.  Dr. Christy Woodruff, a Board Certified Dermatologist, and her staff are open for business Monday - Thursday 8am-5:30pm (closed 12-1) and on Fridays from 8am-12. Their beautiful new office is located at 1910 Niebuhr Street, just off FM 577, and they can be reached by phone at 979353-4267. Dr. Woodruff attended UT Houston Medical School, did internal medicine internship at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, and Dermatology Residency at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston . Her focus is on medical skin care needs, but she does provide some cosmetic procedures like Botox or Juvederm.  Dr. Woodruff and her staff provide a warm atmosphere of professionalism and compassion to help meet the needs of their patients. Call or stop by to make an appointment and let them help you feel comfortable in your skin! Visit online: www.brenhamdermatology.com. Be the next member in the “Spotlight!” Send submissions to [email protected]. Your “Spotlight” can be about a recent award, event, business expansion or new employee, or simply a couple paragraphs to increase community awareness about your products/services. (100-150 words maximum)

Chamber Works November 2010 Page 5

Educating Leaders

The October session of Leadership Washington County focused on Education, and the class began the day at the JROTC building on the campus of Brenham High School. They were greeted by Brenham ISD Superintendent Sam Bell and a breakfast was catered by the High School Cafeteria. Superintendent Bell reported that the Brenham ISD has a 38 million dollar budget, 71 bus routes, and covers 436 square miles. Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services Byron McAdams also spoke to the class and discussed the Career & Technology programs. Class members followed Captain Ken Tofel to the Mike & Nina Hopkins Shooting Range, where participants were given the opportunity to test their marksmanship. Top marksman in the group included, Joe Greenburg, Liz Hopkins, and Justin Hyde. The Brenham High School tour concluded with a visit to the classroom of Coach Mike Adams where his Algebra II class demonstrated solving equations by using a high tech “smart board.” The next stop on the Education Tour was Alton Elementary School. Principal Michael Ogg shared his vision with

the Leadership Class which includes turning around the school’s recent academic rating of unacceptable. Alton is the oldest of Brenham’s elementary campuses and faces challenges dealing with the aging buildings. Principal Ogg emphasized the importance of the HOSTS (Help One Student To Succeed) program at the campus and invited Leadership Members to become involved. Blinn College provided a delicious “working” lunch with several additional speakers including- Dr. Ted Raspiller, Blinn’s Provost of Brazos County Campuses, Sherrie Winkelmann from St. Paul’s Christian Day School, and Superintendent Jim Palmer of Burton ISD. After lunch, the group proceeded to the A.W. Hodde, Jr. Technical Education Center located in the Brenham Business Center. Dr. Milton Radke guided everyone on a tour through the impressive complex where specialized training and technical education is provided. Brenham manufacturers and area businesses are utilizing the partnership between education and industry at the center to provide a highly skilled workforce for the area. The day’s session continued at the Boys & Girls Club of Washington County, where Chief Operating Officer Dana Taylor (LWC Class of 2007) and Director Phelicia Marchall (LWC Class of 2008) led a tour of the club facilities and explained the benefits and the programs offered. A tour of the Community Education building and Brenham ISD Alternative Campus housed in the red brick building on Market Street was the last stop of the day. Susan Pritchard, Brenham Education Coordinator, explained the services available through Community Ed and Monte Shields (LWC Class of 2011) discussed the disciplined

class regimens of the Alternative Campus and the newest changes to the LEAP program. LEAP attracts students to its “one-room” school environment, individual instruction, and ability to accelerate or remediate their lessons. Students with children are allowed to keep their children in the nursery on campus. Leadership Washington County is a program of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce aimed at educating and motivating current and future leaders. The next session on November 9, 2010 will learn about Natural Resources and tour the Bluebonnet Electric Headquarters in Bastrop and the LCRA Plant.

CSI instructor Toni Schwartz shares the scientific investigations her students conduct with Monte Shields, Clint Kollby and Brenda Stelwagen.

Kim Horne explains the importance of the CSI Labs on the campus of Alton Elementary School and commends teacher Janice Kmiec as Ben Menjares, Eric Berg, Chris Jackson and Jeff Sadler listen closely.

Monte Shields explains the procedures followed at the Brenham ISD Alternative Campus to Leadership classmate Joe Greenberg and others.

Michelle Ebner, Scot Sommerlatte, Eric Berg, Chris Brewster, and Chris Jackson ready their rifles for target practice as fellow classmates observe.

Kyle Boer, Chris Jackson and Brenda Stelwagen take a closer look at precision instruments produced by students at the A. W. Hodde Jr. Technical Education Center.

Justin Hyde and Eric Plagens enter the Blinn Mobile Go Center, the newest tool for recruiting students to Blinn College.

Scot Sommerlatte, Elizabeth Price, Sara Schramm, Jeanne Luedemann, and Ben Menjares enjoy refreshments at the Boys & Girls Club as they learn about the opportunities to volunteer and work with children and youth served by the club.

Page 6 Chamber Works November 2010

Tourism News

23rd Annual Fall Festival of Roses- Nov. 5-7

20th Poinsettia Celebration - Nov. 20-21

The Antique Rose Emporium (ARE) is hosting its annual Fall Festival of Roses November 5-7 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Enjoy three days of garden-related seminars presented by nationally and internationally known speakers. Gardening tours will also be offered every day during the event and all programs are free. FRIDAY, Nov. 5: 11 a.m. - Glenn Schroeter, ARE production manager, conducts a hands-on propagation demonstration 1:30 p.m. - ARE owner Mike Shoup discusses the breeding of roses SATURDAY, Nov. 6: 11 a.m. - Budding Roses is the topic of the seminar presented by Malcolm Manners 1 p.m. - Michael Marriott talks about David Austin roses 3 p.m. - Learn about gardening wisdom with a seminar from Felder Rushing SUNDAY, Nov. 7: Guided walking tours of the display garden given by Gayle Wehring or Mike Shoup will focus on gardening design, companion plantings and maintenance. For more information about the Fall Festival of Roses, call 979-836-5548 or visit www.weAREroses.com.

View thousands of brilliant poinsettia plants at the 20th annual Poinsettia Celebration November 20-21 at Ellison’s Greenhouses in Brenham. From 10 a.m.-4 p.m. each day, visitors can view and purchase from both traditional plants and new varieties. The famous 6-foot “Texas-sized” poinsettias will be on display, as well as the giant holiday poinsettia tree. Tour the greenhouses filled with colorful mums, kalanchoes and other blooming plants, plus the wonder of more than 80,000 multi-color blooming poinsettia varieties. Plus, garden, interiorscape and floral design experts will present educational mini-seminars. Don’t forget your holiday gift shopping list at many of the arts and crafts booths. Join the fun at the 20th Annual Poinsettia Celebration at Ellison’s Greenhouses, located at the intersection of Blue Bell Rd. and East Stone St. in Brenham. For more information, call 1-888-BRENHAM or visit EllisonsGreenhouses. com.

B/CS Meeting Planners Show

Holiday Home Tour & Trunk Show- Nov. 20-21 Combine lovely Heritage Belles in period dress with beautifully decorated heritage homes, plus a trunk show and antiques shopping opportunities, and you’ll experience a great event to kick off the holiday season. Join in the annual Holiday Home Tour, Trunk Show and Antiques Fair, November 20-21 beginning at Giddings Stone Mansion in Brenham. Enjoy festive tours of historic homes from 1-4 pm and shop each day from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Step into yesteryear at the Antiques Show and Sale and enjoy a gourmet lunch on the grounds of the mansion. Shop the trunk show with unique specialty items for home and hearth, clothing and accessories, plus sweets and sugarplums to delight your family. There’s something for everyone on your gift list, including yourself! Included on the Home Tour are a Victorian showplace filled with exquisite period pieces, a classic Craftsman home and a Victorian cottage. For a special treat, enjoy wine and cheese and door prizes at the Mansion on Saturday from 5 p.m.-6 p.m. Stop by tour headquarters at the Giddings Stone Mansion, 2203 Century Circle in Brenham, to purchase tickets for the tour and to shop. Tickets are $15 per person and good for both days. Tickets may also be purchased online at GiddingsStoneMansion.com.

Gingerbread House Time

Over the past eight years, the annual Gingerbread House Auction has become one of the “sites to see” as visitors to downtown Brenham enjoy holiday festivities. The auction has also generated close to $30,000 for Washington County Habitat for Humanity projects. With the holidays approaching, it’s time to become creative and design your own gingerbread house. Prefab houses can be purchased for $25 by contacting Leslie Harrell at 979-251-2481. Registration forms must be completed whether you purchase a prefab house or not. Any group or individual that would like to donate a house will need the following deadlines: Nov. 5: Submit orders for prefab houses; checks for $25 should be made out to Washington County Habitat for Humanity and delivered to Brenham Abstract & Title Co., 105 W. Alamo, in Brenham. Nov. 22: Prefab houses will be ready for pickup from Brenham Abstract & Title Co. offices. Nov. 29-30: Deliver decorated houses to Brenham Abstract & Title Co. offices. Houses will be distributed to downtown businesses for display through Dec. 6. Dec. 1-5: Online auction for the houses can be accessed at www.wchh.org. Dec. 7: 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. - Live auction at Unity Theatre with refreshments provided. The top 15 houses will be available for live bidding. All houses must be picked up Dec. 6. Bring out those creative ideas and decorate your “house” for the holidays!

B&B Meeting

The next B&B owners meeting is November 17 at 9 a.m. at the Simon Theatre. Come one, come all to see the spectacular new Visitor Center. We’ll catch up on both CVB projects and each other’s activities.

Advertising Opportunities

Watch your e-mails for several co-op advertising opportunities becoming available in the next few weeks and months, including a new Click2Houston website project, the Houston Rodeo Program and April Texas Highways magazine.

Josh Fultz, Navasota, and Seneca McAdams, Washington County Chamber/CVB, were two of the vendors for the biannual Bryan/College Station Meeting Planners Showcase held in early October. Over 300 attendees from various Texas A&M organizations and other planners participated.

Geiger PR visits Round Top

Working for YOU! As a Chamber member, your promotional information is seen by thousands of people every month ... both on display in the Visitor Center and also on the Chamber website. Here are totals from two ways we track the exposure:

Walk-In Visitors 2010

January— 1,056 February — 1,025 March — 1,856 April — 2,694 May — 1,218 June — 1,215 July — 1,370 August — 1,218 September — 940 October — 1,295

Website Unique Visitors 2010

January— 6,536 February — 6,850 March — 15,571 April — 18,397 May — 7,713 June — 7,940 July — 8,893 August — 7,390 September — 6,603 October — 6,384

Website Total Hits 2010

January— N/A February — N/A March — N/A April — N/A May — N/A June — N/A July — N/A August — 30,100 September — 25,749 October — 24,101

Alain Declert, left, provides details to Geiger Press Tour travel writers about the spectacular wood décor in the Festival Hill Concert Hall. The journalists enjoyed several stops in the Round Top area at businesses that are Washington County Chamber members.

Chamber Works November 2010 Page 7

‘The Power of E-mail Marketing’ Seminar Learn how to build relationships that are the key to the success of your business at a seminar Dec. 7 from 2-4 p.m. in the Blinn Student Center. Learn steps for easy, inexpensive and highly effective e-mail marketing! Led by Amy Tinsley, Regional Development Director for Constant Contact, this seminar will explore the basics of what e-mail marketing is, why it works so well, how it easily integrates with social networking sites, and how to use it in your business planning and marketing strategy to achieve special goals. This session will teach you how to master email marketing communications with a comprehensive look at best

every month, free, Hospice Brazos Valley, 302 E. Blue Bell Rd., Brenham (979-2779525, www.hospicebrazosvalley.com). Nov 18 Business After Hours Hosted by University Cancer Center, 605 Medical Ct., #101, Brenham, 5-7:30pm. Friends of Bluebonnet Opry Featuring Moses Rangel, Mary Sarah, and ED (Booge Allen) Peyer. Food and music every 3rd Thursday of the month, food at 6pm, show starts at 7:30pm, $5 admission donated to Hospice, Silver Wings Ballroom, 4100 Hwy 105, Brenham (979-836-4347). Nov 20-21 Poinsettia Celebration Beautiful plants, breathtaking poinsettias in different colors and sizes, including a 6-foot “Texas-sized” poinsettia, plant seminars, Poinsettia Christmas tree, entertainment and food, 10am-4pm, Ellison’s Greenhouses, 2107 E. Stone, Brenham (979-836-6011, www.ellisonsgreenhouses.com). Holiday Heritage Home Tour, Trunk Show and Antiques Fair Heritage Belles in period dress guide guests through historic homes beautifully decorated for the holidays, plus the Trunk Show with holiday shopping from a variety of vendors, and the Antique Fair on the grounds, $10, includes tours and shopping, Giddings Stone Mansion, 2203 Century Circle, Brenham (979-836-1690, www.giddingsstonemansion.com). Nov 20 The Heart of Texas Chorus Performance at Round Top Festival Institute, 3pm, $20 Adults, $10 students (979249-3129, www.festivalhill.org). Nov 21 The Musical Splendor of Baroque Dresden Performance at Round Top Festival Institute, 4pm, $20 Adults, $10 students (979249-3129, www.festivalhill.org). Nov 27 Twilight Firelight at Fanthorp Celebrate the holidays with a journey back to the1850’s at the Fanthorp Inn, with period music, poetry, stagecoach rides, and a host of living history characters, wassail and good cheer, 4:30-7:30pm at the Grimes

practices and winning strategies for getting and keeping quality subscribers, increasing deliverability and open rates, writing good headlines and content, saving time, getting readers to take action, and more! You will be able to: • Reach more people with your message; • Create e-mail campaigns that get results; • Get your e-mails opened and read; • Write compelling subject lines and copy; • Interpret e-mail campaign results (open-rates, bouncerates, click-thru rates, etc.);

• Examples of successful e-mail campaigns; and • Discover NutshellMail — this free tool aggregates your social media messages into e-mails. Who Should Attend: Suitable for all experience levels. Anyone interested in learning more about email marketing. Note: Participants do not need to be a Constant Contact customer to attend. All information provided can be applied regardless of the system or service you are using for E-mail Marketing. The cost for this seminar for Chamber members is $10 per person ($25 for non-members). Call to register by Dec. 3 or call 836-3695 for more information.

Calendar

(Continued from Page 8) County Courthouse and Fanthorp Inn State ment and holiday shopping as you stroll Historic Site in Anderson (936-878-2214, along the beautifully lighted streets of www.birthplaceoftexas.com). historic Downtown Brenham. Don’t miss the Gingerbread Tour of Homes and live entertainment, plus the downtown lighted parade brings Santa to the square at 6pm, free admission and free parking, 5-9pm, Downtown Brenham (979-836-3339, www. downtownbrenham.com). Today-Dec 31 The Web We Weave Woven pieces of art from 18 Texas art- Dec 4 ists, including weavings from reed, textile, Community CPR Class glass, copper and wood, Weds noon-4pm, Learn CPR from Washington County EMS, Thu-Sun 11am-5pm, Copper Shade Tree, $25, 8:30am-12pm, new EMS station 1875 206 E. Mill, Round Top (979-249-4127, Hwy 290 W., Brenham, call ahead (979277-6267). www.coppershadetree.com).

A few December highlights…

Dec 1-5 Unity Theatre presents “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” Unity Theatre presents this holiday treat about the Herdman kids, who are the worst kids ever who are cast to star in the annual church Christmas show. Who would think these delinquents would learn, and teach us all, the true meaning of the season? Performances Wed-Sat, 7:30pm, Sun, 4pm, Adults $15, Students $10, Unity Theatre, 300 Church St., Downtown Brenham (979830-1460, www.unitybrenham.org). Dec 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Live Music at Rendez-vous Gene Hackemack performs every Thursday at Rendez-vous, 106 E. Alamo, Downtown Brenham (979-337-9200). Dec 2 Lifetime Learning Luncheon Dr. Carsten Hein Westergaard, current director of Global Technology for VESTAS, the world’s largest supplier of wind turbines will speak on Wind Energy Technology: Innovations and Challenges, 11:30am-1pm, $20, Janis Sneed Banquet Room, Blinn College (info@lifetimelearningbrenham. org). Dec 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Live Music at Pig and Whistle Gene Hackemack performs every Friday at Pig and Whistle of Burton, 12607 W. Washington, Burton (979-289-2319, www. pigandwhistleofburtontexas.com). Dec 3 Downtown Brenham Christmas Stroll & Lighted Parade Enjoy spiced tea or hot cider, entertain-

4th Annual Jingle Bell Stroll 5K A new course will take runners on a scenic path through Brenham, and wind up by Cub Stadium, bring an unwrapped toy for Washington County Good Fellows and receive a Santa Hat, 8:30am, Boys & Girls Club, 1710 E. Tom Green St, at FM 577 (www.cityofbrenham.org). Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Ballet Danced by children for children of any age, 4pm, $20 adults, $10 students, Festival Hill Concert Hall, Round Top (979-249-3129, www.festivalhill.org). Dec 5 Christmas at the Depot & Country Homes Tour of Burton Enjoy Railroad Stew, Conductor Chili and Potato Soup for $7 as you celebrate Christmas at the historic Burton Depot, proceeds benefit the Depot Museum and Mt. Zion Church, then enjoy a Country Homes Tour of Burton from 1-5pm, $10 tickets available at the Depot, 507 N. Railroad St. (FM 390), Burton ([email protected]). Dec 9 Business After Hours Networking Event Hosted by Blue Bell Creameries, 1101 S. Blue Bell Rd., Brenham, 5-7pm. Dec 11-12 Chappell Hill Holiday Home Tour Eight beautiful homes, churches and historic sites decorated for the holidays, enjoy lunch at the Rock Store, Sat 10a-5pm, Sun noon-5pm (979-836-6033, www.chappellhillmuseum.org).

Dec 11 Christmas in Washington/ The Heart of Christmas is Home Carols in the Visitor Center, shop for special gifts, then stroll to Independence Hall, hear stories of the past and learn how resident of early Texas celebrated the holiday season, 11am, 1pm, 3pm, then celebrate at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Anson Jones with an old-fashioned feast of sausage and biscuits from the chuck wagon, hot coffee, spiced cider and Christmas goodies, all at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site (936-878-2214, www.birthplaceoftexas.com).

Chappell Hill Teddy Bear Parade Children bring their favorite teddy bear dressed in holiday clothes and decoration to march in the parade, Rudolph hands out prizes, and Mrs. Claus has story time while waiting Santa’s arrival, 3pm, downtown Chappell Hill (www.chappellhillmuseum.org).

Christmas at Winedale Stagecoach and wagon rides, tours of historic homes decorated for the season, demonstrations of blacksmithing, quilt-making, weaving, and spinning, plus old-fashioned crafts, games, and hands-on chores for the kids, entertainment includes German singers, an oompah band, dulcimers, fiddlers, Barbershop Quartet and more, free admission, 12-4pm, Winedale Historical Complex, 4 miles northeast of Round Top at 3738 FM 2714, off FM 1457 (Winedale@ austin.utexas/edu, www.cah.utexas.edu).

Dec 13 Cowboy Christmas Concert With Michael Martin Murphey, singing cowboy poet, respected singer/songwriter and lifetime Texas resident, 7:30pm, $25, $15 students, O’Donnell Center, Blinn College (979-830-4024, [email protected]).

Dec 19-20 Live Nativity Caroling, hot chocolate, cookies and a hayride with six area churches participating in this Live Nativity in Independence, 6-8pm, free parking at Independence Town Square on FM 390 (979-836-4211). Dec 31 New Year’s Eve Gala Ring in the New Year at Festival Institute, 7:30pm, 248 Jaster Rd., Round Top (979249-3129, www.festivalhill.org).

Page 8 Chamber Works November 2010

Nov 4, 11, 18, 25 Live Music at Rendez-vous Gene Hackemack performs every Thursday at Rendez-vous, 106 E. Alamo, Downtown Brenham (979-337-9200). Nov 4 “Twelve Mighty Orphans” Presentation by Author Jim Dent Jim Dent, author of “Twelve Mighty Orphans,” will speak at Blinn College, as part of the 2nd annual Community Read event for Washington County, 5pm, free, reception follows. An Evening with Hospice Brazos Valley Innovative program to increase awareness of hospice care, with actress/monologist Mary Mann, and Dr. David Dosa, bestselling author of “Making Rounds with Oscar,” George Bush Presidential Complex, 1002 George Bush Dr., College Station, 5:30pm, free, RSVP, space is limited (979-821-2266, www.hospicebrazosvalley.org). Washington County Child Care Association Presents Holly Dzierzanowski, speaking on “Math-Everyday in Every Way,” 6-8pm at Time Well Spent, $5 for training if a member, plus certificate for two workshop hours, membership fee $50 per organization, $25/individual. Nov 5, 12, 19, 26 Live Music at Pig and Whistle Gene Hackemack performs every Friday at Pig and Whistle of Burton, 12607 W. Washington, Burton (979-289-2319, www. pigandwhistleofburtontexas.com). Nov 5-7 13th Annual Theatre Forum This year’s theme is Moliere and the Comedie Francaise, Round Top Festival Institute, 248 Jaster Rd., Round Top, details online (979-249-3129, www.festivalhill.org). 23rd Annual Fall Festival of Roses Three days of garden-related seminars and tours of the growing fields, free, Antique Rose Emporium, 10,000 FM 50, Brenham (979-836-9051, www.weareroses.com). Nov 5-6 2nd Annual St. Peter’s Art Show & Sale Paintings, jewelry, pottery, wood sculpture, carved gourds, with Myrv Cron’s wood carvings of birds, Friday night wine and cheese reception, free, 5-8pm Friday,

What’s Happening in November 10am-2pm Saturday, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 2310 Airline Dr., Brenham ([email protected], www.stpetersbrenham.org). Nov 5 Ribbon Cutting Norman’s Pharmacy, 2105 S. Day Street, Brenham, 10am. Nov 6, 13, 20, 27 Brenham Farmers Market Vegetables, eggs, home-canned foods, plants, trees, crafts, locally made birdhouses. Eat-in and visit with friends or takeaway breakfast burritos, tamales, cakes, pies, bread, cinnamon rolls, kolaches and fresh-brewed coffee! Every Saturday, just off the square in Downtown Brenham, 307 S. Park, free (vendors call 979-836-9466). Nov 6 Community CPR Class Learn CPR from Washington County EMS, $25, 8:30am-12pm, new EMS station 1875 Hwy 290 W., Brenham, call ahead (979277-6267). 6th Annual Fall Festival of Wines Sample over 30 wines from around the globe, receive a commemorative glass, 16pm, live entertainment till 11pm, $25, The Stone Cellar at Round Top, 204 E. Mill St., Round Top ([email protected], www. stonecellarwines.com). Nov 7, 14 Critical Thinking Lectures An examination of critical thinking and explaining the most important logical techniques required for its practice, two lectures by Dr. Casa, PhD and teacher at Rice University and the University of Houston, $40 for both lectures, 4-5:30pm, Blinn College Student Center Lecture Room (info@ lifetimelearningbrenham.org). Nov 7 Bavarian Oktoberfest Dancing, food and fun with the German Winedale Singers and the Musikkapelle Markt Erkheim Band from Germany, 37pm, $8, LaBahia Turn Verein Dance Hall, 550 Hwy. 237, Burton (979-551-0581, [email protected]). Nov 8 Retirement Banquet for Dorothy Morgan Celebrate County Judge Dorothy Morgan’s retirement at a special banquet in her honor,

social hour 6pm, dinner 7pm, $20/person, $200 table of 8, Fireman’s Training Center, Brenham (979-836-3695). Family Story Night This month’s theme is “Where are the Bears?” Children encouraged to bring their teddy bears to story time, sing songs, and other activities, 6:16-7pm, Nancy Carol Roberts Memorial Library. Nov 10-14 Aladdin or the Wonderful Scamp Presented by Blinn College Theatre Arts, O’Donnell Performing Arts Center, Blinn College, Brenham, $5, 7pm Wed-Sat, 2pm Sun (979-830-4024, [email protected]). Nov 10, 17, 24 German Language Classes For adults taught by native German TSU instructor Christine Schoen Wood at the Student Center at Blinn College, Brenham, detailed class descriptions and registration forms online, classes limited (programs@ germantexans.org). Nov 10 Younger Widows by Hospice Brazos Valley A monthly grief support group to encourage, comfort and give hope with others who have lost a spouse, bring a covered dish, beverages are provided, free, 6-8pm on the 2nd Weds of the month, Hospice Brazos Valley, 302 E. Blue Bell Rd., Brenham (979-277-9525, www.hospicebrazosvalley.com). Veterans Video Documentary “Lest They be Forgotten” features veterans from WWII, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, 7pm, Brenham High School Auditorium (979-836-4564). Nov 11, 16 Holidays Without You Seminar to learn methods to help families get through the holidays after the death of a loved one, 6:30-8pm on the 11th, 11am1pm on the 16th, free, Hospice Brazos Valley Brenham office, 302 E. Blue Bell Rd. (979-277-9525, www.hospicebrazosvalley.org). Nov 11 Renew Art Studio Open House Discover the gallery, classes and services from the studio, light hors d’oeuvres by Chef in Motion, 5-7pm, Renew Art Studio, 707 S. Austin, Brenham (979-836-1620, [email protected]).

CandleLit Christmas Women’s Event at St. Mary’s Catholic Church PAC Center, featuring Lois Kolkhorst, time TBA (979-830-1488, mail@ faithmission.us).

Nov 12 “I Can Only Imagine” Luncheon A time to focus on the “giving” in Thanksgiving, with music by Tena Rae and Cheryl Amelang, 11:30am-1pm, $45, table of 8 $360, tickets at the Washington County Chamber of Commerce and Blue Bell Aquatic Center, luncheon at Blinn College Student Center (979-836-0955, www.AdamsAngelsMinistry.org).

Nov 13-Dec 31 The Web We Weave Woven pieces of art from 18 Texas artists, including weavings from reed, textile, glass, copper and wood, Weds noon-4pm, Thu-Sun 11am-5pm, Copper Shade Tree, 206 E. Mill, Round Top (979-249-4127, www.coppershadetree.com).

Nov 13-14 Arts and Entertainment Listen to mid-1800s literature, join in period dances and play games as Barrington Living History Farm devotes the weekend to Arts and Entertainment, 10am-4:30pm, $5 adults, $3 children, under 6 free, Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site (936-878-2214 x 246, www.birthplaceoftexas.com).

Nov 13 Chappell Hill Art Walk Main Street art walk featuring local artists, free, 1-5pm, Chappell Hill Main Street and Museum (www.chappellhillmuseum.org).

1st Annual “McNelly Muster Mingle” Honors Texas Ranger Leander McNelly, and all Texas Rangers, with a chili and bean cook-off, the Old West Rangers and wild west shoot-outs, plus the western swing sounds of Back at the Ranch, noonmidnight, free before 6pm, dance $20, LaBahia Turn Verein Dance Hall (979-3530050, www.burtonheritagesociety.org).

Nov 16 First Step Luncheon by Hospice Brazos Valley A monthly support luncheon to learn healthy grieving methods, provide comfort and hope, bring a covered dish to share, beverages provided, 11am-1pm, third Tuesday of See Calendar, Page 7