February 2020

Chairman of the Board Jay Schroeder ChamberWorks Farm Bureau Insurance washington county chamber of commerce brenham, texas

First Vice Chair Joe Robertson 2020 Annual Banquet Highlights Second Vice Chair Dr. John Turner A crowd of over 500 attended the Annual Banquet held by the District Washington County Chamber and Brenham Economic Develop- ment Foundation on January 28. The featured keynote speaker Secretary was Jon Peters, a native of Brenham, an author and coach. Charlie Paul Aschenbeck Matejowsky served as Master of Ceremonies. Brenham ISD Thanks to all members and guests who attended, and to the fol- lowing headline sponsors and Chairman Circle members for en- Treasurer suring the success of the event: Andy Hefferly Chairman Circle Sponsors Moorman Tate LLC Baylor Scott & White Health Immediate Past Chair Blinn College District Amanda Stolz Blue Bell Creameries Seidel Schroeder Brenham Abstract & Title Co. Brenham National Bank Dr. Eric Alford Citizens State Bank Baylor Scott & White City of Brenham -The Brenham Clinic Germania Insurance Katie Burch Van Dyke Rankin Insurance PLANNORTH Architectural Co. Headline Sponsors BIG – Brannon Industrial Group Susan Cates Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative City of Brenham EDF Chairman Tee Dippel recognized retiring EDF directors Melissa Duckworth Arlen Thielemann, Thielemann Construction, for 9 years of ser- Thielemann Construction vice on the board and Gary Weiss, Germania insurance (retired), for his 9 years of service on the board. He also thanked several Johanna Fatheree partner organizations including the City of Brenham, Brenham RE/MAX Community Development Corporation, Washington County and Bluebonnet Properties Bluebonnet Electric. The Chamber’s outgoing Board Chairman Amanda Stolz Wendy Frazier Charlie and Carolyn Matejowsky were surprised and hon- thanked retiring directors: Lloyd Powell of City of Brenham Po- Associated Credit ored to be selected as Man and Woman of the Year for 2019. lice Department, Gena Wilimitis of Miracle Farm, Darren Huck- Union of Texas ert of Garza EMC, Dr. Edna Kennedy, Superintendent of Burton Independent School District and Jim Kruse of Bank of Brenham. Aaron Gonzalez Padgett Hearing Aid Center “Connect After 5” Banquet continued on page 3 Washington County Chamber Networking Event Dr. John Harris Mount Rose Missionary sponsored by: Baptist Church RE/MAX Zelda Moore EVVAYLOIS Academy of School Beauty Bluebonnet Properties

Michelle Panko 308 S. St. Charles St., Downtown Brenham Barking Ranch Pet Resort Thursday, Feb. 20 from 5-7 p.m. Ash Patel Best Western – Brenham Beverages sponsored by Mike Hopkins Distributing.

Roger Ross Unwind after work and expand your network! Coldwell Banker Properties Meet other Chamber members and generate new business contacts. Unlimited – Roger Ross Enjoy food and drinks, learn what’s new in the Jeffrey Sadler community, and exchange business cards and brochures. Del Sol Food Co., Inc. – Briannas Free for Chamber members and employees! Keynote Speaker Jon Peters addresses the crowd. Page 2 | Chamber Works | February 2020 Ribbon Cuttings

New Location New Business New Business Red Fern Woodwork Party Gatherings Skincare by Shari and Renovation Owners: Clara Carrias and Inez Flowers Owner: Shari Tackert Owners: Dayle Burkhart 4100 Hwy 105 East, Brenham 306 E. Main Street, Brenham 1801-A South Blue Bell Road, Brenham

New Location

Washington County New Business Business Expansion Republican Party Lone Star Southern Grill Brenham Iron Works 217 West Main St., Brenham Owners: Brett Smith 2120 U.S. 290 West, Brenham Owner: Kristie and Brandon Marth 4455 U.S. 290 West, Brenham

Networking Happy Hour Thursday, February 27 Wende Ragonis ...... … President 5:00-7:00 p.m. Jane Hinze ...... … Member Services Manager New Business Shae Janner …...... Business Programs Manager Hosted at Ballad of the Bird Dog 212 W. Alamo, Downtown Brenham Brunmillers Organic Soapworks Dawn Konieczny ... Communications Coordinator Owners: Leanna Brun Sarah Bryant …...... Financial Coordinator Expand your business network and make new friends! 212 E. Alamo, Brenham 314 S. Austin St. | Brenham, TX 77833 For more information about the Washington County YPO, www.facebook.com send your contact information to [email protected]. 979-836-3695 | www.brenhamtexas.com or visit online: www.Facebook.com/YPOwashingtoncounty washingtoncountychamber 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 February 2020 | Chamber Works | Page 3 Banquet Continued from page 1 Chamber President/CEO Wende 2018 winner Dottie Schaer. Charlie Ragonis thanked Amanda for her Matejowsky won the 2019 Man of the year as Board Chair. Year Award, introduced by the prior Chamber Member Services Man- year’s winner Charlie Pyle. They ex- ager Jane Hinze spoke on behalf of pressed sincere appreciation for be- the Blue Blazers and thanked the ing selected and talked about what a members for all their hard work great community this is to live in and helping to recruit and retain mem- be of service to others. bers. She announced the Blue Blaz- That concluded a wonderful eve- er of the Year award. It was won by ning of celebration for this communi- Linda Pipes for her enthusiasm and ty’s business leaders and hard-work- hard work for the club. ing volunteers. Plans for next year’s Carolyn Matejowsky won the 2019 banquet are already underway. Pictured from left are 2019 Board Chair Amanda Stolz, outgoing directors Lloyd Woman of the Year-Lifetime Achieve- Powell, Darren Huckert, Jim Kruse, and Chamber President/CEO Wende Ragonis. ment Award. She was introduced by Banquet continued on page 6 Not pictured are outgoing directors Dr. Edna Kennedy and Gena Wilimitis. Renewing Members December 1-31 Washington County Abstract Company — 55 years Farmers Mutual Aid Assoc. of Washington C — 25 years Portable Buildings of Brenham — 10 years Seidel Schroeder — 42 years Unity Theatre — 25 years Sigma Chi Chi Professional Women’s Club — 10 years Brenham L-P Gas Inc. — 38 years Hospice Brazos Valley — 22 years Clover & Marak PLLC — 9 years Medi-Care Equipment Specialties, Inc. — 38 years Boys & Girls Club of Washington County — 21 years Texas Country Title — 9 years Volunteer Services Council for Brenham St — 38 years Southern Rose Ranch — 21 years Hodde Real Estate Company - Jim Ripple — 7 years Arnie, Larry J. ,CPA — 37 years Brenham Tire & Auto Center, Inc. — 20 years ISB Insurance Services, Inc. — 7 years Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative — 36 years Ehlert, Paul A. — 20 years Fleur de Lis — 6 years Brenham Memorial Chapel — 36 years Harrison, Eddie E. & Margaret D. — 20 years Chappell Hill Moving & Storage — 5 years Brenham Saddle Shop Inc. — 36 years Total Storage — 20 years Compass Quarters — 5 years Faske’s Jewelry — 36 years Woltmann’s Welding & Fabricating — 20 years Felder’s Buy N Bye — 5 years Fischer Tile & Floor Covering — 36 years Martha’s Bloomers — 19 years Lauren Concrete — 5 years Geick, Arthur A. — 36 years Brenham Toy Company & Teacher Supply — 19 years LJ’S BBQ — 4 years H & H Machine Service — 36 years Brenham Insurance Center — 18 years Salem Volunteer Fire Dept — 4 years Brenham Veterinary Hospital — 35 years Hospice Boutique — 18 years The Barnhill Center at Historic Simon — 4 years Lacina & Kenjura PC — 35 years Kountry Boys Sausage — 18 years The Errand Lady — 4 years Thielemann Construction Co., LP & Stegent — 35 years Brazos Bed & Breakfast — 15 years Pro-Tech Solutions — 3 years WCTractor — 35 years Christians Development Company, Inc. — 15 years Tippit Dental Group-Brenham — 3 years Wellmann Insurance Agency, Inc. — 35 years The Book Nook — 14 years 12 Armadillos — 2 years Thrivent Financial — 33 years J Hill Properties-Jane Hill — 13 years Brazos Transit District — 2 years Phillips Painting Contractor — 31 years Margaret E. Blizzard Senior Activity Cent — 13 years Brenham Cell Phone Guru & Computer Repair — 2 years David Hermann Electric Co., Inc. — 30 years Preservation Storage, LLC — 12 years Cy-Fair Tire — 2 years Lete Phillips Exercise Program — 30 years Don’s Appliance Service — 11 years Prasek’s Hillje Smokehouse Sealy — 2 years Market Realty, Inc. — 30 years Downtown Art Gallery, LLC — 11 years NAMI Brazos Valley — 1 year Texas Commercial Waste — 30 years Lutherhill Ministries — 11 years Enterprise Products — 28 years Cowboy Church of Brenham — 10 years

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

Bluebonnet Properties Page 4 | Chamber Works | February 2020 Would you like to be New Chamber a P.E.A.C.E. Partner? A Partner for P.E.A.C.E. (Public Education Ambassador for Community Engage- Members ment) is encouraged to share the monthly value and promote that value within BRENHAM SELF STORAGE & A-1 FLAGS VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. the company so that possible employees and customers will see that you also Owner: Amanda Ballard Plant Manager: Tim Murray support public education. It is in hopes that the adults who see these values at 2000 HWY 290 East HR Manager: Gregg Morrison their workplace will share with the children in their lives who are also seeing this at Brenham, Texas 77833 2551 Valmont Drive Phone: 979 - 836 - 0711 Brenham, Texas 77833 school. These Core Essential Values are taught at both Brenham and Burton ISDs. [email protected] Phone: 979-277-3301 The investment is only $50 and you and your employees can make a big impact www.diamondselfstorage.net [email protected] on the future of our local workforce. Storage/Flags www.valmont.com Thank you to these dedicated Partners for P.E.A.C.E. who continue to make this Manufacturing program a success in Washington County. They help reinforce the Core Essential DAVS AMUSEMENT INC. Values students are learning in local public schools at their businesses and through Owner: David Todaro VIRTUALTONE their employee interactions: P O Box 5336 (Mailing Address) Manager: Alaina Trahan Bryan, Texas 77805 1603 W. Main Street Ant Street Inn Phone: 979-776-8287 Brenham, Texas 77833 Associated Credit Union of Texas [email protected] Phone: 281-756-9800 www.davsamusements.com [email protected] Bank of Brenham Alarm Systems www.virtualtone.com Baylor Scott & White Medical Center Audio Systems Telecommunications Sales & Service Better Homes & Garden Real Estate Hometown – Mandy HODDE REAL ESTATE COMPANY WESTWOOD CAR WASH Allen -WILLIAM “BOO” CHRISTENSEN Owner: Brett Smith Blue Bell Creameries Agent: William “Boo” Christensen 2205 HWY 290 West (Physical Address) Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative 112 W. Main Street Brenham, Texas 77833 Brenham, Texas 77833 P. O. Box 850 (Mailing Address) Boys & Girls Club of Washington County Phone: 979-277-8426 Brenham, Texas 77834 Brazos Valley Schools Credit Union [email protected] Phone: 979-836-4939 Brenham Abstract & Title Company www.realtorboo.com [email protected] Real Estate www.westwoodcw.com Brenham National Bank Car Wash Burton Chamber of Commerce RE/MAX BLUEBONNET PROPERTIES City of Brenham -MIKE SCHROEDER Broker/Owners: Mike & Pam Schroeder Creatively Yours 308 S. St. Charles Street Promote Your Germania Insurance Brenham, Texas 77833 Glasco & Co. Landscaping Phone: 979-251-7500 Business as a [email protected] Independence Coffee Company www.bluebonnetproperties.com Padgett Hearing Aid Center Real Estate Breakfast Sponsor Personnel Services “Wake Up, Washington County!” These net- Seidel Schroeder RE/MAX BLUEBONNET PROPERTIES working events are held quarterly at various loca- Padgett Hearing Aid Center -PAM SCHROEDER tions. You will meet other members and learn about ThielemannPersonnel Construction Services Co., L.P. Broker/Owner: Pam Schroeder their businesses as well as have the opportunity to & Stegent-ThielemannSeidel Schroeder Plumbing 308 S. St. Charles Street inform others about your products and services. You Brenham, Texas 77833 Thielemann ConstructionU nCo.,ity L.P. Theatre & Stegent-Thielemann Plumbing will also hear updates from the Chamber about what Phone: 281-630-4352 is going on in the community. Unity Theatre [email protected] We would love to have more! For Chamber members, there is no admission to at- www.bluebonnetproperties.com tend. Two sponsors are sought for each event and it pro- Be on the lookout forWe creative would things love toto happenhave more! at these local businesses as Real Estate vides a huge amount of exposure and publicity. There is their employeesBe on the lookout promote for creative this things values to happen during at these the local month. businesses If asyou their interact employees with a site sponsorship and a food sponsorship, both $200. promotestudents this invalues grades during K-4 the month.in local If you public interact schools, with students be insure grades to K-4 talk in localto them public aboutschools, RE/MAX BLUEBONNET PROPERTIES be sure to talk to them about the Value of the Month and enhance what they are learning in school and out -STEFANIE FISHER This event is a great way to promote your busi- inthe the Value community. of the Everyone Month in theand community enhance can what help reinforce they are these learning Core Essential in school Values andin our out ness. Your business name will be included on the youth. Agent: Stefanie Fisher in the community. Everyone in the community can help reinforce these Core 308 S. St. Charles Street invitations that all Chamber members receive, and Essential Values in our youth. you will be given recognition and additional time The Value of the Month for February: Brenham, Texas 77833 to talk about your business at the breakfast event. The Value of theCREATIVITY Month for February: Phone: 979-451-5589 [email protected] Contact Jane Hinze at the Chamber for more Real Estate info: [email protected] or 979-836-3695. 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. PLM Glasco & Co. Washington County Wise Texas Landscaping Landscapes Landscaping

February 2020 | Chamber Works | Page 5 Leadership in Education The February session of Leadership Washing- ton County focused on Education, and the class began the day with a light breakfast on the cam- pus of Brenham High School. The group heard from Brenham ISD Director of Communications & Community Relations Jessica Johnston (LWC Class of 2018), Superintendent Dr. Walter Jack- son (LWC Class of 2016), and Director of Career & Technical Education Cody Stelter. They also toured some of the CTE classrooms, labs and workshops and heard from students in the PAL 2 class who talked about the P.E.A.C.E. program. The class then traveled to the Early Childhood Learning Center where Principal Toni Schwartz (Current LWC class) gave them a tour of the fa- cility. The class interacted with the students. The group also visited the Boys & Girls Club of Washington County, where Executive Direc- tor Stephanie Wehring (LWC Class of 2008) and Program Director Angelica Gamboa (LWC Class of 2018) led a tour of the club facilities, detailed the volunteer opportunities available, and ex- Brenham ISD Superintendent Dr. Walter Jackson Brenham ISD CTE Director walks the class through plained the benefits and programs available for welcomes the class of 2020 to Brenham ISD. one of the workshops at Brenham High School. local youth. The session culminated on the Blinn College campus. Executive Dean Dr. John Turner (LWC Class of 2019), welcomed the group. Burton ISD Superintendent Dr. Edna Kennedy (LWC Class of 2017) stopped in to talk about everything happening in her district. The class was then taken on a tour of the Blinn campus, including the Kruse Recreation Center and the Moody Li- brary. Leadership Washington County is a program of the Washington County Chamber of Com- merce aimed at educating and motivating cur- rent and future leaders. February sessions will include a trip to the Capitol for a state govern- ment session and then a day of plant tours to learn about local economic development. The next class forms in July and will run August Members of the class who are also alumni of Alton Elementary, pose with current ECLC (former AES cam- 2020 through May 2021. Contact the Chamber pus) Principal Toni Schwartz. Left to right are: Barbara Rudloff, Allan Colvin, Casey Finke, Tricia Schroeder, for more details. Paula Hughes, Schwartz, Carrie Derkowski, Elizabeth Broesche, Shawn Bolenbarr and Leigh Linden.

Get Noticed The ChamberWorks newsletter is published inside The Banner-Press. Chamber members have the op- portunity to advertise in this newsletter. Rates start at only $25 per month. If you are looking for a new opportunity to ad- vertise, just call Jane Hinze at 836-3695. Another great way to promote your organiza- tion is through targeted emails. The Chamber will forward your “e-message” to all members, as long as it meets certain criteria. For non-profits, it should not have a strong-sell for sponsorships or donations. The message should be newsworthy, typically about an upcoming event. For regular businesses, it should also be about upcoming spe- cial events, as long as there is no purchase required for the reader to experience the event. E-messages are sent a maximum of once per Burton ISD Superintendent Dr. Edna Kennedy quarter per member during each calendar year. Carrie Derkowski has fun with puppets and the talks to the class about what’s happening in her students. district. Page 6 | Chamber Works | February 2020 Banquet Members of Continued from page 3 the Month of December Pleasant Hill Winery also the relationship that is built 1441 Salem Rd., Brenham during the process. 979-830-VINE (8463) What do you love about Washington PleasantHillWinery.com County? — What is not to love?!? We love the How long have you been in business? people in Washington County; genu- — It will be 23 years next Spring. ine, friendly and generous. We love The land was purchased in 1992, the gentle rolling hills, bluebonnets grapes were planted in 1993, and we and countryside views. We love the opened to the public in 1997. uniqueness to the historic homes and What services do you offer? architecture. Washington County is — We offer an informative tour truly a one of a kind place and we explaining Texas grape growing love calling it home. and winemaking. Visitors then choose tastings from a dozen Jet Set Chocolates Pictured from left are retiring Brenham Economic Development Foundation award-winning wines. There’s a 2403 South Market Street, Suite D, director Gary Weiss, EDF Chairman Tee Dippel, and retiring director Arlen unique gift shop to browse. It fea- Brenham Thielemann. tures wine lover essentials and 979-421-8477 gadgets. They can also browse win- JetSetChocolates.com ery artifacts and antiques, includ- ing family wine presses and a cork How long have you been in business? screw collection. We are open year — 2 years. November 2, 2017. round: Saturdays 11:00-6:00 and What services do you offer? Sundays noon-5:00. — European styled luxury choco- Tell us something unique about lates made in Brenham. your business. Tell us something unique about — We are a family owned and op- your business. erated winery. Only Texas grapes — Every chocolate is designed to are used from our vineyard and from be a work of art. And they taste bet- around the state, including local ter than they look. vineyards and mostly from the Lub- What do you love about Washington bock area. County? What do you love about Washington — Our people and our community. County? — The people are the best - friend- Michelle Rigsby Personal Trainer ly, helpful, outgoing. Having lived in Brenham big cities, we love the proximity of 979-551-3042 everything. MichelleRigsby.org The 2019 Blue Blazer of the Year Round Top Home Builders How long have you been in business? The Bluebonnet Garden Club always award winner Linda Pipes (left) with 204 B. Washington St., Round Top — 10 Months. does a fabulous job decorating the Chamber Member Services Manager 979-249-5151 What services do you offer? tables each year. Jane Hinze. RoundTopHomeBuilders.com — Personal training, Camp Gladi- ator (outdoor group fitness classes), How long have you been in business? yoga classes, health coaching (habit — Over 10 years. change and nutritional guidance). What services do you offer? Tell us something unique about — We build high-quality custom your business. homes, cottages, barns, barndomini- — I am a multifaceted on-the-go ums, and event spaces. We renovate business, working at the parks, at cli- existing homes, remodel spaces and ent’s homes, in a studio, and virtual- build additions. We also help home- ly. I have a passion for fitness for all owners with floor plan design, site ages, working with a wide age range planning, construction consulting (9-98), but what I live for is seeing peo- and interior design. ple overcome limitations that have Tell us something unique about been holding them back for years to your business. lead the life they have wanted to live! — We are a family owned and op- What do you love about Washington erated business with over 60 years County? of home building experience. Our — I love how supportive the com- team is passionate about not just the munity has been to my small busi- homes we build for our clients, but ness. Members of the Blinn College Dance Team helped serve salad and drinks. February 2020 | Chamber Works | Page 7 What’s Happening in February Feb 13-March 1 munications. Blinn College Student Cen- Feb 20-21 Feb 26 Unity Theatre Presents ter, Janis Sneed Banquet Room, 11:30am- Macbeth – Dr. W.W. O’Donnell Brenham Area Real Estate - Daddy Long Legs 1pm. $25 for Chamber Members, $35 Performing Arts Center Investors and Landlords Meeting Based on the novel which inspired the for non-members, $250 table for eight. Written by William Shakespare. Adapted Helping new and experienced inves- 1955 movie starring Fred Astaire, Dad- Lunch included. Call 979-836-3695 for by Jim Devenport (Blinn.edu/BoxOffice, tors in real estate investing, landlording dy Long Legs is a charming and delight- tickets. 979-830-4024). and networking, vendors welcome, at ful ‘rags to riches’ tale of newfound love Citizens State Bank, 2007 St. Day St., (UnityBrenham.org). Feb 20 Feb 21-22 Brenham, 11:30am-1pm (512-468-3235, Grand Opening Ceremony Nature’s Blessings Quilt Show [email protected]). Feb 14 Blinn College District new Agricultural Sci- Area quilters using their talents to bene- Come and Go Breakfast Treat ences Building on the Blinn Brenham Cam- fit the community. A judged show with Feb 27 - Customer Appreciation pus, 1403 Old Mill Creek Rd., Brenham, door prizes, country store, boutique, Central Texas Beekeepers Brenham Abstract & Title Company, 205 2pm. vendors, HOSPICE Charity quilts, raffle Association meeting N. Market St., Brenham, 8-10am. quilt and more. Fireman’s Training Cen- In the VIP Building at Washington Coun- Feb 20 ter, 1101 US 290, Brenham, 10am-5pm ty Fairgrounds, Brenham. Advisory Coun- Feb 14, 15, 21,22, 28, 29 Hermann Furniture (FriendshipQuiltGuild.weebly.com). cil 4:30pm, Apprentice Youth Program Live Music at The Kenney Store Spring Design Seminar 5:30pm, Pot Luck Meal 6:30pm, presen- Varying artists. Grill opens at 3pm Join Kristen and Jennifer as they playfully Feb 21 tation 7:30pm (www.centraltexasbee weekdays, noon on weekends, music navigate changes in proportions, styles, Preview Reception: keepers.org). starts around 8:30pm, 811 S. Loop 497 arrangements and seasons. Seating is lim- Basket and Blooms: Floral Quilts (TheKenneyStore.com). ited, please call to make a reservation 888- from the Winedale Collection Feb 27 836-7237, Hermann Furniture, 213 W. Al- This free exhibit celebrates the end of win- YPO Networking Happy Hour Feb 14-16, 21-23, 28- March 1 amo, Downtown Brenham, 2-3:30pm ter and the beginning of spring with flo- Network with the Young Professionals of Live Music at ral patterns and springtime motifs, 3738 Washington County at Ballad of the Bird Home Sweet Farm Feb 20 FM 1714, Round Top, 5-7pm (winedale@ Dog, Downtown Brenham, 5-7pm. In the biergarten enjoy live music, craft Ribbon Cutting austin.utexas.edu, 979-278-3530). beer, wine and fun outdoors, 307 S. Park - RE/MAX Bluebonnet Properties Feb 27 St., Downtown Brenham (HomeSweet Join in celebrating with this Chamber Feb 22 - March 01 BISD Education Foundation Farm.com). member, 308 S. St. Charles St., Down- Baskets and Blooms: Floral Quilts Arts & Appetizers town Brenham, 4:30pm from the Winedale Collection 15th Annual Arts & Appetizers, live and Feb 15 This free exhibit celebrates the end of win- silent auction event which showcases the Living History Saturday Feb 20 ter and the beginning of spring with flo- artwork of BISD’s emerging artist. Auc- Family activities including quill pen writ- Connect After 5 ral patterns and springtime motifs which tions include artwork created by all BISD ing, signing a copy of the Texas Declara- - RE/MAX Bluebonnet Properties have been long popular in many quilt pat- campuses and a variation of other items tion of Independence, visiting with militia Connect with fellow Chamber Members! terns, Meadows Large Classroom at Wi- appealing to all. Ant Street Inn Ballroom, soldiers and playing early Texas games Enjoy great networking, delicious food nedale, 3760 FM 2714, Round Top, 10am- 107 W. Commerce St., Downtown Bren- (936-878-2214, ext. 228, WhereTexas and refreshments. Bring plenty of busi- 4pm Sat., 12-4pm Sun. ham, 5:30-7pm (BrenhamISD.net/page/ BecameTexas.org). ness cards to share with other members. edfound.home). Free for Chamber members and employ- Feb 23 Feb 18 ees. 308 S. St. Charles St., Downtown Oral History Workshop Feb 28 Lunch and Learn - Winedale Brenham, 5-7pm. Attendees will learn the technique for get- Basic Quick Books Randy Melton, Round Top Historical So- ting the most out of interviews, proper in- This is an all-day, basic level course, in- ciety, presents “A History of Round Top.” Feb 20 terview etiquette, where to locate poten- tended for people who have either no Bring your lunch. Drinks and dessert pro- Friends of Bluebonnet Opry tial interview subjects and what forms are experience or limited experience using vided. Meadows Large Classroom, 3760 Featuring Terry Lynn Moore, Briana Ad- required so that oral history recordings the QuickBooks software. You should FM 2714, Round Top, 12-1pm, free. ams, Darrell Appel plus the Bluebonnet can be shared. Bus Depot, 313 E. Alamo be familiar with Windows on a PC. This Opry House Band, doors open at 5:30pm, St., Brenham, 1:30-3pm. The workshop is class will not teach the online version of Feb 19 food served at 6pm, show starts at free of charge, but space is limited. RSVP QuickBooks. Lunch is not provided. $100, Regional Agriculture Update 7:30pm, $7 admission. Friends of Blue- is required by emailing director@brenham- A.W. Hodde, Jr. Technical Education Cen- Featuring Dr. Jim Mazurkiewicz, Lead- bonnet Opry heritagemuseum.org or calling 979-551- ter, 2910 S. Blue Bell Rd., Brenham (Blinn ership Program Director for Texas A&M 3750 (BrenhamHeritageMuseum.org). College.sbdcnetwork.net). AgriLife Extension and Texas A&M Uni- versity Professor in the Department of Agriculture Leadership, Education & Com- Calendar continued on page 8 Washington County Blue Blazers The Blue Blazers is a club with 15-20 members and more than 40 years of tradition. They support the mission of the Washington County Chamber. The volunteers in the club act as official greeters and hosts of our community. Their activities include monthly meetings, greeting at Chamber functions, recruiting new Chamber members, and conducting ribbon cuttings and grand openings. Darlene Denman Stephanie Wehring Brenham ISD Mandy Henke Carl Prihoda Boys & Girls Club of Washington County Joyce Dickschat Kruse Village Citizens State Bank Matt Wellmann Brenham National Bank Tammy Jaster Kathy Randermann Wellmann Insurance Eddie Harrison City of Brenham-Blue Bell Aquatic Center KTTX 106.1/KWHI 1280 Kristie Wensel Retired-Brenham Municipal Judge Kristie Marth Debra Wenckens Brenham State Supported Living Center Melinda Fay Brenham Iron Works Whatever Pops Up. Shelby Wiesepape Cruise Planners Linda Pipes Christy Schlottmann Bank of Brenham Dr. Tina Henderson Retired-School Teacher Christy Schlottmann Farmers Agency Barbara Wilganowski Ash and Ash Consulting Spherion Staffing Page 8 | Chamber Works | February 2020 Leadership at State, Local level

On January 22, the Leader- ship class traveled to Austin for the State Government session. The group received a guided tour of the Capitol and learned about the historic artwork, stat- ues and layout of the impressive building. They were also able to sit in the Senate Gallery to watch a committee meeting in progress, which Senator took part. Lobbyist Joel Romo of Texa- na Public Affairs greeted the group and gave insight to his profession and the role it plays in assistance to legislators in The class began their day with a guided tour. Austin and around the state. State Representative Ben Le- man’s Chief of Staff and State Senator Lois Kolkhorst each met with the class, respective- ly, and gave an update on their committee assignments and the top priorities in the latest Legislative Session. After hearing from our Rep- resentatives, lunch was enjoyed in the Capitol Grill. The class then traveled to the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum where they watched “The Star of Destiny” a multi-sensory film Allan Colvin stops to view the Medal of Honor wall locat- inside the Texas Spirit Theater. ed in the Capitols extension hallway. On the ornate floor of the Bob Bullock Museum. Calendar Continued from page 7 Feb 29 ter. Sponsored By: Washington County March 5 8pm, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 2310 Licensed to Carry Class Lady Lions & Brenham Elks Lodge #979. New Beginnings 2020 Airline Dr., Brenham. Please RSVP to Amy in Spanish/English For tickets Call: 979-661-5109 or 979- Celebration of Life Banquet Schramm, [email protected] Held at Salem Fire Dept, 251 Salem Rd., 277-4479 Silent auction and delicious catered din- (StPetersBrenham.org). 8am-12pm. Cost is $110. Attendees will ner, followed by a state-of-the-minis- need a box of 50 round of ammunition. March 3 try update and an enlightening guest March 6 Contact Finney Clay, 979-836-0986. Glenn Shepard - How to speaker, Megan Almon, with Life Train- Every Family Has a Story: Supervise and Lead a Team ing Institute. Fireman’s Training Center, This is Ours by Danni Morford An accredited workshop for managers 1101 Hwy. 290 W., Brenham, 6-9pm A lifelong journal and letter writer, Mor- March Highlights and frontline supervisors held at the His- (NewBeginningsBrenham.org/events). ford’s book of letters, Shoot My Ashes toric Simon Theatre, Downtown Bren- from a Cannon: Beyond Addiction, was March 2 ham, 8:30am-noon. $149 for Chamber published in 2019. After the death of Fundraiser for La Verne Krumrey Members, $169 for non-members, buy 3 March 5 her son, she founded the grassroots or- Drive-thru or dine-in meal catered by The get 4th free. “He Has Plans!” by Mike Barnes ganization DOA: Disease of Addiction to Kenney Store. Roast Beef and all the trim- Former award winning sportscaster in bring awareness to a disease shrouded mings. Entertainment, raffle, and silent Austin for 29 years, will talk about accept- with stigma. Janis Sneed Banquet Room, auction inside the Fireman’s Training Cen- ing the changes in your life. A light soup Blinn College, Brenham, 11:30-1pm, $25 dinner will be served. Free event, 6:30- (StPetersBrenham.org).

Washington County Chamber of Commerce 314 S. Austin Street, Brenham 979-836-3695 www.brenhamtexas.com