EATS & TREATS:

FebruaryJanuary 2012

A GuidE To Food & Fun

RODEO CULTURE & COWBOY STYLE

plus DOWn On ThE FaRm Old Fashioned is New Again RED, WhiTE & BLUESEY Don’t Miss Hospice Happening 2012 BLESS YOUR hEaRT From Heart Attack to Heart Success

click www.insitebrazosvalley.com 1 2 INSITE February 2012 16 CoNTENTS

5 ATHOME Fresh Ideas! Home Products Show Plus Home Innovations Special Advertising Section

10 GETINVOLVED Red, White & Bluesy Hospice Happening: Great time for a great cause INSITE Magazine is by Margaret Ann Thurmond published monthly by Insite Printing & Graphic Services, 123 E. Wm. J. Bryan Pkwy., Bryan, Texas 77803. (979) 823- 12 CoMMUNITYOUTREACH 5567 www.insitebrazosvalley. Bless Your Heart com Volume 28, Number 9. Publisher/Editor: Angelique How a near heart attack Gammon; Account Executive: became a heart success story Myron King; Graphic designer: Karen Green. by Rhonda Brinkmann Editorial interns: Travis Lawson, Margaret Ann Thurmond; inSiTE Magazine is a division of The insite 16 DoWNHOME Group, LP. Reproduction of any part without written Cowboy Up! permission of the publisher is Brazos Valley rocks prohibited. insite Printing & Graphic Services Managing rodeo culture and cowboy style Partners: Kyle DeWitt, by Margaret Ann Thurmond Angelique Gammon, Greg Gammon. General Manager: Carl Dixon; Pre-Press Manager: Mari Brown; office Manager: Wendy Seward; 25 LIFESTYLE Sales & Customer Service: Old Fashioned is New Again Molly Barton; Candi Burling; Manda Jackson; Marie Farming that’s up close and personal Lindley; Kim Quinney; Barbara Wyss; Production: Stephen by Travis Lawson Beatty; Norris Carnes; Marilyn Carey; Don Coburn; Jaimie Colwell; Ricky Conchola; Byron Lee; Margie Lowry; Arthur Maldonado; Richard Pearce; Brandon Prouse; Departments Frank Ramirez; Mike Seward; Ruben Torres; Jimmy Welch; PUbLIShEr’SDESk Moooove Over page 4 Stephen Woodruff. WhAT’SHAppENINg Brazos Valley events page 14 bUSINESSbRIEFS Notable business news page 30 EATS & TREATS Food & fun guide page 31 InsIte onlIne www.insitebrazosvalley.com click www.insitebrazosvalley.com 3

HUB VENDOR PUbLIShEr’SDESk We called the small spread where my sisters and I grew up ”the farm“ even though my engineer father only ran a few head of cattle to keep the freezer stocked and farmed only a small patch for winter hay. I have fond memories of long hot days in the creek and less fond memories of walking the mile-and-a- quarter lane when it was too muddy to drive a car to catch the school bus and hauling water from that same creek when the well went out. It might mean something that I lIve tWo blocks from doWntoWn – even if it’s downtown Caldwell – where everything from a gallon of milk to our church is a much shorter walk than the lane from my childhood. That doesn’t mean I don’t admire and appreciate everyone who chooses to stay on the farm, daily preservIng the coWboy Way of life in everything from large-scale food production to barrel racing. We’re Texans: we need our cowboys. And everyone needs the brazos Valley’s thriving agribusiness industry, from cotton and beef production to corn that ends up In spark plugs (really). This month’s cover feature taught me more than the fact that corn shows up in places most people never think of; it reminded me why we all owe a debt of gratitude to the “real deal” who wears boots as work gear instead of a fashion statement and who just might crack the barest glimpse of a grin as he or she reads about how the rest of us figure out how to coWboy up! – Angelique Gammon

Get in Touch

Sign Up! Wednesday’s Wake up to the Weekend Possibilities e-newsletter www.insitebrazosvalley.com Angelique Gammon, Publisher [email protected] insite Magazine

4 INSITE February 2012 Spring is the perfect time to tackle home improvement projects. With busy schedules, however, it’s often helpful to recruit the help of local experts. The following are a handful of home product and relocation companies that can help you get started and finish the things that you have put off. Also be sure to visit the annual Home Products Show held by the Bryan-College Station Home Builders Association on February 25-26 at the Brazos County Expo for the latest home and garden products. Visit www.bcsbuilders.org for more information.

2012 Home Expo February 25-26

The 2012 Home Expo will be held on the weekend of February 25-26 at the Brazos County Expo Center located at 5827 Leon- ard Road in Bryan. The Home Expo will be open to the public on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM and on Sunday from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for seniors. Chil- dren under 12 years old are free. Tickets will be sold at the main entrance to the Expo Center.

The Home Expo, sponsored by McCoy’s Building Supply, will fea- ture a myriad of fabulous exhibits for everything homeowners need for inside and outside the home. A full schedule of seminars on home building, remodeling, landscaping, interior decorating, energy efficiency and much more will be offered and are included with the entity ticket price.

Special activities for kids will be offered in the Pavilion, including a petting zoo and a Junior Master Gardner’s exhibit where they can learn hands-on gardening techniques. Kids will also have a Bouncy House while their parents tour the other exhibits.

For more information about the 2012 Home Expo, please conctact the Bryan-College Station Home Builders Association at (979) 696-0272 or visit the HBA website at www.bcsbuilders.org. SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION click www.insitebrazosvalley.com 5 HOME SECTION

Zwernemann Flooring Turning houses into homes We are a full-service flooring company that carries many major brands of tile, wood, carpet, laminate, vinyl and com- mercial flooring products. Whether you are looking for interior or exterior op- tions, our professionals have choices available that will complement any style. With new home product innovations be- ing developed at such a rapid pace, floor- ing options are almost limitless. Custom- ers are finding that flooring choices can really, now more than ever, reflect their own personal style. Our Goal is to make each customer’s visit hassle and stress free. Our exper- tise will take you through every step of the process from design to installation. (979) 776-2800 www.zwernemannflooring.com

Christopher Designs Expertise that Spans Decades in the Brazos Valley A fixture of local design since 1981. Christopher Designs provides interior solutions for your room planning, re-ar- rangement, downsizing, and new con- struction needs. Transform your home office or commercial space with the help of Chris Sprang. She’ll coordinate your Designsfurnishings with your personal style to Interior Design Solutions Chris Spang make indoor or outdoor space a true re- (979) 218-0027 flection of you and your family. [email protected] (979)-218-0027 Chris [email protected] Binford Insect Control Serving the Pest Control needs of the Brazos Valley since 1947 For over 63 years, Binford Insect Control, Inc. has been a leader in the local pest control industry. Their goal is to provide the highest quality pest control service at an affordable price. This no-nonsense approach to pest control is put to the test every day since each home has its own unique set of problems. That’s where the

6 INSITE February 2012 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION HOME SECTION

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION click www.insitebrazosvalley.com 7 HOME SECTION expertise of Binford comes in since they use the latest technology and trained By Design Interiors Hilco Metal Roofing technicians to handle your pest control Providing design services to & Building Supply needs. meet our client’s needs. Providing Personalized Service (979) 822-5524 www.binfordinsectcontrol.com By Design, Inc. has been providing inte- to our Customers-The Best rior design services for the central Texas Choice for your Metal Needs area for the last eleven years. We are Hilco Metal Building and Roofing supply Dealers Lighting able to create livable and inviting spaces. is locally owned in Navasota, TX. Wheth- The Area’s Premier By Design, Inc. offers residential and er you’re a builder or a home owner, Hil- Lightning Showroom commercial services which include: co is here to provide you with top quality Offering excellent lighting and accesso- Space Planning, Interior Finish Mate- products and superior customer service. ries for over 50 years. Customer service rial Selection, Color Selection, Fabric/Fur- We manufacture the product, from roof is a top priority; our staff is trained to help panels to flashing, and provide a variety niture Selection, Cabinet Design, Light- with all of your lightning needs. Dealers of colors (including Galvalume) to choose ing Design & Selection, Flooring Design Lightning is your local source for Craft- from. Metal roofs are durable and add to made ceiling fans, Kichler Lighting and & Selection the value of your building. Metal roofing Lightolier track and recessed Lightning. Upholstery, Draperies, Bedding, Ac- has very low cost of maintenance and Many Other brands are available both for cessories and more... more design options when compared to the budget minded and for the customer Let our design team use their ex- who wants a custom-built chandelier. conventional roofing. From roof produc- pertise and experience to help you live Dealers Lighting is an employee owned tion and accessories to installation, we and work in the spaces you’ve always company, we believe in the power of make building easier and more afford- community and encourage you to shop dreamed of. able. locally FIRST. (979) 764-2927 (936) 825-0500 (979) 775-1697 www.bydesigninteriorstexas.com www.hilcosupply.com

8 INSITE February 2012 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION HOME SECTION

Papescapes Beautifying Central Texas one client at a time. Papescapes, located in Burton, TX offers both residential and commercial design, as well as irrigation design and installation and lawn maintenance; we focus on providing products of the utmost quality and services that go above and beyond your ex- pectations. Our owner / designer, Ryan Pape, has a Bachelor’s of Landscape Architecture from Texas A&M University 01’, and our company is highly qualified to meet the needs of any questions or project you may have. Papescapes would like to the opportunity to reveal the beauty of nature on your property through a landscape filled with imagination, endless forms and colors. We have been pushing the limits of our imagination and evoking our creative energies for our customers since 2004. We take great pride in creating balanced, unified, aesthetically pleasing sustainable landscapes. It is vital that any design for a landscape satisfies the needs of the client and all the future uses of the space. Please contact us to set up a free consulta- tion and discuss a fee schedule with our design team. (979) 289-0436 www.papescapes.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION click www.insitebrazosvalley.com 9 GETINVOLVED by Margaret Ann Thurmond

Whether it’s caring for an elderly community member or simply lending a hand to a person in need, the desire to serve can come in many forms. The members of Hospice Brazos Valley understand the different facets of service, and will honor WHAT Hospice Brazos Valley Hospice military personnel and veterans who will in turn Happening “Red, White & Bluesy” WHEn help benefit hospice patients. February 18, beginning at 6 p.m.

WHERE ospice Happening is the annual fun- Besides attending this year’s Hospice Hap- Brazos County Expo, Leonard Road, draiser allows the community to pening fundraiser, there are other ways to get Bryan have fun while supporting the ser- involved with Hospice Brazos Valley during the The fundraiser will pay tribute to vices Hospice Brazos Valley provide. year. military personnel and veterans and HThis year’s theme, “Red, White & Bluesy” will Hospice Auxiliary is a non-profit organiza- contribute funds to Hospice patients. pay tribute to military personnel, veterans, tion benefiting Hospice Brazos Valley with the The Texas Blues Brothers will the country and the Brazos Valley. goal of providing financial support as well as entertain attendees during dinner, The Texas Blues Brothers, St. Joseph High promoting community awareness of the hospice with a performance by the St. Joseph School mission. High School Concert Choir directed Concert Hospice by Roger Boening afterwards. Visit Choir and Auxiliary www.hospicehappening.org for more the Texas provides information or call (979) 821-2266 for Twist- educational ers will ticket reservations or sponsorships. programs, provide meetings entertain- and social Get Involved With ment dur- gatherings ing the Hospice Auxiliary for its mem- evening bers. of Febru- WHEN Hos- ary 18. February 22, beginning at 10:30 a.m. pice Auxilia- After an introduction of Honorary Chairper- sons John and Kay Duncum, a Live Auction will ry programs and meetings are scheduled on the WHERE fourth Wednesday of each month between Sep- be held. At its conclusion, the gaming tables will Pebble Creek Country Club, College tember and October and January through May. open up in the Brazos Expo Center’s ballroom. Station Attendees will enjoy a dinner, games and Meetings are held at the Pebble Creek Country a live auction, the funds raised will go towards Club, and members can reserve a catered lunch. Guest speaker will be Warren L. patient care. Hospice Brazos Valley staff serve Programs include a guest speaker followed by a Finch, director of the George Bush patients and their families in the comfort of short business meeting. Presidential Museum, followed by a their home or in the HBV’s new inpatient facil- The next Hospice Auxillary meeting is short business meeting. An optional ity opening this month in the north wing of the scheduled for February 22 and will host Warren catered lunch begins at 12 noon for St. Joseph Rehabilitation Center. The seven-bed L. Finch, director of George Bush Presidential $17. For reservations, call Susan inpatient facility provides a comfortable, home- Museum. While an RSVP is required, the com- Childs at (979) 690-6373. like environment that will serve patients with munity is invited to attend all meetings and new needs that cannot be met at home. members are always welcomed. i 10 INSITE February 2012 click www.insitebrazosvalley.com 11 CoMMUNITYOUTREACH by Rhonda Brinkmann bless your heart Good Fortune Turned a Near

Heart Attack into a Heart Success essess thanthan aa yearyear ago,ago, MikeMike SoutherlandSoutherland walkedwalked inin toto aa hospitalhospital emergencyemergency roomroom expectingexpecting doctors to adjust his medication to get rid ofof thethe severesevere dizzydizzy spellsspells hehe hadhad beenbeen havhav-- You’re Invited ing.ing. Southerland,Southerland, aa BryanBryan CityCity CouncilCouncil member,member, Lthoughtthought thatthat thethe emergencyemergency roomroom doctorsdoctors wouldwould simplysimply adjustadjust hishis medicationmedication andand letlet himhim go.go. HeHe to the Heart Ball was wrong. The doctors immediately admitted him The 2012 Brazos Valley Heart Ball addresses toto thethe hospital.hospital. WithinWithin aa weekweek hehe waswas undergoingundergoing affairs of the heart, both physical and heart bypass surgery on four romantic. Proceeds benefit the American blocked arteries and gettinggetting a pacemaker. In observance Heart Association, which works to improve a pacemaker. In observance of American Heart HealthHealth cardiovascular health. Timing of the Ball Month in February, Souther-- gives you a chance to celebrate romance for land agreed to shareshare partpart ofof hishis Valentine’s Day. Bless your heart and that of heart health success story. someone you love. Come to the Heart Ball! TodayToday SoutherlandSoutherland isis feelfeel-- WHAT ing good, and consciousconscious ofof his fortunate timing. He hadhad 2012 Brazos Valley Heart Ball no idea he was close to a heart attack, and thankful he rere-- WHEn ceived medical attention bebe-- Friday, February 10 at Miramont Country Club fore it occurred. Sure,Sure, he’dhe’d hadhad some chest pains when he was HOW some chest pains when he was exercising – but you alwaysalways The Buckinghams will entertain guests with have pain when you exercise, their dynamic pop-rock sounds, along with don’t you? Sure, he’d stopped the popular Karen Chavis Band. Presenting using the stairs and begun to Sponsors for the event are Scott & White ride the elevator – butbut that’sthat’s Healthcare and Utility Fleet Sales. For just getting older,older, right?right? Sure,Sure, ticket reservations or sponsorships, call he’d had a few dizzy spells –– (979) 268-0068 or visit www.facebook.com/ but that could be blamed onon brazosvalleyheartball. medication, couldn’t it? Nothing added up to ‘heart attack’ inin Southerland’sSoutherland’s mind.mind.

12 INSITE February 2012 Good Fortune “Looking back, I can’t believe how I had closed down my activities little by little. It sneaks up on you,” says Southerland. “I was in good shape for so many Turned a Near years – I was a runner, ate well, did all the right things. But I gradually cut back on my activities without even realizing it. I didn’t have typical symptoms, so I didn’t connect them to heart Success trouble.” Heart Attack into a Heart Southerland has made a few changes fol- lowing his narrow escape. He has worked hard to return to a full exercise regimen, maintain healthy food choices, and reduce stress. Before his surgery, he volunteered with lots of nonprofit organizations, and now he’s added the American Heart Association to his list. He took part in this year’s Heart Walk sponsored by the American Heart Association and plans to attend the Brazos Valley Heart Ball, also benefitting the American Heart Association, on February 10. “I’m convinced my medical team are all miracle workers. They gave me such personal and excellent attention, and they seem to love what they do. They are truly concerned about every individual patient, and I’m very grateful to them,” says Southerland. Bryan/College Station is fast becoming a healthcare destination, and residents are fortu- nate to have medical specialists of all fields lo- cally available. Several facilities offer specialized cardiovascular care including Scott & White Healthcare, The Med, BCS Heart, Central Texas Heart Center, St. Joseph Regional Health Center, Physicians Centre and individual physicians. “I’ve walked as much as six miles and I’m

building up to start running again,” Southerland 2011 SUmmER PROfILES HOmE 3 BUSINESS START-UPS SUCCESS SENSATIONS says. “I haven’t felt this good in over 10 years. THINK OUTSIDE THE BOx

JUST IN TImmE:E: BLUE BELL TOURS BETTER THAN EVER Now, in addition to the physical improvements, HOOw TO DRESS LIKE IT'S 1899 IN CALVERTC I’ve got an improved attitude. I’m motivated and look forward to doing everyday things again. I’d advise anyone who is experiencing possible heart problems to get things checked out thor- oughly to catch any conditions early.” i click www.insitebrazosvalley.com 13 GETINVOLVED by Margaret Ann Thurmond

February 2-4, 9-11, and games, auctions, photographs ext. 30 or by online registration at with professionals who can of the Brazos Valley Chorale 16-18 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., and a dessert bar. Friday is www.stjosephschoolbcs.org. make your wedding, reception in the Oakwood Room at the StageCenter Theatre in for girls ages 6 and under and and honeymoon a relaxing College Station Hilton. Tickets downtown Bryan presents Saturday is for girls ages 7 and and memorable experience. are $65 per person and include February 8 from 11:30 a.m. neil Simon’s Last of the under. Tickets are $80 per couple proceeds will benefit The brazos dinner and the pops concert to 1p.m., Leading Women’s Red Hot Lovers. The comedy and $20 for additional guests. Valley Chapter of the American fundraiser. pLAN AHEAD Express network will host their features a man in a mid-life crisis visit http://www.cmbv.org/ for Red Cross. Tickets are $15 per monthly meeting at Christopher’s who’s laughably unsuccessful more info. person in advance and $20 at World grille. Networking will March 10 from 1:30 p.m. to 7:30 extra-marital affairs lead him to the door. Visit www.ido-ido.org begin at 11:30 a.m. followed p.m., Festival Hill will host the seducing his wife. performances to purchase tickets and for more February 4 from 6:30 p.m. to by a program ending at 1 p.m. 8th Annual Guitar Festival begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursday info. 11 p.m., St. Joseph will host An RSVp is required by 10 a.m. in Round Top. The event will through Saturday, with a the 28th Annual Spring Fling the Monday before the meeting feature Marco Tamayo, bandini- romantic Valentine’s day dance at the brazos Center. The to Desarie Hobbs at desarie@ Bryan College Station Chiacchiaretta Duo, the Canadian dinner Theatre on February theme, “Mardi gras,” will include myjpmortgage.com. For more Chapter iAAP Chapter Meeting guitar Quartet and the Round 11. To purchase tickets, visit dinner, dancing and music by the information about the guest February 21 from 5:30p.m. to Top philharmonia. There will be a www.stagecentertheatre.net. Texas Twisters. There will be a speaker and topic, visit www. 7p.m., guests are welcomed to buffet dinner at 6p.m. Overnight live and silent auction with the abwalwen.org. attend the bryan College Station accommodations are available February 3-4 from 6 p.m. to 9 traditional “Heads and Tails” Chapter IAAp Chapter meeting at on the Festival Hill Campus with game with Msgr. John. Tickets the College Station Conference p.m., The Children’s Museum February 19 from 11 a.m. to a complimentary breakfast. are $50 per person or $500 for Center. Visit www. iaap-bcs.org will hold their annual daddy 4p.m., come experience the Accommodations are $55-100 a table of 8. Sponsorships are for more info. daughter dance. This year’s Brazos Valley Bridal Show per person based on double also available. Tickets can be them “Treasured” features an and Benefit at the Brazos occupancy. Call (979) 249-3129 underwater extravaganza. The purchased through St. Joseph’s County Expo Center. Look February 25 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 for more information. i night will include dancing, crafts, School by calling (979) 822-6641 over 100 vendors and visit p.m., come and enjoy the sounds

MSC oPAS A Moulin Rouge Valentine From February 1 Broadway beginning at 7:30 February 14-17 p.m., MSC OpAS at 7:30 p.m., enjoy presents the Royal a Cabaret starring Winnipeg Ballet’s four-time Tony Moulin Rouge nominee gregg at Rudder Theatre Edelman as MSC on the Texas A&M OpAS presents A campus. Enjoy Valentine From exciting can-can boradway at girls perform at the Miramont Country infamous paris hotspot at the turn of the century. Visit HYpERLINk “http://opas.tamu. Club. The four-night showing includes songs by Cy Coleman, Cole porter and The edu” http://opas.tamu.edu for tickets and more information. gershwins and Johnny Mercer. Visit HYpERLINk “http://opas.tamu.edu” http://opas. tamu.edu for tickets.

MSC oPAS John Tartaglia’s iMAGinoCEAn MSC oPAS Max February 11 at 2 Raabe & The p.m. and 4 p.m., Palast orchester bring the whole February 27 at family to enjoy 7:30 p.m., listen to John Tartaglia’s the sounds of Max IMAgINOCEAN, Raabe & The palast a live undersea Orchester presented musical adventure by MSC OpAS in presented by MSC Rudder Theatre. OpAS Jr. at Rudder Music from the Theatre. The black light show will be sure to entertain all ages. Visit HYpERLINk 1920s and 30s will be performed. Visit HYpERLINk “http://opas.tamu.edu” http://opas. “http://opas.tamu.edu” http://opas.tamu.edu for tickets. tamu.edu for tickets.

14 INSITE February 2012 Think Spring

Although the Texas weather can be fickle, warm weather with spo- radic showers will be here before you know it, which means new sprouts in the ground and peren- nials shaking off the winter frost. The Brazos Valley Master Garden- ers of Texas AgriLife Extension have several events to help you get a jump on a successful spring of gardening.

SuCCESSFuL GARdEninG in CHALLEnGinG CLiMATES February 18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Brazos Center, the Master Gardeners will host an all-day seminar to provide gardeners with insightful information to make your garden a success despite the challenging climate in the Brazos Valley including earth-kind methods for landscape recovery and survival. It’s time for gardeners to rethink, refurbish and replant. Topics include improving soils, plant selection, water conservation and how plants respond to extreme weather. Preregistration by February 13 is recommended. Gardening-related vendors, refreshments and a buffet are part the day’s activities. Registration is $35 per person. For more information, visit http://brazosmg.com.

SPRinG PLAnT SALE Hosted by the Brazos County Master Garden- ers of Texas AgriLife Extension, the event will held March 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Brazos County Office of Texas AgriLife Ex- tension in Bryan. Proceeds from the sale will fund the community education programs of the Brazos County Master Gardeners. Plant selections will include heat and drought tol- erant perennials selected to be grown in the Brazos Valley’s growing conditions. There will be a preview and discussion beginning at 8 a.m. and Master Gardeners will be available for questions during the sale. Visit brazosmg. com or call (979) 823-0129 for more informa- tion. i click www.insitebrazosvalley.com 15 DoWNHOME by Margaret Ann Thurmond Cowboy Up! From Boots and Rodeos to the Agribusiness Industry, This is How Folks in the Brazos Valley Cowboy Up!

16 INSITE February 2012 True or False

The green industry ranks #5 among agricultural commodities in Texas. True: As one of the fastest growing sectors of agriculture in the United States, Texas’ green industry includes wholesale nursery, How greenhouse and sod growers, landscape architects, designers, garden and home Cowboy Up! Ag Savvy centers, and lawn/garden departments. Top 5 agricultural commodities in Texas: 1. Cattle 2. Are You? Dairy products 3. Chickens. 4. Cotton 5. Green Industry. If you spend a single dollar on food, what percentage of the dollar spent Pecans are a heart healthy food. would go to the actual farmer? True: Naturally occurring antioxidants in pecans may help contribute to heart health a) 19% c) 30% and disease prevention. Research shows that b) 25% d) 50% adding just a handful of pecans to your daily diet may help inhibit unwanted oxidation of What percentage of the American blood lipids, helping prevent coronary heart population is involved in agriculture? disease. Texas uses more of its corn for ethanol a) 10% c) 31% production than livestock feed. b) 40% d) 17% False. While many of the states in the Midwest What agriculture commodity is used to are using corn to produce ethanol, Texas uses make a spark plug? approximately 96% of its corn for livestock feed. Biofuel is the name of the game these days in Texas as Texas AgriLife Research a) Soybeans c) Cotton scientists are developing a drought-tolerant, b) Corn d) Grapes high-biomass sorghum that can approach 20 feet in height under favorable conditions and could produce more than 2,000 gallons of

Answers: A; D; B D; A; Answers: ethanol per acre.

Pete Scarmardo founded Scarmardo Cattle Company in 1974. Scarmardo is the most recent winner of the Ag Impact award from the B/CS Chamber of Commerce. click www.insitebrazosvalley.com 17 Rodeo Culture and Cowboy Style The smell of leather and manure fill the air. Dirt is caked around the crowd-goers’ boots, but their atten- tion is diverted elsewhere. They watch patiently, waiting for the resounding “clang” of the gate as it swings open and releases the storm of a horse, fu- riously trying to rid its back of the rider whose steadfast grip and metal spurs don’t show any sign of easing up. Everyone in Texas has an of what it means to be a cowboy, an airplane,” he says. The com- but attending a rodeo is the only petitors are cowboy thrill-seek- place where most people can see ers, and the rush keeps them the real deal in action. Rodeo coming back for more. “It’s kind competitions separate the peo- of like riding a roller coaster: ple who wear boots as a fashion you know the statement from those who wear thing is prob- them with purpose the way a ably going to trained cutting horse separates a make you sick, cow from the herd. but you’ll try the Shawn Branscum, a lifelong next one anyway.” rodeo attendee and competitor, knows what it’s like to be in the arena. “It’s like jumping out of

Top: Father-son duo Bryce and Shawn Branscum have incorporated rodeo competition into their family lifestyle, often traveling to competitions. Right: Titanic, supplied by PRCA stock contractor Sammy Catalena, tries to rid himself of excess baggage. Owner of Catalena Hatters in Downtown Bryan, Sammy says cowboy style follows trends: the “Gus” hat, above, became popular after the movie Lonesome Dove was released. Bottom left: Catalena Cowgirls.

18 INSITE February 2012 Branscum competed bareback in his twenties before taking a break to focus on fam- ily. “The rodeo lifestyle is hard on a family, es- pecially when the kids start going to school,” he says. Competing requires travelling over long distances, and the family is sometimes left behind. Today, Branscum and his children still compete in and attend rodeos. Branscum par- ticipates in team roping with his son and his twin daughters run barrels, pole bend and tie goats. “My main accomplishment is helping my kids,” he says. The rodeo has undergone a few cul- tural changes since it began. The party scene has transitioned into a family, God-centered event. Rodeos will often fol- low a church service, and a prayer is said at the be- ginning. “It has changed quite a lot,” Branscum says. “Or maybe we’re just getting older and we’re the ones who’ve changed.”

Sam- my Catalena of Catalena Hatters has been in the rodeo industry for years. “We consider rodeo our last tie to the old west,” he says. Catalena started in high school with his uncle’s rodeo business before joining the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. “Today it’s an entertainment business, just like the movies,” Catalena says while noting the changes surrounding the rodeo. The rodeo is there to give a first-class performance and ap- peal to all ages. “The days of going just to go are over,” he says. Catalena is a PRCA Stock Contractor and member of the Bryan Breakfast Lion’s Club As- sociation. Stock contractors are responsible for bringing in “rough stock” for the different areas in the rodeo competition. Catalena has not only seen changes in the rodeo, but also in the cowboy style. There is one thing that hasn’t changed: “All cowboys wear hats,” he says. Catalena Hatters provides custom-made hats that are shipped all over the world, and the cowboy fashion is moving for- ward. The crease, brim and crown of the iconic cowboy hat change depending on the time and region. Cowboys adopted the hat styles worm

click www.insitebrazosvalley.com 19 20 INSITE February 2012 by the film stars in the 1980 movie “Ur- ban Cowboy” until they switched to the “Gus Hat” after the television mini-series “Lonesome Dove” premiered in 1989. It’s hard for peo- ple not in the west- ern wear industry to determine who is a “real cowboy” and who is not by appear- ance, but in the arena, it all becomes clear. Most contestants have known what it means to be a cowboy their entire life, choosing to dedicate their time and ability to rodeo and the cowboy way of life. Rodeo Rules! Merchandise, stats, star players and divi- sions – it may sound like basketball or foot- ball but it’s really a

horse of different color. Rodeo is a major sports phenomenon that incorporates all the same things surrounding any other popular sport ex- cept these athletes wear boots, and instead of a 250-pound linebacker coming for you, it’s a 2000-pound bull. Every rodeo is sanctioned by a specific or- ganization with the Professional Rodeo Cow- Left: Jacobs Crawley of the Texas A&M Rodeo team on Painted Valley at the College National finals rodeo last June in Casper WY. Crawley won that go-round and went on to become the national champion collegiate saddle bronc rider. Top: Part of a rodeo family, Bailie Branscum barrel races. Bottom: Shiloh Seale of the Texas A&M Rodeo team prepares to compete in the team roping at a college rodeo last year in Kingsville. click www.insitebrazosvalley.com 21 boys Association being the largest. The Nation- entertainment, specialty acts and the Catalena second largest industry in Texas, it makes up a al Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, which is Cowgirls. Tickets are $10 and $8 for children. significant economy in the Brazos Valley.” divided into regions, is for college participants Even city slickers have heard of the Hous- The agriculture industry provides some who want to compete and gain experience be- ton Livestock Show and the Brazos Valley has $760 million a year to the Brazos Valley, accord- fore moving on to the big leagues. “Going from been sending livestock to the Houston Live- ing to an Agriculture Economic Impact Study college rodeo to the PRCA is like going from stock show for a few years now. Members of undertaken 15 years ago. That figure is esti- the NCAA to the NFL,” says Sammy Catalena, the community 4-H Club have the option of mated to be close to $1 billion today, Mazurkie- PRCA stock contractor, says. showing their stock during the Houston show wicz says. “[The Brazos Valley] is considered a Texas holds a number of rodeos every year or sending the animal there to enter the food regional hub for ag business here,” he says. with the Brazos Valley hosting many of those chain, says to Eric Zimmerman, Texas AgriLife Most people who get involved in world events. The Brazos Valley Expo Center is where Extension Service agent for Brazos County. of agriculture start early, and the 4-H club is a the majority of the rodeos in the area are held. positive way for children to see the impact of Dr. Al Wagner, Texas A&M rodeo team coach, Eats ‘n Feats – Ag Business agriculture in all aspects of the community. produces two rodeos each year under the NIRA. “[4-H kids] understand the production of This year’s Intercollegiate Rodeo will be and the Economy agriculture starts at the farm and ranch instead March 23-24 at the Brazos Expo Center and Ever look down at the leafy greens or roasted of the grocery store, and without it we wouldn’t will draw in schools from all over the region. chicken sitting on your plate and wonder where have the most abundant, cheapest food source Participants must be a member of the PRCA it came from? If your answer is “the grocery in the world,” Eric Zimmerman, Texas AgriL- and attend on of the 15 participating schools. store” you need to move a little lower on the ife Extension Service agent for Brazos County, Tickets are available at Cavenender’s Boot City food chain. Those involved in the agribusiness says. “It teaches them where food comes from at ($8 in advance; $10 at the gate; $6 for student world understand that food production starts the grassroots level.” tickets with ID). long before you pull that frozen chicken from The 4-H Club also teaches children the The All Aggie Rodeo held in September the freezer section and they spend their days economic impact of agribusiness. The meat is for current and former Texas A&M students making sure the grocery store shelves are always and goat sale held at the Expo Center brings in and participants are not required to be PRCA stocked. livestock prospects for upcoming shows. Peo- members to compete. The event draws some Agriculture influences all industries – ple from all over the state attend and purchase 250 participants and brings in alumni from all from the fiber produced to make the shirt livestock for the next season, Zimmerman says. over for the competition. you’re wearing down to the corn that’s grown The event draws outside dollars into the com- Catalena is a member of the Bryan Break- for ethanol. munity that’s spent on meals, hotels and pur- fast Lion’s Club Association which holds a “Agribusiness is big business for Brazos chasing the animals. rodeo every year at the Brazos County Expo County,” says Dr. Jim Mazurkiewicz, chair of Agribusiness Business Award Center. Coming in April, the three-night event Agriculture Committee for the B/CS Cham- Recognizing that it’s the individual busi- draws around 300 cowboys from all over to at- ber and head of communications for AgriLife nesses involved in the agriculture industry that tend and compete. The event features family Extension at Texas A&M. “Not only is it the make the Brazos Valley an agribusiness hub for the state, the Bryan/College Station Chamber 4H Clubs offer even city kids the opportunity to learn about the ag industry. of Commerce recognizes outstanding local businesses each year for their contributions to agribusiness. This year, Gooseneck Trailer and Scarmardo Cattle Company were recognized at the Cham- ber’s annual Ag Breakfast, a yearly event that brings produc- ers and consumers together for a farm-fresh breakfast cooked by local farmers. The Agribusiness Award and the Agricultural Impact Award have been presented by the Chamber since 1982 in rec- ognition of the fact that more than 375 agribusinesses employ more than 8,000 local residents and contributes to an economic impact of more than $1 billion. The purpose of the Agri- business Award is to recognize an ag producer or agribusiness that significantly contributes to

22 INSITE February 2012 Saturday, February 18, 2012 6 to 11 p.m. Brazos County Expo Championship Sponsors

Sponsorships start at $250. Tickets are $60 and are on sale now.

Get a Step Ahead on Your Family Break!

click www.insitebrazosvalley.com 23 Pete Scarmardo, Scarmardo Cattle Company the economic vitality of the food and fiber in- and rancher the flexibility of larger loads and Pete A. Scarmardo and his wife Jo and their fam- dustry in the Bryan/College Station and Brazos more efficient and expedient transport of their ily have been lifelong residents of the Brazos Val- County Community. Brazos Valley residents livestock and agricultural products using their ley. Married for 38 years, they have three sons: know the local company and its nationally rec- same trucks, which hadn’t been possible in pri- Scott, Craig and Ty. In addition, Pete and Jo have ognized “brand” as “Gooseneck Trailer MFG. or years with the limitations of the old bumper 2 grandchildren and one on the way. Pete and Co., Inc.” or simply as “Gooseneck.” The brand pull style trailers. In addition, Gooseneck Trail- his family have beenlifelong members of St. An- name that has become a household name. ers makes various industrial and specialty types thony’s Catholic Church in Bryan and Pete was a David and Mark Carrabba, owners of Goose- of trailers, as well as frac tanks for the oil and gas member of theArmy Reserves for six years. neck Trailer MFG. Co., industry. David and Mark Carrabba have liter- Pete founded Scarmardo Cattle Company Inc., have been building ally grown up in this family business, working in 1974 and is nationally recognized as one of Gooseneck Trailers in continuously to ensure that each year the hall- the top cattle order buyers and cattlemen in Bryan for almost mark of their Gooseneck Trailer, “Built stronger the United States. He is respected as a man of 50 years and to last longer” remains the byword for the many integrity throughout the cattle industry. Scar- the company is thousands of loyal Gooseneck customers. mardo’s love of agriculture began more than known for their David and Mark Carrabba are also major 40 years ago when his father ran cows and Gooseneck Trailer owners durable and de- contributors to the economic growth through was a row-crop farmer. Pete preferred cattle David and Mark Carrabba pendable heavy- their ownership and operation of a number of to farming and Scarmardo Cattle Company is the result. Pete’s cattle operation has expanded and the company’s revolu- duty trailers. other businesses in the community including tionary trailer design were over the years to include ranches in Robertson, “My dad Carrabba Industrial Park, Austins Colony Sub- this year’s Agribusiness Brazos, Burleson and Milam counties. In 1991, Gooseneck division and other residential developments, Award winners. Trailer owners Pete purchased Lone Star Grain Company and GSI Oil & Gas, and Carrabba Brothers Partner- David and Mark has owned and operated Brazos Valley Live- ship Farm. Carrabba and their revolutionary trailer de- stock since 1998. Also following in the family tradition of sign were recognized as this year’s Agribusiness Outside of his business responsibili- philanthropy and strong support of their com- Award winners. was in the business of custom ties, Pete serves on the board of directors for munity as they have done since the Carrabba harvesting and cotton pickers and he noticed a the Texas Cattle Feeders Association and is a family first settled in this area in the 1900s, Da- lot of farmers needed cotton trailers, and no one member of the Houston Livestock Show Com- vid and Mark continue to be major contribu- around here was making them,” David says. mercial Steer Committee. Also, Pete serves as tors to local youth through their decades of The community was satisfied with Car- the Livestock Superintendent for the Burleson rabba’s work and asked if he could produce a support for 4H and FFA, as well as their strong County Youth Livestock Show, is a member of gooseneck trailer. The cotton trailers phased support of local hospice programs, St Joseph the Texas A&M Agriculture Council for Texas out and the Carrabbas have produced goose- Regional Health Center Foundation and St. A&M AgriLifeand has supported the “Taste of neck trailers ever since. “Probably about 95 Anthony’s Catholic Church. the Brazos Valley” Chamber of Commerce Ag percent of our business is outside a 100-mile Breakfast for several years. radius of Bryan, so we’re bringing in a lot of AGRICULTURAL Pete has been recognized by his peers for money to the local economy,” Carrabba says. IMPACT AWARD his contribution within the community and he The business employs up to 200 hundred peo- has received the Bryan/College Station Cham- ple and has continued to thrive since it was in- This award recognizes a local business, contribu- ber of Commerce Ag Business Award in 2004, corporated in 1965. tor or volunteer who has impacted the Bryan/ the Louisiana’s horseman of the Year award The development of the gooseneck style College Station Community and/or Brazos in 2010 and the Friend of 4-H award for Out- trailers revolutionized the ranching and farm- County agriculture programs through leader- standing Service from the Brazos County 4-H ing industry by allowing the individual farmer ship, donations and personal volunteer efforts. program in 2011. i

24 INSITE February 2012 LIFESTYLE by Travis Lawson

Farming Up Close Personal &At Sand Creek Farm, the old Way is New Again

click www.insitebrazosvalley.com 25 IN ThE SMALL ToWN oF CAMEroN, 57 MILES NorThWEST oF b/CS, IS A UNIqUE WINDoW INTo ThE PAST ThAT ThE WhoLE FAMILY CAN ENjoY.

soon as you get out of your car the smells, sounds, and visual beauty of Asthe farm overwhelms your senses Cows graze out on the pasture; pigs trot around amongst the clucking chickens and crowing roosters. The Godfrey’s family dog chases the hogs from one side of the pastor to the other, while children clip clop past on horseback. Sand Creek Farm is a place where doing things the “old fashioned way” is also the new way to farm by sustainably producing high-quality organic produce, meat and dairy products. However, Sand Creek Farm is “My wife was a city girl more than just a farm offering events, tours and classes for so I enticed her out into people of all ages. the country with a bigger Owner Ben Godfrey had house.” always wanted to raise his children in the country, but there was just one problem: his wife was more cosmopolitan than cowgirl and he knew getting her to move to the country would require some effort.

26 INSITE February 2012 IN ThE SMALL ToWN oF CAMEroN, 57 MILES NorThWEST oF b/CS, IS A UNIqUE WINDoW INTo ThE PAST ThAT ThE WhoLE FAMILY CAN ENjoY.

“My wife was a city girl so I enticed her out into the country with a bigger house,” Ben says. “We got out there and she fell in love with the farm life.”

“There’s a lot of people who come out to the farm who have never seen a pig before, so when they walk out amongst the pigs and scratch one on its back, you can see that look they have.”

Ben admits he did not realize the farm would grow into what it has today. The family started with only a couple of milk cows. “We thought we would do some homesteading things like milk cows and make our own cheese and butter, really a sustainable lifestyle is what we were shooting for,” Ben says. Soon Ben was producing more than enough dairy products for his family. He decided it was time to start selling the extra milk he was getting from the cows on the market. For that, he would need a license to sell the milk. A milk license is not cheap, and Ben realized he would have to buy more cows to make enough milk to cover the license. “We got a couple more cows to average out the expense of getting

click www.insitebrazosvalley.com 27 a license and the next thing you know we were farm who have never seen a pig before, so when wagon ride. Ben says the wagon ride is so popular in dairy,” Ben says. “Then I sold my company they walk out amongst the pigs and scratch one because families not only get to show their kids and became a fulltime farmer, and that’s how it on its back, you can see that look they have,” Ben how things were once done, but it also gives evolved.” says. “The other side of it is a lot of older people families a chance to bond and do something Today, Sand Creek Farm sells everything come out who grew up this way and they relate together. from produce to homemade yogurt. A visit to to it and you can just see the memories flowing “Getting out and about and getting right Sand Creek Farm offers through their minds.” in there amongst the farm animals is a great a chance to not only The farm is also experience,” Ben says. “A lot of families have see how chicken and The farm is also for for people who want to never taken a wagon ride around a farm so it pork are processed, people who want to buy buy high quality organic gives them something to do that is fairly unique.” but also the hands- food. Ben says most of the Beyond farming, Sand Creek Farm provides on experience of high quality organic food. customers who buy meat, area for many outdoor activities such as camping, processing a chicken dairy or produce from hog hunting and trapping. Hog hunting actually and milking a cow. the farm are those people who are looking for benefits the farm because they tear up the fields Farm Days, which occur at least once a grass-fed cows, soy-free products or completely at night. Soap making classes are also offered for month other than July and August because of the organic produce. The farm provides people with families and individuals looking to learn a new heat, provide families with the chance to picnic, what Ben calls an “untypical” American diet. trade. make butter and collect eggs. These activities “So many people don’t know where their For more information about Sand Creek give people an opportunity to re-live their past food comes from anymore,” Ben says. “They Farm visit www.sandcreekfarm.net where an or experience something they have never done think chicken comes boneless and they think events, class and Farm Day schedule is listed. before. milk comes from a jug.” To schedule a private tour, contact Ben at ben@ “There’s a lot of people who come out to the One of the events families enjoy is the sandcreekfarm.com. i

28 INSITE February 2012 click www.insitebrazosvalley.com 29 bUSINESSbRIEFS denise Fries, owner of Fries Financial Services, was selected for Research students who visited the bush Library and Museum, Magazine’s Hall of Fame a 19.18 percent increase over the 4,177 total in 2010. published in the December Texas A&M and blinn students represented one of the issue. Fries was selected for fastest growing populations of visitors to the library and the magazine’s 21st annual museum last year. recognition of leaders in the “Student engagement and involvement is part of financial services industry our mission to promote civic literacy and one of the who demonstrate superior main reasons president bush chose to build his library client service and community on a university campus, and especially here at Texas involvement. The number of Texas A&M university and Blinn A&M,” says Warren Finch, director of the bush Library College students who visited the George Bush and Museum. Presidential Library and Museum rose by nearly 20 The bush Library and Museum offers free percent in 2011 over the previous year, according to new admission to all Texas A&M University System and attendance numbers from the bush Library and Museum. blinn College students (with ID) all the time; for more In 2011 there were 4,978 Texas A&M and blinn information go to bushlibrary.tamu.edu/students.

right perspective on things The bbb’s Torch Award looks President’s Circle Award The leaders of the Brazos and look for the bright side.” for businesses with high Ceremony, which took Valley Food Bank’s ethical standards in dealing place during keep America Because Hunger Won’t If you know someone who with customers, employees, beautiful’s 58th annual Wait Capital Campaign would like to join the Bryan and suppliers; effective, National Conference in New are dedicated to addressing Citizens Police Academy straight-forward advertising; Orleans, LA. The president’s the problem of hunger in the now is the time to join. Twice friendly, helpful employees; Circle Award recognizes brazos Valley. Kroger has a year citizens have a chance or simply a good reputation exemplary performance stepped forward to donate Fries began her financial to partner with the bryan built by a history of solid made by certified affiliates $100,000 to kick off the planning career while serving police Department to see the business practices within the of the national nonprofit to campaign, recognizing that in the U.S. Army Reserve inner workings of their police in 1984. Today, she has the department through the largest retirement assets Citizen’s police Academy. The under management in the program is free; the 10-week In two performances to packed Rudder Texas A&M University system course meets one night each Auditorium audiences, the symphony for professors, faculty and week from 6:30 p.m. until performed live symphonic music for more staff. 9:30 p.m. Classes are held at than 3,000 area children. The brazos In addition to being a the bryan police Department. Valley Symphony season traditionally top producer at independent An application may be includes a unique experience for 4th broker-dealer Securities obtained from the bryan and 5th grade students in the brazos America, Fries owns two police Department website at In January, Music director and Valley. This program was recognized for other businesses: Taylor www.bryantxpolice.com or at Conductor Marcelo Bussiki and the excellence by the Texas Association of Made gluten Free bakery the police Department lobby. Brazos Valley Symphony musicians Symphony Orchestras and presented with and a property management presented the Annual Children’s Concerts. the 2010 Education grand Winner Award. company. Among her The Better Business businesses, she devotes Bureau is soliciting community. A nomination reduce litter, minimize waste, if people are hungry, they at least two days a week nominations for the form is available on the bbb and beautify and improve cannot work, they cannot to charities and lends BBB Torch Award for website, www.bryan.bbb.org, their local communities. do well in school, and they her management and Marketplace Ethics. The or by calling (979) 260-2222. The mission of keep cannot properly care for their organizational skills to local Torch Award is the highest Deadline for submission is brazos beautiful (kbb) is to families. To find out how non-profits. honor the bbb can give to February 22. educate and engage brazos to help with the because “She has a bright spot a deserving business. It is County citizens to keep our Hunger Won’t Wait Capital perspective,” says Janine an award that crosses all Keep Brazos Beautiful community clean, green and Campaign, call (979) 779-3663 Wertheim, president of industry and product lines received the Keep America beautiful. or visit http://www.bvfb.org/ Securities America Advisors. and centers solely on ethical Beautiful President’s donate.html i “She knows how to put the behavior in the marketplace. Circle Award at the

30 INSITE February 2012 click www.insitebrazosvalley.com 31 32 INSITE February 2012