August 2016 chamberworks (002)

AUGUST 2016 Chairman of the Board Kurt Alfred Brenham National Bank

ChamberWorks

brenham, texas

washington county chamber of commerce

First Vice Chair Kyle Merten Blinn College Foundation Second Vice Chair Randy Wells Faith Mission and Help Center Secretary James Pharaon Germania Insurance Treasurer Walter Jackson Brenham ISD Superintendent Immediate Past Chairman Wesley Brinkmeyer Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative Eric Berg District Attorney’s Office Sharon Brass Kwik Kopy Business Center Cathy Cole Heritage Texas Country Properties Chad Gerke Gerke Law Firm Becky Hanath Rodney’s General Repair Suzy Hankins Ant Street Inn Tammy Jaster City of Brenham– Blue Bell Aquatic Center Jeannie Kroll Brenham Clinic LaVerne Krumrey Brenham Monument Co. Cyndee Smith Oldham Goodwin Group Brad Stufflebeam Home Sweet Farm Market & Biergarten Jenny Van Dorf Blue Bell Creameries Randy Weidemann Van Dyke Rankin Insurance Kristie Wensel Brenham State Supported Living Center

TAILGATE 2016 - Tickets now on sale

The countdown is on! TAILGATE 2016 will be held on Thursday, August 25, and tickets are on sale now. The Chamber will host this exciting and fun tailgate-style event at Silver Wings Ballroom in Brenham. It is the one annual fundraising event for Chamber programs and activities. Everyone in the community is invited. Get some friends together and plan to be there!

Football fever and spirited rivalries will be happening that night…between fans of Texas Longhorns, Texas A&M, Blinn Bucs, TCU Horned Frogs, UH Cougars, Texas Tech Raiders, Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, Burton Panthers, Brenham Cubs and more.

Tickets Are Only Sold in Advance.

The entire community is invited to attend!

Tickets will not be sold at the door. Stop by the Chamber and pick up tickets by August 18.

For the price of $35 per person, you can enjoy all the delicious food you can eat (from Design II Catering), foamy cold beverages, a fabulous silent auction, deck-of-cards raffles for guns, a “big board” auction, and lots of mingling with colleagues and friends.

The auction is always a major highlight of the evening. Chamber members donate fantastic items! See below for some highlights.

A huge round of applause goes to all of the generous sponsors who are making this night possible. Please join us in thanking them, and then come to the TAILGATE 2016 to enjoy the party with them!

CHAMPION SPONSOR

ty. A complete list of all donations will be in next month’s newsletter to recognize all the fantastic donations from Chamber member businesses.

Flounder Gigging Fishing Trip Donated by Appel Ford and Citizens State Bank Dinner with the Docs Donated by Brenham Clinic

SUPER BOWL SPONSORS

Louisiana Fishing Trip Donated by Kruse Village Sundae Fun Day Donated by Tuchi’s Party Supply Rental and Blue Bell Creameries

TOUCHDOWN SPONSORS H Appel Ford H Associated Credit Union of Texas H Baylor Scott & White Medical Center-Brenham H Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative H CHI St. Joseph Health H Burton ISD H DI Truck & Trailer Repair H Heritage Texas Country Properties H Seidel Schroeder Here’s a peek at just a few of the auction items you can bid on at the TAILGATE Par-

Steak Dinner for 20 Donated by Miracle Farm and Chamber Board Members Texas A&M Football Tickets Houston Texans Football Tickets and much much more!

This is the only fundraising event of the year for the Chamber. All proceeds are put back into the community in the form of programs and services to enhance the business industry and economic climate. Join the crowd on Aug. 25. Enjoy this great opportunity to support your community, promote your business, and have fun at the same time!

Page 2 | Chamber Works | August 2016

Ribbon Cutting

New Blue Blazers

Michael Branton

New Member

Esteem Body Works Owner: Jeanette Williams 2404 South Chappell Hill Street , Brenham

Michael was born in Marshall, Texas, and lived in Carthage until age 5, when his family relocated to Brenham to start a collision body shop. Michael finished school in Brenham in 2006.

He decided to pursue his love of math at Sam Houston University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting, and then got his Masters in Accounting at Prairie View University.

Michael works full time at Seidel BRANTON Schroeder where his favorite part of the job is meeting and visiting with clients. In his spare time, he enjoys playing in charity golf tournaments. He also enjoys participating in community events such as the Citizens’ Police Academy, Blue Bell Fun Run, and Washington County Leadership Program that he took part in this past year.

He is married to his high school sweetheart, Brittni Knebel Branton, who is an Instructional Technology Specialist at Brenham ISD.

Crystal Locke !

Networking Happy Hour Wednesday, August 17 at Bank of Brenham 501 S. Austin St., Brenham

5-7 p.m.

Join in for some good food, good drinks and a great time!

For more information about the Washington County YPO, send your contact information to youngpros@brenhamtexas.com or visit online: www.Facebook.com/YPOwashingtoncounty

Crystal Dahlquist Locke was born and raised in Washington County. She is a 2003 graduate of Brenham High School and a 2008 graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University.

She is employed as a Community Services Specialist with the City of Brenham where she organizes community events such as the Christmas Stroll and Lighted Parade, Hot Nights Cool Tunes, and Movies in the Park.

LOCKE Crystal is a Certified Park and Recreation Professional by the National Certification

Washington County READ presents its 8th book In the deep mid-August heat of the oppressive New Orleans summer of 2005, weather reports give warnings about a huge hurricane swirling in the Gulf. As the news shows it taking aim at their city, two families – one black and one white – must make decisions that will affect the rest of their lives.

In this book of fiction, City of Refuge by Tom Piazza, a New Orleans resident tells the story as if the reader were there before, during and after hurricane Katrina. This is a must read for all who followed in disbelief the events that happened those several days. “So detailed, so rich with New Or-

leans atmosphere, and so believable… it’s like living through the storm again. It’s a book that finally explains what happened and why people in New Orleans did what they did” Baton Rouge Advocate. Piazza’s talents include winning numerous literary awards, writing for the HBO hit series Treme, and winning a Grammy for his notes on American music.

The Washington County READ is grateful to have these two community leaders as Honorary Chairs: Rev. Randy Wells, Executive Director of Faith READ continued on page 3

Board and the National Recreation and Park Association.

Crystal is a Leadership Washington County graduate, class of 2010, and has been involved in the Washington County Little League Board, Student Health Advisory Committee, and First Baptist Church School & Texas Celebration Committee.

Crystal and her husband, Jeremy, were married in 2013. They have a little boy, Jentry, who is 18 months and attends First Baptist Early Education Center.

Debra Leroy Russell

Debra was born and raised in Rochelle, Illinois.

While attending college at Western Illinois University it was a requirement for her Park & Recreation Administration bachelor’s degree that she complete a nine-week “Practicum Experience” in order to graduate. The instructions she and her classmates were given was to try to do it somewhere you might like to work after graduation, because many times the experiences lead RUSSELL to jobs. Being the sun worshiper that she is, she sent all her applications to Florida and Texas.

The Woodlands Swim and Athletic Center offered Debra an opportunity and she took it. Except for one year, she has been in Texas ever since doing Activity Director and Marketing/Customer Relations type jobs. “Leroy” as she is typically called, works for Brenham State Supported Living Center as the Vocational Business Development Coordinator at Brenham Production Services, the off campus vocational center.

Debra is a member of the Cowboy Church of Brenham, the Washington County Go Texan Committee, and the Washington County Lady Lions Club. In September, on her 60th Birthday, she will gain a new last name when she weds her fiancé Randy Wenckens.

Washington County Chamber of Commerce Page Michel, President & CEO Jane Hinze, Member Services Mgr. Shae Janner, Business Programs Mgr. Dawn Konieczny, Communications Coord.

Lu Hollander, CVB Adv. & PR Mgr. Jenny Mills, Website & Social Media Mgr. Courtney Powell, Visitor Center & Group Mktg. Coord.

Debby Welch, Visitor Center Assistant Cheryl Sevin, Bookkeeper Support Staff: Darlene Denman, Judy Hyman, Jeanine Presswood and Nelda Snow.

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 • will.watson@infintechllc.com

www.infintechllc.com

August 2016 | Chamber Works | Page 3

READ

Continued from page 2

On August 3, Dr. Edna Kennedy (left) of Burton ISD and Dr. Walter Jackson (right) of Brenham ISD shared updates from their school districts during an Education Forum held at the Blinn College Student Center in Brenham. They also shared their focus for the future and touched on growth, technology, diversity and state mandates, then answered questions from the crowd of approximately 150 people. Joel Romo (center) of Texana Public Affairs was the event M.C.

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.

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

Brenham Clinic

Thank you to our Presidential Level members ...

OF BRENHAM Bluebonnet Electric

Metropolitan Water Company, L.P.

BRENHAM

Mission, and Dr. Walter Jackson, Superintendent of Brenham ISD. Wells brings his personal experience of how Katrina brought him to Brenham, and he encourages anyone to share their story of how the hurricane affected their lives by calling Lifetime Learning. Books are available at the Nancy Carol Roberts Library, Blinn College Library, HEB, and the Book Nook in downtown Brenham.

In the coming months, live reviews of City of Refuge will be given to various groups in the community.

The culmination of the Washington County READ will be a free reception at Unity Theatre on October 18 with refreshments and a dramatic reading.

This is the eighth year of the Washington County READ, sponsored by Lifetime Learning. The READ encourages the community to read and discuss one book and to bring generations and diverse groups together to enjoy the benefits of reading.

Other sponsors of the READ are Unity Theatre, The Banner-Press, KWHI-KTEX, Washington County Chamber of Commerce, Nancy Carol Roberts Library, Blinn College and Brenham ISD. If a group or organization would like to schedule a live review of the book, contact Lifetime Learning at 979-353-1089.

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

Page 4 | Chamber Works | August 2016

New Members BRENHAM GUTTER SPECIALISTS Owner: Robbie Russell 1601 Leslie D Lane (Physical Address) PO Box 746 (Mailing Address) Brenham, Texas 77834 Phone: 979-203-8825 Robbievan99@yahoo.com www.BrenhamGutters.com Contractors-Rain Gutters CHRISTY SCHLOTTMANN FARMERS AGENCY Owner: Christy Schlottmann 1160 Farmers Road (Mailing Address) Brenham, Texas 77833 Phone: 979-830-3630 cschlottmann@farmersagent.com Insurance NORTH PARK APARTMENTS Owners: Donald & Jennifer Dawson 910 North Park Street Brenham, Texas 77833 Phone: 979-277-9523 manager@northparkbrenham.com www.northparkbrenham.com Apartments R J MILLER INSURANCE GROUP Owner: Ross J. Miller 22699 Lesiker Road (Physical Address) PO Box 68 (Mailing Address) New Ulm, Texas 78950 Phone: 713-419-2455 rm@rjmig.com www.rjmig.com Insurance TUCHI’S PARTY SUPPLY RENTAL /TUCHI’S FURNITURE Owner: Alma D. Lopez 1002 E. Blue Bell Road Brenham, Texas 77833 Phone: 979-836-5156 party@tuchispartysupply.com www.tuchispartysupply.com Party Supplies Furniture

Renewing Chamber Members July 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.

Korth & Linke Welding — 39 years Ken Mutscher — 39 years Rau’s Meat Center — 39 years Spiess Insurance Agency — 39 years Washington-on-the-Brazos State Park Assoc. — 39 years Mark Hyatt State Farm Insurance Agency — 37 years Dr. Gary Appelt — 35 years Heritage Society of Washington County — 35 years Miracle Farm — 34 years Brenham Abstract & Title Company — 33 years Washington County Fair Association — 32 years Chris McCarty, DDS, Pediatrics — 31 years Washington County Farm Bureau — 31 years Brenham Country Club — 27 years Lube Rite — 27 years William L. & Dee Pennybacker — 27 years Discount Trees of Brenham — 26 years Live Oak Resort — 26 years Luedemann Feed & Farm — 25 years Artesian Park RV Campground — 23 years Coach Light Inn Motel — 23 years K&H Portable Toilets — 23 years MHMR Center of Washington County — 23 years Brenham Collision Center — 22 years Moorman Tate Haley Upchurch & Yates — 22 years LaBahia Antiques — 19 years Argent Court of Brenham — 18 years Oak Creek Apartments — 18 years Prairie Hill Farm — 17 years Robert’s Service Station & Grocery — 17 years Lois W. Kolkhorst — 16 years Round Top Festival Institute — 15 years Brenham Housing Authority — 14 years Plants N Things — 14 years 2TR Investments — 13 years A& L Hot Oil Service — 13 years Frank Blizzard — 13 years Brazos Valley Foot Care — 13 years Brenham Cemetery Association — 13 years First Finance — 13 years Foehner Funeral Home — 13 years Kenjura Tile — 13 years Plumb Level — 13 years Pomegranate/Funky Art Cafe — 13 years St. Paul Lutheran of Rehburg — 13 years

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church — 13 years Brenham Carpet & Tile — 12 years Chappell Hill Lavender Farm — 12 years Bluebonnet Pottery & Gift Gallery — 11 years Brenham Grill — 11 years Endeavor Tank & Transport — 11 years Cross Creek Construction & Design — 10 years AAA Self Storage - Brenham — 9 years Brenham Party Rentals — 9 years Burton Heritage Society — 9 years WCT OUTDOORS — 9 years Cricket Cruise & Travel — 8 years Hackberry Hill Guest Cottages — 8 years ProServe Automotive — 8 years Grace Community Fellowship — 7 years M. C. Byrd Wealth Management — 7 years Dona Lynn’s Unique Gifts — 6 years K&W Dozer Service — 6 years Peggy Kramer — 6 years Ladco Construction Company — 6 years Linda & Paul Pipes — 6 years The Flower Market — 5 years Louis and Joycine Hanath — 5 years Mr. & Mrs. Glen Prenzler — 5 years CENTURY 21 Holton Realty — 4 years QuestSpecialty Corporation — 4 years We Manage Properties — 4 years The Kenney Store — 3 years M Bar Land & Cattle — 3 years Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church — 3 years Rotary Club of Washington County — 3 years Round Top Real Estate — 3 years Texas State Optical — 3 years Woman’s Cave — 3 years 1st Step Dog Training & Grooming — 2 years 290 Chic Rustique — 2 years C.C. Creations — 2 years Ryan W. Frieben, M.D. — 2 years Russell Hall Construction — 2 years Texas Star Winery — 2 years Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant — 1 year Journey Consulting — 1 year Florence Julian — 1 year Rockin Mc Rustic — 1 year Georgia and Bob Sowers — 1 year

Washington County Blue Blazers The Blue Blazers is a club with 15-20 members and 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.

Michael Branton

Tammy Jaster

Seidel Schroeder

City of Brenham-Blue Bell Aquatic Center

Darlene Denman

Florence Julian

Joyce Dickschat

Crystal Locke

Washington County Chamber Brenham National Bank

Wendy Frazier

BBVA Compass Bank

Eddie Harrison

Retired-Brenham Municipal Judge

Retired-Individual

Linda Pipes

Retired-School Teacher

Kathy Randermann

KTTX 106.1/KWHI 1280

Debra Russell

City of Brenham

Brenham State Supported Living Center

Brice Milliorn

Christy Schlottmann

Edward Jones Investments

Michelle Panko

Barking Ranch Pet Resort

Allstate Insurance

Randy Weidemann

Van Dyke Rankin & Company

Barbara Wilganowski Spherion Staffing

Kristie Wensel

Brenham State Supported Living Center

August 2016 | Chamber Works | Page 5

Introducing the Leadership Class of 2017 The new class of Leadership Washington County participants convened this month with an Orientation held on August 4 and will be followed by a day-long Leadership Communication session on August 30.

There will be a Team Building Retreat at Camp For All in September. The participants will graduate from the program in May 2017.

The twenty-nine professionals listed below will be challenged, inspired and educated about the many facets of effective leadership and the structure of this community. During this program, participants will experience eleven in-depth sessions, meet top leaders in the community and form relationships that will aid them in their professional careers for years to come. They will also be treated to amazing, behind-the-scenes tours of some of Brenham’s most unique businesses.

Here are this year’s Leadership Washington County participants:

Peggy Cadenhead Washington County CSCD

Dr. Edna Kennedy Burton ISD

Ryan Rapelye City of Brenham

Robbie Gail Charette Law Office of Robbie Gail Charette

Dawn Konieczny Washington County Chamber of Commerce

Alison Reimer Brenham National Bank

Laurie Clark Blinn College

Andi Liner Blinn College

Trina Crenshaw Blue Bell Creameries

Tina Mancuso CHI St. Joseph Health

Lindsey Eckert Seidel Schroeder

Michelle Martin Longwood

Craig Goodman City of Brenham Police Department

Melissa McCarty Germania Insurance

Mackenzie Huff Bank of Brenham

Rita Alcantara Kwik Kopy Business Center

John Hughson Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Brenham

Brad Benoit Brenham State Supported Living Center

Janice Kana Seidel Schroeder

Brad Bevers Bevers Real Estate

Candace Kenjura Germania Insurance

Angelica Monarrez Del Sol Food Company Shane Nelson Shane A. Nelson P.C. Christie Olivarez Brenham ISD Brandon Porter Redeemer Church Brenham

Mark Rosenbaum Washington County EMS Annette Wagner Germani Insurance Paul Weiss Citizens State Bank

Leadership Washington County is hosted and coordinated each year by the Washington County Chamber with assistance from alumni of the program. It is one of the most meaningful ways to give back after you have received all the valuable training and experiences in the LWC program.

Watch this newsletter for photos and articles about the new class over the next several months as they learn and grow together as professionals and leaders.

Leadership participants learn what makes this community work! They form new relationships and forge lasting bonds while touring community sites and hearing from local leaders.

Page 6 | Chamber Works | August 2016

Tourism News

Chappell Hill Lavender & Wine Fest

mercial exhibits, attractions, and more! Activities and entrance fees vary by day. You can view the schedule online at www.washingtoncofair.com.

Ninety Six West

On Saturday, August 13, the Chappell Hill Lavender Farm and Windy Winery will team up to throw a countryside neighborhood festival featuring tastings, crafts, vendors, music, lavender cuisine, and demonstrations. Festival hours are from from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. The Lavender farm is open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Windy Winery 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free parking, free admission at both locations. Wine tastings and grape stomps have fees.

Vaudeville at the Simon Watch “Big Al’s Historical, Almost Authentic, Electrified Vaudeville Show” back on the 1925 Simon Theatre stage on Saturday, August 27. There will be two shows: 2pm and 9pm. Enjoy the popular music of that era with lively comedy, magic, juggling and dancing acts. Starring Tena Rae Helm, Mike Brinkmeyer and other professional performers. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door up to an hour before show time.

Big Star Texas Night

Our Texas Town Filming at Blue Bell

The Burton Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to attend the 6th annual “Big Star Texas Night,” on August 27 at the historic La Bahia Turn Verein and dance hall.

Enjoy a cruise-in car show starting at 6:30 p.m, happy hour from 7-8pm with Kountry Chick DJ, a live performance by the Texas Unlimited Band from 8pm to midnight, and mouthwatering Burton barbecue. You won’t want to miss this epic night of great country music held in a historic Texas dance Hall. A live auction will benefit the Burton Area Chamber of Commerce and its projects.

Our Texas Town is an informative resource for those interested in Texas communities. They were in Brenham during the month of July filming some areas of town to include in videos and television spots. You can find their website at www.OurTexasTown.com, where it features digital magazines that highlight Texas communities. The magazines include interesting stories about the town histories, current events and significant people. The OTT site will continue to have pieces added as they film in each corresponding town. Take a look and learn more about Our Texas Town and other cities nearby!

148th Washington County Fair

Blue Bell Flavor Release Generates Publicity

Enjoy the “Oldest County Fair in Texas” from September 10-17 with shows, rodeos, music and fun. This year’s fair and rodeo will include Nashville entertainment, a carnival, crafts, food, livestock and poultry auctions, com-

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

Business Spotlight

KHOU-TV Houston was at the Blue Bell ice cream parlor on July 15 to help spread the word about Blue Bell’s newly released “Cookie Two Step” flavor. Cookie Two Step is a creamy vanilla ice cream with hints of brown sugar, combined with chunks of chocolate crème filled cookies and tasty chocolate chip cookie dough pieces. It has garnered publicity coverage around the state. Recent news of Blue Bell’s growing distribution to the Carolinas and beyond has also generated positive publicity nationwide.

It’s All About Being Connected The Chamber of Commerce is the only organization in town that makes all of these connections…

• Connects its members with other members.

• Connects its members to customers.

• Connects the business community with government agencies.

• Connects businesses with community organizations.

• Connects job seekers with job opportunities.

• Connects community leaders with leadership opportunities.

• Connects current generations with new generations.

• Connects citizens with information.

• Connects tourists with the region’s attractions.

• Connects members with educational opportunities.

Ninety Six West has brought an eclectic tapas/wine/ craft beer restaurant to the beautiful Downtown Brenham. With farm to table dining, an excellent wine list, impeccable service, and decorated with local artwork and an outdoor patio, it truly is fine dining in a small town atmosphere.

They are now offering full “Farm to Table” catering for weddings, rehearsal dinners, birthdays, or any special event you may have.

Open Wednesday through Saturday for dinner, serving brunch on Sunday, and opening very soon for lunch.

Up-coming events are an August 24 Wine Dinner at 6:30pm and August 26 Blue Grooves Duo live session from 7-11pm. Please follow their Facebook page for updates on daily specials, special events, and hours. https://w w w.facebook.com/NinetySixWestBrenham/home Ninety Six West is located at 103 S. Baylor in Downtown Brenham.

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

WALK-INS Visitor Center HQ Building

July 2016 — 670

July 2016 — 698

WEBSITE www.BrenhamTexas.com Total Pages Unique Visitors

July 2016 — 9,764

July 2016 — 18,544

WEBSITE www.VisitBrenhamTexas.com Total Pages Unique Visitors

July 2016 — 15,695

July 2016 — 36,308

Chamber News Get Noticed…

The ChamberWorks newsletter is published inside The Banner-Press on the first Thursday of the month.

Chamber members have the opportunity to advertise in this newsletter. Rates start at only $25 per month.

If you are looking for a new opportunity to advertise, just call Jane Hinze, Member Services Manager, at 836-3695.

Another great way to promote your organization 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 special 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 quarter per member during each calendar year.

August 2016 | Chamber Works | Page 7

What’s Happening in August Aug 1-28 Art Show at Back Lot Gallery “The Process” by Sarah McIntyre, 308 S. Park Street in downtown Brenham, gallery hours are Fri & Sat noon-7pm, Sun 11-4 (www.facebook.com/backlotgallery).

Aug 12-14, 19-21, 26-28 Live Music in the Biergarten Largest selection of craft beer in Washington County, wine, local food and live music, Home Sweet Farm Market and Biergarten, times vary, 307 S. Park St., Downtown Brenham (www.HomeSweet Farm.com).

Aug 12-14, 19-21, 26-28 Brewery Patio Open Enjoy craft beer with friends, Friday 5-10pm, Saturday 12-8pm, Sunday 1-6pm, Brazos Valley Brewery, 201 W. First St., Downtown Brenham (www.BrazosValley Brewery.com).

Aug 12 Live Music at Nathan’s BBQ Jack Houston will be performing at Nathan’s BBQ , 6-9pm, 1307 Prairie Lea, Brenham (979-251-9900, www.nathans bbq.com).

Aug 13 Brenham Fire Department Fireman’s Fiesta All you can eat Sirloin Steak & Sausage Meal, 5:30-8pm, Fireman’s Training Center, $12 in advance, $15 at door. Dine In or Drive Thru will be available. Tickets sold at Brenham Fire Department, All BFD Members, Robert’s Service Station, K & M Grocery, Brenham Office Supply, and Dan’s Meat Market (979-337-7300).

Aug 13 Chappell Hill Lavender & Wine Fest A countryside neighborhood festival with Chappell Hill Lavender Farm and Windy Winery, featuring tastings, crafts, vendors, music, demonstrations and more, Lavender Farm 9am-3pm, Windy Winery 11am6pm (www.ChappellHillLavender.com).

Aug 13 CASA Advocate Academy Training Train to become a Special Advocate for children in the foster system, 9am-3pm, 2309 S. Day St., Brenham (979-277-0088, www.wespeak4kids.org).

Aug 13 Stagecoach Day In Anderson at the Fanthorp Inn, visitors can experience what it was like to travel cross country via stagecoach and learn about the Inn’s history, 11am-3pm, no admission, suggested donation of $10 for adults, $5 for children for stagecoach rides.

Aug 13-14 Crush for Fun at Pleasant Hill Winery 15th annual Crush for Fun grape stomping event. You get purple feet and a t-shirt! Food and other miscellaneous vendors, along with regular tours and tastings, fees apply.

Winery hours are Saturday 11-6 and Sunday noon-5 (www.PleasantHillWinery.com).

Aug 13-14 Harvest Grape Stomp at Windy Winery Enjoy hay rides, grape picking, barrel stomping, souvenir t-shirt. Stomps take place on weekends in July and August. Winery hours are Saturday 11-6 and Sunday noon5. Stomps and tastings include fees (www. windywinery.com, 979-836-3252).

Aug 13, 20, 27 “Step Into the Past” Tours Multiple historic sites throughout Washington County are open for you to explore on Saturdays 10am-5pm, full details are online (www.VisitBrenhamTexas.com/ step-into-the-past).

Aug 13, 20, 27 Hands on History Every Saturday from 11-4 make crafts and toys that pioneer children made during the Republic time. Visitors can also discover what life was like for children living in the 1830s in the newly renovated Pioneer Playroom, Star of the Republic Museum at Washington on the Brazos.

Aug 13, 20, 27 Lone Star Gallery Open every Saturday year-round. Featuring vintage, antique, re-purposed, shabby, & more. Free admission, free parking, indoor shopping, on-site concessions, 4214 S Hwy 237, Warrenton (www.thelone stargallery.com).

Aug 13-14, 20-21, 27-28 Antique Carousel Rides At Fireman’s Park, open to the public weekends March-October. Only $1 per rider to enjoy a piece of Brenham’s history, Saturdays 11-4, Sundays 1-4.

Aug 13-31 Fine Arts Exhibits Members of the Brenham Fine Arts League will display original works of art focusing on the history and beauty of the Texas Brazos Valley, Washington on the Brazos Gallery of the Republic Visitor Center, 10am-5pm (www.wheretexas becametexas.org).

Aug 14 St. Peter’s Young Artist Concert Series Two new talented musicians will perform at this year’s Young Artist Concert Series at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Allan Theodore and Dominique Jordan will perform a flute duo. St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 2310 Airline Dr., Brenham, 4pm, free admission (www.StPetersBrenham.org) Aug 15 Ribbon Cutting Edvance Academy School of Beauty Please join in welcoming this new member, 2244 S. Market St., Brenham, 10:30am (www.edschoolofbeauty.com).

Aug 16 Ribbon Cutting – Diamond Washing Solutions Please join in welcoming this new member at the Chamber, 314 S. Austin St., Brenham, 11:30am.

Aug 16, 18, 23, 26, 30, Sept 1 Play in the Clay One night make your own pieces, return a second night to decorate/glaze, $80 per person includes clay, decorating/glazes and two firings. Tuesdays and Thursdays 7-9pm at Bluebonnet Pottery, 12341 LBJ Drive (www.BluebonnetPottery.com, 979289-3765).

Aug 17 YPO Networking Happy Hour Join the Young Professionals of Washington County for a Networking Happy Hour at Bank of Brenham, 501 South Austin Street, 5-7pm.

Aug 17, 24, 31 Wine Down Enjoy wine and artisan cheese and $1 off house wine, 5-8pm, Home Sweet Farm Market, 307 S. Park St., Downtown Brenham (www.homesweetfarmcom).

Aug 18 Friends of Bluebonnet Opry Performing is Lynn Landry, McKenzie Jones, Bryan Su, and the Bluebonnet Opry House Band, doors open at 5:30pm, food served at 6pm, show starts at 7:30pm, $5 admission (www.FriendsOfBluebonnet Opry.com).

Aug 18 Friendship Quilt Guild Meeting Third Thursday of the month from 5-7pm, Brenham Church of Christ, 2800 Victory Ln., $25 yearly membership fees, visitors welcome (www.friendshipquiltguild. weebly.com, 979-830-1950).

Aug 19 Ribbon Cutting – Ninety Six West Please join in celebrating the expansion of Ninety Six West, located at 103 S. Baylor, Downtown Brenham, 10:30am (www.96west.com).

Aug 19 Basic QuickBooks Workshop This is an all-day, basic level course, intended for people who have either no experience or limited experience using the QuickBooks software, size is limited, $100 registration due by August 18, A.W. Hodde, Jr. Technical Education Center, 2910 S. Blue Bell Rd, 9am-5pm, (www.blinn college.sbdcnetwork.net).

Aug 19 Live Music at Nathan’s BBQ Robert Zientek will be performing at Nathan’s BBQ , 6-9pm, 1307 Prairie Lea, Brenham (979-251-9900, www.nathan sbbq.com).

Aug 20 Living History Saturday Travel back in time to where a nation was born in 1836. On the third Saturday of each month, staff and volunteers dressed in period clothing bring to life the people and events of Old Washington providing a unique opportunity to discover various aspects of life surrounding the birth of the Republic of Texas, 10am-4:30pm, Washington on the Brazos (www.WhereTexas BecameTexas.org).

CALENDAR continued on page 8

www.twitter.com/VisitBrenham or ChamberWashCo www.brenhamtexas.com

Page 8 | Chamber Works | August 2016

Stay Local, Play Local, Buy Local Many people do not realize the importance of shopping in your own community. Sales tax dollars kept here support your local police department, fire department, parks and recreation facilities, road projects, businesses and workforce.

See the “Top Reasons” to buy local on this page, and shop with pride in Washington County. Support the “Home Team!” It benefits every business and every resident.

Chamber member businesses support the community year-round, and they appreciate the support of local residents as customers and clients. View a list of all Chamber member businesses online at www.

BrenhamTexas.com.

The Chamber provides education, advocacy, marketing assistance, referrals and more to members, along with great networking and leadership development opportunities. For more information, stop by the Chamber office or call (979) 836-3695.

TOP REASONS BUYING LOCALLY BENEFITS YOU! 1. Right now, while this community is wanting to support local law enforcement and first responders, make this a priority in your family. Keep your dollars here.

2. By shopping in Washington County and paying local sales tax, your dollars stay here to fund city and county operations such as roads and bridges, parks, the library, police and fire departments and more.

3. Local businesses give better support to YOUR community groups. Non-profit groups receive an average of 350% more charitable support from local businesses than they do from non-locally owned businesses.

4. Local businesses make up the largest employer

base, giving more jobs to YOU and YOUR family.

5. YOU get more knowledgeable and friendlier customer service! You get to know your local merchants, and they get to know YOU. 6. Spending $100 at a local independent business creates a ripple effect of $68 in additional local economic activity.

7. Shopping locally saves YOUR gas and YOUR time.

8. Local businesses preserve and enhance the unique character of Washington County. This makes it special for YOU and attractive for others to come spend their money here.

9. Shopping locally allows YOU to stay in better touch with YOUR neighbors and the local pulse of YOUR community.

10. Local businesses are more likely to utilize local advertising, banks, insurance companies and other local services.

11. Without the sales tax dollars that stay in Brenham and Washington County, YOUR property taxes would have to be approximately 14% higher!

REMEMBER TO BUY LOCAL Whether you are purchasing products or services as an individual or for an organization, choosing a locally-owned business: • Keeps up to 3 times more dollars in our local economy • Supports and strengthens local jobs and businesses • Preserves and enhances our unique community • Supports community groups, because nonprofits receive an average of 350% more support from local small business owners than they do from non-locally owned businesses.

Calendar Continued from page 7

Aug 20 Ray Wylie Hubbard Concert Doors open at 6pm, Q&A Interview before the concert with Ray Wylie Hubbard

by Darden Smith at 7pm, concert begins at 8pm, $25 plus fees (www.TheBarnhill Center.com).

Aug 27 Big Star Texas Night 2016 6th annual “Big Star Texas Night,” historic La Bahia Turn Verein and dance hall. Cruise-in car show starting at 6:30pm, happy hour from 7-8pm with

Kountry Chick DJ, a live performance by the Texas Unlimited Band from 8pm to midnight, and mouthwatering Burton BBQ. A live auction will benefit the Burton Area Chamber of Commerce and its projects, La Bahia Tur Verein and Dance Hall, 550 Hwy 237, Burton (www. burtontexas.org).

Aug 27 “Grease” at the Simon The newly restored Simon Theatre features classic films and live music on weekends.

Tickets are $12.50 and can be purchased

at the door after 6pm or online in advance, The Barnhill Center, 111 W. Main St., Downtown Brenham, 7-9pm (www.

TheBarnhillCenter.com).

Sept. highlights ...

Sept 2-29 9/11 Exhibit In remembrance of the 15th anniversary of September 11th, this exhibit at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum will showcase photographs, artifacts, and personal effects, including a section of steel

from the World Trade Center, from the state’s renowned urban search and rescue team (www.bush41.org).

Sept 9-17 Washington County Fair “Oldest County Fair in Texas.” Shows, Rodeos, Music and Fun. Nashville entertainment, carnival, crafts, food, livestock and poultry auctions, commercial exhibits and attractions. Activities and entrance fees vary by day, view the schedule online (www.WashingtonCoFair.com).

visit us online at www.brenhamtexas.com