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HOW DO YOU BECOME FAYETTE COUNTY’S BEST CAR DEALERSHIP? ©2019 The Fayette County Record

AMERICA’S BEST-SELLING BRAND

THANK YOU FAYETTE COUNTY FOR VOTING LA GRANGE FORD BEST CAR DEALERSHIP! WE“YOU’LL ARE PROUD LIKE TO THEBEWAY YOUR WEHOMETOWN DO BUSINESS!” DEALER! Kenny Baker, La Grange Ford Lincoln General Manager

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DR. KARI BRAWLEY & DR. BRITTANY GERTSON

©2019 The Fayette County Record

BEST DENTAL OFFICE in Fayette County

Thank you for voting me BEST DENTIST in Fayette County!

- Dr. Kari Brawley

110 N Washington St. La Grange, TX 78945

brawleydental.com

979-968-5813

A NOTE FROM THE FAYETTE COUNTY RECORD

A Tribute to Excellence An Insider’s Perspective Written by Becky Weise What does it mean to be voted the best in The Fayette County Readers’ Choice?

It means that local people thought enough about an individual or business, and took the time to vote for them as one of their favorites.

It is a “Readers’ Choice” contest, dedicated to finding out the people and businesses the thousands of readers of The Fayette County Record find to be the best of the best in this area. Each phase of the process was published in five or more issues of the newspaper, and significantly online over the past few months, giving ample time for our readers to participate.

Here is how it works. The 2019 contest started in May with reader-submitted category nominations, which took several weeks.

Becky Weise Marketing and Media Director The Fayette County Record

Once categories were in place, we then opened up those categories to nominations within the categories. This took another several weeks, and finally the voting began online.

Voting takes quite some time to go through each pull-down arrow to select the nominees. Those who vote in every category are deserving of an award of their own. And that’s why they appreciate seeing the gratitude from recipients of their efforts.

It doesn’t stop there. Over the next few weeks, certificates are designed, personalized, and printed. Every effort is made to deliver each certificate in person, but we swore the winners to secrecy until this publication came out.

In this publication, The Fayette County Record offers an opportunity to say “Thank You” to everyone who voted for the first place recipients. And only first place winners are invited to advertise.

Count the months and you will realize the magnitude of this process that started in May and finalized with this publication in October.

Back in the first year we did this contest, we posted the ballot in the newspaper for six issues. Racks were consistently sold out, and while we loved selling lots of newspapers, it was a daunting task counting votes. It took five people, and four computers over a month to tabulate all the votes.

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To all of you who serve, and build others up, teach our children and show genuine kindness, going above and beyond the normal requirements of your duties, we say “thank you.” Congratulations.

You deserve this.

- Becky Weise

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But as the years have passed, local people and businesses continue to demonstrate why they are deserving of this award.

Katy Michalke

Best Real Estate Age nt 8 Years in a Row

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2019 READERS’ CHOICE

REBA’S VILLAGE Deli & Pizzeria B est Pizza,

We knew there had to be a better way. We have since adopted online-only voting. We accept only one vote per email address, certainly much easier having electronic tabulation.

BEST OF FAYETTE

2019 BEST OF FAYETTE COUNTY

ON THE COVER

Reba’s Village Deli & Pizzeria Photo by Lindsey Fojtik

Pool Service Inc.

Without your continued support, we would not be able to keep donating to Cancer Fighters at Dell Children’s Hospital in Austin.

Thank you for another great year!

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©2019 The Fayette County Record

We are proud to be your full service family owned swimming pool company that has been in business for over 20 years.

Thank you to all of our new swimming pool owners that have let us build the pool of their dreams. If it weren’t for you we wouldn’t be able to continue making our donations to Cancer Fighters at Dell Children’s Hospital in Austin.

For those of you that do not know about our donations; We “Do It For Dayton.” For every new pool that we build we make a donation to a cancer family or feed the cancer floor lunch one day. It’s the best gift that we can give back and its all because of you!

Thank you for voting us the Best Swimming Pool Service Company in Fayette County!

Special thank you to our weekly maintance repair and warranty customers!

Visit our showroom at 1870 N US Hwy 77 Schulenburg, TX • 979-743-3355 or 979-966-5026 2019 BEST OF FAYETTE COUNTY

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

F O BEST FAYETTE TA B L E O F CO N T E N T S ARTICLES

Rebas • 16

Katy Michalke • 26

2019 Winners...............................................................8 Reba’s Secret Sauce....................................................16 Guiding You Home....................................................26 Tractors You Can Trust..............................................28 Powering Fayette County..........................................32 Schulenburg Regency................................................34 Enhancing Your Creativity........................................36 Réve Hair Salon.........................................................38 Rotary Club of La Grange........................................40 Passion for Pets.........................................................42 Rohan Meadery..........................................................44 Fayette Savings Bank................................................48 Hosipce Brazos Valley...............................................50 A History of Connection...........................................52

Staff & Contributors PUBLISHER Regina B. Keilers

EDITOR

ACCOUNTING Theresia Karstedt Nonnie Barton

Jeff Wick

PRODUCTION

DIGITAL EDITOR

John Castaneda - Newspaper Lindsey Fojtik - Special Sections

Andy Behlen

STAFF WRITER/OFFICE

Kleiber Tractor • 28

H.H. Howze LouAnn Adcox Kara Koether

ADVERTISING

CIRCULATION JoAnn Mueller Bennie Vasek George Kana Bobby Bedient Jesse Montez Lisa Karstedt

Becky Weise Jackie Daniels Jessica Montez

2019 READERS’ CHOICE

127 S. Washington St. | P.O. Box 400 | La Grange, Texas 78945 Ph: 979.969.3155 | Fx: 979.968.6767 Email: editor@fayettecountyrecord.com www.FayetteCountyRecord.com

Rohan Meadery • 44 6

2019 BEST OF FAYETTE COUNTY

The Fayette County Record is published every Tuesday and Friday, except the publication immediately following Christmas by Fayette County Record, Inc. serving Fayette County since 1922. The Fayette County Record is locally owned and operated by the Barton family since 1976. (USPS 188-440)

ST STA EAK S • A T E E F S I R K • • • O E P • G E O L V R O I L C I U H R • V B S D E N THE CARD H / AYETT HULE OFFEE T F P C R S O N IAN I O H N C I T S I W T N T R S ' T F A N T I C R A A G E R • EL AK • ESTAU STAURS AURANT TH E R E UR T R O S O T • C D C E T E F A I S L R N E R CARMI OUNTAYD• REN! • CHICKEN F ST • CHIROP NURSE • GO UMEN C E IZEER ON NTI R • E E M D B • R • IN THE R• RAPPEOTK A R TANT N • B AREA ACHE S N A E • P I T G U U C P L N O S I O S O C U R • M ON O OV • AC IR SH E SCHO D A UE E P E N R C E R A E R P B B T • S R • O T A • AU E • B ATION ORING HAEALERSHIP T U R S E N T AKE E O I N C V I D D A • G A P R N R D I A • • D AFOO SED C WED ORE CARE E T Y • S S A • R E D ROUN T O U • T E Q L N I K I R A T E T N E N T A N R • A A BL IC • G CEN AURA N N T I ES • N S I I C I G E S R I P R R F P U H • • H C N HUR RENC ONIA HAKE NY • T C F S A • • K L L F I D M K • SA M N O U I A • E O T E S T F S N U S T T A • M ONU AUR • FAS IVE • T D S R G SHO • E D R R D S E U • E R H I B A T K E N C RTH OP/ COO EVILL O HULE H T C S T W S E T S ' TRIC Y F N T I I A C A G F E T H L • N N T E I A T K • T R STEA RAN TOR URAN STAU D C E A E T A R I S LF C R R • E P O F R E G O N N R • • E I I RSE • CH HICK U CARM HE COUNT Y C T N S • I • NUM T R O N R E E E Z M T I D B T • R N • E I • BA CHER • APP RANT TANT N A S N A E I T G U C P • A L N O S I O O C U R H O C M N S A H • O R C • I ON EPAI RE-S AND ORE R P B T • S RBEC • O T A G P N B U I N A O I • H I R S T • TER ENUE FLOO EALER • RADIO STA N V I D A G P R N D • C I A • D O C E D O E D R E F E R A A S • U • SE R • W E STO DAYC RO T O U • T E Q L N I K I R A T E T N E N T A N R A L N A • TAUR IN A B NG CE CH PICNIC ARY • S I G E S I R R P U • • H FRI N C A E R I • N K U N E A Y H R O • F FLAT ILKSH MPAN D M • C M N O U I • E O T S TEAK F S N U S T T A S • U M R A N • U E F O A V IVAL DRI RG • REST S • D E U • E RD H I B A T K E N C L H E / O L T L I P O R V U O C E SCH 'S WO EE • YETT FT SH N T I I A A G F T H • N N T ELEC I A T K • T R A N N U E R A A T A R O T S R T STAU RIED • RES ESTAU PRAC F R E GO O N N R • • E I I K Y H E M T C S C R I R N A • CH IST • COU • NU T OP/C R E N R E H E E Z T I D B T • MO R N • E I A R P T B T E P N A N H • A A TEAC GS • UNT TAUR CIAN L N O S I OP O C U R H O C M N S A H • O R C • I I S D N A REP PRE BAN TORE • R • O S • O T G P N U I N A O I • BA H I R S T • E R A O T U R E O S L E N L T A PET/F R DE NG VE RADIO ARE • PAIN I A • D C D OOD E D E F E R A S W O C E U T Y • S S A • • R E SPA KET R • D ALTO TIQU E N E N T A NT I R A L N A • E B • R C A U C Y I G A R N LIBRA URSIN HURCH PICN AKE • PIG I • REST RENCH N A I • N Y N C SH • F LATO F D N O I COMPA • MUSEUM • NUTS • MILK O T F STE T AN S • R A U E F O A V L • I T D A URG • RES ES • HE DR OP/CA I B T FESTIV K E N L H E O L T L I O R V U WO SCH E • C ETTE T SH S ' E Y F N T I I F A A G F F T H • O N N T I C T • E T RA AK N N U E R A A T A R O T S R T U S U D C E A FRIE REST E • R RESTA OPRA N N R • E I I K Y H M T C SE • C R I R N A • H U U C C T / N O S P • I C • TO THE IZER DENT BER T R N • E I A R • P T B T E P N A N H • A A C • R T N A RESTAU NION RINGS E • ACCOUN D • MUSCIA -SCHOOL TE PAIR S O AN PRE B • STOR • O RE T GCOUNTY P N BAR •8 2019 BESTOOFRFAYETTE U I N A O I H I S T • GV TA R ER O S N L E I L T A F O D / E I N I T D D D A E E A P R CARP RE • R OR • W ARE • SED CA

2019

AWARDS

OP • CIAN • E COURS BEST FOOD & DRINK MENT AREA Appetizer CUE • MURPHY’S STEAKHOUSE • CAKES Overall Barbecue OUND PRAUSE’S MEAT MARKET IES • D • SALABarbecue Brisket PRAUSE’S MEAT MARKET • SHOP N • A I C I R Barbecue Chicken CT E RSPORCH U BACK BBQ & GRILL O C F L O ENT ONUM Barbecue Pulled Pork EA P • AR BACK•PORCH BBQ & GRILL UE ARBEC S • E Ribs KBarbecue D • CA BACK PORCH BBQ & GRILL D N U O IN R S • Sausage/ H FRIE Barbecue D A L Hot SA Links EAK • PRAUSE’S P • MEAT MARKET O H S D AR AN • I C I R T ELEC Breakfast SE RRIO U O C TAQUERIA VERDE F • GOL T UMEN N O M • Burger AREACAFÉ • P ORSAK’S O SH E • U C E B • BAR S • E K Cakes A C OOD •BEST LITTLE UNDCAKE SHOP IN TEXAS O R N I ANT RIES • F Chicken H C EN ALAD S

GOLD ‘N CRISP • K • STEA P • O H S RD • Fried OP/CA Chicken AN Steak I C I R T C LE MURPHY’S STEAKHOUSE URSE OR • E O C F L GO NT RSE • Cinnamon MERolls U N O M HER • WEIKEL’S REA ABAKERY • P O AIR SH E • U NG VEN

Cocktails LAS FUENTES

Mexican Food LAS FUENTES

Coffee LATTE ON THE SQUARE

Milkshake DAIRY QUEEN-LA GRANGE

Coleslaw BACK PORCH BBQ & GRILL

Onion Rings MURPHY’S STEAKHOUSE

Cupcakes WEIKEL’S BAKERY

Pies ROYER’S PIE HAVEN

Desserts WEIKEL’S BAKERY

Pig-In-The-Blanket WEIKEL’S BAKERY

Donuts LEOPARD DONUTS

Pizza REBA’S VILLAGE DELI & PIZZERIA

Fast Food WHATABURGER-LA GRANGE

Queso LAS FUENTES

French Fries WHATABURGER-LA GRANGE

Salad REBA’S VILLAGE DELI & PIZZERIA

Homemade Bread WEIKEL’S BAKERY

Salad Bar MURPHY’S STEAKHOUSE

Home-Style Cooking HANK’S EXPRESS

Salsa LAS FUENTES

Italian Food REBA’S VILLAGE DELI & PIZZERIA

Sandwich REBA’S VILLAGE DELI & PIZZERIA

Kolaches WEIKEL’S BAKERY

Reuben Sandwich REBA’S VILLAGE DELI & PIZZERIA

Lunch Specials HANK’S EXPRESS

Chicken Salad Sandwich WEIKEL’S BAKERY

Margarita LAS FUENTES

Scones LATTE ON THE SQUARE 2018 BEST OF FAYETTE COUNTY

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READERS CHOICE FAVORITES

Seafood SEALAND SEAFOOD & STEAKS Soup REBA’S VILLAGE DELI & PIZZERIA

Artist/Craftsman RICHARD SCHMIDT Attorney BEN SCHOVAJSA

Taco/Breakfast Taco TAQUERIA RIO VERDE

Auto Salesperson CHIP WIED

BEST RESTAURANTS

Band BLACK CAT CHOIR

In Fayetteville Area ORSAK’S CAFÉ In Flatonia Area ROBERT’S STEAKHOUSE In Round Top Area JW’S STEAKHOUSE In Schulenburg Area THE GARDEN COMPANY MARKETPLACE & CAFE Worth the Drive MURPHY’S STEAKHOUSE In the County MURPHY’S STEAKHOUSE Most Unique MURPHY’S STEAKHOUSE 10

Accountant SANDRA KANA

Steak MURPHY’S STEAKHOUSE

In La Grange Area LAS FUENTES

2019 READERS’ CHOICE

BEST PEOPLE

2019 BEST OF FAYETTE COUNTY

Banker WADE MOZISEK FAYETTE SAVINGS BANK Bank Teller ERRIN VON MINDEN PIONEER BANK Barber LEO CORN Car Detailer CHIP WIED Carpenter JEFF SURMAN

Dental Hygienist JANIS JANCA Doctor BILL NOLEN, D.O. Electrician KYLE ADAMCIK Esthetician VICTORIA EASLEY - REVITALIZE DAY SPA Financial Planner CLIFF GAGE - EDWARD JONES Fishing Guide HUNTER HENGST Hairstylist GAIL HENNEKE - RE’VE HAIR SALON Home Builder CHRIS JANCA Insurance Agent PHILLIP ADAMCIK STATE FARM Landscaper/Mower NATHAN HESS

Chiropractor MIKE FITZPATRICK

Loan Officer WADE MOZISEK FAYETTE SAVINGS BANK

Computer Tech MICHAEL MACH

Massage Therapist JOANN PATTERSON

Dentist KARI BRAWLEY

Mechanic FRED ADAMCIK

Minister/Pastor FR. MATTHEW KINNEY

Waitperson KATIE SULAK

Bed & Breakfast BLUE WILLOW FARM

Nail Tech THUY-DUONG DO - LA GRANGE NAILS

Welder MARK HUELSEBUSCH

Best Signs/Advertising THE UPS STORE

Yoga Instructor JENNY JANDA

Book Shop THE FAYETTE COUNTY RECORD

BEST BUSINESS & SERVICE

Boutique THE BUSY B

Assisted Living Center JEFFERSON PLACE

Campsite/RV Park SUNCATCHER RV PARK

Appliance Store D&D ACE HARDWARE

Car Dealership LA GRANGE FORD

Antique Store JUNK GYPSY

Car Wash LEOPARD WASH

Art Gallery THE GALLERY AT ROUND TOP

Carpet/Flooring Store LINCKE FLOORS

Art Store ART CONNECTIONS GALLERY

Chamber of Commerce LA GRANGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Nurse LAURIE QUITTA- ST. MARK’S Painter JOSH VITEK Personal Trainer JENNY JANDA Pharmacist TRAVIS ULRICH - HEB PHARMACY Photographer DIANE MUELLER Physical Therapist GIL HENDERSON - ST. MARK’S Plumber DANIEL CERNOCH Pre-School/Daycare Teacher KERI MICHAEL

Auto Accessories NAPA AUTO PARTS - LA GRANGE Auto Repair Shop ADAMCIK’S SERVICE STATION

Real Estate Agent KATY MICHALKE

Bakery WEIKEL’S BAKERY

Singer JOSH TIEMANN

Bank/Credit Bureau ROUND TOP STATE BANK

Veterinarian DANIEL WELCH, DVM

Bar MULLINS PRAIRIE STORE

Civic Organization THE ROTARY CLUB OF LA GRANGE Concrete Company LAUREN CONCRETE, INC Construction Company CERNOSEK CONSTRUCTION Convenience Store WEIKEL’S BAKERY

2019 BEST OF FAYETTE COUNTY

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READERS CHOICE FAVORITES

Custom Picture Framing DYBALA PHOTOGRAPHY & FRAMING Customer Service THE UPS STORE Dance Hall SWISS ALP DANCE HALL Daycare/Preschool MT. CALVARY LUTHERAN PRESCHOOL

Florist/Flower Shop BLOOMIN’ JUNCTION

Internet Service Provider COLORADO VALLEY COMMUNICATIONS

Garden Center/Nursery HOSTYN HILL GREENHOUSES Gift/Card Shop THE BUSY B Grocery Store HEB Gym/Workout Facility HT FITNESS

Dental Office BRAWLEY DENTAL CLINIC, PLLC

Hair Salon RÉVE HAIR SALON

Door/Window Company LA GRANGE GLASS Dozer Service JOE ROGERS DOZER SERVICE Electronics Store WALMART Event Center KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS LA GRANGE Farmers’ Market LA GRANGE SQUARE 12

Insurance Agency FAYETTE COUNTY FARM BUREAU

Day Spa REVITALIZE DAY SPA

Department Store BEALLS

2019 READERS’ CHOICE

Feed/Farm Supply LA GRANGE FARM & RANCH

2019 BEST OF FAYETTE COUNTY

Health Clinic LA GRANGE FAMILY HEALTH Hole in the Wall REBA’S VILLAGE DELI & PIZZERIA Home Accessories Store THE BUSY B Home Health Care REGENCY HOME HEALTH OF SCHULENBURG Home Improvement FARMERS LUMBER COMPANY Hospice HOSPICE BRAZOS VALLEY Hotel/Motel BEST WESTERN - LA GRANGE

Jewelry Shop SCHMIDT JEWELRY Kitchen/Bath Store LE PETITE GOURMET SHOPPE Library FAYETTE PUBLIC LIBRARY Liquor/Wine Shop LG SPIRITS, BEER & WINE Metal Building Company SUPAK’S BUILDING SUPPLY Monument Company L.W. STOLZ MEMORIALS Nail Salon LA GRANGE NAILS New Business THE UPS STORE Non-Profit SECOND CHANCE EMPORIUM Nursing Center SCHULENBURG REGENCY NURSING CENTER Pest Control Service KAINER PEST CONTROL

Pet Boarding/Grooming THE RETREAT AT FAYETTE COUNTY VETERINARY CLINIC

Swimming Pool Service SHIMMERING WATERS POOLS SERVICE & CONSTRUCTION

Pharmacy HEB - PHARMACY

Tire Shop ADAMCIK’S SERVICE STATION

Plumbing Company DANIEL CERNOCH PLUMBERS

Tractor/Farm Equipment Sales KLEIBER TRACTOR & EQUIPMENT

Pool Hall/Bowling Alley TENTH FRAME, INC Printing/Engraving Service THE UPS STORE Produce HEB Propane Company FAYETTEVILLE PROPANE Physical Therapy Clinic ST. MARK’S MEDICAL CENTER REHABILITATION SERVICES

Tree Service HEGER’S TREE SERVICE Used Car Dealership C&C SALES & AUTO CARE Veterinary Clinic FAYETTE COUNTY VETERINARY CLINIC Wait Staff ORSAK’S CAFÉ Welding Service J&J METAL WORKS

Radio Station KVLG-KBUK

Well Service WICK WATER WELL SERVICE

Real Estate Agency DIGGS REAL ESTATE

Wine Bar BODEGA WINE MARKET

Resale/Thrift Shop SECOND CHANCE EMPORIUM

Winery/Meadery/ Brewery ROHAN MEADERY

Roofing Company VINCENT’S ROOFING COMPANY Storage Facility WEEREN STORAGE

EMS Worker SHARON MUZNY Firefighter FRANK MENEFEE Law Enforcement Officer DAVID GILBREATH Law Enforcement Department FAYETTE COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT Volunteer Fire Department LA GRANGE VFD

BEST SCHOOL PERSONNEL In La Grange: Elementary School Administrator STEPHANIE JUREK - ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL Middle School Administrator SARAH OTTO - PRINCIPAL High School Administrator BRAD HARBERS - ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

BEST COMMUNITY SERVANT

Elementary School Teacher GABBY MATOCHA

Elected Official JUDGE JOE WEBER

Middle School Teacher KARISSA KLEIBER 2019 BEST OF FAYETTE COUNTY

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READERS CHOICE FAVORITES

High School Teacher MENDEE SODOLAK

Elementary School Teacher BRIANNA ZIMMERMAN

Elementary School Support Staff SHEILA BAGE EDUCATIONAL AIDE

Secondary Teacher REGINA ESTRADA

Middle School Support Staff AMY AMICK - CAMPUS REGISTRAR

Support Staff BRENDA GOODE EDUCATIONAL AIDE

In Round Top/Carmine: Administrator High School Support MONICA FRICKE - COUNSELOR Staff Elementary Teacher PAM KEILERS JENNA KREBS EDUCATIONAL AIDE In Fayetteville: Administrator PRISCILLA MALOTA COUNSELOR Primary School Teacher CARLIE KASMIERSKY Secondary School Teacher MARCUS SODEK Support Staff MICHELLE BERTSCH - ASSISTANT TO SUPERINTENDENT

2019 READERS’ CHOICE

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In Flatonia: Administrator LAURA KUTAC INTERVENTION SPECIALIST

2019 BEST OF FAYETTE COUNTY

Secondary Teacher BRANDI HOFFMANN Support Staff DEANNA RADENZ INSTRUCTIONAL AIDE

Elementary School Support Staff DEBBIE DARILEK PARAPROFESSIONAL Secondary School Support Staff THERESA PAVLICA ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT At Sacred Heart: Adminstrator LADONNA VOELKEL Teacher RENATA LEACH Support Staff DEBBIE GAERTNER- CUSTODIAN At St. Rose Catholic School: Administrator ROSANNE GALLIA

In Schulenburg: Elementary School Administrator SHARON JOHNSON - ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

Teacher WENDY BECKA

Secondary School Administrator CHARLES HENKE - PRINCIPAL

Area Festival FAYETTE COUNTY FAIR

Elementary School Teacher ROBYN PAVLICEK Secondary School Teacher SHARON JOCHEN

BEST PLACES/ ENTERTAINMENT

Charity Event TEXAS WOMEN’S LEAGUE GALA Church Picnic QUEEN OF THE HOLY ROSARY CATHOLIC CHURCH - HOSTYN

Community LA GRANGE

Karaoke Bar LAS FUENTES

Downtown LA GRANGE

Museum TEXAS CZECH HERITAGE COMMUNITY CENTER

Hall/Venue KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS HALL LA GRANGE

Music Venue THE STONE CELLAR

Parade ROUND TOP 4TH OF JULY PARADE Wedding Venue KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS HALL LA GRANGE

Happy Hour LAS FUENTES

Congratulations to all of the 2019 winners for Best Business, Best People, Best Food & Drink and Miscellaneous categories.

2019 BEST OF FAYETTE COUNTY

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REBA’S VILLAGE DELI & PIZZERIA

Luis Hernandez tosses the pizza crust before creating the Supreme Pizza.

2019 READERS’ CHOICE

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2019 BEST OF FAYETTE COUNTY

BEST PIZZA, SOUP, SALAD, SANDWICH, REUBEN, ITALIAN FOOD, & HOLE IN THE WALL

Reba’s Secret Sauce The Schroeder Family is connecting the community one pie at a time Written by Kirsten Cornell | Photography by Lindsey Fojtik The staff of Reba’s Village Deli & Pizzeria.

If you’re a regular at Reba’s Village Deli & Pizzeria you’re used to diving into a hearty slice of Mighty Meat with pepperoni, Italian sausage, Canadian bacon, hamburger, hickory bacon, and mozzarella cheese. Or maybe you aim for the refreshing crispness of the Barnyard Salad piled with tomatoes, grilled chicken, mushrooms, hickory bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, cheddar cheese, croutons, and Russian dressing all atop a bed of spinach.

Becoming a Chef

However, many die-hard fans, saddle up to the counter and order a naked pizza. “It’s the same as getting a plain cheese pizza, but that ‘back to basics’ will give you a true taste of our quality flavor. Plus, it’s always funny when we hear you ask for your pizza naked,” laughs Joe Schroeder, owner of the hometown favorite.

“I worked with European, German, and French chefs until I finally became a chef myself. From there I went on to become an Executive Chef for many country clubs and hotels along the east coast,” says Schroeder.

When Schroeder began exploring his culinary prowess, he quickly discovered that going to a trade school or taking an apprenticeship would equate to the same thing as a college degree in the food and beverage industry. So, he became an apprentice seeking opportunities working at the hand of numerous talented chefs in a variety of restaurants.

2019 BEST OF FAYETTE COUNTY

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It was while working as an apprentice in an Italian restaurant at the age of 15 that Schroeder cultivated his skills for sauce-covered masterpieces. While many of his duties included “grunt work” such as prepping salads and assisting the lineman, he was also tasked with helping the pizza chef. It was at the foot of this master pie man that Schroeder began to hone his craft. “Eventually that chef left the position and I was promoted to his job,” he recalls. “This gave me background and experience in making authentic, New York-style pizzas—it started my culinary career.”

Texas Bound

Luis Hernandez and Matthew Schroeder create one sandwich after another.

What drove Schroeder from the bustling New York lifestyle to the quiet contentment of Colorado Street? Quite simply, the Texas charm captured their hearts and never let go. Schroeder and his wife visited Austin while on vacation in early 1990 and fell under the Texas hill country spell.

“The minute we stepped into Texas, we loved it,” he says. “We fell in love with the beauty and opportunity that this state has to offer.” The returned to New York, sold everything, packed up their three kids, and drove a U-Haul across the U.S. until they settled in the Lone Star State. And in 1998, Schroeder found himself three tables, six chairs, hung his sign out front, and opened the first Reba’s.

Reba’s Village

The Schroeders were blessed with prime real estate when Lisa and Michael Corker offered them a lease on a building right off the square in La Grange. “We essentially opened on a shoestring budget,” Schroeder laughs, recalling his early days. “My daughter Kim helped so much. She always says, ‘It takes a village to raise a family.’”

That phrase became a cornerstone of their namesake: Reba’s Village Deli & Pizzeria.

Each pizza starts with fresh pizza dough.

The fresh homemade fudge is amazing.

“It has taken a village to create this staple in the community and we couldn’t be more grateful,” he adds. For Schroeder, their village was, and still is, a family affair. Joseph, the oldest son, is the general manager and fudge master of the Giddings location and Emporium.

Matthew, the second-oldest, manages the La Grange location.

Luis, while not a blood relative, has been indoctrinated into the family as he has been a part of the working family for the past 20 years and serves as a manager at the La Grange location. Kim, who helped open the first Reba’s in La Grange, is currently a product advisor.

Rebecca, the younger daughter, is in charge of marketing, media, events, and website.

Kathy, co-owner and Joe’s prettier half, is often tasked with keeping him grounded when he gets too serious or when his brows begin to “furrow.”

A Family Business

Locally owned, flavored, and run, Reba’s has a unique and deep-rooted stake in the community. “We all feel gratitude for being able to provide a service to these towns,” says Schroeder. “A lot of

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2019 BEST OF FAYETTE COUNTY

Visit us online at rebaspizza.com

BEST PIZZA, SOUP, SALAD, SANDWICH, REUBEN, ITALIAN FOOD, & HOLE IN THE WALL

in Fayette County

out hot ! e m o c max e Pizzas h t o t ped and top

Now Serving Beer and Wine Come see why we were voted

in Fayette County!

Sandwiches • Salads • Soups • Fresh Fruits • Homemade Pies OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK • MONDAY - SUNDAY | 10 A.M. - 9 P.M.

979-968-3100

539 E. Colorado St. • La Grange, TX

979-542-4700

208 E. Austin St. • Giddings, TX

©2019 The Fayette County Record

Best Pizza, Soup, Salad Sandwich, Reuben, Italian Food & Hole in the wall

There is a lot of variety on the Reba’s menu.

Luis proudly displays the finished product – The Supreme Pizza.

businesses can’t say that. We are striving every day to provide quality service to the people we care about.”

While the Schroeder family loves running their pizzerias together and serving the communities they deeply love, they admit that it doesn’t come without its challenges. Namely: keeping the peace.

“Running a family business is delicate and is an art,” says Schroeder.

“It takes a lot of patience, practice, compassion, and love. Everyone has to work together and we have to let each other express ideas and concerns.”

Schroeder has always recognized that each member of his family is innately different, and thus equipped with their own set of skills and strengths. Their key to making their business function well is allowing each person to function in roles that play to their unique fortes.

“It isn’t always easy but we put in the hard work,” he explains. “For example, it took Kathy and me a whole year to decide if it was a good idea or not to put beer and wine in La Grange.” He admits that it also took many an argument to move forward with Reba’s Emporium and putting in fudge and ice cream in both locations. “This is a joint operation here within the family and in the end, we make each other stronger and better, he adds. “At the core always, is love.”

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2019 BEST OF FAYETTE COUNTY

Big and Small Moments

Schroeder says that being a member of the food and beverage industry gives him opportunities to meet and work with people from over the world—and in the kitchen, which is one of his favorite places to be. “So many different cultures and backgrounds come together to make something wholesome and it brings people together. It’s truly amazing to be a part of that,” he adds.

Having a family restaurant in La Grange paves an avenue for community involvement and patronage. “Many families have roots here with us. They trust us with their celebrations: birthdays, parties, anniversaries, etc. We get the chance to be a part of everyone’s lives,” says Schroeder.

Hand dipped Blue Bell ice cream is available at the newly added ice cream bar.

They enjoy hosting fun events for the community such as Trivia Night and happy hour every Thursday at 7:30 p.m. “We are here for the big and small moments and everything in between,” adds Schroeder. “We love this community and we are committed to giving it the best of ourselves every day.” Cultivating a connected relationship with the community is truly at the heart of the staff and the Schroeder family.

Generational Goodness

Schroeder believes that when a patron leaves Reba’s, there should be a feeling of wholeness and completeness to their dining experience.

From the staff to quality of food, to the family atmosphere inside the restaurant—it should all come together leaving the customer satisfied and feeling closer to the community.

Reba’s is involved in community outreach locally and around Houston through several organizations and camps. “It’s important for us to stay involved and do what we can to give back,” adds Schroeder.

They work with places like Pine Cove, Camp Lone Star, Lutherhill, and others to bring food to as many in need as possible.

Check out this party platter. Reba’s does catering.

Cookies are baked fresh every day.

For example, with Camp Lone Star, Reba’s stays open until midnight so that the kids can come in and make their own pizzas as part of a special camp activity. “We also put on pizza demos for the kids at the Giddings library. We will make pizzas in front of the kids and they will get to eat them during their storybook time,” explains Schroeder. “We’ve been doing this every year for the past 14 years and it’s been such a joy.”

But it’s their fresh-from-scratch food and house-made dressings that will keep you craving for more every time. When they swung open the doors 22 years ago and welcomed families and children to Reba’s, they could only imagine the legacy they were building.

“Those kids grew up and had kids, who grew up and now have kids of their own,” says Schroeder with a mile-wide grin. “And they are still coming to Reba’s. Essentially, we’ve seen four generations come through Reba’s and they have grown up with our establishment as a part of their lives.” And for the Schroeder family, that will always be the ultimate success story.

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2019 BEST OF FAYETTE COUNTY

“This is what a Reuben is supposed to taste like.”

– Charlotte G.

Joe Schroeder and Luis Hernandez remove the freshly baked bread from the brick oven.

“Get the Chicken Caesar or the Cobb salad!”

– Greg P.

The Blue Bell ice cream is served in a variety of ways.

Matthew Schroeder takes pride in every detail.

“The pizza is great and so is the veggie lasagna.”

– Tom W.

2019 BEST OF FAYETTE COUNTY

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Thank you for voting me Best Home Builder in Fayette County 2019

cjb Custom Built Homes • Remodel/Additions Historical Renovations AND MORE! Serving Fayette County and the Surrounding area since 1975

©2019 The Fayette County Record

I am honored to serve you!

The flaky croissant “Fallen Angel” sandwich is one of the local favorites.

Give us a call at 979.249.7492 ©2019 The Fayette County Record

Auto • Home/Property • Farm/Ranch • Life

We would like to thank you for voting us

BEST INSURANCE AGENCY

Joseph Schroeder, Jr. makes the shakes extra special.

in Fayette County

©2019 The Fayette County Record

411 E Colorado St. La Grange, TX • 979.968.5889 • JRohde@txfb-ins.com

Thank you for voting us

BEST KITCHEN/BATH STORE

in Fayette County!

979.968.4000

226 W. Colorado • La Grange, TX 78945 lepetitegourmetshoppe.com 24

2019 BEST OF FAYETTE COUNTY

Beer, wine, and wine-based cocktails are available.

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KATY MICHALKE

BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT

Guiding You Home Katy Michalke named best for 8th year

A real estate agent who provides that personal touch.

Katy Michalke with Lindemann Real Estate in La Grange has been serving Fayette and surrounding counties with courtesy, integrity and professionalism since 2001 . Prior to moving to La Grange, Katy received her Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing from Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos. Upon graduation, Katy worked for Dell Computer Corporation in Round Rock in sales and as a mentor for new hires where she also won the Team Player Award in 2000.

2019 READERS’ CHOICE

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Katy and her husband Wayne, a native of Weimar, moved to La Grange in February of 2001. Without knowing anyone, Katy started selling real estate full time with Gus F. Lindemann and immediately began serving the community.

Her volunteer efforts include working with the La Grange Bluebonnet Lions Club, Pilot Club, the Gardenia E. Janssen Animal Shelter Board, HOST program at Hermes Elementary, Relay for Life, Leadership Fayette County, Citizens on Patrol, LGISD Gifted and Talented Advisory Council, Fayette Area Swim Team, LGISD Political Action Committee, LGISD District Performance Team, LGISD Student Health Advisory Committee, Hermes Intermediate PTO, ACTS and most recently is the La Grange 4H Club Manager and is the steward 2019 BEST OF FAYETTE COUNTY

of the Lindemann Little Free Library.

Katy and her family are active members of the Queen of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Hostyn where she and her husband are Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors. Their two daughters are altar servers. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, swimming, boating, fishing and camping with her family.

In February 2011, Katy purchased Lindemann Real Estate and became the active broker and owner. She proudly continues the tradition Gus F. Lindemann started in 1958. Katy is hard working, dedicated, ethical and believes in the Golden Rule. Treating others as you want to be treated and good communication have been the driving force of her success.

Katy has been selected as the Best Realtor in Fayette County for the last 8 years and is humbled and honored to receive your recognition.

For your real estate needs in the La Grange and surrounding areas, you can put your trust in Katy Michalke!

Contact: 979-968-5803 or katy@lindemannrealestate.com.

Katy Michalke

Voted Best Realtor in Fayette County!

2012 ~ 2013 ~ 2014 ~ 2015 ~ 2016 ~ 2017 ~ 2018 ~ 2019

THANK YOU!

It is an honor and a privilege to work in this amazing community!

BE

TY •

ST O F

ET T E C O AY

UN

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821 E. Travis - P.O. Box 279 - La Grange, TX 78945 Phone: 979-968-5803 Email: sales@lindemannrealestate.com Website: www.lindemannrealestate.com

©2019 The Fayette County Record

Lindemann Real Estate

Serving Fayette & Surrounding Counties with Courtesy & Integrity Since 1958

•

KLEIBER TRACTOR & EQUIPMENT

Kleiber Tractor & Equipment specializes in New Holland Tractors.

2019 READERS’ CHOICE

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2019 BEST OF FAYETTE COUNTY

BEST TRACTOR/FARM EQUIPMENT

Tractors You Can Trust Kleiber Tractor & Equipment has been cultivating relationships since 1970 Written by Kirsten Cornell A great assortment of in-stock ATVs are available at Kleiber Tractor & Equipment.

Have you ever given much thought to a tractor? Sure they elicit glee from toddlers who spot them from the car window and are often featured as loveable characters in children’s books, but have you considered their role in your everyday life? If you have food on your table, you have a tractor and the people who operate it to thank for it.

For almost 50 years, Kleiber Tractor & Equipment has been providing patrons with quality agricultural, light industrial and outdoor power equipment and keeping the fields turning. “My dad started this business in 1970. I’ve been around the business all my life and enjoy working around tractors, equipment, utility vehicles, etc.,” says President David Kleiber. “I enjoy our customers whom we think of as friends of the Kleiber family of employees.”

Early Tractors

Many recognize the name Henry Ford which is synonymous with automobiles and the development of the assembly line technique which led to the ability to mass-produce vehicles. However, what they may not know is that the industrialist saw great potential in

melding auto machines and farm work. For the boy who spent his childhood toiling on his farmer’s farm, developing a way to largely alleviate some of the long, laborious hours required for farming families looked wildly appealing.

In 1907, Ford built his first experimental tractor dubbing it “automobile plow.” In true pioneer fashion, Ford tinkered with his invention until he was able to introduce his first mass-produced tractor—the Fordson—which was introduced to American farmers in 1918. This development revolutionized the farming community introducing creative ideas, design, and efficiency.

While the first few decades moved by slowly as new technology caught on, farmers soon realized the benefits of tractor-driven farming. Suddenly, the need for cumbersome manual labor was nearly eradicated by a machine and popularity skyrocketed. From 1910-1970, tractor production increased drastically to meet the growing demand. Paul Kleiber recognized the shift in his rural community and responded to the rising need by building a solid 2019 BEST OF FAYETTE COUNTY

29

Balers and other tractor implements are available at Kleiber Tractor & Equipment.

business that neighbors have grown to know and trust: Kleiber Tractor & Equipment.

Innovative Tech

Kleiber recognizes that the industry has changed drastically since his father broke ground all those years ago. “We have gone from the mechanization of farm work to high tech tools that make farm work much easier to do today,” he adds.

While many are still antsy about the notion of autonomous vehicles manning the roadways, farming witnessed this technology nearly a decade ago. If operating a tractor saves on time and labor, then self-driving tractor technology makes even more sense to automate farming processes and save time and money. Unveiled last year at the Farm Progress Show in the United States, the New Holland NHDrive Concept Autonomous Tractor is a driverless machine, which can perform a wide range of farming tasks day and night.

The Rustler is perfect for rounding up the herd, hauling supplies, and heading to the fishing hole.

In fact, the industry has seen many innovations over the years including app management, camera surveillance, crop sensors, and telematics.

Quality Inventory

No matter where you land on the agricultural technology scale, Kleiber Tractor & Equipment is primed to get you up and running or keep your operation in top-notch shape. In addition to handling New Holland Ag products, they also carry New Holland Construction, Exmark mowers, Arctic Cat and Kawasaki ATVs and UVs, Woods and Kuhn equipment, as well and Stihl and Honda Power Products.

While Kleiber Tractor & Equipment can be counted on for consistently carrying a plethora of tractors, equipment, lawn and garden, utility vehicles, and ATVs in inventory, they also have highly-trained service technicians to assist with your current equipment as well.

“We are a full line dealer and back all the brands we carry with knowledgeable parts and service techs,” adds Kleiber. “We constantly train to keep our people up-to-date.”

Community Roots

Locally owned and operated, this Presidents Award Dealer is proud to be deeply rooted and connected to the community they live in.

“We love this because we doing business with the same people we call our friends,” says Kleiber. “You can’t replace something like that.”

Members of the community don’t only see David, Debbie, and Ryan Kleiber around the showroom floor. They are often spotted at local auctions and picnics either donating equipment or volunteering with whatever work needs to be done. After Hurricane Harvey devastated many in their community, Kleiber Tractor & Equipment rushed to help their neighbors rebuild.

The New Holland Skidsteer is every farmer’s dream workhorse.

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2019 BEST OF FAYETTE COUNTY

Stop by and visit with their staff who have over 30 years of combined industry experience. It won’t take long to see why Fayette County votes them their #1 tractor/farm equipment store again and again.

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ING DI Y IN TO W O W. T UR N T URNING DI Y IN TO W O W.

A N E W W O R L D D E M A N D S N E W H O L L A N D. Boomer™ compact tractors make your DIY jobs easier with outstanding maneuverability, a large uncluttered A NE W W O Ravailable L D D all-weather E M A N D cab, S Nintuitive, E W Hwell-placed O L L A N controls D. operating platform, and superior visibility. Best of all, they have the versatility handle dozens of easier choreswith year-round, likemaneuverability, loading, tilling, adigging, mowing, Boomer™ compact tractorstomake your DIY jobs outstanding large uncluttered scraping, blowing snow, and much, much more. operating platform, available all-weather cab, intuitive, well-placed controls and superior visibility. Best of all, they have the versatility to handle dozens of chores year-round, like loading, tilling, digging, mowing, • Choice of eight fuel-efficient models from 24 to 55 horsepower scraping, blowing snow, and much, much more. • Easy-to-operate transmissions to match your needs including shuttle shift, • Choice of hydrostatic, eight fuel-efficient models from 24 to 55 horsepower dual-pedal and single-pedal EasyDrive™ CVT • Easy-to-operate transmissions topower matchtake youroff needs including shuttle shift, • Independent electro-hydraulic rear (PTO), standard mid PTO, dual-pedal hydrostatic, andup single-pedal EasyDrive™ CVT and 3-point hitch lift capacity to 2,756 pounds to handle a wide variety of implements electro-hydraulic rear power take off (PTO), standard mid PTO, • Independent andmore 3-point hitch lift capacity up to at 2,756 pounds to handle a wide variety Learn about Boomer™ tractors www.newholland.com/na of implements Learn more about Boomer™ tractors at www.newholland.com/na

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FAYETTEVILLE PROPANE

BEST PROPANE COMPANY

Powering Fayette County Fayetteville Propane has been serving the area since 1955

Fayetteville Propane provides more than just gas. They sell many other propane-related products.

2019 READERS’ CHOICE

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Fayettteville Propane Co., Inc. a full service propane company located at 1424 E. St. Hwy 159 in Fayetteville and a branch office located at 1620 Hwy 290 W in Brenham. Fayetteville Propane Co., Inc. and their employees would like to thank everyone that voted for them as the 2019 Readers Choice Provider. Fayetteville Propane Co., Inc. is a family owned and operated business since 1955, with the branch office opening in 2000. We would like to thank all of our customers for their patronage and continued support. We enjoy providing you 2019 BEST OF FAYETTE COUNTY

with your propane needs and will continue to strive to provide you with the best customer service possible. We would also like to thank the men and women who served our country and are still serving in order to make it possible for us to operate a family-owned business in this country.

Our company always believes in purchasing American made products. Thanks again and have a blessed year.

Thank you for voting us BEST PROPANE COMPANY! WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATRONAGE AND LOOK FORWARD TO CONTINUING TO SERVE YOUR PROPANE NEEDS!

Propane Tanks Sales or Rentals Gas Logs, Fireplaces & Heaters Bradford White & Rinnai Water Heaters Gas Grills & Outdoor Cooking Equipment

Serving Your Propane Needs Since 1955

Fayetteville Propane Co., Inc. FREE ESTIMATES ON NEW INSTALLATIONS!

Fayetteville Office 979.378.2213 • 1424 E Hwy 159 • Fayetteville

Brehnam Office 979.836.7044 • 1620 Hwy 290 • Brehnam

Voted Fayette County’s Best Restaurant in the County • Restaurant That’s Worth the Drive • Steak Salad Bar • Onion Rings • Appetizer • Chicken Fried Steak ©2019 The Fayette County Record

979.242.3433

204 THOMAS ST. WINCHESTER

EATATMURPHYS. COM 2019 BEST OF FAYETTE COUNTY

33

SCHULENBURG REGENCY

BEST ASSISTED LIVING CENTER

Schulenburg Regency A Continuum of Care Community Written by Kara Koether Schulenburg Regency provides care for many stages of life.

When it comes to caring for those who need it, the Schulenburg Regency Continuum of Care Campus is the best in Fayette County. Regency Home Health of Schulenburg was voted the Best Home Health Care, Schulenburg Regency Nursing Center was voted the Best Nursing Center, and Jefferson Place, which is located in La Grange but is still part of the Regency Campus, was voted the Best Assisted Living Center.

2019 READERS’ CHOICE

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“People can start entering into our continuum of care with our home health group, which is Regency Home Health of Schulenburg,” said Nancy Brennick, the Certified Assisted Living Manager at College Place. Regency Home Health of Schulenburg was this year’s winner of Fayette County’s Best Home Health Care, and is also the newest addition to the continuum of care to the Schulenburg Regency Retirement Community. They allow people to remain in the home setting and continue their daily lives. People can also be treated by outpatient therapists at Schulenburg Regency Family Fitness & 2019 BEST OF FAYETTE COUNTY

Outpatient Rehab Center through physical, occupational, and speech therapies.

The next step in the continuum of care would be the Schulenburg Regency Retirement Villas. “This facility is for someone wanting some assistance with troublesome things like lawn-mowing, a large house, not wanting to cook and clean so much, but are still very independent and drivingcapable,” Brennick said. Residents can maintain a completely independent lifestyle without worrying about the hassles of cooking, cleaning, home and lawn upkeep, and even the security of their possessions while they’re out on a vacation.

Residents of the Regency Retirement Villas are independent, but the transition to assisted living or full nursing care is very smooth, as those facilities are also on site at the Schulenburg Regency Continuum of Care Campus.

One of the two assisted living facilities, either College Place Assisted Living in Schulenburg or Jefferson Place Assisted

Living in La Grange, would be the next level of care provided in the Schulenburg Regency continuum of care. “We have two different licensure types, so we can meet a variety of needs. I’m a Type A and Jefferson Place is a Type B. You can be in about the same physical or mental condition and come into either location, but in my facility, when someone begins to require a good bit of additional physical care, they have to move onto the next level of care, which is the nursing home,” Brennick said.

move fluidly between the different offered levels of care as their unique and individual abilities and needs change. “We have had people come all the way through the system, and then back through to their own homes,” Brennick said.

At Jefferson, the Type B, they can offer level of care charges.

Residents can move from level one to level two while remaining at the same facility. However, since it is an assisted living center, residents can “max out.” Home health services can be provided at both locations as well. The “next level” of assistance at assisted living facilities involves help with dressing and showering and that sort of extra physical assistance in addition to the housekeeping services, transportation services, providing meals, and activities.

They also have nurses, nurse’s aides, and medication aides in the building 24-hours a day, as well as medication aides, to assist residents with their medications. “I’m the nurse for this building, so I’m here Monday through Friday, and Jefferson Place has a divided administrator’s position, where the nurse is there two or three days a week,” Brennick said. “The home health nurses also rotate through and attend to some of the more skilled needs, if it’s wound care visit or something like that.”

At the highest level of care is the Schulenburg Regency Nursing Center, a facility that’s made of up five wings, each of which includes a large day room that gives residents opportunities to get away from their individual rooms to visit with other residents or family members. Residents are able to roam freely throughout the wings, as well as outside into an enclosed, secure courtyard, and are encouraged to interact and socialize with the residents of the other wings. The staff at Regency believe that this freedom to roam, explore, and socialize within a secure and safe environment allows residents to lead happier, fulfilled lives. This freedom is in part possible because of Wander Guard, a security system that sounds a warning to staff members any time a resident passes through a door leading to an unsecured area. There are also many activities that residents are encouraged to participate in, such as exercise, reading, bingo, games, arts and crafts, and cooking, which are offered to stimulate and challenge the mental and physical abilities of Regency residents. There are also activities scheduled specially for residents who cannot make it to the Activity Room. Families of residents are also encouraged to participate, and there are even special events planned for all of Regency’s families and residents to enjoy.

There are also restorative nursing programs for residents who are only staying in these facilities until they can stair-step back to a more independent lifestyle once again. Potentially, residents can enter Regency’s continuum of care community at any stage and

For more information about the wide range of specific services offered by the numerous facilities that make up the Regency Campus, visit their website at www.srnctx.com, where all of the hours, phone numbers, and locations for each facility can be found.

• Skilled Nursing • Physical Therapy • Speech Therapy • Occupational Therapy

Serving: Fayette, Lavaca, Colorado, Gonzales, & Austin Counties

We are Licensed to Provide A Higher Level of Assistance.

979.968.9161

LIC: #030411

100% of home health services are covered by Medicare for qualified patients. As a Medicare and Joint Commission accredited agency, we work with Medicare and most private insurance plans to meet our patient’s needs. We have a RN on call 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

979.743.4663

309 Kessler • Schulenburg, Tx 78956 • www.srnctx.com 2019 BEST OF FAYETTE COUNTY

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DYBALA PHOTOGRAPHY & FRAMING

BEST CUSTOM PICTURE FRAMING

Enhancing Your Creativity Let Dybala’s take your art to the next level

Dybala Photography & Framing has a frame for everything.

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In 1974, Joe Dybala began his professional photography and custom framing career working at a photography studio and custom frame shop in Rosenberg, Texas. In 1981 Joe and his wife, Addie established their freelance photography business, Dybala Photography, working from their home. At that time they specialized in studio portraiture and weddings. With the encouragement of many customers and friends, they took the next step and leased a commercial space in a small shopping center. Now there would be ample wall space necessary to show a large selection of custom frame moulding samples as well as ready-made portrait frames. Joe even had a full color darkroom where he printed all their portraits. Addie did all the negative retouching and print finishing. After being established there for three years, in 1987 they purchased a 2000 2019 BEST OF FAYETTE COUNTY

sq. ft. building a few blocks away which was their permanent location for the next 25 years. After photographing weddings for 26 years, in November 1999, Joe retired from the wedding business to devote more time to studio portraiture, specializing in high school seniors.

Now the digital era is here. In 1998 Joe started dabbling with scanning his copy work orders. The digital quality was not there yet to start photographing people. As time went on, the digital quality was quickly improving. Joe began doing more and more digitally while still running the darkroom. In 2003, the darkroom was completely shut down and converted to a digital lab. It was a sad day when the traditional color darkroom was completely shut down and saying goodbye to

the traditional film techniques; truly, the end of an era. Digital cameras then replaced the medium format film cameras.

In 1987 Joe earned his Certification Degree from the Professional Photographers of America. He has received many state, regional, and national awards. He received the Kodak Gallery Award for photographic excellence in 1991 and again in 1992. In 1995, Joe earned The Master of Photography Degree presented by the Professional Photographers of America for superior photographic excellence. In 1998, he served as president of The Mid Coast Professional Photographers Guild. In 2017, Joe earned the Photographic Craftsman Degree presented by PP of A in recognition of service to the photographic profession as a speaker, author and mentor.

Looking to slow down the fast pace they were so used to, and downsize, in December of 2012, Joe and Addie decided to follow through with the opportunity to move to Joe’s great grandparents original homestead outside Fayetteville which has been in Joe’s family for 100+ years. They built their tiny house on the property and in early 2013, found a space for rent on the town square where they relocated their studio to historic Fayetteville. Now, instead of the five day work week they always had, they are now only open Thursday – Saturday.

Since opening their shop in Fayetteville, they now have customers from 54 different towns, including many long time clients from the Rosenberg area. In early 2017, Joe retired from portrait photography, wanting to devote his business strictly to custom framing and photo copy and restoration work.

Their primary business now is custom framing. They offer complete custom framing services, providing their clients with high quality solid wood frames. All work is done on premises. They have over 1500 solid wood mouldings to choose from. They also have a line of metal moulding. Their services include shadowbox detail, conservation of fine art, needlepoint stretching and creative matting.

They can meet all of your framing needs. No job is too large or too small.

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US

best in Fayette County!

Š2019 The Fayette County Record

Dybala Photography and Framing also offers quality photo copy and restoration services from your photographs, negatives, slides, tin types and documents. They can remove cracks, tears and stains, colorize black and white photos, remove or add people or change the background. They also print custom photographs from your digital files.

If you would like more information about Dybala Photography and Framing, please call or stop by. They are open Thursday – Saturday from 9 am until 5 pm. Joe and Addie look forward to helping you.

2019 BEST OF FAYETTE COUNTY

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RE’VE HAIR SALON

BEST HAIR SALON

Réve Hair Salon The “Dream” Salon Written by Kara Koether Donna Webb decided to try her hand at hair styling during her senior year of high school. “I honestly took Cosmetology as a blow-off class my senior year because all of the girls had pretty hair, and it was either that or working,” Webb, the owner of Rève Hair Salon, said. “I was the class clown, class personality, all that goofy stuff, so I figured I’d try it out, and I ended up having a knack for it.” She began her career as a certified cosmetologist at The Hair Shop, working for Deborah Bailey for five years. From there, she moved her station to The Hair Venture, owned by Denise Henderson, and remained there for another five years.

Then, Catherine Hill approached Webb about buying her shop, and while Webb was initially unsure and nervous, she decided to take the plunge and go through with it. She decided to name the salon Rève (pronounced like ‘rave’), the French word for ‘dream.’ It was fitting, both because having a salon seemed like a dream to Webb, and because her aunt already had a different store with a French name: Le Petite Gourmet Shoppe. The salon opened on July 5, 2011.

That was eight years ago, and she’s been loving all of the challenges and experiences that came with owning and running a hair salon. “At the beginning, I was so scared and timid, I was scared to be the boss lady, but I’m happy with how I’ve grown as a person since then,” Webb said. But the biggest challenge that Webb and her team faced was Hurricane Harvey, on August 28, 2017.

2019 READERS’ CHOICE

Today, Webb’s team consists of herself, Gail Henneke (who was voted the Best Hair Stylist in Fayette County), Krystal Dahse, Bailey Kulhanek, Crystal Richter, and Micah Klesel. “I’m very proud of the group that we’ve built. We all get along–it’s hard to have this many women together and they all get along, but we do,” Webb said. They love attending conferences and hair shows all around the country and getting to learn how to better service their clients, whether it’s a haircut, styling, coloring, or special events like proms and weddings. “I’m already booked up to next October, in 2020, for weddings,” Webb said. “I only do weddings on Saturdays now because we just get so busy during the week.”

To book an appointment with any of the ladies working at Rève, call the salon at (979) 968-6815 or stop by their location at Suite 104 at 420 West Travis Street in La Grange. Their hours are from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

“We were told the day beforehand that it was supposed to get up to the building, but I didn’t really think that it was going to,” Webb said. “Then Alan Minarcek came in and said, ‘It’s supposed to get two to three feet in.’ It was starting to get real.”

So many people from the community came to help out with cargo trailers, and they were able to get the majority of the product, stations, color, and equipment out of the building and packed up. “We had put lines on the wall to guess where the water line would be and to see whose guess was closest. Mine was maybe a foot off the ground, and other people had theirs further down. I asked who was closest, and when I was shown a picture, I just started crying,” Webb said. The water ended up reaching 6’8 ½” high inside the salon.

“Once the water came down, I came in through the back door and a little snake came slithering through. It almost looked like chocolate on the ground, all the mud,” Webb remembered.

Luckily, the surrounding hair salons were willing and able to help out the ladies who had to evacuate from Rève. Webb

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was glad to be able to set up her station in the waiting area of The Hair Venture while her salon was getting repaired. She was there for about a month or so in order to take care of the clients that she already had booked, and then took off for about a month to finish getting Rève redone. But now, the salon is back and better than ever.

2019 BEST OF FAYETTE COUNTY

From the moment you walk in the door, the people at Réve Hair Salon make you feel special.

The girls at Réve love to have fun.

revehairsalon.com

2019 BEST HAIR SALON

in Fayette County!

Winners 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, & 2019

Bailey Kulhanek • Crystal Richter • Ga il Henneke • Kryst al Dahse • Donna Jo Webb-Wessels

• Mica Klesel • Cathe rine Hill

Beauty is our only reason.

420 West Travis, Suite 104 in La Grange, TX Tuesday-Saturday (by appointment only) 2019 BEST OF FAYETTE COUNTY

©2019 The Fayette County Record

979-968-6815

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ROTARY CLUB OF LA GRANGE

Dr. Randy Albers puts his expert touch on flipping the pancakes at the La Grange Rotary Club’s Annual Pancake Supper.

2019 READERS’ CHOICE

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2019 BEST OF FAYETTE COUNTY

BEST CIVIC ORGANIZATION

Rotary Club of La Grange Best of Fayette County From providing relief to disaster victims locally to eradicating polio from the face of the globe, members of the Rotary Club of La Grange believe actions speak louder than words.

With a current membership of 64, the club has been making a difference in La Grange since it was chartered in May 1954. They meet at noon each Wednesday at the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center not only for food and fellowship, but also to hear informative and educational programs on a wide variety of topics.

Three annual fundraisers are widely recognized in the community.

Each year the club cooks its “world famous hamburgers” at their booth all four days of the Fayette County Fair. Delicious German food, craft beer, wine, and live music can be enjoyed on the first Saturday in October at Oktoberfest. Each February, Rotarians hold a pancake supper at Hermes Elementary that is one of the county’s largest meal events of the year.

©2019 The Fayette County Record

A major emphasis for the club locally are students – from elementary to college level.At Hermes Elementary, Rotary sponsors Early Act/First

Knight, a character education program meeting Texas public school curriculum requirements for daily instruction, paid for by the Rotary Club and featuring “knights in shining armor.” The club also supports local youth by providing scholarships to graduating seniors. This past year, Rotary provided $12,000 in scholarships to six students.

The club also sponsors an Interact Club that has over 50 active members at La Grange High School. The club provides opportunities for students to serve the community. Club members have participated in Oktoberfest, Trick or Treat on the Square, Hamburger Booth, and collected donations for the Children’s Advocacy Center and AMEN. The Interact Club was named Volunteer of the Year at the City of La Grange’s Annual Merchant Meeting. The service club truly exemplifies Rotary’s motto of “service above self ”.

Club activities, social events and volunteer projects offer networking opportunities that build personal and professional connections. For information about the La Grange Rotary Club, contact John Wied, membership chair, at johnw@cvctx.com and follow the Rotary Club of La Grange on Facebook.

Thank you for voting The Rotary Club of La Grange

BEST CIVIC ORGANIZATION in Fayette County.

Come Join the Fun!

Service Above Self

rotarylg.com 2019 BEST OF FAYETTE COUNTY

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FAYETTE COUNTY VETERINARY CLINIC

The people at Fayette County Veterinary Clinic treat your pets like family.

2019 READERS’ CHOICE

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2019 BEST OF FAYETTE COUNTY

BEST VETERINARY CLINIC

Top-Notch care for your animal family members Fayette County Veterinary Clinic (FCVC) is proud to be serving the Fayette County area for over 50 years and honored to have been selected by our valued customers for a Reeders Choice award.

Thanks to Dr. James Tiemann’s dedication, hard work, and loving care of all kinds of animals FCVC got off to a brilliant start all those years ago. Over time, Dr. Tiemann has been a staple for animals and their owners while continually surrounding himself with compassionate likeminded veterinarians that have continued his legacy. With Dr. Tiemann’s continued help and support, Dr. Doug Stribling, Dr.Jeremy Finch, Dr. Matt Sodek, Dr. Rylee Hatfield, and Dr. Joe Hatfield are all excited to continue to serve the area with high quality veterinary medicine and surgery.

With the continued growth at FCVC we have been afforded the opportunity to make some exciting additions to our organization in recent years. Our expansion began by opening The Retreat, our

free standing upscale boarding and grooming facility in 2014. The Retreat has a loyal following of 4 legged friends that literally run into that building excited to see Teri, Teresa and staff for some TLC! Thanks to our loyal customers and the staffs exceptional care The Retreat was expanded in 2018 to accommodate even more pets for lodging and grooming services. Our large animal facilities have also been expanded with a new livestock barn and more mobile units for full service farm calls. Finally, our most recent and largest project was the opening of our brand new small animal hospital and lobby this year.

We are thrilled to be selected as winners of two readers choice awards (Best veterinary clinic and best boarding/ grooming) by this community. We are humbled by the faith everyone places in us daily for their veterinary needs and we owe our success and opportunities to expand to all of you, our valued customers!

Medicine and Surgery | Boarding | Grooming

Winners 2016-2019

Thank you for voting us BEST VETERINARY CLINIC & BOARDING/GROOMING in Fayette County.

We appreciate your trust in us!

Fayette County Veterinary Clinic, Inc | 227 Svoboda Ln, La Grange, TX | 979.968.3535

faycovet.com 2019 BEST OF FAYETTE COUNTY

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ROHAN MEADERY 2019 READERS’ CHOICE

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2019 BEST OF FAYETTE COUNTY

John and Wendy Rohan are known for their mead and will soon be known for their beer as well.

BEST WINERY/MEADERY/BREWERY

Rohan Meadery

The One-Stop-Shop for Honey, Mead, Cider, and Wine Written by Kara Koether When asked “Why a meadery?” Wendy Rohan simply said, “No one was making our kind of mead.”

“We like Czech- and German-style mead, and nobody was making it. So, we thought, ‘Why not?’” Rohan said. The style of mead that the Rohans make entails virtually the same process as making wine, except that instead of starting with grapes, they start with honey.

They also make wines and ciders. “And then there’s the bees,” she said.

There’s always something to do with the bees, and seemingly not enough time in the day to finish all the work that needs to be done with the bees. The Rohans have around 20 hives, which produce raw honey from their farm. When it comes to the mead, they strictly use honey brought in from the Reed family’s Bee Wilde Honey.

Beekeeping was an entirely new adventure for the Rohans. While Wendy’s husband, John, had a little bit of experience beekeeping with his grandfather while growing up on his grandparents farm for

John Rohan harvests the grapes in the vineyard at Blissful Folly Farm.

a while, the couple were essentially “new-bees.” “When we first got bees about ten years ago, we just had to learn. Luckily, we had some great local beekeeping groups,” Rohan said. They worked with the

While mead is made with honey, grapes are needed for wine.

Central Texas Beekeepers Association in Brenham, and then started up the Fayette County Beekeeper’s Club with Emil Kaluza, who has since passed. “There are a whole lot of knowledgeable people who helped us learn.”

Before the Rohans started the meadery, they developed a relationship with beekeepers near Montgomery, Texas, where Wendy is from. “We knew we’d need a commercial supplier of honey, and we wanted to find beekeepers who were doing right by their bees and not taking them to fields that had been sprayed with pesticides. We were really concerned with the quality of honey they were producing,” Rohan said. This search led them to Bee Wilde Honey. “Before we even got our permits, we knew we were going to work with them.”

2019 BEST OF FAYETTE COUNTY

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Each 150-gallon batch of mead needs anywhere from 300 to 400 lbs. of honey. A good hive, not a new hive or an old hive, in a good year, can produce at most about 90 lbs. of honey. “That’s the best numbers,” Rohan said. “So, our hives are primarily for the health of our farm and to supply locals with local honey to put on their tables. All the mead is made with the Reed family’s honey.”

Which is lucky for locals, because depending on what a person is allergic to, consuming local honey has been proven to help with allergy symptoms. It’s essentially like getting a vaccine. Raw honey that hasn’t been ultra-filtered has pollen in it, and if the honey is introduced to a person’s body, it can somewhat inoculate them to the pollens it contains so that their body can grow accustomed to them. “Honey is considered nature’s first medicine because of its Some of the award-winning products at Rohan Meadery.

antiviral properties, antibacterial properties, it helps with allergies, you can put it on wounds... It’s good stuff,” Rohan smiled. So, even if you don’t have allergies, honey can still do you a lot of good.

The bees are very active in the spring and summer during the peak of the Texas wildflower season.

In addition to the meadery, the Rohans are in the process of adding a brewery to their operations. “We have been and are currently exploring options for town, but we’re focusing on getting the brewery permit that we need, and that’s a process. We have to get the federal permit and then a state permit,” Rohan explained.

“With grapes or honey, you’re essentially fermenting the sugars that are in the honey or grapes into alcohol. With beer, you’re using grains. You bring in large amounts of barley, but the sugar isn’t just going to come out of that, so you have to boil it to bust open all the plant cells in order to release the sugars,” Rohan said. To get all of the grains that they’ll need, the Rohans will have to bring in barley from up north. The grain likes colder weather, and needs a special growing environment, and therefore would be difficult to grow in Texas. “That being said, we do toy with growing our own hops. We have grown our own hops before and we have a few growing right now. They also like colder weather and rain, so we have to grow them where they can have afternoon shade,” she added.

You can enjoy a glass of Rohan’s finest products at the outdoor pavilion.

But for now, the Rohans are excited to participate in this year’s Texas Independence Wine Festival, which will be in Fayetteville this year, and Texas Mead Fest, which the Rohans will host yet again on October 19. “It’s a one-stop-shop for Texas mead. You can try all different styles and tickets are very reasonable,” Rohan added.

Meaderies from all over the state, the closest being over an hour away. At least ten meaderies will be participating. More information about Texas Mead Fest can be found at www.meadfest.org.

Keep up with the events going on at Blissful Folly Farm by going to their website, www.rohanmeadery.com. There, visitors can find their hours, shop for wines, meads, ciders, honey, and more.

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2019 BEST OF FAYETTE COUNTY

Rohan Meadery has been the recipient of many awards.

2019 BEST OF FAYETTE COUNTY

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FAYETTE SAVINGS BANK

BEST BANKER & BEST LOAN OFFICER

Stewardship Abounds at Fayette Savings Bank Helping those who help others

Fayette Savings Bank is where you will find Wade Mosizek who was voted best banker and best loan officer in Fayette County.

Fayette Savings Bank has a long history of helping this community. At no time was that commitment more evident than in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey’s devastation.

Fayette Savings made a $121,150.41 donation to the La Grange Knights of Columbus and a $121.935.91 donation to Second Chance Emporium both in December 2017.

Both were part of Fayette Savings matching fund efforts.

In the days following the flood, Fayette Savings set up donation funds for the KC Hall and Second Chance,

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2019 BEST OF FAYETTE COUNTY

two La Grange institutions that were significantly damaged by the floodwaters of Hurricane Harvey.

At the time of those presentations, Fayette Savings President David Zapalac said the idea for the project came after the bank organized a donation drive for one of its employees who lost their home in the flood. Zapalac said he and the bank’s board of directors were surprised at the outpouring of help for their employee, so they thought about a way to help the community at large.

In 2018, Fayette Savings set up a matching fund campaign for Fayette County Habitat for Humanity, just another example of the giving spirit of this local bank.

Fayette Savings Bank presented a check to Second Chance Emporium after the building was destroyed during the floodwaters of Hurricane Harvey.

Congratulations WADE MOZISEK

BEST BANKER & BEST LOAN OFFICER

©2019 The Fayette County Record

LA GRANGE • FLATONIA • SCHULENBURG COMING SOON – WEIMAR • 89.7% of FSB Employees Graduated from a Fayette or Neighboring County High School • 8 Employees with Combined Service of 204 Years!

38-31-30-29-21-19 and 2 with 18 years

People You KNOW… People You Can TRUST 1-800-400-8917

www.fayettesavings.com 2019 BEST OF FAYETTE COUNTY

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FAYETTE SAVINGS BANK

BEST HOSPICE

Voted Best Hospice Facility in Fayette County Hospice Brazos Valley Offers Many Services Hospice Brazos Valley helps families when they need it most.

Hospice Brazos Valley is the only nonprofit hospice serving

support groups and programs are offered at no cost and maintain

the Brazos Valley. We also operate the only dedicated

an open invitation to anyone in the communities we serve.

hospice inpatient facility in the Brazos Valley area. The

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nonprofit difference means that patients, not profits, guide

Hospice Brazos Valley is the grief support groups and programs

the comprehensive care you receive. The bereavement

are offered at no cost Hospice Brazos Valley exists to care for

professional lead a variety of grief support groups and

people. Our wish is for anyone who encounters us to be better for

programs. Thanks to generous community support, all grief

the experience. Time with you is filled with hope, encouragement,

2019 BEST OF FAYETTE COUNTY

celebration and service. Caring provides opportunities to positively

rooms. Unique amenities aid in creating the feeling of home for

change lives and create joyful memories to share for years to come.

both you and your family during your stay.

Hospice Care

The goal of the inpatient facility is to support you and your

Curative treatment can become ineffective or no longer desirable.

loved ones through this difficult time. In this home-like setting,

There’s still hope. As the only non-profit, community-based, and

nurses, aides, social workers, physicians, chaplains and volunteers

community-supported hospice organization, Hospice Brazos Valley

aggressively treat physical and emotional pain and symptoms. All

offers comprehensive hospice care in a life-affirming manner. Our

treatments focus on comfort.

award-winning team of skilled professionals celebrate life, bring joy, and serve to heal and nurture both patients and families. Our

You are encouraged to bring personal items, including clothing,

service area encompasses all or part of seventeen counties and

photos and music; whatever creates a sense of peace during your

includes Bryan, College Station, Brenham, La Grange and their

stay.

surrounding towns and communities.

Grief Support

Inpatient Facility

We are here to walk alongside you during your time of grief.

Hospice Brazos Valley operates the only hospice focused inpatient

Hospice Brazos Valley offers an enhanced level of grief support

facility serving the Brazos Valley and surrounding areas. The

services and resources to help those grieving the loss of a loved

inpatient facility is located in Bryan, Texas near College Station,

one. These programs are led by Hospice Brazos Valley Bereavement

and is dedicated to providing specialized care focused on frequent

Coordinators who are experts at helping to heal grieving hearts.

assessment for symptom management, and skilled medical

Community support allows these grief support groups and events to

interventions. Care is directed by a Board Certified Hospice and

be open to the public at no cost to attend.

Palliative Care Medical Doctor and administered in a family oriented environment staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Comfort is the highest priority at the inpatient facility with seven private

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©2019 The Fayette County Record

COMMERCIAL ROOFING • RESIDENTAL ROOFING • METAL ROOFING • SHINGLE ROOFING • TILE • GUTTERS • SIDING • ROOF REPAIR • ROOF REPLACEMENT

We know you work hard for your money; That is why we stand by our highest principle to deliver you the best workmanship, service and materials you deserve. Since 1994 we have been a well-known name in the roofing industry throughout Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma.

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7000 South US Highway 77, La Grange, TX | 877.840.3896 2019 BEST OF FAYETTE COUNTY

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COLORADO VALLEY COMMUNICATIONS

Allen Keilers of Colorado Valley Communications helps to keep the server in tip-top condition.

2019 READERS’ CHOICE

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2019 BEST OF FAYETTE COUNTY

BEST INTERNET PROVIDER

A History of Connection Colorado Valley has been improving communication in rural areas for over 60 years Written by Kirsten Cornell Today, communication can often be taken for granted. From nearly anywhere with the swipe of an app or the push of a button, you can connect with friends, family, and virtual strangers around the globe at any given time. We do not need to memorize phone numbers and Google gives us access to troves of information. There are entire generations that don’t know the struggle of calling your parents from the payphone at summer camp or thumbing through the yellow pages to find a plumber.

Many parents and grandparents will still tell you about the days of the party line and having to wait your turn to use the phone—not just with your teenager sister who was hogging the phone—with several other households! Before Colorado Valley Telephone Cooperative even introducing the party line in 1961, the rural areas surrounding La Grange, Schulenburg, and Weimar had a few magneto telephone lines, each carrying 10 to 25 customers.

Forming a Cooperative

Determined that a better phone service should be brought to the area, several farmers met and researched a way to make that happen.

They began by contacting telephone companies and gauging their interest in providing service to the area. Unfortunately, they were met with opposition. They found that these companies had made a resolute judgment that farmers would not use the telephone enough to justify the investment of a system.

and striving to serve their customer base. Consider some of the incredible technological advances in the last six decades: computers, digital cameras, encryption, cell phones, and the internet. For a company based on an ever-changing industry, this is a challenge that must be met with consistent flexibility.

Over time, Colorado Valley has seen its customers’ focus transition voice service to internet service, coinciding with the rapidly increasing improvement in technology. “There’s a theory in technology called Moore’s Law, which is the perception that the speed and capability of our computers increase every couple of years and we will pay less for them,” explains Pat Zbranek-Zigal, Assistant General Manager. “That is something we’ve observed as our customers need more bandwidth to support all the different ways they now use the Internet.” Zbranek-Zigal adds that just a few years ago the maximum bandwidth available was 1.5 Mbps, and now they have customers on speeds over 100 Mbps. As time goes on, the demand for more bandwidth will only increase.

Faster Fiber

Thankfully, they were not discouraged. They took matters into their own capable hands, spending years gathering information to form a telephone cooperative. An application for a charter was filed and granted on July 21, 1953, and later that year, a meeting was held on September 30 where the Colorado Valley Telephone Cooperative, Inc. was officially formed.

By 1961, the Cooperative’s eight-party all-aerial telephone service was provided to approximately 550 subscribers. By the early 1970s, all of the cooperative’s members were converted to single-party service. In the late 1970s, the Cooperative began converting its central office switching equipment to digital systems—and it has continued a pattern of growth and response ever since.

Changing Technology

Fast-forwarding to the present, Colorado Valley Communications continues to exhibit that same drive when advancing expertise

The friendly faces of Colorado Valley Communications.

2019 BEST OF FAYETTE COUNTY

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Colorado Valley Communications is expanding the fiber network in Fayette County.

To meet these growing demands, the company has to undergo changes of their own—which can mean construction. For instance, copper cables that traditionally served customers are now being replaced with fiber. “Fiber allows us to overcome bandwidth limitations,” says Zbranek-Zigal. “We are seeing the importance of providing managed Wi-Fi solutions to our customers to extend the customer’s Wi-Fi network in their home so they can connect to all their devices.”

Colorado Valley has been hard at work installing fiber in their network which equates to being able to push out faster Internet speeds. Faster Internet means customers can have the highest speeds to use all the Internet-connected devices they need in their home and work. “Fiber to the home is available in many areas we serve while fiber to the node allows us to shorten copper loops. Shorter copper loops mean we can provide faster Internet service,” adds Zbranek-Zigal.

Keeping you online and connected is the goal of Colorado Valley Communications.

Education is also an important component. They want customers to understand the amount of bandwidth they need to do all the things they want to do. For instance, stream video, use security cameras, gaming, and using multiple other internet-connected devices at the same time. If you are an all-digital, all the time household, no problem. Service is not data-capped, so customers can use as much data as they like each month and their service will never be blocked.

What’s Next

The digital world is only expanding and with it, the growing demand for support. As technology evolves, people are going to need more and more bandwidth to support Internet-enabled devices. Colorado Valley provides Internet service via a variety of technologies including fiber to the home, copper DSL, or Fixed Wireless Broadband.

They are also in the middle of a multi-year construction project to bring broadband service with minimum speeds of 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload to all rural customers. Additionally, they currently have fiber service available in the business corridor in La Grange and portions of Ellinger, with plans to add fiber to Schulenburg, Weimar, and Fayetteville.

The warehouse is full of the necessary products to keep you connected.

“There is strong support at the federal and state level to support broadband services in rural communities and as such we’re seeing our peers in Texas and beyond involved in similar construction projects as Colorado Valley,” says Zbranek-Zigal. “There is a push to bring fiber to as many places as economically possible. While there is a large cost to install fiber, the benefit is that there is no limit from distance or capacity to increase bandwidth over fiber optic cables.”

Colorado Valley estimates that over the next five years, they will lay over 400 miles of fiber optic cable. In 2018, 65 miles of fiber optic cable was placed in the ground. In 2019, approximately 100 miles of fiber optic cable will be laid. This equates to approximately 1600 customers capable of connecting to fiber service.

Giving Back

Colorado Valley’s mission is to continue to provide the highest quality telecommunications service to its members and customers. They attribute their long-standing success to a strong

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2019 BEST OF FAYETTE COUNTY

DANIEL CERNOCH PLUMBING Sewer & Drain Cleaning • Faucets & Sinks • Disposers • Toilets • Water Heaters • Pipe Repair and Replacement Daniel, Rose and the team of plumbers at Daniel Cernoch Plumbing say a big

THANK YOU

to our loyal customers who voted us

BEST PLUMBING COMPANY & DANIEL CERNOCH AS BEST PLUMBER in Fayette County for 8 years in a row!

Visit us at 548 South Reynolds St. in La Grange • Give us a call at 979.968.8069

Liscense # MI8613

• Pruning • Cabling • Removals • Soil Conditioning • Stump Grinding • Lightning Protection

©2019 The Fayette County Record

Thank You for voting us Best Tree Service!

(979) 966-2205 Reagan Heger | Owner

©2019 The Fayette Coutnty Record

Thank you for voting us

Best Clinic in Fayette County!

1253 N Von Minden St, La Grange, TX 78945

(979) 968-8493

WE’RE CURIOUS...

Have you met Fayette County’s 2X Best Teller Award Recipient?

She is Errin Von Minden, and we’re very grateful for the care and considerable charm she invests in her work every day. And we’re elated so many of you feel the same way.

Congratulations on your repeat win, Errin.

And thank you, Fayette County. www.pioneer.bank EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY· MEMBER FDIC

2019 BEST OF FAYETTE COUNTY

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Customer service is an important component to the folks at Colorado Valley Communications.

connection to the local community. “Our employees live and work here and know it’s important to have excellent communication services. We treat our customers like family and friends because they are,” says Zbranek-Zigal.

In addition to providing broadband services that help support the economy of the rural community and allows customers to stay far beyond their geographic region, Colorado Valley feels very strongly about reinvesting in their community. In fact, in 2018, they issued donations to over 50 donations and charities. Among these were the Fayette County Deputy CJ Lehmann Benevolent Fund, Gardenia E. Janssen Animal Shelter, Turtle Wing, and the La Grange Volunteer Fire Department.

Zbranek-Zigal explains that their Employee Charity Committee meets quarterly to determine donations on behalf of the employees.

In addition, they receive requests from local organizations that also receive consideration.

Supporting the Future

However, their community service doesn’t end there. In 1996, Colorado Valley kick-started their scholarship program. To date, approximately $500,000 in scholarships have been awarded to nearly 280 graduating seniors.

In 2019, Colorado Valley increased the amount to $5,000 scholarships which are awarded typically awarded to 10 area high school seniors. Any high school seniors who reside in a household that receives telephone service from Colorado Valley Telephone Cooperative are eligible to apply.

“Colorado Valley is committed to its members and the communities it serves and is investing in the future through ongoing support for higher education,” says Zbranek-Zigal.

Local and Reliable

Reliable communication services and friendly customer service— two things that have rung true for Colorado Valley since their creation. They understand that even in this growing age of technology, customers still want to know that they can reach out and communicate with their team when they need to. “Chat” services are available on their website as well as Facebook, Instagram, and their Info Line (877-242-1292).

This past year they added an online sign-up to the website where our customers can view where they are building out and can sign-up for service. This also keeps customers informed of the progress of the fiber build-out and they can see if fiber is available in their area.

Unlike many technology providers where you may end up punching through numbers an auto call or speaking to someone several states away, Colorado Valley prides themselves on local employees that truly understand their customers’ needs and the challenges of the industry landscape.

Colorado Valley will be introducing a new perk for their customers at the end of October. Community Connected Magazine which will be issued every other month and contain articles about what’s happening at Colorado Valley as well as fun information about events and people in our community. Best of all, it’s free for customers.

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2019 BEST OF FAYETTE COUNTY

©2019 The Fayette County Record

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BEST FLOORING COMPANY 2012 • 2013 • 2014 • 2015 • 2016 • 2017 • 2018 • 2019

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THANK YOU FAYETTE COUNTY FOR YOUR SUPPORT & FRIENDSHIP & VOTING US

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BEST BOUTIQUE, HOME/ACCESSORY STORE, & GIFT/CARD SHOP

in Fayette County.

2204 E. State Hwy. 71 979.249.5132 @busybgi slg thebusyb.com

Consuela, Christopher Radko, Mud Pie, Yellowbox Nora Fleming, Scentchips, and So Much More!

©2019 The Fayette County Record

M-F 9-6; Sat 9-5; Sun 12-5

©2019 The Fayette County Record

5,000 SQUARE FEET OF SHOPPING PARADISE!

Metal Buildings

907 E. State Business Hwy 71 • La Grange, TX 78945 979.968.5654 • www.supaksbuildingsupply.com 2019 BEST OF FAYETTE COUNTY

57

ADVERTISER INDEX

F O BEST FAYETTE ADVERTISER INDEX

58

2019 BEST OF FAYETTE COUNTY

Michael Mach....................................................7 Murphy’s Steakhouse......................................33 Orsak’s Cafe.....................................................21 Pioneer Bank - Errin Von Minden................55 Reba’s Pizzeria & Deli.....................................19 Reve Hair Salon...............................................39 Rohan Meadery...............................................47 Rotary Club of La Grange...............................41 Round Top State Bank...................................59 Sandra Kana....................................................25 Schulenburg Regency Central Office..................................................35 Shimmering Waters Pool Service, Inc............5 St. Mark’s Medical Center..............................61 Supak’s Inc.......................................................57 Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center...............................................25 The UPS Store...................................................7 Vincent’s Roofing.............................................51 Weeren Limited Partnership No. 1..................7 Weikels’ Store & Bakery.................................47

1048 N Jefferson St, La Grange • 979.968.6913 hospicebrazosvalley.org

©2019 The Fayette County Record

2019 READERS’ CHOICE

Adamcik State Farm Insurance................37 Black Cat Choir..........................................62 Brawley Dental Clinic, PPLC.....................3 Busy B.........................................................57 Cernosek Construction..............................15 Chris Janca Builders..................................24 Colorado Valley Communications...........64 Daniel Cernoch Plumbing........................55 Diane Mueller Photography.....................25 Diggs Real Estate.........................................5 Dybala Photography & Framing..............37 Farmers Lumber Co...................................59 Fayette County Farm Bureau Insurance.......................................24 The Fayette County Record............25 & 60 Fayette County Vet Clinic........................43 Fayette Savings Bank................................49 Fayetteville Propane Inc...........................33 Heger’s Tree Service...................................55 Hospice Brazos Valley................................58 Janis Janca..................................................59 Junk Gypsy Company...............................56 Joe Rogers Dozer, LLC..............................63 Kleiber Tractor & Equipment....................31 KVLG/KBUK Radio...................................21 La Grange Ford, Inc.....................................2 La Grange Nails............................................7 La Grange Chamber of Commerce..........37 La Grange Family Health Clinic..............55 Le Petite Gormet Shoppe.........................24 LG Spirits, Beer and Wine........................21 Lincke Floor, Inc........................................57 Lindemann Real Estate..............................27

Local PEOPLE. Local DECISIONS. Local BANK.

Serving Faye e County Since 1912

©2019 The Fayette County Record

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US

b t in Faye e County!

W W W. R O U N D T O P S TAT E B A N K . C O M La Grange | (979) 966-0556 Round Top | (979) 249-3151 ©2019 The Fayette County Record

janis janca

Farmers invites you to come by and see the newly renovated Paint Works Paint Department

THANK YOU FOR VOTING ME janis janca, RDH

IN FAYETTE COUNTY!

I am truly honored and am thankful to all of my patients!

Hometown Service with Hometown Gratitude!

©2019 The Fayette County Record

BEST DENTAL HYGIENIST

• Now featuring Valspar and Pratt & Lambert Paints in 100’s of colors and sheens • Free computerized color matching including other paint brands • Free paint consultant services (appointment required) • Free monthly paint workshops

VISA, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS, DISCOVER, AND APPLE PAY ACCEPTED

CONVENIENT HOURS MONDAY – FRIDAY 7:00 AM TO 5:30 PM SATURDAY 8:00 AM TO 5:00 PM.

515 E. Travis • La Grange • 979-968-3161 2019 BEST OF FAYETTE COUNTY

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Voted Best Book Store In Fayette County!

Featuring Your Favorite Local Authors!

Digital.

Print.

Online.

Your Local Newspaper, Twice Every Week (979) 968-3155 | 127 S. Washington, La Grange

www.FayetteCountyRecord.com

LAURIE QUITTA BEST NURSE BEST PHYSICAL THERAPY CLINIC GIL HENDERSON BEST PHYSICAL THERAPIST ©2019 The Fayette County Record

THANKS FAYETTE COUNTY

for making us one of

FAYETTE COUNTY’S BEST!

ADVANCED HEALTHCARE CLOSE TO HOME

979.242.2200 | One St. Mark's Place | La Grange, Texas 78945 W W W . S M M C T X . O R G 2019 BEST OF FAYETTE COUNTY

61

e Fayeee County Record ©2019

2019 BEST BAND IN FAYET TE COUNTY

©2019 The Fayette County Record

Demolition • Construction • Industrial/Commercial /Residential • Farm/Ranch • Tractor & Scrapers

Thank you for voting us the

BEST DOZER SERVICE in Fayette County!

JOE ROGERS’ Dozer & Hauling Service LLC 979.249.3505 555 Rogers Trail La Grange TX Dozers • Backhoe • Trackhoe • Maintainer • Rollers • Water Truck • Skid Steer

FIBER-TO-THE-HOME SERVICE BRINGING THE INTERNET TO YOU

At Colorado Valley Communications, we love our rural neighbors. We understand most rural households struggle with finding affordable internet solutions and reliable connections that meet their unique lifestyles.

That’s why we’re expanding our fiber network to deliver super-fast, super-reliable internet service to homes in remote areas – helping to give our rural neighbors the online access they deserve. At CVCTX, we don’t wait for the future…we focus on building it!

THANKS FOR VOTING CVCTX THE BEST ISP PROVIDER IN FAYETTE COUNTY FOR THE 2ND YEAR IN A ROW!

979.242.5911 I cvctx.com I 800.242.5911 Service availability may vary depending on location.