INSITE’S 30TH BIRTHDAY
CELEBRATING YOU BLOW OUT THE CANDLES HEALTHY THROUGH THE YEARS
BRIGHT OUTLOOK
MENTAL HEALTH HOSPITAL ST. ANDREW’S
A CENTURY OF SERVICE
COACH BLAIR
CHARITIES MAKING TIME & EFFORT COUNT
ROBUST MARKET
TOP RANKS FOR B/CS
WOMEN’S HEART HEALTH KNOW YOUR RISK
TS n EA Fu TRood & S &To F
MILESTONES
T E EA uid AG
April 2014
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INSIDE INSITE
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1 Derby Day
2 Know Your Risk Women’s Heart Health By Jamie O’Toole Page 14
Agree to Disagree Secrets to Happy Couples By Kate Skinner Page 22
Charities Golf Tournament By Kate Skinner Page 8
Kids Health Weighty Matters By Kate Skinner Page 18
New Hospital New Outlook By Jamie O’Toole Page 24
30th Annual Wine & Roses Messina Hof Festival By Jamie O’Toole Page 10
Texas A&M’s 12th Can University Food Bank By Bailie Wilson Page 20
Intersections Home & Fiber By Jamie O’Toole Page 26
Top 10 in Texas College Station On The Rise Compiled by Insite Staff Page 30
Get Involved Texas Trash Off Compiled by Insite Staff Page 28
Springtime Treat Navasota Home & Garden Tour By Bailie Wilson Page 32
BV Symphony By Kate Skinner Page 6
2 Coach Blair
Care for Preemies March of Dimes & The Med By Jamie O’Toole Page 12
Telehealth Counseling Reaching Rural Communities By Bailie Wilson Page 20
INSITE MAgAzINE WAS FIRST
published in April 1984 making April 2014 a milestone in search of some candles to blow out. Not one to spend much time looking over my shoulder, that 30-year publication life does deserve more than a few notes of thanks. The first has to be to the plethora of local and regional businesses that have chosen Insite Magazine as a way to share the story of
INSITE Magazine is published monthly by Insite Printing & Graphic Services, 123 E. Wm. J. Bryan Pkwy., Bryan, Texas 77803. (979) 823-5567 www. insitebrazosvalley.com Volume 30, Number 8. Publisher/Editor: Angelique Gammon; Account Executive: Dave Marsh; Graphic designer: Karen Green. Associate Editor & Web Content: Sarah Kinzbach. interns: Jamie O’Toole, Kate Skinner, Bailie Wilson
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3 Healthy Remodeling Market B/CS Ranked 12th Nationally Compiled by Insite Staff Page 30
Real Estate Trends Compiled by Insite Staff Page 28
DESK
PUBLISHER’S
their good and services. Without advertisers, there would be no monthly calendar of events or coverage of the individuals and organizations that make the Brazos Valley such an interesting place to live. The second note of thanks goes to our readers, both new and familiar, who
inSiTE Magazine is a division of The insite Group, LP. Reproduction of any part without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. insite Printing & Graphic Services Managing Partners: Kyle DeWitt, Angelique Gammon, Greg Gammon. General Manager: Carl Dixon; Pre-Press Manager: Mari Brown; office Manager: Wendy Seward; Sales & Customer Service: Molly Barton; Candi Burling; Manda Jackson; Marie
Gardening Inspiration Dr. Bayse’s Garden Party Compiled by Kate Skinner Page 34
3 Celebrating
100 Years St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Compiled by Bailie Wilson Page 36 Honoring Service You’re the Tops Luncheon By Bailie Wilson Page 36 Eats & Treats Page 38
read the stories in print, online, and in Insite’s weekly Wake Up to the Weekend Possibilities e-blast. Your comments, criticisms, suggestions, and most importantly – your trust in using the businesses and services among our advertisers – have made sure Insite Magazine has continued to grow with our community. Many, many thanks. – Angelique Gammon Lindley; Kimberly Martinez; Barbara Wyss; Chris Zamora; Production: Stephen Beatty; Norris Carnes; Marilyn Carey; Don Coburn; Jaimie Colwell; Alvin Estuaria; Arnel Estuaria; Byron Lee; Carlos Martinez; Richard Pearce; Brandon Prouse; Frank Ramirez; Mike Seward; Ruben Torres; Stephen Woodruff.
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Off to the Races!
Symphony Derby Day By KATE SKINNER
What
A ANd THEY’RE OFF! THE
Brazos Valley Symphony Society is ready to tip its hat to the 11th annual gala fundraiser, Derby Day 2014. Founded in 1981, the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra originated as a volunteer organization. Today, it is a professional group of paid musicians bringing high-caliber artists to the Brazos Valley from central and south Texas. Derby Day is one of the events making it all possible. “This event is unique,” says 2014 Derby Day Chair Penny Zent. “It appeals to
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Brazos Valley Symphony 2014 Derby Day Gala
When
May 3, 4 p.m.
Where every generation, and is fun for everyone. There is always something for you to do, but just sitting back and enjoying the atmosphere is equally as enjoyable.” Each year the event is planned for the first weekend of May to coincide with the actual running of the Kentucky Derby. Zent
complete with mystery judges and awards. An authentic gourmet Derby meal with be served, and live and silent auctions will be held featuring items such as dinner certificates, a trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico, executive box seats at Blue Bell Park for a party of 10 to watch the May 15 Texas
From the hat parade to mint juleps, you can join the run For the roses says the Bryan/College Station Derby Day will mirror elements found at the Kentucky Derby. “The gala begins with the drinking of traditional mint juleps, draws on horses, and the Run for the Roses,” says Zent. There will also be a hat parade,
A&M University vs. Ole Miss baseball game, and pearl earrings selected for the event by David Gardener Jewelers. Derby-goers can dance the night away with musical accompaniment by the Brazos Valley Symphony Dance Band led by Music
Director Marcelo Bussiki. The Party Machine, presented by Emerald City Management, will also perform. Zent says an orchestra of BVSO’s quality is unusual in a community of this size. “We have been an organization for over 30 years. We were so much smaller when we began, and we have grown so much. The Derby Day gala is our major fundraiser for the symphony each year. It makes all the difference for us.” Each concert presented during the season accumulates direct and indirect costs of approximately $35,000 to $40,000. With 10 concerts planned for the upcoming season, every donation to this signature event is important, says Zent. i
Bluebonnet Ballroom at the College Station Hilton
InFOrMatIOn
Individual tickets are $125. Ten-person tables are available at the $3,000 and $2,000 sponsorship levels; eight-person tables are available at $1,500 or $1,250 sponsorship levels. Tickets may be purchased by calling (979) 696-6100 or online at http://bvso. org/events/derbyday-2014/
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coach Blair says
Make Your Time & Effort Count By KATE SKINNER
What, When, Where
The Celebrity Golf Classic will take place at the Traditions Golf Club and is a scramble format. Teams of four will be paired with a celebrity, coach, or athlete from around the country. Cost for individual players is $250, or $1,000 will reserve a team of four. Flight times are Thursday, May 1, at 12 noon, and Friday, May 2, at 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for each flight and on-course contests as well. The Celebration Dinner and Auctions are Thursday, May 1, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Brazos County Expo. All golfers are invited and may bring one guest. A $10 donation is requested at the door and includes dinner and drinks. There will be silent and live auctions with a wide variety of items available.
SPOnSOrShIP
Ranging from $150 to $7,500, the Celebrity Golf Classic offers a variety of individual and corporate sponsorship levels. For sponsorship and registration information, or to make donations securely online, visit coachblaircharities.org.
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S
SITTINg IN A LARgE OFFICE,
with comfortable chairs and dark wood paneling, it’s impossible to escape the feeling that behind the desk sits a very important person. But what truly makes the first impression memorable is not the decor, but the warm and welcoming smile its owner wears. Coach Gary Blair, head coach of the Women’s Basketball Team at Texas A&M University, sits ready to chat about the upcoming 11th Annual Celebrity Golf Classic and Celebration Dinner and Auctions, taking place on May 1 and 2. Blair hosts
the Golf Classic to raise funds for Coach Blair Charities, and ultimately raise awareness and funding for the Special Olympics and other youth-oriented programs that serve special needs individuals. “How do you make a life for someone who has a brilliant mind, but is physically handicapped? Or, the Special Olympian who loves you unconditionally, and asks nothing in return?”
and has two beautiful daughters, and a son with special needs. The family has had to make such great sacrifices for him. I want to find out what’s going on in his world. I want to give back [to the special needs community], get in their shoes, just give ‘em a hug. It’s not the money that can do that. It’s in the time.” Blair says this is something he feels called to do, and as a public figure, he wants to use his influence to inspire others to also give back. “During these type of events, we give hope. Hope that a person may rise above where they are, and they can be that special athlete – be the best that they could be,” says Blair. Janice Buchanan, a sponsor and committee member for the Celebrity Golf Classic, shares her similar reasons for serving. “I met a gentleman who introduced me to his special-needs daughter in 1986. I was involved from then on,”
so many oF us are so Blessed, and we need to Find more time to give, not just monetarily, But oF ourselves. –coach gary Blair The golf tournament is something of a tradition for Blair. This past year was his 20th annual event, a year span dating back to his career at the University of Arkansas. “I remember growing up as a kid watching the Jerry Lewis telethons, hearing stories about young persons growing up,” Blair recalls. “Afterwards, I’d walk away; I wouldn’t think about it...My best friend coaches at Northwestern
says Buchanan. She credits Blair with inspiring her to do more, by becoming involved with the golf tournament. At the close of the conversation, Blair again smiled saying, “I wish more people would come out and see what’s going on here. You don’t have to play golf to enjoy. Just learn about the lives of these kids and share your life with them.” i
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messina hoF 30th annual wine and roses Festival
Eat, Drink & Stomp
C
budding of the vines and the blooming of the roses at Messina Hof’s 30th Annual Wine and Roses Festival. The festival offers guests the opportunity to sample wine, listen to live music, peruse artisan vendors and watch a grape stomping contest. To kick off the festival, the celebrity grape stomp begins at 2 p.m. and
features members of the local media in a juicy, bare-footed battle. Once a winner has been named, the official proclamation of Messina Hof Day will be made and the team grape stomping competition will begin. Teams of two to four members can participate for $50 a team and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History.
Upon entrance, guests will receive a passport to track wines sampled and merchants visited while journeying through the festival. Vendors will supply an array of food, drinks, and artisan crafts for visitors to explore and purchase. For the art enthusiast, Messina Hof’s Pinot Noir will be transformed into ink and used to create works of art. For those with a
Messina Hof’s 30th Annual Wine and Roses Festival including food vendors, wine tasting, grape stomping, and live music
When
April 26, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where
By JAMIE O’TOOLE ELEBRATE THE
What
Messina Hof Estate 4545 Old Reliance Road, Bryan 77808
sweet tooth, the wine and chocolate pairing class will be offered at 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. Attendees will also have the chance to see live performances by artists Joe Teichman and Haley Cole on the Lakeside Deck, as well as the Rock-a-Fellas in the Rose Garden. The festival is open to all ages, though wine tasting is reserved for those 21 and older. Admission is free. i
InFOrMatIOn
Admission is free and open to the public. Tickets for activities can be purchased onsite. To participate in grape stomping, teams must register by calling 800-736-WINE. For more information, visitmessinahof.com
Your non-profit hospice of choice
since 1989
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Photos By Jamie o’toole
What
The Med & March of Dimes March for Babies
When
April 27
process of fully developing and the small body still has a significant amount of growing left to do. For most mothers, this marks the beginning of the third trimester with 12 to 13 weeks left before they get to experience the joy of holding their tiny child in their arms for the first time. For Misty Johnson, that was not the case.
equip parents as they make their journey through the NICU and the transition of returning home. The Med has fully incorporated the program. March of Dimes Director Katy Scott says the staff is thrilled to have the resources provided by the program and find it helpful in comforting preemie infants’ parents.
march For BaBies will include a Family carnival and walk
toP: KamRyN, stePheN, misty aND DaVeN JohNsoN
The Med Joins the March By JAMIE O’TOOLE
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T
TWENTY-SEVEN WEEKS INTO
a pregnancy, most babies weigh between two and three pounds and are only about a foot long. While the child has started to wake and sleep at regular intervals and open and close its eyes, the brain and lungs are still in the
After a hefty sneeze that caused her water to break, Misty was admitted to the College Station Medical Center giving birth to 13week premature Daven Johnson. After Misty’s cesarean section, Daven was immediately rushed to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, leaving Misty without the satisfaction of holding her baby for the first time or even the assurance that he was going to survive. Eight long weeks later, Misty and her husband Stephen Johnson were able to take little Daven home, but the time spent in the NICU left a lasting impression on the family. Three College Station hospitals have NICUs. St. Joseph Regional Health Center and the College Station Hospital at Scott & White both offer level two care, and The Med offers level three, the highest level of care. Before January, there were no programs to help the families of preemie infants. The Med celebrated Daven’s fourth birthday and a new partnership with the March of Dimes on March 6. The hospital purchased the March of Dimes Family Support program, which is now offered to every family using the NICU. A national program, March of Dimes Family Support was designed to inform and
“As a mom in crisis, you don’t understand medical terms,” explains Scott, recounting her first time in a NICU. “And once you get home, all of the important milestones for premature babies are different.” She says after having two children prematurely, her personal experience was what drove her to get involved with the March of Dimes. On Sunday, April 27, The Med is sponsoring March for Babies, which will be held in conjunction with Texas A&M University’s Corp of Cadets’ March to the Brazos, an 18-mile march to raise money and awareness for the March of Dimes. The March for Babies is one of two annual fundraisers held by the March of Dimes and will consist of a family carnival and walk focusing on the celebration of babies and mothers. The March for Babies will be held at 12 noon in Research Park, College Station. Daven is now a big brother to three-year-old Kamryn Johnson, and the family of four will attend the March as Team Daven. “I would have never dreamed my son would be where he is today looking at him four years ago,” says Misty, “but that’s why this is so important.” She says her family wants to do its part to help more babies have a healthy start. i
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know your risk
Women’s Heart Attack Symptoms Differ From Men’s By JAMIE O’TOOLE IT IS ASSUMEd HEART
attacks are impossible not to miss, but in reality, heart attacks in women often go unnoticed posing a fatal risk. “Everyone thinks of heart attack symptoms as an elephant sitting on your chest. Women do experience that sometimes, but often
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women’s symptoms are more subtle,” explains Dr. Deborah Shirey, assistant professor of nursing at Texas A&M University’s Health Science Center in Round Rock. According to recent studies by the National Institute of Health and the American Heart Association, women
often display a different set of symptoms than men when experiencing a heart attack. Assistant Professor of Nursing at Texas A&M Mary Alice Middlebrooks says, “When women have a heart attack, it’s not so much the elephant on chest feeling and the pain down the left arm, but rather pain to the throat or upper back, so the pain is in a different location.”
While women can exhibit the same symptoms, less severe but longer lasting pain are more common. “They often described it more like the pressure of a rope tied around their chest and not a sharp pain, and sometimes it lasted as long as 30 minutes,” adds Middlebrooks. “Women tend to have a lot more symptoms the month before they actually have their heart attack: shortness of breath, being really tired or fatigued, sleep disturbances, nausea, some think they have the flu even,” says Middlebrooks. In contrast, men generally report feeling normal and experiencing nothing out of the ordinary in the weeks leading up to a heart attack. If women experience symptoms that indicate an approaching heart attack, why are heart problems not discovered sooner? “Women just need to be more educated. Plus, women don’t think they have time to go and seek healthcare
even if they think something might be wrong, so they often won’t go get checked out for it,” says Shirey. Says Middlebrooks, “We are encouraging ER nurses to be better informed as well, but women need to insist on an EKG if they have had persisting symptoms.” One in every three women dies from heart disease. “Women need to know what all the risk factors are, regardless of their age,” advises Middlebrooks. “Especially those who have had a hysterectomy or are postmenopausal.” “Keep your yearly appointments, quit smoking if you are smoking, modify your diet, go out for a walk.” For women specifically, Shirey recommends, “The biggest message I would convey to a woman would be that she treat herself as she would the rest of her family. If her health needs are not being met, she is not going to be able to maintain everyone else’s needs.” i
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weighty matters
Helping Kids Grow Into Healthy Adults By KATE SKINNER
T
THE FIRST WEEK
in April is National Public Health Week. With events scheduled April 4-12, there are plenty of fun and healthy activities to kick-start an active summer. For children especially, a healthy start in life begins with a healthy weight. Over the last 20 to 30 years, there has been a growing national trend often referred to as the “obesity epidemic.” Unfortunately, is has not been limited to adults. Dr. Marcia Ory is currently conducting a study with the goal of improving the health of youth throughout Texas. A regents and distinguished professor, Ory is a faculty member in the department of health promotion and community health sciences at the Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Rural Public Health. While Ory notes there are fewer children who are
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classified as overweight and obese than adults, she describes the issue as one of extreme importance. “Why people should be concerned about the childhood obesity problem is because if you’re in preschool or elementary and you are obese, you are four to five times more likely to become an obese adult,” says Ory. “The lifetime impact is greater. When you look at where this could lead this becomes something of national concern
areas of Texas outside the Brazos Valley with projects aimed at both state and local levels. One focus looks at policies regarding the packaging of WIC (Texas Women, Infants and Children) federal food allocations with the goal of improving health among lower-income communities by presenting information about more nutrientrich foods with lower caloric counts. The second focus of the study, Safer Routes to School, works with the Texas Department
she says. “We need to take a comprehensive approach. You can’t just expect kids to change by themselves. It will take schools, parents, the community, and the government’s involvement. Everyone should work together.
in other areas of Texas brought to the Brazos Valley. Things as simple as giving children a safe place to play outside, walking with your child to school, or eating meals at home with the entire family can have a big influence over time.
iF you’re in preschool or elementary and you are oBese, you are Four to Five times more likely to Become an oBese adult – heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and other latent, related conditions. This is not a ‘big versus small’ problem. We need to look at what is preventable at an early age, and help prevent disease as people grow older.” Ory’s study has demonstrated measureable success in
of Transportation to provide places for children to safely walk or bike to school without sacrificing parents’ peace of mind. Ory acknowledges that childhood obesity can’t be cured overnight. “There are many reasons why we’re having this epidemic, and there are also many solutions,”
“It used to be that almost everyone walked to school every day. We have those stories ‘I walked three miles in the snow to get to school.’ Now, we’re lucky to see 10 percent to 20 percent of kids walking to school,” says Ory, who hopes to see some of the programs she has seen implemented
Ory says the biggest factor is understanding what can be done on your own. “Get the kids active. Limit screen time — things that you do while sitting down. Parents can limit that. Teach children where food comes from, so they know it’s not from a potato chip bag, but from the ground. If
they take part in the process, they are more likely to want to eat it. Cook healthy as a family. Look at your environment, walk around downtown Bryan, be more physically active.” Even these simple things have created a significant change in the national obesity levels in preschool age children, says Ory. “People are starting to really pay attention to this issue and they want to do something,” says Ory. “This has implications for the future of Texas, and for the future of the Brazos Valley.” For more information about Ory and the study she is conducting, and for more information about National Public Health Week events, visit: www.srph. tamhsc.edu. i
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telehealth counseling services
Reaching Rural Communities By BAILIE WILSON THE TELEHEALTH
support the
12 Can th
By BAILIE WILSON AFTER RESEARCHINg THE
issue of food insecurity on the Texas A&M University campus, the 12th Can, Texas A&M’s first food pantry, is now serving university students, staff, and faculty. “The need in the Texas A&M community is a lot greater than we perceived it to be,” says Jake Moyers, chair of the 12th Can. “We want to make sure that no one goes to bed without a meal.” The new program, initiated by the student organization Texas Aggies Making Change (TAMC), first opened in November 2013. It started when last year’s student body president, John Claybrook, approached TAMC with the idea. “The chairs spent all of last year researching the best way to get started,” says Moyers. The group decided to coordinate with the Brazos Valley Food Bank, which helped launch the initiative. The 12th Can food pantry
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currently opens every first Wednesday and Thursday of the month at the Texas A&M mail services building. “We try to give each person about a 40-pound bag of an assortment of food,” explains Moyers. “We haven’t had any food drives because we have had such success with donations so far,” says Moyers. The food provided by the 12th Can comes from donations made by a number of organizations such as Aggie Moms Club and student organizations. As they look to the future, the 12th Can organizers say they hope to be open more often and to provide a greater variety of food including perishables. A “pick-and-choose” method so people can take food based on individual needs is also a goal for the future. For more information on the 12th Can, visit tamc.tamu.edu. i
Counseling Clinic is a non-profit organization providing mental health services to underserved residents in the Brazos Valley area. Supervised by a doctoral-level staff, Texas A&M doctoral students in the APA-accredited counseling psychology program provide videoconference counseling services to individuals in need.
currently, there are remote clinics located in Leon County (Centerville), Madison County (Madisonville), and Washington County (Brenham). A clinic will open in Grimes County (Navasota) as early as this summer. “Anyone can participate,” says Elliott. “We talk to people on the phone and help them set up an appointment.” The
the rural sites. In the process, the psychology doctoral students receive the preparation and clinical experience they need for their future roles in mental health care. As far as the cost of the service, at this point it is free. “We operate very similarly to the way a medical school operates with its residents,” says Elliott. “It’s a way for us to address the disparities
video conFerence counseling is availaBle For individual, group, and couples therapy “The Brazos Valley is a health professional shortage area, more specifically a mental health shortage area,” explains Dr. Timothy Elliott, executive director of the TCC. “We don’t have enough mental health professionals to meet the needs of our populace, which is one of the main reasons we need this service.” The TCC began in 2007 with a grant awarded to Leon County and the Center for Community Health Development to provide counseling services in rural settings. The project expanded, and
TCC seeks to meet a variety of mental health needs for both adults and adolescents (age 13+) by providing services such as individual, group, and couples therapy, available in both English and Spanish. “There are several aspects to the psychological practice,” explains Elliott. “One is to conduct a psychological assessment.” According to Elliott, the doctoral students, who are under rigorous supervision, not only provide therapy but can also conduct a psychological assessment at any of
in mental health services.” “A lot of people have wanted this service, knowing it is needed, and people have dedicated a lot of resources and time to make this happen,” says Elliott. Elliott emphasizes the collaboration among leaders in the community, social services, and the Center for Community Health Development at Texas A&M School of Rural Public Health that helped establish the TCC. “We don’t operate in isolation…we operate with community support.” i
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happy couples
Sometimes it is Okay to Agree to Disagree By KATE SKINNER
W
WHAT dOES IT TAKE
to have a successful long-term relationship? Differences among individuals make it difficult to give one solution for every disagreement. However, there are some useful things to keep in mind when facing a conflict with that special someone. Traditionally, there have been two schools of thought for dealing with conflict in a close relationship. One says it is best to avoid using negative communication styles like yelling or namecalling. Intentionally pushing your partner’s buttons during an argument should never be done according to this theory. The other approach says each individual needs to be
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allowed to express their emotions so that stress can be released and to set boundaries for future conflicts, which creates an environment for a more healthy relationship in the future. A recent study completed by Dr. Keith Sanford at Baylor University suggests couples that experience intense conflicts but are in a satisfying relationship still find resolutions and may be more successful in their resolutions. Dr. Richard Street, a professor of communication at Texas A&M University, says he doesn’t find the study results startling. For many years Street has worked in the field of interpersonal communication as well as communication in personal and professional relationships. “It was my understanding
that the study was completed using established relationships – these people have been together for a while,” says Street. “I do not find it surprising that people in satisfactory relationships can have more intense kinds of negative conflict and still have a more
positive experiences solving disagreements. A couple that does not have this positive history of experiences may view a heated conflict as a negative reinforcement and add to the unsatisfactory nature of the relationship. Street describes a scenario where an intense argument
a single nasty argument may Be a sign oF how vested the couple is in the relationship satisfying relationship after the fact relative to those couples that are unsatisfied,” he says. Happy couples have what Street calls a history together; they will not allow a single nasty argument to tarnish their previous
takes place. “If people are fairly emotionally charged, that may be a sign of how vested they are in that relationship. Emotions can drain, they can be fun, or not. An intense argument can reflect the importance of the
relationship to the individuals and how important it is that they find a solution. Dissatisfied couples would more likely find this as a symptom of the problem [being stuck in an unhappy relationship].” Street points out, “It’s not the style that you use [to communicate] in the moment. It’s the context in which the individual people derive meaning from the interaction.” But what does all this mean in the middle of a fight? After all, it would be nice to have a quick and easy fix for disputes ranging from leaving the toilet seat up to buying one too many pairs of shoes. The answer is simpler than it seems. “Relationships in the early stages are guided by normative behaviors,” Street explains. “This means
early on you don’t want to make each other mad or embarrassed. As the relationship grows and evolves, each couple will develop unique rules and ‘norms’ that are just for them. The successful long-term relationships are that way because they have taken the time. What may seem to be a good or bad practice may or may not work. You just can’t generalize to more intimate couples. The way they communicate is special to them,” says Street. The things couples enjoy, and even those they do not, are part of what makes the relationship special. To improve a relationship’s communication, even when faced with conflict, the best course is to remember why you were first attracted to one another. i
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neW hOSPItal
College Station Welcomes a Bright Spot for Mental Health By JAMIE O’TOOLE
I
N THE WORLd OF HEALTHCARE, MENTAL
health is overlooked and undertreated. The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that one in every five Americans has a mental disorder, yet fewer than one-third of affected adults and one-half of affected children receive treatment. The Brazos Valley region has lacked a psychiatric health facility and has for more than 15 years, which means inpatient services in Houston, Temple, and Austin have been among the closest available. Rock Prairie Behavioral Health will provide the opportunity for people to be treated closer to home when it opens in College Station on April 8. The new psychiatric hospital will eventually hold 72 beds and offer inpatient and intensive outpatient care for patients of all ages. CEO Dr. Duane Runyan explains the multidisciplinary staff will include psychiatrists, nurses, medical physicians, therapists, and other trained personnel to meet the individual patients’ needs. “If there is a need, we will provide that care,” says Runyan. As a licensed clinical psychologist, Runyan understands the importance of addressing the full spectrum of each patient’s needs, whether mental, physical, spiritual, or emotional. “It is truly humbling to be able to be an advocate for patients and their loved ones, and that is what we are trying to do here.” Runyan says the hospital is not intended to house patients long-term, but provides a place
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of safety for people who may be a hazard to themselves or others while receiving the care and treatment needed to give patients hope and purpose as they reenter the community. The facility encourages families to be involved in the rehabilitation process. “Our motto is: Helping families put their lives together, one piece at a time,” explains Anthony
the new psychiatric hospital will eventually hold 72 Beds and oFFer inpatient and intensive outpatient care For patients oF all ages Moore, director of business development. “Now there will be a resource in town and we are honored to be here to offer these services to our community.”
Initially the hospital will house only adults, a decision that was made after assessing adult psychiatric emergencies as the greatest need locally, according to Runyan. By August, he says the timeline is to have programs for children and adolescents with seniors programs available by September. Rock Prairie Behavioral Health also will supply new job opportunities and partnerships with multiple agencies throughout the community. “We are most interested in hiring from the area, as there is a tremendous amount of expertise in Brazos Valley,” says Runyan. The hospital will work in conjunction with the Mental Health and Mental Retardation Authority of Brazos Valley, local law enforcement, hospitals, and churches. Agreements have been made with both Texas A&M University and Blinn College to provide internships and other training opportunities for nursing and medical students. Runyan and Moore invite the community to the hospital’s open house on April 7 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the ribbon cutting ceremony at 11:30 a.m. “We are just one piece in the puzzle,” says Runyan, as he describes the new role the hospital will play in the Brazos Valley. Runyan and Moore express that the goal for Rock Prairie Behavioral Health is to be a part of a bigger picture, serving the community by giving stability and hope for a healthier future. i
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IntersectIons
A Home for the Brazos Spinners and Weavers Guild story and Photos By JAMIE O’TOOLE
N
NESTLEd AWAY
in a small shopping strip on Texas Avenue, Intersections: Textile Learning Center houses a unique group of artists who share the love for all things fiber. Whether weaving, spinning, felting, knitting, or
any combination of fiber-related crafts, the doors to Intersections are open to anyone interested in the craft. Intersections opened officially in August 2013 but the Brazos Spinners and Weavers Guild, founded by Maggie Mezera, has been around since 1976. While no longer in Texas, Maggie makes it a point to visit and
check-in with the guild, which still includes original members from the guild’s inception. Having seen the organization grow and change through the years, all the members are pleased to see the guild finally have a home. “We can finally really show people what we do,” says Guild President Helen Dewolf, a 10-year member with a passion for anything related to fiber. “The guild house also gives us the chance to talk to others that share our love. It is always just such a positive vibe.” Since the opening of Intersections, the guild has grown by nearly a third. The current 35 members range in age from as young as 10 to as wise as 87 and include both men and women. “It is a place for like-minded people to appreciate fibers and textiles and fiber arts and to provide instruction and education,” says Dewolf. “And it’s our home.” Open every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, Intersections serves as a gathering place for
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guild members as well as a place to showcase and sell their work, and educate others about the craft. The guild currently offer several classes a week and host a weekly Fiber Folks Fun Day each Saturday, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Fiber Fun Days welcomes everyone to join in the fellowship of the guild, free of charge. Each Saturday focuses on a different topic, including knitting, spinning, and weaving among others. Guild members are always availabe to answer questions and assist people with projects. “The big thing is to expose people in the area to something that’s absolutely essential to their everyday life and they have no idea how it’s made,” explains
Dewolf. “Spinning and weaving are part of one of the oldest forms of expression.” Aside from the time spent at Intersections, the guild makes a point to get out into the community as much as possible. Demonstrations by guild members can be seen at First Friday in Downtown Bryan and at Barrington Farm. With the motto “So much fiber, not enough time”, the guild hopes that its new home will continue to encourage membership and enable Intersections to be opened more frequently. For more information on the Brazos Valley Spinners and Weavers Guild or Intersections Learning Center, visit www. weavebrazos.org. i
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What
2014 Great American Clean Up
When
April 12
WhO
Youth, civic and professional groups
get involved
Texas Trash Off
Compiled By INSITE STAFF
B/C Real Estate Trends Bryan/college station had a banner housing market in 2013 and indicators for 2014 point towards another year of growth trends, according to dr. james gaines, research economist at the real estate center at texas a&m university. teXas housing market
K
KEEP BRAzOS
Beautiful (KBB) is holding a cleanup event on Saturday, April 12 for the 2014 Great American Cleanup and Texas Trash Off. Keep America Beautiful’s Great American Cleanup is the nation’s largest community improvement program, taking place annually from March 1 through May 31. Community efforts include beautifying parks and recreation areas, cleaning waterways, handling recycling collections, picking up litter, removing graffiti,
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planting trees and conducting education programs and litter-free events – anything that keeps the community beautiful. As an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, Keep Texas Beautiful strives to educate and engage Texans to improve their community environment. Participants can receive trash bags, volunteer giveaways, promotional items, and more to assist in facilitating their cleanup events. During this signature event, KBB’s volunteers will participate on a team helping to remove litter from local parks, schoolyards, and streets. After Trash Bash will follow the cleanup at the Brazos Center with lunch
provided by Twin Oaks Landfill, music by Candy 95, and door prizes provided by local businesses. A Most Unique Item Found Contest will award a winner with $50. “This is one of those really special and much needed events where community members get to meet their neighbors, and where neighbors become friends,” says KBB Executive Director Amy Reed. Youth, civic, and professional groups have the opportunity to create their own teams for the event. There is also a specified site for families with children under the age of 5. Visit www. keepbrazosbeautiful. org for more information and volunteer signups. i
will continue to lead the country, but rapid growth is causing great strain on state and local resources with Texas housing inventory at an extremely low level.
joB growth in both Texas and B/CS will continue to be relatively strong.
30 million By 2055 population growth
is projected for Texas, having added 14 million people in the last 40 years.
B/cs set record high median home price in 2013
with a record high median home price of $160,300, a 4 percent increase from 2012. Furthermore, 70 percent of home sales in 2013 were between $100,000 and $250,00 compared to 47 percent in 2000. Eighteen percent of homes sold for $250,000 or more, a growth of 13 percent since 2000.
record home sales in 2013 were recorded with nearly 3,000 home sold.
university eXpansion is ongoing
with another year in the SEC and local non-residential construction continues to be strong. i
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Photos CoURtesy oF B/Cs CoNVeNtioN & VisitoRs BUReaU
B/CS Ranks 12th Best Remodeling Market
College Station Ranked Among Top 10 Cities On The Rise in Texas STEARNS dESIgN
Build, an area remodeling company, recently reported that Remodeling Magazine ranks Bryan/College Station as the twelfth healthiest market for residential remodeling in the country. Good news for area remodelers and residents interested in remodeling their homes, the ranking shows strong economic development likely to provide good return on remodeling investments. “This is a nice
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validation of what we have been seeing over the last several months. After a long period of economic concern, families are ready to make the improvements that they have been holding off on,” says Hugh Stearns, president of Stearns Design Build. Stearns says his company’s backlog is growing and that the average size of project is increasing. “After 20 years of business we were a little surprised to hit a slowdown during
the recession,” says Stearns, “But, all in all, our area faired far better than most parts of the country. Everyone is glad to see economic improvement.” According to a nationwide survey from Zillow Digs taken last November, while repairs top the list of reasons for home improvements, 29 percent of homeowners are choosing remodeling in order to modernize their homes for comfort and functionality. i
THE CITY OF
College Station recently announced College Station has ranked seventh on NerdWallet’s list of the Top 10 Cities on the Rise. NerdWallet, a consumer finance company, considered population, employment and income growth in its calculations. The report cited College
Station for its ties to Texas A&M’s Center for Innovation in Advanced Development and Manufacturing, the relocation of Cognizant Technology Solutions the Research Valley Innovation Center, and the factthe city recently passed the 100,000 population mark. “Businesses are coming to Texas in droves, hiring new
employees and raising salaries for existing workers,” NerdWallet’s Maggie Clark writes. “Because of the migration and job growth, the DallasSan Antonio-Austin economy now produces more than $700 billion in economic output per year, ranking among the biggest 25 economies in the world.” i
nerdWallet’s top 10 texas Cities on the rise 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
The Woodlands Mansfield Del Rio Big Spring Schertz
6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
University Park College Station Mission Greenville Nacogdoches
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sprIng treat
Navasota Home & Garden Tour
What
Navasota Home & Garden Tour
By BAILIE WILSON
F
FOR A SPRINgTIME TOUR
of five charming historical homes, make plans to attend the Navasota Home and Garden Tour on April 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Each home, built during the late 1800s or early 1900s, offers a current view of lifestyles past. “The houses have been
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When
April 26, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
renovated and modernized, but the old character is still retained,” explains Dia Copeland, chair of the home and garden tour committee. “The ways the houses are decorated are really fabulous. People live in them every day, so it’s nice to see how they have preserved the character and integrity of the old
houses but have made them functional today.” Docents will be at each house to explain the history of the home. “Each house has a story and a really unique history,” says Copeland. “People will get to learn about the previous owners, who built the home, and a lot of other good stories.”
Each house has its own garden and will feature master gardeners to answer questions about the landscape and gardens around the houses. In addition to the houses, visitors will be able to tour the new Navasota City Hall. Modeled after photos of the city hall built in the mid
1800s, the new building includes displays of historical artifacts on loan from local residents. As part of the ticket price, those on tour will be able to stop by Martha’s Bloomers Restaurant and Garden Center for high tea and snacks from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. i
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gardenIng InspIratIon
Dr. Bayse’s Garden Party
Compiled By KATE SKINNER
ROSEWOOd MANOR WILL BE HOSTINg
the Dr. Robert E. Basye Garden Party on Saturday, April 12, from 9a.m. – 5p.m. The Garden Party will feature vendors of a variety of plants and art for the garden and home. Look forward to roses, herbs, vegetables, decorative plants, and landscaping materials as well as birdhouses, wind chimes, stepping stones, gazing balls, sculptures, paintings, and more. Featured speakers will discuss topics related to gardening, and a special honorarium to Basye. The event is free and open to the public, with onsite food vendors available for lunch. The Garden Party honors the life’s work of Basye, who was a researcher and hybridizer of roses, and entered into the Horticulture Hall of Fame. Basye was also a professor at Texas A&M University for more than 30 years, and provided research on chromosome division and the treatments of new plant species. He is most famous for his Commander Gillette, Basye’s Purple Rose, and Belinda’s Dream species of roses. Basye died in 2002 at the age of 92. His property is now known as Rosewood, and his home has become a bed and breakfast. To see a sample of Bayse’s roses, visit the Antique Rose Emporium in Washington County. Call (979) 272-8580 or visit rosewoodofnewtabor.com for more information about the Garden Party. i
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100 years
St. Andrews Episcopal Church Celebrates Centennial
Compiled by BAILIE WILSON
What
St. Andrew’s Centennial Celebration
When
April 27
I
n April 2014, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Bryan, will celebrate the centennial of its church building. The cornerstone of the American Gothic style church was laid on May 30, 1912. The first service was held in the church on Palm Sunday, April 5, 1914, and The Rt. Rev. George Kinsolving, Bishop of Texas, consecrated the building. St. Andrew’s is the oldest church building in the community to be in continuous use. The church is located at Parker and 26th Streets in Downtown Bryan, on the highest point in Brazos County. Architectural plans were commissioned from the Boston firm of Brigham, Coveney and Bisbee, and the builder was
Charlie Jenkins of Bryan (18611943). Designed in the traditional cruciform style, the church incorporates such characteristic Gothic elements as the pointed arch, ribbed vault, and flying buttress. The beauty of St. Andrew’s draws many visitors and docents regularly give tours explaining the art found in the church. The great bell hanging in the tower was forged by Meneely & Kimberly of Troy, New York, while the magnificent stained glass windows depicting the life of Christ were made by the Jacoby Art Glass Co. of St. Louis, Missouri, and by J. Wippell & Co. of Exeter, England. Exquisite woodcarvings are found in the lectern, pulpit, and
You’re the Tops Luncheon Compiled By BAILIE WILSON toP to Bottom [leFt to Right] – ella mCgRUDeR, CaRolyN JaRos, JoaNN tReat, JUDy leUNes, maRie NUtall, alma VillaRReal, KRistiaNa hamiltoN, CaRolyN lamPo, aND DiaNNe CoCaNoUgheR [Not PiCtUReD: JUlia gaRDNeR, Kelly KoVaCs aND JeaNNie milleR]
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altarpiece. Parishioners will celebrate the centennial on April 27 with a service featuring special music and portions of the liturgy from the 1892 Book of Common Prayer, which was in use at the time St. Andrew’s was built. A luncheon and program will follow. Leading up to the celebration, members have been researching the church’s
T
he Brazos Valley Prenatal Clinic will sponsor the 20th annual “You’re the Tops” luncheon on May 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the College Station Hilton. The luncheon will benefit the Prenatal Clinic, which promotes the delivery of healthy babies by providing care to pregnant women who otherwise would not receive it. The clinic sees approximately 800 local patients every year and offers parenting classes, prenatal preventative care, and referrals to government financial aid programs.
history and writing articles to document their findings. The church has also published a commemorative book highlighting the art and architecture of the building and its importance to generations of worshipers. For more information on St. Andrew’s, including historical articles and the centennial celebration, visit standrewsbcs.org. i
During the event, women who have been nominated by past honorees will be recognized for their contribution to the community. “Each honoree will receive individual recognition on stage, and their contributions will be highlighted,” shares Linda Roberts, publicity volunteer for the luncheon. “They will receive a rose, lapel pen, and a commendation from the governor.” A reservation is required to attend the event. For ticket information contact Lynn Clary Yeager, the executive director of The Prenatal Clinic at (979) 595-1783. i
#
42
Care for your business as you would your family.
Together let’s create a plan for your business and the future of those who help it grow. D. Wade VanDerBoom Agent, New York Life Insurance Company 3200 Southwest Freeway Suite 1900 Houston, TX 77027 (979) 219-9560 dwvanderboom@ft.newyorklife.com
SMRU496908(Exp.01/11/2015) Š 2013 New York Life Insurance Company, 51 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010
Life Insurance Solutions For Business.
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37
Your Source For Food & Fun | INSITE BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION
dininG / CATERinG / VEnuES Café ECCEll & la BODEGa CaTERING
www.eccellgroup.com, www.labodegacatering.com, (979) 846-0928, (979) 739-0010, info@laboega catering. com. For private parties, weddings or any event off premise from buffets and mixers to fine dining for 25-1,000 people. Café Eccell plus La Bodega plus your imagination adds up to Eccell Group Catering and anything you want!
CaffE CapRI ITalIaN REsTauRaNT
www.theplaceforitalian.com, 222 N Main St, Bryan (979)822-2675. This award winning downtown restaurant has been serving creative and reasonably priced Italian dishes for 15 years. Enjoy their art deco interior, local art display and upbeat atmosphere. Lunch M-F 11am-2pm; Dinner M-Th 6pm-9pm; F-Sa 5pm-9pm
Casa RODRIGuEz
www.casarod.com, 300 N. Bryan Ave., Bryan (979) 779-0916. Casa Rodriguez has been serving Bryan and College Station for more than 30 years. Their menu consists of traditional Mexican food recipes that have kept the locals and visitors coming back for more. M 11am-2pm; Tu-Th 8am-9pm; F-Sa 8am-9:30pm; Su 8am-8pm
CENaRE REsTauRaNT
www.gotocenare.com, 404 University Dr E, CS (979)6967311. Cenare offers a variety of authentic Italian cuisine and beautifully presented dishes. Whether you are looking for an intimate evening, a nice place for the entire family or a place to host your next event, Cenare is a great choice. M-F 11am-2pm; M-Th 5-9:30pm; F-Sa 5-10pm
ChEf TaI’s MOBIlE BIsTRO
www.cheftai.com, check website for daily locations and hours (979) 268-3251. Chef Tai’s Mobile Bistro is America’s Favorite Food Truck serving a blend of globally inspired cuisine.
ChOCOlaTE GallERy
www.bcschocolategallery.com, 211 N. Main St., Bryan (979) 779-2804. The Chocolate Gallery provides premium pastries and chocolate as well as showcase the art of pastry and confections through education and experience. Tu-Th 10am-8pm, F-Sa 10am-9pm
ThE ClaRy hOusE www.theclaryhouse.com, 601 East 30th St., Bryan, (979)703-7916. Southern hospitality since 1902. Choose from four distinct suites to make you feel relaxed and pampered. Personal coffee bar and business center. Just one mile from Bryan’s historic downtown and five miles from the Texas A&M campus. Perfect for special occasions. Promising to make your visit memorable with a leisurely stay.
J.CODy’s sTEaKs aND BBQ
3610 S. College Ave., Bryan (979) 846-CODY. J.Cody’s serves both tender and juicy steaks and mouth watering BBQ. Let J.Cody’s cater your next event. M-Th 11am-9pm, F-Sa 11am-9:30pm, Su 11am-3pm
lasallE hOTEl
www.lasalle-hotel.com, 120 S. Main St., Bryan (979) 8222000, Located in the heart of historic downtown Bryan, LaSalle Hotel, Café and Bar has corporate and group rates, conference and meeting rooms, and an executive chef on staff.
ThE lEMON WEDGE
www.the-lemonwedge.com, 308 N Main St, Bryan (979)703-4052. The Lemon Wedge is an elegant, upscale
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neighborhood restaurant located in the heart of downtown Bryan, serving fresh steak, seafood and spirits. Offering a wonderful selection of USDA prime steak and seafood dishes, as well as classical American favorites and great cocktails. The perfect place for couples, groups and families! Tu-Th 10:30am-9pm; F-Sa 10:30am-10pm; Su 9-11am omelet bar/ 11am-2:30pm Brunch
luIGI’s paTIO RIsTORaNTE
www.luigispatiorstorante.com, 3975 SH-6 S, CS (979) 693-2742. Luigi’s Patio Ristorante offers genuine Italian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere that transports you straight to the heart of Italy. You can choose to dine in the villa-style home interior or “outside” in the piazza town center, an indoor patio outfitted to embody all the excitement of a traditional Italian market square. Live music, check website for schedule. Open for lunch TuFri 11:30am-2pm. Open for dinner Tu-Su 5:30pm, call for closing times. Brunch Su 11:30am-2pm
MR. G’s pIzzERIa
www.gotomrgs.com, 201 W 26th St., Bryan (979) 8226747; 404 E University Dr., College Station (979) 6936747. At Mr. G’s, every slice is served with family pride, the freshest ingredients, original recipes and only the finest imported Italian cheeses. Now serving Gluten Free pizza. Bryan location: M-F 11am-2pm & 5pm-9pm, Sa 5pm-9pm. College Station location: M-Th 11am-2pm & 5pm-9pm, F 11am-2pm & 5pm-10pm. Sa 5pm-10pm.
MusT BE hEavEN
www.mustbeheaven.com, 100 S. Main St., Bryan (979) 822-7722; 1136 East Villa Maria, Bryan (979) 731-8891; 1700 Rock Prairie Rd., College Station (979) 764-9222. Reminisce the good ole’ days of Ice Cream Shoppes and hand-crafted sandwiches at Must Be Heaven. Bryan locations’ hours: M-F 8am-6pm, Sa 8am-3pm. College Station hours: M-F 8am-8pm, Sa 8am-3pm
pERRINE WINERy
www.perrinewinery.com, 900 Harvey Rd., Ste. 6, College Station (979) 703-1843. Perrine Winery is a custom micro-winery featuring award-winning wines, tastings, parties, pairings, and custom labels. Tu-Th 4pm-8pm, F 2pm-11pm, Sa 12pm-10p
ThE REpuBlIC
www.therepublic1836.com, 701 University Dr E, CS (979)260-4120. Recently receiving the designation of AAA four diamond steak house, The Republic offers a variety of gourmet steak options, seafood, wine, and whiskey. Their focus is on the use of fine, locally grown foods and simple Texas cooking in an elegant setting. M-Sa 5-10pm
RONIN COOKING
ronincooking.com, (979) 574-8745, Ronin cooking offers special full moon dinners and provides high quality food and catering for your next event, at your place or on the farm.
ThE Tap
www.tapbcs.com, 815 Harvey Rd, CS, (979)696-5570. The Tap is a former train depot transformed into a sports bar and restaurant. This local favorite has more than 30 TVs, darts, pool tables, NTN trivia, dominoes, two huge porches, occasional live music specials, burgers, sandwiches, and free peanuts. M-Sa 11am-2pm
TRuMaN ChOCOlaTEs
www.trumanchocolates.com, 4407 S Texas Ave, Bryan (979)260-4519. Choose from signature series boxes or customize your own. Numerous flavors to choose from. Made on site by well-trained staff. Perfect to leave a lasting impression for any event! Open M-F 10am-6pm; Sa 10am-3pm; Closed on Sunday
vERITas
www.veritaswineandbistro.com, 830 University Dr E, Ste 400, CS (979) 268-3251. Classically trained chefs offer creative cuisine in a casual, contemporary setting. Veritas embraces usage of organic and local produce, wild caught seafood flown in directly from the source, as well as poultry and meat raised naturally. Highly-trained associates and wine stewards can guide you through an award-winning wine list, which has garnered Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence (2007-2010). Lunch M-Sa 11am-2pm; Dinner Sun-Th 5:30pm-9:30pm, F-Sa 5:30pm-10pm
EnTERTAinMEnT & ATTRACTionS BRazOs BINGO
www.BraosBingo.com, 1805 Briarcrest Dr across from Bryan High, Bryan (979) 776-0999. For charity bingo at its best, Brazos Bingo has family night, Aggie nights, and an enclosed non-smoking section. Enjoy great food at great prices at the Brazos City Grill or call about the party room – great for business events. Brazos Bingo supports the following charities: St. Joseph School, St. Joseph Church, Brazos Valley Council on Alcohol and Substance Abuse, Bubba Moore Memorial Group, Inc., College Station Professional Firefighters Assoc., & Scotty’s House Brazos Valley Advocacy Inc. Open 7 days a week.
REvOluTION CafE & BaR
211 Main St, Bryan, (979) 823-4044. An eclectic coffee shop with a laid back, cool atmosphere, live music and great drink specials. Full bar, premium coffees, gourmet Panini and a large patio. Poetry open mic every Sunday, pub quiz trivia night every Monday, open mic every Wednesday.
sChlITTERBahN WaTER paRK
www.schlitterbahn.com, New Braunfels Waterpark (830) 625-2351; New Braunfels Lodging (855) 246-0273; Galveston Waterpark (409) 770-9283. Bring the whole family to experience why Schlitterbahn has been voted the best waterpark anywhere. Enjoy thrilling water slides or relax in the Lagoon for a day of fun in the sun. You can bring your own picnic into the park or enjoy the fun food available and resort lodging is available at the New Braunfels location. Park hours vary by season. BURLESON COUNTY
dininG / SHoPPinG MaD haTTER’s TEa ROOM
www.madhatterstearoom.com, 210 S. Echols, Caldwell (979) 567-3504. The Mad Hatter’s cozy eatery provides tantalizing treats and generous portions bursting with flavor, a unique selection of gift items, gourmet coffees, and specialty teas. Open for breakfast and lunch and special events by appointment. W-Sa 8am-5pm WAShINGTON COUNTY
dininG / CATERinG fuNKy aRT Café & COffEE BaR
202 W Commerce St, Brenham (979)836-5220. Delicious and different, Funky Art Café in Brenham offers enticing entrees to please the palate. Or choose a sandwich or savory soup before shopping in its companion retail shop, The Pomegranate, to find trinkets, gift ideas and kitchen gadgets. M-Fr 11am-2pm; Sa 11am-3pm Listings provided as a service. Insite is not responsible for errors or omissions. For menus, maps and directions, visit InsiteBrazosValley.com/eats-and-treats
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39
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