Insite Magazine by Margaret Ann Thurmond

& TS EA : TS EA TR

January 2012

E uid AG & od Fo To n Fu

ShifTing EConomiC CondiTions Challenges & Champions

eConomiC oUTlooK

2012

plus TailgaTing

Aggies Meet Their Match

neW YeaR, neW YoU

Failure Is Not An Option

YoUR soURCe

Brazos Valley Business Directory January 2012 INSITE

design and printing that...

CoNTENTS

TACKLES

CoNFERENCEPREVIEW

Shifting Economic Conditions Chamber event forecasts tourism, real estate and retail for 2012 by Travis Lawson

THE COMPETITION

LIFESTYLE

The Art of Tailgating

SEC Fans Call Out Aggies Off the Gridiron by Travis Lawson

CoMMUNITYOUTREACH

Big Hats, Big Hearts

Cattle Baron’s Ball working for a cure by Margaret Ann Thurmond

GETFIT

Failure Is Not An Option Why personal trainers work by Angelique Gammon

GETINVOLVED

Running With A Purpose Armadillo Dash founder inspires fitness by Megan Jarvie

YoURSOURCE

2012 Brazos Valley Business Directory Special Advertising Section

123 E. Wm J. Bryan Pkwy. Bryan, Texas 77803 979.823.5567 800.364.2665 Toll Free 979.823.3894 Fax www.insitegroup.com

Departments PUbLIShER’SDESk Decision Free Zone EaTS

& TREATS Food & fun guide

page 4

INSITE Magazine is published monthly by Insite Printing & Graphic Services, 123 E. Wm. J. Bryan Pkwy., Bryan, Texas 77803. (979) 8235567 www.insitebrazosvalley. com Volume 28, Number 8. Publisher/Editor: Angelique Gammon; Account Executive: Myron King; Graphic designer: Karen Green. Editorial interns: Megan Jarvie, Travis Lawson, Margaret Ann Thurmond; 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 Lindley; Kim Quinney; Barbara Wyss; Production: Stephen Beatty; Norris Carnes; Marilyn Carey; Don Coburn; Jaimie Colwell; Ricky Conchola; Byron Lee; Margie Lowry; Arthur Maldonado; Richard Pearce; Brandon Prouse; Frank Ramirez; Mike Seward; Ruben Torres; Jimmy Welch; Stephen Woodruff.

page 47

InsIte onlIne www.insitebrazosvalley.com 2

INSITE January 2012

January 2012 INSITE

PUbLIShER’SDESk

CoNFERENCEPREVIEW

by Travis Lawson / photos by Matthew L. Crawley

Several thingS happen thiS time of year: you resolve to start a good habit or stop a bad one; you keep writing last year’s date by mistake because your existential self can’t quite admit another year is gone; and you make your reservation for the B/CS Chamber of Commerce’s annual Economic Outlook Conference at the end of January. On the subject of starting a healthy habit, losing weight or starting an exercise program are perennial New Year’s Resolution favorites and failure is not an option this year. On page 18 you’ll find the 5 SecretS to keeping your resolutions while two other articles share personal success stories in finding no-fail fitness solutions. You can launch a half marathon that benefits children’s charities like Dr. Jennifer Friedman did, or you can buy motivation with a personal trainer like I did (though I stole the phrase ‘buy motivation’ from Friedman because it’s so perfect). Whatever your fitness level or budget, there’s a solution to sticking with that fitness goal past March 1. As for the Economic Outlook Conference, you’ll want to make reServationS early as a sellout crowd is expected to gather on January 25 to hear from experts in tourism, real estate and retail on what to expect in 2012 and how Texas A&M’s move to the SoutheaStern

conference will impact the local economy (see page 10 for details). As for writing 2011 instead of 2012 for the next couple of months, I suggest you just let that one go.

exiStentially Speaking, I’ll just consider it an expression of free will until 2012 gets old enough for me to admit time really has marched on. – Angelique Gammon

ShifTing T EConomiC CondiTions

exas and Bryan/College Station have faired well during “The Great Recession” when compared to the rest of the United States, and on January 25, experts

from different fields will illuminate just how brightly the Brazos Valley economy will continue to shine during 2012. The B/CS Chamber of Commerce’s annual Economic Outlook Conference is expected to sell out available seating at the College Station

Get in Touch Sign Up! Wednesday’s Wake up to

the Weekend Possibilities e-newsletter www.insitebrazosvalley.com Angelique Gammon, Publisher agammon@insitegroup.com insite Magazine

INSITE January 2012

Hilton Hotel as four important local and national issues are

Economic Outlook Conference

explored: the economic impact of Texas A&M University’s move

How Tourism, Real Estate & Retail Will Shape the B/CS Economy in 2012

to the Southeastern Conference; residential and commercial real estate trends; the economic impact of tourism locally; and success strategies for the retail sector. January 2012 INSITE

SIGHTS SET ON SEC

ill Byrne, director of athletics at Texas A&M, will be the keynote speaker at the Economic Outlook Conference luncheon and will focus his discussion on the economic impact of the Aggies moving to the SEC in 2012. Jason Cook, chief communications officer for the Texas A&M System, says even though the teams are farther away, in the future there will still be more fans in Aggieland on game day and for a much more extended period of time. “The most obvious change you will see is there will be a lot more tailgating,” says Cook. “The SEC is widely known for the travel to road games. I’m a graduate of Mississippi State, and I can remember the RVs from LSU and Alabama arriving on our campus on Wednesday or Thursday.” The current allotment of visiting team tickets in the Big 12 is 3,800, but according to Cook, as part of the SEC the university will have to allocate between 5,000 and 9,000 tickets for the away teams, depending on the school. This begs the question, What is the University going to do to account for the larger influx of fans for home games? While Cook could not speak to the direct economic impact and details of accommodating the large number of away tailgaters, he did say it was something that the university staff would be discussing in the off-season prior to the 2012 football season. In his lunchtime keynote speech at the conference, Byrne is expected to address a variety of local issues impacted by Texas A&M’s move to the SEC.

REAL ESTATE TRENDS: JOBS + GROWTH

WELCOME TO AGGIELAND .

2012 ECONOMIC OUTLOOK STEPPING OUT IN STYLE 6

INSITE January 2012

Photo by Matthew L. Crawley

ven though the recession was declared over in June 2009, Dr. Jim Gaines believes that is far from the final word on the situation. Gaines, a research economist at the Texas A&M Real Estate Center, says Texas is in much better shape than the rest of the U.S. due to the state’s dodge of a major housing collapse, while states like California and Nevada were hit hard with large numbers of home foreclosures. “We didn’t have the problems that occurred in other states like the subsequent wealth loss,” Gaines says. “Our economy proved to be more resilient in not having the long period of job loss like the U.S. economy.” Instead, Texas had only about a year of job loss and according to Dr. Gaines, the state has January 2012 INSITE

almost fully recovered from those losses. His explanation for Texas’ economic toughness is its strong energy sector. The United States had a two-year period of job losses, a trend that had only begun shown a slight reverse to job gains at the end of 2011. “The United States lost jobs for over two years and are a long way away,” Gaines says. “Part of the fast recovery [in Texas] is due to the energy sector of our economy. The general health of the

U.S. economy is not what top economist predicted it would be at this point. In 2011, the economy was supposed to recover more than it did.” Dr. Gaines says a substantive nationwide economic recovery will not take place for several years and the real estate market must play a large part in helping the recovery along. He also notes that consumer confidence has been one of the big contributing factors in keeping the U.S. economy down, with recent data still not reflect-

ing a significant increase in confidence. According to the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M, Texas’ employment rate is twice as high as the national employment rate and the state enjoys an unemployment rate lower than most states. Texas also has a civilian labor force of more than 12,000 people and a population that is continuing to grow: Texas population has grown at a rate of 20.6 percent from 2000 to 2010, more than double the rate of the United States and trailing only Arizona as the fastest growing state in the country. During his presentation at the Economic Outlook Conference, Gaines will present statistics from 2011 for the local residential and commercial real estate market including sales, inventory and construction, and explain how those figures will likely affect the local real state market and economy in 2012.

HOW TO CAPITALIZE ON TOURISM

Photo by Matthew L. Crawley 8

INSITE January 2012

enny Reeh, owner of Indigo Resource Group and president of the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce, will be speaking at the Economic Outlook Conference about tourism and its impact on the Brazos Valley. One of the main points Reeh says she will speak on is how tourism has impacted local economic development. “Bryan/College Station has been very blessed in that it appeals to a variety of different sectors, for example, they have a very strong convention and meeting business, they have great sports facilities, and they are really blessed location wise with the University,” Reeh says. Another issue Reeh will address is the importance of the revenue brought in through the Hotel Occupancy Tax. According to an Indigo Resource Group report, in the past the City of College Station has withheld a portion of HOT funds to build a future conference center. However, Reeh will be discussing why the city needs to put the conference center plans on hold and shift the HOT revenue to other functions. “We did make a recommendation in our report that some of those funds would be better focused on marketing, sales and product offering of Bryan/College Station,” Reeh says. “This will produce a greater return-on-investment.” Other topics of discussion will be the university’s role in the tourism market as well as the “twin city effect” that Bryan/College Station can offer. Reeh says both of these factors provide a great opportunity in tourism but also present interesting challenges. January 2012 INSITE

“Significant conversation was placed in our report about the university and how much of a big player it was in the tourism economy,” Reeh says. “Also, the twin city relationship that College Station has with Bryan plays a role in providing a powerful backdrop because the broader your product is, the more people it will appeal to.”

FOLLOW THE MONEY: RETAIL

What: When: Where: How:

B/CS Chamber of Commerce Economic Outlook Conference January 25, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. College Station Hilton Hotel Visit the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce website at www.bcschamber.org or call (979) 260-5200 for EOC reservations.

Seating is limited and last year’s EOC conference sold out. Tickets are $70 for B/CS Chamber members and $80 for non-members.

EOC CONFERENCE SCHEDULE 7:30-8 a.m. Registration

8-9 a.m. Session I

Retail: Dr. Ronnie Volkening, President of the Texas Retailers Association

9:15-10:15 a.m. Session II

Tourism: Penny Reeh, Indigo Research Group

Photo by Matthew L. Crawley

uring his presentation at the Economic Outlook Conference, Dr. Ronnie Volkening, president of the Texas Retailers Association, will highlight some of the challenges facing retailers in the current economy including retailer confidence along with action items that need to be achieved in 2012. “I will comment on the fact that despite mixed to negative financial data for most of 2011, retailers have been actually resilient and posting moderate sales increases throughout 2011 and the challenges to continue that,” Volkening says. “Businesses need to stress a strong understanding that value means more than just a low price because customers have learned to shop for these low prices and are now going to start trying to figure out what else comes with the deal like quality and a good shopping experience.” Texas continues do a little better than the nation according to Volkening, who also says that Bryan/College Station has been consistent if not above the economic retail norm statewide. He also will discuss the role that retail will play in the national economic recovery. Volkening says that while he doesn’t have an economic crystal ball, he does plan to share some strategies for retail success in 2012. “In recent history, retail has been a good barometer that perhaps the consumers are getting a little bit more optimistic and are willing to go out and shop again,” Volkening says. “[Retailers] are going to have to be nimble, be careful, be cautiously optimistic, manage inventories very tightly, and make sure to stay in touch with their customer and be sure they are meeting the needs and wants of their customer. If they can do all that, then hopefully they will have a good year in 2012.” i

IF YOU GO

10:45-12 noon Session III

Real Estate, Dr. Jim Gaines, Texas A&M Real Estate Center

12:15-2 p.m. Lunch and Keynote Speaker Bill Byrnes, Director of Athletics, Texas A&M University *Times and speakers may change

ABOUT THE BRYAN/COLLEGE STATION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce exists to enhance the economic wellbeing of the businesses in the communities it serves. The Chamber consists of 1,576 business investors in the Brazos County, serving as the unified business voice for Bryan/College Station. With a rich heritage of leadership and collaboration, the Chamber works in partnership with the cities of Bryan and College Station and the corporate community to promote, advocate for and expand business in the cities and further develop and market Bryan/College Station’s advantages as a premier location for doing business. For more information about the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce, visit www.bcschamber.org or call (979) 260-5200. 10

INSITE January 2012

January 2012 INSITE

LIFESTYLE

by Travis Lawson / photos by Matthew L. Crawley

SEC Fans Promise to School Aggies

in the Art of Tailgating ame day at Texas A&M University: The spirit and energy of the 12th Man; the sea of maroon shirts crowding in and around Kyle Field; and most importantly, Aggie tailgating. Texas A&M has historically been one of the famed tailgating schools in the Big 12 and was ranked by Bleacher Report as the eighth best tailgating school in the nation in 2010. However, with the university’s move to the SEC this fall, Texas A&M will meet their match on the football field – and in the parking lot as well. Jason Cook, chief communication officer of the Texas A&M System, says that when it comes to tailgating it’s a whole new world in SEC country. “The most obvious change you will see is there will be a lot more tailgating; the SEC is widely known for the travel to road games,” Cook says, adding that Aggies can expect to see SEC fans pull into parking lots on Wednesday or Thursday for Saturday games. Where exactly the university is going to put the large influx of RV’s common among SEC tailgaters is under study, says Cook. “It is not only a capacity issue but we have to look at issues such as dump stations for RV’s, large parking spaces for RV’s, where do we put them, how do we accommodate them,” Cook says. “We have an integrated team from the athletic department, from facility services, from the community and we will work together to make sure that Aggieland is a welcoming place for our new SEC family.” Cook also says that the university is waiting for the 2012 football schedule to start making ticket allotment decisions, another change from joining the SEC. “There are many issues that we are going to have to look at such as the number of tickets to give to road teams,” Cook says. “When we were in Birmingham for a meeting with the SEC they said that road game allotments could range anywhere between 5,000 tickets to 9,000 tickets depending on the school.” Tyke Martin, Texas A&M Class of 1980, has been tailgating Aggie home games for seven years in Lot H across the street from Kyle Field. Martin and his friends decided to create a non-profit organization called the Brazos Valley Tailgaters that is sponsored by local businesses with the

INSITE January 2012

‘Being an Aggie is a good thing, but

’

being an Aggie tailgater is even better.

Tyke Martin

goal of offering a scholarship for an A&M student beginning this year. Tailgating with the Brazos Valley Tailgaters is a whole ‘nother level than a cooler of beer and a charcoal grill, drawing 150-plus people on any average home game. While it is a great place to

party before the game, it is also what Martin calls “tailgating for a purpose.” “We are hopefully taking tailgating to a whole new level,” Martin says. “We have about $10,000 in sponsors this year; it costs us about $6,500 to tailgate; and what we are going to do is

have a $2,000 to $3,000 scholarship made available to Texas A&M students.” With the move to the SEC on the horizon, Martin says his crew of tailgaters is ready for the new experience, adding that he looks forward to making sure that the SEC schools get a glimpse January 2012 INSITE

GETINVOLVED

s n g i s e D r e h p o t s i r h C rior Inte

s tion u l o S ign Des

Chris Spang

(979) 218-0027 christopher1002@verizon.net

INSITE January 2012

into the tradition, spirit and brotherhood that embodies Texas A&M from the Brazos Valley Tailgaters. He hopes other Aggie tailgaters will do the same. “That is what I admire about Aggies and I hope we stay that way,” Martin says. “Leave the combat on the field – and that is hard for some people to do – but tailgating gives us the opportunity to be good ambassadors.” Regardless of what conference Texas A&M is in, Martin insists that the Aggie tailgating experience will not change, only the number of people. He does believe that tailgating regulations will be affected by the larger SEC crowds, adding that currently tailgating is not very regulated around Aggieland, beyond the Spence Park regulation that tailgaters are only allowed to bring in what they can carry. This regulation bars tailgaters like Martin from bringing in smokers or pits. “I don’t foresee changes in tailgating itself except for more crowds and more people going to the game,” Martin says. “But when you have more people tailgating, what that may do is eventually the athletic department will start regulating it more.” Whatever else changes by the time the first SEC fans arrive, expect some friendly smack talk on and off the gridiron as Aggies welcome in new friends and new rivals. Emily Snyder, a senior at Louisiana State University, says the Aggies had no idea what they were getting themselves into, on the gridiron or at the barbeque grill. “Compared to A&M tailgates that I have been to you guys don’t even compare,” Snyder says. “Tailgating starts at 8 a.m. or 9 a.m. in the morning for evening games, and even earlier for afternoon games, usually guys will sleep out at their tailgates and party all night if there is a day game.” Snyder also says that in SEC country they take no prisoners, on or off the football field. If the colors of a person’s shirt aren’t purple, gold, and white in Baton Rouge on game day, prepared to be called “tiger bait.” “If someone comes to visit from another school its best to have them wear either purple, gold, or white because anyone who’s not wearing LSU colors gets harassed by everyone screaming ‘tiger bait’ in their faces,” Snyder says. “For the Oregon game people brought loaves of bread and threw slices at the Oregon fans because they are the Oregon ducks.” As everything from football to tailgating gets set to change in College Station, one thing is certain for Martin: the conference may change but the Aggie Way is set in stone. “Being an Aggie is a good thing, but being an Aggie tailgater is even better,” Martin says. i

Big Hats, Big Hearts

Cattle Baron’s Ball Working For A Cure

housands of children each year are diagnosed with cancer, but behind every statistic there is a little boy or girl who is battling for a healthy future. That fight may be closer to home than you think. Zaden Fisher is a 4-year-old Brazos County cowboy who wears his boots to sleep, loves Shetland ponies, and has a smile melts every heart. He is also a child living with cancer. Diagnosed when he was just 24 months old, Fisher has been fighting Acute Leukemia more than half his young life. Fisher’s spark remains bright despite his tough journey through cancer treatment. “His parents do a fantastic job of making sure he has a normal, happy childhood outside of being at his treatments and at the hospital,” says Shasta Horn, the 2012 chair of Cattle Baron’s Ball, the annual fundraiser hosted by the American Cancer Society. Fisher’s story struck a chord with the Cattle Baron’s Ball committee members. They year they will honor the fight of all cancer patients by shining a spotlight on Fisher’s personal cancer journey at the Cattle Baron’s Ball with the goal of raising both money and awareness in the ongoing fight against cancer. Each year at Cattle Baron’s Ball there is a restricted Gift Ask for a specific project such as transportation services or a research project. This year, Zaden’s story inspired Horn to make the Gift Ask to fund leukemia research. “I am very proud of that and it warms me to know how many people care,” Horn says, adding that Fisher’s story and proximity to home have resonated with people in the Brazos Valley. Dr. Coran Watanabe is currently research-

ing leukemia through a grant funded by the American Cancer Society at Texas A&M University; sponsors have donated $3,000 toward Dr. Watanabe’s research. This year, the Cattle Baron’s Ball will hold a Gift Ask to donate funds to grow the grant so her leukemia research can continue. With the help of donations from Mike and Linda Orgochock, Horn has put together a special package for Fisher and his parents, Trey and Amanda. “We’ve been extremely blessed for the amount of things people have donated,” Horn says. Fisher is unable to travel far because of his weekly visits to MD Anderson, so all of the donations are based in Texas. His family will receive a weekend stay at the JW Marriot Resort and Spa in San Antonio; tickets to the San Antonio Zoo; and tickets to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. “The one thing he asked for was a Shetland pony,” says Horn when she tells about asking Fisher what he wanted. Through a fortunate chain of events, a family who happened to have a Shetland pony heard of Fisher’s wish. Kendal Shepherd, a 7-year-old Brazos County resident, was overwhelmed with compassion for Fisher and decided to give him her Shetland pony. Shepherd will personally give Hershey, the Shetland, to Fisher the week after the Cattle Baron’s Ball. By putting a special face and story in the fight against cancer, the Cattle Baron’s Ball committee hopes to inspire even more people to get involved in the fight to both end can and to generous support those who are in the fight against cancer for a healthy future. i

by Margaret Ann Thurmond

If You Go WhaT American Cancer Society Cattle Barons’ Ball WhEN February 4, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Brazos County Expo hoW Call (979) 776-1464 for ticket reservations. “Big Hats, Big Hearts” is the theme of this year’s Cattle Baron’s Ball to be held February 4 at the Brazos County Expo. A Gift Ask will be held to donate money toward a grant for leukemia research at Texas A&M University in honor of 4-year-old cancer patient Zaden Fisher (right). Fisher’s parents, Trey and Amanda, will be in attendance. The Ball begins at 6 p.m. for VIP’s and 7 p.m. for Ranch Hand ticket purchasers. Tickets are $200 for the VIP Corral and $125 for Ranch Hands and can be purchased in advance by calling (979) 776-1464. Tickets also may be purchased at the door.

January 2012 INSITE

GETFIT

New

Year New

You

by Angelique Gammon

Failure is not an

OPTiON WHY

Personal Trainers

WOrK

i’m a cliché, and I’m happy to admit it especially if it helps you make exercise part of your daily routine. I’m also a hypocrite. About five years ago, I was having lunch with a friend who had just been told by her doctor that she was pre-diabetic, had dangerously high cholesterol and needed to not just lose a few pounds but to make exercise a daily part of her life. I told her I had an elliptical machine I really liked, a few stretch bands and hand weights and that solitary exercise at home worked better for me than a gym. To her protestation that she didn’t have time to exercise, I replied, “Do you have time to be dead?”

i’m alSo not Subtle. As for the cliché, about 11 months ago I quit exercising. No injury, no big event –just no motivation. Despite a lifetime love of occasionally violent exercise, I would get on my trusty elliptical trainer … and stand there. Months went by. I could lie and say I came to the mature decision that I needed to safeguard my health and do something different, but the truth is it was a small roll that welled up above the waistband of my skinny jeans that did it.

apparently, i’m alSo vain. So I called a friend who also happens to be a personal trainer, Cliff Latham, and told him I needed help. It’s not the first time Latham’s team of personal trainers has come to my family’s rescue. My daughter had worked with one of Cliff’s trainers for a summer a few years ago and it was a great experience for her. But until I called Cliff for my own exercise doldrums, I believed personal trainers were for other people, mostly those who didn’t know how to exercise.

to my liSt of faultS, you 16

INSITE January 2012

Denise Fries and I working out with personal trainer Sara Lammerts. January 2012 INSITE

may add arrogance and ignorance. Motivation is the number one reason people turn to personal trainers, hence my being a cliché. Other drivers are the need for an individualized program, to improve skills or techniques, being new to exercise, to break through a plateau, to ultimately learn how to exercise alone, to work out safely and to lose weight. There are no state or federal licensing requirements to call yourself a personal trainer. As a recent article about dangerous personal trainers in Woman’s Health magazine put it, the person who waxes your upper lip may have had more training and is subject to more legal oversight than some of the people who want to put themselves in charge of your cardiovascular, muscular and nervous systems as a personal trainer. Trainers may elect to be certified and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) are two of the most reputable national fitness organizations. Latham, who also holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in exercise physiology and sports nutrition, is certified by both ACSM and NSCA and is also certified as a cancer and post-cadiac rehab trainer. Having played basketball and run track at Texas A&M, my aging athlete’s knees, shoulders and back have lots of issues, including a fake knee I got for my 50th birthday. One thing I didn’t want to worry about was a personal trainer who would make things worse, not better. i may

be ignorant, but i’m not Stupid. Because of his qualifications, I trusted Cliff to assign me to a trainer who would work around my injuries and so began six months of working with personal trainer Sara Lammerts, a member of Cliff’s team. Along the way, my husband Greg and my daughter Hallie also joined the personal training bandwagon. Having an exercise partner to be accountable to – and to whine to – is another revelation of why personal training works. Personal trainer fees vary widely depending on their qualifications and where you will be working out. Some trainers only work oneon-one, others work with small groups up to three or four. As with most budget decisions, you have to look at where your discretionary spending for health and entertainment currently 18

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go and set priorities. Personally, we made the tradeoff between packing a light lunch and the convenience of eating out. I have a friend who disconnected cable for a few months trading health for additional reasons not to sit on the sofa. It all gets back to motivation. True confessions: the first three weeks of working with Sara, I only showed up because it was an appointment on my calendar and it wasn’t free. Yes, I enjoyed it and knew it was good for me, but it hurt, mostly my pride because I was so out of shape. Then a curious thing happened. I was sitting reading a magazine about an hour after I had worked out and i noticed

that i juSt felt … good. really good. A mazillion rats and lots of controlled studies have proven that exercise can control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and triglycerides, depression, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, and can prevent heart disease and certain types of cancer as well or in some cases better than the latest drug and medical therapies. People still don’t exercise. How about this? Exercise boosts energy, improves your mood, makes you sleep better and makes your sex life better (http://www. mayoclinic.com/health/exercise/HQ01676/ NSECTIONGROUP=2). Greg and I both agree that the 45 minutes when the personal trainer is in charge – the only time during the day when we don’t have to make decisions – is really the best, and most unexpected, benefit. Greg says, and I agree, that trainers also elicit an intensity that’s hard to match working out on your own. All we have to do is show up and sweat. Trainers also improve workout efficiency – they plan if it’s leg day, arms, shoulders, etc. and put you through your paces quickly, ne relentlessly. Hand weights, machines, unique ways to torture yourself on the floor with balls, ropes, pulleys and bars – what you do with your trainer depends on your personal fitness goal and your trainer’s background. Having exercised in gyms for 30+ years I would have said I knew all the ways to lift a dumbbell. Wrong.

apparently, i’m not too old to learn. i

Steps to Keeping a new Year’s Resolution

If you fall into the category of the estimated 78% of people who make and then break a New Year’s Resolution, psychologists suggest five steps to making it into the winning percentage of people who keep their New Year’s resolution. Those who planned a series of smaller goals increased their success rate to 35%; following all five of the suggestions increased success rates to 50%. The most successful were those who were able to view a slip as just a temporary setback, not the “failure” of their resolution.

1 2 3 4 5

Take baby steps towards your goal knowing that it is the journey that changes you and not a giant overthrow of your current lifestyle.

Be held accountable. Tell someone close to you about your resolution and be honest with him or her about when you succeed and when you fail. Mark small victories between goals. Let yourself celebrate the small successes that ultimately help you achieve the goal. Focus on the benefits of success instead of the downside of failure. Keep a diary of your progress.

Your Own Personal Trainer … on Twitter By setting many small goals – and celebrating when you meet one – you are twice as likely to keep your new Year’s resolution to exercise regularly. We’ll help. Follow insite on Twitter @insitebv beginning the week of January 9 and Coach Cliff Latham will help you get in the exercise frame of mind with an hourly workout you can perform at your desk … or around the house. no excuses!

January 2012 INSITE

GETINVOLVED

by Megan Jarvie

Running With a Purpose Everyone is busy. So how do some people find the time to commit to an exercise routine while others simply can’t find a way to squeeze in 30 minutes, three times a week? How do you make that gym membership that you purchased in January a good investment all the way through November? Where do you find the motivation? Jennifer Friedman – local gynecologist, mother of three and founding director of the Armadillo Dash Half Marathon & 5K – agreed to share her personal journey of how running helped her turn around an inactive lifestyle, where she found the motivation to keep going, and the reasons she keeps on running today.

t age 33, Friedman realized that something in her life needed to change. With three kids and a demanding profession, she knew she was not getting adequate exercise and not living a healthy lifestyle. Knowing she needed to set a healthy example for her children, she decided to start small by going out to run. In the beginning, Friedman would put dinner on the table for her family and then go for a quick run while they ate. Two years later, her family moved to Texas and since she was now in the habit of running, she set a goal for herself and her good friend, Debra Ellis, to run a half

Above: Dr. Jennifer Friedman turned a small goal to be active into the Armadillo Dash Half Marathon and 5K run that has raised more than $130,000 for children’s charities. Right: Friedman with her family after her first half marathon in Austin and (far right) with the Armadillo Dash board of directors. 20

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marathon together. They bought a book on the basics of running, and together they pushed one another to follow through on commitment. After completing her first half marathon, Friedman realized that for her, half marathons were the perfect distance to train for so she signed up to prepare for another. Eventually, running became such a habit and integral part of her lifestyle that she set a goal that she still keeps to this day: to run one half marathon per year. “I am not the 41-year-old trying to win,” says Friedman. “I just want to be healthy and have fun.” Staying motivated often boils down to removing obstacles. No one is going to stay motivated to exercise if their knees hurt because they are wearing the wrong shoe for their foot and Friedman emphasizes the importance of getting a good running shoe or a comfortable pair of shoes that works for you that also reduces injury. Second, she stresses that she believes it is worth every penny spent to buy motivation. She noted that there are two main ways to be motivated: buying it through a personal trainer or finding another individual/group to run or exercise with and to set goals with. Friedman started out as a beginner and points out that she needed help to get motivated, as do most of us. She also knows that she has to change up her exercise regime in order to keep herself motivated, and has tried everything from zumba to hiking outdoors with her husband. As her motivation heightened and running became an essential part of her life, J Friedman

decided to take the quest for a “healthy lifestyle” even further. She had noticed that Bryan/College Station did not have major local running events for families as she had been driving to Austin and Houston to run half marathons. Since she believed in being a good role model for her children with healthy habits, she decided that the idea could be taken farther and decided to motivate the community by putting together a charity run called the Armadillo Dash. The goal of this 5k and half marathon is to support children in the Brazos Valley, and since it is a completely volunteer-run race, all proceeds go directly to children’s charities in the area including Scotty’s House, Still Creek Boys and Girls Ranch, Boys and Girls Clubs of the Brazos Valley and the Brazos Valley Food Bank’s Backpack Program. The first Armadillo Dash race took off in 2007. Friedman and a board of three other women formed a nonprofit to create the race. With overwhelming support from local businesses such as The Matthew’s Group, the city of College Station, and the police department, they were overwhelmed when more than 1,100 runners showed up for the first race. Now in its sixth year, the Armadillo Dash is sponsored by more than 40 local businesses and more than $133,000 has been donated to local children’s charities in the past five years. Eight women now volunteer to be on the board of directors to making this annual run happen, and 1,898 runners did the Dash in 2011. If you are feeling trapped in a busy lifestyle that leaves you feeling as if you have no time or energy for exercise, Friedman wants you to know that almost everyone starts out that same way. For her, what started out as a small effort to add exercise to her routine turned into

a healthy hobby and ultimately into a 5k and half marathon that now benefits thousands of people, both runners and children who are served through the funds raised from the Armadillo Dash. Extraordinary? Friedman says not at all: she is a normal person with a normal life who took a small goal that became a passion and made something extraordinary because of willpower and the support of those around her. Nothing should be more encouraging than that, because if she can do it, Friedman says you definitely can, too.

Do the Dash … as a Volunteer or as a Runner The community of Bryan/College Station has supported the Armadillo Dash with volunteer time and generous donations. Anyone can get involved, whether through actually running the race or by volunteering to work at a themed water station. The Armadillo Dash sponsors a contest where teams sign up to work a water station, pick their theme and decorate their water stands accordingly. They are encouraged to dress up in costumes, and there is a competition voted on by the runners to see which water stand is the most spirited. The first place water stop team wins $500, second place wins $400, and third place wins $300. This year’s Armadillo Dash Half Marathon and 5K is March 4 and will take off from Veteran’s Park in College Station. Entry fees vary depending when and what race you register for. The half marathon begins at 7 a.m. in Veteran’s Park, and there will be official timing available via ChronoTrack Systems. For the 5k run, cash prizes are awarded to the first place overall male and female finishers and trophies are given to the first place male and female finishers in age divisions of 10year increments starting with age 9 and under. For the half marathon, cash prizes are awarded to the first, second, and third place overall male and female runners, and then trophy prizes are awarded to the first place male and female finisher in 5-year age divisions starting with 19 and up. For registration and more information, visit armadillodash.com.. i

WAYS To GET MoTiVATEd

Love Run 5K & 3K Family Fun Run, February 11

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Mark your calendars for the Downtown Love Run 5K & 3K Family Fun Run sponsored by the Junior League of Bryan/College Station on February 11. The event also features a Healthy Living Expo with all activities kicking off at 9 a.m. in Downtown Bryan. All funds raised support the mission of Junior League to improve the wellbeing of local children. For questions, email funrun@jlbcs.org; to register, go to www.active.com.

Scholar’s Cup 5K, 10K & Kid’s Fun Run, April 15 Saint Michael’s Episcopal School will host the first Scholars Cup 5K, 10K and children’s fun run, Sunday, April 15. Prizes will be awarded in all races by age category and event organizers promise unique opportunities for athletes and scholars to enjoy exercising mind and body during this inaugural event. For details on registration and the event, go to stmes.net. All proceeds will benefit financial aid for Saint Michael’s Episcopal School students. Call (979) 8222715 for more information.

TriAggieland, Kids and Adult Triathlon, June 24 & July 15

Running a half marathon is not the only way to get fit while benefitting nonprofits in the Brazos Valley. In 2011, the Children’s Museum of the Brazos Valley hosted a kid’s triathlon that was such a success they have decided to do it again and add on an adult triathlon as well. The kid’s triathlon will be held on June 24 and the adult sprint triathlon, called TriAggieland, will be held on July 15 in College Station on the Texas A&M University campus. All proceeds will benefit the Children’s Museum of the Brazos Valley. Visit cmbv.org or call (979) 779-5437 for more information. January 2012 INSITE

WELCOME TO AGGIELAND HEALTH & WELLNESS

B R A Z O S V A L L E Y BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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REAL ESTATE & DEVELOPMENTS

Audible Hearing Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Aggieland Business Park . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Brazos Valley Med Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Ashford Square . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Brazos Vein . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Paramont Property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Medi Weight Loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Trish Thornton Havel Remax . . . . . . . . 41

Marr Eye . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS HOME & FAMILY Comfort Keepers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Better Business Bureau . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 VoGo Designs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Brazos Animal Shelter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Brazos Christian School . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

SERVICES

Dealers Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Brazos Valley Trash & Valet . . . . . . . . . 45

Merry Maids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

The Victorian Condo & Hotel . . . . . . . . 46

The Texas Rose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Venus Pest Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

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H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S

Hear What You’ve Been Missing

A Natural Rested Radiance

Audible Hearing Centers LLC has been serving the Brazos Valley for more than 40 years providing comprehensive hearing tests, state-of-the-art hearing aids, and knowledgeable hearing aid specialists.

“As a practitioner, my mission and responsibility is to strictly observe high standards of ethics, integrity, and professionalism when advising a client on the aesthetic procedures that would best meet their needs. My goal is to always provide quality, FDA-approved, state-of-the-art, nonsurgical procedures to my clients.” Vicki Childs, Brazos Valley MedSpa

udible Hearing Centers is owned and operated by Joe Crnkovic, A.C.A., one of three hearing specialists on staff along with Bob Nugen and Treasure LaFollette. Crnkovic’s parents began providing the Brazos Valley with better

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hearing in 1963 when they opened a hearing center with Beltone. Joe teamed up with his parents in 1985 after he became a licensed hearing specialist and later changed the name to Audible Hearing Center in 2000. In 2001, Joe teamed up with Audibel, an American-owned and operated company, to better assist the community with quality, stateof-the-art hearing aids. Comfort and lifestyle play a big role in satisfaction with hearing aids, and the combination of experience and array of devices available through Audible has made customer satisfaction the top priority. The Audible Hearing Center staff can explain the different kinds of hearing aids such as receiver-in-canal, receiver in canal power solution, behind-the-ear, completely-in-canal, in-the-canal, in-the-ear, and the new Anthem XT series, which is a smart choice for just about any environment. There are great aspects to visiting a licensed hearing specialist and being fitted for a good hearing aid such as being able to enjoy clear phone conversations, listen to the TV and radio, no more whistling or buzzing in the ear, and a good, comfortable fit. Audible Hearing

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Centers LLC make these positive changes accessible to everyone. To experience what you have been missing or to receive a complimentary comprehensive hearing test, call Audible Hearing Centers LLC at (979) 779-3070. With a 60 day trial period money back guarantee, how can you go wrong with the Audible Hearing Center?

pon graduation in 1983 from Creighton University in Omaha, Vicki Childs moved to Texas to pursue a career in OB/Gyn nursing. In 1991, she completed the Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner Program at UT

Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas and has since been intensely focused on providing her patients the highest quality medical care possible. Fate brought her into the practice of aesthetic medicine in 2001—here she found her true passion. Travelling to San Francisco in 2002, Vicki successfully completed Advanced Certification Training in Photorejuvenation and Cosmetic Injectables with the renowned Dr. Patrick Bitters, Sr., Board Certified Dermatologist and Distinguished Fellow of the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery. She is a Certified Aesthetic Consultant (CAC), Certified Laser Hair Removal Professional (C-LHRP), as well as an active member of The Aesthetic Professionals Association (TAPA) and American Society of Lasers in Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS). Being knowledgeable of the latest technology in lasers, injectables, and other skin-care procedures is critical in the area of aesthetic medicine. When “sculpting” a client’s appearance, Vicki is very aware of the needs for an artful eye and perfection in

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technique. “We all have very hectic schedules and take little time for ourselves.” My desire is to restore the natural, rested radiance we see after a much-needed vacation. I find it amazing how doing this can lift the spirits of so many women.”

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H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S

Vein Treatment Without Surgery Like more than 25 percent of the U.S. population, Sylvia Colwell was suffering from problems with veins in her legs. She first walked into the Central Texas Heart Center in Bryan for what began as a routine heart check-up for her husband.

and I was only the second patient to undergo this locally. I was very pleasantly surprised that there was absolutely no pain at all after the initial needle prick. There was nothing to it! I was awake the whole time and had no pain whatsoever during and after,” said Colwell. Sylvia said she was very pleased with the outcome of her procedure and also stated she has regained much of her mobility and lives without the constant aching and throbbing she endured before seeking treatment at the Brazos Vein Institute. Gutierrez specializes in treating patients with venous reflux, which causes symptoms

Besides the unappealing sight of the veins, there are other physical symptoms such as leg fatigue, leg restlessness at night, leg heaviness, pain, aching, itching, throbbing, swelling, burning, or cramping of the legs.

fter mentioning to Dr. Ricardo Gutierrez about pain in her legs and an inability to move around like she used to, the doctor recommended further evaluation for a possible vein disorder as the best option for Sylvia. Gutierrez’s evaluations lead Sylvia to seek a new and innovative form of treatment Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), which uses thermal energy to shrink and seal the veins closed resulting in immediate relief of physical symptoms from vein disorders, with the added cosmetic benefit of a reduction in the appearance of bulging unsightly veins shortly after. Sylvia said at first she was apprehensive about the treatment, but quickly realized during the procedure that it was relatively pain free. “Dr. Gutierrez had worked with my husband on treating his heart condition, so when he recommended a new procedure called VNUS Radiofrequency Ablation, I decided to try it out. Like any surgery, I was anxious before the procedure, especially because it was new,

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such as varicose veins and spider veins. Gutierrez said almost all of his patient’s procedures go as smooth as Colwell’s. “We’ve now done several hundred of these procedures since, and the outcomes have generally been excellent just like Sylvia’s,” Gutierrez said.

Endovenous Thermal Ablation Radiofrequency Ablation is an in-office form of treatment that provides patients with venous insufficiency a substitute for the surgical treatment. The procedure is done in the office under anesthesia instead of the old hospitalization method of vein stripping, formerly used on many of our parents and grandparents. Beside the unappealing sight of the veins, there are other physical symptoms such as leg fatigue, leg restlessness at night, leg heaviness, pain, aching, itching, throbbing, swelling, burning, or cramping of the legs. Venous reflux can also lead to more serious problems such as inadequate blood flow causing swelling of the leg, change in skin color and texture, and at the worse stage an ulcer may form in the leg demanding more progressive treatment. Some factors that may cause a person to be more susceptible to venous reflux are family history of vein problems, multiple pregnancies, recent surgery, diabetes, being a woman, middle to advanced age, obesity, and sitting SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

and standing for long periods of time. Rebecca Price, a register vascular technologist at the Brazos Vein Institute, says the ultrasound is one of the most effective ways of diagnosing a patient. “Our patients at BVI undergo a lower extremity venous ultrasound to locate the source and extent of venous disease. Based on the results of this exam, we can properly start a course of treatment,” Price says. For more information or to schedule an appointment for screening at Central Texas Heart Center, call (979) 776-9255 or log on to their website at www.brazosvein.com.

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H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S

It’s Time to Try… The One That Works!®

Eye Care For Life

If you are one of the many Americans

Did you know that Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the United States? Glaucoma damages the optic nerve, the part of the eye that carries the images we see to the brain. There are various symptoms of Glaucoma, and if you are experiencing blurry vision, seeing blank spots, have eye pain, or see rainbow-colored halos around lights, then call Marr Eye Center in Bryan because early treatment can often prevent loss of sight.

who attempt to lose weight each year, you know how frustrating it can be when you don’t see immediate results. There are thousands of diets available, from restrictive fad diets to plans that include only pre-packed food. How do you know which weight loss program will work for you? At Medi-Weightloss Clinics®, we offer a physician-supervised, three-phase weight loss program.

ur medical staff guides each patient on an individualized plan that helps you reach your goal weight, keep it off*, and achieve wellness for a lifetime. Our patients lose up to 5 to 10

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pounds the first week and up to 20 pounds the first month.* Our program was developed based on the five keys to wellness: Medicine, Nutrition, Exercise, Education, and Motivation. Your initial consultation includes a full medical exam to evaluate your current health. We do a comprehensive blood panel, blood pressure reading, EKG, weight and body fat index, and review your health history and personal health concerns. We then assess your weight loss goals and review your weight loss and wellness plan. After your initial consultation, our team of medical professionals will meet with you on a weekly basis to help you reach your weight and wellness goals. We provide resources to help our patients learn how to live a healthy lifestyle and keep the weight off for life. Our staff is committed to teaching people how to improve their quality of life. We enjoy watching our patients transform, inside and out. They not only look and feel better, but we know they are becoming healthier and decreasing their risk for developing obesityrelated diseases. Our patients continually remind us that their success is our success!

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Let us guide you throughout your weight loss and wellness journey! 1105 University Dr.E., Ste. 100 College Station, TX 77840 979.393.0369 www.mediweightlossclinics.com * On average, Medi-Weightloss Clinics® patients lose 7 pounds the first week and 2 to 3 pounds each week thereafter for the first month. Rapid weight loss may be associated with certain medical conditions and should only be considered by those who are medically appropriate. © 2011 Medi IP, LLC. All Rights Reserved

arr Eye Center has been open since 1984 with William Marr, M.D. as director. It has been voted the Best Ophthalmology Office of the Brazos Valley. In June of 2010, Jamie Houser,

O.D. and glaucoma specialist joined the staff. Houser has received extensive training in corneal diseases and treatment and retinal diseases such as glaucoma and diabetes. They have a great facility, location, state-of-the-art equipment, and well-trained staff. Services offered include routine eye examinations, glasses prescriptions, contact lens supply and fitting, and urgent eye care. They diagnose and provide medical and surgical treatment of a wide range of eye disorders, including diabetic eye disease, corneal conditions, cataracts, and macular degeneration. They provide in-office laser surgery and clear cornea cataract surgery. The facility offers LASER capability, visual field analyzer, retinal photography, auto refractor, IOL master, A-scan, Ocular Coherence Tomography Scanning, and topography. Marr Eye Center will do everything possible to provide you and your family members with total vision care. The office operates on the principle that the happiness of patients is the most important priority. Marr Eye Center believes in complete

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care for patients, both medically and personally, as the primary goal. We provide the finest quality eye care and our vision is to maintain, protect and improve your vision.

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H O M E & F A M I LY

Compassionate Care

More Room For Puppy Love

Aron and Linnann Collins, Texas

The Brazos Animal Shelter takes

A&M classes of 1997 and 1995, established Comfort Keepers of Bryan-College Station in order to help seniors in our community live happy, healthy lives in the privacy and comfort of their own homes.

omfort Keepers knows that few things are more important to seniors than maintaining their independence. Many people now find themselves sandwiched in between caring for their children and trying to give their own

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parents this independence. The goal at Comfort Keepers is to relieve the burden of everyday chores such as laundry, cleaning, meal preparation, appointments, transportation and personal care in order to improve the amount and quality time seniors are able to spend with their loved ones. “Our job as caregivers is to take care of many of the activities of daily living that might otherwise have to be done by a family member. This provides their loved ones the opportunity to spend quality time with their mother or father,” says Aron. “We are not there to replace a senior’s family, but instead we are transforming the time they spend with their loved ones into quality time instead of work.” Located in College Station, Comfort Keepers now has over 85 caregivers to lend a caring hand. It is very important to them that each client is able to develop a strong relationship with their caregiver. It is equally important that the needed care is always available. Due to the large number of skilled caregivers on the team, if someone’s regular caregiver becomes sick, Comfort Keepers will see to it that someone equally qualified and

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in thousands of stray and homeless animals yearly from Brazos and other surrounding counties, and in July of 2011, the Shelter moved from a tiny, run down building to a much more spacious facility at 5359 Leonard Road in Bryan. caring will be available. “Everyone on our team has a heart for caregiving. They do it because they love it and because they enjoy building relationships with our local seniors.” explains Aron. “We know that everyone we serve is someone’s parent, husband or wife. In order to provide quality and compassionate care you have to mean it, and we do.” For more information on Comfort Keepers in the Brazos Valley, call their office in College Station at (979) 764-3076 or visit their website at http://www.comfortkeepers.com/office-696.

he Brazos Animal Shelter has been able to become an adoption guarantee facility, which means that adoptable animals stay until they are adopted. “We didn’t ever want to have a time frame on the animals that were here,”

says Krystle Gervais, community enhancement coordinator at the Brazos Animal Shelter Gervais says that one of the biggest difference she sees with the new facilities is people have the ability to walk around and check out the animals without being crammed into a small space. “We are on 17 and a half acres with separate housing for dogs and cats, people walking dogs on the property, and people here to just look around,” Gervais says. “We used to be a place where people would just drop off animals, but now we are a place where people want to come out and see the animals.” “Our euthanasia rates have drastically dropped (since moving) because the sad thing was in that little, tiny building we had no space,” Gervais says. “Now, we only have to euthanize for sickness or behavior issues.” If you are in the market for a new pet, don’t buy it…adopt it! The shelter is open to visitors Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information about volunteering or adopting a pet, visit their website at www.brazosanimalshelter.org or call (979) 755-5755.

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** This non-profit animal welfare organization established in 1981 provides shelter for the homeless pets, lost and found services, Microchipping for adopted and the publics pets, county licensing, volunteering for ages 9+ and adoptions.

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H O M E & F A M I LY

Preparing Children For Life

Bright Ideas For Your Home

Brazos Christian School is a nondenominational Pre-K through 12th grade school committed to providing a classical, college preparatory curriculum from a Biblical worldview and assisting parents in developing the whole child with a passion for Jesus Christ, a joy for learning, and a lifelong quest for truth, wisdom, and virtue.

t Brazos Christian we believe that the best preparation for our students is an education that develops the skills to think critically, reason effectively, and communicate clearly and persuasively. Our classical program of

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study focuses on the natural stages of a child’s development, teaching in accord with the principles of the trivium, a time-tested approach which emphasizes the fundamentals of the basic disciplines, including Latin, formal logic, and writing. “Opportunity” and “participation” are the words that describe the Brazos Christian community. On any given day at Brazos Christian School you will find parents serving hot lunch, carpooling for an athletic game or field trip, decorating for a special event, helping a teacher with a classroom project. This high level of parent participation sustains a strong foundation for the Brazos Christian School community. Our school community provides a safe, nurturing, and inviting environment where students and families can learn, explore, and grow in their understanding of God, the world, and themselves. Brazos Christian School is proven preparation for college and for life! Backed by thirty years of success, BCS graduates flourish at some of our nation’s finest colleges and universities, and lead fruitful and productive lives in God’s plan. If you’d like to know more

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about BCS, we encourage you to email us, to call us, or to come visit us. Touring our campus; meeting our faculty, staff, and students; or attending one of our many athletic, artistic, or academic events is likely the best way to learn more about Brazos Christian School. We are currently accepting applications for the 2012-2013 school year. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information. Brazos Christian School | 3000 W. Villa Maria Rd. | Bryan, TX 77807 | 979-823-1000 | www.bcseagles.org

A bright outlook and exceptional customer service are what the employees at Dealers Lighting pride themselves on. Whether you’re stopping by to pick up a light bulb or investing in a custom-made chandelier, the staff will help you with all your lighting needs.

each customer’s individual lighting needs. The staff will provide knowledgeable lighting information without sale tactics or gimmicks with the goal of making you a life-long customer. The showroom displays an array of lighting choices to coordinate with your personal furnishings. The different accessories and lighting styles create a warm, inviting atmosphere that will make you feel right at home.

displays an ‘Thearrayshowroom of lighting choices to coordinate with your personal furnishings.

portant factor for today’s consumer. Customer satisfaction is the employee’s biggest priority at Dealers Lighting, and they keep the store upto-date on the latest lighting technology selling a variety of fluorescent (CFLs), LED lights and other options suitable for inside and outside the home. Don’t miss out on Dealers Lighting floor model sale during the month of January. All lighting fixtures in the showroom will be reduced by 25 percent: Perfect for everyone who is ringing in the New Year with a home improvement project. For more information about Dealers Lighting, call (979) 775-1697 or visit their website at www.dealerselectrical.com.

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or more than 50 years Dealers Lighting has carried some of the best lighting and accessory options in the Brazos Valley. However, the store holds more than a quick fix for a burned-out bulb; their friendly staff will take time to meet

The store has a large selection of lighting and accessory options to satisfy any customer. Craftmade ceiling fans, Kichler Lighting and Lightolier track and recessed lighting are a few varieties in stock. The range of choices is suitable for any budget. Functionality and energy usage is an im-

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Merry Maids. Relax It’s Done. Merry Maids has been serving the Brazos Valley since 1999. Their trained staff, customer service and traditional family values have made their franchise the number one cleaning service nationwide. The local Merry Maids office has consistently been voted Best of the Brazos Valley the last 4 years and was most recently voted The Eagles Reader’s Choice Award for best residential cleaning service. The name Merry Maids carries a representation of exceptional service in a thorough manner.

return to the home to address the issues. Their employees are all insured and bonded and have received training on procedures, cleaning methods, and how to use Merry Maids’ custom cleaning products. The staff undergoes two weeks in-house and office training and follows the guidelines of the trainer and procedural handbook. Merry Maids has a Quality Inspector enter the home randomly during cleaning schedules to observe the trainees to assure all guidelines are followed. Merry Maids use color-coded cloths in the home to maintain sanitation. You can be sure a cloth used in your bathroom will never be used in the kitchen. The staff is knowledgeable about their custom cleaning products and understands the correct methods of use to receive the most desirable outcome. It may seem odd letting strangers into your

it takes them one ‘hourWhether or three, Merry Maids will stay until the home meets their high standards of cleanliness.

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home, but customer’s can put their fears to rest and know that trustworthiness and respect for other’s property is of the upmost importance to the Merry Maids staff. It is emphasized that they are guests inside someone’s home with a job to do. Every customer can be sure the staff will treat your home as if it was their own. Every home is evaluated by a consultant to coordinate prices and cleaning regiments with

the customer’s individual needs. Merry Maids does not charge per square footage, but instead their service is personalized to work best with the customer. Merry Maids realizes each home is different and cannot be categorized by size or the number of rooms. The majority of cleaning schedules are weekly or biweekly, but Merry Maids can customize any schedule to meet the needs of their customers. They can schedule monthly or one-time cleanings, and can assists with moveins or move-outs. Merry Maids is willing to go the extra mile and coordinate their schedule with yours. Merry Maids knows every house is different and has individual needs. Whether it takes them one hour or three, Merry Maids will stay until the home meets their high standards of cleanliness. For more information or to schedule a cleaning, call (979) 595-1111 between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Merry Maids. Relax It’s Done.

wner Josie King chose to go into the service industry with Merry Maids because of the company’s values and family atmosphere. “When the founder, Dallin Peterson, founded Merry Maids his views were to put God first in whatever you do, and everything else will fall into place,” King says. All of the franchises have followed the basis Peterson set forth, and it has been a successful practice. “The franchise is a really big family because we all come together and we’re not strangers,” King says. “When we met them at their home office they acted like they had known us forever.” Merry Maids has a 24-hour satisfaction guarantee. If their service was not completed to the customer’s specifications, they pledge to

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True Texas Style

Solutions For What’s Bugging You

It’s been 29 years since Sammy and Carolyn Catalena launched Catalena Hatters, and with the recent opening of The Texas Rose Boutique next door, they are ready to introduce the next generation to all things Texan – including their internationally renowned custom straw and handmade felt hats – with their side-by-side stores in historic Downtown Bryan.

dding to the charm of the businesses are two of the Catalena sons, Travis and Scott, who work in the hat shop alongside their parents, making it a friendly and feel-good place to drop in and shop.

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Bringing the Texas Rose Boutique downtown has been the next step in a journey that began in 1994 when the Catalena family opened The Texas Store in Post Oak Mall, which was managed by their close family friend Joanna Spencer. The name change and the move next door to the original Catalena Hatters downtown location accomplishes two things: letting people know that Texas Rose Boutique carries more than just Texas-branded gear while also adding to the successful revitalization of downtown Bryan. The newly expanded and remodeled store next to Catalena Hatters has allowed Texas Rose to branch out into chic clothing brands such as Tasha Polizzi, Krista Lee and Peaches & Cream children’s apparel. They have also expanded their collection of western art, showcasing some of the most talented artists in the state of Texas. Throughout the years, Catalena Hatters has been known for its custom hand-made felt hats and felt hat renovations. These internationally respected craftsmen have built a client base that is partially Brazos Valley and part world-wide sales through the internet and

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mail order. Texas Rose Boutique is the next branding step in providing true Texans and those who value the apparel and accessories that show off Lone Star state flair. While Texas Rose still has the largest selection of the seasonal Roundtop Collections

boutique has ‘…the expanded to clothing, jewelry, gifts and home décor that is as unique as the great state of Texas

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in the area, the boutique has expanded to clothing, jewelry, gifts and home décor that is as unique as the great state of Texas. The Catalena family is looking forward to welcoming a new generation of visitors as they carry on their family tradition of service and value from their side-by-side stores, Texas Rose Boutique and Catalena Hatters in downtown Bryan.

From Venus Pest Company’s launch in 2001, Dr. Scott Lingren, founder and president, has taken the company from a start-up to Pest Control Technology Magazine’s list of Top 25 Companies to Watch. Venus’ strength in the market is grounded in Dr. Lingren’s education and research background having earned his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Entomology, the study of insects.

ccording to the Pest Control Technology Magazine article, Venus Pest Company showed 20 percent-plus growth last year and Dr. Lingren says he looks to continue that growth by continuing to innovate in the marketplace.

“One of the new things we are doing is offering more convenient and affordable monthly pricing options,” Dr. Lingren says. Monthly pricing balances the cost of services over the entire year, making services even more affordable for clients. Dr. Lingren says that Venus Pest Company’s community connection through organizations such as Rotary International, the Lions Club and the Chamber of Commerce, and his long history in the field of entomology, have played a key role in making the company successful. Dr. Lingren says another thing that his business works to deliver is high quality customer service. “We just launched a new Customer Relationship Management platform that will get everyone instant attention, maybe not over the phone but electronically, and everyone will be able to instantly buy our services online,” Dr. Lingren says. Venus Pest Company also provides alternatives to the traditional pest control methods with their green pest control option. Dr. Lingren and the Venus Pest Company team are equipped to deal with fleas, mosquitoes,

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spiders, bees, scorpions, termites, carpenter ants, rodents or other critters that have overtaken a business or home – and to prevent them from returning in the future.

January 2012 INSITE

R E A L E S TAT E & D E V E L O P M E N T S

Space to Grow Your Business

From Warehouse to Our House

Aggieland Business Park is situated on over 120 acres, providing quick and easy access to: Texas A&M University, the A&M Health Science Center, the Research Valley Biocorridor, Texas A&M’s Research Park and Easterwood Airport.

you want a few ‘Whether thousand square feet, or

an acre or more under one roof, Aggieland Business Park can make your dream facility a reality.

he Park lies within College Station’s ETJ, and will eventually become part of the City. Until then, businesses can take advantage of Aggieland Business Park’s streamlined permitting process, and have a brand-new,

build-to-suit facility ready for use in just a few months. And, all new construction conforms to the current City of College Station Building Codes, so your facility will look great and still come in at a price your business can afford. Lots are available for sale or lease, and may be combined to fit your needs. Whether you want

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a few thousand square feet, or an acre or more under one roof, Aggieland Business Park can make your dream facility a reality. If your business doesn’t need a lot of space, but you still want to be in the center

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of the area’s emerging biotech revolution, The Suites at Aggieland Business Park is the newest, and greenest, executive office complex in College Station. Amenities include: shared administrative support, high-tech conference room, access to a full kitchen and bath, digital entry and on-site security. You can move in today, or let Aggieland Business Park finish out your Suite to your exact specifications. Standard Suites measure 16’ x 24’, but can be combined to ensure you’ll have the space you need to grow, at a price your business can afford. Don’t waste time looking for an existing building that might fit your needs. Come by for a tour of The Park, and let Jim Jett ’66 help you start or grow your business in the heart of Aggieland.

For most people, a home is so much more than bricks and mortar, bedrooms and bathrooms. The agents at Better Homes & Gardens Preferred Living feel that way too.

omes are their passion, so when they recently purchased the real estate franchise, they knew what a unique addition this company would be to the Brazos Valley community. Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate is a well-respected

and highly recognizable name because of the brand’s magazine; it also features some of the most innovative technology available to Realtors and customers alike. The Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate brand is a lifestyle brand, unlike most other real estate companies, which are transaction based. Better Homes & Gardens Realtors don’t just sell houses; in conjunction with the magazine, they act as lifestyle advisors to clients, helping them buy and sell homes based on individual characteristics instead of just price and number of bedrooms. That relationship continues after the sale as the agents stay in touch with their clients using the magazine and online tools to help them create the perfect home. Agents have taken this revolutionary concept to heart in creating their new office space. Rather than build a traditional corporatelooking office building, their office is modeled after a home you might find featured in a Better Homes & Gardens magazine. They began by repurposing a plumbing warehouse in south College Station to look like a home. Eventually they hope to add a community garden and host lots of fun events like fall hay mazes for kids.

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Instead of a traditional reception area and isolated private offices, Better Homes & Gardens Preferred Living has a welcoming front area similar to a home’s front entry hall. There is a kitchen and an Internet café resembling an open family room and the conference rooms are more like dining rooms where agents and clients can gather around the table to talk. Drop by to visit their new home or watch the video of their Warehouse to Our House transformation at BHGPreferredLiving.com. 1251 Barron Road, College Station (979) 690-2300.

January 2012 INSITE

R E A L E S TAT E & D E V E L O P M E N T S

Your Property Tax Solution

Experience Hometown Excellence

In today’s economy, it’s more important than ever to streamline your business by cutting expenses. Paramount Property Analysts can help by providing quality property tax consulting and appraisal services to reduce property taxes and save you money. In 2011 alone, we saved our clients $829,679.33!

he company works on contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay them unless they reduce your taxes! A licensed property tax consultant throughout Texas, Brian Stephen, owner of Paramount

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Property Analysts, combines his expertise in the real estate appraisal field with hands on property management and ownership experience to provide you the highest quality property tax consulting service offered today. Brian can protest your business valuation for substantial savings. He has saved clients thousands of dollars in property taxes on investment properties and has a high success rate in property tax reduction. His success stems from his passion for reducing tax liability for real estate owners and investors. “I have worked with Brian at PPA for over 10 years,” says Casey Oldham, Chairman and CEO of The Oldham Goodwin Group, LLC. “My firm exclusively uses their tax consulting service for over 50 different commercial properties covering most every genre of real estate. From 2009 to 2011 alone, Brian saved our clients over $900,000 in taxes.” I truly enjoy helping the owners,” says Brian, “because I’ve worn their shoes and have a full understanding that a reduction in real estate taxes simply increases the bottom line of their operating statement.”

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The staff of Paramount Property Analysts also has the expertise to analyze all types of real property. Services include property tax consulting as well as commercial and residential appraisals, investment counseling, and feasibility studies for such purposes as mortgage loans, estate planning, investment analysis and condemnation.

stems from ‘Hishissuccess passion for reducing

tax liability for real estate owners and investors.

With the changing real estate market and a tighter economy, it’s vital to enlist the help of real estate professionals when looking to buy or sell. Trish Thornton Havel and Jennifer Scarmardo of RE/MAX BCS have the track record and experience buyers and sellers in the Brazos Valley need.

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Paramount Property Analysts is dedicated to the highest standards of professionalism and will continue to provide the highest quality, reliable service for which it is recognized while meeting the challenges of the ever-changing field of real estate tax consulting. For more information about reducing your property taxes, please call (979) 485-8537 or visit www.ppabv.com.

oth Trish and Jennifer are Bryan/College Station natives who understand the local economy and real estate market. They realize some people are skeptical about buying or selling a house right now, but their first-hand

buyer education and customer service will put anyone’s fears to rest. With interest rates at an historic low, it’s a prime opportunity for first-time homebuyers or residents looking to move up into a second home. “Buyers have a great opportunity to get what they want at a good price,” Trish says. Because interest rate are low, if home buyers invest money into real estate it could bring them a greater return in the long run, Trish says. If you’re looking to sell your home, Trish and Jennifer are up-to-date with the most successful methods of getting your home noticed on the market. “More than 90 percent of people who are looking for homes start at the internet first,” Trish says. RE/MAX’s comprehensive marketing draws attention to your home by those who are looking to buy. “It’s not just going and buying a house, it’s making sure they understand the entire process of purchasing a home.” Trish says, about the effort she and Jennifer put into educating their client. Part of that is watching the market closely that the buyer is not spending more than they should on a property. Award-winning customer service is just

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one reason Trish and Jennifer are one of the top producing teams in the area. “Our goal is to get families the best house at the best price,” Trish says.

interest rates at an ‘Withhistoric low, it’s a prime opportunity for first-time homebuyers or residents looking to move up into a second home.

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January 2012 INSITE

PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS

Building Business Trust Businessmen who valued the relationship between their businesses and consumers joined together to form the Better Business Bureau 100 years ago (1912). The importance of trust and ethical business practices remains true today, and your BBB serving the Brazos Valley & Deep East Texas continues to provide impartial, relevant information on businesses within their database.

eceptive advertising was rampant in 1912, and the businessmen who formed the BBB knew that without consumers’ trust, their business could perish. These men believed in maintaining high standards of trust in the marketplace by establishing agreements to honor their promises; advertise honestly; and to resolve consumer disputes. That proved to be key to their winning repeat business from consumers. For 100 years, BBB has been the trusted leader in bringing consumers to trustworthy businesses, and the statistics show this is still true today. Consumers inquire on businesses 24 hours per day by landline telephone when they want to talk to a live person, by computer visiting the website, or by the free BBB iPhone application. Consumers who want to make the best buying decision contact the BBB first for an impartial opinion of a business. BBB also reports news about the latest scams/frauds through alerts to Accredited Businesses and

through media releases to keep the public informed about the many ways thieves attempt to separate you from your money. The BBB website carries a plethora of information on scams and other areas of interest. Consumers who have a dispute with a business may file a complaint online or by calling Kay Cameron, Operations Manager, who has logged 9 years with the BBB. Each Accredited Business has a Business Review page with the ability to show videos or pictures to tell visitors about their business. Consumers may use e-quote to attain a bid from an Accredited Business through their Business Review page. The free BBB iPhone App allows consumers to research businesses while on the go, making it a convenient way to determine which business suits their needs. Many businesses support the BBB, a non-profit organization, by paying an annual investment amount. Without their support, the BBB couldn’t perform the necessary day-to-day operations and continue to educate the public. Businesses that apply for accreditation aspire to the same high standards of trust that the BBB has stood for since 1912. Any Brazos Valley business that would like to apply for accreditation should contact Yvonne Baker, Accreditation Manager. Baker has been with the BBB for four years and handles all accreditation issues. Beverly Lightfoot, Vice President of Operations, connects the staff with the BBB Board of Directors. Lightfoot has been with the BBB 14 years, and helps spearhead BBB’s two main events, the Annual Meeting/Open House/Boss of the Year and the Torch Awards for Marketplace Ethics. She is also responsible for Dispute Resolutions that require Mediation or Arbitration. Bill McGuire is President and CEO of your BBB and manages the overall operations. To discover how your BBB and its staff can help you, as either a consumer or business, visit the BBB office at 418 Tarrow , College Station (in the Chimney Hill Office Park). Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm. You may call us at 979.260.2222 or visit us on the web at www.bryan.bbb.org.

1201 Earl Rudder Frwy. College Station • (979) 694-0202

111 Rock Prairie Rd. College Station • (979) 696-4411

1646 N. Earl Rudder Frwy. Bryan • (979) 778-6736

12201 Hwy. 30 College Station • (979) 774-5741

(979) 696-1262

4444 Carter Creek Pkwy., Suite 108 Bryan • (979) 846-2688

A & M TWIN CITY PAINT & BODY, INC

103 Koenig St. & S. College Ave. Bryan • (979) 779-0276

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January 2012 INSITE

PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS

Get Noticed!

Award Winning Green Service

VoGoDesigns is a full-service marketing agency. “We specialize in marketing, graphic and web design, writing, and editing,” states Rebecca Von Gonten, creative director for VoGoDesigns. Rebecca started the business in 1995 as Von Gonten Communications to fulfill a need for creative business marketing services. Over the years, Von Gonten Communications morphed to VoGoDesigns to reflect its updated line of services. (And ease of spelling!)

oGoDesigns offers their clients online (and offline) experiences that dramatically influences the way their brand is perceived. We handle all aspects of brand building from planning your strategy to naming, logos, taglines, web

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design, collateral, advertising, and broadcast media services. “When designing your web presence, we focus on incorporating hyper-targeted advertising techniques, including online lead generation using your website content, search engine optimization, and business to business social media contacts,” explains Von Gonten. “Why have a web presence if no one can find you?” VoGoDesigns offers its clients the skill and expertise necessary to manage each of these phases professionally and expertly. Von Gonten has taken the steps to expand VoGoDesigns business offerings by pursuing a Masters of Business Administration from Texas A&M University-Commerce. Rebecca has incorporated business and sales plan generation into the portfolio of VoGoDesigns. “A business plan is an essential element when you are developing your strategy,” states Von Gonten. “You need to know where you are going, what your goals are, and who your competition is at all times.” Rebecca can help you find your niche and assist you in obtaining funding, if needed.

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Being a small design firm has its advantages. When you work with Rebecca, you are working with the creative director, graphic designer, copy writer, and programmer. Your message will not get lost in translation. However, Rebecca does work with a team of talented freelancers.

a web presence if ‘noWhyonehave can find you? ’

VoGoDesigns is located within TotalTech Computing Solutions at 3829 Old College Road in Bryan. Stop by for a visit or give us a call, bring your ideas and goals, at VoGoDesigns – we can make it happen.

You know recycling is the “right” thing to do, it conserves natural resources, saves energy, and directs materials away from our landfill. But recycling hasn’t always been convenient or cost effective. But it is now.

razos Valley Trash Valet & Recycling is a local company offering recycling service to homes, apartments, and businesses. Seeing a need for an easier way for their community to “go-green,” co-owners Ricky and Jessica Hux, along with Ron and Katie Fox started the business two years ago. The service is easy, and can save money. “We are able to accept a wide range of materials such as newspaper, cardboard, all

paper, glass, aluminum, and plastics #1-#7 without the need to sort. Everything can go into one container,” stated co-owner Ron Fox. “We have found that many of the businesses who recycle with us have been able to cut back on their traditional disposal service and haul off fees and instead utilize our low cost program.” BVTV&R has taken messageing to the youth of our community by bringing an all encompassing recycling program to public school children. This program has been a way for BVTV&R to help give back to the community and make a significant impact on our community at the same time. Brazos Valet Trash Valet & Recycling was proud to be honored recently in Austin as a business winner of the 2011 Growing Green Communities Award. Sponsored by the Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) and the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration, the Growing Green Communities Awards honor outstanding initiatives that have created economic value and opportunity through environmental stewardship, energy conservation, and sustainable practices. An additional component of Brazos Valley Trash

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Valet & Recycling’s business is a trash valet service. For residents living in an apartment complex or multi-family property, BVTV&R will pick up your garbage at your doorstep. They supply you with a trash bin and recycling is also available. No more late night trips to the dumpster or messy, smelly garbage staying out for days. If you would like to find out more about BVTV&R or how small business, large corporations, healthcare facilities, schools, apartment complexes, subdivisions, and individual homeowners are currently benefiting from utilizing their services, visit www.bvtrashvalet.com or call 979-777-8968.

January 2012 INSITE

InsIteeats&treats

PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS

Your Home Away From Home

BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION

The Victorian Condo Hotel is perfect for people who need a weekend getaway or those looking to host an event. Located on the Seawall in Galveston, the Victorian fits everyone’s business or vacation plans all year round.

University Dr, CS (979) 268-3096; 201 Dominik, CS (979) 696-5055, Blue Baker is an artisan bakery and café featuring breads baked from scratch, pastries, sandwiches, soup, fresh tossed salads and brickoven pizzas. Try some cookies for the perfect finish! M-F 7am-10pm, Sa-Su 8am-10pm

alveston is perfect for seasons other than the spring and summer; the city offers attractions throughout the year for all ages, with or without getting sand between your toes. Shopping, satisfying sea food and the Moody

Gardens are just a few options for the offseason traveler, and the Victorian will be your home away from home. Their spacious condos, updated color combinations and “go green” initiative allow you to experience staying at an Island resort at an affordable price. Their lighted tennis courts and picnic areas are ideal for someone looking for leisurely activities during the day. The relaxation can continue on despite the cold temperatures with their heated pool and hot tubs located around the resort. The Victorian’s conference facilities and catering services provide stress-free options for businesses and club retreats. “Besides churches, military reunions, class reunions, weddings and receptions find us an affordable choice,” says Karen Allen, director of group sales and catering. The Victorian’s meeting spaces can accommodate groups of 12 to 400 people. They have two ballrooms on-site and other indoor and out-door meeting space options. Guests have the option of extended stay that is ideal for the business traveler. Their weekly and monthly condo rentals will feel like

DINING / CATERING Blue Baker, www.bluebaker.com, 800

C&J BBQ, www.cjbbq.com, 105 Southwest Pkwy, CS

home. Spacious kitchens, fitness center and laundry facilities will make your long-term stay easier. Gulf-view balconies, living and dining areas are perfect to come home to after a long day. Don’t hesitate to call (409) 740-3555 or visit www.victoriancondo.com to reserve a room. Their friendly staff and luxury suits will give you the full resort experience.

Don’t miss Mardi Gras! Galveston! February 10-21

(979) 696-7900; 1010 South Texas Ave., Bryan (979) 822-6033; 4304 Harvey Rd., CS (979) 776-8969. Voted Best BBQ in the Brazos Valley, C&J offers all your favorite Texas barbeque such as sliced beef, regular and jalapeno sausage, pork loin, turkey, chicken, or ribs. Catering and banquet rooms are available at the Bryan location. M-Th 10:30am-8:30pm; F-Sa 10:30am-9pm; Su 11am-3pm, Hours may vary among locations.

Café eCCell, www.cafeeccell.com, 101 Church

Ave., CS (979) 846-7908. Café Eccell is a pizza and wine bistro located in College Station ’s Old City Hall that offers wood fired pizza, fresh seafood and more! Lunch M-Th 11am-2pm; F & Su 11am-5pm; Sa 12pm-5pm; Dinner M-Su 5pm-10pm

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.

Ave., CS (979) 691-8226. La Bodega is a Baja taco bar located on Northgate. Choose from their wide selection of tacos made from the freshest ingredients alongside specialty drinks and other great menu options. Live music can be heard W-Su nights. M-Su 11am-10pm

luigi’s patio ristoranti, www.luigispatioristorante.com (979) 693-2742 Aggieland’s cozy little corner of Italy serving authentic Italiian style dining. Located at the northeast corner of the intersection of Hwy. 6 and Rock Prairie Road. Live background music every night. Happy Hour 5:306:30pm. Reservations accepted. Madden’s Casual gourMet,

www.pmaddens.com 202 South Bryan, Bryan (979) 779-2558 Certified Executive Chef Peter Madden creates spectacular dishes from the season’s freshest offerings. This casually refined dining atmosphere is nestled inside Old Bryan Marketplace in Historic Downtown Bryan. Mon-Wed 11am-2pm; Thur-Fri 11am9pm; Sat 8am-9pm.

Messina hof’s Vintage house restaurant, www.messinahof.com 4545 Old

truMan ChoColates, www.trumanchocolates.com, 4407 South Texas Ave., Bryan (979) 260-4519. Truman Chocolates is your source for exquisitely handcrafted gourmet chocolates. Each chocolate is made of only the finest ingredients and carefully designed to maximize your sensory experience. M-F 9am-6pm; Sa 10am-3pm

ENTERTAINMENT AND ATTRACTIONS B-Cs ChaMBer of CoMMerCe, www.bcschamber.org, 4001 E. 29th St., Ste. 175, Bryan (979) 260-5200. “We can accomplish collectively what no one business can do alone.” Spring and summer events include Epicurean Extravaganza, Chamber Day, Job Fair, Celebrity Softball Classic and Ladies Nite. Call for more event details or to request membership information. Brazos Bingo, www.BrazosBingo.com, 1805 Briarcrest Drive across from Bryan High, Bryan (979) 776-0999. For Charity Bingo at its best, Brazos Bingo has Family Nights, Aggie Nights and an enclosed, nonsmoking section. Enjoy great food at great prices at the Brazos City Grill or call about the Party Room – great for private business events. Brazos Bingo supports the following charities: Elks Lodge #859, Brazos Valley Council on Alcohol and Substance Abuse, St. Joseph Church, and Bubba Moore Memorial Group, Inc. Open 7 days a week. u paint it, www.upaintit.com 900 Harvey Rd., 5A, Post Oak Village, College Station (979) 695-1500 You pick the piece and paint it – they glaze and fire it! Perfect for any gift and pieces are ready in 7 days. See the ad in The Guide for $4 off your next visit.

Christopher’s World grille,

the repuBliC, www.therepublic1836.com, 701

DINING / SHOPPING

www.christophersworldgrille.com, 5001 Boonville Rd., Bryan (979) 776-2181. A trip to Christopher’s World Grille, in the historic Andrews House in Bryan, is a fine dining experience that can best be described as food with Mediterranean, Italian, coastal French, and South Pacific influences with a touch of Louisiana thrown in. Lunch M-Su 11am-2pm; Dinner Su-Th 5pm-9pm; F-Sa 5pm-10pm

doWntoWn unCorked, 206 W. 26th St, Bryan

(979) 823-4837. “Wine is poetry in a bottle.” – Clifton Fadiman. Wine bar offering indoor and outdoor seating, waiter service and also accepts reservations. Tues-Wed, 4pm-10pm; Thur 4pm-11pm; Fri 3 pm-12am; Sat 3 pm-1am.

Jose’s restaurant, www.joses-zaraperestaurants.com, 3824 S. Texas Ave., Bryan (979) 268-0036; 308 North Main, Bryan (979) 779-8702. Discover the taste of Old Mexico at Jose’s Restaurant. Choose from traditional dishes such as enchiladas and quesadillas, or savor specialties like pollo a la parrilla, steak ranchero, or carne asada a SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

la Bodega, www.bodegatacos.com, 102 Church

SWEET TREATS

Reliance Road, Bryan (979) 778-9463 Dine in a unique setting among barrels of wine or overlooking the vineyard and enjoy fresh food grown locally with Messina Hof wines incorporated into every dish. Reservations accepted. Wed-Sat 11am-9pm; Sun 11am6pm.

404 University Dr E, CS (979) 696-7311. 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

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knoCkouts grill house, www.knockoutsgrillhouse.com, 980 University Dr. E. , CS (979) 268-4101. Knockouts provides a one-of-a-kind dining experience with the perfect blend of great food and drinks, sports and atmosphere. The perfect location for any occasion or just to enjoy a game, Knockouts is the ultimate sports bar in B/CS. Su-W 11am-11pm; Th-Sa 11am-12am

and wine stewards can guide you through an awardwinning wine list, which has garnered Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence (2007-2010). Lunch M-Sa 11am2pm; Dinner Su-Th 5:30-9:30pm; F-Sa 2-11pm

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 7am-9pm; F 7am-9:30pm; Sa 8am-9:30pm; Su 8am-8pm

Cenare restaurant, www.gotocenare.com,

la tampiquena. Mixed drinks are also available. T-Su 11am-9:45pm

your source for food & fun

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 5pm-10pm

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, and a piano bar. Their menu consists of lunch specials, burgers, sandwiches, and free peanuts. M-Sa 11am-2pm

BURLESON COUNTY

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

the uniVersity CluB, www.universityclub.tamu.

funky art Café, 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 11am2pm; Sa 11am-3pm

Veritas, www.veritaswineandbistro.com, 830

southern flyer, www.brenhammunicipalairport.com, 3001 Aviation Way, Brenham (979) 836-5462. Whether flying in or driving up, Southern Flyer is a great place to land with great eats! The 50s-style diner is a blast from the past with waitresses who serve up your food in poodle skirts. Bringing together fun and food at a relaxing and enjoyable destination! Su-Th 11am-3pm, F-Sa 11am-9pm

edu 11th Floor Rudder Tower, Texas A&M University (979) 845-CLUB. Outstanding dining with a view, featuring the cuisine of Chef Allan DeViney. Park across the street in the campus garage and bring your ticket for validation and enjoy daily lunch buffet from 11am to 2 pm or Social Hour Wed-Fri 4 pm-7pm. Ask for catering menus and pricing.

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

Listings provided as a service. Insite is not responsible for errors or omissions. January 2012 INSITE

INSITE January 2012