NOVEMBER 2016 Chairman of the Board Kurt Alfred Brenham National Bank
ChamberWorks
brenham, texas
washington county chamber of commerce
First Vice Chair Kyle Merten Blinn College Foundation Second Vice Chair Randy Wells Faith Mission and Help Center Secretary James Pharaon Germania Insurance Treasurer Walter Jackson Brenham ISD Superintendent Immediate Past Chairman Wesley Brinkmeyer Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative Eric Berg District Attorney’s Office Sharon Brass Kwik Kopy Business Center Cathy Cole Heritage Texas Country Properties Chad Gerke Gerke Law Firm
Chamber to Celebrate 100th Anniversary in 2017 Texas Chamber of Commerce week was held Oct. 17-21 and the Washington County Chamber was honored with proclamations from both the City and County. This week was a time set aside to celebrate the daily work and accomplishments of chambers
across the state and the communities they represent. This Brenham/Washington County Chamber of Commerce has been serving Brenham and the surrounding area for 99 years now. The chamber exists to unify the spirit of the community and bring
Becky Hanath Rodney’s General Repair Suzy Hankins Ant Street Inn Tammy Jaster City of Brenham– Blue Bell Aquatic Center Jeannie Kroll Brenham Clinic LaVerne Krumrey Brenham Monument Co. Cyndee Smith Oldham Goodwin Group Brad Stufflebeam Home Sweet Farm Market & Biergarten Jenny Van Dorf Blue Bell Creameries Randy Weidemann Van Dyke Rankin Insurance Kristie Wensel Brenham State Supported Living Center
In 2017 your Washington County Chamber of Commerce will celebrate 100 years ... and we need your help! We’re looking for: • Chamber historical tales and lore • Stories and memories of local businesses • Photos and memorabilia • Testimonials to share Please call 979-836-3695 or email centennial@brenhamtexas.com
people and businesses together to do important and meaningful projects for the local economy. In 2017, the Brenham/Washington County Chamber will celebrate 100 years of fulfilling this mission. As part of the Chamber Centennial Celebration planned for 2017, the Chamber is seeking old photos from area businesses and/ or articles significant to the business community or the Chamber’s history. Was someone at your business or in your family a board member in the 40s, 50s, 60s or other decade? Do you have any photos from those days? “We’d love to see photos of business openings, chamber functions and members of the community involved in the Chamber over the years,” said James Pharaon, who serves as the Chair of the
Washington County Chamber’s Centennial Committee. The Chamber plans to compile the photos and information submitted by members and the community into a special edition insert in The Banner-Press newspaper next year. They will also be feature on the Chamber website and in social media. This major milestone anniversary will be celebrated throughout the year with events that recognize the achievements of the organization including a community-wide picnic on March 24, 2017, and special presentations at Chamber functions. If you have any old photos or items you would like to share for the Chamber Centennial, please send to events@brenhamtexas. com.
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS mix , mingle , make connections!
hosted by:
Kruse Village 1700 E. Stone Street St., Downtown Brenham
Thursday, Nov. 17 from 5-7 p.m. Enjoy great networking and refreshments! Bring plenty of business cards to share with other members and enter for door prizes. Free for Chamber members and employees. Learn more about Kruse Village at www.KruseVillage.org
Page 2 | Chamber Works | November 2016
New Member
Blue Goose Garden & Gifts Owners: Krissie Zorn & Kassie Conner 2600 N. Park, Brenham
Ribbon Cutting
Business Expansion
Business Expansion
Norman’s Pharmacy
Historic Holle House
Manager: Kendra Korthauer 2105 S. Day St., Brenham
Owner: Susan McGee 1002 S. Day Street, Brenham
Business Expansion
Brenham Fine Arts League Brenham Pet Adoption Center Downtown Arts Gallery Grand Opening
Director: Cpl. John Snowden 1804 Longwood Dr., Brenham
Contact: Ollie Schiller 113 W. Alamo St., Brenham
New Member
Lullabies & Laughter Childcare Owner: Dorothy Heintschel 276 Happy Hollow Road, Brenham
Washington County Chamber of Commerce !
Networking Happy Hour Thursday, November 10 at 291 Ice House
5075 Main St., Downtown Chappell Hill
New Member
Mobius Café & Pizzeria, Inc. Owners: Marie-Louise J. Lawrence 1120 S. Market Street, Brenham
5-7 p.m.
Join in for some good food, good drinks and a great time! For more information about the Washington County YPO, send your contact information to youngpros@brenhamtexas.com or visit online: www.Facebook.com/YPOwashingtoncounty
Page Michel, President & CEO Jane Hinze, Member Services Mgr. Shae Janner, Business Programs Mgr. Dawn Konieczny, Communications Coord. Lu Hollander, CVB Adv. & PR Mgr. Jenny Mills, Website & Social Media Mgr. Courtney Powell, Visitor Center & Group Mktg. Coord. Debby Welch, Visitor Center Assistant Cheryl Sevin, Bookkeeper Support Staff: Darlene Denman, Jeanine Presswood and Nelda Snow.
GROUP BUYING POWER Chamber members can now get major savings on credit card payment processing. Learn about our new member benefit program.
Contact Will Watson at (979) 345-2988 • will.watson@infintechllc.com
www.infintechllc.com
Business Spotlight Keep Washington County Beautiful
The mission of KEEP WASHINGTON COUNTY BEAUTIFUL is to educate citizens of Washington County about the importance of recycling and encourage everyone to take part in activities that beautify the community. KWCB provides a resource for the City of Brenham and Washington County to apply for grants to assist in clean-up projects for this community. Dues and donations also make these continuing efforts possible. Your business/organization can become a proud member of Keep Washington County
Beautiful. Please email us to receive a 2016-17 Membership Dues form! KWCB is seeking volunteers for trash pick-ups along local roads. Plan to get together with your neighbors or church and civic groups. Pick the spot you want to clean. KWCB has all the safety gear and pick-up supplies you’ll need, provided free for your use. KWCB meets a few times per year and would like to include more citizens on its leadership team. If you are interested in participating in the mission to beautify Washington County, please let us know! Contact by email kwcb@brenhamtexas.com or visit www. KWCBtexas.com.
Maximize Your Presence on the Internet Statistics indicate that people searching the internet are experienced, educated consumers who use the web to help make purchase decisions. An estimated 82% of American adults use the internet and 78% of those users are looking for information about a product/service while online (according to PEW Research 2012). People visiting the Chamber website are making decisions about where to do business specifically in this community. Are you reaching this targeted market? Many members realize the benefit of membership and the value of targeting the market already driven to the Chamber’s online Business Directory. It is about utilizing the web and the Chamber’s credibility to promote your business. We have asked Suzanne Johnson,
Internet Marketing Consultant from ChamberMaster (our software & marketing partner), to return to Brenham in December to help members promote their local businesses to the targeted, potential consumers using the Chamber’s website. A couple of member sessions will be held at the Chamber to present enhanced opportunities (from the listings all members automatically receive), such as the ability to display a logo in the online Business Directory, how to increase visibility of your own website link, and provide enhancements that give a more professional first impression. How to gain additional, exclusive exposure to the Chamber website traffic is something that will also be discussed. At the member sessions, a free tutorial
Did You Know?
That the Chamber provides hundreds of “Relocation Info” packages every year to individuals and businesses who are considering moving to this community. As a member, you are eligible to include your promotional material and reach this targeted audience for a nominal annual fee ($85). Contact the Chamber office to be included.
will be given about your Basic Listings. Did you know that your FREE listings on the Chamber’s online Business Directory includes the following features? A 200-character business description Your hours of operation Driving directions Personalized key words Job postings “Hot Deal” coupons/promotions The ability to update the Chamber’s database if your information changes without having to call or email the Chamber office You should check to see how your listing is showing up right now. The basic listing requires your attention to make sure your business description is upto-date, to insert key words andsearch terms, to list your hours of operation and more, in order to maximize your presence and searchability. Be watching your email in-box for more details on how to schedule a oneon-one consultation with Suzanne Johnson from Chambermaster or attend a group session. If you would like to get on the list to be among the first contacted, please send an email to info@brenhamtexas.com.
Thank you to our Chairman’s Circle members ...
Brenham Clinic
Thank you to our Presidential Level members ...
OF BRENHAM Bluebonnet Electric
Metropolitan Water Company, L.P.
BRENHAM
November 2016 | Chamber Works | Page 3
New Members FAITH IN WELLNESS Owner: Faith Bost 905 S. Austin Street Brenham, Texas 77833 Phone: 979-836-1243 faith@faithinwellness.com www.faithinwellness.com Natural Foods & Vitamins LEWIS FUNERAL HOME Owner: Emmitt Lewis, Jr. 509 S. Baylor St. Brenham, Texas 77833 Phone: 979-251-8724 emmittlewisjr@yahoo.com Funeral Home MAIN STREET HOUSE Owners: Suzy & Keith Hankins 409 E. Main Street Brenham, Texas 77833 Phone: 979-221-2051 stay@mainsthouse.com www.mainsthouse.com Bed & Breakfast MOBIUS CAFÉ & PIZZERIA Owner: Marie-Louise J. Lawrence 1120 S. Market Street Brenham, Texas 77833 Phone: 979-451-7536 MLJLawrence@me.com www.mobiuscoffeehouse.com Restaurant
PLANNORTH ARCHITECTURAL CO. Owner: Katie Burch 101 S. Baylor Street (Physical Address) PO Box 2468 Brenham, Texas 77834 (Mailing Address) katie@plannorth.com www.plannorth.com Architects
Page 4 | Chamber Works | November 2016
Renewing Chamber Members
October 1-31 Thanks to the following members for continuing your investment in the Chamber. You are long-term “partners” in our mission to promote and preserve this great community, and we appreciate your confidence in the Chamber’s ability to promote your business. Chappell Hill Historical Society — 48 years Calvary Baptist Church — 44 years Sun Pools — 32 years Washington Animal Clinic — 32 years Washington County Appraisal District — 32 years Alexander Oil Company — 30 years Appel Ford - Presidential Member — 30 years Bill & Jeannine Neinast — 30 years Del Sol Food Company/Briannas - Presidential Member — 28 years Far View Bed & Breakfast — 23 years Altman Dentistry — 22 years Brenham Heritage Museum — 22 years BBA Architects, LP — 20 years Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites — 20 years Browning Plantation — 19 years Bill Betts — 18 years Capitol Wright Distributing — 18 years Sutherland Lumber — 18 years Upchurch Architects — 18 years Mr. & Mrs. Herbert Hughes — 17 years Mariachi’s Mexican Restaurant — 17 years First United Methodist Church — 16 years Norman’s Pharmacy — 16 years Bank of Brenham — 15 years Brenham Toy Company — 15 years New Beginnings Life Ministries — 14 years Webb Printing/Mailing Services Etc. — 14 years Apex Instruments Corp. — 13 years Triple T Refrigeration — 13 years Front Porch — 12 years Heritage Place — 12 years Independence Coffee Company — 12 years Scenic Hill — 12 years
Animal Friends of Washington County — 11 years B & R Industries, Inc — 11 years Brenham Crossroads Shopping Center — 11 years Documation of East Texas — 11 years Edward Jones - Andrea Holle — 11 years Golden Mirror Salon Suites — 11 years Congressman Michael McCaul, District 10 — 11 years Town & Country Realty & Mortgage — 11 years Auto Salon — 10 years Computer Helpers — 10 years Inn at Indian Creek — 10 years J Hill Properties — 9 years Lifetime Learning — 9 years 5 Star Country Properties — 8 years Adam’s Angels Ministry — 8 years Linda Niehuus - Heritage Texas Country Properties — 8 years Jeff D. Reeter — 8 years American Legion Buddy Wright Post 48 — 7 years Ballard & Fleetwood, PLLC — 7 years Golden Years Homecare Specialists — 7 years THYME...day spa & salon — 7 years Today And Yesterday — 7 years Absolutely Fabulous Salon — 6 years Brenham Dermatology, PLLC — 6 years Michele Bright, DDS P.A. — 6 years City of Brenham — 6 years Faubion Advertising & Design — 6 years Hair Warehouse — 6 years Kay’s Cuisine For The Soul — 6 years Saddlehorn Winery — 6 years Swell Printing — 6 years Abiding Word Lutheran Church — 5 years Brenham Miniature Horses — 5 years
H & R Block Brenham — 5 years Los Cabos Mexican Grill & Steakhouse — 5 years Dr. Garral Tiaden, OD, — 5 years Yumm! Sweets & Eats — 5 years Henkel Square Market — 4 years Wittner Plumbing — 4 years Atlas Foundation Repair — 3 years Fellowship Baptist Church — 3 years Focusing Families — 3 years Harmel Electric — 3 years Rockin’ Star Ranch — 3 years Washington County Landscapes — 3 years Capitol Ranch Real Estate — 2 years CK Designs & Boutique — 2 years Dynamic Drains of Texas — 2 years The Fortnightly Club of Brenham — 2 years Kate Holman — 2 years The Lone Star Gallery — 2 years Noble Living Studios — 2 years Premier Designs - Independent Distributor — 2 years 10X Graphics & Marketing — 1 year Brenham ISD-Vocational Adjustment Coordinator — 1 year Burton ISD Superintendent — 1 year Gate Keeper — 1 year Houser Roofing — 1 year Lewis Houser — 1 year Lakeway Air Conditioning — 1 year Lighthouse Business Solutions — 1 year Metro Container — 1 year Joe Al Picone — 1 year Smith Dairy Queen-290 West — 1 year Smith Dairy Queen-Market Street — 1 year Sugarlumps Guesthouse — 1 year
Washington County Blue Blazers The Blue Blazers is a club with 15-20 members and 40 years of tradition. They support the mission of the Washington County Chamber. The volunteers in the club act as official greeters and hosts of our community. Their activities include monthly meetings, greeting at Chamber functions, recruiting new Chamber members, and conducting ribbon cuttings and grand openings.
Michael Branton
Tammy Jaster
Seidel Schroeder
City of Brenham-Blue Bell Aquatic Center
Darlene Denman
Florence Julian
Joyce Dickschat
Crystal Locke
Washington County Chamber Brenham National Bank
Wendy Frazier
BBVA Compass Bank
Eddie Harrison
Retired-Brenham Municipal Judge
Retired-Individual
Linda Pipes
Retired-School Teacher
Kathy Randermann
KTTX 106.1/KWHI 1280 Brenham State Supported Living Center
Brice Milliorn
Christy Schlottmann
Michelle Panko
Barking Ranch Pet Resort
Spherion Staffing
Kristie Wensel
Brenham State Supported Living Center
Debra Wenckens
City of Brenham
Edward Jones Investments
Barbara Wilganowski
Allstate Insurance
Randy Weidemann
Van Dyke Rankin & Company
WASHINGTON COUNTY “ADOPT-A-SIGN” PARTNERS To ensure the long-term care of the Welcome Sign monuments at the five entry points to Washington County, four landscaping companies from our community have volunteered to oversee their maintenance.
Precision Lawn Management — U.S. 290 West Sign Designing Landscapes — U.S. 290 East Sign Glasco & Company Landscaping — Hwy. 36 North and South Signs Wise Landscaping — Hwy. 105 Sign
November 2016 | Chamber Works | Page 5
Leadership Class Steps Into the Past The October session of Leadership Washington County took the group back in time on a beautiful, sunny fall day. The day began in the historic Simon Theater in Downtown Brenham, featuring the “Step Into The Past” film presented by Barry Brass (LWC class of 2008). The film reveals why our city was named after Dr. Richard Fox Brenham and features local actors depicting important trailblazers in the history of the city. Barry also walked the group over to Toubin Park to discover the hidden wonders of a large system of historic cisterns that run beneath Brenham Streets. Toubin Park is recognized as a State Archeological Landmark. Next was an informative tour of the Texas Cotton Gin
& Museum in Burton. The class had the opportunity to peruse the museum artifacts and the ginning process with Museum Director Linda Russell. Linda gave the class a hands-on demonstration on how cotton is ginned using a small replica of Eli Whitney’s original gin. Museum Assistant Jerry Moore gave the class an up-close and personal tour of the gin. Once a year, the 1925 Bessemer Type IV engine gets fired up to gin and bale cotton during the annual Cotton Gin Festival held in April. After learning all about cotton, the group headed to Washington-on-the-Brazos, where they enjoyed lunch in the Conference Center. They then toured Independence Hall, “Where Texas Became Texas”, and the ferry landing
site. The class got to mingle inside the Star of the Republic Museum and then ended with a tour of the Barrington Living History Farm. One LWC student described the highlight of the day: “The history behind this 1850s working farm was so interesting. The history behind March 2, 1836, is fascinating when delegates from each municipality in Texas convened in an unfinished frame building and wrote a new constitution to establish the Republic of Texas.” Leadership Washington County is a program of the Washington County Chamber aimed at educating and motivating current and future leaders. This year’s class will graduate in May and the next class will form in July 2017.
Barry Brass welcomes the class to the historic, renovated Simon Theater.
Cotton Gin Museum Director Linda Russell explains the early days of cotton picking.
The class listens to a WOTB State Park Ranger Adam Arnold explain the historic conference that took place in Independence Hall.
Andi Liner sits atop a saddle display in the Star of the Republic museum.
www.twitter.com/VisitBrenham or ChamberWashCo
Page 6 | Chamber Works | November 2016
Tourism News 50 Years of Theatre at the O’Donnell
For five decades, the Theatre Arts Program at Blinn College in Brenham has entertained, engaged, and delighted young and old audiences alike. Celebrate this milestone at the O’Donnell Performing Arts Center with performances from current students, former students, and talented performing arts faculty. This will be a great party that toasts the next 50 glorious years of theatre at Blinn College! November 19 at 7pm and November 20 at 2pm.
Christmas Stroll & Lighted Parade
Annual Tourism Conference
Courtney Powell and Lu Hollander attended the recent Texas Travel Industry Association conference at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston. The 2-plus-day event was jam packed with up-to-date information presented by notables such as Dr. Ray Perryman with the Perryman Group. Another presenter, travel writer Doug Lansky’s topic was “The Next Big Ideas in Travel;” also, multiple panel discussions were conducted by leaders in the travel industry.
University of Texas Wind Ensemble
On November 19, the Round Top Festival Institute will host the University of Texas Wind Ensemble, conducted by Jerry Junkin. This Wind Ensemble has firmly established itself as one of America’s elite wind bands. They made their international debut at the Fifth Conference of the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles in Manchester, England in 1991, and their New York debut at Carnegie Hall in February 1998. The ensemble continues to perform nationally and internationally. Find details at www.FestivalHill.org.
Working for YOU! As a Chamber member, your promotional information is seen by thousands of people every month.
WALK-INS Visitor Center HQ Building
Oct. 2016 — 672
Oct. 2016 — 607
WEBSITE www.BrenhamTexas.com Total Pages Unique Visitors
Oct. 2016 — 8,065
Oct. 2016 — 16,438
WEBSITE www.VisitBrenhamTexas.com Total Pages Unique Visitors
Oct. 2016 — 13,641
Oct. 2016 — 28,366
Friday evening, December 2, and Saturday, December 3, enjoy live entertainment and holiday shopping as you stroll along the beautifully lit downtown streets of Brenham. All shops will be open, and there will be other fun things throughout the day! Stay for the Lighted Parade on Saturday evening. It’s a lot of fun for the whole family and is a great way to get into the holiday spirit!
Jingle Bell Market
Ant Street Inn will once again host the Jingle Bell Market in its ballroom Friday, December 2 from 10-7, and Saturday December 3 from 10-5. Arts and crafts, handmade and rare items galore will be available! Downtown shops and boutiques will be open late on Friday in celebration of Brenham’s Christmas Stroll. Enjoy historic downtown Brenham and get all of your holiday shopping done. Free parking, free admission!
Michael Martin Murphy Christmas Concert
Michael Martin Murphey’s “Cowboy Christmas Concert” is an evening of cowboy songs, poetry and wonderful stories inside the beautifully restored 1925 Simon Theatre. There will be two performances on December 3: 3pm and 8pm. Ticket info is at www.thebarnhillcenter.com.
Little Women, the Broadway Musical
Based on Louisa May Alcott’s life, Little Women follows the adventures of sisters Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March. Jo is trying to sell her stories for publication and weaves the story of herself and her sisters and their experience growing up in Civil War America. This timeless,
Did You Know?
… in 1828, John Prince Coles was appointed Alcalde of the municipality of Washington by the Mexican government. … Anson Jones, last president of the Republic of Texas, in 1844 purchased 1,107 acres (Barrington Plantation) from M. Austin Bryant. … a building erected in 1883 for a high school was constructed of 15-inch brick walls, cedar beams and plaster mixed with cow hair.
captivating story is filled with personal discovery, heartache, hope, everlasting love, and a lifting of the spirit. Running December 1st through 18th. Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00 pm, and Sundays at 4:00 pm. Ticket info is at www.unitybrenham.org.
Christmas on the Brazos
On December 10, the historic traditions of Texas in the 1800s will transport visitors into the past at “Christmas on the Brazos” at Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site. Free and low-cost holiday activities for all ages include period music, craft making, readings, food samplings and sale of artisan gifts. The day culminates in the park’s popular Candlelight Christmas event at Barrington Living History Farm, featuring vignettes of Texan frontier festivities with music, musket firing, dancing and a candlelit tour of the farm. Many holiday activities occur throughout the day and are staggered throughout the park. Check the calendar at www.VisitBrenhamTexas.com for a schedule of events. Saturday, December 10, 10am-9pm.
Celebrate Christmas at these Live Performances!
On December 3rd, PraiSingers, a popular choir from Travis Avenue Baptist Church in Fort Worth, sings holiday favorites. The annual Open House at Festival Hill in Round Top follows the concert in the Victorian-style Menke House. And the Nutcracker Ballet will be performed on Saturday, December 10, for the 9th year at Festival Hill in Round Top. The Ovation Ballet Company presents the legendary ballet at one show only, 4pm-6pm. Find more details at www.festivalhill.org. The Brenham Children’s Chorus celebrates the season with two musical performances on December 15 at 7pm and December 16 at 7pm. Find more details at www.brenhamchildrenschorus.com.
Top Tech Tools & Apps for Small Business Success
Presented by Toni Harris Taylor, Constant Contact During this seminar, some of latest technology tools and apps available to help small businesses grow will be discussed A list of budget friendly tech tools and apps will improve your productivity,save time in your day, and boost your effectiveness in communicating with your customers and prospects.
Wednesday, November 30 10:30 a.m. - noon Chamber Conference Room 314 S. Austin St., Brenham
$10 for Chamber Members $20 for non-members
To register call 979-836-3695 or email events@BrenhamTexas.com
November 2016 | Chamber Works | Page 7
What’s Happening in November Nov 11-13, 18-20, 25-27 Photography “Travels Near & Far” Art show at Back Lot Gallery featuring local photographers Kathlyn Dragna and Scott Hill. Gallery hours are Fri-Sun, noon-7pm, 308 S. Park St., Downtown Brenham. Nov 11-13, 18-20, 25-27 Brewery Patio Open At Brazos Valley Brewery enjoy craft beer with friends, Friday 5-10pm, Saturday 12-8pm, Sunday 1-6pm, 201 W. First St., Downtown Brenham (www.BrazosValley Brewery.com). Nov 11-13, 18-20, 25-27 Live Music in the Biergarten At Home Sweet Farm Market and Biergarten, times vary, 307 S. Park St., Downtown Brenham (www.HomeSweetFarm.com). Nov 12, 19, 26 Lone Star Gallery Open every Saturday year-round, featuring vintage, antique, re-purposed, shabby, & more. Free admission, free parking, indoor shopping, on-site concessions, 4214 S Hwy 237, Warrenton (www.thelonestargallery. com). Nov 12, 19, 26 “Step Into the Past” Tours Multiple historic sites throughout Washington County are open for you to explore on Saturdays 10am-5pm, full details are online (www.VisitBrenhamTexas.com/ step-into-the-past). Nov 12 Harvest Luncheon - Sigma Chi Chi Professional Women’s Club Benefiting the scholarship program that provides financial assistance to qualified high school graduates in Washington County, 11am, New Life Church of God, 1990 FM 389, Brenham (979-836-7134). Nov 14 Oil Painting Class Brenham Fine Arts League is honored to have Janita Jackson for Monday oil painting instruction, beginner to advanced levels, 9am-1pm, Downtown Art Gallery, 113 W. Alamo, Downtown Brenham.
Nov 15 Oil Painting Class Oil painter Patsy Supak offers ongoing art classes for all skill levels, 9am-1pm, Downtown Art Gallery, 113 W. Alamo St., Downtown Brenham (979-277-2170). Nov 15 Play in the Clay One night make your own pieces then return a second night to decorate/glaze. $80 per person for 2 classes, Tuesday and Thursdays from 7-9 pm. Arrangements can be made for other nights. BYOB for a fun night out. Reserve seats (979-2893765, www.BluebonnetPottery.com). Nov 16 Watercolor Painting Class Artist Jane McKinley teaches the fine art of watercolor, drawing to framing, 9am1pm, Brenham Fine Arts League, 113 W. Alamo St., Downtown Brenham (979885-9259). Nov 16 Ribbon Cutting Gist Law, PLLC Please join in welcoming this New Member at 4pm, 114 E. Alamo St., Downtown Brenham. Nov 16 Children’s Drawing/Art Classes Well-known local artist and children’s art teacher Sara Parker will resume drawing classes after school several days each week, 4-5:30pm, Brenham Fine Arts League, 113 W. Alamo, Downtown Brenham. (979-830-3443). Nov 16, 23 Musical Theatre Dance Classes For 3rd-5th grades, jazz and tap with Libby Lovejoy, 4-5pm, Unity Theatre, 300 Church St., Brenham (www.UnityBrenham.org). Nov 16, 23 Musical Theatre Dance Classes For 6rd-12th grades, jazz and tap with Libby Lovejoy, 5-6pm, Unity Theatre, 300 Church St., Brenham (www.Unity Brenham.org).
Nov 14 Grand Re-Opening Nancy Carol Roberts Memorial Library Join in the celebration at 2 pm, 100 Martin Luther King, Jr. Parkway, Brenham.
Nov 16 Dance Exercise Class Get a great workout and have fun, no dance experience required. Class is half tap and half musical theatre dance, 6-7pm, Unity Theatre, 300 Church St. (www. UnityBrenham.org).
Nov 15 Groundbreaking Hazel Lawson Adaptive Sports Complex Please join us for a Groundbreaking for Hazel Lawson Adaptive Sports Complex, 10am, Brenham State Supported Living Center, 4100 Hwy. 36 S., Brenham.
Nov 17 Chili’s Supports Faith Mission Let Chili’s do the cooking while you support Faith Mission at the same time. Chili’s will donate 10% of the day’s sales, 11am-10pm, 2700 Wood Ridge Blvd., Brenham.
Nov 17 Burton American Legion Pork Steak Drive Thru Serving 5-6:30pm at Burton Community Center, tickets at Malloy’s, Citgo and Hair Depot in Burton, 4-G in Carmine and Dan’s Meat Market in Brenham. Meals are delivered to Dan’s Meat Market for tickets purchased there. Nov 17 Business After Hours Kruse Memorial Lutheran Village Enjoy networking, food and refreshments! Bring plenty of business cards to share with other members. 1700 E. Stone St., Brenham, 5-7pm (www.KruseVillage.org). Nov 17 Coldwell Banker Tailgate Party An annual Thanksgiving Fiesta! Refreshments and dancing in the parking lot, 5-8pm, 2402 S. Day St., Brenham (www. BuyBrenham.com). Nov 17 Friends of Bluebonnet Opry Featuring Allison Crowson, Ray Hadaway, Lorraine Chavana, and the Bluebonnet Opry House Band, doors open at 5:30pm, food served at 6pm, show starts at 7:30pm, $5 admission (www.FriendsOf BluebonnetOpry.com). Nov 17 St. John UCC A Cappella Choir The Round Top Family Library FYI series and Round Top Area Historical Society present a spectacular music program, 7pm, Historical Society’s Jaehne Educational Cultural Pavilion (www.ilovetoread.org, 979-249-2700). Nov 18 Ribbon Cutting Puppy Dawgs & Cat Tails Re-grand opening at new location in the historic Beaumier Iron Works Building, 321 S. Baylor St., Downtown Brenham, 10:30am (www.PuppyDawgsandCatTails.com). Nov 19 DI Truck & Trailer 1st Ever Chili Cook Off Proceeds will go to the DI Truck and Trailer Scholarship given to a student/students attending a vocational/trade school, $25 chili entry fee, 9am-5pm, 6360 FM 50, Brenham (Nicole 979-421-9635). Nov 19, 26 Holiday Portraits Taking reservations now for November 19 and 26 at the beautifully decorated Ross Carroll Bennett House, $40 session. Proceeds benefit the Heritage Society of Washington County and are considered tax deductible. Contact Ron Werchan to reserve your spot (rwerchan@yahoo.com, 979.451.1810).
Nov 19 Living History Saturday Travel back in time to where a nation was born in 1836. Staff and volunteers in period clothing bring to life people and events of Old Washington, 10am-4:30pm, Washington on the Brazos (www.Where TexasBecameTexas.org).
Nov 19 Brenham Market Day Food trucks, KTEX Radop, antiques, locally made pottery, soap, candles, frames, woodworking, art and more. Rae Ramsey, local jewelry artist, will have a trunk show. Wine and cupcakes during Girls Night Out. Friendly leashed dogs welcome, 11am-7pm, Puppy Dawgs and Cat Tails, 321 S. Baylor St., Downtown Brenham.
Nov 19 University of Texas Wind Ensemble Concert Round Top Festival Institute, 3-5pm (www.FestivalHill.org).
Nov 19 Prairie View A&M Chorale in Concert Dr. A. Jan Taylor will conduct at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, underwritten by a grant from Gilbert and Thyra Plass Arts Foundation, co-sponsored by Mt. Rose Missionary Baptist and St. Peter’s Episcopal churches. Reception follows. Free and open to the public, 7-8:30pm, 2310 Airline Dr., Brenham (www.StPetersBrenham.org).
Nov 19 50 Years of Theatre Celebrate with performances from current students, former students, and talented performing arts faculty, $8 ticket, Blinn College, 7-9pm, 600 Blinn Blvd., Brenham.
Nov 22 Ribbon Cutting - The Gunnery Join in welcoming this New Member at 2pm, 210 E. Alamo St., Downtown Brenham.
Nov 25-26 Ledbetter Volunteer Fire Department’s Christmas Lane of Lights A fun family event for all ages, hayride through a lighted path of Christmas reflections. Santa will be there each night. All proceeds go to Ledbetter VFD, 6-9pm, FM 1291 and Hwy. 290. $8 per person, children 2 years and under free.
Nov 26 2nd Annual Chili Throw Down Chili, Bloody Mary, and Beans contests. Prizes awarded and live music by Whiskey Hitch. $5 a person tasting and a vote. CALENDAR continued on page 8
www.brenhamtexas.com
Page 8 | Chamber Works | November 2016
Calendar Continued from page 7
Noon-3pm, Home Sweet Farm Market and Biergarten, 307 S. Park St., teams can register online (www.home sweetfarm.com).
December Highlights
Dec 1 Business After Hours Heritage Texas Country Properties Co-sponsored by Design II. Attend and enjoy holiday networking, delicious food and refreshments, 5-7pm, 605 S. Austin St., Brenham.
Dec 1 “Little Women� at Unity Theatre This timeless, captivating story is filled with personal discovery, heartache, hope, everlasting love, and a lifting of the spirit, find ticket info online (www.UnityBrenham.org). Dec 2-3 Brenham Christmas Stroll & Parade Enjoy live entertainment and holiday shopping downtown, Parade on Saturday at 6pm (Jingle.CityofBrenham.org). Dec 3 Michael Martin Murphey - Christmas Concert An evening of cowboy songs, poetry and stories at Simon Theatre. Performances at 3pm and 8pm. Purchase tickets online for $49 each (www.TheBarnhillCenter.org/events).
Dec 3 Chappell Hill Christmas Fayre Fun activities for the whole family including a Teddy Bear Parade, downtown Christmas lighting, food and vendors, local shops, Downtown Chappell Hill.
Dec 3 Fall Training for Court Appointed Special Advocates Academy Train to become a Special Advocate for children in the foster care system, 9am-3pm, 2309 S. Day St., Brenham (www.WeSpeak4Kids.org).
Dec 3 Special Christmas Shopping Washington on the Brazos Visitor Center special Christmas shopping event, featuring products made by local vendors and artisans from the area and throughout Texas. Refreshments and music will enhance the shopping experience. Santa Claus will be on hand to greet visitors, hear their Christmas wishes, and to take photos. 9:30am-5pm. Dec 4 Tannenbaum Tour and Christmas at the Depot Texas Country Christmas in Burton beginning with lunch at 11am at the historic depot. For a complete schedule of events visit www.BurtonHeritageSociety.org/celebrate or call 979-353-0050.