bastropchamber.com The Bastrop Chamber of Commerce

bastropchamber.com
January 2012
The Bastrop Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
Volume 13, Issue 1
The Bastrop Chamber of Commerce Mission Statement
The mission of the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce is to improve the economy of Bastrop and thereby,
the quality of life for all its citizens through economic, community, and leadership development.
Austin Telco
Remains #1 Credit
Union Brand
For the second year in a row, Bancography has named
Austin Telco Credit Union as the number one brand for
credit unions with over one billion dollars in total assets.
Bancography’s Brand Value Index provides a quantitative
ranking of the brand strength of all U.S. banks, thrifts and
credit unions. The index ranks financial institution brands by
the premium that the institution’s brands add to their underlying tangible value. The calculations reward institutions
that display consistently strong earnings and a reasonable
cost of funds. These factors include the institution’s reputation, service quality, image and market awareness.
In calculating brand value, Bancography quantifies the
proportion of each institution’s long-term value that is attributable to the intangible factors that constitute an institution’s
brand. The brand value index identifies institutions that produce financial results beyond what their capital base, market
conditions and competitive environments would predict.
James Poplin, CEO of Austin Telco, stated that he is
proud of the brand recognition by Bancography and how
Austin Telco has advanced since the Credit Union's start in
1941. Austin Telco has grown into a billion dollar plus, full
service financial institution and will continue its commitment to our community.
Visit their website, ATFCU.org, for additional information about Austin Telco's many services. For more information regarding the brand recognition by Bancography,
contact Marketing Director, Katrina Delgado at kdelgado@
atfcu.org.
Welcome New Board Members
The Bastrop Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
is pleased to announce the new slate of Directors who will
serve from January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2014.
n Patti Bridges, Bridges Enterprises
n Debbie Denny, Bastrop Advertiser
n Joann Harkins, Prosperity Bank
n Thomas Pausewang, Sears, Roebuck & Co.
n Janis Penick, RE/MAX Bastrop Area
The Chamber Board and Chamber Staff welcome these
individuals and wish to extend our thanks for their willingness to make this commitment.
The first Bastrop County “Building a Better Tomorrow”
The first Bastrop County “Building a Better Tomorrow” Expo was held on November 19 at the Bastrop
Convention and Exhibit Center. More than 800 homeowners came to visit with vendors and get information
and ideas for rebuilding or remodeling in Bastrop County. Visit their website, www.BastropCountyExpo.
org for more information.
Local center provides services and support
The Bastrop Pregnancy Resource Center has just
passed the two year mark in providing services to
our community. They are truly accomplishing their
goal of being, “A safe place in a world of anxiety
and confusion.” They have outgrown their original
office space and they are now located at 81 Loop
150 West in Bastrop.
From the name alone people would understand
that their services include non-medical pregnancy
testing, counseling and referrals to resources such
as Medicaid and WIC, but they also have a boutique
with maternity clothes for mom, and baby supplies
such as diapers, formula, blankets and other baby
items, and clothes for infants through 5T. All PRC
services are free of charge and appointments are
kept confidential.
Their other community assistance is in the form
of educational classes and support groups for both
women and men. Classes for men and women offer
training in life skills, parenting, resume writing
and job interviewing, financial training and Bible
Studies. Additional classes are available to women
for child birth and breast feeding instruction. The
support groups for women and men cover topics
of post abortion recovery, child loss support, and
sexual abuse recovery.
Bastrop Pregnancy Resource Center is a 501(c)
(3) non-profit organization. They gladly accept
monetary donations, boutique items and baby furniture, and all donations are tax deductable.
Their office hours vary so that appointment
times will be more convenient, with morning and
evening appointments available Monday through
Thursday. For more information call 512-629-8780
or 512-629-8781. Information is also available by
email at bastrop.prc@hotmail.com.
Page 2 bastropchamber.com
January 2012
Bastrop Chamber reTREEt planned for Bastrop
of Commerce
74th Annual
Banquet
The Bastrop Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that
our 74th Annual Banquet will take place on Saturday, February 11,
2012. This exciting, fun-filled celebration of our volunteers and
supporters of the Chamber and the community will be held at the
Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa.
The pre-dinner reception will begin at 6:30 PM, followed by
the Banquet at 7:00 and the Awards Ceremony at 8:00. Regular
Sponsor tables are available for $700 and will seat ten, and individual tickets are $50. Other sponsorships are available in increments
from $200 to $5,000. All Sponsors will receive recognition in the
Banquet Program and the Chamber Newsletter, and other recognition commensurate with sponsorship levels.
Make plans now to attend the Banquet and help us honor our
Points of Light volunteers, Man of the Year, Woman of the Year,
and Citizen of the Year. Just complete the reservation form at the
bottom and return it with a check or money order no later than
February 8, 2012 to:
Bastrop Chamber of Commerce
927 Main Street
Bastrop, TX 78602
Stop by the office if you would like to pay with a credit card, or
call 303-0558 if you have any questions. OR, you can register &
pay on-line at bastropchamber.com
Please return this form no later than February 8, 2012.
n Yes, (I) we will attend the 74th Annual Banquet on Saturday,
February 11, 2012. Please reserve _______tickets at $50.00
each. I have enclosed my check or money order in the amount of
$____________.
n Yes, please reserve ______Sponsor table(s) for ten guests,
at $700 per table. My check or money order in the amount of
$____________is enclosed. Tables are reserved in the order that
RSVP forms are returned, starting in the front row.
Name:
Company Name:
Address:
Daytime Phone:
From January 22nd-24th, 2012, a group of
cyclists from all over the United States and
Canada will be in Bastrop participating in an
event named reTREEt Bastrop. The goal of
reTREEt Bastrop is to provide native trees and
planting services to local businesses and residents AT NO COST.
The trees will be acquired locally, will likely
be five-gallon oaks and/or pines, and will be
planted wherever they are welcome. Many of the
cyclists are certified arborists who participate
in several annual cycling/tree planting events
across the U.S., including the Tour des Trees, the
Acorns of Hope, and the BRITTON Fund Ride.
A video of their recent Tour des Trees is online
at http://current.com/participate/vc2/89383312_
tour-des-trees.htm.
The goal of reTREEt Bastrop is to plant 100
trees in areas heavily affected by the Bastrop
County Complex fires. The group specifically
wants to plant those trees on private property for
homeowners and businesses, as chances are they
will be better taken care of and, as such, will
have a lower mortality rate.
Contributed photo by Helen Steussy
reTREEt Members plant trees in areas affected by
disasters across the U.S.
If you would like more information about
the ride, would like to be involved in reTREEt
Bastrop, or are interested in having a bunch of
cyclists plant a tree…or ten…on your property,
please contact Grady McGahan at (347) 6104454 or briangrady@gmail.com.
Annual Sportsmen Banquet to benefit
Bastrop Students
The Annual Sportsmen Banquet has moved to
the Bastrop Convention and Exhibit Center this
year to offer more entertainment, more seating
and a bigger, better auction and raffle. You’ll still
enjoy a great steak and shrimp dinner, but this
year there will be a DJ, dancing, and games for
the skilled…or not so skilled. The sportsmen will
have an outstanding opportunity to win a gun in
the raffle - where each ticket has a 1 in 10 chance
of winning a prize! You won’t find those odds
in Vegas, Baby!
And while you’re having all that fun and
enjoying good food and good company, you’ll be
helping out the Bastrop Education Foundation.
The BEF is a local, grassroots, 501 (C)(3) organization committed to improving education and
educational opportunities throughout our community by:
n Awarding grants to district educators for new
teaching strategies, innovative ideas, and other
initiatives to enhance instruction and educational
opportunities AND
n Recognizing exemplary students and educators.
In the last five years alone, the Foundation
has awarded 107 grants, totaling more than
$450,000! The grants affect either a single classroom, an entire grade level or the whole district,
but they all demonstrate teacher talent, creativity,
commitment, and initiative. One thing they all
have in common is the ability to generate interest
in learning and provide students with new ways
to comprehend ideas and then put them to use as
they grow into adulthood. The gift of education
is one that truly lasts a lifetime!
The second initiative centers on recognizing student excellence and the educators whose
example, support, and guidance provided the
skills necessary for the students to succeed.
In 2011 the Foundation honored 107 Bastrop
and Cedar Creek High School students who
were nominated by their teachers as exemplary,
based upon the students’ academic performance,
personal attributes and participation in community service and extracurricular activities. From
those 107 nominees, the Foundation named the
25 “Rising Stars” who were celebrated at the
Rising Star Banquet, along with their chosen
mentors.
Funding for the Foundation is entirely dependent on the generous contributions
of individuals and businesses that share the
Foundation’s vision. We hope that you’ll
join us at this year’s Sportsmen Banquet on
Saturday, January 28, 2012, for the social at
5:30 PM and dinner at 7:00. Contact Matthew
Mix at 321-9200 or Jennifer Long at 512-4619418 for ticket information. Sponsor tables
are $800 and will seat eight, and individual
tickets are available at $60 each or $100 for
a couple. Gun Raffle tickets are $20 each or
6 for $100. Donors are recognized during
Foundation events and on the BEF website,
www.BastropEducationFoundation.org.
January 2012
bastropchamber.com
Page 3
Bastrop Area Community Calendar
All events are subject to
change of date or location to
accommodate holidays & meeting facility requirements. Some
organizations do not meet each
month due to seasonal concerns.
Please call the contact number
to confirm before attending any
meeting.
All phone numbers are Area
Code 512 unless otherwise
noted.
The Healing River Alliance
meets every Monday at noon,
at 1202 Pecan St. (corner of
Farm) in Bastrop. For more
info, Cy Labat at 970-3705 or
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/
group/healingriveralliance/.
Bastrop Public Library
Board Meeting. 1st Monday
of each month, 6 – 7 PM. The
public is invited - come and
get involved with your Public
Library! 1100 Church Street,
Bastrop, TX 78602. For more
info, Mickey Duvall, mickey@
bastroplibrary.org, 512-3215441.
The Bastrop High School
Baseball Booster Club meets
the 3rd Monday of the month at
6:30 pm at BHS athletic dome
classroom. Everyone invited.
For more info contact Dee
Underwood at 512-848-5691.
Basconet.com Members
Networking Team meets the
3rd Monday of the month from
6:30pm-8pm at the Chamber
of Commerce conference room,
927 Main St. We will have a
guest speaker followed by a
networking social time. It is
okay to bring your own Brown
Bag meals or something to
share. For more detailed info,
Debbie Lundrigan, CEO (512)
229-8100, www.basconet.com,
basconet@sbcglobal.net
Mina Masonic Lodge meets
the 4th Monday of the month at
7 PM. Visiting Masonic members are welcome. 601 Main St
in Bastrop, call 303-0191.
The
Bastrop
County
Republican Party meets the
4th Monday of the month at
7 PM. Locations vary so call
Albert Ellison at 796-4560.
The American Legion Post
No. 533 has Texas Hold ‘Em
Poker every Monday evening.
3003 loop 150 E, Bastrop, 3215555.
The American Legion Post
No. 533 has Pool Tables Open
11 AM-7:45 PM, @ 8 PM Pool
Tournament. every Monday
evening. 3003 Loop 150 E,
Bastrop, 321-5555.
The Texas State Small
Business Development Center
has a satellite office in the First
National Bank building. To
make an appointment with an
adviser, call 512-610-0996
Bastrop Networking Group
meets every Tuesday at 7:30
AM at the Texas Grill, 101 Hwy
71 W. For more info, Mark Nix
at 923-4760.
Yarnorama!
Morning
Fiber Group meets Tuesday
mornings from 9 AM – noonish. Bring a knitting or crochet
project and spend the morning
with friends. This group often
works on Knit-Alongs (KAL's)
where everyone in the group
who wishes to participate works
on the same project to learn
new techniques. 130 Gonzales
St, Paige, 512-253-0100. Please
see their website at www.yarnorama.com for a comprehensive listing of classes, rental
equipment (looms, spinning
wheels, etc.), events, community projects & Susan’s blog!
Meet ‘n’ Greet Bastrop
(formerly Bastrop County
Referral Network – BCRN)
meets every Tuesday morning,
7:45-8:45 AM at Maxine’s on
Main, 905 Main St, call 7724236 or 303-5762.
The American Legion Post
No. 533 On Tuesday evenings
they have an Open Mic from 7 –
10 PM. Featured Artist 10 – 11
PM. Jam Session 11 – 12 PM.
3003 Loop 150 E, Bastrop, 3215555 or Joe at 629-9105.
The Rotary Club of
Bastrop County meets for
lunch every Tuesday at noon
at Cedar’s Mediterranean Grill,
904 College. No reservation
required, call 332-2159.
Bastrop Evening Lions
Club meets the 1st & 3rd
Tuesday of each month at 7 PM
in the Kerr Community Center,
1308 Walnut St, Bastrop. For
more info, Elroy & Sophia
Williams, 512-303-7732, ewilliams7732@att.net
The Bastrop Fine Arts
Guild meets the 1st Tuesday of
every month except December
at 7 PM at the Aqua Water
Building, 415 Old Austin Hwy,
call Jeanette Condray 576-1100.
Bastrop Public Library,
Brown Bag Movie. 1st Tuesday
of each month, 6:30 – 9:00 PM.
Bring your brown bag meal and
enjoy a free feature film appropriate for the whole family.1100
Church St, Bastrop, TX 78602.
For more info, Bonnie Ueckert,
bonniej@bastroplibrary.org,
512-321-5441.
The Downtown Business
Alliance meets the 1st & 3rd
Tuesday of every month at
6:15 PM at The Bastrop Opera
House.
For more information call Drusilla Rogers at the
Sugar Shack 321-3777.
The Lost Pines Garden
Club meets the 2nd Tuesday
of the month at 6:30 PM at the
Bastrop Public Library, 1100
Church St. Light refreshments,
open to the public. No meeting
in June, July or August. For
more info, Janet Jones, 512985-5741 or www.lostpinesgardenclub.org
Diabetes Support Group
meets the 2nd Tuesday of every
month, 5 PM at the Fellowship
Hall next door to the Bastrop
First United Methodist Church,
1201 Main Street. For additional information, please
call Wesley Nurse Charlotte
Johnson at 332-2752 or Cyndi
Watson, RN, at 360-2002.
Bastrop Citizens Police
Academy Alumni Association
meets the 3rd Tuesday at 6:30
PM, open to all graduates of
the Citizens Police Academy.
Warren Petersen 303-0689.
The Bastrop AARP Chapter
meets every 3rd Tuesday at
9:30 AM at the Bastrop Senior
Center, 1008 Water St. Social
begins at 9:30 & the general
meeting starts at 10. For more
info Willie 303-4136.
Bastrop County Audubon
Society meets every 3rd
Tuesday (Sept - June) at 7:30
PM in the community room of
the First National Bank, 489
Hwy 71 W. Go to www.bastro-
paudubon.org or call 281-2762.
The Lost Pines Artisans
Alliance meets every 3rd
Tuesday at 6:30 PM in the
Mary Nichols Art Gallery, 301
Burleson in Smithville. Call
304-8129.
The Boys & Girls Clubs
of Bastrop County’s Board
of Directors meets the last
Thursday of the month at 7
PM at the Bastrop Chamber
of Commerce Conference
Room. Guests are welcome.
For more information check
out the website at http://www.
bastropbgc.org or contact the
Administrative Offices of the
Boys & Girls Clubs at 512-3216676.
De-stress with Belly Dance
at Bastrop Gardens every
Wednesday from 7 to 8 PM.
This traditional social folkdance
has helped women relax and
get/stay in shape since Biblical
days. It’s fun for women of
all ages & all shapes. Free for
fire victims, firefighters, first
responders and law enforcement. By donation for everyone
else. Ongoing group – OK if
you can’t always make it. For
more information about this
class, please call 601-2381. For
more information on Bastrop
Gardens, please call 512-3035672 or go to http://www.bastropgardens.com/
The Bastrop Chamber
of Commerce monthly luncheon is the 1st Wednesday
of each month, except July &
December, at 11:45 AM with
networking available at 11:15.
RSVP required, $12 for reservations before noon on Monday
of luncheon week, $15 for late
reservations. Locations vary,
check
bastropchamber.com
website Events Calendar for
details.
The Edward Jones Coffee
Club meets at Charles Mazac’s
office the 1st Wednesday of
each month, 8 – 9 AM, 3851
Hwy 71 E (near former Lakeside
Hospital) in Bastrop. RSVP to
Stephanie at 321-5525, drop-ins
welcome.
Bastrop Public Library,
Preschool Story Time. Every
Wednesday & Friday, 10:30 –
11:00 AM. Short program for
preschool children including
stories, songs, rhymes and finger plays. Come and join us!
1100 Church St, Bastrop, TX
78602. For more info, Bonnie
Ueckert, bonniej@bastroplibrary.org, 512-321-5441.
The Friends of the Bastrop
County
Animal
Shelter
Meeting is held the 2nd
Wednesday of each month at
The First National Bank, Main
Branch, 2nd floor at 6:30 PM.
Call 321-1415.
The Bastrop Chamber of
Commerce Board Meeting is
held the 3rd Wednesday of each
month, except November &
December, at 8 AM. Meetings
are in the Chamber Board Room
at 927 Main St, call 303-0558.
B a s t ro p
Christian
Ministerial Alliance meets the
3rd Wednesday at Heritage Hall
of Calvary Episcopal Church,
1020 Main St, 12 PM. Bernie
Jackson, berniej@familycrisiscenter.us, 321-7760
The Bastrop Philosophical
Society
meets
the
last
Wednesday of each month at 7
PM at the UMAC, 1800 Linda
St. Free refreshments, call 3031531.
The American Legion Post
No. 533 has Karaoke every
Wed. evening. 3003 Loop 150
E, Bastrop, 321-5555.
The Boys & Girls Clubs
of Bastrop County hosts a volunteer orientation and training each Thursday at 5:30 PM
at the Youth House of the 1st
United Methodist Church on
Main Street in Bastrop, 1201
Main Street. Everyone invited.
For more information please
check out the website at http://
www.bastropbgc.org or contact
the Administrative Offices at
512-321-6676.
Bastrop VFW Post 12104
has a Poker Tournament every
Thursday Night, 7 PM, 1128-B
Hwy 21 E, Bastrop. Call Wally
at 512-988-0426, email bastropvfwpost12104@yahoo.com
Thursday evenings from 5
– 8 PM at Yarnorama! Help
form a new evening knitting
and crochet group for those
who work during the day. These
See CALENDER, page 4
Page 4 bastropchamber.com
Continued from page 3
groups are a fun way to wind
down after a tough day and get
into the unstress zone with others who share your passion for
fiber and yarn. 130 Gonzales St,
Paige, 512-253-0100. Please
see their website at www.yarnorama.com for a comprehensive listing of classes, rental
equipment (looms, spinning
wheels, etc.), events, community projects & Susan’s blog !
Bastrop Area Cruisers Car
Club meets the 1st Thursday of
the month at 7 PM at the Hyatt
Regency Lost Pines Resort,
buffet dinner served at 6 PM
for $10/person, meeting open to
members or any car enthusiasts,
call 321-4151.
Keep Bastrop County
Beautiful
holds
their
Community meeting the 1st
Thursday of FEB, APRIL,
JUNE,
AUGUST
and
OCTOBER.
Locations will
alternate between Bastrop,
Elgin and Smithville. Please
contact us for the specific location. Useful information &
resources are presented at each
meeting and you may win a
door prize. For more info,
www.keepbastropcountybeautiful.org or chair@keepbastropcountybeautiful.org or 512 537
0068.
City of Bastrop Parks
Board meets the 1st Thursday
of the month at 6:30 PM in
the City Council Chamber, 904
Main St. The public is welcome, call 321-0329.
Bastrop Public Library,
Home School Class.
1st
Thursday of the month, 2 – 3:30
PM. A monthly class for 7-12
yr olds using a variety of topics to improve students' knowledge of the library and how it
works. Come and join us! 1100
Church St, Bastrop, TX 78602.
For more info, Bonnie Ueckert,
bonniej@bastroplibrary.org,
512-321-5441.
The Cedar Creek Rotary
Club meets each Thursday at
noon at the Hyatt Regency Lost
Pines Resort & Spa. Call Steve
Dewire at 308-1234.
Bastrop County Healing
Circle meets monthly the 1st
Thursday from 6:30-7:30 PM
at the Bastrop Chamber of
Commerce conference room,
927 Main St. This is an ongoing
support group of healers and
January 2012
those who are seeking information on healing-or who just
need to talk-to be able to meet
and share in a safe and confidential environment. We have
guest speakers followed by a
social time. We will have coffee, tea, and cookies. It is okay
to bring your own Brown Bag
meals or something to share.
For more detailed info, Debbie
Lundrigan, CEO 512-229-8100,
www.basconet.com, basconet@
sbcglobal.net
Divorce Care.
The
Pentecostals of Bastrop host
a weekly seminar & support
group with a focus on the work
of healing the pain that comes
with any kind of breakup for
people who are separated or
divorced. Each Thursday at 7
PM at 261 FM 20 (about .8 mi
off Hwy 71, 1st church on the
left) Bastrop, TX 78602
The Bastrop Touchdown
Club meets every 2nd Thursday
in the BHS athletic dome classroom. TD Club members and
anyone interested in joining are
invited to attend, call Karissa
Sullivan 629-5709 or Hershel
Becker 517-1959.
Lost Pines High Tech
Consortium meets every 2nd
Thursday of the month, 7PM
at the Bastrop Chamber of
Commerce, 927 Main St to network and discuss building High
Tech in Bastrop. Those who
work in the High Tech sector
are encouraged to attend. Then
move next door to Cindy’s for
Happy Hour specials, free chips
& salsa. More info call 3211171.
The Bastrop County Board
of Realtors meets every 2nd
Thursday of the month at
Cedar’s Mediterranean Grill,
networking at 11:30 AM, lunch
at noon. Lunch is $10 with
a reservation and $12 without. Reservations to Becky
McGinnis at beckymcginnis@
kw.com .
The
Smithville
Unit
Advisory Council of the Boys
& Girls Clubs of Bastrop
County meets the 2nd Thursday
of the month at noon at La
Cabana in Smithville. Guests
are welcome. For more information check out the website
at http://www.bastropbgc.org
or contact the Administrative
Offices at the Boys & Girls
Clubs at 512-321-6676.
The
Bastrop
County
Republican Women meet the
3rd Thursday of March, May,
July & October at 7 PM, call
for locations, Marilyn Etzel at
772-1975.
Friends of the Lost Pines
State Parks meet the 3rd
Thursday of the month at 7 PM,
except Nov. & Dec. Meetings
vary between the Bastrop State
Park Refectory and Buescher
State Park in Smithville. Call
321-3740 or visit www.friendsoflostpines.org
Parkinson’s
Movement
Disorders Outreach group
meets at 2 PM the 4th Thursday
of the month at the Argent Court
Assisted Living facility, 508
Old Austin Hwy in Bastrop.
Will meet the 3rd Thursday in
Nov & Dec due to the holidays.
Call Shasta Martini at 321-9500
or Jenny Bankston at 512-2521512.
First Friday Art Reception,
6 – 8 PM, See the artwork
and meet the featured artists at
the Main Street galleries, http://
www.bastropfineartsguild.com
Artist paint-outs at the
9E Ranch first Friday of each
month - 8:30 - 12:00. Paintings
and photography will be juried
for a show at Chel Art Gallery
on January 14, 2012. Call Joan
Bohls for information 512-4979502.
Camp Wilderness Ridge
needs volunteers to serve with
us for weekend campouts &
retreats, email ron@wildernessridge.com or call 512-237-4442.
River Valley Farmers
Market is open the following
times/locations until sold out:
Elgin - Saturdays, 10 am - 2
pm at Veterans Park (109 Depot
Street) in downtown Elgin
Smithville - Thursday at
1 PM @ Main & 1st Street
Gazebo.
WIC approved, www.rivervalleyfarmersmarket.com or
call 817-929-2789.
Lost
Pines
Artisans
Alliance Mary Nichols Art
Center Gallery is open Fri
1 – 4, Sat 11 – 4, Sun 1 4. 301 Burleson at Loop 230,
in Smithville. For information
contact Cammy Snyder at 3048129.
Bastrop 1832 Farmers
Market is open every Tuesday
2 – 6 and Saturday from 10
AM – 2 PM year round. 1302
Chestnut St, across the street
from City Hall and next to
the Convention Center, featuring locally produced vegetables and fruits, grass-fed beef,
herbs & plants, farm fresh eggs,
baked goods, prepared foods,
handcrafted artisan wares, and
more. www.bastrop1832farmersmarket.org or call 512-3604799.
Debbie or Dr. Ron Lundrigan
will be providing 'Thumper'
percussion massages and sessions on the 'Far Infrared Ray'
BioMat, while singing & playing an autoharp. For more info
call 512-229-8100.
The American Legion Post
No. 533 has live music every
Friday & Saturday nights at
7:30 PM. 3003 Loop 150 E,
Bastrop, 512-321-5555.
Basconet.com
McJam
Musicians
Networking
Group meets the 2nd Friday
of each month from 7-11 PM
at Basconet.com Back Forty
Event Facility, 551 Herron
Trail, McDade. From beginner
to professional, country to soft
rock. We will have coffee, tea,
and cookies. It is okay to bring
your own Brown Bag meals or
something to share. Sponsored
by Basconet.com, Back Forty
Chiropractic. For more detailed
info, Debbie Lundrigan, CEO
(512) 229-8100, www.basconet.
com, basconet@sbcglobal.net
Pine St Market Days, on
Pine St between Main & Water
Streets, is the 2nd Saturday
of each month in Bastrop,
from April - December & on
Yesterfest Saturday in April.
Vendors sell arts & crafts, handmade items, jewelry, etc. Call
Pearl 303-6233. Applications
available at www.bastropbusinesswomen.com
Second
Saturday
Salebration in Bastrop, 900
block of Main St, 9 AM - 5 PM.
YesterFest (April 30, 2011),
Veterans Day Celebration and
Car Show (Nov 12, 2011) &
the Christmas Holiday Event
(Dec 10, 2011). Vendors, arts
& crafts, demonstrations, food.
Call 321-6600.
Sunday Afternoons from 1 –
4 at Yarnorama! join the Paige
Purls and spend the afternoon
knitting or crocheting with
friends or make new ones. Just
bring a project to work on and
plan on socializing with others
who share your passion. 130
Gonzales St, Paige, 512-2530100. Please see their website
at www.yarnorama.com for a
comprehensive listing of classes, rental equipment (looms,
spinning wheels, etc.), events,
community projects & Susan’s
blog
Bastrop Little League
Board of directors meets the
2nd Sunday of each month, 6
PM, in the Bastrop Chamber
of Commerce conference room,
927 Main St, Bastrop. For more
info, Chris Bodine, 512-5819576.
The American Legion Post
No. 533 has a Dart Tournament
every Sunday. 3003 Loop 150
E, Bastrop, 321-5555.
Free Tax Prep for Fire Recovery
Liberty Tax Service is providing free tax preparation for anyone who suffered loss in the
Bastrop, Smithville, Cedar Creek, Oak Hill or Steiner Ranch fires. Liberty will compute the
correct amount of any losses suffered that are not covered by insurance, do your taxes, and
E-file your return. Justin Voigt is the new owner of Liberty Tax Service in Bastrop, at 109
South Hasler Blvd., Suite 300 (behind Taco Bell, next to the Cheese Steak Sandwich shop).
Justin has owned the Oak Hill Liberty Tax Service for three years and has recently added a
branch office in Bastrop. This generous offer is his way of giving back to the community
and helping those who need assistance as they recover from their loss. You can get more
information by calling the Bastrop office at 512-321-7775.
January 2012
bastropchamber.com
Page 5
Welcome New Members…
The Board of Directors approved the following new members at its monthly meeting. We appreciate the investment
these new members have made in the chamber and we ask that you give them your support.
The Bastrop Chamber of
Commerce is delighted to welcome the Bastrop Evening
Lions Club to its membership.
They are part of the world’s
largest service club organization, Lions Clubs International,
which has more than 46,000
clubs worldwide. Founded in
1917, the Lions have a dynamic
history and they are best known
for fighting blindness. Our
local Bastrop Evening Lions
Club has extended their commitment to sight preservation
through countless local efforts
and through their ‘Sight First
Program’ which works to eradicate blindness. They volunteer
for many different community
projects – caring for the environment, eye glasses to needy
children, service dogs for the
blind and summer camps for
crippled and diabetic children.
They also donate locally to the
Bastrop County Emergency
Food Pantry, Women’s Crisis
Center, Fruit Baskets to the
elderly and shut-ins and scholarships to graduating high school
students. And all of this while
maintaining an active interest
in the civic, cultural, social &
moral welfare of our whole
community. The Lions Club
meets the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays
of each month at 7 PM in the
Kerr Community Center, 1308
Walnut St, Bastrop. For more
info, call Elroy or Sophia
Williams at 512-303-7732.
Bastrop
Liberty Tax
Service proudly joins the
Bastrop Chamber of Commerce
under new ownership, Justin
Voigt, a long-time resident of
the County and a three-year
tax service provider/owner.
“Service to the residents of
Bastrop” is a motto and a priority of the company, as indicated
by offering FREE tax preparation to Bastrop County fire
victims (with verified address).
Availability is also a plus
for the service provided by this
office at 109 S. Hasler Blvd.
The office will open for the
year on Jan 2, then, beginning
Jan 15 through Feb 15, office
hours will be 7 AM - 9 PM.
During the normal tax season,
Feb 16 through Apr 15, office
hours will be 9 AM - 9 PM.
After Apr 15th, office hours
will be on Thursdays 10 AM - 6
PM. They have phone assistance available anytime at 512321-7775 and also a mobile
accountant available with 15
years experience and a General
Manager with 12 years experience. There is a great opportunity to get acquainted at the
Chamber’s Ribbon Cutting on
January 11 at 11 AM.Bastrop
Little League provides recreational baseball/softball opportunities for boys and girls,
ages 4-18. They play both a
Spring and Fall league, providing children at every skill
level the opportunity to participate. They also provide a
Challenger division for children with mental and physical
challenges. Contact them at
bastropll@gmail.com or visit
www.eteamz.com/bastropll for
information for Spring 2012
registration.
The Chamber is proud to
welcome Hwy 71 RV Park
& Storage to its membership.
They are located at 931 Union
Chapel Rd in Cedar Creek and
offer 128 RV spaces with complete amenities and a friendly
country living atmosphere as
well as 187 storage units. They
provide 24 hour access to storage facilities and are gated for
security.
Hwy 71 RV Park & Storage
has long been the “home away
from home” for friends & families of Bastrop County resi-
dents while visiting from out of
town. And because community
is the top priority, they feel fortunate in being able to assist
victims of the recent Bastrop
fires with either or both RV
space or storage facilities. They
have and will continue to give
special consideration to Bastrop
County fire victims at Hwy 71
RV Park & Storage.
Office hours are Monday
thru Saturday 10AM - 6 PM
and Sunday 2 - 5 PM with 24/7
phone service at 512-321-7275
or 512-308-9662.
Blue Donkey Gallery, Lea
Cundy at 1022 Main St (the
RA Green building), 304-5332,
www.bluedonkeystudio.com
National Tree Appraisers,
James Ward, 936-556-1239,
james@jfward.com
Will Cook Builders, Will
Cook, 512-718-1297, willcook@willcookbuilders.com,
www.willcookbuilders.com
Renewing Members
Thanks to the following renewing members for continuing your investment in the Chamber.
We appreciate your confidence in our ability to promote Bastrop and your business.
Atlas Chiropractic & Spinal Rehab Center
Bastrop Co. Child Protective Services Board
Bastrop Community Senior Center
Bastrop County Board of Realtors, Inc.
Bastrop High School Baseball Booster Club
Bastrop Orthodontics
Best Western Bastrop Pines Inn
Capital Cardiovascular Specialists
CASA of Bastrop County, Inc.
Cripple Creek & Co.
John Eaton
First Baptist Church of Bastrop
Jerry Fay Wilhelm Center for the Performing
Arts
Earl Kilgore
Lakeside Professional Building
Liberty Glenn Home Décor
Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial
Reid Sharp
Sierra Plumbing, LLC
Soldiers’ Angels
Starbucks Coffee Company
Tropicana Motel
US Air Conditioning Heating & Refrig Svc.
Evelyn Weilert
Wright Distributing Co.
YMCA
Page 6 bastropchamber.com
January 2012
“All Event listings are taken from the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce website’s “Events” calendar.
Please visit www.bastropchamber.com for the most up-to-date information.”
Be sure to check our website at
www.bastropchamber.com for all
the lastest details on upcoming
events in Bastrop and Shop Local
with Coupons !
Saturday,
December 31, 8 AM
Family New Year's Eve Celebration,
Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort &
Spa, 575 Hyatt Lost Pines Road
Book our Family New Year’s Eve
package and enjoy activities and
amenities the entire family will love.
Guests staying with us on this special holiday package will enjoy a
roadhouse-style barbecue dinner for
up to four people (two adults and two
children); access to our thrilling, carnival-style jamboree (complete with
large Ferris wheel and classic carousel); live entertainment and dancing at Firewheel Dancehall; a champagne or Shiner Bock New Year’s
toast and a delicious brunch on New
Year’s Day. Each member of the family will delight in building a lifetime of
memories during this special, oncea-year celebration. The Family New
Year’s Eve package completely sold
out last year, so book now to ensure
that your family won’t miss out. Go
to www.visitlostpines.hyatt.com and
click on "special offers" for details
and availability. Admission Details:
Visit lostpines.hyatt.com for pricing
and availability.
Tuesday,
January 03, 10 AM
Mandatory Pre Bid Meeting for exterior renovations of Elgin City Hall, 310
N. Main
The principal item of construction is
maintenance and repair of the City
Hall located at 310 North Main Street,
including but not limited to repair and
replacement of wood, exterior painting, interior sheet rock repairs and
interior painting. In all cases, the
Contractor will abide by the prevailing labor laws of the State of Texas.
Bidders will familiarize themselves
with the location of the project and
the various types of work to be done
and attend the MANDATORY Pre Bid
meeting.
Wednesday,
January 04, 11:15 AM
Monthly Chamber Luncheon, Hampton
Inn & Suites of Bastrop, 240 S. Hasler
Blvd.
Sponsor: First National Bank
Program: Food Pantry Empty Bowl
Project
Catered by: Catering by Judy
Menu: Chicken in sun-dried tomato
sauce over rice, garden salad, dessert,
bread & butter, tea & water
RSVP REQUIRED: $12 if RSVP by noon
Monday before the luncheon, $15 for
late or no RSVP. Email your RSVP to
chamber@bastropchamber.com,call
303-0558 or register and pay online (click the "Register Now" button,
above).
Please note that any RSVP's or standing reservations not cancelled 24
hours prior to the luncheon will be
billed as a no-show.
Saturday,
January 07, 8 AM
Walk on the Wild Side, McKinney
Roughs Nature Park , 1884 Hwy 71 W
Enjoy an interpretive hike as a park
naturalist brings together a unique
blend of human and natural history to
tell the story of the Colorado River. Discover how the river influences animal,
plant and human life along its banks.
After your hike, visit McKinney Roughs’
Visitor’s Center gift shop with live native animals and interactive exhibits.
Bring a picnic lunch and make it a nature day! Hike is limited to the first 20
participants. Clubs or groups of more
than five people should schedule a private hike. Pre-registration is required.
Register online at www.lcra.org/outdoorprograms.
Admission Details: First Saturday of
each month through February 10 a.m.noon, FREE, adults and children ages
8 and up
Saturday,
January 07, 8 AM
Chili Cook Off, American Legion Across
from the State Park, 3003 Loop 150 E
Chili Cook Off Fund Raiser To give
Scholorships and to send Girls to
Blue Bonnet Girl state. Always needing Judges on both days. Raffle, Silent
Auction, Cakewalk & Dinner followed
with Karaoke with Susie Q
Admission Details: Free Every One is
welcome to come and have a good
time
Wednesday,
January 11, 11 AM
Liberty Tax Service Ribbon Cutting, 109
S. Hasler Blvd. #300 (behind Taco Bell,
next to Philly Cheese Steak restaurant)
Saturday,
January 14, 10 AM
GPS Adventure Hike , McKinney
Roughs Nature Park, 1884 Hwy 71 W
Learn the basics of Global Positioning
System (GPS navigation the fun way!
Explore McKinney Roughs'' beautiful
trails while searching for hidden waypoints. At each waypoint you''ll find a
fun mental or physical task to complete. Work alone or in a team to complete tasks and score points. Prizes for
first place! Pre-registration is required.
Register online atwww.lcra.org/outdoorprograms.
Admission Details: $8 per person, all
ages Children ages 12 and under must
be accompanied by an adult.
Saturday,
January 14, 7 PM
Movie "Where Soldiers Come From",
TBA
Texas Independent Film Network
showing of "Where Soldiers Come
From", by Director Heather Courtney.
Sunday,
January 15, 3 PM
25th Annual Bastrop MLK Scholarship
Program, Mt. Rose Missionary Baptist
Church, 507 Toliver, Bastrop
25th year for program honoring Dr.
King and raising scholarship funds for
Bastrop students. Program features
tributes from community leaders with
special music by youth choir organized
by Nelia Kerr Greene.
Monday,
January 16, 10 AM
Bastrop County MLK Holiday Commission Walk, Smithville MLK Park and
Smithville Recreation Center, MLK Park
on MLK, Smithville
The Bastrop County MLK Holiday Commission Walk for Peace, dignity, justice
and prosperity continues its rotation
throughout the county with the walk in
Smithville this year. The walk will begin
at the MLK Park with a dedication of
a statue of Dr. King and will conclude
at the Smithville Recreation Center.
The program will feature youth from
throughout the county as well as officials to commemorate and celebrate
the life of Dr. King. A reception will follow the program
Tuesday,
January 17, 8 AM
Take the Time, Beat Breast Cancer,
Bastrop Chamber of Commerce, 927
Main St
Seton's mobile breast screening program reaches out to underserved
women who would otherwise not have
access to mammography services.
Funding from the Austin Affiliate of
Susan G. Komen for the Cure enables
Seton to offer free mammograms
for eligible low-income women. The
mammography services will be available on January 17 from 8 AM to 2:40
PM Call 512-505-5528 for an appointment
Eligibility requirements:
At least 40 yrs old.
No breast implants, not pregnant or
breast feeding, no current breast problems.
No insurance, Medicaid, Medicare.
Must be low income
No previous mammograms within the
past year.
Ho history of breast cancer.
Thursday, January 19, 7 PM
Ranger in the Roughs, McKinney
Roughs Nature Park, 1884 Hwy 71 W
Bring the family, sit at our amphitheater under the night sky and learn
about the wildlife of the Colorado River.
The Ranger presentations will show
the habits and life histories of three
major groups of animals along the
Colorado River – mammals, fish and
birds. Discover how these creatures
depend on the habitat and resources
of the Colorado River for daily survival.
Program will be held indoors during
inclement weather. Registration is not
required. Topic – Texas River Fis Faceoff - Bass vs. Catfish.
Admission Details: FREE, all ages
Friday, January 20, 9 PM
Stargazing at the Roughs, McKinney
Roughs Nature Park, 1884 Hwy71W
Don’t miss this opportunity for the
whole family to explore the galaxy
together as our astronomer takes you
on a tour of the MilkyWay that’s truly
out of this world! Behold the wonder
of the cosmos through our Dobsonian
telescopes and venture beyond the
boundaries of our planet Earth. Learn
about the constellations and marvel
at the beauty and mystery of the universe in this spectacular free program
for the whole family.Bring lawn chairs,
refreshments and blankets for comfort
and enjoy this family event. Program
will be canceled in the event of inclement weather. Registration is not
required.
Admission Details: FREE, all ages
Saturday,
January 28, 5:30 PM
6th Annual Sportsmen Banquet,
Bastrop Convention & Exhibit Center,
1408 Chestnut St.
The Annual Sportsmen Banquet is
the primary fundraising event for the
Bastrop Education Foundation, with
all net proceeds donated directly to
instructional grants! The banquet is
moving to the Bastrop Convention and
Exhibit Center this year to offer a full
evening with a wonderful steak dinner, a live and silent auction, raffles and
a dance. The gun raffle is sponsored
by McBride’s Guns and will feature 10
guns -- and with only 1,000 tickets
available, that makes the odds very
good that you’ll win a new gun! The
evening starts with a social at 5:30,
dinner will be served at 7, then stay
for the rest of the evening’s festivities
and enjoy the dance. Sponsorships are
available, starting at $800 for a table
that seats eight. Gun Raffle tickets are
$20 each, or 6 tickets for $100. Tickets
for this event always sell out fast, so
contact Tiffany Wardlaw at 512-3188782 or Jennifer Long at 512-4619418. Mail checks or money orders
payable to the Bastrop Education Foundation, PO Box HH, Bastrop, TX 78602
January 2012
bastropchamber.com
Page 7
Celebrations and Events
The Bastrop Chamber of Commerce hosted ribbon cuttings and celebrations for new chamber members and current members who moved to new locations.
Southwest Homes
Escape Salon & Spa
New member Escape Salon & Spa held a ribbon cutting and open house
with tours of their new building at 944 Hwy 71 E (north side of Hwy 71
at Harmon Road turn-around). Owners Scott & Yolanda Pearson built
this beautiful building with your comfort and convenience in mind. Call
now for your holiday hairdo, 512-947-2565.
Southwest Homes is a new Bastrop Chamber member, but they aren’t new to building quality homes with great floor plans and competitive prices. With over 26 years
experience and offices all over Texas, they can assist you and make sure you get the
exact home to suit your lifestyle and your budget. They’re located at 141 Tahitian
Dr., in the Tahitian Clubhouse, call Kevin Limmer or Paul Reich at 979-324-2187.
You can also visit their website, www.southwesthomesoftexas.com to see floor plans,
financing, and all the finish-out options available for your home project.
Chamber Holiday Mixer
The Chamber Holiday Mixer was –once again – a wonderful success. The
Bastrop Convention and Exhibit Center hosted the event this year, and it was
a sight to behold with sparkly lights and a cozy atmosphere. Pictured are
sponsors for the evening: Gary Keil of American Constructors, Inc., Chamber
President Susan Wendel, Tish Winston of Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative,
Ashley Mutschink of Insurance Network of Texas, Ed Rivers of Bastrop
Abstract, Tom Clayton of Wright Distributing Company, and Reid Sharp
of First National Bank. Not pictured is Grady Hooper of Seton Smithville
Regional Hospital, who also sponsored the mixer. Delightful food was provided by All’s Well Catering, Baxters on Main, Catering by Judy and John
Chabot – The Caterer.
Page 8 bastropchamber.com
January 2012
Your Chamber Board of Directors for 2012
Debbie Denny, Chairman ................................................. Bastrop Advertiser
Amy Bruder, Chair Elect .............................................................. Roadhouse
Drusilla Rogers, Past Chair ........................................................ Sugar Shack
Jim Attra .......................................................................... B & B Auto Supply
Patti Bridges ............................................................ Bridges Enterprises, Inc.
Dr. Jeffrey Chen ...................................... Lost Pines Center for Cancer Care
Tommy Frizell ................................................................. Individual Member
Joann Harkins ....................................................................... Prosperity Bank
Jana Hellbusch ................................................ Bastrop Executive Assistance
Greg Johnson ................................................................ Agilent Technologies
Larry Lynn .................................................................. Centex Image Designs
Steve Murray ....................................... Bastrop Independent School District
Thomas Pausewang .................................................... Sears, Roebuck & Co.
Janis Penick ............................................................... RE/MAX Bastrop Area
William “Willie” Piña .............................. Bastrop Co. Commissioner, Pct. 1
Tom Scott ......................................................................... Individual Member
Reid Sharp ....................................................................... First National Bank
Steven Sonday .................................................................................. Best Buy
Mike Talbot ............................................................................. City of Bastrop
Bastrop Chamber of Commerce
927 Main St.
Bastrop, TX 78602 (512) 303-0558
E-mail: info@bastropchamber.com
Bastrop Chamber of Commerce Membership Application ...................................................
Name of Business ..................................................................................................................
Billing Address .......................................................................................................................
Physical Address ...................................................................................................................
Billing Contact ........................................................................................................................
Customer Contact .................................................................................................................
Phone ........................................................ Website ...........................................................
Fax ............................................................. E-mail ..............................................................
Type of Business ...................................................................................................................
Number of Employees ..........................................................................................................
Annual Dues Structure:
One time Administration Fee……$20
Professional...$200
Manufacturers…$300
Charitable/Civic
Organizations…$75
Small Businesses:1-5 employees……$150
6-10 employees……$200
over 10 employees……$300
Individuals…………$50
Senior Citizens…….$35
Monthly Luncheon
Please see the Chamber website events
calendar for updates and to register.
Hampton Inn & Suites Banquet Hall
Staff
Susan Weems Wendel, IOM ................................................... President/CEO
Troyanne Bush, IOM ............................................................. Office Manager
Vickie Vincent ......................................................... Administrative Assistant
Bastrop Chamber Official Activity Report
November 2011
Inquiries
Map Requests
Relocation Info
Visitor Guides
Business Referrals
Totals
Website Visits:
Walk-in
Totals
6
10
1,443
6,431
11
2
0
13
116
946
3
1
950
8,103
4,642
1,487
2,581
8,710
52,905
7,026
1,498
2,592
11,116
67,555
15,329
Sponsor:
Menu:
Mail/Fax/Email
1,427
Phone
January 4, 2012
Date:
Program: Food Pantry Empty Bowl Project
Y-T-D
181,700
Caterer:
Cost:
First National Bank of Bastrop, Elgin, Smithville &
Cedar Creek
Chicken in sundried tomato sauce with mushrooms, capers and served over rice, garden salad, bread and butter,
dessert, tea and water.
Catering by Judy
$12 if RSVP by 12 Noon, Tues Jan. 3rd
$15 if RSVP after Tues Jan. 3rd
Call 512-303-0558 or email chamber@bastropchamber.com to RSVP.
Please note that any RSVP’s not cancelled 24 hrs prior to the
luncheon will be billed as no-shows.