February 2012 - Insite Brazos Valley
Transcription
February 2012 - Insite Brazos Valley
& TS EA : TS EA TR February January 2012 E uid AG & od Fo To n Fu RODEO CULTURE & COWBOY STYLE plus DOWn On ThE FaRm Old Fashioned is New Again RED, WhiTE & BLUESEY Don’t Miss Hospice Happening 2012 BLESS YOUR hEaRT From Heart Attack to Heart Success click www.insitebrazosvalley.com 1 2 INSITE February 2012 16 CoNTENTS 5 ATHOME Fresh Ideas! Home Products Show Plus Home Innovations Special Advertising Section GETINVOLVED 10 Red, White & Bluesy Hospice Happening: Great time for a great cause by Margaret Ann Thurmond 12 CoMMUNITYOUTREACH Bless Your Heart How a near heart attack became a heart success story by Rhonda Brinkmann 16 DoWNHOME Cowboy Up! Brazos Valley rocks rodeo culture and cowboy style by Margaret Ann Thurmond 25 LIFESTYLE Old Fashioned is New Again Farming that’s up close and personal by Travis Lawson Departments PUbLIShEr’SDESk Moooove Over page 4 WhAT’SHAppENINg Brazos Valley events page 14 bUSINESSbRIEFS Notable business news page 30 EATS & TREATS Food & fun guide 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 9. Publisher/Editor: Angelique Gammon; Account Executive: Myron King; Graphic designer: Karen Green. Editorial interns: 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 31 InsIte onlIne www.insitebrazosvalley.com click www.insitebrazosvalley.com 3 PUbLIShEr’SDESk We called the small spread where my sisters and I grew up ”the farm“ even though my engineer father only ran a few head of cattle to keep the freezer stocked and farmed only a small patch for winter hay. I have fond memories of long hot days in the creek and less fond memories of walking the mile-and-aquarter lane when it was too muddy to drive a car to catch the school bus and hauling water from that same creek when the well went out. It might mean something that I lIve tWo blocks from doWntoWn – even if it’s downtown Caldwell – where everything from a gallon of milk to our church is a much shorter walk than the lane from my childhood. That doesn’t mean I don’t admire and appreciate everyone who chooses to stay on the farm, daily preservIng the coWboy Way of life in everything from large-scale food production to barrel racing. We’re Texans: we need our cowboys. And everyone needs the brazos Valley’s thriving agribusiness industry, from cotton and beef production to corn that ends up In spark plugs (really). This month’s cover feature taught me more than the fact that corn shows up in places most people never think of; it reminded me why we all owe a debt of gratitude to the “real deal” who wears boots as work gear instead of a fashion statement and who just might crack the barest glimpse of a grin as he or she reads about how the rest of us figure out how to coWboy up! – Angelique Gammon 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 4 INSITE February 2012 Spring is the perfect time to tackle home improvement projects. With busy schedules, however, it’s often helpful to recruit the help of local experts. The following are a handful of home product and relocation companies that can help you get started and finish the things that you have put off. Also be sure to visit the annual Home Products Show held by the Bryan-College Station Home Builders Association on February 25-26 at the Brazos County Expo for the latest home and garden products. Visit www.bcsbuilders.org for more information. 6 ruary 25-2 e Expo Feb 2012 Hom ary d of Febru the weeken 5827 Leonon d el h at o will be ter located on Home Exp ty Expo Cen be open to the public n The 2012 ou C s zo l ra 0 il B :0 w 1 e o th p e Ex day from 25-26 at an. The Hom nd on Sun il a ry h B C M . P in rs d 0 io :0 oa n ard R 3 for se $ 0 AM – 5 d :0 n 0 a 1 s in a lt u om d the m Saturday fr . Tickets are $5 for a l be sold at PM Tickets wil . ee fr re a PM – 5:00 d 12 years ol dren under o Center. p x E e th , will feaentrance to ding Supply il u B s ’s oy homeowner by McC sponsored everything o, rs r p a fo x in E s m it e se ib le of The Hom ulous exh full schedu ng, riad of fab e home. A th or decorati e ri ture a my id te ts in ou g, d n in a p ed a e d d sc u d si cl are in ing, lan need for in g, remodel offered and e in b d l il il u b w e e on hom much mor ciency and energy effi price. et g tity tick n, includin with the en the Pavilio in d ey re th fe e of er it wh kids will be ner’s exhib a ivities for aster Gard M l also have il r w Special act io n s u id J K a . d es n u a iq o n s. a petting zo ds-on gardening tech her exhibit tour the ot han ts n re a p r can learn ei se while th conctact Bouncy Hou xpo, please E e om H 2 at (979) e 201 Association on about th ti s a er d rm il fo u B in Home ders.org. For more ww.bcsbuil ge Station w le t ol a -C n te a si ry the B HBA web or visit the 696-0272 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION click www.insitebrazosvalley.com 5 HOME SECTION Zwernemann Flooring Turning houses into homes We are a full-service flooring company that carries many major brands of tile, wood, carpet, laminate, vinyl and commercial flooring products. Whether you are looking for interior or exterior options, our professionals have choices available that will complement any style. With new home product innovations being developed at such a rapid pace, flooring options are almost limitless. Customers are finding that flooring choices can really, now more than ever, reflect their own personal style. Our Goal is to make each customer’s visit hassle and stress free. Our expertise will take you through every step of the process from design to installation. (979) 776-2800 www.zwernemannflooring.com s n g i s e D r e h p o t s i r h C rior Inte ns lutio o S ign Des Chris Spang (979) 218-0027 christopher1002@verizon.net Christopher Designs Expertise that Spans Decades in the Brazos Valley A fixture of local design since 1981. Christopher Designs provides interior solutions for your room planning, re-arrangement, downsizing, and new construction needs. Transform your home office or commercial space with the help of Chris Sprang. She’ll coordinate your furnishings with your personal style to make indoor or outdoor space a true reflection of you and your family. (979)-218-0027 christopher1002@verizone.net Binford Insect Control Serving the Pest Control needs of the Brazos Valley since 1947 For over 63 years, Binford Insect Control, Inc. has been a leader in the local pest control industry. Their goal is to provide the highest quality pest control service at an affordable price. This no-nonsense approach to pest control is put to the test every day since each home has its own unique set of problems. That’s where the 6 INSITE February 2012 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION HOME SECTION SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION click www.insitebrazosvalley.com 7 HOME SECTION expertise of Binford comes in since they use the latest technology and trained technicians to handle your pest control needs. (979) 822-5524 www.binfordinsectcontrol.com By Design Interiors Dealers Lighting area for the last eleven years. We are The Area’s Premier Lightning Showroom Offering excellent lighting and accessories for over 50 years. Customer service is a top priority; our staff is trained to help with all of your lightning needs. Dealers Lightning is your local source for Craftmade ceiling fans, Kichler Lighting and Lightolier track and recessed Lightning. Many Other brands are available both for the budget minded and for the customer who wants a custom-built chandelier. Dealers Lighting is an employee owned company, we believe in the power of community and encourage you to shop locally FIRST. (979) 775-1697 8 INSITE February 2012 Providing design services to meet our client’s needs. By Design, Inc. has been providing interior design services for the central Texas able to create livable and inviting spaces. By Design, Inc. offers residential and commercial services which include: Space Planning, Interior Finish Material Selection, Color Selection, Fabric/Furniture Selection, Cabinet Design, Lighting Design & Selection, Flooring Design & Selection Upholstery, Draperies, Bedding, Accessories and more... Let our design team use their expertise and experience to help you live and work in the spaces you’ve always dreamed of. (979) 764-2927 www.bydesigninteriorstexas.com SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION Hilco Metal Roofing & Building Supply Providing Personalized Service to our Customers-The Best Choice for your Metal Needs Hilco Metal Building and Roofing supply is locally owned in Navasota, TX. Whether you’re a builder or a home owner, Hilco is here to provide you with top quality products and superior customer service. We manufacture the product, from roof panels to flashing, and provide a variety of colors (including Galvalume) to choose from. Metal roofs are durable and add to the value of your building. Metal roofing has very low cost of maintenance and more design options when compared to conventional roofing. From roof production and accessories to installation, we make building easier and more affordable. (936) 825-0500 www.hilcosupply.com HOME SECTION Papescapes Beautifying Central Texas one client at a time. Papescapes, located in Burton, TX offers both residential and commercial design, as well as irrigation design and installation and lawn maintenance; we focus on providing products of the utmost quality and services that go above and beyond your expectations. Our owner / designer, Ryan Pape, has a Bachelor’s of Landscape Architecture from Texas A&M University 01’, and our company is highly qualified to meet the needs of any questions or project you may have. Papescapes would like to the opportunity to reveal the beauty of nature on your property through a landscape filled with imagination, endless forms and colors. We have been pushing the limits of our imagination and evoking our creative energies for our customers since 2004. We take great pride in creating balanced, unified, aesthetically pleasing sustainable landscapes. It is vital that any design for a landscape satisfies the needs of the client and all the future uses of the space. Please contact us to set up a free consultation and discuss a fee schedule with our design team. (979) 289-0436 www.papescapes.com SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION click www.insitebrazosvalley.com 9 GETINVOLVED by Margaret Ann Thurmond Whether it’s caring for an elderly community member or simply lending a hand to a person in need, the desire to serve can come in many forms. The members of Hospice Brazos Valley understand the different facets of service, and will honor military personnel and veterans who will in turn help benefit hospice patients. H ospice Happening is the annual fundraiser allows the community to have fun while supporting the services Hospice Brazos Valley provide. This year’s theme, “Red, White & Bluesy” will pay tribute to military personnel, veterans, the country and the Brazos Valley. The Texas Blues Brothers, St. Joseph High School Concert Choir and the Texas Tw i s t ers will provide entertainment during the evening of February 18. After an introduction of Honorary Chairpersons John and Kay Duncum, a Live Auction will be held. At its conclusion, the gaming tables will open up in the Brazos Expo Center’s ballroom. Attendees will enjoy a dinner, games and a live auction, the funds raised will go towards patient care. Hospice Brazos Valley staff serve patients and their families in the comfort of their home or in the HBV’s new inpatient facility opening this month in the north wing of the St. Joseph Rehabilitation Center. The seven-bed inpatient facility provides a comfortable, homelike environment that will serve patients with needs that cannot be met at home. 10 INSITE February 2012 WHAT Hospice Brazos Valley Hospice Happening “Red, White & Bluesy” WHEn February 18, beginning at 6 p.m. WHERE Besides attending this year’s Hospice Happening fundraiser, there are other ways to get involved with Hospice Brazos Valley during the year. Hospice Auxiliary is a non-profit organization benefiting Hospice Brazos Valley with the goal of providing financial support as well as promoting community awareness of the hospice mission. Hospice Au x i l i a r y provides educational p ro g r a m s , meetings and social gatherings for its members. Hospice Auxiliary programs and meetings are scheduled on the fourth Wednesday of each month between September and October and January through May. Meetings are held at the Pebble Creek Country Club, and members can reserve a catered lunch. Programs include a guest speaker followed by a short business meeting. The next Hospice Auxillary meeting is scheduled for February 22 and will host Warren L. Finch, director of George Bush Presidential Museum. While an RSVP is required, the community is invited to attend all meetings and new members are always welcomed. i Brazos County Expo, Leonard Road, Bryan The fundraiser will pay tribute to military personnel and veterans and contribute funds to Hospice patients. The Texas Blues Brothers will entertain attendees during dinner, with a performance by the St. Joseph High School Concert Choir directed by Roger Boening afterwards. Visit www.hospicehappening.org for more information or call (979) 821-2266 for ticket reservations or sponsorships. Get Involved With Hospice Auxiliary WHEN February 22, beginning at 10:30 a.m. WHERE Pebble Creek Country Club, College Station Guest speaker will be Warren L. Finch, director of the George Bush Presidential Museum, followed by a short business meeting. An optional catered lunch begins at 12 noon for $17. For reservations, call Susan Childs at (979) 690-6373. click www.insitebrazosvalley.com 11 CoMMUNITYOUTREACH by Rhonda Brinkmann bless your heart Good Fortune Turned a Near Heart Attack into a Heart You’re Invited to the Heart Ball The 2012 Brazos Valley Heart Ball addresses affairs of the heart, both physical and romantic. Proceeds benefit the American Heart Association, which works to improve cardiovascular health. Timing of the Ball gives you a chance to celebrate romance for Valentine’s Day. Bless your heart and that of someone you love. Come to the Heart Ball! WHAT 2012 Brazos Valley Heart Ball WHEn Friday, February 10 at Miramont Country Club HOW The Buckinghams will entertain guests with their dynamic pop-rock sounds, along with the popular Karen Chavis Band. Presenting Sponsors for the event are Scott & White Healthcare and Utility Fleet Sales. For ticket reservations or sponsorships, call (979) 268-0068 or visit www.facebook.com/ brazosvalleyheartball. 12 INSITE February 2012 L Success ess ess than than aa year year ago, ago, Mike Mike Southerland Southerland walked walked in in to to aa hospital hospital emergency emergency room room expecting expecting doctors doctors to to adjust adjust his his medication medication to to get get rid rid of of the the severe severe dizzy dizzy spells he had been having. ing. Southerland, Southerland, aa Bryan Bryan City City Council Council member, member, thought thought that that the the emergency emergency room room doctors doctors would would simply simply adjust adjust his his medication medication and and let let him him go. go. He He was was wrong. wrong. The The doctors doctors immediately immediately admitted admitted him him to to the the hospital. hospital. Within Within aa week week he he was was undergoing undergoing heart bypass surgery on four blocked arteries and getting a pacemaker. In observance of American Heart Health Month in February, Southerland agreed to share part of his his heart health success story. Today Southerland is feelfeeling good, and conscious of his fortunate timing. He had had no idea he was close to a heart attack, and thankful he received medical attention bebefore it occurred. Sure, he’d had some chest pains when he was was exercising – but you always have pain when you exercise, don’t you? Sure, he’d stopped using the stairs and begun to ride the elevator – but that’s that’s just getting older, right? Sure, he’d had a few dizzy spells –– but that could be blamed on medication, couldn’t it? Nothing added up to ‘heart attack’ in Southerland’s mind. “Looking back, I can’t believe how I had closed down my activities little by little. It sneaks up on you,” says Southerland. “I was in good shape for so many years – I was a runner, ate well, did all the right things. But I gradually cut back on my activities without even realizing it. I didn’t have typical symptoms, so I didn’t connect them to heart trouble.” Southerland has made a few changes following his narrow escape. He has worked hard to return to a full exercise regimen, maintain healthy food choices, and reduce stress. Before his surgery, he volunteered with lots of nonprofit organizations, and now he’s added the American Heart Association to his list. He took part in this year’s Heart Walk sponsored by the American Heart Association and plans to attend the Brazos Valley Heart Ball, also benefitting the American Heart Association, on February 10. “I’m convinced my medical team are all miracle workers. They gave me such personal and excellent attention, and they seem to love what they do. They are truly concerned about every individual patient, and I’m very grateful to them,” says Southerland. Bryan/College Station is fast becoming a healthcare destination, and residents are fortunate to have medical specialists of all fields locally available. Several facilities offer specialized cardiovascular care including Scott & White Healthcare, The Med, BCS Heart, Central Texas Heart Center, St. Joseph Regional Health Center, Physicians Centre and individual physicians. “I’ve walked as much as six miles and I’m building up to start running again,” Southerland says. “I haven’t felt this good in over 10 years. Now, in addition to the physical improvements, I’ve got an improved attitude. I’m motivated and look forward to doing everyday things again. I’d advise anyone who is experiencing possible heart problems to get things checked out thoroughly to catch any conditions early.” i 3 BUSINESS START-UPS THINK OUTSIDE THE BOx 2011 SUmmER PROfILES HOmE SUCCESS SENSATIONS JUST UST IN TImE: TIm TI m E : BLUE BELL TOURS BETTER THAN EVER HOw O w TO T O DRESS LIKE IT'S 1899 IN CALVERT C click www.insitebrazosvalley.com 13 GETINVOLVED February 2-4, 9-11, and 16-18 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., StageCenter Theatre in downtown Bryan presents neil Simon’s Last of the Red Hot Lovers. The comedy features a man in a mid-life crisis who’s laughably unsuccessful extra-marital affairs lead him to seducing his wife. performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, with a romantic Valentine’s day dinner Theatre on February 11. To purchase tickets, visit www.stagecentertheatre.net. February 3-4 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., The Children’s Museum will hold their annual daddy daughter dance. This year’s them “Treasured” features an underwater extravaganza. The night will include dancing, crafts, by Margaret Ann Thurmond games, auctions, photographs and a dessert bar. Friday is for girls ages 6 and under and Saturday is for girls ages 7 and under. Tickets are $80 per couple and $20 for additional guests. visit http://www.cmbv.org/ for more info. February 4 from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., St. Joseph will host the 28th Annual Spring Fling dance at the brazos Center. The theme, “Mardi gras,” will include dinner, dancing and music by the Texas Twisters. There will be a live and silent auction with the traditional “Heads and Tails” game with Msgr. John. Tickets are $50 per person or $500 for a table of 8. Sponsorships are also available. Tickets can be purchased through St. Joseph’s School by calling (979) 822-6641 ext. 30 or by online registration at www.stjosephschoolbcs.org. February 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 1p.m., Leading Women’s Express network will host their monthly meeting at Christopher’s World grille. Networking will begin at 11:30 a.m. followed by a program ending at 1 p.m. An RSVp is required by 10 a.m. the Monday before the meeting to Desarie Hobbs at desarie@ myjpmortgage.com. For more information about the guest speaker and topic, visit www. abwalwen.org. February 19 from 11 a.m. to 4p.m., come experience the Brazos Valley Bridal Show and Benefit at the Brazos County Expo Center. Look over 100 vendors and visit Moulin Rouge February 1 beginning at 7:30 p.m., MSC OpAS presents the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s Moulin Rouge at Rudder Theatre on the Texas A&M campus. Enjoy exciting can-can girls perform at the infamous paris hotspot at the turn of the century. Visit HYpERLINk “http://opas.tamu. edu” http://opas.tamu.edu for tickets and more information. MSC oPAS John Tartaglia’s iMAGinoCEAn February 11 at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., bring the whole family to enjoy John Tartaglia’s IMAgINOCEAN, a live undersea musical adventure presented by MSC OpAS Jr. at Rudder Theatre. The black light show will be sure to entertain all ages. Visit HYpERLINk “http://opas.tamu.edu” http://opas.tamu.edu for tickets. 14 INSITE February 2012 with professionals who can make your wedding, reception and honeymoon a relaxing and memorable experience. proceeds will benefit The brazos Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross. Tickets are $15 per person in advance and $20 at the door. Visit www.ido-ido.org to purchase tickets and for more info. Bryan College Station Chapter iAAP Chapter Meeting February 21 from 5:30p.m. to 7p.m., guests are welcomed to attend the bryan College Station Chapter IAAp Chapter meeting at the College Station Conference Center. Visit www. iaap-bcs.org for more info. February 25 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., come and enjoy the sounds of the Brazos Valley Chorale in the Oakwood Room at the College Station Hilton. Tickets are $65 per person and include dinner and the pops concert fundraiser. pLAN AHEAD March 10 from 1:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Festival Hill will host the 8th Annual Guitar Festival in Round Top. The event will feature Marco Tamayo, bandiniChiacchiaretta Duo, the Canadian guitar Quartet and the Round Top philharmonia. There will be a buffet dinner at 6p.m. Overnight accommodations are available on the Festival Hill Campus with a complimentary breakfast. Accommodations are $55-100 per person based on double occupancy. Call (979) 249-3129 for more information. i MSC oPAS A Valentine From Broadway February 14-17 at 7:30 p.m., enjoy a Cabaret starring four-time Tony nominee gregg Edelman as MSC OpAS presents A Valentine From boradway at Miramont Country Club. The four-night showing includes songs by Cy Coleman, Cole porter and The gershwins and Johnny Mercer. Visit HYpERLINk “http://opas.tamu.edu” http://opas. tamu.edu for tickets. MSC oPAS Max Raabe & The Palast orchester February 27 at 7:30 p.m., listen to the sounds of Max Raabe & The palast Orchester presented by MSC OpAS in Rudder Theatre. Music from the 1920s and 30s will be performed. Visit HYpERLINk “http://opas.tamu.edu” http://opas. tamu.edu for tickets. Think Spring Although the Texas weather can be fickle, warm weather with sporadic showers will be here before you know it, which means new sprouts in the ground and perennials shaking off the winter frost. The Brazos Valley Master Gardeners of Texas AgriLife Extension have several events to help you get a jump on a successful spring of gardening. SuCCESSFuL GARdEninG in CHALLEnGinG CLiMATES February 18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Brazos Center, the Master Gardeners will host an all-day seminar to provide gardeners with insightful information to make your garden a success despite the challenging climate in the Brazos Valley including earth-kind methods for landscape recovery and survival. It’s time for gardeners to rethink, refurbish and replant. Topics include improving soils, plant selection, water conservation and how plants respond to extreme weather. Preregistration by February 13 is recommended. Gardening-related vendors, refreshments and a buffet are part the day’s activities. Registration is $35 per person. For more information, visit http://brazosmg.com. SPRinG PLAnT SALE Hosted by the Brazos County Master Gardeners of Texas AgriLife Extension, the event will held March 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Brazos County Office of Texas AgriLife Extension in Bryan. Proceeds from the sale will fund the community education programs of the Brazos County Master Gardeners. Plant selections will include heat and drought tolerant perennials selected to be grown in the Brazos Valley’s growing conditions. There will be a preview and discussion beginning at 8 a.m. and Master Gardeners will be available for questions during the sale. Visit brazosmg. com or call (979) 823-0129 for more information. i click www.insitebrazosvalley.com 15 DoWNHOME by Margaret Ann Thurmond Cowboy From Boots and Rodeos to the Agribusiness Industr y, This is How Folks in the Brazos Valley Cowboy Up! 16 INSITE February 2012 Up! True or False The green industry ranks #5 among agricultural commodities in Texas. How Ag Savvy Are You? If you spend a single dollar on food, what percentage of the dollar spent would go to the actual farmer? a) 19% b) 25% c) 30% d) 50% What percentage of the American population is involved in agriculture? a) 10% b) 40% c) 31% d) 17% What agriculture commodity is used to make a spark plug? a) Soybeans b) Corn c) Cotton d) Grapes True: As one of the fastest growing sectors of agriculture in the United States, Texas’ green industry includes wholesale nursery, greenhouse and sod growers, landscape architects, designers, garden and home centers, and lawn/garden departments. Top 5 agricultural commodities in Texas: 1. Cattle 2. Dairy products 3. Chickens. 4. Cotton 5. Green Industry. Pecans are a heart healthy food. True: Naturally occurring antioxidants in pecans may help contribute to heart health and disease prevention. Research shows that adding just a handful of pecans to your daily diet may help inhibit unwanted oxidation of blood lipids, helping prevent coronary heart disease. Texas uses more of its corn for ethanol production than livestock feed. False. While many of the states in the Midwest are using corn to produce ethanol, Texas uses approximately 96% of its corn for livestock feed. Biofuel is the name of the game these days in Texas as Texas AgriLife Research scientists are developing a drought-tolerant, high-biomass sorghum that can approach 20 feet in height under favorable conditions and could produce more than 2,000 gallons of ethanol per acre. Answers: A; D; B Pete Scarmardo founded Scarmardo Cattle Company in 1974. Scarmardo is the most recent winner of the Ag Impact award from the B/CS Chamber of Commerce. click www.insitebrazosvalley.com 17 Rodeo Culture and Cowboy Style The smell of leather and manure fill the air. Dirt is caked around the crowd-goers’ boots, but their attention is diverted elsewhere. They watch patiently, waiting for the resounding “clang” of the gate as it swings open and releases the storm of a horse, furiously trying to rid its back of the rider whose steadfast grip and metal spurs don’t show any sign of easing up. Everyone in Texas has an of what it means to be a cowboy, but attending a rodeo is the only place where most people can see the real deal in action. Rodeo competitions separate the people who wear boots as a fashion statement from those who wear them with purpose the way a trained cutting horse separates a cow from the herd. Shawn Branscum, a lifelong rodeo attendee and competitor, knows what it’s like to be in the arena. “It’s like jumping out of Top: Father-son duo Bryce and Shawn Branscum have incorporated rodeo competition into their family lifestyle, often traveling to competitions. Right: Titanic, supplied by PRCA stock contractor Sammy Catalena, tries to rid himself of excess baggage. Owner of Catalena Hatters in Downtown Bryan, Sammy says cowboy style follows trends: the “Gus” hat, above, became popular after the movie Lonesome Dove was released. Bottom left: Catalena Cowgirls. 18 INSITE February 2012 an airplane,” he says. The competitors are cowboy thrill-seekers, and the rush keeps them coming back for more. “It’s kind of like riding a roller c o a s t e r : you know the thing is probably going to make you sick, but you’ll try the next one anyway.” Branscum competed bareback in his twenties before taking a break to focus on family. “The rodeo lifestyle is hard on a family, especially when the kids start going to school,” he says. Competing requires travelling over long distances, and the family is sometimes left behind. Today, Branscum and his children still compete in and attend rodeos. Branscum participates in team roping with his son and his twin daughters run barrels, pole bend and tie goats. “My main accomplishment is helping my kids,” he says. The rodeo has undergone a few cultural changes since it began. The party scene has transitioned into a family, God-centered folevent. Rodeos will often fol low a church service, and a prayer is said at the bebe ginning. “It has changed quite a lot,” Branscum says. “Or maybe we’re just getting older and we’re the ones who’ve changed.” SamSam my Catalena of Catalena Hatters has been in the rodeo industry for years. “We consider rodeo our last tie to the old west,” he says. Catalena started in high school with his uncle’s rodeo business before joining the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. “Today it’s an entertainment business, just like the movies,” Catalena says while noting the changes surrounding the rodeo. The rodeo is there to give a first-class performance and appeal to all ages. “The days of going just to go are over,” he says. Catalena is a PRCA Stock Contractor and member of the Bryan Breakfast Lion’s Club Association. Stock contractors are responsible for bringing in “rough stock” for the different areas in the rodeo competition. Catalena has not only seen changes in the rodeo, but also in the cowboy style. There is one thing that hasn’t changed: “All cowboys wear hats,” he says. Catalena Hatters provides custom-made hats that are shipped all over the world, and the cowboy fashion is moving forward. The crease, brim and crown of the iconic cowboy hat change depending on the time and region. Cowboys adopted the hat styles worm click www.insitebrazosvalley.com 19 20 INSITE February 2012 by the film stars in the 1980 movie “Urban Cowboy” until they switched to the “Gus Hat” after the television mini-series “Lonesome Dove” premiered in 1989. It’s hard for people not in the western wear industry to determine who is a “real cowboy” and who is not by appearance, but in the arena, it all becomes clear. Most contestants have known what it means to be a cowboy their entire life, choosing to dedicate their time and ability to rodeo and the cowboy way of life. Rodeo Rules! Merchandise, stats, star players and divisions – it may sound like basketball or football but it’s really a horse of different color. Rodeo is a major sports phenomenon that incorporates all the same things surrounding any other popular sport except these athletes wear boots, and instead of a 250-pound linebacker coming for you, it’s a 2000-pound bull. Every rodeo is sanctioned by a specific organization with the Professional Rodeo CowLeft: Jacobs Crawley of the Texas A&M Rodeo team on Painted Valley at the College National finals rodeo last June in Casper WY. Crawley won that go-round and went on to become the national champion collegiate saddle bronc rider. Top: Part of a rodeo family, Bailie Branscum barrel races. Bottom: Shiloh Seale of the Texas A&M Rodeo team prepares to compete in the team roping at a college rodeo last year in Kingsville. click www.insitebrazosvalley.com 21 boys Association being the largest. The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, which is divided into regions, is for college participants who want to compete and gain experience before moving on to the big leagues. “Going from college rodeo to the PRCA is like going from the NCAA to the NFL,” says Sammy Catalena, PRCA stock contractor, says. Texas holds a number of rodeos every year with the Brazos Valley hosting many of those events. The Brazos Valley Expo Center is where the majority of the rodeos in the area are held. Dr. Al Wagner, Texas A&M rodeo team coach, produces two rodeos each year under the NIRA. This year’s Intercollegiate Rodeo will be March 23-24 at the Brazos Expo Center and will draw in schools from all over the region. Participants must be a member of the PRCA and attend on of the 15 participating schools. Tickets are available at Cavenender’s Boot City ($8 in advance; $10 at the gate; $6 for student tickets with ID). The All Aggie Rodeo held in September is for current and former Texas A&M students and participants are not required to be PRCA members to compete. The event draws some 250 participants and brings in alumni from all over for the competition. Catalena is a member of the Bryan Breakfast Lion’s Club Association which holds a rodeo every year at the Brazos County Expo Center. Coming in April, the three-night event draws around 300 cowboys from all over to attend and compete. The event features family entertainment, specialty acts and the Catalena Cowgirls. Tickets are $10 and $8 for children. Even city slickers have heard of the Houston Livestock Show and the Brazos Valley has been sending livestock to the Houston Livestock show for a few years now. Members of the community 4-H Club have the option of showing their stock during the Houston show or sending the animal there to enter the food chain, says to Eric Zimmerman, Texas AgriLife Extension Service agent for Brazos County. Eats ‘n Feats – Ag Business and the Economy Ever look down at the leafy greens or roasted chicken sitting on your plate and wonder where it came from? If your answer is “the grocery store” you need to move a little lower on the food chain. Those involved in the agribusiness world understand that food production starts long before you pull that frozen chicken from the freezer section and they spend their days making sure the grocery store shelves are always stocked. Agriculture influences all industries – from the fiber produced to make the shirt you’re wearing down to the corn that’s grown for ethanol. “Agribusiness is big business for Brazos County,” says Dr. Jim Mazurkiewicz, chair of Agriculture Committee for the B/CS Chamber and head of communications for AgriLife Extension at Texas A&M. “Not only is it the 4H Clubs offer even city kids the opportunity to learn about the ag industry. 22 INSITE February 2012 second largest industry in Texas, it makes up a significant economy in the Brazos Valley.” The agriculture industry provides some $760 million a year to the Brazos Valley, according to an Agriculture Economic Impact Study undertaken 15 years ago. That figure is estimated to be close to $1 billion today, Mazurkiewicz says. “[The Brazos Valley] is considered a regional hub for ag business here,” he says. Most people who get involved in world of agriculture start early, and the 4-H club is a positive way for children to see the impact of agriculture in all aspects of the community. “[4-H kids] understand the production of agriculture starts at the farm and ranch instead of the grocery store, and without it we wouldn’t have the most abundant, cheapest food source in the world,” Eric Zimmerman, Texas AgriLife Extension Service agent for Brazos County, says. “It teaches them where food comes from at the grassroots level.” The 4-H Club also teaches children the economic impact of agribusiness. The meat and goat sale held at the Expo Center brings in livestock prospects for upcoming shows. People from all over the state attend and purchase livestock for the next season, Zimmerman says. The event draws outside dollars into the community that’s spent on meals, hotels and purchasing the animals. Agribusiness Business Award Recognizing that it’s the individual businesses involved in the agriculture industry that make the Brazos Valley an agribusiness hub for the state, the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce recognizes outstanding local businesses each year for their contributions to agribusiness. This year, Gooseneck Trailer and Scarmardo Cattle Company were recognized at the Chamber’s annual Ag Breakfast, a yearly event that brings producers and consumers together for a farm-fresh breakfast cooked by local farmers. The Agribusiness Award and the Agricultural Impact Award have been presented by the Chamber since 1982 in recognition of the fact that more than 375 agribusinesses employ more than 8,000 local residents and contributes to an economic impact of more than $1 billion. The purpose of the Agribusiness Award is to recognize an ag producer or agribusiness that significantly contributes to Saturday, February 18, 2012 6 to 11 p.m. Brazos County Expo Championship Sponsors Sponsorships start at $250. Tickets are $60 and are on sale now. Get a Step Ahead on Your Family Break! click www.insitebrazosvalley.com 23 Pete Scarmardo, Scarmardo Cattle Company the economic vitality of the food and fiber industry in the Bryan/College Station and Brazos County Community. Brazos Valley residents know the local company and its nationally recognized “brand” as “Gooseneck Trailer MFG. Co., Inc.” or simply as “Gooseneck.” The brand name that has become a household name. David and Mark Carrabba, owners of Gooseneck Trailer MFG. Co., Inc., have been building Gooseneck Trailers in Bryan for almost 50 years and the company is known for their Gooseneck Trailer owners durable and deDavid and Mark Carrabba pendable heavyand the company’s revolu- duty trailers. tionary trailer design were “My dad this year’s Agribusiness Gooseneck Award winners. Trailer owners David and Mark Carrabba and their revolutionary trailer design were recognized as this year’s Agribusiness Award winners. was in the business of custom harvesting and cotton pickers and he noticed a lot of farmers needed cotton trailers, and no one around here was making them,” David says. The community was satisfied with Carrabba’s work and asked if he could produce a gooseneck trailer. The cotton trailers phased out and the Carrabbas have produced gooseneck trailers ever since. “Probably about 95 percent of our business is outside a 100-mile radius of Bryan, so we’re bringing in a lot of money to the local economy,” Carrabba says. The business employs up to 200 hundred people and has continued to thrive since it was incorporated in 1965. The development of the gooseneck style trailers revolutionized the ranching and farming industry by allowing the individual farmer 24 INSITE February 2012 and rancher the flexibility of larger loads and more efficient and expedient transport of their livestock and agricultural products using their same trucks, which hadn’t been possible in prior years with the limitations of the old bumper pull style trailers. In addition, Gooseneck Trailers makes various industrial and specialty types of trailers, as well as frac tanks for the oil and gas industry. David and Mark Carrabba have literally grown up in this family business, working continuously to ensure that each year the hallmark of their Gooseneck Trailer, “Built stronger to last longer” remains the byword for the many thousands of loyal Gooseneck customers. David and Mark Carrabba are also major contributors to the economic growth through their ownership and operation of a number of other businesses in the community including Carrabba Industrial Park, Austins Colony Subdivision and other residential developments, GSI Oil & Gas, and Carrabba Brothers Partnership Farm. Also following in the family tradition of philanthropy and strong support of their community as they have done since the Carrabba family first settled in this area in the 1900s, David and Mark continue to be major contributors to local youth through their decades of support for 4H and FFA, as well as their strong support of local hospice programs, St Joseph Regional Health Center Foundation and St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. AGRICULTURAL IMPACT AWARD This award recognizes a local business, contributor or volunteer who has impacted the Bryan/ College Station Community and/or Brazos County agriculture programs through leadership, donations and personal volunteer efforts. Pete A. Scarmardo and his wife Jo and their family have been lifelong residents of the Brazos Valley. Married for 38 years, they have three sons: Scott, Craig and Ty. In addition, Pete and Jo have 2 grandchildren and one on the way. Pete and his family have beenlifelong members of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Bryan and Pete was a member of theArmy Reserves for six years. Pete founded Scarmardo Cattle Company in 1974 and is nationally recognized as one of the top cattle order buyers and cattlemen in the United States. He is respected as a man of integrity throughout the cattle industry. Scarmardo’s love of agriculture began more than 40 years ago when his father ran cows and was a row-crop farmer. Pete preferred cattle to farming and Scarmardo Cattle Company is the result. Pete’s cattle operation has expanded over the years to include ranches in Robertson, Brazos, Burleson and Milam counties. In 1991, Pete purchased Lone Star Grain Company and has owned and operated Brazos Valley Livestock since 1998. Outside of his business responsibilities, Pete serves on the board of directors for the Texas Cattle Feeders Association and is a member of the Houston Livestock Show Commercial Steer Committee. Also, Pete serves as the Livestock Superintendent for the Burleson County Youth Livestock Show, is a member of the Texas A&M Agriculture Council for Texas A&M AgriLifeand has supported the “Taste of the Brazos Valley” Chamber of Commerce Ag Breakfast for several years. Pete has been recognized by his peers for his contribution within the community and he has received the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce Ag Business Award in 2004, the Louisiana’s horseman of the Year award in 2010 and the Friend of 4-H award for Outstanding Service from the Brazos County 4-H program in 2011. i LIFESTYLE by Travis Lawson Farming Up Close Personal & At Sand Creek Farm, the old Way is New Again click www.insitebrazosvalley.com 25 IN ThE SMALL ToWN oF CAMEroN, 57 M UNIqUE WINDoW INTo ThE PAST ThAT Th As soon as you get out of your car the smells, sounds, and visual beauty of the farm overwhelms your senses Cows graze out on the pasture; pigs trot around amongst the clucking chickens and crowing roosters. The Godfrey’s family dog chases the hogs from one side of the pastor to the other, while children clip clop past on horseback. Sand Creek Farm is a place where doing things the “old fashioned way” is also the new way to farm by sustainably producing high-quality organic produce, meat and dairy products. However, Sand Creek Farm is more than just a farm offering “My wife was a city girl events, tours and classes for so I enticed her out into people of all ages. Owner Ben Godfrey had the country with a bigger always wanted to raise his house.” children in the country, but there was just one problem: his wife was more cosmopolitan than cowgirl and he knew getting her to move to the country would require some effort. 26 INSITE February 2012 MILES NorThWEST oF b/CS, IS A hE WhoLE FAMILY CAN ENjoY. “My wife was a city girl so I enticed her out into the country with a bigger house,” Ben says. “We got out there and she fell in love with the farm life.” “There’s a lot of people who come out to the farm who have never seen a pig before, so when they walk out amongst the pigs and scratch one on its back, you can see that look they have.” Ben admits he did not realize the farm would grow into what it has today. The family started with only a couple of milk cows. “We thought we would do some homesteading things like milk cows and make our own cheese and butter, really a sustainable lifestyle is what we were shooting for,” Ben says. Soon Ben was producing more than enough dairy products for his family. He decided it was time to start selling the extra milk he was getting from the cows on the market. For that, he would need a license to sell the milk. A milk license is not cheap, and Ben realized he would have to buy more cows to make enough milk to cover the license. “We got a couple more cows to average out the expense of getting click www.insitebrazosvalley.com 27 a license and the next thing you know we were farm who have never seen a pig before, so when in dairy,” Ben says. “Then I sold my company they walk out amongst the pigs and scratch one and became a fulltime farmer, and that’s how it on its back, you can see that look they have,” Ben evolved.” says. “The other side of it is a lot of older people Today, Sand Creek Farm sells everything come out who grew up this way and they relate from produce to homemade yogurt. A visit to to it and you can just see the memories flowing Sand Creek Farm offers through their minds.” a chance to not only The farm is also The farm is also for see how chicken and for people who want to pork are processed, buy high quality organic people who want to buy but also the handsfood. Ben says most of the high quality organic food. customers who buy meat, on experience of processing a chicken dairy or produce from and milking a cow. the farm are those people who are looking for Farm Days, which occur at least once a grass-fed cows, soy-free products or completely month other than July and August because of the organic produce. The farm provides people with heat, provide families with the chance to picnic, what Ben calls an “untypical” American diet. make butter and collect eggs. These activities “So many people don’t know where their give people an opportunity to re-live their past food comes from anymore,” Ben says. “They or experience something they have never done think chicken comes boneless and they think before. milk comes from a jug.” “There’s a lot of people who come out to the One of the events families enjoy is the 28 INSITE February 2012 wagon ride. Ben says the wagon ride is so popular because families not only get to show their kids how things were once done, but it also gives families a chance to bond and do something together. “Getting out and about and getting right in there amongst the farm animals is a great experience,” Ben says. “A lot of families have never taken a wagon ride around a farm so it gives them something to do that is fairly unique.” Beyond farming, Sand Creek Farm provides area for many outdoor activities such as camping, hog hunting and trapping. Hog hunting actually benefits the farm because they tear up the fields at night. Soap making classes are also offered for families and individuals looking to learn a new trade. For more information about Sand Creek Farm visit www.sandcreekfarm.net where an events, class and Farm Day schedule is listed. To schedule a private tour, contact Ben at ben@ sandcreekfarm.com. i click www.insitebrazosvalley.com 29 bUSINESSbRIEFS denise Fries, owner of Fries Financial Services, was selected for Research Magazine’s Hall of Fame published in the December issue. Fries was selected for the magazine’s 21st annual recognition of leaders in the financial services industry who demonstrate superior client service and community involvement. The number of Texas A&M university and Blinn College students who visited the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum rose by nearly 20 percent in 2011 over the previous year, according to new attendance numbers from the bush Library and Museum. In 2011 there were 4,978 Texas A&M and blinn right perspective on things and look for the bright side.” If you know someone who would like to join the Bryan Citizens Police Academy now is the time to join. Twice a year citizens have a chance Fries began her financial to partner with the bryan planning career while serving police Department to see the in the U.S. Army Reserve inner workings of their police in 1984. Today, she has the department through the largest retirement assets Citizen’s police Academy. The under management in the program is free; the 10-week Texas A&M University system course meets one night each for professors, faculty and week from 6:30 p.m. until staff. 9:30 p.m. Classes are held at In addition to being a the bryan police Department. top producer at independent An application may be broker-dealer Securities obtained from the bryan America, Fries owns two police Department website at other businesses: Taylor www.bryantxpolice.com or at Made gluten Free bakery the police Department lobby. and a property management company. Among her The Better Business businesses, she devotes Bureau is soliciting at least two days a week nominations for the to charities and lends BBB Torch Award for her management and Marketplace Ethics. The organizational skills to local Torch Award is the highest non-profits. honor the bbb can give to “She has a bright spot a deserving business. It is perspective,” says Janine an award that crosses all Wertheim, president of industry and product lines Securities America Advisors. and centers solely on ethical “She knows how to put the behavior in the marketplace. 30 INSITE February 2012 The bbb’s Torch Award looks for businesses with high ethical standards in dealing with customers, employees, and suppliers; effective, straight-forward advertising; friendly, helpful employees; or simply a good reputation built by a history of solid business practices within the students who visited the bush Library and Museum, a 19.18 percent increase over the 4,177 total in 2010. Texas A&M and blinn students represented one of the fastest growing populations of visitors to the library and museum last year. “Student engagement and involvement is part of our mission to promote civic literacy and one of the main reasons president bush chose to build his library on a university campus, and especially here at Texas A&M,” says Warren Finch, director of the bush Library and Museum. The bush Library and Museum offers free admission to all Texas A&M University System and blinn College students (with ID) all the time; for more information go to bushlibrary.tamu.edu/students. President’s Circle Award Ceremony, which took place during keep America beautiful’s 58th annual National Conference in New Orleans, LA. The president’s Circle Award recognizes exemplary performance made by certified affiliates of the national nonprofit to In January, Music director and Conductor Marcelo Bussiki and the Brazos Valley Symphony musicians presented the Annual Children’s Concerts. community. A nomination form is available on the bbb website, www.bryan.bbb.org, or by calling (979) 260-2222. Deadline for submission is February 22. Keep Brazos Beautiful received the Keep America Beautiful President’s Circle Award at the The leaders of the Brazos Valley Food Bank’s Because Hunger Won’t Wait Capital Campaign are dedicated to addressing the problem of hunger in the brazos Valley. Kroger has stepped forward to donate $100,000 to kick off the campaign, recognizing that In two performances to packed Rudder Auditorium audiences, the symphony performed live symphonic music for more than 3,000 area children. The brazos Valley Symphony season traditionally includes a unique experience for 4th and 5th grade students in the brazos Valley. This program was recognized for excellence by the Texas Association of Symphony Orchestras and presented with the 2010 Education grand Winner Award. reduce litter, minimize waste, and beautify and improve their local communities. The mission of keep brazos beautiful (kbb) is to educate and engage brazos County citizens to keep our community clean, green and beautiful. if people are hungry, they cannot work, they cannot do well in school, and they cannot properly care for their families. To find out how to help with the because Hunger Won’t Wait Capital Campaign, call (979) 779-3663 or visit http://www.bvfb.org/ donate.html i click www.insitebrazosvalley.com 31 32 INSITE February 2012
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