December 2013 - Montgomery County Aggie Moms Club

Montgomery County Aggie Moms
December 2013
Volume I
Howdy Ladies,
Hope all of you are enjoying the Christmas Break and having your Aggie home for a short time.
Many CONGRATULATIONS to our December graduates and their bright futures!
Mitchel Cruz, Brooke Raney & Rachel Taylor
Becki again had a special program for all of us featuring freshman Aggie Singer/Songwriter Tori McClure. She is talented,
approachable and fun. She had CD's for us to purchase for stocking stuffers! We are enjoying ours. Tori's Mom may even join
our group. She commented on how she liked our energy. We of course encouraged her to join in.
Thank you to Jessica Crow and Ashley Porter for the decorations and refreshments. Ashley made beautiful centerpieces for each
table. They were a hot item with the silent auction also! Thanks Ashley for your time and effort and Ashley's daughter Courtney
helped start our meeting off with a prayer. Special to have one of our young Aggies take part.
The Silent Auction was a success. We have a few items we can use for a future event to continue help build our account for
student and university support. Maybe another silent auction or raffle or if someone has a better idea please feel free to bring it
to our clubs attention.
Tamsyn Morison, one of our Aggies came with her Mom and shared about the Texas A&M Brick campaign. We have some of the
print outs and they will be available at our next meeting in case you would like to purchase a brick to go in front of Koldus.
Andrea Raiford with the Montgomery County Food Bank shared with Kandi that 60 members of the Aggie Leaders of Tomorrow
came over on December 14 to help prepare 100,000 lbs. of food to be distributed over the Christmas Holidays. WHOOP!! Kandi
will again coordinate our participation with the Montgomery County Food Bank on March 29 for our participation with The Big
Event. It was a fun and rewarding morning.
Upcoming event dates to remember:
January 18 - Winter Federation Meeting / College Station. Let me know if you plan to attend. Our count is due by January 4.
The costs is $5. 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. They ask us to bring two items to use a door prizes.
February 16 - Our second annual "Sweetheart Dinner" - Buca di Beppo
March 29 - Big Event - Montgomery County Food Bank - 9:00-Noon
Lets say a big WHOOP and THANK YOU to Kay Tipton. She has volunteered to be our E - Birthday Greeting Chair. She will work
with Laura Cruz to get it up and going. THANKS MUCHO KAY!!! It will be a treat for our Aggies to receive a greeting for their
birthday month.
Thanks ladies for all your time and effort each of you devote. We would not be success without all of us working together.
We do need several officers for 2014-15. Our new slate of officers must be set by April. If there is a position you are interested in
please contact any of us . We work as a team and help each other for the common goal of giving back to our students and A&M.
Positions filled thus far:
Leslie Buffington - VP Locations
Becki Greenwade - VP Programs
Velma Yount - VP at Large
Merry Christmas and WHOOP it up for a Happy New Year!
Gig 'em,
Velma
https://www.facebook.com/pages/MontgomeryCounty-Aggie-Moms-Club/284421311695685
In this issue:
Note from MCAMC President Page 1
Note from Dr. Loftin
Page 2
December Graduates
Page 3
Board Member Spotlight
Page 4
December General Meeting
Page 5
Miscellaneous
Page 6
Save the Date /Goodie Bag
Page 7
Classifieds
Page 8
Important Dates
Page 9-10
MCAMC Officers
Page 11
Montgomery County Aggie Moms
December 2013
Volume I
Howdy from your President!
December 13, 2013
* Kudos to Janis Stout, our former Dean of Faculties and co-author of "The Selected Letters of Willa
Cather," which Time Magazine named one of the ten best nonfiction books of the year. Learn more at
http://tx.ag/fbcmxe.
* The Texas A&M Police Department has received three major awards from the Central Texas Crime
Prevention Association. The Bait Bike Program, which in the past year alone recovered 101 of the 167
bicycles reported stolen on campus, with an estimated dollar value at more than $33,600, was honored as
Crime Prevention Program of the Year. In addition, the department was named Outstanding Crime
Prevention Agency, and Chief of Police J. Michael Ragan was recognized as Outstanding Crime Prevention
Manager in his category. Congratulations to everyone who helps make our campus one of the safest in the
nation.
* Journalism returns as a major at Texas A&M: http://tx.ag/8wawre.
* Congratulations to Taylor Jacob, who not only graduated from Texas A&M this month but also set an
arena record at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. The full story is at http://tx.ag/fdiyfp.
* It's not too early to think about Spring Break. Sophomore industrial engineering major Kendall Crouch
says Alternative Spring Break still has openings to serve others with Project Green Light in New Orleans, the
Mid-South Food Bank in Memphis and Carlsbad National Park in New Mexico. For more information or to
apply, visit http://asb.tamu.edu.
* I doubt I have to remind you that campus will be closed December 23 until we return to work on January
2. I hope you have a safe and happy holiday – including a win over Duke in the Chick-fil-A Bowl in Atlanta on
December 31.
Until next year, Gig 'em Aggies. In the meantime, you can always reach me at president@tamu.edu or
follow me on Twitter (@aggieprez). Subscribe to my weekly emails at http://tx.ag/ew25q1.
Dr. R. Bowen Loftin '71
President
Click the link below for a Christmas Card from Loftin:
http://president.tamu.edu/holiday.html
Montgomery County Aggie Moms
December 2013
Volume I
Congratulations to our Graduates
Brooke Raney (daughter of Jan Raney), Class of 2013,
has a BS Majoring in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences
with a Psychology Minor and an Emphasis in Animal
Behavior. Brooke is currently working at the Houston
Zoo.
Rachel Taylor (daughter of Eddie Taylor), Class of
2014,recently graduated early with a degree in
nutritional sciences. She plans to attend pharmacy
school in the fall of 2015. In the meantime, she will
pursue a pharmacy tech job at a local hospital. Rachel
has done numerous volunteer activities for
Montgomery County Aggie Moms Club including
making crafts such as the headbands, bows, glasses
and the Goodie Bag banner. She has participated in
MCAMC Big Event, Aggie Moms Bazaars and
Boutiques.
Mitchel Cruz (son of Laura Cruz), Class of 2013,
earned a degree of Bachelor of Science with a major in
interdisciplinary Studies and a minor in History . He
graduated with academic distinction of Cum Laude. He
has accepted a position with Cy-Fair ISD as a 7th grade
Reading Specialist at Truitt Middle School and will start
next semester. Side note: He just asked his Aggie
girlfriend of 2 years to married him and, of course, she
said YES! She (Sarah O'Neal) will graduate next
December fromTAMU.
Montgomery County Aggie Moms
December 2013
Volume I
Board Member Spotlight
Sue Ann Ramos: An Aggie Mom
By Abby Ramos Stanutz
In 1978, newlywed Sue Ann Ramos packed all of her and her new husband’s belongings in a brown Monte Carlo and set out for
College Station, Texas. She had spent the previous night sitting up next to her husband, Alfonso, on a couch in her San Marcos
apartment because the rooms were full of guests in town for their wedding. She had just graduated from Southwest Texas State and
was ready to help her new husband work toward his own degree at Texas A&M University. With barely time to breathe in their new
state of marriage, they started out on what would be their first of many trips to Aggieland.
As Al worked on his degree in Mechanical Engineering, Sue Ann worked at supporting them through a variety of jobs from salesgirl to
research assistant, until opportunity for use of her teaching degree became available. Their tiny apartment in married student housing
on University Ave. soon became not just a home for two but a haven for many. Whatever young engineering students followed Al
home from class or group members who came over to work on a project would be the first Aggies for Sue Ann to mother over drinks
and dessert at her dining room table. When the tests were over and an Aggie ring was earned, the couple loaded their few belongings
back in that brown beast of a Monte Carlo and headed out to their new life as professionals.
Nineteen years later, Sue Ann packed another car headed for College Station, but this time the belongings spilling out the top
were mine. We had, of course, visited the campus over the years, but as my mother pointed out their apartment and each memory
throughout town I saw that this wasn’t just a school. It was a place that had been a real home to my parents, and she assured me it
would be the same to me.
After I graduated in ‘05, Brian continued the tradition in ’07, and Cary is a current student set to graduate at the end of the year. All
along the way, my mother was there, closet full of maroon, ready to love and encourage not just her own children, but anyone who
needed a dose of Aggie mothering. Over the years, I’ve run into many old friends and acquaintances who inquire about “Mama
Ramos” and tell tales how she helped them through a tough time. Whether it is a friend from out-of-state or a local family in need of
assistance, she makes the drive to College Station ready to help with her hugs and dessert.
Montgomery County Aggie Moms
December 2013
Volume I
December MCAMC Meeting
Montgomery County Aggie Moms
December 2013
Volume I
Good News! We are approved for the Kroger’s Community Rewards Program! Please
sign-up online now (vs. taking a piece of paper to the store, as in the past).
All - Please go through the process outlined below:
• Link your card atwww.KrogerCommunityRewards.com.
• Find your state and click on the “Enroll Now” button that is below it.
• If you have an existing account, click on “Sign In”, otherwise click on “Register”.
When you search for our organization, you can use either:
• Our NPO number: 91558
• The first 3 letters of our assigned name: Fed (Note: Look for the one with The
Woodlands address)
Every time a member of the Federation of Texas A&M UMC (University Mothers Club) shops for groceries and swipes their card, our
Montgomery County Aggie Moms Club automatically starts earning a rebate.
Kroger will pay up to $1,500,000 on an annual basis to participating organizations in Texas, based on their percentage of spending as it
relates to the total spending of all participating Kroger Community Rewards organizations.
Announcing the Aggie Mom Bakers!
The Aggie Mom Bakers kicked off their first event at the October General meeting with an assortment of delicious fall
recipes from our cookbook, A Taste of Tradition. These dishes included the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Roll, Caramel
Corn, Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins, Pumpkin Spice Cookies, Pumpkin Bars, and Iced Pumpkin Cookies.
Everyone enjoyed preparing the food so much that the Bakes opted to serve again in November! We have planned a
beautiful assortment of holiday desserts and sweets, again from our fabulous cookbook. We will be serving White
Chocolate Bread Pudding, Glorified Gingerbread, Butter Dream Cookies, Christmas Cheer Candy, Cranberry Surprise
Loaf with Cranberry Sauce Cheeseball, and Incredible Chocolate Pecan Pie.
The mission of the Bakers is to support our members when a warm meal is needed, supply homeade items for our
special events and some general meetings, and help promote our cookbook, A Taste of Tradition. Bakers participate as
they are available, always remembering that cooking is a labor of love! We are not experts but enjoy trading tips and
techniques and are always happy to teach you a few dishes. If you would like to join our Bakers group, please contact
Ashley Porter at marilynashley@earthlink.net.
Aggie Corps Moms
We are an informal group of MCAM who have cadets in the Corps. We get together to share our experiences with
that compound, complex student organization, keeper of traditions and all things Aggie the Corps of Cadets. The
Corps has its own language, events, expectations and traditions. As moms we want to understand how to best help
our cadets. We get together a couple of times a year to share our group knowledge with one another.
For more information contact: Cindy Wishert Cindy.wishert@gdfsuezna.com 281-543-6163 or Michele Strack
cajunintx31@yahoo.com
Montgomery County Aggie Moms
December 2013
Volume I
Montgomery County Aggie Moms Club will be hosting a
Sweethearts’ Dinner at Buca di Beppo on February 16, 2014
at 6:30 p.m.
.
February 16, 2014
6:30 p.m.
Dinner will include a 4 course meal with a cash bar. Price will
be $30 per person.
Stay tuned for more details
This is all you need to know about Goodie Bags!
The time has come to purchase your Spring finals goodie bag for your Aggie. You can order a goodie bag
for your Aggie student, their friends and roommates by completing a goodie bag order form and
submitting it with your payment. Forms may be picked up at monthly general meetings or print a copy
from the Aggie Moms website. Bags must be ordered before the following deadline.
March 20-General Meeting
For the finals goodie bag the committee purchases a special item which will be filled with goodies. We will
deliver the bags to campus on April 29.
As a club, we deliver the bags to campus and hand them out to the students from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. If
you would like to come and help out, please be at the MSC by 8:00 AM to help fill the bags with goodies.
Volunteers can take turns having lunch and catching up with their Aggie. Our Aggies love the surprises,
and it is a lot of fun for everyone.
***Please remember to contact your student a day or two prior to delivery date.
***If you plan to come help please arrive at the MSC by 8:00 a.m.
Click Here for Goodie Bag Forms
If you have any questions please contact one of these ladiesCindy Strong
281-825-9154
Kandi Smith 832-318-3788
Vickie Benkendorfer 281-793-2214
aggiecarepackage@yahoo.com
Montgomery County Aggie Moms
December 2013
Volume I
There will not be a January craft meeting. See you in February!!!
ROOM FOR RENT: Avail 1/1/14. Prefer female SR or GRAD
Student. $525/mo for 1 BR (w private bath) in very nice 3BR, 2 story,
student house built 2006. Bryan side of campus; On bus route, off
Wellborn. Great location and great Aggie roommates!
Call/txt 713-498-9341
BCS Vacation Homes owns and leases several properties within walking
distance to Campus. We have homes packaged with tickets, golf,
transportation, and more to make your experience one to remember and
tell your friends and Aggie Family about.
http://www.tricaprealty.com/propertysearch/gamedayrentals
Classified ads are free. Please email Eddie Taylor at
taylor2time@yahoo.com by the 19th of each month to have your ad
included. Put “Aggie Mom Newsletter” in subject line.
Montgomery County Aggie Moms
December 2013
Volume I
Montgomery County Aggie Moms
December 2013
Volume I
Montgomery County Aggie Moms
December 2013
Volume I
Montgomery County Aggie Moms 2013-2014
Officers
Name
President
Velma Yount
1st VP at Large
Leslie Carpenter
1st VP Membership
Jana Wells
2nd VP Programs
Becky Greenwade
3rd VP Locations
Eddie Taylor
4th VP Hospitality
Jessica Crow
5th VP Ways & Means
Eddie Taylor
Phone
h-936-344-2435
c-936-499-9225
c-281-684-8544
Secretary
Beverly Mentzer
Treasurer
Glenna England Crews
Historian
Sue Ann Ramos
Parliamentarian
Leslie Carpenter
c-936-499-7709
h-281-681-9115
c-936-499-6078
o-713-577-2241
c-281-744-6655
h-281-374-9596
c-281-468-1960
o-713-577-2241
c-281-744-6655
h-713-806-2372
c-713-806-2372
h-281-298-7137
c- 713-705-5029
h-936‐321‐6364
h-281-465-8868
c-281-733-6728
c-281-684-8544
Non-Elected Committee Members
Hospitality
Ways & Means
Finals Packages
Finals Packages
Finals Packages
Sunshine Lady
Chaplain
Newsletter
Website
Facebook
Apparel
Communications
Corps Moms
Corps Moms
Name
Susan Colvin
Ruff Hoffman
Vickie Benkendorfer
Kandi Smith
Cindy Strong
Leslie Carpenter
Ashley Porter
Eddie Taylor
Laura Cruz
Virginia Young
Billye Klawinsky
Renee Battle
Cindy Wishert
Michele Strack
Phone
c-713-213-1683
c-979-417-7034
c-281-793-2214
c-832-318-3788
c-281-825-9154
c-281-684-8544
c-28-1851-3220
c-281-744-6655
h-713-806-2372
c-713-723-3456
h-936-582-4013
h-281‐288‐8262
281-543-6163
936-697-1602
Laura Cruz
Email
vamy737@mac.com
Lcarpenter@drhorton.com
wells_jana@yahoo.com
fmbecki@aol.com
etaylor@samsonco.com
jcrow@kleinisd.net
etaylor@samsonco.com
LND4F@SBCGlobal.net
bevmentzer@gmail.com
glennacrews@msn.com
sueann6272002@yahoo.com
leslie@transcosolutions.com
Email
susan.colvin@allstate.com
ballet_mom1@hotmail.com
vjbenk@gmail.com
clashsmom@aol.com
cyntex140@mac.com
leslie@transcosolutions.com
marilynashley@earthlink.net
etaylor@samsonco.com
LND4F@SBCGlobal.net
4everyoung1989@att.net
bsklawinsky@yahoo.com
reneebattle@earthlink.net
Cindy.wishert@gdfsuezna.com
cajunintx@suddenlink.net