The Importance of Workplace Talent

BrazosLife
ANNUAL MANUAL 2010
PUBLISHER
Bryan Broadcasting Publications
table of contents
4
6
Discover the Best in Services
7
Important Phone Numbers
8
Discover the Best in Dining
10
Big Burger Business: The Story of Koppe Bridge and River Bridge
14
25 Years of Hope: Hope Pregnancy Center celebrates its 25th
Year of Service
16
The Importance of Workplace Talent in an Economic Downturn
18
Getting “Discovered” Online : Resume Tips
20
Faces & Places
22
Living in the Brazos Valley: Great Parks for the Whole Family
24
Coming Home to Aggieland: Aggie Field of Honor
26
Discover the Best in Entertainment & Lifestyle
27
Faces & Places
28
Northgate: A Brief History of Tradition
30
Moving at the Speed of Light: The Development of Historic
Downtown Bryan
34
Special Event Spotlights
35
Entertainment with the Touch of Yesteryear: Yesterdays
36
Special Event Spotlights
38
Choosing Child Care in the Brazos Valley
40 Faces & Places
BRAZOSLIFE - Annual Manual 2010
GENERAL MANAGER
Ben D. Downs
EDITOR & CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Heather Moutray
ADVERTISING/EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
Chelsea Wade Nick Shepherd
GENERAL SALES MANAGER
Sam J. Jones
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Krista Kizer
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Alisa Dusterhoff
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
Chris “Dusty” Dusterhoff
PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTIONS:
Michael Kellett, Chandler Arden
Getty Images, Allison Meserole, Mary Mike Hatcher
COVER PHOTOGRAPHY
Michael Kellett Professional Photography
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS BY
Ashley McCollum, Heather Moutray,
Chelsea Wade, Jack Burley, Lesley Henton,
Katherine Kleemann, Amy Reichman, Jen Zweiacker
BRAZOSLIFE is a free publication.
For a free subscription, email your name and address
to: [email protected]
For advertising information: contact Sam J. Jones
at (979) 695-9595 for your media kit.
No photos or editorial may be used without
written permission from the managing editor.
BRAZOSLIFE is a registered trademark
owned by Bryan Broadcasting Corporation.
READ OUR OTHER PUBLICATIONS ONLINE
AT WWW.BRYANBROADCASTING.COM
www.brazoslife.com
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BRAZOSLIFE - Annual Manual 2010
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Discover the Best in Services
Whether it’s automotive, home and living, or medical services you seek, the Brazos Valley offers the best. The businesses
listed below were awarded this area’s top honor -- voted “Best of the Brazos Valley” by over 8,000 voters.
Best Auto Body Repair
Rios Paint & Body
Best Housekeeping Service
Merry Maids
Best Bank
Prosperity Bank
Best Cosmetic Surgeon
Dr. Angeletta Brown
Best Auto Dealership
Atkinson Toyota
Best HVAC Service
Barker’s Heating & Cooling
Best Barber Shop
Northgate Barber Shop
Best Dentist
Dr. Michael Reece, DDS
Best Auto & Truck
Accessories
Texas Truck Riggins
Best Landscape/Lawn Care
& Best Pest Control
ABC Home & Commercial
Best Dry Cleaning
Briarcrest Cleaners
Best Dermatologist
Dr. James Childs
Best Car Wash &
Best Oil Change
Wolf Creek Car Wash
Best Mortgage Company
Cornerstone Mortgage
Best Funeral Home
Memorial Funeral Chapel
Best Eye Care Center
Marr Eye Care Center
Best Hair Salon
Celebrity Spa & Boutique
Best Family Medicine
College Station Family
Medicine
Best Farm/Lawn Equipment
Retailer
Normangee Tractor
Best General Auto Repair
Sevcik’s Service Center
Best Sport Vehicle Retailer
Independence HarleyDavidson Buell
Best Pool/Spa Company
Mobley Pools
Best Property Management
Equity Real Estate Group
Best Real Estate Agent
Cherry Ruffino
Best Tire Retailer
Discount Tire Co. &
Pilger’s Tire
Best Real Estate Company
Coldwell Banker, United
Realtors
Best Apartment Community
Woodlands of College
Station
Best Roofing Company
Schulte Roofing
Best Carpet Cleaning
ChemDry
Best Electrician
Britt Rice Electric
Best Homebuilder
Mariott Homes
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Best Moving Company
D&D Moving Company
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Best Security Company
Titan Security
Best Tree Farm
Brazos Valley Tree Farm
Best Attorney
W. Jeff Paradowski
Best Insurance Agent
Brenda Keith, State Farm
Best Pet Groomer
PetSmart
Best Photographer/Studio
Specialties Photography
Best Tanning Salon
Total Tan Salons
Best Tax Prep/Bookkeeping
Service
Bottom Line Bookkeeping
Best Travel Agency
A&M Travel Agency
Best Allergy Care
Central Texas ENT
Best Bariatric Surgery
Brazos Bariatric
Best Chiropractic Clinic
Campion Chiropractic
Best Home Health Provider
Brazos Valley Home Health
Best Hospital
St.Joseph Regional Health
Center
Best Orthodontist
Elms Orthodontics
Best Pediatric Dentist
Brazos Valley Pediatric
Dentistry
Best Pediatrician
University Pediatrics Association
Best Physical Therapy
Advance Therapy Center
Best Podiatrist
Brazos Valley Foot Care
Best Veterinary Clinic
Boonville Animal Hospital
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IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS & WEBSITES - BRYAN, COLLEGE STATION & BRAZOS COUNTY
Fire, Police & Ambulance
Emergencies
911
Poison Control
1 (800) 222-1222
www.aapcc.org
Crime Stoppers Hotline
(979) 775-TIPS
brazos.crimestoppersweb.com
Brazos County Health
Department
(979) 361-4440
www.brazoshealth.org
MHMR Crisis Hotline
1-888-522-8262
mhmrabv.org
Brazos County Animal Control
(979) 361-3888
Immigration & Naturalization
Service
(210) 967-7265
immigrationdirect.com/INS
Texas Department of Public
Safety
(979) 776-3110
www.txdps.state.tx.us
Child Find
1 (800) 292-9688
Texas Department of Family &
Protective Services
1 (800) 252-5400
https://www.txabusehotline.org
Emergency Roadside Assistance
1 (800) 525-5555
US Department of Homeland
Security
1 (800) 237-3239
www.ready.gov
Directory Assistance
Local: 1-411
Local Long Distance: 555-1212
Bryan-College Station
Convention & Visitor’s Bureau
(979) 260-9898
www.visitaggieland.com
Better Business Bureau
(979) 260-2222
www.bryan.bbb.org
Brazos County
Information
Brazos County Clerk
(979) 361-4128
Brazos County Tax Assessor &
Collector
(979) 361-4470
www.brazostax.org
Brazos County Vehicle
Registration
(979) 361-4472
Brazos County Veteran’s
Services
(979) 361-4360
Brazos County Landfill
(979) 764-3832
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Voter Registration
(979) 775-7400
co.brazos.tx.us
City of Bryan
Information
City of Bryan General
Information
(979) 209-5000
www.bryantx.gov
City of Bryan Police
Department
Non-Emergency Number
(979) 209-5300
City of Bryan Fire Services
(979) 209-5970
Brazos Animal Shelter
(979) 764-3600
www.brazosanimalshelter.org
City of Bryan Waste Collection
(979) 209-5900
City of College Station
Information
City of College Station
General Information
(979) 764-3500
www.cstx.gov
College Station Police
Department
Non-Emergency Number
(979) 764-3400
College Station Fire
Department
(979) 764-3705
College Station Municipal Court
(979) 764-3646
City of College Station
Sanitation
(979) 764-3690
City of College Station
Recycling
(979) 764-3832
College Station Independent
School District
General Inquiries
(979) 764-5400
www.csisd.org
City of Bryan Municipal Court
(979) 209-5400
College Station Utilities
(979) 764-5050 - Outage
Reporting
City of Bryan Recycling
(979) 209-5900
Larry J. Ringer Public Library
(979) 764-3416
Bryan Independent School
District General Inquiries
(979) 209-1000
www.bryanisd.org
Health Care Centers
Bryan Public Library
(979) 209-5600
BTU
(979) 821-5700
24-Hour Emergency Hotline
(979) 822-3777
www.btutilities.com
St. Joseph Regional Hospital
General Inquiry
(979) 776-3777
www.st-joseph.org
College Station Medical
Center - General Inquiry
(979) 764-5100
www.csmedcenter.com
The Physician’s Centre Hospital
General Inquiry
(979) 731-3100
Scott & White
Clinic
General Inquiry
(979) 691-3300
www.sw.org
Sexual Assault Resource Center
(979) 731-1000
www.rapecrisisbv.org
Scotty’s House
(979) 775-4695
www.scottyshouse.org
Media Information
The Bryan-College Station
Eagle Newspaper
(979) 776-4444
www.theeagle.com
KBTX-3 (CBS)
(979) 846-7777
www.kbtx.com
KRHD-TV (ABC)
(979) 691-5743
www.abc40.com
KAMU-TV (PBS)
(979) 845-5611
http://kamu.tamu.edu
Newstalk 1620 WTAW
(979) 695-9595
www.wtaw.com
Texas A&M University
Information
University Operator
(979) 845-3211
www.tamu.edu
Admissions
(979) 845-3741 (prospective)
(979) 845-1060 (current
applicants)
Campus Information/Student
Locator
(979) 845-3211
University Police Department
(979) 845-2345
Texas A&M Health Center
(979) 845-1511
Texas A&M Emergency Vet
Clinic
(979) 845-2351
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photo courtesy of Christopher’s World Grille
Discover the Best in Dining
The Brazos Valley boasts some pretty great places to eat. From award-winning burger joints, to nationally-recognized
franchises, visitors and residents alike agree that the best in dining and cuisine can be found right here in our community.
During the 2009 Best of the Brazos Valley survey, folks voted the following places the Best in Dining.
Best Asian Fusion Dining
Best Local Coffee Shop
Best Pizza
Veritas Wine & Bistro
Sweet Eugene’s
Double Dave’s Pizza
Best Baked Potato
Best Cookies
Best Sausage
Potato Shack
Great American Cookies
Slovacek Sausage
Best Bakery & Best Sandwich Shop Best Fine Dining
Christopher’s World Grille
& Best Food Delivery Service
Blue Baker
Best BBQ
C&J Barbeque
Best Burger
Koppe Bridge & River Bridge
Best Chicken Fried Steak
Longhorn Tavern Steakhouse
Best Chicken Tenders
Layne’s Chicken Fingers
Best Chinese Dining
T.Jin’s China Diner
BRAZOSLIFE - Annual Manual 2010
Fish Daddy’s
Best General Menu
Best Steakhouse
Cheddar’s Casual Cafe
Texas Roadhouse
Best Ice Cream Shop
Best Subs
Maggie Moo’s Ice Creamery
Subway
Best Italian Dining
Best Take-Out Dining
Caffe Capri
Pei Wei Asian Diner by PF Chang’s
Best Japanese Dining
Best Wine by the Glass
Atami
Messina Hof Winery & Resort
Best Mexican Dining
Want to compete with the Best of the
Brazos Valley? Call Sam Jones at (979)
695-9595 to get your business listed on
the 2010 ballot. The promotion begins in
April, so don’t wait!
Casa Rodriguez
Best New Restaurant
Stover Boys Burgers
8
Best Seafood
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Big Burger Business
The Story of Koppe Bridge and River Bridge
by Lesley Henton, BrazosLife
“I’m the conservative one - he’s the one with the all-or-none attitude. We
strike a balance once in a while!” That’s what Glenda Ross says of her business
partnership with husband, Delph.Together, they own one of the most revered
and wildly popular burger joints in the area, Koppe Bridge Bar & Grill, with
its two locations, and the recently established River Bridge Bar & Grill in
historic downtown Bryan.
Born and raised in Bryan, Delph met Glenda through a mutual acquaintance
20 years ago and they’ve been married 18. “As corny as it sounds, to me it was
love at first sight,” Glenda says.“I think Delph would agree, but he’d be reluctant
to say it!” When they met, Delph owned a lawn care business and Glenda was
an accountant. She says Delph always dreamed of owning a small bar & grill,
and they talked about it frequently. Seventeen years ago, they decided to give
it a shot, never imagining they would find such incredible success. “I think it’s
the combination of his entrepreneurial spirit and my business background that
have complimented us as business partners,” she says.
THE EARLY DAYS
When they were first married, and the restaurant was still just a dream,
Glenda says she and Delph used to take weekend day trips. “He knew all the
back highways and we always stopped at all the cool out-of-the-way joints.
Those were feel-good days,” she says. And so was the day he drove her out
onto FM 2154 by the firework stand to an old feed store. “He told me that
he and a friend drove by there earlier in the week and he wanted to show
me this place. Well, it wasn’t much, but sitting on that porch, I just knew in
my heart it was good - it had that ‘feel good’ kind of feeling,” she remembers.
“With the help of friends, we got the old feed store into a functioning (sort of)
establishment where for the first three months we sold beer and had bands
at night until we got the kitchen operational.”
Turns out the old feed store had a bit of Texas history in its foundation, literally.
The Koppe Bridge used to cross the Brazos River near the community of
Wellborn, but was destroyed by a flood in the 1920s. Timbers from the fallen
bridge were used to build parts of the feed store which later became the
restaurant. Delph and Glenda named the place Koppe Bridge in honor of
this local piece of history. Glenda says it was a lot of hard work getting the
restaurant off the ground and it still takes enormous effort and dedication.
“You encounter obstacles in business everyday. I think it’s how you handle the
adversity that is your best ally.”
It was also the restaurant’s innovative recipes that helped propel it forward.
Glenda says she looked at the old menu recently and chuckled, “Our first
menu had five items on it,” she says. “We had a ½ lb burger, our chicken
sandwich, a hot link, a corny dog, and a grilled cheese sandwich.” Of course it
was the Koppe Bridge big burger that was to become the most famous item
on the menu, winning them numerous awards. “Delph wanted to sell a good
quality, big burger the old-fashioned way. Traditional and Texas-sized fit the
community and what we liked when we’d go for a burger.“ continued on page 12
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He created most of the recipes including their original BBQ sauce. “Even I
never knew the BBQ sauce ingredients even when he was developing them at
home,” says Glenda. “It was such a secret!”
For the atmosphere, Glenda says they wanted a place that was comfortable
for everyone.” We wanted a casual and inviting place that appealed to students,
families, business folks, and yes governors and former presidents!” And, in fact,
Former President George H.W. Bush, Former A&M President and current
Secretary of Defense Dr. Robert Gates, Texas Governor Rick Perry and
Senator Steve Ogden have all dined at Koppe Bridge.
The Dream Evolves
Glenda says early on it was
word-of-mouth that grew the
business, “I think we may have
had a newspaper ad about
happy hour, but the rest was
left to our customers.” Some
fun helped too: they hosted the
1st Fireman’s Training School
Glenda & Delph Ross, Owners of Koppe Bridge & River Bridge
Olympics, Harley Daze and had a
volleyball pit and dart competitions.Their customer base was growing and varied.
In August of 2002, Delph and Glenda had enough faith in the store to open
a second location on Harvey Road and it has worked out great. As the years
passed, the menu evolved.“We’ve tried to change with the times as well as stick
to our core item, the best big burger in town,” she says. “We’ve added handbreaded chicken fried steak, chicken strips, wings, salads, appetizers, catfish and
pit fresh BBQ.”And just this year, Delph and Glenda expanded the Wellborn
Koppe Bridge location to include a 3,000-square-foot beer garden.
In early 2008, Delph and Glenda Ross joined in the revitalization of historic
downtown Bryan when they opened the River Bridge Bar & Grill. The
restaurant is located in the old Howell Building, circa 1906.“We chose to restore
the interior of the ground floor to its original brick wall interior. Delph and his
good friends created a fantastic bar area as well as a very nice dining area.”
The famous Koppe Bridge burgers are served at River Bridge, but the
atmosphere is upscale, casual dining with steaks, salads, sandwiches and fish
tacos. “We have a private dining room that is exceptional for parties, rehearsal
dinners, business meetings and other private dining events,” Glenda says. River
Bridge has a full-service bar, “It’s quaint and casual with big screen TVs and
happy hour. The bar draws the casual and business crowd after-hours.”
The Rosses are proud to be a part of renewing downtown Bryan, “Our hope
is that our financial contribution to the area helps to further foster its growth
and vibrancy, which it rightfully deserves.”
Help Along the Way
As with any success story, there are people that have helped Delph and Glenda
along the way. “We couldn’t be what we are today without our managers and
staff that are on the front line with our customers. For those folks, we are
extremely thankful.” And success in business, it seems, runs in the Ross family.
Delph’s sister Rhonda Henton and his niece Kathy Mixson own the successful
Riviera Salon & Day Spa in College Station.
Accolades
The honors have rolled in over the years for Koppe Bridge, “We’ve won Best
of Brazos for ten years and the Eagle Reader’s Choice as well,” says Glenda.
“And this year we were voted as the #6 burger in Texas by the Houston Press.”
Glenda says she and Delph are very grateful for their business success and wish
to thank their loyal customers for making Koppe Bridge a hit. “I don’t think you
can ever take success for granted because it can be taken away in a heartbeat,
for any reason,” she says. “I like to think of a photograph that was sent to us
many years ago - it was of a rainbow over the Wellborn Road store. I think of
that rainbow as a reflection of our success.”
Koppe Bridge offers two locations in College Station. One at 11777 FM 2154 (Wellborn Rd), and the other at
3940 Harvey Road. Check out their menu online at www.koppebridge.com.
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25 Years of Hope
Hope Pregnancy Center celebrates
25 Years in the Brazos Valley
Celebrating 25 Years of Service
article by Ashley McCollum | photo by Getty Images
H
ope Pregnancy Centers of Brazos Valley (HPCBV) is celebrating 25 years of providing emotional, practical and spiritual support to women
and men experiencing crisis pregnancies in the Brazos Valley.
“We are proud to have served more than 17,000 community members over the past 25 years,” said HPCBV Executive Director Tracy Frank of the
nonprofit whose mission is to bring glory to God by ministering to the needs of those experiencing crisis pregnancies and by expressing His truth
concerning the sanctity of life.
“In 1984, concerned citizens saw the need in our community for a crisis pregnancy center,” Frank said. “In May of 1985, Walter Bradley, Michael
Middleton, George McIlhaney and Benjamin Johnson met with Judie Bruegger and established the Brazos Valley Crisis Pregnancy Service.”
Bruegger became the Director of the Ministry, working with three volunteer counselors - Ann Bradley, Pat Anderson and Marilyn Adkinson. The first
fundraiser was a spaghetti dinner held at Westminster Center with approximately 75 people attending, says Frank.
In the late 1980’s, while searching for the perfect, permanent home to meet its needs and those of the community, the center was located in the
Carter Creek Plaza in Bryan, Memorial Medical Center and then at 3620 East 29th Street in Bryan. It is now located at 205 Brentwood Drive East
in College Station.
“In the beginning we offered self-administered pregnancy tests and peer counseling,” Frank said, “Over the years, our services have expanded.
Sherry Paul became the Executive Director in 1991, and over her 13-year tenure she greatly expanded the ministry’s services and impact. In 2006,
we became a medical center. Dr. Haywood Robinson served as the center’s medical director until 2006, when Dr. Kenneth Hillner took over.” She
added, “We have a full time RN on staff, Ouida Edison, who administers the pregnancy tests; distributes a two-week supply of prenatal vitamins;
and performs limited obstetric ultrasounds.”
For low-income families, Hope Pregnancy Centers of Brazos Valley’s services are of vital importance. Typically, there is a five-week wait before
Medicaid eligibility begins. “Our nurse is trained in limited obstetric ultrasound, and if she sees something she doesn’t expect to see, she will give the
necessary precautions as directed by our medical director’s standing orders and refer the client for immediate attention long before her prenatal
care would otherwise begin,” Frank said. “All ultrasounds performed at the center are reviewed by a physician.”
Hope Pregnancy Centers of Brazos Valley offers post abortion counseling and education as well as testing for two STDs – Gonorrhea and Chlamydia.
“We also partner with the Brazos County Health department to expand that testing by issuing vouchers that can be used at the STD Clinic,” said Frank.
HPCBV offers an education program that includes classes on childbirth, nutrition, parenting, breast feeding, postpartum stress management, baby
care and family financial planning. A program for men was established in 2001, which offers counseling and education through the center’s outreach
and education coordinator, Ryan Bingham.
Frank attributes the long-term success of Hope Pregnancy Centers of Brazos Valley to its mission and clients. “Having a clear mission and staying
true to that mission has built a level of trust between Hope and those who support us,” Frank said. “With their support, we have been able to deliver
quality services to those facing a crisis situation, however that is defined by our clients.”
Community support comes in a variety of ways, including financial (from individuals, churches and local businesses as the center utilizes no federal, state
or local government money) and word-of-mouth. More than 60 percent of HPCBV’s clients are referred to the center by their friends or family members.
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She added that the agency’s ultimate success
“comes from striving to do what God has called
us to do in a way that honors Him.”
HPCBV has numerous events planned in
celebration of its 25th anniversary including:
• Sanctity of Human Life Sunday BBQ and Bake
Sale, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., January 24, 2010, Bryan
High Silver Campus.
• Blankets and Booties Baby Supply Drive with
KAGC and WTAW, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., February
13, 2010.
• Annual Spring Banquet, April 27, 2010,
Brazos Exposition Complex.
• Annual Hope Golf Classic, October 11, 2010,
Pebble Creek Country Club.
• Praise & Worship Concert, November 13,
2010 at Central Baptist Church.
‘We are proud to have served
more than 17,000 community
members over the past 25
years,” said HPCBV Executive
Director Tracy Frank.
“In addition to the events, our friends at David Gardner’s Jewelers have
designed a sterling silver pendent especially for us,” Frank said. “The pendent
will be available for purchase at our office, and will be part of our fundraising
activities during the year. It is a unique piece that would be a great gift to
give someone who values life and our work at Hope Pregnancy Center.”
Among those who value life and the mission of Hope Pregnancy Centers of
Brazos Valley are its volunteers, which Frank says have been the backbone
of the center for the past 25 years. “Their diligent service enables us to offer
our services free of charge,” Frank says, “Without them, our ability to deliver
services would be seriously compromised.”
Ministry volunteers, who are trained as peer counselors, undergo a 22-hour
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training and four to six weeks of onsite training
before they serve as volunteers. Bren Lamon
is the center’s Client Services Manager, and
holds a Masters in Biblical Counseling from
Southeastern Baptist Seminary. HPCBV uses
volunteers as receptionists; helpliners; counselors
for pregnancy screening; counselors for STI
screening; class instructors; male counselors
for partners who come in for pregnancy
screening; speakers bureau members to speak
in the community; and church liaisons. There
are currently 25 volunteer receptionists and
counselors; six volunteer class instructors; one
medical staff volunteer; one Hannah’s Closet
volunteer; and 29 active church liaisons as
well as numerous friends of the ministry who
volunteer at fundraising events or for special
projects.
“We look forward to all of the special projects and events celebrating our
25th anniversary as well as the continued support of a community that has
made all of this possible,” said Frank.
Hope Pregnancy Centers of Brazos Valley’s service area encompases the entire
Bryan-College Station community, including students who attend Blinn College,
Texas A&M University, Bryan High School and A&M Consolidated Middle School.
Center counselors often serve men and women living in the communities surrounding
Bryan-College Station.
For more information on Hope Pregnancy Centers of Brazos Valley, please call
(979) 695-9193 or log on to www.hopepregnancy.org
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The Importance of Workplace Talent
in an economic downturn
article by Katherine Kleeman, Spherion Employment
M
any employers today feel secure in the stability of their workforce. Unemployment is high, while opportunities are few. Competition
among candidates for what little career mobility may exist is intense. There is little reason for companies to dedicate resources towards
talent management and retention in this economic environment, right? Wrong!
False Security
When the job market is weak, employers can feel falsely secure, believing that the lack of abundant job opportunities will keep talent in place. Not
so. As a recent Spherion study indicates, today’s employees, regardless of the economic climate, feel secure in their abilities to earn a living, within
or outside of the organization.
This brief hiatus from relatively low unemployment rates is just that — a hiatus. The reality of talent shortages will quickly become apparent at even
the earliest signs of economic recovery. Dramatic demographic shifts will continue to make skilled workers a scarce and precious resource in the
coming years.
If one views the recovery of the U.S. economy as inevitable, there is no doubt that the single most discriminating factor for business success will be
an organization’s talent level. Therefore, employers must continue to create opportunities for growth, achievement and recognition for employees,
regardless of the cycle.
Readdress the Basics
Savvy employers have not mistaken a slowing economy for a long-term talent surplus. Smart organizations are staying focused on rallying the troops
and ensuring that employee commitment, satisfaction, and ultimately, employee productivity remain strong. It not only helps businesses today but also
protects them from losing talent, stability and momentum when the recovery begins.
When it comes to retaining valuable talent, there’s no magic bullet. Prudent employers focus on the basics — creating a fair, equitable work
environment that enables contribution, growth and recognition for work well done.
Focus on Strengths, Not Weaknesses
Remind managers within the organization about the importance of their role as teacher and mentor. At a time when companies are in high need of a
productive, high-energy workforce, identifying and cultivating the strengths of each employee will pay off.
Consider:
• Creating a workplace where workers are unlimited in their capacity for training and development of their strengths and skills.
• Carving out roles to tap into an individual worker’s strengths or opportunities for stretch assignments.
• Documenting your company “wisdom” — formally document in either print form, or online via a webcast, etc., the unwritten rules for how
decisions are made and how people succeed in the organization. Use it to inform workers about the “ins and outs” of how to move ahead
in the organization. For example, it may be well-known to some workers that a project won’t be approved unless it can be shown to directly
impact customer service. Document and share these “unspoken” rules of success.
• Pairing high performers who can provide this “wisdom” with less experienced performers on special assignments or projects that will allow
them to flex new muscles.
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Reward High Performers
Employees, in general, see a lack of growth opportunities in their
organizations, whether that is in training, promotional opportunities, pay
or career advancement. In fact, according to the Spherion Emerging
Workforce Study, only 24 percent of workers are satisfied with their
growth and earnings potential. Now is the time for employers to carefully
examine and bolster any weaknesses in these areas that could elevate
employee turnover in the future.
Provide employees with positive feedback on their performance and
the development they require to further advance their careers. Offer
pathways to higher compensation — when the economic recovery begins
— which are clear and understandable. Reward high-performing workers
with exciting opportunities to think creatively in the workplace or take on
assignments that expand their skills.
Also consider:
• Holding individual “career meetings” — not performance reviews —
at least once a year with employees. No talk of current roles, only
future application of one’s skill set, both inside and outside the current
department or division.
• Ask employees who receive customer complaints to help redesign
products and product service standards.
• Have the CEO personally recognize employee efforts that support the
company mission.
Bolster Communications with Employees
Particularly during a time of economic unrest, employees need to
understand how their role is relevant to the company’s success and what
the organization is doing to weather this storm. Successful businesses will
create a company culture that goes beyond the fundamentals of open
communication, teamwork and positive morale.
Employees need to see that organizational actions match words. They want
to understand the rationale behind company decisions and have clarity
when it comes to the company’s financial and competitive standing.
Consider:
• Encouraging senior managers to break the pecking order and
communicate with staff two levels down on relevant projects.
• Inviting staff outside of direct report groups to participate in staff meetings.
• Setting goals for managers to interact with employees on a regular basis.
Avoid Complacency
Managers face tough decisions daily on the allocation of time and resources
during a down economy, but complacency in the areas impacting retention
could be very costly. With labor being the largest portion of a company’s
operating expenses, and the workforce growing smaller, less experienced
and more ethnically diverse, human resource strategies play a critical role
in post-recession success.
Recent changes in the economy have transformed the world in which we
live. Key workplace strategies to attract, cultivate and retain talent have
been revealed, with a whole new set of rules dictated by changing worker
mentality and motivations.
Spherion® Staffing Services, a 60+ year leader in recruiting and staffing,
is excited to announce the release of its sixth Emerging Workforce®
Study tracking changes and trends shaping the U.S. workforce. For more
information on the Emerging Workforce Study or to schedule your own
briefing, please call the local Spherion® office or visit www.spherion.com/
emergingworkforce.
Katherine Kleemann is co-owner of the Spherion Staffing Services franchise
in Bryan/College Station. Katherine can be contacted at (979)846-7833 or
at [email protected].
www.brazoslife.com
BRAZOSLIFE - Annual Manual 2010
17
Getting “Discovered”
How to get your resume to stand out among the
thousands of other applicants online
by Amy Reichman, Recruited Resumes - The Recruiter’s Perspective
Here’s the deal...Monster, Careerbuilder, Dice, HotJobs, etc... don’t want you
to know that when you post your resume, you are uploading your resume
with thousands of other job seekers just like you.
When it comes to searching for a job, your main concern needs to be - getting
discovered among the thousands of resumes. When you apply for a position,
you need to realize that the CEO or President of a company is not going to
contact you. Your resume is being looked at by recruiters who may or may
not work for the employer. Recruiters and some companies pay Monster,
Careerbuilder, Dice, etc., $8,000-18,000 a year to review resumes for their
open positions. The internet makes your job search much more challenging.
This is why you need an excellent resume. A resume is a 1-2 page advertisement
about you and your accomplishments. You have to be a thinker and make a
plan so that you can be found among the thousands of job seekers.
Before you sit down and write your resume, grab some paper and a pen, and
write about you.What are your three accomplishments and why? What makes
you a good employee? What are your weaknesses? If you don’t want to write
about you, ask someone to write about you. This will guide you and make the
resume writing process easier, and your resume will have more depth.
What do you need to know when writing your resume?
Objective vs. Summary: An objective at the top of a resume is a clear
indication to an employer that you are an inexperienced job seeker. Instead of
an objective, write a summary. A summary is one paragraph that can include:
number of years of experience (not recommended if over 15 years), skill set, and
teaser words such as – project manager, supervisor, reliable, experienced, etc.
How long should a resume be? Job seekers always ask about the length
of resumes. One to two pages is perfect. Your resume is an advertisement.
It should include accomplishments, awards, and recognitions. Bullets that list
your daily responsibilities are boring and don’t make you stand out.
What about techniques such as bolding, underlining, and cute icons?
If your resume is set up properly, you don’t need these techniques. They are
actually distracting to the eye and make your resume more difficult to read.
Bullets are acceptable. Cute icons are not.
continued on the next page
18
BRAZOSLIFE - Annual Manual 2010
www.brazoslife.com
Is one resume sufficient? If you are posting your resume to the job boards,
I don’t recommend posting more than one resume per job board. Have one
resume that has enough information to get you noticed and get the call. One
resume doesn’t fit every job opening so I do recommend having up to three
versions that can be modified to fit the job. Once you get called by a recruiter,
you can send them a resume tailored for the job.
Should references be included at the bottom of a resume? At the
bottom of your resume, simply put, “references available upon request.”
Recruiters and HR specialists are very savvy and they are always looking for
passive job seekers (people who are not looking for a job).They will search for
resumes that list the references. Once they find the references’ names, they
will cold call the names on your list.
Can’t give up your goofy or quirky e-mail name? It might cost you the
job. Goofy and quirky emails are not professional. Get a hotmail, yahoo or
gmail account and make it professional.
Will you be “googled”? Recruiters and HR specialist do “google” you. We
also search on myspace, blogs, facebook, and twitter. Information that you post
on the internet can hurt your chances of getting the interview.
There are laws prohibiting discrimination, right? Yes, there are.
However, there are many loopholes and ways around discrimination. Employers
use third party recruiters, “google” to find out your age, race, gender, talk to
references “off the record,” etc.
The #1 most important career advice: always be professional. The individuals
who are talking to you about a position are professionals and their job is to
eliminate you from the candidate pool. Employers pay recruiters and staffing
agencies 18-40% to hire employees so each party is seeking to hire the most
professional and qualified candidates.
If you are overwhelmed by the job search process or need some coaching, call
a professional. It is worth the money and the knowledge you’ll gain. For more
information on resume building, visit www.recruitedresumes.com.
Interested in learning
about your health?
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www.brazoslife.com
BRAZOSLIFE - Annual Manual 2010
19
Faces and Places
A recap of some great local events from 2009
Feast of Caring 2009
Feast of Caring 2009
Newman 10 Awards
Newman 10 Awards
LobsterFest 2009
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BRAZOSLIFE - Annual Manual 2010
Scouting for Food
Feast of Caring 2009
Duck Jam 2009
Texas Renaissance Festival 2009
www.brazoslife.com
www.brazoslife.com
BRAZOSLIFE - Annual Manual 2010
21
Living in the Brazos Valley
Great Parks for the Whole Family
Dear Jen,
the Bryan/
family to
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the fall. N
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endations
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?
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the
activities in
or outdoor
Thanks,
Bryce
tion
College Sta
article by Jen Zweiacker, Zweiacker & Associates, Keller Williams
Dear Bryce,
Welcome to Bryan/College Station! I think that you will be thrilled with all of the parks, nature trails,
and outdoor entertainment offered by the cities of Bryan and College Station. I’ll tell you about a few
of my favorites below!
Wolf Pen Creek Park &
Amphitheater
The park offers a variety
of outdoor recreation experiences including walking,
picnicking and playground activities. Enjoy a cool Texas evening at the
Amphitheater which offers a wide variety of outdoor concerts, plays
and festivals.
Lick Creek Park
The park offers several miles of trails and provides an excellent
opportunity for hiking, cycling, bird watching, equestrian activities,
and nature study.
Lake Bryan
This park offers a 1,000 acre recreational lake, mountain bike trails,
RV sites, and camping. It’s an ideal site for water sports, picnicking
and camping. You might also enjoy a sunset, live music and a delicious
Hook Burger at the Lakeside Icehouse.
Bryan Aquatic Center
The Bryan Aquatic Center features an Olympic-sized pool with a
175-foot water slide, baby pool, two diving boards, and plenty
of space for sunbathing. Enjoy the Aquatic Center with a daily
admission price of $2 or get an annual family pass for an entire
summer of fun in the sun!
Bee Creek Park
Bee Creek Park is the location of College Station’s first swimming
pool. You’ll find Adamson Lagoon (A 50-meter pool with separate
wading pool), four lighted tennis courts, two lighted softball fields, a
pavilion, sand volleyball court, picnic area, and walking trails all in
the heart of College Station.
Sue Haswell Memorial Park
Sue Haswell is one of the most popular parks in Bryan. The park has
been recently renovated to include the historic Path of Presidents and
Aquatic Liberty Garden. You’ll also find three large picnic pavilions,
22
BRAZOSLIFE - Annual Manual 2010
a 24-court horseshoe complex, swimming pool, a large playground,
and numerous picnic tables with BBQ grills.
Stephen C. Beachy Central Park
Central Park is a great place to spend the day with your family!
You may enjoy the meandering nature and biking trails through
the woods and around two large ponds. You’ll also find a pavilion
with kitchen and restroom facilities, four lighted softball fields, three
adult soccer fields, two lighted tennis courts, sand volleyball court,
basketball court, and a fishing pier.
Veterans Park and Athletic Complex
Veterans Park is a large, open athletic complex. It has many athletic
fields (soccer, softball, and baseball), bike trails, a playground, a
500 capacity pavilion, and American History Mile Trail. 12 acres of
Veterans Park is designated as a Veterans Memorial where you will
find a Veterans Memorial sculpture designed by Robert Eccleston and
a garden plaza. It is dedicated to all of the veterans of the Brazos
Valley who have served in all US wars. Be sure to visit the Richard
Carter Water Oak while you are in the park. It is thought to be the
largest tree in Brazos County!
University Park
University Park is, by far, my dog’s favorite park. You’ll find many
of the normal neighborhood park amenities here such as a walking
trail and play equipment. However, this park’s most unique feature
is the four-acre fenced canine station built specifically for dogs to
socialize and exercise safely off-leash with separate areas for small
and large dogs. The unleashed portion of the park has a variety of
amenities for your furry friends, including swimming ponds, agility
equipment, and open space to run and play!
I hope you find all of this information helpful in your search for fun
outdoor activities! For all of the information contained here, maps
of area parks, and so much more, please visit the Bryan and College
Station city websites: bryantx.gov and cstx.gov. Best Wishes and
Welcome to the Brazos Valley!
www.brazoslife.com
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BRAZOSLIFE - Annual Manual 2010
23
Coming Home to Aggieland:
College Station’s Aggie Field of Honor
article by Chelsea Wade | photos courtesy of Aggie Field of Honor
“S
oftly call the muster, let comrade answer here.” There’s a spirit at Texas A&M University that unites
Aggies from the beginning to the end. It is home to more than 40,000 students and is rich in tradition. So, installing a cemetery
to honor Aggies at home in Aggieland just seems natural.
In April of 2007, the College Station City Council signed a nearly $500,000 contract for the design of the new 57-acre cemetery
that includes the Aggie Field of Honor. The first phase of the cemetery, which is near the intersection of Harvey Mitchell and Raymond
Stotzer parkways, debuted in 2009 along the edge of College Station’s municipal cemetery. Eventually, 20 acres will be dedicated to
Aggie plots, which will cost about $2,000 - a little more than twice the price of a normal plot.
The Aggie Field of Honor is ceremonial in design and honors the life and spirit of Aggies who
have passed. Draped in stone-gray marble, the butterflied landscape - which is tucked behind
Kyle Field - is designed to house students, alumni, faculty, their families, and friends of A&M. A
meditative garden leads to the memorial, which sits behind a columbarium wall of white onyx,
illuminated from within to symbolize “the elusive separation between the living and the dead,
a separation of a single breath, and the ‘Spirit of Aggieland,’” according to Ross Albrecht,
Forestry and Urban Landscape Manager. He says, “As you look through the gate, there is a
sense of connection between the final resting place of former students, the place where they were educated and from which they
launched their lives, and the gate where they will pass through once again into the next part of their existence.”
The cemetery concept is part of a small, but growing trend on college campuses. In today’s mobile society, some people feel more
connected to their alma mater than to their hometown. People look back on their college years and think, ‘Those were the best days of
my life.’ Very few institutions in society last longer than a university. College Station seems like heaven to many Aggies, so in that sense,
it is an ideal location for a cemetery. Unlike most college cemeteries, the Aggie Field of Honor isn’t exclusive only to former Aggies.
Albrecht says, “This cemetery acts as a special place in the minds of all of those associated with Texas A&M.”
Crypt and niche spaces in College Station’s mausoleums - complete with a view of the campus’ landmark – make the Aggie Field of
Honor one of the most unique eternal resting places in Texas. It salutes the heritage, timeless
ideals, and values of the Aggie traditions. It allows one to be close to the Texas A&M campus
forever.
Return Home. Return to Aggieland.
An Endowment Fund has been established for the Memorial Cemetery, and it is structured to allow for
donations and gifts to assist in the maintenance and beautification of the facility. Texas A&M University
has no financial stake in the Aggie Field of Honor. A&M is allowing the city to use the university logo and
other trademarked items as part of a licensing agreement.
Page
24 16
BRAZOSLIFE - Annual Manual 2010
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www.brazoslife.com
BRAZOSLIFE - Annual Manual 2010
25
photo courtesy of Grand Station Entertainment
Discover the Best in
Entertainment & Lifestyle
Whether you enjoy bowling, bingo, live music, theatre, or museums, the Brazos Valley has something
entertaining to offer just about everyone. With something new and exciting happening every weekend, it’s not
hard to find something to keep us entertained -- and do it in a way that reflects the Best of the Brazos Valley.
Best Bed & Breakfast
Best Extreme Adventure
Best Wedding/Banquet Facility Skydive Aggieland
7F Lodge
Best Family Entertainment
Best Bingo Hall
Grand Station Entertainment
Brazos Bingo
Best Fitness Training
Best Cheerleading &
Cliff Latham’s Fitness Together
Gymnastics Instruction
Best Golf Course
Thunder Elite
Miramont Country Club
Best Children’s Birthday Parties
Best Healthclub
Powersports
Gold’s Gym
Best Dance Studio/Instruction
& Aerofit (local)
Suzanne’s School of Dance
Best Hotel
Tied with Powersports
Hilton College Station &
Best Day Spa
Conference Center
Galleria Day Spa
Best Martial Arts Studio
Academy of Martial Arts
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BRAZOSLIFE - Annual Manual 2010
Best Nightclub/Bar
The Dixie Chicken
Best Pool Hall/Billiards
Yesterdays
Best Private School
Best Day Care Provider
St. Joseph Catholic School &
St. Joseph’s Eagle’s Nest
Best Retirement Community
Carriage Inn
Best Tourist Attraction
George Bush Presidential
Library & Museum
Want to compete with the Best of the Brazos
Valley? Call Sam Jones at (979) 695-9595 to
get your business listed on the 2010 ballot.
Promotion begins in April, so don’t wait!
www.brazoslife.com
Faces and Places
What’s happening around the Brazos Valley
Lights On 2009
Lights On 2009
Christmas Angels
Christmas Angels
Chet Edwards’ Town Hall
Chet Edwards’ Town Hall
Chet Edwards’ Town Hall
Candidate Forum
Candidate Forum
Cty Judge Candidate Forum
www.brazoslife.com
Cty Judge Candidate Forum
Neal Boortz Reception
BRAZOSLIFE - Annual Manual 2010
27
Northgate: A Brief History
of the Aggie Entertainment Tradition
article by Chelsea Wade | photo by Chandler Arden
T
hey say if it happens more than once, it becomes a tradition. Among Midnight Yell, Aggie Rings, Muster
and beloved Bonfire, spending time on Northgate is an unofficial unspoken tradition at Texas A&M. Located just across University
Drive on the north side of campus, Northgate is the most popular hangout for Aggies, with a plethora of bars, restaurants, and
retail stores available on the strip. Most students try to avoid the 8 a.m. classes on Fridays, because for Aggies, the weekend starts
on Thursday nights.
Northgate is a business and entertainment district in College Station and what some might deem the original downtown. It is the heart
of College Station entertainment and is a vibrant part of the city known for its eclectic mix of recreational activities. With three
bookstores, a bank, and even housing, it is evident why the Northgate district would be one of the first stops for new students. The
district spans approximately 145 acres and is the home of the original Freebirds World Burrito and the Dixie Chicken.
In the 1930’s, thanks to the influx of Texas A&M students, professors and their families, along with alumni who just couldn’t get enough,
the City of College Station experienced rapid population growth. The expanding market demands attracted business owners’ interests,
and it wasn’t long before the first established business district of College Station became the most well-known landmark for all of those
associated with Texas A&M. The first City Hall, which now houses the restaurant, Cafe Eccell, coalesced in 1938.
Restoration efforts began in 1994, and by the end of the year, the area was a revitalized hotspot. To finance additional improvements,
city council incorporated Northgate as a special tax zone in 2006. In 1998, the first annual four-day musical festival, “North By
Northgate,” was introduced and has become a popular venue for bands from around the country. The artistic backdrop eventually
changed its name to the “Northgate Music Festival” in 2002.
The College Station City Council voted unanimously, in March of 2005, to ban drinking on the Northgate promenade, capping months
of debate and ending years of a time-honored tradition. The College Station Police Department issued a report in January, of that
same year, documenting a significant increase in alcohol-related citations on Northgate. Police cited data collected from the previous
two years and recommended a complete ban of open containers on the promenade.
Last month, Northgate business owners, City of College Station employees, and the Texas Department of Transportation disagreed over
plans to change the look of Northgate. TxDot and city staff said a $2 million facelift was needed for pedestrian safety. However, some
business owners feared the proposed changes, saying it would be detrimental to their businesses. As a result of the disagreement, the
city council was unable to reach a resolution, and the issue will likely go before council in the next couple of months.
When the Northgate businesses planted their roots close to campus, they knew their proximity would be the key to continued success.
Looking at some of the business still in operation, this seems to be the case. More developments are now underway. The Tradition at
Northgate was just completed; and in development are the Warehouse and Factory loft apartments, the redesigned Basil Whippet’s
Pub and Apothecary Lounge, and the future Northgate Gameday Center condos, much more growth seems eminent as Northgate
leads the way into the future for College Station. Even with the establishment of newer and larger business districts in the city,
Northgate has flourished, not just as a business center, but as a living symbol of Texas A&M’s history and traditions.
28
BRAZOSLIFE - Annual Manual 2010
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www.brazoslife.com
BRAZOSLIFE - Annual Manual 2010
29
Moving at the Speed of Light:
the Development of Historic Downtown Bryan
article by Jack Burley | photos courtesy of FIBERTOWN & LaSalle Hotel
W
hen the LaSalle Hotel reopened with great fanfare in 2000, expectations for Downtown Bryan were high. The Historic
District, once the epicenter of commerce and finance for the Brazos Valley, was poised to make a comeback. But it quickly
became apparent that one beautiful landmark building, restored to its former glory, would not be enough to encourage the
establishment of new businesses in the beleaguered downtown area.
Due to personal tragedy and financial circumstances, the City of Bryan had been forced to assume the hotel project, and it needed
to decide if the LaSalle would be the end of their efforts to revitalize Downtown, or just the beginning. Ten years later, thanks to the
perseverance of City officials, an award-winning Master Plan for development (and a little luck), Downtown Bryan is thriving once
again.
In 2001, the City adopted a comprehensive Master Plan aimed at removing the obstacles that could prevent businesses from locating
in Downtown. The approval of the plan did not come without skepticism from Bryan residents, and there were a number of competing
ideas for how the City should proceed with redevelopment. Assistant City Manager Joey Dunn remembers it well. “Rather than trying
to make minor improvements throughout Downtown, we decided we needed to stick to small areas and make the highest quality
changes we could,” said Dunn.
By 2006, the City had completed the first two phases of the plan. Main Street and Bryan Avenue were torn up from building face
to building face, from 28th Street to 24th Street. New sidewalks and medians were laid, additional space for parking was created,
and a large number of new antique streetlights were installed.
Cindy Peaslee, Executive Director of the Downtown Bryan Economic Development Association credits the lights with helping the
revitalization gain momentum. “They did a beautiful job on the hotel, but everything around it was dark at night,” said Peaslee.
“Now with the antique lighting we have, it provides a much nicer environment for visitors. Downtown Bryan is a really great place
to spend an evening.”
In addition to the cosmetic changes, Bryan upgraded utility services as well. Still, businesses were not yet flocking to Downtown. “It
was scary,” recalls Dunn. “We didn’t really see a big increase in new business until our Downtown events began taking off.”
Topping that list is Bryan’s signature event, Texas Reds Steak & Grape Festival. It began in 2007 as a means to highlight the changes
in downtown, and was an immediate success. Over 10,000 attended the premier affair, providing many with their first look at the
changes in the Historic District. Texas Reds is a two-day event featuring a variety of live music venues, and draws people from around
the state to sample the best of Texas’ beef and wine. The 2009 edition drew an estimated 25,000 visitors to Downtown, and the
City expects this year’s event to be even bigger.
Not coincidentally, 2007 was the year new business development finally began to flourish. By the end of 2008, over 30 businesses
either opened or relocated to Downtown during the two year period. Dunn credits not only the City’s commitment to the Master Plan,
but its willingness to partner with businesses through its Façade Grant Program. “It’s basically a dollar for dollar match for exterior
improvements,” said Dunn. continued on the next page
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BRAZOSLIFE - Annual Manual 2010
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So far, the program has provided
approximately 40 businesses anywhere
from $5,000 to $175,000 to help restore
the outside of their buildings. In order to
preserve the integrity of the Historic District,
any exterior changes must gain the approval
of the Historic Landmark Commission. “It’s
not rigid to a certain type of architecture,”
said Dunn. “We’re fortunate to have
pretty good documentation of what these
buildings looked like in their heyday, so the
process is fairly simple.”
Buoyed by the success of the first two phases
of its Master Plan, Bryan is in the process of
developing Main Street and Bryan Avenue
northward five blocks to MLK Boulevard.
Unlike the first two phases, where the
renovation of existing buildings was the
primary focus, Phase 3 will include a large
amount of new construction. Much of the
land comprising the new phase is slated
for clearing, and the City has engaged a
consultant to help them determine the best
use of the space. It is expected to include
additional retail and office space as well
as a sizeable number of apartments.
The City has purchased enough land and
buildings to make the development of larger
areas possible, and is proud of the fact that
www.brazoslife.com
they did not use the method of building
condemnation to acquire the land. “Most of
the properties were already listed,” noted
Dunn. “It was all done with real estate deals
that gave owners fair market value for
their properties.” Seven contiguous blocks
north of 24th Street have already been
assembled and work has begun on new
gateway entries and utility infrastructure.
Local developer, Hunter Goodwin of The
Oldham Goodwin Group, credits the City
with making Downtown Bryan an attractive
destination for investors. “One of the
first things a developer needs to see is a
commitment to establishing infrastructure
for a development. The City has taken the
lead,” said Goodwin. “As our communities
grow, I expect the demand for quality, highdensity housing in a more urban environment
to rise accordingly. We’ve seen good
things happening in Downtown Bryan, and
that trend is likely to continue.” Last year,
The Oldham Goodwin Group submitted a
proposal to manage the LaSalle for the
City. The hotel management contract was
eventually awarded to Magnolia Hotels.
That group also operates landmark hotels
in Dallas, Houston, Denver and in Omaha’s
Old Town District. contintued on page 32
BRAZOSLIFE - Annual Manual 2010
31
New Year’s
Resolutions
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lose weight.
eat better.
tone up.
get more energy.
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Construction is set begin immediately on a new multilevel parking
facility near the Brazos County Courthouse. The plans include
additional office and retail space, and a shuttle bus terminal. The
buses will run throughout the Historic District and should help ease the
parking issues beginning to arise with the success of Downtown. With
business booming and more development in the works, the future of
Downtown Bryan looks bright.
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BRAZOSLIFE - Annual Manual 2010
In addition to the antique street lamps, there’s another source of light
helping fuel the growth of Downtown Bryan. Much of the credit for
this goes to the Union Pacific Railroad. The tracks that were originally
seen as a hindrance to the overall development of Downtown may
well turn out to be one of its greatest benefits. It’s not the rumbling
trains themselves that are helping, but fiber optic cabling, installed
underground along the railroad’s right-of-way, that is turning Bryan
into a high-tech hub for the region as well. Qwest, Verizon and AT&T
are just three of the many major communications carriers with local
points-of-presence on the fiber trunks running through Downtown Bryan.
The first company
to create a business
model based on
Downtown’s proximity
to this high-tech
infrastructure
is
FIBERTOWN.
The
company is owned by
local investment and
management
firm,
Astin Partners, and
provides Tier IV Data
Center services and a
Disaster Recovery Campus in the heart of Downtown. “We provide
companies with Business Continuity Services in the event a disaster,”
said FIBERTOWN’s Senior Business Development Manager, Steve
Discher. “Recent hurricane strikes on the Gulf Coast underscored the
need for a place where companies can temporarily relocate and still
conduct business as usual.” U.S. and international clients in the energy
and health care sectors lease high performance office space and either
mirror or locate their IT infrastructure in FIBERTOWN’s data center.
Visit
and download our latest report:
Koppe Bridge has brought its Best of the Brazos burgers to Downtown
and included them on an expanded menu at River Bridge Bar & Grille.
They are located on the ground floor of the recently renovated Howell
Build next to the LaSalle Hotel.
“The Three Secrets You
Must Know Before You
Start Working Out!”
The Village Café on 26th Street, serves local foods by day and
morphs into Art979 by night, featuring local art, art events and Texas
wine and beer.
CoachCliff.com
Caffé Capri bills itself as “The Place for Italian,” and backs it up with
eight Best of the Brazos awards. It’s located at 221 N. Main and is
owned and operated by Aggie Rami Cerone.
www.brazoslife.com
The Longhorn Tavern & Steakhouse recently relocated to 24th Street,
bringing its legendary chicken fried steaks to Downtown. With sirloin
steaks up to four pounds on the menu, you’ll never leave hungry.
students, inspired by current Forsyth pieces. The posters will be shown
next to the original art and visitors can see how they influenced the
young artists.
Of course if you still want great Mexican food, Papa Perez and Los
Norteños on Main Street, and Casa Rodriguez on Bryan Avenue are
ready to satisfy your cravings.
Night Life
Shopping and Art
It might seem strange to combine these categories when describing
Downtown, but Bryan provides a truly unique experience for all
its visitors. The Historic District boasts an eclectic mix of shops and
galleries found nowhere else in the area.
First Fridays is a monthly event that combines artist demonstrations
and live music with special offers from Downtown merchants. Not
only can you find the antiques and collectibles you expect in an
historic area, but you can shop for furniture, clothing, jewelry, musical
instruments, flooring, hardware, and even get a prescription filled.
Several establishments combine a number of merchants under a
single roof. The Old Bryan Marketplace covers an entire block on
Bryan Avenue between 27th and 28th Streets, the Brazos Valley
Decorative Center serves as the southern gateway to Downtown on
Main Street and Corner of Time Antiques & Collectibles Mall on
Bryan Avenue has an old-fashioned soda fountain available when
you need a break from shopping.
While Texas A&M University renovates the Memorial Student Center
on campus, its Forsyth Gallery has relocated to Main Street between
26th Street and William Joel Bryan Parkway. Beginning February
20, 2010 the gallery will exhibit posters created by local high school
www.brazoslife.com
The variety of restaurants is just the appetizer for an evening in
Downtown Bryan. There are several establishments that feature
live music on a regular basis, and others that offer an engaging
atmosphere where you can enjoy a glass of wine or a pint of ale.
Some of the clubs, including the 3rd Floor Cantina and The Stafford
House were showcasing live acts well before the implementation
of the Master Plan. More recently, The Iguana Lounge, Halo, The
Village and Revolution joined in the fun. You’ll find rock and roll,
jazz, blues, alternative and sometimes even a little zydeco music.
Murphy’s Law Imbibing Emporium offers a wide selection of beers
from around the world and Downtown Uncorked recently opened
with a similarly large selection of wines. Both make a great place to
stop while you stroll through Downtown.
Downtown also has several places where you can host your own
get together. The Brazos Cotton Exchange, The LaSalle Hotel, The
Palace Theater and The Village Downtown all offer facilities for
events, parties, meetings and celebrations, where you’re never too
far from a nice hotel and some great catering.
You can start by visiting www.downtownbryan.com or stop by the
Visitors’ Center at 213 South Main.
Jack Burley is a freelance writer, marketing consultant and father living in College
Station. His email address is [email protected].
BRAZOSLIFE - Annual Manual 2010
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SPECIAL EVENT SPOTLIGHT
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION HOLDS
ANNUAL BARGAIN BLITZ MARCH 5-6, 2010
BRYAN, TX
On Friday, March 5, 2010, the Junior
League of Bryan/College Station will
hold its annual Bargain Blitz Preview
Party at The Brazos Center from 6:30
to 9:00 p.m. Admission is $5 and all
merchandise is double the regular
price.
The Junior League’s annual Bargain Blitz is retail
therapy for a great cause. Check out everything
from clothing to furniture March 6th.
On Saturday, March 6, the annual Bargain Blitz Fundraiser will be held at the
same location from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30
p.m. Admission is $1.
This year the Bargain Blitz will feature
a special selection of household items,
clothing, formal wear, books, furniture and designer goods.
All profits from the Junior League’s Bargain Blitz will go towards its community projects like Stuff the Bus, Food Bank Backpack Program, Children’s Museum, Fun Times at the Club, George Bush Presidential Library
Docent Program, and Opportunity Knocks -- all of which benefit needy
children in the Brazos Valley.
Have items you’d like to donate to the Junior League for Bargain Blitz?
For more information please call the Junior League office, at 979-7744759, or email [email protected]. The Junior League of Bryan-College Station is a 501(c)3 charitable organization.
BRAZOS VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESENTS THE
15TH ANNUAL EPICUREAN EXTRAVAGANZA
BRYAN, TX
Having trouble trying to decide what
to eat? Then get ready to sample food
from more than 25 area restaurants
and chefs at the 15th Annual Epicurean
Extravaganza!
Growing in size each year, this event
showcasing local cuisine is unlike any
other food festival within the Brazos
Valley. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample many signature
or new dishes from restaurants they
Attendants at The 15th Annual Epicurean
Extravaganza will sample dishes from dozens
might be familiar with, or possibly
of local area restaurants.
haven’t visited! Portions of the proceeds go towards supporting the Brazos Valley Restaurant Association, which uses those funds to help develop
future restaurant leaders.
The big food event is set to kick off at 5:30 p.m. on March 9, 2010 at the
Brazos County Expo Complex. Though fancy in name, the Epicurean Extravaganza is a casual event, and family members of all ages are welcome!
Tickets for the event are on sale now! Those interested in more information about the event or how to purchase tickets may contact Jordan
Meserole by calling 979-260-5200.
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Yesterdays:
A Fine Entertainment
Establishment
It’s Friday night, and you and your friends are looking for a place to hang out, talk, and
enjoy a beer or two over a great game of pool. Many people initially think of the bars at
Northgate as the best place to enjoy this kind of entertainment, but Yesterdays offers
something that many of the typical haunts on Northgate can’t – the ability to have a
conversation over a cold beer and a warm meal.
Every part of this establishment is meant to accentuate an atmosphere that has slowly
been disappearing from other bars. No thumping bass, no fighting through a crowd to
get to the bar, no having to pay to park and then walk to the bar. Those hassles are
replaced with warm, rich wood accents, overstuffed chairs, and a friendly bar staff that
remembers your name and your favorite cocktail.
The top-notch service at Yesterdays accompanies high quality dart boards and the best
pool tables you’ll find in the Brazos Valley. Each one of their Olhausen tables are recovered every six months to ensure the smoothest, best possible play for patrons. They
even have a few tables that date back to the 1930s, which adds to the establishment’s
unique ambience of yesteryear.
A great choice for your evening
entertainment, Yesterdays is a place
residents can catch up with friends, play a
game of pool and enjoy a beer.
Stop in and see owner Jason Seymore. Unlike many bars owned by groups or out-oftown investors, he’s actually there! So, bring your friends for a great game of pool, a
frosty beverage and a great time at Yesterdays. Let Jason and his staff show you how
their hometown hospitality and top quality pool tables won this fine entertainment
establishment the title “Best of the Brazos Valley.”
Yesterdays is located on Texas Avenue just north of University Drive next to Luby’s in
College Station. Call (979) 846-2625 for details on daily specials. They’re open 7 days
a week from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
by Jon Dittfurth
www.brazoslife.com
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SPECIAL EVENT SPOTLIGHT
7TH ANNUAL ART OF HELPING CHILDREN DINNER &
SILENT AUCTION FUNDRAISER
BRYAN, TX
On March 6, 2010 at 6:30 pm the artistic
works of local and other southwestern artists will be featured at the Brazos County
Expo Center for this annual fundraiser.
Global Event Group is providing the dinner
for this annual fundraiser for Voices for Children - Court Appointed Special Advocates
(CASA) of Brazos Valley. Proceeds help Voices for Children’s staff and CASA volunteers
advocate for more than 160 abused and neglected children each year.
For more information, on the Art of Helping
Children event or Voices for Children, please call (979) 822-9700 or log
on to www.vfcbrazos.org
2010 DUCK JAM COMING TO WOLF PEN CREEK
AMPHITHEATER ON APRIL 23-24TH
COLLEGE STATION, TX
Ducks Unlimited (DU) and Global Event
Group will co-produce the fifth annual
Duck Jam in Aggieland on Friday, April 23
and Saturday, April 24 at Wolf Pen Creek
Amphitheater in College Station, Texas.
Tickets purchased in advance are $15 for
Friday, $25 for Saturday or a two-day pass
for $40. Prices include a membership to
Ducks Unlimited and proceeds from the
show benefit DU’s conservation efforts.
The show will feature Willie Nelson and
.38 Special as well as others. Dock Dogs
Big Air Series will return, hosting over
400 dogs this exciting competition. The
Lil’ Quack Kid’s Area has expanded to include lots of activities hosted by the
Brazos Valley Children’s Museum. Playhouse Disney’s Choo-Choo Soul will
headline the kid’s stage.
The 2010 Duck Jam will feature performances
from Willie Nelson, .38 Special and others.
Bring the family to enjoy this year’s festivities.
Once again an IBCA-sanctioned BBQ cook-off will host over 50 teams during the event. Other activities are in the works, but the newest feature for
2010 is the Wine and Art Grove. CSISD school children will display their
creative duck art for judging. Winning kids will receive prizes and scholarships after the judging period.
With more than a million supporters, Ducks Unlimited is the world’s largest
and most effective wetland and waterfowl conservation organization with
more than 12 million acres conserved. The United States alone has lost
more than half of its original wetlands – nature’s most productive ecosystem
- and continues to lose more than 80,000 wetland acres each year.
Gate times will be announced closer to the show, but the Dock Dogs competition will kick off the festival again. This is a rain or shine event. For more
information on the event, including on-line ticket purchases, visit www.duckjam.org.
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31
C
hoosing appropriate child care for your infant or young
child can seem as overwhelming as helping your teenager select a college or
university. As a parent, it is your responsibility to ensure that your child is safe
and happy in a child care environment that is fun, educational, and nurturing.
Your Child and Family
About 70% of parents place their young children in some type of daily care. Whether
you choose in-home care, center-based care, a preschool, or someone else’s home for
your child’s daily care setting, there are specific guidelines you should follow to be sure
that your child is receiving quality, professional care suited to his developmental needs.
Choosing Child Care
With all of the great options for child care,
how do Brazos Valley parents pick the
right one for their family?
by Heather Moutray & Lesley Henton
Most important in determining the type of care your child needs is to know your own
child - his temperament, likes and dislikes, health, interests, and behavior. For an infant
under 1 year of age, you need to give careful attention to your child’s need to be nurtured
and held, any special health needs, and the type of person you want to care for your
child during the first year of his life. For an older child, his developing play and learning
styles, interaction with other children, intellectual curiosity, and need for individualized
attention should be considered.
Also, proper state licensing needs to be considered.The Texas Department of Family and
Protective Services (DFPS) suggests that parents should avoid unlicensed or unregistered
daycares, even if they’re smaller and less expensive. Such unregulated operations can be
unsafe since there is no system of checks and balances, no oversight and no way to
ensure the staff is properly trained.
Day cares that register with the state are subjected to a process called “issuance”,
whereby licensing authorities determine that the operation has met minimum standards
and may operate as a child-care facility. Assuming standards are met, one of four permits
will be issued: license, registration, certificate or listing, depending upon the type of
operation.
All types of day care operations are inspected by the state on a regular basis to ensure
compliance with standards, laws and rules.
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The DFPS recognizes four types of day care operations:
Listed Family Home – The caregiver operates out of her own home,
caring for three or fewer children unrelated to her, newborn through 13
years old, for at least four hours per day, three or more days a week.The total
number of children, including relatives of the caregiver, must not exceed 12.
Registered Child-Care Home – The caregiver operates out of her own
home, caring for no more than six children under the age of 13, and may also
provide after school care for no more than six additional elementary school
children. The total number of children, including relatives of the caregiver,
must not exceed 12.
Licensed Child-Care Home – The caregiver operates out of her own
home, newborn through 13 years old. The total number of children varies
depending on age, but the total, including relatives of the caregiver, must not
exceed 12.
Pay a visit to each day care you are considering. Meet and talk to the home
caregiver, or the center’s director and staff. Watch how the children are
cared for and discuss with the care provider what their philosophies are on
things like discipline, napping and potty training. Read the center’s policies and
procedures, or in a home setting, ask to meet the other family members who
may be spending time around your child. While you’re there, ask yourself, is
the day care a clean environment? Do caregivers seem to enjoy their jobs
and have positive attitudes? Ask them, how much experience in childcare do
they have? If in a home-care setting, there’s a pool, take note of the safety
precautions like adequate fencing around the water with a locked gate. You
may want to bring junior with you for a return visit to gauge his comfort level
and watch his interactions with caregivers.
Here are some resources you can use to find a great day care right
here in the Brazos Valley:
Child-Care Center – An operation which cares for seven or more children,
under the age of 14, for less than 24 hours per day, at a location that is not
the permit-holder’s home.
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS)
3000 E.Villa Maria Rd. Bryan, TX 77803
979-731-0130 www.dfps.state.tx.us
One step beyond a licensed day care is one that is accredited.A home or center
is accredited when it agrees to maintain higher than minimum standards.
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
800-424-2460 www.naeyc.org
Do the Research
Ask your friends, neighbors and co-workers to recommend a day care. Word
of mouth and personal references are powerful tools that can help you make
this important decision.
National Association for Family Child Care
800-359-3817 www.nafcc.org
Ask the experts! Parents have a number of resources including DFPS, the
National Association of Family Childcare and the Childcare Aware Hotline
which can all answer your questions and help you research day care
operations in your area.The Better Business Bureau is also another excellent
resource to check out a potential site.
www.brazoslife.com
Child Care Information Hotline
800-862-5252
Child Care Aware Hotline
800-424-2246
BRAZOSLIFE - Annual Manual 2010
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Faces and Places
A recap of some great local events from 2009
Aggie Fan Zone 2009
Aggie Fan Zone 2009
KAMU-TV Auction
KAMU-TV Auction
B-CS Christmas Parade
B-CS Christmas Parade
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity
Community Foundation
ÐThomasÊJefferson
OnÊexhibitÊnowÊthroughÊAugustÊ22,Ê2010
1000ÊGeorgeÊBushÊDr.ÊWest,ÊCollegeÊStation,ÊTexasÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊ979.691.4000ÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊhttp://bushlibrary.tamu.edu
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BRAZOSLIFE - Annual Manual 2010
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BRAZOSLIFE - Annual Manual 2010
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TM
Black Forest Ham
Spicy Italian
Turkey Breast
& Pepperoni
Cold Cut Combo
Meatball Marinara
Oven Roasted
Chicken Breast
Veggie Delite®
BLT
Limited time only. Double or triple meat, cheese, bacon or avocado extra. Excludes DOUBLE
STACKED™ and Premium subs. Prices and participation may vary. Plus tax, where applicable.
©2009 Doctor's Associates Inc. SUBWAY® is a registered trademark of Doctor's Associates Inc.
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Bryan, Texas