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