‘america the beautiful’ -...

1

Quarterly luncheonPage 2

H-E-B GroceryPage 3

Night Golf Tournament

Page 5

INSIDE ‘America the Beautiful’

Cleburne Chamber of Commerce1511 W. Henderson St. Cleburne, TX 76033

With the lake full again, the Fourth of July Boat Parade at Lake Pat Cleburne is back. The theme this year is “America the Beautiful.”

More than 20,000 people attend so if you have a boat or if your friend has a boat, bring it out for the parade. It is free to enter and this is a great way to get exposure for your business. Your boat can be deco-rated or not, whatever works best for you and your family.

Two $50 cash prizes will be given, one for “Uncle Sam’s Best” and one for “Most Creative.” Forms are available at www.cleburnechamber.com or call 817-645-2455 to enter. If the water level is too high, the parade will be canceled. The decision will be made after 2 p.m. July 1.

Following the boat parade will be the fireworks show. Fireworks are shot off the dam at Lake Pat Cleburne and look beautiful reflecting off the lake. H-E-B Grocery store has been the presenting sponsor for the event for over 25 years.

Other sponsors include gold sponsor Marti Enterprises, radio spon-sor The Outlaw — KCLE and silver sponsors Cleburne Family Healthcare and Lonestar Ranch & Outdoors.

Invite you friends and family to Lake Pat Cleburne this Fourth of July for a guaranteed good time and be sure to tune in to KCLE 93.1 FM/1460 AM to hear music in sync with the fireworks.

Courtesy photoThe boat parade is back on for this year’s Fourth of July festivities at Lake Pat Cleburne.

Sunday, June 28, 2015

ClEburNE ChambEr of CommErCE ClEburNE ChambEr of CommErCE

2

Chamber Mission Statement

“our mission Is To

Promote business and the Community”

The Cleburne Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary,

membership-based organization of the business

community – and is not an arm of city, county or state

government. Over 930 plus members are united to cre-

ate a unique central agency working to improve and

build a better community. Over 90 percent of the mem-

bership is comprised of small businesses interested in

prospering and creating a healthy environment in

which to conduct business.

Cleburne Chamber of Commerce Professional Staff

Cathy Marchel PresidentTara Janszen Executive Vice PresidentLaRita Jackson Membership/TourismLuelda Robichaux Administrative Asst.Heather Juarez Tourism/Marketing Dir.

Download this newsletter and viewother information at the chamber’swebsite, www.cleburnechamber.com

2015 Chamber of Commerce The following are the people guiding the

Cleburne Chamber of Commerce through 2014. If you have any questions and comments, feel free to give any one of these people a call. We

look forward to serving you and helping make 2015 a prosperous and successful year.

2015 DirectorsTom O’Neil Vinsen FariKris Brown Terry BayCheri White Eric DobranskyKimberly Sikes Chuck BaileyRobert Childress Brent ShieldsJohn Finnell Brandon LehrmannDiana Gardner Ben AllenRon Lindsey Stewart AsimusRebecca Roe Melissa DansbyMarty Kelley

Executive CommitteeChairman of the Board Tom O’Neil Past Chairman Kimberly Sikes Chairman Elect Eric DobranskyVice Chairman John FinnellVice Chairman/Sec. Chuck BaileyVice Chairman Terry BayVice Chairman Vinsen FarisTreasurer Brandon LehrmannPresident Cathy Marchel

Ex-Officio DirectorsKyle Heath Cleburne ISDRoger Harmon Johnson Co. JudgeRobert Severance City of CleburneJerry Cash Cleburne Dev. Foundation

Monthly calendar

July2-3 Plaza Theatre Co. presents “Little Women” 7:30 p.m. — 111 S. Main St.4 Fourth of July festivities 9:30 p.m. fireworks display — Lake Pat Cleburne 9-10 Plaza Theatre Co. presents “Little Women” 7:30 p.m. — 111 S. Main St.11 Plaza Theatre Co. presents “Little Women” 3 and 7:30 p.m. — 111 S. Main St. Songbird Live! Presents Me & My Monkey Beatles Tribute Band 7:30 p.m. — Cleburne Conference Center16 Chamber board of directors meeting 4:30 p.m. — Cleburne Chamber of Commerce16-17 Plaza Theatre Co. presents “Little Women” 7:30 p.m. — 111 S. Main St.17-18 Shakespeare In the Park — “Hamlet” 7 p.m. — Byron (Buddy) Stewart Park Songbird Live presents Kostas (songwriter) 7:30 p.m. — 211 E. Henderson St.18 Plaza Theatre Co. presents “Little Women” 3 and 7:30 p.m. — 111 S. Main St.23 After-Hours Business Social 5-6:30 p.m. — Grump’s Burgers, 1704 N. Main St.25 Songbird Live presents Blue Skies Christian Jazz Rock 7:30 p.m. — 211 E. Henderson St.25 Goatneck Bike Ride Cleburne High School Summer Concert Series at Market Square 7:30 p.m. opening band 9 p.m. William Clark Green (Texas Country)


ClEburNE ChambEr of CommErCE

3

WE GET DIRTY, SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO

130 Williams Avenue, Cleburne, TX 76033817.641.8342

Mats ~ Linens ~ MopRentals 1736 N. Main / 413 S. Main

817-641-5500 / 817-558-4533 / 817-558-4710

Quality Cars & Trucks • Financing Available

Those hard to fi nd vehicles aren’t sohard to fi ndanymore!

H-E-B Grocery store is deepening its relationship with the Cleburne community, its newest building opened on April 24, giving customers more options and 50 percent more space. Spanning 70,000 square feet, the new store features all new depart-ments, doubles the product offerings, brings wider aisles for a more relax-ing shopping experience and adds a whole host of new amenities.

We are CleburneForty-year grocery industry veter-

an, Terry Bay, store unit director, bringing years of insightful and inter-active local experience to Cleburne’s newest H-E-B.

Bay has actively participated in the community serving on the execu-tive board of the Cleburne Chamber of Commerce, holding office on both the United Way Board and the Cleburne Economic Development Board to name a few.

Always listening to customer needs and wishes, Bay and H-E-B

planners have created a store that reflects Cleburne’s growth and focus on maintaining a small town charm.

H-E-B has been a part of the Cleburne community for more than 26 years, and looks forward to con-tinuing this tradition with a bigger and better store. The new build-ing’s design, inspired by the town itself, marries a contemporary blueprint with historical influences of the railroads and agricultural structures prevalent throughout Cleburne.

“This new store reflects H-E-B’s appreciation of the loyalty of our Cleburne customers throughout the last 26 years. Everything about the new store, from its modern layout to its expanded fresh varieties is specifi-cally tailored to this community and complements H-E-B’s commitment to providing unsurpassed quality and service with everyday low prices,” Bay said. “Cleburne is a great com-munity, with a hometown allure.

“As Cleburne is poised for tre-

mendous growth with the addition of the Chisolm Trail Parkway directly linking Cleburne to Fort Worth, we are proud to contribute by securing new and better ways to serve our cus-tomers while creating a deeper com-munity connection.”

about h-E-bH-E-B, with sales of more than

$22 billion, operates more than 360 stores in Texas and Mexico. Known for its innovation and community service, H-E-B is celebrating its 110th anniversary in 2015.

Recognized for its fresh food, quality products, convenient services, and a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, H-E-B strives to provide the best cus-tomer experience at everyday low prices. Based in San Antonio, H-E-B employs more than 85,000 partners and serves millions of customers in more than 150 communities.

For more information, visit www.heb.com

H-E-B a staple in Cleburne community

Courtesy photoAbove: Store Unit Director Terry Bay. Left: The new H-E-B Grocery store in Cleburne opened April 24.



The Cleburne Police Department Citizen Police Academy is an educational program designed to give citizens a better understanding about law

enforcement and how police officers work with the com-munity.

The classes provide a way to educate and develop posi-tive relations with our citizens. It is an ongoing process to build community cooperation, understanding and good will.

There is no cost to attend. Citizens who wish to volun-teer their time and skills with the police department may join CPD’s Volunteers in Police Service Program once they graduate from the Citizen Police Academy.

The training program begins Sept. 3 and is a series of 13 classes, held from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Mondays at the Cleburne Conference Center and one Saturday at the Police Department gun range (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.). To graduate, each participant is required to attend at least 10 of the 13 classes.

Participants can also ride with an officer on patrol and observe the 911 communications center. For more infor-mation, an application and to learn more about the pro-gram, visit cleburne.net.

4

The Cleburne Chamber of Commerceinvites you to the

After Hours Business SocialHosted and Sponsored by:

Grump’s Burgers1704 N. Main St.

5-6:30 July 23, 2015 Chamber members: complimentary

Potential members: 1 complimentary visit, thereafter $15 at door

Bring several business cards to hand out to people you meet.Chamber members register at each After Hours for the

$250 chamber credit drawing to be held at the December After HoursRSVP 817-645-2455 Refreshments will be served

The Cleburne Chamber of Commerceinvites you to the

After Hours Business SocialHosted and Sponsored by:

Auldridge Griffin PC131 S. Westmeadow, Suite 200

Date to be announced in August Chamber members: complimentary

Potential members: 1 complimentary visit, thereafter $15 at door

Bring several business cards to hand out to people you meet.Chamber members register at each After Hours for the

$250 chamber credit drawing to be held at the December After HoursRSVP 817-645-2455 Refreshments will be served

Leadership Cleburne graduates enjoyed lunch on May 13 at the home

of June Bates, owner of BATES etc. Travel, graduation sponsor.

Those graduating enjoyed their meal together as they dis-cussed their most memorable moments and things that they learned through this year’s class about Cleburne and Johnson County.

The graduating members received graduation plaques, certificates of completion, and access to all the photos taken throughout the year.

The chamber would like to thank the following businesses for sponsoring Leadership Cleburne this year:

Presenting sponsor — Walmart Distribution Center 6064

Daily sponsors – BATES etc. Travel, Bradley Law Firm,

Childress Engineers, Hill College, Rangaire Manufacturing and Texas Health Harris

Methodist Hospital Cleburne. If you are interested in

enrolling in Leadership

Cleburne 2015-16 or being a sponsor, call Tara Janszen at the chamber at 817-645-2455.

Leadership Cleburne graduation

Citizen Police Academy registration open

Courtesy photoGraduates of the 2014-15 Leadership Cleburne class included Chuck Bailey, Terry Bay, La-Wanna Bradshaw, Gregory Cauley, Craig Cheyne, Jim Dalglish, Matthew Dollins, Marci Har-grove, Toie Harp, Kevin Humphreys, Heather Juarez, Brad Milam, Belinda O’Neil and Alice Vidaurri.

Courtesy photoGraduates from a recent Citizen Police Academy class.



5

Courtesy photoLone Star Autoplex is the sponsor of the 17th annual Business Expo.

The Cleburne Chamber of Commerce presents the 17th annual

Business Expo from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 3 at the Cleburne Conference Center.

Lone Star Autoplex is the presenting sponsor of the Expo again this year.

The Business Expo is a chance for local businesses to showcase what they do to other businesses and to the community.

For the last five years, the Expo has been held on

Saturday and the chamber received an overwhelmingly positive response. The com-munity is able to be more involved with the Expo being held on the weekend.

The chamber encourages local businesses to sell prod-ucts out of their booths and vendors will have a payment plan option: pay half of the fee by Aug. 14 and the remainder by Oct. 1. This will be a day of shopping all in one place. One stop shop to experience all that

Cleburne has to offer.Plan to bring the whole

family to the Business Expo on Oct. 3 because there will be plenty for the kids to do while the parents check out the businesses. There will also be some new additions to the show that you will not want to miss out on.

For businesses wanting to have a booth or for a spon-sorship in the Business Expo, call the chamber for more information at 817-645-2455.

Shop Cleburne First at the Business Expo

13 E. Henderson Street, Cleburne, TX 76031 / 817-645-3993 / [email protected]

Bradley Law Firm provides a full range of legal representation:Real Estate • Oil and Gas • Civil Litigation

Our fi rm also provides personal legal representation in many areasincluding Wills, Trust, Probate and Family Law.

Your ChambEr aT WorK May 2015membership referrals: 570

YTD: 3,252Total Telephone Calls: 778

YTD: 3,900Total mailings, faxes, Emails: 24,213

YTD: 109,235member referrals: 397

YTD: 1,805relocation Packets Given out: 11

YTD: 61



6

By Jerry Casheconomic development foundation

Nationally the economy was weaker than expected for the first quarter of 2015, but

signs thus far show improvement during the second quarter, said Robert Dye, Chief Economist for Comerica Bank.

Gross Domestic Product contract by .7 percent in the first quarter, but for the soon to be completed second quarter, it should improve by plus 2.8 percent. Job growth looks strong and retail sales bounced back after three consecutive monthly declines. Firming energy prices brought pro-ducer prices up in May, bringing the producer price index for final demand up by .5 percent.

Locally our economic indicators remain positive, with unemployment low and retail sales and use tax col-lections improved by 7.81 percent for June compared to last year, and year to date increased by 2.45 per-cent compared to YTD through June of 2014.

Based on Cleburne’s 1.5 percent local sales and use tax rate and as reported by the State Comptroller’s Office, sales and use tax collection refunds to the city of Cleburne for June will be $662,794 compared to $614,736 in June 2014. Refunds on these collections year to date through June are $4,163,782 vs. $4,063,861 last year. The YTD statewide refunds overall to all Texas cities are up by 5.42 percent through June 2015.

Unemployment in Cleburne and for Johnson County stood at 3.9 per-cent in the latest report posted for April, according to the current Texas Workforce Commission Report. unemployment in April for all of Texas was 4.2 percent, seasonally adjusted, and was 5.5 percent, sea-sonally adjusted, in May for all of the United States. Cleburne and Johnson County are doing better than most of the country on unem-ployment.

In the industrial sector, Southwest

Linen Service is nearing completion of their new facility at 1873 Sparks Drive. La Moderna Pasta Co. has experienced rain delay because of all the rain in May while preparing their construction site.

James Hardie Building Products Co. and SACHEM continue to work on finishing major expansions. Hardie’s was estimated at $43 mil-lion and SACHEM’s was estimated to cost $16 million. Commercial

construction includes Cleburne Digestive Health Center’s project on U.S. 67, or Walter Holiday Drive, on the west side of Cleburne. It is in the red iron and framing stage of con-struction and looks impressive.

Work is continuing by contractors on the Texas Department of Transportation’s widening of U.S. 67 to four lanes between Cleburne and Keene. Upon completion this project will change the drive to four lanes all

the way from Cleburne to Dallas. TxDOT and Johnson County Precinct No. 1 are nearing comple-tion of their project to improve safe-ty at Farm-to-Market Road 1434 and U.S. 67 just west of Cleburne by Elks Lodge.

In May, there were no permits issued for new single family resi-dences, but year-to-date a total of 16 have been issued. In the commercial category there were two permits

issued valued at $800,000 in May. Year-to-date thus far in 2015, the value of all permits issued is $10,707,186. The added square foot-age permitted thus so far in 2015 is 159,735 for all projects. There was one permit issued for new industrial use in May, valued at $150,000.

There were eight certificates of occupancy issued during May, bring-ing the total YTD to 68. Certificates of occupancy are required for new

A look at Cleburne Economic Development



commercial and industrial businesses as well as those who occupy existing facilities or that move from one to another.

Cleburne ISD enrollment at the end of the 2015 school year was 6,438 students for all grade levels. On the same day in 2014, there were 6,479 for a difference of 43 students.

Update on projects this month includes the following:

zx H-E-B Grocery — the new store opened in April, fol-lowed by the demolition of the old store to make room for more customer parking for the new store. The parking lot construction is underway.

zx Caddis Partners’ new Heartis Senior Living Center, a new 96-bed assisted living and memory care facility on Walter Holiday Drive is now accepting patients.

zx James Hardie Building Products continues construc-tion on their major expansion at 820 Sparks Drive. JHBP is adding a new production line which will require about 50 more employees. Estimated cost will be approximately $43 million.

zx La Moderna Pasta Co. held a ground Breaking cere-mony on Jan. 26 for a new pasta manufacturing facility at

1929 Sparks Drive. Construction is underway after some rain delays, and should be completed in the spring of 2016. The projected capital investment is approxi-mately $40 million.

zx SACHEM, 2311 Pipeline Drive, is nearing completion after some weather delays on a $16 million expansion proj-ect.

zx Members Credit Union’s

new facility opened in April for the new main office on North Nolan River Road. The new facility is across from Cleburne High School near Cleburne Regional Airport. Plans are to keep the existing office on North Main Street to better serve their customers.

zx Southwest Linen Service, a new commercial laundry operation serving the medical and healthcare industry, is

nearing completion at 1873 Sparks Drive. The project calls for employment of 50 employees when finished.

zx Cleburne Digestive Health Center began construc-tion of its new digestive health center in January. It will be on Walter Holiday Drive (U.S. 67), just north of Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Cleburne on the west side of Walter Holiday Drive and will be south of Woodard Street. Framing is underway after some rain delays in May.

zx Cleburne Ford at 3800 North Main Street recently completed a major renovation project and hosted a new grand reopening on June 20. Extensive exterior and interior renovation work was done on Ford products dealership.

zx Lonestar Autoplex Chrysler, Dodge, Ram Trucks and Jeep on North Main Street at Industrial Boulevard com-pleted a new service facility in 2014 and has begun work to renovation the administrative and sales offices.

zx PPL RV purchased the former Lynn Smith (former Forrest Pontiac, GMC, and Buick Dealership) property on North Main Street at East Industrial Boulevard, special-izing in motor homes and bumper pull recreation vehi-cles. After some renovation, it is open for business.

zx Hill College completed renovation of the former Walls Manufacturing facility across from City Hall on East Henderson Street and held a dedication and ribbon cutting. The newly renovated facility houses their welding and HVAC technical and voca-tional training programs.

As you can see there are several active projects in Cleburne, when you get an opportunity, thank these busi-nesses and investors for their confidence in expanding and locating to Cleburne.

7



8

MARGARET HECKLERSr. Vice President/Branch Mgr.

BRANDI GREENEBusiness Development

1634 W. Henderson St., Cleburne, TX 76033Office: 817-558-0848 • Fax: 817-558-0849

817-645-8688841 N. Nolan River Rd., Cleburne, TX 76033

Julie Colwick, DDS, MSCertifi ed, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry

For the past 23 years, a committee of women who want to help

improve the health status of the Johnson County commu-nity have worked, with the help of Texas Health Resources Foundation, to plan and pres-ent the Black & White Gala.

The annual black tie eve-ning of dining, dancing and fund raising benefits Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Cleburne, as well as various important, health-related outreach programs in Johnson County, such as Shots for Tots, Know Your PSA and Mammograms Are A Must!

In addition to funding these ongoing programs, proceeds from past events have provid-ed funds for various special projects and purchases at Texas Health Cleburne.

The special purchase for 2014 was a Hologic Horizon DXA bone densitometry sys-tem, and this year’s Gala pro-ceeds will purchase an Affirm Breast Biopsy Guidance System and three Panda iRes Bedded Warmers which are for use with newborn infants. They help keep the room cool and the baby warm while the integrated in-bed scale makes weighing the baby quick and easy.

The Gala, which begins with a reception at 6 p.m.

Aug. 15, will once again be held at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m., followed by dancing to the music of Mars Hill Band.

Events this year will include a silent and live auc-tion, various raffles, and a “wine pull.” This year’s silent and live auctions will feature

various getaway packages, fine art from local artists, jew-elry, sports ticket packages, and décor to spruce up your home, among many other packages.

Seating for the Gala is lim-ited. To purchase tickets and/or tables, or for additional information, contact Ryan Barrera with Texas Health

Resources Foundation (682-236-5240).

Rooms are available at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel for $169 per night (tax not includ-ed). To reserve a room at the special rate, call 800-THE OMNI no later than July 15 and ask for the Texas Health Black & White Gala room block.

23rd annual Black & White Gala

Courtesy photo2015 Black & White Gala Chair Pat Beavers, right, and Vice Chair Karen Grunert.

The Cleburne Chamber would like to Welcome the New Members to the Chamber. Please take time as a chamber member to go and wel-come them. The Chamber encour-ages you to support your fellow chamber members.

Hope Restored CounselingTom Worthley, LCSW930 N. Nolan River RoadCleburne, TX 76033817-641-8142

Imagination Station Children’s MuseumVada RosenkransP.O. Box 2711Cleburne, TX 760331108 N. Anglin, Suite BKauffman Leadership AcademyCleburne, TX 76031817-729-5351

Justin Thornell Contracting LLCJustin Thornell841 Morgan DriveBurleson, TX 76028682-472-2441

Turner Museum of Natural HistoryJosh Turner1108 N. Anglin St., Room 25Kauffman Leadership AcademyCleburne, TX 76033817-648-1841

Shoppe on the CornerShirley Stevenson501 S. Caddo St.Cleburne, TX 76031817-526-5469

Citizen’s National Bank of TexasAmy Womack130 N.W. John Jones, Unit 232Burleson, TX 76028972-938-4300

Audio Video & Information Technologies- AVIT, LLCSid BakerP.O. Box 470794Fort Worth, TX 76147817-332-0900

6 StonesLandon Ledlow114 W. WaRoadvilleP.O. Box 1301Cleburne, TX 76033817-868-7400

Wing StopMaria Balderas1301 W. Henderson, Suite L4-1Cleburne, TX 76033

95.3 KOME-Chisholm Trail Communications LLCMrs. Mike & Julie Greene1005 N.E. Big Bend Trail, Suite 5Glen Rose, TX 76043254-898-0084

Fidus Transportation Group LLCFlint Holbrook3632 W. U.S. 67Cleburne, TX 76033817-953-6700

Jericho Security and SoundMario GonzalezCleburne, TX 76031817-825-4460

WelcoMe neW chaMber MeMbers since last neWsletter

- THANK YOU HERITAGE TRAILS

HEALTH AND REHAB FOR BEING THE

2015 AMBASSADOR SPONSOR -



9

Sales Tax Holiday/Tax Free WeekendAug. 7-9, 2015

This year’s Sales Tax Holiday is Aug. 7-9. As in previous years, thelaw exempts most clothing, footwear, school supplies andbackpacks priced under $100 from sales and use taxes, whichcould save shoppers about $8 on every $100 they spend.Subject to certain criteria as explained on the website, all sales ofqualifying items made during the holiday period qualify for theexemption, including items sold online, or by telephone or mail.Lay-away plans can be used again this year to take advantage ofthe sales tax holiday.The dates for the sales tax holiday are set by the Legislature.

comptroller.texas.gov/taxinfo/taxpubs/taxholiday/d

The Tour de Goatneck turns 28 years young on July 25. Every year

since 1987, on the last Saturday of July, riders from all over the country descend on Cleburne to tackle the “Goatneck” — so named because of an area in southwest Johnson County that looks like a goat neck from an airplane.

It’s not just the rolling hills, country scenery and friendly rest stops that draw them to this ride, though there is plenty of that in abundance. No, it’s more than that.

Originally created by mem-bers of the Cleburne Jaycees, the Goatneck ride began as a way to raise money to help charities in Cleburne. An inter-esting assortment of riders rode in the original rally, and rider attendance has increased every year making it the big-gest ride in North Texas out-side of Wichita Falls.

The Goatneck is a rolling hill course which averages around 35 feet per mile of climbing. There are routes for 69.5, 41, 10 and 27 miles. You can download elevation maps for each route at www.thegoat-neck.com.

The country roads are well maintained with very little traffic. The prevailing winds during the month of July are from the southwest, which provides a tail wind for the last

portion of the ride coming into the finish. The nearly 70-mile route has just 12 turns.

Other highlights: There are no traffic light stops, all major intersections are officer-manned, and there are at least 60 flaggers at intersections with 15-20 SAG wagons. There are rest stops every 7-8 miles on all courses. The course has an excellent safety record and features well marked roads.

Showers are provided at the finish in the Cleburne High School locker rooms, located in the gym registration area. To keep the ride a reasonable cost (and still raise money for char-ity), they do not provide a meal afterwards.

Turns out the “Goat” is a perfect example of the best kind of bike course, making it

a rider-friendly course.“Once we worked out the

best routes about 10 years ago, we stopped changing them,” said Tommy Forsythe, a long-time volunteer and current member of the Tour De Goatneck organization, now a 501c3 nonprofit.

Eighteen-year veteran, Brad Mead, is the 2015 ride director.

“We are looking forward to this year and the chance to continue our heritage of pro-viding a great event and bring-ing thousands to Cleburne,” Mead said. “To our knowl-edge, this is the largest single day event bringing people to our great city.”

Goat T-shirts are available for the first 2,000 registered participants. The artwork and tagline for the race changes

every year — though the Goat figures prominently every time. One of the most popular T-shirts is from 2001, featuring an Army tank since it was dur-ing the Gulf War. The mem-bers of the TDG brainstorm a new tagline and pick a new color for the rider T-shirt annu-ally.

Over the last 28 years there have been 40,000 riders, 400-plus daily volunteers, a gazil-lion gallons of Gatorade, 10 rest stops manned by sponsors and volunteers (and one with misters), 60 flaggers and untold amounts of peanut but-ter and jelly sandwiches, pick-le juice and probably a few scrapped knees. Then add in the paid volunteers — police officers, paramedics, firemen, CareFlite, etc.

One thing that hasn’t changed over the years is the heart and spirit of the ride: to help local Cleburne charities. 2011 saw the Tour De Goatneck give more than $30,000 to local charities — all told there has been close to $400,000 donated to various Johnson County nonprofits by the Goat.

For information on registra-tion, visit www.thegoatneck.com and click on the “active.com” button. Questions? Contact Tommy Forsythe at 817-641-1371 or tforsythe@community-bank-tx.

28th year for Tour de Goatneck

Courtesy photoThe 28th annual Tour de Goatneck is July 25.

Where the Music is Always Terrific andAlways Live!

jENNIFER pERRYMAN (siNGER/pOP bAND)Sat, June 27

mE & mY mONKEY (Beatles Tribute Band) Sat, July 11 (At The Cleburne Conference Center)

kOSTAS (SONGWRITER)Fri & Sat, July 17 & 18

bLUE sKIES (CHRISTIAN jAZZ rOCK)Sat July 25

rOSANA eCKERT (JAZZ sINGER)Sat, Aug 1

uPTOWN dRIFTERS (sWING bAND)Sat, Aug 15

bRASUKA (sAMBA rHYTHMS)Sat Aug 22

sARA hICKMAN (sINGER/sONGWRITER)August 28 & 29th



10

A great place to work.www.jameshardie.com

JamesHardie®

James Hardie. The Making of a Dream Home.

The Greater Cleburne Carnegie Players have one last performance of “Les

Miserables,” at 2:30 p.m. June 28. If you haven’t seen it you need to do so.

The show is a remarkable event and, without a doubt, one the finest musical/theatrical per-formances in Cleburne ever. John Tripp of McGregor plays the part of Valjean while Joel Lagrone of Keller plays the part of Javert.

The confrontations between parole breaker and the never yielding cop in 1832 Paris is something you will talk about for a long time. There many other wonderful moments in this show.

The rest of the year Carnegie (there is life after “Les Miserables”) will be offering two other playst. In September will be the hilarious comedy “The Odd Couple.” Felix Ungar, a fastidious neatfreak, is thrown out by his wife and moves in with his friend Oscar Madison, a slovenly person and housekeep-er. Add into the mix several of Oscar’s friends and the hilarity just gets better. You will laugh until your sides hurt at the antics of these “best friends.”

In December, Carnegie will follow their tradition of present-ing a Christmas show that has become a favorite. This year’s selection is “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.” It tells the story

of Imogene, Claude, Ralph, Leroy, Ollie, and Gladys, six delinquent children surnamed Herdman who engage in misfit behavior for their age of every kind.

They go to church for the first time after being told that the church offers snacks. Despite protests from other church mem-bers, they are given roles in the Sunday school Christmas play,in which they tell the Christmas story in an unconventional fash-ion. At the end they see the story in a different light. It’s a heart-warming tale just right for the Christmas season.

For information on Carnegie’s plays, visit www.carnegieplay-ers.org.

Last performance of ‘Les Miserables’ today

The Cleburne Chamber of Commerce and the Plaza Theatre Co. are pleased to announce a new outdoor event “Cleburne’s Shakespeare in the Park” on July 17-18.

The event will take place only one weekend with one perfor-mance each evening at Byron “Buddy” Stewart Park. The production will be “Hamlet.”

“Hamlet” is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare that dra-matizes the revenge Prince Hamlet is instructed by his father’s spirit to enact on his uncle Claudius.

Advance tickets cost $7 for adults and $5 for children and senior citizens. Tickets purchased the night of the shows cost $10 for adults and $7 for children and seniors. Advance tickets may be purchased at www.cleburneshakes.org, by calling Plaza at 817-202-0600 or the chamber at 817-645-2455. The event is sponsored by Bates, Etc. Travel. Save the date for this great performance.

See a show under a canopy of treesCourtesy photo

Camille Shaw of Blum and Jay Lewis of Cleburne provide the laughs in “Master of the House” from the award-winning musical “Les Miserables.”



11

ribbon cuttings Community improvement AwArds

April 21, Pence & Panache Bridal Boutique113 N.E. Johnson Ave., Suite 500, Burleson

Kandace Wade, 682-444-0915

June 2, Chicken Express828 N. Main St.

Keith Winnett, 817-556-0444

April 23, Kids Rethreaded, LLC2201 N. Main St.

Diane Feick, 817-526-5382

June 10, Hill College Cleburne Technical Center319 E. Henderson St.

Jim Dalglish, 254-659-7771

April 28, Northridge Court Apartments101 Westcourt Drive

Rosy Hernandez, new management, 817-641-9701

Monthly calendar

August1 Songbird Live! presents Rosana Eckert (Jazz Singer) 7:30 p.m. — 211 E. Henderson St.7 Plaza Theatre Co. presents “She Loves Me” 7:30 p.m. — 111 S. Main St.8 Plaza Theatre Co. presents “She Loves Me” 3 and 7:30 p.m. — 111 S. Main St.13-14 Plaza Theatre Co. presents “She Loves Me” 7:30 p.m. — 111 S. Main St.15 Black & White Gala Omni Hotel Fort Worth Plaza Theatre Co. presents “She Loves Me” 3 and 7:30 p.m. — 111 S. Main St. Songbird Live! presents Uptown Drifters (Swing Band) 7:30 p.m. — 211 E. Henderson St.20 Chamber board of directors meeting 4:30 p.m. — Cleburne Chamber of Commerce20-21 Plaza Theatre Co. presents “She Loves Me” 7:30 p.m. — 111 S. Main St.22 Plaza Theatre Co. presents “She Loves Me” 3 and 7:30 p.m. — 111 S. Main St. ”Shot in the Dark” Night Golf Tournament 5 p.m. — Cleburne Golf Links Songbird Live! presents Brasuka (Samba Rhythms) 7:30 p.m. — 211 E. Henderson St.26 Chamber quarterly luncheon 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Liberty Event Center27-28 Plaza Theatre Co. presents “She Loves Me” 7:30 p.m. — 111 S. Main St.28-29 Songbird Live! presents Sara Hickman 7:30 p.m. — 211 E. Henderson St.29 Plaza Theatre Co. presents “She Loves Me” 3 and 7:30 p.m. — 111 S. Main St. Summer Concert Series at Market Square 7:30 p.m. opening band/9 p.m. Little Texas (Country)

Need Help GROWING Your Business?

Visit us and see if networking is for you!Thursday Morning Leads Group

7:30-8 a.m. networking

8-9 a.m. program

Susannah's Homestyle Cooking

1514 W. Henderson St.

www.jc-pronet.com



12

ribbon cuttings

April 29, Moncrief Cancer Institute400 W. Magnolia Ave., Fort Worth

Julie Johncox, 817-288-9800

May 6, Shoppe On The Corner501 S. Caddo St.

Shirley Stevenson, 817-526-5463

June 3, Cleburne State Park5800 Park Road 21

Jeff Titus, 817-645-4215

April 30, Sparkall Window CleaningPeter and Xinia Ulrich

817-933-9831

May 12, Creative Colors InternationalRebecca Preston

817-202-8177

June 17, Imagination Station Children’s MuseumKauffman Leadership Academy, 1108 N. Anglin St.

Vada Rosenkranz, 817-729-5351

May 4, Cleburne Camera ClubJ.N. Long Cultural Arts Complex, 425 Granbury St.

Henry Long, 817-645-7638

May 28, Excel Roofing & Construction1439 W. Henderson St.

Brad Corbin, 817-645-1788

June 18, Cleburne Ford grand reopening 3800 N. Main St.

Bobby de la Garza, 817-558-9998

‘america the beautiful’ -...

Documents