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holiday eventS acroSS the Brazos Valley Area

4 Art ScAvenger Hunt And WAcky PHoto cHAllenge

6 BrAzoS vAlley SymPHony orcHeStrA director

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Contents8 the Brazos Valley Area

Several holiday eventS acroSS

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L ooking for a fun way for your kids to be involved in the arts over the holiday break? Participate in The

Arts Council’s Public Art Scavenger Hunt and Whacky Photo Challenge! Take advantage of the break from the summer heat and discover public art in the Brazos Valley! Either spend an afternoon finding as many statues and sculptures in the Brazos Valley as you can, or keep a running tally of the public art your family sees while finishing up your holiday shopping. Take pictures of the pieces of art you find and be sure to check them off your list! To compete in the Whacky Photo Challenge, have your family strike their silliest pose with a favorite statue or sculpture. Then post the photo on Facebook or Instagram. Be sure to tag The Arts Council (instagram.com/arts_council or facebook.com/BVArts) and mention the Whacky Photo Challenge. Your snapshot could be featured on The Arts Council’s Instagram or Facebook page! Exploring the public art in the Brazos Valley will not only help your kids learn more about the arts, but is a great way to spend time with your family this holiday season. For a complete listing of public art in the Brazos Valley and for exact locations of the art in the scavenger hunt, visit the “Art in the Brazos Valley” tab on The Arts Council’s website, acbv.org.

Scavenger Hunt Checklist:Downtown BryAn

While enjoying the shops and restaurants of historic Downtown Bryan, keep your eyes out for these pieces of public art.

• “Bryan Bombers” – A member of the Bryan Bombers baseball team is depicted talking with two children. The Bryan Bombers were a 1940s semi-pro baseball team in Bryan.

• “Treasured Moments” – This sculpture is of Andrew Carnegie reading a book to two children. Andrew Carnegie is the namesake of the public library in Downtown Bryan.

• Artfill – Artfill is a community art installation program located on the north side of Downtown Bryan, with installations rotated yearly. “Arco De Luna” was created by blacksmiths from Steephollow Forgeworks and follows the path of the moon. The second installation was designed and fabricated by students from Texas A&M’s Architecture 206 class in spring 2014.

wolf Pen CreekBe on the lookout for these sculptures

as you’re playing and walking at Wolf Pen Creek Park.

• “Petunia” – In this sculpture a young girl, Petunia, is feeding geese. Petunia was dedicated in memory of Marge Zwolinski in 2005. Artist: Payne Lara.

• “Mesa” – This giant sculpture is 22 feet

art Scavenger hunt and Wacky Photo challenge

Photos submitted by the Arts CounCil. (toP) “PetuniA”

(Center) “Kudos to Klimt” (bottom) “mesA”

(left) “treAsured moments”(Center)

“bryAn bombers” (fAr right) Art fill

high, 26 feet long and 17 feet wide! Mesa was the first sculpture installed at the Arts Center. Artist: Jon Krawczyk.

• “Wilderness Awakened” – This sculpture of wild wolves greets you while on the trails of Wolf Pen Creek. It is cast in bronze and one and one-quarter life size. Artist: Payne Lara.

BenChmArkinG the ArtsThe BenchMARKING the Arts program pairs

local businesses with artists to create unique functional art pieces. Over 35 benches are

located throughout the Brazos Valley at stores, schools, parks and restaurants. If you’re up to the challenge, try to find these benches in Bryan/College Station!

• “Freedom Flying” – Located in front of the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, “Freedom Flying” was painted by artist Jason Hancock.

• “Kudos to Klimt” – Klimt’s famous painting “The Kiss” is recreated on this College Station bench by artist Greta Watkins.

• “Read Beyond Your Imagination” – This bench

encourages reading as a road to success. “Read Beyond Your Imagination” was painted by A.R.T. for Life participants under the direction of artist Lynn Haste, and was sponsored by the Barbara Bush Literacy Corps.

Allie Lammers is a marketing intern at The Arts Council. For more information on The Arts Council, visit http://acbv.org or call 979 696-2787.

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M arcelo Bussiki, the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra’s music director, said music has long been a creative way of expressing himself.

The Arts Council in September named Bussiki as the 2014 Artist of the Year. In addition to his role as the music director of the symphony, Bussiki is also the Fine Arts Division chair at Blinn College in Bryan.

“This is his 17th season with the symphony,” said Chris Dyer, CEO of The Arts Council. “His impact has been extremely large in the Brazos Valley. Through his work with Blinn and the symphony, he is one of the most influential artists in the area.”

Bussiki said he felt honored and valued to be named Artist of the Year.

“It also had a special meaning to me because that was the first recognition that I had as an American citizen,” Bussiki said. “But, at the same time, I was quick to put that in perspective and value what really matters, which is the ‘why’. Why I do what I do is what matters; the rest comes as a consequence of the first. Artists, generally, get more out of giving than out of getting.”

Mary Koeninger, executive director of the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra, said Bussiki has had a “passion for music since his early years.”

“Being a musician is part of me,” Bussiki said. “Since a young age, I knew that music touched me in a special way, and that I had the ability to channel my need for self-expression through it. That is the essence of being an artist, the ability to communicate through means that, ordinarily, people wouldn’t. Anything short of that, in my opinion, is unfulfilling for me and for my audience.”

Bussiki was born in Cuiaba, capital of Mato Grosso State in Brazil, and left home at age 14 to study at the Brazilian Conservatory of Music in Rio de Janeiro. Upon graduation, he was named music director of the orchestra of the Federal University of Mato Grosso, and he held this

MuSic iSoutlet for Self-exPreSSion

Photos contributed by Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra. (top) Marcelo Bussiki,

the Brazos Valley Symphony orchestra’s music director, was named by the Arts

council as this year’s Artist of the Year. (center) the Brazos Valley Symphony

orchestra is a group of professional musicians from around the state. Marcelo

Bussiki (front, center), originally from Brazil, is director of the symphony, as well

as the chair of the Fine Arts Division at Blinn college in Bryan. (Bottom) Marcelo

Bussiki conducts the Brazos Valley Symphony orchestra during a previous holiday

pops concert. this year’s concert will be held Dec. 14.

By stACy CAntuSpeciAl to the eAgle

brazos Valley symphony orchestra director:


position for six years. In recognition of his work in cultural expansion and musical education, Bussiki was awarded knighthood in the Ordem de Merito de Mato Grosso. He has also received the title of Oficial, which is the highest honor that the executive power can confer upon an artist in Brazil, Koeninger said.

In 1992 Bussiki came to the United States under a scholarship from the Brazilian government, and studied at the Moores School of Music at the University of Houston. From 1994 to 1996, he directed that university’s New Music Ensemble and developed an extensive repertoire of modern and contemporary music. He received a doctorate of musical arts in conducting from the University of Houston in 1998, Koeninger said.

In September 2002 Bussiki returned to Brazil to conduct 15 performances of Gaetano Donizetti’s opera Viva la Mama, as well as other symphony concerts in Rio de Janeiro and Brasilia, Koeninger said. Bussiki conducts several concerts a year at the International Festival Institute at Round Top. He was also conductor for the first International Guitar Festival in 2005 and again in 2006.

The Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra (BVSO), which is sponsored by St. Joseph for the 2014 - 2015 season, is a professional orchestra consisting of professional musicians from around Texas. Musicians come from as close as Bryan-College Station and from as far away as cities such as Houston, Austin and Dallas, Koeninger said. Every musician is a professional musician and is paid.

“Musicians must go through a rigorous audition process in order to be selected as one of the musicians eligible to perform with us,” Koeninger said. “Our musician openings are highly sought after by musicians around the state.”

“As the BVSO enters its 33rd season, we are fortunate to have these incredibly talented professional musicians as members of our symphony,” Koeninger said. “In addition, the symphony features some of the finest guest artists in the world. For example, last year Sharon Isbin, considered by many to be the finest guitarist in the world, played with us, and this year Grammy Award winner and internationally acclaimed opera star, Sasha Cooke, appeared with us in our season opener.”

Each year the BVSO presents five subscription concerts, a Holiday Pops Concert and a free outdoor concert on the Fourth of July at the

George Bush Presidential Library and Museum in College Station.

“In addition, we have an award winning children’s program,” Koeninger said. “Each year we present very special children’s concerts for approximately 4,000 fourth- and fifth-graders from schools from around the Brazos Valley. We also have a Youth Concerto Competition for students 18 years of age and younger. We also send out small groups of our musicians to meet with and play for children in schools from around the Brazos Valley.”

The upcoming Holiday Pops Concert will be held on Dec. 14 at 5 p.m. in the Christ United Methodist Church in College Station. The concert will feature holiday favorites, such as “Silent Night” and “Deck the Halls.”

“This concert will feature guest artist Emily Pulley, local favorite and Metropolitan Opera star,” Koeninger said. “In addition to the BVSO Brass, we will be joined by organist James Faith, The Sanctuary Choir and The Canticle Bells of Christ United Methodist Church, and the College Station High School Varsity Girls Choir.”

Concerts scheduled for this spring include James Dick Unleashes the Emperor on Feb. 8, In a Galaxy Far, Far Away on March 28 and a Civil War Tribute on April 26.

The BVSO also has annual fundraising events, including Premiere Market, Derby Day, and the Brazos Valley Golf Tournament. Premiere Market, held April 9 - 11, will feature merchants selling unique specialty items, home accessories, clothing, gourmet foods, jewelry and more; Derby Day, held May 2, will allow attendants to watch the Kentucky Derby broadcast live from Churchill Downs; and teams of four participating in the Brazos Valley Golf Tournament, held Oct. 12 will compete for prizes.

For more information on the BVSO, visit http://bvso.org.

orchestra’s upcoming concerts include

holiday PoPS concertdeceMber 14th

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L ocals will have a rare opportunity to glimpse how Texans celebrated Christmas before the Civil War in a special

candlelit event Dec. 13 at Washington-on-The-Brazos State Historic Site’s Barrington Living History Farm.“There really is no experience like this

anywhere else within a three- to four-hour drive,” said Jonathan Failor, park ranger for the historic site and park, about Barrington’s Candlelight Christmas, a feature of the park’s Christmas on the Brazos event. “The 1850s is when Christmas celebrations began to resemble some of what we still see today.”

The Christmas on the Brazos event will be held from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Washington-on-The-Brazos State Historic Site, located at 23400 Park Road 12 in Washington. Festivities will include Christmas stories in Independence Hall by staff in period clothing, “make and take” period crafts in the Star of the Republic Museum Discovery Room, music, merchandise made by local Texas artisans

and samplings of local Texas fare in the Visitor Center. The event culminates with Barrington’s Candlelight Christmas, from 5 to 8 p.m., featuring timed vignettes or glimpses into 1850s festivities through a candlelit tour of Barrington Farm, along with live 19th century music and dancing, bonfires, Christmas readings, an 1850s Santa Claus, musket firing, cookies and hot cider.

Failor said prior to the 1850s, many people thought of Christmas as a Catholic holiday – and it took many years for them to begin to relax those views.

At the same time, many trends began to take shape around the world. German-American political cartoonist Thomas Nast created the modern image of Santa Claus in the 1960s. And Queen Victoria and Prince Albert popularized the Christmas tree when, in 1860, the castle suspended Christmas trees from the ceiling and dressed the chandelier in the Octagon Dining Room with garlands of pine, gold and silver maple leaves and gold and silver ribbons.

Failor said Christmas celebrations in the United States evolved into fun and festive – and even rowdy celebrations – with people enjoying libations and firing guns and fireworks at Christmas.

The Candelight Christmas event, Failor said, will feature a small tabletop tree decorated with real candles, firing of guns and a barn dance. This year marks the event’s third year.

For more information, visit www.wheretexasbecametexas.org or call 936-878-2214.Another event that is fast becoming a

tradition for many Brazos Valley residents is the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra (BCSO) Holiday Pops Concert, now in its fifth year.

The concert will take place at 5 p.m. Dec. 14 at Christ United Methodist Church, at 4201 State Highway 6 South in College Station. Tickets are $25 for adults; students are $10.

“This is an incredible Bryan-College Station tradition, with many families coming to the concert each year,” said

Several holiday eventS acroSS the Brazos Valley Area By holli l. koster

SpeciAl to the eAgle

Mary Koeninger, executive director of the orchestra. “They have a wonderful time hearing everything from favorites to new songs. Many go home and have a big family dinner afterward.

The concert showcases the BVSO, a professional orchestra comprised of musicians from around the state of Texas, as well as Metropolitan opera star Emily Pulley, a soprano, organist James Faith, the Santuary Choir and Canticle Bells of Christ United Methodist Church and the College Station Varsity Girls Choir.

Following the holiday sing-along and tunes, the Friends Association of the Symphony Orchestra will host a special holiday reception.

For more information on the concert and the orchestra, visit bvso.org or call 979-696-6100.

Check out these other holiday events:onGoinG throuGh DeC. 7

“A Christmas Story” - The Theatre Company in Bryan is presenting the new Tony Award nominated broadway musical based on the 1983 movie classic, which itself was based on stories by legendary radio humorist Jean Shepherd.

The Theatre Company is located in the Tejas Center (behind Joanne’s Fabrics), at 3125 S. Texas Ave., Suite 500. Tickets can be purchased on The Theatre Company’s website, www.theatrecompany.com or at The Arts Council’s box office, at 2275 Dartsmouth in College Station. For more information, including a schedule of show times, visit The Theatre Company’s website or email [email protected].

onGoinG throuGh DeC. 21“Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings” – Unity

Theatre in Brenham will present “Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings.” Play description: Filled with Christmas standards, the boys are back to do their Christmas Special in this sequel to Forever Plaid. Francis, Jinx, Smudge and Sparky aren’t sure why they’ve returned to Earth for another posthumous performance, but a phone call from the heavenly Rosemary Clooney lets them know that they’re needed to put a little harmony into a discordant world. Sprinkled among the Christmas offerings are riotous versions of “The Ed Sullivan Show,” featuring the Rockettes, the Chipmunks and The Vienna Boys Choir and a Plaid Caribbean Christmas.

For more information, visit www.unitybrenham.org or contact the ticket office at (979) 830-8358 or [email protected].

onGoinG throuGh JAn. 1Christmas lights - Christmas lights are

on display each night after dark in Stephen C. Beachy Central Park, at 1000 Krenek Tap Road in College Station.

onGoinG throuGh JAn. 4Santa’s Wonderland - Santa’s

Wonderland, 18898 Highway 6 in College Station, features an approximately mile-long, winding path of Christmas lights and displays. Hayrides and horse-and-carriage tours are available. The business also offers food, live music, shopping, a petting zoo, pony rides, a mechanical bull, photos with Santa and Christmas movies on a giant outdoor screen. For more information, visit www.santas-wonderland.com or call 979-690-7212.

DeC. 4 – 14“The Christmas Express” – The

Navasota Theatre Alliance will present “The Christmas Express.” Play description: As Hilda and Satch, her

assistant, argue over what time it is, Hilda

(Far left) the candlelight christmas feature will include a tabletop tree decorated with candles, as well as firing of guns and a barn dance. (center) Visitors

at the event will take a lit tour of Barrington Farm. (right) they will also get a feel for what it was like to celebrate christmas in the 1850s, with outdoor fires

and various festivities.



intones, “Th is is the worst place in the world!” She dreams of faraway places and only fi nds tedium in running the town’s railroad station. Th at is, until Leo Tannenbaum drops in out of nowhere the day before Christmas Eve. Suddenly, an old radio that hasn’t worked in years springs to life, the local group of carolers (which normally yowls like a gang of cats being bathed) begins to sound like the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the whole town gets the Christmas spirit. Coincidence? Is Leo doing all this? Th is nostalgic theatrical greeting card is full of eccentric small-town characters, wise-cracking their way to fi nding the true wonder of Christmas. And on the way they make us all wish we could take a ride on the Christmas Express.For more information, visit www.

navasotatheatre.com or call 936-870-8380.DeC. 4

Holiday Magic, 5:50 to 8:30 p.m. – Th e free event features train rides, letters to Santa, holiday crafts and games, sledding on real snow, hot chocolate and cookies and pictures with Santa in Sue Haswell Memorial Park, located at 1142 E. William Joel Bryan Parkway in Bryan. For more information, visit www.bryantx.gov/parks-and-recreation or call

979-209-5528.Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, 7

p.m. - George Bush Presidential Library and Museum will light the library center’s Community Christmas Tree. Modeled after the tree lighting ceremony that takes place annually on the White House grounds, the ceremony will include musical entertainment, a celebrity guest tree lighter and a public reception. Th roughout the month, the library and museum encourages locals to take their family pictures in front of the decorated, lit tree.Th e George Bush Presidential Library and

Museum is located at 1000 George Bush Drive West in College Station. For more information, visit bushlibrary.tamu.edu or call 979-691-4000.

DeC. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 & 20Ledbetter Volunteer Fire Department’s

Christmas Lane of Lights, 6 to 9 p.m. – Th e Lane of Lights will be held at Stuermer’s store, at the intersection of Highway 290 and F.M. 1291 in Ledbetter. Visitors can enjoy a hayride through nearly a mile of lighted Christmas scenes, including animated displays. Th ey can also stop to view two historic houses, visit Santa, enjoy homemade cookies, drink

hot chocolate and wassail, walk through the walking trail and enjoy music and singing by the campfi res. Hayride trailers will also pick up and return riders at the Stuermer’s Store. Entry is $8, and children under 2 are free.For more information, visit www.ledbetterschristmaslaneofl ights.com.

DeC. 5“Th e 5 Browns Holiday,” 7:30 p.m. – Th is

play will be held at Rudder Th eatre in College Station. Description: Fifty fi ngers will dance across

the keys of fi ve Steinways when the “Fab 5,” as described by People magazine, take the stage. It’s been seven years since these siblings appeared on an OPAS season. Since then, Th e Five Browns have impressed audiences and critics across the globe, revealing a deep connection to the intent of their material, while bringing a fresh energy and dynamic character to the color and tonal spectrum of their sound. For their December concert, Ryan, Melody, Gregory, Deondra and Desirae will perform holiday favorites the entire family will enjoy.For more information, visit opas.tamu.edu or call 979-845-1661.

Movies in the Park and Santa Look-a-Like Contest, 6 to 9 p.m. - Th e city of College

photo contributed by george Bush library. First lady Barbara Bush prepares to light the community christmas tree at a ceremony Dec. 5, 2013 at the george Bush presidential library and Museum at texas A&M university in college Station.


Station will show “Arthur Christmas” at 7:30 p.m. in Wolf Pen Creek Park, at 1015 Colgate Drive in College Station. Guests may bring their own refreshments. Registration for the Santa Look-a-Like Contest will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. in front of the Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater stage, with judging and parade of participants from 7 to 7:15 p.m. For details, visit cstx.gov/movies or call 979-764-3486.

Christmas at the Creek, 6 to 10 p.m. –Festivities for Christmas at the Creek, held at

Wolf Pen Creek Park, at 1015 Colgate Drive in College Station, include Paw Paw’s party train, a synthetic ice rink, a live nativity, a petting zoo, food vendors, a monster slide, a holiday bounce house, Santa sumo suits, a snow globe photo booth, a Giant Texas snow dome and more. At 6 p.m. the Arts Council of Brazos Valley will feature photos with Santa, holiday crafts and an exhibit. Also held Dec. 6. For more details, visit cstx.gov or call 979-764-3486.

DeC. 6Breakfast with Santa, 9 a.m. to noon –

Local community and student organizations will come together to provide holiday joy for less fortunate children. The free event, held at the Lincoln Recreation Center, will include a hot breakfast, face painting, arts and crafts, coloring activities, entertainment and more. Ages 15 and under will receive a gift from Santa. Lincoln Recreation Center is located at 1000 Eleanor St. in College Station. For more information, call 979-764-3779 or e-mail [email protected].

Holidays in the Rotunda, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – George Bush Presidential and Library will hold the free event in front of the museum’s 19-foot Christmas tree in the rotunda, featuring live entertainment and Santa’s workshop. Children will be able to make holiday ornaments in the classroom, while a variety of entertainers keep things festive in the rotunda. The museum and

library will serve cookies, hot chocolate and punch.

For more information, visit bushlibrary.tamu.edu or call 979-691-4014.

Movies in the Park and Grinch Look-a-Like Contest - The city of College Station will screen “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” in Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater at 1015 Colgate Drive. Registration for the costume contest will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. in front of the Amphitheater stage, with judging and a parade of participants from 7 to 7:15 p.m. For more details, visit cstx.gov/movies or call 979-764-3486.

Christmas at the Creek, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. - The second day of Christmas at the Creek will feature a holiday vendor village, Paw Paw’s party train, a synthetic ice rink, a live nativity, a petting zoo, food vendors, a purple monster slide, a holiday bounce house, Santa sumo suits, a snow globe photo booth, a Giant Texas snow dome and more. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. the Arts Council of Brazos Valley will hold holiday crafts and an exhibit, and from 1 to 6 p.m. children can take photos with Santa (parents can bring their own camera or purchase a photo by a professional photographer. For more details, visit cstx.gov or call 979-764-3486.

DeC. 7 Synthetic Ice Rink at Wolf Pen Creek festival

site, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.Jingle Bell Fun Run, 1:15 p.m. - The

2-mile run starts at the intersection of University Drive and South College Avenue and ends at the intersection of Texas Avenue and Villa Maria Road. Race shirts are provided while supplies last. Dogs are welcome. Participants can register online at rectrac.cstx.gov or at the Stephen C. Beachy Central Park, at 1000 Krenek Tap Road. For more information, call 979-764-3486.

88th annual Bryan-College Station

Photos contributed by city of College Station. 2013 Christmas at the Creek. (top left) children visit with Santa claus at last year’s annual christmas at the creek event at Wolf pen creek park in college Station. (top Middle) A monster slide and train rides are among fun activities for children. (top right) A girl tries ice skating.

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Photos contributed by Christmas at Winedale. 2013 Christmas at winedale event: (top left) the Mcgregor house is decorated as it would have been during the mid 19th century, at last year’s christmas at Winedale event in round top. (center, left) Visitors take a stage coach ride. (Bottom, left) children enjoy making crafts. (top right) performers make music. (right, second from top) children pet animals. (right, third down) Square dancers perform. (Bottom, right) An encampment shows what it was like in the mid 19th century.


Christmas Parade, 2 p.m. - The parade begins near the intersection of University Drive and Polo Road in College Station, runs north down Texas Avenue and ends just before the intersection with Villa Maria Road. This year’s theme is “12 Days of Christmas.” For more information, visit bcsparade.com.

“Holiday Spirit of Aggieland” concert, 3 p.m. - Texas A&M University Choral Activities will present the “Holiday Spirit of Aggieland” concert in Rudder Auditorium. The concert will feature the Century Singers, the Women’s Chorus and the Singing Cadets. For additional information, contact the MSC Box Office at 845-1234 or go to http://boxoffice.tamu.edu.

DeC. 8 to 11Synthetic Ice Rink at Wolf Pen Creek festival

site, 1 to 7 p.m. DeC. 8

Brazos Valley Chorale’s Songs of the Angels concert, 7 p.m. - The Songs of the Angels concert will include Vivaldi’s Gloria, Stanford’s Magnificat in G and Arvo Pärt’s Magnificat, at First Presbyterian Church-Bryan, located at 1100 Carter Creek Parkway in Bryan.

For more information, visit bvchorale.org or call 979-776-1776.

DeC. 11Holiday Open House, 10 a.m. to noon

- Southwood Community Center, at 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station, will serve refreshments, and there will also be live entertainment, door prizes and light refreshments. Information on local activities offered for seniors will also be provided. For more information, visit cstx.gov.

DeC. 12Downtown Bryan Christmas Parade,

noon to 1 p.m. - See floats with lights and Christmas spirit in Downtown Bryan. For more information visit www.downtownbryan.com or call 979-822-4920.

DeC. 13Home for the Holidays Event and Parade, 10

a.m. to 7 p.m. - The city of Navasota is hosting free fun activities for the family at Navasota City Hall, 202 E. McAlpine in Navasota. The downtown Christmas Parade begins at 6 p.m. For more information, visit navasotatx.gov or call 936-825-2241.

Christmas at Winedale, noon to 4 p.m. - The free event will be held at Winedale Historical

Complex, at 3738 F.M. 2714 in Round Top. A mid-19th century folk life re-enactment features folk life demonstrations, including stagecoach rides, hay rides, mini horse carriages, spinners, weavers, wood carvers, quilters, a blacksmith, an encampment, outdoor cooking, butter churning, period music, square dancing, storytellers and crafts for children. Historic houses will also be decorated as they would have been in those times. Food will be available for a donation. For more information, call 979-278-3530, email [email protected] or visit www.cah.utexas.edu.

“The Nutcracker,” 4 to 5:30 p.m. - “The Nutcracker” will be performed at the Round Top Festival Institute, 248 Jaster Road in Round Top. The performance will be preceded and followed by “The Kingdom of Sweets,” a sampling and tasting of sweets and drinks at the Menke House. For more information, call 979-249-3129 or visit www.festivalhill.org.

“The Age of Elegance” Senior Pageant, 6:30 to 9 p.m. - Ages 55 and older are invited to participate in this senior pageant. Enjoy free food, fun and door prizes. For more

information, contact Annie Williams at 979-764-3779 or e-mail [email protected].

DeC. 31Round Top Rifle Association’s New

Year’s Eve Dance, 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. - Night Shift, a band from Bellville, will perform everything from country, to polkas and waltzes. Doors open at 6 p.m. For more information, visit http://roundtoprifle.com or call 281-788-3278.

Round Top Festival Institute’s New Year’s Eve Gala, 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. - For more information, visit http://festivalhill.org or call 979-249-3129.

JAn. 1Commitment Run 5K, Walk & Fitfest,

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. - The Commitment Run 5K and Walk will begin at 10 a.m. at the Amphitheater in Wolf Pen Creek. A free health festival, FitFest will be located at the festival site. Gyms, restaurants and other businesses will be present to promote healthy living, product demonstrations, health assessments and more. Register by Dec. 15.For more information or to register, visit rectrac.

cstx.gov or call 979-764-3486.

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décor trendSWhat’s popular this holiday season?

T raditional red and green, metallic colors, deeper Renaissance colors, monogrammed items, multiple trees and animals such as deer and owls

are among popular décor trends for this holiday season, according to local decorating experts.

Heather Mearns, co-owner of Heartworks gift shop in College Station, said she has seen a strong comeback this year with monogrammed items, such as wreaths, stockings or tree decorations. Other popular décor includes chalk art and also big signs that say things such as “Noel,” “Joy” or “Merry Christmas” – or block letters that spell out such words and phrases.

Mearns said a “nature lodge look” or “woodsy, rustic feel” has recently been popular for holiday décor. This natural look, which brings the outside in, can include pinecones, touches of snow, red berries, antlers and animals, especially deer and owls. Foxes have also become popular this year. She suggests throwing in a little burlap with this ambience.

Another popular look, she said, has been

metallic colors – mixing gold, champagne and silver – with mercury glass accents or ornaments and candleholders. This can be used for either an elegant, traditional look or a modern, industrial feel. Mearns said she has mostly seen three different color schemes for holiday decorating: red and green; metallic colors or ivory/ winter white; and red and turquoise or red, black and white.

Allen Jancik owns AJ Environments based in Fort Worth, which offers interior design and decoration, as well as holiday decoration and event planning, in Forth Worth, Houston and the Brazos Valley area. Jancik said a traditional red and green theme, along with a deeper, richer color palette from the Renaissance, have been the most popular colors for holiday décor with clients this year. Shabby chic decorations have also remained popular.

“The red and green theme is very popular when including whimsical elements, glitter and candy cane stripes. This theme includes elements such as cuckoo clocks, playful elves, brightly colored

carousels and lots of candy canes and candy cane striped ornaments, ribbon and fabrics and glitter everywhere,” Jancik said. “The second most requested theme is for a more traditional and ornate style using Renaissance colors, architectural design elements and religious imagery. This look includes the colors: yellow ochre, smoky amethyst, deep red, brown and orange. Religious elements come in the form of crosses, eggs, stars, the Holy Family and the Magi.”

Jancik added that popular requests from clients include a simpler design.

“Most of my clients are requesting a simpler design with more intimate details, such as including family photos from past years, vintage family ornaments and small trees for children and grandchildren that feature their holiday projects, along with candy canes and other take-away decorations,” he said.

Mearns said what people do with children’s décor varies depending on preference. Some have one big Christmas tree with both items children

By shAunA lewis the eAgle

Photos contributed by Heartworks. heartworks gift shop features items popular this year for holiday décor: signs and block letters and woodsy elements with burlap.

have made and more traditional tree ornaments. But she has seen many people have a smaller tree in the kitchen that children can decorate with their handmade crafts, and then a larger tree in the living area with newer, traditional ornaments.

When it comes to holiday décor, everything doesn’t have to be new. Jancik said for those who are not looking for a tree with all new ornaments or who have no place to store any more, there are many ways to reinvent their existing décor collection. The easiest way for decorators to update their look, he said, is to simply place items in new locations.

“If you have a large collection of globes, Santas or anything else, think of new ways to incorporate current trends by using old greenery with new ribbon and add a string of lights with interesting bulbs, i.e. pearls, small ornaments, etc.,” he suggests. “Place collections on silver or wooden trays and create arrangements with them on tabletops.”

Jancik said to add sparkle to a tree, use spray adhesive on ornaments and cover them with glitter. He prefers to mix sizes of glitter in the same color.

“If you are more adventurous, use craft glue and try adding candy cane stripes,” he said. “If you are wanting to go outside the box, try using unexpected elements: old rusty toys, lace, dried flowers, antique tea cups; even old flake paint children’s chairs make great tree tops when incorporated with ribbon or muslin, feathers, flowers or old stuffed animals. Be creative and look at the things you love in new ways.”

Mearns suggests that those planning to decorate for the holidays first take out the decorations they already have, take an inventory and decide on a theme and colors. They should also check to make sure lights and electronics work before using them for décor.

“Shop after you at least take a peek at what you have and make a list of what you need, rather than going in lost,” she said.

She added that a person can get “the bones” or basic setup of their décor started, and then search for items to balance out or enhance the look. She also suggests starting with the tree, which is the most labor-intensive part of holiday decorating.

Mearns suggests taking five steps to decorating a tree:

1. Consider placement and working order. If the Christmas tree is the “main event” in the home, make it show. Don’t shove the tree in a corner;

Photos contributed by Heartworks.A woodsy, rustic

feel and animals, such as deer and foxes, are

popular decorative items, as well as holiday signs,

for this christmas season.


build it up on a small end table or put it in the center of a room. Make sure the lighting is in working order. Use lots of lights; there can never be too many.

2. Work from the top of the tree to the bottom. Establish a theme and color story. Choose the tree topper, and then add large size balls, floral pieces, ribbon and garland.

3. Load up on ornaments. Fill the tree and do not be scared. Add a few special/larger ornaments to the focal or eye level of the tree, such as a larger Santa or a beautiful bird. Highlight these more

specialty ornaments by placing smaller ones around it.

4. Tree skirt (optional). A tree skirt adds softness and a beautiful touch to the final layer of the tree. However, large pieces of fabric may be used as a tree skirt, gently wrapped around as an illusion of a tree skirt. Large tablecloths can also give the same effect.

5. Tell the tree’s story. Extend the look of the tree in the home. Use the ribbons and ornaments to embellish other areas such as a mantel, hearth or stair banister. By carrying the tree’s theme

throughout a home, decorations will flow and give Christmas décor the extra “punch” it needs.

Overall, there are many themes and colors from which to choose and ways to decorate, so when planning for holiday decorating, Mearns suggests going with preference.

“My advice is just pick the look you love because everyone is different,” she said.

For more holiday decorating ideas, browse websites such as pintrest.com, magazines such as www.bhg.com, www.southernliving.com or www.countryliving.com, or check out decorating blogs.

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celebrate With Safetyaround your tree this holiday season


C hristmas trees are a beloved staple of the holiday season. Whether you prefer a freshly cut tree or an artificial alternative, the day a Christmas tree is brought home or erected is when many people

truly grow excited about the holiday season and begin to be overtaken by holiday cheer.

But as beautiful and inspiring as Christmas trees can be, it’s important that men, women and children exercise caution around trees so no accidents occur. The following are some Christmas tree safety tips courtesy of the National Fire ProtectionAssociation.

Choose the right tree. The tree you choose can go a long way toward ensuring the tree will make it through the season accident-free. Artificial trees should be identified on their labels as fire retardant, which means they are less susceptible to fire, something that’s especially important since so many people drape their trees in decorative lights. A freshly cut tree should have fresh, green needles that do not fall off when the tree is touched. This indicates that the tree is not dried out and less susceptible to catching on fire.

Do not place the tree near a heat source. Even freshly cut and flame retardant trees can catch fire, so it’s important that trees are not placed in close proximity to any heat sources, including fireplaces, radiators, heating vents, baseboard

heaters, and candles. In addition, avoid placing the tree near lights or lamps that emit a lot of heat.

Keep the tree clear of exits. A Christmas tree should never be placed in a spot that bars an exit. Should an accident happen and the tree light on fire, all exits should be easily accessible so residents and guests can quickly get out of the home.

Add water to the tree stand every day. Water should be added to the tree’s stand every day. That water will not only help the tree maintain its color and aesthetic appeal, but also helps to prevent the tree from drying out. A dry tree is a significant safety risk, so be sure to check if the tree needs water when you wake up each morning and again before going to bed. Many trees initially need water both in the morning and at night. As the holiday season wears on, the tree will likely consume less water, but it’s still best to monitor the stand’s water levels every day until the tree is discarded.

Inspect lights before decorating the tree. All Christmas lights should be inspected before they are hung on the tree. Replace any loose or burned out bulbs, and inspect cords to make sure they are not worn down or frayed. Follow manufacturer instructions carefully when stringing lights, as there may be specific guidelines as to how many strings of lights can be connected at one time.

Use appropriate lights. Many lights are exclusive to indoor

or outdoor use, so be sure to use the appropriate lights for your indoor tree. The wrong lights could be a safety hazard. Do not hang lit candles on a Christmas tree.

Turn lights off before going to bed. Though a Christmas tree may look beautiful when it is illuminated in the middle of the night when no other lights are on, the lights on the tree should always be turned off before going to bed or leaving your home.

Properly discard the tree. Trees that have dried out pose a considerable fire risk, so it’s best to discard a tree when it starts to drop needles. Do not place a discarded tree in the garage or lean it up against your home. If necessary, consult a local recycling company to determine the best way to discard your tree.

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W hat would the holidays be without gatherings of family and close friends? Everyone gets to reminisce around the

dinner table, and distant family members get to meet face-to-face instead of through social media.

In many families, holiday hosting duties are shared by one or two family members. Some host out of a sense of obligation, while others do so because they truly love providing a place for their loved ones to get together during such a festive time of year. Those undecided about whether or not to take on the role of holiday host should know there are a bevy or reasons to do just that.

1. No travel time: If you despise sitting in traffic or waiting in line at the airport for a delayed flight, hosting the holidays is your way around such headaches. While you’ll certainly deal with a number of people in your home, it will pale in comparison to the crowds holiday travelers must deal with.

2. New traditions: Hosting the

holidays presents an opportunity to try out your own unique ideas and establish new traditions for your family. Over time, traditions become integral parts of family celebrations. A new host can impart fresh concepts and breathe new life into the festivities.

3. Time management: Hosting the event allows you to set the pace of the day. You may find the holiday is less stressful when you know what is coming next and can exercise control over the schedule. You may not have to wake up as early to account for travel time and could feel more relaxed.

4. Give older relatives a break: Perhaps Grandma or an aunt has always hosted the big holidays. Over time, the scope of the event can prove too much for an older person, whether it’s physical or financial constraints sparking such difficulties. Stepping up to take over hosting will relieve someone you love of the work, allowing him or her to enjoy the festivities even more.

5. Sense of pride: Hosting a holiday

is a significant undertaking, especially if you will be following in the footsteps of a successful party host or hostess. This can be your proving ground and a chance to show that you are up to the task. It can give you a confidence boost and the inspiration to try other things you may have thought were beyond reach.

6. Food: Hosting also allows you to customize the menu so the foods you and your immediate family like best make it on to the holiday menu. You may open others’ eyes to new culinary treats and show off your culinary skills along the way. Once the festivities have ended, you may even have enough leftovers to free you from cooking for a few days after the holiday, giving you a chance to relax and recuperate.

Some people shy away from hosting a holiday because of the work involved. Although it can be challenging, there is a sense of reward and many other benefits that come with opening your home to friends and family come the holiday season.

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glittered reindeer ornaMentBy kristin hilsABeCk SpeciAl to the eAglephotoS BY dAnielA WeAVer PhotogrAPhy


T he holidays are quickly approaching, which means a couple of things – time with the family, yummy food, presents and no school! While the teachers are

enjoying their time off, you are left with hours upon hours to fill and keep the elves entertained. These DIY glittery ornaments are a fun way to add a little sparkle to your tree without all the mess that a glittered ornament likes to shed (think those ornaments that keep on giving). The best part – the glitter is contained to the inside of the ornament! This project is a fun way for kids to not only help with the tree, but to also make affordable gifts for friends and family that are made with love.

mAteriAls:cleAr glASS or plAStic ornAMentS

(seasonal aisle of craft stores)

pleDge Floor cAre (found with the cleaning supplies)

Fine BroWn glitter

BlAck pAint

reD ButtonS

hot glue

22 gAuge BroWn Wire

(jewelry making section of craft store)

DecorAtiVe riBBon

plAStic or StYroFoAM cupS coMe in hAnDY to preVent Your ornAMentS FroM

rolling AWAY.

GlitterinG the ornAmentCarefully remove the top of the ornament. Squirt

Pledge Floor Care into the inside of a glass ornament and make sure the entire inside is coated by rolling the ornament. Drain liquid (I reuse it) and add glitter using a funnel. Gently coat the inside with glitter and empty excess glitter out of the ornament.

the eyes AnD noseUsing black paint, paint two eyes about 1/3 of the

way from the top. Use hot glue to glue a red button 2/3 of the way down from the top. When using hot glue on glass, make sure to place the button quickly after applying the glue.

the AntlersUsing brown 22-gauge wire, cut one 9-inch piece and

two 5-inch pieces. Wrap the middle of the long piece of wire around your finger twice to make a loop, making sure the remaining ends of the wires are even. Using one piece of the short wire, fold it in half and twist and intertwine it with one side of the long piece. Repeat on

the other side using the other piece of short wire. Roll the ends of the wires into a curled shape and adjust to your preference.

finishinG your reinDeerWhen the eyes are dry, carefully replace the top of the

ornament and place the loop of wire you had around your finger around the neck of the ball and tighten. Use a dot of hot glue to secure. Tie a bow with your ribbon and attach with hot glue.

While this reindeer is precious, you can also create a snowman using white glitter or ornaments to match the theme of your tree. Any color glitter with a coordinating ribbon can add a simple but elegant touch to your tree. And the best part - these ornaments will last from year to year without losing any of their sparkle!

Kristin Hilsabeck is the owner of Artastic Craft Studio, in College Station. After teaching elementary art for five years, she left teaching to open an art studio that is centered around crafting and all things Pinterest. She currently teaches kindergarten, in addition to a variety of classes at the studio. For information on Artastic Craft Studio, including a class schedule, visit www.artasticcraftstudio.com.


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B looming plants are a festive addition to any home for holiday decorations. While poinsettias may traditionally “deck your halls,” consider some of these

seasonal blooming options this year.

holiDAy AmAryllisAmaryllis is big, bold and beautiful. Th is fl owering

bulb bears impressive, lily-like fl owers on stalks up to 2 feet tall that last for several weeks. Each stalk typically has four blooms that range in color from spectacular shades of red to pink, salmon, orange, white and combinations.

Simply place a container of an amaryllis at your front door for a spectacular holiday welcome. Or tie a beautiful ribbon around the stem and place a plant into a container on your mantel or buff et table for dazzling impact.

For these easy care bulbs, just keep the soil moist, but not too wet. When blossoms fade, snip the fl ower stalk off close to the bulb and allow the leaves to grow and replenish the bulb.

Transplant the bulb into a fl owerbed aft er all danger of frost is past. Since holiday amaryllis bulbs are triggered to bloom in winter, rather than their usual spring bloom, fl owers can grace your garden for years to come.

miniAture roseFor a classic touch, decorate with miniature roses.

Th ese diminutive bloomers can be used in either formal or casual settings. Th ey come in a rainbow of colors and are oft en available in December. For an easy, but great-looking centerpiece, slip one or more into a container, add a bow and some sparkly branches, and you’re done.

Th e secret to a winter fl ower show for these potted minis is bright light and weekly watering with a half-strength solution of fertilizer. Aft er the holidays, gradually introduce the plants to outdoor temperatures on a protected patio or porch. Once accustomed to cooler temperatures, they may be transplanted into patio containers or garden beds in full sunlight.

living holiday decÓrAlternative holiday fl owers add a festive touch

By ChArlA AnthonySpeciAl to the eAgle

1729 BriarcrestBryan, Texas 77802

Publisher Crystal Dupré

Director of Sales and Marketing Ron Prince

Advertising Manager Linda Brinkman

979.731.4719 [email protected]

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Special ProjectsErika Liesman

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orChiDIf you want elegance, then an orchid is perfect

for a holiday setting. What was once a rare and luxurious indulgence is now a commonly available flowering plant. Their exotic blooms last up to six weeks and they are less fragile than you might expect. An orchid surrounded by sparkling beads and shimmering candles adds flair to any holiday party.

Give an orchid a spot near a bright window in bright light, day temperatures up to 85 degrees and nights at 65 degrees Farenheit. Water when the planting bark or soil feels dry to the touch.

BulBsSome bulbs are forced for seasonal blooms. They

are not only attractive, but add unforgettable sweet fragrance to a room. According to AgriLife Extension specialist, William Welch, “the Paperwhites are some of the best for indoor forcing, as well as narcissus such as Erlicheer (a double form of the old favorite Grand Primo), Cheerfulness, Yellow Cheerfulness and Winston Churchill. These bulbs can be recycled outside after being flowered indoors.”

Paperwhites have clusters of small white

flowers on top of 16- to 18-inch stems. Look for containerized bulbs in bloom or if you like to do it yourself, purchase a bulb kit that has all the needed ingredients. Most bulbs can be grown in containers with only pebbles and water or use standard potting mix or sand.

To keep them in best bloom, place in cool locations near a window or on a sheltered porch when they aren’t on display. Plants need to be kept evenly moist. For bulbs growing in water and pebbles only, do not allow the water level to go above the base of the bulb.

DeCorAte with Cool seAson AnnuAls

As temperatures cool, nurseries have an array of colorful cool season annuals. Why not use some indoors for a special event? Pansies, cyclamen, allysum, primrose, dianthus and even ornamental cabbage can become a beautiful centerpiece.

This is one of my preferred ways to decorate because it is so easy. First, select the container – a basket is my favorite, but porcelain, metal or ceramic pots work fine, too. Shopping – a couple days before your event, select bedding plants with many open blooms, purchasing enough to

fill your container. You will need a bag or two of sheetmoss from a craft store, as well.

Composing the centerpiece takes just a few minutes, but is a little messy, so work on a patio table or a protected indoor surface. If your chosen vessel is not water proof, line it with plastic bags or plastic food wrap. Soak the sheetmoss in water until it is thoroughly damp.

Next, simply tuck the plants – plastic container and all - into your decorative container. Adjust height by placing extra plastic bags or folded newspaper under a pot. You may even tilt a posey for a better view.

When you are happy with the arrangement, carefully cover any visible soil surface and gaps with pieces of damp sheetmoss. Add sparkly branches, a bow if you like or a touch of fresh greenery, and you are done. Plants should stay looking fresh for four to five days. After your event, plant your “decorations” outdoors and enjoy for months.

Charla Anthony is the horticulture program assistant at Texas AgriLife Extension, Brazos County, 2619 Texas 21 W., Bryan, Texas 77803. Her e-mail address is [email protected].

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