insite magazine february 2012

click www.insitebrazosvalley.com 1

RODEO CULTURE & COWBOY STYLE

January 2012February 2012

plusDOWn On ThE FaRmOld Fashioned is New Again

RED, WhiTE & BLUESEYDon’t Miss Hospice Happening 2012

BLESS YOUR hEaRTFrom Heart Attack to Heart Success

EATS & TREATS: A GuidE To Food & Fun

2 INSITE February 2012


CoNTENTS5 ATHOMEFresh Ideas!

Home Products Show

Plus Home Innovations

Special Advertising Section

10 GETINVOLVEDRed, White & Bluesy

Hospice Happening:

Great time for a great cause

by Margaret Ann Thurmond

12 CoMMUNITYOUTREACHBless Your Heart

How a near heart attack

became a heart success story

by Rhonda Brinkmann

16 DoWNHOMECowboy Up!

Brazos Valley rocks

rodeo culture and cowboy style

by Margaret Ann Thurmond

25 LIFESTYLE Old Fashioned is New Again

Farming that’s up close and personal

by Travis Lawson

DepartmentsPUbLIShEr’SDESk Moooove Over page 4

WhAT’SHAppENINg Brazos Valley events page 14

bUSINESSbRIEFS Notable business news page 30

EATS & TREATS Food & fun guide page 31

InsIte onlIne www.insitebrazosvalley.com

16

INSITE Magazine is published monthly by Insite Printing & Graphic Services, 123 E. Wm. J. Bryan Pkwy., Bryan, Texas 77803. (979) 823-5567 www.insitebrazosvalley.com Volume 28, Number 9. Publisher/Editor: Angelique Gammon; Account Executive: Myron King; Graphic designer: Karen Green. Editorial interns: Travis Lawson, Margaret Ann Thurmond; inSiTE Magazine is a division of The insite Group, LP. Reproduction of any part without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. insite Printing & Graphic Services Managing Partners: Kyle DeWitt, Angelique Gammon, Greg Gammon. General Manager: Carl Dixon; Pre-Press Manager: Mari Brown; office Manager: Wendy Seward; Sales & Customer Service: Molly Barton; Candi Burling; Manda Jackson; Marie Lindley; Kim Quinney; Barbara Wyss; Production: Stephen Beatty; Norris Carnes; Marilyn Carey; Don Coburn; Jaimie Colwell; Ricky Conchola; Byron Lee; Margie Lowry; Arthur Maldonado; Richard Pearce; Brandon Prouse; Frank Ramirez; Mike Seward; Ruben Torres; Jimmy Welch; Stephen Woodruff.

HUB VENDOR


PUbLIShEr’SDESkWe called the small

spread where my sisters and I grew up

”the farm“ even though my engineer father only

ran a few head of cattle to keep the freezer stocked

and farmed only a small patch for winter hay. I

have fond memories of long hot days in the creek

and less fond memories of walking the mile-and-a-

quarter lane when it was too muddy to drive a car

to catch the school bus and hauling water from that

same creek when the well went out. It might mean

something that I lIve tWo blocks

from doWntoWn – even if it’s

downtown Caldwell – where everything from a gallon

of milk to our church is a much shorter walk than the

lane from my childhood.

That doesn’t mean I don’t admire and appreciate

everyone who chooses to stay on the farm, daily

preservIng the coWboy

Way of life in everything from large-scale food

production to barrel racing. We’re Texans: we need

our cowboys. And everyone needs the brazos Valley’s

thriving agribusiness industry, from cotton and beef

production to corn that ends

up In spark plugs (really). This

month’s cover feature taught me more than the fact

that corn shows up in places most people never

think of; it reminded me why we all owe a debt of

gratitude to the “real deal” who wears boots as

work gear instead of a fashion statement and who

just might crack the barest glimpse of a grin as he or

she reads about how the rest of us figure out how to

coWboy up!

– Angelique Gammon

Get in Touch

Sign Up! Wednesday’s Wake up to the Weekend Possibilities e-newsletter

www.insitebrazosvalley.com

Angelique Gammon, [email protected]

insite Magazine


Spring is the perfect time to tackle home improvement

projects. With busy schedules, however, it’s often helpful to recruit the help of local

experts. The following are a handful of home product and relocation companies that can

help you get started and finish the things that you have put off. Also be sure to visit the

annual Home Products Show held by the Bryan-College Station Home Builders

Association on February 25-26 at the Brazos County Expo for the latest home and

garden products. Visit www.bcsbuilders.org for more information.

2012 Home Expo February 25-26

The 2012 Home Expo will be held on the weekend of February

25-26 at the Brazos County Expo Center located at 5827 Leon-

ard Road in Bryan. The Home Expo will be open to the public on

Saturday from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM and on Sunday from 1:00

PM – 5:00 PM. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for seniors. Chil-

dren under 12 years old are free. Tickets will be sold at the main

entrance to the Expo Center.

The Home Expo, sponsored by McCoy’s Building Supply, will fea-

ture a myriad of fabulous exhibits for everything homeowners

need for inside and outside the home. A full schedule of seminars

on home building, remodeling, landscaping, interior decorating,

energy efficiency and much more will be offered and are included

with the entity ticket price.

Special activities for kids will be offered in the Pavilion, including

a petting zoo and a Junior Master Gardner’s exhibit where they

can learn hands-on gardening techniques. Kids will also have a

Bouncy House while their parents tour the other exhibits.

For more information about the 2012 Home Expo, please conctact

the Bryan-College Station Home Builders Association at (979)

696-0272 or visit the HBA website at www.bcsbuilders.org.

S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N


Christopher Designs

Interior Design Solutions

Chris Spang(979) 218-0027

[email protected]

Zwernemann FlooringTurning houses into homesWe are a full-service flooring company that carries many major brands of tile, wood, carpet, laminate, vinyl and com-mercial flooring products. Whether you are looking for interior or exterior op-tions, our professionals have choices available that will complement any style. With new home product innovations be-ing developed at such a rapid pace, floor-ing options are almost limitless. Custom-ers are finding that flooring choices can really, now more than ever, reflect their own personal style.

Our Goal is to make each customer’s visit hassle and stress free. Our exper-tise will take you through every step of the process from design to installation.

(979) 776-2800 www.zwernemannflooring.com

Christopher DesignsExpertise that Spans Decades in the Brazos ValleyA fixture of local design since 1981. Christopher Designs provides interior solutions for your room planning, re-ar-rangement, downsizing, and new con-struction needs. Transform your home office or commercial space with the help of Chris Sprang. She’ll coordinate your furnishings with your personal style to make indoor or outdoor space a true re-flection of you and your family.

(979)[email protected]

Binford Insect ControlServing the Pest Control needs of the Brazos Valley since 1947For over 63 years, Binford Insect Control, Inc. has been a leader in the local pest control industry. Their goal is to provide the highest quality pest control service at an affordable price. This no-nonsense approach to pest control is put to the test every day since each home has its own unique set of problems. That’s where the

H O M E S E C T I O N



expertise of Binford comes in since they use the latest technology and trained technicians to handle your pest control needs.

(979) 822-5524www.binfordinsectcontrol.com

Dealers LightingThe Area’s Premier Lightning ShowroomOffering excellent lighting and accesso-ries for over 50 years. Customer service is a top priority; our staff is trained to help with all of your lightning needs. Dealers Lightning is your local source for Craft-made ceiling fans, Kichler Lighting and Lightolier track and recessed Lightning. Many Other brands are available both for the budget minded and for the customer who wants a custom-built chandelier. Dealers Lighting is an employee owned company, we believe in the power of community and encourage you to shop locally FIRST.

(979) 775-1697

By Design InteriorsProviding design services to meet our client’s needs.

By Design, Inc. has been providing inte-

rior design services for the central Texas

area for the last eleven years. We are

able to create livable and inviting spaces.

By Design, Inc. offers residential and

commercial services which include:

Space Planning, Interior Finish Mate-

rial Selection, Color Selection, Fabric/Fur-

niture Selection, Cabinet Design, Light-

ing Design & Selection, Flooring Design

& Selection

Upholstery, Draperies, Bedding, Ac-

cessories and more...

Let our design team use their ex-

pertise and experience to help you live

and work in the spaces you’ve always

dreamed of.

(979) 764-2927

www.bydesigninteriorstexas.com

Hilco Metal Roofing & Building SupplyProviding Personalized Service to our Customers-The Best Choice for your Metal NeedsHilco Metal Building and Roofing supply

is locally owned in Navasota, TX. Wheth-

er you’re a builder or a home owner, Hil-

co is here to provide you with top quality

products and superior customer service.

We manufacture the product, from roof

panels to flashing, and provide a variety

of colors (including Galvalume) to choose

from. Metal roofs are durable and add to

the value of your building. Metal roofing

has very low cost of maintenance and

more design options when compared to

conventional roofing. From roof produc-

tion and accessories to installation, we

make building easier and more afford-

able.

(936) 825-0500 www.hilcosupply.com




PapescapesBeautifying Central Texas one client at a time.Papescapes, located in Burton, TX offers both residential and commercial design, as well as irrigation design and installation and lawn maintenance; we focus on providing products of the utmost quality and services that go above and beyond your ex-pectations. Our owner / designer, Ryan Pape, has a Bachelor’s of Landscape Architecture from Texas A&M University 01’, and our company is highly qualified to meet the needs of any questions or project you may have. Papescapes would like to the opportunity to reveal the beauty of nature on your property through a landscape filled with imagination, endless forms and colors. We have been pushing the limits of our imagination and evoking our creative energies for our customers since 2004. We take great pride in creating balanced, unified, aesthetically pleasing sustainable landscapes. It is vital that any design for a landscape satisfies the needs of the client and all the future uses of the space. Please contact us to set up a free consulta-tion and discuss a fee schedule with our design team.

(979) 289-0436www.papescapes.com




Hospice Happening is the annual fun-draiser allows the community to have fun while supporting the ser-vices Hospice Brazos Valley provide.

This year’s theme, “Red, White & Bluesy” will pay tribute to military personnel, veterans, the country and the Brazos Valley.

The Texas Blues Brothers, St. Joseph High S c h o o l C o n c e r t Choir and the Texas T w i s t -ers will p r o v i d e entertain-ment dur-ing the e v e n i n g of Febru-ary 18. After an introduction of Honorary Chairper-sons John and Kay Duncum, a Live Auction will be held. At its conclusion, the gaming tables will open up in the Brazos Expo Center’s ballroom.

Attendees will enjoy a dinner, games and a live auction, the funds raised will go towards patient care. Hospice Brazos Valley staff serve patients and their families in the comfort of their home or in the HBV’s new inpatient facil-ity opening this month in the north wing of the St. Joseph Rehabilitation Center. The seven-bed inpatient facility provides a comfortable, home-like environment that will serve patients with needs that cannot be met at home.

Besides attending this year’s Hospice Hap-

pening fundraiser, there are other ways to get

involved with Hospice Brazos Valley during the

year.

Hospice Auxiliary is a non-profit organiza-

tion benefiting Hospice Brazos Valley with the

goal of providing financial support as well as

promoting community awareness of the hospice

m i s s i o n .

H o s p i c e

A u x i l i a r y

p r o v i d e s

educational

prog r ams ,

m e e t i n g s

and social

gather ings

for its mem-

bers.

H o s -

pice Auxilia-

ry programs and meetings are scheduled on the

fourth Wednesday of each month between Sep-

tember and October and January through May.

Meetings are held at the Pebble Creek Country

Club, and members can reserve a catered lunch.

Programs include a guest speaker followed by a

short business meeting.

The next Hospice Auxillary meeting is

scheduled for February 22 and will host Warren

L. Finch, director of George Bush Presidential

Museum. While an RSVP is required, the com-

munity is invited to attend all meetings and new

members are always welcomed. i

WHATHospice Brazos Valley Hospice Happening “Red, White & Bluesy”

WHEn

February 18, beginning at 6 p.m.

WHERE

Brazos County Expo, Leonard Road, Bryan

The fundraiser will pay tribute to military personnel and veterans and contribute funds to Hospice patients. The Texas Blues Brothers will entertain attendees during dinner, with a performance by the St. Joseph High School Concert Choir directed by Roger Boening afterwards. Visit www.hospicehappening.org for more information or call (979) 821-2266 for ticket reservations or sponsorships.

Get Involved With Hospice Auxiliary

WHEN

February 22, beginning at 10:30 a.m.

WHERE

Pebble Creek Country Club, College Station

Guest speaker will be Warren L. Finch, director of the George Bush Presidential Museum, followed by a short business meeting. An optional catered lunch begins at 12 noon for $17. For reservations, call Susan Childs at (979) 690-6373.

GETINVOLVED by Margaret Ann Thurmond

Whether it’s caring for an elderly community

member or simply lending a hand to a person in

need, the desire to serve can come in many forms.

The members of Hospice Brazos Valley understand

the different facets of service, and will honor

military personnel and veterans who will in turn

help benefit hospice patients.


Less than a year ago, Mike Southerland walked in to a hospital emergency room expecting doctors to adjust his medication to get rid of the severe dizzy spells he had been hav-

ing. Southerland, a Bryan City Council member, thought that the emergency room doctors would simply adjust his medication and let him go. He was wrong. The doctors immediately admitted him to the hospital. Within a week he was undergoing

heart bypass surgery on four blocked arteries and getting a pacemaker. In observance of American Heart Health Month in February, Souther-land agreed to share part of his heart health success story. Today Southerland is feel-ing good, and conscious of his fortunate timing. He had no idea he was close to a heart attack, and thankful he re-ceived medical attention be-fore it occurred. Sure, he’d had some chest pains when he was exercising – but you always have pain when you exercise, don’t you? Sure, he’d stopped using the stairs and begun to ride the elevator – but that’s just getting older, right? Sure, he’d had a few dizzy spells – but that could be blamed on

medication, couldn’t it? Nothing added up to ‘heart attack’ in Southerland’s mind.

bless your heartGood FortuneTurned a NearHeart Attack into a Heart Success

bless your heart

Less than a year ago, Mike Southerland walked in to a hospital emergency room expecting doctors to adjust his medication to get rid of the severe dizzy spells he had been hav-

ing. Southerland, a Bryan City Council member, thought that the emergency room doctors would simply adjust his medication and let him go. He was wrong. The doctors immediately admitted him to the hospital. Within a week he was undergoing

heart bypass surgery on four blocked arteries and getting a pacemaker. In observance of American Heart Health Month in February, Souther-land agreed to share part of his heart health success story. Today Southerland is feel-ing good, and conscious of his fortunate timing. He had no idea he was close to a heart attack, and thankful he re-ceived medical attention be-fore it occurred. Sure, he’d had some chest pains when he was exercising – but you always have pain when you exercise, don’t you? Sure, he’d stopped using the stairs and begun to ride the elevator – but that’s just getting older, right? Sure, he’d had a few dizzy spells – but that could be blamed on

medication, couldn’t it? Nothing added up to ‘heart attack’ in Southerland’s mind.

You’re Invited to the Heart Ball

The 2012 Brazos Valley Heart Ball addresses affairs of the heart, both physical and romantic. Proceeds benefit the American Heart Association, which works to improve cardiovascular health. Timing of the Ball gives you a chance to celebrate romance for Valentine’s Day. Bless your heart and that of someone you love. Come to the Heart Ball!

WHAT

2012 Brazos Valley Heart Ball

WHEnFriday, February 10 at Miramont Country Club

HOWThe Buckinghams will entertain guests with their dynamic pop-rock sounds, along with the popular Karen Chavis Band. Presenting Sponsors for the event are Scott & White Healthcare and Utility Fleet Sales. For ticket reservations or sponsorships, call (979) 268-0068 or visit www.facebook.com/brazosvalleyheartball.

CoMMUNITYOUTREACH by Rhonda Brinkmann


Good FortuneTurned a NearHeart Attack into a Heart Success

“Looking back, I can’t believe how I had closed down my activities little by little. It sneaks up on you,” says Southerland. “I was in good shape for so many years – I was a runner, ate well, did all the right things. But I gradually cut back on my activities without even realizing it. I didn’t have typical symptoms, so I didn’t connect them to heart trouble.”

Southerland has made a few changes fol-lowing his narrow escape. He has worked hard to return to a full exercise regimen, maintain healthy food choices, and reduce stress. Before his surgery, he volunteered with lots of nonprofit organizations, and now he’s added the American Heart Association to his list. He took part in this year’s Heart Walk sponsored by the American Heart Association and plans to attend the Brazos Valley Heart Ball, also benefitting the American Heart Association, on February 10.

“I’m convinced my medical team are all miracle workers. They gave me such personal and excellent attention, and they seem to love what they do. They are truly concerned about every individual patient, and I’m very grateful to

them,” says Southerland.Bryan/College Station is fast becoming a

healthcare destination, and residents are fortu-nate to have medical specialists of all fields lo-cally available. Several facilities offer specialized cardiovascular care including Scott & White Healthcare, The Med, BCS Heart, Central Texas

Heart Center, St. Joseph Regional Health Center,

Physicians Centre and individual physicians.“I’ve walked as much as six miles and I’m

building up to start running again,” Southerland

says. “I haven’t felt this good in over 10 years.

Now, in addition to the physical improvements,

I’ve got an improved attitude. I’m motivated and

look forward to doing everyday things again.

I’d advise anyone who is experiencing possible

heart problems to get things checked out thor-

oughly to catch any conditions early.” i

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MSC oPAS A Valentine From Broadway February 14-17 at 7:30 p.m., enjoy a Cabaret starring four-time Tony nominee gregg Edelman as MSC OpAS presents A Valentine From boradway at Miramont Country

Club. The four-night showing includes songs by Cy Coleman, Cole porter and The gershwins and Johnny Mercer. Visit HYpERLINk “http://opas.tamu.edu” http://opas.tamu.edu for tickets.

MSC oPAS Max Raabe & The Palast orchester February 27 at 7:30 p.m., listen to the sounds of Max Raabe & The palast Orchester presented by MSC OpAS in Rudder Theatre. Music from the

1920s and 30s will be performed. Visit HYpERLINk “http://opas.tamu.edu” http://opas.tamu.edu for tickets.

Moulin Rouge February 1 beginning at 7:30 p.m., MSC OpAS presents the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s Moulin Rouge at Rudder Theatre on the Texas A&M campus. Enjoy exciting can-can girls perform at the

infamous paris hotspot at the turn of the century. Visit HYpERLINk “http://opas.tamu.edu” http://opas.tamu.edu for tickets and more information.

MSC oPAS John Tartaglia’s iMAGinoCEAn February 11 at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., bring the whole family to enjoy John Tartaglia’s IMAgINOCEAN, a live undersea musical adventure presented by MSC OpAS Jr. at Rudder

Theatre. The black light show will be sure to entertain all ages. Visit HYpERLINk “http://opas.tamu.edu” http://opas.tamu.edu for tickets.

GETINVOLVED by Margaret Ann Thurmond

ext. 30 or by online registration at www.stjosephschoolbcs.org.

February 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 1p.m., Leading Women’s Express network will host their monthly meeting at Christopher’s World grille. Networking will begin at 11:30 a.m. followed by a program ending at 1 p.m. An RSVp is required by 10 a.m. the Monday before the meeting to Desarie Hobbs at [email protected]. For more information about the guest speaker and topic, visit www.abwalwen.org.

February 19 from 11 a.m. to 4p.m., come experience the Brazos Valley Bridal Show and Benefit at the Brazos County Expo Center. Look over 100 vendors and visit

February 2-4, 9-11, and 16-18 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., StageCenter Theatre in downtown Bryan presents neil Simon’s Last of the Red Hot Lovers. The comedy features a man in a mid-life crisis who’s laughably unsuccessful extra-marital affairs lead him to seducing his wife. performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, with a romantic Valentine’s day dinner Theatre on February 11. To purchase tickets, visit www.stagecentertheatre.net.

February 3-4 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., The Children’s Museum will hold their annual daddy daughter dance. This year’s them “Treasured” features an underwater extravaganza. The night will include dancing, crafts,

games, auctions, photographs and a dessert bar. Friday is for girls ages 6 and under and Saturday is for girls ages 7 and under. Tickets are $80 per couple and $20 for additional guests. visit http://www.cmbv.org/ for more info.

February 4 from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., St. Joseph will host the 28th Annual Spring Fling dance at the brazos Center. The theme, “Mardi gras,” will include dinner, dancing and music by the Texas Twisters. There will be a live and silent auction with the traditional “Heads and Tails” game with Msgr. John. Tickets are $50 per person or $500 for a table of 8. Sponsorships are also available. Tickets can be purchased through St. Joseph’s School by calling (979) 822-6641

with professionals who can make your wedding, reception and honeymoon a relaxing and memorable experience. proceeds will benefit The brazos Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross. Tickets are $15 per person in advance and $20 at the door. Visit www.ido-ido.org to purchase tickets and for more info.

Bryan College Station Chapter iAAP Chapter Meeting February 21 from 5:30p.m. to 7p.m., guests are welcomed to attend the bryan College Station Chapter IAAp Chapter meeting at the College Station Conference Center. Visit www. iaap-bcs.org for more info.

February 25 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., come and enjoy the sounds

of the Brazos Valley Chorale in the Oakwood Room at the College Station Hilton. Tickets are $65 per person and include dinner and the pops concert fundraiser. pLAN AHEAD

March 10 from 1:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Festival Hill will host the 8th Annual Guitar Festival in Round Top. The event will feature Marco Tamayo, bandini-Chiacchiaretta Duo, the Canadian guitar Quartet and the Round Top philharmonia. There will be a buffet dinner at 6p.m. Overnight accommodations are available on the Festival Hill Campus with a complimentary breakfast. Accommodations are $55-100 per person based on double occupancy. Call (979) 249-3129 for more information. i


Although the Texas weather can be fickle, warm weather with spo-radic showers will be here before you know it, which means new sprouts in the ground and peren-nials shaking off the winter frost. The Brazos Valley Master Garden-ers of Texas AgriLife Extension have several events to help you get a jump on a successful spring of gardening.

SuCCESSFuL GARdEninG in CHALLEnGinG CLiMATES

February 18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Brazos Center, the Master Gardeners will host an all-day seminar to provide gardeners with insightful information to make your garden a success despite the challenging climate in the Brazos Valley including earth-kind methods for landscape recovery and survival. It’s time for gardeners to rethink, refurbish and replant. Topics include improving soils, plant selection, water conservation and how plants respond to extreme weather. Preregistration by February 13 is recommended.

Gardening-related vendors, refreshments and a buffet are part the day’s activities. Registration is $35 per person. For more information, visit http://brazosmg.com.

SPRinG PLAnT SALE

Hosted by the Brazos County Master Garden-ers of Texas AgriLife Extension, the event will held March 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Brazos County Office of Texas AgriLife Ex-tension in Bryan. Proceeds from the sale will fund the community education programs of the Brazos County Master Gardeners. Plant selections will include heat and drought tol-erant perennials selected to be grown in the Brazos Valley’s growing conditions. There will be a preview and discussion beginning at 8 a.m. and Master Gardeners will be available for questions during the sale. Visit brazosmg.com or call (979) 823-0129 for more informa-

tion. i

SpringThink


From Boots and Rodeos to the Agribusiness Industry, This is How Folks in the Brazos Valley Cowboy Up!

DoWNHOME by Margaret Ann Thurmond

Cowboy Up!


How Ag Savvy Are You?If you spend a single dollar on food, what percentage of the dollar spent would go to the actual farmer?

a) 19% c) 30%b) 25% d) 50%

What percentage of the American population is involved in agriculture?

a) 10% c) 31%b) 40% d) 17%

What agriculture commodity is used to make a spark plug?

a) Soybeans c) Cottonb) Corn d) Grapes

True or FalseThe green industry ranks #5 among agricultural commodities in Texas.

True: As one of the fastest growing sectors of agriculture in the United States, Texas’ green industry includes wholesale nursery, greenhouse and sod growers, landscape architects, designers, garden and home centers, and lawn/garden departments. Top 5 agricultural commodities in Texas: 1. Cattle 2. Dairy products 3. Chickens. 4. Cotton 5. Green Industry.

Pecans are a heart healthy food.

True: Naturally occurring antioxidants in pecans may help contribute to heart health and disease prevention. Research shows that adding just a handful of pecans to your daily diet may help inhibit unwanted oxidation of blood lipids, helping prevent coronary heart disease.

Texas uses more of its corn for ethanol production than livestock feed.

False. While many of the states in the Midwest are using corn to produce ethanol, Texas uses approximately 96% of its corn for livestock feed. Biofuel is the name of the game these days in Texas as Texas AgriLife Research scientists are developing a drought-tolerant, high-biomass sorghum that can approach 20 feet in height under favorable conditions and could produce more than 2,000 gallons of ethanol per acre.

Cowboy Up!

Answers: A; D; B

Pete Scarmardo founded Scarmardo Cattle Company in 1974. Scarmardo is the most recent winner of the Ag Impact award from the B/CS Chamber of Commerce.

True or FalseThe green industry ranks #5 among agricultural commodities in Texas.

True: As one of the fastest growing sectors of agriculture in the United States, Texas’ green industry includes wholesale nursery, greenhouse and sod growers, landscape architects, designers, garden and home centers, and lawn/garden departments. Top 5 agricultural commodities in Texas: 1. Cattle 2. Dairy products 3. Chickens. 4. Cotton 5. Green Industry.


Rodeo Culture and Cowboy Style The smell of leather and manure fill the air. Dirt is caked around the crowd-goers’ boots, but their atten-tion is diverted elsewhere. They watch patiently, waiting for the resounding “clang” of the gate as it swings open and releases the storm of a horse, fu-riously trying to rid its back of the rider whose steadfast grip and metal spurs don’t show any sign of easing up.

Everyone in Texas has an of what it means to be a cowboy, but attending a rodeo is the only place where most people can see the real deal in action. Rodeo competitions separate the peo-ple who wear boots as a fashion statement from those who wear them with purpose the way a trained cutting horse separates a cow from the herd.

Shawn Branscum, a lifelong rodeo attendee and competitor, knows what it’s like to be in the arena. “It’s like jumping out of

an airplane,” he says. The com-petitors are cowboy thrill-seek-ers, and the rush keeps them coming back for more. “It’s kind of like riding a roller c o a s t e r : you know the thing is prob-ably going to make you sick, but you’ll try the next one anyway.”

an airplane,” he says. The com-petitors are cowboy thrill-seek-ers, and the rush keeps them coming back for more. “It’s kind of like riding a roller c o a s t e r : you know the thing is prob-ably going to make you sick, but you’ll try the next one anyway.”

Top: Father-son duo Bryce and Shawn Branscum have incorporated rodeo competition into their family lifestyle, often traveling to competitions.

Right: Titanic, supplied by PRCA stock contractor Sammy Catalena, tries to rid himself of excess baggage. Owner of Catalena Hatters in Downtown Bryan, Sammy says cowboy style follows trends: the “Gus” hat, above, became popular after the movie Lonesome Dove was released.

Bottom left: Catalena Cowgirls.


Branscum competed bareback in his twenties before taking a break to focus on fam-ily. “The rodeo lifestyle is hard on a family, es-pecially when the kids start going to school,” he says. Competing requires travelling over long distances, and the family is sometimes left behind. Today, Branscum and his children still compete in and attend rodeos. Branscum par-ticipates in team roping with his son and his twin daughters run barrels, pole bend and tie goats. “My main accomplishment is helping my kids,” he says.

The rodeo has undergone a few cul-tural changes since it began. The party scene has transitioned into a family, God-centered

event. Rodeos will often fol-low a church service, and a

prayer is said at the be-ginning. “It has changed quite a lot,” Branscum says. “Or maybe we’re just getting older and we’re the ones who’ve

changed.”

Sam-my Catalena

of Catalena Hatters has been in

the rodeo industry for years. “We consider rodeo

our last tie to the old west,” he says. Catalena started in high school

with his uncle’s rodeo business before joining the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.

“Today it’s an entertainment business, just like the movies,” Catalena says while noting the changes surrounding the rodeo. The rodeo is there to give a first-class performance and ap-peal to all ages. “The days of going just to go are over,” he says.

Catalena is a PRCA Stock Contractor and member of the Bryan Breakfast Lion’s Club As-sociation. Stock contractors are responsible for bringing in “rough stock” for the different areas in the rodeo competition.

Catalena has not only seen changes in the rodeo, but also in the cowboy style. There is one thing that hasn’t changed: “All cowboys wear hats,” he says. Catalena Hatters provides custom-made hats that are shipped all over the world, and the cowboy fashion is moving for-ward. The crease, brim and crown of the iconic cowboy hat change depending on the time and region. Cowboys adopted the hat styles worm

has transitioned into a family, God-centered event. Rodeos will often fol

low a church service, and a prayer is said at the be

ginning. “It has changed quite a lot,” Branscum says. “Or maybe we’re just getting older and we’re the ones who’ve

changed.”

Sammy Catalena

of Catalena Hatters has been in

the rodeo industry for years. “We consider rodeo

our last tie to the old west,” he says. Catalena started in high school


by the film stars in the 1980 movie “Ur-ban Cowboy” until they switched to the “Gus Hat” after the television mini-series “Lonesome Dove” premiered in 1989.

It’s hard for peo-ple not in the west-ern wear industry to determine who is a “real cowboy” and who is not by appear-ance, but in the arena, it all becomes clear. Most contestants have known what it means to be a cowboy their entire life, choosing to dedicate their time and ability to rodeo and the cowboy way of life.

Rodeo Rules!Merchandise, stats, star players and divi-sions – it may sound like basketball or foot-ball but it’s really a

horse of different color. Rodeo is a major sports

phenomenon that incorporates all the same

things surrounding any other popular sport ex-

cept these athletes wear boots, and instead of

a 250-pound linebacker coming for you, it’s a

2000-pound bull.

Every rodeo is sanctioned by a specific or-

ganization with the Professional Rodeo Cow-

Left: Jacobs Crawley of the Texas A&M Rodeo team on Painted Valley at the College National finals rodeo last June in Casper WY. Crawley won that go-round and went on to become the national champion collegiate saddle bronc rider.

Top: Part of a rodeo family, Bailie Branscum barrel races.

Bottom: Shiloh Seale of the Texas A&M Rodeo team prepares to compete in the team roping at a college rodeo last year in Kingsville.


boys Association being the largest. The Nation-al Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, which is divided into regions, is for college participants who want to compete and gain experience be-fore moving on to the big leagues. “Going from college rodeo to the PRCA is like going from the NCAA to the NFL,” says Sammy Catalena, PRCA stock contractor, says.

Texas holds a number of rodeos every year with the Brazos Valley hosting many of those events. The Brazos Valley Expo Center is where the majority of the rodeos in the area are held. Dr. Al Wagner, Texas A&M rodeo team coach, produces two rodeos each year under the NIRA.

This year’s Intercollegiate Rodeo will be March 23-24 at the Brazos Expo Center and will draw in schools from all over the region. Participants must be a member of the PRCA and attend on of the 15 participating schools. Tickets are available at Cavenender’s Boot City ($8 in advance; $10 at the gate; $6 for student tickets with ID).

The All Aggie Rodeo held in September is for current and former Texas A&M students and participants are not required to be PRCA members to compete. The event draws some 250 participants and brings in alumni from all over for the competition.

Catalena is a member of the Bryan Break-fast Lion’s Club Association which holds a rodeo every year at the Brazos County Expo Center. Coming in April, the three-night event draws around 300 cowboys from all over to at-tend and compete. The event features family

entertainment, specialty acts and the Catalena Cowgirls. Tickets are $10 and $8 for children.

Even city slickers have heard of the Hous-ton Livestock Show and the Brazos Valley has been sending livestock to the Houston Live-stock show for a few years now. Members of the community 4-H Club have the option of showing their stock during the Houston show or sending the animal there to enter the food chain, says to Eric Zimmerman, Texas AgriLife Extension Service agent for Brazos County.

Eats ‘n Feats – Ag Business and the EconomyEver look down at the leafy greens or roasted chicken sitting on your plate and wonder where it came from? If your answer is “the grocery store” you need to move a little lower on the food chain. Those involved in the agribusiness world understand that food production starts long before you pull that frozen chicken from the freezer section and they spend their days making sure the grocery store shelves are always stocked.

Agriculture influences all industries – from the fiber produced to make the shirt you’re wearing down to the corn that’s grown for ethanol.

“Agribusiness is big business for Brazos County,” says Dr. Jim Mazurkiewicz, chair of Agriculture Committee for the B/CS Cham-ber and head of communications for AgriLife Extension at Texas A&M. “Not only is it the

second largest industry in Texas, it makes up a significant economy in the Brazos Valley.”

The agriculture industry provides some $760 million a year to the Brazos Valley, accord-ing to an Agriculture Economic Impact Study undertaken 15 years ago. That figure is esti-mated to be close to $1 billion today, Mazurkie-wicz says. “[The Brazos Valley] is considered a regional hub for ag business here,” he says.

Most people who get involved in world of agriculture start early, and the 4-H club is a positive way for children to see the impact of agriculture in all aspects of the community.

“[4-H kids] understand the production of agriculture starts at the farm and ranch instead of the grocery store, and without it we wouldn’t have the most abundant, cheapest food source in the world,” Eric Zimmerman, Texas AgriL-ife Extension Service agent for Brazos County, says. “It teaches them where food comes from at the grassroots level.”

The 4-H Club also teaches children the economic impact of agribusiness. The meat and goat sale held at the Expo Center brings in livestock prospects for upcoming shows. Peo-ple from all over the state attend and purchase livestock for the next season, Zimmerman says. The event draws outside dollars into the com-munity that’s spent on meals, hotels and pur-chasing the animals. Agribusiness Business Award

Recognizing that it’s the individual busi-nesses involved in the agriculture industry that make the Brazos Valley an agribusiness hub for the state, the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce recognizes outstanding local

businesses each year for their contributions to agribusiness. This year, Gooseneck Trailer and Scarmardo Cattle Company were recognized at the Cham-ber’s annual Ag Breakfast, a yearly event that brings produc-ers and consumers together for a farm-fresh breakfast cooked by local farmers.

The Agribusiness Award and the Agricultural Impact Award have been presented by the Chamber since 1982 in rec-ognition of the fact that more than 375 agribusinesses employ more than 8,000 local residents and contributes to an economic impact of more than $1 billion.

The purpose of the Agri-business Award is to recognize an ag producer or agribusiness that significantly contributes to

4H Clubs offer even city kids the opportunity to learn about the ag industry.


Championship Sponsors

Sponsorships start at $250.Tickets are $60 and are on sale now.

Saturday, February 18, 20126 to 11 p.m.

Brazos County Expo

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the economic vitality of the food and fiber in-dustry in the Bryan/College Station and Brazos County Community. Brazos Valley residents know the local company and its nationally rec-ognized “brand” as “Gooseneck Trailer MFG. Co., Inc.” or simply as “Gooseneck.” The brand name that has become a household name. David and Mark Carrabba, owners of Goose-

neck Trailer MFG. Co., Inc., have been building Gooseneck Trailers in

Bryan for almost 50 years and the company is known for their durable and de-pendable heavy-duty trailers.

“My dad G o o s e n e c k Trailer owners David and Mark

Carrabba and their revolutionary trailer de-sign were recognized as this year’s Agribusiness Award winners. was in the business of custom harvesting and cotton pickers and he noticed a lot of farmers needed cotton trailers, and no one around here was making them,” David says.

The community was satisfied with Car-rabba’s work and asked if he could produce a gooseneck trailer. The cotton trailers phased out and the Carrabbas have produced goose-neck trailers ever since. “Probably about 95 percent of our business is outside a 100-mile radius of Bryan, so we’re bringing in a lot of money to the local economy,” Carrabba says. The business employs up to 200 hundred peo-ple and has continued to thrive since it was in-corporated in 1965.

The development of the gooseneck style trailers revolutionized the ranching and farm-ing industry by allowing the individual farmer

and rancher the flexibility of larger loads and more efficient and expedient transport of their livestock and agricultural products using their same trucks, which hadn’t been possible in pri-or years with the limitations of the old bumper pull style trailers. In addition, Gooseneck Trail-ers makes various industrial and specialty types of trailers, as well as frac tanks for the oil and gas industry. David and Mark Carrabba have liter-ally grown up in this family business, working continuously to ensure that each year the hall-mark of their Gooseneck Trailer, “Built stronger to last longer” remains the byword for the many thousands of loyal Gooseneck customers.

David and Mark Carrabba are also major contributors to the economic growth through their ownership and operation of a number of other businesses in the community including Carrabba Industrial Park, Austins Colony Sub-division and other residential developments, GSI Oil & Gas, and Carrabba Brothers Partner-ship Farm.

Also following in the family tradition of philanthropy and strong support of their com-munity as they have done since the Carrabba family first settled in this area in the 1900s, Da-vid and Mark continue to be major contribu-tors to local youth through their decades of support for 4H and FFA, as well as their strong support of local hospice programs, St Joseph Regional Health Center Foundation and St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.

AGRICULTURALIMPACT AWARDThis award recognizes a local business, contribu-tor or volunteer who has impacted the Bryan/College Station Community and/or Brazos County agriculture programs through leader-ship, donations and personal volunteer efforts.

Pete A. Scarmardo and his wife Jo and their fam-ily have been lifelong residents of the Brazos Val-ley. Married for 38 years, they have three sons: Scott, Craig and Ty. In addition, Pete and Jo have 2 grandchildren and one on the way. Pete and his family have beenlifelong members of St. An-thony’s Catholic Church in Bryan and Pete was a member of theArmy Reserves for six years.

Pete founded Scarmardo Cattle Company in 1974 and is nationally recognized as one of the top cattle order buyers and cattlemen in the United States. He is respected as a man of integrity throughout the cattle industry. Scar-mardo’s love of agriculture began more than 40 years ago when his father ran cows and was a row-crop farmer. Pete preferred cattle to farming and Scarmardo Cattle Company is the result. Pete’s cattle operation has expanded over the years to include ranches in Robertson, Brazos, Burleson and Milam counties. In 1991, Pete purchased Lone Star Grain Company and has owned and operated Brazos Valley Live-stock since 1998.

Outside of his business responsibili-ties, Pete serves on the board of directors for the Texas Cattle Feeders Association and is a member of the Houston Livestock Show Com-mercial Steer Committee. Also, Pete serves as the Livestock Superintendent for the Burleson County Youth Livestock Show, is a member of the Texas A&M Agriculture Council for Texas A&M AgriLifeand has supported the “Taste of the Brazos Valley” Chamber of Commerce Ag Breakfast for several years.

Pete has been recognized by his peers for his contribution within the community and he has received the Bryan/College Station Cham-ber of Commerce Ag Business Award in 2004, the Louisiana’s horseman of the Year award in 2010 and the Friend of 4-H award for Out-standing Service from the Brazos County 4-H program in 2011. i

Pete Scarmardo, Scarmardo Cattle Company

Gooseneck Trailer owners David and Mark Carrabba and the company’s revolu-tionary trailer design were this year’s Agribusiness Award winners.


LIFESTYLE by Travis Lawson

At Sand Creek Farm, the old Way is New Again

Farming

&&&Personal

Farming

&&PersonalPersonalUp Close

26 INSITE February 201226 INSITE February 2012

As soon as you get out of your car the smells, sounds, and visual beauty of the farm overwhelms your senses

Cows graze out on the pasture; pigs trot around amongst the clucking chickens and crowing roosters. The Godfrey’s family dog chases the hogs from one side of the pastor to the other, while children clip clop past on horseback.

Sand Creek Farm is a place where doing things the “old fashioned way” is also the new way to farm by sustainably producing high-quality organic produce, meat and dairy products.

However, Sand Creek Farm is more than just a farm offering events, tours and classes for people of all ages.

Owner Ben Godfrey had always wanted to raise his children in the country, but there was just one problem:

his wife was more cosmopolitan than cowgirl and he knew getting her to move to the country would require some effort.

IN ThE SMALL ToWN oF CAMEroN, 57 MILES NorThWEST oF b/CS, IS A UNIqUE WINDoW INTo ThE PAST ThAT ThE WhoLE FAMILY CAN ENjoY.

“My wife was a city girl so I enticed her out into the country with a bigger house.”


IN ThE SMALL ToWN oF CAMEroN, 57 MILES NorThWEST oF b/CS, IS A UNIqUE WINDoW INTo ThE PAST ThAT ThE WhoLE FAMILY CAN ENjoY.

“My wife was a city girl so I enticed her out into the country with a bigger house,” Ben says. “We got out there and she fell in love with the farm life.”

Ben admits he did not realize the farm would grow into what it has today. The family started with only a couple of milk cows.

“We thought we would do some homesteading things like milk cows and make our own cheese and butter, really a sustainable lifestyle is what we were shooting for,” Ben says.

Soon Ben was producing more than enough dairy products for his family. He decided it was time to start selling the extra milk he was getting from the cows on the market. For that, he would need a license to sell the milk. A milk license is not cheap, and Ben realized he would have to buy more cows to make enough milk to cover the license.

“We got a couple more cows to average out the expense of getting

“There’s a lot of people who come out to the farm who have never seen a pig before, so when they walk out amongst the pigs and scratch one on its back, you can see that look they have.”


farm who have never seen a pig before, so when they walk out amongst the pigs and scratch one on its back, you can see that look they have,” Ben says. “The other side of it is a lot of older people come out who grew up this way and they relate to it and you can just see the memories flowing

through their minds.”The farm is also

for people who want to buy high quality organic food. Ben says most of the customers who buy meat, dairy or produce from

the farm are those people who are looking for grass-fed cows, soy-free products or completely organic produce. The farm provides people with what Ben calls an “untypical” American diet.

“So many people don’t know where their food comes from anymore,” Ben says. “They think chicken comes boneless and they think milk comes from a jug.”

One of the events families enjoy is the

wagon ride. Ben says the wagon ride is so popular because families not only get to show their kids how things were once done, but it also gives families a chance to bond and do something together.

“Getting out and about and getting right in there amongst the farm animals is a great experience,” Ben says. “A lot of families have never taken a wagon ride around a farm so it gives them something to do that is fairly unique.”

Beyond farming, Sand Creek Farm provides area for many outdoor activities such as camping, hog hunting and trapping. Hog hunting actually benefits the farm because they tear up the fields at night. Soap making classes are also offered for families and individuals looking to learn a new trade.

For more information about Sand Creek Farm visit www.sandcreekfarm.net where an events, class and Farm Day schedule is listed. To schedule a private tour, contact Ben at [email protected]. i

a license and the next thing you know we were in dairy,” Ben says. “Then I sold my company and became a fulltime farmer, and that’s how it evolved.”

Today, Sand Creek Farm sells everything from produce to homemade yogurt. A visit to Sand Creek Farm offers a chance to not only see how chicken and pork are processed, but also the hands-on experience of processing a chicken and milking a cow.

Farm Days, which occur at least once a month other than July and August because of the heat, provide families with the chance to picnic, make butter and collect eggs. These activities give people an opportunity to re-live their past or experience something they have never done before.

“There’s a lot of people who come out to the

The farm is also for people who want to buy high quality organic food.


bUSINESSbRIEFS denise Fries, owner of Fries Financial Services, was selected for Research Magazine’s Hall of Fame published in the December issue. Fries was selected for the magazine’s 21st annual recognition of leaders in the financial services industry who demonstrate superior client service and community involvement.

Fries began her financial planning career while serving in the U.S. Army Reserve in 1984. Today, she has the largest retirement assets under management in the Texas A&M University system for professors, faculty and staff.

In addition to being a top producer at independent broker-dealer Securities America, Fries owns two other businesses: Taylor Made gluten Free bakery and a property management company. Among her businesses, she devotes at least two days a week to charities and lends her management and organizational skills to local non-profits.

“She has a bright spot perspective,” says Janine Wertheim, president of Securities America Advisors. “She knows how to put the

President’s Circle Award Ceremony, which took place during keep America beautiful’s 58th annual National Conference in New Orleans, LA. The president’s Circle Award recognizes exemplary performance made by certified affiliates of the national nonprofit to

reduce litter, minimize waste, and beautify and improve their local communities. The mission of keep brazos beautiful (kbb) is to educate and engage brazos County citizens to keep our community clean, green and beautiful.

The leaders of the Brazos Valley Food Bank’s Because Hunger Won’t Wait Capital Campaign are dedicated to addressing the problem of hunger in the brazos Valley. Kroger has stepped forward to donate $100,000 to kick off the campaign, recognizing that

if people are hungry, they cannot work, they cannot do well in school, and they cannot properly care for their families. To find out how to help with the because Hunger Won’t Wait Capital Campaign, call (979) 779-3663 or visit http://www.bvfb.org/donate.html i

right perspective on things and look for the bright side.”

If you know someone who would like to join the Bryan Citizens Police Academy now is the time to join. Twice a year citizens have a chance to partner with the bryan police Department to see the inner workings of their police department through the Citizen’s police Academy. The program is free; the 10-week course meets one night each week from 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. Classes are held at the bryan police Department. An application may be obtained from the bryan police Department website at www.bryantxpolice.com or at the police Department lobby.

The Better Business Bureau is soliciting nominations for the BBB Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics. The Torch Award is the highest honor the bbb can give to a deserving business. It is an award that crosses all industry and product lines and centers solely on ethical behavior in the marketplace.

The bbb’s Torch Award looks for businesses with high ethical standards in dealing with customers, employees, and suppliers; effective, straight-forward advertising; friendly, helpful employees; or simply a good reputation built by a history of solid business practices within the

community. A nomination form is available on the bbb website, www.bryan.bbb.org, or by calling (979) 260-2222. Deadline for submission is February 22.

Keep Brazos Beautiful received the Keep America Beautiful President’s Circle Award at the

In January, Music director and Conductor Marcelo Bussiki and the Brazos Valley Symphony musicians presented the Annual Children’s Concerts.

In two performances to packed Rudder Auditorium audiences, the symphony performed live symphonic music for more than 3,000 area children. The brazos Valley Symphony season traditionally includes a unique experience for 4th and 5th grade students in the brazos Valley. This program was recognized for excellence by the Texas Association of Symphony Orchestras and presented with the 2010 Education grand Winner Award.

The number of Texas A&M university and Blinn College students who visited the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum rose by nearly 20 percent in 2011 over the previous year, according to new attendance numbers from the bush Library and Museum. In 2011 there were 4,978 Texas A&M and blinn

students who visited the bush Library and Museum, a 19.18 percent increase over the 4,177 total in 2010. Texas A&M and blinn students represented one of the fastest growing populations of visitors to the library and museum last year. “Student engagement and involvement is part of our mission to promote civic literacy and one of the main reasons president bush chose to build his library on a university campus, and especially here at Texas A&M,” says Warren Finch, director of the bush Library and Museum. The bush Library and Museum offers free admission to all Texas A&M University System and blinn College students (with ID) all the time; for more information go to bushlibrary.tamu.edu/students.

insite magazine february 2012

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