tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20834842680284074752024-03-26T11:58:00.310-05:00The Sanders BlogRonald K. Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08286105015650478238noreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083484268028407475.post-22230859698604817132024-01-19T14:18:00.003-06:002024-01-19T14:18:52.512-06:00Betty Boop and movie ratings<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__llgom7v5zFhP_pP9Z0PLQVCUUriSC8ffz-Uws9et8MyvppyieuRA3xHcWRXSiv5LhvxyxWNL0zqi-LUrrW9eEON3BDH3MltPgDhoe7hSsi4BvjLgbaeRCWY_uX4r6qOHW5gP3S3e-rpX0V33I0jiGhOcm0UF9PlNsrVd20RX9VPv7XY1BBOoeQu4J6x/s262/420124374_10229616747790577_1882656429774412611_n.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__llgom7v5zFhP_pP9Z0PLQVCUUriSC8ffz-Uws9et8MyvppyieuRA3xHcWRXSiv5LhvxyxWNL0zqi-LUrrW9eEON3BDH3MltPgDhoe7hSsi4BvjLgbaeRCWY_uX4r6qOHW5gP3S3e-rpX0V33I0jiGhOcm0UF9PlNsrVd20RX9VPv7XY1BBOoeQu4J6x/s320/420124374_10229616747790577_1882656429774412611_n.jpg"/></a></div>The motion picture rating system was developed and is in place through the motion picture industry itself.<p>
It is not enforced by law. It started with the Hays Code, whose impact reached as far as the Betty Boop cartoon.<p>
Here's more about Hay's Code and the motion picture rating system<p>
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hays_Code"><p>
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motion_Picture_Association_film_rating_system?fbclid=IwAR3HfIiNITfA6LQ0iKYX1imkJ9Zj8ZMCl4__CZ4iTkXrFdaMZiMmgt73XwU"></a>
Ronald K. Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08286105015650478238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083484268028407475.post-57013072889235330882023-10-12T16:26:00.000-05:002023-10-12T16:26:51.899-05:00The 6th Annual Party Under the Bridge, the rest of the storySix years ago, the State of Texas had every intention of tearing down Wharton’s Colorado River Bridge. Then along came Marilyn Sebesta.<p>
You will not find a more soft-spoken person than Marilyn Sebesta. But that does not mean she’s not persuasive. She went from public meeting to public meeting, giving every reason under the sun why this old historic bridge should not be replaced. She argued that it should be fully restored instead.<p>
It was fully restored instead.<p>
Marilyn, a much-honored retired county extension agent, busted a bottle of grape juice on the metal base at the bridge’s grand reopening.<p>
But before that grand reopening occurred, another person came to the scene. He had a great idea. He’s Paul Webb. Paul is an attorney, actually Wharton’s city attorney.<p>
Paul asked me to come to his office. He told me we should not let the bridge reopen without a significant marking of the occasion. He said let’s have a party.<p>
Party Under the Bridge was born. On Thursday, Oct. 19, it will be the sixth consecutive annual event. It will be from 5 to 7 pm at Dinosaur Park, with a puppet show, train rides, free T-shirts, a petting zoo, and food trucks. Paul and his wife, Cindy, have been the sponsor every year since inception.<p>
Back, six years ago, Paul suggested we visit, first, with the folks from El Campo, as they have had much success with food trucks events. Not many people were doing it at the time.<p>
So city of El Campo folks came to our chamber for a brain-storming meeting. It was they, not us, that actually came up with the name “Party Under the Bridge.” And we collaborate with the city of Wharton and many, many others to pull this off each year.
This is one more example that great things happen when people collaborate. It’s always a team effort.<p>
Like the great baseball player of yesteryear, Bill Taylor said, “Players win games, teams win championships.”<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJPIwsTzT-Sa1sUxkXoepFCsboVe2Bq4Bhpb8INiRv50pm9YhnE1YTp3i01kmfmRaPP8RiSXPm5PvYcTbeG586bFKC5ssNTE9DSeKh4Db0TGnDVBTX6i8jbhQyGcX2ttQz5x7uPrtB47A5BtVrAa-pZwwLwYJM0Tgxu9c2wt-bLCuhDFp2IXp1UbBdpln/s4032/IMG_3185.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJPIwsTzT-Sa1sUxkXoepFCsboVe2Bq4Bhpb8INiRv50pm9YhnE1YTp3i01kmfmRaPP8RiSXPm5PvYcTbeG586bFKC5ssNTE9DSeKh4Db0TGnDVBTX6i8jbhQyGcX2ttQz5x7uPrtB47A5BtVrAa-pZwwLwYJM0Tgxu9c2wt-bLCuhDFp2IXp1UbBdpln/s320/IMG_3185.jpeg"/></a></div>
Ronald K. Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08286105015650478238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083484268028407475.post-91974116293616227172023-03-17T09:58:00.002-05:002023-03-17T09:58:40.113-05:00Listen more, judge less<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1fIAjoLZvAQ6_BnsLFnajiAzHBm8bMXXDyCOcFV6gkMfkSNHHNqlDFq2Zjhb51xhlSceHKHHfvQpd2IIuhtI1Q_ixAQD6I4K3Hk5CrCmeE8lJC9WasZjkhkApnFNQHSZF3MApppXn8ormYy1Zd60Rws5g1MnXmdWomNkqP5yIVMRiRO-0i5ISDXvhEg/s1200/0*98gvFrcV-LeDyRFP.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1fIAjoLZvAQ6_BnsLFnajiAzHBm8bMXXDyCOcFV6gkMfkSNHHNqlDFq2Zjhb51xhlSceHKHHfvQpd2IIuhtI1Q_ixAQD6I4K3Hk5CrCmeE8lJC9WasZjkhkApnFNQHSZF3MApppXn8ormYy1Zd60Rws5g1MnXmdWomNkqP5yIVMRiRO-0i5ISDXvhEg/s320/0*98gvFrcV-LeDyRFP.jpg"/></a></div><p> Where I grew up, I can count on two fingers the number of public school teachers that made a difference in my life. That may not seem like a lot, but it was enough.<p>
I am reflecting about my long-ago education after reading a short letter to the editor in Wednesday’s Houston Chronicle. It was about Dr. Bertie Simmons, who enjoyed a celebrated life as a Houston educator.<p>
<p> <p> The letter explained how Dr. Simmons was brought out of retirement to lead a failing school, Furr High School. She inspired great change. Instead of failing, Furr began to succeed in a big way. I will gladly share the letter with you. Much has been written about her in the news media. She wrote a book; I’m buying it.<p>
<p> I don’t want to debate whether this letter is factually correct or not, or whether she did all these things. I came from a home broken to pieces. I had a couple of educators who were like what this letter talked about. They inspired me to believe in myself.<p>
<p> The greater the turmoil in a child’s life, perhaps the more perilous the journal can be to adulthood. Not everyone learns the same. But we must find a way to inspire all young lives. Otherwise, it’s call for inaction, not action.<p> Ronald K. Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08286105015650478238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083484268028407475.post-23257553958892437992023-02-20T14:29:00.000-06:002023-02-20T14:29:03.854-06:00Our Chamber Banquet Honorees<p>We will be honoring three well-deserving people at the 104th Annual Banquet of the Wharton Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture to be held Thursday, March 9. Here is who they are and a little bit about them:<p>
<p><b>Business Person of the Year 2023</b><p>
Russ Baird started HealthStar International Inc., an international recruiting agency for physical therapist and nurses, and he ran the company until recently turning it over to his daughter Erin. Now, his total time is devoted to restoring and remodeling the buildings that he has owned for more than 20 years in downtown Wharton.<p>
<p>Most of the buildings have been through multiple renovations over the years, the first of which was new roofing for all buildings. It now continues with major restorations to bring all buildings up to useable conditions while retaining the atmosphere of our downtown.<p>
<p>After serving in the U.S. Army and after obtaining his Master’s Degree in Science in Physical Therapy, he went to work for Wharton-based Physical Therapy Associates, which was founded by Tom Carlson. Between 1974 and 1995 he held many different positions with PTA, HealthFocus, Associated Healthfocus and Rehability Corp. Around 1995, when Rehability bought HealthFocus, he bought these buildings in downtown Wharton from Rehability, which moved all offices to Brentwood, Tenn.<p>
<p><b>Educator of the Year 2023</b><p>
Fritz Zarate is a math specialist for kindergarten through 12th grade. He has been in education for 20 years. He worked 12 years in the Philippines and the last eight years in Wharton ISD. He is married 119 years to his wife, Marge Zarate. They have four children, Dominic, Miguel, Xyrus and Francesca.<p>
<p>He was named Teacher of the Year in 2020, Wharton Junior High Teacher of the Year in 2020, and Wharton ISD Secondary Teacher of the Year in 2022. Zarate also won Educator of the Year for the Edwards Ministerial Association Image Awards in 2022.<p>
<p><b>Volunteer of the Year 2023</b><p>
Karen Smith has been instrumental in furthering the Wharton community as a volunteer and serves as president of the Wharton Lions Club. Karen takes pride in her love for her family, church and her community. She says "We Serve" is not just the Lions Club moto but also one she lives by.
<p>She has been employed as safety manager at JM Eagle for the last 21 years. She has lived in Wharton County for 29 years with her husband, Rick.<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu_cT4mJRfa3hRaSbqq31aazwedhxpIGUk65KQB5NPucLanMCxLTWrvtNNKIpstHu_br9o3jT5bO0rfPIXlDH5T24VIW_-hiuF3UQBHY9vBiTlNRe5ZIat82hRahvCFNEEb4sZyhYFgqKSyY3pz4zA4O1b9wXPtpOUIDECDXpzqKMkK6NLPY-XZ6PK5w/s4260/three%20honoreers%20group%20photo.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="4260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu_cT4mJRfa3hRaSbqq31aazwedhxpIGUk65KQB5NPucLanMCxLTWrvtNNKIpstHu_br9o3jT5bO0rfPIXlDH5T24VIW_-hiuF3UQBHY9vBiTlNRe5ZIat82hRahvCFNEEb4sZyhYFgqKSyY3pz4zA4O1b9wXPtpOUIDECDXpzqKMkK6NLPY-XZ6PK5w/s600/three%20honoreers%20group%20photo.jpg"/></a></div>
Ronald K. Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08286105015650478238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083484268028407475.post-51563844013424306482023-02-13T14:04:00.000-06:002023-02-13T14:04:11.624-06:00The Billie H. Jones Leadership Academy<p>One of Billie Jones’ accomplishments while she ran the Chamber of Commerce was the creation of a leadership class. It’s back. After a long hiatus, a new class will begin this fall.<p>
<p>We’ve named it after Billie, too. It’s called the Billie H. Jones Leadership Academy. The inaugural class will start in September 2023 and go through March 2024, meeting on the second Friday of each month.<p>
<p>The Academy will be a topic, too, at the chamber’s next Lunch and Learn, which will be held Friday, Feb. 17, at the Wharton Civic Center (You can still buy tickets.).
<p>The new Leadership Academy has been a long time in the making. It will be a function of the Wharton Chamber’s Community Enhancement Fund, a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation, which is an arm of the Wharton Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture.<p>
<p>The heart of the program, however, belongs to Shannon Haltom, who designed the program and will lead each session.<p>
<p>Shannon is well known for her skills and is a Maxwell Leadership Certified Trainer. She owns Run Your Race Leadership Consulting Service of Wharton. She was born and raised in the Wharton area and is committed to making Wharton a better place. We are thrilled to have her.<p>
<p>Shannon describes the academy as a hybrid of in-person events, from workshops to field trips, including entrepreneurial skills, customer service and finance.<p>
<p>The application due date is June 30, 2023. Cost is $200. A limited number of scholarships will be available. The Mary Louise Dobson Foundation is a major funder of the academy.<p>
<p>You can find out more at the chamber’s Lunch and Learn on Feb. 17. Contact a<a href="admin@whartonchamber.com">dmin@whartonchamber.com</a> or 979-532-1862. You can get tickets on line at <a href="whartonchamber.com/news">whartonchamber.com/news<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVitj2aB16BSfglKcrHkb8NBJKQd09A6J4KO4NXQHFHW1Iox5t4aYl7p67y9x-t5HDpPKJ9OVAfRYDFvBaIA-Oiqm3Vq16hztn_Frg_yZb302Rnjk0bACPzl29FCgaS2ZRO4dpnUP_fUdgfi6FwjrELRqv_FgiUkJe-BM5c7lmH1XwObADD6j0ZRkMJg/s3757/Logo-The%20Bille%20H%20Jones%20Leadership%20Academy%20of%20Wharton-1.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="200" data-original-height="2988" data-original-width="3757" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVitj2aB16BSfglKcrHkb8NBJKQd09A6J4KO4NXQHFHW1Iox5t4aYl7p67y9x-t5HDpPKJ9OVAfRYDFvBaIA-Oiqm3Vq16hztn_Frg_yZb302Rnjk0bACPzl29FCgaS2ZRO4dpnUP_fUdgfi6FwjrELRqv_FgiUkJe-BM5c7lmH1XwObADD6j0ZRkMJg/s200/Logo-The%20Bille%20H%20Jones%20Leadership%20Academy%20of%20Wharton-1.jpg"/></a></div></a>.<p>Ronald K. Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08286105015650478238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083484268028407475.post-77837319343745237702023-01-30T10:26:00.001-06:002023-01-30T10:26:13.822-06:00New sidewalksWe are about to experience a bout of new sidewalk construction.<p>
<p>Gwyneth Teves, the city’s director of planning and development, says Wharton will use grant funds of nearly $800,000 in two separate projects. One is called the Wharton Safe and Accessible Routes, and the other is called the Main Street/Downtown Revitalization Project.<p>
<p>The accessible routes will build all-new sidewalks with the city responsible for engineering and a 20 percent match of $159,000. Construction is expected to begin this spring. The new sidewalks will focus on neighborhoods around Sivells Elementary, Wharton High School, Wharton County Junior College, and Wharton Junior High School.<p>
<p>The downtown project will focus on reconstruction, new sidewalks, and ADA curb ramps in sections of eight streets in central Wharton. The city is responsible for a $52,000 match. Teves expects work to be done this coming summer.<p>
<p>She says this downtown grant is the first of its kind. Wharton has benefited from three previous grants in the safe and accessible routes program.<p>
<p>Many cities across the United States omitted sidewalk construction as life revolved around motor vehicles in the 20th Century. There is a new emphasis, however, on walkable connecting neighborhoods.<p>
<p>Houston is talking about this very thing, according to news reports this week. The city of Houston will no longer require new housing developments to build sidewalks. This is because many felt the new sidewalks can lead to “nowhere.” In other words, there were occurrences of the sidewalks not conntecting to other sidewalks; they just stopped.<p>
<p>Now, developers would just pay a fee so the funds will fit into overall plans. The fee is estimated to be $3,000 per lot.<p>
<p>It’s a worthy thing to have walkable neighborhoods and commercial districts. I hope to write more about this in the future. Say “yes” to sidewalks.<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJXCRBnJd1k6khmFI3CtFhiNS_LNSDzdh_bFEHcA6HEilOI9kILoDWms5zZUrJPHbLzkxkXvaNE0tg_mM2DtQ6PoS8Naaee0GxukBuh4RcUXZ9D6qH-co4WQ96Q32-YTEc8Ts_Pg2l8yWYfQ1ir88YKaqx70GUN-191H0FZWlBA3-9P1rr93Vkk0ykQ/s6600/2019%20TA%20Project%20Limits%20Map%2008262021.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="5100" data-original-width="6600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJXCRBnJd1k6khmFI3CtFhiNS_LNSDzdh_bFEHcA6HEilOI9kILoDWms5zZUrJPHbLzkxkXvaNE0tg_mM2DtQ6PoS8Naaee0GxukBuh4RcUXZ9D6qH-co4WQ96Q32-YTEc8Ts_Pg2l8yWYfQ1ir88YKaqx70GUN-191H0FZWlBA3-9P1rr93Vkk0ykQ/s400/2019%20TA%20Project%20Limits%20Map%2008262021.jpg"/></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxQBqLm8tet_7pjMTAiv3DX-5xUXP8CVbdF1tXBnUGlc6vqZv_sUHvB5D4xd6sDX90FC6T0hwuPeZy6GBw7fPcp643-zBPfRoZlTg1woR4z8INLAJughkZARL0q7FCnG6KyLSDk6Phc5txe8VR0-Wy75tqGCzQNTE4W7wt2u7HAD520aSn0weAPcNGw/s6600/Pages%20from%20WHR%20TXCDBG%20Area%20Map%20and%20Project%20Site%204-4-2021%20%281%29.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="5100" data-original-width="6600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxQBqLm8tet_7pjMTAiv3DX-5xUXP8CVbdF1tXBnUGlc6vqZv_sUHvB5D4xd6sDX90FC6T0hwuPeZy6GBw7fPcp643-zBPfRoZlTg1woR4z8INLAJughkZARL0q7FCnG6KyLSDk6Phc5txe8VR0-Wy75tqGCzQNTE4W7wt2u7HAD520aSn0weAPcNGw/s400/Pages%20from%20WHR%20TXCDBG%20Area%20Map%20and%20Project%20Site%204-4-2021%20%281%29.jpg"/></a></div>
Ronald K. Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08286105015650478238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083484268028407475.post-46169231053035934022022-10-21T10:19:00.001-05:002022-10-21T10:19:11.627-05:00Mozelle Stephens, our chamber parade marshal<p>For many years, Mozelle Stephens quietly has nudged Wharton in the right direction, toward fairness, respect, love, progress, and kindness. She has done this, not in front of a microphone, not in front of a big crowd, but by just being … herself.<p>
<p>So, it is about time to bring her to the limelight which she never really sought. We are proud to announce that Mozelle Stephens will be the Parade Marshal of the 42nd Annual Wharton Chamber Christmas Holiday Parade.<p>
<p>Mozelle is 87 years old. I think I can tell you that she is not in the best of health. Frankly, she should have been honored years ago. But this is her year.<p>
<p>I met Mozelle as a young reporter in the early ‘80s as I covered the construction and dedication of a community center in Spanish Camp, Texas. Mozelle’s most memorable impression on me was her smile and her warmth. It was as genuine as genuine can be. I still feel it.<p>
<p>One guy I know has the same smile and warmth. He came by it honestly. That’s Adryalle Watson, her great nephew.<p>
<p>“She is the nucleus of our family,” Adryalle said. “She is always the one we call on, just like in the community. We share her with the community.”<p>
<p>“She is a very compassionate person. She just loves people,” he said. And, “she does not take no for an answer.”<p>
<p>The parade will be Tuesday, Nov. 22. Adraylle will be with her.<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIr5X-iSZ7juFHk7DyfCRjyk2_QLA4hy7pJMClYINVFTemmA7k67XtJCCGYWn-N9bVY-wVe8pg2wG3SFLfmaUaURObCmQntKgeBXWWuLmp9-xHgsP9swEBBqBgQvm7WfQyE_Zob03D7At6VBSSPuytXTyzzXtbOdGbTjqiOpemRIrc_kS5oAxikaFKCw/s478/Attachment.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIr5X-iSZ7juFHk7DyfCRjyk2_QLA4hy7pJMClYINVFTemmA7k67XtJCCGYWn-N9bVY-wVe8pg2wG3SFLfmaUaURObCmQntKgeBXWWuLmp9-xHgsP9swEBBqBgQvm7WfQyE_Zob03D7At6VBSSPuytXTyzzXtbOdGbTjqiOpemRIrc_kS5oAxikaFKCw/s400/Attachment.jpg"/></a></div>Ronald K. Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08286105015650478238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083484268028407475.post-3029449908118199922022-09-26T15:59:00.001-05:002022-09-26T15:59:08.200-05:00Kristi Kocian to be next chamber board chairKristi Kocian, owner of Custom Creations, will begin Oct. 1 serving as board chair of the Wharton Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture. And four new members will join the board also on Oct. 1.
Kocian will replaces Chad Faucett of Edward Jones, completing his two-year term as chair.
The four nominees are :
— Kristina Crouch, Branded Bliss Western Wear.
— Betty Vick, the Plaza Theatre.
— Joe Freudenberger, OakBend Medical Center.
— And, Lizzy Rodriguez, Holiday Inn Express & Suites.
These four would will replace board members completing their three-year terms: Richard Lockley, Wharton Feed & Supply; Debra Evans, the First State Bank; David Tripulas DDS; and Lacy Border, Flowers It Is.
Also, here’s a reminder of upcoming chamber events.
Oxygen Orchard is a new member and will have a chamber ribbon cutting at 5:15 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13. Located at 1113 N. Fulton St., Oxygen Orchard makes oxygen-infused water purification products.
And the chamber’s Fifth Annual Party Under the Bridge will be Thursday, Oct. 20. It is sponsored by Paul and Cindy Webb and will be from 5 to 8 p.m. at Dinosaur Park.
And the 42nd Annual Wharton Chamber Christmas Holiday Parade will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22. Chairman Jeff Rainer’s committee is putting together all the plans now and glad to announce the theme: “Santa’s Workshop.”
Everything takes a team, and we thank you all.Ronald K. Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08286105015650478238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083484268028407475.post-30268186305211550332022-08-19T09:32:00.003-05:002022-11-09T16:29:14.432-06:00Nate/Nathan and the House of Ho<p>My doctor is a TV celebrity. He’s Nathan Nguyen, M.D., who also is a co-star of the “House of Ho,” a reality TV series starting a new season at HBO Max on Aug. 25.
Google says: “House of Ho follows the life of the Ho family led by patriarch Binh Ho, a Vietnamese family who are living the American Dream in Houston, Texas.”<p>
<p>I should learn more about this show (but I am too cheap to buy a subscription to the channel.<p>
<p>In the promotional poster, my doctor is wearing a brightly colored tuxedo with no stethoscope around his neck.<p>
<p>Also, his first name is stated as Nate although his shingle at the Mid-Coast clinic in Wharton, Texas, states his first name as Nathan.<p>
<p>Nate/Nathan is a great guy and a great doctor. Nate/Nathan has been my doctor for a long time and will likely continue to be until he reads this.<p>
<p>I need to be serious for a moment. There are so many things that make Wharton a unique place in which to live and visit. It’s totally cool that Dr. Nathan/Nate adds<p> another interesting layer to Wharton’s unique story.<p>
<p>It’s our story, and no one else’s.<p>
<p>And now for something completely different.<p>
<p>I have been conversing with BlenderBot, Meta’s artificially intelligence. BlenderBot tells me it “lives” in Florida.<p>
<p>BlenderBot did not know a darn thing about Wharton, Texas. That’s disappointing. But now that’s changed.<p>
<p>You’re welcome.<p>
<p>My next conversation with BlenderBot will cover Nate/Nathan and the House of Ho.<p>
<p>“Players win games, but teams win championships.”<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWy6RXLL5FZMhpVzDwCAOCPH08b8oWDatu6yQ4McMuDzA5MV10fYBij4UzS2BPtU-o-7ToDerWt71zXN1RlsjUc0mPwfQTuUZW1WTsaLiLqD5Zx6_FiDcQI-VJBDBXgUuzpbWM-JehxocK1mEMoryz6_rkgEE_Ghxqqd3oV3ZxgZTI_vPdfEq3steVZw/s2074/IMG_3622.heic" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" height="600" data-original-height="2074" data-original-width="1400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWy6RXLL5FZMhpVzDwCAOCPH08b8oWDatu6yQ4McMuDzA5MV10fYBij4UzS2BPtU-o-7ToDerWt71zXN1RlsjUc0mPwfQTuUZW1WTsaLiLqD5Zx6_FiDcQI-VJBDBXgUuzpbWM-JehxocK1mEMoryz6_rkgEE_Ghxqqd3oV3ZxgZTI_vPdfEq3steVZw/s600/IMG_3622.heic"/></a></div>Ronald K. Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08286105015650478238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083484268028407475.post-7848219922338509482022-08-15T08:05:00.000-05:002022-08-15T08:05:06.876-05:00Pierce Ranch, Junk Mail, Teacher Goodie BagsThis coming Friday, Aug. 19, will be the final day to reserve tickets for the Wharton Chamber’s next Lunch and Learn.
Laurance Armour, general manager of Pierce Ranch, will tell us about the past, present and future of the 150-year-old ranch just south of Wharton. And renewable Energy will be the centerpiece of that future, with Acciona Energy Global presenting the second half the program.
The Lunch and Learn will be from 11:30 am to 1 pm Tuesday, Aug. 23, at Simply Divine, 300 W. Milam St.
Tickets are $10 and include a box lunch. For tickets, call us at 979-532-1862, or email us at helpdesk@whartonchamber.com, or buy direct at whartonchamber.com/lunch-and-learn, or come by the office at 225 N. Richmond Road.
Thank you to our sponsors: Mid-Coast Title Co., InsuranceNet, Wharton Journal-Spectator, H-E-B, My Storehouse Mini Storage, KULP Radio, Wharton County Junior College, and Constellation Energy.
Moving on, I’d like to revisit a column a couple of weeks ago — it created several interesting conversations. It was about the drag on life and commerce from junk emails. Among those expressing interest was Dr. Garland Novosad, who told me much of the ]nonsense came from one email account, sbcglobal. And after he explained is thoughts, I did my own checking and concurred — much of my own nonsense was also from sbcglobal, an account I have concluded I do not even use, even though it is still active.
And now for something completely different. Our chamber staff and volunteers assembled 85 goodie bags to distribute to new teachers to Wharton. Each bag was filled to the brim with donations from Wharton’s businesses and organizations. I think our businesses and organizations demonstrate a deep well of support for our students and teachers. Donors included:
Lions Club of Wharton
Lifestyle Vision
Custom Creations
Roberson Air Conditioning
OakBend Medical Center
The First State Bank
The Ranch Downtown
Cutting Edge Barber Shop
Wharton Eye Associates
Flowers It Is
Wharton Veterinary Clinic
Gary Krenek - Farmers Insurance
H-E-B
Mattress Discounters of Texas
Wharton County Junior College
Whataburger
Sparklight
Wharton County Crime Stoppers
Wharton Journal-Spectator
H&M Electrical Services
Sylvan Learning
Joe Southern
Iago Federated Church
And, Gulf Coast CASA
Thank you. “Players win games, but teams win championships.”
Ronald K. Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08286105015650478238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083484268028407475.post-28099732163480317462022-08-01T09:16:00.002-05:002022-08-01T09:18:06.073-05:00A pile of junk<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrmwIddEZ5zzdtPh_A4BYfskh5zzpV8lg2oHRZhH8vh5VTHIN06IxKEjQgTQXFlkiFMcd7wq2mqnkb31Rtpe5h8rppXsRSpm4rqifVxEbx_TPLCTnzxXauQzQ6qaGKLYwIk2IYkG6OOuxlVP4uKvDU7Hzu6IukS-5gGOnFKR6C0A7IsFgIfzgteqe_Q/s400/Stop-Junk-Mail.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrmwIddEZ5zzdtPh_A4BYfskh5zzpV8lg2oHRZhH8vh5VTHIN06IxKEjQgTQXFlkiFMcd7wq2mqnkb31Rtpe5h8rppXsRSpm4rqifVxEbx_TPLCTnzxXauQzQ6qaGKLYwIk2IYkG6OOuxlVP4uKvDU7Hzu6IukS-5gGOnFKR6C0A7IsFgIfzgteqe_Q/s600/Stop-Junk-Mail.jpg"/></a></div><p>I’ve got lots to contend with. Or at least I thought I did.<p>
<p>It’s a million little things, all coming from bogus emails. Here are some examples:<p>
<p>First, I got this warning saying that my McAfee security software was expiring and needed immediate action. It says: “device at risk, grab your license ASAP.”<p>
<p>I must have several security systems apparently. That’s because I also was informed my Norton security software was expiring, needing “immediate action.”<p>
<p>But there is another company, in addition Norton and McAfee that I allegedly also use. It’s called “Norotn.” My copy of “Norotn” was going to stop functioning too, and I better do something about it.<p>
<p>Yet another subscription (I am not sure of what) would put my PC in “danger” if I let it run out. (Thank goodness I use a Mac.)
<p>The expiration will occur in one month. I get this every month.<p>
<p>And I was being asked to “join the conversation.” On what, I have no idea.<p>
<p>And there’s this lawsuit. Would I like to sue, too?<p>
<p>I can’t use PayPal anymore. I don’t use PayPal. It can stay “frozen.”<p>
<p>And my Norton “Plus” subscription, in addition to the Norton Non-Plus subscription, was going to expire with dire consequences.<p>
<p>You get the idea. It’s all junk. I don’t use Nortons, Norotns, McAfees, or even a PC. I don’t care to see this stuff.<p>
<p>What I do care that his junk clogs the pipes of commerce, and life itself. It’s like driving somewhere and most of the road signs will lead you astray. How do you get anywhere?<p>
<p>(Yes, I can reduce the frequency of the garbage, but it would be a temporary like a thumb in the dike. But I suspect I will also run into emails claiming my thumb is at risk and the dike is embroiled in a lawsuit.)<p>
<p>I don’t just get fake warnings of doom. I also get promises of good stuff.<p>
<p>I won a Weber Grill.<p>
<p>I got a $400 discount offer on a trip to Cambodia.<p>
<p>I also won a $500 gas card.<p>
<p>And a new Yeti Cooler.<p>
<p>And a new Ninja Kitchen System.<p>
<p>And a “Werber” grill.<p><p>
<p>If I really did win all this stuff, I could take it all on my trip to Cambodia.<p>Ronald K. Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08286105015650478238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083484268028407475.post-37918939480568046772022-07-27T15:27:00.002-05:002022-07-27T15:27:17.392-05:00Pierce Ranch<p>The Pierce Ranch — past, present and promising future — will be the topic of the chamber’s Next Lunch and Learn on Tuesday, Aug. 23.<p>
The ranch is a significant part of Wharton’s history since it was founded some 150 years ago, and its significance enters a new chapter with the advent of renewable energy.<p>
<p>Laurance Armour, the ranch manager, will be the speaker.<p>
<p>Also on the program is Acciona Energy Global, which plans a major renewable energy farm at the ranch south of Wharton.
<p>The Lunch and Learn will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 23, at the Simply Divine Lunch and Tea Room, 300 W. Milam St., Wharton. It will include a box lunch with tickets going on sale next week.<p>
<p>Website referrals — more and more of them:<p>
Someone looked for information about a Wharton business or organization some 950 times during June at whartonchamber.com.<p>
<p>The referrals originate from our on-line membership directory, where people click on a member listing so they can call on the phone or click to their websites to find the business or organization, or ask for more in-formation.<p>
<p>These businesses or organizations received eight or more, some in the 50s to 80s include:<p>
James Simmons Jr. Juneteenth Committee.<p> Caney
<p>Creek Nursing & Rehabilitation.
<p>Friends of Wharton Animal Control.
<p>Boys & Girls Club of Wharton.
<p>Burkes Outlet.
<p>Acciona Energy Global.<p>
<p>Mary Louise Dobson Foundation.<p>
<p>Fun Town RV.<p>
<p>Destination Ford.<p>
<p>Wharton Knights of Columbus.<p>
<p>Bossed and Blessed.<p>
<p>Collaborative Communities Management Co.<p>
<p>Texas Vintage Chicks.<p>
<p>Jetstream RV Resort.<p>
<p>J-M Eagle.<p>
<p>Texas Gulf Recycling.<p>
<p>Johnna Sheek, CPA.<p>
<p>Oxygen Orchard, Inc.<p><p>
<p>Beni's Italian.<p>
<p>Stewart Title.<p>
<p>Wharton Civic Center.<p>
<p>CrossFit 1710.
<p>Whmton Lions Club.<p>
<p>Big Country Home Inspections.
<p>Branded Bliss Boutique.<p>
<p>Country Pride Real Estate.<p>
<p>Kristy Quijas Photography.<p>
<p>And, Scottish Inn and Suites.<p>
<p>Thank you. “Players win games, but teams win championships.”<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3sboFHTlpbcghV7J0AWVFynq5v8jXPkb9FIzEghAOYW6MOcot7TkG2LSOoQLA_U7TeOsZHnMXev-S2-TmUMiOKm4PMyhD0IvIBpQY8ONYq7e6LGLP1PFysX_5uApezC_tRZV6oPQwcnDnfGu-uqzRSAOOm1WNk3-hA5P9KiES8BS1oPqwo373GsplyQ/s6600/Aug.%2023,%202022%20poster.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="6600" data-original-width="5100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3sboFHTlpbcghV7J0AWVFynq5v8jXPkb9FIzEghAOYW6MOcot7TkG2LSOoQLA_U7TeOsZHnMXev-S2-TmUMiOKm4PMyhD0IvIBpQY8ONYq7e6LGLP1PFysX_5uApezC_tRZV6oPQwcnDnfGu-uqzRSAOOm1WNk3-hA5P9KiES8BS1oPqwo373GsplyQ/s400/Aug.%2023,%202022%20poster.jpg"/></a></div>Ronald K. Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08286105015650478238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083484268028407475.post-38749724911913153832022-07-12T11:21:00.000-05:002022-07-12T11:21:01.442-05:00Go with what you know<p>Owning and running a small business is not for the faint hearted. It takes all kinds of moxie.<p>
<p>And in today’s economic climate, it seems to be getting harder, not easier, with the challenges of workforce, the state of the economy, supply chains, and the mood of consumers. It ain’t easy. Today’s businesspeople are pioneers.<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0DCRQIE9VBSCLQegAntMD_7cmW5PHW13bA1YOrMnkZSk6db90zFuWhGvJEOPdKdcY3GZ6otZD-EMeMmN-R8tHNBh_z_AE1mwqFIDG0mwz50BlE8oxGQrsMn9gGWCJsdbBzxFNdhQ6lB8Cc9Gzl9-EZ0u8IFalXtgcQgtNfn2OXzpVUnlEDe95yJtzDw/s464/customer-retention-3.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="409" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0DCRQIE9VBSCLQegAntMD_7cmW5PHW13bA1YOrMnkZSk6db90zFuWhGvJEOPdKdcY3GZ6otZD-EMeMmN-R8tHNBh_z_AE1mwqFIDG0mwz50BlE8oxGQrsMn9gGWCJsdbBzxFNdhQ6lB8Cc9Gzl9-EZ0u8IFalXtgcQgtNfn2OXzpVUnlEDe95yJtzDw/s400/customer-retention-3.png"/></a></div>
<p>Free advice — well, there is plenty of it. But one thought may seem encouraging: go with what you know.<p>
<p>One may think it is just a matter of finding new customers, but the Experts say something a little bit different.<p>
<p>They say you should work with what you have, not what you have not. In other words: start with your existing customers.<p>
<p>This is typical of this kind of advice, this one from Forbes Magazine:<p>
<p>“Invest in your client relationships. Focus on your best current customers instead of investing a large amount of money to attract new clients. When you create the best results and experience for your existing customer base, they will want to do more business with you and become an important source of new clients as well.”<p>
<p>Forbes explains further: “Don’t underestimate your relationship currency with clients who already know, like, and trust you and your business. It’s much easier to get a repeat client, through good service and delivering on your promises.<p>
<p>“… Happy clients act as ambassadors for your business and share their experience with other potential customers, in turn helping you to draw in new sales for a much lower cost.”<p>
<p>Are these just empty words? What do you think?<p>
<p>Shop Wharton first. “Players win games, but teams win championships.”<p>
Ronald K. Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08286105015650478238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083484268028407475.post-4122404870663505072022-07-05T11:41:00.003-05:002022-07-05T11:44:08.017-05:00Coffee With Cops Returns<p>Coffee with the Cops is returning. It’s been gone for several years, and the reaction to its return has been enthusiastic from the public.<p>
<p>It will be the first Wednesday of each month, with the first on Wednesday, July 6. The location will be the Simply Divine Lunch & Tea Room, 300 W. Milam St., from 7:30 to 9 am.<p>
<p>The return is the work of two people: Nedra Johnson, owner of Simply Divine Lunch & Tea Room, and Teresa Lilie, Hospice Care Consultant with Hospice Plus.<p>
<p>We are proud to say that the Wharton Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture is the inaugural month’s sponsor.<p>
<p>Coffee With Your Cops dormant several years,. started about 10 years ago at Milam Street Coffee, which was owned by Linda King.<p>
<p>Linda says the idea originated with Ariel Soltura, a detective with the Wharton Police Department. Linda says Ariel saw a flier for a similar event in another town when he was off doing training. He brought it to her, they talked, and the idea stuck. It was well attended all those years.<p>
<p>Our police officers and their fellow first responders got recognized. The rest of us can demonstrate this support by coming to event and even sponsoring the event. We all can get acquainted re-acquainted. We want to know each other, and we should know each other.<p>
<p>Thank you. “Players win games, but teams win championships.”<p>
Ronald K. Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08286105015650478238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083484268028407475.post-71820593262907768382022-06-20T09:18:00.002-05:002022-06-20T09:20:05.506-05:00Wharton and BeyondThe list keeps growing of folks who come from Wharton and go on to be recognized for great things in the big, wide world.
Recently, there’s Roshunda Jones-Koumba, a 1999 graduate of Wharton High School. She received the 2022 Excellence in Theatre Education Award at the 75th Annual Toney Awards. Jones-Koumba is a drama teacher at Houston’s G.W. Carver High School.
And recently, we wrote about Coach Andrea Kearney, a Wharton product who is the head basketball at DeSoto High School, a 6A school near Dallas. Among many other achievements, she won back-to-back state championships at DeSoto. Let’s mention one other: she was named “coach of the year” by both the Dallas Morning News Texas High School Coaches Association.
And there are many others in the past who have long been recognized for excellence far beyond Wharton in Wharton’s history.
Horton Foote (1916-2009) received Academy Awards for his screenplays for the 1962 film To Kill a Mockingbird and Tender Mercies. Foote also received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for his play The Young Man From Atlanta.
Dan Rather was the CBS Evening News anchor whose Wharton home sits on the grounds of the Wharton County Historical Museum. He is well-known for his reporting during Hurricane Carla, the Vietnam War, and Watergate.
Van Broughton Ramsey is a costume designer whose credits include Emmys for the Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All and Lonesome Dove.
From som published lists of some of other notables from Wharton, Texas:
Bert Adams, baseball player.
Jesse McI. Carter, United States Army Major General in World War I.
Larry Dale, blues singer and guitarist.
Thyra J. Edwards, journalist, social worker.
Van G. Garrett, poet.
Albert Clinton Horton, first Lieutenant Governor of Texas.
Jim Kearney, quarterback, Prairie View A&M, Pro Football, NFL Kansas City Chiefs.
Lamar Lathon, former professional football player.
Leroy Mitchell, former professional football player, American Football League.
Robert Parker, track and field coach.
Carl Reynolds, professional baseball player.
Memo Rodriguez, professional footballer for Houston Dynamo.
Heath Sherman, former professional football player.
David McCann "Mac" Sweeney, former member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Billy Waddy, NFL wide receiver.
And who did we miss? Let me know!
Thank you. “Players win games, but teams win championships.”
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLa6whu4XcfWLCl60hYBG0S8XUZ-xwOQiN6jIwzS9ZlxH6QXfP_FiAGH1t8fK96kXcheDuCSziCD02sofLaGwUegoiIS61fZIfKNtiB-1-6kL_8ROxch5yWDZjRA2vncF7qrqGtFZ5iYrqVSboj9G-jhsAvzlh91dhW7uyYpat54Z_mhDLaW8psUMzw/s1763/62a4bad2e5ba8.webp" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1175" data-original-width="1763" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLa6whu4XcfWLCl60hYBG0S8XUZ-xwOQiN6jIwzS9ZlxH6QXfP_FiAGH1t8fK96kXcheDuCSziCD02sofLaGwUegoiIS61fZIfKNtiB-1-6kL_8ROxch5yWDZjRA2vncF7qrqGtFZ5iYrqVSboj9G-jhsAvzlh91dhW7uyYpat54Z_mhDLaW8psUMzw/s320/62a4bad2e5ba8.webp"/></a></div>
Roshunda Jones-Koumba
Ronald K. Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08286105015650478238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083484268028407475.post-63080324620781589192022-06-03T20:44:00.002-05:002022-06-03T20:44:49.895-05:00Andrea Kearney, a winning coach for school, hometown and family
Coach Andrea Kearney does her hometown proud. And no one could be prouder than another coach, her father, Paul.
Andrea Kearney’s list of accomplishments are long, real long. She’s the head basketball at DeSoto High School, a 6A school near Dallas.
For instance, she won back-to-back state championships at DeSoto. One championship, alone, would have made history for the school.
The Dallas Morning News named her “coach of the year.” The same honor also came from the Texas High School Coaches Association.
Among the rest of his accomplishments is this one: head coach at Michael Jordan’s “Jordan Brand Classic” tournament.
You get the idea. She’s something special to Wharton, and to her Mom and Dad, the city and schools of DeSoto, and her profession. And I can’t wait to meet her.
I am also going to talk about her dad, retired Coach Paul Kearney, whom I have known since a small group of people put together the Boys and Girls Club in Wharton years ago. I saw him many a day, back then, at the old gym at Dawson Elementary, with that whistle around his neck guiding young people — what a blessing. The Dawson campus is now the home of Just Do It Now.
I also know Paul, as a musician, a very fine, working musician, in a well-known band, the Superior Band, also with his also talented brother, Cj. I also know Paul for being instrumental in bringing the largest festival here in the history of Wharton, the James Simmons Jr. Juneteenth Celebration.
I feel certain Paul will love me writing about his daughter, but I also feel certain he will not like me writing about him. It’s one of the many fine things about him — his humility.
Wharton is so darn lucky. Thank you, the Kearneys.
And thank you, readers. “Players win games, but teams win championships.”
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3J4f1m0u_FRnykVr3FXnMdZiJcmnCHVh9uivUCaxoJR5550_WnmNnqK_luxHPxIxMm0ygut52bJildub9pywiIxm9s_TfLbd216nY70MZY30jygr2EPJok0fRrtxy6PASbZgHKR_8QogxHFiGLC1L-_Hzy9UVWwsIC14EJmpOX0AWufAZXPQOPf5J9Q/s640/IMG_0417%202.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3J4f1m0u_FRnykVr3FXnMdZiJcmnCHVh9uivUCaxoJR5550_WnmNnqK_luxHPxIxMm0ygut52bJildub9pywiIxm9s_TfLbd216nY70MZY30jygr2EPJok0fRrtxy6PASbZgHKR_8QogxHFiGLC1L-_Hzy9UVWwsIC14EJmpOX0AWufAZXPQOPf5J9Q/s320/IMG_0417%202.JPG"/></a></div>Ronald K. Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08286105015650478238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083484268028407475.post-72509615808436285592022-05-27T15:23:00.001-05:002022-05-27T15:23:55.381-05:00Deadlines and connectionsJust a couple of days are left to sign up to participate in the Wharton Citywide Garage Sale.
This coming Tuesday and Wednesday are the final days. (That will give us time to publish the 2022 Driving Guide and map.)
Locations will be throughout the area. We will have both online and printed Driving Guide. You can pick up the paper kind at the chamber office, 225 N. Richmond Road, on sale days. The online will be posted at whartonchamber.com/garagesale. The map will be digital and available also at whartonchamber.com/garagesale
More connections
Folks went to our website 629 times in April to find where to shop for products and services. They go to the business directory of whartonchamber.com to find these opportunities.
Caney Creek Nursing & Rehab got the most in April, with 33, alone.
Here is the rest of the top 10 on a long list:
Caney Creek Nursing & Rehab, 33.
Boys & Girls Club of Wharton, 32.
Friends of Wharton Animal Control, 27.
Beni's Italian, 22.
R2G Waffle-Wings & More, LLC, 19.
Branded Bliss Boutique, 17.
Country Pride Real Estate, 15.
Burkes Outlet, 14.
Stewart Title, 12.
And, Wharton Civic Center, 11.
The referrels are from our on-line membership directory, where people click on a member listing to call on the phone, or click to their websites to find the business or ask them more information. Thank you. “Players win games, but teams win championships.”
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig2Rv2-dEyQrzevg_35RKy25L4TXNx2PJlqBrVZEBf0MfkxZ5O3FcG9KJaJTAmiWS4lcNK575Dklh1rRJdzaUO2eoA8FL8zdLPlBnXQKpAFIITbfgwvEUgnm5U4dTVLk5YL7lQ7O0AzKtZ-fwQtD64_Sni2ItY5G3QBwMiAvLKbcD-Im6uTwgnHKlnvg/s1200/1200px-Yard_Sale_Northern_CA_2005.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="803" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig2Rv2-dEyQrzevg_35RKy25L4TXNx2PJlqBrVZEBf0MfkxZ5O3FcG9KJaJTAmiWS4lcNK575Dklh1rRJdzaUO2eoA8FL8zdLPlBnXQKpAFIITbfgwvEUgnm5U4dTVLk5YL7lQ7O0AzKtZ-fwQtD64_Sni2ItY5G3QBwMiAvLKbcD-Im6uTwgnHKlnvg/s320/1200px-Yard_Sale_Northern_CA_2005.JPG"/></a></div>Ronald K. Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08286105015650478238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083484268028407475.post-5609881928369083992022-05-02T13:00:00.002-05:002022-05-02T13:00:21.375-05:00Citywide Garage Sale June 3-4Signups have now begun for the 13th Annual Citywide Garage Sale, which will be Friday and Sat-urday, June 3-4, rain or shine.
Last year, we had 56 separate sales across the Wharton area, and we expect to reach or exceed that same level this year.
You can sign up at the chamber office, 225 N. Richmond Road, and you can download the signup form at whartonchamber.com/garagesale or pick it up here.
You must pay a $10 entry fee to participate. There also is a $10 refundable deposit for an official garage sale sign that we will provide to you. The sign is required and must be displayed at the sale location. (When you return the sign after the sale, you will get your deposit back.)
You have to return the registration form to us no later than 5 p.m. Friday, May 27, to ensure your listing in the driving guide.
Today, Saturday, April 30, is a big day. The Wharton County Youth Fair’s Sale of Excellence be-gins at noon at the Crescent Fairgrounds. And the Cops and Rodders Car Show begins at 9 am at Wharton Civic Center. Also beginning at 9 am is the Wharton County Farmers Market at Guffey Park.
Progress takes years to build. Tearing down can be done rather quickly. Let’s keep building. Play-ers win games, but teams win championships.
Thank you.
Ronald K. Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08286105015650478238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083484268028407475.post-17842003471999551322022-04-25T14:13:00.000-05:002022-04-25T14:13:02.405-05:00The Crisis CenterThe chamber’s ribbon cutting for The Crisis Center’s new building in Wharton was a lot more than just a ribbon cutting. It was a shining example of what happens when smart, motivated, and dedicated people build something bigger than themselves.
I’m thinking there was easily 200 people there Thursday evening —supporters from various professions including law enforcement, medical and other services.
The new facility, 602 N. Fulton St., was dedicated to executive director Kelli Wright-Nelson, a certificate of appreciation arrived from U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, and the ribbon was cut during the official ribbon-cutting ceremony by the Wharton Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture.
This facility and program are more evidence that we are on the cusp of great new things in our town and county. We just got to keep on keeping on and not squander opportunities.
The Crisis Center, perhaps, provides the kinds of services that you could ignore until someone needs them.
The Crisis Center’s website describes what they do very well: “The Crisis Center provides services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and/or child abuse. Our goal is to help these victims achieve safety, self-sufficiency and a life free from violence by providing intervention services.”
“The Mission of The Crisis Center is to create an environment where violence and abuse are not tolerated in the comunities we serve by providing crisis intervention services to victims of family violence, sexual assault and child abuse, including providing awareness and prevention services to the community.”
I say we are very fortunate to have them here.
Thank you. Players win games, but teams win championships.
Ronald K. Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08286105015650478238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083484268028407475.post-51633684892273293322022-04-04T11:32:00.002-05:002022-04-04T11:32:26.964-05:00The long, levee<p> <span style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times;"><br />I did not have gray hair, and both my hips were still the ones God gave me, when the Wharton Levee Project was launched.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;">It was clear from the beginning that this would be transformational for Wharton, but it was not clear how long it would actually take.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;">I was still a newspaper reporter at the time. (People liked me back then about as much as they like me now.)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;">As I recall, the unofficial start was inside the city council chambers. The Corps of Engineers were there. The city manager was there. The city council was there. Even I was there. It was a momentous day.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;">There were a few highs and a lot of lows in the subsequent years. Almost doesn’t count.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;">And then Hurricane Harvey struck on Aug. 17, 2017.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;">The scars from wrecked lives and the scars from wrecked homes, and the scars from wrecked businesses birthed a bitter silver lining — the federal approval of the Wharton Levee project.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;">And it was not just federally funded. It was fully funded. With no local “match” required.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;">This will be at least a three-phase project as I understand it. The work on the first phase is expected to begin soon. The price tag of the entire project is expected to be $134 million.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="BasicParagraph" style="font-family: Times; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0in;">An update on the Levee Project will be the topic of the chamber’s next Lunch and Learn, which will be Tuesday, April 19. You can get more information at <span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">whartonchamber.com/lunch-and-learn, or contact <a href="mailto:helpdesk@whartonchamber.com" style="color: #954f72;">helpdesk@whartonchamber.com</a>or 979-532-1862.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;">Thank you, Wharton. “Players win games, but teams win championships.”<o:p></o:p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtAPLG9bOFdFgpa1syD_CXFmXMnW7yEkGroZAKeeJKD1Eo_f5r1wtsAYKW_quW1kRhTSjIEPIePjvgBHFKUP7rdecYO8BRzT6UqtZHJzaDYSo-NxyDn8fIvf2gwJi_JJROUTzlTDxmCaQD3aWumlJKpACkH1UZNovFXHEeHS_tubFEH0NNvArvdMJMMQ/s1280/2454596_092517-ewn-10pm-rtr-wharton-romo-vid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtAPLG9bOFdFgpa1syD_CXFmXMnW7yEkGroZAKeeJKD1Eo_f5r1wtsAYKW_quW1kRhTSjIEPIePjvgBHFKUP7rdecYO8BRzT6UqtZHJzaDYSo-NxyDn8fIvf2gwJi_JJROUTzlTDxmCaQD3aWumlJKpACkH1UZNovFXHEeHS_tubFEH0NNvArvdMJMMQ/w640-h360/2454596_092517-ewn-10pm-rtr-wharton-romo-vid.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hurricane Harvey, Wharton, Texas, Augut 2017.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></p>Ronald K. Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08286105015650478238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083484268028407475.post-68891423544104952862022-03-31T11:10:00.000-05:002022-03-31T11:10:54.763-05:00New Life, New Events<p> <span style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times;">Several events are being planned in the downtown area, further signs of new life and new connections among enthusiastic business owners, organizations and the public.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"> So far, this is what I know: The Second Annual Crawfish Festival is set for April 2. The Saturday Farmer Market season starts on April 9. April 10-15 is the “Bunny Business and the Golden Egg,” with an Easter Egg hunt on April 15, Good Friday. The “Mamacita Sip and Shop” is planned for May 5. And a Monterey Square Jam Fest Fest on May 14. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black;">Jetstream RV Resort<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7YCufm-ASHWRAZuQAf3UmMx9ekIeE32sKxwOuLrZVbmXG4JlKWv37vwiYpAZ6XthS-UOK9BrgbuY82QY0xbS8JKwKBxXPYtxgqvKn-1Bztd7_wEYdbJeM1PL0hCRWbDTlcMCFdylFmGBd-Mq7CJuC-U6t7y7WCj1zFgd6QX7JWZhJOv2uW_EntHLJA/s695/Aerial_View_City_11-9-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="695" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7YCufm-ASHWRAZuQAf3UmMx9ekIeE32sKxwOuLrZVbmXG4JlKWv37vwiYpAZ6XthS-UOK9BrgbuY82QY0xbS8JKwKBxXPYtxgqvKn-1Bztd7_wEYdbJeM1PL0hCRWbDTlcMCFdylFmGBd-Mq7CJuC-U6t7y7WCj1zFgd6QX7JWZhJOv2uW_EntHLJA/s320/Aerial_View_City_11-9-02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: black;"> On Thursday, the chamber participated in the groundbreaking at Jetstream RV Resort, 2601 N. Richmond Road. This is a major expansion, adding new spaces to a total 155, plus adding a clubhouse and swimming pool. Attendees included Mayor Tim Barker (who manned the ceremonial shovel); City Manager Joe Pace; Councilman Don Mueller, WEDCO executive director Josh Owens; Debbie Folks, the chamber board’s membership chair; Debbie’s husband, Jim Folks; Linda King, chamber administrative assistant; and Linda’s husband, Carl King. Representing the company were Tom Campbell, Diana Laughlin and Cathy Lawing.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;"><b>The front entrance<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;"> One of my early memories of moving to Wharton involves a broom.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;"> In my mind’s eye, I can see various downtown Wharton merchants sweeping the front sidewalks of their business establishments — like each morning driving to work in those early years. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;"> First, it showed pride. Second, it switched perspective, from the proprietor’s to a potential customer’s view. And third, it’s a good visual, in and of itself — customers respect business people who care about what their establishments look like.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;"><b>Progress report<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;"> However, blight was evident in those early years (1982 or so). But the Main Street Project arrived, the courthouse was restored, buildings were upgraded, public-private partnerships developed, many small businesses were created, the railroad returned, young people came on the scene, and people are working together. And let’s not forget Buc-ees, Walmart, and the reopening of the hospital.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;"><b>The Levee Project</b></p><div style="text-align: left;">The Levee Project will be the topic of our next Lunch and Learn, Tuesday, April 19, at the Wharton Civic Center. You can get tickets at: </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">whartonchamber.com/lunch-and-learn, or contact </span><span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">979-532-1862 </span><span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"> or helpdesk@whartonchamber.com.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"> </span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;">And yet another project to improve Wharton. Interstate 69, and a future interstate interchange will be created from the extension of FM 1301. And more investment is coming in a big way.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;"> We have come a long way, and we will go a long way.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;">‘Players win games, but teams win championships.”<br /><o:p></o:p></p>Ronald K. Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08286105015650478238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083484268028407475.post-38930286333232865622022-03-14T08:40:00.004-05:002022-03-14T08:40:37.622-05:00Serendipity<p><br /> <span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;">You can go to college to acquire knowledge and skills for just about any profession, from educator to engineer, teacher, accountant, geologist, and beyond. But what about the knowledge or skill to start and run a successful business?</span></p><p><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;">The founder of Best Buy thinks every college should teach students the art and science of being an entrepreneur.</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fefefe; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14pt;">Richard M. Schulze is the founder and chairman emeritus of Best Buy Co. Inc. and founder of The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation. He makes the argument in a column he authored for CNN Business.</span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #262626; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #262626; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">He writes that “teaching students to think and act as entrepreneurs does remarkable things. It motivates and energizes students, it builds their critical and creative thinking capabilities, it focuses them on the ways they can make an impact in the world, and it prepares them to enter the workforce with passion, purpose and confidence. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">“<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBika9OvDaVDQ9KfQgx3l4KxfuaOu9bZrhttBSPuT7GdvAnvr97KgsXR648MeBmONgQIG_xg2MPNal2gJEHsyNdPzIdehJi2FtVFiGX9yzpF1oMRnxB1AXkyqpJ9daJJKeA7udN1sgU6GKYi51yRsM0eXvt-bvfBuzGC1Fc0APeHc-HZeHPX5_QOH2pQ=s698" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="698" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBika9OvDaVDQ9KfQgx3l4KxfuaOu9bZrhttBSPuT7GdvAnvr97KgsXR648MeBmONgQIG_xg2MPNal2gJEHsyNdPzIdehJi2FtVFiGX9yzpF1oMRnxB1AXkyqpJ9daJJKeA7udN1sgU6GKYi51yRsM0eXvt-bvfBuzGC1Fc0APeHc-HZeHPX5_QOH2pQ=w320-h183" width="320" /></a></div><span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #262626; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #262626; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">He adds, “</span></span><span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #262626; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13.5pt;">regardless of whether they start a business or not, students with entrepreneurial training are better equipped to identify and craft opportunities for themselves and their employers, to bring innovative thinking to the problems they face and to mobilize the resources they need to implement new and better solutions.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #262626; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #262626; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13.5pt;">Entrepreneurs are not actually “born,” Schulze says. The become. “Formal education isn't just about learning facts and formulas, although being exposed to a broader range of ideas and knowledge is, of course, invaluable in and of itself. The best education is one that teaches people how to think. And an entrepreneurial education demands just that.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #262626; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #262626; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13.5pt;">I think Schulze makes an important point in this column. He writes about a process of personal growth. It enables a person to make the most of what he or she encounters. Perhaps the right word might be “serendipity.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #262626; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #262626; font-size: 13.5pt;">Serendipity is defined as “</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 13.5pt;">an aptitude for making desirable discoveries by accident.” And that’s no accident.</span><span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #262626; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 13.5pt;">Thank you. “Players win games, but teams win championships.”</span><span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #262626; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #262626; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #262626; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>Ronald K. Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08286105015650478238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083484268028407475.post-46320636635366052022022-03-04T16:07:00.001-06:002022-03-04T16:07:03.265-06:00A judge, and an axe<p> <span style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times;">It took an axe to inspire the construction of the Wharton County Courthouse. Really.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;">The year was 1888. The county judge was W.J. Croom. Judge Croom went to the attic. With an axe.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;">An article puts it best from the <span style="color: black;">Architecture and Design Magazine of Houston:<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in; text-align: left;"><i>The residents of Wharton County were not eager to foot the bill for a new courthouse, but the county judge at the time, W.J. Croom, didn’t necessarily believe the taxpayers should have the final word. To force the issue, the county sold courthouse bonds to fund the new building. Wharton citizens were so mad about this that they took out an injunction to block construction. The judge found out about the injunction, and before it could be served he climbed in the attic of the old courthouse with an ax in hands and began chopping away. When the hole he was carving in the roof was sufficiently large, he declared the building dangerous, clearing the way for a new courthouse.</i></p></blockquote><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">The Architecture and Design Magazine is published quarterly<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>by the Rice Design Alliance, a program of the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rice_University_School_of_Architecture" style="color: #954f72;"><span style="color: black;">Rice University School of Architecture</span></a><span style="color: black;">. </span>You can read whole article at <i><a href="http://rice.edu/2000/07/SavingTheCourthouse_Scardino_Cite48.pdf">rice.edu/2000/07/SavingTheCourthouse_Scardino_Cite48.pdf</a></i>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: black;">The replacement courthouse was completed in 1889. In 1935, the mansard roof was removed as well as the clock tower. The exterior stopped being Victorian and became yellow Art Deco. One-story wings were added on two sides also in 1935, and two more were added in 1949. (Horton Foote wrote that the courthouse with its yellow finish looked like a “block of sulphur.”)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;">In 2006, the full restoration was completed after decades of twist and turns. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;">I remember the heroes that made this miracle happen: David Bucek Sr., David Bucek Jr., Jeffrey Blair, Barbara Young, and so many others. It did not take an axe, but a county judge from El Campo can be seen as the one who tipped the scale, Lawrence Naiser.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;">Wharton County and its people did the right thing.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;">You can experience the courthouse restoration with a guided tour at 11 am Saturday, March 5. The tours are always the same time the first Saturday of each month and are free. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;">“Players win games, but teams win championships.”<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEju59jhFA8CTy_DWr0kxqMJ2g3HToWaWIZGrZDL3l3eacZ_UdrF4MDgv6RifC_XfoBmP3xiC7-Y_fjHY7FxVJBCXQG6LiXyzkoxlxbLDwBayrffZYqjN-AZLnUoBv6W-eVBWxbKYG1v6frGOHlSY0UIppCWsvlV0fsK13R1uH-K0qyQ7WhmsgVJcoU4ug=s6600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6600" data-original-width="5100" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEju59jhFA8CTy_DWr0kxqMJ2g3HToWaWIZGrZDL3l3eacZ_UdrF4MDgv6RifC_XfoBmP3xiC7-Y_fjHY7FxVJBCXQG6LiXyzkoxlxbLDwBayrffZYqjN-AZLnUoBv6W-eVBWxbKYG1v6frGOHlSY0UIppCWsvlV0fsK13R1uH-K0qyQ7WhmsgVJcoU4ug=w416-h640" width="416" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333f48; font-family: Times; margin: 0in;"><br /></p>Ronald K. Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08286105015650478238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083484268028407475.post-27941447640872746702022-02-28T09:34:00.004-06:002022-02-28T09:34:40.487-06:00Dick Hudgins<p>Dick Hudgins is the Hudgins part of Hudgins-Groover Real Estate. But he also is an expert roper and deeply involved in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. And he got his picture in the Houston paper.</p><p>He's on the front page of Wednesday's Houston Chronicle city/state section. It's a great photo; he's giving a roping demonstration at Todler Tuesday at Houston's Discover Green. Dick is a life-time Vice President of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The rodeo is going to start on Monday.</p><p>Now let's talk about food. And the museum.</p><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgS7a-lrGBT-xo83duUqJkEN2DFjbC8wHjlq8RlsA8oODRiECEUcHX3iHNlIhvfSf1NhXeagoHZ7rwesV9WB5VedeHYrJQfBtygT016Qzijd5hqQ0Gk48vJ-DCHXEkiL8BEIvtPMcsC6qbGLvFjNASbpz0Skcoy7k6aGcn3749AP5sRqscsyiKxUNo-Mg=s610" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="610" data-original-width="504" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgS7a-lrGBT-xo83duUqJkEN2DFjbC8wHjlq8RlsA8oODRiECEUcHX3iHNlIhvfSf1NhXeagoHZ7rwesV9WB5VedeHYrJQfBtygT016Qzijd5hqQ0Gk48vJ-DCHXEkiL8BEIvtPMcsC6qbGLvFjNASbpz0Skcoy7k6aGcn3749AP5sRqscsyiKxUNo-Mg=w165-h200" width="165" /></a></div>Do you like to cook Cajun? If so, you should sign up now to cook and share at Gourmet Guys.</div><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cajun cusine will be the theme of the return of the Gourmet Guys at Wharton County Historical Museum. It will be Saturday, April 2. We are told they are looking for cookers. If you are interested, call the museum for details at 979-532-2600.</div><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sandra and I have been at several of these events, and it's always fun. You go around tasting interesting and tasty dishes; the cooks are proud to serve you, and everyone is proud to support the museum.</div><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">In the coming weeks, we will start sharing some new initiatives we will undertake to help Wharton's business community. And we hope to see you at the 103rd chamber banquet on Tuesday, March 3.</div><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">There is much to celebrate. And there is much work to be done.</div><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"Players win games, but teams win championships."</div><br /><p><br /></p>Ronald K. Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08286105015650478238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083484268028407475.post-48955424678622087282022-02-21T09:25:00.004-06:002022-02-21T09:25:34.698-06:00Making Connections, January 2022<p><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><br />Beni's Italian received the most referrals from the chamber's website, whartonchameer.com in January with 26.</span></p><p><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 63, 72); color: #333f48; font-family: Times;">The referrels are from our on-line membership directory, where people click on a member listing to call on the phone, or click to their websites to find the business or ask them more information. Here is the rest of the top 20 (ties count as one):</span></span></p><p><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">Boys & Girls Club of Wharton, 24.</span></p><p class="BasicParagraph" style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxHGEohcFr8MSwV2bNzqbSIijPY_GlSCeuhYzMihoW79sSWUZw5eAOGgMazfzIO9UzBcdhcPLjE45sej_dtX1VR1RbcbiwJVA0P7YTu8Be1qpAB3saiUNpmx5-iNcqhzbqHnTNk_f0kbFXP690v1Xjs8zSs2kgrm8eU7Zu_Xd4SsJ69KVLuGVJFqjKOw=s1920" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxHGEohcFr8MSwV2bNzqbSIijPY_GlSCeuhYzMihoW79sSWUZw5eAOGgMazfzIO9UzBcdhcPLjE45sej_dtX1VR1RbcbiwJVA0P7YTu8Be1qpAB3saiUNpmx5-iNcqhzbqHnTNk_f0kbFXP690v1Xjs8zSs2kgrm8eU7Zu_Xd4SsJ69KVLuGVJFqjKOw=s320" width="320" /></a></div><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">Branded Bliss Boutique, 23.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p class="BasicParagraph" style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">Jetstream RV Resort at Wharton, 23.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="BasicParagraph" style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">Sylvan Learning of El Campo, 21.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="BasicParagraph" style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">DesignerISH, 20.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="BasicParagraph" style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">M. Rae West Boutique, 19.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="BasicParagraph" style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">BSR Properties, 18.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="BasicParagraph" style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">Spherion Staffing, 17.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="BasicParagraph" style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">Stacie's Storage, 17.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="BasicParagraph" style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">Trailer Place, 17.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="BasicParagraph" style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">V8 Ranch, 15.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="BasicParagraph" style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">3 Strands RV, 14.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="BasicParagraph" style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">Country Pride Real Estate LLC, 14.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="BasicParagraph" style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">Friends of Wharton TX Animal Control, 14.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="BasicParagraph" style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">Gary Krenek Farmers Insurance, 14.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="BasicParagraph" style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">Livipops, 14.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="BasicParagraph" style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">Monterey Square Wine & Arts Fair, 13.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="BasicParagraph" style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">R2G Waffle-Wings & More, LLC, 12.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="BasicParagraph" style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">Sacred Care Home Health, 11.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="BasicParagraph" style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">Wharton Training High School & Ex-Students Association, 11. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="BasicParagraph" style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">Caney Creek Nursing & Rehab, 10.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="BasicParagraph" style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">Johnna Sheek, CPA PLLC, 10.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="BasicParagraph" style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">Stockwell Construction, 9.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="BasicParagraph" style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">Wharton Civic Center, 9.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="BasicParagraph" style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">Pilot Club of Wharton, 8.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="BasicParagraph" style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">Collaborative Communities Managment Co., 7.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="BasicParagraph" style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">Exelon Colorado Bend Power Plant, 7.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="BasicParagraph" style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">James Simmons Jr. Juneteenth Committee, 7.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="BasicParagraph" style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">Wharton Knights of Columbus, 7.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="BasicParagraph" style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">Big Country Home Inspections, PLLC, 6.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="BasicParagraph" style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">Gracie James Boutique, 6.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="BasicParagraph" style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">Hungerford Community Center, 6.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="BasicParagraph" style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">Sparklight, 6.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="BasicParagraph" style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">The Orchard at Caney Creek, 6<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="BasicParagraph" style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">Bohemian Rhapsody Shoppe on the Corner, 5.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="BasicParagraph" style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">Honey Do It LLC, 4.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="BasicParagraph" style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">WC, 5.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="BasicParagraph" style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">And, Great Western Dining, 4.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="BasicParagraph" style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><br /></span></p><p class="BasicParagraph" style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">Thank you, Wharton. "Players win games, teams win championships."</span></p>Ronald K. Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08286105015650478238noreply@blogger.com0