Author Archives: Susan Garry

Choo-Choo Fest Returns to Coupland!

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You know you're going to want one of these cool t-shirts!

You know you’re going to want one of these cool t-shirts!

Coupland’s Choo-Choo Fest On August 17 — Fundraiser to Restore Historic Caboose

On Sunday, August 17, beginning at noon, the Coupland Civic Organization (CCO) will partner with Barbara and Tim Worthy, owners of the Old Coupland Inn and Dancehall, to hold the second annual Choo-Choo Fest, a fundraiser for the restoration of the CCO’s historic caboose.

Choo Choo Fest will be held in the beautiful Inn and Dancehall building. The barbecue meal will include delicious barbecue from the Inn and homemade beans, potato salad, coleslaw, bread, and iced tea. Meals will be offered for donations, minimum $10. Soft drinks, bottled water, and beer will be offered separately.

A bake sale will offer homemade desserts whole or by the serving. There will be a silent auction and live bands.

Last year’s Choo-Choo Fest allowed the CCO to restore three exterior sides of the caboose. Hopefully, this year’s proceeds will allow the CCO to restore the fourth exterior side, the windows, and possibly start on the interior. Both the historic Coupland Depot and caboose are owned by the CCO, which is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

City of Coupland Repairs CR 458 Potholes

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Photos by Stewart Dale Spencer

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Coupland residents and others who travel on CR 458 are relieved that the large potholes are now fixed. Before Coupland incorporated as a city, Williamson County was responsible for maintaining CR 458. Once Coupland city limits included the road, the county was not responsible. Before incorporation, Coupland residents were left with the understanding that the county would continue to help with maintenance on this road, because the new city would not yet have the resources for road work. However, after incorporation, it turned out that the county would not help.

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As Mayor Jack Piper reported, “We were all disappointed to find out that Williamson County would not ‘take back’ CR 458 unless the City gave them 1000 feet of land on either side of the road. When asked whether we could execute an Inter-local Agreement to do road repair, the response was that anything was possible but not probable. Thus, the City must take the responsibility to repair and maintain City roads and streets as best we can.”

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The Coupland City Council voted to select the bid of $4,750 from Naivar Construction of Taylor to repair the potholes on CR 458. Naivar Construction also repaired the potholes at the intersection of Hoxie and Commerce in downtown Coupland.

The Travis County side of this well-traveled road has its problems but at least it has no significant potholes and is clearly marked. The Williamson County side is very dangerous to drive at night, without even warning signs on two significant curves.

 

James Naivar, owner of Naivar Construction, reported that as he and his crew were working on CR 458 several drivers stopped to tell him how glad they were that these potholes were being repaired. So the first major project and expenditure of our new city has been a welcomed success.

[Publisher’s Note: Susan and Buz Garry would never toot their own horn so I’ll do it for them. They provided the wood and the supplies to create the warning signs. They put them up . . . and then put one up again after a wind storm blew it down. After the repairs were done, they picked them up and are saving them in case they are needed again. They asked for nothing in exchange and didn’t even ask for reimbursement for their costs. This is community spirit in action! Williamson County would do well to emulate their example.]

Coupland Civic Organization Joins Taylor Chamber of Commerce

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On October 23, the Coupland Civic Organization and the Taylor Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the CCO joining the Chamber as a non-profit organization. The Chamber provides its members services such as publicizing their events.

Thomas Martinez, president of the Chamber, and Barbara Piper, CCO president, made brief remarks to the group. Barbara actually cut the wide green ribbon with a pair of giant scissors. Several other representatives of the Chamber attended, as well as some CCO board members and other community members.

The Coupland Civic Organization (CCO) celebrated ribbon-cutting ceremonies with the Greater Taylor Chamber of Commerce this week. Participating were (front row, from left) Cole Kennedy, Caitlin Kennedy, Susan Schmidt, CCO President Barbara Piper, Brenda Witbrodt, Janie Czimskey, Susan Garry, Becky Sutton, and Sandra Wernli. Also in attendance were Jack Piper, Cole Barton, Buz Garry, Susan Garry, Don Wernli, Mike Schneider, and Marianne Schneider. Representing the chamber were Chamber President Thomas Martinez, Tim Tebeau, and ambassadors Joe Burgess, Pat O’Brien, and board members Isabella Tebeau (Eulenfeld Interiors) and Nancci Maloney.

The Coupland Civic Organization (CCO) celebrated ribbon-cutting ceremonies with the Greater Taylor Chamber of Commerce this week. Participating were (front row, from left) Cole Kennedy, Caitlin Kennedy, Susan Schmidt, CCO President Barbara Piper, Brenda Witbrodt, Janie Czimskey, Susan Garry, Becky Sutton, and Sandra Wernli. Also in attendance were Jack Piper, Cole Barton, Buz Garry, Susan H. Garry, Don Wernli, Mike Schneider, and Marianne Schneider. Representing the chamber were Chamber President Thomas Martinez, Tim Tebeau, and ambassadors Joe Burgess, Pat O’Brien, and board members Isabella Tebeau (Eulenfeld Interiors) and Nancci Maloney.

 

Coupland Civic Organization General Meeting Highlights

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The Coupland Civic Organization met on Monday, September 30, in the Fire Station. Refreshments and visiting began at 6:30 PM. Hospitality Chair Dottie Hahn provided the delicious cake. Before the main program, Lena Ging announced a bake sale to benefit the Coupland Volunteer Fire Department. If the bake sale raises $500, the Coupland Sons of Hermann will match it, making $1,000 for the Fire Department. The sale will be in the Fire Hall on Saturday, October 19, beginning at 8 AM.

ImageThe program was presented by Tanya Suchomel, who was accompanied by her son Wesley and his wife Ashley. First, the 25 attendees filled out a Toxin Checklist, checking on the top sheet what types of cleaners and toiletries they used. Later on in the evening, they lifted up the top sheet to see the second sheet that showed what dangerous chemicals are in the products that were checked. Tanya also passed out a sheet showing known toxins in some name-brand everyday products.

Tanya showed a video, “Toxic Brew,” that discussed toxic chemicals that are in common household cleaning products and detergents. Then, she discussed how toxic chemicals had affected her family. She said that when her youngest son Wes was 11, he started having back aches and then other health problems. Through the next few years, the family took him to different doctors, but, Tanya said, “No doctor could answer what’s causing it.”

Then in 2005, Tanya saw the “Toxic Brew” video. She said, “It set me on a search. Wes was literally wasting away. He was hypersensitive to chemicals. I reached out to try to find alternatives. Vinegar and baking soda go only so far. I found a company that’s been green since 1985.”

Tanya didn’t mention the company name during her talk, but afterwards, some attendees asked her about it and the company is Melaleuca, The Wellness Company. She does not sell their products, but can help others to acquire them. She found that the non-toxic products that are sold in our area are too expensive. She said, “I had to make it affordable.”

She commented, “I was able to detox our home, and in two weeks he was feeling better.” Many of the products that she got rid of contain volatile organic compounds that can affect a person through the skin, breathing, and ingestion. She also said, “I got rid of all the plastic in the kitchen, including Tupperware.” She warned not to use plastic containers or plastic wrap in the microwave; she advises to cover the food with paper towels instead.

Tanya recounted how Wes started quickly growing in height and putting on weight after her change from toxic chemicals, and attendees were able to visit with Wes, now a healthy 25-year-old.

Coupland Students are Back for the Fall Semester

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Coupland School is off to a good start for the 2013-2014 school year.  Superintendent Gary Chandler is happy to report, “Our student enrollment is up slightly from last year.  We now have 107 students.”  The annual Meet the Teacher night, which included a hot dog dinner, was August 22, and the first day of class was Monday, August 26.

This summer, the parking lot was repaired and has not been restriped yet.  It will be re-striped within the next two weeks, but until then parents are asked to remain in their lanes when dropping off or picking up students and to avoid pulling around other cars.  Mr. Chandler asks, “For now, please use extra caution and help keep our students safe.”

Long-time Coupland teacher Marquita Ferguson has retired, and she will be greatly missed.  She taught  two of our daughters and our granddaughter, so we know first-hand what an excellent teacher she is.  She was known for her annual Living History Museum project.  Her students studied the historic person of their choice, wrote and memorized an account of their person’s life and accomplishments, and created costumes.  On the day of the Museum, the students would stand in costume.  Students from other grades and families would tour the Museum.  When visitors pushed a “button” on the historical figure, the student would tell the visitor about their character.  This was a great learning experience in many ways.

Coupland student listens to "Annie Oakley" during Mrs. Ferguson's Living History Museum.

Coupland student listens to “Annie Oakley” during Mrs. Ferguson’s Living History Museum.

Mrs. Ferguson speaks with "Benjamin Franklin" at a past Living History Museum.

Mrs. Ferguson speaks with “Benjamin Franklin” at a past Living History Museum.

Dayna Dyess will be teaching the first grade, and the new third-grade teacher is Laura Steele.  The new Middle School science teacher is Austin Chandler, who also will coach the Cowboys.

The school lost long-time Middle School math teacher Diane Mead.  For several years, Ms. Mead prepared her students so well that they were ahead of students from other schools when they entered high school. The new math teacher is Steven Markowski; he also will assist Austin Chandler in coaching the Cowboys.  Veronica Ruiz is the new PE teacher and the coach for the Cowgirls.

Another loss was technology director Carolyn Lowry.  In addition to teaching computer skills and managing the school’s technology, Ms. Lowry also gathered historic accounts and pictures for the school’s Centennial Celebration in 2012, organized special events, and did volunteer landscaping around the school.

There also are new faces in the school office.  Shelley Stautz, who worked in the office several years ago and is a graduate of Coupland School, is the new business manager.  Joyce Rodriguez is the office assistant.

The Cowgirls volleyball team is already practicing and preparing for their first game on September 5 at 4:30 p.m., which will be at home against McDade.  The Cowboys football team also will  see action at home against McDade on September 5 at 5 p.m.

Coupland Cowgirls volleyball team in action during a previous season.

Coupland Cowgirls volleyball team in action during a previous season.

The PTA has had their first meeting and is planning this year’s Harvest Festival, which will be Saturday, November 9.  They are looking for donations for the auction and raffle.  Their next meeting will be Tuesday, September 3, at 6:30 p.m., in the work room.  The Harvest Festival, with the traditional turkey dinner and many activities, is the PTA’s biggest fundraiser.  Funds are used to help the students—such as buying additional supplies, athletic uniforms, and other things that the school could not afford without this help.

Choo Choo Fest a Huge Success!

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Coupland’s Choo Choo Fest, the fundraiser to restore the caboose, was a great success, raising over $5,800.

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The Coupland Civic Organization (CCO) and the Old Coupland Inn and Dancehall co-sponsored Choo Choo Fest. Thanks to Barbara and Tim Worthy, owners of the Inn and Dancehall, who donated the barbecue dinner, with potato salad, coleslaw, beans, and iced tea.

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The Worthys, assisted by CCO members, served an estimated 200 meals. Sodas and bottled water were sold separately, under the direction of Cole Barton.

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The bake sale, managed by Ruby Wabbel and Dottie Hahn, gathered a huge amount of baked goods, which sold out.

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The silent auction, organized by Becky Sutton and Dottie Hahn, also was a big success, with about 20 tables of items, which included fine art prints, arts and crafts, handmade goods, services, dining coupons, garden items, décor, toys, and more. CCO directors and their families pitched in to help serve the dinner and drinks and to operate the bake sale and silent auction.

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The Dancehall provided music throughout the afternoon, both recorded and live band performances. The planned line dance contest did not take place; the person who was to direct it was unable to attend due to illness.

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CCO President Barbara Piper says, “The CCO would like to offer a huge thank you to Tim and Barbara Worthy, owners of the Coupland Inn and Dancehall for their enormous contributions to Choo Choo Fest 2013. We would like to thank the Elgin Courier, the Taylor Chamber of Commerce, and the Taylor Daily Press for publicizing Choo Choo Fest.” She adds, “A big thank you also goes to Wright Distributing for the great banners; Jody Krankel, Ella Jez, and Jennifer Dollins for forwarding information about our benefit to their email lists, and to KOKE for adding our fundraising effort to their website.”