Ronnie Eckert Named Citizen of the Year; Carmine State Bank is Business of the Year

The Carmine Chamber of Commerce hosted its Texas Mixer at Windmill Ranch Lodge on the evening of Feb. 23. Ronnie Eckert was named Citizen of the Year, and Carmine State Bank, represented by Chris Coufal, was chosen as Business of the Year. Both have done much to contribute to the success of our community and it is appreciated.

Everyone attending had a chance to meet and greet their neighbors and learn more about the residents in their local community. On everyone’s name tag was a place to write the first job they ever had. This sparked quite a conversation among many people. Thanks to everyone who attended.

Two slideshows played continuously showing the many Carmine Chamber activities over the past 12 years.

The Chamber thanks Windmill Ranch Lodge for the location for this event and Robbie Tovey of Southfork BBQ for the delicious brisket and pulled pork sandwiches. Independence Coffee, represented by Ronda Kunkel, generously supplied party favors and fresh coffee, which was enjoyed with cake made by Jennifer Clack of Creative Kitchen Catering.

Door prizes were donated by JW’s Steakhouse, Village Market, Carmine State Bank, Carmine Feed and Fertilizer, Windmill Ranch Lodge, Independence Coffee, and Cottages on Cedar Creek Ranch.

Incoming Chamber president, dent, Courtney Kieke, and the board members honored and showed their appreciation to the outgoing president of 15 years, Marlene Waak, by presenting her a Texas charm with a cutout heart.

Melba and Randy Zingelmann happened to have their 50th wedding anniversary that night, and they were also recognized.

Heritage Committee Meeting Change 

The Heritage Committee quarterly meeting has been changed to Tuesday, March 5 at the Carmine Museum at 10 a.m. It is located in the restored train depot on the south side of highway 290.

The topic for discussion will be “Toys and Activities Enjoyed by Children 19001950 (before TV.)” Bring samples of handkerchief and string activities.

Everyone is invited to come enjoy the discussion.

RT-C School News 

Hands-on learning opportunities are provided by the Round Top Family Library for Round Top-Carmine students at the end of each six-weeks. They include some realistic learning, fun and games. Thanks to the RTFL for providing these experiences.

The RT-C Graphic Design class is eager and willing to enhance their skills in graphic design, while simultaneously gaining real-world experience. If your business or organization would like assistance with creating flyers, menus, invitations, Instagram/ Facebook posts, or any other graphic features, the talented students are willing to help. Please send inquiries to swischnewsky@rtcisd.net.

School bus drivers were recognized on Feb. 22 in appreciation for the miles and miles of service they provide for RT-C students. Drivers are Blake Goehring, Gerald Byrket, Harvey Albers, Randy Beck and Tiffani Brooks.

Congratulations to the following RT-C students on their recent awards and achievements: Maggie Salinas, DAR Good Citizen Award; Peter Kieke, DAR Essay Participant; Caden Tovey, DAR Essay Winner; Lucero Soto, Voice of Democracy Essay and $500 Scholarship Winner; and Connor Fricke, 2nd Place Patriot’s Pen Essay.

Track will be starting soon. Spring Break for RT-C ISD will be March 11-15.

March 22 is a student holiday and professional development day for staff.

March 29 will be a holiday for Good Friday.

Carmine VFD 

Carmine Volunteer Fire Department drill night is March 14 at 7 p.m.

If you plan a controlled burn, first contact the Fayette County Sheriff’s office at (979) 968-5856. In Washington County, call the nonemergency number at (979) 277-7373 to give them your name, location of burn, and phone number.

Bingo for Seniors 

Bingo for Seniors (age 60 and older, plus guests) will be held this Sunday, March 10 at the Ledbetter Community Center from 2-4 p.m. Cost is $5 per card, which covers 10 plus games and prizes. Chips, snacks and drinks are available for a freewill donation.

This is a nonprofit community event for entertainment. MLLC News

The next Lenten service will be held March 6 at Martin Luther Lutheran Church continuing with the series “The Lord is My Shepherd: Psalm 23.” Rebekah group will serve a meal of soup and sandwiches at 6 p.m. with worship to follow at 7 p.m.

Pastor David Tinker will be leading the service with the theme “Anointest my Head.”

Worship Committee meets Tuesday at 4:30 p.m.

Saturday worship with Holy Communion, observing the Fourth Sunday in Lent, is at 6 p.m.

Sunday School is Sunday at 9 a.m.

Sunday worship with Holy Communion is at 10 a.m. Praise Team leads hymns. The Noisy Offering will be collected. The 2024 offering will be given to Cajun Navy, a group from Louisiana who help in times of disaster.

The Rev. David Tinker is the pastor.

Meals on Wheels 

Senior Citizens Meals on Wheels with Combined Community Action meet every Wednesday at Martin Luther Lutheran Church Mission and Ministry Building located at 250 Augsburg Ave. in Carmine.

Come early to play dominoes and enjoy the camaraderie. Hours are 9-11:30 a.m.

Food usually arrives about 10 a.m. and must be picked up by 11:30 a.m. There are five meals in a box along with milk, dessert, and bread. Cost is a donation of $10, which makes it $2 per meal. It is for seniors age 60 and up.

To sign up, come by on any Wednesday morning to fill out the paperwork. For more information, contact Marilyn Wagner at (979) 2774134. Recycling Trailer

The recycling trailer is in Carmine on Thursdays from 1-4 p.m. at the Carmine Hall.

The hours in Warrenton are 8-11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and also 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays. That location is at 600 Huenefeld LN, Round Top, TX 78954.

Hours in La Grange are Tuesdays 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; and Saturdays 7 a.m.-1 p.m. The address there is 210 Svoboda LN, La Grange, TX 78945.

The trailer is also in Fayetteville on Tuesdays from 1-5:30 p.m. Trash bags are accepted at Fayetteville for a cost.

Accepted are clean No. 1 and No. 2 plastic bottles and jugs. Please separate them. Take note that Numbers 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 plastics are not accepted. They also do not take plastic bags.

Also accepted are dry newspapers, telephone books, magazines, cardboard, paper, junk mail, all colors glass, steel food cans and aluminum cans. Attendants are available to help unload.

Visitors’ Center 

The Carmine Chamber of Commerce Visitors’ Center at the restored Train Depot is open on the second Friday and Saturday of the month from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Birthdays 

Birthday wishes are extended to Jeff Flinn-March 5; Samantha Medack-6; Debbie Jacob and James Roemer-7; Terry Pohl and Mia Williams- 9; and Daryl Ray and Brinley Richard-10.

Have News? 

If you have news for the Carmine column, you may email me at w5ten@industryinet. com or call (979) 2783645, or send it to P.O. Box 95, Carmine, TX 78932.