HometownGeorgetown.com

I wrote a press release for a client of mine, Brad Marshall Homes, and I wanted to share it with you all here. I wish Brad had been around when my husband and I were building our home. Brad has a high-tech background, which makes him a very forward-thinking, innovative builder. He sees an opportunity to incorporate the tools of technology into the building process to make the experience better for the homeowner. I love that he provides a client login on his site for each client so that they can go online to check on the budget of their build, look at pictures, etc. Plus, their homes are gorgeous. You really should go look at the Brad Marshall Homes website and check out the gallery.

Brad is also very concerned about the environment, and he’s showing it in a big way. Take a look…

Brad Marshall Homes, a Central Texas custom home builder, has risen to the Builders Challenge issued by the Department of Energy, with an ultimate vision of a net-zero energy home for every American by the year 2030. These grid-connected homes will produce as much energy as they consume. The Builders Challenge is the first step toward achieving this vision.

Brad Marshall Homes has committed to building at least twenty energy efficient homes in Central Texas over the next two years, as determined by an independent, accredited rater. Homes that meet the challenge will achieve a rating of 70 or lower on the EnergySmart Home Scale (E-Scale). The typical new home is rated at 100, and a net-zero home would be rated at 0. This means that owners of qualifying homes will save at least 30% in energy usage on their utility bills over the typical new home.

The E-Scale is based on the home energy rating system established years ago by RESNET, to provide clear answers to consumer questions about a home’s energy efficiency. Brad Marshall Homes will place labels on the power panels of their qualifying homes. As more and more homebuyers become concerned about their homes’ energy rating, labels from Brad Marshall Homes will help increase the home’s resale value.

Brad Marshall Homes is one of only four builders in the Austin area who have committed to meeting the Builders Challenge.

“We’ve always prided ourselves on being green builders,” says president Brad Marshall. “Right from the start, our homes have incorporated many energy saving features, so stepping up to this challenge was a logical move for us. We also put a lot of emotion behind that logic. We’re passionate about making the world a better place for our kids.”

The Builders Challenge aims to help builders and consumers cut through all the “noise” about green building and sustainable building practices, and pinpoint those products that truly make a home more energy efficient.

Brad Marshall homes as earned a solid reputation for building the high quality custom homes, built with precision and perfection. Visit the Brad Marshall Homes website to learn more about their innovative practices for sustainability and their path to becoming a leader in green building.

On Wednesday, July 15th, residents and visitors can meet Georgetown artist Nick Ramos at the Georgetown Public Library, where he’ll sell limited edition, signed and numbered prints of his “At the Library” series, created to draw children into the library’s summer programs. 20% of the proceeds will be donated to the library.

The five vibrantly colored banners celebrate the joy of reading with whimsical scenes. In one, a boy is dressed as a pirate with a parrot on his shoulder. “Walk the plank at the library,” it says. In another, a girl examines mysterious footprints with a magnifying glass, under the caption “Get a clue at the library.” The banners will be on display outside the library throughout the summer.

“I was thrilled to create pieces that would attract attention to all the wonderful programs the library offers for free to the community,” Ramos said. “They give so much to everyone in Georgetown, especially to the children.”

The Georgetown Public Library offers summer programs for children of all ages. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in June and July, the library offers storytime, performances, and crafts for young ones. Teens will make their own video games, take an animation workshop, create a zine (a short magazine), and more. All age groups will enjoy summer reading programs with prizes.

The staff and volunteers designed the summer programs to show kids that adventures can be found inside the pages of a book. Nick Ramos captured this idea with the illustrations he created for the library. He hopes that Georgetown children will take pleasure in having his artwork decorating their bedrooms at home, as well.

Prints will be sold for $35 each. As a special promotion, the price will be lowered to $25 each on July 15th only. Ramos will be available from 10 am to 2 pm. After that date, prints can be purchased online at graphismo.etsy.com.

I’m a member of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce here in Georgetown, Texas, and a big fan. Our Chamber may be the most active in Central Texas, second in size only to Austin, and is probably in the running for most active in the state. When I first moved to town and started my business as a real estate agent, I joined the Chamber at the recommendation of my office manager. I had never owned my own business before, so it was a whole new world for me. The staff at the Chamber made me feel immediately welcome, and the Chamber membership proved to be enthusiastic and welcoming. We all work to lift each other up. There’s a true spirit of camaraderie at Chamber events.

The best money I’ve spent on my businesses - first real estate, then freelance writing - has been my Chamber membership. I love attending the monthly Business Network Lunch. My experience in Leadership Georgetown was beyond fabulous. Heck, I even joined the Chamber’s summer bowling league at Mel’s Lone Star Lanes! (Team Eat, Drink, and Be Looney.) Whatever I’ve given to the Chamber has come back a hundredfold in connections, education, and honest to goodness money in my pocket.

Now I can make my status as a Chamber fan official. The Chamber has launched a Facebook page. I’m a fan, and I’d encourage all other Chamber members to become fans, as well.

The Palace Theatre in Historic Georgetown opens the powerful musical Big River:  The Adventures of Huck Finn on July 17 for a 5-weekend run.  With book by William Hauptman, music by the multi-talented Roger Miller, and direction by David Sray, Mark Twain’s timeless classic sweeps us down the mighty Mississippi as the irrepressible Huck Finn helps his friend Jim, a slave, escape to freedom at the mouth of the Ohio River. Their adventures along the way are funny, suspenseful, and heartwarming, bringing to life favorite characters from the novel, such as the Widow Douglas and her stern sister, Miss Watson; the uproarious King and Duke, who may or may not be as harmless as they seem; Huck’s partner in crime, Tom Sawyer, and their rowdy gang of pals; Huck’s drunken father, the sinister Pap Finn; and the lovely Mary Jane Wilkes and her trusting family. Propelled by an award-winning score from Roger Miller, the ‘King of Country Music,’ this jaunty journey with music to warm the heart and soul provides a theatrical celebration of pure Americana.

Production dates for Big River are July 17-19, 24-26, 31-August 2, August 7-9, and 14-16, 2009.  Friday & Saturday shows are at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday shows are at 2:00 p.m.

Ticket prices for this final production of the 2008-09 Season are $22 General Admission; $20 Seniors (55+); $12 Active Military with ID & Students (16 to 22); and $8 Students & Children (15 & younger). The Palace seats about 295, with reserved seating paid for in your ticket price.  The Palace office in the lobby of the theatre is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. for your convenience.  Purchase tickets and select seating on-line at www.thegeorgetownpalace.org or by calling (512) 869-7469 or (512) 869-5081.  Visa and Master Card are accepted.  Season tickets for the Palace’s exciting 2009-2010 Season are now on sale by phone or in person at the Palace office.

The Palace Theatre is located at 810 South Austin Avenue in Historic Georgetown, just a half-block off the Square.