Being a cooperative member has its advantages

It's National Cooperative Month – a time to celebrate you, the members of the co-op!

A group of neighbors banded together and organized Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative more than 83 years ago. They worked together for the benefit of the whole community, and the newly established electric lines helped power economic opportunity in our community.

As a utility, we provide safe, reliable and affordable energy to our members. But as a cooperative, we are also motivated by service to the community rather than profits. Among the advantages to being a Bluebonnet member are:

• You are a member, not a customer, which makes you a partial owner of the cooperative.
• You elect the members who lead the cooperative — the board of directors — at Bluebonnet’s Annual Meeting on the second Tuesday of every May.
• Bluebonnet members get capital credits every year, which are much like a return on dividends.
• We support the communities we serve, because we live here, too.
• Every year we provide scholarships to students in Bluebonnet's service area and sponsor numerous nonprofit groups and events.

This month and every month, we’re so happy to have you as a member of Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative. Keep an eye on our social media for cooperative stories, videos and giveaways. Plus, learn about your cooperative benefits here.

We asked our members to share some of the things they like about being a cooperative member. Here are some of their comments:

"We have had trees fall on our power lines on more than one occasions during storms. The response is phenomenal and we adore our linemen!!!!"
- Christina Murdock-Gill, Bluebonnet member in Brenham

"I love bluebonnet because of the immediate customer service response time we receive when power goes out."
- Stephanie Locke, Bluebonnet member in Del Valle

"Thank you to all BEC employees! We have always had questions answered and quick response when needed. Easiest app to use and appreciate the text updates when needed. Again thank you all."
- Jackie Gonzalez, Bluebonnet member in Fentress

"During ice storm I had power more than most of my co-workers. It was rolling outages but manageable. They notify of outages and handle them quickly. Good job and thank you."
- Melissa Kleihege, Bluebonnet member in Austin

"The service from Bluebonnet is fantastic, whether is is the customer service call center or the workers who work on the lines."
- Beanie Willis

"Bluebonnet is always quick to respond and I’ve used them for over 40 years. Would never change."
- Lurlene Roch, Bluebonnet member from Dale

"Ya'll keep us up to date on power outages and other things. Thank you."
- Laura Bohmfalk

"Love the Bluebonnet application glad BB embraces the technology!"
- Connie Fullick, Bluebonnet member in Paige

"I love being a member because ya are dependable, fast to respond to outages, great customer service, and fair pricing. Keep up the great work."
- Melinda Garza, Bluebonnet member in San Marcos

"I did not catch her name last week but my son called to get his elec turned on as his roommate had it disconnected. The young lady emailed him all the necessary paperwork & let him know it would be on by 5pm. She was exceptionally nice & handle him (he was upset there was no power & he had a big dog in the house) needless to say his power was on with in 3hrs of his call...I can not thank you enough for your rocking customer service."
- Angela Smith, Bluebonnet member in Maxwell

"The last outage I was kept updated and they worked quickly to fix the issue…even going in the rainy woods to find the issues when it was almost dark!"
- Tia Najvar

"Updates! So appreciative of the level of communication when things go wrong. And for keeping our power on during the snow storms!!"
- Nicki Dunn Morgan

"I appreciate the awesome customer service and the friendliness of the customer service staff that I always receive. And the notifications from BEC when we are having outages."
- Dora Dynette Gonzales, Bluebonnet member in Bastrop

"Great updates, easy to use app."
- Staci Klekar, Bluebonnet member in Brenham

"Always get the job done night or day"
- Johnnie Eckert, Bluebonnet member in Brenham

"We appreciate the prompt updates posted on social media during outages. We know right where to go for info!"
- Austonia RV Resort and Community, Bluebonnet member in Austin

"Always great service and friendly staff."
- Charles Funk, Jr., Bluebonnet member in Bastrop

"When I see a Bluebonnet member, they Light up!"
- Lucy Faz, Bluebonnet member in Bastrop

"Always great service"
- Deborah Deleon Olson, Bluebonnet member in San Marcos

"You send out updates before we can even report a problem most of the time and All issues are always fixed faster than the estimated response time. Thank you for keeping the lights on!"
- Holly Siegmund, Bluebonnet member in Lexington

"I love all the love they show our Community. We are truly blessed"
- Donna Bartsch, Bluebonnet member in Red Rock

"Bluebonnet is dependable, responsible, always doing the best for its members. I still can't believe how fast they restored the electricity after the 2011 and 2015 fires, for which I'm very grateful."
- Nancy Price Koudelka, Bluebonnet member in Smithville

"Dependable, Great Service, Very Friendly and Extremely Considerate for their customers!"
- Michael Pease, Bluebonnet member in Bastrop

"Great customer service, they really care about their customers and restoring electricity as quickly as possible. Thanks for all you do!"
- Janice Becker, Bluebonnet member in Giddings

"Appreciate the reliable service and the great customer service."
- Kenneth Barnard, Bluebonnet member in Paige

"Always friendly. Great services."
- Theresa Sanders Kettler, Bluebonnet member in Brenham

"Great service, always keeping us updated in an outage and quick to return power."
- Kimberly Weldon Abke, Bluebonnet member in Chappell Hill

"Reliable and OUTSTANDING customer service for many years… my husband and I brag all the time about how quick the response is to power outages… we were blessed during the February freeze to only lose power for about 3 hours and even then a truck was on our road within minutes of notification.

I have always appreciated employees being ready to answer any questions we have.. i was able to ask a question about a tree limb we were concerned about because over a power line… we were told put in a work order… we were also told at that time that one tree we had near road will be taken out by bluebonnet!

To know our membership to the co-op is being put to use in such a wonderful, stress relieving way is amazing."
- Emily McLoud

"Bluebonnet is very concerned about hazards that trees pose to power lines and promptly take care of them."
- Robin Barcelo Powell, Bluebonnet member in Bastrop

"We have been members since the late ‘80s. Why do we love Bluebonnet? Because in this crazy world where things change without warning, Bluebonnet has remained a constant. The service. The standards. The easily recognizable commitment. One of my favorite moments was entering a restaurant one day when some Bluebonnet workers were exiting and I got to tell them personally how much we appreciate everything they do for everyone."
- Mary Sariti Comerford

"The best rural electric company. Rates up there with Xcel energy with restoring power and upgrading their infrastructure!"
- Gilbert Zamora, Bluebonnet member in Bastrop

"Love that if power goes out. Notifications and time fixed. Quick Fix. Great Service!!"
- James Kellam, Bluebonnet member in Bastrop

Enjoy the artwork, hometown feel and shopping in Bastrop County

By Laura Castro

Residents here have a standard warning for visitors: You’re going to fall in love with Smithville. The picturesque community of more than 4,000 along the Colorado River in Bastrop County, off State Highway 71 about 40 miles southeast of Austin, abounds with smalltown charm, historic buildings, museums, antique railcars, and oak tree-lined streets and parks. There are popular restaurants, eclectic shops and stylish art galleries scattered along or near historic downtown Main Street. Hollywood chose the town as the backdrop for the hit movie “Hope Floats” with Sandra Bullock and Harry Connick Jr., which was released 25 years ago. That paved the way for Smithville to appear in at least 100 other movies, TV shows, commercials and music videos. Independence Park commemorates the town’s first house and store built in 1827 along the river by settler Dr. Thomas J. Gazley. Decades later, 17 families moved from the riverside to be near the tracks of the Bastrop and Taylor Railway, which started service there in 1887. The train line was extended to Houston and then merged with the Missouri, Kansas & Texas (MK&T or “Katy”) railroad in 1891. That spurred employment and growth that made Smithville Bastrop County’s largest city for over 50 years. A legendary coin toss between two prominent businessmen — Murray Burleson and William Smith — determined the town’s name.

WHAT TO DO

Self-guided tours of the city’s historic commercial and residential districts start at James H. Long Railroad Park and Museum, the 100 block of First Street. Pick up self-guided tour brochures at the Chamber of Commerce and visitor center (in the same building) on weekdays, or grab them from any of three informational kiosks on Main Street. One brochure features a walking guide to 26 historical buildings downtown and, on the flipside, a driving guide to 32 historic homes and churches. Another is a tour map of movie sites around town. You can also find a guide o the historic downtown at explorebastropcounty.com (search for Smithville Historical Downtown Walking Tour) and the movie tour map at smithvilletx.org/tours.

Learn more of the city’s history at Smithville Heritage House & Museum, 602 Main St., open 10 a.m.-noon Tuesday; call 512-629-2197 to schedule a tour.

Smithville is a state-designated cultural district with a vibrant arts scene. Outdoor murals, mosaics and sculptures are all around, many reflecting the city’s railroad history. A swallowtail sculpture near Railroad Park’s Gazebo is dedicated to workers killed in a 1911 locomotive explosion; a bust of town founder Gazley sits in Independence Park, 506 NW Loop 230; and Smitty, a 20-foot-tall replica of the former world’s largest gingerbread man (baked here in 2006) stands next to the chamber.

Several art galleries feature paintings, sculptures, pottery, handmade furniture, mosaics and collages by local and regional artists. Community theater and live music also thrive.

Annual festivals include the Airing of the Quilts & Tour of Homes the second Saturday in November, the Festival of Lights & Lighted Parade the first Saturday in December, and the Smithville Jamboree in April.

Eleven area public parks include Buescher State Park, just north of town, with six miles of hiking/biking trails, a 30-acre lake and campsites; Vernon Richards Riverbend Park on the Colorado River, with camping, fishing, disc golf and more; and Railroad Park, where the Smithville Farmers Market happens every Sunday near the gazebo. Other parks include Veterans Memorial Park-Splash Pad, 311 NW Second St.; MLK Park, 208 Miller St.; and Power Plaza Skate Park, 350 NW First St.

GRAB A BITE

Your Mom’s, 109 NW Second St. Cajun and comfort food, plus a popular chicken-fried steak. 6-9 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, noon-3 p.m. Sunday. Just a few steps away is Hope Floats Ice Cream & Bakery. Noon-9 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, noon-3 p.m. Sunday.

Other dining options ranked high on Tripadvisor.com include:

Comfort Cafe, 111 NW First St. Popular for weekend brunch, cash only (pay what you can), the restaurant supports SerenityStar recovery program. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday-Sunday.

Honey’s, 109 NE Second St. Wood-fi ed pizza, craft beers. 5-9 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday and Sunday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday.

The Front Room Wine Bar, 116 Main St. Drinks and dining in a quiet, cozy pub. 5-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 4-10 p.m. Friday, noon- 10 p.m. Saturday.

Olde World Bakery & Cafe, 112 Main St. Breakfast and lunch. 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.

Fat Cat Lounge and Cafe, 301 Main St. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday- Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday.

STOP TO SHOP

Tour galleries and shop for local artists’ paintings, pottery, furniture and more: Mosaic Art & Home, 218 Main St.; Lost Pines Artisans Alliance Gallery on Main, 206 Main St.; Main Gallery Smithville, 200 Main St.; and Lumberyard Studio, 223 NE First St.

Popular boutiques, gift shops and antique stores include:

Consuela, 110 NW Second St. Popular, one-of-a-kind handbags and totes. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.

Texas Trails Antiques and Marketplace, 213 Main St. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Bella’s Cottage Antiques, 119 Main St. same hours as Texas Trails, except closed Tuesday.

Sources: City of Smithville (ci.smithville.tx.us/for-visitors), Explore Bastrop County, (explorebastropcounty.com), Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce (smithvilletx.org), Visit Smithville (visitsmithville.org), Buescher State Park (tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/buescher)

This is part of a series featuring towns in the Bluebonnet region.