Bluebonnet and LCRA representatives present a $25,000 grant to the Cedar Creek Schuetzen Verein (Carmine Hall) for renovations to the historic community center. The grant is part of LCRA’s Community Grants program. Pictured, from left, are Sherry Murphy, Bluebonnet’s Giddings-area community representative; Kyle Merten, Bluebonnet’s Brenham-area community representative; Stephanie Lamoreaux, Carmine Hall secretary; David Kieke, Carmine Hall treasurer; Byron Balke, Bluebonnet Board Assistant Secretary/Treasurer; Marlene Waak, Carmine Hall board member; Carol Freeman, LCRA board member; Conway Waak, Carmine Hall board member; Margaret D. “Meg” Voelter, LCRA board member; Tom Drummond, Carmine Hall board member; Vicki Drummond, Carmine Hall vice president of external affairs; Cherrie Wines, Carmine Hall president; Wade Eilers, City of Carmine mayor; Tamara Neese, Carmine Hall member; and Kate Ramzinski, LCRA regional affairs representative.

Cedar Creek Schuetzen Verein will soon renovate a portion of Carmine Hall, thanks to a $25,000 grant from Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative and the Lower Colorado River Authority.

The community grant, along with more than $225,000 in matching funds from the organization, will support a complete rebuild of the lower section of the hall, including updates to the kitchen, seating, storage, restrooms, flooring and HVAC system, ensuring Carmine Hall continues to serve as the primary gathering place for local families and organizations.

“Carmine Hall has been the heart of our community for generations, hosting everything from the fire department’s fundraisers to school programs, church events, weddings and family reunions,” said Cherrie Wines, president of Cedar Creek Schuetzen Verein. “Unfortunately, years of wear and limited resources have taken a toll on the building. These upgrades are much needed and will make the hall safer, more comfortable and easier for everyone to enjoy. It’s already a gathering place for so many, and we believe even more people will take advantage of the hall once the work is finished.”

As work begins to upgrade the hall, Wines said that preserving the building’s historic integrity remains a top priority.

“Preserving the historic character of Carmine Hall is very important to us,” Wines said. “Even with these much-needed renovations, we’re committed to keeping the hall as authentic as possible. The exterior walls will be rebuilt with the original board-and-batten design, and many interior features will be reused as facades.”

Wines said the group plans to upgrade the top section of the hall as well in the future. “We wouldn’t have been able to start this work without the grant,” she said. “Carmine Hall has long struggled to secure funding for needed repairs. This support allows us to move forward with the lower hall renovations while continuing to plan updates for the upstairs. Without it, we would have had to rely solely on community fundraising, like our bingo events, which would have delayed these improvements significantly.”

This is one of five grants recently awarded by Bluebonnet and LCRA through LCRA’s Community Grants program, which helps volunteer fire departments, local governments, emergency responders and nonprofit organizations fund eligible capital improvement projects in LCRA’s wholesale electric, water and transmission service areas. Bluebonnet is one of LCRA’s wholesale electric customers and is a partner in the grant program. 

Applications for the next round of grants will be accepted in January. More information is available at lcra.org/grants

Bluebonnet and LCRA representatives present a $13,219 grant to the Carmine Volunteer Fire Department for a new generator. The grant is part of LCRA’s Community Grants program. Pictured, from left, are Kate Ramzinski, LCRA regional affairs representative; Sherry Murphy, Bluebonnet’s Giddings-area community representative; Byron Balke, Bluebonnet Board Assistant Secretary/Treasurer; Cooper Meaders, VFD secretary; Margaret D. “Meg” Voelter, LCRA board member; Ryan Smith, VFD captain; Carol Freeman, LCRA board member; Chris Carmean, VFD fire chief; Dennis Gerland, VFD president; Daryl Ray, VFD vice president; and Kyle Merten, Bluebonnet’s Brenham-area community representative.

The Carmine Volunteer Fire Department will soon replace its inoperable generator with a new upgraded model to help the fire station remain operational even during power outages, thanks to a $13,219 grant from Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative and the Lower Colorado River Authority.

The community grant, along with $3,514 in matching funds from the VFD, will fund the purchase and installation of a new generator to help ensure firefighters can continue 24/7 operations during power outages, including receiving calls for help, refilling air packs, charging devices and maintaining critical communications.

“During hurricanes, wildfires and extreme cold weather events, the station’s new generator will allow our department to provide continued service to our area of responsibility,” said Cooper Meaders, secretary of the Carmine VFD. “We also provide mutual aid to our neighboring departments, so this will benefit the larger community.”

The addition of a functional generator also will enable the department to provide a cool or warm working environment for first responders during power outages.

The Carmine Volunteer Fire Department serves Carmine and surrounding areas in northern Fayette County and by responding to fires, vehicle accidents and medical emergencies. The all-volunteer department plays a vital role in protecting rural communities where backup support can be miles away.

“CVFD’s commitment to provide our local community with 24/7 fire protection and first responder services is our No. 1 priority and this grant helps us achieve our mission,” Meaders said.

This is one of five grants recently awarded by Bluebonnet and LCRA through LCRA’s Community Grants program, which helps volunteer fire departments, local governments, emergency responders and nonprofit organizations fund eligible capital improvement projects in LCRA’s wholesale electric, water and transmission service areas. Bluebonnet is one of LCRA’s wholesale electric customers and is a partner in the grant program. 

Applications for the next round of grants will be accepted in January. More information is available at lcra.org/grants