SHARON BRASS NAMED TEXAS DOWNTOWNER OF THE YEAR
Brenham's Sharon Brass was recently named Downtowner of the Year, a special category of the Texas Downtown Association (TDA) Presidents Awards Program. Since 1998, the Awards Program has recognized more than 150 projects, events and people that make a difference in Texas downtowns.
Brass has been an extremely active volunteer in downtown Brenham for the last six years. She has contributed countless hours to the Main Street program, and has played an instrumental role in the success of projects like Toubin Park and Local History Day.
She works tirelessly to help promote and market Downtown Brenham in many ways, and generously donated proceeds from The Burning of Brenham book, which she authored, to the Main Street program.
Her generous and giving spirit has enabled the Main Street Program to accomplish things that might not otherwise be possible or within the program’s budget. Through sharing her excitement with others, she has successfully brought new downtown supporters on board. Sharon is committed to seeing Downtown Brenham be the best it can be.
Winners were announced at the Presidents Awards Luncheon held in conjunction with the Texas Downtown Development and Revitalization Conference in Granbury. The distinguished jury panel included the following representatives: Angela Castilleja, Keep Texas Beautiful; Nancy Glover, City of Temple CVB; Dick Ryan, former TDA Board Member; and Kendra Wright, Saffire Events.
The Texas Downtown Association, established in 1985, is an independent, statewide nonprofit organization comprised of over 430 members involved in downtown and commercial district revitalization projects. TDA provides resources to members through networking opportunities, marketing, education and advocacy to achieve community goals. To learn more, visit www.texasdowntown.org.
I am the great great granddaughter of John James Giddings. My mother, Mary Lou Giddings Post was the daughter of James Milton Giddings, son of George Giddings. He was one of the children of John James & Matilda Sloan. I have a photo of JJ and Matilda, shortly after they were married. I also have a photo of her with several of their children. As you know he was killed by Indians in 1861. Matilda died a year later. An aunt took them to New York but most made their way back to Texas.
Congratulations on your recent award. I would like to read your book; I am the Matriarch of our family and the genealogy researcher, so I very interested in our history and in your film project.
I currently live in Irvine, CA.
Karen Post Albert