CHARLIE, CAROLYN MATEJOWSKY NAMED WASHINGTON CO. MAN, WOMAN OF YEAR

  

A husband and wife were honored as the 2019 Washington County Man and Woman of the Year Tuesday night.

Charlie and Carolyn Matejowsky received the honors at the Washington County Chamber of Commerce and Brenham Economic Development Foundation (EDF) Banquet. The two are the first husband-wife duo to receive the award since it was created in 1968.

Charlie Matejowsky, the Master of Ceremonies for Tuesday night’s event, was introduced by last year’s recipient of the award, Charlie Pyle. Pyle said Matejowsky has been described by many as motivating, inspiring, passionate, and a cheerleader for the community.  Matejowsky, the Vice President of Financial Sales and Services at Van Dyke Rankin Insurance, was formerly the head football coach and athletic director at Brenham ISD.  He has involved himself with several civic groups, nonprofits, and foundations to promote what is good for Washington County.  In addition, he has served as an ordained minister and deacon at several area churches.  He was an original member of the Brenham ISD Foundation, has been a Brenham Booster Club member since 1979, and was one of the original organizers of the Blue Bell Fun Run.

Matejowsky said he was very appreciative of Brenham and Washington County accepting him and his family, and hopes to continue to be able to give back.

 

Carolyn Matejowsky was introduced by the 2018 Woman of the Year, Dottie Schaer, who talked of Matejowsky’s creativity and her devotion to various religious, civic, and school-related causes. Married to Charlie for more than 50 years, she has served on Brenham’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, and has assisted homeowners in south-central Texas with home interiors and exteriors.  Her flower gardens, yards, and landscapes have often been the site of senior graduation pictures, magazine photos, and even weddings.  She was a physical education teacher at Alton Elementary School for over 20 years, and has been a Sunday school teacher at Brenham’s First Baptist Church for almost 30 years.

Matejowsky was completely surprised by the announcement, and was at a loss for words when accepting her award.

 

Linda Pipes was also recognized for her service to the Washington County Chamber’s Blue Blazers, taking home the prized Blue Blazer of the Year Award.

The keynote speaker Tuesday night was Brenham sports icon Jon Peters, who spoke on his upbringing and accomplishments in baseball, the importance of reaching out for help when it is needed, and taking a leap of faith to follow dreams. You can listen to Peters’ full presentation below.