Events

Chandler Arden grew up in Bryan–College Station, attended Bryan schools, and has lived in the area for almost 55 years. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Photography from Sam Houston State University in 1988 and spent many years running and growing local businesses, including Specialties Photography, Chandler Arden Photography, Inhabit Real Estate Group and CWA Development. His career ranges from small business ownership to the hospitality industry, and most recently to real estate and residential development.

For more than two decades, his primary “focus’’ was photography. Early on he worked for Quick As A Flash and Imagemeaker Photography. Right out of college he was a staff photographer at Texas A&M for four years, then Specialties and finally Chandler Arden Photography. During that time, it was an honor to serve as the primary photographer for the George Bush Presidential Library Foundation, where he saw firsthand the value of public service and leadership.

For the past 15 years as a REALTOR, he has worked closely with housing and neighborhood growth in our area—experience that directly shapes how he think about housing, infrastructure, and long-term planning in College Station.

Chandler has served on the Chamber of Commerce board, HOA president, completed College Station Citizen’s University and the College Station Citizen’s Police Academy. He has served on the board of the Greater Brazos Valley Builder’s Association, the City of College Station’s Impact Fee Advisory Committee, the Greater Brazos Partnership’s Quality of Life Committee and volunteer with his wife at Habitat for Humanity.

Jennifer Fredericks and Chandler were married in their home, where they have lived for over eight years. Chandler and Jennifer have four children between them and hope to welcome their first grandchild in February. 

J. Brooke Arellano serves as Executive Director of Keep Brazos Beautiful (KBB), where she leads regional efforts to advance community engagement, volunteerism, and environmental impact across the Brazos Valley. She focuses on turning community pride into action-oriented partnerships that support litter prevention, beautification, and environmental education. Under her leadership, KBB has strengthened collaboration with municipalities, Texas A&M University, schools, businesses, and civic organizations, creating opportunities for meaningful engagement beyond traditional sponsorships. These partnerships mobilize thousands of volunteers annually and drive measurable improvements in public space stewardship, litter reduction, and environmental awareness. Brooke is recognized for a results-driven leadership style that blends operational effectiveness with strong community connection. She brings a multidisciplinary background in nonprofit leadership, education, arts management, and organizational operations, supported by degrees in music, business administration (MBA), and educational administration. Her commitment to the region extends beyond her professional role. She is an active member of the Brazos Valley Chorale and a participant in the Leadership Brazos Academy, reflecting her ongoing investment in regional collaboration and civic leadership.

Hunter Parks is a 2003 M.S. graduate of the Texas A&M Visualization program. He has more than 20 years of experience in the visual effects industry as a look development and lighting technical director. His area of expertise focuses on photo-realistic shading techniques. As senior visualization production specialist, Parks continues to learn about visualization production practices and techniques that are relevant to this space.

Rotary Club of Aggieland to Donate 500 Thanksgiving Meal Baskets to support local families in need.

The Rotary Club of Aggieland is announcing that its annual Thanksgiving meal basket event for the 2026 Thanksgiving will be held Friday, November the 20^th  at A&M Church of Christ on Highway 6.   These baskets are put together and distributed as a part of the Club’s commitment to assisting members of the local community by ensuring everyone can break bread with their loved ones this season.

“We have been providing meals for the Brazos Valley since 1998.  Our first year was 12 baskets and now we have grown to 500!!  It is such a great experience for the families receiving the meals however, the families delivering the meals are so touched by overwhelming gratitude of the clients.”  Barbie Patterson, Thanksgiving Basket Chair

This event is about more than providing a meal to a family; it is about ensuring that all members of our community get the chance to gather with and cherish their loved ones and be reminded of all they have to be thankful for.

You can sign up to deliver or volunteer at the event by going to this link.  We need as many drivers as we can get. 

These Thanksgiving baskets will include ingredients for a full Thanksgiving meal, including a 12 lbs. turkey, stuffing, and various components for traditional Thanksgiving sides. Each of these baskets can feed a family of 8 to 10 people.

The Rotary Club of Aggieland would not be able to complete this project without the generous help and support of the local Bryan/College Station community. Obtaining, packing and delivering these meals is no easy task. The club would like to thank the generous sponsors and supporters listed below, as well as the volunteers who assisted with this program, for making it possible to provide this service to those in need.