Wow! The fall semester flew by! We are starting our 5th six weeks and I am amazed every day by all the good things that are happening at Mason ISD. I just wanted to write a short note to inform you of a few of the things we have going on at Mason Elementary/ Jr.

During the Christmas holidays, my three sons and I got together with some friends and did some shooting. That’s how we recreate in Texas, being as how shooting is our number one sport. Not that folks don’t do that in other states, but here in Texas we do it right. We went to a friend’s hunting cabin, which is situated next to a stock tank, where there are probably still turtles living, but only the ones that have learned to keep their heads down.

Last week Z got a new knee! So far so good. He’s been better than I had expected. He’s not a “cry baby!” Spending most of last week in San Angelo was good, as I did get some time off to shop and rest until my duties of “Care Giver” kicked in.

The Mason Lions club met Tuesday, March 5th, for its monthly business meeting. "Boss" Lion Pat Reardon was responsible for the program and Secretary/Treasurer Gene Gamill read the minutes and gave the financial report. A Hamburger Lunch will be held April 5th on the west side of the Courthouse Square. Jim Jeidelberg was inducted as a new member.

In my last column I talked about Pocket Maps or Saddlebag Maps that folded up into their own little book for protection and transportation. The earliest that I have is an 1833 Travelers Map of the United States, and although it is on very thin paper it is still in great shape because it has spent the past 180 years protected by its book.

Turmeric is a herb and spice used in curries. It has a characteristic deep yellow color and a mildly spicy flavor. It comes from the rhizome of the turmeric plant which is a member of the same species as ginger. You may have heard of it because it has been mentioned by Dr.

It is nearly Poison Prevention Week (March 17-23) so I thought I’d take the opportunity to give parents, grandparents, and other caregivers a little refresher from the Poison Control Center. A shiny, brightly colored square is just within the reach of a toddler. Is it a piece of candy? To the toddler it may look like a sweet treat, a toy or a teething product.

The rains last Saturday and the pleasant temperatures and sunshine this week make us all look forward to Spring with a new anticipation. Of course it may be another week or two before I get used to the change in time and the dark mornings. There is always extra work around the City in the spring, with the grass growing again and needed mowing and the streets needing some additional care.

Mark your calendars and save your pennies! It’s almost time!! The Friends of the Library Book Sale held annually by the Friends of the Library is coming—April 5-10. If you have books that you’d like to donate for the sale, you may take them to the Cherokee Rose or bring them to the library.

He was as solemn as I’ve ever seen him. My Uncle Mort, looking down the gun barrel at his 101st birthday, was pensive, his thoughts filled with yesterdays and the snows of many winters. “Our country’s in a heap of trouble, nephew,” he began. “There’s plenty of blame to spread around, border to border, but I think I can pinpoint when our gradual demise began.” Tears welling, he continued.

Daylight Savings Time. Oh yeah. Getting up early just took on a whole other meaning. But with it came the Mr. and Mrs. Cardinal. Taking turns in the birdbath. Signs of spring. Also, Cedar Waxwings. Dozens in the trees. And berry-laden bushes. And mockingbirds. And yellow Lesser Goldfinches. It’s that time. The pressure rising. Bulbs blooming. Buds bursting. Cows calving. Rain actually falling. Enough to mark the gauge. Spring Spring Spring. Spring Break. Spring out of b ...

Since moving back to Mason many years ago, I've gone out of my way to avoid most of the large urban centers of our state. However, there have been times that business or pleasure trips required that I go to Austin, San Antonio, San Angelo, Fort Worth, Dallas, , , and even, Houston. Last weekend, I made the long haul to the Bayou City for the Livestock Show & Rodeo.

All meals are served at noon Wednesday, March 13 - River of Life Church Wednesday, March 20 - First United Methodist Church

Our new state STAAR assessment system has brought about many changes for our elementary students because it is a more rigorous testing program. Please join us for an informational meeting regarding the upcoming testing for your child which begins in April. Parents will be given information about the writing, reading, and math STAAR tests.

The monthly post meeting for the Mason VFW Post 8554 will be held on March the 18th at 6:30 p.m. at the American Legion hall on Post Hill St. ,behind the jail. Topics for this meeting will a Post Bar BQ . Plans will be made and a date will be set.

The Texas Hill Country Dorper Sheep Association again will award two college scholarships this fall in memory of one of the state’s pioneers in the Dorper sheep industry. The scholarships, valued at $1,000 each, are open to any Texas resident. One will be awarded to a high school senior graduating this spring and the other to a college student who will be at least a junior in any Texas college or university this fall. Scholarship requirements include involvement in agriculture, and especial ...

On March 25th, 2013 there will be a Private Applicators License training conducted at the McCulloch County Extension Office. Registration will start at 8:00 and the training will begin at 8:30 A.M. At 1:00 P.M. a representative from TDA will be on hand to administer the test. The office is located at 114 W.

Just a reminder! The Llano Master Gardeners Lawn and Garden Show to be held this Saturday, March 16th, from 9am to 2pm at the St. James Lutheran Church, Schorlemmer Hall in Llano. The address is 1401 Ford Street (corner of SH 16 & College St.) This is a free event and there will be door prizes, herbs, plants, local vendors, complimentary children’s booth, delicious sausage wraps by Miiller’s Smokehouse and more!

The Mason Garden Club will hold its regular meeting on Tuesday, March 19, 2013, at 2 p.m. at The Green House located on 605 San Antonio Street across the highway from The Church of Christ. Owner Jeff Durst will be giving a program on “New Plants for Spring Planting.” He and his wife, Margaret, own this natural health store and organic nursery.

The American Legion Fort Mason Post 285 will be having its monthly meeting on Thursday, March 14th, at 7:00 pm, at the American Legion Post Hall at 237 Post Hill St. All members, veterans and interested parties are invited to attend. Plans for upcoming events will be discussed.

The Cancer Crusaders Team (old Los Amigos Team) will have a bake sale on Saturday, March 16th in front of Lowe’s Super Market from 9 a.m. - Noon. We will have casseroles, cakes, pies, cookies, etc. We also have Raffle Tickets for a 9.3 caret Topaz donated by Herbert & Juanita Goff, a mini IPad and a $100.00 Gift Certificate from Old Peanut Mill Stake House.

The Hilda Community Club will meet this coming Friday, March 15. Those of you who can help with the highway clean-up need to be at the clubhouse between 5:00 and 5:30. We will plan on eating after the clean-up, around 6:30 p.m. Hosts are Larry & Dian Willmann and they will be serving chili.

Plans have been made by the Community of Mason Health Care Servers for the MASON COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR on Thurs., April 4, 2013, from 11am to 2pm, at Fellowship Hall of St Paul Lutheran Church. At this time, vendors from San Angelo, Brady, Kerrville, Llano, Fredericksburg, and Mason are planning to be there to do FREE screening, answer questions, and give information “If you are feeling overwhelmed, depressed or unable to do the things you once enjoyed, it may be time to take a moment to ass ...

During the February 28 meeting of the Mason County Grand Jury, only one indictment was returned. Dustin James Jones, Evading Arrest Detention w/Previous Conviction.

Pam Kruse, Superintendent of Mason Schools, will be addressing the bi-monthly meeting of the Republican Women of Mason County on Wednesday, March 20th in the Stribling Room of the Mason County Library. The topic will be school safety and curriculum. All are invited to attend. The luncheon meeting begins at noon and reservations are required.

It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon and Pat Dixon, Tony Plutino, Don Jacques and John Jacques came to The Painted Tree Studio. The painting was a Black Cow. Each of us learned more about a cow than we had every thought about… such as the curve of the ear, position of the eyes, how the hair grows in a unique ‘cow lick’ on its forehead.

It was the last Thursday in March when four ladies of the community came together for an evening of painting. Pat Dixon, Sherry Alm, Yolanda Garza and Mary Lou Lange came to listen to music while painting “Yellow Flowers on Red” with guided instructions from local artist Bridget Langdale. Fun, relaxing, enjoyable and a time to be with new and familiar friends.

Singles in Agriculture members and guests will be gathering in the Burnet/Marble Falls area April 4-7, 2013. Local singles are invited to participate in visits to attractions, dining, and dancing. The group will dance Friday and Saturday nights at Pardner’s of Buchanan. Some other activities of the weekend include breakfast at the historic Blue Bonnet Cafe in Marble Falls and touring LBJ Ranch and Longhorn Cavern.

COLLEGE STATION- Karoline Jordan, a 2010 graduate of San Saba High School who is an Agricultural Leadership, Education & Development major at Texas A&M University, recently began a spring 2013 internship in Washington, D.C. Karoline will spend the spring as an integral part of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture.

Pat Dixon, Sheila Innis from Mason and Jane and Otto Hallberg from Katy came to the Paint & Sip to capture our Mason Courthouse in a painting. Guided by Bridget Langdale, the background of our blue Texas Sky was first painted on the canvas. Pecan trees were added and then slowly the structure of the building was laid between the trees with a stone walk way leading up to the door.

By now you have probably noticed the green signs around town advising folks to “Prevent a litter, Fix your critter.” The signs are part of Second Chance – Mason Animal Rescue’s yearlong campaign to encourage spaying and neutering. If you would like to show your support for the project please stop by and pick up a yard sign at either Topaz Confections or the Strategic Oilfield Services office.

The Stribling Art Extravaganza for 2013 to benefit West Texas Rehabilitation Center will be held March 22 to 24 at Fort Concho National Historic Landmark, 603 South Oakes in San Angelo. The hours will be: Friday and Saturday, 10 AM to 7 PM and Sunday, 12 Noon to 4 PM.

The annual Book and Bake Sale held by the Friends of the Library supporting the Mason County M. Bevan Eckert Memorial Library will be held on April 5-10. You will be able to purchase desserts to share with your family and friends. All proceeds will benefit the library. Donations of books are accepted at the library or may be dropped off at Cherokee Rose at 421 Ft.

9:00 FIELD EVENTS (JV- 4 ATTEMPTS, VARSITY – 7 TO FINALS) TRIPLE JUMP: JVG, JVB, VG, VB LONG JUMP: JVB, JVG, VB, VG HIGH JUMP: VG, VB, JVG, JVB POLE VAULT: VB, JVG, JVB, VG SHOT PUT: JVG, JVB, VG, VB DISCUS: JVB, VG, VB, JVB 10:00 3200 METER RUN: JVG, VG, JVB, VB 2:00 RUNNING FINALS (WILL RUN APPROXIMATELY 1 HR AFTER FIELD EVENTS ARE COMPLETED) 400 M.

Operation Orphans, Inc. will hold fishing camps for underpriviledged boys, April 13th, and girls, April 27th. The groups will arrive at Camp Gene Ashby from various child care facilities and foster homes the Friday afternoon prior to their fishing date. On Saturday, the groups of children and their volunteer guides will travel to area ranches eager to try their hand at catching perch, bass and catfish in area ponds, tanks and river areas.

In a never ending sea of glitter, curls and bows, the Empowered! Cheer Teams from Harper, TX, competed at the National Cheerleading Championships. Empowered! Cheer Teams are comprised of athletes from Harper, Junction, Ingram, Mason, Canyon Lake, and Mountain Home. Their Coach, Wende Jones Leuba started her first Harper Cheer Team in August of 2012, Empowered!

FREDERICKSBURG, Texas — Capital Farm Credit stockholders will soon discover their portion of a record $42.1 million patronage in their mailboxes. It represents the cash portion of the total patronage refund of $138.2 million. The remaining $96.1 million is in the form of allocated equities and is eligible for future cash payouts.

50 million people in the USA live with food insecurity; they have limited or uncertain access to adequate food. One in four children do not receive adequate nutrition. The Mason Food Bank and the Mason Community Kitchen are working to address hunger and malnutrition in Mason County. The Mason Food Bank provides a box of basic foods to 88 families one time each month.

The Board of Directors of the Fine Arts Association of the Hill Country met at Mason Artisan Gallery on Thursday, February 28th, to discuss the spring schedule of interesting and creative activities. Left to right: Jake Kothmann (sitting in for Dana Butler: PR chair), Lola Hohn: VP, Carol Kothmann: Past President, Nan Loeffler: President, and Judy Uherek: Treasurer.

MONAHANS - Elva Lee Sanders, 101 of Monahans, died Thursday, March 7, 2013 at Monahans Managed Care Center. Services were held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday at Harkey Funeral Home Chapel with Owen Sharp officiating. Burial was at Resthaven Cemetery on Monday in Menard. Arrangements were by Harkey Funeral Home. She was born in Mason County, Texas.

Ruth E. Durst, age 83 of Kerrville, passed away Thursday, January 17, 2013, in a local care center. She was born November 25, 1929 in Harper, TX to James and Cora Lee (Rogers) Custer. On May 30, 1947, she married Lewis William Durst in Mason, TX. He preceded her in death on May 31, 2008.

Scott Paul Spencer, age 62, of Hilda, TX, passed away Monday, March 4, 2013. He was born to Frank Spencer and Dorothy Brinkoeter Spencer in San Antonio, Texas, on December 17, 1950. He was preceded in death by his father, Frank, and his sister, Beverly. He leaves behind his mother, Dorothy; wife, Cindy; son, Aaron and wife, Cynthia; daughter, Kelly and husband, Shane; grandchildren: Hunter, Guy, Catherine, and Emma; stepson, Phillip; stepdaughter, Carolyn and husband, Charlie.

JUNCTION – Sara White Ringling, 75, of Junction, TX passed from this life and joined her family in heaven on Friday, March 1, 2013. She was born on August 25, 1937 in Sarasota, FL to Edwin James White and Eleanor Higel White-Scott. Sara made homes in Sarasota, FL, Bangs, TX, and Junction, TX.

If you have not already registered your children for youth baseball or softball, your time is running out. The Mason Youth Baseball 2013season starts on April 13th , and tryouts are scheduled to begin next week after spring break. Below is the schedule for the required baseball skills testing and drafts.

Miguel Castillo did all he could to give Punchers a boost, but it wasn’t enough to get past Johnson City, as the Punchers lost 3-2 in seven innings at Mason on Tuesday. Miguel Castillo got on base two times in the game for Punchers. He singled in the fourth inning.