May 23, 2013 6:30 p.m. Mason Cafeteria

C.H.O.I.C.E camp is having its last session of a four part series this Saturday, May 18 at Richards Park in Brady. Our last session will wrap up with the day campers identifying who they are today and what their goals for their future are. Plans will be made as to how they can achieve their goals, both short term and long term in life no matter what their age.

Most pet owners spend time and money to make sure their pet is protected. They put up fences, provide vaccinations, provide a good diet and plenty of exercise, and keep pets away from harmful substances. But one area that is sometimes overlooked is pet interactions with wildlife. The results of some interactions with wildlife may only be annoying, such as when an overly curious dog gets sprayed by a skunk.

At the recent Hill Country Cattle Women style show, Mason was well represented, as both Deborah Hofmann (at left) and Lisa Polk (center) acted as models. Some of the clothing being modeled came from Lisa’s boutique, The Thing Is, and from Southern Britches on the south side of Mason's square.

There are certain places that, for one reason or another, I try to avoid at all costs. Houston, Texas is about six of those places. Not only is Houston huge and confusing and full of people who evidently learned to drive by playing the go-cart Wii game, it’s also surrounded by a dense, interwoven net of toll roads.

Last week's hail storm followed a path from Hext, to Streeter, then on to Erna, Hilda and Loyal Valley. These large stones fell at Ray and Judy Uherek's.

Several Mason Bank coworkers gathered on Saturday afternoon for a Paint & Sip. Painting a Bluebonnet was the challenge and opportunity to look up close to the variety of shapes and colors that create one single Bluebonnet flower. Rebecca Schuessler, Cheryl Nail, Debra Schovajsa, Kelly Martin, Jennie Armes….great job ladies!

Grace Christian School hosted the Hill Country Speech Meet on April 17th. Eighty students from three schools participated in academic, art, and track and field events. Participating schools were Llano Chtistian Academy, Hill Country SDA Kerrville, and Grace Christian. Students from left to right: back row; Randee Renfroe, Alexis Brown, KC Coleman, Gabe Jennings, Quaid Brandenberger, Aaron Alm.

Six ladies from Brady arrived in Mason for a day of fun on May 9th. They purchased gift certificates from KNEL’s Shopping Show and on ward to Mason they came. Paint brushes aimed and ready, they began to paint for 2 hours at The Painted Tree Studio. It was time for laughter, focus, bonding…did I mention fun?

Junior Advanced Placement Class first period heard Dr. John Davis speak about the Texas Rangers on Thursday, May 9, during their class period. In conjunction with the Big Read sponsored by the Mason County Library, the students read the novel True Grit which involves two Texas Rangers. Dr. Davis presented true stories about Texas Rangers to the students.

Mason County Judge Jerry Bearden (center) was honored as a valued partner to the Adult Protective Services division of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services during Monday's Commissioner Court meeting. Making the presentation were Robert Selvera and Rhonda Fuquay.

Anna E. Velez: 29 John H. Schafft: 5 Total Voters: 34 Early voting: 24 voters Anna-19 John-5 Election Day: 10 voters Anna-10 John-0

Thomas Gabriel Jennings, homeschooled, has been awarded a four year $5,000.00 Youth Livestock Scholarship sponsored by the State Fair of Texas. The $1,250.00 a year scholarship is renewable by maintaining a 3.0 GPA. Since 1992, the State Fair of Texas Scholarship Program has awarded scholarships to academically talented students who graduate from high schools in the Dallas State Fair Park area.

Llano County will have a Private Applicator License training on Monday, June 24, 2013, beginning with registration at 8:00 a.m. and the training starting at 8:15 a.m. The training will be held at the Llano County Extension Office, 1447 East State Highway 71-Unit E in Llano. Training will last approximately 4 hours with testing done after lunch.

The Bluebonnet Study Club will hit the road again on Monday, May 20, 2013, with a trip to Long Mountain Community Club. This program will continue our visits to historical schools and buildings. Plan to meet at the Long Mountain Community Club at 10:30 a.m. on the 20th. Pack a sack lunch and come have fun.