July 16, 2008

The Board of Directors of Operation Orphans, Inc. has selected five dates for doe hunts during the forthcoming whitetail deer season. They are the following Saturdays: October 25, November 15, November 22, December 6, and December 13. The first date will be an all girl's hunt, while the second, third, fourth and fifth dates will be all boy's hunts. This is the 49th year of the "Take a Child Hunting"

WELLINGTON – Animals thrive on the banks of waterways. And those same tree-covered, green grassy areas are keys to maintaining healthy watersheds for creeks and rivers. Landowners must learn how to manage these properties to strike an ecological balance that benefits wildlife and livestock and still protects watersheds, Texas AgriLife Research scientists say.

In 1954 the American Medical Association declared alcoholism “a chronic disease over which the drinker has no control”. There are more than 20 million alcoholics in the United States and Canada alone. Alcoholism, a chronic, progressive disease, is often as devastating for those closest to the alcoholic as it is for the drinker.

(Mason, Texas) ~ Sandstone Cellar Winery and Santos Taqueria, (featured as one of the Hill Country’s Top 25 Best Places in Texas Monthly Magazine), are pleased to present Kevin Higgins and Barbara Malteze, (founding members of The Dust Devils), in a rare, intimate acoustic setting. The performance of mostly original Americana-style songs will be given in the courtyard of these companion businesses, (Southeast corner of the town square in Mason), on Friday, July 18, 2008, 6-8pm.

For information on the use of prescribed fire for vegetation management on your ranch, plan to participate in the field day and ranch tour on the M.M. Kothmann ranch on Friday, July 25, 2008. There will be presentations about prescribed burning for vegetation management for livestock and wildlife. We will discuss how to start a prescribed burning program on your ranch.

Michael Rode (owner of Genesis Organics on Highway 29) is needing a bone marrow transplant. In order to help with his medical costs, please join his friends for: Saturday, July 26th 10:00am-2:00pm Blood Drive & Tissue Donor Screening United Blood Services blood mobile will be on the south side of the courthouse.

The 6th annual Mason Open Car Show has come and gone, and it just keeps getting better. This year’s event produced over 60 classic cars and trucks from all over Central Texas. The selection and quality of vehicles was quite impressive. In addition to the awards for the top 20 vehicles the Peoples Choice award went to the 1957 Ford Convertible of Jim Holley and the Best of Show award went to the 1970 Pontiac GTO Judge of Dooney Hancock.

Mason High School Cheerleaders will be hosting a cheer camp for future Mason Puncher Cheerleaders. July 31 and August 1st from 9:30-11:30 at the Mason Jr. High gym. Ages 3 years through 4th grade. Registration at the gym is July 31st, 9:00-9:30. Cost: $50 which includes T-Shirt. For more information call Susy Walker 347-5294.

Mason AYSO will have a registration for this fall season. Saturday July 19th at the Super S parking lot from 9-12. All applicants please bring proof of DOB. We also need any volunteers to coach, referee, or team parent. Please stop by and register for the upcoming Soccer Season!!

Llano, Texas– On Wednesday, July 16th, a member of Congressman Mike Conaway’s (TX-11) staff will be in Mason to visit personally with constituents. This will allow you to share concerns, request help on a federal issue or to ask any questions you may have. What: Constituent Outreach Services Where: Mason County Court House When: 9:00 – 11:00 am Wednesday, 7/16/2008

The Friends of the Mason County M. Beven Eckert Memorial Library will host an open house at the library on Thursday, July 24, 2008 from 2:30 to 5:30. The open house is an opportunity to introduce 70 new children’s books to the library’s collection. The books were received through a Libri Foundation grant, matching a Friends’ donation raised at the April 2008 Book Sale.

The 2008 “Texas Reading Club Jubilee: 1958-2008” Summer Activity Program for young children will be held Monday, July 21 through Friday, July 25 from 1:30 to 2:30. This year’s theme is “World Wide Words” and will include arts and crafts, stories, music, and games. Children who have completed Kindergarten, 1st or 2nd grade are invited to participate in this free program sponsored by the Mason County M.

USDA has announced that livestock producers have until July 18, 2008 to enroll in the 2005 – 2007 Livestock Compensation (LCP). Signup began on September 10, 2007, for the program that provide aid to livestock producers who suffered eligible livestock or livestock feed losses between January 1, 2005 to December 30, 2007, because of a natural disaster.

Mrs. Nell Vann MacKinnon passed away on July 1, 2008, at age 90. She is survived by a daughter, Alice M. Brown and son-in-law, Frank M. Brown, with whom she lived for the last two years. She is also survived by a son, Daniel Wallace MacKinnon and daughter-in-law Moria H.

Rose Marie Storch nee Evers of Llano passed away on Sunday July 13, 2008, at the age of 76. She was born on August 29, 1931, in Castell, Texas. She is survived by her brother, Don C. Evers and his wife Shirley of Castell, Texas; her son, John “Bud” Jenkins and his wife Lori of Hawaii; her daughter, Joni M.

Mr. and Mrs. Mark (Judy) Lehmberg of Mason are pleased to announce the engagement and upcoming marriage of their daughter, Britny Joy Lehmberg, to Kelley Wayne Fowler, son of Mr. and Mrs. Don (Barbara) Fowler of Richland Springs. Britny is a graduate of Mason High School and Texas A&M University with a degree in Kinesiology/Sport Management.

Jan Appleby and Eva Tannehill wore their period costumes during Roundup while selling Mason County notecards at the Mason Study Club table. All proceeds from the sale of the note cards, handmade by Mason Study Club members, goes directly to the Mason County Library for the purchase of new books.

Erin Alecia Lumpkins and Brodee Demetreis Jarrell were married at 3:40 in the afternoon on Monday June 23, 2008 at Arlington Municipal Courthouse in Arlington, Texas. Justice of the Peace, Linda B. Davis officiated. Family and a few close friends attended the ceremony. Following the ceremony, parents of the bride hosted a reception at Grand Prairie, Texas.

Bill and Sherry Cherryhomes of Jacksboro, Texas, and Charles and Susan Loeffler of Mason, Texas, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Lacy King Loeffler to Levi Daniel Anderson. Levi is the son of Annette and Jeff Nickelby of Coeur’d Alene, Idaho, and Floyd and Lynn Anderson of Prescott, Arizona.

The first time I saw Fred Gipson, about 30 years ago. He had just came back to Mason Texas from, I think, San Angelo, writing for a paper there. He was thin and pale. He told me he had stomach trouble. Probably ulcers from being confined in a fairly large town, Fred wasn't built for that kind of life and it got next to him. He was born a country boy.

For one more week, Terri Reardon can continue to call herself Canadian. But, after next Wednesday, July 23rd, she will raise her hand to swear her allegiance to her adopted country. It's been a long journey. Terri met Sean when he was at Texas Tech, and she was on a work visa as a nurse.

Dear Gerry, I would like to say how wonderful the rodeo was this year. In 20 years that I've lived here, I feel this was one of the best! Everthing went so well and all the businesses appeared busy. Mason Rodeo Association did an exceptional job this year. Thank you for all your hardwork.

Dear Editor, It pains me to write this letter. This week Mason showed off with some of its best for our 150th birthday at Round-up. Our community gathered at the town square in all its diversity and uniqueness of individuals to say, “This is who we are”, people living and working together, celebrating this day the opportunity of fellowship in fun and games, enjoying this moment and this particular spot in the world, remembering our history, yet looking forward to the uncertainties of future, secure in the thought that, if those who came before us triumphed over hardship and privations, we can, and we will, do as much, or more, to maintain and build on the ethics that have served so well. However, this year’s event, as in the last several years, was sullied by some individuals who chose to boo as the parade passed by.

For the first time, Mason Pony League became affiliated with Texas Teenage Baseball. We had 6 teams in our affiliate. Mason had a team, as well as, San Saba and Llano. As Harper has gone to 2A they are getting baseball in their program and they brought a team. Brady had enough boys that they had 2 teams.

On a very hot Saturday June 28, saw the completion of the first Mason Sandlot Wood Bat Tournament. Starting the Consolation games Saturday morning saw the Llano team slugging it out with the Cen-Tex team from the Bangs area. Cen-Tex came out the winner of that game taking 7th place.

Members of the First Baptist Church of Mason took a mission trip to Santa Rosa, TX on July 6-11. They taught a five-day Vacation Bible School for the children in the Santa Rosa area at the Primera Baptista Church. V.B.S. activities included music, Bible stories, crafts, recreation, music, and puppet shows.

The 2008 Roundup Court royalty was named during Saturday night's exciting ranch rodeo at the Fort Mason Park Rodeo Arena. Pictured, left to right: Brittany Schovajsa, Duchess; Jessica Hoag, Duchess; Emily Ellebracht, Queen; Jenny Smith, Duchess; and, Star Longoria, Duchess.

The first group of Mason Young Philosophers completed twelve hours of training in “Sustainable Leadership and Philosophy” last week. Participants discussed the relative merits of justice and mercy, loyalty and honesty, the interests of the individual and the interests of the community, and short- and long-run decisions and choices while climbing trees and outcroppings.

Austin-Farm and ranch families and citizens living in rural areas can help protect their property during potentially severe wildfire seasons by taking precautions before wildland fires break out. Fire experts advise clearing a 30-to-50-foot space around homes and other buildings. Keep grass mowed down whether it is dormant or still green.

The Mason High School Class of 1963 held their 45th Reunion at the home of Noni Kothmann Stringer Saturday, June 14. Standing, Left to right: Jon Bielfeldt, Frankie Behrens, Beck Gipson, Dubby Johnson, Frances Goff Ashabranner, Noni Kothmann Stringer, Dewey Eckert, Eldon Kothmann, Dayton Spaeth. Seated Left to Right: Dorothy Vater Asbill, Jannean Kidd Alexander, Nancy Hatch Miller, Diane Kettner Esquell, Roy Cooper, Joyce Donop Ullom, Gloria Jordan Bielfeldt, Mary Jo Geistweidt Cockrell.

On June 14th, the first person to arrive at "Long Mountain School Open House was Marcelle Stone Stacy from Houston. Marcelle is the daughter of the late Ruby Woodward Stone, and Henry Stone of the Erna community. She fondly recalled memories of her school days here, and also sometimes walking to Mr.

July 3, 2008---Steeley Smith of Mason, Tx recently enrolled in the American Quarter Horse Association Horseback Riding Program. The program recognizes and rewards AQHA Members for time spent with their American Quarter Horses in activities such as trail rides, shows, working cattle, pleasure driving and simply riding. A unique aspect of the program is its simplicity.

Despite the HOT weather and the price of gas, our vendor attendance was wonderful! It was another good year. We had great food, games and interesting crafts. Thanks to all who showed up to work, look and shop and a special thanks to those who dressed in 1850’s attire. JOHN BEAM and friends put on another great music show.

The Mason High School Class of 1978 gathered over Roundup weekend to celebrate their 30th reunion. After constructing their parade float on Friday evening, then participating in the parade on Saturday morning, they moved to the Sean & Terri Reardon Ranch Cabin for the actual festivities. There were 23 of the original 52 classmates present for the event where hamburgers, cool shade, and lots of recollections were shared.

It’s that time of year. Crapemyrtles are here. Blooming away. Just when you think you can’t take another hot summer day… Poof! The tops of the crapemyrtles explode. Dazzling luscious flowers open. Soothing our hot, sore eyes. The tree-size bouquets seem to cool the air. Or at least encourage us to hang in there. Summer may be hot. But it’s also colorful. Take a tour of town. You can’t miss ‘em. Coming in from the east, there are a couple on the south side of Hwy.

Rodeos, pups, puppies, wild horses, young boys and girls with twinkles in their eyes….what could speak country…what could speak MASON louder than that? On Thursday evening we witnessed the first pups of the season joining in on the emergence. Now don’t put a picture in your mind of a tiny border collie, a tinier toy poodle, a baby Great Dane, or an Irish Setter puppy hanging over the edge of the cave waiting to jump into the emergence.

We still have this crazy weather with widely scattered rains, hot days and pleasant nights. Pray for some general rains. John D. Fleming will celebrate his birthday on July 20th and Kaci Lyn Zaleski celebrates on July 2nd. Kyle Andrew Kothmann, great grandson of Andrew Kothmann, will have his second birthday on July 22nd and Philip Hinckley will celebrate on July 24th.

Musical humorist Allan Sherman, gag writer for several of America’s top comedians, died too young at age 48 and was beyond clever. For a couple of decades, his name was associated with many things funny. He’s been gone for 35 years, but many of his musical spoofs remain lodged in memories of folks who’ve lived long enough to remember three-cent stamps, rotary phones and single-edge razor blades.

Recently, I was treated for a “bone spur” with a shot in the heel of my foot! This really “Smarted!” This in turn got me to thinking of other things that, “REALLY SMART?” 1. When someone runs into the back of your heel with a grocery cart! That SMARTS. 2. When you bite your tongue or the inside of your cheek!

By now, unless you’ve been living in a cave somewhere, you’ve probably heard about the Supreme Court’s decision in the case of District of Columbia v. Heller on 26 June. The justices decided the Second Amendment means that Americans have an individual right to keep and bear arms. That’s the good news. When the story first broke that day, I told my wife that 26 June should be declared a national holiday.

NEW ARRIVALS - Quotes are from the cover or summary. Hit and Run by Lawrence Block (F BLO Kel.4). Mystery Fiction. “Framed for a high-profile murder that he did not commit, contract hit man John Keller flees for his life and becomes increasingly suspicious about his handler’s ominous unresponsiveness.” Web of Destiny by Al & Joanna Lacy (LTE F LAC Kan.2).

The Practical Baker Jalapeno/Cheese Bread In the baking world, purists abound. There are many of these folks, who write nice books about baking, who seem to believe that the ONLY way to bake bread is the old fashioned, labor-intensive way. Their products are, indeed, wonderful to behold and to consume. But for those of us who sometimes have other things to do with our time besides sitting around and waiting for bread to rise (twice!) there are some shortcuts that can be taken.

DNA is our cellular blueprint. It is part of our genetic makeup that controls how our cells reproduce. I have just come across some fascinating research that references specific nutrients for actually protecting and preserving our DNA so that our genetic tendencies towards developing degenerative diseases are warded off. Much research has gone into proving that so called genetic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, cancer and more are actually the result of damage to the cellular DNA that causes a defective reproduction of cells in the body, which over time leads to degenerative disease.

The Mason Lions Club met Tuesday, July 8th, for its regular weekly luncheon meeting. There were 42 members and 2 visitors in attendance. Lion Brian Boudreaux was responsible for the program and introduced Steve Dyer of the L. C. R. A. who spoke about the history of the Lower Colorado River Authority.

7-01-08@6:40am- Unattended death-Chief Deputy Carson and Judge Bearden responded 7-01-08@ 9:20am- Cut fence-Report taken at Sheriff's office 7-1-08@ 10:00pm- Dead animal on roadway-SGT Martin responded 7-02-08@ 9:36am-Loose livestock-Chief Deputy Carson responded on Hwy 87N 7-2-08@ 2:42pm- Vehicle accident- Chief Deputy Carson, EMS, and the Fire Dept responded to 29W 7-02-08@ 4:16pm- Fireworks violation- Chief Deputy Carson responded to Koocksville Rd 7-02-08@ 7:42pm-Violation of protection order-Deputy Parker responded to Willow Creek Rd 7-2-08@ 8:26pm- Brush fire-Fire Department responded to RR 1871 @ Whites Crossing 7-2-08@ 9:16pm- Suspicious vehicle- Deputy Parker responded to 500 blk of W.

Last week my column was about my walk to the Wagon Yard and my memories of other events of the 1920’s. Today I am running Shagnasty’s letter in which his recall of the olden days are, at times, more vivid than my own. I hope that you will enjoy his letter as he gives us more visions from the 1920’s: Dear Bode; That Nostalgic Walk of yours to the Wagon yard brought back olden memories and tears clouded my eyes as I read and re-read your 1917 and 1923 visions.