July 8, 2009

Grab your boots, pack your cameras, and head out for one of the biggest weekends in TEXAS! It’s Mason’s 9th Annual Great American Jackass Race that is the “Main Event” during the 45th Annual Roundup Weekend – July 10th & 11th. The Mason County Chamber of Commerce will host a town square parade beginning at 10 a.m.

Thursday July 9th: Mason Rodeo Association Sponsor Appreciation BBQ – 5:30 to 7:00. Tickets have been mailed to MRA sponsors and additional plates will be available at $10.00/plate. Mason County Team Roping will follow at 7:30 p.m. The books for the roping will be open from 5:30 to 6:30. Friday July 10th 5th Annual Mason Open Barrel Race Books open at 2:30 with exhibitions starting at 3:00 p.m.

First Methodist Church sponsored an old-fashioned 4th of July picnic on Sunday, hosted at the home of Amelia Banner. Carlene and Bill Brollier were among the many guests festooned in red, white, and blue in honor of American independence. Photo: Willeda Rae

"Come In To This House" As longtime friends and past owners of The Teacher’s Pet, the three of us are thrilled to present,”Come In To This House.” Our name embodies wonderful memories of our little rock house where special tearoom meals were served. Our original cookbook has been refurbished plus there is icing on this cake!

LONGVIEW, TX – Steve Hemphill, son of former Mason Mayor Jamie Hemphill, will be at the Mason Puncher football stadium on Saturday, July 11 beginning at 2:30 pm for a pre-release event for his new book, My Search for the Real Heaven. Compelled by the untimely death of Mayor Hemphill in August of 2000, Steve began an intense study of his father’s new home.

July 11th is the date for the 6th annual Mason Open Car Show, from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Heritage park. Once again it will be a top 20 format, with additional awards for the best of show, and people’s choice. In the past this has been a free event for car owners.

Saturday, July 11th, from 9am to 4 pm on the Courthouse Lawn. Come see the many outstanding, quality craft booths with items such as children’s clothes, flip flops, hand bags, T-shirts, jewelry, western art and furniture, iron art, candles, sensy candles, paintings, pottery, birdhouses, rifle/ fishing rod/guitar stands, mesquite items, western stuff, stained glass, computer bags, notebooks, chairs, etc, etc, etc.

Will Taylor and Strings Attached, an Austin based string ensemble, will perform for the Mason, Texas, Odeon Theaters’ fifth concert of their season. The concert series is a fund raising project to help the Odeon Preservation Association raise money for improvements and renovations to the old 1928 theater. Performing July 25 at 7:00 p.m.

Please come by the Band Boosters booth during Round-up festivities to pick up your band calendar. The booth will open just after the parade is over and close around 3 p.m. Even if you did not order a calendar and would like one, extras are available for purchase. If you are unable to pick up your calendar during this time, they will be at Hemphill Insurance Agency beginning Monday, July 13th.

I would like to start this article by taking the opportunity to say thank you to five individuals that tirelessly support our school system with very little recognition. Alfred Menchaca, Eli Castillo, Natalia Ramon, Martin Palacio and Leslie Klaerner have worked diligently during this hot summer preparing our facilities for some much needed maintenance and technological upgrades.

Increased pressure to develop renewable energy resources, such as wind, may create a negative impact on the Hill Country bat populations. A dearth of information regarding the significance of wind energy development’s impact on the area’s migrating bat and bird populations is a major concern among scientists and non-governmental organizations.

This puppy is a beautiful black lab who really needs a home. She is around four months old, and she has all of her shots. I rescued she, her sister and her mother (who is a very sweet yellow lab) from under an old house. She barked at people because she was protecting her puppies.

BROWNWOOD – The Texas AgriLife Extension Service will conduct a continuing education workshop from 4 - 9 p.m. July 15 at the Brown County Fairgrounds located in Brownwood on U.S. Hwy 377 South. Five Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units will be offered: two integrated pest management, two general and one laws and regulations.

Sometime in August, the Mason Square Museum anticipates the 10,000th visitor will sign the quest book. Amazing, given the museum has only been open since April of 2007! On opening day, April 7th, 400 folks viewed, what is arguably, the best small town museum in Texas. A couple from Worthan, Texas, was honored as our 5000th visitor on April 12, 2008.

One of the newest activities at the City Swimming Pool is water volleyball. Kids of all ages have already enjoyed playing and teens especially have been having some seriously fun volleyball games, including the lifeguards. If you’re bored with video games, come on out to join us for some volleyball in the pool.

The American Legion Fort Mason Post 285 and VFW Post 8554 will be sponsoring a Mason County Veterans float in the 2009 Mason Roundup Parade on Saturday, July 11th. Any veteran who would like to ride on the float should call either Lawrence Spell, 429-6224, or Mike Shanley, 347-9016, to reserve a seat because space is limited.

If you attended school, or graduated with, the class of 1984 then mark your calendars for Saturday July 11, 2009 (Round-up weekend). The reunion will be held in the backroom of Willow Creek Caf at 12:00 noon. Everyone is welcome to order off of the menu. Chips & Salsa will be provided.

Members of the Mason High School Class of 1994, please join us for our 15 year class reunion on Saturday, July 11, 2009. We will meet at the home of Lynn and DelRoy Reichenau, 1038 RR 1871, in Mason. The party will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Be sure and bring a snack to share, your favorite beverage, some lawn chairs, and swimsuits for the family.

Registration to participate in the Apple Blossom Style Show has been extended. Any young lady who will be in Kindergarten through the third grade during the 2009-2010 school year is eligible to take part in the Style Show. The registration is limited to the first 30 young ladies who register.

Where the Fun Never Sets! The Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce invites everyone to help celebrate the town’s German heritage and Texas hospitality during Night In Old Fredericksburg, coming July 17 & 18, to Marktplatz in downtown Fredericksburg, Texas. This year will mark the festival’s 46th Anniversary! Night In Old Fredericksburg is actually two nights and two days, showcasing the history, culture, food, and fun of this charming Hill Country community.

Pictured are some of the Friends of CASA members (l-r), Julie Harrison, Pattie Allen, Brenda Kothmann and Gladys Kaderka. The playhouse raffle will be held Saturday Night at the Rodeo. Tickets are $5.00 each.

Mason County Habitat for Humanity is pleased to announce that applications will soon be open for another family to partner with the affiliate in owning their own home.  The next build will be the eighth Habitat home to be built in the Mason community, which is considered an exemplary feat, given the size of the community and that the local affiliate has just passed the seventh anniversary of affiliation! The schedule for the application workshops is as follows:                ...

The Hill Country Chapter of the Texas Tech Alumni Association is hosting the annual Student Send-Off & Scholarship Awards Family Picnic on Sunday, July 12, 2009, at Runnymeade Country Inn at 6:00 p.m. Anyone who ever attended Texas Tech is invited to attend. Scholarship recipients for 2009 from the Hill Country attending Tech will be recognized as well as local students attending TTU at Fredericksburg.

Maudell Holt McDonald was born on December 9, 1921, in Mason County, and passed away June 28, 2009. She was the daughter of Jesse McAllen Holt and Kizzie Ferguson Holt. She was raised in the Wagram Community and graduated from Pontotoc High School. She married James Allen (Al) McDonald on February 8, 1941.

One of the many who enjoyed their time on June 6th at the Mason's city pool's Splash Day!

The Mason Bluebonnet Study Club will meet in the home of Mary Hemphill at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, July 13 to plan programs for the upcoming club year. Those attending are asked to bring a covered salad dish to share at lunch. Any and all ideas for programs or for fundraisers will be welcomed. President Hemphill has received word that the club won four awards at the state level and will display them at the meeting. The Mason Bluebonnet Study Club has been a member of the General Federation of Wo ...

The Mason Square Museum exhibits a collection of maps spanning three centuries showing the Americas and the land that became Texas. Saturday, July 11th, as a special Roundup event, museum curator John L. Davis will discuss the origin of the name “Texas” and the changing shape of Texas’ boundaries over three hundred years—as shown on maps and in the dreams of kings and governors.

Eldon Kothmann shared this photo from Satuday's fireworks display, sponsored by Carl Keith.

When I was in college, my mother had two pages in her address book dedicated to my frequent moves. A new apartment, a new phone number, a new entry. I still remember being incensed when the Katemcy post office closed. My parents had always been PO Box 77, Katemcy, TX 76850.

Dear Gerry, Once gain Mr. Carl Keith's generosity has lighted up the July 4 night sky with a brilliant and beautiful display of pyrotechnics! How fortunate we are in this community to be able to join together in witnessing this visual celebration of our nation's nativity. I am grateful to be one of the many beneficiaries of the Keith family's generous gift as well as the God-bestowed gift of citizenship in the United States of America, of Texas, and of Mason! Sincerely, Julie Harrison

Gerry, Most anyone ,in this town, you aproach and ask about their Christian background will tell you they’re Christians, they live right and have been baptised. We have a young man living in our midst who at an early age committed a one time sin against another person. He was sent away for approximately 26 months to a correction facility.

My grandfather would always (and still does) discuss what it was like growing up during the Great Depression in Texas. Growing up with TV, computers and without having to grow vegetables or slaughter pigs to put food on the table, I could never relate to his stories, but I sat and listened anyway.

Chuck and Joanne Bradley are pleased to announce that Joshua and Kimberly Bradley welcomed the newest member of their family, their daughter, Rylee Lynn Bradley, on June 18th at 2:30 p.m. She weighed in at seven pounds, 13.5 ounces, and 20.5 inches long. She is welcomed home by her older brother Austin and four older sisters: Alexis, Hannah, Kadynce and Kyleigh, as well as by her Uncle James, Aunt Maybellene, her cousins James, Justin and Jamiellene, her Uncle Charles, her great-papa (Eddie Eck ...

Barbara Walker of Mason is proud to announce the marriage of her daughter Tara to Troy Troiano. The couple were wed on Sandbridge Beach near Virginia Beach, Virginia on June 28. They reside in Virginia Beach but will soon be relocating to Norfolk.

Bethany Colleen Snyder graduated May 16, 2009 from Texas A&M University, Magna Cum Laude, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. Bethany is the daughter of Bob and Cathy Snyder of Killeen and granddaughter of Marilyn Mahon. Bethany has accepted the position of a fourth grade teacher in the Copperas Cove Independent School District.

The James River Cowboys cooking grub at the mouth of James River in 1958. Pictured left to right are Buzzy Keller, Gene Zesch, Casey Zesch, George Keller, Douglas Owen, Harvey Zesch, and Max Hey. Not shown are Charles Pluenneke, Wayne Keller, and Jimmy Jordan. Thanks to Harvey Zesch for his article about the legendary James River Cowboys.

Old "Boss Lion" Denwood Butler (at left) passes the gavel to new "Boss Lion" Chris Dyer as Past District Governor James Price looks on.

Officers L-R: Harold Hoerster, Lawernce Spell, Pat Reardon, Kirby Groves, John Gammill, Wilburn Shearer, Gene Gammill, Elliott Courtright, Denwood Butler, Chuck Bearden, Chris Dyer and James Price (Past District Governor).

Bruce Hofmann spent his 60th birthday back in May fishing on the Llano River. He caught this 37-inch catfish while camping with son Kurt at their place at Leon. Bruce says it is the biggest fish he has ever seen to come out of the Llano River.

SEGUIN – June 4, 2009 – Texas Lutheran University recently named Kaleb Schmidt of Llano to the Dean’s List for the spring 2009 semester. The Dean’s List was announced at the conclusion of the spring semester to honor those students who maintained a grade point average of 3.5-3.99 with a minimum of 12 graded hours during the semester. Schmidt, a business major, is the son of Kalyn Winn and Sid Schmidt.

Larry Brown(USMC), son of Larry and Barbara Brown of Mason is shown piloting his MV22.He is on deployment out of North Carolina.

The Mason Lions Club met Tuesday, June 30th, for its regular weekly luncheon meeting. There were 31 members and 4 visitors in attendance. "Boss Lion" Denwood Butler was responsible for the program and introduced James Price, Immediate Past District Governor, of Kingsland Inducted the New Officers for 2009-2010 of the Mason Lions Club.

Junk store. Thrift shop. Antiques. Mason’s got a plethora of places. Country Collectibles. Or Collectables. Depends on which direction you approach it from: Leaving the square going north. Or coming from the north towards the square. Then there’s The Little Red Shack. That’s on the highway headed south. Texas Resale does business on the highway going north. So does Mason Resale Barn. And right next door is the Hill Top Emporium & Trading Post. Back near the square is Lone St ...

Here’s a REAL Fan!... Column #323 for release Saturday, July 4, 2009, or Later Fans of the Dallas Mavericks basketball team sport t-shirts with “MFFL” lettering. Attempts to pronounce it wad the tongue; remember, “MFFL” is a long putt from an acronym. (Owner Mark Cuban came up with the designation: Mavericks Fans For Life.) In Burleson, Texas, a rabid sports fan says his shirt letters mean: “Mickelson Fan For Life.” The fan is Greg Ryan, a Chick-fil-A franchisee.

Once you’ve visited Enchanted Rock, you never forget the scenic beauty and power of this natural wonder. What would a farm of 400-foot-tall wind turbines do to the unique vista adorned by the dome profile of this pink granite marvel? Junction is known as the “Land of the Living Waters” and is named for the rivers coming together there: the North and South Llano Rivers.

Oatmeal and Jelly Glassware My mother, bless her heart, ate oatmeal for breakfast all of her life and we kids often attributed her longevity of near 96 years to that fact alone. Throughout our childhood we were fed that damned stuff every morning whether we wanted it or not. Now I call it “damned stuff” because the way Mama prepared it there was no other appropriate name for it. Back in the late years of the 19-teens and the early 1920’s Mama taught us to make paste for our school boo ...

Yeast overgrowth is a health concern that is thought to be a woman’s problem. This is simply not true. Both men and women can have an intestinal flora imbalance that results in yeast overgrowth. Another popular misconception is that yeast overgrowth is a local problem confined to a woman’s body.

Thank God for the beautiful rain last week and also for the great possibilities for rain early this week. He seems to be giving us just what we need and not too much. That is what He did to the Israelites with Moses in the wilderness for 40 years, giving then enough manna for one day but none to store for the next day, He is a loving and great God and we thank Him for all that He gives us. A special wish for a happy birthday goes to Jordan Kothmann on July 12th.

“Summer Time And The Living Is Easy!” Well, Hello! In the heat, how else can one live? July, August and most of September is “HOT!” So, we just have to live with it. But, when it gets over one hundred degrees, some folks tend to be a little bit on the testy side. We have rivers in the county, but personally, I don’t like little fish a swimming around me.

NEW ARRIVALS - Quotes are from the cover or summary. Below Zero by C. J. Box (F BOX Pic.9). Suspense Fiction. “Wyoming game warden Joe Pickett’s teenage daughter, Sheridan, receives a text message with a staggering implication: that April, the foster daughter thought to have died 6 years ago in a massacre, is still alive.

Years ago in a candy shop I saw a very, very large jar of jellybeans in the front window. People were encouraged to try to guess the number of jellybeans in the jar. It held my attention for quite some time. Those jellybeans were packed in so tight that you couldn’t see light between them.

Family Health History A family health history is a record of illnesses and medical conditions affecting your family members. Similar to a family tree, a family health history includes information for each person about diseases, causes of death and other health information. Americans know that family history is important to health.

6-1-09 @ 2:25a.m.- Suspicious noise- Sgt Zapata responded to the 800 blk of Mood St. @ 8:54a.m.- Theft by check- Deputy Herrington responded to San Antonio St. @11:39a.m.- Suspicious vehicle- Chief Deputy Carson responded to Hwy 71@ Pontotoc. @12:56 a.m.- Traffic control- Chief Deputy Carson responded to RR 1871. @1:04p.m 911- EMS responded to the 300 blk of Ft McKavitt @4:50p.m.- Possible drunk driver- Sheriff Nixon and Chief Deputy Carson responded Hwy 97 S.

Recently, I gave a speech in Junction, Texas. I do that once in a while. Give speeches. Whenever someone asks me to make a talk, I do it. And people ask me periodically, because I have very reasonable rates – I don’t charge anything. Generally, I just collect expense money for traveling to wherever I have to stand to give the speech. In this case, being as how I had to drive all the way to Junction and back, a distance of around 90 miles, my travel expenses came to about $3000.

Chewy ( Gooey) Chocolate Cookies (Yyvonne Rupertie, Cooks’s Illustrated) I like chocolate cookies. I like chocolate chip cookies. But most of the time, these cookies are a bit too crisp for me. I prefer them with a bit of “crunch” on the outside, and some gooey stuff on the inside. In my never ending quest for the perfect chocolate cookie, I discovered this recipe.