October 12, 2016 Issue

   The Mason Garden Club will have it regular meeting on Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at 2 p.m. in the Stribling Room of the Mason County M. Beven Eckert Memorial Library.    Guest speaker will be Tony Plutino of Mason, a master naturalist with the Hill Country chapter.    He will discuss all the benefits of being a master naturalist and what the program does inthe area.

   This is a busy time of year for the City and we are working hard to keep up with the many different jobs. The crews are out taking advantage of the pleasant weather and getting some of the cleanup done that always builds up, and in addition there is always the extra challenges such as major water leaks or new electrical services that take time and much effort.

   GRANVILLE, Ohio (Oct. 5, 2016) — Denison University student Claudia Canfield from Mason and graduate of Mason High School, was chosen as a 2016 summer research scholar in a program funded by The International Paper Company Foundation Fund. Canfield is one of 107 students who spent their summer conducting in-depth research projects at Denison or off-campus.

   There will be a Chamber Mixer this Thursday, October 13 at Mason County Craftsman, from 5-7.    Chris & Randy will be putting together a big pot of Gumbo as well as beverages! Come help us celebrate their 1-year anniversary!    Hope to see you all there!

   On Thursday, October 12th, The American Legion Fort Mason Post 285 will have its regular meeting at 6:30pm, at The American Legion Post Hall, 237 Post Hill [behind the Jail]. At this meeting, the officers of Fort Mason Post 285 & the Ladies Auxiliary will be sworn in at their new positions.

Dak Biggest Football Name Since Doak?...    Only fans longest of tooth, grayest of hair or baldness of pate could possibly remember a time when there was anyone to compare with the “Dak-to-Dak-to-Dak” wins posted by the Dallas Cowboys. A Texan named Doak Walker stirred similar acclaim in Dallas, beginning with high school exploits at Highland Park High School in the early 1940s, then at Southern Methodist University prior to his half-dozen years of pro stardom wit ...

   Folks, I’ve got a case of the “Don’t Want a’s!” I don’t want a do much of anything. I guess I’m in what you would call an extended vacation in Piddle around land. I should do something about it, but changing my life back to “Pick it up, Clean it up, and Put it up,” just doesn’t interest me.    When I get like this, I start to feeling guilty!

   The gift that keeps on maiming    My friend, Jackie Holloway, always had cooler stuff than I did while we were growing up, so when I got the chance I always enjoyed spending a weekend at his house. He had guns, and a mini bike, and right across the road from his house was a sand plant, where they dug frac sand out of the ground There were several acres of waste sand, which we used as a substitute for the Sahara Desert, so we could play Rat Patrol.

   October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. If you’re considering a rescue pet, good for you! I’ll guarantee that when you start looking, you’ll see plenty of older dogs waiting for their next family. Please don’t dismiss the older choices until after you’ve read our new book My Old Dog: Rescued Pets with Remarkable Second Acts.

   The Mason Lions Club met Tuesday, October 4th, for its quarterly business meeting. There were 30 members and no visitors in attendance.    “Boss” Lion Jess Irwin was responsible for the meeting. “Boss” Lion Jess passed out 100% attendance pins to a number of us and irony of ironies, one of the recipients was not present to receive his!

   Fall is the time of the year the City Commissioners spend a lot of time preparing our town’s budget for the next year. We also have been reviewing our 2015 audit report. Between the two documents, I have learned a lot about Mason’s financial status.    One of my main objectives when I took office was to look into ways to cut city spending, so we could give people relief on their electric bills.

   The Library 42 Group will meet on Wednesday, October 12th, 1:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome.    Bring a friend and enjoy the fun.

   Mason ISD will host an informational session on October 19th, 2016, from 4:00-5:00 p.m. in the MHS Library. Dallas Swafford, Director of Student Disability Services at Angelo State University, will share information about the student’s roles and responsibilities in preparing for post secondary education. Parents and students are invited to attend.

   Families from across Mason County recently met to help shape policy for the state’s largest farm organization.    “Each year, we invite Mason County Farm Bureau members to our county convention so we can discuss issues important to agriculture and rural Texas,” Shannon Worrell, Mason County Farm Bureau president, said.

   Relationships within the community are essential for agriculture and Mason County Farm Bureau. A partnership with the Volunteer Fire Department strengthens the commitment to safety in rural areas.    Mason County Farm Bureau recognized Mason, Pontotoc, and Loyal Valley Volunteer Fire Departments with a complimentary membership, $100 donation and a metal Texas Farm Bureau membership sign this past week at their annual county convention.    “Our volunteer fire d ...

   You never know what you might find at the Mason County Farmers Market! New vendors are joining us each week.    Last Saturday we had the Garden Club selling flower and herb plants; we had yard art and handmade hats for children; there were jars of homemade BBQ sauce and decorations created from horseshoes.

   The Beauty of a Deafening Silence...    Anyone who has ever stepped into my office knows that I've always got some kind of music or other noise playing. I don't necessarily listen to what's playing, and probably couldn't tell you the last song if you were to ask. I use the generated noise as a way to cover all the other sounds of an office: people talking on the phone, printers beeping and whirring, visitors chatting with someone else in the office.    Our moder ...

   The Comanche Creek Women’s Golf Association Cross Country Scramble and Annual Meeting will be held on Monday, October 17, at 9:00 a.m. We encourage all members of any skill level to join us for this “not very serious,” fun event.    There will be a putting contest for those members who no longer play golf but can still enjoy a little friendly competition on the putting green!!!    Whether you play in the scramble or not, all members are invited to join us ...

   The junior high and high school cross country teams competed at Goldthwaite last Wednesday. They will travel to Priddy this week to compete as they both have just one meet left to prepare for the District 27AA meet which will be held here in Mason on October 19th at the golf course.    Leading the pack for the second place Mason Cowgirls were Senior, Angelica Ramirez, who placed second (13:04) and Junior, Shay Baker, who placed fifth (14:03).

   Goldthwaite Invitational Junior High Cross Country Meet    4th Place finish for 7th Grade Girls Team    7th Girls    Top 5    18 Place- Isis Martinez 16:38    26 Place- Alex Row 17:24    27 Place- Mariah Avalos 17:28    34 Place- Tori Perlicheck 18:19.1    35 Place -Tristen Keller 18:19.8    36 Place- Maddi Carter 18:27    38 Place- - Sterling Smith 18:32   &nbs ...

   7th vs. Menard    The 7th grade suffered a tough loss to the Menard Yellowjackets on Thursday as they fell 38-14. We had some good drives that we just couldn’t finish out and we walked away with a loss. Scoring for the Punchers were Tristin Keller on a pass from Kaleab Fisher and run by Hayden Harding with the 2 point conversion also ran in by Hayden.    8th vs.

   Hill Country Veteran Services will present a program at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, October 17, in the Stribling Room of the Mason Co. M. Beven Eckert Memorial Library, which is located at 410 Post Hill St. The program will inform veterans and their families of services available to them and to help them access these services.

   Save this Date!!    Once again the Friends of the M. Bevens Eckert Library invitethe Mason community to a Wine and Cheese Party honoring all friends of the Mason Library.    The event will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 in the home of Tom and Melany Canfield at 1311 Lincoln.    All persons who are interested in and/or support our library are welcome.

   Joaquin    Dear Gerry,    The article titled “A Ranger Named ‘Joaquin’” contained the claim that Texas historian Walter P. Webb, “ respected him (Joaquin Jackson) immensely.” I pointed out in an email to the author of the piece, Dr. Don Newbury, that Dr. Webb had been killed in an automobile accident in 1963, three years before Joaquin Jackson became a Texas Ranger, and that none of Dr.

   Dayton Benno Reichenau    Dayton Benno Reichenau, of Mason, passed away on Friday, October 7, at the age of 88.    He was born on March 29, 1928, in Mason, to Benno Reichenau and Lyudia Lang Reichenau. He was a life-long rancher and resident of Mason County. Dayton served his country in the Marine Corps during the Korean War.

   Here in the Hill Country folks know Grammy Award-winner Johnny Nicholas owns the little white-painted wooden restaurant and music venue, inconveniently located just 11 miles north of Fredericksburg on HWY 87. And, on any given night you may catch him at his Hill Top Cafe bangin’ the keys along with some of his notable friends.

   It’s a Pink Fiesta and all women in Mason County are invited to attend! Invite your friends and join us on Thursday, October 20th, 5:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church.    What is a Pink Fiesta? It is an awareness event for breast and cervical cancer that will help women discover how early detection can provide the best protection for these two cancers.

   The Mason Band Boosters would like to request the honor of your attendance at the 59th Annual Queen’s Coronation. It will be held on Saturday, November 5th at the Fort Mason Park Community Building. The doors will open at 7:00 and the event will start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets will cost $10 and will be available beginning Monday, October 17th at Mason Bank, The Commercial Bank, Benji’s, and the High School Office.    The students of Mason High School will be presented to t ...

   On Tuesday, October 4, Mason ISD held an informational meeting in Spanish for parents. Approximately 50 parents, friends, school board, and staff members attended along with several children. Child care was provided.    Information and handouts were given concerning the SchoolWay Communication system, the Parent Portal, the services available at the Mason County Public Library, and the ESL Program offered at Mason ISD.

   The Mason Tennis Association is hosting a tennis mixer at the Mason Tennis Center this Sunday, October 16th at 3:30.    We will have some fun tennis time, a meeting, appreciate Susan Grote for her dedication to the community, and fellowship at the Banner House.    Gumbo will be provided, BYOB and bring an appetizer or a dessert and your fun self, adults only, thank you.

   The Mason Tennis Association is hosting a tennis mixer at the Mason Tennis Center this Sunday, October 16th at 3:30.    We will have some fun tennis time, a meeting, appreciate Susan Grote for her dedication to the community, and fellowship at the Banner House.    Gumbo will be provided, BYOB and bring an appetizer or a dessert and your fun self, adults only, thank you.

   On Tuesday, October 4, Mason ISD held an informational meeting in Spanish for parents. Approximately 50 parents, friends, school board, and staff members attended along with several children. Child care was provided.    Information and handouts were given concerning the SchoolWay Communication system, the Parent Portal, the services available at the Mason County Public Library, and the ESL Program offered at Mason ISD.

   The Mason Band Boosters would like to request the honor of your attendance at the 59th Annual Queen’s Coronation. It will be held on Saturday, November 5th at the Fort Mason Park Community Building. The doors will open at 7:00 and the event will start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets will cost $10 and will be available beginning Monday, October 17th at Mason Bank, The Commercial Bank, Benji’s, and the High School Office.    The students of Mason High School will be presented to t ...

   7th vs. Menard    The 7th grade suffered a tough loss to the Menard Yellowjackets on Thursday as they fell 38-14. We had some good drives that we just couldn’t finish out and we walked away with a loss. Scoring for the Punchers were Tristin Keller on a pass from Kaleab Fisher and run by Hayden Harding with the 2 point conversion also ran in by Hayden.    8th vs.

   Goldthwaite Invitational Junior High Cross Country Meet    4th Place finish for 7th Grade Girls Team    7th Girls    Top 5    18 Place- Isis Martinez 16:38    26 Place- Alex Row 17:24    27 Place- Mariah Avalos 17:28    34 Place- Tori Perlicheck 18:19.1    35 Place -Tristen Keller 18:19.8    36 Place- Maddi Carter 18:27    38 Place- - Sterling Smith 18:32   &nbs ...

   The junior high and high school cross country teams competed at Goldthwaite last Wednesday. They will travel to Priddy this week to compete as they both have just one meet left to prepare for the District 27AA meet which will be held here in Mason on October 19th at the golf course.    Leading the pack for the second place Mason Cowgirls were Senior, Angelica Ramirez, who placed second (13:04) and Junior, Shay Baker, who placed fifth (14:03).

   The Mason Tennis Association is hosting a tennis mixer at the Mason Tennis Center this Sunday, October 16th at 3:30.    We will have some fun tennis time, a meeting, appreciate Susan Grote for her dedication to the community, and fellowship at the Banner House.    Gumbo will be provided, BYOB and bring an appetizer or a dessert and your fun self, adults only, thank you.

   The Mason Band Boosters would like to request the honor of your attendance at the 59th Annual Queen’s Coronation. It will be held on Saturday, November 5th at the Fort Mason Park Community Building. The doors will open at 7:00 and the event will start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets will cost $10 and will be available beginning Monday, October 17th at Mason Bank, The Commercial Bank, Benji’s, and the High School Office.    The students of Mason High School will be presented to t ...

   It’s a Pink Fiesta and all women in Mason County are invited to attend! Invite your friends and join us on Thursday, October 20th, 5:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church.    What is a Pink Fiesta? It is an awareness event for breast and cervical cancer that will help women discover how early detection can provide the best protection for these two cancers.

   Here in the Hill Country folks know Grammy Award-winner Johnny Nicholas owns the little white-painted wooden restaurant and music venue, inconveniently located just 11 miles north of Fredericksburg on HWY 87. And, on any given night you may catch him at his Hill Top Cafe bangin’ the keys along with some of his notable friends.

   Hill Country Veteran Services will present a program at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, October 17, in the Stribling Room of the Mason Co. M. Beven Eckert Memorial Library, which is located at 410 Post Hill St. The program will inform veterans and their families of services available to them and to help them access these services.

   The Comanche Creek Women’s Golf Association Cross Country Scramble and Annual Meeting will be held on Monday, October 17, at 9:00 a.m. We encourage all members of any skill level to join us for this “not very serious,” fun event.    There will be a putting contest for those members who no longer play golf but can still enjoy a little friendly competition on the putting green!!!    Whether you play in the scramble or not, all members are invited to join us ...

   The Mason Garden Club will have it regular meeting on Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at 2 p.m. in the Stribling Room of the Mason County M. Beven Eckert Memorial Library.    Guest speaker will be Tony Plutino of Mason, a master naturalist with the Hill Country chapter.    He will discuss all the benefits of being a master naturalist and what the program does inthe area.

   You never know what you might find at the Mason County Farmers Market! New vendors are joining us each week.    Last Saturday we had the Garden Club selling flower and herb plants; we had yard art and handmade hats for children; there were jars of homemade BBQ sauce and decorations created from horseshoes.

   Mason ISD will host an informational session on October 19th, 2016, from 4:00-5:00 p.m. in the MHS Library. Dallas Swafford, Director of Student Disability Services at Angelo State University, will share information about the student’s roles and responsibilities in preparing for post secondary education. Parents and students are invited to attend.

   The Library 42 Group will meet on Wednesday, October 12th, 1:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome.    Bring a friend and enjoy the fun.

   On Thursday, October 12th, The American Legion Fort Mason Post 285 will have its regular meeting at 6:30pm, at The American Legion Post Hall, 237 Post Hill [behind the Jail]. At this meeting, the officers of Fort Mason Post 285 & the Ladies Auxiliary will be sworn in at their new positions.

   There will be a Chamber Mixer this Thursday, October 13 at Mason County Craftsman, from 5-7.    Chris & Randy will be putting together a big pot of Gumbo as well as beverages! Come help us celebrate their 1-year anniversary!    Hope to see you all there!

   Dayton Benno Reichenau    Dayton Benno Reichenau, of Mason, passed away on Friday, October 7, at the age of 88.    He was born on March 29, 1928, in Mason, to Benno Reichenau and Lyudia Lang Reichenau. He was a life-long rancher and resident of Mason County. Dayton served his country in the Marine Corps during the Korean War.

   The Beauty of a Deafening Silence...    Anyone who has ever stepped into my office knows that I've always got some kind of music or other noise playing. I don't necessarily listen to what's playing, and probably couldn't tell you the last song if you were to ask. I use the generated noise as a way to cover all the other sounds of an office: people talking on the phone, printers beeping and whirring, visitors chatting with someone else in the office.    Our moder ...

   Joaquin    Dear Gerry,    The article titled “A Ranger Named ‘Joaquin’” contained the claim that Texas historian Walter P. Webb, “ respected him (Joaquin Jackson) immensely.” I pointed out in an email to the author of the piece, Dr. Don Newbury, that Dr. Webb had been killed in an automobile accident in 1963, three years before Joaquin Jackson became a Texas Ranger, and that none of Dr.

   Save this Date!!    Once again the Friends of the M. Bevens Eckert Library invitethe Mason community to a Wine and Cheese Party honoring all friends of the Mason Library.    The event will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 in the home of Tom and Melany Canfield at 1311 Lincoln.    All persons who are interested in and/or support our library are welcome.

   October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. If you’re considering a rescue pet, good for you! I’ll guarantee that when you start looking, you’ll see plenty of older dogs waiting for their next family. Please don’t dismiss the older choices until after you’ve read our new book My Old Dog: Rescued Pets with Remarkable Second Acts.

   The gift that keeps on maiming    My friend, Jackie Holloway, always had cooler stuff than I did while we were growing up, so when I got the chance I always enjoyed spending a weekend at his house. He had guns, and a mini bike, and right across the road from his house was a sand plant, where they dug frac sand out of the ground There were several acres of waste sand, which we used as a substitute for the Sahara Desert, so we could play Rat Patrol.

   Folks, I’ve got a case of the “Don’t Want a’s!” I don’t want a do much of anything. I guess I’m in what you would call an extended vacation in Piddle around land. I should do something about it, but changing my life back to “Pick it up, Clean it up, and Put it up,” just doesn’t interest me.    When I get like this, I start to feeling guilty!

Dak Biggest Football Name Since Doak?...    Only fans longest of tooth, grayest of hair or baldness of pate could possibly remember a time when there was anyone to compare with the “Dak-to-Dak-to-Dak” wins posted by the Dallas Cowboys. A Texan named Doak Walker stirred similar acclaim in Dallas, beginning with high school exploits at Highland Park High School in the early 1940s, then at Southern Methodist University prior to his half-dozen years of pro stardom wit ...

   Cold.    Wait for it...    Hot...    And so it goes.    Sweater.    Jacket.    Hat.    Flip the switch.    AC.    T-shirt.    Cap.    Speaking of T-shirts and caps.    You can get them monogrammed at Beaty’s Embroidery & Signs.    And Mason Monograms & More.    And T-shirts printed too.    They’re right across the street f ...

   The Art United Methodist Church was privileged to have John Alsbrooks as our pastor Sunday. We enjoyed visiting with John and Sharon.    It was a busy week at our house. John had cataract surgery Tuesday. He had an easy time and read the scripture in church without glasses Sunday.