November 23, 2016 Issue

   An Arizona man turned himself in early Saturday morning after allegedly shooting a friend.    Justin Lamb, 27, of Yuma, Ariz., entered the Stripes convenience store at the corner of Hwy. 29 and Hwy. 16 in Llano during the early morning hours Saturday and asked to use a phone to call 911, according to a Llano County Sheriff’s    Office press release.

   Just after the Veterans Day ceremony on the courthouse lawn on November 11th, the Mason 4th graders hosted veterans at a hotdog luncheon.    The 4th graders also presented the veterans with letters they had written, thanking them for their service. One example of such a letter is:    "Dear Veterans,    "Thank you for serving our country.

I have been out of town for a couple of weeks since the start of November and have not written a column recently, so I suppose it is time for me to catch up. This time of year is always a busy time with many special projects for the City crews as we get ready for the holidays and the many visitors that come to Mason.

Ranch Potato-Topped Turkey (or Chicken) Bake If you are like me I always eat too much at Thanksgiving and then there are the leftovers. With this dish you can use your leftover turkey or it is really good with Chicken, too. Hope you all have a BLESSED Thanksgiving!! Filling: 2 cups cubed turkey or chicken 2 cups Green Giant frozen mixed vegetables, thawed 2 cans (10 ¾ oz.

   Memories of ‘Roughing It’... Reflections at Thanksgiving abound, and participants gaining most from the season are of one accord--filling their hearts with precious memories of loved ones and friends. We cherish warm remembrances, including those that made us laugh then--and make us laugh now. For many, there are happy thoughts of times in the great outdoors, perhaps now decades old.

   It’s time to talk Turkey. However, I’d rather talk a rib eye steak! Turkey is traditional, so Turkey it is. The sides that are traditional really are good. Potatoes, (Irish, for me) Pies, cakes and the Pink Stuff salad are my favorites. Gravy is okay, but if you put the gizzards and lizards in it, I’ll pass. So, I guess you’d call me a “Sides” person at Thanksgiving.

   No Parking The summer after I got out of high school I had a job at Community Service & Supply in Mason, and I got to work with some interesting people. One of them was an older fellow named Ray, who didn’t talk a lot, but when he did talk he said things.

   We wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving! We’ll close today at noon and will reopen Monday, Nov. 28th. DVDs: Outlanders: Season 2 Line of Duty: Season 3 Hell on Wheels: Season 5, Vol. 1 Hell on Wheels: Season 5, Vol. 2 The Durrells in Corfu: Season 1 Wild Oats The Infiltrator Alice through the Looking Glass Mr. Church The Upside of Anger Agatha Raisin: Series 1 The Musketeers: Season 3 Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas The Librarians: Season 1 Star Trek Beyond Paw Pat ...

The Mason Lions Club met Tuesday, November 15th, For it’s weekly luncheon meeting. There were 36 members and 3 visitors in attendance. “Boss” Lion Jess Irwin said that today marked a milestone for the Mason Lions Club: 6 of the 8 people at one table were lawyers! “Boss” Lion Jess quoted comedian George Carlin: “some people see things that are and ask why, some people see things that are not and ask why not, some have to go to work and don’t have time for all that.” One of our gu ...

Mason Varsity Cowgirls @ Lago Vista Tuesday, Nov. 15 MHS 10--20--7--9 = 46 LVHS 6--12--11--4 = 33 Scorers--Sandra Duarte 1, Breana Nail 3, Kenley Stockbridge 7, Justyn Tedder 3, Sara Powell 7, Tessa Guice 7, Ruby Magnus 13, Jessi Armstrong 4. Rebounds--Nail 5, Stockbridge 3, Tedder 8, Powell 16, Sydney Anderson 4, Guice 2, Magnus 10. Assists--Stockbridge 2, Tedder 3, Guice 3. Steals--Nail 2, Stockbridge 1, Tedder 1, Powell 3, Guice 1. Mason Varsity Cowgirls @ Fredericks ...

   Central Texas Electric Cooperative (CTEC) is collecting toys again this holiday season. A free koozie will be given to individuals that bring in donation items. CTEC is working with Bluebonnet CASA for this toy drive. The ages served range from one month to 18 years of age. Some of the items they are looking for are books, infant toys, baby dolls, Legos, board games, footballs and soccer balls. CTEC will be collecting until December 11th.

We invite the entire community to visit our Book Fair in the Mason Elementary/Jr. High Library. You will get the chance to purchase best sellers, Newbery and Caldecott Medal-winning books, chapter books, picture books and hundreds of other items only available at the Scholastic Book Fair. We also invite you to support the “Give the Gift of Reading” program at the Book Fair.

   St. Martin’s Episcopal Worshipping Community held the first Episcopal Worship Service in Mason in well over 60 years at the office on the Square of one of our members about 5 years ago. Every two weeks we met to worship together as a community. About 3 years ago we rented an actual church building located on the corner of Austin and Willow Streets and worship together every Sunday morning at 11:00.

Fourth quarter food prices in Texas showed a slight increase, up 2.23 percent from last quarter, according to Texas Farm Bureau’s (TFB) Grocery Price Watch survey. The meat counter was mixed, with ground beef and pork chops decreasing in price and sirloin steak and boneless chicken breasts increasing. “Grocery prices have been trending downward all year, but this quarter showed a slight increase,” Shannon Worrell, Mason County Farm Bureau president, said. Lean ground beef rang in at $3.70 ...

   Mark your calendars now to include going to the Odeon to learn more about the mysteries of our oceans. The Mason Co. M. Beven Eckert Memorial Library is sponsoring a free Saturday matinee of two documentaries at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, December 3. Window in the Waves: The Flower Garden Banks documents the beautiful coral reefs off the Texas/Louisiana coast.

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Llano County, will sponsor a CEU Conference on Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at Lyssy & Eckel Feeds, Inc. in Llano. This program will be for individuals who possess a valid private applicators license, a commercial applicators license, or a non-commercial applicators license, and need continuing education units (CEUs) to help with fulfilling their re-certification requirements.

   The Board of Directors of Second Chance would like to extend its appreciation for the wonderful and amazing support we have received from this community. Please join us at our Cottage Christmas Open House for some snacks and beverages at the home of Nanci and Tom Gibbons 511 El Paso Mason Thursday, December 1st from 6 to 8 PM

   The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Llano County, will be having a Private Pesticide Applicator Training Class on Monday, December 5, 2016. Class will begin with registration at 8:00 a.m. with the training beginning at 8:15 a.m. Cost of the training if you pick up your materials is $80.

   Friday night's meeting between the Mason Punchers and the Shiner Comanches displayed the kind of football that fans should expect in a playoff game.    The first quarter had been toe-to-toe, each team exploring the other and trying to find any weaknesses that could be exploited. Neither would find any opportunity to score during the first period.    In the second quarter, as a cold north wind blew across the field, the Punchers began driving down the field.

   Allene Garrison, of Mason, passed away on Sunday, November 20, at the age of 96.    Mrs. Garrison is survived by her children: Donna Garrison Harthcock of Round Rock; Roy Mack Garrison of Reno, Nevada; and, Rhonda Garrison Hanson of Bryan.    Visitation with the family will be Friday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

   Corporal Joshua Lee Jordan, of Mason, passed away on Saturday, November 19, at the age 31.    He is survived by his son Jacob Ryan Jordan, of Mason, his parents Robert Jordan and Vickey Jordan, of Mason, his wife Jennifer Jordan of Mason and a brother Jeffre Jordan and wife Danielle of Mason.    Visitation with the family will be Monday, November 28, from 4 to 7 p.m.

   Joyce Koock Holloway passed away on Sunday, November 20, at the age of 87.    Joyce was born on October 27, 1929 in Mason to William Karl Koock and Vera Dannheim Koock. Mason County would be her home all of her life. In 1948 she fell in love married A.

   The musical group, The Divas, from San Angelo are excited to bring their annual Christmas Show to the Odeon theater in Mason, Saturday December 10. The Divas performed before a packed house at the Odeon when they performed a special Valentine concert. So, by popular demand they return to perform “Deck the Halls with Divas.” This show sells out every year at the San Angelo Civic Center and is sure to be a sell out at the Odeon.

   Riata held their November meeting at the home of Pam Scott, with co-hostesses Susan Coe and Willeda Rea.    Laura Tallent, program chairman, introduced our program, MHS Talent on Parade. Julie Gillespie, UIL speech coach, was accompanied by Kade Willimack, Riley Ruffin and Kate Gillespie. Each student gave a presentation, Riley and Kate participate in Congressional Debate and Cade competes in Poetic Interpretation.    A short business meeting was held.

   Mason’s annual “Light up the Town” is Saturday, November 26th on the courthouse square.    Following the lighting of the town square, will be the Seaquist Foundation’s second annual “Christmas at the Seaquist House” from 6:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. There will be an array of “finger” foods and drinks, including hot apple cider.

   The Mason Study Club held their November meeting last week and were treated to a luncheon hosted by members Mary Carlman, Diane Evans, Linnda Graham, Gladys Kaderka, and Joyce Mutschink at the Mason Library.    This month’s presenters were Richard Taylor and Suzie Paris of Mason County’s own Blue Mountain Peak Ranch winner of the 2016 Leopold Conservation Award.

   The City of Mason will be closed Thursday and Friday November 24 and 25 for the Thanksgiving Holidays. Trash trucks will pick up as usual Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (21st, 22nd, and 23rd). Thursday will be on Tuesday 22nd and Friday will be on Wednesday 23rd. Trash will resume back on normal Monday.

   Five Mason High School students competed in the Regional UIL Congressional Debate Tournament at Bangs High School on November 9th, and three students advanced to the State.    Ryli Ruffin, a junior, won the 2A Regional Championship at the meet. Kate Gillespie, a sophomore, placed 2nd, and Julie Mae Drazan placed 3rd.

   Alpha Beta Psi will be hosting its annual Light Up Our Town this Saturday. Santa will be arriving at 4 p.m. He will be arriving at The Odeon Theater, so parents bring your cameras.    Entertainment will begin around 4:30 p.m. Cookies and hot chocolate will be served by Queens Court.

   Thankful for 57 Years...    This Thursday, as happens every eight or nine years, my birthday will fall on the same day as Thanksgiving. Of course, I'm not the only one celebrating. There's Shirley Beth Lyles, Lex Lehmberg, Pepper Kroll, Renee Ince and Roger Jordan. None of us were born the same year, so each of us will have different candle counts on our respective cakes.    In addition to the birthday, my family will also be celebrating two wed ...

   Five Mason High School students competed in the Regional UIL Congressional Debate Tournament at Bangs High School on November 9th, and three students advanced to the State.    Ryli Ruffin, a junior, won the 2A Regional Championship at the meet. Kate Gillespie, a sophomore, placed 2nd, and Julie Mae Drazan placed 3rd.

   Riata held their November meeting at the home of Pam Scott, with co-hostesses Susan Coe and Willeda Rea.    Laura Tallent, program chairman, introduced our program, MHS Talent on Parade. Julie Gillespie, UIL speech coach, was accompanied by Kade Willimack, Riley Ruffin and Kate Gillespie. Each student gave a presentation, Riley and Kate participate in Congressional Debate and Cade competes in Poetic Interpretation.    A short business meeting was held.

   Friday night's meeting between the Mason Punchers and the Shiner Comanches displayed the kind of football that fans should expect in a playoff game.    The first quarter had been toe-to-toe, each team exploring the other and trying to find any weaknesses that could be exploited. Neither would find any opportunity to score during the first period.    In the second quarter, as a cold north wind blew across the field, the Punchers began driving down the field.

We invite the entire community to visit our Book Fair in the Mason Elementary/Jr. High Library. You will get the chance to purchase best sellers, Newbery and Caldecott Medal-winning books, chapter books, picture books and hundreds of other items only available at the Scholastic Book Fair. We also invite you to support the “Give the Gift of Reading” program at the Book Fair.

Mason Varsity Cowgirls @ Lago Vista Tuesday, Nov. 15 MHS 10--20--7--9 = 46 LVHS 6--12--11--4 = 33 Scorers--Sandra Duarte 1, Breana Nail 3, Kenley Stockbridge 7, Justyn Tedder 3, Sara Powell 7, Tessa Guice 7, Ruby Magnus 13, Jessi Armstrong 4. Rebounds--Nail 5, Stockbridge 3, Tedder 8, Powell 16, Sydney Anderson 4, Guice 2, Magnus 10. Assists--Stockbridge 2, Tedder 3, Guice 3. Steals--Nail 2, Stockbridge 1, Tedder 1, Powell 3, Guice 1. Mason Varsity Cowgirls @ Fredericks ...

   Just after the Veterans Day ceremony on the courthouse lawn on November 11th, the Mason 4th graders hosted veterans at a hotdog luncheon.    The 4th graders also presented the veterans with letters they had written, thanking them for their service. One example of such a letter is:    "Dear Veterans,    "Thank you for serving our country.

   The Board of Directors of Second Chance would like to extend its appreciation for the wonderful and amazing support we have received from this community. Please join us at our Cottage Christmas Open House for some snacks and beverages at the home of Nanci and Tom Gibbons 511 El Paso Mason Thursday, December 1st from 6 to 8 PM

   Alpha Beta Psi will be hosting its annual Light Up Our Town this Saturday. Santa will be arriving at 4 p.m. He will be arriving at The Odeon Theater, so parents bring your cameras.    Entertainment will begin around 4:30 p.m. Cookies and hot chocolate will be served by Queens Court.

   The City of Mason will be closed Thursday and Friday November 24 and 25 for the Thanksgiving Holidays. Trash trucks will pick up as usual Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (21st, 22nd, and 23rd). Thursday will be on Tuesday 22nd and Friday will be on Wednesday 23rd. Trash will resume back on normal Monday.

   Mason’s annual “Light up the Town” is Saturday, November 26th on the courthouse square.    Following the lighting of the town square, will be the Seaquist Foundation’s second annual “Christmas at the Seaquist House” from 6:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. There will be an array of “finger” foods and drinks, including hot apple cider.

   The musical group, The Divas, from San Angelo are excited to bring their annual Christmas Show to the Odeon theater in Mason, Saturday December 10. The Divas performed before a packed house at the Odeon when they performed a special Valentine concert. So, by popular demand they return to perform “Deck the Halls with Divas.” This show sells out every year at the San Angelo Civic Center and is sure to be a sell out at the Odeon.

   The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Llano County, will be having a Private Pesticide Applicator Training Class on Monday, December 5, 2016. Class will begin with registration at 8:00 a.m. with the training beginning at 8:15 a.m. Cost of the training if you pick up your materials is $80.

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Llano County, will sponsor a CEU Conference on Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at Lyssy & Eckel Feeds, Inc. in Llano. This program will be for individuals who possess a valid private applicators license, a commercial applicators license, or a non-commercial applicators license, and need continuing education units (CEUs) to help with fulfilling their re-certification requirements.

   Mark your calendars now to include going to the Odeon to learn more about the mysteries of our oceans. The Mason Co. M. Beven Eckert Memorial Library is sponsoring a free Saturday matinee of two documentaries at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, December 3. Window in the Waves: The Flower Garden Banks documents the beautiful coral reefs off the Texas/Louisiana coast.

   St. Martin’s Episcopal Worshipping Community held the first Episcopal Worship Service in Mason in well over 60 years at the office on the Square of one of our members about 5 years ago. Every two weeks we met to worship together as a community. About 3 years ago we rented an actual church building located on the corner of Austin and Willow Streets and worship together every Sunday morning at 11:00.

We invite the entire community to visit our Book Fair in the Mason Elementary/Jr. High Library. You will get the chance to purchase best sellers, Newbery and Caldecott Medal-winning books, chapter books, picture books and hundreds of other items only available at the Scholastic Book Fair. We also invite you to support the “Give the Gift of Reading” program at the Book Fair.

   Central Texas Electric Cooperative (CTEC) is collecting toys again this holiday season. A free koozie will be given to individuals that bring in donation items. CTEC is working with Bluebonnet CASA for this toy drive. The ages served range from one month to 18 years of age. Some of the items they are looking for are books, infant toys, baby dolls, Legos, board games, footballs and soccer balls. CTEC will be collecting until December 11th.

   The Mason County Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for our Board of Directors. We are looking for individuals who are passionate about Mason and anxious to make improvements in the business environment of our beloved community. This person would need to be able to attend monthly board meetings and actively participate in all of the Chamber events throughout the year. Nominations can be submitted via email ([email protected]) or in person at the Chamber office on th ...

   Notice: Broad Street will be closed to traffic for the Luminary Trail to the Seaquist House beginning at 5 p.m. and ending at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 26th. The Seaquist House will be open from 6-8 p.m. for community enjoyment. Please join them for a fun, holiday evening.

   Joyce Koock Holloway passed away on Sunday, November 20, at the age of 87.    Joyce was born on October 27, 1929 in Mason to William Karl Koock and Vera Dannheim Koock. Mason County would be her home all of her life. In 1948 she fell in love married A.

   Corporal Joshua Lee Jordan, of Mason, passed away on Saturday, November 19, at the age 31.    He is survived by his son Jacob Ryan Jordan, of Mason, his parents Robert Jordan and Vickey Jordan, of Mason, his wife Jennifer Jordan of Mason and a brother Jeffre Jordan and wife Danielle of Mason.    Visitation with the family will be Monday, November 28, from 4 to 7 p.m.

   Allene Garrison, of Mason, passed away on Sunday, November 20, at the age of 96.    Mrs. Garrison is survived by her children: Donna Garrison Harthcock of Round Rock; Roy Mack Garrison of Reno, Nevada; and, Rhonda Garrison Hanson of Bryan.    Visitation with the family will be Friday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

   Thankful for 57 Years...    This Thursday, as happens every eight or nine years, my birthday will fall on the same day as Thanksgiving. Of course, I'm not the only one celebrating. There's Shirley Beth Lyles, Lex Lehmberg, Pepper Kroll, Renee Ince and Roger Jordan. None of us were born the same year, so each of us will have different candle counts on our respective cakes.    In addition to the birthday, my family will also be celebrating two wed ...

   We wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving! We’ll close today at noon and will reopen Monday, Nov. 28th. DVDs: Outlanders: Season 2 Line of Duty: Season 3 Hell on Wheels: Season 5, Vol. 1 Hell on Wheels: Season 5, Vol. 2 The Durrells in Corfu: Season 1 Wild Oats The Infiltrator Alice through the Looking Glass Mr. Church The Upside of Anger Agatha Raisin: Series 1 The Musketeers: Season 3 Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas The Librarians: Season 1 Star Trek Beyond Paw Pat ...

   No Parking The summer after I got out of high school I had a job at Community Service & Supply in Mason, and I got to work with some interesting people. One of them was an older fellow named Ray, who didn’t talk a lot, but when he did talk he said things.

   It’s time to talk Turkey. However, I’d rather talk a rib eye steak! Turkey is traditional, so Turkey it is. The sides that are traditional really are good. Potatoes, (Irish, for me) Pies, cakes and the Pink Stuff salad are my favorites. Gravy is okay, but if you put the gizzards and lizards in it, I’ll pass. So, I guess you’d call me a “Sides” person at Thanksgiving.

   Memories of ‘Roughing It’... Reflections at Thanksgiving abound, and participants gaining most from the season are of one accord--filling their hearts with precious memories of loved ones and friends. We cherish warm remembrances, including those that made us laugh then--and make us laugh now. For many, there are happy thoughts of times in the great outdoors, perhaps now decades old.

Ranch Potato-Topped Turkey (or Chicken) Bake If you are like me I always eat too much at Thanksgiving and then there are the leftovers. With this dish you can use your leftover turkey or it is really good with Chicken, too. Hope you all have a BLESSED Thanksgiving!! Filling: 2 cups cubed turkey or chicken 2 cups Green Giant frozen mixed vegetables, thawed 2 cans (10 ¾ oz.

How about those Punchers? For those of us who traveled to Pflugerville Friday night, we were treated to an action packed game. I haven’t been to a game decided by overtime in years. Congratulations to the team, coaches, cheerleaders, and band. We are now at that point in the season where it is best not to read some stranger’s theory about who will win, but just take it one play at a time and one game at a time.

Thanksgiving. Brought to you in living Technicolor. And bigger than any wide-screen TV. Don’t touch that dial. The moment has come. Dinner is served. Thanksgiving—a traditional meal of many colors. Equal to a painter’s palette. Each dish bringing something different to the table. Kinda like people. The golden brown turkey. The golden yellow yams. The dressing (aka stuffing) colored in camouflage. Orange carrots. What’s green, brown, and beige, and always served at Thanksgiving? (Green b ...