November 30, 2016 Issue

   Breastfeeding    Dear Editor,    One of the most effective measures to help promote a healthier life for an infant is through breastfeeding. About 81% of mothers begin breastfeeding their infant at birth, but only about 22% of these mothers continue breastfeeding for at least 6 months after delivery (Center of Disease Control and Prevention, 2016).

Mistletoe & Margaritas. Now that’s a Christmas celebration. Texas style. And it really, truly is a real celebration. Put on by Alpha Beta Psi. Their annual Christmas auction fundraiser. Monday, December 5th. In the Mason Community Building. Sip & See at 5:00 p.m. Dinner (catered) at 5:30 p.m. Auction at 6:30 p.m. Tickets available at Commercial Bank. Don’t miss it. Always a big turnout. Always tasty. Always fun. And always for a good cause. ‘Tis the season. Also evident in the loc ...

   Christmas is in the air. With the beginning of advent, we focus on the reason for the season, the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.    Last week I mentioned the Mason Puncher Football team. Update: Mason Punchers wanted the win Friday night. They beat Normangee 55-18. Congratulations to the Punchers.    For your calendar: The Mason Community Choir Cantata is December 4th at 6 pm at the First United Methodist Church.

   The Mason Puncher football team is certainly keeping the town buzzing on Friday nights! It is exciting to still be watching and listening to high school football after Thanksgiving, and we all wish them the best of luck this coming Friday night. There are few small town groups that show the real meaning of community as well as a sports team that is working together and giving it all they have got every week.

   Easy Chicken Milanese    We are going way south of the border with this week’s recipe. The Milanese (in Italian “cotoletta alla Milanese”) is a dish common in South America countries. The Milanesa was brought to South America from Italian immigrants between 1860 and the 1920s. This dish is also similar to the Austrian Wiener Schnitzel.    The Milanesa is where generic types of breaded meat fillet (beef, chicken or veal) are dipped into bea ...

   A Place Like No Other...    An old-timer visiting Branson, MO, for the “umpteenth” time claims visitors flock to this one-of-a-kind, out-of-the-way place for one of two reasons, and sometimes both. They’re either intent on getting away from it all or spending time where it’s all at!    You’ll please pardon the grammar, but the observations are both correct.

   I find a lot of information on the internet. Just read that a single glass of red wine is worth an hour at the gym. Gee, that’s something I need to try. What harm can it do? They say it’s good for the heart. That’s a good thing. However, there is a whole bunch of trash on the internet, too.

   Thanks    The boys have just left, and Thanksgiving is officially over for another year. As usual, it went by far too quickly. Before I lapse into a post-feast food-induced coma, I’d like to share a few thoughts about the holiday, a few memories of past events, and maybe a hope for future times spent with family.

   After the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving dinners, visits with friends and family, or traveling, it’s time to slow down and start thinking about Christmas. We have a great selection of Christmas fiction, DVDs, easy books, and books on CD to help you get into the spirit of the season.

Mason Varsity Cowgirls @ Mertzon Tuesday, Nov. 22 MHS 6--5--9--10 = 30 ICHS 9--14--9--9 = 41 Scorers--Shay Baker 4, Justyn Tedder 2, Sara Powell 7, Tessa Guice 2, Ruby Magnus 10, Jessi Armstrong 5. Rebounds--Sandra Duarte 3, Baker 2, Nail 1, Tedder 1, Powell 9, Guice 3, Magnus 16. Assists--Duarte 1, Tedder 3, Nail 1. Steals--Baker 3, Tedder 4, Powell 1, Magnus 2. Record 3-2. Mason JV Purple Cowgirls @ Mertzon Tuesday Nov.

   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.

   WHO    The Fredericksburg Community Orchestra    WHAT    Presents its Classical Christmas Concert    WHEN    Friday, December 16, at 7:30 p.m.    WHERE    Hill Country Church, 107 Lower East Crabapple in Fredericksburg TX    PROGRAM    Hornpipe - Handel Arr. Meyer    Arioso - Bach Arr. Fry   &nb ...

   The lobby of Hill Country Memorial (HCM) hospital is shining even brighter as the Tree of Lights honors and remembers loved ones. Each $10 gift will add a light to the tree. The Tree of Lights may be seen in the HCM admissions lobby through January 6.    Each tax-deductible gift helps support the hospital through the Hill Country Memorial Hospital (HCMH) Foundation and enables HCM to continue providing remarkable health care to the Texas Hill Country.    Since i ...

   The Hill Country Astronomers (HCA) will meet at 6:30 PM, Monday, December 5, at the Hill Country University Center, 2818 East US Hwy 290 in Fredericksburg.    Kim Arvidsson will discuss the star of Bethlehem, a very well known star in the public eye. This presentation critically examines the story and its source, exploring the interconnectivity between the star of Bethlehem narrative and a range of very different methodologies from subjects as diverse as astronomy, histor ...

   The Mason Community Choir will present a Christmas Cantata December 4th, at 6:00 p.m. in the First Methodist Church.    The cantata is titled “EMMANUEL Celebrating Heaven’s Child” – written and compiled by Joel Lindsay, arranged and orchestrated by Russell Mauldin. A passionate Bethlehem miracle experience that will touch your heart as the sounds of glorious Christmas celebration fills the air.    The program provides a look into Christ’s first moments ...

   Voter registration    Dear Editor,    A couple of weeks ago, I talked with two people from Mason who were not allowed to participate in the last election. They went to the courthouse on November 8th, presented their identification as they had always done for previous     elections, but this time they were told they were not registered!

   Thanksgiving    Dear Nacho & Crew,    Thank you for the wonderful Thanksgiving Day feast that you prepared.    There were lots of out-of town people as well as many who didn't want to cook.    Thanks to the servers, dishwasher and everyone who worked that day. It was all very nice.    May God Bless You All    Julia Pepper

   Mason took the regional championship on Friday night by defeating the Normangee Panthers, 55-18, in a game played at the Pflugerville Stadium.    The Punchers took the ball on the opening kickoff (and an odd onside kick attempt by Normangee), and on the second play of the game, Haddon Hudson put the first points on the board with a 42-yard touchdown.

   Allene Garrison, 96, of Mason,Texas, passed away at Trinity Care Center in Round Rock, Texas, on November 20, 2016, after a brief illness.    She was born to Jack Raymond Alexander, Sr. and Mamie Allie (Carter) Alexander on March 2, 1920, in New Waverly, TX, the fourth of ten children.

   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. Joshua was born in Fredericksburg on October 12, 1985, to Robert and Vickey Jordan.

   Sidney Silas Kothmann passed away on November 23, 2016, at his home in Dallas, Texas.    A memorial service and reception will be held on December 8th, 2016, at 10 a.m. at Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Marshall “Potter” Ballard, David Barnett, Wendell Barnett, Walker Bateman, Garland Black, Raymond Brandenberger, Ron Caloss, Wayne Davis, Daniel Delp, Clinton Gamel,Rodney Hughes, Ken Kenyon, Walter King, Bair Kothm ...

   Willie Ray Willmann, 96, passed from this life to reside in heaven on November 23, 2016. Ethel, his wife of 67 years, was by his side to the end.    Willie Ray was born on September 22, 1920, to the late Marvin Fritz Willmann and Ruth (Eaker) Willmann in the home of his grandparents (Hiram & Dona (Capps) Eaker) near Willow Creek on Brockman Lane in North Mason County.

   Come learn more about our mysterious oceans at the Odeon on Saturday, Dec. 3, at 1:00 P.M. Admission is FREE, and you’ll get FREE DRINKS and POPCORN, too! Window in the Waves: The Flower Garden Banks will inform about these gorgeous coral reefs off the Coast of Louisiana and Texas, and Lethal Seas will tell about how the water itself is changing.

   When I was a young child, riddles were popular, and one I remember is: What’s black and white and red all over? Answer: A newspaper. So here’s a terrible riddle that makes no sense at all: What’s red & purple, laughs at everything and loves to eat? Answer: Mason’s Scarlet Punchers!    However, in December, we deviate from our usual wardrobe choices in favor of red and green, Christmas-themed clothing to add an even more festive tone to our annual Christmas par ...

Thanksgiving is here Christmas is near And it’s time to give gifts To those you hold dear So is it special Or is it mundane You can give something “special” Or it can just be the same I found the greatest shop A great store owner – she’s true And the best ever gift I could give to you You won’t find it in Walmart On-line or at the mall It is so very special From this shop that is small Signed by the artist And loved by us all Go visit a small business You won’t find love at the ma ...

   Please make plans to join St. Paul Lutheran Church on Sunday, December 11, for "The Journey to Bethlehem Drive Thru Christmas Luminary."    The location is Fort Mason City Park and the time is 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. There is no admission fee.    The Christmas Luminary is a presentation sponsored by St.

   The Legion Hall will be open from 1 til 3 PM on Wednesday, December 7 to memorialize those lost in the attack on Pearl Harbor Day, December 7th , 1941. “This day will go down in infamy” thus said FDR on that day. The Fort Mason Post will be open for any who wish to come by and remember with us, that fateful day in history.

   Friday Nights Continue    For most high schools, the lights of Friday night have now moved from the stadium to the gymnasium. Those schools have finished their football seasons and moved on to basketball. As predictable as the move from fall into winter, this change happens for most schools every year.    And then, there are those schools that are involved in the UIL football playoffs.

   Mason took the regional championship on Friday night by defeating the Normangee Panthers, 55-18, in a game played at the Pflugerville Stadium.    The Punchers took the ball on the opening kickoff (and an odd onside kick attempt by Normangee), and on the second play of the game, Haddon Hudson put the first points on the board with a 42-yard touchdown.

Mason Varsity Cowgirls @ Mertzon Tuesday, Nov. 22 MHS 6--5--9--10 = 30 ICHS 9--14--9--9 = 41 Scorers--Shay Baker 4, Justyn Tedder 2, Sara Powell 7, Tessa Guice 2, Ruby Magnus 10, Jessi Armstrong 5. Rebounds--Sandra Duarte 3, Baker 2, Nail 1, Tedder 1, Powell 9, Guice 3, Magnus 16. Assists--Duarte 1, Tedder 3, Nail 1. Steals--Baker 3, Tedder 4, Powell 1, Magnus 2. Record 3-2. Mason JV Purple Cowgirls @ Mertzon Tuesday Nov.

   The Mason Community Choir will present a Christmas Cantata December 4th, at 6:00 p.m. in the First Methodist Church.    The cantata is titled “EMMANUEL Celebrating Heaven’s Child” – written and compiled by Joel Lindsay, arranged and orchestrated by Russell Mauldin. A passionate Bethlehem miracle experience that will touch your heart as the sounds of glorious Christmas celebration fills the air.    The program provides a look into Christ’s first moments ...

   The Legion Hall will be open from 1 til 3 PM on Wednesday, December 7 to memorialize those lost in the attack on Pearl Harbor Day, December 7th , 1941. “This day will go down in infamy” thus said FDR on that day. The Fort Mason Post will be open for any who wish to come by and remember with us, that fateful day in history.

   Please make plans to join St. Paul Lutheran Church on Sunday, December 11, for "The Journey to Bethlehem Drive Thru Christmas Luminary."    The location is Fort Mason City Park and the time is 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. There is no admission fee.    The Christmas Luminary is a presentation sponsored by St.

   When I was a young child, riddles were popular, and one I remember is: What’s black and white and red all over? Answer: A newspaper. So here’s a terrible riddle that makes no sense at all: What’s red & purple, laughs at everything and loves to eat? Answer: Mason’s Scarlet Punchers!    However, in December, we deviate from our usual wardrobe choices in favor of red and green, Christmas-themed clothing to add an even more festive tone to our annual Christmas par ...

   Come learn more about our mysterious oceans at the Odeon on Saturday, Dec. 3, at 1:00 P.M. Admission is FREE, and you’ll get FREE DRINKS and POPCORN, too! Window in the Waves: The Flower Garden Banks will inform about these gorgeous coral reefs off the Coast of Louisiana and Texas, and Lethal Seas will tell about how the water itself is changing.

   The Hill Country Astronomers (HCA) will meet at 6:30 PM, Monday, December 5, at the Hill Country University Center, 2818 East US Hwy 290 in Fredericksburg.    Kim Arvidsson will discuss the star of Bethlehem, a very well known star in the public eye. This presentation critically examines the story and its source, exploring the interconnectivity between the star of Bethlehem narrative and a range of very different methodologies from subjects as diverse as astronomy, histor ...

   WHO    The Fredericksburg Community Orchestra    WHAT    Presents its Classical Christmas Concert    WHEN    Friday, December 16, at 7:30 p.m.    WHERE    Hill Country Church, 107 Lower East Crabapple in Fredericksburg TX    PROGRAM    Hornpipe - Handel Arr. Meyer    Arioso - Bach Arr. Fry   &nb ...

   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.

   Willie Ray Willmann, 96, passed from this life to reside in heaven on November 23, 2016. Ethel, his wife of 67 years, was by his side to the end.    Willie Ray was born on September 22, 1920, to the late Marvin Fritz Willmann and Ruth (Eaker) Willmann in the home of his grandparents (Hiram & Dona (Capps) Eaker) near Willow Creek on Brockman Lane in North Mason County.

   Sidney Silas Kothmann passed away on November 23, 2016, at his home in Dallas, Texas.    A memorial service and reception will be held on December 8th, 2016, at 10 a.m. at Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Marshall “Potter” Ballard, David Barnett, Wendell Barnett, Walker Bateman, Garland Black, Raymond Brandenberger, Ron Caloss, Wayne Davis, Daniel Delp, Clinton Gamel,Rodney Hughes, Ken Kenyon, Walter King, Bair Kothm ...

   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. Joshua was born in Fredericksburg on October 12, 1985, to Robert and Vickey Jordan.

   Allene Garrison, 96, of Mason,Texas, passed away at Trinity Care Center in Round Rock, Texas, on November 20, 2016, after a brief illness.    She was born to Jack Raymond Alexander, Sr. and Mamie Allie (Carter) Alexander on March 2, 1920, in New Waverly, TX, the fourth of ten children.

   Friday Nights Continue    For most high schools, the lights of Friday night have now moved from the stadium to the gymnasium. Those schools have finished their football seasons and moved on to basketball. As predictable as the move from fall into winter, this change happens for most schools every year.    And then, there are those schools that are involved in the UIL football playoffs.

Thanksgiving is here Christmas is near And it’s time to give gifts To those you hold dear So is it special Or is it mundane You can give something “special” Or it can just be the same I found the greatest shop A great store owner – she’s true And the best ever gift I could give to you You won’t find it in Walmart On-line or at the mall It is so very special From this shop that is small Signed by the artist And loved by us all Go visit a small business You won’t find love at the ma ...

   Thanksgiving    Dear Nacho & Crew,    Thank you for the wonderful Thanksgiving Day feast that you prepared.    There were lots of out-of town people as well as many who didn't want to cook.    Thanks to the servers, dishwasher and everyone who worked that day. It was all very nice.    May God Bless You All    Julia Pepper

   Voter registration    Dear Editor,    A couple of weeks ago, I talked with two people from Mason who were not allowed to participate in the last election. They went to the courthouse on November 8th, presented their identification as they had always done for previous     elections, but this time they were told they were not registered!

   Breastfeeding    Dear Editor,    One of the most effective measures to help promote a healthier life for an infant is through breastfeeding. About 81% of mothers begin breastfeeding their infant at birth, but only about 22% of these mothers continue breastfeeding for at least 6 months after delivery (Center of Disease Control and Prevention, 2016).

   After the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving dinners, visits with friends and family, or traveling, it’s time to slow down and start thinking about Christmas. We have a great selection of Christmas fiction, DVDs, easy books, and books on CD to help you get into the spirit of the season.

   Thanks    The boys have just left, and Thanksgiving is officially over for another year. As usual, it went by far too quickly. Before I lapse into a post-feast food-induced coma, I’d like to share a few thoughts about the holiday, a few memories of past events, and maybe a hope for future times spent with family.

   I find a lot of information on the internet. Just read that a single glass of red wine is worth an hour at the gym. Gee, that’s something I need to try. What harm can it do? They say it’s good for the heart. That’s a good thing. However, there is a whole bunch of trash on the internet, too.

   A Place Like No Other...    An old-timer visiting Branson, MO, for the “umpteenth” time claims visitors flock to this one-of-a-kind, out-of-the-way place for one of two reasons, and sometimes both. They’re either intent on getting away from it all or spending time where it’s all at!    You’ll please pardon the grammar, but the observations are both correct.

   Easy Chicken Milanese    We are going way south of the border with this week’s recipe. The Milanese (in Italian “cotoletta alla Milanese”) is a dish common in South America countries. The Milanesa was brought to South America from Italian immigrants between 1860 and the 1920s. This dish is also similar to the Austrian Wiener Schnitzel.    The Milanesa is where generic types of breaded meat fillet (beef, chicken or veal) are dipped into bea ...

   Christmas is in the air. With the beginning of advent, we focus on the reason for the season, the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.    Last week I mentioned the Mason Puncher Football team. Update: Mason Punchers wanted the win Friday night. They beat Normangee 55-18. Congratulations to the Punchers.    For your calendar: The Mason Community Choir Cantata is December 4th at 6 pm at the First United Methodist Church.

Mistletoe & Margaritas. Now that’s a Christmas celebration. Texas style. And it really, truly is a real celebration. Put on by Alpha Beta Psi. Their annual Christmas auction fundraiser. Monday, December 5th. In the Mason Community Building. Sip & See at 5:00 p.m. Dinner (catered) at 5:30 p.m. Auction at 6:30 p.m. Tickets available at Commercial Bank. Don’t miss it. Always a big turnout. Always tasty. Always fun. And always for a good cause. ‘Tis the season. Also evident in the loc ...