February 1, 2017 Issue

The Mason Lions Club met Tuesday, January 24th, for it’s weekly luncheon meeting. There were 32 members and no visitors in attendance. “Boss” Lion Jess Irwin said on this day in 1848 that: Gold was discovered at Sutter’s Mill near Coloma in California, in 1935 beer first appeared in cans, (since then more than 105 billion cans have been sold), and in 1972 the last Japanese soldier from World War 2 surrendered.

The Annual Shareholders meeting of The Commercial Bank will be held February 8, 2017 ,4:00PM in the offices of the bank, 100 Moody St., Mason, Tx.

A record number of teams registered this year for the District 7 Food Challenge competition held on January 25 in San Angelo, TX. In all there were 95 teams who competed. In two separate heats, teams were vying for the coveted final championship round. In the Food Challenge Competition, teams are given 40 minutes to prepare mystery ingredients into a tasty dish, tabulate the nutritional value per serving, use all safety precautions during the cooking preparation, plate the dish, and clean up.

COLLEGE STATION, Jan. 30, 2017 - Texas A&M University has named its honor students for the fall semester, recognizing them for outstanding academic performance. The Dean’s Honor Roll recognizes students taking at least 15 semester hours during the fall semester who have maintained a 3.75 or higher grade point (GPR) out of a possible 4.0. A second designation, “Distinguished Student,” recognizes those who earned a 3.5 to 3.74 GPR while taking at least 15 hours for the fall semester. Am ...

Football fans across the country will celebrate America’s most watched national sporting event, Super Bowl LI, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017. For many, the celebration will include drinking alcohol. That’s why Texas highway safety and law enforcement officials are teaming up with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for a special Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk reminder to urge all football fans to call the right play on Super Bowl weekend by passing the keys to a sober drive ...

The public is invited to a reception for five extraordinary artists on Thursday, February 2, 5pm to 7pm at Arnold Art Gallery in Mason, Texas. Quilts by Debbie Armstrong, Judith Barton, Debbie Geistweidt, Janis Lea Hooker, and Sue Kaan offer a window into the dynamic world of quilt-making today in an exhibit entitled “Cut, Piece, Stitch: Contemporary Quilts by Five Artists.” The diversity of design and personal approaches shown by these Texas artists demonstrates how the humble quilt has be ...

Any student currently enrolled in 6th through 11th grade that are interested in trying out for the 2017-2018 high school or junior high cheer squad or high school mascot must attend the meeting on Wednesday, February 8th at 6:00 p.m. in the Mason ISD cafeteria. Please have your child sign up in their corresponding school office in order to gather accurate information on the contestant wishing to try out.

February. Officially the last full month of winter. Get ready. Get set. Bluebonnets (sans blooms) showing up in droves. Teasing us. Could be a bumper crop this year. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. ‘Tis February. The shortest month of the year. Por que? They believe February always had 28 days ever since the time of King Numa Pompilius. Who? He was second king of Rome, succeeding Romulus. Pompilius ruled from 715 to 673 B.C. Surely you remember. He decided that a year would have 355 d ...

Thanks for all those that came to the Art United Methodist Church Sunday night. The music performed by the different churches in our community was wonderful. For your calendar: Valentines lunch cooked by the men on February 12. Art-Trinity United Methodist Women at Castell on February 14. Happy Birthday to Nea Young, Marion Leifeste, and Tina Ceynowa on February 1st, Sterling McKinney on February 3rd, and Pastor Tim and Jack Asbill on February 5th. Make yours a good week.

During the past several months the City has begun seriously considering the various approaches to treating our public water supply to remove the radium and other radioactive particles that naturally occur in our local water. This has been an area of concern for many years, and with changes in technology and regulations we are now able to identify reasonable ways to address the problem and reach a solution that is practical and affordable.

Aunt Yvonne’s Rice Corn Dish I love being able to share the old classic recipes especially family recipes and this one that brings back fond memories. This is my Aunt Yvonne Eckert’s Rice Corn dish that we have had at many family gatherings. I know you will enjoy this dish as much as our family always has. 1.

Both Ends Against the Middle?... If the old joke had whiskers, they’d drag the floor. You’ve heard it--the one about a church with two worship services held concurrently at opposite ends of the building. The pastor announced baptismal services for the upcoming Sunday, with “infants to be baptized at both ends.” Switch now to the “here and now.” A recently renovated Texas church also has concurrent services--one in the sanctuary and the other in a new, all-purpose ve ...

Doctor’s offices never seem to have any magazines, other than Golf, Field and Stream, and etc... Sometimes the wait can get long. I talk to other people who also are waiting and seem bored. But, I did notice that only women talk to other women. The men just sit there and don’t join in on the conversation.

Yesterday afternoon was a simply wonderful day to be outside. And as it goes I was out spraying Dormant oil on the fruit trees. When I got to my Almond tree, I was examining it there it was the first flower! I received this almond tree as a gift from a local gardener.

Chicago – the Denmark of Chicago If you, like many Americans, are able to count to fifty without using an abacus or taking off your shoes and socks, this column might be of interest to you. If you can’t count to fifty you definitely need to read this, or at least have someone read it to you.

You know, everyone has their vision of a perfect winter day. For me, it’s a cold, rainy day--if I can curl up in a comfy chair to read a good book. Having a warm drink and some kind of snack is the finishing touch. You can find such a spot in the library if you want to get out of the house for a while.

   Decency Did Not Die - Check Yourself....    WARNING: This column contains language that many will find objectionable. Its use is necessary to effectively convey the message of the editorial.    Late last week, I was holding down the office by myself while the other employees ran assorted errands about town.

Crescent Roll (½ Recipe) courtesy: Delish.com We really enjoy crescent rolls and, as the Practical Baker, I prefer making my own rather than using the canned rolls out of the refrigerator section of the grocery store. I think that you’ll agree with me that these rolls are much tastier and are well worth the effort.

Mason Varsity Cowgirls @ Junction Friday, Jan. 27 MHS 22--27--16--8 = 73 JHS 2---5---9--21 = 37 Scorers--Dudney 5, Stockbridge 13, Tedder 17, Powell 6, Herrington 2, Palacio 2, Magnus 21, Armstrong 5, Hanscheck 2. Rebounds--Dudney 1, Stockbridge 3, Tedder 4, Powell 12, Herrington 3, Palacio 4, Guice 2, Magnus 12, Armstrong 4, Hanscheck 2. Assists--Dudney 1, Stockbridge 5, Tedder 2, Herrington 2, Guice 3, Armstrong 2. Steals--Stockbridge 7, Tedder 3, Powell 1, Herrington 1, Guice 1, Magnus 2, Ar ...

This year, CTEC is offering twenty-five $1,000 college scholarships, bringing the combined amount of financial help awarded to area students over the program’s 19-year history to $534,000. Completed scholarship applications must be in the Fredericksburg CTEC office by 5 p.m., Friday, February 24. In order to be eligible, applicants must attend a recognized Texas institution of higher education in the fall 2017 semester and be considered a full-time student.

It’s been a busy year for the Doss School. Pre-K and Music have been added to the curriculum, Cursive has been introduced in the classroom and the kids continue to work and add things to the School’s organic garden with the help of Farmer Shawn and Farmer Shelly. After many lengthy hours donated by Farmer Shawn the green house is complete.

The cost for college continues to rise, but Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) offers several scholarships to help students pay for college. “Texas Farm Bureau devotes large amounts of money and time to develop youth leadership,” Mason County Farm Bureau President Shannon Worrell, said. “We offer a variety of scholarships at both state and county levels to help meet student’s goals and needs.” Scholarships totaling more than $115,000 are awarded annually to students of TFB member-families. The S ...

The Afterschool Program of the First Baptist Church is off to a great start. We have three amazing ladies leading our program Monday through Friday 3:30 – 6:00 p.m. for children in Pre-Kindergarten through 5th grade. In order to better accommodate the community’s needs, we have started offering 3 day a week care in addition to the 5 day a week program. Our rates are $10 per day.

   Hill Country Memorial was recently recognized with a Guardian of Excellence Award® by Press Ganey for excellence in patient experience. This is the hospital’s third consecutive Guardian of Excellence Award for patient experience since 2014. “This recognition comes as a result of Hill Country Memorial’s daily commitment to our patients and our community,” said Jayne Pope, HCM CEO.

Andrew Daniel Loeffler of Fredericksburg passed away on Tuesday January 24, 2017, at home surrounded by family. He was born on August 21, 1930, to Dan and Meta Itz Loeffler in Hilda TX. He married Victoria Kramer on April 13 1952. Mr. Loeffler worked for TABC as a Special agent. He retired after a 27 ½ years of honorable service in law enforcement.

Henry Hawthorne Harrison, Jr., passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, January 22, 2017. He was born in Austin, Texas on July 7, 1932, to Henrietta Bogert Winslow and Henry Hawthorne Harrison and grew up in the Texas Hill Country. Hank, as he was known among his family, had many fond childhood memories of summer adventures with cousins under the watchful eye of his grandmother at the family's 100-yr old ranch outside Menard, two hours from Austin.

Sylvia Rosalyn Schulze was born July 7, 1924, in the Wright City, MO, Methodist parsonage. Her parents were Rev. Wesley Otto Schulze and Olga Rose Jordan Schulze. The first seven years of her life were spent in Missouri as her father served several Methodist churches. The family moved to San Antonio, TX in October, 1931.

COLLEGE STATION, Jan. 30,02017 - Diplomas were awarded to approximately 4,600 Texas A&M University graduates during fall commencement ceremonies. Among those receiving degrees were: Sarah E. Pledger Master of Science - Kinesiology

St. Joseph’s Youth Group are hosting a pancake brunch fundraiser on Sunday, February the 12th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the St. Joseph’s Parish Hall. We will be making pancakes with your choice of topping. Our youth group will be your pancake flippers for the day. Please come join us. We are raising funds to attend many activities.

The Mason Study Club began year 2017 with a delicious King Ranch Chicken luncheon hosted by members Jan Appleby, Jean Dudney, Nan Larrimore, Margaret Persky, and Mary Polk. The Club was thrilled to be introduced to it’s newest member Mason native, Sherie Clarkson. The Mason Study Club extended a warm welcome to Sherie. Carol and Doug Holmes treated the Club to a presentation of their project called Texas Water Mission.

The cost for college continues to rise, but Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) offers several scholarships to help students pay for college. “Texas Farm Bureau devotes large amounts of money and time to develop youth leadership,” Mason County Farm Bureau President Shannon Worrell, said. “We offer a variety of scholarships at both state and county levels to help meet student’s goals and needs.” Scholarships totaling more than $115,000 are awarded annually to students of TFB member-families. The S ...

It’s been a busy year for the Doss School. Pre-K and Music have been added to the curriculum, Cursive has been introduced in the classroom and the kids continue to work and add things to the School’s organic garden with the help of Farmer Shawn and Farmer Shelly. After many lengthy hours donated by Farmer Shawn the green house is complete.

This year, CTEC is offering twenty-five $1,000 college scholarships, bringing the combined amount of financial help awarded to area students over the program’s 19-year history to $534,000. Completed scholarship applications must be in the Fredericksburg CTEC office by 5 p.m., Friday, February 24. In order to be eligible, applicants must attend a recognized Texas institution of higher education in the fall 2017 semester and be considered a full-time student.

Mason Varsity Cowgirls @ Junction Friday, Jan. 27 MHS 22--27--16--8 = 73 JHS 2---5---9--21 = 37 Scorers--Dudney 5, Stockbridge 13, Tedder 17, Powell 6, Herrington 2, Palacio 2, Magnus 21, Armstrong 5, Hanscheck 2. Rebounds--Dudney 1, Stockbridge 3, Tedder 4, Powell 12, Herrington 3, Palacio 4, Guice 2, Magnus 12, Armstrong 4, Hanscheck 2. Assists--Dudney 1, Stockbridge 5, Tedder 2, Herrington 2, Guice 3, Armstrong 2. Steals--Stockbridge 7, Tedder 3, Powell 1, Herrington 1, Guice 1, Magnus 2, Ar ...

Any student currently enrolled in 6th through 11th grade that are interested in trying out for the 2017-2018 high school or junior high cheer squad or high school mascot must attend the meeting on Wednesday, February 8th at 6:00 p.m. in the Mason ISD cafeteria. Please have your child sign up in their corresponding school office in order to gather accurate information on the contestant wishing to try out.

Reminder to take advantage of lower registration fees during early registration. Early registration is open until February 3rd and regular registration will be February 4th – 10th. Completed registration forms should be returned to the elementary or junior high school office (payment must accompany form). Mark your calendars for Sunday, February 19th.

St. Joseph’s Youth Group are hosting a pancake brunch fundraiser on Sunday, February the 12th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the St. Joseph’s Parish Hall. We will be making pancakes with your choice of topping. Our youth group will be your pancake flippers for the day. Please come join us. We are raising funds to attend many activities.

The Afterschool Program of the First Baptist Church is off to a great start. We have three amazing ladies leading our program Monday through Friday 3:30 – 6:00 p.m. for children in Pre-Kindergarten through 5th grade. In order to better accommodate the community’s needs, we have started offering 3 day a week care in addition to the 5 day a week program. Our rates are $10 per day.

The cost for college continues to rise, but Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) offers several scholarships to help students pay for college. “Texas Farm Bureau devotes large amounts of money and time to develop youth leadership,” Mason County Farm Bureau President Shannon Worrell, said. “We offer a variety of scholarships at both state and county levels to help meet student’s goals and needs.” Scholarships totaling more than $115,000 are awarded annually to students of TFB member-families. The S ...

This year, CTEC is offering twenty-five $1,000 college scholarships, bringing the combined amount of financial help awarded to area students over the program’s 19-year history to $534,000. Completed scholarship applications must be in the Fredericksburg CTEC office by 5 p.m., Friday, February 24. In order to be eligible, applicants must attend a recognized Texas institution of higher education in the fall 2017 semester and be considered a full-time student.

Thanks for all those that came to the Art United Methodist Church Sunday night. The music performed by the different churches in our community was wonderful. For your calendar: Valentines lunch cooked by the men on February 12. Art-Trinity United Methodist Women at Castell on February 14. Happy Birthday to Nea Young, Marion Leifeste, and Tina Ceynowa on February 1st, Sterling McKinney on February 3rd, and Pastor Tim and Jack Asbill on February 5th. Make yours a good week.

Any student currently enrolled in 6th through 11th grade that are interested in trying out for the 2017-2018 high school or junior high cheer squad or high school mascot must attend the meeting on Wednesday, February 8th at 6:00 p.m. in the Mason ISD cafeteria. Please have your child sign up in their corresponding school office in order to gather accurate information on the contestant wishing to try out.

The public is invited to a reception for five extraordinary artists on Thursday, February 2, 5pm to 7pm at Arnold Art Gallery in Mason, Texas. Quilts by Debbie Armstrong, Judith Barton, Debbie Geistweidt, Janis Lea Hooker, and Sue Kaan offer a window into the dynamic world of quilt-making today in an exhibit entitled “Cut, Piece, Stitch: Contemporary Quilts by Five Artists.” The diversity of design and personal approaches shown by these Texas artists demonstrates how the humble quilt has be ...

Football fans across the country will celebrate America’s most watched national sporting event, Super Bowl LI, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017. For many, the celebration will include drinking alcohol. That’s why Texas highway safety and law enforcement officials are teaming up with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for a special Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk reminder to urge all football fans to call the right play on Super Bowl weekend by passing the keys to a sober drive ...

The Annual Shareholders meeting of The Commercial Bank will be held February 8, 2017 ,4:00PM in the offices of the bank, 100 Moody St., Mason, Tx.

Sylvia Rosalyn Schulze was born July 7, 1924, in the Wright City, MO, Methodist parsonage. Her parents were Rev. Wesley Otto Schulze and Olga Rose Jordan Schulze. The first seven years of her life were spent in Missouri as her father served several Methodist churches. The family moved to San Antonio, TX in October, 1931.

Henry Hawthorne Harrison, Jr., passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, January 22, 2017. He was born in Austin, Texas on July 7, 1932, to Henrietta Bogert Winslow and Henry Hawthorne Harrison and grew up in the Texas Hill Country. Hank, as he was known among his family, had many fond childhood memories of summer adventures with cousins under the watchful eye of his grandmother at the family's 100-yr old ranch outside Menard, two hours from Austin.

Andrew Daniel Loeffler of Fredericksburg passed away on Tuesday January 24, 2017, at home surrounded by family. He was born on August 21, 1930, to Dan and Meta Itz Loeffler in Hilda TX. He married Victoria Kramer on April 13 1952. Mr. Loeffler worked for TABC as a Special agent. He retired after a 27 ½ years of honorable service in law enforcement.

St. Joseph’s Youth Group are hosting a pancake brunch fundraiser on Sunday, February the 12th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the St. Joseph’s Parish Hall. We will be making pancakes with your choice of topping. Our youth group will be your pancake flippers for the day. Please come join us. We are raising funds to attend many activities.

   Decency Did Not Die - Check Yourself....    WARNING: This column contains language that many will find objectionable. Its use is necessary to effectively convey the message of the editorial.    Late last week, I was holding down the office by myself while the other employees ran assorted errands about town.

Crescent Roll (½ Recipe) courtesy: Delish.com We really enjoy crescent rolls and, as the Practical Baker, I prefer making my own rather than using the canned rolls out of the refrigerator section of the grocery store. I think that you’ll agree with me that these rolls are much tastier and are well worth the effort.

You know, everyone has their vision of a perfect winter day. For me, it’s a cold, rainy day--if I can curl up in a comfy chair to read a good book. Having a warm drink and some kind of snack is the finishing touch. You can find such a spot in the library if you want to get out of the house for a while.

Yesterday afternoon was a simply wonderful day to be outside. And as it goes I was out spraying Dormant oil on the fruit trees. When I got to my Almond tree, I was examining it there it was the first flower! I received this almond tree as a gift from a local gardener.

Doctor’s offices never seem to have any magazines, other than Golf, Field and Stream, and etc... Sometimes the wait can get long. I talk to other people who also are waiting and seem bored. But, I did notice that only women talk to other women. The men just sit there and don’t join in on the conversation.

Both Ends Against the Middle?... If the old joke had whiskers, they’d drag the floor. You’ve heard it--the one about a church with two worship services held concurrently at opposite ends of the building. The pastor announced baptismal services for the upcoming Sunday, with “infants to be baptized at both ends.” Switch now to the “here and now.” A recently renovated Texas church also has concurrent services--one in the sanctuary and the other in a new, all-purpose ve ...

Aunt Yvonne’s Rice Corn Dish I love being able to share the old classic recipes especially family recipes and this one that brings back fond memories. This is my Aunt Yvonne Eckert’s Rice Corn dish that we have had at many family gatherings. I know you will enjoy this dish as much as our family always has. 1.

Thanks for all those that came to the Art United Methodist Church Sunday night. The music performed by the different churches in our community was wonderful. For your calendar: Valentines lunch cooked by the men on February 12. Art-Trinity United Methodist Women at Castell on February 14. Happy Birthday to Nea Young, Marion Leifeste, and Tina Ceynowa on February 1st, Sterling McKinney on February 3rd, and Pastor Tim and Jack Asbill on February 5th. Make yours a good week.

February. Officially the last full month of winter. Get ready. Get set. Bluebonnets (sans blooms) showing up in droves. Teasing us. Could be a bumper crop this year. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. ‘Tis February. The shortest month of the year. Por que? They believe February always had 28 days ever since the time of King Numa Pompilius. Who? He was second king of Rome, succeeding Romulus. Pompilius ruled from 715 to 673 B.C. Surely you remember. He decided that a year would have 355 d ...