February 15, 2017 Issue

   The Mason Community Foundation would like to remind area non-profit organizations that there is still time to submit a grant application for the spring grant cycle! If your group or organization has a project providing a positive impact for a segment of the community and which might qualify for financial assistance, you are urged to fill out the simple application and return it by Wednesday, March 1, 2017.    Applications are available at the Community Thrift Store locate ...

TONY & SCAMPER Tony is a 10 year old male mix breed who recently lost his owner. He and his ‘brother,’ Scamper, are sweet seniors who now need a new home. Scamper is about 13 years old and both get along just fine with other dogs. Scamper is a little hard of hearing and his eyesight may not be quite what it was but he is a very loving boy.

 Mason County had 26 4H members entered to show in the HCDJLS in Kerrville. Nine entered from Mason County at Fort Worth and 21 were entered to show in San Angelo. A total of 144 animals were entered from Mason County to show at these three shows. Listed are the results as of Wednesday, February 8. Kerrville – Hill Country District Junior Livestock Show Breeding Gilts Eliza Cope 2nd Place and Reserve Champion York Kinsley Jordan 3rd Place Duroc Kelton Jordan 5th Place Duroc and 8th Place ...

Mason area singers are invited to join voices with others in the second annual Bluebonnet Choral Festival to be held in Mason April 17-23. The choral festival is a chance for singers to renew basic vocal pedagogy skills and to sing music of the masters like Georg Friedrich Händel and fun gospel and American spirituals. Choral conductor Dr.

GRANVILLE, Ohio (February 9, 2017) - Claudia Canfield, a Denison University student from Mason (76856) is studying with the Council on International Educational Exchange Program in Mexico for the 2017 spring semester. Canfield, a member of the Denison class of 2018, will continue to receive full credit toward a Denison degree while pursuing diverse research or academic opportunities. Many of Denison’s undergraduate students choose to broaden their horizons through off-campus study programs ea ...

Ever wake up and not know where you are? Well, if that happens read the classifieds. You’ll know in a minute where you are. Or at least, where you’re not. You’ll know for sure you aren’t in Houston or Dallas or on the other side of the world. Just read the classified ads in the local paper. That would be Mason County News (one of the oldest papers in Texas). For instance: Angus Bulls for sale. Doubt that’s a big seller in Detroit. Round and square hay bales for sale. Anyone in Chicago ...

The men of the Art United Methodist Church outdid themselves Sunday. We were treated to a delicious barbeque dinner with all the trimmings. For your calendar: Class Meetings continue at the parsonage on Tuesday evenings. Soup is served at 6 and the meeting is from 6:30 to 7:30. Mission team will meet on February 20 at 6.

In this paper two weeks ago I wrote a lengthy article outlining the issues and possible projects that the City might consider to improve our water system. That article went into some detail about the various concerns, and I would be glad to visit with anyone to clarify the issues or answer any questions, but I would like to provide one more piece of the picture now.

Roast Tongue I figured this week’s recipe would get your attention and I don’t imagine most of you will be going home to prepare this dish for supper. However, I thought it would be a fun recipe to share. It might bring back some fond memories for some of you. It actually brings back good memories for me.

Granddads and Hurrahs... Most grandfathers--with little or no provocation--are happy to expound with inflated views of their grandchildren. One boast of a long-ago granddad caused guffaws as it blew believability to shreds. Proud of quadruplet grandsons--vaunted players on a championship football team--he went overboard with praise. “These boys are tough,” he’d begin. His friends could complete the unchanging litany.

I’ve not seen any St. Patty’s Day decor out yet? Seems to me the stores just want to skip over this day. But, if you look at St. Patrick’s Day, you don’t gift. Neither do you gift on Thanksgiving! Stands to reason for the commercial world. But, a day that says Thanks and Bag Pipes is a good day!

 Grunts About twelve years ago, Chris Dyer offered me a job. He was a retired Gunny who had moved to Mason and started a construction business from scratch. Building things from scratch is not easy, and Chris needed some help. He knew I had been doing construction work since I was a button, so he asked me if I wanted to work for him. A Gunny is a Gunnery Sergeant.

Hearts abound in February to celebrate Valentine’s Day, but it’s also Heart Disease Awareness Month. Now’s the time to start eating heart-healthy diets, and we have four American Heart Association cookbooks that can help! Remember, we’ll be closed next Monday to celebrate President’s Day. DVDs: Rizzoli & Isles: Season 7 Ouija: Origin of Evil The Girl on the Train The Whole Truth Inferno Surf’s Up 2: Wave Mania Keeping Up with the Joneses To Kill a Mockingbird Mister Roberts I’ ...

   The Mason Lions Club met Tuesday, February 7th, for it’s weekly luncheon meeting. There were 32 members and 2 visitors in attendance.    “Boss” Lion Jess Irwin said that in 1949, Joe DiMaggio became the first major league ballplayer to receive a salary of $100,000 per year. “Boss” Jess gave us a short list of major league ballplayers who today are receiving $30,000,000 per year or more.

 Reaching Across All Barriers....    Jane wouldn't like this column!    Jane Eckert was never afraid or shy about expressing her opinion; however, she also saw no reason to draw focus to herself. When her opinion was needed, she gave it, then moved on to the next item on the agenda.    I just finished typesetting her obituary for the paper, and in typical fashion, it is short and to the point.

   The Texas legislature is back in session, and Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) members across the state are working with their lawmakers to protect the future of agriculture.    The 140-day regular session kicked off with reduced state revenue, 24 new members and more than 1,400 bills awaiting lawmakers.    “Every year, a delegation of TFB members head to Austin to meet with our legislators face-to-face,” Shannon Worrell, Mason County Farm Bureau president, said.

   Girls aged eight and older and their mothers or female caregivers are invited to “Girl Talk,” a free interactive presentation about growing up a woman on Tues., Feb. 21 at 5:30 p.m. at the Fredericksburg Elementary School cafeteria.    As part of Hill Country Memorial’s 17th annual Girl Talk seminar, Dr.

   The 2017 Habitat for Humanity build started Feb. 6. This will be Mason County Habitat for Humanity's 16th home and is being built for the family of Petra Vasquez.    During this first two weeks of the build, the women are taking charge of cutting material and building the walls for the house.

   As part of ongoing diabetes education efforts, the Hill Country Memorial will host a free “What Is Pre-Diabetes?” class on Tues., Feb. 21 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the HCM Wellness Center for interested individuals and family members.    Kim Thornton, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator, will lead the class.    “In the pre-diabetic stage, your blood sugar is higher than normal,” said Thornton.

   Hill Country Memorial will host “Red in Mason,” a free heart health presentation at Lea Lou’s Co-op on Thurs., Feb. 16.    A complimentary dinner will be provided at 6 p.m. followed by a presentation on the connection between sleep disorders and heart health.    The presentation includes a question-and-answer session with HCM sleep technologist Theresa Cochran and cardiac rehabilitation nurse Patsy Glasscock.

   When: February 21, 2017    Where: The Ingenhuett on High    731 High Street    Comfort, TX 78013    210.415.8998    Time: Social starts @ 10:00 a.m., Meeting starts @ 10:30 a.m. till 1:00 p.m.    Cost: $18.00 per person    Speaker: Jean Carllyn Walker of Mirando City, TX    Contact: Please RSVP to Janis Stiefel at 325.205.0325 or [email protected] on or before February 14, 2017

   The Ladies Golf Association has been busy the last few months, both working and playing.    A number of ladies have traveled to Delaware Springs Golf Course in Burnet, Llano River Golf Course in Llano, and Hancock Golf Course in Lampasas for days of golfing on unfamiliar courses. Even though we didn’t “ace” the courses, the camaraderie and challenges were well worth the effort.    On the working side, several people have been donating their time and talent ...

   As part of their sixth visit to the US, Finnish folksinging duo Vellamo will perform at the Mason Co. M. Beven Eckert Memorial Library at 410 Post Hill Street on Tuesday, February 28th, at 6:00 P.M. in the Stribling Room. Admission is free, but the library is asking for canned tomatoes or tomato sauce for the Mason Food Bank.    Vellamo is the performing and songwriting team of Pia Leinonen and Joni Tiala.

   Ida Marie Soto, age 47, of Brady, Texas, passed away Friday, February 3, 2017, in San Angelo, Texas.    She was born March 4, 1969, in Dimmitt, Texas, to Alberto Balderas & Mary M. (Ynostrosa) Balderas. Ida has lived most of her life in Brady and attended St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.

   Jane Wiggins Eckert passed away Friday, February 10, 2017, after a short illness.    She was born August 20, 1932, in Waco, Texas, to Oscar Boardman and Cecile Allison Wiggins who preceded her in death along with her brother, Billy Wiggins. She graduated from Christian College in Columbia, Missouri, in 1951 and from The University of Texas at Austin in 1954 and was a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority.    She met John Carlton “Corky” Eckert at a UT vs A&a ...

   Mason Junior High participated in the TCEA Area Robotics Competition on Saturday, January 21st in Ballinger, TX. We had four teams qualify to compete in the area competition and placed out of 12 competing teams.    Placing 3rd was Phoebe, the Selfie Bot,the team includes Karli Bauer, Eliza Cope, and Abigail Wallace.

   Simona Valdez is a beloved member of the First Baptist Church, but also beloved in the Mason community.    On February 18th Simona will turn 90 years old. A lifelong member of Mason, Simona has been a widow for many years and does not have children of her own.    On Sunday February 19th at 2:00 p.m.

   The Veterans of Foreign Wars will be meeting in their new quarters located in the Greater Works Community Development Center at the corner of Mesquite and Brazos Streets in north Mason the third Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 6:30 PM. We need bodies to show up. FMI call 325 265 4226.

   Mason Junior High participated in the TCEA Area Robotics Competition on Saturday, January 21st in Ballinger, TX. We had four teams qualify to compete in the area competition and placed out of 12 competing teams.    Placing 3rd was Phoebe, the Selfie Bot,the team includes Karli Bauer, Eliza Cope, and Abigail Wallace.

   The Mason CX Team won the district title last week. Teams competing were: Ethan Powell & Kate Gillespie, Cason Dudney & Jenna Johnson, Raegan Palacio & Joshua Fluhmann and Grace Chapman & Jackson Chapman.    This year’s Resolution: “The United States federal government should substantially increase its economic and/or diplomatic engagement with the People’s Republic of China.” was effectively debated amongst the 4 teams.

   Mason Varsity Cowgirls vs. San Saba    Tuesday, Feb. 7    MHS 10--4--14--10 = 38    SSHS 3--9---10---4 = 26    Scorers--Stockbridge 9, Tedder 17, Powell 2, Magnus 10.    Rebounds--Stockbridge 3, Tedder 7, Powell 7, Palacio 3, Guice 2, Magnus 19, Armstrong 1.    Assists--Stockbridge 2, Tedder 1, Guice 1.    Steals--Stockbridge 3, Tedder 1, Powell 1, Magnus 1.    Blocked Shots--Magnus 6.    Reco ...

 Mason County had 26 4H members entered to show in the HCDJLS in Kerrville. Nine entered from Mason County at Fort Worth and 21 were entered to show in San Angelo. A total of 144 animals were entered from Mason County to show at these three shows. Listed are the results as of Wednesday, February 8. Kerrville – Hill Country District Junior Livestock Show Breeding Gilts Eliza Cope 2nd Place and Reserve Champion York Kinsley Jordan 3rd Place Duroc Kelton Jordan 5th Place Duroc and 8th Place ...

   The Veterans of Foreign Wars will be meeting in their new quarters located in the Greater Works Community Development Center at the corner of Mesquite and Brazos Streets in north Mason the third Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 6:30 PM. We need bodies to show up. FMI call 325 265 4226.

   Simona Valdez is a beloved member of the First Baptist Church, but also beloved in the Mason community.    On February 18th Simona will turn 90 years old. A lifelong member of Mason, Simona has been a widow for many years and does not have children of her own.    On Sunday February 19th at 2:00 p.m.

   When: February 21, 2017    Where: The Ingenhuett on High    731 High Street    Comfort, TX 78013    210.415.8998    Time: Social starts @ 10:00 a.m., Meeting starts @ 10:30 a.m. till 1:00 p.m.    Cost: $18.00 per person    Speaker: Jean Carllyn Walker of Mirando City, TX    Contact: Please RSVP to Janis Stiefel at 325.205.0325 or [email protected] on or before February 14, 2017

   Hill Country Memorial will host “Red in Mason,” a free heart health presentation at Lea Lou’s Co-op on Thurs., Feb. 16.    A complimentary dinner will be provided at 6 p.m. followed by a presentation on the connection between sleep disorders and heart health.    The presentation includes a question-and-answer session with HCM sleep technologist Theresa Cochran and cardiac rehabilitation nurse Patsy Glasscock.

   As part of ongoing diabetes education efforts, the Hill Country Memorial will host a free “What Is Pre-Diabetes?” class on Tues., Feb. 21 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the HCM Wellness Center for interested individuals and family members.    Kim Thornton, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator, will lead the class.    “In the pre-diabetic stage, your blood sugar is higher than normal,” said Thornton.

   The 2017 Habitat for Humanity build started Feb. 6. This will be Mason County Habitat for Humanity's 16th home and is being built for the family of Petra Vasquez.    During this first two weeks of the build, the women are taking charge of cutting material and building the walls for the house.

   Girls aged eight and older and their mothers or female caregivers are invited to “Girl Talk,” a free interactive presentation about growing up a woman on Tues., Feb. 21 at 5:30 p.m. at the Fredericksburg Elementary School cafeteria.    As part of Hill Country Memorial’s 17th annual Girl Talk seminar, Dr.

   The Mason Community Foundation would like to remind area non-profit organizations that there is still time to submit a grant application for the spring grant cycle! If your group or organization has a project providing a positive impact for a segment of the community and which might qualify for financial assistance, you are urged to fill out the simple application and return it by Wednesday, March 1, 2017.    Applications are available at the Community Thrift Store locate ...

Mason area singers are invited to join voices with others in the second annual Bluebonnet Choral Festival to be held in Mason April 17-23. The choral festival is a chance for singers to renew basic vocal pedagogy skills and to sing music of the masters like Georg Friedrich Händel and fun gospel and American spirituals. Choral conductor Dr.

TONY & SCAMPER Tony is a 10 year old male mix breed who recently lost his owner. He and his ‘brother,’ Scamper, are sweet seniors who now need a new home. Scamper is about 13 years old and both get along just fine with other dogs. Scamper is a little hard of hearing and his eyesight may not be quite what it was but he is a very loving boy.

   Jane Wiggins Eckert passed away Friday, February 10, 2017, after a short illness.    She was born August 20, 1932, in Waco, Texas, to Oscar Boardman and Cecile Allison Wiggins who preceded her in death along with her brother, Billy Wiggins. She graduated from Christian College in Columbia, Missouri, in 1951 and from The University of Texas at Austin in 1954 and was a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority.    She met John Carlton “Corky” Eckert at a UT vs A&a ...

   Ida Marie Soto, age 47, of Brady, Texas, passed away Friday, February 3, 2017, in San Angelo, Texas.    She was born March 4, 1969, in Dimmitt, Texas, to Alberto Balderas & Mary M. (Ynostrosa) Balderas. Ida has lived most of her life in Brady and attended St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.

   As part of their sixth visit to the US, Finnish folksinging duo Vellamo will perform at the Mason Co. M. Beven Eckert Memorial Library at 410 Post Hill Street on Tuesday, February 28th, at 6:00 P.M. in the Stribling Room. Admission is free, but the library is asking for canned tomatoes or tomato sauce for the Mason Food Bank.    Vellamo is the performing and songwriting team of Pia Leinonen and Joni Tiala.

 Reaching Across All Barriers....    Jane wouldn't like this column!    Jane Eckert was never afraid or shy about expressing her opinion; however, she also saw no reason to draw focus to herself. When her opinion was needed, she gave it, then moved on to the next item on the agenda.    I just finished typesetting her obituary for the paper, and in typical fashion, it is short and to the point.

Hearts abound in February to celebrate Valentine’s Day, but it’s also Heart Disease Awareness Month. Now’s the time to start eating heart-healthy diets, and we have four American Heart Association cookbooks that can help! Remember, we’ll be closed next Monday to celebrate President’s Day. DVDs: Rizzoli & Isles: Season 7 Ouija: Origin of Evil The Girl on the Train The Whole Truth Inferno Surf’s Up 2: Wave Mania Keeping Up with the Joneses To Kill a Mockingbird Mister Roberts I’ ...

 Grunts About twelve years ago, Chris Dyer offered me a job. He was a retired Gunny who had moved to Mason and started a construction business from scratch. Building things from scratch is not easy, and Chris needed some help. He knew I had been doing construction work since I was a button, so he asked me if I wanted to work for him. A Gunny is a Gunnery Sergeant.

I’ve not seen any St. Patty’s Day decor out yet? Seems to me the stores just want to skip over this day. But, if you look at St. Patrick’s Day, you don’t gift. Neither do you gift on Thanksgiving! Stands to reason for the commercial world. But, a day that says Thanks and Bag Pipes is a good day!

Granddads and Hurrahs... Most grandfathers--with little or no provocation--are happy to expound with inflated views of their grandchildren. One boast of a long-ago granddad caused guffaws as it blew believability to shreds. Proud of quadruplet grandsons--vaunted players on a championship football team--he went overboard with praise. “These boys are tough,” he’d begin. His friends could complete the unchanging litany.

Roast Tongue I figured this week’s recipe would get your attention and I don’t imagine most of you will be going home to prepare this dish for supper. However, I thought it would be a fun recipe to share. It might bring back some fond memories for some of you. It actually brings back good memories for me.

The men of the Art United Methodist Church outdid themselves Sunday. We were treated to a delicious barbeque dinner with all the trimmings. For your calendar: Class Meetings continue at the parsonage on Tuesday evenings. Soup is served at 6 and the meeting is from 6:30 to 7:30. Mission team will meet on February 20 at 6.

Ever wake up and not know where you are? Well, if that happens read the classifieds. You’ll know in a minute where you are. Or at least, where you’re not. You’ll know for sure you aren’t in Houston or Dallas or on the other side of the world. Just read the classified ads in the local paper. That would be Mason County News (one of the oldest papers in Texas). For instance: Angus Bulls for sale. Doubt that’s a big seller in Detroit. Round and square hay bales for sale. Anyone in Chicago ...