February 7, 2018 Issue

Frontera Healthcare Network is proud to welcome our new Nurse Practitioner, Mrs. Trish Rochat. Trish will be working at the Mason and Brady Clinic locations. Trish earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from the University of Texas Austin in 1992 and her Master’s Degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Texas A&M Corpus Christi 1999. Trish has 19 years experience in advanced nursing practice in Family Medicine.

The Mason Study Club held their January meeting last Wednesday at the Mason County Library where they were served lunch by hostesses Alberta Birk, Sherie Clarkson, Karla Durst, and Margaret Persky. In addition to a delicious lunch, the Club enjoyed a fascination presentation by Mason’s own Warren and Susan Grote of Mason Country Collectibles.

(Bee Cave, TX) Managers of the Rainwater Revival School Grant Program were happily overwhelmed with 6 grant applications from Hill Country schools this year. Though all projects had merit, the three judges made difficult choices and picked two deserving high schools in Mason and Center Point to receive a combined $4,000 of grant funds. The school grant program is run in association with the Rainwater Revival + Hill Country Living Festival, a daylong educational event that takes place every ...

The 2018 Farm Bill is on the horizon, and it has many in agriculture eyeing funding, challenges and defining needs as farm policy talks continue. As part of the dialogue surrounding the new farm legislation, the U.S. House Agriculture Committee this month launched a farm bill landing page to serve as a central location for updates and information throughout the process of crafting the 2018 Farm Bill. The new web page, which can be found at https://agriculture.house.gov/farmbill/, includes ...

There are times when it is important to spend a few minutes talking about issues that are beyond the daily activities of our town. I recently read an editorial that seemed to reach beyond the national scope that it was aimed for and speak directly to some of the issues that I see in every corner of our political life, even down to the level of small rural Texas towns.

The City of Mason will be holding a City Officials Election, Saturday, May 5, 2018. City positions up for election this year are: Mayor At-Large, Commissioner District 1 and Commissioner District 3. Residents of the City of Mason who desire to place their name on the ballot for one of these positions may do so until Friday, February 16, 2018.

Region 4 District 14 Football Brackettville Brackett Center Point Harper Junction Mason Sabinal Region 4 District 27 Basketball Center Point Harper Junction Mason San Saba

It’s time again students! The 7th Annual Mason County Youth Rally will be held this Saturday, February, 10th at the Mason Community Building by the Puncherdome from 6 p.m. to midnight. The Youth Rally is an exciting event sponsored by the Mason County Ministerial Alliance. The purpose of this yearly event is to give an opportunity for the youth in our community to hear and respond to the gospel of Jesus Christ while enjoying positive music, engaging speakers, fun, food and crazy games! ...

(Bee Cave, TX) Managers of the Rainwater Revival School Grant Program were happily overwhelmed with 6 grant applications from Hill Country schools this year. Though all projects had merit, the three judges made difficult choices and picked two deserving high schools in Mason and Center Point to receive a combined $4,000 of grant funds. The school grant program is run in association with the Rainwater Revival + Hill Country Living Festival, a daylong educational event that takes place every ...

Last week, the Punchers took on Harper and Center Point. In the Game against Harper, the Punchers played well in the first half. However in the second, they lost momentum and lost the game 42-28. Against Center Point, they were able to find a way to win the game. It wasn’t pretty as they were only able to score 8 points in 3 of the quarters.

Students in grades 1-5 competed in San Saba at the District UIL Contest and became the district champs! The UIL Awards Assembly was held on February 1st and students were presented with their participation certificates, medals, and ribbons from the meet. Mason was represented very well by these students who showed exceptional behavior and sportsmanship throughout this important UIL event! 1st-5th Grades  UIL Contestants 2017 First Grade Jake Cortez Jarrett Worrell Savannah Yates ...

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 21-year history to $559,000. Completed scholarship applications must be in the Fredericksburg CTEC office by 5 p.m., Friday, February 23. In order to be eligible, applicants must attend a recognized Texas institution of higher education in the fall 2018 semester and be considered a full-time student.

Varsity Cowgirls vs. Harper Tuesday, 1/30 Mason 13—9—26—21 = 69 Harper 6—18—4—6 = 34 Scoring—Pr. Anastas—4, Hanscheck—7, Palacio—7, Pe. Anastas—12, T. Guice—8, Magnus—15, Armstrong—4, Cano—12. Varsity Cowgirls vs. Center Point Friday, 2/1 Mason 30—21—12—12 = 75 CP 8—8—2—8 = 26 Scoring—Pr. Anastas—5, Hanscheck—4, Herrington—6, Palacio—3, Pe. Anastas—4, T. Guice—8, Magnus—20, Armstrong—6, A. Guice—3, Cano—16. ...

The Steady Steps Children’s Weekday Ministry “Geraniums Fundraiser” is coming soon, orders will be taken from February 12 – March 9! Order forms can be found at various local businesses or stop by the Steady Steps Office, located at 224 Broad Street. The proceeds from this fundraiser assist in the daily operations of our children’s weekday ministry and help us to keep our tuition at a rate that is accessible for all. The colors we are offering for 2018 are red, papaya, rose pink ...

February means that love is in the air, and more importantly to Mason’s Scarlet Punchers, those intrepid women “of a certain age,” who absolutely insist on enjoying life, chocolate is in the stores! We’ve all been to enough weddings to have memorized that Bible verse that starts, “love is patient, love is kind,” but to us, love is chocolate!

It’s time again students! The 7th Annual Mason County Youth Rally will be held this Saturday, February, 10th at the Mason Community Building by the Puncherdome from 6 p.m. to midnight. The Youth Rally is an exciting event sponsored by the Mason County Ministerial Alliance. The purpose of this yearly event is to give an opportunity for the youth in our community to hear and respond to the gospel of Jesus Christ while enjoying positive music, engaging speakers, fun, food and crazy games! ...

About a year ago, boxes of various sizes of fabric scraps were found stored away in a closet at St. Paul Lutheran Church. They had been used by a group of ladies in our church to make quilts for Lutheran World Relief. When these ladies were no longer able to work on the quilts, the fabric had been stored away and all but forgotten. A new group of ladies organized the boxes, made some phone calls, and began meeting on Mondays.

The Mason Co. M. Beven Eckert Memorial Library is pleased to sponsor The Piatigorsky Foundation concert, which will feature Victor Santiago Asuncion, solo pianist. He will perform on Sunday, Feb. 11, at 4:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 210 Broad St. Admission is free, but donations are welcome and appreciated. For over 27 years, The Piatigorsky Foundation’s commitment to artistic excellence and public outreach has fascinated many avid concert goers as well as curious first- ...

Internationally acclaimed musician Lauren Pelon will appear in a unique concert in the Stribling Room of Mason County M. Beven Eckert Memorial Library, 410 Post Hill Rd., Mason, on Tuesday, February 13, 2018, at 6:00 p.m. Under the title, The Living Roots of Music, Lauren Pelon traces the story of music and performs music fro around the world on archlute, guitar, lute-guitar, lyre, recorders, gemshorns, cornamuse, krummhorn, schreierpfeife, shawm, rackett, pennywhistles, concertina, ocarina ...

June Hall will continue to teach embroidery at the Mason Co. M. Beven Eckert Memorial Library on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 10:00 a.m. Having the class, however, will depend upon a minimum number of participants. If you’d like to learn to embroider or to hone up your skills, call 325-347-5446 to register.

The Llano Country Opry will host the Johnny Bush 83rd Birthday Bash on Saturday, February 10, featuring Johnny Bush and his award-winning band The Bandoleros and Grammy nominated entertainer Barbara Fairchild at the Lantex Theater in downtown Llano, Texas. There will be two performances at 2:30 & 7:30 and tickets are $20.

As part of its fourth annual Red in Fred heart health campaign, Hill Country Memorial will host educational events and health screenings throughout February and early March. “Each year the Red in Fred program has grown thanks to the community’s involvement,” said Jayne Pope, HCM CEO. “This year, as we take heart health education beyond the hospital’s walls, we invite you to learn more, meet our team members and take action for your health.” Free educational presentations about ...

The first group of the Habitat Care-A-Vanners have arrived and begun the work to build the next Mason Habitat House. We are scheduling folks to serve lunches for them. If you haven’t had the opportunity to share a meal with these great volunteers, you are missing out! We have 30 lunches to book between February 6th and April 13th.

The Heart of Texas Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic (DRT) will host a guest speaker, KJ Hallmark, Chair of the McCulloch County Historical Commission, at their next meeting on Monday, February 12, at 4:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in the DRT Meeting Room at 113 North Church Street on the west side of Brady’s Court House Square. Hallmark will speak on the Historical and Cultural Resources of McCulloch County.

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 21-year history to $559,000. Completed scholarship applications must be in the Fredericksburg CTEC office by 5 p.m., Friday, February 23. In order to be eligible, applicants must attend a recognized Texas institution of higher education in the fall 2018 semester and be considered a full-time student.

The 2018 Mason County Chamber of Commerce Awards & Appreciation Banquet will be held Thursday, February 15th at 6:00 p.m. at the Ft. Mason Park Community Building. The Banquet is an opportunity for the Chamber to thank our members, celebrate the accomplishments of our business and community leaders and pay tribute to the outstanding citizens who have made a difference in Mason County.

The members of American Legion Fort Mason Post #285 & Ladies Auxiliary invite other veterans, friends and family, and anyone interested in the American Legion to attend our regular February meeting, to be held at 6:30 pm, Thursday, February 8, 2018, at the American Legion Post Hall on Post Hill Road (behind the Jail).

Deltha Jane Nehr Gaida was born May 14, 1934, in Mason County, Texas, to Ben and Angeline Nehr. She passed away at home on January 31, 2018. She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Robert Gaida of Hamilton, Texas. She is also survived by two daughters; Debbie Wall-Smith of Hamilton, Terri Garza and her husband Jon of Midlothian, Texas, a son, Kelly Johnson and wife Nancy also of Midlothian.

David Alm, of Mason, passed away on Saturday, February 3, at the age of 89. Survivors include his wife, Beth Alm of Mason, 2 sons David Alm of Mason and Eric Alm of Marble Falls, a brother Jack Alm and 2 sisters Luci Alm and Nancy Alm. Visitation with the family will be Friday afternoon from 1 to 2 p.m.

About a year ago, boxes of various sizes of fabric scraps were found stored away in a closet at St. Paul Lutheran Church. They had been used by a group of ladies in our church to make quilts for Lutheran World Relief. When these ladies were no longer able to work on the quilts, the fabric had been stored away and all but forgotten. A new group of ladies organized the boxes, made some phone calls, and began meeting on Mondays.

It Ain't What It Used To Be.... It Never Was! On Tuesday morning, I was greeted with news on Facebook that Larry & Alison Appleby had closed on the sale of the Hofmann Building on Monday. Even though their store, The Coffee Mug 'n More, hasn't been there in years, the sale still marks another change on our venerated Mason square. With our Visitor Guides, I have to update the Walk Around the Square with each publication.

Elected Officials To the Editor: I am sorry that Mayor Hinckley is retiring from public office. I wish to thank him for his many years of service to our community. He has spent many, many hours each day for 13 years doing an almost thankless job. As a wife of a former councilman and mayor, I know the joys and sorrows of public service. I also want to commend Wm.

Sisters From the sister having to watch from the sidelines….. Not living at home anymore has its struggles and advantages. When you’re there for too long it’s annoying, but when you’re gone for too long it’s the worst. The worst part of it all is having to watch your sibling go through high school, sports, and life from the outside looking in. You’re not always there at the drop of the dime when they need you anymore.

Tender Biscuits for Two While I am presenting the original recipe, just as I found it, I want to hasten to assure everyone that when I actually got around to making it, I corrupted it terribly! Every place Ms. Burke called for “reduced fat,” or “fat-free” ingredients, I substituted “regular,” high octane, full fat products.

The Mason Lions Club met January 30 for its weekly luncheon meeting. 33 members and today’s speaker attended the meeting. “Boss” Lion Jim Heidelberg told the members on January 30, 1933 the original Lone Ranger radio program commenced in Detroit. On this day in 1948, an assassin shot and killed non-violent civil disobedience advocate, Mahatma Gandhi, at a large mansion in central New Delhi. Lion John Palacio sponsored today’s speaker, Chad Barnett, of the Mason Recycle Center.

I hope everyone is planning to come hear Victor Asuncion, solo pianist, for The Piatigorsky Foundation this coming Sunday! The Foundation sends artists to Texas only once a year, and the library has sponsored concerts for the past several years. They have become one of the highlights of my year.

Hot Item A couple of weeks ago, my son, Courtland, said, “Hey, Dad, have you heard what Elon Musk is doing?” My first thought was that this was the opening of a joke. I had no idea what an Elon Musk was, or what it might be doing, but it sounded vaguely amusing.

January television was all about weight loss. This was due to the Christmas and New Years holiday pig outs. Now, we have Valentines Day! It’s a never ending battle. Cards and flowers have no calories, but one gets tossed after a couple of days and the other wilts! Still, candy is a good pick.

A ‘Go-To’ Guy… Every community needs a “go-to” guy. At the end of the day, however, there are far more “run-from” folks perfectly willing to let the “go-to’ers” lead the way for the common good. One such man known for leadership is radio executive Rex Tackett. For a dozen years, he’s been a corner post in Central Texans’ fence row of life.

Happy Valentine’s Day. You have one week to get this handled. At my house, I buy candy I like for the grandkids. Sometimes, they let me have a bite. The Mason Youth Rally is this Saturday, February 10, from 6 to midnight at the Community Building. The Art United Methodist Women will meet Tuesday, February 13, at the Art United Methodist Church at 2:30.

Coeval. I tripped over that word in an essay by Max Beerbohm. In a book titled, The Art of the Personal Essay. Edited by Phillip Lopate. Coeval. Pronounced like “co-evil.” But for those in the dark like myself, it’s nowhere close to evil. In fact, it means “of the same age or period.” As an adjective. According to trusty Webster. As a noun, it means “a contemporary.” Such as, “That man is her coeval.” In all these many, many (many) years of reading, I ...

The Mason County Cancer Benefit will be having their second Team Meeting on February 13th at 5:30 in the Saint Joseph Catholic Church Social Hall. The MCCB helps those who have been diagnosed with cancer with the financial burdens that often come with an illness. If you are interested in having a Team to help this great organization raise funds or you would just like to know more about our organization please join us at our meeting.