December 2015 Hays County Echo

HAYS COUNTY

ECHO DECEMBER 2015

IN THIS ISSUE: A publication of the News–Dispatch and the Hays Free Press

Food, photography and decorating ideas for the holidays photo by Martina Leos1 page

HAYS COUNTY

ECHO is published monthly by

Barton Publications, Inc

113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX

Contents © December 2015.

Publisher

Cyndy Slovak–Barton Editor

Moses Leos III Graphics Director David White

Graphics Assistant Christine Thorpe

Contributing Writers Chris Reid

Moses Leos III Belle Nelson Distribution

Suzanne Hallam Marketing

Tracy Mack Jim Darby

Suzanne Hallam Paula Pulley

Pamela Patino For advertising information, please contact our sales

department at 512–268–7862.

EDITOR’S NOTE

O

f all the seasons we experience in our lives, perhaps no other encompasses all five of our senses as much as the holiday season.

Whether it’s taking in a grand light display, listening to the joyous strains of holiday carols, or smelling and tasting decadent holiday meals, no other time of the year leaves a lasting mark like the holidays.

As such, we at the Hays County Echo are eager to welcome the holiday season with open arms.

In our “You Do What?” feature, read about an

interior decorator who’s turned holiday decorating into a business venture by creating personal winter wonderlands for people’s homes.

What are the holidays without decadent desserts?

From the “perfect” apple pie recipe to the emergence of pie cakes, desserts take center stage this month.

While the weather may be frightful, gardener Christine Reid provides insight on what can be plated during this time of the year.

Inside

And be sure check out our newest feature, the Photographer’s Corner, where we provide the shutter bug in your family tips on getting the best photos from your low-light celebrations.

From Christmas to Kwanzaa and everything in between, we at the Hays County Echo extend our warmest wishes to you and your family.

Happy holidays, everyone.

Moses Leos, Editor Hays County Echo

You Do What?..................................................................... 4–5

Decorating for the holidays ... as a profession

Smells like Christmas........................................................6-7 Kick off the holidays with some simple baking recipes

December planting................................................................ 8 Anytime is a good time to plant something ... even in December

Pretty lights......................................................................... 10

Capturing those low-light holiday moments on camera

You put the pie where?....................................................... 11 Pie cakes: The next big thing in holiday mega foods?

Central Texas Events......................................................12-13 Top picks for events and festivals

Service Directory............................................................14-15 Find service professionals in your area

page 2 u december | 2015

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YOU DO WHAT?

Holiday decorating professional

by Moses Leos III

recreate the “perfect” interior look they see in stores and With 15 years of experience magazines. as an interior decorator, DripWhile she said they have ping Springs resident and Be“wonderful eyes for design,” fore Your Eyes Interiors owner once they purchase the items, Heather Bateman understands her clients often struggle to put the challenges of getting a it all together. house ready for “It’s the finthe holidays. ished look that is “Some people Armed with overwhelming to that knowledge, them, which they are great at Bateman has can’t seem to conselecting colors quer,” Bateman turned it into a business venfor their homes. said. ture that helps According to homeowners turn Bateman, her job But when they the inside of their revolves around decorate their homes into a holicoordinating and day wonderland. homes [for the finding placeFor Bateman, ment for items holidays], it’s prioritizing such as wreaths holiday décor is and trees, as well overwhelming.” as gift wrapping something she says is a “whole to help clients –Heather Bateman, different ball welcome the interior decorator game.” holidays.

“Some people Her job begins are great at selecting colors for with assessing and planning their homes,” Bateman said. for a job based on what holiday “But when they decorate their décor the client has. homes [for the holidays], it’s While some homeowners overwhelming.” have holiday décor that’s She said her clients, who readily available, Bateman said hail from Dripping Springs some homeowners turn to her to Round Rock, struggle to to acquire it for them.

“I’ll spend that time buying items for the look and the inspiration, trying to find it at a reasonable price,” she said.

With items ready to go, Bateman then starts to plan and decorate a home.

She said her jobs begin with the tree and moves out from there.

Placement, according to Bateman, is the essence of her business, primarily with the holiday tree. The size and scale of holiday décor is also an important factor, which can sometimes lead to tricky situations.

“Some people have gigantic rooms, but they misjudge and buy small trees, or they have large trees but a small room,” Bateman said.

Creativity is another key element for Bateman, who said she tries to mix things up for repeat clientele.

“My own challenge is to be creative and new and not going and putting the same thing in the same spot every year,”

she said.

According to Bateman, a “full-scale” decoration project can go anywhere from eight to ten hours. It’s also dependent on how large a home she is working on, along with the personality of the client, which she said differs from project to project.

“Every job is unique based on personality and decorations,” Bateman said.

Demand, according to Bateman, can be high during the peak holiday season. She said some of her clients have booked a year in advance.

During the holidays, Bateman said she will decorate two homes a day over a five day week.

While it can be stressful, Bateman said she doesn’t believe it’s overwhelming.

“It would [be overwhelming] if it wasn’t just in my characteristic,” she said. “It is a lot of hard work, but it’s enjoyable so it doesn’t feel like work.”

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It’s beginning to smell a lot like Christmas I t’s about time to crank up the Christmas tunes and preheat the oven to 425º, because what better way is there to spread some holiday cheer than by sharing some heavenly homecooked delights ... and finding the right music station on Pandora?

Hays Free Press reporter Belle Nelson decided to take on this project by trying her hand at making the perfect apple pie and a simple cheesecake.

Maybe the cheesecake was perfect, but we really don’t know. It never made it to the office. Even though she didn’t share the cheesecake, she shared these recipes.

The Perfect Apple Pie • 5-6 large granny smith apples • 1 cup of butter (2 sticks) • 2 cups of flour • 1 Tbsp cinnamon • 1 cup sugar • 1 tsp almond extract • 1/2 cup water

CRUST:

Cut 2 sticks of butter into the flour. The butter should be about pea sized. Add 1/2 cup water and knead until the dough stays together.

TIPS FOR A FLAKIER CRUST:

Use cold butter and ice water for the crust – the colder the crust is when it goes in the oven, the flakier it’ll be. You can even refrigerate the crust while you make the filling.

Using granny smith apples not only makes a more flavorful pie, but also holds texture better than most alternatives. They cook down nicely, but don’t turn in to apple sauce. Sprinkling on sugar and cinnamon 15 minutes before the pie is done helps flavor the crust nicely, and looks nice as well. Adding it before then could potentially burn the sugar. Be careful not to overwork your pie crust, because it won’t be as tender if you do. Ventilate your pie before baking to ensure the right consistency. Make sure to create a tight seal between the top and bottom crusts so that the pie doesn’t leak and burn onto the bottom of your oven.

FILLING:

Peel, core, and slice the apples to about 1/4 inch thick. Add cinnamon, sugar, and almond extract. Toss the mixture with the apples until all of the apples are coated. Place the apples in the crust, add the top crust, ventilate the top, and bake at 425º for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on the top and bake for 15 more minutes. Let the pie set for at least two hours before serving.

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2 cups graham cracker crumbs 1/2 c + 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar 1/2 cup melted butter 1/2 cup and 2 Tbsp butter 2 packages cream cheese 1 cup sour cream 2 eggs

CRUST:

Mix graham cracker crumbs with 2 Tbsp granulated sugar and melted butter. The mixture should be well mixed and feel moist to the touch. Press the crust into the bottom of your pie pan or springform pan, making an even layer that you can also press up on the sides if desired.

FILLING:

Mix cream cheese, sour cream, eggs, and 1/2 cup sugar. You can mix with a hand mixer, or you can use a blender for a fluffier cheesecake. Adding an extra egg will also make the cheesecake rise higher. Pour the filling over the crust and bake at 325 for approximately 40 minutes, or until the cheesecake doesn’t wiggle in the middle when you disturb it. The edges should be a light to golden brown and the top will have a few cracks. You can also put a knife through the middle to see if it comes out clean.

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Any time is an ideal time to plant some things ... even in December

by Christine Reid

Gardening is also a combination of art and science, so experimentation is essential.

Many new gardeners and some not-so-new ones who take a look at heavy, ponderous gardening tomes may feel like running for the hills. And who can blame them? Some books, articles and even a few gardening shows convey the attitude that gardening is serious business and lightweights need not apply. Enter Judy Barrett. and more. But if you just want Barrett’s list of accomplishto enjoy their beauty, that’s ments are many: She once okay with her, too. owned a nursery in Jonah, Barrett feels that gardening Texas; helped host a gardenshouldn’t be seen as a chore ing show on public television; but, rather, as a chance to get has written more than half a outdoors, learn things and dozen gardening books along enjoy the process. She’s the with countless articles; and first to admit that she’s made produces an online gardening mistakes. She’s chosen the magazine, to mention just a wrong plants, put them in the few. But what wrong places, makes her reforgotten to ally special is water them that she puts and somethe fun back times didn’t into gardenweed as often ing. Instead of as she should In addition to fruit an authority have, but she and shade trees, in horticulconsiders December is also ture, think the mistakes a good time to of her as the good for plant and harvest warm, friendbuilding the winter vegetables, ly next door compost pile. particularly greens neighbor who “Loss of a that thrive in cooler just wants to plant is not weather. As far as share her love a tragedy – herbs, you can grow of gardening some (plants) cilantro, oregano, along with work, some rosemary, sage, planting tips don’t,” Barrett parsley, thyme and that really explained. more. work.

“GardenIn October, ing is also a speaking combination at the anof art and nual Herb Celebration Day science, so experimentation is in Wimberley, Barrett said essential.” customers anxiously asked Barrett and her husband her what they should do with live in Taylor, where, when the herbs they bought at her not giving talks and doing store. She told the audience training seminars, she with a laugh, “You don’t have gardens organically. She to do anything with herbs – learned about organic there’s no herb police!” Howmethods by taking classes ever, if someone wants some from John Dromgoole in ideas, she will happily list the Austin in the 1970s and many easy ways to use herbs continues to learn from him in recipes, landscaping, crafts and Malcolm Beck, founder

DECEMBER PLANTING

page 8 u december | 2015

Pansies are a good choice for maintaining some brilliant colors throughout the winter. More good choices are other violas, yucca, holly, heuchera, as well as ornamental kale, cabbage, Swiss chard and autumn fern, just to name a few..

of Garden-Ville.

“The best advice I got was to avoid poisons of all types: chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides.” She added, “this is fun, not war!”

For gardeners who’d like to get their hands in the soil this month, “December is a good time to plant trees – fruit trees and shade trees both,” she noted. And, of course, it’s an ideal time to read gardening books and get inspired. Barrett’s books cover different types of gardening, from herbs to roses to heirloom vegetables, but they all inform in the same entertaining, accessible way.

“I want to dispel the notion that gardening equals really hard work,” she said. “You can plant a little or plant a lot, go at your own pace and have

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“I garden because I enjoy it – the process of going outdoors, digging in the dirt, reaping the rewards,” she said. It’s clear that the good food, tasty herbs and pretty flowers are enough encouragement to keep Barrett happily pulling weeds and squashing insects for some time to come.

Any questions? Send an email to reidsnursery@gmail. com or call us at (512) 3986011. Enjoy your garden!

Judy Barrett’s website with her free online gardening magazine, gardening resources, photos, blog and more.

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PHOTOGRAPHER’S CORNER

Tips and tricks to holiday photography

by Moses Leos III

With the holiday season fast approaching, shutter bugs are eagerly anticipating the return of lighted trails, city halls and festivals that pop up during this time of year.

But trying to capture those memories can be a tricky endeavor. Obtaining that perfect shot of a brilliantly crafted holiday art piece can harbor a similar frustration to that of gift shopping on Black Friday.

With the advancement of technology, however, one can snap that perfect photo that will be Facebook, Twitter and holiday card worthy for years to come.

Here are some tips and tricks for DSLR (a digital camera with a single-lens reflector) users that can help capture those moments:

DON’T BE AFRAID TO USE THE MANUAL SETTING Keeping your camera on automatic mode in low light conditions isn’t the best option to snap great holiday light photos.

Try using the manual setting instead.

While it will take some getting used to, manual allows the user to have full control of their DSLR. That includes manipulating settings that dictate shutter speed, how much light goes into the camera (aperture or f/stop) and light sensitivity (ISO).

Smaller apertures = better nighttime photos Lenses with small apertures of f/3.5 or lower are your best bet to snap great holiday nighttime photos.

The idea is that with a

page 10 u december | 2015

lower aperture value, the wider the opening within the camera will be to allow an increased amount of light to enter the camera.

BUMP UP THAT ISO When low light conditions get you down, picking up your ISO may be the key to getting good photos.

ISO on all DSLRs is the setting that adjusts light sensitivity in cameras.

A lower ISO is usually warranted for daytime or bright light photography.

Higher ISOs are meant to capture as much light when in a low light situation.

Raising it to 3200 to 5000 ISO can help with capturing more light.

That being said, however, raising your ISO also increases the amount of noise, or grain, in photos.

When shooting, you’ll want to choose the lowest ISO you can get away with, but still get a workable shot.

PHOTOS BY MOSES LEOS III

ADJUST THAT SHUTTER SPEED Once you have your aperture and ISO set, getting your shutter speed just right becomes the next priority.

Finding a happy medium, however, can become a taxing challenge.

Too low of a shutter speed will make your lights too bright. Too high of a shutter speed will make photos incredibly dark.

Depending on your ISO, try using a benchmark of 1/80th of a second. Anything lower can be difficult to photograph with, as the slightest movement (breathing, camera shutter) can create a blur effect.

Which is why…

USING A TRIPOD OR MONOPOD IS IDEAL The great thing about tripods is the stability it allows for low-light photography.

With a tripod, you can set your shutter speed to a low amount (1/10 or 1/5th of a second) that will allow for not only lights, but also the background to stand out. The use of a timing mechanism can also help to lessen camera movement (or camera shake).

Using a tripod, however, does call for some space to be used.

Therefore, a tripod may not be suitable (or allowed) for the wassail walk or holiday light trail you’re on.

A monopod, while not quite as stable, can allow for (somewhat) similar stability.

You put the pie where?

Remember the turducken? Piecakes are the next big thing – literally – in holiday mega foods

by Daniela Garcia

CTW Features

A

fter one Thanksgiving jam-packed with desserts, Charles Phoenix took it upon himself to create what has since been dubbed the turducken of holiday desserts.

“A year and a half ago, I was looking at the pile of trash filled with all these baked goods and thought, ‘we need to be more green, we’re wasting too many plates’,” says Phoenix, an author and pop-culture humorist with a taste for all things Americana. “So I ended up baking our pies into the cakes and so that was how the cherpumpple was born.”

What exactly is the cherpumpple, you ask? It’s Phoenix’s three-layer piecake, which is made of an apple pie baked into a spice cake, a pumpkin pie in a yellow cake and a cherry pie in a white cake and covered in whipped cream frosting.

The super-dessert is as gigantic as it sounds, and at his family’s next Thanksgiving dinner, Phoenix presented it to his family. Their reaction?

“They loved it, of course,” he says. “At first, they were a little horrified, but they realized it was delicious, and then it was completely gone.”

Since then, Phoenix’s triple-layer phenomenon has caught on, with fans sending

in photos and videos of their own attempts at baking the cherpumpple. “The craziest one was a couple of pastry chefs who made versions that were absolutely beautiful, like picture perfect,” Phoenix says.

“My version is a little drunk, a little ‘I Love Lucy’-style.”

One professional bakery that’s also picked up on the piecake trend is Three Brothers Bakery in Houston. Janice Jucker, co-owner of the bakery with husband and fifth-generation baker Bobby Jucker, explains that they were approached by Greg Morago, an editor at the Houston Chronicle, to create Phoenix’s dessert with a slight modification.

“We were named best mail-order pecan pie before Thanksgiving last year by Country Living [magazine],” Jucker explains. “Greg had heard about the cherpumpple and thought that pumpkin,

apple and pecan would be the best combination instead and came to us. Things just kind of spiraled from there.”

While Bobby sat down and worked out the baking logistics, Janice helped smooth out a new name for their piecake: the pumpecapple. Coming in at a foot tall and weighing anywhere upward of 25 pounds, the first version was cut into large slices with the use of a machete. The Juckers also

used a cream cheese frosting, drizzled the piecake in caramel and trimmed it with pecans.

The article about the creation of the pumpecapple ran a few days before Thanksgiving last year.

“It was really just a joke to us,” Jucker explains. “But we sold 15 in a day, and it was the day before Thanksgiving.”

A few months later, Three Brothers Bakery were featured on The Food Network’s “Outrageous Food” and have since added the pumpecapple to their list of regular baked goods. The Juckers are anticipating quite a few orders for the holidays. “For now, we’re trying to figure out how to ship them out,” Jucker says. “People from all over try to order it.”

For those brave enough to try and make their own piecake at home, Phoenix suggests baking the pies in advance and letting them cool overnight. The tip also applies once the pies have been baked into the cakes. Also, Phoenix encourages bakers to use extra frosting, to help keep the layers from collapsing.

“It’s a spectacle, a conversation piece,” Phoenix explains.

“When you serve this, be prepared for some people to turn up their noses. But trust me, they’ll come to their senses within minutes and beg for a piece.” © CTW Features

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Central Texas Festivals & Events Now-Jan. 2

Santa’s Ranch in New Braunfels

Drive through a mile of spectacular holiday scenes with one million lights, hundreds of displays and festive animation.

This drive-through trail is located at 9561 IH-35 North in New Braunfels.

Now-Dec. 29 Trail of Lights in Wimberley

Stroll along a walking trail through 8 acres of lighted displays decorated by more than 100 local businesses, community groups and families.

Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and live entertainment (weather permitting). Free admission, donations appreciated. Trail is open nightly. Lights will be on rain or shine. The trail is located at the EmilyAnn Theatre at 1101 FM 2325 in Wimberley. Hours are 6-9 p.m. Sundays - Thursdays and 6-10 p.m. on Fridays & Saturdays.

Dec. 2-5

Sights and Sounds of Christmas in San Marcos

Join thousands of others for four full nights of holiday fun at the Sights & Sounds of Christmas in San Marcos Plaza Park. Enjoy carnival rides, petting zoo, crafts, visits with Santa and much more. Kids twelve and under enter free. Nightly admission for other ages is $5. Visit sights-n-sounds.org for information.

Dec. 3

First Thursday in downtown Buda and Dripping Springs (Mercer Street)

From 5-9 p.m. businesses stay open for shopping, dining, music and fun.

Support your local businesses and enjoy an evening out. First Thursday focuses on providing downtown visitors the chance to stroll through the unique local shops, while enjoying food from downtown restaurants.

Dec. 2

Dec. 3

Since 1999, Kyle has invited Santa to take part in the tree lighting event in downtown at City Square Park. Santa will be available for pictures (you must bring your own camera).

School choirs from local elementary, middle and high schools will be performing holiday songs.

There will be free activities for the children and food vendors to satisfy your hunger or thirst. Santa will begin touring Kyle at 3 p.m. and arrive at Historic Kyle City Hall at 4:30 p.m.

The 2015 Wassailfest will be held Thursday, Dec. 3 in beautiful and historic downtown New Braunfels.

Join us at 6 p.m. for the official toast to kick off this annual event. It’s an evening of music, fun, food, great shopping, thousands of twinkling holiday lights and, of course, lots of free wassail for you to sample!

Vote for the People’s Choice winner and see if your choice is also selected by the Wassail-Meisters for their award.This event runs from 6 - 9 p.m.

Santa’s arrival & Kyle tree lighting

page 12 u december | 2015

Wassailfest in New Braunfels

Dec. 4

Wimberley Community Chorus

The Wimberley Community Chorus will perform on Friday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m., at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 6000 FM 3237, Wimberley, TX.

Dec. 5

Christmas on Mercer

Celebrate the magic of the holidays on Mercer Street in historic downtown Dripping Springs. This 11th annual holiday festival has arts and crafts booths, children’s games and activities, live family entertainment, local food vendors, and of course, Santa. Admission is free.

The festival will be held 10 a.m.-5 p.m. with the tree lighting at dusk.

Dec. 5-6 Budafest

Head to downtown Buda for this annual holiday festival featuring a parade, arts and crafts, live music, Santa, and more. The event lasts from 10 a.m. to dusk.

Dec. 5

Gruene Town Lighting

Gruene closes out the day’s festivities with a brass band street performance at 5 p.m. Then at 6 p.m., Cowboy Kringle rides into town on horseback to light up the town and hand out candy canes to children.

The event will be held in the Historic District in Gruene.

Dec. 5

Wimberley Market Days

Stroll along a shaded path to more than 475 booths filled with a wide variety of arts, crafts, antiques, gift items, clothing and more. Also enjoy barbecue and treats with live music under the pavilion. Lions Field, 601 F.M. 2325. www. shopmarketdays.com 512847-2201

Dec. 10-12

Buda Trail of Lights

The Buda Trail of Lights is back bigger and better this year at Historical Stagecoach Park on Main Street in Buda.

The first weekend will be Dec. 11-12 from 6-10 p.m.

The senior citizen night will be Dec. 10 from 6-8 p.m. – to join Senior Night, register with the Buda Parks Department by calling 512-295-7170. Visitors are able to walk the lighted trail in the park to view the dazzling exhibits, enjoy live entertainment, sip hot chocolate in front of a toasty campfire and meet Santa himself.

Dec. 12

Winter’s Eve Christmas Festival

Join the Wimberley Merchants Association for the 8th annual Winter’s Eve festival on Saturday, Dec. 12 from 5-10 p.m. on the square in Wimberley. Stroll around the square and enjoy lights, live music and late night holiday shopping. Santa will be there form 6-7:30 p.m.

For more information, visit wimberleymerchants.com.

Dec. 12

Second Saturday Guided Hikes at Blue Hole

Blue Hole Regional Park’s guided hikes are offered free to the public every second Saturday of the month, 9 - 10 a.m. Included in the hike is interesting information about the history of the park and its sustainable development concepts, information on the Cypress Creek watershed, and fun facts about native plants and animals.

Dec. 12

2nd Saturday Gallery Trail More than a dozen galleries offer wine, snacks and art displays from 4-7 p.m. at this monthly gallery trail. See local artwork and spend the day in beautiful Wimberley.

Dec. 17-20

Buda Trail of Lights

The Buda Trail of Lights is back bigger and better this year at Historical Stagecoach Park on Main Street in Buda. The second and final weekend will be Dec. 17-20 from 6-10 p.m.

Visitors are able to walk the lighted trail in the park to view the dazzling exhibits, enjoy live entertainment, sip hot chocolate in front of a toasty campfire, and meet Santa himself.

Dec. 19

Starlight Symphony in Kyle

The Starlight Symphony Orchestra will perform on Dec. 19 at 7:00 p.m. at the Hays Performing Arts Center (979 Kohler’s Crossing in Kyle). This month’s concert is part of the classical chamber series and entitled “Our Circles: Extended Families.” Concerts are free and open

to the public. Visit starlightsymphony.org for more information.

Dec. 20

Starlight Symphony in Wimberley

The Starlight Symphony Orchestra will perform on Dec. 20 at 4:00 p.m. at Wimberley First Baptist Church (15951 Winters Mill Parkway in Wimberley).

This month’s concert is part of the classical chamber series and entitled “Our Circles: Extended Families.”

Concerts are free and open to the public. Visit starlightsymphony. org for more information.

Jan. 1

Polar Bear Splash

Splash in the New Year with this annual Jan. 1 tradition at Kyle Pool. There is no admission fee. Pool gates will open at 1 p.m. Light snacks and drinks will be available.

4 FREE Bottles & First Month Cooler Rental FREE!

Mark your calendar

• 5 & 3 Gal. Bottles • Coolers • .5 Liter Bottles • R/O Filtration • Private Label Avail.

Have your festival or event promoted in the Hays County Echo as well as the Hays Free Press and News–Dispatch newspapers.

Email christine@haysfreepress.com

• Drinking • Spring Water • Purified Water • Hot & Cold • Room Temp & Cold

Every Drop of Hill Country Springs water comes from a protected Spring Source, NOT filtered municipal Water!

CALL NOW FOR YOUR HOME AND OFFICE DELIVERY NEEDS (Present this ad to your routeman for special.)

866-691-2369 Family Owned and Operated.

Friendly Hometown Service, Serving Texans!

VISION

Bringing Your World Into Focus

www.howertoneye.com

In-demand careers

START HERE. Pursue degrees in information technology, computer programming, and other in-demand fields.

austincc.edu/spring

NOW ENROLLING!

Kristen M. Hawthorne, M.D. Ophthalmologist

Scott Kelly , M.D. Ophthalmologist

Richard A. Berkowitz, M.D., F.A.C.S. Ophthalmologist

Sonja Dieterichs, M.D. Ophthalmologist

We have three locations to serve you: Kyle:

• 5401 S. FM 1626, Ste. 365

Austin:

• 2610 S. IH 35 • 5625 Eiger Rd., Ste. 100

512.443.9715

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Hays County Echo Service Directory AIR CONDITIONING A&E Air Conditioning & Heating $500 off complete system Free furnace special. Call for details.

512–312–9535 www.ae4cool.com

AIM A/C and Heating Service Free estimates for replacements.

Service, sales, installs, duct cleaning.

Locally owned and operated.

Licensed, bonded, insured and registered 512–312–9080 www.AIM4AC.com

APC Service, LLC Electrical, A/C, heating Commercial and residential.

Free service call with repair.

512–295–4023 www.APCServicePros.com tricoconst@austin.rr.com

Barton Creek A/C Company LLC Full service air conditioning company serving Kyle and surrounding areas. bartoncreekac.com 512–214–1300

NEMEC Heating and Air Proudly serving Central Texas Residential, commercial and after hours available. chris@nemecheatingandair.com 512–312–9081 512–789–5132

AUTOMOTIVE AMM Collision Center Three great locations!

Kyle: 21681 IH–35, 262–1013 Austin: 11740 Manchaca Rd., 292–1060 Dripping Springs: 3990 Hwy 290, 512–894–3888

Buda Automotive You know us... by our reputation!

Full service car & truck repair 601 S. Loop 4 in Buda 512–295–2832

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Kyle Automotive Serving Kyle and Hays County for nearly 20 years! Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.

107 N. Main Street, Kyle, TX 78640 512–268–1173 www.KyleAutomotive.com

COMPUTER SERVICE A Computer Werks Business, residential or commercial Adware, spyware, malware, installations. Service, software, hardware and custom builds.

512–694–1746 www.acomputerwerks.com

Hays Technical Services Want help selecting the best value?

Office systems not maintained?

Did your kids or employees leave your computer useless? mike@haystech.com

CONCRETE WORK XEVEX Concrete Services Free estimates! Bonded & insured.

Foundations, driveways, patios, repairs, staining, removal, Bobcat services.

512–312–4214 www.xevexllc.com

ELECTRICAL SERVICE Keen Electrical Service Commercial, industrial, residential.

Licensed/insured, TECL #26308. J..

Craig Keen, owner/master electrician. keenzone7@att.net.

512–653–1125

GLASS SERVICE Berry Glass Company Commercial and Residential Contract glazing, storefronts, insulated glass, furniture tops, tempered glass and mirrors. Framed & frameless tub & shower enclosure.

5360 Industrial Way Dr., Buda, TX 78610 512–312–2767

HOME REPAIR The Handyman Can No job too small – all your home improvement needs. Painting, pressure washing, fencing, electrical, flooring, landscaping, roofing, decks, tile and more.

Call Jon at 512–496–1243.

HOME CLEANING Happy Home Cleaning Locally owned, dependable, ecokid- and pet-friendly. Free quotes.

Call or text 512-468-4219, www. happyhomeexceptionalcleaning.com

Steel Horse Constructors Serving Hays County and surrounding areas. Painting, remodels, carpentry, trim work, special design and more.

Free estimate. References available.

Call Jim ‘Blu’ Cooke at 512–781– 2911 or steelhorseconstructors@ gmail.com.

LAWN SERVICES M&M Lawn Care Services Serving Buda, Kyle and San Marcos.

Free estimates. Call Noel or Abel Moreno at 512–538–8654 or 512– 787–6685.

LEGAL SERVICES John A. Hall Attorney and Counselors At Law Business law, wills, trust, probate, family law, divorce, custody, consumer law, deceptive trade, property law, landlord–tenant law, personal, injury, DWI, criminal defense, debt defense, general civil litigation 130 Hall Professional Center Kyle, TX. 512–268–6425

PAINTING Alex’s Painting Residential & commercial painting, texturing, sheet rock repair, wallpaper removal, popcorn texture removal, wood replacement, power washing.

Clean and neat professionals, fully insured, on time & dependable. Family owned & operated. Satisfaction guaranteed, excellent references.

512–470–3953

PEST CONTROL LP Pest Solutions Finding solutions for all your pest control needs. Family owned and operated. Call David Pritchard at (512) 922-4577, lppestsolutions@ gmail.com

PET SITTING Carver’s Critter Sitter In–home pet sitting for small and large critters. Experience with many, will work with any. Insured, will also do house sitting. Call Suzanne at 512–773–5592, www.ccsittertx. com

PLUMBING Prince Plumbing Company Residential repair, remodeling, water heaters, sewer maintenance, slab & gas leak repair. 20 years experience, family owned and operated.

512–312–0710

POOL SERVICE G&S Pool and Spa Service Serving South Austin, Dripping Springs, Driftwood, Kyle and Buda since 1994.

512–326–4695 www.gspoolspa.com

REAL ESTATE Christy DeWolfe – Keller Williams Real Estate Committed to providing world class service while helping you achieve your real estate goals.

ChristyDeWolfe.com, 512–284–4126

REMODELING Tri–County Construction Let us make your dreams a reality!

Specializing in custom remodeling and insurance repairs since 1984.

Fully insured. 512–282–6224

Wild West Remodeling No job too small or too big!

Kitchen/bath remodels, painting, tile, siding, decks, trim, door & window replacements, drywall repair, electrical and plumbing.

Curtis Dorsett, 512–402–4704

ROOFING

SEPTIC SERVICES

Area Roofing Company Serving Hays County Residential & Commercial Free estimates. Insurance claims welcome.

Ron Johnson, owner 512–312–5050

SEPTIC SERVICES

Sellman Enterprises, Inc. Septic plumbing, cleaning, repairs Commercial & Residential Serving the Hays Metro area, including Travis, Blanco, Bastrop, Williamson & surrounding counties.

512–312–0002 www.SellmanSepticServices.com

TREE SERVICES

All American Wastewater Solutions, LLC Septic problems... Let us help!

Locally serving our community since 1982. Septic repair and installation specialist, septic tank pumping and servicing, aerobic system servicing and more.

Commercial and residential. www. allsepticcheck.com, 512–282–3889.

Cowboy’s Tree Trimming & Removal Tree trimming, tree removal, haul off. 20 years experience, free estimates and 10% discount for senior citizens.

Call Rod at 512–234–2027

AR

MADILLO

Don’t Quit ... Switch Quality E-Cigarettes & Premium E-Liquids (512) 858-7620 27490 RR12 Dripping Springs Between Walgreens & Home Depot

FARMERS® Debbie Thames Insurance Agency AUTO • HOME • LIFE BOAT • HEALTH 251 N. FM 1626 #2C • Buda, TX 78610 Office: (512) 312-1917 • Fax: 312-0688 Email: dvthames@austin.rr.com Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm Your Business & Referrals Are Appreciated

Sudoku solution, from pg. 9

Gil’s Tree Service Residential and commercial.

Professional tree pruning, cabling, cavity filling, landscaping, ball moss removal, construction, repair.

Member of National Arborist Association, International Society of Arboriculture. Call for a free estimate. 512–221–6716

T’is the season for a

New Bike!

SALES, SERVICE, REPAIRS, PARTS & ACCESSORIES

*

Mention this ad and get

20% off parts and accessories with purchase of new bike

3470 JACK C. HAYS TRAIL • BUDA

512.268.2600

Proud sponsor of the Hays County Composite High School Mountain Bike Team

Great Gift Ideas • Special Occasions • Gift Certificates Available

Now carrying

KENDRA SCOTT

Like us on Facebook

209 San Antonio Street, Buda, Texas 78610 512.312.2511 | www.ShearImpressionsbuda.com page 15

Ask for 3D mammography.* With 41% more breast cancer detected, it’s truly a revolution in early detection.

That’s right.

41

%

more breast cancer detected with 3D mammography.

Request an appointment at ausrad.com or call 512.453.6100

*Also known as breast tomosynthesis.

Christmas Special Event | Friday, Dec. 18 | Kyle Office

Licensed audiologists will discuss the latest advancements in Digital Hearing Aid technology. Free demonstrations.

Raffle for free set of hearing aids. Call (512) 268-5282 for information or to schedule a hearing test.

Hearing Centers of Austin Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic, LLC

Hearing Aid & Audiological Services • Programming • Fittings • Cleaning & Repairs • Tubing Changes • Earmolds • Custom Ear Plugs • Hearing Protection • Assistive Listening Devices • Recasing • ‘Dry and Store’ Kits • Immittance Testing • Comprehensive Hearing Evaluations

• Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA) • Otoacoustic Emission Testing (OAE) • Video Nystagmography (VNG)

Two locations to serve you Kyle

Location

1180 Seton Parkway Suite 420 Kyle, TX 78660

512.268.5282

Lockhart Location

1005 W. San Antonio Suite A Lockhart, TX 78644 Amber Bass, Au.D, CCC-A

Austin Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic

Enjoy the Sounds of Life Again

512.444.7944

Pediatric and adult care

KYLE (512) 268-5282 1180 Seton Parkway, Suite 420, Kyle, TX 78640

Ear, Nose and Throat Services Ear & Hearing

• Chronic Ear Infectons • Ruptured Ear Drum • Hearing and Balance Evaluation • Tinnitus (Ringing in Ears) • Dizziness & Vertigo

Thyroid and Parathyroid

• Ultrasound and Needle Biopsy • Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery

Nose & Sinus

• Endoscopic Sinus Surgery • In-office Balloon Sinuplasty

Allergy

• Testing for Pollen, Mold, Dust & Pet Allergens • Allergy Shots/Drops

Michael Yium, MD

Children’s ENT

• Ear Tube Placement • Tonsil & Adenoid Surgery • Minimally Invasive Sinus Surgery • Allergy Testing • Sublingual Therapy

Thomas Nowlin, MD

Throat, Head & Neck

• Sleep Apnea • Tonsil/Adenoid Surgery • Hoarseness

Visit us online at www.AustinENT.com

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$500 off a set of hearing aids in December

Mark Dammert, MD