January 2016 Hays County Echo

HAYS COUNTY

ECHO

JANUARY 2016

INSIDE:

• Introducing a furry friend in to the family • Fitting in your deskercise while at the office • Healthy, helpful herbs

PHOTOS BY MOSES LEOS III

FREE PUBLICATION

POSTAL CUSTOMER

PRSRT STD

U.S. Postage Paid Barton Publications

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 Alexis Aguirre Distribution

Suzanne Hallam Marketing

Tracy Mack Jim Darby

Happy New Year!

H

ello everyone, welcome to 2016.

Hopefully everyone had a healthy and safe holiday season.

As we fondly look back at the year that was, we now begin to take a glance at what awaits us on this third rock from the sun.

Of course, a new year often means taking new perspective on things – or a resolution, as most are wont to call it. That buzzword that often goes hand-in-hand with the big ball drop in New York City.

For some, that new perspective could involve focusing on improving overall health and fitness. But the constraints of working in the office can be troublesome.

Luckily in this month’s Hays County Echo, we offer tips and tricks on how to stay fit and keep in shape while you’re typing up those TPS reports at the office.

A new year could mean the addition of a furry, four-legged friend. We at the Hays County Echo this month highlight how new dog owners can contribute to the long-term care for their newfound companions.

Columnist Chris Reid writes about the different types of herbs that are used for cooking, medicinal and other practical uses.

We also give amateur photographers some insight on taking stunning photos of fast moving objects in this month’s Photographer’s Corner.

As we ready for another cycle around the sun, let’s enjoy what this month has to offer.

Here’s to keeping your resolutions going, and as always, thanks for reading.

Moses Leos III Editor

Inside

Step into a fit routine ....................................................... 4–7 Getting your deskercise while at the office

Healthy, helpful herbs .......................................................8-9 Herbs and their homeopathic properties

Photographer’s Corner ..................................................10-11 How to catch the fast action on your camera

Suzanne Hallam

Introducing a four-legged family member ...................12-13

Pamela Patino

Central Texas Events .......................................................... 14

Paula Pulley

For advertising information, please contact our sales

department at 512–268–7862.

page 2 ◆ january | 2016

From adoption, to healthcare, to saying goodbye

Top picks for events and festivals

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

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Step into a fit routine Get your deskercise while at the office Here are some helpful tips that you can use to stay fit while at the workplace. The great thing is most people around you will not even notice.

With all of the following, repetitions depend on your fitness goals (but try to do as many as possible in a day)

BY JENNIFER

STANKO

W

ith the New Year on the horizon, many people look to pair the change of the calendar with a fitness-focused lifestyle change.

However, those who are confined to the office may not have the time to visit a traditional gym for a work out.

Luckily, there are ways for office warriors to stay fit – and more importantly, not disturb your co-workers.

Try standing as much as possible It has been shown to burn more calories than sitting.

The Desk Dip Stand about two to three feet away from a stable desk or table.

With feet flat on the ground, lean forward and place hands shoulder width apart on desk. Slowly lean in towards the desk, then push back up.

The Chair Squeeze While sitting in a chair, slowly squeeze glutes together as tight as you can. Hold for 5-10 seconds, then release.

Tiptoe Raise Whenever you’re standing, lift your heels up into a tiptoe position. Hold for 5-10 seconds, then slowly lower your heels.

Leg Extensions While sitting in a chair, place your feet flat on the ground. Slowly raise feet up to be parallel with knees. Hold for 5-10 seconds, then lower.

Ab-Doer Sit straight up on a sturdy desk or table. Make sure there is about 2-3 feet of room open behind you. Grasp the desk with both hands on respective side of knees. Slowly lower yourself back as far as you can go while tightening your abs.

Hold for a few seconds then bring yourself back to the upright, straight position.

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page 4 ◆ january | 2016

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Ab Swivel If you have a swivel chair, sit upright with feet lifted up off the ground. Hold on to the desk while tightening your abs and then rotate the chair slowly from side to side.

Dental excellence

Always Take the Stairs

Toe Raise

According to New Mexico’s Health Services Center website, taking the stairs burns 2X the calories of walking. (The calories burned are based off a 150-160 lb person).

1 flight of stairs, 3X per day = 15 calories burned.

While sitting or standing, lift your toes up as high as you can, hold for 5-10 seconds, then lower again.

Arm Stretch

Foot Tapper

Stretch arms as far out in front of you, then lift them over your head and reach as high as you can, then lower them as much as possible behind head. Hold each position for 30 seconds.

Rapidly tap feet in place while sitting in a chair. Do for 30 seconds at a time.

Hamstring Leg Curl While standing, hold on to something stable for support and lift one leg up backwards while aiming your heel at the top of your thigh. Lower it back down.

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While sitting in a chair, squeeze knees together as tight as possible.

Hold for 5-10 seconds.

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Shoulder Raise

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While sitting or standing, lift shoulders up as high as possible towards your ear. Hold for 30 seconds then release.

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Tips and tricks to lose the extra inches Health.com gives some advice about how to burn some extra calories throughout the day. Individuals can burn up to 350 extra calories a day just by moving around.

They say that you can drop 10 pounds in 5 weeks by constantly moving.

Use smaller plate while eating If you drop your plate size by just 2 inches, you are likely to eat 20-25% less, which could be almost 500 calories a day!

Make sure you get your ZZZs People who got 5 ½ hours of sleep were found to snack more thoughtout the day.

The average 12 oz soda contains 150-180 calories.

Instead, replace soda with tea or water. If you do drink soda, try to go sugar free.

This could reduce caloric intake by 400 calories a day.

When you are full, stop eating. Give your body enough time to digest food before you overeat.

Cheat, but not on your diet

Hearing Aid & Audiological Services • Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA) • Otoacoustic Emission Testing (OAE) • Video Nystagmography (VNG)

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512.444.7944

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

Ear, Nose and Throat Services

Location

1180 Seton Parkway Suite 420 Kyle, TX 78660

100 200 300 400 501 601 701 801

Pediatric and adult care

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

Kyle

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Two locations to serve you

Chew gum! You eat 10% less.

The prime room temperature for melting fat is 64 degrees.

Spicy food can rev your metabolism by 23%.

10 minutes of moderate exercise can rev metabolism for an hour.

NUMBER OF CALORIES BURNED WHILE:

Here are some cheats to help slim down, according to

Lockhart Amber Bass, Au.D, CCC-A

Women’s Health Magazine.

Drink caffeine! It can help “boost” calorie burn “for up to 3 hours.”

Try swapping out your work chair for a stability ball – you can burn an extra 260 calories a day!

Try to track your calorie intake

There are many free apps and websites that allow you to track all of your food for free.

of Austin Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic, LLC

page 6 ◆ january | 2016

Stop drinking soda

Pay attention to your body, especially your stomach

Hearing Centers

• 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

Be sure to always check and accurately measure out serving sizes.

• Ultrasound and Needle Biopsy • Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery

Allergy

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

Children’s ENT

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

Michael Yium, MD

Nose & Sinus

• Endoscopic Sinus Surgery • In-office Balloon Sinuplasty

Thomas Nowlin, MD

Throat, Head & Neck

• Sleep Apnea • Tonsil/Adenoid Surgery • Hoarseness

Visit us online at www.AustinENT.com

Mark Dammert, MD

Foods that help you burn fat

Bring a friend and workout together!

Beginning in January, classes of 2-6 people will be offered in the morning and evening. Check the website for pricing.

Here to help solve puzzling healthy lifestyle issues One piece at a time...one person at a time

According to Women’s Health Magazine, there are nine primary foods that can increase your daily calorie burning.

1. Eating eggs for breakfast tend to make you feel fuller longer. If you do not like eggs, try to eat a higher protein breakfast. High protein breakfasts have been shown to reduce hunger throughout the day.

2. Chia seeds promote the feeling of fullness.

In one Tablespoon there are 2,500 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids, 4.5 grams of fiber, and 3 grams of protein.

3. Cinnamon is a “fat-burning powerhouse” and studies have shown that it helps reduce sugar in the blood stream. It is an antiinflammatory and helps stabilize blood sugar.

4. Berries not only have cardiovascular benefits, but they have also proved to reduce body-weight and reduce fat storage. They are also antiinflammatory.

It’s the healthy alternative to typical fitness training.

5. Ginger is also an antiinflammatory. It assists with reducing hunger, increases fat burn and helps with a variety of digestive issues.

6. Green tea aids in weight loss and fat burning.

7. Avocado is an antiinflammatory and contains healthy fats, protein and tons of fiber! It has also been shown to ease hunger. In fact, consuming half of an avocado could ease hunger for up to five hours.

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8. Quinoa helps control blood sugars and is great at keeping you feeling full longer.

9. Cayenne pepper helps stimulate your metabolism and starts getting to work in as little as 20 minutes after consumption.

page 7

Healthy, helpful herbs

BY CHRISTINE REID

L

et’s talk about herbs – specifically, the ones that not only grow well here but also do good things for us. Herbs are, at their most basic level, our helpers. They flavor our food and beverages, produce a delightful fragrance, beautify our landscapes, attract useful insects and even, with the appropriate application, provide healing benefits. Herbs are also nutritional powerhouses and provide important vitamins, minerals and other valuable compounds.

Herbs and their medicinal uses

There’s archaeological evidence that herbs were around in the paleolithic era and have been used in a multitude of ways, including medicinally, ever since. To put it simply, people and herbs go way, way back, especially when using them for health. Keep in mind that herbs, like anything else, can be misused. So, (gotta say this part) always check with your healthcare provider before using herbs to treat a medical condition. In addition, pregnant women should be cautious when using any herb.

There are many, many different herbs, from the very common to the rather obscure and clearly not all of them thrive here. We’re in luck, though, as many of our favorite herbs originally came from Mediterranean regions and so are well suited to our dry, sunny Central Texas climate. If you do plan on using herbs in food, teas or infusions or you would like to attract pollinators to your herb garden, then growing herbs organically is the only way to go.

Use naturally derived products like fish emulsion and compost to fertilize your garden and stay away from pesticides.

page 8 ◆ january | 2016

Basil

Herbs that do well in Central Texas A popular herb that does well here is basil, in all its different varieties. It loves the summer heat and is delicious in salads, herbal vinegar and pesto, as well as spaghetti, pizza and other dishes that use tomatoes. An infusion of basil leaves makes a nice addition to lemonade as well as a hot tea that helps with indigestion. This herb not only contains significant amounts of vitamins A and K, it also provides beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant. Give basil full sun, average water and lots of room, as it will spread out over the growing season. Trim often to keep leaf production up and flower production down. In the fall, let the plants form flowers and have fun watching the pollinators gather round. Basil, an annual, will go out as the cold weather comes in.

Catnip and catmint, the herbaceous form of catnip, are aromatic and appealing to many cats as well as people. Both herbs are perennial and make attractive grey-green border plants with pretty blue flowers and tidy shapes. Butterflies and other beneficial insects flock to catnip and catmint. Teas made from infusions of these herbs can be calming and useful in topical formulas, too.

Chives, both garlic and onion, are easy to grow in the ground or in a container. Garlic chives, with a flat leaf, and onion chives,

with a hollow tube leaf, are equally delicious used in soups, salads or any dish that needs a taste of garlic or onion. Snip the chives over potatoes or blend into a sour cream or cream cheese dip. They’re good sources of vitamins A, C and K, they provide fiber and folate and contain antioxidants. Chives are tasty as well as good for you. Who knew?

Evergreen perennials, chives like full sun and low water. Chive clumps will spread over time but they’re easy to control.

Cilantro is another herb that’s used to make pesto as well as salsa. The leaves and stems are rich in vitamins A, C and K, along with smaller amounts of iron and other minerals.

The important thing to remember with cilantro is that it’s a cool season herb.

Start planting it as early as fall and enjoy until the weather begins to heat up, which will make the cilantro plant bolt and ultimately form a seed known as coriander. Besides adding a kick of flavor to ethnic dishes, cilantro aids digestion and has been used to treat nausea, coughs, headaches and more.

Lemon balm is an herb with a crisp citrus scent, often used in making teas and garden punch.

It’s also great in lettuce and fruit salads as well as in recipes for preparing fish. Lemon balm contains vitamin C, thiamin and a number of phytochemicals.

Historically it’s been known as a honey bee attractor as it contains compounds beneficial to bees. In this part of Texas, it grows best with some shade and average watering, but because it’s very adaptable to different light and soil conditions, it’s a cinch for beginning gardeners

to grow in the ground or a container.

And don’t be Cilantro nervous about harvesting lemon balm leaves as some feel it’s nearly impossible to over prune it! In other words, it spreads easily.

One herb that nearly everyone is familiar with is mint.

There are many different varieties, such as peppermint, spearmint, chocolate mint, pineapple mint, orange mint, apple mint...you get the idea. Of all the mints, many people consider spearmint one of the best to use for recipes and beverages because of its low menthol content, giving it a fresh and subtle fragrance and flavor. Spearmint contains potassium, calcium, manganese and iron, along with vitamins A, C, B-6 and beta-carotene. It is often used to make a stomach-soothing tea but it also can be added to salads and desserts.

Clearly herbs have something

to offer all of us, from flavorful food and drink to a more natural way of handling minor ailments, among other things. Herbs are also important to bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects that we depend on to pollinate our crops and beautify our world. It seems there’s no end to the ways that herbs can make our lives better – they just need a helping hand to plant them in the garden!

Any questions? Send an email to reidsnursery@gmail.com or call us at (512) 398-6011. Enjoy your garden!

Spearmint

Easy to Grow Herbs Basil

Annual warm weather herb with a spicy scent that’s used to make pesto and flavors Italian dishes. Full sun, average water.

Catmint

Catmint and Catnip

We know how it works!

Chives

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Perennial herb attractive to cats, also used in landscape. Full sun to part shade and low water, once established.

Perennial herb with onion- or garlic-scented leaves for use in recipes. Spreads by clumping. Full sun, low water,

Cilantro

Annual herb that’s used in salsa dishes and other recipes. Will form coriander seed when it bolts in warmer weather. Full sun, low water.

Chives

Dill

Annual herb that’s loved by butterflies as well as people. Different parts of the herb are used in pickling and in other recipes. Full sun, average water.

Lemon Balm

Perennial herb, sometimes annual. Used in teas and salads. Full sun in cooler weather, part shade in warmer weather, low to average water.

Mexican Mint Marigold Lemon Balm

HERBAL RESOURCES “Herbs for Texas” by Howard Garrett and Odena Brannam “Southern Herb Growing”

by Madalene Hill and Gwen Barclay with Jean Hardy (may be available in used bookstores)

Perennial that has a licorice flavor used in teas and recipes. Forms golden flowers in fall. Full sun, low water.

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Mint

Perennial. Many varieties available. Spearmint and peppermint do best. Use in hot and cold beverages, desserts. Can be grown in containers to control spreading. Part shade, average water.

Parsley

Biennial herb that’s used in many recipes. Attracts butterflies. Full sun, low to average water.

Rosemary

“The Herb Garden Cookbook” by Lucinda Hutson

Aromatic, perennial herb that’s good for cooking and using in landscape. Full sun, low water.

The Hill Country Unit of the Herb Society of America meets monthly in Wimberley. For details: hillcountryherbs.org

Perennial herb that can handle both cold and hot weather. Fragrant leaves are used fresh and dried.

Full sun, low water.

Sage

Thyme

Perennial herb with pungent leaves used in tea and recipes like stuffing and marinades. Full sun, low water.

See solution on page 13

page 9

LONGER THE LENS, THE BETTER (BUT NOT ALWAYS)

Photographer’s Corner

Utilizing a quality lens can go a long way toward snapping that great motor sport photograph. Longer glass will also help when photography access to the track is a great distance away. Snapping away with a 200, 300, 400 or 600mm lens will help in that endeavor.

Of course, purchasing those lenses often requires the sale of an organ, and/ or a first-born child (in other words, they’re fairly expensive). Using a stock lens (28 to 90 mm) or purchasing a 28-135mm works just as well.

SHUTTER DOWN NOW Perhaps the largest component to make these photos work is your shutter speed. Too low of a shutter speed and everything in your photo will be blurred.

Too high, and either the photo will be too dark, or you won’t get your desired effect. You’ll want to keep the shutter anywhere from 1/60 to 1/100 of a second, depending on your ISO and your aperture. The idea is to keep your moving subject in focus, which can be accomplished at those settings.

But to your ideal shutter speed, you’ll first need to set your ISO and aperture.

Which brings us to ...

FINDING THE RIGHT ISO APERTURE FOR YOUR SHOT To find what ISO and aperture work, photographers must first assess their lighting and weather situations. A bright sunny day could mean lowering your ISO to 250 while increasing your aperture to ƒ/14. Photographing a night race may mean bumping up the ISO to 4000 while keeping your aperture at around ƒ/4.0 to ƒ/5.6. Obviously, you’ll want to experiment with those settings while in manual, aperture priority (Av) or shutter priority (Tv). The point is you want to make sure your shutter speed is low enough to create that “speed” effect.

Once you have your glass and your settings right, it’s then time to factor in an important element.

BY MOSES LEOS

Whether watching a souped-up Formula 1 Ferrari speed around Circuit of the Americas, or catching an event under the lights at Central Texas Speedway, nothing brings the thrill and excitement as that of racing, and photographing those revved-up vehicles can be just as much, if not more, fun.

By utilizing certain settings in your camera, photogs can capture elements of speed that will make your photos pop. Better yet, the technique can also be used beyond the motorsports world. Think track and field, football, cycling ...

Here are some tips to accomplishing that.

And always remember: A photographer’s best friends are persistence and patience. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.

PAN WITH YOUR SUBJECT To create that desired speed effect, photographers must pan (or follow) the subject they’re photographing. This, mixed in with the slow shutter speed, creates that blurred image that gives the impression of speed.

But as with anything, practice makes perfect. With slower shutter speeds, there is the possibility of missing a shot (i.e. your subject won’t be in focus).

Practice is also needed to get the pan of the camera nice and smooth. Too much movement can affect the shot and distort the image.

Using a monopod or tripod can help. Steady hands and (again) practice can also go a long way.

These steps, and some experimentation, can help even the most inexperienced photographer get quality pics like a professional.

PHOTO BY BRIA NNE

page 10 january | 2016 ◆

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In order for locals to shop local ... you have to advertise local!

Advertise in the Hays Free Press, News-Dispatch, and Hays County Echo to get the eyes of Hays County on your business.

Call 512-268-7862 to start advertising today.

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page 11

Finding, and caring for, a four-legged friend BY

ALEXIS AGUIRRE

C

oming home to a wagging tail and a brighteyed friend can end anyone’s day on a good note.

The constant companionship and lifetime of loyalty from a dog is something that cannot be replaced.

But hard work, dedication and time are the keys to keeping any four-legged pal happy and healthy.

An average dog’s lifespan can be anywhere between ten to thirteen years.

During this time, a dog requires extensive care and attention. Unlike goldfish, a quick feeding and the occasional glance isn’t enough.

Those considering adopting or getting a new dog should consider a variety of things before taking the big plunge. A future dog owner should look at the type of breed of dog it plans on getting. This can play a role in everything from the pet’s behavior to its health.

Other items that should be considered are the health and over all well being. Dogs can be tough, but they are not made of steel.

Hays High sophomore Madeline Raymond plays with her 1-anda-half-year-old boxer, Hazey.

PHOTOS BY MOSES LEOS III

page 12 january | 2016 ◆

Finding the right dog Something any future dog owner should consider is the lifestyle said person currently has. While there certainly are dogs that are independent, most dogs require time and attention.

Future owners should take into consideration the time they will be at work and what their day-to-day schedule looks like. This could play a part in what type of dog would make the right fit.

A person’s living situation should also play a role in choosing a dog that suits ones needs. A person should keep in mind whether they live in a home with a big yard or small apartment with a tiny patio. Research on the different breeds of dogs is key.

While most assume smaller dogs are ideal for smaller apartment, this might not always be true. Size may be important, but the exercise needs of each individual canine are just as important.

For example, Great Danes might be big in size but they are docile in nature making them ideal for smaller living arrangements if a person doesn’t mind sharing the space.

Finding a dog right for a person and their lifestyle is key to a long term and healthy relationship.

While dogs can be a lot of work, the companionship they bring is the ultimate reward.

Basic health care for your pet

While dogs aren’t exactly porcelain dolls, they can get sick just as well as any human being.

Most people know chocolate is dangerous for dogs to eat.

But knowing when your dog is sick is also an important factor.

Symptoms that should never be ignored when it comes to the overall well being of a dog would include refusal to eat over a two-day period, increased thirst, more frequent urination and vomiting.

Something else to consider

in the health of a pet are vaccines.

One of the most common set of vaccines are for rabies. While each state tends to govern their own laws for the frequency of these vaccines, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services, dogs in Texas must be vaccinated against rabies by their fourth month.

Once Fido is gone

The passing of any pet isn’t an easy thing to consider. But once Fido has passed on, the question of “what happens now?” can arise.

If a pet dies at a veterinary hospital, they can typically help guide the owners through the next steps. It

has become increasingly common for one to cremate their deceased pets.

Austin’s Pet Memorial Center is the only pet memorial service in the Austin area that specializes in the care of pets after they die.

The center offers an open facility that allows their clients to tour their operations. They cremate pets and provide urns for them to be put in.

The center also offers a pickup service to take the burden of transporting the pet to and from the center.

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Central Texas Festivals & Events January 9

Second Saturday Guided Hikes at Blue Hole - Wimberley

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.

January 9

Second Saturday gallery trail Wimberley

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.

January 26-28

Hays County Livestock Show Dripping Springs

The annual Hays County Livestock Show will be held at Dripping Springs Ranch Park Event Center in Dripping Springs Jan. 26-28. Come out an see all the best pigs, goats, horses and more that Hays County has to offer. Visit www.hayscountylivestockshow. com for a full schedule and more information.

Jan. 29-Feb. 21 Narnia: The Musical Wimberley

The EmilyAnn Theatre in Wimberley presents “Narnia: The Musical” Jan. 29 to Feb. 21 in the Burdine Johnson Indoor Studio Theatre. Shows are at 7:30 p.m.

Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Visit www.emilyann. org for more information.

page 14 ◆ january | 2016

Ongoing

VISION

Bringing Your World Into Focus

Rodrigo Moya: Photography and Conscience / Fotografia y conciencia - San Marcos

This exhibit at the Texas State University Witliff Collection is the first retrospective in the United States of Moya’s work. More than 90 images document Mexico and Latin America from revolutionary movements to timeless moments of daily life. The exhibit is located on the top floor of Alkek Library at Texas State University. Visit www. thewittliffcollections.txstate.edu for more information.

Places in the Heart: Texas Cinescapes - San Marcos

This exhibit celebrates Oscarwinning movies and awardwinning independent films set in Texas. Screenplays, props, wardrobe pieces, behind-thescenes photos and other materials show how authentic visions of the Lone Star State have been created on screen. The exhibit is located on the top floor of Alkek Library at Texas State University. Visit www. thewittliffcollections.txstate.edu for more information.

Animals Among Us: Photographs from the Permanent Collection San Marcos

This photography exhibit features cats, dogs, horses, fish, fowl, insects and more in images created with a variety of photographic and printing techniques by 39 artists. The exhibit is located on the top floor of Alkek Library at Texas State University.

Visit www.thewittliffcollections. txstate.edu for more information.

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 • www.howertoneye.com

A

MADILLO

Don’t Quit ... Switch

FARMERS® Debbie Thames Insurance Agency

Quality E-Cigarettes & Premium E-Liquids (512) 858-7620 27490 RR12 Dripping Springs Between Walgreens & Home Depot

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

Browse & Buy local photos online.

Just follow the photos link.

www.

HaysNewsDispatch.com

HaysFreePress

www.

.com

Hays County Echo Service Directory AIR CONDITIONING

COMPUTER SERVICE

A&E Air Conditioning & Heating

A Computer Werks

$500 off complete system. Free furnace special. Call for details.

512–312–9535 www.ae4cool.com

Business, residential or commercial.

Adware, spyware, malware, installations. Service, software, hardware and custom builds.

512–694–1746 www.acomputerwerks.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

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

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

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 Just Like Home Pet Care Where your pet is family. Serving Kyle, Buda and surrounding areas.

512-376-1200 or email JustLikeHomePet@aol.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

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

SEPTIC 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.

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 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

Welding Ken’s Welding, LLC. Rig welder with 30 years experience in heavy equipment repair. Do all things farm and ranch and structural.

5-year warranty on all work.

936-222-4820 kennethkeegan24@gmail.com 220 Lane’s Lane in Buda

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

Ron Johnson, owner 512–312–5050

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