HAYS COUNTY
ECHO JUNE 2016
Feel like a kid again! Learn more about team sports and other activities for adults in your area
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ECHO is published monthly by Barton Publications, Inc 113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX Contents © April 2016. Publisher Cyndy Slovak–Barton Editor Moses Leos III Graphics Director David White Graphics Assistant Christine Thorpe Contributing Writers Chris Reid Moses Leos III Paige Lambert Samantha Smith David White 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. page 2 june | 2016 ◆
EDITOR’S NOTE
T
he year was 1993 and a certain soonto-be writer sported a blue t-shirt emblazoned with a Becker Bobcat logo and a basketball on the front for a six to seven week period. While that season’s Becker Bobcat recreation basketball team didn’t compete for a title (We lost. A lot. There were many tears shed.), it was the camaraderie with teammates, along with playing and enjoying the sport that mattered the most. In this month’s Hays County Echo, we shine a light on recreational sports that are played across the area and the people who participate in them. While kickball may be a playground game, writer Paige Lambert chronicles the exciting world of Kyle’s Adult Kickball League.
Inside
Meanwhile in San Marcos, a group of people take the thrill of football and add a Gen-X kick to create the unique and roughand-tumble sport of Unicycle Football. Swimming, basketball, baseball and even pickleball are options for members and non-members alike to take in recreation sports at the Hays Communities Family YMCA in Buda. And living la vida locavore is the theme this month for Chris Reid, who focuses on the benefits of eating locally grown produce. Whether you’re hitting the diamond for recreational kickball, or perusing your local farmer’s market, we hope this month’s edition spurs our readers to find a recreation that suits you. Thanks for reading, Moses Leos III
Kickballers create camaraderie ...............................................4-5 Lasting friendships fostered through league sports
Fun on one wheel ......................................................................6-7 Innovative unicycle sport takes off in San Marcos
Polo players head to the County Line .......................................... 8 Kyle business man fosters interest in polo
Rec leagues offer variety at the Buda Y ...................................... 9 Buda Y offers swim lessons and, soon, Pickleball
Just do it ..................................................................................... 10 Other summer activities for adults and youth
Central Texas Events .............................................................12-13 Top picks for events and festivals
The Locavore Life ....................................................................... 14 Eat local for personal health and health of the environment
Service Directory ........................................................................ 15 Find service professionals in your area
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photos courtesy of Sean Claes
Kickballers create camaraderie BY PAIGE LAMBERT
S
ean Claes stood on the sidelines cheering his team on. As each player readied to run the bases, the next kicker launched the ball sky high. Claes’ kickball team, Pray Ball, is one of dozens of teams in Kyle Parks and Recreation’s kickball league. “A lot of people remember playing it in grade school,” Claes said. “We say if you can travel four bases without needing medical attention, you can play.” The league was created in 2006 and now has about 300 people from local churches, families and businesses participate, said Sarah Watson, Kyle recreation program coordinator. The kickball league has
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spring and summer seasons with games typically played on Friday nights, Claes said. “For a lot of teams, this gives a reason to hang out,” Claes said. “We’re here to be examples and play a silly kids game.” Claes said some teams take the game seriously and practice all the time. Even so, teams quickly bond, regardless of skill level. When Pray Ball joined the league in 2010, they lost every game. The Intimidators, a serious team comprised of family members, jumped in to help. “It’s like seeing a puppy and going, ‘aw, poor thing, they need help,’” Claes said. “They spent the whole season teaching us how to play kickball.” Pray Ball ended its first season as one of the top teams, he said. The camaraderie didn’t just end on the diamond, he said.
After a game, teams will grill in Gregg Clarke Park and laugh about the game. Greg Henry, owner of Willie’s Joint in Buda, said his team would meet at the business before and after games just to
catch up. “Several other teams would join us and we made some great friends,” Henry said. “That’s what it’s about, making friends and memories.” Some teams try to make the
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“Several other teams would join us and we made some great friends. That’s what it’s about, making friends and memories.”
memories extra sons have joined special, he said. him as have Teams will be many of the named anything other members’ from “Untouchkids. aballs” to “Ball “We watched –Gregg Henry Dynasty.” them on the bleachSome teams will ers and now I’m on even wear full-on camthe field with them,” ouflage or their team’s Parsons said. “They do color to spice up the game, enjoy it, even if they don’t Claes said. express it all the time.” Claes said the community aspect goes He said adults are drawn to the league even further and helps team members because of the familial connections and outside the league. the blast-from-the-past feeling it gives. “When I need something done at Parsons said an adult activity like the my house, I’ll ask someone in kickball,” league is needed in a booming commuClaes said. “It was cool when I saw them nity like Kyle and Buda. last week and I went, ‘hey, he did my “All you need is a big red ball and a A/C.’” team,” Parsons said. “It gives us a breathTeam members will go beyond sharer from the day-to-day and we just have ing a beer or skills. Sometimes they’re fun.” the first to help in a crisis, said Recess Claes said the teams and the league Rejects head coach Lee Parsons. would continue to be strong and grow When one of the members was dealwith the community. ing with flood damage, the team traded Claes said the league really exemplitennis shoes for work boots, he said. fied community when a team he was “The team really pulled together and subbing for helped carry on Pray Ball’s helped out in any way,” Parsons said. tradition of praying at the mound. “We’re more than just a team, we are “I was just wanting to pause and say friends and family now.” ‘thanks for not getting injured today,’” For Parsons’ team, many were family Claes said. “I kneeled down and heard from the beginning, he said. His adult ‘we’re comin.’”
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Fun on one wheel “I was nervous for a second, then they kicked the ball off. After that it was easy. I was like, ‘I wanted to do this.’” –Judith Wilson, Los Bierdos
photos by Moses Leos III
BY MOSES LEOS III
A
s a full-time mom taking care of her young child, San Marcos resident Judith Wilson fits the mold of the typical American parent. But when Sunday rolls around, Wilson shatters the mold as if she’s breaking through a goal line stand into the end zone. Donning shoulder pads, a helmet and a badass attitude
to match, Wilson takes on the persona of “Knobby Tire,” a member of Los Bierdos Unicycle Football League team. For Wilson and many other participants, the premise of unicycle football goes beyond playing a quirky alternative sport, but a way to socialize with friends. “This is our church basically,” Wilson said. “We come out and support the teams (every week) that are playing.”
Unicycle football, which is played at Gold Crown Billiards in San Marcos, features eight teams that play during a 56game season. Origins of the sport derive from Larry “The Human Camaro now with Dolby Surround Sound” Gunn, who created the sport almost seemingly on a whim in 2008. “He was drunk one night and thought it’d be fun to play football on unicycles,” Josh Palmer,
who has played in the league for four years, said. The rules of Unicycle Football, a “flackle,” or flag and tackle, sport, continues to morph as the sport evolves. But the premise revolves around the concept of American football. Unicycle football itself is fast and frenetic, as players use their one-wheeled skills to gather first downs and touchdowns.
“Some people take it too seriously, but it’s fun to take it too seriously,” Palmer said. “I’m not an athlete or anything like that, so it’s the only part of my life that’s competitive.” While games tend to get “super heated and tense,” focusing on hurting others isn’t the primary goal, Palmer said. Having fun, but still competing on the field, is paramount. “Sometimes, s*** happens and you get hurt, but we’re not
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trying to hurt each other. It’s part of the game,” Palmer said. “You may knock the s*** out of someone and you take them to the ground, but then you’re like, ‘I’m sorry, let me help you up.’” Amid the semi-seriousness of the game itself is an atmosphere that’s anything but. From the referees wearing sombreros, to the comic relief of the shako donning emcee, to the driving punk-
rock music played in the background, the atmosphere takes on the feel of a fun college tailgate. All the while, fans, who come from all walks of life, gather to take in the festivities. “What’s cool is there is so many different people that come out. Teachers, welders, all sorts of people,” Wilson said. “Not everyone is the same and you learn some-
thing new from them all of the time. It’s fun to be around those wild shenanigans.” Wilson, who has only participated in the league two years, said it’s “intense” playing against opposition who have been a part of the league from the onset. And while there were nerves prior to kickoff of her first game, Wilson said they quickly went away when the game started.
“I was nervous for a second, then they kicked the ball off,” Wilson said. “After that it was easy. I was like, ‘I wanted to do this.’” A camaraderie among the athletes is always apparent, Palmer said, adding that the feeling connects the players and the fans, as well. “These guys are my best friends,” Palmer said. “It’s one of the most awesome things I’ve done in my life.”
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Polo players head to the County Line F
or the past five years, Seth Bray, who runs an excavating company by day, has managed to find time to share his passion for polo with other enthusiasts. Bray, who started playing polo during his college days at Texas Tech, has evolved his eight-acre property on FM 150 in Kyle into a polo arena that hosts college intramural polo clubs as well as offers lessons to the public. County Line caters to all levels from novice to sea-
soned riders. Even if you’ve never been on a horse, Bray can get you trained and ready to play within a day. Inexperienced riders start out on a wooden horse in a practice cage, then progress to a beginner horse. As the rider gets more comfortable, they move on to an intermediate horse and finally to an advanced horse. Experienced riders can then choose to play in a league. League play doesn’t
begin until August. And whether you want to play, or just watch, all are welcome. The County Line Polo Club has a two-story pavilion where friends and families can bring coolers and enjoy and evening of polo.
A few facts about polo • A standard polo arena is a 160 by 300 foot area, but varies. County Line Polo Club is 150 by 300. • A polo match consists of six to eight Chuckers (or Chukkas – the more traditional term) which are 7 and a half minutes long. • The sport is believed to have originated in Persia and was adopted and evolved by many neighboring countries. In the early 1800s British army officers adopted the sport they saw being played as an exhibition of horsmanship in Manipur India and ameneded and solidified the rules to what we now know as modern day polo. • During half time, spectators go onto the field to participate in a social tradition called divot stomping. • Polo is a gender-blind sport. Male and female players who have achieved the same handicap are treated as equals and considered to have identical skill levels; polo is one of very few sports where this holds true. • In some countries polo is played on a variety of other animals, including elephants, camels and yaks. • Polo ponies are not ponies, but any of a variety of horses trained to play polo. Information from Wikipedia and SportPolo.com
photo by Moses Leos III
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Rec leagues offer variety at the Buda Y by Samantha Smith
A
s the calendar flips to June and the start of the summer season, people are beginning their search for activities to cool down and escape the blazing heat. The Hays Communities YMCA in Buda is an option for a plethora of summer activities for kids and adults, one of which is swimming programs for kids. YMCA hosts a swimmers league for kids ages 6 to 13 who have completed the Minnow level in YMCA swim classes. Minnow level swimmers can swim the equivalent of 75 yards, or 3 lengths, of the lap pool. Hays Community YMCA Branch Executive Bret Kiester said the swim teams are considered recreation leagues in the sense that the “kids get a taste of competitive swim-
ming in a learning/progressive process.” The swim teams compete against other YMCA swim leagues around the area at other YMCA locations. “It gives them something to progress to,” Kiester said. Kiester said the swim leagues have benefitted young swimmers by teaching them team work and camaraderie. Swimming, Kiester said, is an individual sport since most of the time a swimmer is competing against themselves. “It’s a vehicle to implement the character developing skills that we strive to deliver at YMCA,” Kiester said of the league environment. But kids aren’t the only ones who want to join leagues. Hays Communities has several other recreation league programs open to kids and adults, members and non-members alike.
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Some leagues are seasonal, such as the YMCA’s soccer league, which is available to kids and adults of all ages, and summer baseball leagues. Other leagues such as basketball, track and field, and volleyball are offered to kids and adults all year. Kiester said the Hays Communities branch is planning to add pickleball to their list of sports leagues soon. Pickleball is a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong and can be played indoors and outdoors. Kiester also said that all recreation leagues at the YMCA are co-ed and teams are not separated by gender. The cost to join recreation leagues can vary, but for the kids swimming league it costs $50 a month for members, in addition to the membership fees, and $100 a month for non-members.
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Pickleball is played on a badminton-sized court: 20’ x 44.’ The ball is served diagonally (starting with the right-hand service-square), and points can only be scored by the side that serves. Players on each side must let the ball bounce once before volleys are allowed, and there is a seven-foot no-volley zone on each side of the net, to prevent “spiking.” The server continues to serve, alternating service courts, until he or she faults. The first side scoring eleven points and leading by at least two points wins. Pickleball can be played with singles or doubles. The sport was created for all ages and skill levels. The rules are simple and the game is easy for beginners to learn, but can develop into a quick, fast-paced, competitive game for experienced players. (Information from www.Pickleball.com)
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JUST DO IT. Other summer activities for adults and kids... Swim Leagues
Hays Swim Club offers a strong, competitive program for swimmers of all ages. Swimmers work out at the McNaughton Pool facility in Plum Creek and indoors at the Buda Y in fall and winter. All facilities are 25 yard pools. Hays Swim Club currently has four year-round competitive teams practicing throughout the week, Monday through Friday. Their entry level team – Breakers – is open to any swimmer capable of demonstrating the ability to swim 25 yards in under a minute completely unassisted in the pool. In general, swimmers who have no fear of the water and are ready and willing to take instruction in the water and on the deck. Their developmental team – Riptides – is where technique meets speed and power. Starts, turns and attention to the little things is what this team is all about. Swimmers at the Riptide level begin work to achieve motivational times and gain competitive experience at small and large swim meets throughout the South Texas region. Swimmers progress from developmental teams to Age Group, High School and Pre-National teams. Here swimmers will be pushed to achieve their personal bests in practice, competition and beyond. According to the club’s website – HaysSwim.org, the club strives to promote leadership, personal responsibility, fitness, and water safety for a lifetime of swimming enjoyment.
Bowling Leagues
If bowling is what you’re in to, Sunset Lanes hosts bowling leagues that play every evening from Monday through Thursday, and a women’s league that plays on Friday mornings. It costs roughly $10-$15 a week to play which covers the cost of bowling and if
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you’re good, your team has the chance of winning prize money at the end of the season. For more league information or to join, just visit www.SunsetBowlingLanes. com.
Hays Youth Soccer Association recreation soccer
The Hays Youth Soccer Association recreational soccer offers the sport at a recreational level to kids 5 to 11 years old. The HYSA recreational soccer program has a fall and spring season. The fall season begins just after Labor Day and ends before the Thanksgiving break in midSeptember or October. The springs season goes from mid-February and ends in midMay. Games are played by age group, with players in the U5 and U6 leagues playing in a 3-on-3, 4-on-4 or a 5-on-5 format, while older players play at 6-on-6. Games are played on Saturday mornings with each team playing approximately eight games per season. Registration cost ranges from $90 to $140. For more information, contact vicepresident@haysyouthsoccer.org.
Kyle Youth Basketball
The Kyle Youth Basketball League, which is offered through the Kyle Parks and Recreation Department, is a league that operates as a Division III Texas Amateur Athletic Federation Youth Basketball League. The league offers boys and girls divisions for children ages 6 to 12. Each team plays in a six game season, with the Kyle Elementary, Wallace and Simon Middle SChools as locations for games. Registration for the league normally opens in October and closes in December with the leave beginning play in January. Cost for registration is $50 per child, which includes a t-shirt for uniform. For more information, contact Sarah Watson at swatson@cityofkyle.com.
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Central Texas Festivals & Events June 2
First Thursday - Buda June’s First Thursday in Downtown Buda is a family-friendly summer kick-off party! From 5-8 p.m., there will be specials, giveaways and live music for all to enjoy at participating merchants. Once a month, the Buda Downtown Merchants’ Group hosts First Thursday in Downtown Buda, an event featuring several downtown businesses who are alive after five to offer attractive evening specials for shopping and dining. Check their Facebook page for more details: www.facebook.com/DBudaMG
June 2
San Marcos Summer in the Park Concert Series - Soul Track Mind This year marks 30 years of the Summer in the Park Concert Series in San Marcos. Soul Track Mind will kick off this summer’s series. Different bands of various genres come play every Thursday night from June to the second week of August at Plaza Park. The concerts will start at 7:30 p.m.
June 3
Buda Movie in the Park - Rango Enjoy concerts under the pavilion or watch family friendly movies under the stars. June 3 will be a showing of Rango at Buda City Park. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks for comfort. Admission is free. Movies begin at 9:00 p.m.
June 4
their entertaining covers of 50s music. On the Hilltop Stage, Chris Winkler charms with a mixture of country and folk music. On the Shady Grove Stage, Elton Wetz and his guitar offers smooth croonings. For more information, email shopwimberleymarketdays@gmail. com or visit shopmarketdays.com.
June 4
Concerts for a Cause - Kyle Join Concerts for a Cause for a family-friendly evening benefiting Hays Swim Club. Hays Swim Club, a 501c(3) non-profit organization, is dedicated to providing aspiring swimmers the opportunity and tools to become excellent athletes and ambassadors to the sport of swimming. This month’s event will be held at Central Texas Speedway, 24801 IH 35, Kyle, Texas, from 5-8 p.m. The event is free but donations are welcome.
June 4
Birding Hikes - Location varies
June 7
San Marcos Movie in the Park - Annie Movies begin at sun set in Plaza Park in San Marcos. Pre-movie games begin an hour before sunset. Bring your blanket and chairs and pick out the perfect spot and enjoy the movie and festivities. Admission is free.
June 9
San Marcos Summer in the Park Concert Series - Walt Wilkins This year marks 30 years of the Summer in the Park Concert Series in San Marcos. Walt Wilkins and the Mysteriqueros will perform on June 9. Different bands of various genres come play every Thursday night from June to the second week of August at Plaza Park. The concerts will start at 7:30 p.m.
June 10
Buda Movie in the Park Aladdin
Interested in birding hikes? From water fowl to woodpeckers to hawks to songbirds - you never know which feathered friends will be spotted. Hikes are guided by Stephen Ramirez, a local photographer and unicycle enthusiast. Location varies each month and cycles through greenspaces, preserves and riverside parks. The group meets the first Saturday of every month at sunrise. For more information and to receive location notifications contact Stephen@birdsiview.org.
Enjoy concerts under the pavilion or watch family friendly movies under the stars. June 10 will be a showing of Aladdin at Buda City Park. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks for comfort. Admission is free. Movies begin at 9:00 p.m. For more information please call Buda Parks & Recreation at (512) 295-7170 or visit www.ci.buda.tx.us/ parkevents.
June 4
June 11
Wimberley Market Days
National Trails Day - Location varies
On Saturday, June 4, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. head to the Lions Field in Wimberley for this free monthly event. On the Pavilion Stage, Little Beverly and The Shades perform
Held the first Saturday in June since 1993, this annual event has prompted thousands of people to enjoy trails on the same day nationwide, taking part in
page 12 u june | 2016
hikes, bike and horse tried, trail maintenance, paddle trips, trail work projects and other activities. Visit www.americanhiking.org for more information.
Wimberley Book Festival Authors from around Texas will be presenting their books for the general public to learn about them and to purchase at the Wimberley Village Library. TxAuthors.com will also be there presenting 200 Authors
and their books to the public. This event is free to the public. Old book donations are welcome.
June 11
Texas Water Safari Billed as the “World’s Toughest Boat Race,” the Texas Water Safari is a 260-mile long canoe and kayak race from Spring Lake in San Marcos to the city of Seadrift on the Texas coastline. Come cheer the teams on at our riverside parks. The boats will launch at 9 a.m. into Spring Lake.
June 11
Kyle Market Days Come out to Historic City Square Park in Kyle for the 2016 season of Market Days. This month’s theme is “Summertime.” Enjoy local vendors, arts & crafts, farm to market items, live music and more. The event is held from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
June 11
Wimberley Second Saturday Gallery Trail More than a dozen galleries offer wine, snacks and art displays from 4-7 p.m. around the Wimberley square. Visit www.facebook.com/ SecondSaturdayGalleryTrail for more information.
June 11
Art Squared Art Market - San Marcos Head to downtown San Marcos for paintings, sculptures, jewelry, crafts, live music and more. The second Saturday art market goes from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on San Marcos’ downtown square March through December.
June 13
Sounds of San Marcos Open Mic Night Sounds of San Marcos Open Mic Night is a free show and will showcase San Marcos based musicians, poets and artists.
The event begins at 7 p.m. at Eddie Durhma Park. The public is invited to bring a blanket, snacks, refreshments and prepare for a great time.
June 14
San Marcos Movie in the Park The Mighty Ducks Movies begin at sun set in Plaza Park in San Marcos. Pre-movie games begin an hour before sunset. Bring your blanket and chairs and pick out the perfect spot and enjoy the movie and festivities. Admission is free.
June 16
San Marcos Summer in the Park Concert Series - The Derailers This year marks 30 years of the Summer in the Park Concert Series in San Marcos. The Derailers will perform on June 16. Different bands of various genres come play every Thursday night from June to the second week of August at Plaza Park. The concerts will start at 7:30 p.m.
June 17
Buda Movie in the Park - Hotel Transylvania 2 Enjoy concerts under the pavilion or watch family friendly movies under the stars. June 17 will be a showing of Hotel Transylvania 2 at Buda City Park. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks for comfort. Admission is free. Movies begin at 9:00 p.m. For more information please call Buda Parks & Recreation at (512) 295-7170 or visit www.ci.buda.tx.us/parkevents.
June 17
Movie at Lake Kyle – Goosebumps Bring your blanket and snacks and meet your friends at Lake Kyle at 700 Lehman Road for a screening of “Goosebumps.” Movies begin 30 minutes after sunset and are shown at the amphitheater at Lake Kyle. The event is free to the public.
June 17-24
June 24
Head out to Camp Ben McCulloch at 18301 FM 1826, Driftwood, for the 120th annual reunion. Everyone is welcome to come and join us for family fun and entertainment. Throughout the eight day reunion you can enjoy music, dancing, camping, swimming, food, bingo, games, washer pitching and plenty of time to catch up with friends and family. Visit www.campben.com for more information.
Enjoy concerts under the pavilion or watch family friendly movies under the stars. June 24 will be a showing of Goonies at Buda City Park. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks for comfort. Admission is free. Movies begin at 9:00 p.m. For more information please call Buda Parks & Recreation at (512) 295-7170 or visit www. ci.buda.tx.us/parkevents.
Annual Camp Ben McCulloch Reunion
June 18-19
Juneteenth - San Marcos This is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. Festivities include a parade through downtown San Marcos and a charity BBQ cook-off. To register for the cook-off please call David Peterson at (512) 353-5199.
June 21
San Marcos Movie in the Park - Cinderella Movies begin at sun set in Plaza Park in San Marcos. Pre-movie games begin an hour before sunset. Bring your blanket and chairs and pick out the perfect spot and enjoy the movie and festivities. Admission is free.
June 23
San Marcos Summer in the Park Concert Series - The Brave Combo This year marks 30 years of the Summer in the Park Concert Series in San Marcos. The Brave Combo will perform on June 23. Different bands of various genres come play every Thursday night from June to the second week of August at Plaza Park. The concerts will start at 7:30 p.m.
Buda Movie in the Park Goonies
June 25-26
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
Amateur Radion Field Day Ham radio operators from all over North America will be contacting each other while under simulated emergency conditions. Even if you don’t have a license they can get you on the air so you can experience the fun of ham radio. This annual event is a a good way to see and use lots of different equipment and meet local members. Visit www.arrl.org/fieldday to see the station locator.
Texas Lehigh Sudoku Solution, from page 3
June 28
San Marcos Movie in the Park Cool Runnings Movies begin at sun set in Plaza Park in San Marcos. Pre-movie games begin an hour before sunset. Bring your blanket and chairs and pick out the perfect spot and enjoy the movie and festivities. Admission is free.
June 30
San Marcos Summer in the Park Concert Series - Lone Star Swing This year marks 30 years of the Summer in the Park Concert Series in San Marcos. Lone Star Swing will perform on June 30. Different bands of various genres come play every Thursday night from June to the second week of August at Plaza Park. The concerts will start at 7:30 p.m.
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The Locavore Life by Christine Reid
I
A 2007 study by Mother Earth News revealed that pasture raised eggs (which are often locally available), compared with conventionally produced eggs, had lower cholesterol, lower saturated fat levels, higher amounts of vitamins A and E and more omega-3 fatty acids and beta carotene.That’s not even taking the possible difference in taste into consideration. With the growing popularity of backyard chickens, it’s easier than ever to have an alternative to eggs produced by an industrial poultry farm, if you want one.
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t’s a simple concept: eat local, as much as you can. Doing so can mean fresher food, less wear and tear on the environment and a stronger agricultural community. Definitions of ‘local’ vary, but some consider food local when it’s produced within 100 or so miles of home. In her 2007 book “Animal, Vegetable, Miracle,” Barbara Kingsolver described her family’s quest to eat only food grown or produced within their small Virginia community for one year. They did so happily (mostly) with produce from their garden, eggs and meat from their backyard chickens and turkeys and food purchased from a variety of farmers markets and nearby growers. The whole family took part in the gardening, animal care and cooking activities, which brought them all closer and gave the children useful hands-on lessons that could never be gleaned from a book! The writer acknowledged that not everyone has the land, skills or time to grow a lot of their own food. However, many of us can have at least a few fruit trees and some vegetables growing in the backyard and can also get locally sourced meat, eggs, fruit and vegetables from area farmers markets and CSA (community supported agriculture) programs. One bonus: exposing kids to fresh produce may make them more enthusiastic about eating their vegetables, especially if they helped grow them! Is it worth doing? A valid question, since there are many supermarkets around that probably carry everything you might need or want, and possibly for less cost. One factor to consider is that the melons, onions,
peppers, etc., on the grocery easier to transport over a long store shelf may have been distance. Also, a 2007 study by transported a long way to end Mother Earth News revealed up on your table. In a 2001 that pasture raised eggs study, researchers connect(which are often locally availed to Iowa State University able), compared with concompiled data and calculated ventionally produced eggs, that produce in the convenhad lower cholesterol, lower tional food transport system saturated fat levels, higher traveled an average of 1, amounts of vitamins A and E 518 miles to get to a store in and more omega-3 fatty acids Iowa, while and beta by comparcarotene. ison locally That’s not sourced food even taking June is the ideal traveled the possible time to plant the approximatedifference following plants ly 44 miles. in taste into Another thing considerfrom seed: to considation. With er is how the growing Black-eyed peas the food is popularity grown. Food of backyard Okra produced by chickens, it’s Pumpkin yourself or easier than Malabar spinach local farmers ever to have may be grown an alternaWinter squash organically tive to eggs Cantaloupe or naturalproduced by Honeydew ly, without an industrial synthetic poultry farm, Watermelon fertilizers if you want Basil and pestione. cides, which Proponents Catnip is becoming of edible Fennel increasingly landscaping Oregano more imhave been portant to eating local Rosemary consumers. for years beSage In addition, cause they Thyme being able to realized that talk directly a tree, shrub Flowers! to the person or vine can who grew the beautify their food means landscape you have access to informaand also provide food. We tion about when, where and can grow many wonderful how the crop was grown. By perennial foods here, such supporting local producers, as apples, blackberries, figs, you help keep choice availgrapes, loquats, peaches, able for everyone. pears, pecans, plums, pomeLocal produce may cost granates and more. The trick a bit more but the freshness is to pick the appropriate vaand quality of the product riety and plant it in the right helps justify the extra monspot. You can get information ey. Locally grown food can about the best variety for your be picked when it’s ripe and area by going online, calling more nutritious, not when the extension office or checkit’s less ripe and therefore ing with a local nursery.
If you’re inspired to put that sunny patch in your backyard to good use, then consider planting some of the following from seed this month: black-eyed peas, okra, pumpkin, warm season greens like Malabar spinach, winter squash, cantaloupe, honeydew or watermelon. If you’d like some herbs to spice up your meals, you can grow basil, catnip, fennel, oregano, rosemary, sage, thyme, among others ... right now. Don’t forget to plant some flowers! Not only do they help attract pollinators to your garden, gathering a backyard bouquet to grace your dinner table can improve digestion and make the meal even more pleasant. Another way that Kingsolver and her family made it through the year of eating locally was by preserving excess garden produce. She would often have parties where friends and neighbors got together to prepare and process the food. If you don’t have help like that or aren’t lucky enough to have an Aunt Irene who cans like a whiz and can teach you the tricks of preserving food, then check out nchfp.uga.edu, the National Center for Home Food Preservation’s site. They have excellent information about canning, freezing, dehydrating, curing and pickling food. Some would say that just one person making a change doesn’t really help anything. At the very least, eating more local food makes a positive difference for you and your family, as well as any food producers you buy from at the farmers market and that’s a change always worth making. Any questions? Send an email to reidsnursery@gmail. com or call us at (512) 3986011. Enjoy your garden!
Hays County Echo Service Directory AIR CONDITIONING 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
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
Climate Mechanical
XEVEX Concrete Services
Service all models. Authorized Trane dealer. Heating, air conditioning and insulation. Emergency service provided. 512-858-9595.
Free estimates! Bonded & insured. Foundations, driveways, patios, repairs, staining, removal, Bobcat services. 512–312–4214 www.xevexllc.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
BARNS Timber-N-Steel Horse barns, sheds, machinery storage, pole houses, garages, RV & boat storage, patio covers, carports and decks. 512-968-7327
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.
DIRT Rick-Rob Trucking Loam, topsoil, sand, gravel, roadbase, asphalt millings, granite, compost mix. Tractor work available. Specializing in country driveways. 512-858-7952. robinnds@aol.com, www.rick-rob.com
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.
PEST CONTROL Burnett Pest & Lawn Services
Area Roofing Company
Call Dale Burnett or Ken Graff at 512-912-6696, burnettspestcontrol.com
Serving Hays County Residential & Commercial Free estimates. Insurance claims welcome. Ron Johnson, owner 512–312–5050
PET SITTING LANDSCAPING Daniel Stone & Landscaping Supplies
We deliver. Grass: St. Augustine, Buffalo, Bermuda, Tifway. Chopped rock, patio rock, flagstone, drystack, gravel, river rock, mulch, sand and loam. 12015 Hwy 290 W, Cedar Valley, Austin. 512-288-8488.
LAWN SPRINKLERS Tate Irrigation
TCEQ Landscape Irrigator. Sprinkler system installation, repair and maintenance and lawn drainage. LI0020603. 214-598-9243.
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
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
High Tide Pool Service Over 10 years cleaning and maintaining pools. Drain & cleans pressure washing, full service repairs, replastering. Free estimates, call Keith Miller at (512) 965-3465.
LOCKSMITH AALCO Locksmiths
Auto, home, business. Established 1985, License B11969. 512-443-3444, lockmedic.com
PAINTING Alex’s Painting Residential & commercial painting, texturing, sheetrock 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
ROOFING
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.
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 Lees Trees Firewood, pruning, tree removal, chipping, planting, cedar posts, bulk mulch. Free assessments & estimates. Affordable oak wilt treatment. Schedule ball moss treatment for March. Call Marcus Lees at (512) 858-4018, leestrees@vownet.net
WINDOW TREATMENTS Made in the Shade Custom window treatments at affordable prices. Graber, Hunter Douglas, Norman and more. Blinds, shades, draperies and shutters. Low prices with lifetime guarantees and fast professional installation. Call 512-847-8970, www. madeintheshadeofwimberley.com
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