Hill Country Sun, Jan 2013

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January 2013 Unreal realism of artist

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The Elephant Story in Comfort R Coffee & more

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Serving Austin, Bandera, Blanco, Buda, Bulverde, Burnet, Canyon Lake, Castroville, Comfort, Concan, Driftwood, Dripping Springs, Fredericksburg, Georgetown, Gruene, Henly, Hancock, Johnson City, Kerrville, Kyle, Lakeway, Llano, Leakey, Luckenbach, Marble Falls, Medina, New Braunfels, San Antonio, San Marcos, Sattler, Sisterdale, Stonewall, Wimberley, Utopia, Uvalde, Vanderpool & More

The Elephant Story

Touching mission behind Comfort shop

D

By Maxine Mayes

uring the 1960s an elephant joke craze posed questions like “Where does a 4-ton elephant sleep?” (Answer: Anywhere he wants to.) The jokes were funny, especially to children, but there’s nothing funny about the plight of elephants in Asian countries today, particularly in the Golden Triangle of Thailand,

The Elephant Story is dedicated to adopt-an-elephant efforts in the Golden Triangle: Thailand, Burma (Myanmar) and Laos. Photo courtesy The Elephant Story.

Burma (Myanmar), and Laos.

Elephants and their mahouts (owners or handlers) were once a major part of the work force in that area. In recent years, however, limitations placed on logging, the shift from manual to mechanical labor, and other factors have forced the mahouts to take their gentle giants from their natural habitat into metropolitan areas like Bangkok.

On the streets of the cities the mahouts try to eke out a living by soliciting donations from tourists who like to feed the elephants and watch them do tricks.

Ed Story of Comfort first learned of the tragedy of displaced elephants during travels to Thailand and Southeast Asia in conjunction with his oil and gas exploration business.

On a visit to the Four Seasons tennis camp in Northern Thailand, Ed learned to ride elephants, then became fascinated with elephant polo.

“For the past five years I’ve played in the King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tourna-

SUNDAY JAN 6th

PAGE 2 JANUARY 2013 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

The Elephant Story, on High Street in Comfort. Photo courtesy The Elephant Story.

Joey and Ed Story in front of their Comfort shop, The Elephant Story.

Photo courtesy The Elephant Story. ment,” Ed says. “We use the polo to raise money for elephant conservation, to take elephants off the streets of Bangkok and larger Thai cities and put them back in a natural habitat where they can have a better life.”

The “natural habitat” is land leased by both the Anatara and Four Seasons resorts in the Golden Triangle.

“They see this as their corporate social responsibility as a company and, secondly, the elephants are there for the guests to ride,” Ed explains.

“We ‘rent’ the elephant by making a contract with the mahout to move him and his family to these facilities, but it’s expensive. Each elephant costs about $12,000 a year, but it also provides a livelihood for the whole family.”

As benefactors for the beautiful beasts, Ed and his wife, Joey, lend their support to various foundations and organizations that address the problem. But they’ve “upped the ante” on involvement by opening “The Elephant Story,” a shop on High Street in Comfort dedicated to adopt-an-elephant efforts.

Surveying the store’s wares is like strolling an exotic bazaar where everything for sale has a story.

And there are stories behind each product, especially the one-of-a-kind crafts made by skilled artisans of the Hill Tribes, ethnic minorities who live in remote mountain villages of Northern Thailand.

The only way to truly appreciate what The Elephant Story offers is a personal visit, allowing ample time to scrutinize all the products and read the signs describing them. For now, here’s a sampling of the shop’s more than 675 offerings, all with ties to Asian elephants.

Woven shoulder bags called “yáms,” some of multi-colored fabric, others made from kudzu vines.

Silk textiles woven by 80 land mine survivors of the Cambodian war who work for the company formed by Carol Cassidy, an American and a well-known expert in the field of textiles and fiber art.

A trio of intricately detailed pewter ele-

Surveying the wares at The Elephant Story is like strolling an exotic bazaar where every item tells a tale.

Photo courtesy The Elephant Story. phants, a true objet d’art. Thai fisherman pants made of comfortable homespun cotton, decorated with “an embroidered elephant wearing the flag of Thailand with the star of Texas.”

Hand bags and wall decor featuring the photographic images of renowned elephant photographer, Carol Stevenson.

Bracelets and rings fashioned by the mahout wives from cuttings collected after trimming the elephants’ hair.

Numerous elephant polo shirts, including those with The Elephant Story team logo. And for children, the perfect “curl-up-and-cuddle-with” bedtime companion: silky soft stuffed elephants named for real elephants that have been rescued.

So, where do real 4-ton elephants sleep? Hopefully, increasing numbers will be resting contentedly in natural habitats made possible by patrons like the Storys.

FYI • The Elephant Story is at 723 High Street in Comfort. Hours are Thursday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm; Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm. (Closed Monday through Wednesday.) For more information, call 830-995-3133 or visit the web site at www.the-elephant-story.com

Hill Country SUN Julie Harrington Publisher Advertising Ralph Harrington President Advertising Melissa Maxwell Editor Ernie Altgelt Allie Eissler Maxine Mayes Suzy Moehring Mallard Writers Gerry Burns Delonn Bowie DeLane Ibarra Adelle Spell Distribution

January 2013

Volume 23 • Number 8 ISSN: 1524-2315 Entire contents copyright © 2013 by TD Austin Lane, Inc., 100 Commons Rd. Suite 7, Number 319, Dripping Springs, Texas 78620. Writers and photographers retain copyrights to individual work. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any fashion without the written consent of the publisher.

• The Hill Country Sun is published monthly. For advertising rates or information, call Julie Harrington at 512-484-9716 (email julie@hillcountrysun.com) or Ralph Harrington at 512-484-9715 (email ralph@hillcountrysun.com). Credit cards accepted.

• Circulation: 24,000. Distributed monthly to more than 450 popular Hill Country locations (see list on front cover) and home delivered to all 5,181 Wimberley homes and 8,240 Dripping Springs homes by the US Postal Service.

• Cover: “Fuzzy Fawn” by Jared Paul Wilson, a Texas artist with a real heart for capturing his home state. (See story, page 4). Photo courtesy Josh Brewster Photography, www. joshbrewsterphotography.com.

• Deadline for calendar events 15th of each month.

Email melissa@hillcountrysun.com.

Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/HillCountrySun

www.hillcountrysun.com julie@hillcountrysun.com • ralph@hillcountrysun.com melissa@hillcountrysun.com

INDEX

HENLY

Texas Hill Country Locator Map

© 2013 by TD Austin Lane, Inc.

Austin J5 Bandera B10 Bergheim D9 Bertram I2 Blanco F6 Boerne D9 Buchanan Dam F2 Buda J7 Bulverde G10 Burnet G2 Camp Verde B8 Canyon Lake G9 Castroville C12 Center Point B8 Clear Springs H11 Comfort C8 Concan A11 Driftwood H7 Dripping Springs H6 Fischer G8 Fredericksburg C5 Georgetown K2 Granite Shoals G2 Gruene H10 Hancock G8 Helotes G6 Henly G6 Highland Lakes F2/3 Hondo B13 Hunt A7 Hye E6 Ingram B7 Johnson City F5 Kendalia F8 Kerrville B7 Kingsland F2 Kyle I8 Lampasas G1 Leakey A9 Llano D2 Liberty Hill I12 Luckenbach D6 Luling K10 Marble Falls G3 Martindale J9 Mason B2 Medina A9 New Braunfels H10 Oak Hill I6 Oatmeal H2 Pipe Creek C10 Round Rock K3 San Antonio F12 San Marcos I9 Sattler H9 Seguin I11 Sisterdale D8 Spring Branch F9 Startzville G9 Stonewall D6 Utopia A10 Vanderpool A9 Wimberley H8

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HILL COUNTRY SUN R JANUARY 2013 PAGE 3

Talented Texas artist draws Hill Country, beyond

A

By Ernie Altgelt

single glance at a Jared Paul Wilson original is all it takes to see that the work of this extraordinary Texas artist isn’t just “real” good – it goes beyond the real.

Whether it’s one of Jared’s signature, eerily exact wildlife scenes, a cowboy tableau, a portrait or even a landscape, each and all, thanks to his formidable talent, keen eye and interpretive skills, technically evoke a singular reality that

encompasses and accurately captures the wild, rugged, delicate and dainty found within and about his much beloved native state.

Yet of equal or greater importance to many, while his beautiful renderings undoubtedly do reflect almost uncanny photo-realism abilities, on closer study each, to the delight of the viewer, seems to also, emotionally, go beyond – hinting at a story, something spiritual, perhaps secret as well yet above all, truly wonderful – mak-

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ing the depth of this young artist’s incredible creations even more compelling, unique and exceptional.

Born (in 1981) and bred in and around Dallas to an old-school Baptist preacher of modest means, an always-curious Jared grew up in a loving environment where he was encouraged to explore the natural world around him.

And, after these many explorations, the youngster would invariably retreat indoors where, with pencil and pad, attempt to “put on paper” what he had encountered. While wildlife themes generally took precedence, sometimes these “doodles” evolved into entertaining and adventurous “picture stories” that would include such famous Texan icons as Sam Houston, Davy Crockett and others – stories shared and eagerly enjoyed (and admired) by family and friends.

Quite simply Jared, blessed and “fired” by a fertile imagination coupled with a huge amount of innate talent, was born to communicate visually, producing See JARED PAUL WILSON, page 5

“Bluebonnet” by Jared Paul Wilson.

Photo courtesy Jared Paul Wilson.

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(830) 232-5758 • 1204 CR 350 • PO Box 72 • Concan, TX 78838 “Texas Armadillo” by Jared Paul Wilson. Photo courtesy Jared Paul Wilson.

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PAGE 4 JANUARY 2012 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

Utopia Golf

Prettiest 9-Hole Course in Texas Home of the movie “Seven Days in Utopia” 20567 Hwy 187, 830-966-5577 UtopiaGolf.com

JARED PAUL WILSON, from page 4

“Backyard Trails” by Jared Paul Wilson.

Photo courtesy Jared Paul Wilson.

Jared Paul Wilson at work. Photo courtesy Jared Paul Wilson. astonishingly true-to-life (and beyond) images for himself and others.

In high school, a pair of Jared’s teachers recognized and responded to this rare gift of re-creation.

Determined to teach, nurture and encourage the eager teen, technical skills were imparted that further enhanced his natural talents.

His work grew steadily in competency and sophistication, so much so that, after graduation, Jared received a full academic scholarship in art to Midwestern State University located in Wichita Falls.

Earning his bachelor of fine arts degree with a certification to teach, Jared found himself ready to joyfully embark upon a career built around what he most

loved to do – create.

Today, Jared lives in East Texas and is (aside from being a loving husband and father) a respected member of the Brazosport High School faculty where he, like his school mentors before, shares his passion for artistic accomplishment with equally enamored youngsters.

And, while his academic commitments can be demanding, the prolific 31-year-old stills finds (or perhaps more appropriately, makes) the time to continue to regularly produce astonishing illustrations as he pursues his independent career as a professional practitioner.

Averaging a completed quality piece every two weeks, Jared, when not teaching or in the studio, travels across the state staging art shows, introducing himself to the art-buying public and selling his output.

But of greater importance during these forays, he also devotes considerable time to

seeking, researching and experiencing different locales and potential subjects for future artistic endeavors and, as his portfolio attests, the Texas Hill Country plays a prominent role in this.

Once a subject/theme has been identified, Jared goes to work (usually) employing Prismacolor® pencils.

With these special instruments constructed of clay, wax and various pigments, Jared is able to effectively and colorfully reproduce (and imbue with his own unique interpretations) almost any scene desired – much to the delight of his customers and (as evidenced by his many professional awards) with a great deal of critical acclaim as well.

When asked about his subject matter, Jared proudly states, “I’m your typical Texan and that means loving all aspects of Texas. I think my work reflects this love.”

So, did a higher power have a say in how Jared would productively spend his life? The answer might be found when learning that, as a younger man, Jared was ironically stricken with a serious eye cancer. Medically cured with his vision miraculously intact, a grateful Jared relates, “After that, everyday given is a gift from God and I create art in an effort not to waste a moment of it.” Art that goes beyond!

FYI • For more information about Jared Paul Wilson, to see and/or acquire a signed, limited-edition print, an original or inquire about commission work, visit the web site at www.jaredpaulwilson.com. He can also be reached by e-mail at jaredpaulwilson@gmail.com. Recently, Jared completed his first fully illustrated children’s book, “Shoe Fly, Don’t Bother Me.” Signed copies will be available for $12 .99 later this fall and can be purchased on his web site.

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“Yesterday’s Rain” by Jared Paul Wilson. Photo courtesy Jared Paul Wilson.

HILL COUNTRY SUN R JANUARY 2012 PAGE 5

wimberley

Coffee, sweets, treats at Sip! on the Square

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Hunters Chase Farms

ichele McCullough has always loved coffee, especially the sense of community that stems from sharing a warm cappuccino with friends. That's why it was no great stretch for her to open Sip! On the Square in November of 2010, a cozy little shop that brings a variety of delicious specialty coffees, teas, smoothies, and snacks to the heart of Wimberley.

Vibrant blue walls and an eclectic assortment of colorful mugs and patterned pillows lend a funky vibe to the place, which recently expanded to give patrons even more room to peruse the periodicals and enjoy a Mexican chocolate mocha or peanut butter cup frappe, two of Michele's personal favorites.

Michele, an advertising and public relations grad from Texas Christian Univeristy, has a long history of working with her parents to run small businesses.

“I like them because you get to be more involved than you might at bigger companies,” Michele says, “where it’s more like: this is your role, and this is what you have to do.”

Soon she was ready to branch out and start a business of her own, and coffee seemed like the natural solution.

“We’ve been coming to Wimberley since I was young,” Michele explains, “and I just thought we could really use a coffee shop on the square.”

Sip! uses premium Anderson's

FInd tasty cold and hot specialty coffees, teas and more at Sip!.

Photo courtesy Sip! coffee, a roaster local to Austin for about 40 years. “Some of the roasters I looked at had this kind of warehouse feel to them, but Anderson’s was different,” says Michele. “They’re small, they get to know you. And it isn’t the same old coffee you get anywhere else.”

The house roast is the Alfred's blend, named after legendary roaster Alfred Peet, who is often credited with starting the specialty coffee revolution in the See SIP! ON THE SQUARE, page 7

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To advertise, email julie@hillcountrysun.com

Michelle McCullough welcomes you to her shop, Sip! on the Square. Photo by Allie Eissler.

PAGE 6 JANUARY 2013 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

wimberley SIP! ON THE SQUARE, from page 6 U.S. This rich, full body roast blends together three coffees: the Guatemala Antigua, New Guinea, and Costa Rica.

Espresso drinks feature Anderson's dark and flavorful Italian Espresso blend.

The selection of Sip!'s featured drinks is regularly rotated, so that customers can always expect to discover new and creative coffee creations on each visit.

What began as simply a seasonal drink to celebrate Elvis's birthday soon became a popular stable on the menu.

Sip's signature Dirty Elvis latte jazzes up the King's traditional peanut butter and banana flavor combination with — what could be better? —chocolate.

A tasty array of freshly-baked

sweet and savory items, ranging from cookies and cinnamon rolls to kolaches and bacon-cheddar-chive scones, are available courtesy of local bakery, the Sugar Shack.Sip! also serves breakfast tacos courtesy of the Wimberley Cafe next door.

Whether you're in the mood for good conversation over a cup of tea or just a comfortable spot to sip a caramel macchiato and finish up some work, Sip! has got you covered.

FYI • Sip! is located at 101-C Wimberley Square, and is open Monday through Friday, 6 am to 6 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 7 am to 6 pm. The charming shop also offers free wi-fi for customers. For more information, visit the web site at www.siponthesquare.com or email michele@ siponthesquare.com.

Kerrville’s “Johnny Football”

KERRVILLE H You might say Kerrville is proud of its own Johnny Manziel, the quarterback for the Aggies of Texas A&M University.

Johnny (aka “Johnny Football”) caught the attention of football fans across the country during a spectacular 2012 season leading up to his selection as Heisman Trophy winner December 8, 2012. The Heisman is awarded annually to a single player deemed the “most outstanding player in collegiate football.” The former Kerrville Tivy High School standout (son of John Paul and Michelle Manziel of Kerrville) is the first college freshman ever to Johnny Manziel. win the prestigious award.

Photo courtesy Texas A&M. Coached by Mark Smith during his career at Tivy High, Johnny was a highly-decorated player awarded many honors, including selection as a Parade All-American and the National High School Coach Association’s Football Player of the Year. He was also named the Texas Associated Press Sports Editors Player of the Year after a spectacular senior season in Kerrville.

Johnny ended up his 2012 season at Texas A&M University completing 273 passes of 400 attempted for a total of 3,419 yards — 68.3 percent.

During his Heisman acceptance speech, Johnny thanked his parents, his grandparents, high school and college coaches and teammates—all of whom he said have poured into his life and his career.

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“Go for a consultation with the Boot Whisperer, who reads feet like a psychic reads palms.” Texas Monthly, August 2010 Open by appointment only due to family illness. Please call in advance.

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Elana James performs

WIMBERLEY H You know that your star has assumed its place in the fiddle firmament when Willie Nelson calls with a session date and you have to sigh and reply, “Geez, I’m sorry, but I’m already booked with Bob Dylan.”

Elana James grew up in Prairie Village, Kansas and began playing Suzuki violin at age four. It took her almost 20 years to decide between the violin and the fiddle, but in her mid-twenties, after Elana James. Photo courtesy Elana James. much soul searching, Elana found her calling in American roots music and has never looked back.

In 2005, Elana became the first dedicated female instrumentalist in Bob Dylan’s touring band in more than 30 years, then toured with him in 2006 as the opening act for his United States summer tour. In addition to tours and recording with Bob Dylan, James has also recorded with Willie Nelson, Ray Price, and Merle Haggard to name only a few and has recorded nine CDs with the Hot Club of Cowtown. In 2004 she was inducted, with her Hot Club band mates, into the Texas Western Swing Hall of Fame. She debuts at Susanna’s Kitchen Coffee House Thursday, January 17 at 7:30 pm.

Located at the corner of Ranch Road 12 and County Road 1492 in Wimberley (United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall) this intimate venue lets you get up close and personal to some of the hottest Texas musical stars.

FYI • Tickets at the door are $15 for adults, $5 for children (with free childcare). Tamales, pizza, Wimberley Pie Company pies and soft drinks are available for purchase. For more information visit the web site at www.wimberleyumc. org/susannaskitchen.htm or www.elanajames.com.

HILL COUNTRY SUN R JANUARY 2013 PAGE 7

DRIPPING SPRINGS

Suzy Moehring Mallard hill country Parks

Resolution: get out into nature

O MODERN ORTHODONTICS FROM FRIENDLY PEOPLE.

Mark A Thompson DDS MS Specialist in Orthodontics

512-858-2916 • www.austinbraces.com corner of Ranch Road 12 @ 290 West

ur friends at Texas Parks and Wildlife Department tell us that we have for years been making two popular New Year’s resolutions: Get Fit and Get Out Into Nature.

As to the Get Fit resolution, I’ll just keep walking the two doggies for a couple of miles every daybreak and doing water aerobics with some women friends four or five mornings a week. I’ll turn 67 in May, and I know I can’t slow down or there’s serious backsliding that will happen.

Pluswhich, Dr. Fincken expects me to say “yes” when he asks me twice a year if I’m getting some exercise.

As to the Get Out Into Nature resolution, I want, want, want more of that.

It’s easy to think I’m enjoying nature on those morning walks as the birds sing to welcome the rising sun, as I watch the trees turn glorious yellows and reds in the fall, as I see a japonica peek out its first bloom in an early spring, and as I enjoy seeing the baby fawns of our neighborhood bucks and does.

And, good grief, I’m always out in the gardens stopping my work long enough

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Little Katie Sue McCann getting ready for her First Day Hike by enjoying the lights and the ride from Daddy at Zilker Park in Austin. to appreciate butterflies, bees, spider webs, birds, all that.

And I am enjoying nature, but not in a Get Out Into Nature way – more of a Let’s See What Nature We Can Admire in Central Austin on Balcones and Hancock In Amongst All Those Houses.

For Christmas this year, I gave my kids, Kim and Scott McCann, a State Parks Passport – and I gave myself one as well.

Well, the card on the gift said it was from the two dogs, but I do most of their shopping.

Kim and Scot are the doting parents of my precious granddaughter Katie Sue, who is nine months old this month. Getting outside in my garden is not enough for her – she needs nature. Just as we all do.

And we can all – all of us –- start work on that Get Out Into Nature resolution on Jan. 1 with First Day Hikes in our state parks. First Day Hikes are happening all over the country, and in Texas more than 40 of our state parks will have guided hikes on January 1.

Sixteen of those First Day Hikes are in Hill Country state parks – Inks Lake at 1 pm, Blanco at 10 am, Enchanted Rock at 9 am and 1 pm, Pedernales Falls at 2 pm, Old Tunnel at 9 am, and at Government Canyon from 8 am till 7 pm you’ll find hikes, bikes and runs.

Well, you get the picture – the guided walks are out there, and I’ll be out there, I hope with Katie Sue and that grandson of mine who has been to scads of state parks with me over the years. Zach’s a college student now, but he’ll always be the one I call my little traveling buddy.

January 1, 2012, was our first First Day Hikes in Texas state parks, and more than 1,100 people showed up at state parks across Texas to take hikes ranging from See HILL COUNTRY PARKS, page 9

dripping springs

HILL COUNTRY PARKS, from page 8 short walks, to birding hikes, to nature tours, to more challenging treks in tougher terrain.

“In addition to drawing new users to parks on January First, we hope to see return visitors from last year as families start to embrace First Day Hikes as a beloved tradition from year to year,” said Karen Blizzard, Texas coordinator for First Day Hikes.

Most all hikes will be guided by state park staff or expert volunteers and feature an interpretive message about native

plants, animals or park history.

The walks average one to two miles in length, but many also offer shorter or longer trek options as well. Visitor surveys collected at state parks recently said that hiking and trails were the thing most wanted by park visitors, so many of our parks have added new or improved hiking and biking trails.

But don’t worry if you miss a First Day Hike – you can find a guided hike most every weekend at some of our Hill Country state parks.

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Return of “A Ride with Bob” AUSTIN H “A Ride with Bob,” the home-grown musical honoring the King Of Western Swing, Bob Wills, returns to Austin for seven shows February 20-24 at the new Topfer Theatre. This first-ever musical drama about Wills and his Texas Playboys debuted in Austin in 2005 and has since enjoyed great success in more than 70 performances in 19 cities, most notably at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. The twoact play features Ray Benson, Asleep at the Wheel members including fiddler Jason Roberts, and an all-star cast of actors including Marco Perella, Timothy Curry, Steve Uzzell, Walt Roberts, Taylor Maddux, rising star on the Austin music scene Ruby Jane Smith and 10-year old fiddling phenom Colby Sheppard.

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WIMBERLEY H To bring in the New Year for Hays county residents and to act as a fundraiser for the Wounded Warriors Organization, The Black Diamond Cabaret Theatre presents "Memories of Love," a cabaret concert featuring film and television actor/ singer Kirk Griffith, joined by vocalist Lee Colee'. The two perform love songs, along with comedic sketches about the trials of dating, the challenges of parenting, marriage and a nostalgic enjoyment of favorite memories.

Working with the Wimberley VFW and its commander, Michael Harthcock along with Ron and Marie Yager at the Price Center in San Marcos, the performances will also include a raffle of prizes donated by local businesses such as Milagros Restaurant, Wimberley Cafe, Everlastings on the Square and many others. Local sponsors include Ace Hardware, Brookshire Brothers and Broadway Bank. A new facility is being built in San Antonio for the Wounded Warriors and their families to serve their needs while the veterans are being treated. Completion is planned by the end of the year.

FYI • January dates are January 3, January 5 and January 6 (matinee) at the Wimberley VFW Hall on Jacobs Well Road. All performances except for New Year's Eve are $35 per person and includes holiday hors d'oeuvres with BYOB and drink setups. Show times are 8 pm with the Sunday matinee on January 6 starting at 2:30 pm. Seating will begin 30 minutes before curtain.Tickets can be purchased by going to the website: leecoleestudios.com/blackdiamond or by calling the Black Diamond Cabaret Theatre at 512-522-3288.

D.D.S., M.S.

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Rainwater cisterns crafted in San Marcos

T

By Ernie Altgelt

exas knows droughts. Always has and always will. And, as sure as it rains this year, next year it just might not.

With that unfailing (or, perhaps unfalling) uncertainty that Mother Nature annually taunts us Texans with coupled with our essential and ever-present need for lifesustaining water, folks have spent a lot of time, energy and resources over the centuries in devising ways to capture and store each drop of our precious Heavenly discharge.

So, now more than ever with our climate seemingly transitioning into one of extremes (with drier years out numbering the wetter), many are (re)turning to one of the earliest yet most efficient solutions employed so effectively by our forbears – the raincollecting cistern.

In response to this renewed appreciation and its subsequent demand, San Marcos’ Bruce Ducote has been making and marketing high quality, attractive, affordable and very functional modernday metal cisterns to the eco-savvy homeowner, commercial builder and anyone else who, when the next drought arrives, doesn’t want to be left high and dry!

Originally from the much damper state of Louisiana, Bruce, in 1999, found himself as an installer for a now-defunct rain-harvesting equipment company

based in San Marcos. When he discovered that the company’s primary cistern manufacturer and supplier, located in Yorktown, wanted to sell the business, Bruce and a partner struck a deal with the owner, learned the construction process and moved everything, lock, stock and barrel, first to Buda then, more permanently back to San Marcos and its present location just east of the university town.

One thousand “tanks” later the business – now operating under the name Texas Metal Cisterns – is, as Bruce proclaims, “A gushing success with a flood of future orders.”

Each expertly crafted cistern – modeled after the traditional and esthetically-pleasing look first introduced in the early 1900s – is handcrafted.

The steel sheet metal (20 gauge) is first trimmed into flats using hand shears then, employing equipment originally designed and built in the 1930s, formed into rings (stages) that are next stacked, then riveted and welded together, eventually forming the water-tight siding of the finished product.

The height of each cistern is dictated by the number of stages joined. After the body and bottom are completed, the conical top is added then the entire interior is coated with a specially formulated epoxy paint rated for maintaining the stored water’s potablity.

As the proud craftsman explains, “These units, when properly installed and cared for, are built to last for decades.”

Bruce operates as basically a “oneman” shop with very part-time assistance from his wife and his former partner.

Even so, he is able to produce cisterns ranging in size from a small 150 gallon model standing about three feet tall to a mammoth 2,500 gallon cistern, measuring an impressive 8.5 feet in height and 7 feet in diameter.

As he admits, “I could make larger cisterns but, I’d also need a larger crew and, I don’t want the overhead.”

Prices range from $350 to $1,800 depending on size.

And amazingly, all cisterns purchased for rainwater collection in the state of Texas are exempt from sales tax.

Bruce’s cisterns can be found (attractively and effectively) capturing rainwater at many private residences (urban and

rural), office buildings and especially, at a number of Central Texas schools and libraries.

There, they not only function as conserving rainwater catchment systems but, also act as important teaching aids illustrating, as Bruce relates, “how the simple yet efficient technology of yesteryear can, and still does where in place, play an important role in facing the uncertainty of today’s challenging, and changing, weather environment.”

And, when jokingly asked if cistern owners had their own theme song, a grinning Bruce quickly volunteers, “Let it rain, let it rain, let it rain!”

FYI • Texas Metal Cisterns is located at 3351 South Old Bastrop Highway in San Marcos. For additional information on size and pricing, visit the web site at www. texasmetalcisterns.net. Bruce can be reached by phone at 512-565-0875 or via e-mail at bruceducote@gmail.com.

Delivery for a fee is available within a 100 mile radius.

Installation service is not provided.

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12/13/2012 2:22:30 PM

Bruce Ducote of Texas Metal Cisterns in San Marcos. Operating basically a oneman shop, Bruce produces cisterns ranging in size from a 150-gallon model standing about three feet tall to a mammoth 2,500-gallon cistern, measuring an impressive 8.5 feet in height and 7 feet in diameter. Photo by Ernie Altgelt.

Hill country calendar

Culvert Pipe Price Us Before You Buy! call 830-997-3247

Main (290) Live Oak Hwy 16

ene Hall. Rock-a-billy band Two Tons of Steel takes the stage at 8:30 pm. 830-6061281.

WIMBERLEY: Hill Country Community Band. Meets at First Baptist Church.

512-858-7960.

FIRST TUESDAYS BANDERA: Cowboy Capital Opry. Professional entertainers perform to benefit Meals on Wheels. Silver Sage Corral Senior Center. 830-796-4969.

THIRD TUESDAYS NEW BRAUNFELS: Comal Country Music Show. Knights of Columbus Hall, 111 Landa Street. 830-629-4547.

LEANDER: Low Cost Pet Spay, Neuter and Vaccination. 512-260-3602, ext. 101.

EVERY WEDNESDAY AUSTIN: Austin Farmers Market at Triangle Park. 4600 Guadalupe at Lamar and 46th Street. 512-236-0074.

AUSTIN: Open Mic Night. Nutty Brown Café. www.nuttybrown.com.

WIMBERLEY: Farmers’ Market. Fresh produce, fresh breads, and much more at the Senior Citizen’s Activity Center.

512-264-1637.

FOURTH WEDNESDAYS WIMBERLEY: Hill Country Neighbors.

9:30 am. Visitor’s Center. 512-847-2849.

EVERY THURSDAY AUSTIN: Karaoke at the Nutty Brown Café. www.nuttybrown.com.

DRIPPING SPRINGS: Coffee House with Light Dinners, Decadent Desserts and Open Mic. 6 pm to 9 pm. Thyme and Dough. 512-894-0001.

FIRST THURSDAY AUSTIN: Austin Air Coolers VW Gang.

Reuben

NOTE: Dates or locations for the events listed in the Calendar may change. Some require admission fees or reservations. Please call ahead to confirm information.

EVERY DAY GRUENE: Live music at Gruene Hall.

Enjoy free music shows Monday through Thursday evenings and Saturday and Sunday afternoons. gruenehall.com.

WIMBERLEY: (every day except Monday) Visit Wimberley Glassworks.

Gallery open daily 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday noon to 5 pm. Glassblowing demos daily except Monday (except Tuesday on holiday weekends) 800-929-6686, www.WGW.com.

EVERY SUNDAY AUSTIN: Sunday Jazz Brunch. Nutty Brown Café. www.nuttybrown.com.

SECOND SUNDAY JOHNSON CITY: Taste Wine + Art Music Events. Entertainment ranging from rockin’ gospel and jazz to Latin music at the Kirchman Gallery. 830-868-9290.

EVERY MONDAY CANYON LAKE: Seniors Bingo. 12:30 pm at Habitat for Safe Seniors, 2174 Old Sattler Road, Startzville. 830-899-2256.

EVERY TUESDAY AUSTIN: Kid’s Night. Nutty Brown Café. www.nuttybrown.com.

CYPRESS MILL: The Bunkhouse Gang at Wenmohs Ranch. Paint and enjoy the fellowship of other Hill Country artists.

830-825-3465.

FISCHER: Youth Archery Program.

Cowboys for Jesus, 8400 FM 32. 830935-2920.

GRUENE: Two Ton Tuesdays at Gru-

Windcrest

N

801 Rueben Street • Fredericksburg, TX

Walter’s Building & Supply

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Hill country calendar

W I N ES · S P I R I TS F I N E R FO O D S

WHERE Champagne

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Luckenbach hosts its annual Hug-In and Valentine Ball February 15-17. Get back to the basics of love during this annual camping event with live music and plenty of boot scootin’. Photo by Chris Thomas.

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Meet at 7:30 pm at Deep Eddy Pool, cruise down Congress to Austin Pizza.

BUDA: First Thursday. Stroll through the downtown antique and specialty shops, enjoy the food from downtown restaurants. www.discoverbuda.com.

DRIPPING SPRINGS: Dripping Springs American Legion meets at 27500 Ranch Road 12. 7 pm. 512-858-1907.

WIMBERLEY: YAPI (Young Artist Perfor mance Incubator). Opportunity for kids 18 and under to perform in an intimate setting. Maui Wowi. 512-847-6215, www.brendafreed.com/yapi.

FIRST AND THIRD THURSDAY CANYON LAKE: Noon Lions Meeting at Canyon Lake Golf Club. 830-8994406.

THIRD THURSDAY DRIPPING SPRINGS: Dripping Springs VFW. 27500 Ranch Road 12. 7 pm. 512-858-1907.

WIMBERLEY: Susanna’s Kitchen Coffee House Concert Series. The best in live music. 7:30 pm, Wimberley UMC, Corner RR 12 and CR 1492, $15, wimberleyumc.org/susannaskitchen.htm EVERY THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY WIMBERLEY: Live Music at Linda’s Fine Foods. 500 FM 2325. 512-847-5464.

EVERY FRIDAY BLANCO: Tasting Room Open and Brewery Tours at Real Ale Brewing Company. realalebrewing.com.

GRUENE: Friday Afternoon Club at Gruene Hall. Happy hour, prize giveaways and the best in Texas tunes, broadcast live by KNBT-92.1 FM Radio New Braunfels with Mattson Rainer. 4 pm to 7 pm. 830-629-5077.

LEAKEY: Fridays at the Buckhorn Bar and Grill. House band and local talent.

830-232-4755, friobuckhornbar.com.

WIMBERLEY: Happy Hour at Taste

PAGE 12 JANUARY 2013 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

Buds on the Square. Special drink prices and free appetizers. 512-847-7771.

WIMBERLEY: Bingo. VFW Hall. 512847-6441.

WIMBERLEY: Celebrate Recovery.

First Baptist Church Youth Building. 7 pm to 9 pm, with pizza at 6:30 pm. 512847-9035.

SECOND FRIDAY CASTROVILLE: Friday Night Fever.

Cars, trucks, bikes, food, shopping. 6 pm to 10 pm. Lundquist Automotive. www.castroville.com, 830-931-2479.

THIRD FRIDAY JOHNSON CITY: Cruise-In. See classic and collectable vehicles of all shapes and sizes. Free admission. www.3fjc. com.

FOURTH FRIDAY BANDERA: Fourth Friday Jam. Musicians jam at the Silver Sage Corral starting at 6:30 pm. 830-796-4969.

EVERY FIRST FRIDAY and SATURDAY WIMBERLEY: Late Night Shopping on the Wimberley Square. Stores remain open ‘til at least 8 pm for your shopping pleasure. wimberleymerchants.com.

EVERY FRIDAY, SATURDAY and SUNDAY FREDERICKSBURG: Rockbox Theater.

Renowned variety, music, and rock ‘n roll show, great family fun. 866-3496688.

EVERY SATURDAY AUSTIN: Austin Farmers Market. Republic Square. 512-236-0074.

AUSTIN: Sunset Valley Farmers Market. Barton Creek Mall. 512-280-1976.

COMFORT: Comfort Area Farmer’s Market. 8 am to 1 pm (or until sold out).

Comfort Park on Highway 27.

COMFORT: Wine Tastings at High’s Café. 4 pm to 7 pm. 830-995-4995, www. highscafeandstore.com.

NEW BRAUNFELS: Canyon Trail

Chuckwagon Supper and Cowboy Music Show. An evening of cowboy song and hearty dining awaits. 830626-8200, 888-408-7245.

WIMBERLEY: Tours of Jacob’s Well.

Hear the stories about famous floods and scuba divers, learn value of native grasses, experience stunning beauty of spring that started this town. 10 am. jacobswellspring.org EVERY SATURDAY WIMBERLEY: Arnosky Family Farms Market. Fresh flowers, vegetables, farmstead cheeses, more. Ranch Road 2325 and Highway 165. 830-833-5428.

FIRST SATURDAY BANDERA: Market Days. Downtown.

830-796-4447.

BANDERA: First Saturday Book Sale at the Bandera Public Library. 9 am to 1 pm. 830-796-4213.

FIRST SATURDAY KYLE: Market Days. 512-268-4220.

WIMBERLEY: Market Days. (March through December). Everything you can’t live without at Lions Market Day Field. 475-plus booths, free admission.

7 am to 4 pm. shopmarketdays.com.

FIRST AND THIRD SATURDAY WIMBERLEY: Toastmasters Public Speaking and Leadership Club. 10:30 am. Visitor’s Center. 512-913-4804.

SECOND SATURDAY BUDA: Artists of the South Corridor Meeting. Artists meet at Hobby Lobby in Southpark Meadows. 10 am.

CASTROVILLE: Market Trail Days.

Houston Square. 830-539-2316.

THIRD SATURDAY MARBLE FALLS: Bluegrass, Country and Western, and Gospel. 6 pm to 10 pm.

Boys and Girls Club. 830-898-1784.

LAST SATURDAY JOHNSON CITY: Taste Wine + Art Reception. Free exhibit of art, plus Wines of Texas available by the glass, bottle or case at Kirchman Gallery. 213 North Nugent Avenue. 830-868-9290.

EVERY SATURDAY and SUNDAY ROUND MOUNTAIN: Public Weekend Tours at Westcave. Public tours of Westcave Preserve, ecological jewel in the crown of the Texas Hill Country are offered every Saturday and Sunday throughout the year. Tour takes visitors from an arid savanna through a limestone crevice and into a spectacular sheltered canyon of lush plant life.

830-825-3442, info@westcave.org.

SECOND SATURDAY and SUNDAY AUSTIN: Tours of Bright Leaf Natural Area. Guided hikes of beautiful wooded area four miles and two hours in length. www.brightleaf.org.

JANUARY 1 BANDERA: Cowgirl Round-up andShow-deo. Demonstrations by the Bandera County Cowgirls, storytellers, singers and songwriters. Hill Country State Natural Area. 830-796-4413.

BLANCO: Birds of Prey Program at

Hill country calendar

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LIST YOUR EVENT in the Hill Country Sun Calendar!

The Five Browns, a quintet of talented Steinway piano-playing siblings (all trained at Juilliard) are the ultimate family act. See them February 9 in Boerne at Boerne Champion High School Auditorium. Photo courtesy The Five Browns.

Blanco State Park. See Tex, a small Screech Owl; EV Yaah, an American Kestrel; and E.T., a 30-year-old Great Horned Owl. 2 pm. 830-833-4333.

FREDERICKSBURG: Black-Eyed Pea and Cornbread Cook-Off. Live music, wine, cornbread and black-eyed peas.

Torre di Pietra Vineyards. www.texashillcountrywine.com, 830-644-2829 GRUENE: Hair of the Dog Day. Free live shows all day at Gruene Hall. 830629-5077, HolidaysInGruene.com.

KERRVILLE: Walk on the Wild Side at Riverside Nature Center. Start the New Year off with a resolution to better your health and the environment via a walk on the new River Trail. 830-257-4837, riversidenaturecenter.org JANUARY 1-2 BLANCO: Trail of Lights. Stroll the path of lights and Christmas scenery in Bindseil Park. 830-833-5101, www. blancochamber.com.

JANUARY 1-6 FREDERICKSBURG: Eisbahn. Enjoy a real outdoor skating rink at Marktplatz downtown. skateinfred.com.

JANUARY 1 - FEBRUARY 9 DRIPPING SPRINGS: DSYSA Baseball and Softball Registration. Closes February 8, player evaluations February 9-10. DrippingSpringsBaseball.com.

JANUARY 3, 5, 6 WIMBERLEY: “Memories of Love.” A New Year’s musical celebration featuring Kirk Griffith and Lee Coleé. VFW Hall. 512-522-3288.

JANUARY 11 KERRVILLE: Hill Country Cowboy Breakfast On the Square at 700 Main Street. kerrvilletx.com, 830-896-1155.

WIMBERLEY: Second Friday WineShare at Montessino Ranch Event Center. 6 pm to 7:30 pm. Bring a bottle of Hill Country Wine and your a wine glass. 512-558-2919.

JANUARY 11-12 LLANO: Junior Livestock Show. Community Center. 325-247-5354 JANUARY 12 KERRVILLE: Symphony Pops From Broadway to Hollywood Symphony of the Hills. symphonyofthehills.org.

JANUARY 12-13 BOERNE: Market Days Main Plaza. www.boernemarketdays.com JANUARY 13 AUSTIN: 3M Half Marathon Begins at 9505 Stonelake Blvd. 3mhalfmarathon. com, 512/984-7223.

JANUARY 14-19 KERRVILLE: Hill Country Junior Livestock Show, Kerr County Hill Country Youth Event Center. 830-792-4102.

JANUARY 17 WIMBERLEY: Susanna’s Kitchen Coffee House Concert Series presents Alana James. 7:30 pm, $15, wimberleyumc. org/susannaskitchen.htm JANUARY 18-20 FREDERICKSBURG: Trade Days.

More than 350 vendors in six barns.

Seven miles east of town off Highway 290. fbgtradedays.com, 830-990-4900

email melissa@hillcountrysun.com

~BEvery I NFriday G O~ v 4 Early Bird Games 7:15pm ~ 50/50 Split v 10 Regular Games 8pm VFW Hall Post 6441 @ Veterans Park 4 mi. no. on RR 12 to Jacobs Well Rd Non Smoking • Plenty of Parking • Air & Heat • Food Available www.visitwimberley.com/vfw

• 512-847-6441 • Lic. #1-74-6066562-7

14th Annual Nature Quest April 24, 25, 26, 27 & 28, 2013 Texas Hill Country’s Best All Around Birding-Nature Event!

Discover birds, bats, butterflies, nature photography, wildflowers & more!

HILL COUNTRY SUN R JANUARY 2013 PAGE 13

Hill country calendar

Renowned soprano Ava Pine performs January 20, presented by the Fredericksburg Music Club. ABOVE Ava is seen in rehearsal for “Angels in America” with the Fort Worth Opera Photo by Ellen Appel.

JANUARY 19 BLANCO: Fish with a Ranger at Blanco State Park. Poles and worms provided. 9 am to 11 am. 830-833-4333

KERRVILLE: John Conlee Dinner Show. Dinner at 6 pm, Conlee takes the stage at 7 pm. Buckhorn Lake Resort. www.buckhornlake.com.

LLANO: Llano City Pickers and Citywide Garage Sale. New and used items brings vendors from Llano and outskirts to shop at American Legion Hall. 200 Legion Drive. 325-247-5354.

JANUARY 20 FREDERICKSBURG: Fredericksburg Music Club presents Ava Pine. 2011 Grammy nominee vocalist excels in a variety of styles. www.fredericksburgmusicclub.com, 830-990-2886.

JANUARY 21 AUSTIN: Martin Luther King March and Festival March travels from the MLK statue at the University of Texas at Austin to Huston-Tillotson University, for music and fun. mlkcelebration.com, 512-323-6773 ext. 102.

JANUARY 26 BANDERA: Wild Game Dinner. Taste dishes like venison chili, wild boar, bear and elk. 4 pm to 7 pm. Grace Lutheran Church. 830-796-3091.

JANUARY 30 BOERNE: Drumline Live. Boerne Champion High School Auditorium. www.boerneperformingarts.com.

JANUARY 31 AUSTIN: Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro. Austin Lyric Opera at The Long Center. austinlyricopera.org.

FREDERICKSBURG: “The Sacred Spirit of Russia.” Conspirare choral concert features vibrant works by Russian composers. St. Mary’s Catholic Church. conspirare.org, 830-9979554.

Registration Closes February 8, 2013 Player evaluations February 9 & 10, 2013

PAGE 14 JANUARY 2013 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

FEBRUARY 8 - MARCH 3 WIMBERLEY: The Wimberley Players present “Death of a Salesman.” American classic about unrealized dreams at Wimberley Playhouse, 450 Old Kyle Road. www.wimberleyplayers.org.

FEBRUARY 1-3 BANDERA: Cowboy Mardi Gras Celebrate Mardi Gras “country style,” with a parade and live Cajun music.

11thstreetcowboybar.com.

FEBRUARY 1-24 WIMBERLEY: “The Elephant Man.” EmilyAnn Theatre and Gardens. www. emilyann.org, 512-847-6969.

FEBRUARY 2-12 FREDERICKSBURG: Fasching Week: Fest Nacht, Fasching Ball and Fat Tuesday. Enjoy plenty of Mardi Gras activities during Fest Nacht February 2, the sophisticated Fasching Masquerade Ball and Benefit February 9, and Fat Tuesday February 12. www.faschingfredericksburg.com.

FEBRUARY 3 KERRVILLE: Nikolai Massenkoff and the Russian Folk Festival. Traditional balalaika musicians, costumes, folk dancers and songs dazzle the senses.

Cailloux Theater. cailloux theater.com.

FEBRUARY 8 SAN MARCOS: Eddie Durham Jazz Festival. Named in honor of hometown jazz-guitar legend Eddie Durham, this event is a part of the Texas Hill Country Jazz Festival. Evans Auditorium, Texas State University. 512-245-2651.

Hill country calendar

Ball Brothers Paint & Drywall 30 Years Experience

Locally Owned & Operated Quality Workmanship References Available

Exterior Painting H Interior Painting Drywall Repair H Carpentry Work Power Washing H F ence & Deck Painting Fence & Deck Staining Rental Property Make-Ready

Enjoy Fat Tuesday with “King of Cajun” Jo-El Sonnier in Kerrville February 10 at the Buckhorn Lake Resort. Photo courtesy Jo-El Sonnier.

FEBRUARY 8-17 FREDERICKSBURG: Wine Lovers Trail. Purchase your tickets online to take a, self-guided tour and enjoy special events, tours, tastings and live music. www.texaswinetrail.com.

FEBRUARY 9 BOERNE: Chocolate Walk. Downtown. 830-249-9511.

FEBRUARY 9 BOERNE: Second Saturday Art and Wine. Enjoy a glass of wine and stroll through the art galleries. 5 pm to 8 pm. www.secondsaturdayartandwine.com.

BOERNE: The Five Browns in Concert One family plus five pianos equals a huge classical music sensation. Boerne Champion High School Auditorium. www.boerneperforming arts.com.

NEW BRAUNFELS: Hill Country Doll Show and Sale. New Braunfels Civic Center www.dolldr.com.

FEBRUARY 10 KERRVILLE: Chocolate Fantasy Weekend Kerr Arts and Cultural Center. www.kacckerrville.com, 830-895-2911.

KERRVILLE: Fat Tuesday with Jo-El Sonnier. Buckhorn Lake Resort. www. buckhornlake.com, 830-895-0007.

KERRVILLE: Mardi Gras on Main.

Fine food, fine music and fine wine. www. kerrvilletx.gov, 830-792-8395.

FEBRUARY 15-17 FREDERICKSBURG: Trade Days. Shop more than 350 vendors in six barns. www.fbgtradedays.com, 830-990-4900.

LUCKENBACH: Hug-In and Valentine Ball. Get back to the basics of love

during annual camping event, featuring live music and plenty of boot scootin’. Gary P. Nunn performs. luckenbachtexas.com, 830-997-3224.

FEBRUARY 16-17 GRUENE: Old Gruene Market Days.

100 artisans featuring handmade items in Gruene’s charming Historic District. www.GrueneMarketDays.com.

FEBRUARY 20-24 AUSTIN:”A Ride with Bob.” (See story, page 9.) Two-act musical play honoring the life of Bob Wills. zachtheatre.org/ show.a-ride-with-bob.

FEBRUARY 22-24 NEW BRAUNFELS: North American Jewelry and Gift Show. New Braunfels Civi Center. www.rgvshow.com.

FEBRUARY 23 BOERNE: Celtic Nights Show features some of the finest vocalists in the Celtic world showcased against a thundering backdrop of expert dancing and musicianship. Boerne High School Auditorium. boerneperformingarts.com NEW BRAUNFELS: Troutfest. Family friendly fly-fishing exhibition includes a children’s fish pond, activities and much more. Rio Raft and Resort. www. rioraft.com.

FEBRUARY 23-24 BOERNE: Hill Country Antiques Show. Choose from genuine American antiques— you’ll find no reproductions or imports here—featured in more than 60 vendor booths. Kendall County Fairgrounds. www.texasantiqueshows.com

512-360-7062 H www.ballbrotherspainting.com

Welcome to the Hill Country

Published by the Hill Country SUN

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HILL COUNTRY SUN R JANUARY 2013 PAGE 15

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PAGE 16 JANUARY 2013 R HILL COUNTRY SUN