Hill Country Sun, May 2014

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May 2014 A legacy of giving Brent Thurman Memorial PBR in Dripping Springs

R Delightful tale of Ol' Red Rooster

by Lora B. Davis Garrison

R Suzy Moehring Mallard’s Hill Country Parks Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center’s Family Garden

R C.J. Wright’s Hill Country Wildlife Combating harm done by chemicals

R The Hill Country’s most complete Calendar of Events

Brent

Thurman Memorial

PBR

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

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Brent Thurman still giving, inspiring

B

By Ernie Altgelt

rent Thurman rode his last bull December 11, 1994, while participating in the prestigious National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Prior to that thrilling, heart-wrenching and ultimately fatal last effort, the respected 25-year-old Hill Country cowboy had repeatedly distinguished himself, personally and professionally, by living a life highlighted, not only by exceptional accomplishment and success but, of greater significance to the many he touched, with an extraordinary degree of selfless giving.

Yet (wonderfully), in spite of his untimely passing and though tragically induced, through the establishment and staging of the annual (and always emotionally exciting) Brent Thurman Memorial professional bull riding competition, and the substantial charitydirected proceeds generated from the same, it’s as if two decades after his death Brent still continues to give.

This year’s memorial (the 16th) is scheduled appropriately enough in Brent’s boyhood hometown of Dripping Springs and will be held on Saturday, June 28. Come share in this worthy celebration of a very special young man’s life and the sport he loved so dearly and, aside from a really great show, you (like Brent) will also be giving to others.

As a youngster, Brent competed in his first official rodeo “riding bulls” at

the tender age of eight. Throughout his childhood and later as an adult, the athletic cowboy continued to ride competitively eventually “turning pro” in 1987.

Proving (again and again) his substantial abilities on the circuit, by 1989 he had achieved a ranking as one of the 30 top bull riders in the world. To say he was good in the arena was an understatement. He was simply one of the best.

But, while certainly enjoying success while atop a 2,500 pound, angry bull, where Brent would further excel would be outside of his rough and tumble life as a competing cowboy. Always a deeply caring and generous person, Brent, for a variety of reasons, became drawn to a number of worthwhile Central Texas programs targeting children with mental and/or physical deficiencies.

To that end, he began regularly volunteering at schools as a tutor while also judging, teaching and advising challenged participants at numerous special rodeos. The many grateful recipients of his attentions, thanks to his basic kindness, patience and continual good humor, always responded wonderfully.

It was only natural then that Brent, as a professional rider, soon began thinking of establishing a championship bull riding event solely committed to financially supporting essential programs designed specifically to benefit those faced with difficulties.

Sadly, he never lived to see this.

Inspired by the life he lived and dreams he dreamed, a dedicated group of friends and fellow riders determined to fulfill his ambition by establishing the Brent Thurman Memorial. That was in 1998. Since that date, each year eager crowds have gathered, not only to experience an incredible show pitting man versus beast, but to honor Brent’s memory and wishes as well. If alive, the young cowboy would surely be gratified by the incredible response.

Today, the memorial is a sancLegendary professional bullrider, Brent Thurman. His legacy tioned Professionlives on in the 16th annual Brent Thurman Memorial PBR in al Bull Riding Dripping Springs June 28. Photo courtesy Brent Thurman Memorial PBR. event attracting many of the finest competitors from across the nation and night Cowboy Auction and Reunion at beyond. This year’s incarnation is expect- the Mercer Street Dance Hall, Saturday’s opener, the Exceptional Rodeo (featuring ed to host 45 top-caliber riders.

Utilizing the newly constructed (and special need participants) and of course, very accommodating) Dripping Springs the big PBR event that follows. A dance at Ranch Park Event Center, upwards of the park showcasing the music of Bracken 2,500 spectators are anticipated to fill the Hale will close the festivities.

FYI • The auction and reunion at Mercer Street Dance stands. And, while the energy and excitement levels will run high at this year’s Hall Friday, June 27, has a $10 cover fee payable at the production, the true winners will be the door. Tickets for the Saturday, June 28, Exceptional Rodeo, receiving charities and those they sup- PBR main event and dance cost (for all three) $20 for adults port. Since its inception, thousands of dol- and $10 for children 5-12 at Dripping Springs Ranch Park. lars have flowed to various organizations Kids four and under get in free. The Exceptional Rodeo beand foundations including the Marbridge gins at 6 pm. The PBR ] kicks off at 7:30 pm. For more inforRanch, Special Olympics and the James mation about Brent, the Memorial and this year’s events (including directions, times, admission costs and to get tickWalford Foundation.

So, don’t miss any of the scheduled ets), visit the website at www.brentthurman.com. This is an memorial activities including the Friday extremely family-friendly occasion.

Members of the horticulture class at Covington Middle School (where he volunteered) wish Brent Thurman well before he departs for the 1994 Rodeo finals in Las Vegas.

Photo courtesy Brent Thurman Memorial PBR.

PAGE 2 MAY 2014 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

Bringing

Hill Country SUN Julie Spell Harrington Publisher Advertising

Melissa Maxwell Ball Editor/Design Ernie Altgelt Lora B. Garrison Suzy Moehring Mallard C.J. Wright Writers Gerry Burns Delonn Bowie Adelle Spell Distribution

it

Home...

The 16Th AnnuAl

May 2014 Volume 24 • Number 12 • ISSN: 1524-2315

Entire contents copyright © 2014 by TD Austin Lane, Inc. 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). Credit cards accepted.

• Circulation: 22,000. Distributed monthly to more than 450 popular Hill Country locations (see list of towns on front cover) and home delivered to all 5,276 Wimberley homes and 8,663 Dripping Springs homes by the US Postal Service.

• Cover: Legendary professional bullrider Brent Thurman.

The 16th Annual Brent Thurman Memorial PBR comes home to Dripping Springs Saturday, June 28, at Dripping Springs Ranch Park Event Center. Named in honor of the late cowboy, the event continues Brent’s legacy of selfless giving to those less fortunate. Photo courtesy Brent Thurman Memorial PBR. (See story, Page 2.)

• Deadline for calendar events is the 15th of each month.

Email events/press releases to melissa@hillcountrysun.com.

www.hillcountrysun.com

Brent Thurman

PBR Bull Riding PBR Bull Riding & Exceptional Rodeo

SATURDAY • JUNE 28 Exceptional Rodeo 6 pm PBR 7:30 pm followed by

dance featuring Bracken Hale

Friday Night Cowboy Auction Mercer St. Dance Hall 7:30 pm Michael Myers at 8:30 pm

Sponsorships available, email

dhenley2@austin.rr.com $20 Adults • $10 kids ages 5 to 12 Kids Under 5 Get In Free Kenzie, Julie and Luke

Julie Spell Harrington

Publisher/Advertising • 512-484-9716

julie@hillcountrysun.com

www.brentthurman.com

Sam, Melissa and John

Melissa Maxwell Ball

Editor/Design • 512-569-8212

melissa@hillcountrysun.com

INDEX

HENLY

Texas Hill Country Locator Map

© 2014 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 MAY 2014 PAGE 3

The ol’ red rooster learns a hard lesson

wimberley

By Lora B. Davis Garrison

T

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PAGE 4 MAY 2014 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

he following is a true story and I believe it happened the year Mama grew so many English peas that she sold 14 bushels.

Everybody called Mama ‘Gran­ny.’

All the grandchildren called her Granny, all the children called her Granny, all the in-laws called her Granny, all the neighbors and friends called her Granny Davis. Just everybody called her Granny.

She lived to be 93 years old. She passed away a few years ago and she was Granny as long as she lived. She is still just Granny.

Well, Granny always had the finest garden of anybody in the whole country.

People would come from miles around to admire her fine garden.

They would want to know, “How in the world do you have such a fine garden, Gran­ny? Why, my corn is only about three foot high, how did you get this corn that’s 10 foot tall.”

And all those things like that, you know.

“Well”, she says, “I just always plant in the right signs of the moon.”

She hauled a lot of Red Flyer wagonloads of manure from the cow lot too, believe me, I remember, I had to help do it. When Granny first started to raise English peas she had read about some real special kind that would produce tremendous quan­tities.

And she decided she had to have some of those seeds. I believe she paid $4.98 for a package of on­ly 14 seeds.

Now that was a terrible high price to pay during the Depression years for anything, much less only 14 seeds.But the garden being her pride and joy, and the source of almost everything we had to eat, she decided it would be worth it.

Of course it was a lot of trouble to get the seeds, you know. You had to write down out of the seed catalogue what you wanted and order them.

Then when they would come in to the Post Office at Rio Frio, somebody would have to ride the horse five miles over to the Post Office to get ‘um when they got the mail.

It was hard to come by seeds; so you were very careful with them and you would save the seeds from your crops every year so you would have a start for your garden the next year.

Well, this one particular year Granny got those real special pea seeds. When they came in she studied her calendar and she decided when the moon was just right, for when she was going to get those pea seeds planted.

Granny and Little Brother John went out to the garden, laid out the row and planted those real special pea seeds.

They got them all laid out real nice, put those pea seeds in the row, covered

Story teller and historian Lora B. Davis Garrison. Photo by LeAnn Sharp. them with dirt and watered them in.

Then they went up on the front porch (Papa always called it the gallery). We had big rocking chairs with wide arms up there on the porch and there was always a nice breeze coming out of the southeast. That’s the only place Granny would ever sit down and rest.

Usually she didn’t just sit down there and do nothing, she had some beans to shell or some mending to do or something; she wasn’t ever idle. She didn’t let the children be idle either.

Usually this was when we could beg a story out of her.

So Granny went up there to sit down for a little while to rest on the porch, and cool off a little bit. She looked back out there in the garden, and what do you suppose she saw?

Well, there was this great big ol’ Rhode Island Red Rooster out there, going down that row just a scratch­ing up all her pea seeds. Gob­bling up all her fine pea seeds, and he had eaten every one of them.Granny said, “I don’t know what in the world I’m going to do, I planted all my pea seeds; and I was sure counting on that crop this year.”

She said, “John, you go out there and catch that rooster, I want that rooster.”

John told me he didn’t know what she was going to do with that rooster, he thought maybe she was going to wring his neck and put him in a pot for supper.

But he knew he better do what Granny told him.

So he went out there, got the dog and chased that rooster down. He got that rooster back in the corner of the garden, he and the dog, and they caught that rooster.

Well, he brought that rooster back in there to Granny. He walked through the See ROOSTER, page 5

WIMBERLEY

ROOSTER, from page 4 gate carrying that roos­ter by the feet, its wings a flapping.

Granny came down off that porch and met him out there in the yard and she took that rooster by the feet and she walked back over there to the porch and she flung that rooster down there on the edge of that porch.

Granny reached in her apron pocket, pulled out her pocket knife, opened up her pocket knife and she cut that rooster’s neck open.

Well, she reached inside that rooster ’s neck, she pulled out that rooster’s craw, she cut that roos­ter’s craw open, and then she started peeling out all her pea seeds. She got every one of ‘em; peeled every one of those pea seeds out of there, all 14.

Granny reached back in her pocket again; and she pulled out a spool of thread and her needle, and she sewed that rooster’s craw back up.

She put that rooster’s craw back in him and then she sewed that rooster’s neck back up.

She took that ol’ rooster out there and throwed him out there in the pen with the hens and he just went on doing what a rooster is supposed to do. It didn’t hurt him a bit. She couldn’t have killed him; he was the only rooster she had on the place.

Well, Granny took those pea seeds and she went back out to the garden and she cleaned all her rows out and she planted those pea seeds again. She got

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them all watered back in there. And what do you think that roos­ter did?

Sometimes when I tell this story, children will say, “he went right back out there and he dug those pea seeds up again!” But I’ll tell you what this rooster did. That rooster, he didn’t go near that garden no more neither.

Well, Granny grew the finest crop of peas that year you ever did see. People just came from miles around to admire See ROOSTER, page 8

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Send Calendar Events to melissa@hillcountrysun.com

HILL COUNTRY SUN R May 2014 PAGE 5

Suzy Mallard Moehring hill country Parks

Family garden at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

J

ust in time for Mother’s Day, the new Luci and Ian Family Garden at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin will open for daily visitors. If

you’re looking for a way to get your kids outside – this is it.

I’ve been watching the work on the Family Garden over the last few months,

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Join us May 14 for free dinner & an overview.

Please RSVP by May 12.

and I’m excited about its opening. You know, I have that little two-year-old granddaughter who loves the out of doors so I see some Friday afternoons at the wildflower center in my future.

The place was always a favorite of mine to visit with that other grandkid, Trevor Manke investigates a rusty blachaw in flower while that baby who touring the Wildflower Center as a member of an Austin chapcelebrates his ter of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Photo by Adam Long Photography.

21st birthday this month. That little traveling companion and I for a decade could admire that cave from right there), wandered on the trails, crawled through looked far out over the savannah from the the grotto (full disclosure: Once my hel- Observation Tower, sketched as we lolled meted, gloved, knee-padded self got on along the Hill Country Stream, and alits hands and knees in the cave, I just sent ways admired the art exhibits in the Mcthe 10- or 12-year-old on ahead with oth- Dermott Learning Center. And it warmed er, more limber adults. I was pretty sure I my heart last week when the two-yearold grabbed a brochure from the Wildflower Center, took a look at all the flowers, and said, “That’s Gerny’s garden.”

This addition to all that is beautiful at the Wildflower Center, this totally little kid place in 4.5 acres out in the meadow that seems west to me, will have all kinds of features to encourage creative play, learning in nature, and putting your little kids hands on stuff.

The wildflower center will host a public celebration of the new garden on May 4 from 10 am till 7 pm—and, oh, my Turn your guns into cash! goodness, the things kids will have to do on that day: play parachutes and bubbleWe will buy your guns! blowing on the Play Lawn, Frisbees and group games, wildlife searches, a sensory dig that is part of a Family Garden You Need to See Our Collection of Firearms!

Quest, story time and songwriting, and Great Prices • Unique Selection lots of little kid nature play. now an NFA DEALER You know, the kind where kids just get to be kids in the outdoors – with binHolsters • FrogLube • Ballistol oculars, hand lenses, bug collectors, Accessories • Cleaning Supplies pond scopes and digging tools.

This garden place, which was designed landscape architect and artist W. Gary Smith and TBG Partners Inc., is designed to allow children and families to immerse themselves in nature.

Its features include all-native plantings, locally sourced stone, and sustainTues-Fri 10 am - 6 pm ably harvested wood. This kid space is a Sat 10 am - 4 pm model of green landscaping – as is the 9300 US 290 West, Building 2 entire Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Austin, Texas 78736 Center – and a pilot project of the Sus3-ish miles from the Y at Oakhill & 11 from Dripping tainable Sites Initiative program. located in The Old DumasTrain Depot The Family Garden features mosaic See PARKS, page 7

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PARKS, from page 6 side on a weekly basis. Time to turn that study on its head and get those little ones to Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center for some outdoor play.

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is at 4801 La Crosse Avenue, in Austin, just south of Slaughter Lane on Loop 1. Admission is $9 for adults, $7 for students and seniors, $3 for children 5 to 12, and free for the little ones younger than 5.

And a membership make those visits way cheaper. The center is open daily from 9 am ‘til 5 pm through May.

50 Shades of Glass event at Wimberley Glassworks

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SAN MARCOS H Don’t miss a special event at Wimberley Glassworks — 50 Shades of Glass — Saturday, May 24 from 5 pm to 9 pm. See for yourself as the Glassworks unveil exclusive new lighting designs that follow the curve of the human form and capture the vision of the artist’s eye during a week long display.

Guests can also participate in a raffle at the event, plus enjoy refreshments and see a demonstration of how one of the new shades is made. For a chance in the raffle, be sure to RSVP online at wgws.co/fiftyshades.

FYI • Wimberley Glassworks is a Make plans to attend the May 24 event, 50 premier Texas hand blown glass lighting Shades of Glass, at Wimberley Glassworks. Here, and art glass studio, creating exclusive owner Tim DeJong demonstrates the fine art of glass collections, limited edition vases, glass blowing. Photo courtesy Wimberley Glassworks. sculptures, platters, and lighting since 1992. Wimberley Glassworks hosts daily glass blowing demonstrations. The Glassworks’ custom lighting designs are featured in luxury and commercial properties throughout Texas. Visit www.wgw.com for more information. For more information please visit www.wgw.com or call 512393-3316 to speak with a Glassworks team member. Come witness the seductive art of glassblowing for yourself. Wimberley Glassworks is located at 6469 Ranch Road 12 between Wimberley and San Marcos.

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inlaid limestone wall with spiral shapes that echo nature’s spirals in sunflowers, agaves, and Turk’s caps; giant birds’ nests with giant wooden birds’ eggs; a maze; a dinosaur creek and that grotto I mentioned earlier.

Just remember, I’ve been down in it.

On my hands and knees.

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her fine garden.They said, “Granny, how did you grow such a fine crop of peas?”

And she smiled and said “I just planted them in the moon, that’s all I did!”

FYI • Author Lora B. Davis Garrison is a woman who wears many hats. She is a historian, storyteller, businesswoman, rancher, gourmet cook, newspaper

columnist, folklorist, as well as a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Born and raised a Texas ranch girl, with no electricity, no running water and an outhouse in the corner of the garden, she learned to cook on a wood stove, chopped wood and hauled water when the cistern was dry.

She traveled the world with her late husband, Col. Roger W. Garrison, during his 30 year career with the U.S. Air Force. They raised their five children in locations such as Guam, France, Thailand, Texas and numerous other states in the US. Lora B. is a native of Uvalde County and a descendant of some of the first settlers in Texas and the Texas Hill Country. Lora B. has been collecting oral history stories since 1979. Her stories have appeared in magazines, newspapers, and in many Texas folklore publications. Her books, “Cooking Around the World”( in 2 volumes) and “My Stomping Grounds,” featuring oral histories from the area can be ordered online at www. mystompingrounds.net.

Memorial Day salute to military LEAKEY H The Frio Canyon Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a Memorial Day Salute to the military, including a fundraiser to benefit the American Legion James-Miles Post 486 in Leakey. The event is Sunday, May 25, at the American Legion Hall in Leakey, with lunch served from 11 am to 1:30 pm. Menu items will include hamburger, chips and drinks.

Donations will be accepted. On hand to greet guests will be Miss Frio River, Sofia Rodriguez, as well as local Girl and Boy Scout Troops. The Chamber asks everyone to bring old American Flags that need to be retired. The Post will retire the flags in the proper manner. The event will move to the Real County Courthouse at 1:45 pm, where a flag ceremony honoring our veterans will be conducted by the local Post.

FYI • For more information please contact the Chamber at 830-232-5222 or visit the events page on the web site at www.friocanyonchamber.com.

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830-232-4402 CowgirlLoca.com PAGE 8 MAY 2014 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

Nature, the therapy we must preserve

T

his past April 14th marked the 50th anniversary of Rachel Carson’s death. Carson, a skilled scientist and naturalist, documented in her book Silent Spring the unintended consequences on pollinators, birds and humans of chemical use (specifically, DDT). Though industrial pesticide giants disregarded her claims, attacking her science and her character, Carson persisted.

Her words awakened public concern over the dangers of unacceptable pesticide use and the need for stricter controls, launching the modern environmental movement.

Concern grew with the knowledge that water containing DDT drained from agricultural fields into streams, entering the food web through bioaccumulation. Zooplankton ingested the pesticide, which fish ate, accumulating the pesticide in their fatty tissue. Animals higher on the food chain consumed the fish: Bald Eagles, Osprey … humans.

In 1972, after years of study and debate, the EPA banned DDT as a probable human carcinogen as well as for its adverse effects on the environment.

On April 22, people around the globe celebrated the 44th annual Earth Day, confirming their commitment to protect our planet by fighting for a sustainable future—work conducted not one day but throughout the year.

Although the first Earth Day took place April 22, 1970, the idea for it originated with Senator Gaylord Nelson in 1962, coincidentally the same year that saw the publication of Silent Spring.

If Carson and Nelson were alive today, how would they view the state of our planet?

Chemical giants continue to thrive.

Genetically modified corn and soybeans are engineered to withstand glyphosate (Roundup), a broad-spectrum systemic herbicide linked to diseases like Parkinson’s.

Although effective in killing weeds (including milkweed), super weeds are sprouting up in croplands treated with the herbicide, creating a need for additional spraying.

People are speaking out, demanding that food companies place GMO labels on food containing genetically engineered organisms. They search out certified organic food. Many are growing their own produce, interspersing rows with milkweed and nectar plants.

Thanks to extensive media coverage, we’re all aware of how the loss of milkweed throughout much of the Midwest

has contributed to the diminished number of the monarch butterflies that migrate from Mexico to Canada and back each spring and autumn.

Overuse of herbicides adversely affects bees and other pollinators as well. It impacts the food we eat and transforms once flowering roadsides, and other marginal lands into wildlife deserts.

To restore habitat for monarchs and all pollinators and seed and fruit-eating wildlife, Monarch Watch—an outreach program originating in 1992 to study monarchs— initiated the Monarch Waystation Program in 2005.

Since then, waystations (habitats of milkweed and other nectar plants) have sprung up in home gardens, parks, schoolyards and commercial landscapes. Now, “Bring Back The Monarchs” broadens the outreach. It’s a nationwide landscape restoration program aimed at restoring 20 milkweed species to their native ranges.

On another front, leading monarch scientists, farmers and educators delivered a letter to President Obama and the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior asking that they direct five federal agencies to establish a program to restore monarch habitat on both public and private lands.

Across the country development claims over two million acres of land a year, robbing fauna and flora of habitat.

As human populations grow, demands for more land will only increase. Thus, when a Texas ranch exhibits outstanding land stewardship, one fines hope.

Generations of descendents of the 13,000 acre Hillingdon Ranch, near Comfort, Texas have kept their property intact, operating it as one complete tract though it’s comprised of three ranches: the Hillingdon, Leslie and Laurels Ranches— ranches recognized for excellence in wildlife and natural resource management on the eve of Earth Day. Though everyone from scientists to citizens of our planet debate to what degree humans are accountable for climate change, the latest international climate change report projects a harsh future.

The drought building in Texas raises great concern among farmers and ranchers, some worrying of a repeat of the 1950s episodic event, the one that Elmer Kelton depicted in the novel The Time It Never Rained.

Last fall substantial rain fell at the right time allowing Texas bluebonnets, Indian blankets and more to germinate during winter and to grow and flower in spring. Hence, March and April found Central Texas roadsides blanketed with blue, red and yellow blooms—belying the

C.J. Wright

hill country wildlife growing drought covering the state.

With little rain and a cool spring, milkweed and nectar flowers grew slowly, challenging returning female monarch butterflies to find milkweed—some just inches tall—on which to lay their eggs. In areas where weather cooperated, plants grew enough to feed voracious caterpillars—a sign of hope.

By mid May, bird migration is pretty much over. These steadfast creatures survived long flights, power lines, building collisions, oil slicks and other obstacles, their numbers lower for the trip.

Now they go about the business of establishing territories, breeding and constructing nests. Given the current drought, however, many streams and ponds are dry.

Without water, insects won’t breed.

If fewer trees flower, additional bug reproduction falls. Since songbirds feed their young insects, many chicks will die and bird populations will decline further.

Given these conditions, the importance of maintaining wildlife habitat is crucial. A healthy habitat of native seed, nut and fruit-bearing trees and shrubs along with nectar plants, milkweed and a water source, will draw insects—food for chicks and mature birds. Supplemental seed and nectar feeders are also important when drought reduces natural resources.

After spending a morning with a friend in Maine, Rachel Carson returned home and reflected on those lovely moments. Contemplating her declining health and her own mortality, she wrote “… most of all I shall remember the monarchs, that unhurried westward drift of one small winged form after another, each drawn by some invisible force.”

Thinking that the monarchs would not return, she said she felt no sadness “… when that intangible cycle has run its course it is a natural and not unhappy thing that a life comes to an end.”

Nature is therapy that we must preserve.

frio/sabinal river valleys

Live Bands • Karaoke Big Dance Floor • Great Food Drive Thru Beverage Barn & Always A Special!

We welcome all reception parties and would be happy to help you plan them!

Located on 83 between

Concan & Leakey

in the beautiful Texas Hill Country you will always have a breath taking panoramic view.

Always a place for memories and to make new ones at the Buckhorn!

www.buckhornbarngrill.com • 830-232-4755 HILL COUNTRY SUN R MAY 2014 PAGE 9

Hill country calendar CANYON LAKE...YEAR ROUND VACATION LIVING Come enjoy our clear lake and cool, refreshing river!

Shop • Dine • Swim • Tube • Raft • Canoe • Fish • Camp • Sail

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Walter’s Building & Supply Standing Seam Custom Metal Roof Systems for Your Home COLONIAL ROOFING

Let us upgrade your home with a new Metal Roof. Call 512-491-0818 to start the process and get that roof you have always wanted. We work with your Insurance Company to get you your new roof.

We do all Residential & Commercial Roofing.

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Ball Brothers

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Exterior Painting H Interior Painting Drywall Repair H Power Washing F ence & Deck Painting/Staining Additions H Remodeling

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512-360-7062 H www.ballbrotherspainting.com PAGE 10 MAY 2014 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

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 nights and Saturday and Sunday afternoons. www.gruenehall.com.

SECOND SUNDAY BANDERA: Cowboy Camp. Live cowboy music at Frontier Times Museum. Free. 1 pm to 5 pm. 830-328-0321.

JOHNSON CITY: Taste Wine + Art Music Events. Rockin’ gospel 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 Road, Startzville. 830-899-2256.

CYPRESS MILL: The Bunkhouse Gang at Wenmohs Ranch. Paint and enjoy fellowship of other artists. 830-825-3465.

WIMBERLEY: Hill Country Community Band. First Baptist Church. 512-858-7960.

WIMBERLEY: Toddler Story Time at Wimberley Library. 10:30 am. 512-8472188, www.wimberleylibrary.org.

EVERY TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY WIMBERLEY: A premier hand blown glass lighting and art glass studio, creating exclusive glass collections, limited edition vases, sculptures, platters and lighting since 1992, Wimberley Glassworks hosts glass blowing demonstrations for travelers and art glass enthusiasts from around the world. The Glassworks’ custom lighting designs are featured in luxury commercial properties throughout Texas. wgw.com, 512-213-2110.

FIRST TUESDAYS BANDERA: Cowboy Capital Opry. Silver Sage Corral Senior Center. 830-796-4969.

THIRD TUESDAYS NEW BRAUNFELS: Country Music Show at the Knights of Columbus. 830629-4547.

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

EVERY WEDNESDAY DRIPPING SPRINGS: Farmers Market. 3 pm to 7 pm at the Highway 290 and Ranch Road 12. March to December, rain or shine. www.cityofdrippingsprings.com.

WIMBERLEY: Farmers’ Market. Fresh produce, fresh breads, much more at the Senior Citizen’s Activity Center on Ranch Road 12. 512-264-1637.

WIMBERLEY: Foodies for Fidos. During May, head to Kate’s Place restaurant at 600 Farm Market 2325, where a portion of the proceeds (including beer and wine) goes to support WAG Rescue. wimberleywagrescue.org.

THIRD WEDNESDAYS DRIPPING SPRINGS: Cook Off Club meets at 6:30 pm in the VFW Hall. ryoncrew@yahoo.com.

FOURTH WEDNESDAYS WIMBERLEY: Hill Country Neighbors.

10:30 am at the Wimberley Community Center. 512-847-2849.

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

DRIPPING SPRINGS: Thursdays with Doug Moreland and the Flying Armadillos at Mercer Street Dance Hall. www. mercerstreetdancehall.com.

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

SECOND THURSDAY WIMBERLEY: Hill Country Bead Society Meets. Wimberley Community Center. 1 pm. For information, Marilyn Pierce at mp@smpierce.net.

FIRST AND THIRD THURSDAY CANYON LAKE: Noon Lions Meeting at Canyon Lake Golf Club. 830-899-4406.

THIRD THURSDAY WIMBERLEY: Susanna’s Kitchen Coffeehouse presents some of the best in Central Texas’ musical talent. Concerts held at Wimberley United Methodist Church, Corner Ranch Road 12 and County Road 1492. Doors open by 7 pm, concert at 7:30 pm. Free child care; tamales, pizza, pie, coffee, soft drinks available. Tickets at door. For listing of performers, visit the web site at www.wimberleyumc.com.

EVERY THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY WIMBERLEY: Live Music at Linda’s Fine Foods. Delicious food, beautiful music at 500 Farm Market 2325. 512-847-5464. www.facebook.com/LindasFineFoods.

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

GRUENE: Friday Afternoon Club at Gruene Hall. Broadcast live by KNBT-92.1 FM Radio. 4 pm to 7 pm. 830-629-5077.

WIMBERLEY: Bingo. VFW Hall on Jacobs Well Road. 512-847-6441.

WIMBERLEY: Preschool Story Time at the Wimberley Village Library. Bring your little ones at 10:30 am. 512-847-2188, www. wimberleylibrary.org.

WIMBERLEY: Celebrate Recovery. First Baptist Church Youth Building. 7 pm to 9 pm, with pizza at 6:30 pm. 512-847-9035.

SECOND FRIDAY CASTROVILLE: Friday Night Fever.

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

WIMBERLEY: Wimberley Area Parkinsons Association Meeting. Chapel of The Hills Church, 11 am. 512-847-7953.

FOURTH FRIDAY BANDERA: Fourth Friday Jam. At the Silver Sage Corral starting at 6:30 pm. Call 830-796-4969 for information.

EVERY FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY FREDERICKSBURG: Rockbox Theater.

Variety, music, and rock ‘n roll show, great family fun. 866-349-6688.

EVERY FRIDAY AND SATURDAY WIMBERLEY: Live Music. Linda’s Fine Foods. www.lindaallencatering.com.

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. Comfort Park on Highway 27.

Hill country calendar

Find us on Facebook.

HillCountrySun

New Fischer/Canyon Lake area Artisan & Farmers Market

Local Artists & Farmers Food • Fun • Entertainment!

Open Saturdays at 9 am 6341 FM 32 • Fischer, TX 1.3 miles east of Canyon Lake H.S.

For information 830-935-2781

The Lost Mule Band will return to Moondance at Boerne’s Cibolo Nature Center & Farm at 7:30 pm May 10. Photo by Barbara Digby.

Ducks Unlimited COMFORT: Wine Tastings at High’s Café. 4 pm to 7 pm. www.highscafeandstore.com.

DRIPPING SPRINGS: Texas Music and Wine. www.solaroestate.com.

FISCHER: Jackson Open Air Market. Local artists and farmers, food, fun and entertainment. 9 am to 5 pm. 6341 Farm Market 32. 830-935-2781.

NEW BRAUNFELS: Canyon Trail Chuckwagon Supper and Cowboy Music Show.

830-626-8200, 888-408-7245.

WIMBERLEY: Tours of Jacob’s Well. Hear stories about floods and divers, experience beauty of spring that started town.

10 am. www.jacobswellspring.org.

WIMBERLEY: Arnosky Family Farms Market. Fresh flowers, more. Ranch Road 2325 and Highway 165. 830-833-5428.

FIRST SATURDAY BANDERA: Market Days. 830-796-4447.

BANDERA: First Saturday Book Sale.

Public Library. 830-796-4213.

DRIFTWOOD: Driftwood Community Club meets to enhance community spirit of Driftwood. Dinner, fun at 7 pm. www. driftwoodtx.org 512-829-5101 DRIPPING SPRINGS: Low Cost Pet Vaccinations. At Tractor Supply on Highway 290. 512-858-7229.

WIMBERLEY: Market Days. (March through December). Everything you can’t live without at Lions Field. 475plus booths, free admission. 7 am to 4 pm. www.shopmarketdays.com.

FIRST AND THIRD SATURDAY WIMBERLEY: Toastmasters Public Speaking and Leadership Club. 10:30 am.

Visitor’s Center. 512-913-4804.

SECOND SATURDAY 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.

EVERY SATURDAY AND SUNDAY ROUND MOUNTAIN: Tours at Westcave Preserve. www.westcave.org.

SECOND SATURDAY AND SUNDAY AUSTIN: Tours of Bright Leaf Natural Area. www.brightleaf.org.

FOURTH SATURDAY AND SUNDAY JOHNSON CITY: Market Days. Join us the fourth weekend of the month beginning May 24th for food, artisans, and vendors. 830-868-7684, info@JohnsonCityTexasChamber.com.

MAY 1-4 FREDERICKSBURG: Hill Country Film Festival. This year’s festival features 75plus films, including “Texas premiers.” hillcountryff.com.

WIMBERLEY: Wimberley Players present “Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean. Friday and Saturday 7:30 pm, Sunday 2:30 pm. www. wimberleyplayers.org.

MAY 2 DRIPPING SPRINGS: Finger Pistol. Live music at Mercer Street Dance Hall. www. mercerstreetdancehall.com.

MAY 2-4 MARBLE FALLS: CASI “Howdy Roo” Regional Chili Cook-Off and Lonestar Barbecue State Championship. Cook­offs of chili, beans and barbecue, plus craft and food vendors at Johnson Park, 230 South Avenue J. 281-615­-2408.

MAY 3 AUSTIN: Maureen Taylor at Austin Geneaological Society Seminar. Internationally recognized expert on photograph identification and geneaology presents. austintxgensoc.org/seminar.

AUSTIN: Seton Southwest Hospital Volunteers Annual Garage Sale. 8 am to 1 pm at the hospital, 7900 Farm Market 1826. Proceeds will benefit Seton Southwest Hospital. Call 512-324-9018 or 9285 for information.

DRIPPING SPRINGS: Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash. Live music at Mercer Street Dance Hall. www.mercerstreetdancehall. com.

DRIPPING SPRINGS: Rotary Club Spring Family Fun Fest. Music, a magic show, pet parade and costume contest, games, food, displays and much more.

Free parking and admission.Next to Security State Bank, 1500 West Highway 290. Noon to 4 pm. 512-595-1660.

SAN MARCOS: The Central Texas Medical Orchestra presents Francesco Mas-

Annual Banquet May 10, 2014

DRIPPING SPRINGS CHAPTER

~ Hog Heaven ~ 491 Hog Hollow Road Auctions, Raffles, Games, Dinner

Information / Reservations Call: Chae Tracy 512-496-8333 Buy online at: www.ducks.org/texas/events

June 28, 2014 7

BBQ Cook-Off

LSBBQ Society Sanctioned Event

HILL COUNTRY SUN R MAY 2014 PAGE 11

Hill country calendar

WINES · SPIRITS · FINER FOODS

CRAFT

tromateo performing Saint-Saens - Cello for Concerto in A Minor, benefiting the Ronald McDonald House. 7:30 pm at Life Austin 8901 West Highway 71. Dr. Robert Radmer, Conductor. Special guests Christine Albert and Chris Gage. Meet the artists reception following the concert. Tickets $10 to $20 at www.CTMOrchestra.org.

WIMBERLEY: Market Day. Shop 475 booths at the Hill Country’s largest outdoor market. Lions Pavilion. www.shopmarketdays. com.

MAY 3-4 COMFORT: Comfort Village Spring Antiques Show. Browse booths offering country fur­ niture, textiles and linens, blue willow, majolica, antique tools, stoneware, baskets, early advertising

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(512) 280-7400 • specsonline.com LOCATIONS ALL ACROSS CENTRAL TEXAS: AUSTIN • BASTROP • BEE CAVE • ELGIN GEORGETOWN • KERRVILLE MARBLE FALLS • NEW BRAUNFELS ROUND ROCK • SAN ANTONIO TEMPLE • WACO Spec’s selection includes over 100 stores in Texas!

PAGE 12 MAY 2014 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

and more. Comfort Park, 403 Texas 27. 830-995-­3670, www. texas antiqueshows.com.

SAN MARCOS: Heritage Home Tours. Docents guide visitors through historic homes around town. Sponsored by the Heritage Association of San Marcos. 1 pm to 5 pm. www.heritageassociationsm.org.

STONEWALL: 6th Annual Lavender Festival at Becker Vineyard. Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm, Sunday noon to 6 pm.

Entrance is complimentary, parking is $5. Enjoy lavender products, plants, vendors, cooking demos, guest speakers, culinary delights, concessions, wine tasting and tours, vintner luncheons and dinner, music, much more.

Reservations required for the luncheons and dinners. www. beckervineyards.com Gary P. Nunn plays House Pasture Cattle Company MAY 5-10 in Concan May 24. Photo courtesy Gary P. Nunn.

BOERNE: Wildlife Field Research. The Cibolo Nature Center & Farm is seeking volunteers to partic- fly, covering monarch biology and life ipate in this free six-day bio-blitz, joining cycle, milkweed ecology, migration and teams of citizen scientists to conduct bio- threats. Live butterflies and caterpillars logical surveys of the CNC’s nature pre- will be on display. Participants will visit serve. People of all ages and interests are a milkweed patch to learn hands on how welcome to help survey birds, butterflies, to monitor. The workshop is approved mammals, fish, plants and more. Obser- training for Master Naturalists. 9 am to vations are used to make scientific as- 4 pm. Cibolo Nature Center & Farm, 140 sessments that inform land management. City Park Road, Boerne. $20 suggested Lunch will be provided during surveys. donation. cibolo.org.

Sign up online at WildlifeFieldResearch. DRIPPING SPRINGS: Chord Rodeo.

Live music at Mercer Street Dance Hall. org or call 830-249-4616 to learn more. www.mercerstreetdancehall.com.

MAY 6 BANDERA: Cowboy Capital Opry. Grand MAY 10 Old Opry-­style show features Harriet and BOERNE: Moondance: The Lost Mule Gerry Payne and various artists. Begins at Band. The Lost Mule Band will bring 7 pm at the Silver Sage Corral, 803 Buck its unique mix of traditional country, classic rock, blues and Texas swing to Creek Drive. www.silversagecorral.org.

Moondance, the Cibolo Nature Center & MAY 8 BOERNE: Snakes of Texas and the Ci- Farm’s outdoor concert series. Bring picbolo Nature Center: Dave Barker, world- nics, lawn chairs and blankets, children, renowned snake expert and author of grandparents, and nice dogs on leashes.

“Pythons of the World, Volumes I and II,” The Melting Point’s food truck, featuring will discuss the fascinating anatomy and “Texas born and bread” grilled cheese behavior of snakes. Presentation high- sandwiches, will be on hand. Moonlights the common snake species of Texas dance concerts benefit the CNC’s nature Hill Country, including water snakes, education and outreach programs. 7:30 garter snakes and the snake species most pm to 10:30 pm. cibolo.org. often found in yards and around homes. DRIPPING SPRINGS: Dog Adoption He will discuss in detail the venomous Day at Whole Pets Market. 911 Highway snakes found in the Hill Country, and the 290 West. 11 am to 3 pm. wimberleydangers that they might present. 8 am to wagrescue.org.

10 am. 140 City Park Road. $7 suggested DRIPPING SPRINGS: Michael Myers.

Live music at Mercer Street Dance Hall. donation. cibolo.org. www.mercerstreetdancehall.com.

MAY 8-11 MARBLE FALLS: May Fest May 8-11. En- DRIPPING SPRINGS: Ducks Unlimited joy a carnival, free concerts, crafts for sale, Banquet. Auctions, raffles, games, dinwasher­pitching tournament and magic ner and more. ducks.org.texas/events, show. Johnson Park. www.marblefalls- 512-496-8333.

JOHNSON CITY: Volunteer Fire Departmayfest.com. ment Annual Fish Fry and Raffle FundMAY 9 BOERNE: Monarch Biology, Ecology raiser at Blanco County Fair Grounds. and Monarch Larval Monitoring Project Food and beer by donation, plus many Training. Texas Master Naturalists Kip raffle items, plus a live and silent aucKiphart and Cathy Downs will host a tion. Support the local fire department training session on the monarch butter- by attending the fundraiser and bring

Hill country calendar lots of cash to fill the donation can! 5 pm to 8 pm. www.jcvfd.org/Fundraiser.htm.

MARBLE FALLS: Main Street Market Day. More than 100 vendors offer a variety of items. 9 am to 4 pm. Main Street. www.marblefalls.org.

NEW BRAUNFELS: Herb Festival. Master Gardeners sponsor this event with demon­strations and vendors. 9 am to 3 pm. Conservation Plaza, 1300 Church Hill Drive. www.nbjumpin.com.

WIMBERLEY: Garden Tour. Visit several gardens in the Wimberley Valley. www. wimberleygardenclub.org.

MAY 10-11 BOERNE: Market Days. Artists, craft­ers and vendors share their creative talents and wares to the sounds of homegrown Texas musicians. Main Plaza, 100 North Main. www.boernemarketdays.com.

DRIPPING SPRINGS: Sunset Canyon Pottery Annual Mother’s Day Second Sale. Saturday 10:30 am to 6 pm and Sunday 11 am to 5 pm. 4002 East Highway 290.

SunsetCanyonPottery.com.

MAY 11 STONEWALL: Mother’s Day Luncheon at Becker Vineyard. Reward yourself and the woman that made you awesome with unique wine and culinary experience. www.beckervineyards.com MAY 16 DRIPPING SPRINGS: The Georges. Live music at Mercer Street Dance Hall. www. mercerstreetdancehall.com.

GRUENE: Kelly Willis and Bruce Robi-

son Pre-CD Release at Gruene Hall. New album, “Our Year,” will be available at the show before the official release on May 27. www.gruenehall.com.

MAY 16-17 SAN MARCOS: Texas Natural and Western Swing Festival. Enjoy live music, games, arts and crafts and booths on the Courthouse­lawn. Plus, a ticketed dinner and Hall of Fame show. www.smtxswingfest.com MAY 16-18 FREDERICKSBURG: Lone Star Street Rod Association State Run. Car show featuring pre­ -1973 vehicles. Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park, Texas 16 South at Lady Bird Drive. www.lssra.com.

FREDERICKSBURG: Trade Days. Shop with more than 350 vendors in six barns, plus acres of antiques and collectibles, or kick back and enjoy the biergarten and live music. Seven miles east of town off U.S. Highway 290, at 355 Sunday Farms Lane. www.fbgtradedays.com.

MAY 17 AUSTIN: Mighty Texas Dog Walk. Stroll around Lady Bird Lake, enjoy Doggie World Record attempts, games, free samples and more. Palmer Events Center. www.servicedogs.org/events/15th­ annual­mighty­texas­dog­walk/ BOERNE: Harvesting Rainwater & Solar Energy. John Kight, an engineer and owner of home rainwater-catchment and solar-energy systems, offers the latest technological information and practical

~B I N G O~ Every Friday 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.texasvfw.net • 512-847-6441 • Lic. #1-74-6066562-7 www.visitwimberley.com/vfw

Annual Mother’s Day Seconds Sale “Your Place for Texas Made Fine Craft”

Mother’s Day Weekend May 10th & 11th Saturday 10:30 - 6:00 Sunday 11:00 - 5:00 All Seconds Available.

Selected Items in the Gallery on Sale.

512-894-0938 4002 E. Hwy. 290, Dripping Springs, TX 78620 SunsetCanyonPottery.com

Send calendar events to

melissa@hillcountrysun.com Join us for the 69th Annual

WIMBERLEY VFW RODEO July 3

H

4

H

5

Rodeo $15 General Adm. • $10 Children (Purchased in advance $12 & $7)

ADVANCE TICKETS: June 29-30, July 1

Noon-6 pm at VFW Hall • Cash/Check/Credit Cards Accepted Limited Box Seats available • Advance Only 512-847-6441

JOIN

by May 31st

YOUR SAVE SUMMER 48 STAYCATION DESTINATION $

SPRINGS FAMILY YMCA 27216 Ranch Rd 12 South | 512.894.3309 | AustinYMCA.org

Veterans Park • RR 12 North Calf Scramble & Mutton Bustin’ each night

Rodeo Events • Bull Riding Team Roping • Steer Wrestling Tie Down Calf Roping • Vendors Barrel Racing • Mini Bull Riding Women’s Break Away Roping Bareback Bronc & Saddle Bronc Riding Sat. Night Dance- July 5 Fireworks - July 6

www.texasvfw.net HILL COUNTRY SUN R MAY 2014 PAGE 13

Hill country calendar 9 am to noon. Register at Cibolo.org/calendar.

BOERNE: Art in the Park.

School-aged kids and their families can participate in an action-packed program of creative expression, sponsored by the Hill Country Council for the Arts and the Cibolo Nature Center & Farm. Kids team up with adults to experience music, visual arts, theater, dance and arts and crafts activities. 10 am to 2 pm. Free. cibolo.org.

DRIPPING SPRINGS: Dripping Springs Christian Academy Spring Gala at Dripping Springs United Methodist Church. 6 pm to 9 pm. Silent auction, BBQ dinner, and enFind amazing gourd art at the Southwest Gourd tertainment.

Tickets are $25.

Fine Art Show at Kerr Arts and Cultural Center 512-858-9738 for tickets, more in Kerrville May 22-June 22. Here, a creation by information. artist Judy Richie. Photo courtesy KACC. DRIPPING SPRINGS: Mitch Jacobs Band. Live music at Mercer Street Dance Hall. www.mercerstreetdanceadvice for using water- and energy-sav- hall.com. ing technology. Kight’s rainwater-catch- HENLY: Henly Baptist Church’s 100 year ment system supplies all the water for his Anniversary. 11 am to 2 pm. RSVP to henfamily’s household and landscape needs. lybaptist@ gmail.com.

His grid-connected solar energy panel is WIMBERLEY Dog Adoption Day at King also tied to a battery backup and pow- Feed. 14210 Ranch Road 12. 11 am to 3 pm. ers all appliances except air condition- wimberleywagrescue.org. ing. Hear a presentation then carpool to MAY 17-18 Kight’s home to see his systems in action. GRUENE: Old Gruene Market Days.

PAGE 14 MAY 2014 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

Nearly 100 vendors offer uniquely crafted items, packaged Texas foods. 10 am to 5 pm. Gruene Historic District, 1724 Hunter Road. www.gruenemarketdays. com JOHNSON CITY: “Tour the Talent” Studio Tour from Johnson City through Dripping Springs to Austin. Showcases 10 studios featuring 21 artists working in a wide variety of mediums. Tour maps also available at each of the studios, the Johnson City Chamber and area locations. 830-868-7684, info@JohnsonCityTexasChamber.com. www.tourthetalent.com.

MAY 18 GRUENE: 8th Annual KNBT 92.1 FM Americana Music Jam. Including Robert Earl Keen, Randy Rogers, Radney Foster, Hal Ketchum, Micky & The Motorcars, Terri Hendrix with Lloyd Maines, Seth James Band, Uncle Lucius, Scott Miller, Adam Hood, The Statesboro Revue, plus special guests. www.gruenehall.com.

MAY 19 WIMBERLEY. Calling All Singers.

Wimberley Community Chorus rehearsals for the 3rd Annual 4th of July Hometown Patriotic Concerts begin May 19 at the Wimberley First Baptist Church Youth Building from 6:45 pm to 9 pm. For more information, email Janette at jabarlow1@verizon.net.

MAY 20 BOERNE: Mother Nature’s Story Time: Fantastic Flowers. Children ages 3 to 5

will take a walk to see how many different colors and types of flowers they can find. 10 am to 11 am. $5 per family. Visit Cibolo.org/calendar or call 830-249-4616 to learn more.

MAY 22 - JUNE 22 KERRVILLE: Southwest Gourd Fine Art Show country display and sell their works. Includes a judged competition.

Kerr Arts and Cultural Center, 228 Earl Garrett Street. www.kacckerrville.com.

MAY 23 DRIPPING SPRINGS: The Derailers.

Live music at Mercer Street Dance Hall. www.mercerstreetdancehall.com.

MAY 23-25 BANDERA: Cowboy Capital Rodeo Association Pro Rodeo. Mansfield Park Rodeo Arena. www.banderarodeo.com.

FREDERICKSBURG: Crawfish Festival.

Enjoy music, a gumbo cook­off and great Cajun food. Marktplatz, 100 West Main St. www.fbgcrawfish.com.

KERRVILLE: Texas Masters of Fine Art and Craft Invitational. Y.O. Ranch Resort Hotel. www.texasmasters.com.

LEAKEY: Philthy on the Frio. River float featuring music from Deryl Dodd, Matt Hillyer, Erica Perry and Phil Hamilton. philhamiltonmusic.com.

MAY 24 BANDERA: Funtier Day Parade. Features rodeo cowboys, trail ride groups, antique cars and decorated floats. Begins at 11 am. Main Street. www.banderatex. com 800-364­-3833.

Hill country calendar

The RED Arena RoundUp—a rodeo for kids with disabilities—is June 7 in Dripping Springs. More information at www.REDarena.org. Photo courtesy RED Arena.

CONCAN: Gary P. Nunn. Live music at House Pasture. www.housepasture.com.

DRIPPING SPRINGS: Tessy Lou and the Shotgun Stars. Live music at Mercer Street Dance Hall. www.mercerstreetdancehall.com.

WIMBERLEY: 50 Shades of Glass - Gallery Opening and Exhibit. Display of newly designed glass shades, lamps, lighting at Wimberley Glassworks Gallery and Studio. Glassblowing demonstration. 5 pm to 8 pm. wgw.com, 512-213-2110.

MAY 24-25 BANDERA: Arts and Crafts Show. More than 90 vendors display art and crafts around Courthouse square. www.banderatex.com.

MAY 25 BOERNE: Boerne Concert Band Memorial Day Concert May 25. Main Plaza. www.boerneconcert band.org.

DRIPPING SPRINGS: Photographers of Dripping Springs’ (PODS) Print Show.

Meet the artists and see the latest from the juried show. 3 pm to 7 pm. Trudy’s Four Star. www.photographersofds.com.

LEAKEY: Memorial Day Salute to the Military. Fundraiser to benefit American Legion James-Miles Post 486. Lunch served from 11 am to 1:30 pm at the American Legion Hall, followed by memorial flag ceremony at the Real County Courthouse at 1:45 pm. www.friocanyonchamber.com.

MAY 26 FREDERICKSBURG: Memorial Day Observance May 26. A ceremony honors those who lost their lives serving in the United States Armed Forces. National Museum of the Pacific War. www.pacificwarmuseum.org MAY 30 DRIPPING SPRINGS: Carport Casanovas. Live music at Mercer Street Dance Hall. www.mercerstreetdancehall.com.

WIMBERLEY: Rainwater Harvesting.

Richard Parrish from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension will present an informative and extremely relevant minicourse on rainwater harvesting. This age-old method of saving from a rainy day can then be used later for use in the landscape, for wildlife and animal use, or for use inside the home. Noon to 1 pm Wimberley Village Library, 400 Farm Market 2325. 512-847-2188.

MAY 31 CONCAN: Rotel and the Hot Tomatoes. Live music at House Pasture. www.housepasture.com.

DRIPPING SPRINGS: Bracken Hale.

Live music at Mercer Street Dance Hall. www.mercerstreetdancehall.com.

DRIPPING SPRINGS: RED Arena Kick-Up Party at Mercer Street Dance Hall 7 pm. Live auction and giveaways benefiting RED Arena. www.REDarena. org FREDERICKSBURG: Jaycees’ Annual Truck and Tractor Pull. 830-456-2698.

JUNE 5 DRIPPING SPRINGS: RED Arena Silent Auction Preview Party. 6 pm to 8 pm with free wine and snacks, tons of gift certificates, metal and horse art, riding apparel, Dooney & Burke purses, and theme baskets. All with the “Take it Now” option. Proceeds benefit programs at RED Arena with the mission of empowering individuals with disabilities through horses. www.REDarena.org.

JUNE 7 CONCAN: Roger Creager. Live music at House Pasture Cattle Company. www.housepasture.com.

DRIPPING SPRINGS: RED Arena Round-Up. 9 am to 1 pm. Rodeo for kids with disabilities with family fun activities, food, silent auction. Come support RED Arena’s mission of empowering individuals with disabilities through horses. No charge for parking or entry.

More info at www.REDarena.org JUNE 6-21 KERRVILLE: “Anne of Green Gables.”

Adults $20, children 12 and under $12.

Group rates available. For more information on this or any activities at the Hill Country Arts Foundation, please visit www.hcaf.com or call the Point Theatre Box Office at 830-367-5121.

JUNE 11 DRIPPING SPRINGS: Burke Center for Youth Fun Raiser at Dripping Springs Ranch Park. Come, enjoy an evening of barbeque, beverages, bids, bands and Bama Brown from KVET 98.1 FM. All to benefit the Burke Center for Youth. 512557-3888, www.theburkecenter.org.

JUNE 14 CONCAN: Pat Green. Live music at House Pasture Cattle Company. www. housepasture.com.

JUNE 21 CONCAN: Josh Abbott Band. Live Texas music at House Pasture Cattle Company. www.housepasture.com.

JUNE 27 DRIPPING SPRINGS: Cowboy Auction and Dance at Mercer Street Dance Hall.

In conjunction with the Brent Thurman

Memorial PBR. Music by Bracken Hale. www.brentthurman.com.

JUNE 28 BANDERA: 17th Annual Riverfest.

River rodeo, paddle boats, kayak races, water games and the Great Hill Country Anything That Floats Regatta. Also enjoy the Bandera Idol competition, food, music, arts and crafts, and open car show and more. Bandera City Park. www.banderariverfest.com.

CONCAN: Reckless Kelly. Live music at House Pasture Cattle Company. www.housepasture.com.

DRIPPING SPRINGS: 16th Annual Brent Thurman Memorial Bull Riding.

(See story, page 2.) PBR Bull Riding and Exceptional Rodeo at Dripping Springs Ranch Park Event Center. Exceptional Rodeo starts at 6 pm, PBR follows at 7:30 pm. www.brentthurman.com.

JUNE 29 HELOTES: Merle Haggard. Country legend plays John T. Floore’s Country Store. www.liveatfloores.com.

JULY 3-5 WIMBERLEY: 69th Annual Wimberley VFW Rodeo. Enjoy a calf scramble and mutton bustin’ each night, rodeo events, bull riding, roping, steer wrestling, more. Saturday night dance and fireworks Sunday night. www.texasvfw.net.

My Stompin’ Grounds My StoMpin’ GroundS

Texas Hill Country Settlers

Their Own Stories

An Oral History Collection by

Lora B. Davis Garrison

Texas Hill Country Settlers Their Own Stories An Oral History Collection

By Lora B. Davis Garrison

www.mystompingrounds.net

M��O���L ��Y ���UTE �O �UR

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SUNDAY MAY 25TH 2014 AMERICAN LEGION HALL LEAKEY, TEXAS 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Serving Burgers, Chips & Drink (donations appreciated)

Flag Ceremony at Real County Courthouse 1:45 p.m.

Sponsored by Frio Canyon Chamber of Commerce

ALL DONATIONS BENEFIT THE LEAKEY AMERICAN LEGION MILES-JAMES POST NO. 489

HILL COUNTRY SUN R MAY 2014 PAGE 15

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