JANUARY 2015 C.J. Wright’s
Hill Country Wildlife Make a difference... create habitat for wildlife conservation
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Kiss the Cook in Wimberley & Boerne
R Suzy Moehring Mallard’s
Hill Country Parks New Year’s advice? “Take a hike!”
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C.J. Wright
Creating habitat for wildlife: rewards of conservation efforts are countless
HILL COUNTRY wildlife
L
ight from afternoon sun filters through the trees, casting long shadows across the barren ground. Where grasses snag dry leaves along a tree line, a rustling sound betrays the presence of a Lincoln’s Sparrow. It scratches amidst the dead foliage in search of insects or fallen seeds, intermittently raising its head, its crown feathers peaked as if readying to sound an alarm. Enjoying the warmth of the mild winter day, one wanders to a nearby field, binoculars at the ready in hopes of discovering other wintering sparrows. A scattering of dry cow patties tells of oncegrazed land. Now the earth lies fallow and feet crunch in the dry grass. Their coppery gold faded to yellow, little bluestem bunch perhaps sheltering wary birds. Several yards ahead a bird flushes. Its short tail notched and its flight strong, it wings its way to a small tree along a fencerow. Facing the sun, its heavily streaked body, pinkish bill and legs reveal a Savannah Sparrow, a predictable wintering bird on these grasslands. A second Savannah follows the other’s lead. Probably the most abundant of all, Savannahs are widespread on their wintering grounds throughout the southern United States as well as on their breeding grounds that extend from Alaska, through all of Canada and throughout our northern and Midwestern states. Farther down the field, a third bird flushes voicing a sharp chip. A flash of white on outer tail feathers identifies it as a Vesper Sparrow, also very common, their winter range extending throughout the southern states, their summer range
covering all of northern U.S. and southern Canada. With hopes of finding a Grasshopper Sparrow amidst the taller grasses, one forges on. These uncommon and illusive birds wait ’til one is nearly upon them to flush. More often then not they prefer to run across the ground rather then fly. If they do take wing and land on a bush in full sunlight, their buffy breast shines with a rich brownish-buff color. The back, if visible, reveals a pattern of rufous spots. The sounds of forging amidst shrubbery along the fence line reveal first one, then three Harris’s Sparrows. Two adults with black faces and pinkish bills, the third, a juvenile yet to acquire the black. One by one they abandon their perches, going to ground to scratch for spiders and seeds beneath dry leaves. These sparrows have a limited winter range that extends from Texas north through Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska. Likewise, their breeding range covers a small swath of land in far north Canada. Beyond the field a stand of dry brush hosts a small flock of Dark-eyed Juncos. The gray on their bodies flashes in the sunlight as they hop from ground to stems, where they feed on the plants’ dry seeds. A meadowlark lands briefly on a high branch. Much larger bodied than sparrows, meadowlarks frequent pastures and wet prairies. Because Eastern and Western Meadowlarks’ winter plumages are so similar, without vocalizing they’re almost indistinguishable. Given their usually predominate brown plumages, sparrows present a
January 10, 17, 24 & 31 February 7, 21 & 28
PAGE 2 JANUARY 2015 R HILL COUNTRY SUN
Grasshopper Sparrow. Photo © Steve Byland. challenge for anyone learning to identify then. However, winter on central Texas grasslands is a good time to observe what are commonly referred to as little brown birds. Over time one learns to recognize specific field marks, observe individual behaviors and attach these to a name. As with so many birds, sparrow habitats have suffered major declines. Since the arrival in the middle 1800s of European settlers to the Edwards Plateau region, the once expansive grasslands have undergone enormous change. Beginning with the overgrazing of cattle and sheep, the land has fallen victim to habitat destruction. Urban development continues to eat away land and fragment wildlife habitat. Few areas have escaped this relentless scourge upon the land. Among those areas that have are the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve and the Southernmost Edwards Plateau, all Important Bird Areas (IBAs). Identified by BirdLife International, approximately 10,00 IBA sites exist worldwide. In the United States, IBAs are administered by the National Audubon Society. The above-mentioned IBA sites of central Texas offer nesting habitat to the endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler and Black-capped Vireo. These lands also serve as habitat for wintering sparrows. But roads, developments and malls claim more land and these refuges stand as three islands surrounded by much fragmented land. Earlier this year, the journal Science published a study, “the biodiversity of species and their rates of extinction, dis-
tribution and protection,” announcing that current extinction rates among species is over 1,000 times greater than the rate calculated from millions of years of fossil records and genetic data. The study points to human population growth and increased consumption as the primary causes for this staggering rise. Gray winter days offer a time for reflection. With land barren and vegetation dormant, it’s a time to plan and to envision what can be. Beginning in our own yards, root out any invasive species and incorporate native plants to create a habitat that draws birds, butterflies, bees and other small animals, keeping in mind local and county ordinances. A Wildscape yard sign from Texas Parks and Wildlife can certify your land as a wildlife habitat and, for those living in a residential community, it will encourage others to follow suit. Imagine several landscapes of suitable habitat combined to draw bees, butterflies (think milkweeds and monarchs), dragonflies, birds and more—creatures all in need of our conservation efforts. In planting strips of wildflowers, farmers and ranchers will help stem the sharp decline in pollinating insects, a vital practice since insects pollinate 75 percent of crops grown for human consumption worldwide. And the rewards from these conservation efforts are countless, the health benefits of time spent in nature priceless. FYI • For those with some knowledge and wishing to learn more on how to recognize the sometimes illusive, little brown birds, experts in the field will conduct the tenth annual SparrowFest Retreat at Balcones Springs, February 6-8, 2015. (Registrations must be in before January 15, 2015. Call 830-693-6174.)
Hill Country SUN January 2015 Volume 25 • Number 8 ISSN: 1524-2315 Entire contents copyright © 2015 by TD Austin Lane, Inc. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any fashion without the written consent of the publisher.
Wimberley Fine Arts Center National Artists’ Works You’ll Love to Live With Kenzie, Luke and Julie Harrington Photo by Becky Roberson Photography.
Julie Spell Harrington Publisher/Advertising 512-484-9716 julie@hillcountrysun.com Melissa Maxwell Ball Editor/Design 512-569-8212 melissa@hillcountrysun.com Colleen Brooks Suzy Moehring Mallard C.J. Wright Writers Gerry Burns Delonn Bowie Adelle Spell Distribution
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: We can each contribute to recreating vital wildlife habitat that has been destroyed by human progress. Creating new habitat can begin at home, simply and in your own backyard. Read more in C.J. Wright’s Hill Country Wildlife on page 2. Here, a Eastern Meadowlark. Photo © Steve Byland. Inset: Savannah Sparrow. Photo © Brian Kushner • Deadline for calendar events is the 15th of each month. Email events/releases to melissa@hillcountrysun.com.
Stop by to browse our art gallery and sculpture garden showcasing numerous artists from across the U.S. Just off the Wimberley Square
13909 Ranch Road 12 • Wimberley, Texas
www.PitzersArt.com • 512-722-6032
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INDEX
HENLY
Texas Hill Country Locator Map
© 2015 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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Kiss the Cook brings magic to your kitchen
W
By Colleen Brooks
alking into Kiss The Cook is an inspiring experience sure to energize any cook, regardless of cooking level or style. From high quality knives, cookware, and quality cutting boards to fun gadgets, space saving storage and decorative aprons, you are sure to find fun and unique products that will leave you wondering how you ever functioned without them. Kiss The Cook was started by two best friends in Abilene in 1996. Current owners Janet Galloway and Bren Isgitt, also best friends, bought the shop two years later, moved to Wimberley in 2001 and opened a second store in Boerne in 2006. The two split their partnership in 2014, allowing Bren to focus on the Wimberley store and Janet to focus on the Boerne location. They also wanted something their families would be able to get involved in. The owners continue their friendship today. “Bren and I have very different styles that have definitely joined us together,” Janet says. Upon walking into the Wimberley location of Kiss the Cook, you’ll quickly notice quality products, colorful merchandise, and fun, hard to find accessories. Both locations promote products produced in the USA, including All Clad Cookware, USA Pan, and Lodge. You’ll also find great imports such as Wuesthoff and Swiss Diamond. Both stores test their products to make sure they are only selling quality goods. As Bren states, “we gotta be able to believe in it.” The Wimberley location also offers the “Village of Wimberley Cookbook,” created several years ago by the
Kitchen storage solutions aplenty at Kiss the Cook in Wimberley. Photo by Colleen Brooks. Wimberley Institute of Cultures for the preservation of the history of Wimberley. Bren says what she hears most often by newcomers is “Wow, I love this store. You have things that we can’t find anywhere else.” Kiss the Cook in Wimberley also hosts product demos in the store every Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm, which often includes samplings. Private cooking classes at your location are also offered. According to Bren, “We would be happy to go to someone’s home and have a three hour, hands on, intimate class.” Bren also says they can bring plenty of gadgets to show how cooking can be made easier. The friendly Kiss the Cook See KISS THE COOK, page 5
We carry -Texas roasted coffee, handcrafted soaps, & wine accessories..
Affordable items Made in Texas & North America
Unique Gifts
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Make Your Home a ‘Happy Home’.
.. Handpainted Stoneware, Antiques, Decorative Pillows, 1-of-kind items
13501 Ranch Rd 12 , Wimberley, next to the Mailstop in the Vineyard Open Wednesday – Sunday
PAGE 4 JANUARY 2015 R HILL COUNTRY SUN
Pottery and Fiesta® Ware at Kiss the Cook in Boerne. Photo courtesy Janet Galloway.
WIMBERLEY
KISS THE COOK, from page 4
EAGLE MOUNTAIN FLAGS • Flags & Flagpoles • Patriotic Gifts • Knives & Cutlery
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Bren Isgitt welcomes you to her charming kitchen essentials store, Kiss the Cook, on the Wimberley Square. Photo by Colleen Brooks.
“The Boot Whisperer”
Just off the Wimberley Square Olde Towne Plaza - 13709 RR 12
as seen on BBC World News July 2013
staff are also available for demonstrations at club meetings at no charge. Kiss the Cook in Boerne is located just off Main Street, behind Bear Moon Bakery. Here, Janet carries products similar to the Wimberley store, but says her two best sellers are Polish pottery and Fiesta® ware. The Boerne location also has a 700 square-foot teaching kitchen behind the store that seats 12. There, Janet says she hosts about nine cooking classes a year, including an intimate hands on, threecourse meal prep class. Topics vary, but she also offers a soup class, a brunch class, and a pie class. The pie class is the most popular, and covers more than just sweets, with the main course being a homemade, chicken pot pie. Participants also leave with a homemade crust. And, no matter what class you attend, Janet smiles, “you will leave very well fed.” Bren compares the cooking classes to an intimate dinner party at which everyone helps to prepare the meal. A bonus— each cooking class also includes
two glasses of wine. Kiss the Cook even offers a knife usage class. “We make sure everyone is through using the knives before bringing out the wine,” Janet laughs. If your New Year’s Resolution is to get organized or eat healthier, Kiss the Cook also offers a great selection of containers, spiral slicers (for making zucchini ribbons to replace pasta), Salad Sacs, even food scales. Planning a wedding in the spring? Be sure to inquire about the bridal registry. Bren says, “We have a friendly staff, ready to help.” Take your culinary skills to the next level by stopping into Kiss the Cook in Wimberley or Boerne. They will help get you organized and equipped with the right tools to take your cooking up a notch! FYI • Kiss the Cook in Wimberley is located on the square and open 7 days a week. Like them on Facebook at “Kiss the Cook Wimberley,” or call them at 512-847-1553. Kiss the Cook in Boerne is located just off Main and open daily except Sundays. “Like” them on Facebook at “Kiss the Cook” or call 830-249-3637. You can learn more about the products they carry and cooking classes by visiting the web site at www.kissthecooktx.com.
512-847-1219 www.koolboots.com
“Go for a consultation with the Boot Whisperer, who reads feet like a psychic reads palms.” Texas Monthly, August 2010 Open by appointment. Please call in advance 512-293-4890.
Send Calendar Events to melissa@hillcountrysun.com 5.25”x6.25” CMYK HCSun A Luxury Bed & Breakfast on Cypress Creek.
Adjacent to Blue Hole and within walking distance to the Wimberley Village Square. Texas Hill Country elegance is yours at this secluded paradise, lush in natural settings, exquisite décor and gracious hospitality. We are your perfect setting for a romantic getaway, intimate wedding, retreat or meeting. Special treats: • Outdoor hot tub • 600 feet of private access to Cypress Creek • Delicious breakfast buffet • Friday evening guest reception • Schedule an in-room massage • Romance packages for that special occasion
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HILL COUNTRY SUN R JANUARY 2015 PAGE 5
DRIPPING SPRINGS
Suzy Moehring Mallard hill country Parks
Start your New Year with a hike
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
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I
lost 30 pounds a couple of years ago by walking my dogs every day. Rain or shine, we were up at 5:45 am, the Boston terrier girl and pug-terrier boy squeaking, run-wiggling, and chest-bumping when they realized I was putting on my walking shoes for them. We started at two miles each morning, and I upped it over the months to four miles with a stop at home in the middle to refill my coffee go-cup and pick up more, you know, plastic poo bags. I always knew the walk was important to Jack and Hennessey, and I realized how important it was to me when I put that daily walk with the dogs close to the top of my “purpose in life” list. Really, a walk with the dogs. They can’t walk themselves, and they
get so much pleasure out of all the new smells and just being out of their back yard and house. And I enjoy how stars, the moon, native plants, trees, birds, and the sunrises change over days and months. There’s something really comforting about knowing the japonica bush in my neighbor’s yard a few blocks away will have the first blooms I see every spring. OK, so I’ve stepped over into philosophy here, but it’s for a good thing— kickstarting any plans you might have to drop a few pounds or adopt a healthier lifestyle or just wonder at nature in 2015. It’s time again for First Day Hikes, an annual event January 1 in Texas parks. First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks to get people outdoors, with more than 400 hikes See HILL COUNTRY PARKS, page 7
6-Week Classes Start the Week of January 19! Drawing and Painting • Sculpture/3-D Art Bonjour Art • Homeschoolers Art • Preschoolers Art
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www.cunninghamorthodontics.com First Day Hike last January at Pedernales Falls State Park east of Johnson City. Photo courtesy Texas Parks and Wildlife.
scheduled this year in all 50 states. Kids and adults all across America will be participating in First Day Hikes, getting their hearts pumping and enjoying the beauty of a state park. January 1, 2015 will mark the fourth consecutive year Texas state parks will participate in the nation’s First Day Hikes initiative, which is being coordinated by the National Association of State Park Directors. This past New Year’s Day, for the first time, First Day Hikes took place in all 50 states, drawing nearly 28,000 people who hiked 68,811 miles. First Day Hikes originated more than 20 years ago at the Blue Hills Reservation, a Massachusetts state park. “Our third annual First Day Hikes initiative proved a resounding success, drawing even more people who made a physical statement about how they intend to live their lives,” says Brent Leisure, Texas State Parks director. “There’s something symbolic about getting outside and visiting a state park on this day in particular. So, whether you’re motivated by the beauty of nature, want to shed a few pounds or simply desire to spend quality time with family, we invite you to head to a nearby state park on New Year’s Day and join the fun.” Last January, Mother Neff State Park drew the most First Day hikers, hosting 204 people. But Pedernales Falls wasn’t too far behind with 129 hikers. This year, Pedernales Falls will host a January 1 hike that is five miles on some of the backwoods trails off the main trails. Guadalupe River State Park will host its First Day Hike on New Year’s Eve at 11:30 pm: warm cider, a walk, and welcome the New Year with coyote calls. At Garner State Park, you can
start off your New Year by hiking to the top of Old Baldy. And Colorado Bend State Park is sponsoring a First Day Hike in Lampasas at 26-acre Cooper Spring Nature Park, one block from the Lampasas town square. It doesn’t really matter where you walk or hike, but this column is about state parks so if you can get to a state park on January 1, do it. But if you can’t, just get outside. Get outside and walk, and keep walking and breath deep. Happy New Year.
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Young jazz phenom presents hometown show January 16 WIMBERLEY H Don’t miss Dylan Meek January 16 as he presents a piano and jazz concert at Wimberley United Methodist Church in the main sanctuary. Doors open at 7 pm, music starts at 7:30 pm. Tickets are a $15 donation at the door, students get in free for this solo performance. Dylan has performed more than 200 solo shows in Manhattan and Brooklyn this past year — his goal is to share his mixture of jazz, gospel, blues and dynamic improvisation in an exciting night of song and performance. Known for “packing the house,” his return to Wimberley is a tribute to his love for his hometown. Having graduated from the New School of Jazz in Manhattan last year, Dylan now resides in Brooklyn after Jazz pianist Dylan Meek. living in Boston and New York since Photo courtesy Dylan Meek. leaving Wimberley at age 18. His past powerhouse performances at The Wimberley Jazz Festival, Chapel in the Hills and the Wimberley United Methodist Church have become local legend. Regularly performing with some of New York’s greats in the jazz world, Dylan has also played and recorded with some of NYC’s well known hip hop musicians and bands. He will be traveling to Los Angeles two days after his Wimberley concert to record with red-hot recording artists “Vintage Trouble” and has been collaborating on compositions with soul singer Ty Taylor. “I am very excited about my upcoming three month stint in L.A. It is going to be a great adventure,” says Dylan. Additionally, Dylan recently agreed to be a member of the legendary Alex Blakes’s (McCoy Tyner) new band in Manhattan, starting in spring 2015. In June 2015 he will be a featured performer for the second time at Highlights in Jazz, New York’s longest running jazz festival. Dylan is the protégé of Jimmy Neeley. FYI • For more information, call 512-963-4958 or email DylanMeekMusicNYC@gmail.com
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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. Free music shows Monday through Thursday nights, 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. 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. 512-8587960. EVERY TUESDAY through SUNDAY WIMBERLEY: A premier hand blown glass lighting and art glass studio since 1992, Wimberley Glassworks hosts glass blowing demonstrations for travelers and art glass enthusiasts from around the world. wgw.com, 512-213-2110. FIRST TUESDAYS BANDERA: Cowboy Capital Opry. Silver Sage Senior Center. 830-796-4969. SECOND TUESDAYS Wimberley: Art Society of Wimberley (ASW) meets at 6:30 pm at Art Room, 100 Melody Way, Suite H. Email msalaun@austin.rr.com for more information. THIRD TUESDAYS NEW BRAUNFELS: Country Music Show. Knights of Columbus. 830-6294547. 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 Highway 290 and Ranch Road 12. March to December, rain or shine. www.cityofdrippingsprings. com. WIMBERLEY: Farmers’ Market. Senior Citizen’s Activity Center on Ranch Road 12. 512-264-1637. 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 downtown shops, enjoy downtown restaurants, art and shopping. www.discoverbuda.com. SECOND THURSDAY WIMBERLEY: Hill Country Bead Society Meets. Wimberley Community Center. 1 pm. Marilyn Pierce at mp@ smpierce.net. FIRST AND THIRD THURSDAY CANYON LAKE: Noon Lions meet 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. 512847-5464. 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 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 Wimberley Village Library. 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. WIMBERLEY: Wimberley Community Civic Club Meeting. (September through November, January through May) 11 am at Chapel in the Hills, 14601 Ranch Road 12. If you are not a member, contact Milly Maxey at millymaxey@gmail.com or Aurora LeBrun at 512-847-3595 to attend. THIRD FRIDAY WIMBERLEY: Wimberley Parkinson Association Meets at Chapel in the Hills Community Church.. Hear speakers informative on subjects pertaining to Parkinson, members share happenings in their lives. 11 am at 14601 Ranch Road 12. Call Gae Koen at 512-847-7953.
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
800-528-2104 • www.canyonlakechamber.com
Send calendar events to melissa@hillcountrysun.com
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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. BANDERA: Flying L Ranch Chuck Wagon Dinner. Enjoy barbecue, wagon rides, roping lessons, branding, archery, old fashioned photos and entertainment. www.flyingl.com, 800-292-5134. BEE CAVE: Thundering Paws Animal Sanctuary Adoptions at PetSmart. Noon to 4 pm. 12812 Shops Parkway. www.thunderingpaws.org. COMFORT: Area Farmer’s Market. 8 am to 1 pm. Comfort Park, Highway 27. 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: Tour Jacob’s Well. Hear stories about floods, divers, experience beauty of spring that started the town. 10 am. www.jacobswellspring.org. WIMBERLEY: Arnosky Family Farms Market. Flowers, vegetables, cheeses and much more. Ranch Road 2325, Highway 165. 830-833-5428. FIRST SATURDAY BANDERA: Market Days. Courthouse Square. 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 and fun begins 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. SECOND SATURDAY CASTROVILLE: Market Trail Days. Houston Square. 830-539-2316. SECOND AND FOURTH SATURDAY WIMBERLEY: Toastmasters Club, learn
PAGE 10 JANUARY 2015 R HILL COUNTRY SUN
public speaking and leadership skills. 10:30 am at the Wimberley Village Library. 512-913-4804 for information. 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. Food, artisans, vendors and more. 830-868-7684, JohnsonCityTexasChamber.com. JANUARY 1 BANDERA: Cowgirl Round-up and ShowDeo. Celebrate cowgirl heritage with showmanship, dressage and riding events, listen to storytellers and singers. Hill Country State Natural Area. www. banderacowboycapital.com. FREDERICKSBURG: Black-Eyed Pea and Cornbread Cook-off. Partake of peas on New Year’s Day and have good luck throughout the year. Also enjoy live music, wine and food. Torre di Pietra Vineyards. www.torredipietra.com. GRUENE: Hair of the Dog Day. Enjoy free live music all day at oldest continuously open dance hall in Texas. Gruene Hall. www.gruenehall.com. KYLE: Kyle-o-Meter Resolution Run. Includes a 5K race, Kids’ Dash. Wallace Middle School. www.kylechamber.org. KYLE: Polar Bear Splash. Brave swimmers jump into a new year at the pool, 1100 West Center Street. www.cityofkyle.com/recreation, 512-262-3939. JANUARY 1-4 AUSTIN: “The Making of ‘Gone With the Wind’” This exhibition is drawn from producer David O. Selznick’s archive. Harry Ransom Center. www.hrc. utexas.edu/exhibitions. AUSTIN: James Drake: Anatomy of Drawing and Space. Blanton Museum of Art. www.blantonmuseum.org. FREDERICKSBURG: Eisbahn. Outdoor ice skating in the Marktplatz, West Main at North Adams. www.skateinfred.com. KERRVILLE: Starving Artists’ Sale at Kerr Arts and Cultural Center. 228 Earl Garrett Street. www.kacckerrville.com. JANUARY 1 – FEBRUARY 15 AUSTIN: “La l’nea continua.” Exhibit features approximately 70 works from the Judy and Charles Tate Collection of Latin American art, including works by many artists key to creation of modernism in Latin America. Blanton Museum of Art. www.blantonmuseum.org. JANUARY 2 FREDERICKSBURG: First Friday Art Walk. Tour fine art galleries offering special exhibits, demonstrations,
refreshments and extended viewing hours. www.ffawf.com. JANUARY 9 UVALDE: Square Friday. Shopping, food, live music and art from 6 pm to 9 pm. Downtown. www.visituvalde.com. JANUARY 9-10 AUSTIN: Alison Balsom performs Work for Trumpet with the Austin Symphony Orchestra. Long Center’s Dell Hall. 8 pm. 512-474-6064, www.austinsymphony.org. JANUARY 10 BANDERA: Bandera 100K, 50K and 25K at Hill Country State Natural Area. www.tejastrails.com/Bandera. BOERNE: Second Saturday Art and Wine. Enjoy complimentary beverages and hors d’oeuvres with art in local galleries. Various locations. www.secondsaturdayartandwine.com. KERRVILLE: “POPS” Concert. Cailloux Theater. www.symphonyofthehills.org. NEW BRAUNFELS: Roy Rogers Jr. with the Diamond W Wranglers in Concert. Begins at 7:30 pm. Brauntex Theatre. www.brauntex.org or www.innewbraunfels.com. JANUARY 10-11 BOERNE: Market Days. Hundreds of booths, food and entertainment. Main Plaza. www.boernemarketdays.com. JANUARY 11 BANDERA: Frontier Times Museum Cowboy Camp. Enjoy listening to traditional cowboy music or bring your own guitar and join the song circle. 1 pm to 5 pm at Frontier Times Museum. www. frontiertimesmuseum.org. KERRVILLE: “Vocal Trash.” Electrifying theatrical show features a cappella harmonies, urban-style break dance and mesmerizing drumming. Cailloux Theater, 910 Main Street. 830-896-9393. JANUARY 12 WIMBERLEY: Wimberley Community Chorus Call for Singers. Come sing with us! Singers from Hays and surrounding counties are welcome. Rehearsals begin for the spring season at 6:45 pm. Wimberley United Methodist Church, 1200 County Road 1492. Contact Dixie Camp at 512-517-3111 or visit www. wimberleycommunitychorus.org. JANUARY 15 WIMBERLEY: Susanna’s Kitchen presents Slaid Cleaves. Intimate smoke- and alcohol-free venue is a great place to enjoy the music of this talented singer-songwriter. Show starts at 7:30 pm; doors open by 7 pm. Corner of Ranch Road 12 and County Road 1492. $15. Free childcare; pie, tamales, coffee and soft drinks. www.wimberleyumc.org JANUARY 15-17 JOHNSON CITY: Blanco County Youth Stock Show. Blanco County Fairgrounds. blanco.agrilife.org. JANUARY 16-18 FREDERICKSBURG: Trade Days. Shop
Hill country calendar with more than 350 vendors in six barns at 355 Sunday Farms Lane. www.fbgtradedays.com. JANUARY 17 JOHNSON CITY: 12th Annual Chili Cook-Off Dinner and Silent Auction. 6 pm. First Baptist Church. 830-868-7252. KERRVILLE: 290 Texas House Concert Series hosts Josh Grider and Kristi Grider. 7 pm. $20. Limited seating, make reservations early. www.290texas.com. SPICEWOOD: Albert and Gage in Concert. Tickets required. Begins at 7 pm. Spicewood Vineyards Event pm. www. spicewoodarts.org. WIMBERLEY: Dylan Meek in Concert. Enjoy a solo piano and jazz concert in the main sanctuary. Doors open at 7 pm, music starts at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $15 at the door, students get in free. Wimberley United Methodist Church. 512-963-4958 or DylanMeekMusicNYC@gmail.com. JANUARY 17-18 AUSTIN: Citywide Garage Sale Palmer Events Center. www.cwgs.com. FREDERICKSBURG: Hill Country Gem and Mineral Show. Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park. www.fredericksburgrockhounds.org JANUARY 18 AUSTIN: The Austin Chamber Music Center Presents “Sublime Movement.” First Unitarian Church. www.austinchambermusic.org. AUSTIN: The Stone Soup Sessions. Musicians sit in a circle and each take a turn sharing a song or tune of their choice, solo or with others joining in. Texas Music Museum, 1109 East 11th Street, 512-750-8142. JANUARY 20 AUSTIN: Martin Luther King Festival. Join the march from the University of Texas to Huston- Tillotson to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in a multicultural celebration. mlkcelebration.com. JANUARY 22 WIMBERLEY: Flavor and Fire Chili Cook Off and Cupcake Wars. Enjoy an evening of chili, cupcakes and community at Katherine Anne Porter School, a free, public charter high school with students from Hays, Blanco, Travis and Comal Counties. Serving chili, sides and desserts from 5:30 pm to 8 pm at 515 Farm Market 2325 (next to Lions Market Field). For information, visit www. kapschool.org or call 512-847-6867. JANUARY 23 NEW BRAUNFELS: The Oak Ridge Boys in Concert. 7:30 pm. Brauntex Theater. www.brauntex.org. JANUARY 24 AUSTIN: Tree Talk Winter Walk. Learn about native trees and shrubs in this program led by staff and local experts. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. www.wildflower.org/events. BANDERA: Wild Game Dinner. Mans-
field Park Show Barn, 2886 Highway 16 North. 830-796-3091. LUCKENBACH: Luckenbach Blues Festival. Luckenbach Texas Dance Hall. www.luckenbachtexas.com. JANUARY 30 BOERNE: Canadian Brass in Concert. Champion High Auditorium. www. boerneperformingarts.com. JANUARY 31 FREDERICKSBURG: Hill Country Indian Artifact Show at Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park. www.hillcountryartifacts.com. FEBRUARY 6-7 SAN MARCOS: Eddie Durham Jazz Celebration and Hill Country Jazz Festival. Texas State University. www.txstate.edu/jazzstudies. FEBRUARY 8 DRIPPING SPRINGS: Bridal Showcase. DS Ranch Park Banquet Room. 1 pm to 5 pm. weddingcapitaloftexas.org. FEBRUARY 13-15 LUCKENBACH: Luckenbach Hug-In and Valentine Ball. www.luckenbachtexas.com. FEBRUARY 14-15 BOERNE: Boerne Market Days. Main Plaza.www.boernemarketdays.com FEBRUARY 14 BOERNE: Chocolate Walk. Tickets include map of businesses, a bag to collect treats and a raffle ticket. www. ci.boerne.tx.us, 830-249-9511 option 5. NEW BRAUNFELS: Three Redneck Tenors. Brauntex Theater. www.innewbraunfels.com. FEBRUARY 28 NEW BRAUNFELS: The Sophienburg Museum and Archives Prost! BrauFest and 5K. 5K run, CrossFit competition, craft beer tasting and a home-brew contest. Sophienburg Museum and Archives. www.innewbraunfels.com
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