Bastrop Town & Country Spring Journal 2023

BASTROP TOWN & COUNTRY

RENEW! body & soul; right here, right now.

Take Four Days to Hike Big Bend

THE STATE OF THE TOAD REPORT ART: A CHANGE IN VISION

Spring Journal I S S U E

N O .

1 1

M A R C H

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A P R I L

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M A Y

2 0 2 3

05

Editor's Note

08

Plant this Now

09

Pickleball Bastrop

12

RENEW: body & soul

14

Invest in Historic

16

Spring Calendar

18

Spring Lasagna

21

Community Update

25

Meet Vicky Balcou

26

Do Big Bend in 4 Days

512.619.5322

1015 MAIN ST. BASTROP

By Appointment

Design Services

Desiree Laux – Founder/Designer

Home Furnishings

Desiree@BlackandWhiteInteriors.com

Window Treatments

A NOTE FROM THE EDITORS

Hello,

Again

Welcome to our Spring Issue! We saw signs in February that the wildflowers are blooming early this year. We were preparing a great article with the help of AgriLife about planting fruit trees but we soon realized trees were already budding, which means it's too late to plant fruit trees with best results. We pulled the story last minute. That's OK;

Grabbing a cold one in Terlingua.

this is our eleventh issue and with your continued encouragement, we will be around next year to finish that article about planting fruit trees in Bastrop County.

If you're chomping at the bit to get out on the open road to see wildflowers, maybe you'll be up for a short trip to Big Bend. We submit to you in this issue an itinerary for a very satisfying four-day trip.

We also needed to satisfy our curiosity about several local topics including, how 'bout dem toads?

So, we brought back our "Community Update" feature which is a catchall for anything we think you might want to know about or have, like us, been wondering about. I've said it before, "I don't want to

Email us at BastropMagazine@gmail.com or look for us on Facebook

miss a thing. Do you?"

This issue has the theme of Renewal running through it, but we don't mean a sleepy wake-up and stretch kind of Renewal. We're exploring ideas to renew your fervor, reawaken your zeal and stoke your passion for living your best life. Just like those wildflowers and tree buds who can hardly wait to burst forth, we've got lots of local inspiration to guide us to an exciting springtime, starting right now!

Sincerely yours, Karen Derr and Jon Ryan Publishers and Editors On the cover: Bastrop/Elgin yoga studio owner and instructor Katy Gassaway. Photo by Weston Carls.

Hiking trails in Big Bend National Park.

Photo courtesy of Black and White Interiors. Designed by Desiree Laux. BlackkandWhiteInteriors.com

A UNIQUE STYLE

Bastrop has a style all its own and those who make their home here take advantage of being a small town, near the big city, in the middle of Texas's big country. Bastropians are dark skywatchers, golfers, ranchers, a little horsey, artsy, outdoorsy, Main Street dreamers, who love local. If you'd like to reach Bastrop County residents, try an ad in Bastrop Town & Country magazine. It's mailed to owner-occupied homes and ranches across Bastrop County. Call Advertising Sales at 512-720-8290 or email BastropMagazine@gmail.com.

Plant This Now...

Early March: Plant Asparagus Crowns, Collards, Turnips Mid to Late March: Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Peppers, Pumpkin, Squash, Watermelon All March: Beans, Lettuce, Mustards, Radish Seeds, Tomato Plants Early to Mid April: Peppers, Squash, Tomato Plants, Radish Seeds All April: Beans, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant Plants, Okra, Peanuts, Pumpkins, Southern Peas, Sweet Potato Slips, Tomatillos, Watermelons All May: Sunchoke, Jicama, Malabar Spinach, Okra, Peanuts, Pumpkins, Southern Peas, Sweet Potato Slips, Tomatillos, Watermelons

Master Gardner Dolores Leeper is the editor of the Garden Guide for Austin & Vicinity and the Secretary/Treasurer for the Bastrop 1832 Farmers' Market.

Page 8

FRESH AT A FARMERS' MARKET NEAR YOU The Bastrop 1832 Farmers’ Market is open every Saturday 10 am to 2 pm.

Bastrop1832FarmersMarket.org Lost Pines Farmers Market open Sunday - 12-4 Community Gardens Bastrop 1067 Hwy 71 W - Follow them on Facebook Elgin's Farmers Market open Thursday - 4pm to 7pm Veterans' Memorial Park. ElginFarmersMarket.com The East Eden Farm Stand at 1910 Main Street Bastrop, Open 4-7 PM Wednesdays, 9-1 Saturdays. edeneastaustin.com/farm/

BASTROP'S FASTEST GROWING SPORT EVERBODY'S PICKLIN'... ...Or at least it seems that way in Bastrop County. If you're a fan of tennis, badminton, or ping-pong, then you'll love pickleball! This fast-paced and fun racquet sport is taking Bastrop Texas by storm and it's easy to see why. Pickleball is played on a smaller court than tennis, with a lower net and paddles. Bastrop Area Pickleball Association President Gary Moss says, "Think of it as ping-pong on the ground." The game is played with a plastic ball, similar to a Wiffle ball, and can be played indoors or outdoors. It's a great activity for people of all ages and skill levels, as it's easy to learn but also offers plenty of room for strategy and skill development.

If you're looking to play pickleball in Bastrop County, the Bastrop Area Pickleball Association has developed the Bastrop Pickleball Complex at 141 Tahitian Drive in Bastrop. They are a 501(c3) with dues of $120 per year. Scholarships are available for players 18 years old and younger.There is currently open play on Tues., Thurs. and Sat. mornings from 7 until 11. Evening play is Sunday and Wednesday from 5 until 8. Ladies' night is held on Thursdays from 5 until 8. Get more information at www.BastropPickleball.org or follow them on Facebook.

Pictured above: Bastrop player Amy Schumacher. Photos courtesy of Kim Farbo.

IN GOOD FORM AT THE BAPA COMPLEX Dustin Bartee

BAPA Pickle Ball Complex at 141 Tahitian Dr. Bastop.

Pickleball was invented in 1965 by two dads looking to give their bored kids something fun to do. Joel Pritchard, a congressman from Washington State and Bill Bell, a successful businessman, designed the game so different ages could play together. Like ping pong, kids can even play with grandparents. The name of the game has been the subject of much "controversy," but we're sticking with the story that the name is a reference to the throwntogether leftover non-starters in the “pickle boat” of crew racing. Pritchard and Bell made the game up over one weekend using an asphalt badminton court, some ping-pong paddles and a perforated ball they had on hand. The name had nothing to do with the family dog Pickles which may or may not have been named for the game years later.

Tim Griddine Sr.

The Bastrop Area Pickleball Association (BAPA) currently has six lighted courts and they are currently working on six more at the previous Tahitian Village tennis courts. There is a pro shop called the Pickle Jar where BAPA swag and of course, paddles and balls are available for purchase. A practice board is also in the works.

With 35 million Americans playing the sport on some level in 2022, it's no wonder BAPA has grown to 270 paying members in just a year. Home courts are also becoming more and more popular because the net is lightweight and removable and the smaller size court can fit more easily on residential lots.

BAPA offers beginners' clinics regularly at no charge. Catch one by following them on Facebook. For more go to USpickleball.org or Bastroppickleball.org.

Christina Palomino

Why Choose Ally Medical Complete service ER Open 24/7 Compassionate and patient centered care On-site lab On-site X-ray, ultrasound, and CT scan Flexible billing Little to no wait

512 W. Hwy. 71 Bastrop, TX. 78602 512-321-0911 www.AllyMedical.com

TAKE A CUE FROM NATURE

RENEW FOR SPRING With a change in weather, the air is literally singing with the excitement nature brings at this time of year. You may or may not be crushing goals you set in the new year, but spring is the perfect season to get inspired and renew your resolve to be your best, do your best and live your best life.

Bastrop County is a great place to take a cue from nature regarding renewal. We can experience it all around us at this time of year, in our many parks, along the river and on our country roads through rolling hills, green pastures and pine trees.

Bastrop's Dr. Sandra Dunkin, MD shares, “Hiking in nature is one of my favorite mindfulness practices.”

Dr. Dunkin graduated summa cum laude from Texas A&M University with a bachelor of science degree in Nutritional Sciences. She attended medical school at Texas A&M University College of Medicine in College Station where she obtained her Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. She completed her four year residency training in general psychiatry at The University of Texas Dell Medical School in Austin and now serves Austin and Central Texas from her office in downtown Bastrop.

She advises, "Spring is a great opportunity for new perspectives. Often we get stuck in an old thought pattern that brings the same old negative emotions. Look for a new way to think about a situation that can result in a renewed and more tranquil state. My best advice is to ask yourself, “Is that thought helpful?”

“Spring work is going on with joyful enthusiasm.”

John Muir, Scottish American author and naturalist.

Dr. Sandra Dunkin, MD, BrainWellPsychiatry.com

Page 12

Fresh Outlook Best-selling author Ryan Holiday has millions of followers for his daily dose of ancient knowledge for modern Stoics. Courage is Calling isn't Holiday's latest book but it's a fine one to start with if you're looking for inspiration to ignite a zeal and sense of purpose in your life. Through engaging tales of heroes, both historic and modern, he urges us to heed the call of courage in our own lives. The courage to speak out, stand up or even launch that business you've been dreaming of that is much needed in your community.

He and his wife opened an independent bookstore in Bastrop during the pandemic. He warns not to judge others as brave or cowardly, but to look inward and practice courage every day in your own life so you're ready to act, without hesitation, when your own unique destiny presents itself.

Available at the Painted Porch Bookshop 912 Main St. Bastrop DailyStoic.com

Refresh

BT&C asked local yogi and owner of Body & Shine Wellness, Katy Gassaway to speak to us about renewal.

"For me, the best thing to do for a fresh start is clear space-physically, mentally, emotionally, energetically. What am I holding onto that no longer serves me? If I can let go of what I don't need, I'm creating opportunity for new things to come along. Whether it's cleaning my house, donating clothes I don't wear anymore, unfollowing social media accounts that no longer inspire me, doing my best to catch negative thought patterns--every little bit helps!"

Katy's long awaited Bastrop studio is now open at 1005 Chestnut, Her Elgin location is at 28 N. Main in Elgin.

Katy Gassaway of Body & Shine Yoga BodyandShineWellness.com

REBOOT Ever notice the first fix recommended when a computer or device isn't working properly is to turn it off and then on again?, If you're experiencing sleep disruption, lack of focus for healthy habits like exercise, or withdrawal from socializing, you might benefit from unplugging from digital devices and/or social media for a digital detox. Even if you can't unplug completely or for an extended time because of work, just setting limits can have benefits. Implement your detox plan in a way that doesn't cause even more stress for you. It's easy to take a break from gaming and social media. Replace it with reading, exercise, or socializing. Remember scrolling or gaming addiction, just like any other, can deter us from focusing on the things that are important to us. If we learned nothing else from the pandemic, it is that social skills take practice and can suffer without in-person interaction.

BOUTIQUE

A storied history, the second floor of 707 Chestnut was once a private club for men only.

V I N T A G E C O M M E R C I A L B U I L D I N G S : I N V E S T I N G I N

H I S T O R Y

707 Chestnut first floor currently a wine bar +-4000 sf on 2 levels offered at $1.4-million.

Historic downtown Bastrop offers several lofty spaces for commercial and/or residential living. 707 and 713 Chestnut, shown here, are circa 1892 and have been meticulously updated while preserving exposed brick walls, some original long-leaf pine floors, high ceilings, and lovely storefronts with frontage on the main thoroughfare in Bastrop.

Main Street programming and shop local campaigns support a vibrant central business district that attracts visitors from around the country. It seems charming never goes out of style.

713 Chestnut.About 3500sf on one level offered at $995,000 by Karen Derr Realty Group/Compass RE

713 Chestnut, currently an event and shared work space.

For more information about 707 or 713 Chestnut St. in Bastrop contract Karen Derr Realty Group / Compass RE 512-720-8290

An historic residential loft above a wine bar with courtyard; Doesn't that sound nice?

Especially if that loft is in charming downtown Bastrop Texas, walking distance to the Colorado River and the best restaurants Bastrop has to offer. 707 Chestnut has two baths, one private bedroom plus flexible loft space which could be a spacious primary bedroom.

Offered at $1.4-million.

Dr. Sandra Dunkin, MD serves Austin and the Central Texas area at her Bastrop psychiatry practice.

Access psychiatric wellness.

713 Chestnut.About 3500sf on one level offered at $995,000 by Karen Derr Realty Group/Compass RE

BrainWell Psychiatry and Mental Health

909 Pecan Street Bastrop, TX 512-360-8488 BrainwellPsychiatry.com

Anxiety and Mood Disorders - Psychotic Disorders - Eating Disorders - Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD) Autism Spectrum Disorder -Alcohol Use Disorder & other Substance Use Disorders Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) -Cognitive Processing Therapy - Insomnia - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia

SPRING

is h t g n i n e p Hap Mar. 1st - 31st The Bastrop Museum & Visitor Center is proud to announce the Historic Fashion Special Exhibition featuring fashion from the 1800s through the mid-20th century. Free & open to the public 10 am – 5 pm. Everyone is welcome!

March 3rd, 2023 5:00 PM - Sunday, March 5th, 2023 12:00 PM Texas Independence Day Jam at Rising Sun Vineyards -Three days of music, food, great Texas wine, and beer! - Friday kick of music fest at 5 PM with a delicious New Mexican style asada chili dinner. Saturday music starting at 12 PM and famous pig roast dinner that evening. Sunday is Bloody Mary breakfast taco and gospel music brunch at 9 AM. Bring your tent or RV and camp out in the vineyard all weekend!

Apr. 1st April Fools Day Apr. 2nd - Palm Sunday Apr. 5th - Pass Over Apr. 7th - Good Friday Apr. 7th - Garden party dinner at Eden East Farm, 1910 Main Street.

Bastrop.More info to come at StoreHouseBastrop.com or info@StoreHouseBastrop.com

Mar. 3rd-4th Glorious Succulents- Watercolor Workshop by Carol Apr. 9th - Easter Sunday - See pg. 19 for local brunch venues.

Sue Witt - Level: Beginner/Intermediate, Friday, March 3rd, 1-5:00 pm + Saturday, March 4th, 10 am-4:30 pm. (with a lunch break).No drawing Apr. 13th - Open Mic at Coppershot Distillery sign-up starts at 6:00 is necessary, guest Instructor, Carol Sue Witt, signature member of theTexas Watercolor Society. art@lostpinesartcenter.org, or call 512.321.8055.

Apr. 14 - 30th Little Women - Bastrop Opera House Fri-Sat - 7:30, Sun - 2:30, Phone: (512) 200-3826 Price: $25 BastropOperaHouse.org Mar. 4th - Apr. 23rd - 14th Annual Sherwood Forest Faire medievalthemed festival running for eight weeks in the woods near McDade, Texas. The event includes over 150 shows daily and 170 artisans.

Apr. 20 - 23, Smithville Jamboree - Live Music, Carnival, Parades. www.jamboreesmithville.com Mar. 4th - 5th Community Gardens presents the 5th Annual Home and Garden Show of Bastrop. "8 acres of Home & Garden inspiration all on one property!” Entertainment, Vendors, Food, Drinks & Fun Saturday 10 AM- 5 PM, Sunday 10 AM- 4 PM Mar. 4 - Date Night** Movies in Bob Bryant Park. Starts at Sundown.

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (Adult Oriented) BYOB / Food Vendors Offsite Child Care - Call 512-331-2201

Apr. 22nd Earth Day Apr. 23 - Table on Main- Historic Downtown Bastrop 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM Imagine an evening with friends, sharing thoughtfully-made local food and drinks at a community table in the heart of Historic Downtown Bastrop, underneath the Texas sky. More info at VisitBastrop.com

Mar 4 - Bastrop River Co. regular season opens. Regular Season (March – November), Saturday & Sunday 8am-5pm.

Latest start time for Short Day Trip is 2pm. Located at Fisherman' s Park May 5th Cinco De Mayo (512) 321-4661 Mar. 9th Open Mic at Coppershot Distillery - Sign Up Starts at 6:00pm

May 5th & 6th Kentucky Derby

Mar. 10 - 26th, Addams Family the Musical - Bastrop Opera House, Fri- May 14th - Mother's Day. See pg. 19 for local brunch venues.

Sat - 7:30, Sun -2:30 (512) 200-3826, $25 BastropOperaHouse.org May19 - June 4th, The Music Man - Bastrop Opera House Fri-Sat Mar. 12th Daylight Savings Time 7:30, Sun - 2:30, (512) 200-3826 Price: $25 BastropOperaHouse.org Mar. 17th St. Patrick's Day Mar. 18th - 19th Lost Pines Card & Collectibles Show - Presented By: Force of Will Gaming. Bastrop Convention & Exhibit Center Price: $10 weekend pass / $7 daily pass Kids 10 & under Free 100+ vendors with collectibles from sports cards, Pokemon & more.

Mar. 22nd beginning of Ramadan

Page 16

May 21st - Annual Tomato Dinner at Eden East Farm, 1910 Main Street. Bastrop.More info to come at StoreHouseBastrop.com or info@StoreHouseBastrop.com May 29 Memorial Day

Live Music Mar. 3 Ryan DeSiato Live at Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 7 - 10 PM

Apr. 21 X-Factor live at Copper Shot Distillery 7 - 10 PM

Mar. 3 Glenn Collins and the Alibis live at Copper Shot Distillery7 - 10 PM

Apr. 22 Tish & the Mizzbehavins live at Copper Shot Distillery 7 - 10 PM

Mar. 4 Gary Cain Band live at The Fat Cat Lounge 7 - 9 PM

Apr. 22 Morgan Ashley live at Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 7:30 - 10:30 PM

Mar. 4 The Dustin Toliver Band live at Copper Shot Distillery 7 - 10 PM

Apr. 23 Lizzie Street live at Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 5 - 8 PM

Mar. 4 Vin Mott live at Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 7 - 10 PM

Apr. 28 JJ & the Mystics live at Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 7:30 - 10:30 PM

Mar. 5 Ruby Dice live at Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 5 - 8 PM

Apr. 29 Dom Cours & Company live at Copper Shot Distillery 7 -10 PM

Mar. 10 The Ben Zuniga Band live at Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 7 - 10 PM

Apr. 29 Keen Country Band live at Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 7:30 10:30 PM

Mar. 10 Rochelle and the Sidewinders Live at Copper Shot Distillery 7 - 10 PM

Apr. 30 Randy Collier & Jeff Robertson live at Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 5 - 8 PM

Mar. 11 Blackbird Sign live at Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 7 - 10 PM

May 5 Taylor Graves - The Tombstone Trio at Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 7:30 10:30 PM

Mar. 11 Chasing Gypsy Live at Copper Shot Distillery 7 -10 PM

May 5 Marcus Morales Band live at Copper Shot Distillery 7 - 10 PM

Mar. 11 Chris Dautre Group live at The Fat Cat Lounge 7 - 9 PM

May 6 Ben Zuniga Band live at Copper Shot Distillery 7 - 10 PM

Mar. 12 Lindsay Beavers & Brad Stivers at Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 5 - 8 PM

May 6 Rochelle and the Sidewinders live at Neighbors Kitchen & yard 7:30 - 10:30 PM

Mar. 17 Ted Russell Kamp & Friends at Neighbors 7:30 - 10:30 PM

May 7 Ella Reid live at Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 5 - 8 PM

Mar. 17 Jamie Krueger Group live at Copper Shot Distillery 7 - 10 PM

May 12Michael Anthony Trio live at Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 7:30 - 10:30 PM

Mar. 18 Blues in the Night live at Copper Shot Distillery 7 - 10 PM

May 13 Everett Wren live at Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 7:30 - 10:30 PM

Mar. 18 Eric Demmer Band at Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 7:30 - 10:30 PM

May 14 Lindsay Beavers & Brad Stivers live at Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 5 - 8 PM

Mar. 19 Ryan Paul Davis live at Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 5 -8 PM

May 19 Oscar Ornelas Trio live at Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 7:30 10:30 PM

Mar. 24 Hannah Wright & Midnight Revelry at Neighbors 7:30 - 10:30 PM

May 20 Chubby Knuckle Choir live at Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 7:30 -10:30 PM

Mar. 24 The Murdochs live at Copper Shot Distillery 7 - 10 PM

May 21 Troy Stone live at Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 5 - 8 PM

Mar. 25 Dom Cours & Company live at Copper Shot Distillery 7 - 10 PM

May 26 Natalie Metcalf live at Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 7:30 1-:30 PM

Mar. 25 Chris Dautre Group live at Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 7:30 - 10:30

May 28 Danny Brooks & Lil Miss Debbie live at Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 5 - 8 PM

Mar. 26 Julie Bouchard live at Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 5 - 8 PM Mar. 31 Natalie Metcalf live at Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 7:30 - 10:30 PM Mar. 31 Joe Bobb's Bar and Grill live at Copper Shot Distillery 7 -10 PM

Every Month Live music at Storehouse Market & Eatery - Wednesdays 7-9 PM Bingo at Bastrop Beer Co. Wednesdays 7-9 PM Cornhole Tournaments at Community Gardens Wednesdays 7PM Sip, Shop & Stroll - 2nd Thursday of the month, 5PM-8PM in downtown Elgin.

Art After Dark Lost Pines Art Center - Every first Saturday, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM - art, live music & refreshment.

East Eden Farm Stand Wednesdays 4-7 PM Friday & Saturdays 9AM -1 PM Trivia Tuesday at Heroes Sports Bar & Scratch Kitchen Wednesdays 7-10 PM Karaoke Night at Old Town Wednesday and Friday Nights Karaoke Night at Heroes Sports Bar & Scratch Kitchen Thursdays 6-10 PM Trivia Nights Bastrop Beer Co. Thursdays 7-9 PM Open Mic Night at Film Alley Tuesdays 7-9 PM Open Mic Night at Fat Cat Lounge, Smithville - Every Thursday Evening 7-9pm! Signup starts at 6:00. 301 Main St. Cornhole Tournament at Bastrop Beer Co. Tuesdays 6:30-10 PM Open Ride Day at Mayfest Park, 1st & 3rd Tuesdays 8 AM-10 PM https://www.cityofbastrop.org/page/parks.home Farm Street Opry, 1st Thursday 5:30 PM Singles Mingle at Film Alley - 2nd Thursday 7-9 PM Gayme Night - Every 3rd Friday presented by Pride Bastrop at Painted Porch Bookstore 6:00-9:00 PM Information was accurate at time of printing but subject to change. Call ahead to confirm please.

ingredients 1 leek 3 tablespoon butter olive oil 1 large bunch asparagus 3 tablespoon flour 3 cups milk 1 cup water 1 cup frozen peas 1 lemon about 20 leaves each of fresh mint & basil 1 cup ricotta cheese 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese 1 cup sharp white cheddar cheese no-boil lasagna noodle

instructions 1. In two tablespoons of olive oil, saute one washed and sliced leek for about 5 min until tender 2. Add 1 bunch of chopped asparagus stems chopped in 1 cm pieces, saving the tops for later

6-8 servings

50 min bake

3. Once the asparagus is tender add 3 heaping tablespoons of flour and 3 tablespoons of butter and cook stirring for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour 4. Add 1 cup of water & 3 cups of cold milk from the fridge to the hot roux and stir immediately to avoid lumps 5. Add finely grated nutmeg, the zest of one medium lemon,

20 min preparation

Spring Leek & Asparagus Lasagna with Bechamel

the juice of half a lemon, and salt & pepper to taste 6. Cook for about 5 minutes until the bechamel is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon 7. Turn off the heat and mix in 1 cup of grated sharp white cheddar cheese 8. Add 1 cup of frozen peas and set bechamel aside for lasagna assembly 9. In a food processor mix 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 cup of

Fresh herbs, bright lemon zest, and a decadent bechamel sauce make this a delicious meatless main or luxurious side dish with ham or lamb for Easter or Mother's Day.

ricotta cheese with half a cup of parmesan cheese, and the fresh basil & mint leaves, salt pepper to taste 10. Assemble 3 layers of lasagna starting with veggie bechamel, then a layer of no-boil lasagna noodles 11. Dollop 1/3rd of the ricotta mixture and repeat having a layer of bechamel as your last layer 12. Top lasagna with the reserved asparagus tops and one last sprinkling of cheddar and parm 13. Place in the center of a 400-degree oven bake covered for 30 min and uncovered for 20 14. Set broiler on high and broil watching closely for a few minutes till the desired brownness on top 15. Let cool for at least 30 min before serving

Page 18

Notes Don't let the prep time deter you. This recipe is really easy yet elegant.

Adjust the herbs to taste or to compliment a main dish like adding more mint to serve with lamb.

2023

Easter - April 9 Mother's Day - May 14

Sunday Brunch Storehouse Market & Eatery 813 Main St. Bastrop Open Easter & Mother's Day 12-3 PM 512-412-6114 storehousebastrop.com Comfort Cafe 111 NW First St. Smithville Open Easter Sunday 10-3 PM 979-571-1083 Facebook: ComfortCafeSmithvilleTexas Your Mom's 109 NW Second St. Smithville Open Easter & Mother's Day 12-3pm 512-575-3585 yourmoms.net

Information deemed correct at time of printing and subject to change. Reservations recommended.

Call or check website to confirm schedule.

Prime Show Properties

SOLD - 711 E. 19TH Street $1,695,000 This LEED certified home is newer construction with 4 bedrooms and 3-1/2 baths, a sauna in the exercise room, summer kitchen, chef's kitchen, 4200 sf on a large lot.

Rene Ibarra Karen Derr Realty Group Phone 713-446-8331

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS! 713 Chestnut St, Bastrop $995,000 Almost 3500 sf, single level, lots of storefront exposure on busy Chestnut.

Beautifully finished with modern baths, a kitchenette, access from city parking.

Rene.Ibarra@compass.com

NEW LISTING 2621 Slo John Road, Flationia $325,000 336 sq ft, 1 bed, 1 bath Tiny home on 4 acres.

Secluded and wooded. Fully fenced with net fencing, gated, big front porch and a lovely screened porch to expand your living space.

2021 Construction.

Paula Collings Hartland Real Estate Phone713-594-5295 Paula.Collins@gmail.com

PRICE IMPROVEMENT 115 Cottomwood Cedar Creek $247,500 Mobile home with storage building. 3 beds 2 bath.

1.7 acres. Paved road.

So convenient to Austin and airport.

PRESENTED BY KAREN DERR REALTY GROUP 172 Gaston Dr. The Colony $724,248 built 2022 2,992 sqft, 4 beds 3.5 baths Perfect open layout + warm design finishes. Soaring ceilings and large windows provide an abundance of Karen Derr Realty Group Karen Derr natural sunlight. Backs to Phone 512-720-8290 Karen Derr Realty Group greenbelt and private walking Phone 512-720-8290 path.

Karen.Derr@compass.com

PRICE IMPROVEMENT 1013 Park Prairie, Fayetteville $680,000 Beautiful Lake Fayette is just steps away! The Old Park Lodge could be yours. Formerly a prosperous bait store and restaurant, the property includes 25 storage units, a Jonathan Ryan store/restaurant, and a Karen Derr Realty Group spacious, mostly one-story Phone 512-701-3642 home originally built in 1920.

Jon.Ryan@compass.com

Paula Collings Hartland Real Estate Phone713-594-5295 Paula.Collins@gmail.com

Brought to you by your local Bastrop REALTORS® For Prime Show Properties Advertising Call 512-701-3642.

BastropMagazine@gmail.com

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R E P O R T

The State of the Toad When BT&C went to the Lost Pines Habitat Conservation Plan (LPHCP) for an update on the Houston toads, we thought we'd get some statistics on our local toad population. Are their numbers up since the toads became protected in 1970? At that time there were only a couple hundred identified. In 2019, the Austin Statesman quoted that there were about 3000 Houston toads according to Texas State University's Dr. Michael Forstner. The professor reportedly was spending about 200 days per year in the field surveying Houston toads. LPHCP administrator Cari Croft lives in Tahitian Village on two acres in the plan area. She knows full well that some Bastropians don't give a flip about toads.

Tracking the Houston Toad's ebb and flow in numbers is no easy task and the drought in 2022 took a toll.

Even if toad numbers are down, she's encouraged by other statistics regarding the LPHCP efforts. 11,700 acres have been enrolled in the program to date, with over 420 landowners benefitting from their participation. Croft says participants range from owners who are just interested in a tax exemption, to Master Naturalists who are passionate about keeping Bastrop natural. An important benefit to landowners is that they can go to our local LPHCP office rather than to the Federal Fish and Wildlife department when proposing development that would impact the toad. And the LPHCP is a pathway to getting a wildlife exemption on as little as three acres, without it having been first under agricultural exemption. There are fees involved which could range up to $2000 but the financial benefits are substantial when you consider the tax exemption and possible grants for enriching toad habitat. LPHCP also works with businesses. The Woody's gas station at the corner of McAllister Road and State Highway 71 was recently developed in the LPHC plan area. They're open for business and have provided a nice buffer of toad-friendly habitat around their perimeter. While not everyone is a toad enthusiast, protecting the toad habitat aligns nicely with protecting a lifestyle that most of us treasure here in Bastrop County.

Croft says, "Think of the toad as the canary in the mine shaft." As the toad goes, so goes our natural beauty and outdoor lifestyle.

Besides encouraging habitat enhancement LPHCP has funded the expansion of Bastrop State Park - a nice perk for all of us.

B A S T R O P C O U N T Y C O M M U N I T Y U P D A T E Bastrop Downtown Food Truck Park at 710 Chestnut is open.

We've got a new place to lunch or snack or pick up dinner when in the historic downtown area. So far Yolked is there and can be reached at YolkedFoodTruck.com. Also onsite is International Grub. See their menu at InternatioinGrubFoodTruck.com.

Did you know?

Bastrop State Park AND Buescher State Park lakes which have been closed for reconstruction are scheduled to reopen this summer.

Radiant Mama Juice is now located in the Bastrop Fitness Project at 303 Martin Luther King Dr. Bastrop.

The owners of KC Outfitters have opened Sage & Co. at 913 Main in Bastrop with a larger selection of Misses and Junior fashion including Bucket List brand which is made in the USA. Laurie Beck has opened Main Street Gallery at 200 Main St. in Smithville. See the BT&C calendar on page 16 for upcoming openings.

whatever happened...?

Friends of the Land & the Solar Farm A major blow was dealt by citizens who rallied against a 3000 acre solar farm, convincing Elgin I.S.D. school board members to vote unanimously against granting the solar developers a lucrative tax incentive. BT&C asked Cari Croft with LPHCP to comment on the project on the west side of the county which would have clear cut about 2000 acres of forest near Little Sandy Creek, which feeds to the Colorado River. Couldn't there be toads west of 95? As she likes to say, toads don't know the boundaries and it is illegal to harm the Houston toad anywhere it's found. Croft also said, "Large projects like the solar farm are typically developed outside of our area because of the Houston toad." Croft added, "We definitely have made a difference in keeping the east side of the county more natural."

Texas Coffee Works has been selling coffee by the cup and by the pound , along with pastries baked in house for about a year now. Soon they will be moving their wholesale roasting operation from Austin to right here at 962 Hwy 71.

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B T & C

R e n e

I b a r r a ,

R E C O M M E N D S

D i r e c t o r

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE ABOUT OUR UPCOMING TOURS AND TO SIGN UP TO RECEIVE 2023 TOUR UPDATES ARKANSAS~including Bentonville, Crystal Bridges,Thorncrown Chapel - March 23 – 27, 2023 CUBA ~ March 31 – April 7 & Nov 7 – 18, 2023 MEXICO CITY ~ Art & Culture - May 23 – 29 GUATEMALA: TIKAL- June 9 – 14 GUATEMALA: LAKE ATITLAN - June 14 – 21 CHICAGO - June 1st – 5th, 2023 SANTA FE NEW MEXICO - July 6th – 10th, 2023 PERU ~ Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley -July 20 – 31, 2023

o f

T o u r s

CAMIBAculturaltours embodies the essence of world travel as it influences the art culture. Our excursions give tour-goers an intimate glimpse at the process behind the masterpiece as well as the artists themselves. We offer tours to a growing number of destinations including Cuba, Oaxaca Mexico, San Miguel de Allende Mexico, Mexico City, Argentina, Guatemala & Peru.

512-937-5921 CAMIBAculturaltours.com

the best thing I ever ate...

LATELY

Here is a find which to me epitomizes exploring cuisine in Central Texas. In Garfield between a big silver water tower and a cell tower, on the side of State Highway 71, sits Little Thailand. Inside they're serving up all the favorites westerners have come to expect and also more authentic Thai dishes you may not have tried.

Jasmine green tea in a real china cup contrasts with 80's funk decor.

It's been in this location since the mid-'80s offering a kitschy decor, mismatched plates, and damn good pad thai. Vegetarian spring rolls with thick slices of crisp cucumber and those little fried spring rolls get you started.

Green papaya salads and an array of curries, soups, and noodle dishes offer something for just about everyone. Unless you order spicy, your dish will be fairly tame as far as heat.

To chopstick or not? Chopsticks are not part of the Thai table setting but are perfectly admissible when slurping noodle dishes.

Otherwise, use a fork and spoon, Thai style.

LITTLE THAILAND 4315 Caldwell Lane (@ Hwy 71) 512-551-9930 LittleThailandTX.com TUES-FRI 11-3pm, 4-9PM, SAT & SUN 12-3PM, 4-9pm, Closed MON

C L A S S I C

Br a m b l e 2 shots gin 1 shot lemon juice, freshly squeezed 1/2 shot simple syrup 1/2 shot creme de mure (blackberry liqueur) Garnish: lemon half-wheel Garnish: fresh blackberry

Directions: Add the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup into a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled.

Strain into an Old Fashioned glass over crushed ice.

Slowly pour the creme de mure over the top of the drink.

Garnish with a lemon half-wheel and a fresh blackberry.

drink this now

IN THE EYES OF THE ARTIST Vicky Balcou is an artist, raised by artists. While some parents push their children away from the arts, envisioning a career of struggle, void of financial security, Balcou's mother encouraged her and sent her to art school at an early age. She would tell her, "Everything you use, wear, look at or touch was designed by someone." Balcou followed her passion for creating and enjoyed a career at Dallas based Fitz and Floyd, known for their finely detailed ceramics.

She retired in 2006 and moved to Bastrop to be near her college roommate, Tina Woodruff.

Balcou, an active member of the Lost Pines Art League and working artist, noticed her vision was changing about four years ago. She was diagnosed with macular degeneration which symptoms include loss of vision in the center of the eye. As the disease has progressed, Balcou's life has changed and so has her art. More impressionistic, less realistic, she has reenvisioned her art and found she now communicates beauty more freely. "Beauty doesn't have to have details," she explains.

GYPSY, ACRYLIC BY VICKY BALCOU - FEATURED AT LOST PINES ART CENTER

Balcou was a featured artist in the Lost Pine's Art Center's first show of 2023. She is also a volunteer on the Salinas Bastrop Youth Art Contest committee which is chaired by C. j. Jordan. Balcou is eager to make sure young artists are encouraged, as she was in school and by her parents. She believes the addition of an art sale this year for the older finalists will make a statement to the participants and their families, that not all artists starve. "I'm proof there are good careers for artists that are both satisfying and financially rewarding." It's no surprise Balcou's daughter, Elisa Jimenez is also an interdisciplinary artist and fashion designer who appeared on Project Runway. She lives in New York City.

Balcou gives private art lessons including teaching other artists experiencing loss of sight to re-envision their work and their ability to communicate beauty.

2023 SALINAS BASTROP YOUTH ART CONTEST This will be the 37th Year of the Salinas Youth Art Contest and Exhibit. Over 6500 students from BISD, including home-schooled and church schools will participate. We will have an in-person Salinas Awards Ceremony on the 24th of April 2023. The Lost Pines Art League $1000 Scholarship will be awarded at that time.

An exhibit of the top ten artworks for each grade will be on display at the Jerry Wilhelm Performing Arts Center from April 24th to May 20th, 2023.

Born in Bastrop County, Porfirio Salinas (November 6, 1910 – April 18, 1973) was an early Texas landscape painter best known for his oil paintings of the Texas Hill Country and bluebonnets.

Largely self-taught, he was one of the first Mexican American artists to become nationally recognized for his paintings and is said to have been President Lyndon Johnson's favorite artist. www.SalinasBastrop.com .

Vicky Balcou at her Bastrop home.

She can be reached at Balcou@SBCGlobal.com

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TAKE

DAYS FOR BIG BEND

Sometimes a change of scenery is exactly what you need.

There are lots of great places you can drive to from Bastrop for a quick getaway. Fredericksburg and Port Aransas are favorites but for a real change of scenery, you cannot beat going a little further west to Big Bend. And by a little further I mean seven hours, if you don't stop for lunch.

Day 2 continued: After unloading our groceries, we headed back out to explore Terlingua. Don't miss Terilingua Trading Company for a souvenir, a cold drink or if its really hot you may want to pick up a sombrero. The Starlight Theatre Restaurant & Saloon has been the stage for countless Texas musicians. Visit an interesting historic cemetery there in town and you've just about seen all there is to see in this dusty little town that's home to a famous chili cook-off since 1967. From here we drove to both the Big Bend State Park and the National Park to get our bearings and decided hiking the National Park because of the higher peaks and historic landmarks. We went home to Casa Tranquila just in time to fire up the grill and the gas fire pit for steaks and wine while watching the sunset.

That's why on our first day we decided to stay the night at a nice hotel for a little luxury and a good meal before we hit the hiking trails.

Day 1: Its about a six hour drive to Marathon Texas where we stayed at the Gage Hotel which has been welcoming generations of travelers since 1927. It's a favorite stop for us whether we're headed to Fort Davis or points further west. The property is charming and comfortable.

The 12 Gage Restaurant, which is attached to the White Buffalo Bar is a splurge but we knew we'd be eating our own cooking for the next three days and the food is superb. The quail added to one of their specialty salads came highly recommended and was really special.

Day 2: Wake up refreshed and drive about thirty minutes west to Alpine Texas and the last decent sized town to stock up on gas and provisions before heading south towards Terlingua. We stayed the next two nights at a solar and wind powered vacation rental on a secluded 20 acres called Casa Tranquila. Teriligua has other cool accommodations like tee-pees, yurts, big transparent bubble domes to star gaze, and you can even glamp in luxury in a cave!

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GageHotel.com - Marathon Texas

Day 3: We ate a good breakfast of leftover steak and eggs and then loaded up our gear and sandwiches for a day of hiking. Ten minutes outside of Terlingua ( about 30 minutes from Casa Tranquila,) we entered Big Bend National Park which offers 150 miles of hiking trails, 1,200 species of plants, 450 species of birds and 1,252 square miles of public land.

The park is so massive there are several small towns, some abandoned, within the park. We took the Santa Elena Canyon road which eventually led us right down to the Rio Grande river.

Find Casa Tranquilo at Airbnb.com

Even if you don't fancy yourself a photographer, you'll be stunned at the shots you'll get with your phone.

Day 3 (Continued) - Along the Santa Elena Canyon road there are numerous trails heads to hikes of varying lengths and skill levels, all listed and rated on the park map available upon entry. A must hike for us was the Homer Wilson Ranch trail which is only about 1 mile but includes an abandoned ranch foreman's house and outbuildings and equipment for handling 4000 sheep and 2500 goats in the early 1900's. It was abandoned in 1945 but the walls, fireplace and reed ceiling have survived.

View of the hills surrounding Casa Tranquila

Day 4: Packed up our car and headed back out to the park. We drove out past Panther Junction to the Rio Grande Villiage where you'll find natural hot springs, the remains of an early 20th century abandoned resort and see petroglyphs (cave paintings) from ancient inhabitants. At Boquillas Canyon Trail you can buy pottery and tchotchke brought over from Boqullas Del Carmen just on the other side of the Rio Grande. Rather than backtracking out the main entrance, we left the Park on Highway 385 at about 1:pm to make the one hour scenic drive back to Marathon. If you drive like mad and eat leftover sandwiches in the car for lunch, you can make it back to Austin for a late dinner, which we did, then on to home.

By far the most scenic drive, in my opinion, is to take the Chisos Basin road to one of the highest peaks in the park, in view of Emery Peak (7825 ft.) to walk the spectacular Window Trail. Luckily the Casa Tranquila has a well equipped kitchen because we arrived home after dark to make a homemade spaghetti and meat sauce dinner.

Spring Home "To Do" Clean gutters now to avoid rotting facia boards. Make sure your gutter blocks carry water at least five feet away from your foundation.

Clean your dryer vent. A clogged dryer vent is a fire hazard.

Have your fireplace chimney inspected & make sure your cap is in place to keep out nesting birds.

Have your A/C system serviced before the hot weather rush begins.

Mulch flower beds early to stave off weeds.

Page 28

Put away hose bib insulating covers and while you're at it, check for leaks and drips.

Check & repair caulking around windows & exterior trim boards to keep moisture penetration at bay.

Check your attic while it's still below 125-degrees up there. Look for signs of rodents and make sure your ductwork is undamaged and firmly attached to vent boxes.

Hit the sales on pipe insulation, etc.

Grab items you wish you'd had during the winter freeze and stock up during the off season.

Spring cleaning is second nature but don't forget these maintenance items.

This home maintenance reminder is brought to you by Lori Tuggle Agency. www.lorituggleagency.com Your home is your largest investment.

Make sure it's protected year round.

VETERANS' DAY WEEKEND NOVEMBER 10 & 11, 2023

17TH ANNUAL 2023 HEROES & HOTRODS BASTROPAREACRUISERS.COM

CRUISING

Will this Edchero be ready for Heros & Hotrods in November?

Page 29

Do one of these fine rides seen around Bastrop County belong to you?

Claim your cruiser and we'll give you a $10 gift card to Tracy's Drive-In or Smithville General Store & Coffee.

Just text to 512-720-8290 or email BastropMagazine@gmail.com and tell us you saw it in Bastrop Town & Country Magazine!

1 per car please.

Now with two locations! 601 Chestnut #G W e 2804 ' v e aHwy s s i s 21E, t e d Suite o v e r #D 4,000 families with home financing. and

YOUR PROPERTY MAY BE WORTH MORE THAN YOU THINK...

Don't believe what you tell the tax appraiser;-) KAREN DERR REALTY GROUP WILL DO A BROKER OPINION AT NO CHARGE FOR BASTROP CHAMBER MEMBERS, EVEN IF YOU'RE NOT IN THE MARKET TO SELL.