Hays County Echo

HAYS COUNTY

ECHO DECEMBER 2015

IN THIS ISSUE: A publication of the News–Dispatch and the Hays Free Press

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HAYS COUNTY

ECHO is published monthly by

Barton Publications, Inc 113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX Contents © December 2015.

Publisher Cyndy Slovak–Barton Editor Moses Leos III Graphics Director David White Graphics Assistant Christine Thorpe Contributing Writers Chris Reid Moses Leos III Belle Nelson Distribution Suzanne Hallam Marketing Tracy Mack Jim Darby Suzanne Hallam Paula Pulley Pamela Patino

EDITOR’S NOTE

O

f all the seasons we experience in our lives, perhaps no other encompasses all five of our senses as much as the holiday season.

Whether it’s taking in a grand light display, listening to the joyous strains of holiday carols, or smelling and tasting decadent holiday meals, no other time of the year leaves a lasting mark like the holidays.

As such, we at the Hays County Echo are eager to welcome the holiday season with open arms.

In our “You Do What?” feature, read about an

interior decorator who’s turned holiday decorating into a business venture by creating personal winter wonderlands for people’s homes.

What are the holidays without decadent desserts?

From the “perfect” apple pie recipe to the emergence of pie cakes, desserts take center stage this month.

While the weather may be frightful, gardener Christine Reid provides insight on what can be plated during this time of the year.

And be sure check out our newest feature, the Photographer’s Corner, where we provide the shutter bug in your family tips on getting the best photos from your low-light celebrations.

From Christmas to Kwanzaa and everything in between, we at the Hays County Echo extend our warmest wishes to you and your family.

Happy holidays, everyone.

Moses Leos, Editor Hays County Echo

Inside

You Do What?.................................................................... 4–5 Decorating for the holidays ... as a profession

Smells like Christmas .......................................................6-7 Kick off the holidays with some simple baking recipes

December planting ............................................................... 8 Anytime is a good time to plant something ... even in December

For advertising information, please contact our sales department at 512–268–7862.

Pretty lights ........................................................................ 10 Capturing those low-light holiday moments on camera

You put the pie where? ...................................................... 11 Pie cakes: The next big thing in holiday mega foods?

Central Texas Events .....................................................12-13 Top picks for events and festivals

Service Directory ...........................................................14-15 Find service professionals in your area

page 2 ◆ december | 2015

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YOU DO WHAT?

Holiday decorating professional

BY MOSES LEOS III

recreate the “perfect” interior look they see in stores and magazines.

With 15 years of experience While she said they have as an interior decorator, Drip“wonderful eyes for design,” ping Springs resident and Beonce they purchase the items, fore Your Eyes Interiors owner Heather Bateman understands her clients often struggle to put it all together. the challenges of getting a “It’s the finhouse ready for ished look that is the holidays.

“Some people overwhelming to Armed with them, which they that knowledge, are great at can’t seem to conBateman has selecting colors quer,” Bateman turned it into a business venfor their homes. said.

According to ture that helps Bateman, her job homeowners turn But when they revolves around the inside of their decorate their coordinating and homes into a holiday wonderland. homes [for the finding placement for items For Bateman, holidays], it’s such as wreaths prioritizing and trees, as well holiday décor is overwhelming.” as gift wrapping something she to help clients says is a “whole –Heather Bateman, welcome the different ball interior decorator holidays. game.”

Her job begins “Some people with assessing and planning are great at selecting colors for for a job based on what holiday their homes,” Bateman said. décor the client has.

“But when they decorate their While some homeowners homes [for the holidays], it’s have holiday décor that’s overwhelming.” readily available, Bateman said She said her clients, who some homeowners turn to her hail from Dripping Springs to acquire it for them. to Round Rock, struggle to

“I’ll spend that time buying items for the look and the inspiration, trying to find it at a reasonable price,” she said.

With items ready to go, Bateman then starts to plan and decorate a home.

She said her jobs begin with the tree and moves out from there.

Placement, according to Bateman, is the essence of her business, primarily with the holiday tree. The size and scale of holiday décor is also an important factor, which can sometimes lead to tricky situations.

“Some people have gigantic rooms, but they misjudge and buy small trees, or they have large trees but a small room,” Bateman said.

Creativity is another key element for Bateman, who said she tries to mix things up for repeat clientele.

“My own challenge is to be creative and new and not going and putting the same thing in the same spot every year,”

she said.

According to Bateman, a “full-scale” decoration project can go anywhere from eight to ten hours. It’s also dependent on how large a home she is working on, along with the personality of the client, which she said differs from project to project.

“Every job is unique based on personality and decorations,” Bateman said.

Demand, according to Bateman, can be high during the peak holiday season. She said some of her clients have booked a year in advance.

During the holidays, Bateman said she will decorate two homes a day over a five day week.

While it can be stressful, Bateman said she doesn’t believe it’s overwhelming.

“It would [be overwhelming] if it wasn’t just in my characteristic,” she said. “It is a lot of hard work, but it’s enjoyable so it doesn’t feel like work.”

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It’s beginning to smell a lot like Christmas I t’s about time to crank up the Christmas tunes and preheat the oven to 425Âş, because what better way is there to spread some holiday cheer than by sharing some heavenly homecooked delights ... and ďŹ nding the right music station on Pandora?

Hays Free Press reporter Belle Nelson decided to take on this project by trying her hand at making the perfect apple pie and a simple cheesecake.

Maybe the cheesecake was perfect, but we really don’t know. It never made it to the ofďŹ ce. Even though she didn’t share the cheesecake, she shared these recipes.

The Perfect Apple Pie ŕ Ž SHYNL NYHUU` ZTP[O apples ŕ Ž J\W VM I\[[LY Z[PJRZ ŕ Ž J\WZ VM Ă…V\Y ŕ Ž ;IZW JPUUHTVU ŕ Ž J\W Z\NHY ŕ Ž [ZW HSTVUK L_[YHJ[ ŕ Ž J\W ^H[LY

CRUST: Cut 2 sticks of butter PU[V [OL Ă…V\Y ;OL I\[[LY should be about pea ZPaLK (KK J\W ^H[LY and knead until the dough stays together.

TIPS FOR A FLAKIER CRUST:

Use cold butter and ice water for the crust – the colder the crust is when it goes in [OL V]LU [OL ÅHRPLY P[SS IL @V\ JHU L]LU YLMYPNLYH[L [OL JY\Z[ ^OPSL `V\ THRL [OL ÄSSPUN Using granny smith apples not only makes a TVYL ÅH]VYM\S WPL I\[ HSZV OVSKZ [L_[\YL IL[[LY than most alternatives. They cook down nicely, but don’t turn in to apple sauce. Sprinkling on sugar and cinnamon 15 minutes before the WPL PZ KVUL OLSWZ ÅH]VY [OL JY\Z[ UPJLS` HUK looks nice as well. Adding it before then could potentially burn the sugar. Be careful not to overwork your pie crust, because it won’t be as tender if you do. Ventilate your pie before baking to ensure the right consistency. Make sure to create a tight seal between the top and bottom crusts so that the pie doesn’t leak and burn onto the bottom of your oven.

FILLING: 7LLS JVYL HUK ZSPJL [OL HWWSLZ [V HIV\[ PUJO [OPJR (KK JPUUHTVU Z\NHY and almond extract. Toss the mixture with the apples until all of the apples are coated. Place the apples in the crust, add the top crust, ventilate the top, and IHRL H[ ¢ MVY TPU\[LZ (M[LY TPU\[LZ ZWYPURSL JPUUHTVU HUK Z\NHY on the top and bake for 15 more minutes. Let the pie set for at least two hours before serving.

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Cheesecake: Easy as 1, 2, 3 This recipe is great for entertaining guests because you can set out different toppings and keep everyone hallpy. Melted Nutella or pecans with caramel and chocolate sauce are favorites. ŕ Ž ŕ Ž ŕ Ž ŕ Ž ŕ Ž ŕ Ž ŕ Ž

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CRUST: Mix graham cracker crumbs with 2 Tbsp granulated sugar and melted butter. The mixture should be well mixed and feel moist to the touch. Press the crust into the bottom of your pie pan or springform pan, making an even layer that you can also press up on the sides if desired.

FILLING: Mix cream cheese, sour cream, LNNZ HUK J\W Z\NHY @V\ JHU mix with a hand mixer, or you JHU \ZL H ISLUKLY MVY H Å\MÄLY cheesecake. Adding an extra egg will also make the cheesecake YPZL OPNOLY 7V\Y [OL ÄSSPUN V]LY the crust and bake at 325 for HWWYV_PTH[LS` TPU\[LZ VY \U[PS the cheesecake doesn’t wiggle in the middle when you disturb it. The edges should be a light to golden brown and the top will OH]L H ML^ JYHJRZ @V\ JHU HSZV put a knife through the middle to see if it comes out clean.

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page 7

Any time is an ideal time to plant some things ... even in December

BY CHRISTINE REID

Gardening is also a combination of art and science, so experimentation is essential.

Many new gardeners and some not-so-new ones who take a look at heavy, ponderous gardening tomes may feel like running for the hills. And who can blame them? Some books, articles and even a few gardening shows convey the attitude that gardening is serious business and lightweights need not apply. Enter and more. But if you just want Judy Barrett. to enjoy their beauty, that’s Barrett’s list of accomplishokay with her, too. ments are many: She once Barrett feels that gardening owned a nursery in Jonah, shouldn’t be seen as a chore Texas; helped host a gardenbut, rather, as a chance to get ing show on public television; outdoors, learn things and has written more than half a enjoy the process. She’s the dozen gardening books along first to admit that she’s made with countless articles; and produces an online gardening mistakes. She’s chosen the wrong plants, put them in the magazine, to mention just a wrong places, few. But what forgotten to makes her rewater them ally special is and somethat she puts times didn’t the fun back weed as often into gardenas she should ing. Instead of In addition to fruit have, but she an authority and shade trees, considers in horticulDecemberr is also the mistakes ture, think a good time to good for of her as the plant and harvest building the warm, friendwinter vegetables, compost pile. ly next door particularly greens “Loss of a neighbor who that thrive in cooler plant is not just wants to weather. As farr as a tragedy – share her love herbs, you can grow some (plants) of gardening cilantro, oregano, work, some along with rosemary, sage, don’t,” Barrett planting tips parsley, thyme and explained. that really more.

“Gardenwork. ing is also a In October, combination speaking of art and at the anscience, so experimentation is nual Herb Celebration Day essential.” in Wimberley, Barrett said Barrett and her husband customers anxiously asked live in Taylor, where, when her what they should do with not giving talks and doing the herbs they bought at her training seminars, she store. She told the audience gardens organically. She with a laugh, “You don’t have learned about organic to do anything with herbs – methods by taking classes there’s no herb police!” Howfrom John Dromgoole in ever, if someone wants some Austin in the 1970s and ideas, she will happily list the continues to learn from him many easy ways to use herbs and Malcolm Beck, founder in recipes, landscaping, crafts

DECEMBER PLANTING

page 8 ◆ december | 2015

Pansies are a good choice for maintaining some brilliant colors throughout the winter. More good choices are other violas, yucca, holly, heuchera, as well as ornamental kale, cabbage, Swiss chard and autumn fern, just to name a few..

of Garden-Ville. rden-Ville.

“The he bestt advice I gott was to avoid poisons of all types: chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides.” She added, “this is fun, not war!”

For gardeners who’d like to get their hands in the soil this month, “December is a good time to plant trees – fruit trees and shade trees both,” she noted. And, of course, it’s an ideal time to read gardening books and get inspired. Barrett’s books cover different types of gardening, from herbs to roses to heirloom vegetables, but they all inform in the same entertaining, accessible way.

“I want to dispel the notion that gardening equals really hard work,” she said. “You can plant a little or plant a lot, go at your own pace and have

fun along the way.”

“I garden because I enjoy it – the process of going outdoors, digging in the dirt, reaping the rewards,” she said. It’s clear that the good food, tasty herbs and pretty flowers are enough encouragement to keep Barrett happily pulling weeds and squashing insects for some time to come.

Any questions? Send an email to reidsnursery@gmail. com or call us at (512) 3986011. Enjoy your garden!

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page 9

PHOTOGRAPHER’S CORNER

Tips and tricks to holiday photography

BY MOSES LEOS III

With the holiday season fast approaching, shutter bugs are eagerly anticipating the return of lighted trails, city halls and festivals that pop up during this time of year.

But trying to capture those memories can be a tricky endeavor. Obtaining that perfect shot of a brilliantly crafted holiday art piece can harbor a similar frustration to that of gift shopping on Black Friday.

With the advancement of technology, however, one can snap that perfect photo that will be Facebook, Twitter and holiday card worthy for years to come.

Here are some tips and tricks for DSLR (a digital camera with a single-lens reflector) users that can help capture those moments:

DON’T BE AFRAID TO USE THE MANUAL SETTING Keeping your camera on automatic mode in low light conditions isn’t the best option to snap great holiday light photos.

Try using the manual setting instead.

While it will take some getting used to, manual allows the user to have full control of their DSLR. That includes manipulating settings that dictate shutter speed, how much light goes into the camera (aperture or f/stop) and light sensitivity (ISO).

Smaller apertures = better nighttime photos Lenses with small apertures of f/3.5 or lower are your best bet to snap great holiday nighttime photos.

The idea is that with a

page 10 ◆ december | 2015

lower aperture value, the wider the opening within the camera will be to allow an increased amount of light to enter the camera.

BUMP UP THAT ISO When low light conditions get you down, picking up your ISO may be the key to getting good photos.

ISO on all DSLRs is the setting that adjusts light sensitivity in cameras.

A lower ISO is usually warranted for daytime or bright light photography.

Higher ISOs are meant to capture as much light when in a low light situation.

Raising it to 3200 to 5000 ISO can help with capturing more light.

That being said, however, raising your ISO also increases the amount of noise, or grain, in photos.

When shooting, you’ll want to choose the lowest ISO you can get away with, but still get a workable shot.

PHOTOS BY MOSES LEOS III

ADJUST THAT SHUTTER SPEED Once you have your aperture and ISO set, getting your shutter speed just right becomes the next priority.

Finding a happy medium, however, can become a taxing challenge.

Too low of a shutter speed will make your lights too bright. Too high of a shutter speed will make photos incredibly dark.

Depending on your ISO, try using a benchmark of 1/80th of a second. Anything lower can be difficult to photograph with, as the slightest movement (breathing, camera shutter) can create a blur effect.

Which is why…

USING A TRIPOD OR MONOPOD IS IDEAL The great thing about tripods is the stability it allows for low-light photography.

With a tripod, you can set your shutter speed to a low amount (1/10 or 1/5th of a second) that will allow for not only lights, but also the background to stand out. The use of a timing mechanism can also help to lessen camera movement (or camera shake).

Using a tripod, however, does call for some space to be used.

Therefore, a tripod may not be suitable (or allowed) for the wassail walk or holiday light trail you’re on.

A monopod, while not quite as stable, can allow for (somewhat) similar stability.

<RX SXW WKH SLH ZKHUH" Remember the turducken? Piecakes are the next big thing – literally – in holiday mega foods

BY DANIELA GARCIA

CTW Features

A

fter one Thanksgiving jam-packed with desserts, Charles Phoenix took it upon himself to create what has since been dubbed the turducken of holiday desserts.

“A year and a half ago, I was looking at the pile of trash filled with all these baked goods and thought, ‘we need to be more green, we’re wasting too many plates’,” says Phoenix, an author and pop-culture humorist with a taste for all things Americana. “So I ended up baking our pies into the cakes and so that was how the cherpumpple was born.”

What exactly is the cherpumpple, you ask? It’s Phoenix’s three-layer piecake, which is made of an apple pie baked into a spice cake, a pumpkin pie in a yellow cake and a cherry pie in a white cake and covered in whipped cream frosting.

The super-dessert is as gigantic as it sounds, and at his family’s next Thanksgiving dinner, Phoenix presented it to his family. Their reaction?

“They loved it, of course,” he says. “At first, they were a little horrified, but they realized it was delicious, and then it was completely gone.”

Since then, Phoenix’s triple-layer phenomenon has caught on, with fans sending

in photos and videos of their own attempts at baking the cherpumpple. “The craziest one was a couple of pastry chefs who made versions that were absolutely beautiful, like picture perfect,” Phoenix says.

“My version is a little drunk, a little ‘I Love Lucy’-style.”

One professional bakery that’s also picked up on the piecake trend is Three Brothers Bakery in Houston. Janice Jucker, co-owner of the bakery with husband and fifth-generation baker Bobby Jucker, explains that they were approached by Greg Morago, an editor at the Houston Chronicle, to create Phoenix’s dessert with a slight modification.

“We were named best mail-order pecan pie before Thanksgiving last year by Country Living [magazine],” Jucker explains. “Greg had heard about the cherpumpple and thought that pumpkin,

apple and pecan would be the best combination instead and came to us. Things just kind of spiraled from there.”

While Bobby sat down and worked out the baking logistics, Janice helped smooth out a new name for their piecake: the pumpecapple. Coming in at a foot tall and weighing anywhere upward of 25 pounds, the first version was cut into large slices with the use of a machete. The Juckers also

used a cream cheese frosting, drizzled the piecake in caramel and trimmed it with pecans.

The article about the creation of the pumpecapple ran a few days before Thanksgiving last year.

“It was really just a joke to us,” Jucker explains. “But we sold 15 in a day, and it was the day before Thanksgiving.”

A few months later, Three Brothers Bakery were featured on The Food Network’s “Outrageous Food” and have since added the pumpecapple to their list of regular baked goods. The Juckers are anticipating quite a few orders for the holidays. “For now, we’re trying to figure out how to ship them out,” Jucker says. “People from all over try to order it.”

For those brave enough to try and make their own piecake at home, Phoenix suggests baking the pies in advance and letting them cool overnight. The tip also applies once the pies have been baked into the cakes. Also, Phoenix encourages bakers to use extra frosting, to help keep the layers from collapsing.

“It’s a spectacle, a conversation piece,” Phoenix explains.

“When you serve this, be prepared for some people to turn up their noses. But trust me, they’ll come to their senses within minutes and beg for a piece.” © CTW Features

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page 11

Central Texas Festivals & Events Now-Jan. 2

Santa’s Ranch in New Braunfels Drive through a mile of spectacular holiday scenes with one million lights, hundreds of displays and festive animation.

This drive-through trail is located at 9561 IH-35 North in New Braunfels.

Now-Dec. 29 Trail of Lights in Wimberley

Stroll along a walking trail through 8 acres of lighted displays decorated by more than 100 local businesses, community groups and families.

Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and live entertainment (weather permitting). Free admission, donations appreciated. Trail is open nightly. Lights will be on rain or shine. The trail is located at the EmilyAnn Theatre at 1101 FM 2325 in Wimberley. Hours are 6-9 p.m. Sundays - Thursdays and 6-10 p.m. on Fridays & Saturdays.

Dec. 2-5

Sights and Sounds of Christmas in San Marcos Join thousands of others for four full nights of holiday fun at the Sights & Sounds of Christmas in San Marcos Plaza Park. Enjoy carnival rides, petting zoo, crafts, visits with Santa and much more. Kids twelve and under enter free. Nightly admission for other ages is $5. Visit sights-n-sounds.org for information.

Dec. 3

First Thursday in downtown Buda and Dripping Springs (Mercer Street) From 5-9 p.m. businesses stay open for shopping, dining, music and fun.

Support your local businesses and enjoy an evening out. First Thursday focuses on providing downtown visitors the chance to stroll through the unique local shops, while enjoying food from downtown restaurants.

Dec. 2

Dec. 3

Since 1999, Kyle has invited Santa to take part in the tree lighting event in downtown at City Square Park. Santa will be available for pictures (you must bring your own camera).

School choirs from local elementary, middle and high schools will be performing holiday songs.

There will be free activities for the children and food vendors to satisfy your hunger or thirst. Santa will begin touring Kyle at 3 p.m. and arrive at Historic Kyle City Hall at 4:30 p.m.

The 2015 Wassailfest will be held Thursday, Dec. 3 in beautiful and historic downtown New Braunfels.

Join us at 6 p.m. for the official toast to kick off this annual event. It’s an evening of music, fun, food, great shopping, thousands of twinkling holiday lights and, of course, lots of free wassail for you to sample!

Vote for the People’s Choice winner and see if your choice is also selected by the Wassail-Meisters for their award.This event runs from 6 - 9 p.m.

Santa’s arrival & Kyle tree lighting

page 12 ◆ december | 2015

Wassailfest in New Braunfels

Dec. 4

Wimberley Community Chorus The Wimberley Community Chorus will perform on Friday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m., at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 6000 FM 3237, Wimberley, TX.

Dec. 5

Christmas on Mercer Celebrate the magic of the holidays on Mercer Street in historic downtown Dripping Springs. This 11th annual holiday festival has arts and crafts booths, children’s games and activities, live family entertainment, local food vendors, and of course, Santa. Admission is free.

The festival will be held 10 a.m.-5 p.m. with the tree lighting at dusk.

Dec. 5-6 Budafest

Head to downtown Buda for this annual holiday festival featuring a parade, arts and crafts, live music, Santa, and more. The event lasts from 10 a.m. to dusk.

Dec. 5

Gruene Town Lighting Gruene closes out the day’s festivities with a brass band street performance at 5 p.m. Then at 6 p.m., Cowboy Kringle rides into town on horseback to light up the town and hand out candy canes to children.

The event will be held in the Historic District in Gruene.

Dec. 5

Wimberley Market Days Stroll along a shaded path to more than 475 booths filled with a wide variety of arts, crafts, antiques, gift items, clothing and more. Also enjoy barbecue and treats with live music under the pavilion. Lions Field, 601 F.M. 2325. www. shopmarketdays.com 512847-2201

Dec. 10-12

Buda Trail of Lights The Buda Trail of Lights is back bigger and better this year at Historical Stagecoach Park on Main Street in Buda.

The first weekend will be Dec. 11-12 from 6-10 p.m.

The senior citizen night will be Dec. 10 from 6-8 p.m. – to join Senior Night, register with the Buda Parks Department by calling 512-295-7170. Visitors are able to walk the lighted trail in the park to view the dazzling exhibits, enjoy live entertainment, sip hot chocolate in front of a toasty campfire and meet Santa himself.

Dec. 12

Winter’s Eve Christmas Festival Join the Wimberley Merchants Association for the 8th annual Winter’s Eve festival on Saturday, Dec. 12 from 5-10 p.m. on the square in Wimberley. Stroll around the square and enjoy lights, live music and late night holiday shopping. Santa will be there form 6-7:30 p.m.

For more information, visit wimberleymerchants.com.

Dec. 12

Second Saturday Guided Hikes at Blue Hole Blue Hole Regional Park’s guided hikes are offered free to the public every second Saturday of the month, 9 - 10 a.m. Included in the hike is interesting information about the history of the park and its sustainable development concepts, information on the Cypress Creek watershed, and fun facts about native plants and animals.

Dec. 12

2nd Saturday Gallery Trail More than a dozen galleries offer wine, snacks and art displays from 4-7 p.m. at this monthly gallery trail. See local artwork and spend the day in beautiful Wimberley.

Dec. 17-20

Buda Trail of Lights The Buda Trail of Lights is back bigger and better this year at Historical Stagecoach Park on Main Street in Buda. The second and final weekend will be Dec. 17-20 from 6-10 p.m.

Visitors are able to walk the lighted trail in the park to view the dazzling exhibits, enjoy live entertainment, sip hot chocolate in front of a toasty campfire, and meet Santa himself.

Dec. 19

Starlight Symphony in Kyle The Starlight Symphony Orchestra will perform on Dec. 19 at 7:00 p.m. at the Hays Performing Arts Center (979 Kohler’s Crossing in Kyle). This month’s concert is part of the classical chamber series and entitled “Our Circles: Extended Families.” Concerts are free and open

to the public. Visit starlightsymphony.org for more information.

Dec. 20

Starlight Symphony in Wimberley The Starlight Symphony Orchestra will perform on Dec. 20 at 4:00 p.m. at Wimberley First Baptist Church (15951 Winters Mill Parkway in Wimberley).

This month’s concert is part of the classical chamber series and entitled “Our Circles: Extended Families.”

Concerts are free and open to the public. Visit starlightsymphony. org for more information.

Jan. 1

Polar Bear Splash Splash in the New Year with this annual Jan. 1 tradition at Kyle Pool. There is no admission fee. Pool gates will open at 1 p.m. Light snacks and drinks will be available.

4 FREE Bottles

& First Month Cooler Rental FREE!

Mark your calendar

• 5 & 3 Gal. Bottles • Coolers • .5 Liter Bottles • R/O Filtration • Private Label Avail.

Have your festival or event promoted in the Hays County Echo as well as the Hays Free Press and News–Dispatch newspapers.

Email christine@haysfreepress.com

• Drinking • Spring Water • Purified Water • Hot & Cold • Room Temp & Cold

Every Drop of Hill Country Springs water comes from a protected Spring Source, NOT filtered municipal Water!

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• 5401 S. FM 1626, Ste. 365

• 2610 S. IH 35 • 5625 Eiger Rd., Ste. 100

512.443.9715 page 13

Hays County Echo Service Directory AIR CONDITIONING A&E Air Conditioning & Heating $500 off complete system Free furnace special. Call for details.

512â&#x20AC;&#x201C;312â&#x20AC;&#x201C;9535 www.ae4cool.com

AIM A/C and Heating Service Free estimates for replacements.

Service, sales, installs, duct cleaning.

Locally owned and operated.

Licensed, bonded, insured and registered 512â&#x20AC;&#x201C;312â&#x20AC;&#x201C;9080 www.AIM4AC.com

APC Service, LLC Electrical, A/C, heating Commercial and residential.

Free service call with repair.

512â&#x20AC;&#x201C;295â&#x20AC;&#x201C;4023 www.APCServicePros.com tricoconst@austin.rr.com

Barton Creek A/C Company LLC Full service air conditioning company serving Kyle and surrounding areas. bartoncreekac.com 512â&#x20AC;&#x201C;214â&#x20AC;&#x201C;1300

NEMEC Heating and Air Proudly serving Central Texas Residential, commercial and after hours available. chris@nemecheatingandair.com 512â&#x20AC;&#x201C;312â&#x20AC;&#x201C;9081 512â&#x20AC;&#x201C;789â&#x20AC;&#x201C;5132

AUTOMOTIVE

Kyle Automotive Serving Kyle and Hays County for nearly 20 years! Mondayâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Friday, 8 a.m.â&#x20AC;&#x201C;6 p.m.

107 N. Main Street, Kyle, TX 78640 512â&#x20AC;&#x201C;268â&#x20AC;&#x201C;1173 www.KyleAutomotive.com

COMPUTER SERVICE A Computer Werks Business, residential or commercial Adware, spyware, malware, installations. Service, software, hardware and custom builds.

512â&#x20AC;&#x201C;694â&#x20AC;&#x201C;1746 www.acomputerwerks.com

Hays Technical Services Want help selecting the best value?

Office systems not maintained?

Did your kids or employees leave your computer useless? mike@haystech.com

XEVEX Concrete Services Free estimates! Bonded & insured.

Foundations, driveways, patios, repairs, staining, removal, Bobcat services.

512â&#x20AC;&#x201C;312â&#x20AC;&#x201C;4214 www.xevexllc.com

ELECTRICAL SERVICE Keen Electrical Service Commercial, industrial, residential.

Licensed/insured, TECL #26308. J..

Craig Keen, owner/master electrician. keenzone7@att.net.

512â&#x20AC;&#x201C;653â&#x20AC;&#x201C;1125

GLASS SERVICE

Three great locations!

Kyle: 21681 IHâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;35, 262â&#x20AC;&#x201C;1013 Austin: 11740 Manchaca Rd., 292â&#x20AC;&#x201C;1060 Dripping Springs: 3990 Hwy 290, 512â&#x20AC;&#x201C;894â&#x20AC;&#x201C;3888

Buda Automotive You know us... by our reputation!

Full service car & truck repair 601 S. Loop 4 in Buda 512â&#x20AC;&#x201C;295â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2832

page 14 â&#x2014;&#x2020; december | 2015

Commercial and Residential Contract glazing, storefronts, insulated glass, furniture tops, tempered glass and mirrors. Framed & frameless tub & shower enclosure.

5360 Industrial Way Dr., Buda, TX 78610 512â&#x20AC;&#x201C;312â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2767

HOME REPAIR The Handyman Can No job too small â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all your home improvement needs. Painting, pressure washing, fencing, electrical, flooring, landscaping, roofing, decks, tile and more.

Call Jon at 512â&#x20AC;&#x201C;496â&#x20AC;&#x201C;1243.

PET SITTING

Happy Home Cleaning

Carverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Critter Sitter

Locally owned, dependable, ecokid- and pet-friendly. Free quotes.

Call or text 512-468-4219, www. happyhomeexceptionalcleaning.com

Inâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;home pet sitting for small and large critters. Experience with many, will work with any. Insured, will also do house sitting. Call Suzanne at 512â&#x20AC;&#x201C;773â&#x20AC;&#x201C;5592, www.ccsittertx. com

Steel Horse Constructors Serving Hays County and surrounding areas. Painting, remodels, carpentry, trim work, special design and more.

Free estimate. References available.

Call Jim â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Bluâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Cooke at 512â&#x20AC;&#x201C;781â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2911 or steelhorseconstructors@ gmail.com.

LAWN SERVICES M&M Lawn Care Services Serving Buda, Kyle and San Marcos.

Free estimates. Call Noel or Abel Moreno at 512â&#x20AC;&#x201C;538â&#x20AC;&#x201C;8654 or 512â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 787â&#x20AC;&#x201C;6685.

CONCRETE WORK

Berry Glass Company AMM Collision Center

HOME CLEANING

LEGAL SERVICES John A. Hall Attorney and Counselors At Law Business law, wills, trust, probate, family law, divorce, custody, consumer law, deceptive trade, property law, landlordâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;tenant law, personal, injury, DWI, criminal defense, debt defense, general civil litigation 130 Hall Professional Center Kyle, TX. 512â&#x20AC;&#x201C;268â&#x20AC;&#x201C;6425

PAINTING Alexâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Painting Residential & commercial painting, texturing, sheet rock repair, wallpaper removal, popcorn texture removal, wood replacement, power washing.

Clean and neat professionals, fully insured, on time & dependable. Family owned & operated. Satisfaction guaranteed, excellent references.

512â&#x20AC;&#x201C;470â&#x20AC;&#x201C;3953

PEST CONTROL LP Pest Solutions Finding solutions for all your pest control needs. Family owned and operated. Call David Pritchard at (512) 922-4577, lppestsolutions@ gmail.com

PLUMBING Prince Plumbing Company Residential repair, remodeling, water heaters, sewer maintenance, slab & gas leak repair. 20 years experience, family owned and operated.

512â&#x20AC;&#x201C;312â&#x20AC;&#x201C;0710

POOL SERVICE G&S Pool and Spa Service Serving South Austin, Dripping Springs, Driftwood, Kyle and Buda since 1994.

512â&#x20AC;&#x201C;326â&#x20AC;&#x201C;4695 www.gspoolspa.com

REAL ESTATE Christy DeWolfe â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Keller Williams Real Estate Committed to providing world class service while helping you achieve your real estate goals. *OYPZ[`+L>VSML JVT Âś Âś

REMODELING Triâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;County Construction Let us make your dreams a reality!

Specializing in custom remodeling and insurance repairs since 1984.

Fully insured. 512â&#x20AC;&#x201C;282â&#x20AC;&#x201C;6224

Wild West Remodeling No job too small or too big!

Kitchen/bath remodels, painting, tile, siding, decks, trim, door & window replacements, drywall repair, electrical and plumbing.

Curtis Dorsett, 512â&#x20AC;&#x201C;402â&#x20AC;&#x201C;4704

ROOFING

SEPTIC SERVICES

Area Roofing Company

Sellman Enterprises, Inc.

Serving Hays County Residential & Commercial Free estimates. Insurance claims welcome.

Ron Johnson, owner

Septic plumbing, cleaning, repairs Commercial & Residential Serving the Hays Metro area, including Travis, Blanco, Bastrop, Williamson & surrounding counties.

512â&#x20AC;&#x201C;312â&#x20AC;&#x201C;0002 www.SellmanSepticServices.com

512â&#x20AC;&#x201C;312â&#x20AC;&#x201C;5050

SEPTIC SERVICES

TREE SERVICES

All American Wastewater Solutions, LLC Septic problems... Let us help!

Locally serving our community since 1982. Septic repair and installation specialist, septic tank pumping and servicing, aerobic system servicing and more.

Commercial and residential. www. allsepticcheck.com, 512â&#x20AC;&#x201C;282â&#x20AC;&#x201C;3889.

Cowboyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tree Trimming & Removal Tree trimming, tree removal, haul off. 20 years experience, free estimates and 10% discount for senior citizens.

Call Rod at 512â&#x20AC;&#x201C;234â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2027

AR

MADILLO

FARMERSÂŽ Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Quit ... Switch Quality E-Cigarettes & Premium E-Liquids (512) 858-7620 27490 RR12 Dripping Springs Between Walgreens & Home Depot

Debbie Thames Insurance Agency AUTO â&#x20AC;˘ HOME â&#x20AC;˘ LIFE BOAT â&#x20AC;˘ HEALTH 251 N. FM 1626 #2C â&#x20AC;˘ Buda, TX 78610 Office: (512) 312-1917 â&#x20AC;˘ Fax: 312-0688 Email: dvthames@austin.rr.com Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm Your Business & Referrals Are Appreciated

Sudoku solution, from pg. 9

Gilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tree Service Residential and commercial.

Professional tree pruning, cabling, cavity filling, landscaping, ball moss removal, construction, repair.

Member of National Arborist Association, International Society of Arboriculture. Call for a free estimate. 512â&#x20AC;&#x201C;221â&#x20AC;&#x201C;6716

Tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;is the season for a

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Great Gift Ideas â&#x20AC;˘ Special Occasions â&#x20AC;˘ Gift Certificates Available

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512.268.2600 Proud sponsor of the Hays County Composite High School Mountain Bike Team

200099 San 2209 SSaan an Antonio A Street, Buda, Texas xxaaass 778610 786 7861 78 8610 886 861 610 661 10 10 512.312 512.312.25 512 551 12.312.2 112 2.3 22.312.251 ..33312 3112 12..25 25 2251 2511 55111 11 | www.ShearImpressionsbuda.com on nsbuda.co nsbuda. nsbuda.com nsbuda nsb sbuda ssb buda.com buda. buda.c bud buda bu b ud u da.com da d a.c .ccom cco om o m 512.312.2511 page 15

Ask for 3D mammography.* With 41% more breast cancer detected, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s truly a revolution in early detection.

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right.

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Request an appointment at ausrad.com or call 512.453.6100

*Also known as breast tomosynthesis.

*OYPZ[THZ :WLJPHS ,]LU[ c -YPKH` +LJ c 2`SL 6MĂ&#x201E;JL Licensed audiologists will discuss the latest advancements in Digital Hearing Aid technology. Free demonstrations.

9HMĂ&#x2026;L MVY MYLL ZL[ VM OLHYPUN HPKZ *HSS MVY PUMVYTH[PVU VY [V ZJOLK\SL H OLHYPUN [LZ[

Hearing Centers of Austin Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic, LLC

Hearing Aid & Audiological Services â&#x20AC;˘ Programming â&#x20AC;˘ Fittings â&#x20AC;˘ Cleaning & Repairs â&#x20AC;˘ Tubing Changes â&#x20AC;˘ Earmolds â&#x20AC;˘ Custom Ear Plugs â&#x20AC;˘ Hearing Protection â&#x20AC;˘ Assistive Listening Devices â&#x20AC;˘ Recasing â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Dry and Storeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Kits â&#x20AC;˘ Immittance Testing â&#x20AC;˘ Comprehensive Hearing Evaluations

â&#x20AC;˘ Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA) â&#x20AC;˘ Otoacoustic Emission Testing (OAE) â&#x20AC;˘ Video Nystagmography (VNG)

Two locations to serve you Kyle Location 1180 Seton Parkway Suite 420 Kyle, TX 78660

512.268.5282

Lockhart Location 1005 W. San Antonio Suite A Lockhart, TX 78644 Amber Bass, Au.D, CCC-A

Austin Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic

Enjoy the Sounds of Life Again

512.444.7944

PEDIATRIC AND ADULT CARE

KYLE (512) 268-5282 1180 Seton Parkway, Suite 420, Kyle, TX 78640

Ear, Nose and Throat Services Ear & Hearing

Allergy

â&#x20AC;˘ Chronic Ear Infectons â&#x20AC;˘ Ruptured Ear Drum â&#x20AC;˘ Hearing and Balance Evaluation â&#x20AC;˘ Tinnitus (Ringing in Ears) â&#x20AC;˘ Dizziness & Vertigo

â&#x20AC;˘ Testing for Pollen, Mold, Dust & Pet Allergens â&#x20AC;˘ Allergy Shots/Drops

Thyroid and Parathyroid â&#x20AC;˘ Ultrasound and Needle Biopsy â&#x20AC;˘ Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery

Michael Yium, MD

Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ENT â&#x20AC;˘ Ear Tube Placement â&#x20AC;˘ Tonsil & Adenoid Surgery â&#x20AC;˘ Minimally Invasive Sinus Surgery â&#x20AC;˘ Allergy Testing â&#x20AC;˘ Sublingual Therapy

Thomas Nowlin, MD

Throat, Head & Neck Nose & Sinus â&#x20AC;˘ Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Â&#x2039; 0U VMĂ&#x201E;JL )HSSVVU :PU\WSHZ[`

â&#x20AC;˘ Sleep Apnea â&#x20AC;˘ Tonsil/Adenoid Surgery â&#x20AC;˘ Hoarseness

Visit us online at www.AustinENT.com page 16 â&#x2014;&#x2020; december | 2015

$500 off a set of hearing aids in December

Mark Dammert, MD