Hill Country Visitors Magazine

HillCountry

Free

VISITORS 13

3

Mike Hagee General, USMC, (Ret)

7

The Battle Buddies Classic Hyo Silver Hill Country Health & People

6 10 14

2

Hill Country Visitors Holiday Issue

A

Hidden Gem in the Heart of the Texas Hill Country

L

ocated in historic Fredericksburg, the birthplace of Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, it is the only museum in the nation dedicated entirely to the story of World War II in the Pacific. The Museum comprises more than 45,000 square feet of indoor exhibit space with more than 900 artifacts, including a Japanese Midget Sub, a B-25 Bomber and a PT-309. The National Museum of the Pacific War spans six acres and includes the George H.W. Bush Gallery, Admiral Nimitz Museum, Pacific Combat Zone, Memorial Courtyard, Japanese Garden of Peace, and the Plaza of the Presidents. Visitors of all ages are invited to experience the Museum’s many attractions through an interactive audio tour or at your own pace. n the George H.W. Bush Gallery, visitors can follow the war from the seeds of conflict to the signing of the Japanese surrender in Tokyo Bay. The Gallery takes guests back in time, traveling across islands with the brave U.S. service members who fought to ensure America’s freedom on the ground, and sailing with the U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet as

I

B

eyond the George H.W. Bush Gallery site lies the Pacific Combat Zone. The Combat Zone area includes a Japanese island beach head equipped with Japanese weaponry and entrenchments and gives an up-close look at U.S. and Japanese vehicles used in the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign. The Combat Zone is accessed by guided tours beginning at the top of each hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. he Admiral Nimitz Museum is located in the historic Nimitz Hotel on Main Street, built

by Admiral Nimitz’s grandfather, Charles Nimitz, Sr. The Nimitz Museum is dedicated to telling the story of the town of Fredericksburg, the Nimitz family and Fleet Admiral Nimitz’s long and impressive naval career. isitors can also stroll through the Memorial Courtyard, filled with more than 2,000 plaques dedicated to those who served in units and on ships, and individuals who served in the war and on the homefront during

T

V

World War II.

they battled the seas of the Pacific.

Hill Country Visitors Holiday Issue

More of this article on next page...

3

A

longside the Memorial Courtyard is the Japanese Garden of Peace, a gift from Japanese military leaders in honor of Fleet Admiral Nimitz’s contribution to improving U.S./ Japanese relations following the war. The tranquil garden represents the Pacific through traditional Japanese elements, featuring stones, plants and water.

The Museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and tickets retain their value for 48 hours.

www.pacificwarmusuem.org (830) 997-8600.

With more fun events than ¨ ¡ထ ­ ¦ဠ Ŋ ¤ ­ ª ¤ to visit Boerne! visitboerne.org

Upcoming Events

HCAF

visual arts center

888.842.8080

Johnson Creek Press Exhibit “Think Ink lll” October 9 - November 6 Open Night Reception Oct. 9 (5-7pm)

Art Mart November 10 - December12 (5-7pm)

4

Boerne Market Days • Hot Rod Nights • Key To The Hills Rod Run dĞdžĂƐ ,ŝůů ŽƵŶƚƌLJ /ŶǀŝƚĂƟŽŶĂů ƌƚ ^ŚŽǁ ͻ DŽŽŶĚĂŶĐĞ ŽŶĐĞƌƚƐ KŬƚŽďĞƌĨĞƐƚ st ^ŚŽǁ ͻ ϮŶĚ ^ĂƚƵƌĚĂLJ ƌƚ Θ tŝŶĞ ŽĞƌŶĞ ,ĂŶĚŵĂĚĞ DĂƌŬĞƚ ͻ ůů ƌŝƟƐŚ Ăƌ ĂLJ ͻ tŝůĚ 'ĂŵĞ ŝŶŶĞƌ ŶƟƋƵĞ dƌĂĐƚŽƌ WƵůů ͻ <ĞŶĚĂůů ŽƵŶƚLJ :ƌ͘ >ŝǀĞƐƚŽĐŬ ^ŚŽǁ Θ ^ĂůĞ ŽĞƌŶĞ ŽŽ ͻ ŝĐŬĞŶƐ ŽŶ DĂŝŶ ͻ tĞŝŚŶĂĐŚƚ WĂƌĂĚĞ KŵĂ͛Ɛ ŚƌŝƐƚŵĂƐ ƌĂŌ &Ăir ͻ ŽĞƌŶĞ ŽŶĐĞƌƚ ĂŶĚ ŚƌŝƐƚŵĂƐ ŽŶĐĞƌƚ ŽĞƌŶĞ WĞƌĨŽƌŵŝŶŐ ƌƚƐ͗ dŚĞ dĞŶ dĞŶŶŽƌƐ ͻ ŽŶĐĞƌƚƐ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ĂǀĞ

830.367.5210 120 Point Theater Rd. S. Ingram, Texas

Hiilll Country H Cou unt ntry ry Visitors Vis isiittor ors rs Holiday Ho ollid iday ay Issue Issue ssue ss Hill

5

T

he Battle Buddies Classic

E

arlier this year, VADogs leaders met with leaders of the Fredericksburg Nimitz Pacific War Museum under the leadership of Marine Corp General Michael Hagee (Ret) and this meeting led to an agreement to cohost a fundraising event for both organizations called “The Battle Buddies Classic” competitive sporting clay shoot. The event was held at the National Shooting Complex in San Antonio in August. The purpose of the agreement was to raise funds for both organizations- the Nimitz Museum and the Kerrville VADogs operation.

T

he event was kicked off by State Representative Rick Galindo with 102 registered shooters and 95 participating clay shooting competitors. Also taking part was Marine Corp Major General Angela “Angie” Salina (Ret) who was responsible for arranging for the attendance and participation of State Senator Menendez and State Representative Galindo. General Hagee, who was the 33rd Commandant of the US Marine Corp, made a point that General Salina had been the highest ranking female officer in the Marine Corp. Senator Menendez spoke during the event on recognizing the problem of mental illness with our veterans which is a major effort by VADogs in training rescued dogs to help veterans disabled with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and/or with Military Sexual Trauma (MST).

A

nother special happening occurred during the presentation phase of the event when VADogs Director of Development, Steve Volkman, read a letter written by John Bencken, the first recipient of a Service Dog from VADogs, to his Service Dog Suzie. It was a very personal letter written by John to express in writing his love and devotion to Suzie and for what she has done to change his life with his 100% disability due to PTSD. There were few dry eyes after the reading when Mr. Volkman presented John and Suzie to the gathered attendees. Then VADogs’s trainer, Tammy Doherty was called to the stage and Tammy presented a beautiful trained Service Dog named Barney to the 4th VADog’s disabled Veteran, U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Charles Borton (Ret) from Fredericksburg, Texas.

www.vadogs.org

Watch the Video

T

he event raised over $39,000 in funds for both the Nimitz Museum and for VADogs. The raised funds came from shooter entry fees for the shooting event, silent and live auction of donated items, plus participating funds from sponsoring organizations Conceptual Mind Works of San Antonio (the Title Sponsor), Remington Arms, Valero Energy Corp., Dogologie, Toyota of Texas, Hometown Heroes, and the Elks Lodge #2081 of Kerrville, Texas. The organizers wish to express special thanks to the staff of the National Gun Club and especially the Director, Royce Graff, for making this a very special event. he Nimitz Museum leadership and that of VADogs have recognized the success and benefit of this inaugural Battle Buddies Classic Clay Shoot and they have agreed to continue next year with a similar event.

T 6

Hill Country Visitors Holiday Issue

Mike Hagee General, USMC (Retired) President and CEO The Admiral Nimitz Foundation

A

native of Fredericksburg, Texas, General Hagee served as the 33rd Commandant of the Marine Corps.

Mike grew up on a goat and sheep ranch about 6 miles outside of Fredericksburg.

During high school he played football, basketball and threw the discus for the track team. After graduation, he attended the University of Texas for one year before his selection to attend the Naval Academy.

Upon graduation from USNA, he entered the Marine Corps as a 2nd Lieutenant. He served as a platoon and company commander in Vietnam with the 1st Marine Division. is military career took him to innumerable foreign countries in combat and peace. His numerous military assignments included Commanding General, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Deputy Director of Operations at the U.S. European Command and Executive Assistant to the Director of Central Intelligence. esides his military assignments, he served in a number of diplomatic missions to include Somalia and East Timor.

U

pon retirement, he joined the Board of the Admiral Nimitz Foundation. When the CEO passed away suddenly from cancer, he agreed to return home and serve as the President and CEO of the Foundation.

He remains active in public service and foreign policy debates and has been one of the leading proponents of “Smart Power”, testifying before Congress and providing advice to Senators, and Congressmen on both sides of the aisle.

G

eneral Hagee has a Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering and a Masters Degree in International Relations. He is a fellow at the University of Texas’ William P. Clements Jr. Center for History, Strategy and Statecraft. articipating in numerous educational, civic and charitable organizations are some of his current passions.

P

H B

C

amp Pendleton, Calif. (June 13, 2006) - Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Michael Hagee, addresses Marines at the Las Pulgas Parade Deck, at Camp Pendleton. Hagee was accompanied by the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Sgt. Maj. John Estrada and spoke to the Marines about the value and significance of the Marine Corps and decision-making values. Hagee’s speech was the first in a series of such addresses held on board Camp Pendleton designed to reach as many Marines as possible in an effort to enforce these values.

Hill Country Visitors Holiday Issue 7

Auto Detailing • • • • •

Paint Correction/Protection Pet Hair, Bug & Tar Removal Carpet Shampoo/Extraction Headlight Restoration Affordable Pricing

2590 Junction Hwy Kerrville, Texas

Josh Rodriguez

8

Hill Country Visitors Holiday Issue

D

Scarecrow Invasion

uring the month of October, Comfort is invaded by scarecrows, and we know that fall is in the air! Local residents and businesses create unique scarecrow displays for the enjoyment of all who visit.

Several categories provide opportunity for folks to have their efforts judged and maybe win a prize. Displays should be up and ready for viewing by October 7th.

O

n Saturday and Sunday, October 17 & 18, you can enjoy the 29th Annual Comfort Village Fall Antique Show at the Comfort Park on Highway 27. Hours are Saturday 10 am – 5 pm, Sunday 10 am – 4 pm. This annual event brings antiques of many eras. You are sure to find something you can’t live without! Admission for adults is $5.00 and good for both days, and children 12 and under are free.

girls Night out

T

uesday, November 17, 4 pm – 9 pm, just might be that perfect time for Dad to take the kids for the evening, so that Mom and her gal friends can enjoy an evening out. The local shops in Comfort stay open late so the gals will have plenty of time to shop and sample some tasty treats. Plan a Comfort re-union with your best friends!

Christmas in Comfort

T

his well-known Christmas event takes place on Saturday, November 28. Arts and Crafts, and Food booths line the main streets of downtown Comfort. Entertainment and music fill the day. And the best Christmas parade ever begins at 7 pm, ending with firework. Don’t miss this – it’s the best every year!

Happy s Holiday Hill Country Visitors Holiday Issue

9

In the Heart of the Hill Country

A

mongst the green rolling hills, shimmering rivers, and community steeped in western heritage, one will find a magnificent log cabin building that houses the family owned store sentimentally named...

Hyo Silver

E

stablished in 1999 by former Miss Rodeo Australia, Jo Symons, Hyo Silver boasts an elite team of designers, highly skilled artisans, and service staff, whom together produce an exquisite collection of jewelry and trophy belt buckles in a highly recognizable style that is sweeping across the Texas Hill Country.

Discover Faith & Nature Inspired Pieces

W

ork with a Hyo Silver Designer to Create a Customized Gift!

H

T

he newest pieces in the Hyo Silver Collection feature a stunning fusion of design elements like hand engraved scrolls, rose gold and sterling combos, and vibrantly colored earth stones. ictured above - Capturing deep blue hues of the ocean and golden rays of the sun, is the Abalone & Scroll Ring (left); the Silver Blossom and Rose Gold Ring (center) mimics a spring bloom alongside a sweeping vine of rose gold. Newest additions to the Hyo Silver Cross Collection include the Divinity Cross (left) with a silver heart adorned edge, and the Arched Crystal Pendant (right) where rose gold scrolls flow through a sparkling bridge of crystal. hese items are available for purchase online or when you visit the showroom. Customers looking for a specialized gift can work with a Designer on a custom order!

Visit the Hyo Silver Design Studio & Showroom in Bandera, Texas.

yo Silver partners with numerous organizations including, “Fort Worth Stock Yards”, “Prescott Frontier Days”, Tuff Hedeman of “Championship Bull Riding”, and even an inaugural committee for the President of the United States to present exquisite trophy buckle awards to champions from all walks of life. Rodeo Champs, College Grads, Hunters, CEO’s, Ranch Hands, and Presidents alike wear these trophies of accomplishment on their belts with pride.

P

T

1107 12th St Bandera, Texas

10

H

igh School and College Graduate stand out with a Hyo Silver graduation buckle or one-of-a-kind class ring. Clients are also able to work with Hyo Silver designers by selecting from an extensive collection of jewelry and accessories to fashion truly exceptional pieces with superior quality and style; fit for a Texan. Add your ranch brand or initials to styles of pendants, rings, knives, bracelets, spurs, money clips to make a truly memorable gift or heirloom piece.

877-796-7961 www.HyoSilver.com

Hill Country Visitors Holiday Issue

Hill Country Visitors Holiday Issue

11

12

Hill Country Visitors Holiday Issue

A

HISTORY AS BIG AS TEXAS

D

iscover the compelling and diverse history of the Texas Rangers. The TRHC is a tribute to the leadership and legacy of the Texas Rangers with a unique cultural and heritage center designed to become part of Texas itself.

History is awakened at the Ranger Ring of Honor as guests will reflect on the Texas Rangers who lost their lives in the line-of-duty, and instilling the five character

Courage, Determination, Dedication, Respect and Integrity traits:

represented by the fivepoint star of the historic Ranger badge and the Rangers themselves.

COMING SOON

W

ALK IN THE BOOTS OF THE TEXAS RANGERS

Visitors of the future TRHC will follow the footsteps of the Texas Ranger through Texas’ rich history upon entering the Legacy Theater. See Ranger dedication to duty at work. Feel the emotion and excitement as determined Rangers “get their man”.

Come for a Visit 103 Industrial Loop, Suite 700 Fredericksburg, Texas

888.766.4055 www.formertexasrangers.org Hill Country Visitors Holiday Issue

13

What is Hepatitis C?

p. 15, 17

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m Having A Heart Attack

p. 18

A Unique Boutique Downtown Kerrville Open 10am - 6pm Monday - Friday Saturday 11:30am - 4pm

www.roxyanns.com

14

Hill Country Visitors Holiday Issue

W

hat is

H

H

epatitis C is a virus that harms the liver. The liver is a big organ in the upper right side of the abdomen, underneath the rib cage.

The hepatitis C virus spreads from person to person through contact with blood. This can happen in a few ways, like sharing drug needles or receiving blood transfusions.

The hepatitis C virus rarely causes significant symptoms, even when a person has recently been infected. hat are the symptoms of hepatitis C? — Most people with hepatitis C have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can include feeling tired or weak, lack of appetite, vague abdominal pain, nausea, muscle or joint aches, and weight loss.

W

I

n most cases, hepatitis C is chronic and lasts for a lifetime. Over many years, hepatitis C can lead to liver scarring, called “cirrhosis.”

epatitis C

?

by Michael J Rensch, MD

M

any people with cirrhosis have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can include swelling in the belly and legs, fluid build-up in the abdominal cavity or lungs, bruising or bleeding easily, feeling full in the belly, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, called jaundice, bleeding from engorged veins in the esophagus or liver, confusion that can come from the buildup of waste products that are typically metabolized by the liver, coma and infections. ow did I get the disease — You can catch the hepatitis C virus if you have contact with the blood of someone who is infected. This can happen if you share drug needles or cocaine straws, use infected needles for tattooing, acupuncture, or piercings, share toothbrushes, razors, or other things that could have blood on them, received a blood transfusion before 1990 (before the blood was tested for hepatitis C), or have unprotected sex with someone

H

Medical Arts IMAGING, INC.

212-B Wesley Drive Kerrville, Texas

(830) 257-4777 We are gladly here to provide you with the following services with No Waiting or Pre-Registration: • Diagnostic X-Rays • Echocardiograms • Mammography • Ultrasound • Bone Density Exams WE OFFER DIGITAL EXAMS

Medical Arts Plaza Laboratory & X-Ray Our dedication is evident through the care and compassion we feel for our patients.

Medicare & Medicaid insurance is accepted.

Hill Country Visitors Holiday Issue

15

WH hat is

epatitis C

?

continued

... who is infected. A pregnant woman who is infected can also give hepatitis C to her baby. Some people who have hepatitis C do not remember how they were infected. In the United States, many people with hepatitis C were born between 1945 and 1965. If you were born during these years, your doctor might want to test you for hepatitis C even if you did not do any of the things that put you at risk of infection. s there a test for hepatitis C? — Yes. Your doctor might take blood tests which show if you have hepatitis C, what type of the virus you have, and which treatment will work best for you. If you have hepatitis C, your doctor will also want to know if you have any liver scarring. Ways to check for scarring include blood tests, liver ultrasound or CT, and liver biopsy. ow is hepatitis C treated? — Treatment depends on what type of hepatitis C you have. There are different medicines to treat hepatitis C. Current medications work on one or two forms of the hepatitis C virus.

Treatment usually lasts 3 months, is well tolerated, and is generally very successful in eradicating the virus.

I

I

s there anything I can do to protect my liver? — Avoid alcohol, maintain a healthy weight, get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B, get vaccinated for pneumonia, the flu, and other diseases. Ask your doctor or nurse before taking any over-the-counter pain medicines (these medicines can sometimes damage the liver), and avoid marijuana. f you have hepatitis C, it is still safe to hug, kiss, and touch other people, sneeze or cough, share silverware and breastfeed.

I

H

More than 75% of American adults with Hepatitis C are

BABY BOOMERS

16

Doctor Rensch completed an undergraduate degree in science at the University of Notre Dame, his medical degree at the University of Minnesota, and his training in medicine and gastroenterology at Fitzsimon’s and Brooke Army Medical Centers. He is double board certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology.

Hill Country Visitors Holiday Issue

T

The Key

Gardening 101

by Lonnie Longmire

U

he key to a great garden is remembering the word: “was”. Howsing 3 containers allows you to transfer finished soil from the 1st to the ever, spell it “WSS” which stands for water, sun and soil. If you 2nd, retaining 1/3 of the total which can initiate a new process beginning don’t have plenty of sun, water and really good soil, you will with a mix of 1/3 dirt & 2/3 compost. Construct the two layers again with never have a great garden. The Good Lord supplies the sun, but the compost from the first container on the bottom. When ready to use the only you can provide the water and good soil. third container, make it in layers with 1/2 compost and 1/2 of the existing Most soil problems stem from poor physical conditions of which com- dirt. The last container can be composed of 100% composted material from bins paction is the most troublesome. Much of the soil in the Hill Country one and two. contains a lot of clay. Many times if you leave a moist shovel full of dirt in the hot sun all day, you will find a rock that evening. Soil compaction can restrict free entry of air, penetration and drainage of water, along with activity of all soil organisms. Breaking up compacted soil is the first step in counter-acting this condition; adding soil amendments keeps it from becoming compacted again. ou can buy potting soil and bagged manure but it is cheaper to start your own compost bin. Think in terms of three stages; incom- What a great way to recycle leftover items that result in a useable product! ing, working and finished. You can use the finished 100% in your garden or mix it with an existing lesser soil at a ratio of 50/50. An easy way to begin is with three large containers you can purchase, such as 50-gallon metal or plastic garbage cans with lids, or big plastic bins with lids. ransfer the mix between containers by shoveling from one to the other, inverting one as needed. Be sure each bin has holes in the bottom, allowing water drainage. Lids should be used whenever heavy rain is expected. mix the first container in layers of 1/3 dirt and 2/3 waste materials. I do that in two layers with the waste materials on the bottom. Possible waste materials include dead leaves, grasses, paper, egg cartons, wood chips (not cedar), junk mail (not colored glossy), manure, hay, sawdust, straw, small twigs, shredded phone books, paper towels, leftover vegetable scraps, dead flowers, etc. eat build-up is essential to make compost. I prefer taller containers like trash cans as they hold heat well and let air circulate. Steam rising from the pile or warmth to the touch is a good sign that heat is being generated. The pile should stay moist but never soggy, which is the reason for saving the tops.

Compost is ready when it becomes crumbly and the original materials have decomposed to the point that they no longer look the same.

Y T I

H

Hill Country Visitors Holiday Issue

17

I’m Having a Heart Attack!

B

I

een there, done that and don’t want to do it again.

by Lonnie Longmire

t was a normal early January morning: watering the garden, picking winter vegetables and shoveling wet messy hay the cows had trampled.

I was throwing those heavy loads of hay into the compost bin and overdid it. y breathing became labored and sweat began pouring off me even though it was only 50 degrees outside. I stopped working and headed back to the house to rest. While walking, I began getting dizzy. I made it to the couch in the living room & lay down. After about 5 minutes it dawned on me I might be having a heart problem. I felt a tightening in my chest, but no severe chest or arm pain as many warnings state. However, I went in the bathroom and took 4 aspirin, then returned to the bed. bout 10 minutes later I was still sweating a lot and not getting better so I decided to drive myself to the emergency room. I took a couple more aspirin just in case it was a heart attack. I live on a ranch 8 miles out of town and decided it was faster to drive myself than to call 911. As it turned out, I never reached the local hospital emergency room. A couple miles from town, the police had blocked the lane I was in for passage of an oversized load.

M

A

18

I pulled around the line of cars, up to the police vehicle, and told him I thought I was having a heart attack.

He instantly took action, called an ambulance and told me to pull off to the side of the road. The ambulance arrived about 5 minutes later. he EMS team took me out of the car, placed me on a stretcher into the ambulance while asking me questions. They administered some tests and began giving me nitro but were unable to stabilize me. The heart attack continued. I was feeling dizzy, weak and starting to lose consciousness. They called Air-Evac Lifeteam and rushed me to the helicopter pad at the hospital. I never made it inside the emergency room.

They left me strapped to the stretcher and fitted me snuggly into the helicopter. We took off for Texsan Hospital in San Antonio. During the 30 minute flight on the helicopter I remember the thought...do I want to fight this off or do I just want to call it quits and go to sleep? I knew if I went to sleep I would not wake up again in this life. I did have some things to live for and I did want to see my grandkids grow up, so I forced myself to stay awake. Just a couple minutes after landing, they had me still on the stretcher in the cardiac emergency room and a nurse was cutting my shirt off.

T

Hill Country Visitors Holiday Issue

I

remember asking “why are you cutting off my shirt, that’s my favorite shirt!” He looked at me hard and directly into my eyes and said, ‘I’m trying to save your life’.” I said no more but thought,” wow, this is not good.” Later, when I was more clear headed and responsive, I learned that the heart attack was massive, lasted for 2 hours and destroyed the main artery to the heart.

It’s the one they call the “widow maker.” was hooked to many tubes, monitors and wires, but was being given enough pain pills that it was just a very uncomfortable feeling. They ran a number of tests while I was flat in bed and determined that I would have a triple by-pass the next day. he cardiologist and cardiac surgeon informed me that the only other option was insertion of some stints, but I would only live a few more months. It would be painful surgery, but pain management would be implemented immediately. They literally saw the chest open and hold it in place with a vise as they work on the heart. There was possibly a long recovery time involved.

I have a 90-year-old uncle who had a triple by-pass over 20 years ago and is still going strong. I decided if he could do it, I could do it; so I opted for the triple by-pass.

I

T

I

was in the hospital for 9 days and the worst pain from start to finish was when they pulled out the 3 tubes inserted into my chest. These tubes were at least the diameter of a finger with another one that size or larger in my neck. There is no easy way to get them out. My chest remained tender and sore for months while it healed, BUT I was alive. I am proud to now be a member of what is referred to as the “Zipper Club” – survivors of open-heart surgery! I found there was a bit of a psychological factor involved in recovery. I assume it’s because I knew I just had a near death experience and occasionally wondered what I should do with the extra time I was given. I’m sure different people handle it in different ways, but a near death experience is unforgettable. o wrap this up on a positive note: I’ll celebrate my 72nd birthday in a few months and I still work in my business and on the ranch. I’m back to heavy lifting, which is often required. My “better half ” and I built a lanai this past weekend and I was lifting 80 lb. sacks of cement, pouring an 8 x 8 concrete slab one sack at a time. y advice as a layman is: if you think you are having a heart attack, immediately call 911 & follow their instructions, lie down and wait for help to arrive. Every minute counts. appreciate the many blessings in my life and now live each day as if it were my last.

T

M I

Hill Country Visitors Holiday Issue

Life is Good!

19

20

Hill Country Visitors Holiday Issue

20

HomeTown Magazine Holiday Issue

*KNN %QWP T[ Pest Control of Fredericksburg, Inc. Complete Pest Control Service House, Lawn & Trees STEVE EVANS hcpc@austin.rr.com www.hillcountrypestfbg.com

Local 830-997-5080 â&#x20AC;˘ Toll Free 800-313-2721 94 Metzger Road, Fredericksburg, TX 78624 HomeTown Magazine Holiday Issue

TPCL5395 19

LeMeilleur’s RV Truck & Equipment Repair Co. INC. Conlee’s College of Cosmetology Lucky’s Barber Shop Copies & More Cornbread & Sons Chimney Sweep & Air Duct Cleaning Martin’s Automotive Mattress World of Kerrville CRUMBS Restaurant MG Building Materials Culver’s Fine Dining National Car Sales Dairy Queen of Kerrville Neumart Convenience Stores Davis Law Firm New Life Health Foods Dickey’s BBQ NuAccents Double L Ranch & Wildlife Feed NVS Customs Body & Paint Double M Equipment Service P.M.I. Earnest Roofing Papa John’s Elan Cakes and Confections Peak Fitness Elliott Electric Supply Phone Dawgs Emergency Mobile Repair Playhouse 2000 Exquisite Faces Powell ast steen nall Co. Co. o Po Powe ow weell elll Vacuum Vaaccuu uum & Allergy All ller errggyy Fastenal Priority Brake Giibs G ibs bson o ’ss Discount Dis i coun co oun untt C en nter ter te Prrio P iori r tyy B rakkee Specialist ra rake Spe peci cial ci allis alis ist st Gibson’s Center Rane Go ood d Ol Ol D ayys G a agge & B ar ike SShop ik hop ho Raanee Roofing R Roo oofin fing Good Days Garage Bike ReRuns Go oss s P esst C on ntrol trol tr ol ReRu Re Run nss Resale Res esal a le Goss Pest Control Rev Grrac ace A cade ca ad deemy my o errvil errv er rvvil ille lle le Rev FM Re FM 94.3 944..3 Grace Academy off K Kerrville Rhino Linings off kkerrville Graah Gr haam m Backhoe Baacckh khoee & Septic Sep epttiic Services Seerrvi vice ces ces Rhino Rh Rhin ino L in iin inin niin nggss o errv er errv rvil illlee ille Graham Rick’s Greeaat C Gr liip pss Riicckk’ss Auto R Aut u o Detail Deetttai ail ai Great Clips River Gu uad dal alu up pe Electric, Elect leccttri le ric, c, Inc Inc nc Rivveer Oaks Ri Oak a s Framing Fra rami mingg Company Com ompa paany p n Guadalupe River’s Gu uad dal alup upe SSigns iiggn nss Rive Ri verr’’s Edge Edgge Gallery Gaallle leryy Guadalupe Roxyann”s Habiitat Ha taat ReStore ReS eStto orree Roxy Ro xyaan nn” n s Shabby Sh haabb

by Chic Ch hiic Boutique Bouti ou uti tiqu que qu Habitat S & J SSeal Haard din nC leeaan nin ing Services Ser e vi vice iccees es eeaal Coating Coa oatiing n & Striping Sttrrip rip pin ng Hardin Cleaning S.R. Leather Heal He alth hC Caard d44F Freee S.R. S. R. Wickersham Wicke icke ic kers rsha sha ham Custom Cus usto tom L eath eath ea theerr HealthCard4Free Shade Heenl nleyy’’ss U-Haul U-H Hau ul Rentals Ren enta tallss and and d Boxes Bo oxxes xes es SSh had ade To To Go Go Henley’s Shweiki Hiillll Country H Co ou unttrryy Affordable Aff ffo ord dab a le le Motors Mo ottor tor ors Shw Sh weeeik iikki Media iki Meed diaa Hill Snippers Hiillll Country Cou untry nttryy Cafe Caf afe Sniip Sn ppe pers rs Family Faam milly Hair Hai air Salon Sallon n Hill Snow River Hill Hi ll Country Count ou unt n ryy Septic Sep epti t c Service Ser ervviice ice c Sn no ow w On On Th Thee R iver iv verr Hill So Printing Hiill l Country Cou unt ntryy Vision Visio issio ion Center Ceen nte ter er So Fast Faasst P rriint ntiin ng Hill Spirit Hill Hi llll Country Cou ount nttrryy Visitors n Vis isit itor it orrs Magazine o Mag agaazzin ine ine Sp pir iriitt Mind Mind in nd & Body Bod dy Massage Mas assa sage ge Hill St. Vincent dee P Paul Holl Ho llow ll ow o way ay Plumbing Plu umb mbin ing ng SStt. V iin ncceent nce en ntt d aull Thrift au Thri Th rift SStore ri to ore re Holloway Starkey Ho H ome m T own ow nC rraaftss Starrkkeey Pest St Peesst Control Con ntr tro oll Home Town Crafts State Ho ot R od d Auto Autto Detailers Deettai aile lleers rs Stat St ate Aire Air ire Hot Rod Steve mpa pact act Martial Mar arti rti tial aall Arts Art rts SSttevve Can Can an Fix Fix ix It It - Handyman Han andy d ma dy man n Impact Taco nn o hee H h illlss Resort Res esor ort & Conference Con onfe f reencce Center Ceen nte terr Taaco co To To Go Go Inn off tthe Hills Texas Express Lube Auto NT TE ERC R EPT EPT p EP rro ofe fess ssio ssio ss onal naal iinvestigations nvvessti n tiga iggaati ati t on o s Texa Te Texa x sE xp preessss L ub u b bee & A utto u INTERCEPT professional The Alara Group OLE LEE E ntter n erpr rp prriisses L LC Th A llaara ra G r up ro up JOLEE Enterprises LLC The Center For Fitness Kerr Business Services The Hills Realty Century 21 Kerr Business Services The Inn Exxon Kerr County Roller Derby The Lube Center Kerrville Plumbing TNJ Engraving Kerrville Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce Sponsor Member Trade-Mark Brown Air Conditioning & Sheet Metal Inc. True Master Mobile Storage Kerrville Health foods TRUEFIT Training Kerrville Mattress Gallery TSO Texas State Optical Kerrville Real Estate Co. Up-N Jacks Kerrville Recycling Center Wahoo Seafood Company Landservice Water Street Cafe Lazerwash Car Wash HomeTown Magazine Holiday Issue 18

Harper Behrends Feed Daunaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Deli Hill Country Portal

Hunt/Ingram Clean & Shine Clint Orms Engravers & SilverSmiths Copper Cactus Fine Art Life Gallery Grand Wowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Happy Jacks Day Care Hill Country Portal Horizon Motors HORSEFEATHERS Hunter House Cafe Ingram Veterinary Clinic Kathleen Cook Art Studio & Gallery Lamps & Shades Landservice Madisonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Garden Mobile RV Repair Neumart Convenience Stores Perfect Surroundings Perfectly Posh by Laura Puerto Vallartaueen Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Antiques Queen Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s English Tea Room Rainwater Resource Ritaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Taco # 2 Rustic Flower Shop & Gifts S&J Seal Coating & Stripping Showers of Flowers Taqueria San Miguel TJ Moore Lumber Yard Trade-Mark Brown Air Conditioning & Sheet Metal Inc. West Kerr County Chamber of Commerce Willis Trucking & Dozer Service

Kerrville

Buzzieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s BBQ Bumdoodlers Lunch Company

By The River RV Park & Campground CableGuy Communications Carver Road Stone Carving CD Flooring Cecil Atkission Motors Chicken Express Chiliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Grill & Bar Classic Burger and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Moreâ&#x20AC;?

Classical Auto Repair Clean & Shine Cleaning Ideas

W , QF- 1 H N U D y8 Saturda DQ¡V 0

P 'XFWri F8-5K :30 Mon-

hering c t u B Custom h & Smoked Fres Meats - heeses C 0 East)

ay 2 9 w h g i H ( 4 . Main urg, TX 7862 1609 E b icks Fr e d e r

1st Call Glass A+1 Transmission Specialists AAA-Hometown Hero Jobs page Acapulco Advanced Computer Repair Air by John Martinez Alpine Lodge Restaurant at Inn of the Hills Amco Overhead Door Appliances Plus, Inc. Bella Sera Bella Vita Country Italian Billâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s BBQ & Catering Billy Geneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Restaurant HomeTown Magazine Holiday Issue Broadway Bank

17

Goss Pest Control Hill Country Portal Sweet Comfort

Fredericksburg 1st Call Glass Admiral Nimitz Museum Alamo Springs Cafe Andy’s Steak & Seafood Aunt Elizabeths Guesthouse Behrends Feed Blumenhandler Florist Bobbie’s Beauty Shop Catfish Haven Chocolat, A Quintessential Chocolate Company Clear River Ice Cream - Bakery - Deli Crenwelges Creekside Cottage Curves Dairy Queen of Fredericksburg Dutchman’s Market Fire Ant Solutions LLC Gattis Pizza Goss Pest Control Guadalupe Electric, Inc Herbort Plumbing Hill Country Portal Hill Country Vision Center J C Heavenly Sweet Jeks Pit Stop, Inc. (Car Wash) Kevin Kramer Construction Lincoln St. Wine Market Lochte Feed & General Store Madlyn’s Napa Auto Parts, Gillespie Automotive Supply Owen Computer Solution Pasta Bella Precision Cuts Race Barn Rathskeller Restaurant Reeh Plumbing Segner’s Jewelers Skinny Dip Frozen Yogurt Sweet Marley’s The Inside Story The Mane Attraction Torre di Pietra Winery Touch of Class Vierus Automotive Water2Wine 16

HomeTown Magazine Holiday Issue

C

ard Members Save at These Locations

Bandera Bandera Chamber of Commerce Sponsor Member Hill Country Portal Longhorn Saloon Medina River Company Sid’s Main Street BBQ Snow On The River

Boerne A-1 Red, White & Blue Mini Storage LTD An Empty Vase Florist Anytime Fitness Bumdoodlers Lunch and Company Cascade Caverns, Inc. Chili’s Grill & Bar Clean & Shine Express Lube Plus #25 Galli Family Chiropractic Goss Pest Control Guadalupe Electric, Inc Hill Country Portal Mr. Electric Newport Construction Service, Inc. Paradise Tan Ranch Hand Truck Accessories The Graphix House

Center Point Clean & Shine Dave’s Place Hill Country Portal Family Hair Care J’s Valadez Masonry Co. J’s Valadez Automotive Neumart Convenience Stores

Comfort 1st Call Glass Chicken Express Chonitas Mexican Restaurant Comfort Candle Co. HomeTown Magazine Holiday Issue

15

Hill Country Ambassadors The Hero Card is great for everyone!

Harold Dean - Kerrville Chamber of Commerce President

I never forget my Hero Card!

Marvin Willis Founder & Contributor

Mike Gumbert A&A Tire

I love my Hero Card!

Jeffrey Brown - Executive Director Playhouse 2000

I wear out my Hero Card!

I never leave the courtroom without my Hero Card!

Clint Schroeder West Kerr County Newspaper

Tom Pollard Kerr County Judge

%XEMPLIFY #HRIST s 4HINK #RITICALLY s 3PEAK !RTICULATELY s 7RITE %FFECTIVELY s 0ERSUE ,EARNING s 0ERSEVERE Heritage School celebrates 20 years of Excellence in academics, athletics and the arts, providing a distinctive classical Christ-Centered education, preparing students for servant leadership and lives that glorify God.

Grades K-12 It is the desire of Heritage School to develop students according to Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plan.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;In wisdom, in stature and in favor with God and manâ&#x20AC;? - Luke 2:52 &ULLY !CCREDITED THROUGH 3!#3 #!3) s s WWW HERITAGE SCHOOL NET 3MOKEHOUSE 2OAD s &REDERICKSBURG s !DMITTING STUDENTS OF ANY RACE COLOR NATIONAL OR ETHNIC ORIGIN

14

HomeTown Magazine Holiday Issue

W

Heritage cont...

Y

es, to some this may be just any school. But to Heritage School these buildings represents all that we have accomplished and all of the potential that is still within us to achieve. In our new MPAC building we see an enormous opportunity. We see classrooms developing future leaders, a stage for the arts, an auditorium for family and community gatherings, courts for developing character in athletes, locker rooms for reflection on a job well done, and a chapel for worship and giving thanks.

We are still growing!

We can actually smell the sweat, see the faces, and hear the singing. To Heritage, this campus has helped develop the hearts and the futures of over 21 years of students, and 14 graduating classes who have gone on to US Military Academies, prestigious universities and graduate schools.

e can actually hear the singing, and see the faces, and smell the sweat.

What some see as just an ordinary campus, to Heritage is the means by which dedicated faculty and administrators reach into the hearts of 21 years of students and make a difference in their future.

Come and visit Heritage School

We think you will see it, too.

Article by Cherilynn Eggleston

ear Reader D We welcome your input about future articles. We strive to be the magazine that you want to read every quarter.

Please send us your thoughts and suggestions. It may be about a doctor you had a wonderful experience with or a local business we should do an article about.

ow about a personal experience H or story that you write and we publish?

This is a unique, 3 part magazine...

Hometown, Hill Country Visitors and Hill Country Health & People.

Contact Info.: founder@hthcard.com

HomeTown Magazine Holiday Issue

13

H

eritage School provides a distinctive classical Christ-centered education that prepares students for servant-leadership and lives that glorify God.

T

o some, Heritage School’s campus appears to be just buildings, an empty inanimate space, just another school. But just as we see that every child needs to be nurtured, loved, and developed to his/ her full potential with mentors to help build character from within, we see a mighty future on this campus.

W

e all stood here together, tears streaming against the wind, dedicating David Herzog Hall to the memory our first Head of School.

We gather here now on this very campus celebrating football victories, welcoming new families at the beginning of school, smiling, clapping as Kindergarten children through seniors dance the Texas two-step at school fellowship gatherings with their families. Champions Club supporters cook hamburgers, sell Eagle t-shirts, and weather the first cold snap blowing in

before halftime here on this campus. We see the machines and listen to the sounds of the construction of our new Multi-Purpose Activity Center (MPAC).

S

ome fifty parents, and even more students re-grouped here on this campus in the shade of the highpitched roof seeking refuge from the Texas sun after laying sod on the soccer field. Volleyball teams practice endless hours here hoping to work their way into the playoffs.

Veterans are honored right here on this campus, with song and rhetoric, tears and hugs, as we thank them for making the ultimate sacrifices.

Individuals seeking to hone their skills come evenings and after hours to shoot basket after basket right here on this campus in hopes of contributing to the success of the Heritage Eagles. We call that Hupomone – our battle cry – perseverance!

S

tudents worship in Chapel here. Grandparents are celebrated here. Football teams have proclaimed victories here before ever setting foot on a football field. Concerts have been sung, Shakespeare enacted, rockets launched, speeches proclaimed. Character has been built here, our culture knitted together as upper classmen mentor kindergärtners through fifth graders. Servant-leadership is developed right here on this campus as students host summer camps and give back to the community through mission outreach.

12

HomeTown Magazine H Holiday oliid ol dayy Issue Issue ssue ss ue

T

he Towns We Serve

8 BANDERA Cowboy Camp@Frontier Museum 10-Dec 12 KERRVILLE Artmart @Point Theater 11 FREDERICKSBURG Veterans Day Observance@National Museum of the Pacific War 13-15 FREDERICKSBURG Die Kunstler Fine Art Show and Sale@ St. Mary’s Fam. Ctr 13-15 KERRVILLE James Avery Hill Country Golf Classic @ all three golf courses 14 KERRVILLE Veterans Day Car Show & Parade@ VA Hospital and Memorial Blvd 14-15 FREDERICKSBURG Fall Antique Show@GillespieCounty Fairgrounds 14-15 FREDERICKSBURG Pacific Combat Living History @Nat. Pacific War Museum 14-15 FREDERICKSBURG Dinner & Breakfast@Texas Rangers Heritage Center 14-15 BOERNE Market Days on the Main Plaza 20-21 KERRVILLE Annual Sleighbell Boutique@Inn of the Hills Conference Center 20-22 FREDERICKSBURG Trade Days@U.S. 290 East across from the Wildseed Farms 20-Dec 5 INGRAM “Chaps! A Jingle Jangle Christmas”@Point Theater 21 KERRVILLE Holiday Lighted Parade@downtown area 21-22 KERRVILLE Gun and Knife Show @Hill Country Youth Event Center 21-22 FREDERICKSBURG Dinner & Breakfast@Texas Rangers Heritage Center 26 KERRVILLE Community Thanksgiving Meal@The Salvation Army Kroc Center 27-28 KERRVILLE Kerr County Market Days@Courthouse 27-28 BOERNE Dickens on Main @ downtown area 27-29 FREDERICKSBURG Trade Days@U.S. 290 East across from the Wildseed Farms 28 LUCKENBACH Thanksgiving Dance@the dance hall in Luckenbach 28 KERRVILLE “Every Christmas Story Ever Told”@Playhouse 2000 VK Garage Theater 28 COMFORT Christmas in Comfort and Parade begins at 7 pm and ends in city park 28-29 FREDERICKSBURG Dinner & Breakfast@Texas Rangers Heritage Center

December 1 KERRVILLE The Christmas Walk from Church to Church downtown 1 BANDERA Cowboy Capital Opry@Silver Sage Community Center 3 KERRVILLE Symphony of the Hills “Peace on Earth”@Cailloux Theater 3 KERRVILLE Starving Artist Show and Sale@Kerr Arts & Cultural Center

4 BANDERA Cowboy Capital Christmas & Shoppers Jubilee@city wide event 4 BANDERA Cowboy Capital Christmas NIGHT Parade2city wide 4 KERRVILLE Music at the Mansion featuring songwriters Matt Nokoa & The Sherpas 4 KERRVILLE First Friday Wine Share@Museum of Western Art 5 KERRVILLE Silver Bells Choral Concert @Salvation Army Kroc Center 5 BOERNE Weihnacts Parade in downtown 5 INGRAM Children’s Choir Musical & Dinner Theater “Camel Lot”@Citywest Church 5 BANDERA Cowboy Capital Camp Fire Christmas@City Park on banks of Medina River 5 BANDERA Holiday Parade thru center of town 5 BANDERA Cattle Company Gunfighters@Bandera Visitors Center 5-6 BOERNE Oma’s Christmas Gift Fair@Kendall County Fairgrounds 6 KERRVILLE Mickey Gilley in Concert@ The Cailloux Theater 11 KERRVILLE Annual Open House@The Museum of Western Art 11-13 KERRVILLE Dog Agility Show@Kerr County Youth Event Center 13 BOERNE Concet Band Christmas Concert@boerne High Auditorium 11-20 FREDERICKSBURG “A Tuna Christmas”@ Fredericksburg Theater Company 12 KERRVILLE A Night in Who-Ville@Kerrville-Schreiner Park 12 KERRVILLE The Kingston Trio in concert at the Cailloux Theater 12 KERRVILLE Butt-Holdsworth Book Sale at the library 12 INGRAM Hill Country Holiday Shopping Extravaganza@The Blue Sage Event Hall 17 BOERNE The Ten Tenors-Home for the Holidays@Boerne Chamber Auditorium 17 COMFORT Girls Night Out local shops stay open for the ladies 19 BANDERA Cowboys on Main@Main Street 19 BANDERA Cattle Company Gunfighters@Bandera Visitors Center 19 KERRVILLE White Christmas in the Hills@Cailloux Theate

I

t is a pleasure to announce that Marvin Willis, Schreiner class of 2010 and founder of The Hero Card, has donated discount cards for all Schreiner students and employees. This is a way for Marvin to give back to the school he loves and help our employees realize some incredible discounts in Town.

ThankYou Marvin!

Tim Summerlin, PhD President, Schreiner University

HomeTown Magazine Holiday Issue

11

W

ho, What, When in

October 1-3 KERRVILLE Outdoor Painters’ Event@various locations 1-24 KERRVILLE Arts & Cultural Ctr. Exhibit Connie Young & Cita Van Dyke 1-Nov 19 FREDERICKSBURG Fall Farmers Market@Pioneer Museum 1 - LUCKENBACH Picker’s Circle@the dance hall in Luckenbach 2 FREDERICKSBURG Art Walk@downtown Fredericksburg 2-4 FREDERICKSBURG Oktoberfest@Marketplatz 3 BOERNE Farmer’s Market @the Cilolo - Herff Farm 3 BOERNE Concert in a Cave-Fein Tuned@Cave without a Name 3 PIPE CREEK Bluesfest@Jake’s at Pipe Creek 3 LUCKENBACH Oktober Fiesta in Lukenbach 3 KERRVILLE 4-H Wild Game Dinner@Hill County Youth Event Center 3 BOERNE Tejas Rodeo@Tejas Rodeo 3 BOERNE The Key to the Hills Hot Rod Run@downtown area 3 BANDERA Texas Hill Country Frogs For Freedom@llth Street Cowboy Bar 3 KERRVILLE Fall Native Plant Sale@Riverside Nature Center 3 BANDERA Market Days@Courthouse Lawn 3-5 MEDINA Great Hill Country Pumpkin Patch@Love Creek Orchards 3-24 KERRVILLE Outdoor Painters’ Event@various locations 7 KERRVILLE Texas Heritage Music “Coffee House Series”@Schreiner University 7-31 COMFORT Scarecrow Invasion all over town 8 KERRVILLE Symphony of the Hills Concert”Heroes, Real &..”@ Cailloux Theater 9-11 FREDERICKSBURG Texas Mesquite Art Festival@Marketplatz 9-11 BOERNE Market Days@Kendall County Courthouse 9-11 MEDINA Great Hill Country Pumpkin Patch@Love Creek Orchards 9-24 INGRAM The Beauty Queen of Leenane@Point Theater 10 KERRVILLE Hill Country Swap Meet@Youth Event Center 10 BOERNE Tejas Rodeo@Tejas Rodeo Grounds 10 MOUNTAIN HOME VFD 10th Annual Fundraiser@Mt. Home VF 10 BOERNE Second Saturday ASrt & Wine@Galleries in Boerne 10 BANDERA Texas Hill Country Musicfest@11th Street Cowboy Bar 10 KERRVILLE Butt-Holdsworth Memorial Library Sale@the library 11 BOERNE Concert Band Fall Concert@Boerne High Auditorium 10-11 FREDERICKSBURG Pacific Combat Living History @Nat. Pacific War Museum 10-11 FREDERICKSBURG Dinner & Breakfast@Texas Rangers Heritage Center 11 BANDERA Cowboy Camp@Frontier Museum 16 KERRVILLE Native Healing Garden@Riverside Garden Center

10

16 KERRVILLE Music at the Mansion@Schreiner Mansion 16-17 BOERNE Texas Hill Country Invitational Art Show@St. Peters 16-18 MEDINA Great Hill Country Pumpkin Patch@Love Creek Orchards 16-Nov 1 FREDERICKSBURG “Our Town”@Shepherd Theater 16-18 FREDERICKSBURG Trade Days@U.S. 290 East across from the Wildseed Farms 17 BANDERA Ranch Heritage Day@Hill Country State Natural Area 17 KERRVILLE Revest@Louis Hays Park 17-18 COMFORT Village Antiques Show@the Comfort Park 20 KERRVILLE Baubles & Beads Style Show and Luncheon@ Y.O. Ranch Hotel 23 KERRVILLE “Hotel California” @Cailloux Theater 23-24 FREDERICKSBURG Dinner & Breakfast@Texas Rangers Heritage Center 23-25 KERRVILLE Kerr County Fair@Youth Event Center 24 FREDERICKSBURG Food And Wine Fest@Marketplatz 24 BOERNE All British Car Day@the Main Plaza 24 BOERNE Boo Celebration@Patrick Heath Public Library 23-25 MEDINA Great Hill Country Pumpkin Patch@Love Creek Orchards 24 KERRVILLE Kerr County Market Days@Courthouse 24 KERRVILLE Pumpkin Run 5/10K &Harvest Festtival@Salvation Army Kroc Center 29-Nov 28 KERRVILLE Texas Furniture Makers’ Show@Kerr Arts & Cultural Center 30-Nov 1 MEDINA Great Hill Country Pumpkin Patch@Love Creek Orchards 30-Nov 15 KERRVILLE “The Foreigner”@ VK Garage Theater 31 KERRVILLE Family Fright Night@Kerrville-Schreiner Park 31 FREDERICKSBURG “The Tingler” @Fredericksburg Theater Company 31 BOERNE Antique Tractor Pull@Ag heritage Museum

November 3-28 KERRVILLE Artist of the Month-John & Edith Maskey@Museum of Western Art 4 KERRVILLE Texas Heritage Music “Coffee House Series”@Schhreiner University 5-7 FREDERICKSBURG Texas All Star Big Band Bash@Hill Top Cafe 6 KERRVILLE First Friday Wine Share@Depot Square 6 BANDERA Hunters Barbecue and Musicfest@Antler Oaks Lodge 6 FREDERICKSBURG First Friday Art Walk@various locations 7 BANDERA Hunters’ Game Dinner and Dance@The Farm Country Club 7 BANDERA Market Days@Courthouse Lawn 7 BOERNE Handmade Market@The Pavillion 7 BOERNE Chamber of Commerce’s Wild Game Dinner@Kendall County Fairgrounds 7 KERRVILLE Hill Country Swap Meet@Youth Event Center

HomeTown Magazine Holiday Issue

HomeTown Magazine Holiday Issue

9

m ering fro ff u s is t e te agen iserable as th a g e h T gate. g as m Airlines son and feelin naware” named W S y s a bu el u y sea s eve at for the holida One is an “ang a m t is r y h : . in er famil l Rachel of them scene. C ter; and irrst the is away from h ut angels. Two words of Ange er to the coun that night ov he ts he bo a cold; s his is a story a nald. Now, in t ed very slowly no more fligh n or if he e T k r l o . tio e a r D a there w e had a reserv ying, ‘She weathe r is named Mc h a cane. He w t a h t a im

by T. Scott Gross e it The oth an standing w to explain to h ied. I asked if h . He just kept s l. e h c a R ried ld m stion worr oking o ew Orleans. I t used and very with each que o l t s e t -law e N f sister-in ‘just the swe e had to go to looked so con more confused is w h a s y b d to urb that h to get d up an ing. He at the c sh and told him d no ff o “I looke t voice told me o in the morn but he seemed d e p a ha p l, og tes een dro en him some c e and that he re I was b d a the fain e would have t supposed trave h gon man d giv . He th as this old family. She ha id that she was little ashamed reminder t a and tha ed when he w eans.’ h t r e had as a er iscov he sa felt a Orl rememb to go to New I was able to d leans where he ack tomorrow, .’ Naturally, I was sent to me e would get b tw ve Or row lly ld said I ha while, but fina to go to New he could come re until tomor d Mr. McDona worry and tha xt morning. e e d o e l if t a h t took e and to When I asked uld ‘wait right this angel nam I told him not iest flight the n king very v e s a m o .’ t . n o t rl on Chris nd buy a ticke vely that he w hristmas, whe standing there seat on the ea e he started lo ped in a a rC ea ap tim bra go insid . He then said being alone fo heart to see him lped book him g. About this his leg was wr When the e t t y in y l h m sta ve tha bou hair. ty, place to ry for myself a eant. It broke er agent on du a money for tra when I noticed d for a wheelc I asked how tr lle ’s th sor e. ly m feeling ing alone real t. Cynthia, ano t him a little ex all right. That of clothes. I ca on his bandag leg. Can be his ou lef od full was of what straightened n’s fare, which tly if he g a plastic bag l amount of blo een taken from e curb to buy a ie u q k g e s l b in a h everyth im a senior citiz the counter to ole time, holdin noticed a sma an artery had ropped off at t like this, and d t h h d n a d e w a n ion h n v t t , e We ga ed arou ding on it the to help him in s surgery and rward had be lly had a situa des. When p p e t s I n e s a a d t ce tired an He had been st stepped around d just had bypa and shortly af . I had never re Kathy and Mer ay. They both st h s, ry, e. ha ne bandag came, we bot lained that he ad heart surge ew Orleans alo my supervisor lace for him to al ticket for ir p k h p a N s x a me wheelch rt his leg. He e gine? This man vation to fly to went back to a we could find e night and a and cane I r h hu you ima t with no rese hat I could do. story, I asked if otel room for t bag of clothes o wait for he had e h e k w l a ic o e t plastic wh ald sur nstairs t I wasn’t had heard the ave Mr. McDon out, we got his take him dow atted him on g p o k they ely. We en I came bac mployee a tip t y again while I heeled away, t u l o s b rar be w . Wh es e said a reakfast e World Servic food, and itine e was about to b d n a r sh tel, e nic dinne gave th explain the ho be just fine. A o. d n a r d e o l o t h toget t down verything wou ry. I cried, t ies like that. n e b I . to c ttle at e stor the shu omised him th d, and started d said , ‘I love d i n r a a he .Ip ed the arm k you,’ bent his y, she just smilil n h a ‘Th Kat he said, back to thank t ” wen When I as man.’

F

I

r Christm u o y s i He

8

HomeTown Magazine Holiday Issue

The

athletes that attended came from all over Texas and neighboring states. They competed in traditional Highland Game events like the Heavy Stone for distance, the Sheaf toss for height, and the famous Caber Toss, where the object is to throw a telephone pole end over end! There were over 60 entrants.

L

ads and lasses!

N ou won’t want to miss it.

Y

ext year’s event is already in the works!

Keep an eye out for the dates.

Photographs by Tim Huchton

HomeTown Home Ho m T me To own n Magazine Magaz aggazzin ne H Holiday olid ol id dayy Issue Iss s uee

7

T

he Kerr County Celtic Festival and Highland Games had its inaugural debut this year, and it was good times had by all!

H

eld on the grounds of the Hill Country Arts Foundation in Ingram, around the picturesque and ever so fitting Stonehenge, the event exposed Kerr County to a whole new form of entertainment and athletics. There were pipers and drummers, Highland dancers, and all sorts of musical entertainments. Mr. Ed Miller, from Scotland, performed folk tunes from Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s turbulent past, and the Ingram Warrior Band played the opening ceremonies with the San Antonio Pipes and Drums. There were numerous vendors plying their wares and there were even VIKINGS! 14 Scottish and Irish Family Clans were represented at the fest, to include the honored Guest Clan Kerr. Lady Katherine Kerr opened the event by official decree.

Merchants in America Since 1733

Jewelers in Texas for over 65 years

Available Exclusively At

211 Earl Garrett â&#x20AC;˘ Kerrville, TX Located in Historic Downtown 6

T

he event was a success and made possible by the hard work and dedication of the sponsors and volunteers.

HomeTown H Ho meTo me T wn Magazine To Magaz aggaazzin i eH Holiday o id ol idayy Issue Isssue u

Nature’s Cabaret

by Sonny Melendrez

W

henever possible, barely after sunrise, I sit quietly and experience the serenity of early morning while enjoying a cup of coffee on our backyard deck. Surrounded by trees, I imagine their long limbs as arms stretched out, awakening to the new day.

Then, I watch as nature puts on a show, filled with colorful sights, captivating sounds and delightful surprises.

Trees become stages for a parade of furry and feathered cast members.

The opening act features two squirrels that leap from limb to limb in Cirque-Du-Soliel style, teasing our Wheaton Terrier, named “Happy”, who stands on two legs as he barks up the strong tree.

A butterfly quietly flutters by, as if to whisper, “You ain’t seen nothin’ yet!”

Then, come the first of many talented vocalists, including a Blues Jay and a Rockin’ Robin, who sing a medley of their greatest hits. And, if they don’t amuse you, the Whippoorwill!

An occasional cricket is heard chirping, after what must have been a long night.

The program even features an impressionist: A mocking bird who just flew in from the Hill Country and, “Boy, are his wings tired!”

The Cardinal, dressed in a dazzling red suit, is no doubt an usher for this formal affair.

The finale of our backyard extravaganza showcases a ruby-throated humming bird, magically floating from blossom to blossom, mystifying its audience while defying gravity.

Almost as quickly as it began, the performance is over.

And so, I leave my front-row seat, a satisfied patron.

The poet/writer, Goethe, once wrote, “Tomorrow the sun will also rise to the occasion of another day with equal grandeur. Such is the nature of that morrow which today has already seen, yet it greets us each time afresh in the morning dew of wonder in its eyes.”

The stage will once again be set for nature’s cabaret.

Did I mention that, I’m a season ticket holder!

Sonny Melendrez is an award-winning inspirational speaker, Hall of Fame radio/TV host, and author of “The Art of Living with Enthusiasm!”, based in San Antonio, Texas. Sonny speaks nationally at conferences, schools and universities about “The Power of Enthusiasm!”.

Visit his website: SonnyMelendrez.com. Email: Sonny@SonnyMelendrez.com

HomeTown Ho H om meeTo Town wn Magazine Maaggaz azine in ne H Holiday olid ol olid day ay Issue Iss ssu uee

5

4

HomeTown Magazine Holiday Issue

HomeTown Magazine Holiday Issue

3

2

HomeTown Magazine Holiday Issue

HomeTown Bandera, Gillespie, Kendall & Kerr Counties

Ba n a , Te x s

Capital boy Ch w o ri C

as

a er d

m st

Free

Happy Holidays

Page 3

Natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cabaret

by Sonny Melendrez

5

The Highland Games

6

The Christmas Man

by T. Scott Gross

8 Page 4

Who, What, When

10

Heritage School

122 HomeTown H Ho meTo me eTo T wn Magazine Mag agazin ine n Holiday Hol o id daayy Issue Iss s uee

1