November 2017 Hays County Echo

HAYS COUNTY

ECHO NOVEMBER 2017

COMMUNITY HELPING COMMUNITY

Discover a multitude of volunteer opportunities in Hays County

HAYS COUNTY

ECHO is published monthly by Barton Publications, Inc 113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX Contents © November 2017.

Publisher Cyndy Slovak–Barton Editor Moses Leos III Graphics Director David White Graphic Designer Christine Thorpe Contributing Writers Moses Leos III Samantha Smith Timothy Stuckey

Contributing Photographers Moses Leos III David White

EDITOR’S NOTE I n today’s fast paced, hightempo world, it can be easy for people to get caught up in life’s pursuits. Posting that fancy meal photo on Instagram, or picking up our cell phone to plan out what we expect to do later in the day are societal norms.

But amid the chaos of daily life, the inclination to help out one’s neighbor isn’t lost in the shuffle.

Today, nonprofit organizations are more prevalent than ever, with a variety of them assisting people in a myriad of ways.

In this month’s Hays County Echo, we salute our local nonprofit organizations and highlight how you, our fantastic reader base, can give to their causes.

But what nonprofits are residents in Hays County more

likely to donate toward? On page 3, we highlight results from an online survey we conducted that shows where people are more willing to help in our area.

From city and county governments, to grants and even donations from the community, we cast a spotlight on how several major nonprofit organizations obtain funding to provide services.

Perhaps no other non-profit is as well known in the area as the Hays County Food Bank, which has assisted the food insecure for

Celebrate giving back IN THIS ISSUE...

Distribution David White

With a little help from our friends: Community support vital to local nonprofits ............................................ 4-5

Marketing Tracy Mack Jim Darby Leon Vigil

Giving where it counts: Support grows for local area food bank ............................................ 6-7

Office Manager Wendie Hyer For advertising information, please contact our sales department at 512–268–7862.

See the Hays County Echo online for free at www.HaysFreePress.com

over 20 years. Reporter Samantha Smith takes a glance at the organization and what volunteer opportunities exist.

Want to make a difference in your community? Or perhaps reading about non-profits has made you realize it’s time to get off the couch. Flip on over to page 8 to get a glimpse at local area non-profits and how you can help.

Whether you’re helping pack boxes for needy families for Thanksgiving, or just helping clean up your neck of the woods, we at the Hays County Echo hope this edition spurs our readers to give back as much as possible.

Thank you for reading, Moses Leos III Editor

Area nonprofit volunteer opportunities..................................... 8-11 Warm up this winter with mushroom and potato soup ...................................12 Central Texas events............................13 Hays County Echo Service Directory ..................................14 Grub Buzz: Get a taste of local flavor at these restauraunts ...........................15

ABOUT THE COVER:

Volunteers at the Hays County Food Bank – Guadalupe Gonzalez, Oswaldo Martinez and Gabriela Sanchez – sort produce and other donated food products to distribute to families in the area. (photos by David White)

GIVING IN HAYS COUNTY The Hays Free Press surveyed online readers on charitable giving habits. 65 total responses were collected from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, 2017.

What’s your favorite nonprofit organization serving Hays County?

What causes do you most frequently donate to?

CHILDREN, SENIOR AND FAMILY WELFARE ..........54%

HAYS CALDWELL WOMEN’S CENTER .... 21% HAYS COUNTY FOOD BANK ................. 17% SCHOOL FUEL ..................................... 14% PAWS OF CENTRAL TEXAS .................. 11% AUSTIN ANGELS ................................. 5%

FOOD INSECURITY ................20%

OTHER NOMINEES • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Community Action, Inc of Central Texas For the Love of Go Greater San Marcos Youth Council Hope & Love 4 Kids Semper Fi Fund ADRN Angels Kickball ASPCA Cattery Lounge & Snackery Concerts For A Cause Girl Scouts Hays Communities YMCA Hays County Youth Livestock Show Kyle Police Employees Association Mano Amiga PALS Prevent A Litter Pink Heals Hays County Rotary Club St Vincent de Paul The American Widow Project - Military Widows

How often do you donate items or money to nonprofit organizations?

ANIMAL WELFARE ................14% HEALTH AWARENESS ............8% Where do you most often make a financial donation?

EDUCATION ..........................4%

Physical retail stores Direct donations Online Fundraising events

How much time do you spend volunteering a month?

Never

0-10 hours

Once every few months

11-50 hours

Once a month

51-100 hours

Once a week

More than 100 hours

Are you currently aware of local volunteer opportunities?

YES 86.15%

See a list of ways to give your time on page 8.

NO 13.85%page 3

With a little help from our friends

JoAnn Sadlel volunteers her time at the Onion Creek Senior Citizens Center by hosting exercise classes and activities for the residents. (photos by Moses Leos III)

Community support vital to local nonprofits

BY MOSES LEOS III

J

oAnn Sadlel couldn’t help but smile as she and about 25 others completed a bungee cord exercise at the Onion Creek Senior Citizens activity center.

Sure, the workout itself was strenuous at times. But for Sadlel, the exercise she and many others came to take in was well worth it.

Such is the goal of the OCSC, which provides a place for Buda area seniors to stay active in their golden years. The OCSC is one of several area nonprofit organizations that receive funding from a variety of sources, including from local municipalities.

Sandra Grizzle, a longtime volunteer at the OCSC, said funds

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november | 2017

the organization receives funds from Grizzle said funds from the city and several places, including Hays County, county have increased over the last few which provides a $12,000 grant to the years as they’re seeing the benefit the center. center brings to The city the area.

“A lot of the younger people “A lot of the of Buda also plays a role in younger people will help us because they providing funds will help us to the OCSC. they know their parents are aging because In the Fiscal know their Year 2016, Buda and we’re a place where their parents are approved the aging and we’re parents will want to come.” a place where organizations request for their parents $7,000. will want to –Sandra Grizzle, OCSC volunteer Those come,” Grizzle monies go said. toward monthly operation expenses, The Hays Caldwell Women’s Center which include paying the mortgage and is another organization that also utility bills, along with flood insurance. receives funds from city and county

governments.

Melissa Rodriguez, HCWC director of community partnerships, said Hays and Caldwell counties, along with Buda, Luling, San Marcos and Dripping Springs all allocated funds to the HCWC last fiscal year. The center provides shelter for victims of domestic violence and helps provide resources for many affected families.

Rodriguez said obtaining funding from cities can vary, depending on how a city is doing financially.

How cities allocate those funds can vary as well.

Buda Mayor Todd Ruge said giving money to nonprofit organizations is “one of the toughest decisions” a city council can take up.

Three years ago, the city

SERVE GRATEFULLY The Backpack Campaign, orchestrated by the Hays Caldwell Women’s Center, raised funds for local children to receive backpacks for the new school year. Above, volunteers meet to fill the backpacks with school supplies. (photo courtesy of the Hays Caldwell Women’s Center)

commissioned a committee to help allocate the funds, which also in turn took pressure off of city leaders.

The committee is comprised of representatives of the hotel industry and business owners who come up with recommendations for allocation.

Nonprofits that wish to obtain funding from Buda must fill out an application with several guidelines. One of those rules includes reporting an approximate number of Buda residents the organization helps out. If awarded funds, nonprofits must provide a quarterly report of how it has helped residents.

“We recognize the good a lot of these organizations do for the community,” Ruge said. “We also have citizens that use a lot of services. We feel it’s our duty to pay our fare share to citizens who use those services. But talking about taxpayer money, we have to be careful how we allocate funds.”

Even with a small contribution, Rodriguez said it goes a long way for the center’s ability to obtain state and federal grants, which comprises most of its revenue. Rodriguez said state and federal grants are interested in knowing if a community is making that investment.

“What we tell cities is, even if it’s just what one would consider a modest amount, it goes a long way for us to list them,” Rodriguez said. “It’s not the amount, but that the city supports the organization. That helps us in other

funding areas.”

For some organizations, fundraising also helps toward keeping the doors open.

Grizzle said the OCSC participates in Amplify Austin, a regional fundraising event for nonprofits, which she said was a “good money maker for us.” They also hold several local fundraisers, such as monthly dances and dinners.

With more seniors moving to the area, Grizzle said younger residents are realizing the importance of the nonprofit.

“As more people move here, they call city hall to find out what the city has to offer seniors,” Grizzle said. “We in turn are helping the city.”

Private support is how the HCWC also obtains additional funding.

Organizations such as the Lions or Rotary Clubs, as well as larger foundations such as St. Davids or the Texas Pioneer Foundation program.

Rodriguez said there has been a shift in how people view nonprofits today and donating to their causes.

She said in the past, people weren’t supportive as they didn’t understand the complexity of issues such as domestic violence.

Exposure, primarily through social media, provides additional support.

“We’ve got good support from the community through that exposure. It’s growing all of the time, it’s evolving constantly,” Rodriguez said.

BUILD COMMUNITY LIVE ON PURPOSE

512.295.5555 | 220 Main Street . Buda, TX 78610 | budadental.com page 5

Giving where it counts

Support grows for local area food bank I

Most needed items

BY SAMANTHA SMITH

magine going to the grocery store and walking past a woman on the sidewalk casually scrolling through her Facebook feed outside the market.

One may not have realized they had just witnessed the face of hunger.

No, that woman may never appear in a somber commercial on hunger where young children in third world countries are often photographed emaciated and sad.

Real hunger, however, has no “look.”

It just is.

“Hunger has no specific look and many of our neighbors are going hungry,” Mallory Best, the Communications Coordinator of Hays County Food Bank said.

• Canned meats • Canned Corn

• Macaroni & Cheese • Tomato Sauce

• Canned Fruites in Light Syrup • Low Sodium Soups

• Pasta & Pasta Sauces Mckinna Seahorn and other volunteers sort and package food for families in the community. (photos by David White)

HISTORY OF GIVING Since its start in 1983, the Hays County Food Bank works to combat the enemy known as hunger in the community.

The HCFB is designed to be “a viable source of food to agencies serving the needy in San Marcos and surrounding areas.”

Best said the Hays County Food Bank was originally named the San Marcos Area Food Bank Inc., and was started by a board of eight people with the purpose to “acquire, develop, equip, conduct and maintain food storage and distribution facilities for receiving, storing and distributing food for the ill, the needy or infants.”

“Hunger exists throughout our entire nation, with the food insecurity population of our county (Hays) being 24,700,” Best said citing a 2015 statistic from Feeding America.

The HCFB started as a small nonprofit working with 26 agencies to feed over 400 families in 1985.

Today, it’s an organization providing food directly to individuals and households at six public distribution sites each week and served an average of 1,000 clients a week in 2016.

Best said what started as a charitable food distribution organization for the San Marcos area grew to serve individuals and families in the region. That decision was based on a letter to the board in 1985

by Cindy Robillard, who was the food bank’s director.

page 6 u november | 2017

• Low Sodium Soups

• Pasta & Pasta Sauces

• Low Sodium Mixed Vegetables • Canned Chili

• Diced Tomatoes

• Rice and Brown Beans • Peanut Butter & Jelly • Granola Bars • Oatmeal

Best said in 2016, the HCFB was able to provide food for 4,335 clients each month, totaling 52,027 clients fed that year.

PROVIDING TO THOSE IN NEED The HCFB still provides services for over 20 agencies in the surrounding area that pick up food from the HCFB to distribute through their own agencies.

Examples include Communities in Schools, church pantries, housing authorities, senior centers and other nonprofits.

Best said in 2016, these partnerships helped feed an average of 1,600 households in Hays County.

But without donations from local individuals, organizations, corporations, foundations and granting agencies, Best said none of the charitable work done

by Hays County Food Bank could be possible.

“Through the partnership with Central Texas Food Bank (CTFB), Hays County Food Bank is able to receive food from H-E-B stores in San Marcos, Kyle, Buda and Wimberley, from Sam’s Club in San

Marcos, from Target in Kyle and from CTFB itself,” Best said.

The HCFB also receives food donated by Night Hawk Frozen Foods Inc. in Buda and restaurant partners like Golden Chick, Papa John’s, Centerpoint Station, Dos Gatos and Starbucks, Best said.

Food drives and individual donations in 2016 accounted for 148,489 pounds of food collected, which was distributed to clients that year.

As a nonprofit organization, the HCFB relies on funding from Hays County and cities like San Marcos, Kyle and Buda.

Other means of funding come through grants, civic organizations, corporations, churches, schools and employee-giving programs.

Best said individual donations in 2016 accounted for 30 percent of all funding for the organization allowing HCFB to continue feeding hungry individuals and families.

Even though HCFB started with distributing food only two days a week, it now distributes food at seven different sites at least twice a week to anyone who qualifies, not just Hays County residents.

• Applesauce • Fruit Cups • Raisins

• Shelf Stable Milk

Items not accepted While the food bank appreciates all its contributions there are certain items that they cannot accept, like:

• Cans that are dented on the rim or have an expiration date of more than three years old.

• Jars with an expiration date of more than one year.

• Seafood.

• Home-made foods or foods with no nutritional label.

• Any open package.

• Energy drinks or products with alcohol.

“Hunger exists throughout our entire nation, with the food insecurity population of our county (Hays) being 24,700.”

–Mallory Best, citing a 2015 statistic from Feeding America

Volunteer opportunities at the Hays County Food Bank FOOD RESCUE/WAREHOUSE Assist drivers on food rescue runs, sort/organize food donations, general cleaning duties

DRIVER Responsible for driving vans to pick up food from various community partners

DISTRIBUTION A BRIGHT FUTURE AHEAD Best said the growing nonprofit organization is looking ahead to the future.

The nonprofit is now governed by a board of directors that includes a president, vice president, secretary and a treasurer. The HCFB also has two internal committees, seven full time staff members, three part time staff members and a CEO.

In addition to the 10 staffed employees, Best said there are numerous volunteers from all walks of life who contribute to the day-to-day operations of the food bank.

“We hope to expand these programs in the future so that we can assist even more people in need in our area but the level of our expansion will be directly correlated with our ability to obtain a new facility,” Best said.

MOBILE FOOD PANTRY & FRESH FOODS FOR FAMILIES Set up distribution area, process food for clients, general clean up

SPECIAL EVENTS Set up/tear down at events, wera costumes as needed, hand out marketing materials

Load/unload vans with food for distribution, set up distribution areas, hand out food to clients, general clean up

ADOPT-A-FARM Planting, weeding, mulching, harvesting, general farm duties

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Area nonprofit volunteer opportunities Hays County offers many volunteering options throughout the area to those who wish to give back to their community. Whether it’s donating food, helping to make sure a child is fed and protected or finding a forever home for our four-legged friends, residents in Hays County will find no shortage of opportunites to help out their communities.

Austin Angels, which expanded to

Buda in 2010, supports foster children and families through its Love Box program, in which groups of friends or neighbors or church groups are matched with a foster family whom they sponsor for a year. Each month, the group delivers a box to the family filled with household necessities and activities to do together.

512-577-0465 www.austinangels.com

AWARE (Always Wanted A Riding

Experience) Inc. provides therapeutic horseback riding for children and adults with special needs. Therapeutic riding benefits the body, mind and spirit. Volunteers are needed to help groom and care for horses. Volunteers are also sought to lead horses during sessions.

1708 Centerpoint Road San Marcos, TX 512-754-6773 www.awaresmtx.org

Bobcat Build is a student-led service event intended to build relationships between Texas State University and its surrounding communities through volunteerism and service. Over 4,500 students volunteer and over 275 job sites participate every spring. The organization will begin accepting job site requests from residents and

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november | 2017

donations from local businesses in January.

512-245-4245 601 University Drive, LBJ Student Center 4-7.1, San Marcos, TX www.bobcatbuild.txstate.edu Twitter: @bobcatbuild

CASA of Central Texas advocates for

abused and neglected children in the court system by recruiting, training and supporting community volunteers. A CASA volunteer is appointed by a judge to be an independent voice for a child in and out of the courtroom.

Historic Hays County Courthouse, second floor, 111 E. San Antonio St., San Marcos, TX 830-626-2272 www.casacentex.org Twitter: @casacentex

CTMC-Volunteer opportunities are

available for individuals of all ages and walks of life at Central Texas Medical Center. From the auxiliary to hospice to junior volunteers, internships and residencies, volunteerism extends CTMC’s healing ministry throughout the city of San Marcos and Hays County.

1301 Wonder World Drive, San Marcos 512-753-3685 (general), 512-754-6159 (hospice) www.ctmc.org Twitter: @CTMC_SanMarcos

Bobcat Build, comprised mostly of Texas State students, volunteers for a multitude of community projects, including grooming the property at the Hays Caldwell Women’s Center.

The Central Texas Wing of the Commemorative Air Force is

dedicated to educating the public about World War II through the display of restored aircraft and vehicles from the era. The Central Texas Wing houses nine vintage aircraft, a WWII museum and library with historic artifacts. Volunteers receive training in restoration and maintenance and have the opportunity to fly in historic aircraft.

512-396-1943 www.commemorativeairforce.org

Circle of Living Hope is a child

placing agency that is licensed by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. The organization recruits, trains and verifies foster families to provide family-based therapeutic care to abused and neglected children from birth to age 21. The organization has expanded to five branch locations in Austin, San Antonio, Brownsville, Red Oak and Houston.

1216 Estival Drive, Kyle, TX 512-216-9615 www.colh.org Twitter: @colh_inc

Daughters of the Republic of Texas

is a statewide nonprofit organization whose members descend from those

living in Texas from 1820 to February 1846. The local Moon-McGehee Chapter promotes the education and preservation of Texas history. The organization is looking for volunteers who can research and find particular graves for marking with memorial DRT medallions and also help research a person’s ancestry.

512-667-7778 www.sanmarcosdrt.org

Dick’s Classic Garage

is dedicated to the preservation and display of classic cars. Volunteers are needed to dust cars on the showroom floor and to walk the floor answering guests’ questions.

120 Stagecoach Trail, San Marcos, TX 512-878-2406 www.dicksclassicgarage.com

Dream of Hopes Ranch

provides job and life skills training and respite care for children and adults with special needs. Program Manager Laura Stock said the organization is seeking volunteers to help organize and staff camps and fundraisers, maintain landscaping at the nonprofit’s facility, care for animals and assist with adult care during the day.

16250 Oak Grove Road, Buda, TX 512-791-0160 www.dreamofhopesranch.org

Habitat for Humanity San Marcos

and Wimberley Valley Habitat for Humanity are all-volunteer affiliates of Habitat International. All donations go to construct new homes for lowto moderate-income people in San Marcos and the Wimberley area. The organization is looking for those with experience in construction to help at worksites. Volunteers who live in or near San Marcos are needed to serve on the board of directors for that affiliate.

P.O. Box 1594, San Marcos, TX 512-754-8142 www.habitatforhumanitysanmarcos.org P.O. Box 1205 Wimberley, TX 78676 www.wimberleyhabitat.org

Hands of Hope

Habitat for Humanity groups in Wimberley and San Marcos are always looking for volunteers to help build homes for local people in need.

provides education in subjects including math, English and Bible study, as well as career-readiness training for women of all ages in Hays County.

Volunteers can help teach classes, provide child care and serve meals.

325 W. McCarty Lane, San Marcos, TX 512-618-0723 www.handsofhopesanmarcos.org

Hays County 4-H focuses on the

development of head, heart, hands and health to help youth to reach their fullest potential. Hays County 4-H includes nine 4-H clubs and a variety of school and community programs. Volunteers serve as project leaders, activity coordinators and judges.

Hays County, 1253 Civic Center Loop, San Marcos, TX 512-393-2120 http://hays4-h.blogspot.com

Hays County Food Bank

, established in 1984, is committed to improving lives through food-assistance programs, nutrition education and advocacy. Volunteer opportunities include driving food to delivery sites, weighing, sorting and packing food at the food bank warehouse as well as distribution, front office and client services, special projects and events.

Volunteers are also needed to work at a local farm to help plant, weed, harvest and wash fresh produce.

220 Herndon St., San Marcos, TX 512-392-8300, ext. 222 www.haysfoodbank.org jkamimoto@haysfoodbank.org Twitter: @HaysFoodBank

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Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center

PAWS

creates an environment where violence and abuse are not tolerated in the communities it serves. The center will provide emergency shelter, education, violence-prevention services and crisis intervention to victims of family violence, dating violence, sexual assault and child abuse.

P.O. Box 234, San Marcos 512-396-3404 www.hcwc.org info@hcwc.org

The PAWS Shelter in Kyle is always looking for volunteers to care for the cats and dogs in its care, as well as help at adoption events.

Hays Drive A Senior

provides people age 60 and older with transportation to and from medical appointments. The organization currently operates in the city of Buda, but hopes to expand to serve the Kyle area.

512-618-4820 www.haysdriveasenior.org info.hdsc@gmail

Keep San Marcos Beautiful

strives to educate and engage San Marcos residents and visitors to take responsibility for improving

Shelter of Central Texas is a nonprofit, no-kill animal shelter that has been saving homeless pets since 1986. The organization is dependent on donations, fostering and volunteerism from the community to give pets the chance to live a great life. Volunteer work can include working and playing with cats and dogs, data entry, event assistance or cleaning.

500 E. FM 150, Kyle volunteer@pawsshelter.org www.pawsshelter.org Twitter: @pawsshelter

Salvation Army of San Marcos the community environment. The organization focuses on litter prevention, waste reduction, and beautification. KSMB hosts Hot Spot Clean Ups on the first Saturday of every month as well as planting and weeding days throughout the year. The first Saturday in March the organization co-sponsors the Great Texas River Clean Up, a litter-collecting event along the San Marcos River.

630 E. Hopkins St., San Marcos 512-393-8407 www.sanmarcostx.gov

PALS (Prevent a Litter) has been helping people and their pets for more than 20 years in Hays County. Volunteer opportunities include fostering kittens and nursing mother cats for four- to eight-week assignments, feeding feral colonies, grant writing, bookkeeping and information technology assistance.

P.O. Box 401, San Marcos, TX www.preventalitter.com www.facebook.com/preventalitter volunteerpals@gmail.com

serves Hays County in a variety of ways, including providing clothing, housewares, school supplies and emergency response. Volunteer opportunities include ringing the red kettle bell during the holidays and handling clothing at the San Marcos service center.

300 CM Allen Parkway, Ste. 100 San Marcos, TX www.salvationarmytexas.org www.facebook.com/salvationarmytexas Twitter: @salarmytexas

Austin Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic Pediatric and adult care

www.AustinENT.com

Hearing Aid & Audiological Services • Programming • Fittings • Cleaning & Repairs • Earmolds • Custom Ear Plugs • Hearing Protection Michael Yium, MD

Ear & Hearing

• Chronic Ear Infections • Hearing and Balance Evaluation • Tinnitus (Ringing in Ears) • Dizziness & Vertigo

Nose & Sinus

• Endoscopic Sinus Surgery • In-office Balloon Sinuplasty

page 10 ◆ november | 2017

Mark Dammert, MD

Children’s ENT

• Ear Tube Placement • Tonsil & Adenoid Surgery

Throat, Head & Neck

• Sleep Apnea • Hoarseness/Vocal Cord Malfunction

• Immittance Testing • Comprehensive Hearing Evaluations • Otoacoustic Emission Testing (OAE)

• Assistive Listening Devices • Video Nystagmography (VNG) • Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA)

Chad Whited, MD

Amber Bass, Au.D, CCC-A

Thyroid and Parathyroid • Ultrasound and Needle Biopsy • Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery

Allergy

• Testing • Allergy Shots/Drops

Two locations to serve you KYLE

LOCKHART

1180 Seton Pkwy Ste. 420 Kyle, TX 78640 512-268-5282

1005 W. San Antonio Ste. A Lockhart, TX 78644 512-444-7944

San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance is

creating an interconnected system of parks and natural areas in and around San Marcos. Volunteers can help with trail work; restoration and natural area monitoring; outreach efforts including social media support and hikes; working with community leaders and landowners; and administrative activities.

107 E. Hopkins St., Ste. 123 A San Marcos, TX 512-392-7457 www.smgreenbelt.org

San Marcos River Foundation

protects public access to and preserves the flow, purity, and natural beauty of the San Marcos River, its watershed and estuaries with the help of volunteers. Volunteer opportunities include caring for and planting cypress trees on the riverbanks and maintaining a ring of fencing to protect the trees.

Volunteers can also plant native flora on riverbanks to hold the soil in place and provide food for wildlife. Cleanups are regularly scheduled and need many volunteers.

222 W. San Antonio St. San Marcos, TX 512-787-6392 www.sanmarcosriver.org

San Marcos Youth Service Bureau is

an after-school and summer program for at-risk youth ages 11-17. YSB focuses on service projects, life skills and educational workshops inside the program’s facility and in the community.

Volunteers are needed to work alongside youth in activities, demonstrate good citizenship and model positive behaviors as youth are engaged in all aspects of learning and in volunteer work.

518 S. Guadalupe St., San Marcos, TX 512-396-5437 www.ysb.org

Southside Community Center has been

helping those in poverty in Hays County since 1927. The organization provides a family homeless shelter and after-school programs for youth and assists those living in poverty with rent and utility bill payments, housing rehabilitation and senior housing. The community center is accepting volunteers for the thrift store and for administrative work at the organization’s office. Volunteers can also serve dinner to those in need. Dinner preparation typically begins at 3 p.m., and dinner is served from 5-7 p.m. daily.

518 S. Guadalupe St., San Marcos 512-392-6694 www.southsidecommunitycenter.org

Sozo Mentoring

, a faith-based program of San Marcos-based church Sozo, aims to create relationships with children who need positive influences in their lives, create a safe place for children who do not have a safe place at home and be a friend to a child who has never had a friend. Volunteers for this program will meet with the same child once a week for about 45 minutes of encouragement and mentorship. kejones5@gmail.com

United Way

of Hays and Caldwell counties, together with community partners, fight for the education, health and financial stability of those in communities served by investing in and creating programs that serve over 75,000 residents each year.

P.O. Box 1728, San Marcos, TX 512-353-1420 www.unitedwayhaysco.org www. facebook.com unitedwayofhayscaldwellcounties Twitter: @uwhaysco

4 FREE Bottles and First Month Cooler Rental FREE! • 5 & 3 Gal. Bottles • Coolers • .5 Liter Bottles • R/O Filtration • Private Label Available

• 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!

CALL NOW FOR YOUR HOME AND OFFICE DELIVERY NEEDS

(Present this ad to your routeman for special.)

866-691-2369

Family Owned and Operated.

Friendly Hometown Service, Serving Texans!

Evidential Medium & Intuitive Life Strategist

Tracy St. Croi Date: Every Second Saturday of the month

We know how it works!

Time: 7-8:30 p.m.

Cost: $15 per person payable online or at the door

Location: The Center For Spiritual Living 4402 Merle Dr Austin, Tx 78745 Contact: 512-423-3929

Mediumship Demonstration It’s never too late to communicate with your loved ones who have crossed over. Tracy is dedicated to re-connecting you with loved ones and letting you know they are still in your lives.

Join us as we connect with Spirit to deliver messages of empowerment, faith, forgiveness and continued love.

To Reserve your spots, information about future events or schedule a session with Tracy visit:

www.TracyStCroiMedium.com

*Please be aware not everyone who attends a demo receives a direct message. *No children under the age of 15 at this time.

• 24-hour Jail Release • Financial Arrangements • Warrant Walk-through • Accepting Visa, MasterCard & Discover • Serving all of Hays County

Located in the San Marcos Square

512-392-8999

www.sanmarcosbailbonds.com page 11

FoodWise Recipe

Warm up with Mushroom and Potato Soup Cost Per Serving: $1.86

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp. olive oil 1 medium yellow onion, diced 1 bell pepper, diced 3 cloves of garlic, minced 9-12 red potatoes, sliced into medallions 8 oz. mushrooms, sliced 1 can chicken broth 1 cup water 2 Tbsp. Italian seasoning 1 Tbsp. red pepper flakes Salt and pepper to taste 13 oz. coconut milk 1 bunch kale, chopped

Yields 4 Servings

Instructions: •

• •

•

Suggested Garnish:

Grated parmesan cheese, hot sauce, cilantro

•

Optional Lean Meat Protein:

•

Poached or roasted chicken breast Turkey bacon Italian seasoned turkey sausage

•

Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large, heavybottomed pot. Add onion and bell pepper and sauté until fragrant, about 3 minutes.

Add garlic and sauté another 2 minutes.

Combine potatoes and mushrooms and add to pot.

Stir frequently for 3 more minutes.

Pour in chicken broth and water and add seasoning, pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 45 minutes, until potatoes are soft).

Add coconut milk, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.

Add kale and simmer another 10 minutes.

Top with cheese, hot sauce or extra pepper flakes if you wish, and enjoy!

Recipe courtesy of Hays County Food Bank Communications Coordinator Mallory Best. FoodWise is a program through the Hays County Food Bank providing families with hands-on cooking classes focusing on the nutrient value of individual fruits and vegetables. The class uses fresh, seasonal items to teach families how to use the foods received from the food bank in a healthy way. Sign up for a FoodWise class at www.haysfoodbank.org.

PrePlanning • aftercare Program cremation • traditional ServiceS

FM 2770 & Kohler’s Crossing • 1715 Kirby, Kyle, TX 78640 in Plum Creek

512-268-8200 H www.HarrellFuneralHomes.com page 12

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november | 2017

Browse and buy photos from local events online

Just follow the Photos link at HaysFreePress.com

Central Texas Events November 4

FARMERS®

Wimberley Market Days

Get ready for the holiday at Wimberley Market Days Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. rain or shine. Listen to live music on three stages from 11 a.m. through 2 p.m. This free event is located at Lions Field on RR 2325 Wimberley with ample parking in three lots. For more information see the Market Days web site at www.shopmarketdays.com or follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/ wimberleymarketdays.

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

Rainwater Revival

This year’s Rainwater Revival will be bigger, better and more fun! It’s all about rainwater collecting, conserving water and energy and living lightly, responsibly and beautifully in the Texas Hill Country.

Learn everything you need to know about collecting rainwater for home or business. This festival delivers a full day of speakers, demonstrations, exhibitors, vendors, raffle prizes, music, food and fun. New this year is the Tiny Home Rodeo, One-Stop Hill Country wine tour, food trailer court, a Hill Country Music stage and more. The revival will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Dripping Springs Ranch Park. See rainwaterrevival.com for more information.

November 11 Veterans Dinner and 40s Swing Band Hangar Dance

Celebrate and remember the brave men and women who gave us our freedom at the Commemorative Air Force Central Texas Wing in San Marcos.

Enjoy an authentic 40s style swing dance surrounded by a number of restored and functional WWII aircraft.

See www.centraltexaswing.org for more information.

November 11-12 SAXET Gun Show

Head to Dripping Springs Ranch Park for a gun show filled to capacity with a huge variety of firearms, accessories, ammunition, knives, tactical gear, hunting and target sports products, worthwhile organizations and much, much more. The event will be held 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday.

RAINWATER REVIVAL

November 12 Legends of Tejano Artist Panel

The Wittliff Collection at Texas State University invites you to celebrate the rich history of Tejano music at an artist discussion featuring Little Joe Hernandez, Sunny Ozuna, Shelly Lares and Ramon Hernandez on Sunday, November 12 from 2-4 p.m.

The Wittliff’s Texas Music Collection curator, Hector Salda, will lead a conversation that weaves its way through these artists’ careers and makes the case for why their music is American music and should hold a place in Texas music history along-side artists like Willie Nelson and Stevie Ray Vaughan.

Nov. 16-17 Gabrielle Calvocoressi Reading and Book Signings

Author Gabrielle Calvocoressi will hold readings on Thursday, Nov. 16 at 3:30 p.m. at the Witliff Collections and on Nov. 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the Katherine Anne Porter Center.

Calvocoressi’s first book, “The Last Time I Saw Amelia Earhart,” won the 2006 Connecticut Book Award in Poetry. Her second collection, Apocalyptic Swing, was a finalist for the 2009 Los Angeles Times

Book Prize. Her awards and honors include a Stegner Fellowship, a Jones Lectureship at Stanford University, and a Rona Jaffe Women Writers Award. Her poem “Circus Fire, 1944” received The Paris Review Bernard F. Connors Prize. She teaches at the MFA programs at California College of Arts in San Francisco and at Warren Wilson College. She also runs the sports desk for the Best American Poetry Blog. The Witliff Collection is located on the 7th floor of the Alkek Library at Texas State University in San Marcos, and the Katherine Anne Porter Literacy Center is located on Center Street in Kyle.

November 29 December 2

Texas Lehigh Sudoku Solution, from page 7

Sights and Sounds of Christmas (weekend #1)

This year’s festival has been expanded to two weekend. Enjoy evenings full of holiday festivities at San Marcos Plaza Park. Highlights of this local favorite include carnival rides, arts & crafts, pictures with Santa, local school performances, live nativity scene and a food court. Gates open at 5 p.m. nightly. See a full schedule of events and more information at sightsn-sounds.org.

page 13

Hays County Echo Service Directory AIR CONDITIONING APC Service, LLC

Electrical, A/C, heating Commercial and residential.

Free service call with repair.

512–295–4023 www.APCServicePros.com

NEMEC Heating and Air

Proudly serving Central Texas.

Residential, commercial and after hours available. chris@nemecheatingandair.com 512–312–9081 512–789–5132

AUTOMOTIVE AMM Collision Center

Three great locations!

Kyle: 21681 IH–35, 262–1013 Austin: 11740 Manchaca Rd., 292–1060 Dripping Springs: 3990 Hwy 290, 512–894–3888

Buda Automotive

You know us... by our reputation!

Full service car & truck repair.

601 S. Loop 4 in Buda 512–295–2832

Central Garage, LLC

Complete Auto Repair, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

20 Hwy. 290 West, Dripping Springs 512-894-4114 or 512-858-4252

COMPUTER SERVICE 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

page 14

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november | 2017

DIRT Rick-Rob Trucking

Loam, topsoil, sand, gravel, roadbase, asphalt millings, granite, compost mix. Tractor work available. Specializing in country driveways.

512-858-7952. robinnds@aol. com, www.rick-rob.com

GLASS SERVICE Berry Glass Company

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. 512–312–2767

FENCING HTC Fence & More Wood fences built right. Repairs, gates, post replacements, fully insured. Mowing $45 for standard yard (mow, edge & cleanup). Free estimates, veteran owned.

830-556-7445

LANDSCAPING Daniel Stone & Landscaping Supplies

We deliver. Grass: St. Augustine, Buffalo, Bermuda, Tifway.

Chopped rock, patio rock, flagstone, drystack, gravel, river rock, mulch, sand and loam.

12015 Hwy 290 W, Cedar Valley, Austin. 512-288-8488.

Who Does Your Lawn

Call Jesse Reyna at 512-7882180 or email apa6207@ sbcglobal.net Offering competitive pricing and superior service in the Manchaca, Buda, and Kyle area since 2010.

Taking care of all lawn needs so you can play. Mowing, trimming, edging, debris removal, flower bed maintenance

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, landlord–tenant law, personal, injury, DWI, criminal defense, debt defense, general civil litigation. 130 Hall Professional Center , Kyle, TX. 512–268–6425

PLUMBING Prince Plumbing Company

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

512–312–0710

POOL SERVICE G&S Pool and Spa Service

Serving South Austin, Dripping Springs, Driftwood, Kyle and Buda since 1994. 512–326–4695. www.gspoolspa.com

High Tide Pool Service

Over 10 years cleaning and maintaining pools. Drain & cleans pressure washing, full service repairs, replastering. Free estimates, call Keith Miller at 512 965-3465.

REAL ESTATE Christy DeWolfe

Residential & commercial real estate. 512-284-4126, christydewolfe.com

REMODELING Tri–County Construction

Let us make your dreams a reality!

Specializing in custom remodeling and insurance repairs since 1984.

Fully insured. 512–282–6224

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, 512–402–4704

ROOFING Area Roofing Company

Serving Hays County. Residential & Commercial. Free estimates.

Insurance claims welcome. Ron Johnson, owner. 512–312–5050

Wrangler Roofing

Absolutely no money down. Claims specialist on staff. Experience, honesty and integrity. See website for special offers. www.

WranglerGutterProtection.com.

512-351-5402

SEPTIC 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, 512–282–3889.

Sellman Enterprises, Inc.

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

512–312–0002 www.SellmanSepticServices.com

SHOE REPAIR Austin Shoe Hospital

Quality boot & shoe repair as well as purse and luggage repair.

Ten locations in Central Texas including: Ben White & Manchaca, 512-440-8788; Hwy 290 & Nutty Brown Rd., 512-827-3398; and Hwy 290 in Oak Hill, 512-2886386.

TREE SERVICES Lees Trees

Firewood, pruning, tree removal, chipping, planting, cedar posts, bulk mulch. Free assessments & estimates. Affordable oak wilt treatment. Schedule ball moss treatment for June. Call Marcus Lees at (512) 858-4018, leestrees@vownet.net

WINDOW TREATMENTS Made in the Shade

Custom window treatments at affordable prices. Graber, Hunter Douglas, Norman and more.

Blinds, shades, draperies and shutters. Low prices with lifetime guarantees and fast professional installation. Call 512-847-8970, www.madeintheshadeofwimberley. com

Celebrate the holidays with us!

Serving breakfast and lunch and now open for dinner

Now accepting holiday parties and family events 100 N. Main Street in Buda

| (512) 312-4387

|

www.BrooklynsDownSouth.com

Grub Buzz

FOOD DRINKS LIVE MUSIC HOURS Mon-Thurs, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Fri-Sat, 11 a.m.-12 a.m.

Sunday, 4-10 p.m.

HAPPY HOUR 3-7 p.m. Mon-Fri

Get a taste of local flavor at these restaurants

DOG FRIENDLY!

THANKGIVING PIES – DON’T WAIT!

FAVORITES Southern Pecan, Lemon Chess, Buttermilk, Almond Joy, Chocolate Fudge, Fudge Pecan, Coconut Macaroon, Peanut Butter Mousse, Pumpkin Praline

PLACE YOUR ORDER EARLY:

FRUIT PIES Peach, Dutch Apple, Blueberry, Cherry, Strawberry Peach, Blackberry, Strawberry Rhubarb

512-268-5885

Dine In or Take Out!

Lunch H Sandwiches Desserts H Casseroles WEEKDAYS: 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY: 10:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

SUNDAY: Closed

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK (Like us even better in person)

On the Square in Downtown Kyle

202 West Center Street | 512-268-5885 | TexasPieCompany.com

(512) 295-0121

| 116 N. Main Street in Buda

No sauce.

No forks.

No kidding.

GERMAN-STYLE BARBECUE RESTAURANT IN LOCKHART, THE BARBECUE CAPITAL OF TEXAS!

Business Hours: Monday - Saturday: 10:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Closed Sunday

619 N. Colorado St. • Lockhart, TX 78644-2110 Phone: 512-398-2361 • Fax: 512-376-5576 kreuzmarket@sbcglobal.net

page 15

Coming Soon to Buda!

Meet the ARC Doctors!

Michael (Mike) Ward, MD

FAMILY MEDICINE

FAMILY MEDICINE

PEDIATRICS

care

in your neighborhood

• • • • •

3420 FM 967 Suite B-100 Buda, TX 78610

967 Wiley Way

Margaret “Molly” B. Gilmore, MD

Buda Sportsplex Dr

MaryAnn Cecelia Katherine Gamble, MD

ARC Buda

1626

• Secure Messaging with 24/7 Scheduling Your Care Team 24/7 Phone Nurse Same-Day Appointments • 50+ Insurance Plans Accepted Lab & Radiology • And more!

Secure Online Test Results

For More Information: ARCBuda.com • 512-272-4636 page 16

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november | 2017

Learn More ARCBuda.com