Congressman, Lamar Smith, District 21 (center), poses with the GVTC executive team. Blanco Mayor Chuck Homan and GVTC chairman Chuck Knibbe are pictured to the right of the congressman. GVTC CEO Ritchie Sorrells is pictured left.

Photo courtesy GVTC.

Congressman Lamar Smith visited GVTC headquarters on Monday. He met with CEO Ritchie Sorrells, GVTC Chairman Chuck Knibbe, the GVTC executive team, and Blanco Mayor Chuck Homan.

Though Congressman Smith speaks frequently to groups at the GVTC Auditorium, this was his first official visit to GVTC. He complimented the communications company for making its auditorium available to nonprofit organizations at no charge.

Mr. Smith learned more about GVTC’s operations and position in the community as a corporate leader. The group also discussed issues taking place in the nation’s capital and how that might affect the co-op’s industry and the economy.

Congressman Smith represents the 21st Congressional District of Texas, which includes portions of Bexar and Travis Counties and all of Comal, Real, Kerr, Bandera, Kendall and Blanco Counties.

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Over the years I have been surprised many times by people who have had special experiences or who seemed to possess certain unusual skills or gifts. One such person was E. LeRoy Hatch, M.D.

“Doc” Hatch was a country doctor who practiced his medical trade in and around the little Mormon settlement of Colonia Juarez in northern Mexico. I got to know him well while I was attending high school there and even dated his daughter for a time. Not only was he a competent and respected physician, he also witched wells. He witched a well for my father that irrigated 14,000 apple trees.

In the same area of Mexico were several Mennonite colonies. Local Mexicans often confused the Mormons and Mennonites, I suppose because the original settlers of both groups were mostly blonde and blue-eyed. However, their lifestyles were very different. The Mennonites rode around behind horses in buggies; the men dressed in overalls and straw hats while the women wore modest long dresses with aprons. They had no electricity in their homes and lived very simple lives.

The Mormons, on the other hand, had their own power plants, drove nice cars and pickup trucks, and it was not unusual to see swimming pools and tennis courts next to their American-style well-landscaped houses. The good doctor provided medical services for both groups.

In his own words: “For a number of years when the ranches and farms were getting started in our area of northwestern Chihuahua, I was called upon to witch wells and, as happened when I performed my first tonsillectomy or pulled an aching tooth, my fame spread.

“One afternoon, my wife Jeanne and I visited a little Mennonite girl in the colony of Buenos Aires who had a severe case of measles. The dad, apologizing for his dirty clothes, remarked that he was drilling a well but had brought up only thick mud. ‘You’re not drilling in the right place, then,” I said. ‘Did someone tell you where to drill?’

“’More or less.’ He shrugged his shoulders and scraped at the mud on the back of his hand. ‘Would you like me to witch the well for you?’ I asked. The farmer looked at me for a moment and almost scoffed. ‘You, doctor?’

“’You are new to the area,’ I said. ‘Many are the wells I have witched in this camp alone. You should ask any of the old-timers here. But, since I am here, if you want me to witch your well, I will.’ ‘What is your fee?’ ‘You smoke your own ham?’ ‘Yes, I do.’ ‘How about a ham if you bring in a good well where I tell you to drill?’

“He laughed heartily as we walked into the neat fenced yard in front of the house and I chose a good forked limb from a young peach tree. He cut it off, I stripped off the green leaves and shoots, and we drove to his field in my pickup. All around the drilling rig there was a deep sea of mud. My wife remained in the pickup, the farmer leaned against the tailgate, and I began walking the furrows of his vast field, the forked stick in my hands. Suddenly, as it is wont to do when water has been located, the stick pointed down.

“The farmer’s laugh sounded almost like a scoff to me. I walked toward him and pointed out that I had not marked the spot where the stick bent to the earth. ‘Come with me,’ I said. ‘Put your arm around my waist; I’ll put my arm around yours; you take one end of the fork of the stick; I’ll take hold of the other.’ We set off across the furrows of the field. Suddenly, I felt the stick bending toward the earth. At the same time, I was aware that the farmer’s arm around my waist had tensed and that he had actually tightened up all over in an unsuccessful attempt to prevent the stick from dipping down.

“‘There,’ I said, reaching for several rocks nearby and piling them together for a marker, ‘that’s where you should drill.’

“Shaking his head, perplexed and no longer laughing, the farmer slowly pried open his fingers still curled around the peach branch. When he did so, the branch came away stripped of all its green bark, which remained in his curved fingers and the palm of his hand. ‘I didn’t believe it possible,’ he said, looking at the bark shreds. ‘You didn’t make it point to the earth.’

“It was my turn to laugh. ‘No, sir, I did not. But you certainly tried to prevent it from pointing downward.’ My wife told me later that as she watched us and the stick began dipping down, the farmer’s neck and arm muscles had bulged in his futile effort to keep it horizontal.

“Several months later, my nurse-receptionist handed me a huge brown-paper-wrapped ham. ‘El Menonita said you would know what it’s for.’”

(“Medico, My Life as a Country Doctor in Mexico” by E. LeRoy Hatch, M.D., pp. 190-191)

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At their regular meeting January 8, members of the governing body of Blanco discussed a proposal by the Pedernales Electric Cooperative to provide funds for an LED sign to replace the banners previously installed by PEC on its utility poles. Although the $25,000 donation is worded to fund an electronic reader-board sign, council member and PEC employee Martin Sauceda clarified that the sign could be a board with changeable letters. The Unified Development Code of Blanco forbids LED signs with changing messages. Blanco Chamber of Commerce vice-president Curt Knutson used the public comments portion of the meeting to express the chamber’s support of a non-LED sign and the choice of Yett Park as the site for the sign. His feeling was that an LED sign would be a distraction for motorists traveling at 65 mph downhill into Blanco. He also stressed that the sign should meet night-sky-friendly lighting requirements. Apparently second-guessing himself, he added that the small LED sign on the First United Methodist Church in Johnson City is quite nice. Council member Maria Guerrero asked Knutson, “Would you allow an LED sign?” and he responded, “Yes.” Council member Bobby McClung added, “Are you talking about a scrolling sign?” and Knutson again said, “Yes, some signs are abused and are too bright. I’m up for anything that gives us information.” Chamber president Marcy Westcott added, “Obviously it would have to be a board decision.”

Planning and Zoning Commission members Matt Lewis and Martha Gosnell informed council that code compliance officer Pete McKinney had made a presentation to their group. Lewis said that it would be nice to take advantage of the PEC offer, that the decision is where to put it and what kind of sign to use, that citizens want what he called “a tasteful sign” and that it should comply with night-sky-friendly regulations. Gosnell added that most people at the meeting favored a changeable letterboard or a pre-printed sign that could be changed. Council member Al Turner said that he has “no problem with a tasteful LED sign,” while council member Danny Ray grumbled that he liked the small-town feel of the banners stretched across the street. Night-sky advocate Wayne Gosnell said emphatically, “We do not want our little town to have electronic signs—any color lights but black and red would denigrate the night sky.”

The decision of what type of sign to use and where to put it was put off until the next meeting; however, Blanco State Park Superintendent Ethan Belicek expressed disapproval of putting a sign directly in front of park headquarters. Mayor Chuck Homan said more research is needed and the design narrowed down to a few choices. Council members received a packet of possible signs to review. The sign must be chosen and installed by April 2013.

In his monthly report, Police Chief Mike Ritchey thanked the mayor and council members for hiring someone to come in and clean out offices in the police department after his arrival. He also reported that traffic enforcement has doubled, resulting in compliments from citizens, and that follow-up investigations have doubled. He said he will present statistics to council comparing numbers from the previous year as well as the previous month. He expressed the hope of having Blanco’s police department accredited and said that officers will be wearing more standard issue black uniforms without any logos or embroidery, and that reserve officers will wear uniforms left by retiring or resigning officers in order to save the city money.

Ritchey announced the resignation of two officers—acting chief Larry Feinstein and officer Ty Grenwelge, and the addition of reserve officer Byron Key, a former Boerne police officer, and regular officer Dale Barnett from San Antonio. Following Executive Session, council voted to approve Barnett’s hiring. Ritchey said the department has been the beneficiary of five television sets donated by Wal-Mart, which can be used for teaching purposes and to let him know of breaking news.

Chief Ritchey also explained his plan for implementing stricter enforcement of the loose livestock and loose dog ordinances (Blanco County News, January 9). The city received a $480 bill from the Blanco Veterinary Clinic recently for boarding, shots, and euthanizing two animals. “It is an expense to taxpayers—why not charge the owners?” he asked. Council members seemed surprised to hear the veterinarian gives shots to dogs that may be euthanized after three days and the bill goes to the city.

Ritchey plans to have a crate put in the truck of city workers, who will be paid $35 per hour after hours for apprehending loose dogs. He said that three police officers have been bitten attempting to apprehend stray dogs, and that walkers and runners in the city complain about the number of dogs running loose. He suggested that individuals who call the city about stray animals should keep them contained until someone comes to pick them up. Chief Ritchey also addressed an issue which came before council back in the summer, that of loose livestock, with a similar solution—the owner paying overtime salaries of officers stopping traffic to prevent accidents when animals are loose in the road or break through fences onto private property.

In other business, council voted to call an election for May 13, 2013, for the purpose of electing two council members and one mayor for two-year terms. The terms of Danny Ray, Chuck Homan, and Maria Guerrero are expiring. Following Executive Session, the meeting was adjourned.

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More from Community News.

On Saturday, January 12, the new quilters’ group in Blanco had their second meeting. Fifteen local quilters, ranging from beginners to experts, had a delightful time visiting with new friends and learning new techniques while working on a pinwheel heart wall hanging. The Uptown Blanco Ballroom provided an ideal place to set up for sewing and later lunch.

Meeting at 9:00 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month, the goals of fellowship and education are central to this group's purpose.

There will be a monthly challenge block and a mystery quilt as well as seminars and field trips upcoming.

At the next meeting, on February 9, members will meet, exchange blocks, and work on ongoing projects. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone wanting to learn to quilt or improve their skills.

Any quilters or crafters interested in becoming part of this group, are welcome to attend and bring "show and tell" items or current projects on which you are working.

For additional information, check with Jennifer at the Uptown Blanco Art Center at (830) 833-1579.

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PEC recently awarded the Friends of the Blanco State Park, a non-profit organization of volunteers led by President Marilynn Lageman and dedicated board members, a grant of $1,000 to construct a security portal within the park. PEC’s Community Relations Department administers the community grant program and issues ‘application calls’ to eligible non-profit organizations served by PEC twice yearly. The Friends group was one of twenty-five organizations to receive the $1,000 grant from the October grant cycle.

The Friends organization is dedicated to the preservation, protection and improvement of the Blanco State Park. In partnership with Texas Parks and Wildlife, its mission is to maintain and protect the park’s natural beauty for the enjoyment of current and future generations. If you are interested in becoming a Friend of the Blanco State Park, please visit its website at blancoparkfriends.org or pick up a registration form at the Park office. The Friends are always seeking willing volunteers committed to the Park and its mission.

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AUSTIN — The 83rd session of the Texas Legislature was called to order in the House and Senate on Jan. 8.

State Rep. Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, was elected speaker of the House, setting in motion his third consecutive term as leader of the chamber and his fifth two-year term as a state representative. State Rep. John Zerwas, R-Simonton, nominated Straus, and was followed with seconding speeches given by Reps. Jason Isaac, R-Dripping Springs; Rene Oliveira, D-Brownsville; Patricia Harless, R-Spring; Senfronia Thompson, D-Houston, and John Otto, R-Dayton.

After the vote, Straus was administered the oath of office by Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Wallace Jefferson, and then he spoke. Straus acknowledged the change in composition of the body, calling it “the largest class of new members in 40 years.” Forty-three of the 150 members of the House are freshmen, while 96 are Republicans and 54 are Democrats.

“Texas does not face a fiscal cliff, but we do face a demographic cliff,” Straus said. “Our rapid growth requires a steadfast commitment to the core responsibilities of government, such as a quality education, a reliable water supply, a healthy transportation system, and an honest state budget.” About education, Straus said, “Our priorities should begin where our future does: in public education. More than 5 million children are enrolled in our public schools, which is more than the total population of 29 states. More than three million of them are deemed economically disadvantaged, and almost one million of them speak limited English. The education of all our students will determine whether Texas is a land of prosperity or lost opportunities.” Last session, the Legislature cut more than $5 billion from the education budget.

Meanwhile, in the East Wing of the Capitol, the Senate, presided over by Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, convened. Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio, was elected president pro tempore, chosen by her peers to step in and preside whenever the lieutenant governor is away. She served Texas as a House member from 1990 to 1999 and has been a member of the Senate since 1999.

Gov. Rick Perry addressed the body, focusing his comments on fiscal conservatism with a reminder that the Legislature pulled the state out of a multi-billion-dollar deficit last session.

“We chose the responsible path, the fiscally conservative path, and that path has led us here today,” Perry said. “We sat down, separated our wants from our needs, prioritized, and tightened our belts, wherever necessary, and wherever possible. Far from the catastrophe many predicted for us at the time, that approach helped our economy improve more quickly, and more profoundly, than many had expected.”

Then Perry cautioned the Senate not to look at the state’s new, healthier, revenue estimate and be tempted to spend freely.

Combs estimates revenue

Here’s what Gov. Perry was cautioning about, and what lawmakers are looking to as the potential fix for a lot of problems.

Texas Comptroller Susan Combs on Jan. 7 released the state’s biennial revenue estimate, projecting $101.4 billion available for general-purpose spending during the state’s 2014-15 fiscal biennium.

“Texas experienced a very strong rebound from a severe recession,” Combs said in prepared remarks. “The state’s robust economic recovery led to better-than-expected revenue collections in major taxes such as the sales tax, oil and natural gas production taxes and motor vehicle sales taxes. The outlook for both the economy and state revenue is for continuing expansion as the fast-growth of the economic recovery gives way to moderate, sustained growth.”

Combs said about $3.6 billion would be set aside for future transfers to the $8 billion Rainy Day Fund.

The Texas economy, in inflation-adjusted terms, is projected to increase by 3.4 percent in fiscal 2013, another 3.4 percent in fiscal 2014 and 3.9 percent in fiscal 2015. The state’s unemployment rate, which reached 8.2 percent during the recession, is expected to continue slowly dropping and average 6 percent during 2015, Combs said.

Bills address water issues

State Rep. Allan Ritter, R-Nederland, chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, on Jan. 10 filed H.B. 4 and H.B. 11, legislation “designed to help ensure Texas will meet its future water needs,” he said. To pay for what the bills propose, “I would make a one-time allocation of $2 billion from the state’s Economic Stabilization Fund, often referred to as the Rainy Day Fund, to capitalize a new, dedicated revolving fund for use in financing water projects in the State Water Plan,” Ritter said.

“It is vital for the future of Texas that a dedicated source of revenue be established for funding the State Water Plan,” Ritter added. “Our economy depends on it, our communities depend on it, and ultimately, our daily lives depend on it.”

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Marvin A. Haas was born on the Haas homestead west of Blanco, TX on June 28, 1925 to Walter and Clara Haas and passed on to be with his loving wife Nettie on January 11, 2013. Marvin was one of four children. He grew up in and around Blanco and worked at odd jobs until he was drafted into the Navy during WWII where he served his country proudly on battleships and supply ships all over the South Pacific until he was honorably discharged in 1945. He once received a minor wound in battle and, being the country boy that he was, he refused the Purple Heart saying “it was just a scratch.” In 1945 he married Nettie L. Greenhaw, also from Blanco, and they had one son, Johnnie A. Haas, in 1946. Marvin went to work for Ace Welding & Trailer Company in San Antonio, TX in 1945 where he became a manager and later, in 1984, part owner of the company. He was employed there for 67 years and enjoyed his work and his great staff of employees. He said he would never retire because his customers were his friends and extended family and looked forward to visiting and working with them every chance he had. Marvin belonged to and helped support many organizations throughout the years within the community. He was a giving man and asked nothing in return.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Nettie; his parents, Walter and Clara; brother, Willie and wife Nelda; brothers-in-law, Marvin Greenhaw, J.W. Smith and wife Elsie. He is survived by his son, Johnnie and wife Patricia of Blanco, three grandchildren, Terry Warden of San Antonio, Johnnie, Jr. of Bandera, and Randy of Blanco; five great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; brother Eugene and wife Irene of Bandera; sister Nelda and husband George Vogel of Stonewall, and many cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends

Visitation will be 5:00PM-7:00PM Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at Crofts-Crow Funeral Home in Blanco where a Rosary will be held that evening at 7:00. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, January 16, 2013 at St. Ferdinand Catholic Church in Blanco. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Twin Sisters, TX.

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Jim Sampson “Sambo” Phillips, Jr. of Blanco County passed away on Friday, January 11, 2013 at the age of 60.

Jim was born in McAllen, Texas on May 9, 1952 to Jim Sampson Phillips and Mary Nell Garrett. He spent his childhood and teen years in Victoria, Texas, graduating from Victoria High School.

Growing up in the age of Rock and Roll, he made sure to live in the moment by singing ,dancing and howling at the moon to the legendary sounds of Hendrix, Zeppelin, The Who, It’s a Beautiful Day, Stevie Ray Vaughn, ZZ Top, Pink Floyd, Cream and many more. He played it LOUD!

He was a natural athlete and sportsman, excelling in tennis, track and baseball during his school years. In his twenties, he lived and surfed the waves of Hawaii’s North Shore, DrainPipe, Waimea Bay, and Honalea. It was in Hawaii where he met his beautiful wife, Mary.

When Jim and Mary moved to Texas, he became an avid golfer. He could be found at the golf course every Saturday with his daughter, Jade, as his caddy by his side. Jim excelled in golf and qualified to play in the USA Mid Amateur Championship and several pro am championship tournaments.

Jim’s proudest accomplishments in life were his children, Jade Meredith Phillips –Winters and Jim Sampson “Sam” Phillips III. He was able to attend Jade’s university graduation and walk her down the aisle on her wedding day, where they danced the night away under starlit skies. His son Sam played baseball from the time he was three years old and Jim coached him the entire way. Sam attends The University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario and plays outfield for the university baseball team. Jim made several trips to Canada to watch Sam play.

Jim also taught his children the love of hunting, fishing, shooting and life in the country. Port O’Connor was his home away from home, where he spent as much time as possible, the place he learned to fish the back bays with his dad, and he passed this love on to his children and friends.

Throughout his life he held many occupations - home builder, surfboard craftsman, commercial fisherman, carpenter, golf course contractor, real estate developer, real estate agent, and insurance agency owner/ risk inspector. He excelled at whatever he set his mind to.

Those closest to Jim were blessed to be influenced by his outpouring of model character. To cite only a small example of what he gave us, we will remember his kindness personified in how he would set his needs aside to comfort the smallest child in a room of loud and frantic goings-on, in the simplistic, conservative and yet wise approach that from subtleties his family and friends gained so much about life, politics, finance and family, finally, how the purpose of servitude defined his life. Jim was a successful man who could have realized much more. However, his heart led him to give more than he took. Whether it was seen in donating an entire weekend’s catch from Port O’Connor to a local family in need or spending valuable hours constructing shelter and ultimately a home for a young family, Jim always placed other needs above his.

He leaves behind great memories and his legacy of living a full and simple life with his wife Mary Leang-Phillips, son Jim (Sam) and daughter Jade ( Rex Winters) , sister Karen Bailey, brother Mike Phillips (Dana Phillips) , Aunt Della Wilson (Wiley Wilson,) many cousins, nieces , nephews, in–laws, out-laws and life- long friends; Tris Folger, P.J. Rojas, Wesley “Bubba” Dale Johnson, Danny Janota , Gene Lands, Doug Smith, Bob Goldman, Dub Paden, Mike Ashley and Rick Frederick . Jim also leaves behind his favorite dog and best friend, Rocky.

In our daily communities of friends and families, servants like Jim rarely bless us. Those of us fortunate enough to know him should count ourselves indebted. Our repayment will be to carry on his legacy. We love you Sambo.

Keep Calm and Surf ON...

A celebration of life will be held on Wed., January 16th, 2013 at Chapel Dulcinea at 4pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jim Phillips Scholarship fund for graduating Johnson City seniors who were pupils of the Headstart program. An account has been set up at Cattleman’s National Bank.

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Gloria Farley Murrah departed this life on Saturday, January 12, 2013. Services will be under the direction of Crofts - Crow Funeral Home in Blanco, Texas.

Visitation will be at Crofts - Crow Funeral Home in Blanco on Thursday, January 17 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A graveside service will be held this Friday, January 18 at 11:00 a.m. at The Blanco Cemetery.

Gloria Farley was born July 13, 1926, in Ballinger, Texas, to Jesse Edward “Ed” Farley and Frankie Parrish Farley. While her father ran the local meat market/grocery, Gloria grew up in a home on the banks of the Colorado River in Runnels County, Texas. She and her family were members of Avenue B Church of Christ in Ballinger. She enjoyed spending time with friends and cousins who lived nearby, often climbing trees and dreaming about the future. She especially loved to attend rodeos with her family.

During World War II, Gloria served her country through Civil Service work at the Pentagon. After her work at the Pentagon she was employed at the Farm Service Agency in Brewster County where she met and eventually married the love of her life, R.H. “Bud” Murrah, Jr., on November 25, 1950 in Alpine, Texas. The two settled and began raising their three children. Gloria was an excellent homemaker. She worked hard to provide a nice home and good meals for her three children.

Later, after spending years bringing up her young children, Gloria began her work with the United States Post Office in the 1960s. She enjoyed getting up by 5:00 a.m. and working each day. The post office was, for her and many others, a hub of activity and information for the town and community.

In the 1960s, Gloria and Bud ran the movie theatre in Blanco as a family business, employing her daughter at the snack bar and her sons at the projectors. Gloria enjoyed the way this business brought her family together on the weekends.

Gloria was an avid reader and loved Texas and Old West history. She loved reading about the old days and had a particular interest in genealogy. Before the days of the computer and the internet, she researched her family genealogy on the Farley side of the family all the way back to the 1400s in England. Well into her later years, she served as the family historian and loved telling stories of her own kin in the days gone by.

Preceded in death by her husband Bud, Gloria is survived by son Dan and his wife Marcella of Blanco, Texas, son Tom and his wife Susy of Blanco, Texas, daughter Nancy Arnold and her husband Richard of Blanco, Texas. She is also survived by grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including Matt Murrah and his wife Karen and children Molly, Daniel, and Mae of Dallas, Texas, Wesley Murrah and his wife Katy and children Caleb and Clayton of Blanco, Texas; siblings, Bud Farley of Stonewall, Louisiana, Joyce Wallace of Driftwood, Texas, and Bob Farley of Santa Anna, Texas.

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse Edward “Ed” Farley and Frankie Tressie Farley Condra. Gloria was a member of the Blanco Order of the Eastern Star. She was also a member of the Blanco Church of Christ.

A loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Gloria experienced joy in the victories of those she loved. Gloria had the gift of hospitality. She loved making preparation for family gatherings and went the extra mile to ensure that everyone felt at ease and at home. Her actions were of encouragement and service to others. Her earthly life was spent building up others, not collecting earthly treasures for herself. Her treasures are in heaven. “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him” - 1 Corinthians 2:9

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Having resumed her maiden name, Peggy was formerly Mrs. Don Youngblood, Mrs. Sterling Lyons and Mrs. Barney Odell. All three husbands preceded her in death. She was a member of the Austin Poetry Society, Blanco Writers Club and the International Society of Poets, and a past President of Embassy Chapter, Colonial Dames of the 17th Century, Austin Colony chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution,

She was preceded in death by her father, Arthur Lee Vickers; her mother, Lorena McKnight Vickers; her brother, Rev. Hylon Vickers; and her son, Wesley Youngblood.

She is survived by her brother, Jerry Vickers; Children: Don Youngblood, Merri Lu Park, Gary Youngblood, and Sharon Metzger. Grandchildren; Donna Youngblood, Christopher Youngblood, Melissa Youngblood, Brook Park, Dale Youngblood, Troy Youngblood, Joshua Metzger, Arthur Youngblood, Erika Youngblood, Deana Youngblood, Renea Grobe and her four children, Christina Rivera and her two children and one grandchild, Joseph Hansen and his two children, and Mark Hansen and his two children. Great grandchildren: Brandon Sinclair, Teya Ingraham, Colton Youngblood, Haley Youngblood, Elijah Youngblood, Conner Youngblood; Great-great grandchildren: Victoria Sinclair, Christopher Sinclair, Nathan Sinclair, and Nevyah Ingraham; and several nieces and nephews.

The family is indebted to the staff at both West Oaks Health Care Center and New Century Hospice for their compassionate care.

Visitation will be held 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., January 19, 2013 at Harrell Funeral Home, 4435 Frontier Trail, Austin, TX. Funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Austin Memorial Park Cemetery.

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Maria Flores Salazar was called home by the Lord on December 21, 2012, at the age of 90. She was born in San Benito, TX, on August 20, 1922. She moved to Blanco in 1990 where she was surrounded by her loving family. She is preceded in death by her first husband Ovidio Dela Fuente; her second husband Eliseo Salazar; her parents, Federico and Concepcion Flores; four sisters; two brothers; and her grandson, Ovidio Ortega.

Mrs. Salazar is survived by her children, Ovidio (Elida) Dela Fuente, Jr., Olga Dela Fuente, Oscar Dela Fuente, Olivia (Herman) Uballe, Omar Dela Fuente, GLoria Dela Fuente, Eliseo (Esmeralda) Salazar, Jr., and Federico (Janie) Salazar; 34 grandchildren; 63 great-grandchildren; 20 great-great grandchildren and other relatives.

Visitation was healed Sunday, December 23, 2012, at 2pm with a holy rosary at 7pm at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home in San Benito. Chapel service was healed on Monday, December 24, 2012, at 2pm at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home. Interment followed to San Benito City Cemetery.

Pallbearers were her grandsons: Gonzalo Ortega, Jr., Orlando Ortega, Herman Uballe, Jr., John David Uballe, Omar Dela Fuente, Jr., Eliseo Salazar III, Ovidio Dela Fuente III, and Mikey Dela Fuente.

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Brenna Wallace shot this 8 point buck at the Klepac Ranch in Cotulla on January 6. The management hunt was donated to the Young Life fundraiser by the Klepacs. She is pictured with her mom Peggy, Leighton and Jimmy Klepac.

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More from Announcements.

14-year-old Sarah Bohls shot her first whitetail deer, an 8-pointer, on the Rio Vista Ranch located on Althaus Ranch Road just northwest of Johnson City, Texas.

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Sunny the Reading Dog returns!

IRS Special Announcement – Due to the latest legislation, production of IRS Income Tax forms has been delayed. Be sure to stop by the library at the beginning of February to pick up your forms. You can start filing online January 30.

As part of that time of year again, Diana Blackburn is offering, free of charge, to help patrons with their taxes. She has one hour appointment slots available at the library the first Thursdays of February, March, and April, from 12pm to 7pm. This is for individuals who made $57,000 or less in 2012. Bring your W-2 and make sure you have an e-mail address set up. Call to make your appointment ASAP!

Special Announcement – There has been an abandoned bicycle at the library since before Thanksgiving. If you think this may be your bike, please stop by the library or give us a call to see if this belongs to you.

Sunny the Reading Dog returns! He is coming on first and third Mondays 3:30-4:30p.m. to help kids work on their reading skills! We will have special guest dogs Lucy and Lucky the week of January 28th – 31st, 3:30 – 4:30p.m. to help kids read too!

The Blanco Book Bunch is hosting author Betsy Dudley, who wrote Rena’s Gospel of Beauty, February 16 at 11am at the library. Come meet this lovely lady and learn more about her wonderful book!

Recently Added Bestsellers: Canada by Richard Ford, The Blinding Knife by Brent Weeks, Have You Seen Marie by Sandra Cisneros.

As always, remember to check our website at blancolib.org or call us at 830-833-4280 for more information.

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More from Community News.

If you haven't heard, Wild Woman Weekend is coming to Blanco, April 5th and 6th. This fundraising extravaganza supporting Friends of Blanco State Park, Gem of the Hills, Blanco Community Library and the Old Blanco County Courthouse is expected to bring between 400 and 700 women from across Texas to our community for a variety of fun activities like birding, fly fishing, yoga, and fun runs.

We need volunteers to help us prepare for these fun-loving ladies. If you can maintain a database, manage a Facebook page, compose thank-you letters, write articles and everything imaginable in between, we can use your skills. Volunteers are not only wild women, but also the men who love them.

Check it out at wildwomanweekend.org to get all the details. Then email us at or call us at 512-750-6362 to join in the fun.

Hope to hear from many of you soon and don't forget to help us spread the word to every woman you know.

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Blanco Performing Arts is pleased to welcome REVEL back to the Uptown Blanco Ballroom on Saturday evening, February 9 at 7:30pm. REVEL’s trio of award-winning artists, violinist Cármelo de los Santos, cellist Joel Becktell and pianist Carla McElhaney, will take you on a journey that will change everything you think about classical music. From soulful masterworks to passionate tangos, from fresh, new innovations to classic rock, REVEL will alternately break your heart and have you dancing on the edge of your seat.

Through the ages, classical musicians have held back-room parties and jam sessions, where the real music-making happens. This is how REVEL—more “classical band” than chamber ensemble—has captured the hearts of music lovers around the world: by returning classical music to its radical roots, gathering in intimate settings to let their hair down and revel in great music. These intimate, live music events, or “revels,” are held in a variety of unique, sometimes unexpected, and utterly magical venues, including beautiful private homes, ballet studios, coffee houses, ballrooms, recording studios, and artists’ live/work lofts. Come as you are and enjoy breathtaking live music as it was meant to be experienced!

Tickets are available at blancoperformingarts.com or by calling 830-833-4762. Music will include music by Beethoven, Piazzolla, contemporary American composer Kenji Bunch, Simon and Garfunkel, and Led Zeppelin from their newest CD, Magic Hour.

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I recently became a member of the Tejas Art Club. The teacher, Ms. Olga, asked me to be the “Artist of the Month.” After I recovered from the honor, I accepted. The people who are “professional artists” who belong to this club are the most diverse and wonderful people you could ever meet. I look forward to the meetings at the Blanco Library, and would not miss no matter the weather. It is a delightful Tuesday, painting along with this delightful group of artists. I have never painted before, and the lessons are easy and a joy because Ms. Olga is famous for saying, “There are no mistakes,” it is all art. I want to tell the people of Blanco about this lovely place to go “learn to paint.” Thank you.

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Luke 16:1-2, 10-12 “And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods. And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward. He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?” We are stewards of God. He is our Master, and He has entrusted what is His into our care. The question is, are we an unjust steward, like the one in this story; or, are we a just and wise steward of the things of God? Let’s get into God’s Word.

It is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful (1Cor 4:2). Stewardship and faithfulness go hand and hand. If you are not a faithful steward of little, you will not be a faithful steward of much. What exactly is a steward? Thayer’s Gk. Lexicon says this: the manager of household or of household affairs, especially a steward, manager, superintendent (whether free-born as was usually the case, a freed-man or a slave) to whom the head of the house or proprietor has entrusted the management of his affairs, the care of receipts and expenditures, and the duty of dealing out the proper portion to every servant and even to the children not yet of age; the manager of a farm or landed estate, an overseer; the superintendent of the city’s finances, the treasurer of a city (or of treasurers or quaestors of kings); metaphorically the apostles and other Christian teachers and bishops and overseers.

Stewards “run the business”, but none of it is theirs. They manage the boss’s stuff. That’s what the Christian does. All we have is God’s. We are simply put in trust with it. The heavens, the earth, and everything contained therein are God’s (Ps 89:11-12, 50:10, 12; 1Cor 10:26). Your house? God’s. Your car? God’s. Your children? Your spouse? Your clothes? Your gifts and talents? Your own body? All God’s. We are just stewards over what is God’s.

Who is a wise and faithful steward? The one found doing (being a wise and faithful steward) when Jesus returns. Do you live your life, knowing Jesus could come back at any moment? Is that real to you? It ought to be, if you call yourself a Christian. Advice for life: Don’t do anything you wouldn’t want to be doing the moment Jesus returns. That’s pretty simple, but it’s true. Are you looking up? Are you looking for His appearing? Are you listening for the mighty shout? Like John, can you say with all confidence, “Come Lord, quickly!”. Those that have that hope, purify themselves, even as He is pure.

Christian, don’t settle for the mediocre goal of just making heaven by the hair of your chinny chin chin. You will stand before The Lord Jesus Christ at His Judgment Seat. Your works will be tried by fire. Your wise and faithful stewardship will be purified as fine gold. Your bad stewardship will be consumed like wood, hay, and stubble. This is reality! This event will happen! Do you take that seriously? You best start, if you haven’t. The crown you’ll receive will be with you forever. Do want a tin ring to lay at the feet of Jesus your Lord forever? Or do you want a glorious crown to lay down before Him? Do you want to hear, “Well done, good and faithful (steward!)”? I do! I don’t understand a Christian who wouldn’t!

We must understand that The Lord’s return is imminent. That should change how we live. That should change our ideas about stewardship. Nothing is ours. It’s all His. So? Be faithful over little. Take care of what little you have. Be appreciative for what you have right now. Be faithful with little, and you will be entrusted with much. A faithful man will abound with blessing (Prv 28:20). The Lord will enable you to be a good steward (1Tim 1:12), if you are found faithful. It’s God’s ability, available to the faithful. Be faithful! Be a good steward! When we appear at the Judgment Seat of Christ, He will be judging us on our stewardship! Live like you believe that! Better get ready, Jesus is coming! Until next time, rejoice in The Lord!

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Does it seem to you that the world, maybe even your life, keeps lurching from one crisis to another? How can we stay calm and content in crises?

Paul, the apostle, claimed he had found the answer to this question: “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content,” he said (Philippians 4:11). And this man of faith practiced what he preached. When he and his fellow missionary, Silas, were beaten and thrown into prison with their feet locked in stocks, they prayed and sang praises at midnight. Their praying could have been predicted (most of us pray when we’re in trouble), but these suffering servants of God broke into songs of praise in prison. Even in jail, they were joyful.

Conditions were far from ideal in that dismal place. Tomorrow was uncertain and the present was painful. How could they sing and praise God with their back bruised and bleeding from the recent whippings they had received and with their feet locked in those hated stocks?

The answer lies in their ability to focus on what they had rather than on what they had lost and their choice of faith over feelings. If this was to be their last night, they refused to waste it feeling down over their problems. Even in this dark place and under almost unbearable conditions, they knew they were not alone because God was with them. The night was dark but they knew the Lord was their light and this drove their clouds away.

Instead of being overcome by their problems, Paul and Silas started giving thanks and soon broke into a dungeon doxology. The other prisoners were so deeply moved that when God answered the prayers of these faithful men by sending an earthquake that shook the doors of the prison off their hinges, not one tried to escape. They all remained to hear what Paul and Silas had to say.

You may find yourself in an unpleasant situation. You’re tired of problems and feel whipped by one crisis after another. You wonder if life will ever get back to normal. In addition, the stress caused by these difficulties has subjected you to emotional pain as real as any physical discomfort you’ve ever experienced. How can any of us remain tranquil when life gets tough?

Here’s one possibility! We can start thanking God for His love and the basics of life that we’re prone to take for granted. Thanksgiving opens the door for contentment to enter. Darkness soon departs and light breaks through…even when we’re in jeopardy.

Paul had a quiet heart in the face of suffering and possible death because of his absolute confidence that God was working everything out for his good (Romans 8:28). He was convinced that he lived within the circle of God’s love and this confidence enabled him to rise above the circumstances.

Let the storms come, let the key turn in the lock of the prison door giving entrance to his persecutors, let the whip fall on his back again and again. No matter. This trusting man was persuaded nothing could separate him from the love of God and this made him content in every crisis.

Roger Campbell is an author, a broadcaster and columnist who was a pastor for 22 years. He can be reached at .

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While studying Revelations, it’s my hope that you, dear reader, will not rely on me for understanding, but seek wisdom and knowledge from God through prayer and by reading and following references in your bibles! Jesus said seek and ye shall find.

Revelation 1:1-20 (KJV)

“1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:

2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.

3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;”

My bible reference tells me that the sevenfold Spirit is another name for the Holy Ghost, and that the number seven is used throughout Revelation to symbolize completeness and perfection. See John 3:6 and Acts 1:5; and the Trinity, the Father “the one who is, who always was and who is still to come: the Holy Spirit “the sevenfold Spirit” and the Son, Jesus Christ, is the source of all truth (see John 14:6, John 17; 1 John 2:27 and Revelation 19:11). At Pentecost the Holy Spirit was made available to all who believe in Jesus, and we receive the Holy Spirit when we receive Jesus Christ as our Saviour, by faith. The Holy Spirit is the power of our new lives in Christ, which changes us to be more Christ like, and joins us with His Spirit, and we’re adopted into God’s family! See Acts 2:1-4; Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 6:17; Romans 8:14-17; Galatians 4:6-7; 1 Corinthians 12:13.

“5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,

11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;

13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.

14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;

15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.

16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.

17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;

20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.”

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