Blanco was treated to a concert by the Panther Bnad on the grounds of the courthouse on August 20. Photos by Diana Schwind

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Are you considering selling your home soon? Maybe you’re thinking you don’t need a realtor. You can just do it yourself … how hard could it be, right? Well, if you remember when you bought your home, you may recall how intense the process was. Certainly there is more to it than just putting a for sale by owner sign in your yard. Here are a few things to consider if you’re thinking about going solo.

Experience wanted

The real estate industry has a language all its own: title insurance, surveys, inspections, earnest money, option fees, escrow, financing, contingencies, disclosures, required addenda for specific types of properties – the list stretches on. Texas realtors are well versed in the transaction process. The time you’ll need to dedicate to educating yourself is better spent prepping your home to be sold.

There are also legal issues to consider. When you buy or sell a house, you will most likely enter into a legally binding contract with another party. Make a misstep somewhere along the way and you might jeopardize the transaction, lose money or find yourself named in a lawsuit. Texas realtors have the education and experience needed to avoid these situations.

Do you have the time?

Selling a home requires more time than you may realize. Your first step will be to determine an appropriate asking price, so you’ll need to analyze the current housing market in your area. Then you’ll probably consider using several marketing methods to reach the most buyers and respond to calls or emails about the home at random times throughout the day. And, of course, you’ll need to keep a flexible scheduled to be ready to let buyers into your home.

Showing your home can really eat into your free time, and you may deter a prospective buyer if you can’t work out a time to that works for you both. A Texas realtor shows homes for a living and understands how to accommodate buyers’ and sellers’ schedules so both parties benefit.

What’s the latest?

If you haven’t bought or sold a home recently, it won’t take long for you to find out how much has changed in the past few years. Changes to market conditions in your area and updated laws and regulations are just a few of the issues that realtors stay current on. That way, they’re comfortable navigating today’s real estate transaction.

Return on investment

One common mistake owners make when selling is setting the price incorrectly. A mistake here may cause you to leave a substantial amount of money on the table, while overpricing your home can be equally detrimental. Homes initially priced too high may linger on the market, giving the impression that something is wrong with the property. Often, a home that starts overpriced eventually sells for less than if it had been priced right at the beginning.

The biggest reason most people try to sell their own homes is to save the realtor’s fee or commission. But even if you just want to sell to a friend or family member, it is a good idea to have an experienced professional handle the business.

After seeing how much a realtor can do to help you get the best value for your home, it’s easy to see that they are worth the investment. For more information about selling your home or to find a Texas realtor, visit TexasRealEstate.com.

For more information on buying or selling property in Texas, please call Waymond Lightfoot at (210) 386-5201.

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More from The Real Estate Corner.

Do you miss Riley's Bar-B-Q? Come to the EMS Hill Country Heartbeat fundraiser September 14th and enjoy some of the finest Bar-B-Q in the county. Judge Riley is donating the sauce and rub and Charles Riley is cooking the brisket. Visit www.hillcountryheartbeat.org for more information.

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Guns for the Auction.

Don’t miss the 14th Anniversary of the Wild Game Dinner fundraiser scheduled for October 5th in Johnson City at the Blanco County Show Barn beginning at 5:00 PM. Game Dinner tickets are available for $15.00 per person. Included in the price will be the best wild game you have ever eaten, door prize chance and dance until midnight to The Mike Clifford Band. Can’t beat that!

A limited number of reserved tables are available for $250, which includes 8 dinner tickets. Call Peggy, 830-833-5335, to check availability.

Raffle tickets are being sold for $5.00 (you do not have to be present to win). Generous local businesses and citizens help the Sale Committee by sponsoring the 50 raffle items, including a “must see” variety of 20 rifles, shotguns, and a pistol. Also lots of hunting, fishing and camping gear! This support makes it possible for the committee to raffle over $14,400 in items throughout the evening to numerous lucky individuals.

Those attending the dinner will be able to participate in the “Pick of the Raffle” and also buy chances to win one of a kind guns – a Remington 700 BDL 270 with a Patriotic airbrush design and a Henry 22LR Lever Carbine with John Wayne airbrush design. These guns will be in “100 square raffles” and chances will only be sold during the dinner.

Wayne Salem, President of Salem’s Jewelry in Marble Falls, is again donating a spectacular piece of jewelry for the “Bauble in a Bubble”. One hundred chances will be sold and each participant will receive a “Bauble in a Bubble” koozie. The Game Dinner also includes a Silent Auction which is always popular with the whole family. Sale Committee members are working hard to make this year even better.

The evening would not be complete without the Live Auction. This year’s guns are a Browning A-Bolt II Maple 257 Roberts, Remington 700 SR SS 308, Weatherby Vanguard 308Win, Remington 700 VLS 22-250, Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 MOE, Sig 1911 22LR DE Contrast and MOS 500 Bantam 20 22/24 youth gun. You can also bid on several hunts, including a Ten Dan South Africa Safari for 2 Hunters donated by Antelope For Africa Safaris, Four person Argentina Dove Hunt, Trophy Aoudad Ram Hunt donated by Benson Farm & Ranch, and Quail Hunt for 4 in Sandy donated from the Stewart Ranch and Stewart Ranch Hunters. Ainsworth Trucking has again donated 4 Ledge Box Seats to your choice of one of two Spurs Games – Minnesota Dec. 13 or Sacramento Dec. 29th.

Dinner and Raffle tickets may be purchased at K&C Supply, Carquest, 4th Street Market, Blanco Floral or NAPA Auto Parts in Blanco. In Johnson City go by Harvest House Farms, Ronnie’s BBQ, Johnson City Bank or Odiorne Feed. In Hye tickets are available at Hye Pipe & Feed. Johnson City FFA students and Blanco County 4-H members are also selling tickets.

This “14th Annual Wild Game Dinner” promises to be a lot of fun and for a wonderful cause – supporting Blanco County youth at the stock show. Following the annual stock show in January, the Sale Committee has in the past added onto the auction prices, raising all livestock projects up to the average of their category. In just 13 years they have been able to put over $435,000 into the hands of Blanco County Youth.

The Sale Committee hopes that you will support their endeavor Oct. 5th. To get further information, or make a donation, please call 830-833-5335 or email blancowildgamedinner@yahoo.com. On line information can be found at lbjcountry.com or facebook.com/wildgamedinner.

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In keeping with the spirit of the rich history of the Old Blanco County Courthouse the theme for the fundraising gala this year is “True Grit”.

In 1986 the citizens of Blanco formed the Old Blanco County Courthouse Preservation Society to rescue the beloved landmark from being dismantled and moved. Today the courthouse is still owned by the OBCCPS, a non-profit 501c3 corporation and the building’s preservation still depends on the generosity and support of private citizens.

Essentially, the true grit of this community continues to maintain this fine landmark which anchors the city of Blanco. The courthouse, built in 1885, has played many roles through the years including school, hospital, library, even a restaurant. It now serves as a museum and visitors center, special events site and most recently the filming location for courtroom scenes in the Coen Brothers’ 2010 film “True Grit” starring Jeff Bridges.

The 23rd Annual Gala will be held October 19th with a beer/wine mixer and appetizers served at 6:30 on the courthouse lawn. Dinner will begin at approximately 7:00 PM on the beautiful second floor of the courthouse. A stuffed pork tenderloin dinner will be served (with a vegetarian option) by Cooking it up with the Carles Catering. Ticket prices for the gala are $75 per person or $450 for a table of 8.

Silent auction items of both goods and services will be displayed downstairs for bid during the cocktail hour and following dinner and dessert. The live auction following dessert will include a hunting rifle, fishing trip and winery tours.

For the Poker players, the 4th Annual Texas Hold’Em Poker Tournament will take place the morning of October 19 from 10:00 to 2:00 on the second level of the courthouse. The entry fee is $50 in advance or $60 at the door. The grand prize drawing is a trip to Las Vegas!

Seating is limited at both events so make your reservations now! For Gala reservations/information contact Lesley at the courthouse: (830) 833-2211 or info@historicblanco.org, or Cindy at cindy.holder@rocketmail.com.

Texas Hold’Em Tournament information and reservations contact is Mable Rollins, (210) 393-3377 or mablerollins@gmail.com.

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Michele Skillman

The 2013—2014 school year got off to a great start on Monday. However, the Monday’s excitement was dampened on Tuesday when it was learned that high school counselor Michele Skillman had lost her battle with breast cancer.

“We lost a dear and valuable member of our Blanco ISD family,” said Dr. Buck Ford. “The teachers and students who knew Mrs. Skillman and her family carried them in their thoughts and prayers throughout the week.”

In a beautiful outpouring of grief and support, students, teachers, parents, community members, and the Skillman family came together in front of the high school Wednesday morning to honor the memory of Mrs. Skillman, and to show and demonstrate support of each other during this time of sorrow.

High school principal Dr. Dustin Barton said, “I am especially grateful for the expression of support for Mrs. Skillman and her family by staff, students, and community members on Wednesday morning before school. It was truly a special event in honor of a wonderful mother and educator whom I admired for her courageous spirit.”

“I am lucky to have the fortunate opportunity to witness Mrs. Skillman’s work ethic, positive demeanor, and willingness to support students for the past six years. Mrs. Skillman will have a lasting impact on myself as well as all students and teachers she worked with.”

“Mrs. Skillman made BHS a special place to work and BHS will strive to do great things for our students in honor of Mrs. Skillman.”

Dr. Barton reported that in addition to the outpouring of sympathy in regards to Mrs. Skillman, the week at Blanco High School has run “...exceptionally smooth.”

“This is attributable to the thorough planning and preparation by our staff and teachers,” said Barton.

“I would like to commend the students of BHS. Each student arrived with a great attitude and with a willingness to take on the challenges associated with high school. All staff and students are anticipating an excellent year.”

The high school will host a “Meet the Teachers” night on Wednesday, September 4. Parents of incoming 9th graders will meet at 6:00 PM in the library, and then all parents will meet in the cafeteria at 6:25 PM.

Middle School

“The first week at BMS has been exciting and productive, but we have carried a very heavy heart due to the loss of Mrs. Michelle Skillman,” said middle school principal Keitha St. Clair. “Students, faculty, and staff have supported one another through this sad time.”

“We have focused on the things that Mrs. Skillman always encouraged students to focus on…doing the right thing and working hard.”

“I’ve been pleased with student behavior and effort. The students tell me every day how much they are enjoying their teachers and classes.”

“This is going to be a great year at BMS.”

The middle school will host a “Meet the Teachers” night on Tuesday, September 10, at 6:00 PM.

Elementary School

“The beginning of school is always an exciting time, and that excitement is definitely heightened by the additions and renovations now in place,” said elementary principal Linda Romano.

“We had a wonderful turnout for Meet the Teachers Night, and welcomed many new families. We’re excited about the potential of having one of the best school years ever.”

“The students, staff, parents, and our community have all been a part of a great opening week!”

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Logan Dodd scores the first touchdown of the season.

By Merannda Button

After last year’s heartbreaking loss to Canyon Lake in the season opener, the Panthers returned the favor this year on the Hawks’ home field as Blanco claimed a 13 to 6 victory to begin the 2013 season. Blanco limited the Hawks to just 10 first downs and 216 yards in total offense for the game.

Junior Logan Dodd put the first points of the season on the board for the Panthers as Blanco would take their season opening drive and go 63 yards in 7 plays to score on Dodd’s 14 yard run. Aikman Elrod added the PAT to give Blanco a 7-0 lead at the end of the first quarter. This would prove to be all of the points the Panthers could muster in the first half while Canyon Lake narrowed the gap with an 11 yard TD pass in the second quarter. Following a missed extra point attempt, the Panthers would lead 7-6 at halftime.

Following a scoreless third quarter, Blanco scored early in the fourth on a 5 yard pass play as QB McKay Adamson connected with Colton Elrod. Even though the Panthers would miss the PAT, Blanco’s defense held on to close out a 13- 6 victory.

For the night, the Panthers gained over 260 yards and pick up 19 first downs. Adrian Dominguez rushed for a game high 82 yards on 18 carries while Colton Elrod lead the Panthers with 3 receptions for 36 yards and a TD. Defensively, Alex Palos would get the Panthers’ first turnover of the year with an interception while John Cove-Chick would get another on a fumble recovery. Leading tacklers for Blanco were Aikman Elrod and Bryan Brecka.

Blanco will return home for their home opener this Friday as they host their Hill Country rival the Comfort Bobcats. Comfort almost pulled off a major upset to open the season as they nearly defeated state ranked Sonora. The Broncos scored with just 15 seconds to regain the lead and hand the Bobcats a season opening loss. Kick-off at Panther Stadium will be at 7:30 pm.

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Have you heard of TOMS shoes? Back in 2006 Blake Mycoskie was traveling in Argentina and witnessed the hardships of children growing up without shoes. His solution to the problem was simple yet revolutionary: create a for-profit business that was sustainable and not reliant on donations. Blake founded TOMS shoes. For every pair of shoes sold by his business, he donates a pair of shoes somewhere in the world to someone in need. His company has donated more than two million pairs of shoes since its founding in 2006.

Mr. Mycoskie, founder and chief shoe giver, later saw the need for eyewear throughout the world and his giving has expanded from shoes to eyewear. His mission is simple: with every product you purchase, TOMS will help a person in need--one for one. Blake’s best selling book, “Start Something That Matters,” advocates turning your passion and dreams into reality.

Three to five million children under the age of five die every year from the devastating effects of malnutrition. That means every six seconds a child dies from malnutrition. That’s 14,000 a day! Sam and Linda Caster, co-founders of Mannatech, a research and development company, saw this first hand while visiting orphanages in Romania. In one particular orphanage every winter five or six children would die, their young malnourished bodies unable to bear the brunt of the cold season.

Mannatech pioneered plant-based nutritional products. The company was concerned that synthetic vitamins are chemically produced from petroleum and coal tar derivatives, not food. It is estimated that over 95% of all vitamins sold are synthetically made. Minerals are generally recovered by mining ores or from chemical processes. Tests have shown that minerals contained in many of the most popular brands of multivitamins may not dissolve in the stomach or small intestine and may pass through the body without being absorbed.

The company founded by Sam and Linda Caster pioneered ways of making vitamin and mineral supplements by absorbing the nutrients into plants and using the plants to manufacture vitamin and mineral supplements that the human body can process. When these plant-based nutrients were provided to the children in the Romanian orphanage, not one child died during the following winter. Sam and Linda developed a vision to fight global malnutrition by nourishing the world’s children with plant-based real food supplements while empowering and rewarding the lives of those who champion their cause.

Through its “Mission 5 Million” movement, the company strives to impact the global epidemic of childhood malnutrition by linking five million consumers of its supplements with five million children in need.

Social entrepreneurship is simply a demonstration of mercy and is not limited to a few companies, individuals or even nations. Mercy is defined as compassion and includes feelings and acts of sympathy, kindness, forgiveness, and love. Our capacity for mercy is often brought forth when we become aware of the unusual and distressing circumstances of others. Jesus could not look into men’s faces without being pained by their confusion, their perplexity, and their misery. Whenever he saw people fainting and scattered abroad like sheep having no shepherd, his heart was moved with compassion on them.

Jesus showed mercy by not condemning others. He showed mercy by choosing to love rather than condemn. Jesus showed mercy by giving others many opportunities to repent and to be forgiven. He showed mercy by avoiding bitterness. And He showed mercy by helping others in need. There is enough heartache and sorrow in this life without our adding to it through our own stubbornness, bitterness, and resentment. We must let go of our grievances—that is the Lord’s way.

How do we make life a little easier for someone else? Do we even try? The world would certainly be a better place if it were filled with the passion and compassion of people like Sam and Linda Caster and Blake Mycoskie.

(Comments? mustardseeds101@yahoo.com)

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AUSTIN — Concerns over the state's upkeep of paved roads in oil and gas production and exploration zones in South Texas and West Texas emerged and have continued since July, during the second special session of the 83rd Texas Legislature.

Legislators from affected districts expressed alarm over a Texas Department of Transportation plan to patch crumbling pavement with gravel instead of ordering higher quality road maintenance and repair.

On Aug. 28, TxDOT announced a 60-day period for counties “to review plans to convert damaged roads to high-end unpaved roads in the state’s energy-producing areas before proceeding with the work” and during that evaluation, the agency would “not move forward on converting other damaged roads unless there is an immediate safety concern.”

“We believe our plan to potentially convert 83 miles of significantly damaged roads in the energy sector is the safe and sensible solution with TxDOT’s available funding,” TxDOT Executive Director Phil Wilson said. “At some point, when drilling activity has subsided and more funding is available, we plan to rebuild these roads to paved farm-to-market levels.”

TxDOT is planning town hall meetings on the topic with legislators, local elected officials, property owners and communities.

Laws take effect Sept. 1

The Texas Department of Public Safety on Aug. 29 publicized a list of some of the new laws to take effect Sept. 1. Here are short notes on just a few of them:

HB 347 expands current limitations on cell phone use in an active school-crossing zone to include the property of a public elementary, middle or junior high school for which a local authority has designated a school-crossing zone.

HB 1174 increases minimum fines for the misdemeanor offense of passing a stopped school bus loading or unloading children. The minimum fine increases from $200 to $500 and the maximum fine increases from $1,000 to $1,250.

SB 181, a law that took effect on May 24, allows a motor vehicle operator the option of using a wireless communication device (such as a cell phone) to display motor proof of insurance information as evidence of financial responsibility.

SB 510 expands the state’s Move Over/Slow Down law by requiring drivers to move over or slow down, depending on the roadway, when approaching a stationary Texas Department of Transportation vehicle with its lights activated and not separated from the roadway by a traffic-control device.

HB 625 clarifies that the penalty for operating a vehicle on a public highway without displaying the two license plates assigned to the vehicle is a misdemeanor offense punishable by a fine not to exceed $200.

SB 275 increases the penalty for leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident resulting in the death of a person and failing to render aid from a third-degree felony to a second-degree felony.

Ed chief notes anniversary

Texas Education Commissioner Michael Williams on Aug. 28, the 50th anniversary of the historic civil rights “March on Washington” noted the continued importance of closing the achievement gap among all students in Texas.

Among points Williams made was this: “Education continues to be the great equalizer. And in a state where the majority of our students are now Hispanic or African-American, closing the achievement gap takes on increasing significance for the future prosperity of Texas.

“It is the reason I purposely chose to make that factor a major component of our state’s new accountability system. The results of this year’s ratings as well as recently announced numbers on graduation rates and ACT scores show that Texas has made tremendous strides.”

State’s notes sell well

Texas Comptroller Susan Combs on Aug. 27 announced the sale of some $7.2 billion in state Tax and Revenue Anticipation Notes, continuing an annual practice begun in 1987 under the direction of then-Comptroller Bob Bullock.

Money from the sale helps fund public school payments early in the fiscal year and manage cash flow between the start of the fiscal year and the arrival of tax revenues later in the year, Combs said.

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Dr. Dane Mosher

Dr. Dane Mosher has joined the staff at Healing Arts Community Health Center. He provides functional medicine consultations and osteopathic manipulations. Real Ale Brewing Company attracted Dane to the area in 1999 as one of the primary brewers during its formative years. He left Blanco in 2002 with the intention to return as a physician. Dr. Mosher graduated with his Doctor of Osteopathy from University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth/Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2006, and finished his residency training in Family Medicine in 2009 at East Tennessee State University in Kingsport. He is currently pursuing his certification in Functional Medicine. He also provides services at the Johnson Center in Austin to children who have developmental delays as well as working in Urgent Care. Dr. Mosher is originally from Spring, Texas. He is married to Ann Marie Mosher, and they have three children.

Functional medicine is a patient-centered approach that considers lifestyle, genetics, physiology and history in determining an individualized health plan. Functional medicine integrates traditional Western medical practices of laboratory testing and medications with complementary or alternative approaches such as nutrition, vitamins and botanicals. There is a focus on prevention and a balanced approach to diet and activity. After a functional medicine consultation, a patient may leave with prescriptions for medications, recommendations for supplements, and an activity plan to optimize sleep, exercise and manage stress. More information regarding Functional Medicine is available at www.functionalmedicine.org/about/whatisfm/.

Dr. Mosher will be in Blanco at Healing Arts Community Health Center to see patients one day weekly, currently Tuesdays. Dr. Mosher does not participate in any insurance networks so patients are responsible for the fee. He can not currently accept Medicare patients. Charlotte Widick, nurse practitioner, will provide services for insurance-based and Medicare visits.

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The Texas 4-H Youth Development Foundation and Stripes Convenience Stores will begin the fourth year of their 4-H fundraising alliance in conjunction with Stripes Store locations in Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico, said a Texas 4-H official.

The Texas 4-H program is administered by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, part of the Texas A&M University System.

This year’s fundraising effort, known as “Helping Today’s Kids Become Tomorrow’s Leaders,” will run from Sept. 2-15, according to said Jana Barrett, Texas 4-H Foundation development relations coordinator at College Station.

Stripes Stores customers may participate by stopping in at one of 570 store locations throughout the three states and buying a 4-H clover cutout or ‘mobile’ for one dollar. Those who purchase a clover receive a coupon for a free 12 oz. Slush Monkey and receive special buy-one-get-one-free pricing on a Monkey Loco Candy.

“Funds are used to benefit 4-H locally in Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico counties where the stores are located,” Barrett said. “These funds have been used to help counties with their leadership training efforts, help youth attend leadership camps and present workshops, purchase needed equipment, pay registration expenses for 4-H contest participation, and support various 4-H programs and activities.”

This year, participating stores include all Stripes locations throughout Texas, including the Lower Rio Grande Valley area and newly opened stores within the state, as well as stores in eight additional counties of Oklahoma and New Mexico.

“We want to make this year our biggest 4-H Foundation and Stripes Stores collaborative fundraising year to date, with a goal of $400,000 for what is the nation’s largest youth development organization,” Barrett said.

She noted that while counties throughout Texas were helped by last year’s fundraiser, some of those receiving the greatest financial benefit from 2012 efforts included Victoria, Dimmit, Harris, Lubbock, Midland, Reagan, Val Verde and Wichita.

“Funds from last year’s fundraiser allowed us to increase our 4-H participation at the district, county and state level by reimbursing 4-H families for their contest entry fees,” said Sheryl Nolen, AgriLife Extension agent 4-H and youth development for Harris County. “This ‘Get Your Green On’ effort increased participation from 10 kids to 60 kids at the county level. The funds also allowed us to bring 80 4-H members to our daylong leadership camp so they could learn about leadership roles within the 4-H program.”

Nolen said other fundraiser funds went to support existing 4-H programs and toward new program resources, including resources for their new clothing and textiles effort.

Barrett said during this year’s fundraising campaign representatives from 4-H will continue their popular Facebook contest. Photos will be submitted to the Texas 4-H Foundation and posted on the Texas 4-H Friends & Alumni Facebook page where they can vote for their favorite picture. The county with the picture getting the most Facebook likes will receive an additional donation sponsored by the Alumni Association.

“The 4-H and Youth Development Program is a recognized leader in developing life skills, empowering youth and volunteers, and facilitating effective partnerships to create capable and responsible citizens,” Barrett said. “We’re grateful to once again have the support of Stripes Convenience Stores through this multi-state fundraising effort.”

“Now in our fourth year as a 4-H alliance member, we are really excited about our upcoming campaign,” said Steve DeSutter, Stripes Convenience Stores president and CEO. “With the combined generosity of our customers and the hard work and dedication of our team members we can raise needed funds for these programs which support youth leadership, healthy living, and educational scholarships for local students. We want to make a difference, and we plan to do it one dollar at a time.”

DeSutter said Stripes Stores and the Susser family maintain a longstanding tradition of investing in health and education programs that focus on children.

“We carefully choose initiatives that inspire us, and we are proud to provide support that aids the communities we love so much,” he said.

Since 2004, Stripes Convenience Stores has given back over $11.1 million to support hospitals, schools and other community programs through its longtime relationship with organizations such as Children’s Miracle Network, March of Dimes, South Texas Academic Rising Scholars, 4-H and the United Way.

Stripes Stores officials said more than $391,000 has been raised for 4-H through this alliance since 2010 and they hope to surpass the half-million dollar mark with the 2013 campaign in September.

For more information of the fundraising effort, contact Barrett at 979-845-1213 or texas4hfoundation@ag.tamu.edu. A list of participating Stripes stores can be found at http://www.texas4hfoundation.org under the Stripes Stores Alliance tab.

For information on the Texas 4-H Friends and Alumni Association, go to http://texas4hfriends.org.

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After a 12 month struggle, Ganell, beloved wife of Charley Pemberton, died at Harbour Hospice in Beaumont, TX.

Besides Charley, she is survived by 2 daughters, 2 step-children, 3 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren, and her adopted family, the Avilas of Blanco.

Ganell and Charley purchased 11 acres in Blanco in 1997 and developed the land into a property they named Lavender Hill at 1378 River Run. They were second in the order of planting lavender in Blanco County, and first in the Lavender Festival development. She, her friends, and family received hundreds of visitors to her gift shop during the festivals.

Elegant, dignified, devout, and reserved, she personified the matriarch. She welcomed 17 hurricane refugees, who left her home, bonded in friendship for life. Rest in peace, dear lady.

A mass and memorial service will be held at Saint Ferdinand Catholic Church in Blanco on Thursday, September 12, 2013 at 10:00 AM.

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Hanna Garrett, showing under Blanco FFA, and her exotic steer ” Hester” won Grand Champion Market Steer at Blanco County Fair 2013. Hanna purchased Hester last spring and has already hauled him to several jackpot shows placing well at each!

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More from Announcements.

Elizabeth Sorrell is shown here with her first great great granddaughter, Kyla Lynn Simms, born august 14th. She is being held by her mother Kindra Lynn Simms. Back row is grandmother Sharon Schumann and great grand mother Mary Frances Meier. Big brother Connor Simms is also pictured.

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As we all know illegal drug abuse, prescription drug abuse and alcohol abuse is an addiction that is a hard battle to fight alone. Each of us know someone that has been addicted at one time or another to alcohol, prescription drugs or illegal drugs.

Alcohol addiction was the leading cause of death to one of my brothers Joe Holland, less than a year ago.

I know most of us have a big passion for helping those in need, if the addicted person would just want to help themselves. Most addicted persons would never think to ask a Policeman for help, in fear of being arrested or put on the bad list. That is why I wanted to reach out to anyone that may need or know someone needing assistance and or help with addiction. I have a non profit organization called “Cops Community Assistance” that can provide assistance in battling addictions from alcohol, legal and illegal drugs. All assistance given will be kept confidential.

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Violinist Charles Yang

On Sunday, September 15, 2013 at 4:00 p.m. the Mid-Texas Symphony will open its 36th Season at Jackson Auditorium on the Texas Lutheran University Campus in Seguin. Music Director David Mairs, internationally renowned, local violinist Charles Yang and Astrophysicist Eric Schlegel will present “Music of the Spheres.” This opening concert features Bruch’s Scottish Fantasy and Holst’s The Planets and provides a special visual treat highlighting NASA photographs.

David Mairs is much beloved by Mid-Texas Symphony audiences who appreciate his outstanding musical creativity, versatility, and engaging personality. Celebrating his eighteenth year with the Mid-Texas Symphony, he also regularly conducts the Austin and Flint Symphonies. He has served as a guest conductor with many outstanding orchestras including Dallas, Houston, Colorado Springs, Dayton, Phoenix, Charlotte, Fort Worth, and Kansas City.

Guest artist Charles Yang, a Juilliard graduate, has been described by the Boston Globe as one who “plays classical violin with the charisma of a rock star.” After beginning his violin studies with his mother in Austin, Texas, he later studied with Kurt Sassmanshaus, Paul Kantor, Brian Lewis and Glenn Dicterow. He has performed as a soloist with orchestras and in recitals in the United States, Europe, Brazil, Russia, China, and Taiwan, and is the recipient of numerous awards and honors. “Charles is an amazing artist,” notes Mairs, “and one whose joy in performing for the audience is simply infectious. His videos on YouTube or Charles’ own website -- CharlesYangMusic.com -- demonstrate the range of his musical interests and his incredible talent. Charles is a composer, vocalist, guitar player, arranger, and violinist extraordinaire. We’re so lucky to have him as our season opening artist.”

Dr. Eric M. Schlegel is the author or co-author of over 300 publications and has been employed by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center where he worked on the ROSAT and Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer teams. He authored the well-received popular book on X-ray astronomy entitled The Restless Universe: Understanding X-ray Astronomy in the Age of Chandra and Newton.

Other season highlights include Cellist Nick Canellakis, currently a Lincoln Center artist, performing a Haydn cello concerto in November; soprano Ashly Neumann singing Ava Maria and Gesu Bambino in December; the second Brandenburg Concerto in February; pianist Daniel Anastasio performing Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in March; and the season finale performance of Dvorák’s Symphony No. 8 in G major.

Season and single tickets are available now through the Symphony office, telephone 830-372-8089 / email mts@tlu.edu or online at www.mtsymphony.org. For more information, visit www.mtsymphony.org or the symphony’s Facebook page.

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Have you noticed that Mother Nature is sending us a big signal? The Live Oak trees are putting on a large amount of acorns and doing this earlier than normal years. Also, have you seen the female Ashe Juniper (Cedar) trees are producing a bumper crop of berries? These are the berries that we use to make “Cedar Tea” to banish the effects of Cedar Fever. Each of these signs point to different conclusions about what Mother Nature is trying to tell us. One conclusion is that the recent rains woke up the trees from their drought-induced slumber and the trees produced the fruits described above. The other conclusion is that Mother Nature is telling us we are in for a hard Winter and she is providing for the animals and humans the wherewithal to provide protection from starving for the deer etc. or from allergies for us humans.

Rice Grown Without Paddies

Here is a new way to grow rice. Rice is consumed by some 3 billion people world wide as reported by World Farmer (September 2013 issue) magazine. World Farmer further states that in countries or areas where water is in short supply they are growing rice aerobically. This system requires some 40 percent less water than the more traditionally growing practice of flooding. I wonder if the rice farmers on the southern end of the Colorado River have checked into this practice. It could certainly make for friendlier water meetings and more abundance of water for the Highland Lakes and happier rice farmers. It could be a win-win situation for all concerned.

U.S.-India Agricultural Knowledge Initiative through the U.S. Department of Agriculture funded this study. As water for human survival becomes more critical we as citizens of the planet earth will have to consider more alternatives to our live styles such as this farming practice. According to Harvard Business Review (July-August 2013 issue), “By 2050 the number of people living in cities will have nearly doubled from 3.6 billion in 2011 to more than 6 billion. Yet the world’s urban areas are already overcrowded and, particularly in developing countries, suffer from shortages of clean water, electricity, and other resources essential to the support of their exploding populations and fragile economies.”

Garden Duties

This is the month that we can start planting our Fall gardens. I already have my Fall tomatoes in and they are doing well. Check with your local garden centers and nurseries to see what Fall veggies they have on hand.

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Front Row: Celeste, Natalie, Andrea, Townes, and Landon. Back Row: Nezzie and Mckenna.

By Merannda Button

The Blanco Library will host an art display, "Expressions of Color on Canvas by Imagination", by the Tejanitos Art Class held this summer. The display starts on September 4, 2013 and ends October 4, 2013. Everyone is invited to come and see the paintings they have created.

It has been a pleasure and a joy to give the kids lessons on how to work with oils on canvases this summer. They are great students and they bring a positive influence to the Blanco community.

I truly thank the parents for their dedicated effort on bringing the kids to their art classes. This will be the last summer of art classes, offered by myself, for the kids.

A big 'thanks and appreciation' to the Blanco Library for the use of their conference room and their donation of art supplies.

Finally, thank you to my helpers Pete Garcia and Francis Dicky.

I will miss all my students, past and present!

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Karen Watson snapped these photos of some local wildlife. Above, a young elk with it’s mother. Below, two blackbuck antelope.

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It’s that time again – time to begin thinking about a Christmas performance from the Blanco County Community Choir! Rehearsals will begin on September 15 at 4:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Blanco. This volunteer choir is made up of all ages of persons who enjoy singing, learning new music, and working hard to bring an excellent choral performance to our communities.

This organization has presented a Christmas program in Johnson City and Blanco every year since 1975. This year’s performances will be in Johnson City on December 6th and in Blanco on December 8th. Anyone interested in participating come to rehearsals Sunday afternoons from 4:00 – 6:00 at the First Baptist Church in Blanco. For further information call Beverly Voron at 830-868-7215 or Vickie Pautz at 830-833-5164.

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