I am about ready for the turtle migration to come to an end for this year. I guess because we have had such a wet spring, it seems there are more turtles than normal trying to migrate across various highways and roads. I have saved seven so far, but seen many more than normal already dead on the road.

Two of my rescues were badly injured. Did you know turtles bleed? A lot? Both of my rescues went to the Austin Wildlife Rescue, bless them. One of them was successfully rehabbed to a turtle rehabber. (Now, that’s a place I would love to visit someday. After the recent rains, he was queried about whether his pond had flooded and he said, no, but it got so full that all of the turtles came onto his front porch. How cool is that?) The other one, unfortunately, had to be euthanized. It’s amazing that any turtle survives being hit by a car, but come on, folks – how do you hit a turtle? It’s not like they dart into traffic. You can see them from a ways off, moving slowly across the road. I’ll never figure out how a driver can hit a turtle.

I am not sure why I feel compelled to rescue them. It’s not like I have a special affinity for turtles, although I love all critters. I guess it’s just because they are such an extreme example of the underdog when pitted against drivers going 70 mph.

There’s this crotchety old rancher that lives down the road from me and he has a beautiful stock tank on the front of his property. Turtles are naturally attracted to water. I found out the hard way that this guy actually shoots turtles he finds on his property. He says they eat his fish. Well, yeah. However, he has a flock of geese and ducks that also live on his tank and what the heck does he think they eat?

On the way back from the Hill Country Tuesday morning, a driver in front of us hit a buzzard. Again, come on! I get that sometimes they fly in front of you, but if they are on the road taking care of road kill (and we really owe them for that service – I have seen a flock of buzzards take care of a 300-pound hog that had been hit by a car in a matter of hours) then drivers should slow down. These are heavy birds. It takes a couple of seconds for them to get enough lift to take off. Unless you are in a life or death emergency, surely you can slow down for a couple of seconds and allow the bird to get out of the way. Geez.

I commute up and down Texas 71 every day. I used to be a lone traveler much of the time, but it seems the Houston to Austin and vice versa crowd have discovered our little highway – and that it is a much more pleasant drive than, say, Hwy. 290. I like to drive a little under the speed limit (so I can stop suddenly if necessary for a critter) and I am constantly getting passed by obviously really important people who need to be at their destination extremely soon and then I pull up to the stoplight at Tahitian Village and there they all are. I like to look over and smile at them. The stoplight at Tahitian Village – the great equalizer.

YMCA Charlie Amos recognizes Charlie Amos

Bastrop YMCA Board member Martha Harris invited me to attend the Austin YMCA’s annual meeting and awards banquet last week.  Austin Y is our group’s parent organization.  The evening turned out to be a real celebration of the Bastrop’s Y and its accomplishments.  The highlight of the evening for us was the presentation of the first-ever Community Builder Award, which was given to local property owner Charlie Amos.

When Terry Moore, director of our YMCA, was looking around for a home for the program, someone suggested she contact Charlie about the building he owns at 1112 Main St..  To make a long story short, Charlie and Terry clicked.  He has completely renovated the building, inside and out.  He gave our Y a visible space so the community could see that the Y is in Bastrop.  He has rented the building to the program for a fraction of the rent he would normally charge.  Charlie volunteers when needed and promotes the Y himself.  His generosity of time and treasure was acknowledged by a standing ovation and an inaugural award.

Our Y was cited for its rapid growth, variety and programs offered.  In a short time Terry and her group now offer over 200 service units.  Believe me, the folks in Austin know that Bastrop has a YMCA.

Joining us at the Bastrop table was another board member, Sandra Archer; David Sartain, a great community supporter; Molly Ryan, the health and wellness program coordinator, and her husband Caleb.  Last, but certainly not least, Terry said, “The man who sat by me is our lead volunteer, bike fixer, errand runner, and child-watching person. You know he’s just a good guy to have around.”  She was talking about her husband Scott.

For more information about programs go to http://www.austinymca.org/branches/bastrop-recreational-program-office or give them a call at 52/321-9622.

Thank you, Charlie.  Great job, Terry.

Logs to Lumber competition

Their mission statement reads in part, “To push, pull, drag, flip, carry, or roll – in any and all means possible – to remove pre-cut logs from the forest and deliver them to the loading zone…”  The logs are on the property of Jamaica and Rob Morz which was hit hard by the Labor Day wildfires.  The artists lost 95 percent of the forest on their seven acres along with their home and art studio.  They were initially at a loss for what to do with their scorched trees which still held usable lumber.   They teamed up with Jim Leverett, and Logs to Lumber is now in full swing.

The group has made arrangements with several sawmills that are willing to exchange the burned timber for milled lumber.  All they need to do is get all that timber out of the forest.  That’s where you come in.  They suggest you bring your “4X4 off road vehicles/trucks/tractors, chains, winches, skids, ramps, dollies, log tongs, grapplers, and any ear that can assist with log getting.’”

The entrant with the highest number of points earned at the close of the two-day challenge on May 26 and 27 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. wins a $1,200 cash prize.  Those who know Jamaica and Rob know they are very creative.  Their creativity combined with Jim’s dedication means they have come up with this unique competition which provides a win,-win event.

For location, more information, and an entry form go to www.bastroplogs2lumber.com or www.facebook.com/logs2lumber.

Unrest at the Liars Table?

While in Maxine’s on Main for breakfast recently, former Liars Table President Robert Leffingwell told me he has been overthrown.  It seems he has been replaced by Zach Stearns.  Zach was there but made no comment.  Robert didn’t seem to be too upset, but he wasn’t sure what he had or had not done.  Maybe his tall tales weren’t tall enough.  That seems unlikely.  Anyone with the inside track please let me know.  I’m sure my readers will be on the edge of their seats waiting to learn “the rest of the story.”

Congratulations

Congratulations to James Allen, who was re-elected, and David Long, who was elected to the Bastrop Independent School District Board of Trustees and Willie DeLaRosa, who returns to the Bastrop City Council after having served previously.  All of you have much work to do – good luck.

Until Next Week

That’s all for now.  Until next week, be good to yourself.  Let me hear from you by email at mooreaboutbastrop@yahoo.com so I can share the fun things that are going on in and around Bastrop.  Remember:  “In order to attain the impossible, one must attempt the impossible.”  Miguel De Cervantes

Cedar Creek Park gathers momentum

As usual, the Cedar Creek Park is a flurry of events that just keep building as people come to know of its existence.  I spoke with park director Rick Breare last Friday and he said, “It’s been a few months since 95 percent of our beautiful county park was under water. Back in January, Cedar Creek received several inches of rain in a short couple of hours. The water level in Cedar Creek Park was up to the Bluebonnet Volunteer Fire Department’s station parking lot and ran across the upper level of the park. One of the first things that crossed my mind was how accurate the flood-plain map is, because that water level stopped exactly where it was marked on the map. Once the flood water receded, I knew I was going to have my work cut out for me cleaning up the park. One of our community organizations that made my job easy was the new Cedar Creek Youth Sports Association.

“Mr. Keith Hamilton is the CCYSA baseball director, and his initiative in taking care of all the damaged fencing around the baseball fields and preparing the fields for the spring baseball season set an example for everyone to appreciate. Mr. Hamilton spent several days, countless hours and money out of his own pocket to not only repair the damaged fences, but aerating and seeding the two baseball fields and the tee ball field. I cannot thank Mr. Hamilton enough and the community owes him a debt of gratitude as well. If you see Keith around town, please take the time to thank him for his efforts and commitment in providing a quality youth baseball program in Cedar Creek.

“The Cedar Creek Youth Sports Association started out this past fall by holding a tee ball season which was enjoyed by over 40 local children and their parents and relatives. Currently, there are several baseball teams, flag football teams and soccer teams all enjoying practice sessions and weekend games in the Cedar Creek Park. For more information about CCYSA, go to www.leaguelineup.com/ccysa or call the Association President, Chris Shaw, at 591-8870. If you have any questions or concerns about the Cedar Creek Park, please do not hesitate to call me at (512)321-3994 or (512)636-4869, or email at rick.breare@co.bastrop.tx.us we are currently updating and upgrading our website, www.cedarcreekpark.org, so please check that soon as well.”

So there you have it, our park is busy, it’s growing, and it’s wonderful to have it for our use.

A dedicated couple

First, let me say that I have met Ron Rye that heads up Vessels for Christ and all I can say is, wow! This man is so dedicated to feeding the poor that it’s just awesome to meet someone like him and see what he and his wife are doing. They are still looking for the area churches, farmers and anyone else that would like to support this ministry. If our area farmers would maybe donate one bail of hay each time they cut, or maybe a calf or goat a year, the blessings would be huge.

Our local businesses would be welcome, too. If our food pantries have bread, produce, etc., that go bad, they can use that to feed the animals. Rice, oatmeal and beans that weevils have gotten into can be used too. Some studies show that 1 in every 5 children in our area go to bed hungry every night. Donations can be dropped off at their place at 5595 FM 535 in Cedar Creek. These two people do not keep any money that come to them. It all goes back into the ministry.

Also, they will have two bands that will be playing at Market Days – Servants of the Son and Here Am I, with the possibility more, so it looks like a great time for everyone. Ron told me that growing up, many times he heard his parents and grandparents say, “We reap what we sow.” I know many of us have heard the same thing, so let’s follow the Rye’s lead and start sowing.

Bastrop County Safety Fair

Don’t forget this Saturday to come to Mayfest Park and join in the fun of dunking our sheriff and others, to include Judge Van Gilder. You can also put them, or “your other half,” in jail – it’s a giant dog kennel. It’s a time for the community to learn what our entire wonderful county has to offer us and have fun at the same time. Plus, there will be good food from “Aunt Lou”, Little Macs, and Del Tacos. So come out, bring the kiddos to play in the bouncy house and enjoy the day.

Til next week, be safe, take care and God bless.

Bastrop County Veterans Service Officer

You’ve seen magazine articles, newspaper reports and PBS specials about the use of Agent Orange in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. To some, this is a part of our history and to many of our Vietnam era veterans and families, Agent Orange is an unwanted legacy still impacting them today.

Agent Orange was used as a defoliant in Vietnam, some air base perimeters in Thailand and during a specific time period in the Korean demilitarized zone (DMZ).  A veteran is considered to have been exposed to Agent Orange if they were on-the-ground in Vietnam or served in the “brown water Navy.”

There a difference between a veteran who slogged through the highlands, a veteran who served on an air base, a veteran who served on a river patrol boat or a veteran who transited through Vietnam on their way to Thailand or other locations. Yes, there are differences but the general rule is if you set foot in Vietnam you are considered to have been exposed to Agent Orange. Are you automatically considered to have been exposed if you served on the perimeter of an air base in Thailand or in the Korean DMZ? Well, maybe.

Vietnam-era veterans whose service involved duty on or near the perimeters of military bases in Thailand anytime between Feb. 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975 may have been exposed to herbicides and may qualify for VA benefits.

Veterans who served in a unit in or near the Korean DMZ anytime between April 1, 1968 and Aug. 31, 1971 and who have a disease VA recognizes as associated with Agent Orange exposure are presumed to have been exposed to herbicides. These veterans do not have to show they were exposed to Agent Orange to be eligible for disability compensation for these diseases.

The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense must determine if the veteran’s unit operated in the DMZ area and if the veteran was physically there.

Was Agent Orange transported, used or stored outside of these areas?

Agent Orange and other herbicides used in Vietnam were tested or stored elsewhere, including some military bases in the United States. The Department of Defense gave VA a list of dates and locations of herbicide tests and storage.

Can a veteran claim Agent Orange exposure in and of itself?

No, the claim would have to be for one of the presumptive diseases or for a disease/physical problem that the veteran believes was caused by Agent Orange exposure. The presumptive disease is pretty cut-and-dry.  Do you have the disease and were you on-the-ground in Vietnam, including “brown water navy?” Veterans presumed exposed to Agent Orange should claim any disability that has a possible connection to herbicide exposure. While service connection is highly unlikely if it is not on the list, the condition could be added later as an Agent Orange presumptive. By claiming the condition now, it will preserve an effective claim date if it is added to the presumptive list later. But remember, it’s not over until the disability claims process is complete and you have the final VA disability decision.

Also, keep in mind that veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service may be eligible for a variety of VA benefits, including an Agent Orange Registry health exam and health care, in addition to disability compensation for diseases associated with exposure. Their dependents and survivors also may be eligible for benefits.

You may already be aware of this information but your buddies may not. I run into veterans everyday who served in Vietnam, Thailand, Korea and other locations where Agent Orange was transported, stored or used who have one or more presumptive diseases and are unaware that they and their families may be eligible for a full range of benefits

Go to http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/ for more information about exposure locations, related diseases, research studies, benefits, provider resources and publications and reports.

Contact any veteran’s benefits counselor for additional information or assistance. I can be reached at (512) 581-4006 Monday through Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. or at richard.hutchins@co.bastrop.tx.us.

An early-morning fire on April 22 destroyed the home of Brenda Bush, owner of one of Bastrop’s favorite eateries, Gracie’s Restaurant on Pine Street. No one was injured in the blaze.

Brenda is usually the person out there organizing help when others are in need. This time she needs us. Anyone wanting to make a contribution is asked to bring a credit card gift card to Cripple Creek at 928 Main St. Owner Dee Dee Peddy will make sure her sister receives your gift.

Hang in there, Brenda. Bastrop is behind you.

Contribution to DBA

Bill Stanberry and the Stanberry real estate agents recently made a $150 contribution to the Bastrop Downtown Business Alliance. In presenting the check, Mr. Stanberry said that last year he and the agents made contributions to groups that marketed our city. This year, the group will make periodic contributions to Bastrop non-profit organizations.

In accepting the check, DBA president Drusilla Rogers thanked the company for their support of DBA’s efforts on behalf of downtown businesses. Also present from DBA were Diane Newsom,Martha Granger, and I. Joining Mr. Stanberry were agents Josh McDonald, Jenifer Long, Mary Ellen Franklin, Randy McDonald, Caitlyn Lopez, Richard Banks, Jake Stinson, Bert Schreiber, Josephine Hendrickson, Lori Haring and Kevin Whitlow.

What a great example of a Bastrop business supporting a Bastrop organization supporting Bastrop businesses. That’s what I call community.

Bastrop County Texas Exes fundraiser this weekend

I heard from both chamber of commerce president Susan Wendel and Clay Ingram about the scholarship event this Saturday at McKinney Roughs sponsored by area Texas Exes. There will be music by the Still Rockin’ band, food by Dickey’s Barbecue Pit and “auction items you won’t want to miss,” in addition to a door prize offered by the Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa. Attendees are encouraged to “join us for a fabulous evening of food, fun, and fellowship” and plenty of room to dance starting at 7 p.m.

There are a limited number of tickets to be sold. They are $30 each and include the food, beer, soda and tea. For ticket information, call Laurie Ingram at 512-923-2643, Susan Wendel at 512-284-4107 or Tom Scott at 512-581-2715.

Sounds like a fun evening.

TOPS is tops

TOPS is the acronym for Take Off Pounds Sensibly. The Bastrop TOPS Club was founded in January 1999 and Jean Dohmann still remembers when she and three other women decided Bastrop should have a TOPS Club. The national group is a non-profit weight-loss support and wellness education organization established in 1943. They have helped millions of people live healthier lives.

Bastrop’s club, #1686, was recognized recently by the national organization with member Sandy Parker as State Division 1 Winner by losing more than more than 100 pounds in one year. Also recognized was Jean Staffen by reaching her goal weight and reaching KOPS status.  KOPS means Keep Off Pounds Sensibly. Other winners in the past include Glenda Crysup as Texas State Queen in 2009.

The Bastrop TOPS group meets weekly at 6:30 p.m. at the Kerr Community Center at 1308 Walnut St. The club is open to anyone who would like to attend. Weekly, an average of 20 men and women come, weigh in and listen to informative programs about weight-loss support and wellness.

Sandy Parker says, “It’s more than a place you go while you’re losing weight. In fact, some of our members have made this weekly stop a part of their life for many years.   TOPS is a supportive place to learn, be encouraged and be challenged in your effort to be healthy and remain healthy while losing and maintaining your weight loss, regardless of whatever food plan you are following. TOPS membership is also affordable with an annual TOPS fee of $28, plus nominal chapter fees of $5 monthly collected for local chapter expenses.”

What a terrific organization. For additional information, contact Sandy Parker at 254/592-8067 or sandy.parker@phoenixtranslations.com. Thank you to Sandy and Jean Staffen for telling me about TOPS in Bastrop.

Another happy birthday

If you were around North Main Street on Tuesday night, April 24, you saw the gorgeous, larger-than-life, draft horse sculpture poured by Heart of the Pines Foundry which was in front of Liberty Glen. It was part of the terrific decorations arranged by event planner and downtown property owner Kathryn Lang. A national group of asset managers meeting at the Hyatt wisely hired Kathryn throw a party for the conventioneers in downtown Bastrop. The visitors were from all over the United States and Canada. Of course, they fell in love with our town.

It just so happened that it was also Debi Moore’s birthday; not this Debbie Moore, but the one who manages Liberty Glen. After the conventioneers moved on to eat at our local restaurants, Debi’s party began with champagne and chocolate and peanut butter cake. A great time was had by all.

One more birthday

Thursday, May 3, is the birthday of my good friend, council member Kay Garcia McAnally. I know I am a bit prejudiced, but I truly feel Bastrop has been blessed to have her as one of our city council members. Her passion and love of people and love of our city have been evident. Happy birthday, Kay, and may you have many, many more.

Until next week

That’s all for now. Until next week, be good to yourself. Let me hear from you by email at mooreaboutbastrop@yahoo.com so I can share the fun things that are going on in and around Bastrop.

Remember: “Never hold a Dust Buster and a cat at the same time.” Author Unknown

New Life in Christ

New Life in Christ Church on Texas 21 across from the Cedar Creek Post Office has many upcoming events planned.

On Saturday, May 12, from 1-3 p.m., Bastrop Vet Hospital & New Life in Christ Church will hold their annual rabies clinic. Bring your dogs and cats for $10 rabies vaccines, $14 for any other vaccines and $20 for a heartworm test.

On Sundays, April 22 and 29 and May 6 and 20 from 4:30-6 p.m., come to the program “Share Jesus Without Fear.” This easy-to-use, relational approach to witnessing teaches that you cannot fail in sharing your faith if you depend on the power of God for the results. Discover ways to guide a witnessing conversation without fear of failure or rejection.

On the second Sunday of each month from 9:45-10:15 a.m. join in “Andrea’s Legacy” – free breakfast tacos (while they last).

A Men’s Prayer Breakfast is held the second Saturday of each month at 9 a.m.

Wyldwood Baptist Church

Wyldwood Baptist Church, 398 Union Chapel Road, Cedar Creek, invites you to join them for a Garage and Bake Sale on May 12 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.  They will have a large selection of most everything you ever wanted. Go, buy and have a great time.

From June 21-23 at 7 p.m., a revival will be held under the “Big Top.” Dr. Paul Vick will be the visiting evangelist.

If interested in singing in their Revival Choir, rehearsal is every Sunday evening at 5 p.m., beginning April 22 through the month of June.

The Old Fashioned Celebration on July 4 celebrates the country’s birthday with music and a cookout. They have delicious food and great games for everyone, including a “seed spitting contest” that’s always fun. Everyone is invited to share this special day.  And it’s always free.  Vacation Bible School is July 9-13 and the theme is “Bug Zone”  - transformed by our Big God!  You can check out the church at wyldwoodbaptistchurch.org.

Vessels for Christ

Vessels for Christ outreach ministries needs our help. They have a passion for helping to feed the hungry in the Bastrop County area and raise calves and grow a small garden. They need to add to their calf stock, as the ones they have now will hopefully be processed in June or July. They look for strip off, orphaned, blind or crippled calves and cattle. They hope to start raising poultry for meat and eggs – as well as goats and sheep.

They need fence posts, field fence and hay and are praying for a larger support base from area businesses. Part of their ministry is doing missionary work, as well. They are taking educational materials (both academic and spiritual) to Western Nigeria where they recently spent 21 days.  The area they visited had not had missionaries visit in more than 20 years. This takes financial support as well.

Ron and his wife put all of their time into this ministry. They are the Missions Ministry for the BOLD Church in Cedar Creek. 100 percent of everything donated is used for the ministry as they minister to people both physically and spiritually. They invite anyone to visit their website to learn more and also their contact information. The web site is www.vesselsforchrist.webs.com Together with the communities, hunger can be fought in our area. So how about it Cedar Creek, can we help?

May computer lab

Many have asked if the computer lab is still open at CCUMC. The answer is yes, it is, and here is the schedule for May.

Lab Hours:

* Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to noon

May 2012 Calendar – Computer Basics has limited space, call to reserve your spot:

Wednesday, May 9, 6-8 p.m.

Saturday, May 12, 9-11 a.m.

Saturday, May 19, 9-11 a.m.

Wednesday, May 23, 6-8 p.m.

Call Debra Goodwin with questions, comments or concerns at 512-636-3517

The answer

The big mountain of dirt that’s piled up at Hwy 20 and Faun Roadd?  It’s going to be the new fire station. And we owe a major thank you to our firefighters because the work that has been done so far was completed by them with some assistance from the county. Their only expense has been to rent the equipment to do all that digging so they could save the taxpayer’s money. It will house four trucks and become ESD #1 with the old station becoming the maintenance shop. So there you have it. Mystery solved. Next time you see one of our firefighters, give them a hug and a big smile of appreciation. They do more than just save our homes.

God Bless for this week. Keep the emails coming cedarcreek50@yahoo.com.

Postseason baseball, track, tennis, golf and softball are all culminating, with several athletic accomplishments all equally deserving of time and coverage.

Add in wrapping up one job and starting another, and I have to admit this has been the most chaotic spring sports season of my life, but I would like to take a step back and introduce myself to all of you.

My name is Chris Dukes, and as of Wednesday I am the new sports editor at the Bastrop Advertiser. I am 29 years old, and a graduate of Florence High School and Texas State University. My wife Jessica and I were recently married on New Year’s Eve. I have been an avid sports fan my entire life and being a sportswriter is pretty much the only thing I have ever wanted to do.

After graduating from Texas State University in 2008, I was lucky enough to intern with Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Magazine where I not only had a blast, but learned a lot about the sports writing business.

After that came a stop in Parsons, Kan. where I was the sports editor for The Parsons Sun. My first stint in that position was filled with on-the-job training you can’t possibly learn in school. There is no class in which you learn how to tell an angry parent why her daughter’s accomplishments were omitted from an article, or how to field a phone call asking in an interesting array of four-letter words why the area’s rival high school had received more live game stories that season.

It was more than a lesson in diplomacy. It demonstrated the value of sports to a town. Sports are more than just a distraction from daily life. They are a chance for a community to put aside petty differences and cheer together in one voice. It’s a reason to shut down production for one day and throw a parade to celebrate a championship. It is one of the few times in your life it can be perfectly OK to hug a random stranger for no other reason than a mutual vested interest in a game.

At the center of it all when covering local high school sports are the athletes. The thing I have always loved most about my job is the ability to properly reward the hard work put in by high school athletes with recognition.

It has always been a great honor to me to see an article I authored cut out and pasted in a high school hallway.

In addition to living up to the standards deserved by the readers and athletes, this position has the bar set pretty high thanks to the terrific job done by my predecessor Michael Adams. Keeping the Advertiser’s sports section at that high level is something I will strive to do, and while I have a tremendous amount of respect for what he has done, I do have a few new innovate ideas of my own I hope to implement in the near future once I get settled in. I am going to cover all the sports, not just the big ones, and I welcome any sort of input or feedback I can get from you out there.

It’s going to be a fun ride. I look forward to sharing it with all of you.

The folks at Keep Bastrop County Beautiful (KBCB), chaired by Dorothy Skarnulis with much support from hubby Ed, are moving into the home stretch for the first annual Heart of Texas Green Expo. It all takes place on June 8 and 9 at the Bastrop Convention Center and will have over 50 speakers and 60 vendors.

Ed says, “The Heart of Texas Green Expo will energize individuals, businesses and organizations seeking information, inspiration and innovation to create a greener environment.” Funds raised will be used to support the group’s school and community education efforts “helping kids understand the importance of safeguarding our natural resources, demonstrating alternative energy sources, and grooming them to become advocates for a better tomorrow.”

An event of this magnitude doesn’t just happen overnight. Hundreds of hours of planning and volunteer hours are involved. If you want to be part of this inaugural event, you have an opportunity to check it out quite soon.

Ed urges everyone to “come and join the excitement on May 2 at 7 p.m., sign up and volunteer.” The volunteer rally is at the new Lost Pines Toyota car dealership located on Hwy. 71 East in Bastrop. The location is most appropriate since it is a totally “green” building. I think they have some fun things planned for those in attendance.

Happy Birthday to Michelle

Pete Sommers was busy for a week making sure everyone knew that last Tuesday was Michelle Adams’ birthday. She is one of the nicest people I know. I won’t say how old she is now because that would be impolite. However she was going around the gathering at Ramos Restaurant bragging about her property taxes now being frozen.

Some of the friends gathering to celebrate Michelle’s special day included Mayor and Pat Orr, Duffy and Dick Smith, George Rollow, Diane Newsom, Guy Ronga, Ann Papadakas, Martha Granger, Gretchen Deubel, Deb Viesel, Kelley Goldsmith, Elizabeth Evans, Paula Clark, Carol Lyon and hubby, Virginia Piper, Deb Johnson, Nancy Wood, Kay Garcia McAnally and Vickie Balcou. The party was still going on when I left.

I hope you had a happy day, my friend.

Wildflowers aplenty on Dragonfly Trail

After the dearth of wildflowers following our dry winter and spring a year ago, it is great to see the wildflowers in such large numbers along our highways and byways.  However, they are not limited to roadways.  Denise Smith, one of the excellent servers at both Maxine’s and Baxters, wrote in to tell us about color along Dragonfly Trail in Tahitian Village.

Those senior moments seem to come in bunches, like grapes

Last week I referred to my friend Dennis LITMAN as Dennis Linton. I have no idea why. As a way to make up, I told his wife, Jean Zurow, that I would write about him being the featured artist at the Bastrop Fine Arts Guild in May. Well, that didn’t work either. He has been the featured artist during April. However, the truth is you still have until April 29 to see his fantastic photographs. Give yourself a treat and stop by the Guild at 1009 Main St.  They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and until 8 p.m. the first Friday of each month.

Until Next Week

That’s all for now. Until next week, be good to yourself.  Let me hear from you by email at mooreaboutbastrop@yahoo.com so I can share the fun things that are going on in and around Bastrop.

Remember: “Great Truths That Little Children Have Learned: 1) No matter how hard you try, you can’t baptize cats; 2) When your mom is mad at your dad, don’t let her brush your hair; 3) If your sister hits you, don’t hit her back. They always catch the second person; 4) Never ask your three-year-old brother to hold a tomato; 5) You can’t trust dogs to watch your food.

I received the following email from Mr. Kutcher, CCHS band director, and want to share what a great job the CCHS Band is doing. They are also in need of some help to buy a trailer to transport their equipment.

It’s only the second year for Cedar Creek High School and Eagle Band, but great things are happening. On April 11, the band competed in the UIL Concert and Sight Reading contest at Pflugerville High School. A band can earn a 1 (Superior), 2 (Excellent), 3 (Good), 4 (Fair), or 5 (Poor) from each of three judges. The Sight Reading portion basically has the band, and the band director, see a piece of music for the first time, review it several minutes (without practicing) and then performing it all the way through. The band earned straight 1’s in Sight Reading; one of the tougher parts the contest. “This is a fantastic accomplishment for such a young band,” said. Mr. Kutcher.

Last year, as a new campus and new band, there were around 30 students in the band. This year, they almost doubled to 56 members. Next year, the school’s first year with all four grades, the band is estimated to have slightly over 100, almost doubling again.

We are very excited about the growth of the band program at ‘The Creek’. Mr. Kutcher and Mr. Mendez, the assistant band director, travel to Cedar Creek Middle School and intermediate school each day, working with their feeder programs and band directors, Mr. Gonzalez and Mr. Hefler.

This year, Mr. Mendez formed the Winter Drum Line, IMPACT, which earned three first place trophies, as well as competed in the TCGC championships and earned fifth place. Other accomplishments include several band members earning 1’s at UIL Solo & Ensemble Contest, with one student, Jacob R. going on to compete at State, as well as the band taking first place in their category in the Bastrop Lighted Christmas Parade.

Mr. Kutcher says, “Obviously, our focus is on the students, musical education and growth, as well as developing them into well-rounded, productive members of society. But we have lots of other areas we focus on daily. It’s like running a business.”

Some tasks include managing a budget, programming the right music to teach various elements of the art of music, working with a great booster organization, fundraising, and much more. He says “Our big focus right now, outside of the education, is trying to acquire a trailer big enough to transport the band equipment to contests, events and football games.”

These trailers, at least 30 feet long, could range anywhere from $5,000 up to $30,000.

“We’re probably looking at something around $10,000. We’re going to see if we can get some corporate sponsorship for this. It’s a huge expense that is not covered in the typical school budget. But it’s an absolute necessity to the functioning of the band,” Kutchersaid.

Everyone interested in supporting the band through attendance at events and performances (spring concert on May 3 at 7 p.m. at the Bastrop PAC), volunteering, help with fundraising, and financial support is welcome. Last year the band had a generous donation made by a parent, whose child is not even in band.

Mr. Kutcher and Mr. Mendez can be reached at Cedar Creek High School, 512-772-7300 ext. 23175 rkutcher@bisdtx.org or  cmendez@bisdtx.org

What are they digging for?

Y’all have loaded my email with the big question, what is all that digging for on Hwy 20 and Faun Road? Do I know? Matter of fact, I do, at the cost of about 1.7 million dollars. Wow, perk your interest? You will have to buy a paper next week to find the answer because I just ran out of room for this week’s column. God bless and keep those emails coming.

Once again, the citizens of Smithville are pulling together to help those in need. On Saturday, April 21, you will have the opportunity to take part in the Smithville Empty Bowl Project at the Mary Nichols Arts Center, 301 Burleson St. in Smithville.

Three organizations, the Smithville Community Gardens, the Smithville Emergency Food Bank and the Lost Pines Artisans’ Alliance, have come together, working with students in the Smithville schools to produce more than 400 bowls hand-made and hand-painted bowls. Whether hand-painted by a fifth grader or wheel-thrown by a high school senior, each one is a work of art which will contribute to fighting hunger in our community.

The silent auction will feature works by area artists, as well as gift certificates, “valuable stuff” and other items donated by friends of the empty bowl.

Your $20 donation will purchase a one-of-a-kind bowl, delicious soup, bread and dessert. Ten local restaurants will be contributing their best gourmet soups for the event and you will be helping to alleviate hunger in your home town. While you enjoy your lunch, you can learn about gardening, food preparation, conservation and more from some of our guest speakers.

The Smithville Community Gardens are in several locations in Smithville. Volunteers work all year to prepare the soil, plant, water, fertilize, weed and tend the plots. Anyone can stop by and pick fresh vegetables for their tables. No registration, sign up or I.D. is necessary. Their portion of the proceeds from this event will help to purchase garden hoses, tools, seeds, etc.

The Emergency Food Pantry is open every Wednesday for those in crisis who have a need for food. Much of the food is donated, but there is always a need for cash to purchase what is lacking.

The LPAA will use its portion of the proceeds to help fund the event in 2013. We buy the clay and bisque bowls, glazes, brushes and all supplies to make the bowls. Volunteer potters, the LPAA and the junior high school allow the use of their kilns for firing. Banners, advertising, porta-potties, tents, the costs of hosting the party, etc. are funded by the LPAA.

A third portion of the profits is donated to the Smithville I.S.D. Nutrition Program. I, myself, have just become aware that there are many children enrolled in the after school program simply because they are given a nutritious snack.  In many cases, this is their last meal of the day and they have nothing to eat until they arrive at school the next morning.

So, plan to come to the Smithville Empty bowl Project on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. You’ll easily find the Arts Center on the corner of Burleson and Loop 230; it faces the Presbyterian church and has a giant oak tree growing part-way into the street.  First Baptist Church has offered the use of their parking lot; it’s just one block down the loop.  If you’re looking for a special bowl made by your own child, come early. Children under age 12 eat free with an adult purchasing a bowl, so bring your friends and family.