February’s First Friday at Art Connections Gallery will showcase “2 Sisters,” with sisters-in-law Kathy Callaway and Julia Callaway.
Kathy, from Fayetteville, is a sculptor who will show pieces in bronze and cold-cast bronze.  Particularly loved in her works are the “little people,” small figurative portraits of children that capture their personalities.  Kathy also features animals, a special work being “Locking Horns” showing four young longhorns jostling for space at the trough.
Julia is from Dallas, where she had a career in architecture followed by a career in art.  While Julia works in many different mediums, her focus for this show will be mosaics. Julia does colorful, whimsical scenes in a variety of mosaic materials. They are delicately and exquisitely made and will grace any collection. As promised in our name, Art Connections is all about connections.  These ladies share not only family but a love of and talent for creating. And to continue the connection a portion of the sale of Kathy’s work will benefit ARTS, a program to bring art education to children in rural central Texas.  A portion of Julia’s sales will benefit the Friends of the Bastrop County Animal Shelter.  After all, Art Connections Gallery is where “Art becomes heart.”
Photographs by Sheryl Bucsanyi will hang in the featured artists’ gallery at the Bastrop Fine Arts Guild throughout the month of February.  The opening reception is Friday, March 3 from 6-8 p.m. The gallery is located at 1009 Main St. in Bastrop and will be open every day, except Mondays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

BFAG
The Bastrop Fine Arts Guild was asked recently to provide work for a display at the Austin Bergstrom International  Airport.  Eight BFAG artists responded with works portraying hope, inspiration and reflections on the recent wildfires in our county. As the exhibit is in the departure lounge and can be view only by ticketed passengers, art curator for the airport, Matt Coldwell, invited the artists for a special “backstage” tour.  If you are flying to or from ABIA anytime between now and the end of March, look for the exhibit in a glass case right before descending the escalator to the baggage claim.

It seems that Cedar Creek has definitely become a target for adversity. First the Union Chapel fires, then the rains that came on Jan. 25 trapped a lot of people in their homes and kept others from getting there. Major roads that lead out from the outlying areas of Cedar Creek were shut down by water over the road.
At 10 a.m. on Wednesday morning, the bridge on FM 812 was the scene of a raging Cedar Creek. For more than half a mile, water was pouring over the roadway, keeping traffic at a standstill on both sides. One of the firemen on the scene told me that two cows had drowned. Move on down to Watts Lane and both the bridges were barely able to be seen because the road had turned into rushing water. And then came FM 535 and FM 812.
Just down the road, our beautiful Cedar Creek Park was under water as Cedar Creek reared its angry head and covered the entire area. Watching the water at the entrance was surreal. I was standing in the Bluebonnet Fire Department parking lot with the water within inches. It was coming through so hard and fast it appeared to be boiling.
Constable Matthew Henderson said, “I don’t think I have ever seen so much water.”
He had been out since early morning watching the water rise and making sure no one drove into it. He said he had to wade into the water at one point and was soaked but his wife could not get through the flood waters to bring him dry clothes. Now that’s dedication to service. As long as I have lived in Cedar Creek, I don’t remember seeing the creek out of its banks this bad, either. I just thank God that from all reports, no lives were lost.
One lady remarked, “I never gave that creek any thought before, but it sure got my attention now. I will be quick to watch the weather should we get this type of downpour again.”
Last year, I told you about Lynn Reardon who rescues former race horses and teaches them how to become “people” horses again for adoption at her place called Lone Star Outreach to Place Ex-Racers on Texas 21. Well, she was hit pretty hard by the flooding. Lynn said she had to move the horses from the barn to higher ground and during this move one helper was kicked in the head when the horse got spooked and she went to the hospital for stitches. Some had to stand in knee-deep water until they could get them all moved.
Lynn said that unfortunately the barn and home may be lost to the flood. All the horses were moved to higher place and all are safe and sound. Lynn said many thanks to the Bastrop Emergency Service District 1 for their help.
Should you come to a place where the water is across the road, keep in mind “turn around, and don’t drown.” Water out of its bank is very unpredictable and a “wall” can come down so swiftly you can be swept away without warning.

King Ranch Chicken
This recipe was submitted by Joyce “Mama J” and it’s very good. I served mine with warm flour tortillas.
n 6 cups chicken fajita
n 1 large can cream of chicken soup
n 1 can of rotel (tomatoes & green chiles)
n 2 cups grated cheese (I used mild cheddar)
n Bag of tortilla chips
Mix the first 3 ingredients together and put it in a 9×13 cake pan. Spray the pan with non stick spray, Crumble chips on top and add the cheese. Bake at 350 for 20-25 mins.
It’s quick, inexpensive and easy when you are short on time for dinner
Please keep the recipes coming. I love receiving your emails so if you have something to share, send it on to cedarcreek50@yahoo.com.
In answering Marty, no, I do not get involved in politics.

Trivia question
Here’s something to work on for all of you. Does anyone know how Cedar Creek got its name and what year it was established? Yes, I do have the answer but how many of you Cedar Creekers know? E-mail me and let’s see what kind of answers I get. This could prove to be interesting. God bless ‘til next time

The City of Bastrop will be giving away free five gallon trees to City of Bastrop residents and those in the county who have been affected by the wildfire on Saturday, Feb. 11 beginning at 9 a.m. at the City of Bastrop Public Works Facility parking lot, 1209 Linden St. The site is located near Jewell’s Park at the intersection of Hill and Linden streets in Bastrop.
The trees are all native to Texas, but there is a limit on the number to be given per family, so come early.
The trees were provided by the Apache Foundation’s Tree Grant Program. Thanks to Parks Board chair Judi Hoover and Bastrop Planning director Melissa McCollum for getting the word out and to Jason Alfaro, an employee of the Bastrop Public Works Department and the guy who does such a great job in taking care of our parks.

DBA changes meeting times and location
Beginning in February, the Downtown Business Alliance will meet on the first and third Thursday of each month at 8 a.m. in the Bastrop Library meeting room, 1100 Church St.
In talking about the change, DBA president Drusilla Rogers said, “We hope that by meeting in the morning before most shops are open, it will make it easier for more of the owners to attend.  DBA is here to support downtown businesses, and we need to hear from the proprietors as to how we can best help them.”
DBA has been meeting at the Bastrop Opera House on Spring Street, and Rogers said that she wanted to especially thank Opera House executive director Chester Eitze for “his hospitality and continuing support.”

Garage sale
It’s not too early to start planning for the March 3 garage sale sponsored by the Bastrop County Historical Society from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Bastrop ISD West Campus, 1602 Hill St., across from the football field.
Frank Huffman reports, “In the last two years of sales, we had several neat featured items, for example, a pontoon boat, an antique organ, a beautiful working 1930’s stove and several wooden church pews. More importantly, we have had thousands of toys, books, household items, collectibles, and clothing in good condition. All-in-all it is these items that might be of special interest this year with so many Bastropians still putting together households after the fire.”
Volunteers will begin accepting donations on Wednesday, Feb. 15 and will continue accepting items through noon on Thursday, March 1.  For information about donation times on those dates, call the BCHS at 303-0057, Karen Clardy at (512) 461-4804, or Nancy Scott at 303-0760.
Proceeds will benefit the society’s new museum and visitor center.

Oops….
I failed to mention that Chris “Matt” Dillon is picking up the tab for food at the Hearts for Paws fundraiser on Feb. 11 at Heritage Hall, 1020 Main St., from 4-7 p.m.  So sorry.

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: “You don’t get to choose how you’re going to die, or when. You can only decide how you’re going to live now.”  –Joan Baez

The Hearts for Paws third annual soiree will be Saturday, Feb. 11 at Heritage Hall, 1020 Main St., from 4-7 p.m. The cost of admission is a new item for a cat or dog, food or cat litter. I am sure they would gladly accept a monetary contribution as well. There will be roses for the ladies, live entertainment, a silent auction, complimentary food and a cash bar.

The evening is sponsored by Sheriff Terry Pickering, shelter director Troy Walters, Bill Weddle, Zach and Cathy Sterns, Elgin Veterinary Clinic and Curran Construction. All proceeds will go to benefit our animal shelter.

Since the fires in September, the shelter has been overwhelmed with lost, injured and abandoned animals. Please, at least stop by and donate whatever you can.

Planning, planning and more planning

The things that go on downtown don’t just happen overnight. It takes a great deal of thought and planning to make the difficult seem easy.

More than 40 people attended last Saturday’s annual Main Street Program planning retreat at the Hyatt Regency to talk about some of those things. It was hosted by Main Street board president and Hyatt Regency executive director Steve Dewire.

Program director Nancy Wood opened the day’s activities with an overview of where the program has come along with a list of accomplishments. Chris Holtkamp, LCRA senior planner for community and economic development, was the day’s facilitator.

We heard from committee chairs on projects of the Design, Organization, Promotions, and Economic Restructuring Committees, exchanged ideas in the large group, divided up into the four groups based on our interests and then came back together for further discussion. It was a very well-run and productive day.

One very interesting point was brought out. When we hear that something is a “Main Street project,” it doesn’t mean that it is only planned to benefit the street named “Main.”  “Main Street” is the name of a nationwide program that has been in existence for around 30 years. When applying for designation as a “Main Street City,” it is necessary that a contiguous program area be defined where the city’s efforts will be concentrated.  Bastrop’s Main Street Program area is about two blocks either side of Main Street from Pine Street to Spring Street, and the same on Chestnut Street to Hwy. 95.  “Main Street” designated cities have access to architectural advice, select pots of money, assessment teams, etc. at no cost. It is a great program that has been, and continues to be, very beneficial to Bastrop.

Among the folks attending were, from the City of Bastrop, Mayor Terry and Pat Orr, city manager Mike Talbot, planning and zoning director Melissa McCollum, library director Mickey Duvall, public works events coordinator and all around nice person Marty Duvall and Bastrop Economic Development Corporation director Dave Quinn. Thanks to them all for joining us.

The Main Street manager from Clifton, Texas, Damaris Neeley, and her board president and vice president Julie Conley and Tom Byrd came to see how we do things in Bastrop.  We were happy to welcome them.

Also there were Nora Nielsen, Phyllis Tadlock, Evelyn Weilert, Carolyn Banks, Jean Zurow, Kristi Koch, Jim Wills, Sam Swanson, Michelle Adams, Pete Sommers, Marilyn Whites, Kathryn Lang, Jeanette Condray, Deborah Johnson, Martha Granger, Sue Ann Fruge, Jane Hunt, Violet Cearley, Dorothy Skarnulis, Dick Smith, Bonnie Coffey, BISD board member John Eaton, Bastrop High School principal Celina Estrada-Thomas, Frank Huffman, Diane Newsom, Debbie Denny, Deborah Viesel, Dock Jackson, Cindye Wolford, Shawn Pletsch, Dan Hays Clark, Joe Grady Tuck, Debra Farst from the Texas Historical Society, and Matt Weilert.

And even more planning

Saturday’s planning day was followed by a Sunday afternoon of planning for 2012 by the Downtown Business Alliance Steering Committee. The group was hosted by Deb Valvo and Cheryl McFerrin, owners of Piney Creek Candles on Main Street. We gathered at their meeting and overnight venue, The Cottage at Piney Creek. It is lovely and is just perfect for smaller groups.

Everyone was kept on track by DBA president Drusilla Rogers, and we got a lot accomplished. Those attending the get together were DBA vice president Martha Granger, treasurer Deborah Viesel, secretary Nancy Wood and members Violet Cearley, Jane and Jeff Brister, Michell Adams, Diane Newso, and new member Deborah Johnson.  Also present were loyal volunteers Terry Moore and Debbie Denny.

You can look forward to another great year of promoting Bastrop from this group, maybe with a new twist here or there.

Sherwood Forest Faire set to open soon

Feb. 11 is the first weekend of the third annual Sherwood Forest Faire in McDade. The fun will continue each weekend through April 1 and on Friday, March 16, from 10 a.m. until dusk, rain or shine. Come out to see falconry, magic, jousting, live entertainment and much more. The faire won awards the first year it opened and has continued to get even better.

The exact location is 1883 Old Highway 20, McDade, TX  78650. For additional information, call (512) 222-6680 or visit their website at www.sherwoodforestfaire.com.

Longtime Bastrop dentist retires

Ann Meier recently went in for her dental cleaning and learned that Dr. Gary Rassner, DDS, has retired. His practice on Spring Street has been sold.

Ann says, “Dr. Rassner has treated my entire family, since we moved to Bastrop in 1986.  He has always been interested in the environment and we worked with others in the community in the 1980s to start the Bastrop Environmental Network and he is an avid gardener and friend.”

“Dr. Rassner and his wife are moving to Winby Island, Wash. He has been in practice in Bastrop since the early Eighties, and I am sure he will be missedd. I think he ‘retired’ as of Jan. 1.  I was just lucky to catch him in the office – he is still around, but not for long.”

We hope you have a long and happy retirement and that you will come back often to visit your many Bastrop friends.

Until next time

That’s all for now. I’ll talk to you again soon. Until then, be good to yourself. Let me hear from you by email at mooreaboutbastrop@yahoo.com so I can share the things that are going on in and around town.

Remember: “The ideals which have lighted my way, and time after time have given me new courage to face life cheerfully, have been kindness, beauty and truth.” – Albert Einstein

I received an email from a gentleman asking if we had a program to help seniors and shut-ins in Cedar Creek. Yes, we have one, but not in Cedar Creek proper. It is called the “Are you OK?” program and is managed by the Bastrop County Citizen Sheriff’s Academy alumni through the sheriff’s office. Anyone can sign up for the program, which calls a person’s house at a specified time each day. If no one answers, a second call is made and then a third. If there is still no answer, the sheriff’s office sends a deputy to check on the welfare of the client.

To sign up for the program, call (512) 559-5104. This phone is answered 24/7 and if you leave a message, they will return it if they happen to be on another line. So far this program has saved eight people in Bastrop County, so we know it’s working. And you can sign up or stop the calls at your discretion. It is open to anyone who needs that phone call, so don’t hesitate to call.

This week’s recipe

Sandy sent us this recipe for ‘Bout Half Breakfast Tacos, so called because you use ‘bout half of each ingredient.

• Half a roll of sausage (whatever flavor you want)

• Half a bag of hash browns (chunky best)

• Half a dozen and a half eggs (9)

• Half a jar of queso sauce (found with the dips in the chip aisle)

Cook and drain sausage. Cook hash browns with sausage. Move potatoes and sausage to side of skillet. Crack eggs into a bowl and scramble well. Add salt and pepper to taste. Pour into center of skillet and cook until done. Mix with sausage and potatoes. Pour in queso, mix well, heat thoroughly. Serve on heated flour tortillas.

Note: Don’t pour eggs onto sausage and potatoes, they adhere to them and don’t stand alone as well.

New business

The rumor mill has it that there is a new business on its way to Cedar Creek out on Texas 21 West. The name is YaYa’s What Not. From what I hear, this little shop is going to be a neat place to visit that even the men might like. Now, that’s a thought. So keep watching and as the rumors get better I will enlighten you to what this shop promises. I hear it’s going to contain all kinds of “neat stuff.”

Another scam

This just keeps getting worse each day. This lady, who does not even own a car or a driver’s license, emailed me and asked me to pass this on. She received a notice telling her that her factory warranty was about to expire. First of all, she didn’t have a factory warranty as she received the car when her sister passed away. Secondly, it was a 1986 model so any warranty the car had was long gone when she got it. She said it came from a place called CarSafe and this was her second notice to get this taken care as it would expire on 2-10-12. This was the only notice she had received. Then it told her to call 866-364-3336 and get it renewed. She informed me that it went in file 13.

Out of the mouths of babes

A young boy and his dad were at the main post office looking at all the wanted pictures on the wall. Being a curious lad, the boy asked, “Daddy, who are all these guys?” Dad replied, they are criminals that the police are looking for. The boy stood there digesting what dad said, then asked “Well daddy, why didn’t they keep them and lock them up after they took their pictures?”

In the mind of a child.

I just had to share this.

Happy anniversary

Happy anniversary to Rick and Desiree Breare, who have been married for 18 years. Rick is director of the Cedar Creek Park senior program.

Thanks

As I leave you this week, I again say thank you for the email, recipes and kind words. Keep them coming and we will let folks know what we do out here at our “wide spot in the road.”  Remember, we may not like the journey God takes us on but we didn’t buy the ticket. Stay on board because the benefits are out of this world! God bless ‘til next time.

The response for my question about providing weekly recipes has been wonderful. My email box is full of great sounding dishes and I can’t wait to try some of them myself.

The one email that really got my attention came from a lady named Sandy. This is what she had to say:

“After reading your column this morning, I had an idea. After talking to my mother-in-law, who lost her house in the fires, one thing she will miss most is her “secret” family recipes. Could you ask your readers to contribute family recipes to be compiled into a cookbook to be distributed to fire survivors?”

And her next thought was to see if we could find a sponsor to print the recipes and put them in a book that we could give to the fire survivors or even use them as a fundraiser.

Lots of ideas here, folks. So what is your take on this? Please write me at cedarcreek50@yahoo.com and let’s get this ball rolling. Here is this week’s recipe, I made it and it’s yummy.

Vermicelli Salad

1 pkg of vermicelli or thin spaghetti

2 Tbl. Canola oil

Accent

1 Tbl lemon juice

Carrot slivers, finely chopped broccoli, green onions (optional) black olives, green olives, celery and Italian dressing.

Cook the spaghetti and drain.

Add the oil and Accent, mix and set aside.

Using a food processor, finely chop the remaining ingredients and add to the spaghetti.

Mix well and add Italian dressing to taste.

Tastes best if refrigerated overnight.

You can make a meal out of a plate full of this.

Scammers are working overtime

Another phone scam is taking place in Bastrop County. A gentleman who lives here in the city received a call from a female who said she was with Medicare and needed some information from him. Then she began asking for his Medicare number, what bank he banked at, what were his numbers for the account. While he was speaking to her, his wife looked up the number and it returned to someone in the Bronx New York. He let her talk for a few minutes, refusing to give her the information and she was getting upset with him. Then he politely told her if she was with Medicare then she already had all his information and hung up.

Folks, be alert that this is happening and you could be next. Do not give out private information to anyone who calls you. Medicare will not call you and ask for this information and if it’s not someone you know personally, do not give out your private numbers for any reason. This is how these scammers get into your bank accounts and can steal your identity. Should you receive one of these calls, report it to the police so that a report can be made and if you have caller ID, write the number down, too. Again, do not give any private information to anyone over the phone that you do not know. Don’t let them trap you.

The second one is about PayPal and I personally received one of these calls. They called me and said that my PayPal had gotten corrupted and they needed all my information to re-set it. Their first mistake was that I have never had a PayPal account. I told the man that I didn’t know what he was talking about and he got downright ugly with me and told me that if I didn’t give him the information he asked for, I could be sued. Sorry but I had to laugh at that one and told him I had his number on my caller ID and I would be turning it over to law enforcement. He hung up on me and I haven’t heard from him again.

Please folks, be alert to these scams. These people will try anything to get your information.

As I close this week, I want to thank all of you that have sent me the recipes, and the kind words that have come my way. I will do my best to keep my column fun, informative and let everyone know what is going on in Cedar Creek. Here’s something to think about: How come you never see a headline like ‘Psychic Wins Lottery’?

With that, so long ‘til next week. God bless and have a wonderful week.

ARC Alive and its director, Janet Spencer, have been busy preparing for two one-act comedies to help us brush away our post-holiday blahs. “The Bull” and “The Tiger” seem likely to fit the bill perfectly.

In both of these plays the characters start out as enemies, and end up as lovers. Janet promises, “The battle of the sexes has never been funnier.”

She goes on to say, “’The Bull’ is adapted from a play by the Russian playwright Anton Chekhov. The roles are played by Debbie Orr, Jim Sanders and A. J. Vayas.  A desperate rancher wants to collect a debt from a widow, but she won’t pay him. He is furious! She is outraged! They fight… and you have to see the play to learn how it ends. Chekhov’s characters are so universal that they translate seamlessly from the Russian countryside to a Texas ranch circa 1905.”

“The Tiger” sees the battling couple played by a real-life husband and wife. The play was written by Murray Schisgal. Janet says, “It takes place in 1963, in a tumbledown basement apartment. A lonely bachelor kidnaps a suburban housewife. She is frightened! He is defiant! Their struggle ends in…. You have to see it to believe it.”

Jamie and Sam Damon portray the protagonists. Although both are experienced local actors, this is their first time together on stage.

Janet Spencer is recently transplanted to Bastrop from New Orleans, Houston and New York after a 40-year career in professional and educational theater.

Two performances will be held at Playhouse Smithville, 110 Main Street in Smithville, on Jan. 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online at www.playhousesmithville.com or at the door.

One performance will be held at The Arts Cottage, Rock-C Ranch, 1620 FM 535, Smithville, on Saturday, Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. The suggested donation is $20, at the door or online at www.cottageofthearts.com.  The Arts Cottage performance includes catered delicacies by Chef Mike Morphew. A percentage of the proceeds will be donated to the courageous volunteer firefighters of Bastrop County.

Mark your calendars, folks.

Website gives good information

In Baton Rouge, I worked closely with our parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. During the wildfires, we saw why it is imperative that a community has an effective emergency response plan. The same goes for us as individuals. Recently I have heard a government emergency preparedness website advertised on the radio. The website is www.ready.gov. It has lots of good information on being prepared for a number of different emergencies. Give it a look.

Bastrop YMCA has something for everyone

Whether you want to get in shape, play organized sports for adults, teach little ones about nutrition or learn to play the guitar, the Bastrop YMCA has a program for you. Let me tell you a bit about them. Unless otherwise noted, the classes take place at the Kerr Center, 1308 Walnut Street.

Adding to the awesome line up of fitness classes already available, we can now take spin classes on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 8:30 a.m., and Tuesday and Thursday at 12:15 p.m. Evening classes are on the drawing board.

The Y is continuing the Little and Junior Chef Program. Chef Carolyn McMasters will give a fun program about the importance of proper nutrition. The children will make a nutritious snack and then enjoy the treat. Afterward they will participate in a craft project. Little Chef is for ages three to five and Junior Chef is for ages six to eight. The next class is scheduled March 22.

The slow pitch Men’s Softball League is presently taking registrations and is scheduled to begin Feb. 1. They will play at Fireman’s Park.

If softball isn’t your game, the first annual Partners in Youth Adult Co-Ed Kickball Tournament is scheduled for March 3 and 4. Bastrop YMCA Director Terry Moore says, “We are looking for approximately 15 teams to join in the fun.  Partners in Youth is our financial assistance campaign. At the Y, everyone gets to participate, regardless of their ability to pay, so get a team together or just come out and watch the fun.”

Terry says they are also continuing group guitar lessons this year.

“Classes start Feb. 9 and Geno Stroia II is the awesome instructor. Students learn string names and notes on the fret board, how to tune the guitar, basic counting and metronome, strumming patterns and basic chords and progressions and apply all of this to a song. It’s the ‘practical guitar’ method and is a six-week class.”

The first scrapbook crop of the season will be on Jan. 21 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.  It is for experienced and beginner scrappers. There will be technique demonstrations and door prizes along with lunch and snacks. Bring your pictures, paper and supplies to complete your project.

Last, but certainly not least, Terry is calling all “weekend novelists.” Coming up in March is a creative writing class for adults ages 16 and older. It is being taught by local novelist Fleeta Cunningham.

“We are very excited to partner with her to bring this unique class to the community,” Moore said.

For additional information about these classes and to register on line, go to www.bastropymca.org.  New programs are being added weekly so check frequently.

Friday fun on Main Street

When not promoting the YMCA, Terry Moore can often be found singing somewhere in Bastrop or elsewhere. Shortly before the holidays, Terry opened for famous vocalist B. J. Thomas in Florida. This wasn’t her first gig with the well-known Thomas.

Last Friday we found her singing at Maxine’s on Main. Kay Garcia McAnally, Martha Harris, Amy Hughes and I started out our evening there with their yummy catfish dinner.  Kathy Danielson came in a while later and she joined our table. The place was packed.

After Terry concluded, Martha, Kathy and I made our way to the Lumberyard on North Main Street to hear local favorite Tres Womack and the Chubby Knuckle Choir.  They were great, as usual, and we had a lot of fun listening to their music.

I don’t think I have ever gone anywhere with Martha when she didn’t know loads of people. This evening was no different. Several teachers, their spouses and a number of their little ones were there in addition to other friends of Martha. Some of those folks hugging Martha’s neck were Missy Schuellke, Jennifer Neal, Kaitlen and David Lopez, Jennifer and Skip Womack and Donna Fribeg.

Having children playing while the adults are dancing reminds me of my Cajun roots in south Louisiana. In years past, the children accompanied their parents to the dance hall. When it was time for them to go to sleep, beds would be made either under the benches or, if was a big building, in the adjoining room. The kids would be told to go to sleep, or in French “fais do do,” and the dancing would continue to the wee hours of the morning with their children tucked safely in their makeshift beds.

A lovely affair

Last Sunday marked the 25th annual celebration of Bastrop’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Memorial Service at Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church. In those 25 years, some 94 scholarships have been awarded to high school graduates ranging in amounts from $500 to $2,000, thereby helping young people continue their education in colleges and trade schools. Any graduate may apply.

Until next time

That’s all for now. I’ll talk to you again soon. Until then, be good to yourself. Let me hear from you by email at mooreaboutbastrop@yahoo.com so I can share the things that are going on in and around town.

Remember: “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically… Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.”  — Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Bastrop County Audubon Society will attend the regular meeting of the Friends of the Lost Pines State Parks this evening, Jan. 19 and will present $3,000 to the Friends for restoration of Bastrop State Park project. Margie Crisp, acting president of the Society, will present the check.

The meeting will be at the Refectory at Bastrop State Park, starting at 7 p.m. Complete updates on efforts to fund and restore the park will be presented by Jon Pollard, president of the Friends.

Everyone is invited to attend the meeting, where restoration updates will come from Todd McClanahan, complex superintendent of the Lost Pines State Parks.

More information can be found at our website: www.friendsoflostpines.org and our Facebook page (Friends of the Lost Pines State Parks).

Recovery operations in Bastrop State Park

Pollard announced that the Friends are donating $45,000 towards erosion control at Bastrop State Park.

Every time it rains, we are losing topsoil and the run off of ash is a major problem. Texas Parks and Wildlife are estimating it will run $900,000 to stabilize the damaged areas. This is a start. If you can help us, go to our website, www.friendsoflostpines.org  for more information about donating to the recovery effort. One hundred percent of donated funds will go to restoring Bastrop State Park.

Between the new greenhouse for the park and this erosion control, the Friends group is taking steps to preserve our park for all of us. We thank everyone for their help to allow us to go forward in this project!

Make time to register to help with volunteer work days in the future with Katie Raney at (512) 718-0211 or by email at katie.raney@tpwd.state.tx.us. Also, take time to come out and come see the improvements in the park. This includes new day use areas and repaired camping spots. Watch for our Islands of Green, our hope for the future!

Happy New Year! Guess you’ve heard it many times by now, but I do want to wish all my old friends, new friends and friends-to-be a year of growth, renewal, joy and prosperity. If not financially prosperous, I know we can all prosper in intellect, faith, hope and love. It’s out there and it’s up to you  – grab some of it for yourself!

Though this is a small community, it’s often a surprise to newcomers when they discover that so many opportunities abound for artists and art lovers to prosper. The really surprising thing is that people who have lived here forever are just learning of these opportunities. Just this past week there were two new art openings in Bastrop alone. Life is right here in your backyards, folks. Make 2012 the year to take advantage and enjoy some of it.

Phil Moon, a California transplant who now lives in Smithville, is relatively new to the arts community in Bastrop County. He’s an extraordinary photographer who captures everything from sleeping lions to sleeping iron horses. His recent trip to Maine has provided panoramic landscapes that make me feel I want to walk through them and smell the ocean and pine trees. As the featured artist in the Bastrop Fine Arts Guild, you can see his photos for yourselves Tuesdays through Saturdays at 1009 Main in Bastrop.  Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

On our way down to see Deborah Johnson’s gallery on Pine Street (right across from Grace Miller’s) we could hear live music pouring from Maxine’s Restaurant and from Gracie’s. First Friday in Bastrop is always lively and one thing I really love is seeing so many of my friends out enjoying it.

As always, Deborah’s gallery has a variety of arts, crafts and eye candy for every taste.  And, as ever, a percentage of her sales are donated to the charity of the artist’s choosing.

The artists at the R.A.Green Mercantile are playing their own version of musical chairs. Some of the participants in Artists n Action have called it a day and have moved on.  If you missed out on something there that you had “planned to buy” at a later date, contact me and I’ll put you in touch with them. I’ll be moving my work into Lea Cundy’s Blue Donkey Studio and a new fiber artist will be joining us there. Jacquie Gallagher and Linda Neubauer have moved across the hall to join ArtMakers Collective.  I know it’s a big shake-up, but you can still find us and our art at 1022 Main St. in Bastrop.

Smithville talent

Smithville isn’t to be left out of the activity. Playhouse Smithville recently held auditions for their February cabaret and dinner theater. Once again, john daniels (sic) and April will amaze us with the hidden talents they bring out of your friends and neighbors.  With a live band, a cast of about 30, john writing the script, April and their son Matt Torres in charge of the music, this should prove to be another winner of a production. Like last year’s Valentine’s Day show, there will be lots of songs that you’re familiar with, plus a dinner. This time, it will be gourmet hotdogs provided by Smithville’s FrankenDog. I’ve had them, they’re delicious and appropriate for music from the 1950s era.

I’m a season ticket holder and have never been disappointed in a performance. You can reserve yours online at www.PlayhouseSmithville.com.  Opening night is Feb. 3 and the show will run on weekends through the month.

This Saturday, Jan. 14, is the opening reception for the new show at the Lost Pines Artisans’ Alliance Gallery, 301 Burleson St. in Smithville. Also known as the Mary Nichols Gallery, this turn of the (last) century house has been home to the LPAA since 2006 and is always busy with art exhibits and classes. Join us this Friday between 6-8 p.m. for refreshments and an opportunity to meet local artists. It’s easy to find on the corner of Loop 230 and Burleson as it faces the Presbyterian Church and has a giant oak tree growing out into the street.

Appropriately, the theme of this exhibit is “Renewal.” Several local artists have contributed work pertaining to the recent fires and the hope we all have of renewing our forests, our homes and our hearts in its aftermath. Debbie Sager’s paintings incorporate several items retrieved from the ashes and are quite striking. There is a painting called simply “Hope” as it depicts the burned forest with shoots of green leaves showing up randomly as a bright red cardinal looks on. These works will be on display (and for sale) through the end of March.

The gallery is open Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sundays from 1-4 p.m.  If these hours don’t fit your schedule, call me for a special tour at (512) 577-5252.

The gallery also doubles as a gift shop where you can continue to find moderately priced and unique gifts for yourself and others.  Remember that Valentine’s Day is coming soon.

Don’t forget that a new pottery class will begin next week, that’s Jan. 17. Whether you’re an experienced clay artist or someone just looking for a new outlet for your creative nature, call me at (512) 577-5252 for more information. Classes are running mornings, afternoon and evenings, so there is one that will fit your schedule.

Jeff and Jane Brister have lots of great entertainment planned for us on Fridays this year. It all kicked off with an open mic night on the first Friday of 2012, and Jeff says, “That will be sort of a regular thing for first Fridays, for a while anyway. Everyone is welcome. There is no cover charge.”

Participants will be able to sing a maximum of three songs and play “whatever instrument that you can drag in, shower voices included. Come on out for a relaxed, informal night of whatever music happens.”

The always-enthusiastic Jeff goes on to say, “The second Friday spot is reserved regularly for the Chubby Knuckle Choir and they’ll be rockin’ the house on Jan. 13. Anytime their schedule doesn’t allow, like in March, their spot will be filled with Slim Bawb and his great new drummer, Ron Sherrod.”

Larry Wilson, of Larryland Music fame here in Bastrop, will have a CD release party and concert on Jan. 14 in the Lumberyard.

Larry’s store is located in The Crossing, on the right as you cross the old bridge coming into town.

“The third Fridays will see a variety of great acts like the Sean Orr Celtic Quartet, Robertson County Line Bluegrass, the Rian C. Band, the Peterson Brothers and more. The fourth Fridays will see swing dancing and jazz with the Academy Jazz Players.

“Please join us for great live music at the Lumberyard Music Hall this year. Call 321-PLAY for a recorded message of who’s playing in the hall each week or just come on in, and stick your head in the door of Bastrop Academy of Music and we’ll fill you in on what’s happening on the music scene here in good ‘ole Bastrop. See you soon.”

The music is always good.  The people are always friendly. Snacks and drinks are always for sale. You can always BYOB.

A thief visits Church Street

About two years ago my niece, who comes to visit frequently from Baton Rouge, sent me a gift of a yard flag with a purple and gold background, for my beloved LSU, and a fleur de lis in the middle for my beloved New Orleans Saints. I proudly displayed it in my yard until it was stolen sometime last Friday.

That flag meant a lot to me, because it was a gift from Heather. I hope the thief who took it takes good care of it. If that person would like to put it back in my yard, I would appreciate it. This is not what Bastrop is about.

CiCi alerts get a website

Carol Pennell, owner of the Book Basket on Main Street, wrote in to let us know that besides posting a notice at her store, there is now another way to let Bastrop know you have a missing pet. Carol says, “I met a nice man last week named Jerry. He has made a web page for CiCi Alerts. Check it out at www.cicialerts.org. It is a work in progress but nice.”

Lots of missing and found animals are already listed there. Hopefully this will help unite owners with their critter-type family members. Thank you, Jerry!

Upstart has Tosca hats available

Upstart is our local organization dedicated to film making, promoting independent film, and teaching film making. Upstart champion Carolyn Banks is beating the drums to increase their membership with a unique offering. She says, “Okay, it’s chilly enough for you guys to want an Upstart hat. There are only six left and they are Tosca hats, with the slogan V’issi d’arte Vissi d’amore, which means ‘I have lived for art; I have lived for love’ embroidered on them. For a $50 contribution to Upstart, you get one mailed or brought to you and you get a free Upstart membership that runs through March 2013. There are lots of goodies attached to the membership. These hats are super cute and warm and your good deed will be greatly appreciated.”

For information or to make a contribution, the Upstart mailing address is P. O. Box 365, Bastrop, TX 78602. Be sure to include your mailing address.  You can also call them at 321-2496.

Two Christmas Parade winners awarded their plaques

Two category winners in our lighted Christmas Parade received their plaques from DBA last week. HEB was the winner for Most Beautiful Lighted Float and Frontier Bank was named the winner for Overall Best Theme Entry.

A lot of hard work goes into those floats. Congratulations all.

FestiviTrees winners announced

Taylor Family Chiropractor was the winner in voting for the second annual Hunt for FestiviTrees sponsored by Keep Bastrop County Beautiful, with Frontier Bank coming in second and First National Bank and Loblolly General Store tying for third. Linette Farris, a teacher at Emile Elementary and fire survivor, was the winner of a huge gift basket when her name was drawn.

Keep Bastrop County Beautiful kicked off the holiday season on Dec. 1 with the second annual Hunt for FestiviTrees, taking place in Bastrop’s downtown. In partnership with the Downtown Business Alliance and the Bastrop Main Street Program, 22 local businesses and offices displayed unique Christmas trees made from recycled products. Along with promoting businesses in Bastrop, the event served to beautify the downtown area for the holiday season and to educate citizens of the need to recycle every day in their homes and businesses.

Congratulations to the winners and to KBCB for their continuing efforts.

Christmas tree recycling another KBCB success

Although I didn’t make it over to the Department of Public Works lot, Kristi Koch tells me that there were lots of folks in line to recycle their Christmas trees last Saturday and a lot of folks volunteering their time to help unload the trees. From what she says, there was a big pile of pine mulch for the taking. You might want to check with the office to see if there is any still available. Their telephone number is 332-8921.

Kudos to everyone involved.

Bastrop Film Commission to screen “Where Soldiers Come From”

The Bastrop Film Commission, in partnership with the Texas Independent Film Commission will screen the award-winning independent film “Where Soldiers Come From” on Jan. 18 at the Bastrop Opera House. The film follows childhood friends who graduate from high school together and then have their lives changed forever by their service in a far-away war. I have seen the film, and it is very well done and very moving.

Admission for students is $1 and for adults is $5.  Refreshments will be available for purchase.

Until Next Time

That’s all for now.  I’ll talk to you again soon.  Until then, be good to yourself.  Let me hear from you by email at mooreaboutbastrop@yahoo.com so I can share the things that are going on in and around town.

Remember: “Don’t you dare, for one more second, surround yourself with people who are not aware of the greatness that you are.” — Jo Blackwell-Preston.