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10th annual Intertribal Pow-Wow returns to Fredericksburg Special to the Courier Published May 8, 2008    Native American artist L. David Eveningthunder has designed the official poster for the 10th Fredericksburg Intertribal Pow-Wow, slated for Fort Martin Scott on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 9, 10 and 11.     A self-taught Native American artist, Eveningthunder specializes in portrayals of contemporary American Indian pow-wow dancers. He attends pow-wows throughout the year and many of the dancers he depicts are personal friends.     “My most fervent hope is that this artwork will be remembered in a historical perspective perpetuating the cohesiveness among all peoples and preserving the Native American culture,” the artist noted on his website. “I want to bring a deeper understanding of the American Indian Culture to all people.”     This poster depicts three “Special” dances through stylized dancers representing a Straight, Southern Cloth and Traditional dancer. Appropriately, this year’s pow-wow features more dances and new competitions. In addition to traditional categories, special dances will include the Thomas Good Eagle Straight Dance; Men’s Traditional, winner take all; and Women’s Cloth, winner take all.     Gourd Dancing, a sacred warrior’s dance honoring all warriors past and present, fallen or still fighting, takes place from 6 pm to 10 pm on Friday. The Grand Entry begins at 7 pm on Saturday evening with the dance competition continuing until 11 pm, featuring tiny tots, juniors, adults and special dance contests.     On Sunday, May 11, the Grand Entry begins at 1 pm, followed by the second round of adult competition and finishing with an award presentation at 5 pm.     Select artisans and vendors will ring the sacred circle, offering crafts and food of the Native American culture.     Virgie Raven Hawk, musician and artist, will share her music and hand-carved flutes. Raven Hawk, a native of San Antonio, became a carver of bone, stone and wood after retiring from the United States Army. She began playing the flute, and now teaches and performs this Native American instrument across the country.     Other artisans will feature artifacts, beadwork, leather, paintings, recordings, clothing and native food such as roasted corn, buffalo burgers, Indian tacos and fry bread.     Visitors are encouraged to bring cameras and lawn chairs. Admission is free, with a $3 parking fee per vehicle. The Pow-Wow is an alcohol- and drug-free event, and compliance is strictly enforced.     Pow-Wow sponsors are the Chappabitty-Quassycheeky family of Oklahoma and Fredericksburg Intertribal Pow-Wow Committee.     For more information on the Pow-Wow, contact 830-997-8925, or visit www.fredericksburgintertribalpowwow.org.

Around the Hill Country articles in the on-line edition of the Courier

10th annual Intertribal Pow-Wow returns to Fredericksburg	Published May 8, 2008
CARES’ decorates tabletops to raise funds	Published May 1, 2008
Spring warbling set for Schreiner	Published April 24, 2008
Huge Native Plant Sale at Riverside Nature Center	Published April 17, 2008
Outdoor art celebration set for April 12 in Kerrville	Published April 3, 2008
Local artist exhibits at Schreiner University	Published April 3, 2008
Travel Art Trail in Kerrville	Published April 3, 2008
‘Atonement’ in discussion at Schreiner	Published April 3, 2008
Attorney to address tort reform issues	Published April 3, 2008
Mostly Native Plant Sale	Published April 3, 2008
Annual Parade of Artists	Published April 3, 2008
Mulry to speak on ‘Shakespeare and the End of the World’	Published April 3, 2008
Outdoor art celebration April 12	Published March 27, 2008
Western Heritage Day April 12	Published March 27, 2008
Art Trail April 12	Published March 27, 2008
Kerr Market Days open Saturday	Published March 20, 2008
Schreiner to host annual writers’ conference in April	Published Feb. 28, 2008
Boerne Business Expo March 29	Published March 13, 2008
Indigenous Peoples of Kerr County 1720—1880 exhibit	Published March 13, 2008
Original Team Roping March 21-22	Published March 13, 2008
Easter Hill Country Tour March 21-23	Published March 13, 2008
Kerr County Market Days March 22	Published March 13, 2008
Kerrville Easter Run/Walk Classic March 22	Published March 13, 2008
Schreiner discusses ‘A Confederacy of Dunces’	Published March 6, 2008
MS Walkathon March 1 in San Antonio	Published Feb. 28, 2008
Schreiner Chautauqua series to discuss Hubble telescope	Published Feb. 21, 2008
Olympic shotgun trials set in Kerrville during March	Published Feb. 21, 2008
Boerne Optimist Antiques Show and Sale this weekend	Published Feb. 21, 2008
Schreiner University choir to sing to your supper	Published Feb. 14, 2008
African choir, Peter Pan, coming to Kerrville	Published Feb. 14, 2008
Coffeehouse celebrates black history	Published Feb. 7, 2008
Beaujolais Nouveau in Boerne Nov. 15	Published Nov. 8, 2007
African Violet Convention Nov. 8-11	Published Nov. 1, 2007
Fredericksburg Antiques Show Nov. 10-11	Published Nov. 1, 2007
Third Annual Turkey Trot PlayDay Nov. 17	Published Nov. 1, 2007
Schreiner fall concert slated	Published Oct. 18, 2007
September designated Tejano Heritage Month	Published Sept. 6, 2007
Kerr County Market Days	Published July 26, 2007
Center Point’s ‘Down Home Country Parade’	Published June 14, 2007
Summer concert season in Kerrville begins Sunday	Published June 7, 2007
Boerne Adventure Fest Music Line up	Published May 24, 2007
Lytle's Spring Festival	Published May 24, 2007
Kerrville's K'STAR looking for Bandera youth	Published April 12, 2007

CARES’ decorates tabletops to raise funds Published May 1, 2008    The Dining Design tabletop and home décor show and sale at the Club at Comanche Trace takes place Sunday and Monday, May 4 and 5. All proceeds will benefit Hill Country CARES – formerly the Hill Country Crisis Council.     The tabletops and décor come from Kerrville’s ReRuns Resale Shop, which offers unique and gently worn items all expertly arranged by Manager and Designer Chris Bynum. Approximately 25 tabletops will on display with every item for sale at reasonable prices.     Hill Country CARES provides free services for victims of child abuse, domestic violence, elder abuse and neglect and sexual harassment and assault. Additionally, CARES offers education and prevention services to area schoolchildren throughout the Hill Country.     To assist more than 900 crime victims each year and work with over 17,000 school kids, CARES raises funds locally to supplement and match government funds granted to the organization. “It takes a lot of money to combat violence and abuse,” said CARES President Ken Bruner. “The ReRuns store and this tabletop show will help meet this need in a really fun way.”     The tabletop show grew out of ReRuns’ customers overwhelming enthusiasm for the decorative work Bynum does at the store.     “Every week people come back and bring new customers with them just to see what new decorations have been installed in the store,” she explained. “Since it’s what they want, we’re offering a whole room of wonderful designs. At these prices, you can’t afford to miss it!”     The show runs from 11 am to 5 pm, Sunday, May 4, and from 9 am to 4 pm, Monday, May 5. A $10 donation is requested at the door.

Spring warbling set for Schreiner Published April 24, 2008    The Schreiner University Choir will perform their annual Spring Concert at 6 pm, Sunday, April 27, in the sanctuary of the First Presbyterian Church in Kerrville.     The concert program will feature John Rutter's "Te Deum," along with "Ave Verum Corpus," by William Byrd, and other works in a range of styles.     The University Choir, Concert Choir and Women's Ensemble will perform. Admission is free and the event is open to the public.     For more information, contact the Choir Director Michael Kahl, at 830-792-7417 or Mgkahl@schreiner.edu.

Huge Native Plant Sale at Riverside Nature Center Published April 3, 2008 Riverside Nature Center, 150 Francisco Lemos, Kerrville.    Riverside Nature Center and the Kerrville chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas will celebrate Earth Day 2008 from 8 am until 3 pm Saturday, April 19.     Since 1970, Earth Day has been celebrated around the world as a time of sharing common values with individuals and organizations who are concerned for the protection of the environment, and honoring the idea that the stewardship of natural resources is a global responsibility.     Featured activities and programs at Riverside Nature Center include:     The always-popular Native Plant Sale featuring a large variety of plants native to the Texas Hill Country. Come early, for the best selection. While supplies last, there will be native trees, shrubs, perennials, vines, groundcovers, cacti, and succulents selected from nurseries across Central Texas. Experts from the Native Plant Society will available to help you select just the right ones for your particular landscape.     Activities for the kids will take place from 9 am to 11 am, and from noon to 3 pm and will include story-telling, craft projects, and a puppet show.     Displays by the Native Plant Society of Texas, Kerrville Chapter; Riverside Nature Center; Upper Guadalupe River Authority; Hill Country Master Gardeners; Kerr County Cactus and Succulent Society; and Texas Master Naturalist, Hill Country Chapter.     RNC Habitat Tours. Walk to the river, the creek, and on the grounds and learn what lives and grows in this area.     Special presentations:     9:30 am -- A Historical Perspective on Ecosystems Management in the Texas Hill Country; by biologist Donnie Frels, Area Manager, Kerr Wildlife Management Area;     11 am -- Recognizing Hill Country Mammals – matching animal names with skins, skulls, and tracks by Koy Coffer Education Program Specialist with the Texas Wildlife Association. Fun for the whole family.     1 pm -- Wildfire Preparedness for your home and surroundings, by Jan Fulkerson, of the Texas Forest Service     Snacks, beverages, and sandwiches from Paw Paw’s restaurant will be available for purchase.     For information on RNC’s Earth Day Celebration 2008, call 830-257-4837, or go to www.riversidenaturecenter.org.

Outdoor art celebration set for April 12 in Kerrville Published April 3, 2008    “Wild4Art,” a free outdoor celebration of art, will sprawl along the 800 block of Water Street, from 10 am to 6 pm, Saturday, April 12, in downtown Kerrville.     Themed for family fun, 10 to 15 Texas artists will demonstrate their talents in oils, pastel, pen and ink, screen-printing, woodcarving, flint knapping, beading and pottery making.     Plenty of activities will help youngsters develop an appreciation of art. Everyone is invited to wear western garb and smile for a camera. A professional photographer will create a work on canvas for purchase as a keepsake of the celebration.     In addition, a crew from 94.3 Revolution Radio will broadcast live on site from 11 am to 1 pm. There will free hot dogs and lemonade, and a chance to register for great Norman Rockwell prints.     For more information, contact the Rivers Edge Gallery, 832 Water Street, at 830-895-5184 or www.riversedgegallery.net.

Local artist exhibits at Schreiner University Published April 3, 2008    The artwork of James “Dusty” Pendleton, well-known area artist and 1966 Schreiner University graduate, will be on display in the Floyd and Kathleen Cailloux Campus Activity Center on the Schreiner campus, Saturday, April 12, through Sunday, April 27.     The exhibit, “Reminiscing in Life’s Landscapes,” will be open to the public 10 am through 6 pm, Monday through Friday, and all art will be available for sale. The public is invited to an opening reception set for 3 pm, Saturday, April 12. The opening of the art exhibit will be part of the festivities associated with Recall Weekend, Schreiner’s homecoming.     For more information about the artist, visit www.pendletonart.com.     For more information about Schreiner University, visit www.schreiner.edu.

Travel Art Trail in Kerrville Published April 3, 2008    The monthly Second Saturday Art Trail takes place in Kerrville and Ingram from 10 am to 6 pm, Saturday, April 12.     Twelve art galleries invite participants to enjoy the special art created by many talented Texas artists. To be eligible for a magnificent three-piece Travis 1831 silver buckle set, handcrafted by Clint Orms Engravers and Silversmiths, valued at $930, pick up a passport at any participating gallery and collect a “stamp” by visiting at least seven galleries.     For more information, contact Art in the Hills at 830-895-5184 or visit www.artinthehills.com.

‘Atonement’ in discussion at Schreiner Published April 3, 2008    Schreiner University Instructor Sally Hannay will host a Monday Night Fiction discussion of Ian McEwan’s “Atonement” at 7 pm, Monday, April 14, in the Scarle-Philips room of Logan Library on the Schreiner campus in Kerrville.     A prize-winning author, McEwan’s works have a reputation for being chilling. “Atonement” follows the consequences of a child’s lie. The novel won the WH Smith Literary Award, National Book Critics’ Circle Fiction Award, Los Angeles Times Prize for Fiction and the Santiago Prize for the European Novel.     Additionally, critics praised the major motion picture adaptation of the book that was released last year and which also won several major awards.     This literary event is free and open to the public, and refreshments will be served.     For more information on this or other Schreiner University humanities events, contact Martha York at the Schreiner University Center for Innovative Learning, 830-792-7352.

Attorney to address tort reform issues Published April 3, 2008    Attorney Gary Rodriguez, a 1989 graduate of Schreiner University, will give the final talk in Schreiner University’s 2007-2008 Speak Truth to Power series at 7 pm, Monday, April 7, in the Floyd and Kathleen Cailloux Campus Activity Center theater on the Schreiner campus in Kerrville.     He will speak on “Tort Reform: Issues and Consequences.” The event is free and open to the public.     For more information about the Speak Truth to Power series, contact Dr. Tom Wells, professor of exercise science, at 830-792-7429 or tomwells@schreiner.edu.

Mostly Native Plant Sale Published April 3, 2008    The 18th annual Mostly Native Plant Sale, sponsored by the Cibolo Nature Center, takes place from 9 am to 4 pm, Saturday, April 5, at the Kendall County Fairgrounds, off Highway 46 East.     Admission is $5 per car.     The event features native and non-invasive plants that are “tried and true” for the Hill Country. Local growers will offer expert advice on planting and caring for the plants.     This event serves as a fundraiser for the CNC, which is celebrating its 20th birthday. In addition, a plant sale raffle also includes gardening and landscaping items. All proceeds will benefit the CNC.     At various information booths, experts will answer questions about water conservation, proper pruning techniques, wildscape gardening, composting and nest boxes for birds.     For more information, visit www.cibolo.org.

Annual Parade of Artists Published April 3, 2008    Boerne’s 12th annual Parade of Artists is set for Friday, April 18 through Sunday, April 20.     This exclusive weekend of art events includes the work of artists in all mediums and self guided tours of galleries, studios and unique locations throughout the city.     • Friday, April 18 features “Tastes of Boerne Gallery Preview Opening.” Catered by Boerne's best restaurants, this event enables participants to enjoy fine art, fine food and fine wine from 6 pm to 9 pm.     • Saturday, April 19 brings the Parade of Artists Gallery & Studio Tour, a self-guided tour of participating studios and galleries from 10 am to 5 pm.     • Sunday, April 20 features a brunch served at the galleries from 11 am until 2 pm. Additionally, the Parade of Artists Gallery & Studio self-guided tour continues until 5 pm.     For more information, visit www.boerneart.com.

Mulry to speak on ‘Shakespeare and the End of the World’ Published April 3, 2008    Dr. David Mulry, associate professor of English at Schreiner University, will give the Schreiner University Margaret Syers Lecture at 7 pm, Thursday, April 3, in the Floyd & Kathleen Cailloux Campus Activity Center ballroom. The talk, sponsored by Schreiner’s Center for Innovative Learning, is free and open to the public.     Dr. Mulry, whose specialty is British literature, will speak on “Shakespeare and the End of the World.”     The Margaret Syers Lecture Series was endowed by Susan Stark and William Syers, children of longtime Kerrville educator, Margaret Syers, who was an English teacher in Kerrville for many years. Her children, along friends of Syers, established the endowment to bring to Schreiner outstanding speakers on topics of literary interest for the benefit of the campus and the community.     For more information about this event, contact Dr. William Woods at wwwoods@schreiner.edu, or call him at (830) 792-7425. For information about other CIL events, visit the Schreiner Web site at www.schreiner.edu/cil/calendar.html.

Outdoor art celebration April 12 Published March 27, 2008    “Wild4Art,” an outdoor celebration of art, will sprawl along the 800 block of Water St. in downtown Kerrville Saturday, April 12, from 10 am to 6 pm.     Themed for family fun, 10-15 gifted Texas Artists will demonstrate their incredible talents in oils, pastel, pen and ink, screen printing, woodcarving, flint knapping, beading, and pottery making. Help your youngsters develop an appreciation of art as they have fun (dressing up, being in a teepee, beading, etc.) Wear your own authentic Western garb and smile for the camera…a professional photographer can create a work on canvas you can buy as a great keepsake. Meet the friendly crew from 94.3 Revolution Radio, who will be live on site from 11 am to 1 pm. Free hotdogs and lemonade, plus register for some great Norman Rockwell prints. And…it’s a free event!     Call the Rivers Edge Gallery, 832 Water St., at (830) 895-5184 or visit www.riversedgegallery.net for more information.

Western Heritage Day April 12 Published March 27, 2008    “Western Heritage Day” will be hosted by Museum of Western Art, 1550 Bandera Highway, Kerrville Saturday April 12, from 9 am to 3 pm. You’ll meet up with internationally known trick roper Kevin Fitzpatrick from Bandera who will entertain with amazing rope stunts, and Mountain Man Roy Neal, who will demonstrate axe and knife throwing…and Clifton Fifer will be on hand to relate tales of the Black Cowboy.     In addition to live guitar and dulcimer music, have fun with a washer toss game, watch rope making, cotton gin and beading demonstrations, check out some chuck wagon vittles, crawl into a teepee or climb up into a chuck wagon, and much more. Plus the RoundUp show is going on inside the museum, so take time to visit.     Admission is free for children 12 and under and everyone else is $5.     Call the Museum of Western Art at (830)896-2553 or visit www.museumofwesternart.org for more information.

Art Trail April 12 Published March 27, 2008    The monthly Second Saturday Art Trail will take place in Kerrville and Ingram Saturday, April 12, from 10 am to 6 pm.     Twelve art galleries in Kerrville and Ingram invite you to enjoy the special art created by so many talented Texas artists… pick up a passport at any participating gallery, visit at least seven galleries and collect a “stamp” at each, then be eligible for the drawing of a magnificent three-piece Travis 1831 silver buckle set, handcrafted by Clint Orms Engravers and Silversmiths…valued at $930!     You might want to begin the art trail at the Kerr Arts & Cultural Center, 228 Earl Garrett, Kerrville. The tour lasts from 10 am to 6 pm.     Admission is free for all galleries except for the Museum of Western Art.     Call Art in the Hills at (830)895-5184 or visit www.artinthehills.com for more information.

Kerr Market Days open Saturday Contributed Published March 20, 2008    The arrival of spring also marks the Opening Day of Kerr County Market Days Saturday, March 22, from 9 am to 4 pm at the courthouse in downtown Kerrville. This old fashioned market on the square features original handmade crafts, art work and homegrown plants. More than 60 vendors will help kick off the seventh season featuring quality goods from the Hill Country.     Event organizer LuAnn Anderson said, “Applications from new and repeat vendors are being received on a daily basis and the quality of the work on display continues to improve. One of the goals of Market Days is to provide a venue for artisans to offer their creative products to the public at a reasonable cost.”     There will be opportunities to purchase starter plants for gardens. Four Dog Ranch returns with a large selection of heirloom and hybrid tomato plants–all grown without the use of pesticides or commercial fertilizer. Standard and large size tomato plants plus several types of grape, plum and cherry tomatoes along with a hanging basket variety are offered. You can find everything from old heirlooms like Boxcar Willie and Texas Wild to Big Boy & Better Boy as well as Sweet Chelsea, Cherokee Purple, Green Zebra, Yellow Pear, Black Prince and many more. Hot and sweet pepper plants will also be available. Stag Creek Farms from Comanche will have a large variety of herb and vegetable plants as well as colorful bedding plants.     Market artisans use various woods to make furniture fashioned for indoor or outdoor use, decorative and utilitarian turned wood bowls, lamps and creative backyard birdhouses. Fabric artists create quilts, clothing, purses and accessories. David Davis returns with his lapidary work and several jewelers create pieces for men and women using gold, silver, semiprecious stones, fused glass and handmade beads. Other products available are made from leather, metal and stained glass.     Walking around and shopping can stimulate appetites. Buzzie’s Barbecue will be on hand with their menu of overstuffed sandwiches. This new Market Days season includes the return of Karen Privett and her delicious homemade ice cream. The John Deere wagon & its poppin’ Johnny engine were missed last year and the return of “the ice cream lady” is a welcome event!     Celebrate spring at this family friendly event and as always pets on leash are welcome. For information call 830-792-4655 or check out www.kerrmarketdays.org.

Schreiner to host annual writers’ conference in April Published Feb. 28, 2008    Schreiner University will host its annual Texas Writers Conference Wednesday through Friday, April 16-18 at the Floyd and Kathleen Cailloux Activity Center.     An associated workshop will be held on Saturday, April 18 featuring this year’s artist-in-residence, Bret Anthony Johnston, author of the award-winning “Corpus Christi” and director of creative writing at Harvard. Johnston has also edited the anthology “Naming the World: and Other Exercises for the Creative Writer,” which will be featured at the workshop. An open mic for readings will be held on Thursday, April 17, from 7 to 7:45 p.m. It will be followed by Johnston reading from his work.     Johnston, a native Texan and former professional skateboarder, is waiving his fee for the conference. Money from the event will be used to establish a scholarship to help students defray the costs for attending the national Undergraduate Literature Conference, according to Dr. Lydia Kualapai, assistant professor of English at Schreiner and one of the conference organizers.     “When I visited Schreiner a few years ago, I was struck by how dedicated and engaged the students were,” Johnston said. “How eager they were to read and write and explore the life of the mind. Like them, I went to college in Texas. So I know that writing and reading can often get lost in the mix. I want to do everything that I can to make it available for them. I want to read their stories and poems and books that they have inside them.”     Conference events are free and open to the public. There is a $95 tuition workshop charge. The fee covers five hours of workshop instruction, lunch and a signed copy of “Naming the World.”     Johnston explained, “the workshop will be one in which we generate new material and become familiar with techniques and strategies that professional writers use. We’ll explore mostly fiction and nonfiction, but we’ll touch on poetry here and there as well. I’m very much looking forward to it.”     Dr. Kathleen Hudson, professor of English at Schreiner, organized the writers conference in 1990.     For more information, call Dr. Kathleen Hudson at 830-792-7409, or email her at khudson@schreiner.edu.     For more information about Bret Johnston, visit his website at www.bretanthonyjohnston.com.

Boerne Business Expo March 29 Published March 13, 2008    The 14th annual Boerne Business Expo will be held Saturday, March 29, at the Kendall County Fairgrounds on State Highway 46 just east of Boerne.     The event will feature a health and wellness fair and a kid's fair.

Indigenous Peoples of Kerr County 1720—1880 exhibit Published March 13, 2008    Photographs, paintings, and art objects of the Lipan Apache and Penataka Comanche Indians who occupied Kerr County for over 150 years will be on display March 20 through April 13 Kerr Arts & Cultural Center, 228 Earl Garrett, Kerrville.     A reception will be held April 12 from 3 pm to 6 pm.     The center's hours are Tuesday to Saturday 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday 1-4 pm. Call 830-895-2911. Visit www.kacckerrville.com.

Original Team Roping March 21-22 Published March 13, 2008    Enjoy the excitement of cowboys competing team roping March 21 and March 22. The popular attraction will be held all day at the Hill Country Youth Exhibit Center, State Highway 27 East, Kerrville.     E-mail office@otrc.net, call 806-499-3584 or visit www.otrc.net for more information.

Easter Hill Country Tour March 21-23 Published March 13, 2008 This biker rode through the Hill Country in a previous Easter Hill Country Tour.    The annual Easter Hill Country Tour bike ride will be held Friday, March 21, through Sunday, March 23, throughout the scenic hills around Kerrville.     Supported rides and the bike tour begins Friday at 8 am at Fredericksburg High School. Bike routes available extend up to 60 miles.     Saturday and Sunday rides begin at 8 am at Schreiner University, 2100 Memorial Blvd. Kerrville. Routes Saturday are up to 100 miles and Sunday routes are up to 40 miles. There is a pancake breakfast each morning at Schreinrer Univresity as well as a Saturday evening dinner with entertainment.     The rides and activities can be booked through www.active.com and details are available on www.ehct.com. Call 817-675-0292 for more information.

Kerr County Market Days March 22 Published March 13, 2008    Kerrville Market Days will offer a market place for quality goods from the Hill Country Saturday, March 22. Offerings include arts and crafts, fresh grown produce and plants. Hours are 9 am to 4 pm at the Kerr County Courthouse Square, 700 Main Street, Kerrville. Call 830-895-4655 or visit www.kerrmarketdays.org for more information.

Kerrville Easter Run/Walk Classic March 22 Published March 13, 2008    The annual Kerrville Easter Run/Walk Classic two-mile walk and 5k run over rolling terrain, park roads and through natural settings of trees and wildlife will be held Saturday, March 22, at Kerrville Schreiner Park, 2385 Bandera Highway, Kerrville.     The walk at begins at 8 am and the run begins at 9 am.     Call 830-257-7300 for more information.

Schreiner discusses ‘A Confederacy of Dunces’ Published March 6, 2008    Schreiner University Professor Dr. Jude Gallik will host a Monday Night Fiction discussion of John Kennedy Toole’s “A Confederacy of Dunces,” beginning at 7 pm, Monday, March 10, in the Scarle Phillips Room of Logan Library on the Schreiner campus in Kerrville.     Toole’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel was published posthumously, 11 years after the author’s suicide. The book’s protagonist, Ignatius J. Reilly, who lives with his widowed mother, is obsessed with the absurdity and bad taste of pop culture. Many critics and readers think “A Confederacy of Dunces” is one of the most accurate fictional pictures of New Orleans.     This literary event is free and open to the public, and refreshments will be served.     For more information on this or any other Schreiner University humanities event, contact Martha York at the Schreiner University Center for Innovative Learning, 830-792-7352.

MS Walkathon March 1 in San Antonio Published Feb. 28, 2008    A walk for Multiple Sclerosis will take place Saturday, March 1, at the ATT Center in San Antonio, beginning at 8 am. Through the MS Society’s 50-state network of chapters, assistance is provided to over a million people annually. Chapters encourage personal empowerment with employment counseling, family programs, volunteer opportunities and advocacy issues. Area residents interested in supporting to this worthy cause are encouraged to drop off their tax-deductible donations at the Cutaway Hair Salon and Spa in Lakehills at 9650 FM 1283. For more information, contact Bob Caswell at 830-751-3130.

Schreiner Chautauqua series to discuss Hubble telescope Published Feb. 21, 2008    Schreiner University will present the first Robert P. Hallman Chautauqua Lecture Series of 2008 at 7 pm, Monday, Feb. 25, in the theater of the Cailloux Campus Activity Center in Kerrville.     Dr. William Sliva, professor of mathematics, will speak on the topic “A Layman’s Look at the Hubble Telescope.” Sliva started and continues to conduct Schreiner’s popular stargazing events, Star Party, that are held on campus and at Riverside Nature Center in Kerrville.     All Chautauqua events are free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Martha York at the Schreiner University Center for Innovative Learning by calling 830-792-7352 or at mlyork@schreiner.edu.

Olympic shotgun trials set in Kerrville during March Published Feb. 21, 2008    Trials for the selection of US Shotgun Team who will compete in the Beijing Olympics will be held Saturday, March 8, through Sunday, March 16, at the Hill Country Shooting Sports Center, 1886 Cypress Creek Road in Kerrville.     Admission is free.     Call 830-995-4504 or visit www.hillcountryshootingsports.com for more information.

Boerne Optimist Antiques Show and Sale this weekend Published Feb. 21, 2008    The 29th Annual Boerne Optimist Hill Country Antiques Show and Sale will be held at the Boerne Fairgrounds on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 23 and 24, from 10 am to 4 pm.     The show will feature original and real antiques and will be showcased in three buildings, allowing 70 dealers to participate. Americana will wave as brightly as the country’s flag. Food concessions are also available. Admission is $5 per adult, children under 12 free.     Visitors to the show and sale will find country furniture, baskets, stoneware, glassware, toys, jewelry, textiles, paper, silver, quilts, pewter, American oak and Southwestern.

Schreiner University choir to sing to your supper Published Feb. 14, 2008    The Schreiner University Choir will host a dinner theater Friday and Saturday, March 7 and 8, in the fellowship hall of the First United Methodist Church in Kerrville. Dinner begins at 6 pm, with the choir performing at 6:30 pm.     The musical program will include Renaissance madrigals, a George Gershwin medley and Motown selections.     “It will be a fun and entertaining evening as the choir sings and dances to different styles of music,” said Choral Director Michael Kahl. “Special guest artists will include the Oak Leaf String Quartet and members from the Schreiner Pep Band.”      Admission to the event is $25 for the general public, and $10 for Schreiner students and children younger than 12 years old.     All proceeds are earmarked to offset costs of the Schreiner University Choir’s trip to New York to perform at Carnegie Hall.     For more information, call Kahl at 830-792-7417 or e-mail mgkahl@schreiner.edu.

African choir, Peter Pan, coming to Kerrville Published Feb. 14, 2008    The African Children's Choir will bring the beauty of Africa's choral tradition to the Texas Hill Country Saturday, March 1, beginning at 7:30 pm at the Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater, 901 Main Street, Kerrville. Tickets are $30 to $40.     A production of Peter Pan will be staged at the Cailloux Theater Tuesday and Wednesday, March 11 and March 12. Performance times are 7:30 pm.     The lavish new Tony award winning Broadway musical production is a tale that never ages and a musical the entire family can enjoy.     Tickets are $40 to $50.     The concert and production are sponsored by the Kerrville Performing Arts Society. Call 830-896-9393 for ticket information.

Coffeehouse celebrates black history Published Feb. 7, 2008    Texas Heritage Music Foundation and Schreiner University’s Center for Innovative Learning will begin the spring Texas Music Coffeehouse series Thursday, Feb. 7, featuring popular Austin-based and local performers. Performances take place from 7 pm to 9 pm, in the Lion’s Den of the Schreiner Cailloux Campus Activity Center.     In honor of the 33rd anniversary of Black History Month and the 83rd anniversary of Black History Week, artists LZ Love and Lightning Red will perform at the first spring Coffeehouse. A singer-songwriter, Love began her career as a backup vocalist, working with such notables as Luther Vandross, James Brown and George Benson. Red is a master of both acoustic and slide guitar and exhibits “matchless acoustic style,” according to the Austin Chronicle. Popular Kerrville performer Clifton Fifer will be a special guest. Fifer is known for his programs about black cowboys, Buffalo Soldiers and Native Americans. In addition, Nell M. Nash will represent the Doyle Community Center.     Open mic is at 7 pm and 8:30 pm. All Texas Music Coffeehouse events are free and open to the public.     Sponsors for the spring 2008 Coffeehouse series include Texas Heritage Music Foundation, Center for Innovative Learning, Schreiner Student Activities, Chi Phi Fraternity, The Muse, Sigma Tau Delta and Revolution FM 94.3 KRVL.     For more information, contact Dr. Kathleen Hudson at 830-792-1945 or visit texasheritagemusic.org.

Beaujolais Nouveau in Boerne Nov. 15 Published Nov. 8, 2007    In the world of wine, the third Thursday in November marks the official arrival of the year's Beaujolais Nouveau.     The wine is expected to reach The Dodging Duck Brewhaus, 402 River Road, in Boerne at approximately 5 pm, Thursday, Nov. 15 ­ the same day it is delivered around the world.     An autumn rite, Beaujolais Nouveau, the first wine of the harvest has become a worldwide phenomenon. To be the first to serve the new wine, a race is usually conducted that in the past has utilized, among other conveyances, motorcycles, balloons, trucks, helicopters, a Concorde jet, an elephant, runners and rickshaws.     This year, the 25th anniversary of George Duboeuf Nouveau in America, also marks the first year of the "Hill Country Beaujolais" event at the Dodging Duck. Wait staff at The Duck will serve glasses of the new wine, as well as sell Beaujolais Nouveau by the bottle while supplies last. For more information, call 830-248-3825.

African Violet Convention Nov. 8-11 Published Nov. 1, 2007    The Lone Star African Violet Council will hold its annual Convention Show and Sale from Nov. 8 through 11, at the Inn of the Hills Resort and Convention Center, 1001 Junction Highway, Kerrville.     The showroom will be open to the public from 2 pm to 7 pm, Friday, Nov. 9, and from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Saturday, Nov. 10. The plant and supplies sales room will be open to the public from 10 am to 5 pm on Friday, Nov. 9, and from 9 am to 4 pm, Saturday, Nov. 10.     Admission is free.

Fredericksburg Antiques Show Nov. 10-11 Published Nov. 1, 2007    Texas Presentations will present the 15th annual Fredericksburg Fall Antiques Show Nov. 10 and 11 at the Gillespie County Fairgrounds on Highway 16 South.     Saturday show hours are 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday hours are 10 am to 4 pm.     "This show should be your source for Americana from the barns, attics and estates of America," said show directors Tommy and Lori Titsworth.     Offerings will include early country furniture, quilts, pewter, pottery, dolls, silver, glass, china, early paper and gardening, among others.     All booths are under cover so the show goes on "rain or shine." The $5 admission is good for both days. Children age 12 and under are admitted free.     For more information, visit www.texasantiqueshows.com.

Third Annual Turkey Trot PlayDay Nov. 17 Published Nov. 1, 2007    The Texas Amateur Rodeo Association will host its third annual Thanksgiving celebration...Texas-style Date: Saturday, Nov. 17, at the Spirit Reigns Arena located in Liberty Hill.     Members will participate in playday events including: Cloverleaf Barrels Pony Express Relay Pole Bending Flag Racing Cow Hide Race     Food offerings include giant turkey legs, hot dogs and caramel apples.     Books open at 9 am, events begin at 10 am. Negative Coggins required. Entry fees are $6 for TARA members and $9 for non-members. Practice runs are $2 for TARA members and $4 for non-members...or one donation of a toy/book to Brown Santa per practice run.     Visit www.rodeotexas.org or call 512-868-0033 for more information.

Schreiner fall concert slated Published Oct. 18, 2007    The Schreiner University Choir will perform its fall 2007 concert at 6 pm, Sunday, Oct. 21, at the First Presbyterian Church in Kerrville.     The program will feature American music and composers, including Sacred Harp, spirituals and Shaker music. The concert is free and open to the public. For more information, contact choir director Michael Kahl at mgkahl@schreiner.edu.

September designated Tejano Heritage Month Contributed Published Sept. 6, 2007    Texas Tejano.com, in conjunction with the Alamo Legacy & Missions Association (ALMA), has announced September has been designated Tejano Heritage Month by the State of Texas, Bexar County and City of San Antonio, said Rudi R. Rodriguez, founder of Texas Tejano.com.     Tejano Heritage Month stresses awareness and education about the contributions and lives of Tejano pioneers. September’s activities include the third annual Tejano Vigil, to be held inside the Alamo Shrine; a premiere of the original play “Texas Tejanos: The 1835-1836 Revolution” at the Empire Theater; and the third installment of the Tejano Oral History Project at the San Antonio Public Library, among other events.     Also, the Texas Tejano.com will sponsor a Student Awards Program, which includes coloring, essay and poster contests. The awards program will be open to grade school, middle school and high school students throughout the state.     "In 2006, we expanded our activities into the Austin area," said Rodriguez. "This year, we plan to make Tejano Heritage Month even bigger and better. We’ll return to Austin and also head to Big Spring and San Angelo in West Texas to spread our message to those communities as well."     Along with Texas Tejano.com and ALMA, sponsors for Tejano Heritage Month include the City of San Antonio Office of Cultural Affairs, Wells Fargo Bank, Ford Salute to Education, the University of Texas San Antonio, the San Antonio Express-News, Grande Communications, Boeing, the Alamo and San Antonio Public Library. ALMA, nonprofit organization based in San Antonio, provides living history reenactments to educate youth and adults about Texas history.     “With the assistance and support of these sponsors, we guarantee this will be the greatest Tejano Heritage Month celebration to date,” Rodriguez said.     Texas Tejano.com produces, publishes, promotes and markets Tejano literature, electronic media and educational materials. Additionally, the organization has created a traveling exhibit that has been displayed at elementary, junior high and high schools, colleges and universities and historical societies, museums and libraries across the state.     For more information about Texas Tejano.com or Tejano Heritage Month, visit www.texastejano.com or call 210-673-3584.

Kerr County Market Days Published July 26, 2007    Kerr County Market Days will celebrate its fifth anniversary from 9 am until 3 pm, Saturday, July 28, at Courthouse Square in downtown Kerrville.     From its inception in July, 2002 with only a handful of vendors, Market Days has grown to 75 booths featuring original handcrafted goods, art work, homemade treats, and homegrown plants and produce. Bandera’s Sue McLaughlin will offer different types of rustic fountains fashioned from buckets and other types of “found” materials.     Beginning at noon, the first 250 customers will receive free birthday cake. In addition, there will be games and face painting for the kids.     The old-fashioned market is free to everyone, and pets on leashes are always welcome. For more information, call 830-792-4655 or check the website, www.kerrmarketdays.org.

Fredericksburg hosts Celtic-Irish concert Published June 28, 2007    Fredericksburg’s Roots Music series for Saturday, June 30, at the Pioneer Museum was cancelled due to flooding in the area.

Center Point’s ‘Down Home Country Parade’ Published June 14, 2007    Center Point’s “Down Home Country Parade” steps off in beautiful downtown Center Point at 10:15 am Saturday, July 14. The parade kicks off a fun day which also includes the local volunteer fire department’s barbecue and dance.     “Our parade captures the Texas spirit of the Hill Country with music, flags, floats, horses and participants from Center Point and the surrounding communities,” said a spokesman for the Down Home Country Parade, adding, “This is hometown America at its best – Texas style.”     Immediately following the parade, the Center Point VFD serves its world-renowned barbecue from 11 am to 2 pm. Afternoon festivities include games and craft booths. The annual fireman’s dance begins at 9 pm.     For more information, call Kathleen Vincent at 830-634-7814 or e-mail kvincent@ktc.com.

Summer concert season in Kerrville begins Sunday Published June 7, 2007    Featuring some of the best-known musicians in the Hill Country, the Harry & the Hightones band makes its debut in the Second Sunday Summer Serenades June 10, playing in Louise Hays Park in Kerrville.     This event will be followed July 8 by the Army Medical Command Band from San Antonio and Aug. 12 by the Louisiana Zydeco Dots ensemble.     Harry & the Hightones include Dr. Don Crandall ("Dr. D") on keyboard, George Eychner on trumpet, Gary Hatch on string bass and vocals, David Jackson on rhythm guitar and vocal, Rick Phipps on percussion and Tim Porter on lead guitar and vocals.     Crandall and Eychner are principal players in the Symphony of the Hills and Porter has appeared with that orchestra as a soloist.  Eychner plays lead trumpet in the big-band Sentimental Journey Orchestra.  Hatch and Porter perform often with the Dick Walker Trio and other area groups, and Jackson is a versatile musician perhaps best-known as a singer and instrumentalist with Part of the Problem, a Country & Western group.     The evening events at the municipal band shell above the Guadalupe River are admission-free, thanks to underwriting from the Bank of the Hills and logistic help from the City of Kerrville.  Free parking is available.     Alternate sites are reserved for each event in case of rain -- usually in the city-owned pavilion up the hill from the bandshell or the Cailloux Center for the Performing Arts. Each concert is scheduled to run from 7:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. to allow those attending to start home before dark.     Concert-goers are urged to bring lawn chairs and insect repellent, and ice chests and picnic hampers are welcome.   Pets are allowed, so long as they are kept on leashes.     Call Lynda Ables at 830-257-0809 or email her at lables@ktc.com for more information.

Boerne Adventure Fest Music Line up  Published May 24, 2007    Boerne Adventure Fest, slated for Saturday, June 2, at Boerne Lake will celebrate the adventurous spirit of the outdoor environment in the Texas Hill Country.     Adventure Fest will also present a music festival featuring all-day live entertainment. Producer Jesse Cravens of the band Peacefield has rounded up talented local artists for the festival.     Along with Peacefield, other performers include Hugh Fadal, Jeff Anderson, Zach Walther and The Cronkites and Matt Harlan.      For more information on Adventure Fest, call the Boerne Convention and Visitors Bureau at 830-249-7277 or go on-line at www.Visitboerne.org.

Lytle's Spring Festival Published May 24, 2007    St. Andrew Catholic Church in Lytle, 14831 Main Street, will celebrate Spring Festival 2007 from 10 am until 10 pm Sunday, June 3.     The festivities include a $5 barbecue brisket plate – with all the trimmin's, live music, a raffle, food and beverage booths, bingo and a country store.     Los Dos Gilbertos and Favio Longoria & the Conjunto Kingz will play from 3 pm until 10 pm. Raffle prizes include a riding lawn mower, 42-inch plasma TV and laptop computor. Raffle tickets are $2 each or three for $5.     "Come join us for a day of fund and entertainment, and don't forget to bring your lawn chairs," said a church spokesman.     Festival entrance is free until 3 pm. After then, entrance is $5 for anyone 15 years or older. Tickets may be purchased at the door or from church members.     For more information, call the church office at 830-709-4287 or Chela Navarro, 210-622-5529.

Kerrville's K'STAR looking for Bandera youth Published April 12, 2007    As a part of National Child Abuse Prevention Awareness month, K'STAR Youth and Family Services in Kerrville, in conjunction with the Schreiner University Student Senate, will sponsor a "Youth Empowerment Day" Friday, April 27.     Registration for the free event begins at 9 am and lunch will be provided at noon to students and teachers. The event, which ends at 2 pm, will be held at the Callioux Building on the campus of Schreiner University.     Approximately 300 eighth and ninth graders from Bandera, Kerrville, Johnson City and Mason will be attending the program, which is designed to empower area youth. San Antonio motivational speaker Aric Bostick will act as facilitator. In addition, 20 vendors will provide information targeting young people, youth services providers and other organizations that address concerns of this age group.     Brad Golden, K'STAR child abuse specialist, issued a personal invitation to students and their teachers in Bandera County.     "Take a day off with your kids, relax and have fun. Aric is a dynamic speaker with the ability to create a fun environment and really empower kids to grab their full potential," Golden said. "His high energy lecture and exercises will have you and your students laughing and talking about this experience long after the day has ended. Join us for a fun day. You and your students deserve it."     K'STAR is a non-profit organization that provides family crisis intervention and counseling to low income families. The organization serves not only Kerr County, but 14 counties surrounding Kerrville, as well. In addition, a new shelter houses 20 children from newborns to age 17 who have been displaced from their homes.     For more information about K'STAR's "Youth Empowerment Day," contact Golden at 830-896-5404 or email bjgolden1@hotmail.com. For directions to the Callioux Building on the Schreiner University campus, contact www.schreiner.edu.