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Bandera County Courier is published weekly by Gail S. Joiner, 1210 Hackberry St., Bandera, TX 78003. Subscription price $26 per year in Bandera County, TX; $36 per year for other Texas counties; $40 per year out of Texas. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Bandera County Courier, P.O. Box 1704, Bandera, TX 78003. Periodicals Postage pending in Bandera, Texas.

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Articles in the Lakehills section of the on-line Courier:

Medina Lake VFD honored at awards banquet	Published Feb. 21, 2008
Medina Lake VFD beefs up firefighting capacity	Published Nov. 29, 2007
St. Victor's Flea Market set Saturday	Published Oct. 4, 2007
Lakehills plans community garden project	Published March 1, 2007
AARP to meet Monday	Published Feb. 22, 2007
MLBA hoping for post-Christmas grant	Published Jan. 11, 2007
Bring your craft supplies to AARP meeting Monday	Published Oct. 19, 2006
Youth falls, injures back	Published Oct. 5, 2006
Medina Lake Cajun Festival	Published Sept. 28, 2006
AARP to meet Sept. 25	Published Sept. 21, 2006
Legion membership dinner Saturday	Published Sept. 14, 2006
From BBQ to crawfish—the Medina Lake Cajun Fest revolution	Published Aug. 24, 2006
Lakehills Merchants’ Market schedules grand opening	Published Aug. 17, 2006
AARP Driver Training Class	Published Aug. 10, 2006
Good times guaranteed to roll at the 26th Annual Cajun Fest	Published Aug. 3, 2006
Medina Lake Chapter AARP Meeting Set	Published June 22, 2006
Vacation Bible School set for Lakehills United Methodist Church	Published June 22, 2006
Lakehills American Legion Auxiliary 410 invests in students	Published June 22, 2006
AARP to meet	Published April 20, 2006
Faith Tabernacle invites community to Easter musical drama	Published April 6, 2006
AARP to meet Monday	Published March 23, 2006
Meet the MLBA MLBA to host Membership Drive March 11	Published March 2, 2006
Lakehills P.O. still scheduled to close	Published Feb. 23, 2006
Fate of Lakehills post office could change if residents squawk	Published Feb. 2, 2006
Lakehills United Methodist Church continues its tradition -- service	Published Jan. 19, 2006
Lakehills Post Office to close . . . yet again	Published Dec. 15, 2005
Hermann Sons Humanitarian of the Year announced	Published Dec. 15, 2005
New Year's Eve Dance set Dec. 31	Published Dec. 15, 2005
Santa's Party hosts over 130 children	Published Dec. 15, 2005
MLBA to meet	Published Dec. 15, 2005
Cajun Fest declared a success, despite hurricane	Published Oct. 13, 2005
Life Chain	Published Oct. 6, 2005
Life chain planned in Lakehills	Published Sept. 29, 2005
Hill Country Karate begins registration	Published Aug. 18, 2005
Lakehills residents turn out for night out	Published Aug. 11, 2005
Lakehills church hosts open house	Published Aug. 11, 2005
Lakehills United Methodist host 5th annual fish fry	Published March 24, 2005

Medina Lake VFD honored at awards banquet Contributed Published Feb. 21, 2008 Firefighters from the Medina Lake Volunteer Fire Department, Jack Leutzinger, Greg Grothues, Travis Scott, Mike Tagaras, Stephanie Calderon and Ben Hicks III, recently received their basic certification from the State Firemens and Fire Marshal Association of Texas. Elisa and Homer Lopez    Local firefighters from Medina Lake Volunteer Fire Department were honored at an awards banquet held at the Lake Medina RV Resort, Saturday, Jan. 26.     The following members of the Medina VFD were recognized:     • Fire Chief Ben Hicks III for his leadership and dedication to the department.     • Homer Lopez as Most Improved Firefighter and Firefighter of the Year.     • Lieutenants Jack Leutzinger and Stephanie Calderon, and Assistant Fire Chief Greg Grothues for their outstanding contributions and leadership.     • President Mike Tagaras for attending the most training sessions.     • Matt Gaines as most active Junior Firefighter.      In addition, Lopez, board members Travis Scott and Don Stader, Leutzinger, Calderon, Grothues and Tagaras were honored for receiving State Firefighters and Fire Marshals Association Basic Fire Fighter Certification.     Thomas Kral, Scott Gagliardo, Joel Bryant and Mark Dorrough were recognized for their service to the community as firefighters. Don Roberts was singled out for his efforts in 2007 as assistant fire chief and training coordinator.     Junior firefighters also commended were Billy and Stephen Dorrough.     The firefighters and their families, along with the general membership, enjoyed dinner and fellowship prior to the awards ceremony.  Approximately 60 guests, including Fire Marshall and lifetime MLVFD member Ralph Dresser, attended the awards banquet.     In other business, on Jan. 26 and 27, Grothues, Calderon, Leutzinger and Scott participated in a two-day vehicle extrication course in Pleasanton, where they learned advanced techniques for freeing accident victims.     Member of the Medina Lake VFD offered a special thank you to the Lake Medina RV Resort “Winter Texans,” who assisted with the event, allowing fire families to enjoy the gathering.     The department also thanks community members who supported the department throughout the year. Plans for the department’s Spring BBQ will be finalized soon.     Everyone is invited to join the MLVFD as a general member. General membership assists with fundraising events and general support for the firefighters.

Medina Lake VFD beefs up firefighting capacity Special to the Courier Published Nov. 29, 2007 Certified firefighters with the Medina Lake VFD include, from left, Fire Chief Ben Hicks III; Sergeant-At-Arms Jack Leutzinger; Vice-President Stephanie Calderon; President Mike Tagaras, Board Member Don Stader, Assistant Fire Chief Greg Grothues, Homer Lopez and Board Member Travis Scott.    Due to the skill and dedication of the members of their local volunteer fire department, Medina Lake residents have reason to feel safer these days.     A record nine firefighters with the Medina Lake VFD recently earned basic, or more advanced, firefighter certifications. MLVFD certified firefighters include Joel Bryant; Stephanie Calderon; Greg Grothues; Ben Hicks III, who also serves as a San Antonio firefighter; Jack Leutzinger; Homer Lopez; Travis Scott; Don Stader; and Mike Tagaras.     In addition, Don Roberts became an Instructor II, and conducts regular trainings for the department. His certification through State Firefighters and Fire Marshals Association (SFFMA) enables Roberts to conduct trainings for volunteer fire departments throughout the state.     The Fire Fighter Certification Program is administered by the SFFMA. Strict training guidelines require a minimum of 168 firefighter training hours for basic certification.     Most volunteer fire departments feel fortunate to have one or two certified firefighters, but, three years ago, MLVFD began a concerted effort to develop the most highly trained department possible.     Since that time, grants from the Texas Forest Service have enabled the MLVFD to send an average of four firefighters a year to the Texas A& M Fire Training School. The week-long schools offer courses that teach firefighters new techniques, as well as basic skills.     Firefighters give up a week away from their families and jobs to participate in the intense and important training. In addition to attending the A&M fire school, MLVFD firefighters train one full Saturday and two weeknights each month.     Department volunteers not only answer calls for fires, but also respond to motor vehicle accidents, direct traffic and extricate victims. In addition, they provide lift assistance for EMS and the general public, set up landing zones for Air Life helicopters and act as back up for officers with the Bandera County Sheriff’s Office during methamphetamine lab busts and other operations – all without pay or Bandera County tax dollars.     Members of the MLVFD are on call day and night.     The department has six working response trucks – two brush trucks, two 2,000 gallon tankers and two pumpers, the larger of which can pump 1,250 gallons of water per minute.     All funding is provided through community donations and grants.     “The Medina Lake community has been a big supporter of the fire department, with generous donations of auction items, barbecue items, ‘Pass the Boot’ donations, cars and structures to practice extrication and burns, monetary contributions and manpower,” said a department spokesman.     Inaugurated in 1961, the Ladies Auxiliary has been an integral part of the department’s success, handling support services as well as the culinary aspects of the April fundraising barbecue.     In addition, Girl Scout Troop #138 and local businesses helped construct a sign for the MLVFD training site.     The MLVFD is always looking for committed volunteers. Participation can occur on several levels, the most obvious as a firefighter. However, residents can also join the team that supports department fundraising. Young people can serve as junior firefighters. The four current junior firefighters, who range in age from 14 to 17, attend trainings and assist at fire scenes and fire department functions.     Anyone who would like to become a part of the MLVFD family is encouraged to attend membership meetings held 7:30 pm on the second Tuesday of each month at the Lakehills Firehouse on PR 37.     “Please come and meet these brave men and women and become a part of the team who serves our community so well,” the spokesman said.

St. Victor's Flea Market set Saturday Published Oct. 4, 2007    It's time shop for the perfect undiscovered treasure.     St. Victor's Chapel, 10514 PR 37 West in Lakehills, will hold its annual Fall Flea Market from 9 am until 2 pm, Saturday, Oct. 6. Free games and prizes will be available for children, with delicious food provided by members of the Altar Society.     For more information, email coralstricker@hotmail.com.

Lakehills plans community garden project Contributed Published March 1, 2007    Plans for a new Community Garden at Lakehills United Methodist Church got a boost recently when Kathy Bates of Lakehills United Methodist Church received notification that the project was granted $2,500 from the Trull Foundation. The award was made in support of plans to build 30 raised beds on a plot of church land to be cultivated to grow food.     In order to address the health and nutritional needs of some of the elderly and young families just getting started in this community, the Lakehills Community Garden expects to provide an engaging and on-going gardening activity, as well as valuable education on organic gardening techniques and the benefits of fresh produce. Church volunteers hope that this effort will provide opportunities for development of responsibility and self-sufficiency among those using the garden, as they learn about wellness and improving the environment. There will be no costs for participants, other than hard work in the garden.     According to a March 2002 report from the Kronkosky Charitable Foundation in San Antonio, Lakehills, with a population of just under 5,000, "tends to attract older retired persons or younger working families trying to get away from some of the problems facing larger cities." The percentage of persons 65 and over in Bandera County is 16.2%, compared to 9.9% for the state of Texas. Like many other rural communities, Lakehills has fewer resources, and a lower economic base. Families in the area's lowest income brackets have been coming to the Lakehills United Methodist Church (UMC) for assistance with food and financial support for many years.     Lakehills UMC provides free hot meals every Monday evening, and most who attend are elderly residents. This Monday night meal offers an opportunity to those who come to socialize as well. The program also delivers hot meals to shut-ins. The church has a food pantry, as well as an "Angel Food" program that distributes packaged food to families.     Lakehills UMC has had a Wesley Nurse on site for 18 months. Ms. Bates has noted that Lakehills residents have limited places to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, and those in the community who are able, travel to San Antonio to go grocery shopping. There are only small convenience stores in the area for those who cannot afford the money to pay for gasoline to go to the city.     Studies show that older individuals consume inadequate amounts of key nutrients. In addition, individuals who are physically inactive are almost twice as likely to develop heart disease as active people. Inactivity is also linked to colon cancer and diabetes. Approximately one-third of persons age 65 or older have not engaged in any leisure-time physical activity within the past month. Couple this lack of exercise with the fact that only about one-quarter of U.S. adults eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables each day, and you have a situation that requires increasing attention to both exercise and diet.     Lakehills UMC is getting ready to address this by building a community garden. Anyone interested in volunteering time or donating gardening materials or equipment, please contact Kathy Bates RN, Wesley Nurse, at 830-751-2121.

AARP to meet Monday Published Feb. 22, 2007    The Medina Lake Chapter AARP #3638 will hold its monthly meeting Monday, Feb. 26, at the American Legion Hall, 26th St., Lakehills at noon.     There will be a covered dish luncheon followed by the speaker, John "The Plumber" Pollack.  All are welcome.  For any questions, call Jackie Patrick 751-3045.

MLBA hoping for post-Christmas grant Published Jan. 11, 2007    The Medina Lake Betterment Association have applied to the Kronkosky Charitable Foundation for a new grant to continue renovation of the Lakehills Civic Center. That renovation will add a covered entrance, office space, storeroom and a new restroom.     The MLBA directors met with the Kronkosky Charitable Foundation grants manager Tom McGuire and the Alamo RC&D Area representatives Thursday, Jan. 7, to review their grant proposal to continue renovation work on the Lakehills Civic Center.     The project would add an American with Disabilities Act compatible restrooms to the facility, a storeroom, a new covered entrance, and an office. The project is estimated at $78,200 with the MLBA contributing about $25,000 and Kronkosky contributing about $53,000.     McGuire told the MLBA the grant proposal would go to the approval committee Jan. 23. He said that if the MLBA receives a big envelope, then it's the contract and the committee said, "Yes." If the MLBA receives a letter, then it's the other answer.     The MLBA began its renovation process in 1999 when the San Antonio Area Foundation contributed money so the MLBA could remove the old garage doors that made up the walls of the civic center (and provided ventilation) and replaced it with brick walls and windows. This was part of Phase "A" of the renovation.     The renovation continued by completing Phase "A" and "B" of the current renovation schedule in 2002 and 2003. The Kronkosky Charitable Foundation made its first grant to the MLBA with $61,000 for the $94,000 project. The MLBA contributed the rest of the money needed for the project by funds from the MLBA and in kind volunteer work.     That part of the renovation rebuilt the stage and the rooms at the back of the civic center, installed a modern ceiling and air conditioning system with the accompanying duct work and electrical improvements. The improvements to the stage replaced the collapsing back structure and added a store room, back stage, dressing room, and restroom.     The proposal submitted will complete Phase "C" of the current renovation. The construction will take advantage of the previous duct, electrical system work, and water lines done in Phase "A" and "B". In the future, the MLBA will propose to finish the renovation (Phase "D") which will include improvements to the kitchen.     McGuire said the Kronkosky Charitable Foundation started in 1998. The Kronkosky family made their money from Gebhardt Chili Powder Company and the San Antonio Drug Company. The family helped one of their employees start his own company and then later they received money from a stock sale.     The Kronkosky Charitable Foundation started with $295 million and through the work of compound interest/investment were able to earn and give $115 million away through 2006. They now have $299 million on deposit as the principal to support future grants.

Bring your craft supplies to AARP meeting Monday Published Oct. 19, 2006    The Medina Lake Chapter AARP #3638 will hold its monthly meeting Monday, Oct. 23, at the American Legion Hall, 26th Street, Lakehills at beginning at noon.     There will be a covered dish luncheon followed by the speaker, Trisha Green of the Boys & Girls Club of Bandera. Please bring your leftover craft items for their after school activities. All are welcome. For any questions, please call Jackie Patrick 751-3045.

Youth falls, injures back Published Oct. 5, 2006    Getting ready for hunting season became a painful experience for 18-year-old John Boriack from Tomball when the youth tumbled backwards down a cliff he was climbing at the Schott Ranch last week.     Boriack was reportedly an expert climber with years of experience in locations as far removed as Alaska. His position 20 feet up on the side of a cliff became precarious when the cliché gave away. He fell about 15 feet, landing on his back.     AirLife was called and Boriack was sent to Methodist Hospital where he was treated for a broken back. He is reportedly improving and will be released from the hospital by the end of the week.     Seventeen years ago Randy Schott's mother died in an accident at a different location on the ranch when she fell off a cliff on the 4-wheeler she was riding.

Medina Lake Cajun Festival Published Sept. 28, 2006 Photo by James Henry Frazar    Big-time dancing to big-name Louisiana bands at the Medina Lake Cajun Festival Saturday, Sept. 23. The crowds packed the two dance floors. It might not have been the biggest crowd ever, but it was close. Almost 4,400 persons attended of which at least 4,000 were paid admissions early estimates indicate.

AARP to meet Sept. 25 Published Sept. 21, 2006    The Medina Lake Chapter AARP #3638 will conduct its monthly meeting Monday, Sept. 25, at the American Legion Hall, on 26th Street, Lakehills beginning at noon. There will be a covered dish luncheon followed by the speaker, Suzanne Ruff, from the Alamo Area Agency on Aging. Her topic will be Identity Theft. All are welcome. For any questions call Jackie Patrick 751-3045.

Legion membership dinner Saturday Published Sept. 14, 2006    Lakehills American Legion Post 410 and Auxiliary Unit 410 will host a membership spaghetti dinner Saturday, Sept. 16, beginning at 6 p.m.     If you're a member, the dinner is free. Door prizes are also part of the event.

From BBQ to crawfish—the Medina Lake Cajun Fest revolution by Stephanie Day BCC Staff Published Aug. 24, 2006    The 26th Annual Medina Lake Cajun Festival will strike the chords of another successful year on Saturday, Sept. 23, beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the Lakehills Civic Center on PR 37. Going into her twenty-sixth year as food chairman, Barbara Engel explains that it was not easy to nudge culinary taste buds to make the leap from south Texas barbecue to Louisiana style Cajun cooking.     “From the first, we tried to make Cajun food the focus of our menu. In the early years, some of our food items were met with skepticism. In fact, it was the barbecue booth, not the Cajun food, that sold the most. But now, Cajun cooking has taken the nation by storm and now our crawfish pies sell out in just a few hours—even though we make 500.     “We will have 20 food items at this year’s Cajun Fest. Last year, Hurricane Rita stopped sales on our newest item, crawfish sausage on a stick. We will have three crawfish dishes this year, crawfish sausage, etouffee and crawfish pies. Another addition this year, we will be serving jalapeno jelly with our Cajun meat pies.”     A host of dedicated volunteers has already spent four days cooking the dishes that can be prepared ahead of time and frozen until festival day. “We are extremely careful with our food,” Engel says. “We cook it then cool and freeze it quickly. We can always use more volunteers. (Call 751-3130 to volunteer.) Even people who have never cooked Cajun food before are welcome. We can teach them! We also need volunteers the week before and the day of the festival. On festival day, we need people to heat up dishes in the kitchen and help serve. The shifts are short and there’s plenty of time to enjoy the festival.”     One good thing that Hurricane Rita left behind last year are plenty of copies of a new cookbook, the 25th Anniversary Medina Lake Cajun Festival Cookbook, which are sold at Cutaway in Lakehills and will also be available at the Cajun Festival. Along with recipes for Ma Harper’s Creole Gumbo, oyster artichoke soup, Mardi Gras king cake, shrimp Creole, crab cakes and Cajun Festival dishes like meat pies, etouffee, jambalaya and pecan pralines, the recipe book contains a brief history on each recipe. It also provides a history of the Cajun Festival, directions for making a Cajun roux, a list of Cajun vegetables and Engel’s tips for Cajun cooking. The spiral-bound cookbooks are $7.     “We have a time-proven menu at the Cajun Fest,” Engel says. “We sell a lot of catfish and shrimp and people love to come for the gumbo. Another favorite is red beans and rice. Paul Heath has done the red beans and rice for years and knows everything there is to know about beans. We use kidney beans and a lot of ham and sausage to flavor it.”     It takes a colossal amount of food and preparation to revolutionize south Texas from backyard barbecues to Cajun style food and fun: 100 pounds of crawfish tails for the etouffee—enough for 800-900 servings; 500 crawfish pies; between 500-600 meat pies; 400 pounds of sausage on a stick; 200 pounds of barbecued shrimp; 800 servings of jambalaya and 1,000 servings of bread pudding. One time on the eve of the event, it was discovered that milk had not been purchased for the bread pudding. Imagine the volunteer’s surprise when his wife called him to pick up milk on his way home—26 gallons!     Engel encourages more people to volunteer. “It takes a lot of time and work, but it’s a lot of fun and good camaraderie. We need all the help we can get on Friday, Sept. 22. We will have lunch for the volunteers and a covered dish dinner at 6:30 p.m. Everyone in the Lakehills community goes to the civic center at some time, even if it’s just to vote. All the money from the Cajun Fest goes to the civic center, which gets no tax money or other support. We are all volunteers. Only the bands get paid. One band, the Band-Aids Jazz Band, donates their time every year. It is satisfying to help your community.     “As far as my life, other than having a good marriage and business (Cutaway), the Cajun Festival is my best accomplishment and the one I’m most proud of. It takes a lot of persistence.”     Husband Bob Caswell, the founder of the Medina Lake Cajun Festival, says, “I’m extremely proud of my wife. I picked the right one—one that cooks!” Engel explains, “I love to cook. I got that from my mother. Food is love. When I started cooking Cajun food, I found my niche. It is a complex and fascinating cuisine, yet it can be simple. People in Louisiana are amazing home cooks and a lot of them are men.”     Caswell adds, “Cajun food always has a history behind it. It’s a melding of cultures and learning to live off the land and garden and use whatever ingredients are available.”     To join the revolution that started right here in Bandera County in Lakehills, plan to attend the 26th Annual Medina Lake Cajun Festival on Saturday, Sept. 23, beginning at 11:30 a.m. and tantalize the taste buds with the zesty flavor and spice that is authentically Cajun, served up with music and rollicking fun to match. Add to that irresistible mix by volunteering—supporting the community that supports you lets you savor the full flavor of life.

Lakehills Merchants’ Market schedules grand opening Contributed Published Aug. 17, 2006 Meet part of the Solomon family, owners of the Merchants’ Market in Lakehills, opening Saturday, Aug. 19: Kay and Bob Solomon and greeter-licker Sarah. For information on bringing yard sale or other merchandise to the FM 1283 location, call 830-688-2690 or 830-612-2154. Colorful plants from Nate’s Scapes join the merchandise at Merchants’ Market off FM 1283 in Lakehills. Nate’s Scapes also has its own location at 132 Lake Country Drive, well marked by large signs.    Bob and Kay Solomon—and family—are building up a business in Lakehills that will give residents some place to go and something to do on Saturday.     The Merchants’ Market is hosting a grand opening on Saturday, Aug. 19, and will offer fresh fruits and vegetables, plants from Nate’s Scapes, gifts, lawn care, yard eggs and even a gigantic yard sale.     Merchants’ Market will be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday. Hours for other days will be posted at the location, just off FM 1283 across the road from the Lakehills Annex and next to the day care.     Spaces will be available for vendors, merchants and those with yard sale items who need a high-volume traffic area to sell them. "Bring a table and your own shade," Kay advises. "We have trees here and shade from those trees—but the shade moves as the sun moves. In the future, we will probably host special shows—like art shows, boat and car sales. Maybe even a "tool day" for dads who want to sell some of their surplus tools."     The Solomons wanted a place where their church family—and other churches—could have available space for fund-raisers.     "We picked the worst possible time to open everyone tells us," Bob says. "The heat and the drought make it hard on the plants. But the biggest problem we have is competition from the park and ride. We have paid for all the required permits and put tax money back into the system—yet these vendors from San Antonio come up on the weekends and set up for free at the park and ride and take the money from sales home with them instead of returning it to the community. It’s a real challenge."     "But," Kay says with a wide smile, we’re going to beat it! We plan to add to and expand the business every week and give Lakehills a merchants’ market that they can enjoy and be proud of!"     For information on the market or to reserve space, call 830-688-2690 or 830-612-2154.

AARP Driver Training Class Published Aug. 10, 2006    On Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 15 and 16, AARP will hold a two-day training class for seniors who wish to enhance their driving skills and obtain auto insurance reductions. The two day class will be held at the United Methodist Church on 8th and J Streets in Lakehills from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. This class is open to those under the age of 55 and also those who are not members of AARP. To sign up for the class, please call David Mayer at 612-2401.

Good times guaranteed to roll at the 26th Annual Cajun Fest by Stephanie Day BCC Staff Published Aug. 3, 2006    Medina Lake Cajun Festival originator Bob Caswell wants good times to roll right along with the rollicking music of the outstanding bands scheduled this year at the 26th Annual Medina Lake Cajun Festival on Saturday, Sept. 26.     To make that happen, Cajun dance lessons will be offered in the Allons Danser Tent at 2 and 5 p.m. "Learn the two-step, then get creative. You can do anything in Cajun dancing with the two-step. We try to start one new thing every year. Last year was the first for Cajun dance lessons, but hurricanes Katrina and Rita knocked down our attendance—so this is still new this year! If people learn the basics, then they feel confident and comfortable getting out on the dance floor. We have a Cajun and free style dance competition at 7 p.m."     Caswell believes in the Medina Lake Cajun Festival, the first Cajun fest in Texas and the biggest and best. He can even provide lessons in elementary Cajun French. "A man says to a woman, ‘como se va shair,’ how are you doing, dear? The answer is, ‘sa va bien.’ I’m doing well. ‘Laissez les bon temp rouller.’ Let the good times continue to roll."     The same renowned bands that Caswell spent four years chasing had been booked for last year’s 25th celebration but were held at bay by Katrina and Rita. They will rush to the Lakehills Civic Center on PR 37 this year for the 26th annual event. "It’s a dynamic line-up," Caswell promises. "Unmatched bands from Louisiana. As they have for 17 years, the Band-Aids Jazz Band will donate their time to open up the festival. They begin playing at 11:30 a.m.     "We have Geno Delafose and the French Rockin’ Boogie. Geno is recognized as the best Zydeco band in the United States and the world. He is probably the most sought after Zydeco-Cajun band in the country. He started playing the accordion with his dad when he was just five. The centerpiece of his band is the accordion.     "French-speaking Creoles and Negroes took white traditional Cajun music, associated it with the blues and created their own music, fast-rocking Zydeco. They also do waltzes. Geno sings in both French and English." Kevin Naquin and Ossun Playboys will alternate with Geno Delafose. Naquin’s band was voted "the best" by the Cajun French Music Association. Other honors have included: the best accordionist, best recording of the year, best band of the year and best song of the year. "He’s won numerous times and always packs the dance floor," Caswell relates.     Rodney Thibodeaux and Tous les Soir will fill up the Gazebo Stage with Cajun music, history and heritage.     A new band, T-Sale Cajun Band, will close out the festival with true traditional dance style and two-step music, waltzes and "Bluesy Creole."     As always, the Great Gumbo Cook-off is the hub around which the good times continue to roll. Instituted by Caswell in 1980 as a fund-raising endeavor to save the Medina Lake Civic Center from financial disaster, the gumbo cook-off has gained such popularity that it has become necessary to limit entries to to approximately 25. Those wanting to enter the contest can call Kim and Allen Kim Smith at 830-612-2700. Awards are presented in both the amateur and professional classes.     Bob Phillips of Texas Country Reporter fame plans to attend the festival from 2-6 p.m., courtesy of sponsor Kiolbassa. Phillips does not cover festivals. The amazing continued success of the Medina Lake Cajun Festival where good times continue to rollick and roll changed Phillips’ rule of festival non-attendance. He was told that the Cajun fest was an "incredible event" and plans to participate in presenting awards in the gumbo cook-off.     "No one can match what we have," Caswell states proudly. "The biggest and best in Texas and the only one to have gained national attention. We’ve learned how to do this over the past 26 years and we have incredible volunteers."     The 26th Annual Medina Lake Cajun Festival will include children’s games and activities, arts and crafts and the unforgettable flavor of Cajun Festival food and music, a spicy mix that delights both ear and tongue.

Medina Lake Chapter AARP Meeting Set Contributed Published June 22, 2006    The Medina Lake Chapter AARP #3638 will hold its monthly meeting Monday June 26 at noon at the American Legion Hall on 26th Street, Lakehills. There will be a covered dish lunch followed by the program and business meeting.     The program will be provided by several members of the L.E.A.P. Committee (Lakehills Emergency Action Pllan) on ways to be prepared for an emergency. The public is invited to attend. For any questions, call Jackie Patrick 751-3045.

Vacation Bible School set for Lakehills United Methodist Church Contributed Published June 22, 2006    Lakehills United Methodist Church will hold their Vacation Bible School the week of July 10 through 14, from 9 a.m.. until noon. This year’s theme is "Fiesta! Where kids are fired up about Jesus!"     We will have classes for children 3 years old through 8th grade. Our classes will go to different centers to enjoy Bible stories, music, recreation, snacks, and crafts. We are looking forward to having our middle school kids in a class with lessons prepared just for them.     If you have any questions, please call the church office at 751-2404 or Lissie Schneider at 510-4222. We are also in need of adult help. If you are interested in helping, please call us.

Lakehills American Legion Auxiliary 410 invests in students Published June 22, 2006    The Lakehills American Legion Auxilary 410 gave a $500 scholarship to Emily Reich, daughter of William and Sharon Reich of Lakehills. Emily, a home schooler, will attend N.W. Vista.     Saena Coons, daughter of Terry Luchsinger of Lakehills, also received a $500 scholarship. Saena graduated from Bandera High School and will be attending San Antonio College.     Every year, the Auxiliary sends girls to Bluebonnet Girls State. This year, they sent Bandera High School student Ashley Jennings, the daughter of James and Sandy Jennings.     Bluebonnet Girls State, from June 8-15 this year, educates young women about the duties, rights, privileges and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship.     Jennings, and other attendees, visited the State Capitol and met state officials     Candidates for Girls State must be in the junior or third year of high school. All Texas senior high schools are eligible regardless of whether they are private, public or parochial.

AARP to meet Published April 20, 2006    The Medina Lake Chapter AARP #3638 will hold its regular monthly meeting on Monday, April 24, at the American Legion Hall, 26th Street, Lakehills at 12 noon. There will be a covered dish lunch followed by the program and business meeting. For any questions please call Jackie Patrick 830-751-3045.

Faith Tabernacle invites community to Easter musical drama Published April 6, 2006    Faith Tabernacle Church in Lakehills is inviting everyone to join them in two performances of the Easter musical drama, “The Promise.”     The first performance will be held on Good Friday, Friday, April 14, beginning at 7 p.m.     The next performance will be on Sunday, April 16, beginning at 10 a.m. Dinner will be provided on the grounds by Faith Tabernacle after Sunday’s performance at $6 a plate.     Faith Tabernacle is located just off FM 1283 and Lake Country Drive between Pipe Creek and Lakehills. Look for the big sign.

AARP to meet Monday Published March 23, 2006    The Medina Lake Chapter AARP #3638 will hold its monthly meeting on Monday, March 27, at the American Legion Hall on 26th Street, Lakehills at 12 Noon. There will be a covered dish lunch. The program will be a style show sponsored by Shoe Biz and Elm Creek Casuals. For further information please call Jackie Patrick at 751-3045.

Meet MLBA MLBA to host Membership Drive March 11 Contribiuted Published March 2, 2006    The Medina Lake Betterment Association will host a membership drive and social at the Lakehills Civic Center Saturday, March 11, beginning at 6 p.m.     The usual monthly meeting is the second Thursday of each month, but that meeting is changed to the second Saturday for the membership drive.     Those attending will be treated to a chicken spaghetti dinner provided by the MLBA. Those attending are asked to bring a salad or a dessert. Gerald Fitzgerald describes chicken spaghetti as a casserole dish that combines cheese, two soups, celery, bell pepper, onion, and of course, chicken and spaghetti.     There will be a 6 to 7:30 p.m. social time. During this time, members will bring their ballots to vote for five directors who will be elected for three year terms. The MLBA board consists of 15 directors who serve three-year staggered terms.     Ballots listing the five nominees for directors were mailed to members of record. Members can bring their ballots to the civic center to be tallied. If a member did not receive a ballot, they can pick one up that evening, mark it, and cast it before 7:30 p.m.     Four of the persons on the ballot are current board members: Sheila Brown-Latiolait, Ben Hicks, Jerry Jilek, and James Henry Frazar. The fifth person is Kim Fischer of Lakehills. There is a slot for writein candidates on the ballot.     Of course, to vote and partake in the chicken spaghetti casserole, persons must be a member of the MLBA. That's easy enough to do on the spot with payment of the annual $5 membership fee per person.     A short meeting will be held after 7:30 p.m. for presentations, announcement of election results and perhaps a discussion of a few items. President Ray White is expected to comment about the progress the MLBA has made on the civic center renovation and the challenges of senior and youth programs that the association will face in the coming years.     Upcoming events at the civic center include the Methodist Church Fish Fry Saturday, March 25, Hermann Sons Youth Day Sunday, April 2, and an Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, April 15.     The MLBA will host two fund-raisers this year. The Medina Lake Cajun Festival, held the fourth Saturday in September and in its 26th year, will be held Saturday, Sept. 23.     The new fund-raiser is a barbecue cook-off scheduled for Saturday, May 20. The event will feature country bands, barbecue plates and tacos, arts & crafts, games for young and old alike, of course, barbecue cooks.     Other events later in the year include the Halloween Party Saturday, Oct. 28, Santa's Party Saturday, Dec. 9, and New Year's Eve Dance Sunday, Dec. 31.     The civic center continues to host a square dance club on Friday nights and karate lessons on Monday night.     The building is also used for other community events such as the upcoming primary and school board elections and the recent candidate debate and CCPAL spaghetti dinner fundraiser. The building and facilities such as the pavilion and gazebo are available for rent.     The Lakehills Civic Center is located on Park Road 37 in the heart of Lakehills.     The civic center's phone number is 751-9904. Please leave a message.

Lakehills P.O. still scheduled to close Published Feb. 23, 2006    To keep the Lakehills area from losing their post office yet again, Medina Lake resident Tom Walton attempted to hand U.S. Postal Service supervisors over the Bandera County region a workable package to keep the post office open.     Managers of the contract station announced to The Bandera County Courier in December that they would be closing on March 3 because they were losing money under the current rate the U.S. Postal Service is willing to pay them to run the postal service center. Walton wanted to keep the local service for the 400 post office box holders and to provide stamps and mail-related items for the Medina Lake portion of the 2,830 rural route postal patrons in the 78063 zip code.     Lakehills residents have called and sent letters to Pipe Creek Postmaster Joseph Reyes, the San Antonio District Office and U.S. Representative Henry Bonilla asking to keep the Lakehills post office open.     Bonilla has answered the letters he has received but as of press deadline on Feb. 22, retail services at the Lakehills branch office are still scheduled to cease on or before March 3. Bonilla was assured, however, by the United States Post Office that the existing post office box service to customers in Lakehills would continue without interruption and at the same location.     A small mail drop for outgoing letters will remain, along with parcel lockers to assist with deliveries where signatures are needed. Postage stamps may be obtained through the ATM at Wells Fargo (next door to the post office). Postage stamps may also be purchased on-line.     Bonilla was told that an effort is underway to find a new contractor to provide full postal retail service in Lakehills, but that completing those details is a lengthy process and could take months.     “There will be no interruption of service to post office boxes. Providing postal services for the people of Lakehills is one of my highest priorities,” Bonilla said.     Walton hopes those statements are true because, “once a customer goes elsewhere, it might be awful hard to get him back. So with every passing day, any chance of continuing this business in a somewhat ‘profitable’ manner diminishes... We in Lakehills need a post office...We need it now.”     Reyes can be reached at 830-535-4585. Postmaster Edna Burbank can be reached at 830-367-5943. Jim Coultress is at 219-368-1222. Bonilla can be reached in Washington DC at 202-225-4511.

Fate of Lakehills post office could change if residents squawk by Stephanie Day Published Feb. 2, 2006    The U.S. Post Office contract station in Lakehills is scheduled to close on March 1, but that won’t happen if Lakehills resident Tom Walton gets his way. Walton has mounted a crusade to keep the post office open and intends to be successful-if he can round up the troops.     The Lakehills post office has 390 mail boxes and operates within the Medina Lake area of Pipe Creek’s rural route delivery of 2,830 postal customers.     Walton explained that the U.S. Postal Service has assured him that they want to at least keep post office boxes open for customer convenience even if the current full service post office goes away. Walton has been assured that the contract for the substation will be opened up for bidding again, especially if enough folks complain.     To submit a bid or obtain more information about how to submit a bid, call the San Antonio district office at 210-368-1222. Other important numbers to call include Pipe Creek Postmaster Joseph Reyes at 830-535-4585, U.S. Representative Henry Bonilla’s San Antonio office at 210- 368-8448, Mark Lubin in Washington D.C. at 1-202-225-4511 or mrk.lubin@mail.hous.gov or Sharon Byer at 210-697-9055.

Lakehills United Methodist Church continues its tradition -- service Published Jan. 19, 2006    For 42 years, the Lakehills United Methodist Church has responded to community needs even allowing non-church members to use the building for weddings, funerals, Girl Scouts, Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon and more. With Lakehills now the fasted growing community in Bandera County, the Methodist Church is reaching out to respond.     The sixth annual fish fry, auction, games and more will be held on Saturday, March 25. This annual event allows the community to enjoy a low-cost, excellent meal and support the church’s fundraising project through the silent and live auctions. The proceeds from this annual fundraiser are used to pay the mortgage balance and to provide for the LUMC organized community wide outreach programs. These programs include TWIGS, an after-school study program with a hot meal; the Bread of Life Feeding Ministry, a weekly meal and fellowship each Monday evening; a food pantry; vacation Bible school; school supplies; youth programs and operating expenses.     The Lakehills United Methodist Church is accepting donations of goods and services for the March 25 auction. Donors of auction items will receive free advertising in news and other media including radio and television. Items donated in the past have included gift certificates, cash donations, savings bonds and merchandise. Members of the church and the community that the church supports will appreciate all donations.     For more information, call the church office at 830-751-2404 or 210-487-7852.

Lakehills Post Office to close . . . yet again by Stephanie Logue BCC Staff Published Dec. 15, 2005 BCC Staff Photo by Stephanie Logue    Father and son team John and Garrett Banse have been running the Lakehills post office (“Mail and More”) since April but say that they cannot afford to continue operating it at the contract price the U.S. Postal Service is willing to pay.     Pipe Creek Postmaster Joseph Reyes says, “Lakehills is a contract station. The contractor doesn’t want to do it. There’s not much interest in the Lakehills post office. People are not wanting to put in a bid for it.”     “We took over under an emergency contract when it closed down briefly earlier this year,” John explains. “But regardless of the real need in the Lakehills, the bureaucracy of the postal service wanted us to accept a flat rate contract that falls approximately $1,000 short of even meeting our expenses. It just doesn’t pay enough. We asked them to continue paying the emergency rate so we can at least meet our expenses, but they won’t.”     The Lakehills post office has 390 post office boxes and serves the postal needs of the Lakehills segment of a rural route delivery of 2,830. Since both Lakehills and Pipe Creek share a zip code, the Pipe Creek Post Office does not separate the numbers out into “Lakehills” and “Pipe Creek.” The Pipe Creek Post Office has 692 post office box customers. Some of them moved their post office boxes from Lakehills when the post office closed previously.     John Banse says the post office will close at the end of February.     Reyes says the Lakehills post office will close March 3. He can be reached at 830-535-4585.     Postmaster Edna Burbank, in Ingram,, serves as a “coach” over 16 post office locations including Pipe Creek. She said she “gives advice” and does not manage the offices under her or make decisions regarding them. Her number is 830-367-5943.     Jim Coultress, who oversees Bandera County and the Lakehills post office, said that the postal facility will be open until March. “We are looking at the situation to see what options we have. We still have three months left to work things out.     “The best thing Lakehills postal customers can do to keep their post office open is for someone to submit a bid for that contract postal unit. Call the San Antonio District Office and ask for the retail department. So if anyone is interested in operating a contract postal unit, have them call and ask to submit a bid or for more information.”     That number is 210-368-1222.

Hermann Sons Humanitarian of the Year announced Published Dec. 15, 2005    On Sunday, December 11, 2006, Shirley Kelley, of Pebble Beach in Lakehills, was presented with the Hermann Sons Humanitarian of the Year Award by Paul and Eileen Heath, President and Vice-President of the Bandera County Lodge. Kelley has lived at Pebble Beach since 1970 and has been a member of the Medina Lake Betterment Association, the Medina Lake Volunteer Fire Department, the American Legion and has also been a member of the Pebble Beach Owners Association for more years than she can remember. Congratulations to Shirley Kelley for her tireless work with our community.

New Year's Eve Dance set Dec. 31 Published Dec. 15, 2005    With Thanksgiving past, don't think about Christmas, think about making your reservations for the New Year's Eve Dance at the Lakehills Civic Center in Lakehills. The Medina Lake Betterment Association will host its annual New Year's Eve dance Saturday, Dec. 31, from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at the Lakehills Civic Center. The George Chambers Band will play.     Tickets are $10 per person or $90 for a table of 10 people. Call (210)373-6463 or 751-9904 for reservations.     Complimentary black-eyed peas and champagne will be served at midnight.     Also included in the price are party hats and noise makers. Setups, sodas, and snacks will be available. Also part of the evening is a drawing for those that want to try their luck. Persons can buy a chance at a $1 a ticket. There will be many prizes and raffle ticket purchasers can place one or more tickets in each decorated coffee can for the item they'd like. Persons can buy as many tickets as they want at $1 each and distribute the tickets among the buckets in the amounts they want.     Businesses interested in donating for the drawing should call 510-4246.

Santa's Party hosts over 130 children Contributed Published Dec. 15, 2005    Over 130 children plus parents attended Santa's Party at the Lakehills Civic Center Saturday, Dec. 10. The party was sponsored by the Medina Lake Betterment Association.     Children decorated frames to put their Polaroid photo with Santa provided by the MLBA while waiting for Santa.     Santa arrived via Medina Lake Volunteer Fire Department fire truck and the children came out to greet him.     After that, they took turns visiting with Santa and getting their picture took with the Jolly Old Elf.     Photoes courtesy of James Henry Frazar. Ryan Zimmel, 3, of Pipe Creek told Santa what he wanted for Christmas.     Brenda, left, Ashlyn, 4, and Greg of Lakehills make it a family affair with Santa. The Lakehills Civic Center was bustling with activities and cookies for Santa.     Emily Dibrell, 7, of San Antonio poses with Santa after helping him distribute goodie bags. Santa gets off the fire truck at the Lakehills Civic Center and "catches" a child right away. The Medina Lake Volunteer Fire Department ferried Santa to his Medina Lake Betterment Association-sponsored party Saturday, Dec. 10.     Get in line and bring a friend, you only get a chance to greet Santa once a year! Every child knows that the traditional greeting for Santa is a big hug!     Kristie Coolidge, 5, of Lakehills gets her chance to visit with Santa. Matthew Rumsey, 7, of Pipe Creek negotiates for more presents this year.     Travon Johnson, 12, of Pipe Creek negotiates for more presents this year.

MLBA to meet    The next Medina Lake Betterment Association general membership meeting will be Thursday, Jan. 13, at 7:30 p.m. at the Lakehills Civic Center.     The public is invited to membership meetings held the second Thursday of each month.     To vote at the meeting a person must be a member of the association. Membership dues are $5. Call 751-9904. The Lakehills Civic Center is located on PR 37, west of FM 1283 in the heart of Lakehills.

Cajun Fest declared a success, despite hurricane Published Oct. 13, 2005    Cajun Fest founder Bob Caswell reports that the 25th Annual Medina Lake Cajun Festival was a tremendous success, in spite of Hurricane Rita.     "Even though it is hard to pinpoint the exact numbers in attendance (paid attendance, complimentary attendance, media attendance, volunteer attendance, etc.), I can tell you that the fact was that we only had about 200-300 less people than the previous year.     "Moreover, not only was the weather perfect (but hot), but the food booths were always packed. We only lowered our admission price from $8 to $5 because all of our Louisiana bands were prevented from coming to Lakehills. As a result, two days before the festival, we scrambled to get four Texas bands from as far away as Waco. Yet everyone seemed to like our choice of bands.     "Suffice it to say, the Medina Lake Betterment Association was extremely satisfied with how our festival came off and the money we made for our non-profit, community corporation."

Life Chain Published Oct. 6, 2005 John Michael Guerra takes his stand with Lovelace. ]BCC Staff photo by Stephanie Logue    For the fifth consecutive year, Faith Tabernacle Church member Ryan Lovelace has staked out this stop sign location and participated in the annual Life Chain, a silent protest against abortion held in Lakehills on the first Sunday in October at the intersection of PR 37 and FM 1283.

Life chain planned in Lakehills Published Sept. 29, 2005    Lakehills will again join the National Life Chain on the first Sunday in October, Sunday, Oct. 2 from 2-3 p.m. For one hour, volunteers will stand along FM 1283 and PR 37 in Lakehills and hold up signs in a silent protest against abortion.     This year, more than 1,000 Life Chains are scheduled for Texas.     Faith Tabernacle Church in Lakehills is sponsoring the Life Chain for the sixth year. Participants may show up at the Park and Ride at the intersection of FM 1283 and PR 37 at 2 p.m. on Oct. 2 and select a sign to display to oncoming traffic. Signs include: "Abortion Kills Children," "Adoption the Loving Option," "Pray to End Abortion," "Jesus Heals and Forgives," etc.     After selecting their choice of signs, participants space themselves 10 steps apart and stand praying, singing or reading the backs of their signs for one hour while displaying the message to oncoming traffic.     The goal of the National Life Chain is to stop abortion. For more information, call 830-751-3677.

Hill Country Karate begins registration Published Aug. 18, 2005    Hill Country Karate will be registering new students Monday nights from Aug. 29 thru Sept. 12 at the Lakehills Civic Center. Youth (5-12) begins at 7 p.m. and Adults (13 and up) at 8 p.m. The first class is FREE! For more information call 830-612-3735.

Lakehills residents turn out for night out By Marlene Heavner BCC Staff Published Aug. 11, 2005 This is the look of satisfaction after a big ice cream cone has been consumed at Lakehills' National Night Out on Tuesday, August 2. (Stevie Rae Leutzinger) Photo by Marlene Heavner Orea and Cookie, two CCPAL dogs ready for adoption enjoyed Nite Out in Lakehills. Don Strader, as a fire fighter and board member of the Medina Lake Volunteer Fire Department, offered some very valuable information regarding preventative measures for homeowners.    Last Tuesday, National Night Out brought some visitors to the Medina Lake Volunteer Fire Department for a little community awareness. D.C. Brown, retired from the United States Navy, has been working with the Bandera Boys and Girls Club helping to reach our teenagers through information and counciling. The literature that was available for perusal was written in both English and Spanish and included various inportant tips for both kids and their parents.     The Bandera Sheriff's department was represented well with Carey Poe and deputies David Chupp and Alan Tucker on hand to answer questions regarding our county's safety rules and regulations.     Jackie Patrick manned the table for voter registrations offering assistance to folks who hadn't already registered or to people who had either moved or had married and had changed their names.     CCPAL was well represented with information and pictures for those visitors wanting to know more about pet care and pets available for adoption. They also brought along the flannel board demonstration showing children what happens to a dog that has been lost or abandoned.     Don Strader, as a fire fighter and board member of the Medina Lake Volunteer Fire Department, offered some very valuable information regarding preventative measures for homeowners. Strader said that a definate hazard for the fire fighters in Lakehills is the dense vegetation around the homes and lanes leading to the homes. He advises the homeowners to cut back the cedars and the vegetation around their homes and on the lanes near their houses. If the vegetation and cedars are cleared the firefighters are given a better chance of containing the fires.     The evening was hot and humid so when the women arrived with the ice cream and cones, they were welcomed with open arms.

Lakehills church sets grand opening Published Aug. 11, 2005    Faith Tabernacle Church, at 7789 FM 1283 in Lakehills, will host a grand opening celebration on Sunday, Aug. 14, beginning at 10 a.m.     The church is eager to share its new 10,000- square-foot building with members and visitors and welcomes everyone. Faith Tabernacle is a spirit-filled, nondenominational church.     Lunch will be served immediately following the service. Adult plates ate $6 and children's plates (for those 10 and under) are $4. Everyone is invited to stay for lunch.     Sunday services at Faith Tabernacle begin at 10 a.m. Wednesday Bible study times are announced. The first Saturday youth service in the new building will be held on Saturday, Aug. 20, beginning at 5 p.m.

Lakehills United Methodist host 5th annual fish fry By Carol Smith Story ran March 24, 2005    The Lakehills United Methodist Church will host its 5th annual fish fry, auction, games and more festival on Saturday, April 2 at the Lakehills Civic Center, on PR 37, beginning at 11 a.m.     The fundraiser is becoming a Medina Lake-area tradition. Great food, live music, a silent and live auction and games for children offer entertainment for the entire family. Food will be served until it runs out. The bake sale will include sugar-free items. The newest addition to the festival is a large flea market. Live and silent auctions begin at 1 p.m. as well as the free children's games and book sales to keep the children busy while the grownups bid on auction items.     Plates consist of fresh, crispy fried catfish, cornbread, pinto beans, coleslaw and French fries. Adult plates are $6.50. Children's plates are $3.50. Dessert of freshly baked peach cobbler and ice cream will be available for $1.50. Meal tickets will be sold in advance at the church at a savings of 50 cents per plate. These presale meal tickets will be sold on Sunday, March 27 at the church.     Proceeds from the LUMC fish fry festival are used to provide support for the community-wide outreach programs including the Tuesday afternoon after-school TWIGS program, the Monday night free meal "Bread of Life" and the ever-important youth group as well as many others. LUMC is dedicated to providing these much-needed faithbased programs to the entire Lakehills area.     Donations are currently being gratefully and graciously accepted for the live and silent auctions, flea market and book sale. Auction items already accepted include several famous artists' prints including Jim Daley's "Dominoes" and Frank McCarthey's "The Hostile Land." Donations also include a floor model organ, a boat, 100 gallons of grass, many types of crosses, hand-crocheted afghans, wrought iron lamps and more. The Lakehills Art Gallery will frame purchased artists' prints. Monetary donations are always appreciated. The cut-off date for making donations is March 31. A list of auction items and donors will be displayed.     Local and regional businesses will receive name recognition with both the large local congregation and the general Medina Lake community. Businesses may also be featured in select advertising venues.     Flea market items could include good, usable, gently worn items including furniture, appliances, home decorations and knick-knacks. All donations are fully tax deductible. Gift certificate forms are available through the church to make a donation as easy as filling in a form and returning it. Or bring the donation to the church during regular office hours before the event.     Volunteers are needed to help before, during and after the festival. To make a donation or volunteer, call Doris Keslar at 830-751-2118, Jan Kuemmerle at 830-751-2034 or the LUMC office at 830-751-2404 during office hours of 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.