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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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Mr. Smith goes to Medina’s gem of a community library by Judith Pannebaker BCC Editor Published April 17, 2008 Medina Community Library Board President Gilbert Bower presented Rep. Lamar Smith with the "Bookworm Award" for securing $295,000 in Congressional appropriation funding for the Bandera County libraries. Staff Photo by Judith Pannebaker    Although a self-described bibliophile, District 21 Rep. Lamar Smith hadn’t visited the Medina Community Library until Sunday, April 12, after Gilbert Bower, president of the library board of directors, made the book-lovin’ Congressman an offer he couldn’t refuse.     Bower invited Smith to speak to donors, volunteers, board members and staff during the library’s 2007 Donor Appreciation Party, which capped the recent sustaining fundraising campaign.     Library board member Jim Harris described the fundraising effort as “the most successful one yet.”     According to Randy Solis, library director, who came onboard in January, $33,000 was raised between last October and December. “We had approximately 150 donors – more than half of them were from outside the Medina community,” he said, adding, “Donations ranged from one dollar to $7,000.”     Accompanied by Annalise Gonzalez, constituent services liaison from his San Antonio office, Smith wended his way to Bandera County and spent a portion of a perfect Hill Country afternoon with community leaders at Medina’s gem of a library. A suitably impressed Smith described the “library” as warm, open, spacious and inviting.     No stranger to library financing, the Congressman had earlier secured $295,000 in earmark appropriations for the Bandera County library system, presenting County Judge Richard Evans with a symbolic check in January.     However, no funds have yet been doled out to the libraries, according to Solis, who expects his bibliothèque to receive approximately a third of the appropriations. Commissioners are still exploring several options for dispersal of the funds, Smith said, which might include parceling out a portion of the money annually over a designated period. Smith added that commissioners might establish an endowment with the nearly $300,000 and allocate libraries a portion of the interest each year.     After a quick tour through the library, which Bower described as “the hub of the community,” Smith referenced a tome he discovered in the Texana and genealogical stacks. “Big Bend Chronicles” triggered an episode that occurred in 1987 during his stint as a fledgling Congressman.     “In my first year in Congress, the 44 freshman competed to see who could get the first bill passed,” Smith recalled. His proposed bill would have expanded Big Bend National Park by 40 percent –an impressive undertaking for a nascent legislator. According to Smith, his closest competitor was now-Senator Jon Kyl who sponsored an “insignificant dinky little bill that had something to do with his home state, Arizona.” As luck would have it, however, Congress approved Kyle’s bill one week before Smith’s – timing which still serves as a source of irritation. “It still chaffs me that I lost that competition,” he grumbled.     Smith also regaled the crowd by with an “only in Bandera” incident that had occurred several years ago prior to a public meeting in the Cowboy Capital.     He and his then district director, Olene Stone, were having lunch at Busbee’s Bar-B-Que at a table that afforded them a bird’s eye view of Main Street. “We heard a racket outside and the next thing we knew, a crowd of people were headed down the sidewalk.” According to Smith, a longhorn had apparently escaped his trailer and was headed down Main – oblivious to the “circus” trailing him, which included a wrangler with a lasso, a patrol car with lights flashing and, of course, the now-empty trailer.     Smith said, “The parade continued down the street and everything went back to normal.” But not for long, however, as the longhorn had somehow turned himself around, forcing everyone to follow him back up Main Street.     Eventually, the longhorn was lassoed – conveniently, as it turned out, – in front of the building where the Congressman’s meeting was scheduled. Smith added, “It was quite an interesting way to get people to the meeting.”     In the same vein, he ventured he is probably the only member of Congress to sport a pair of longhorns mounted on his office wall. “When my sister and I graduated from high school, we were given a pair of longhorn calves,” Smith said, adding, “Mine lived until he was 25.” Parenthetically, he noted the horns that now grace his wall were donated from his sister’s steer because “they were bigger than mine.” In closing, Smith invited everyone at the library to come to DC and take a gander at his longhorn decorative accessories. He also offered his assistance should any local need help in “prying open any governmental doors.”     Medina residents likewise let Smith know he was always welcome in their community – with or without appropriate library appropriations.

Library articles available in this section of the on-line Courier:

Medina Library Schedule	Book Reviews
Mr. Smith goes to Medina’s gem of a community library	Published April 17, 2008
Alkek finances 'Hog' cost	Published March 13, 2008
Free income tax preparation available locally	Published Feb. 7, 2008
Lamar Smith – ‘have money will travel’	Published Jan. 17, 2008
Smith to assist county libraries	Published Dec. 27, 2007
Lakehills Area Library hosts first book signing	Published Dec. 13, 2007
‘Puka the Moose’ author slated for Bandera County Library	Published Nov. 29, 2007
A world full of knowledge at the Medina Library	Published Sept. 13, 2007
Animal Week at Medina Community Library	Published July 26, 2007
It’s beginning to look a lot like Poland Images of Silesia Poland on display at library	Published July 26, 2007
Memorial plaque dedicated at library	Published July 19, 2007
Bandera County libraries in line for $200K grant	Published July 19, 2007
Library celebrates three years	Published June 14, 2007
Summer reading program	Published June 14, 2007
Medina Library Open House Sunday	Published June 7, 2007
Mr. Puppet Coming to the Bandera Public Library	Published June 7, 2007
Summer Safety Tips at library	Published May 3, 2007
Medina Library elects board Receives new books	Published March 8, 2007
Medina River Reading Club to meet Feb. 20	Published Feb. 15, 2007
Lakehills Library News	Published Feb. 15, 2007
'Butterflies and Native Plants' Program at Medina Community Library	Published Feb. 8, 2007
Lakehills Library News	Published Jan. 25, 2007
Library articles published in 2006	Library articles published in 2005

Alkek finances 'Hog' cost Published March 13, 2008 Staff Photo by David Arny    A check for $30,000 was given to the Bandera County Library Sunday, March 9 by the Albert and Margaret Alkek Foundation, adding to the generous donations that organization has made to the library in the past. The money will go to finance this year’s Wild Hog Explosion, March 15 at Mansfield Park, the library’s biggest fundraiser of the year.     By underwriting the benefit, the Alkek Foundation’s grant will make it possible for all proceeds from the annual event to go into the library’s endowment project, said Billy Walker (center), president of the library’s board of directors. Board member Michael Johnson, Friends of the Library President Sully Woodland, Walker, vice president Mary Conley and library director John Hagemeier were on hand to accept the gracious contribution to one of Bandera’s most important assets.

Free income tax preparation available locally Published Feb. 7, 2008    Does the thought of preparing and filing your income tax forms cause you to break out in hives? Don’t despair. The folks at the Bandera County Public Library can help.     The AARP Tax-Aide program will again provide free help preparing and filing individual income tax returns from 10 am through 3 pm, beginning Tuesday, Feb 5, and continuing each Tuesday during the same hours through April 15. Services will be available at the library, 515 Main Street.     There are no income or age restrictions, and service will be offered on a first come, first served basis.     Services include assistance with tax questions, completion of IRS forms 1040EZ, 1040A and 1040 with schedules A, B, C-EZ, D EIC, and R. Taxpayers are asked to bring a copy of last year’s tax return, photo ID and Social Security card.     Volunteers preparing tax returns are not IRS employees, but they have been certified by AARP after attending training and passing certification tests.     Free electronic filing will also be offered. This service provides increased accuracy and accelerated refunds that can be deposited into bank accounts within 10 days after filing.     For more information, call Vernon Markworth at 830-537-5248 or email vernonm@gvtc.com.

Lamar Smith – ‘have money will travel’ by Judith Pannebaker BCC Editor Published Jan. 17, 2008 Holding up their favorite things – books – librarians and representatives of the Bandera County’s federated library system joined Rep. Lamar Smith to celebrate the recent earmark of $195,000 for local bibliophiles. Joining 35 other participants at the ceremony were Director Lakehills Community Library Director Dorothy Steelman, Director Bandera County Public Library Director John Hegemier, Smith and Medina Community Library representative David Lackey. Staff Photo by Judith Pannebaker    In the style of an old-time politician, District 21 United States Representative Lamar Smith happily brought home the bacon to his book-loving constituents last week. On Wednesday, Jan. 9, he met with directors and representatives from the three Bandera County community libraries and symbolically presented them with $195,000 – courtesy of Uncle Sam.     The funds were included in the annual appropriations bill that recently passed the House of Representatives and was signed by President George W. Bush.     “This is an example of one of the ‘good’ earmarks that can be included in appropriations bills,” Smith told the more than 35 people who gathered at the Bandera County Public Library for the event. “Bad earmarks – the ones you usually hear about – are tacked on in the dark of night and only benefit a few people. However, this type of earmark helps constituents and is used for the public good,” he explained.     The funds were granted to the Bandera County Public Library, Medina Community Library and Lakehills Community Library. Bandera County libraries rely on donations, grants and funding from the commissioners court to operate facilities and provide library services to county residents.     In his introduction of Smith, County Judge Richard Evans said he and the congressman had worked on obtaining this money for a year. “A good library system is the basis of a good country,” Evans said. “It allows people to learn about history and hopefully not make the same mistakes as were made in the past.”     In turn, Smith expressed surprise at the amount of the allotted funds. “We did really well this year. Normally, we receive only a fraction of what we requested, but this time, we got more money than expected.” The $195,000, he said, would be used to purchase equipment and books.     During the Thursday, Jan. 10, meeting of the commissioners court, Evans added the funds could not be used for capital improvement or salaries. He indicated representatives to the county federated library system would meet to determine how to distribute the largesse. Loy Ed Alanis of the Lakehills Community Library serves as president of the federated system. Evans said the group might explore the legality of depositing the $195,000 into an endowment account and using the interest for purchasing books.     In an earlier press release, Smith had stated, “Since reading plays an instrumental role in education, it’s vital that all children have access to books. These funds will increase that access.”     During the presentation, he called libraries “the nucleus of a community.” Smith recalled taking his children to the library every Saturday when they were 5- and 7-years-old.     “I probably shouldn’t say this, but when my children were small, I bribed them to read. Instead of an allowance, I paid them five cents per page. If they read 100 pages, they got $5 and that was a lot back then.”     Smith went on to say for the first several years, his children read strictly for the money, but eventually they began reading for the love of it and to learn. “Reading certainly helped them do better in school,” he added.     Another sheepish “confession” concerned his continued allegiance to a library in Comal County. His confession also revealed a secret Smith vice.     “The library has a collection of videos of the old television program, ‘Have Gun Will Travel,’ Smith explained. “Every two weeks, they send me a cassette and I watch the four episodes included on it. I return the tape and they send me another one. That’s just one way I can keep a connection with a community library.”     To a query from Evans, Smith confirmed the county could apply for additional funds next year – albeit for a different project.     “Perhaps we can apply to use the funds for law enforcement,” he said, adding he would rather the money not have to be used for flood clean-up as it was a decade ago.     In conclusion, Smith exhorted library personnel to use the funds wisely by “buying lots of wonderful books and upgrading computer systems.” He cautioned, however, “Don’t feel you need to buy videos of ‘Have Gun Will Travel’.”

Smith to assist county libraries Published Dec. 27, 2007 U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith (District 21) represents Bandera County in Washington    Texas District 21 Congressman Lamar Smith has announced that he has obtained $195,000 to help fund Bandera County's three community libraries.     The funds were included in the annual appropriations bill that recently passed in the House of Representatives.     "These funds will be used to enhance the collections at each library and extend operating hours," said Smith.     "There is nothing more valuable to an individual than a good education, and there is nothing more valuable to a community than an educated populace. Libraries play a fundamental role in that process."     The funds will eventually be distributed to the Bandera County Public Library, Medina Community Library and Lakehills Library Association. Bandera County libraries rely on donations, grants and funding from the commissioners court to operate facilities and provide library services to county residents.     "Since reading plays an instrumental role in education, it's vital that all children have access to books. These funds will increase that access," Smith added.     This legislation will now be sent to President George W. Bush for his signature. All funding, however, is subject to a small across the board rescission.     According to Wikipedia, in American government, rescission authority, granted in the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974, rests with the president.     The president can force Congress to vote on rescinding — or permanently withholding — already appropriated funds. The average amount presidents have requested since 1974 has been approximately $15 billion.

Lakehills Area Library hosts first book signing Published Dec. 13, 2007 Merry Banks    Lakehills Area Library, 7200 FM 1283, will host its first "meet and greet the author" from 9:30 am until 11:30 am Saturday, Dec. 15, when children's author Merry Banks will present and sign her latest children's book, "N is for Navidad."     Described as a "Tex-Mex Christmas book," the book features a Spanish word on every page and a glossary in the back. The story concerns a Latino family celebrating the Christmas season starting with Las Posadas on Dec. 16, going to Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, eating tamales on New Year's Eve and leaving their shoes out to get treats from tres reyes on Three King's Day, Jan. 6.     A native of San Antonio, Banks received a Bachelor of Arts degree in drama from the University of North Texas. She lives in Alameda, California, with her husband, Jim; daughter, Jamie; and a flat-coated retriever, Thunder. This is her sixth children's book.     Banks co-wrote the book with her friend, Susan Middleton Elya. A former Spanish teacher, Elya has authored 30 children's books. The book was published by Chronicle Books and illustrated by award winning artist, Joe Cepeda.     Banks' mother, Lee Fields, a resident of Lakehills, made arrangements for the book signing event at the Lakehills Area Library. "We are grateful for her support of our library," said a library spokesman.     Fields added, "Merry loves coming to Texas to visit family and friends — and eat tamales."     For more information on the book signing, call 830-510-2777.

‘Puka the Moose’ author slated for Bandera County Library Published Nov. 29, 2007    Book enthusiasts listen up!     The Bandera County Public Library, 515 Main Street, will host local author Silk Waters Mooney at a “Meet The Author” social and book reading from 1 pm to 2 pm, Thursday, Dec. 6.     Mooney will present one of her recent publications, “Puka The Moose,” an inspirational tale geared toward middle school age to adult readers. According to Mooney, there’s an assumption that “Puka The Moose” was written for children only. However, she said, she crafted the book for “the child within everyone.”     She described the story as how life’s pain and can cause hearts to shut down, leading to unfulfilled lives.     “By keeping our hearts open, regardless of the lessons we face every day, life becomes a kaleidoscope of wonder and mystery,” Mooney explained. “‘Puka the Moose’ is a story that all will enjoy, bringing laughter, tears and sometimes, just a little wisdom.”     The reading is free and open to the public.     “Let’s support our local artists,” suggested a library spokesman. For more information, call 830-796-4213.

A world full of knowledge at the Medina Library By Mikie Baker BCC Contributor Published Sept. 13, 2007    Nearly six years ago, the Medina Community Library opened its doors for business. With community donations, foundation grants, and support from individuals, the former IGA grocery store was transformed into a hub for learning and education.     "Before we built the library, the original building was used by a variety of businesses including an appliance store, a video store and at one point, a hall for square dancing," laughed Sue Tracy. "Where the garden stands today, there once stood a pharmacy. Seems like this place has always drawn the people of Medina.     "Our library serves the community with basic library services and a large collection of books including categories such as reference, genealogy, and local history. We have inter-library loan with other libraries as well as T-1 Internet connection, provided through the Medina ISD.     We also send and receive faxes for $1 per page, have a copy machine and our computers are tied into the printer," explained Tracy.     Another interesting service the library offers is the meeting room in the back. Anyone can use the room as long as the intended purpose is nonprofit, non-political, noncommercial or nondenominational. Simply call to make a reservation.     Located right outside the meeting room is the wall-mounted defibrillator donated by the Medina EMS Support Team for Medina's use.     Even if you've not had occasion to spend time at the Medina Community Library, you've probably noticed the beautiful garden on the side of the building.     "We've tried to create a garden that demonstrates the variety of native plants in the area. With over 130 species planted and a library plant map as your guide, you can gain some great plant knowledge here," said Tracy.     "The front area is a meditation garden to the memory of Mary Ann Blum, a weekend resident and medical scientist who died at age 47 after a brief illness. Her husband and around 100 other contributors donated the money for 'Poco's Place' in remembrance of her."     The library must be a great place to work, too, as staffers have been there since the beginning.     "We have wonderful people here, including Sylvia Rogers and the recently retired Beth Massa. Four regular volunteers are Sarah Watson, Judy Moore, Donna Payne and her daughter Sondra Payne, who also holds down a full time job in San Antonio. I don't know what we'd do without these ladies," beamed Tracy.     Medina Community Library hours are Monday and Thursday, 10 am until 6 pm; Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 10 am until 5 pm; and Saturday 10 am until 1 pm. Everyone of all ages is welcome. For more information on upcoming programs, check the weekly listing in the Courier or give the library a call at 830-589-2825.

Animal Week at Medina Community Library Published July 26, 2007    The Medina Community Library will host “Animal Week,” a four-morning program, Monday through Thursday, Aug. 6-9.     Each session will feature different animals and information about them. Hours will be 10 to 11:30 am each morning.     Monday, Aug. 6, Tim Cole from the Austin Reptile Service will show 18 different snakes and tell about the reptiles in the area.     Tuesday, Aug. 7, the Birdsong family from Tarpley will show bring their miniature horses.     Wednesday, Aug. 8, Clyde Holekamp's mobile dairy farm operation will visit.     Thursday, Aug. 9, Last Chance Forever will bring hawks and other birds of prey.     This library-sponsored program is geared toward (but not limited to) children of elementary school age. It is presented at no cost to participants, but we do ask that parents pre-register each child as soon as possible, indicating on which days you plan for them to attend. Forms are available at the library. Space may be limited.     Call the library at 830-589-2825 for questions.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Poland Images of Silesia Poland on display at library by Judith Pannebaker BCC Staff Writer Published July 26, 2007 Bandera County Public Library Director John Hegemier (left), along with members of the library board of directors, Marshall Clayton and Mary Conley, examine photographs submitted in the scenic category of the Polish Photo Contest, sponsored by the Bandera County Courier. Staff Photo by Judith Pannebaker    Unwilling to relinquish memories of their summer Polish Adventure, several members of the Bandera County Cowboy Capital Group’s recent jaunt to Bandera’s Sister City-County, Strzelce Opolskie, Poland, have submitted photographs for the Polish Photo Contest, sponsored by the Bandera County Courier.     The stunning images of faraway places in each of six categories are on display now through Thursday, August 2, at the Bandera County Public Library, 515 Main Street. Prior to the exhibit’s conclusion, five contest judges will examine the pictures and decide on the winning submissions. Winners in each category, as well as a grand prize winner, will be announced at a reception, beginning at 5:30 pm, on August 2, at the library. County Judge Richard Evans will present certificates to winners in each category and a trophy to the grand prize winner.     According to contest rules, all photographic submissions must have been taken during the June trip to Silesia Poland. Categories include scenic, which involves the countryside, rivers, mountains, farms and forests; nature, encompassing flowers, plants, crops and animals; human interest, which includes Polish people and members of the Bandera group, as well as special events; historical architecture, such as cathedrals, churches, castles, houses, buildings and old structures; Polish culture, comprised of singers, dancers and Corpus Christi in Rozmierz; and special effects, such as renderings of shadows, silhouettes and reflections, among other images.     Contest entrants were Dorothy Batto, Chelsea Crenshaw, Roy Dugosh, Bruce Eliker, Elenora Goodley, Erin Gray, Debbie Harrison, Theresa Helbert, David Jureczki, Darla King, Emily King and Alice Ann Nix.     Regardless of the outcome of the contest, everyone who has seen the submissions agree all entries are spectacular. Library Director John Hegemier and Bandera County Courier Publisher Gail Joiner invite the public to peruse the photographs and attend the August 2 awards reception at the library.

Bandera County libraries in line for $200K grant Published July 19, 2007 U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith (District 21) represents Bandera County in Washington    District 21 US Representative Lamar Smith is making strides to obtain $200,000 for Bandera County’s three community libraries.      The funds were included in the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Bill recently approved by the appropriations committee, according to Smith.     “These funds will enhance the collections at each library and extend operating hours,” he said. “There is absolutely nothing more valuable to an individual than a good education, and there is nothing more valuable to a community than an educated populace. Libraries play a fundamental role in that process.”     “On behalf of the citizens of Bandera County, I would like to personally thank Congressman Smith and his staff for securing funding for our county federated library system,” said Bandera County Judge Richard Evans. “This grant benefits all our citizens – young and old, rural and urban. It also enables the libraries to expand services to the public. Again, thank you for leadership and commitment to the people you serve.”     The funds are earmarked for the Bandera County Public Library, Medina Community Library and Lakehills Library Association.     All libraries rely on donations, grants and funding from the Bandera County Commissioners Court to operate their facilities and provide library services to the residents of Bandera County. “Since reading plays an instrumental role in education, it’s vital that all children have access to books,” Smith added. “These funds will increase that access.”     The bill is now headed to the House floor for consideration.

Memorial plaque dedicated at library Published July 19, 2007    The late Dolores Neuser, former treasurer of the Friends of the Bandera County Library organization, was honored Saturday, July 14, at the unveiling of a memorial plaque dedicated to her. The inscription reads, "In memory of Dolores Neuser, a friend of the library and a friend to all who knew her."     Those attending the ceremony included (from left) Betty Thomas, Kathy Marinelli, Sully Woodland, Bob Neuser Jr., Mary Conley and Pat Robbins. Marinelli and Neuser are the daughter and son of Bob and Dolores Neuser.

Library celebrates three years Published June 14, 2007 Some of the donors and volunteers who came to celebrate with the library June 10. Photos by Clare Barnett Elaine Derby entertained at the library celebrations. Two of her daughters performed with her.    Medina’s library celebrated the work by volunteers for its first three years Sunday, June 10. The organization also thanked those who donated to the facility.     Several volunteers contributed between three and six hours each week on circulation desk year-in and year-out since the library first opened.     Judy Moore and Donna Payne have each dedicated more than 2,000 hours to library duties on circulation desk; Sara Watson, over 1,000 hours.     Moore also deserves much credit for the library's children's collections, and for the Accelerated Reader and other children's programs. Sara keeps careful track of all circulations. Payne is responsible for the changing seasonal decorations that brighten the library. Her daughter Sondra, after working a full-time job in San Antonio, also volunteers on the desk each Saturday she can.     A number of other individuals contribute special skills and experience to benefit the library, including RN Elinor Vandergriff, who offers blood pressure monitoring for library patrons. Medina Genealogical and Historical Society members maintain local cemetery records and regularly update a file of obituary notices relating to Medina residents, thus preserving valuable information about our townís past history for future generations. John Rogers, and Medina Garden Nursery owners Ysmael Espinoza and Ernesto Carino help keep the library's native plant garden from going too wild.

Summer reading program Published June 14, 2007    The library is sponsoring a Summer Accelerated Reader reading program for elementary school age children, in conjunction with the Medina School library. Participating children just need to register at the circulation desk, then may proceed at their own pace. Current students already enrolled at the school, incoming students, homeschoolers, summer visitors and guests are invited. As before, points may count for class credit, and the library will have prizes and awards, and an ice-cream party in August for all participants.

Medina Library Open House Sunday Published June 7, 2007    The Medina Community Library will hold an open house Sunday, June 10, from 3-5 pm, to honor the library's 2006 donors and to recognize core volunteers who have contributed much to the library's success since it opened in 2001.      Refreshments will be served throughout the afternoon, with entertainment and announcements at 4 pm.

Mr. Puppet Coming to the Bandera Public Library Published June 7, 2007    The summer reading program will start Monday, June 11, at the Bandera Public Library and Mr. Puppet will be the opening performer for this year's program.     Mr. Puppet, a professional ventriloquist/puppeteer since 1997, will tell stories, perform silly magic and lead sing-a-longs, all done with puppets. The session begins at 10 am.     As an added incentive to participate in this year's summer reading program all participants will be invited to attend a pizza party the last Friday of July.     Future programs are Jungle Jims Bugs Monday, June 17, at 10 am and Joe McDermott with songs and stories, Friday, June 22, 10 am. The program Monday June 29, beginning at 10:30 am will be announced.     The pizza party for program participants will be Friday, July 27, at noon in the library courtyard.

Summer Safety Tips at library Submitted by Beth Massa Published May 3, 2007    The Medina Community Library will sponsor a special storytime program at Medina Library Monday, May 7, entitled, "Summer Safety Tips." The program for preschoolers begins at 10 am.     Fun stories about summer safety will be offered including The Berenstain Bears on Vacation and Officer Buckle and Gloria.     A guest EMT will help teach hands-on first aid. Children will learn how to treat burns, stay hydrated, get bandaged and listen to their hearts.     Lemonade and cookies will be furnished for a snack. Children will received a free McGruff Safety Coloring Book to take home.     Call the library at 830-589-2825 with any questions.

Medina Library elects board Receives new books Contributed Published March 8, 2007    The Medina Library's board elected its slate of directors and officers for the 2007 term at its January meeting This year's board is comprised of Jim Harris, President; Gilbert Bower, Vice-President and Secretary; Judy Pierce, Treasurer; Perry Lane; Karen Schenck; and two new board members, David Lackey and Sissy Garrison.     The board took the opportunity to present plaques of appreciation to Thelma Gallant, who retired from the board at the end of 2006, and to Judy Moore and Shirley Klepfer, whose terms ended this year after serving on the board since the library's inception. "The library owes much of its success, and a debt of gratitude, to all three," a spokesperson said in the library's newsletter.     Klepfer, a co-founder of the library, was the first board president. In addition, she has been much involved with special programs for children. Judy Moore also served as president; has been (and continues as) a circulation-desk mainstay, coordinator of summer reading programs, and a steadfast advocate for children's education, assuring that service to our area young people remains a primary library priority. Thelma Gallant has also contributed much to the board, with her unique perspective based on long experience in education, her broad knowledge of the Medina community, and a personal interest in genealogy and local history.     The library's funding comes from the yearly grant from Bandera County, which finances the county's three libraries. This covers much of the cost of basic library operations. However, the Medina Library relies on financial support from friends to expand services and programs, and to keep the collection of materials current and relevant to Medina's increasingly diverse population.     The library has also received grants from the Tocker Foundation, a private charitable foundation based in Austin with unique focus on encouragement and assistance to small rural libraries in Texas, supported the library both during our initial campaign and in the 2003 expansion. The library's shelving and furnishings were all purchased through Tocker funds, which also helped fund our opening collection.     The Medina Library was chosen to receive an unexpected gift from Tocker: a selection of some 20 new library books from publishers in the Texas A&M Press Consortium.     The books, which arrived last week, range from low-fat Mexican cuisine, to the story of the recovery of LaSalle's sunken ship, from the latest Texas Almanac to Lynn Cuny's stories of rescued animals, an Elmer Kelton novel, photographic studies of Texas architecture, county courthouses and jails. These titles enhance the library's growing collection of library materials relating to Texas.     The library board's next meeting is Wednesday, March 14, beginning at 5 p.m.

Medina River Reading Club to meet Feb. 20 Published Feb. 15, 2007    The Medina River Reading Club will hold its next monthly meeting Tuesday, Feb. 20, at 11 a.m. at the Medina Community Library.     With emphasis for Valentine's month on love, the discussion will feature an historical romance - Love is a Wild Assault, by Elithe Hamilton Kirkland. Copies of this book are available at the library, at Hastings, and through on-line booksellers.

Lakehills Library News by Shirley Brundridge, Board Member 7200 FM 1283, Lakehills, TX 830-510-2777 Published Feb. 15, 2007    Board of Directors     Do you have a passion for the library and are you willing to work hard? If so, you might be interested in serving on our Board. Applications for Board positions are available at the library. The public is invited to attend our Annual Board Election Meeting Wednesday, March 14, at 3 p.m. Several positions on the board will be voted on at that time.     Children's Storytime     Storytime for young children is held on both Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the library. The benefits of reading aloud to children are many, including making it easier for them to develop speech and increasing their vocabulary and pronunciation skills. Also, a structured situation such as Storytime helps them to focus and listen to one central person – preparing a pre-schooler for the school environment.     As children get older they will read on their own and build on the interest and experience of being read to for years. This will often set off a life-long interest and aptitude in reading which will prove invaluable to them throughout their formative school years, through college and beyond.     For Word Junkies     GERRYMANDER – How did we get the word "gerrymander"?     Elbridge Gerry, a Democrat, was Governor of Massachusetts in 1812 and had a Democratic legislature serving with him. In order to secure increased representation in the State Senate they redistributed the state, dividing it up so that the Federalist minority would not be able to elect a true percentage of the legislature. As a result of this, a district in Essex County was formed with a very irregular outline.     Benjamin Russell, editor of the "Columbian Centinel," hung a map of the new districts in his office.     Gilbert Stuart, the painter, saw this map and noticed the peculiar outline of the district in Essex County; he added a head, wings and claws to it and exclaimed: "That will do for a salamander."     "No," said Russell, "Gerrymander." Thus, to redistribute a state to get the maximum possible representation for one party at the expense of the other came to be called "gerrymandering."     To think about when you close the cover     Eleven-year-old Zlata Filipovic, like so many girls her age, kept a diary in 1991. "We gave ourselves a treat today," she wrote one July day. "We picked the cherries off the tree in the yard and ate them all up. We had watched it blossom and its small green fruits slowly turn red and now here we were eating them. Oh, you're a wonderful cherry tree!"     Zlata's words read like any young girl's whimsical musings. But this innocent summer activity held a much deeper meaning: Zlata wrote the diary entry in the midst of war in her hometown of Sarajevo. "I miss fruit a lot," she continued. "In these days of war in Sarajevo, there is no basic food or any of the other things a person needs, and there is no fruit. But now I can say that I ate myself silly on cherries."     That simple pleasure brought tremendous joy to a girl who witnessed brutality daily. Simple pleasures can do that if we take the time to appreciate what the moment offers.

'Butterflies and Native Plants' Program at Medina Community Library Published Feb. 8, 2007 Naturalist Bill Lindemann will be the featured speaker at Medina Library Feb. 10. Photo courtesy Susan Crawford Tracy Texas Crescent butterfly on mistflower.    Medina Community Library will host a special program Saturday, Feb. 10, at 2 p.m., entitled "Butterflies and Native Plants: Friends or Foes?" The program will explore the essential yet sometimes antagonistic relationship between butterflies to be found in our local area, and the host plants on which they depend at different stages of their life cycle.     The program speaker, Bill Lindemann, is a knowledgeable and enthusiastic naturalist with wide-ranging interests in the natural world. A retired Exxon engineer, he has served twice as president of the Native Plant Society of Texas and is currently working on a photographic book on the native plants of Texas. In addition to his recent butterfly research, he is also an avid birder and has written a regular newspaper column on birding for a number of years.     The sponsoring group for this program, the Bandera Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas, is one of thirty local chapters of NPSOT, a state organization devoted to the protection, preservation and utilization of our native plants and plant communities, through education, outreach and example.     The program, which will be held in the library's Community Meeting Room, is free and open to the public as well as NPSOT members. For more information, contact Medina Library (589-2825) during regular hours: Monday and Thursday 10-6, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 10-5, and Saturday 10-1.

Lakehills Library News by Shirley Brundridge, Board Member 7200 FM 1283, Lakehills, TX 830-510-2777 Published Jan. 25, 2007    It is almost Valentine's Day and as most Lakehills' residents know, it's almost time for the Lakehills Library Annual Fundraiser. Our fundraiser this year will be held Saturday, Feb. 10, at a new location – the Lakehills Civic Center – so please mark your calendar and plan to join us for an evening of wonderful food and fun. This community has supported us fantastically in past years, so we're hoping this will be a record-breaking fundraiser.     Details     Our annual fundraiser will begin with a Spaghetti and Meatball Dinner served from 5 until 7 p.m. The dinner will include spaghetti and meatballs, salad, garlic bread, choice of dessert and drink for the same low cost of $6.50 for adults and $3 for children under 12. If you buy your tickets in advance at the library, the cost is only $6 for adults and $2.50 for children. What a bargain!     There will be a silent auction held from 5 until 6:45 p.m. and the live auction will begin after the food has been served. We have already received many great auction items, but we are still gratefully accepting donations of NEW items. If you have a new item to donate, please bring it to the library, or contact Cindy Stein (612-3250) for pick-up of larger items.     Many community businesses and individuals regularly support our annual fundraisers by donating items for auction and this year we will acknowledge all supporter donors by prominently displaying their names at the Feb. 10 fundraiser. Additionally, we will continue to display these names in the library for some time afterward to show our gratitude to our supporters. This is our only fundraiser, so we do our utmost to raise as much money as we can for the year to enable us to offer more programs to the community.     Please come out and support the library Feb. 10. You'll have a wonderful time!     Anyone interested?     The public is invited to attend our board meeting Wednesday, March 14, at 3 p.m. in the library meeting room. An annual election will be held at the meeting for three positions on the board and if you are interested in serving, please complete an application which is available at the library.     March Used Book Sale     You'll want to mark your calendar for the March Used Book Sale from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, March 3, since we're having a Two for One Sale (buy one book and get one free). During this book sale we will also be having a flea market with proceeds to benefit the library. So please come out and shop, shop, shop!     For Word Junkies     HUMBLE PIE – Why do we say an apologetic person "eats humble pie"?     It's because of a pun. The entrails of deer are called "umbles" and at one time these "umbles" were made into a pie which the servants and huntsmen of a lord ate – while the lord and his guests ate the carcass. So a person who humbled himself was said to "eat humble pie."     To think about when you close the cover     A man was lost while driving through the country. As he tried to read a map, he accidentally drove off the road into a ditch. Though he wasn't injured, his car was stuck deep in the mud, so the man walked to a nearby farm to ask for help.     "Warwick can get you out of that ditch," said the farmer, pointing to an old mule standing in a field. The man looked at the haggardly mule and looked at the farmer who just stood there repeating, "Yep, old Warwick can do the job." The man figured he had nothing to lose, so the two men and Warwick made their way back to the ditch.     The farmer hitched the mule to the car. With a snap of the reins he shouted, "Pull, Fred! Pull, Jack! Pull, Ted! Pull, Warwick!" And the mule pulled the car from the ditch with very little effort.     The man was amazed. He thanked the farmer, patted the mule and asked, "Why did you call out all of those names before you called Warwick?" The farmer grinned and said, "Old Warwick is just about blind. As long as he believes he's part of a team, he doesn't mind pulling."     - James Moore, Dimensions