Optimists honor Dusek	Published May 8, 2008
Chamber upcoming events	Published May 8, 2008
Christian fellowship to meet	Published May 8, 2008
CLR VFD to meet	Published May 8, 2008
Local CAP cadet aims high	Published May 1, 2008
Concerned Citizens meet Tuesday	Published May 1, 2008
Bandera Honors Veterans wants you	Published May 1, 2008
Fine Arts club to meet	Published May 1, 2008
Museum comes alive under consultant’s direction	Published April 24, 2008
Ribbon cutting Tuesday	Published April 24, 2008
Chamber mixer May 29	Published April 24, 2008
ISO: Memorial Day parade participants	Published April 24, 2008
AARP to meet Monday	Published April 24, 2008
Medina Cancer Support Group plans April 7 meeting	Published April 3, 2008
Bandera Business Association meets April 3	Published April 3, 2008
Kiwanis Club to meet April 10	Published April 3, 2008
BCRW – salads, sandwiches & scholarships	Published March 27, 2008
Full plates for members of Kiwanis Club	Published March 27, 2008
Bandera Honors Veterans to meet April 1	Published March 27, 2008
Concerned Citizens to meet April 1	Published March 27, 2008
Fine Arts meet April 1	Published March 27, 2008
Medina Rose Garden meets April 9	Published March 27, 2008
AARP meets Monday	Published March 20, 2008
Riverside Players schedule regular meetings	Published March 17, 2008
Garden Club to mull ‘organic matters’	Published March 20, 2008
JP Holt to speak to Kiwanis	Published March 13, 2008
BCRW to meet	Published March 13, 2008
Ranchers, landowners meeting announced	Published March 6, 2008
Bandera County Christian Fellowship meeting	Published March 6, 2008
Town meeting to discuss Cabaret Museum plans	Published Feb. 28, 2008
Medina cancer support group plans March programs	Published Feb. 28, 2008
PCCS CAP announces new commander	Published Feb. 28, 2008
Play tryouts tonight at Silver Sage	Published Feb. 28, 2008
Kiwanis meets today	Published Feb. 28, 2008
Air and ground forces come to the rescue at Triple H	Published Feb. 28, 2008
Little League receives lighting grant	Published Feb. 14, 2008
Cancer group hears about hospice	Published Feb. 14, 2008
BCRW February events	Published Feb. 7, 2008
Chamber winners announced	Published Feb. 7, 2008
'Naked Archaeologist' greets Kiwanis	Published Feb. 7, 2008
Bandera Business Association to meet Thursday	Published Feb. 7, 2008
Rose Garden Club of Medina to meet Wednesday	Published Feb. 7, 2008
Bandera County Christian Fellowship meets Wednesday	Published Feb. 7, 2008
Cancer support group meeting	Published Jan. 31, 2008
Fine Arts Club to meet Tuesday at BUMC	Published Jan. 31, 2008
Kiwanis Club meets Thursday	Published Jan. 24, 2008
BC Chamber’s comings & goings	Published Jan. 24, 2008
Upcoming Chamber events	Published Jan. 17, 2008
Chamber selects 2008 board, officers	Published Jan. 17, 2008
Williams receives CAP advanced training	Published Jan. 17, 2008
Angel Food distribution set	Published Jan. 17, 2008
Wreaths Across America ceremony	Published Jan. 3, 2008
Kiwanis Club meeting	Published Jan. 10, 2008
Upcoming chamber events	Published Jan. 10, 2008
Avocados on garden club 'menu'	Published Jan. 10, 2008
Clean highways aim of poster contest	Published Jan. 10, 2008
‘Mystery tour’ seminar set	Published Jan. 3, 2008
CAP Color Guard	Published Jan. 3, 2008
BMS student council donate to Spirits of Christmas	Published Jan. 3, 2008
Angel Food Ministries delivers in Lakehills	Published Jan. 3, 2008
Fine Arts Club to meet Tuesday	Published Jan. 3, 2008
Square dancing classes set at LHCC	Published Jan. 3, 2008
BCRW attend TFRW convention in El Paso	Published Jan. 3, 2008
BCRW events slated	Published Jan. 3, 2008
Organization articles from the second half of 2007	Organization articles from the first half of 2007
Organization articles from 2006	Organization articles from 2005

CLR VFD to meet Published May 8, 2008    Members of the Castle Lake Volunteer Fire Department will hold their monthly meeting on Thursday, May 8, at the Castle Lake firehouse, 3801 Bear Creek Road. A training session beggins at 6:30 pm, followed by the meeting at 7:30 pm.

Local CAP cadet aims high by David Arny BCC Staff Writer Published May 1, 2008 Captain Ilene Stevenson, Commander of the new Bandera County Civil Air Patrol Chapter 453, affixes Cadet Second Lieutenant Luke Williams’ PITS pin at the first meeting of the CAP’s new chapter No. 453. The Thursday, April 17, ceremony took place at the Boys and Girls Club on Maple Street and was followed by a reception. Cadet Second Lieutenant Luke Williams stood next to his dad, Senior Member Second Lieutenant Ralph Williams, after the young cadet’s promotion. Williams is the first enlisted cadet to achieve officer status in the Bandera chapter of the Civil Air Patrol. “He decided he wanted to join the CAP when he was 10 and he’s really stuck with it,” the retired Army Special Forces Sergeant Major said. “I’m real proud of him.”    Second Lieutenant Luke Williams of Pipe Creek recently became the first enlisted cadet in the Bandera County chapter of the Civil Air Patrol to earn officer status.     The ceremony honoring Williams’ achievement took place at the first meeting of BCCAP Squadron 453 Thursday, April 17, at the Bandera Boys and Girls Club. Captain Ilene Stephenson, group commander, presided over the meeting and the promotion ceremony.     The road from Cadet Sergeant to Cadet 2nd Lieutenant wasn’t an easy stroll for the 14-year-old Williams. Each new rank attained involves both written and physical training tests for aspiring volunteers who hope to advance through the military grades. The PT exam involves accumulating points for a timed one mile run, performing as many sit ups or push-ups as possible in one hour and a measured range of physical motion during an exercise called “Sit and Reach.”     Williams takes the sometimes arduous process in stride, noting the far-reaching rewards of participating in the CAP program.     “It teaches a lot of skills you can use later in life,” he said.     Two weeks after Williams’ promotion, he and nine of his fellow cadets participated in GTM3, or a Ground School Training Mission, on rugged terrain south of Bandera. Air Force Reserve Officers Maj. Greg Jensen and Lt. Col. Paul Rojas of Three Rivers, in addition to Stephenson, gave Squadron 453 some valuable field training over the weekend of April 26 and 27.     “The cadets learned to secure an injured person in a stretcher and transport them safely across rough ground, including steep rocky hillsides,” said Stephenson. “They were taught how to navigate by compass – the way it was done before Global Positioning Satellites. The lessons they learned will prepare them to help during disasters, either natural or man made.” Williams hopes to attend the United States Air Force Academy followed by a career as a fighter pilot. After talking to the earnest young man, it’s easy to picture him being first his class in Colorado Springs, or sitting at controls of an advanced warplane.     Williams’ career in the military would carry on a family tradition. His father, Ralph Williams, retired from the US Army as a Sergeant Major in Special Forces after serving tours in Vietnam.     According to the organization’s website at www.cap.gov, Civil Air Patrol is the volunteer, non-profit auxiliary of the US Air Force. The auxiliary develops cadets, educates Americans on the importance of aviation and space and performs live-saving humanitarian missions.     In addition, CAP builds strong citizens for the future by providing leadership training, technical education, scholarships and career education to young men and women, ages 12 to 21. Each year, at least 10 percent of the freshman class at the US Air Force Academy is made up of former CAP cadets.     It’s a cinch Williams, a self-possessed young lieutenant, will thrive in the Air Force. After all, he prefers MREs to Big Macs. For non-military readers, MRE translates as “meals, ready-to-eat.”

Concerned Citizens meet Tuesday Published May 1, 2008    Members of the Concerned Citizens of Bandera County will meet at 6:30 pm Tuesday, May 6, at Bandera County Public Library, 515 Main Street.     A discussion will be held on the 2008-2009 Bandera County budget and next year’s possible tax increase.     Bandera County Commissioners will begin their budget workshops in June or July. The Concerned Citizens of Bandera County urge taxpayers to stay informed and be ready to attend these workshops and share their thoughts with commissioners’ court. All members should attend this important meeting. In addition, the general public is invited to become part of this grassroots effort to promote transparency and efficiency in government.     For more information, contact Fidel C. Ramirez at 830-796-4376.

Bandera Honors Veterans wants you Published May 1, 2008    The Bandera Honors Veterans Committee will meet at 5 pm, Tuesday, May 6, at the Bandera County Public Library, 515 Main Street. All members are urged to attend this meeting.     The organization seeks volunteers to help with the Veterans Day event scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 8. Activities will take place around the Bandera County Courthouse, followed by a parade down Main Street.     You do not have to be a veteran to participate, and family members of veterans or active military are invited to help Bandera honor our veterans and active military this November.     For more details, contact Fidel C. Ramirez at 830-796-4376 or Horst Pallaske at 830-796-4821.

Fine Arts club to meet Published May 1, 2008    The final meeting of the Fine Arts Club of Bandera for 2007-2008 will begin at 6 pm, Tuesday, May 6, at The Farm Country Club on FM 2828.     The evening includes dinner and dancing with music by the world-renowned “The Almost Patsy Cline” band. Everyone is reminded to BYOB.     “It sounds like it should be a good time for all,” said a spokesman for the Fine Arts Club. “Hope to see you there for some good food and wonderful music.”

Museum comes alive under consultant’s direction By Dan Wise Special to the Courier Published April 24, 2008 Rebecca Norton with “friend” Staff Photo by Judith Pannebaker    Although Rebecca Norton might not described as bubbly, her enthusiasm for Bandera’s Frontier Times Museum is absolutely infectious.     Norton became the museum’s collections management consultant in 2006. Prior to that, she spent 12 years at the Witte Museum in San Antonio – the last four as director of collections, overseeing the museum’s 130,000 objects relating to history, natural science and art and textile.     Why would someone leave such a prestigious job at the Witte for the backwaters of Bandera? Certainly it was not for the money.     “It was the excitement,” Norton revealed. “I could see the potential in this wonderful little museum. I wanted to help make that potential a reality.”     And she’s on her way.     As Norton’s first goal, she is completing an inventory of the museum’s 18,000 objects – the first time this has been attempted since 1952. In less than two years, she has inventoried more than 7,000 pieces. In the process, she assigned identifying numbers to each object and created a file that included the object’s history, donor’s name and personal information and a photo of the object. Then the file was logged in the computer database. This process put about 25 percent of the collection on the museum’s website, so people can see a representative sample of the collection online.     During the inventory, Norton is also doing minor repairs to damaged articles. Seriously damaged prized artifacts are referred for professional conservation.     Objects showing signs of deterioration that are now receiving new life include paintings by Warren Hunter, FB Doane and B. Irwin; a number of historical documents; photographs; and textiles, including a civil war-era gown. One of the more notorious items to be conserved by Witte Museum textile specialists is a pair of slippers taken off the body of a female bootlegger who died in a car crash while trying to outrun the law.     All of this activity is preliminary to Norton’s dream of reorganizing the museum’s exhibits “so they tell the story of Bandera and the Texas Frontier by the way the objects are displayed.” Part of this reorganization includes showing “who J. Marvin Hunter was and why we have this museum.”     Norton said the museum’s next major fundraising effort will be creating new exhibits to showcase often overlooked treasures in the museum’s collection. “I want to create a ‘Frontier Justice’ section as part of the reorganization,” she said. “We already have the artifacts. They just need to be organized to tell the story.”     Norton has big dreams for the Frontier Times Museum, but she also has the savvy and skill to make those dreams come true.

Chamber mixer May 29 Published April 24, 2008    The Bandera County Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon cutting and mixer Thursday, May 29, at A & A Pro Auto, 539 Dallas Street beginning at 6 pm.     After the ribbon cutting, owner Terry Paradee will host the mixer with brisket and cold drinks on tap.

ISO: Memorial Day parade participants Published April 24, 2008    The Bandera County Chamber of Commerce is seeking participants for the Memorial Day Parade, set for Saturday, May 24, in downtown Bandera.     Line-up begins at 9:30 am at Bandera City Park with the parade kicking off down Main Street promptly at 11 am.     Entries will be judged during line-up and awards will be given out before the parade starts. Entrant categories include Chamber, city, festival, youth, Western mounted, horse drawn, vehicle club, commercial business and miscellaneous.     For more information, contact the Chamber’s Cerise Ripps at 830-796-3280.

AARP to meet Monday Published April 24, 2008    The Medina Lake Chapter #3638 AARP will take a field trip to San Antonio in lieu of its regular meeting Monday, April 28.     Members should meet at the American Legion Hall, 26th Street, Lakehills at 10 am. The first stop on the trip will be lunch at Earl Abel's. The group will then tour the San Antonio Botanical Garden.     For more information, call Jackie Patrick at 830-751-3045.

Ribbon cutting Tuesday Published April 24, 2008    The Bandera County Chamber of Commerce will host ribbon cutting Tuesday, April 29, at owner Tammy Kimmel's Gone Quiltin's new location at 1115 Cedar at 11:30 am.

Medina Cancer Support Group plans April 7 meeting Published April 3, 2008    The next meeting of the Medina Cancer Support Group will be 7 pm, Monday, April 7, at the Medina Community Library on Highway 16 North.     The meeting will be co-sponsored by Pam Haylock, RN. An MA oncology consultant and doctoral student at the UTMB Galveston School of Nursing, Haylock will present a new addition to the National Coalition of Cancer Survivorship’s compilation of compact discs, dealing with new diagnoses and end of life issues.     Haylock will also discuss frequently asked questions. This will enable new members of the group to understand better other members’ stories about battling cancer, in addition to sharing their own stories.     In March, attorney Carole Boyd provided important information about directives everyone should have in place – not just cancer patients. She also fielded questions, answering them clearly and often including true life stories as examples. The group looks forward to Boyd’s return and hopes she brings her guitar to provide entertainment.     “I would first like to thank The Bandera County Courier and Bulletin for their continued backing of this much-needed support group and publishing our news for all to read,” said Robert Gladden, spokesman for the Medina Cancer Support Group.     He reminded everyone that the meeting is open to anyone interested in learning more about cancer.     ”Remember, all you cancer survivors and care givers, your story – if left untold – has no way to help or strengthen the rest of us,” Gladden said, adding, “Come and enjoy the fellowship and the goodies. See ya’ll there.”     For more information, contact Gladden at 830-589-7664.

Bandera Business Association meets April 3 Published April 3, 2008    Bandera Business Association will meet Thursday, April 3, at the Silver Sage Corral beginning at 5:30 pm with lots of hot dogs.     The BBA meeting begins at 6 pm. "We will be discussing Riverfest, Market Days, Christmas Lighting and several other items," said Margaret Paradee.     All Bandera County Chamber of Commerce and Bandera Business Association members are invited.

Kiwanis Club to meet April 10 Published April 3, 2008    The Kiwanis Club of Bandera County will meet at noon Thursday, April 10, at the China Bowl, 1206 Pecan Street.      A speaker from the Bandera Electric Cooperative will present the program.     Members are encouraged to bring guests and anyone interested in serving the needs of Bandera County is welcome to attend. Meetings are held on the second and fourth Thursdays of every month at the China Bowl.

BCRW – salads, sandwiches & scholarships Published March 27, 2008    The Bandera County Republican Women will offer two $1,000 scholarships to the graduating classes of 2008.     All high school seniors – regardless of gender – who reside in Bandera County are eligible to apply.     Applications are now available at high school counselors’ offices. Home-schooled students should contact BCRW Scholarship Chairman Lenna Newman at 830-796-4452 or 830-522-0555. Deadline to apply for the scholarship is Monday, April 21.     In a related matter, to benefit the organization’s scholarship fund, the BCRW will host a fundraiser from 11:30 am to 1 pm, Friday, April 11, at the Silver Sage Corral Senior Activity Center, 803 Buck Creek Boulevard.     For just $10, diners can replenish their plates of salads and sandwiches as many times as they wish. Eat in or take out plates are available, and BCRW members will prepare all the delicious fare. Desserts are offered by donation.     Proceeds from the fundraising luncheon will be used for scholarships for Bandera County graduating seniors.     “The public is invited to join us for lunch and help boost our scholarship fund,” said a BCRW spokesman.

Full plates for members of Kiwanis Club Published March 27, 2008    Don Wise, executive director of the Arthur Nagel Community Clinic, will be guest speaker at the next regular meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Bandera County.     The meeting begins at noon, Friday, March 28, at the China Bowl, 1206 Pecan Street. Wise will discuss the services available at the health clinic for low-income residents of Bandera County. Kiwanis clubs members strive to make their communities better places to live. Wise’s presentation will likely offer members and guests another opportunity to volunteer their services to those in need.     In addition, Kiwanis Club members will flip fundraising pancakes from 8 am until noon, Saturday, March 29, at the Silver Sage Corral Senior Activity Center, 803 Buck Creek Boulevard. Proceeds from this benefit breakfast are earmarked for projects geared for children in Bandera County.       Tickets are now on sale for the “All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast.” They cost $6 for adults and $3 for children 10 and under, and are available from Kiwanis members. Tickets may also be purchased at the door this Saturday.      “Plan to attend, enjoy a good breakfast that you did not have to fix, and know you are doing something great for local children who have needs,” said a spokesman for the local Kiwanis Club.     For more information, call 830-510-4649 or 210-827-4896.

Bandera Honors Veterans to meet April 1 Published March 27, 2008    The Bandera Honors Veterans Committee will begin planning for the Veterans Day event during a 5 pm meeting, Tuesday, April 1, at the Bandera County Public Library, 515 Main Street.     Committee assignments will be made for the commemoration, which is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Bandera County Courthouse complex, said Chairman Fidel Ramirez. “Anyone wanting to become part of the committee is welcome to attend. You do not have to be a veteran to participate. The high point of the event will be the parade down Main Street,” he said.

Concerned Citizens to meet April 1 Published March 27, 2008    The Concerned Citizens of Bandera County will meet at 6:30 pm, Tuesday, April 1, at the Bandera County Public Library, 515 Main Street.     “We will make plans for our yearly membership drive and annual meeting,” said organizer Fidel Ramirez. “In addition, plans will begin for election of officers and a discussion of issues to address during 2008.”     According to Ramirez, dues for Concerned Citizens of Bandera County are $12 for an individual membership and $18 for a family membership.     “All members are urged to attend and the general public is also invited to this planning meeting. This grassroots organization is interested in fostering transparency and efficiency in local, state and national government,” Ramirez concluded.

Fine Arts meet April 1 Published March 27, 2008    The Fine Arts Club of Bandera will meet Tuesday, April 1, at the Bandera United Methodist Church beginning at 2 pm.     The speakers will be Don and Mary Pipes who will show pottery they've designed and made. Don will demonstrate a pottery wheel while Mary narrates.     Guests are welcome to join and members are always welcome to bring guests.

Medina Rose Garden meets April 9 Published March 27, 2008    The Medina Rose Garden Club will meet Wednesday, April 9, at 2 pm in the Medina Community Center, the first floor of the Masonic Lodge Building.     Featured speaker is Bob McDaniel, whose subject is Heirloom Tomatoes. He will also touch on other vegetables and companion plantings.     McDaniel calls himself an amateur, but he and his wife, influenced by Rachel Carson's book, Silent Spring, have been gardening organically for many years. They use no pesticides or herbicides and none of their plant material has been genetically modified.     The couple spent their honeymoon in Medina, 50-plus years ago, visited over the years and returned there to live after retiring four years ago from their Christmas tree farm in Sealy, where they spent 30 years planting, tending and grooming their trees.     “The garden club's meetings are open to everyone and we are pleased to invite you to our Heirloom Tomato program,” said Dee Tusch.

AARP meets Monday Published March 20, 2008    The Medina Lake Chapter of AARP #3638 will hold its monthly meeting, beginning at noon, on Monday, March 24, at the American Legion Hall, 26th Street in Lakehills.     Virginia Provance will present a program on windmills, and lunch will be by covered dish lunch.     Call Jackie Patrick at 830-751-3045 for more information or questions.

Riverside Players schedule regular meetings Published March 20, 2008    The Bandera Riverside Players will meet first and third Thursday of each month, beginning at 6:30 pm, at the Silver Sage Corral Community Center, 803 Buck Creek Boulevard.     The group has planned several types of theatrical productions for the remainder of this year. Actors, dancers, singers, set designers and people just looking for fun are invited to come and be a part of the players.     For more information, contact Executive Director Harvey Raab at 830-796-7327 or Artistic Director Salle Ellis 830-460-8584.

Garden Club to mull ‘organic matters’ Published March 20, 2008    The Madrona Garden Club will hold its next meeting at 2 pm on Thursday, March 20, at the Bandera Electric Cooperative Community Center, 3172 Highway 16 North.     Guest speaker will be Master Natural Gardener Bruce Deuley. He also hosts television and radio talk shows on “Organic Matters” on KGNB New Braunfels, 1420 AM, Saturdays, from 7 am to 9 am; KERAV Kerrville, 1230 AM, Saturdays, noon to 2 pm; and KTSA San Antonio, 550 AM, Saturdays, 5 pm to 7 pm. In addition, Deuley appears on KVHC, Channel 15 in Kerrville, Saturdays, 11 am to 11:30 am.     Deuley has also written a book, The Guide to Organic Gardening. His website is www.deuleysown.com.     Hosts for the March meeting include Ralph and Ruth Woodhull, Lois Nichols, Merida and George Tinsley and Pat Robbins.     A Madrona Garden Club spokesman offered, “Keep working on plants for the plant sale. Remember, this is our only money maker, so let’s get 100 percent participation.”

JP Holt to speak to Kiwanis Published March 13, 2008    The next meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Bandera County will be at noon, Thursday, March 13, at the China Bowl, 1206 Pecan Street.      Guest speaker will be Bandera County Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace Lynn Holt. He will discuss responsibilities and experiences in that position.     All members are encouraged to attend and invite a guest. In addition, interested citizens are always welcome to visit the club.     Members are asked to mark their calendar now for the All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast, set for Saturday, March 29, at the Silver Sage Corral Senior Activity Center, 803 Buck Creek Boulevard.  Tickets cost $6.50 for adults and $3 for children and are available from Kiwanis members. Proceeds from the breakfast are earmarked for helping the children of Bandera County.

BCRW to meet Published March 13, 2008    The Bandera County Republican Women will meet at 11:30 am, Friday, March 14, at the Silver Sage Corral Senior Activity Center, 803 Buck Creek.     A representative of the Texans for Lawsuit Reform (TLR) will present the program.      Lunch, catered by Brick's River Café, is $9 per person. Reservations may be made by calling Lila Ward at 830-751-2771.

Ranchers, landowners meeting announced Published March 6, 2008    The Ranchers and Landowners Association of Texas will hold its March General Membership meeting at 6 pm, Tuesday, March 11, at the Silver Sage Corral Senior Activity Center, 803 Buck Creek Boulevard.     John C. Kight, an independent engineer consultant, and Central Appraisal District Chief Appraiser Ed Barnes will discuss critical water conservation issues that include rainwater harvesting, air conditioning condensate recovery and possible tax benefits, said publicity chairman Dick Lane.     The public is invited to the meeting, and refreshments will be served.

Bandera County Christian Fellowship meeting Published March 6, 2008    The Bandera County Christian Fellowship will meet at 10:30 am, Wednesday, March 12, at the Silver Sage Corral Senior Activity Center, 803 Buck Creek Boulevard. For lunch reservation, participants are asked to call the Corral at 830-796-4969 before 9 am.

Town meeting to discuss Cabaret Museum plans Published Feb. 28, 2008    To discuss plans for a Western Swing Music Museum and multi-use community facility at Bandera’s Cabaret Dance Hall, the Bandera Community Foundation (BCF) will host a Town Hall Meeting at 6 pm, Tuesday, March 4, at the Silver Sage Corral Senior Activity Center, 803 Buck Creek Boulevard.     The BCF board invites and encourages everyone in the community interested in the project to attend the meeting.     In addition to the music museum, other elements of the planned Cabaret Museum will be discussed, such as creating a home for the Bandera Riverside Players, a permanent display of the Bandera Public Library’s Music Hall of Fame, low-watt Bandera radio station, the Cabaret Museum Gift Shop, community meeting room, live performances of Western Swing music and Texas Swing dance instruction, and a catering and banquet facility leased to a local restaurant.     The fastest growing segment of vacation travel in the United States is heritage tourism, which entertains while it teaches about the history and culture of a region. Organizers view the Cabaret Museum as offering a heritage tourism venue that educates visitors about the history and culture of Western Swing Music – and entertains in the process.     As a model, local planners will use the new, high-tech, interactive museum in Abilene. Opened in 2004, Frontier Texas! drew an average of 4,500 visitors per month in its first six months of operation. At 14,000 square feet, Frontier Texas! is only 1,000 square feet larger than the Cabaret.     Jeff Salmon, executive director of Frontier Texas!, has been invited to speak at the Town Hall Meeting. Before joining Frontier Texas!, Salmon served as director of Tourism and Sports Marketing for the Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau.     Speaking about the impact of Frontier Texas!, Salmon said, “The positive impact of Frontier Texas! is not limited to the number of tourists who come through the doors. Downtown Abilene was an underutilized gem that Frontier Texas! has helped make shine.”

Medina cancer support group plans March programs Published Feb. 28, 2008 Part of the Medina Area Cancer Support Group’s discussion in February. Photo by Clare Barnett    The next meeting of the the Medina Area Cancer Support Group is set for 7 pm, Monday, March 3, at the Medina Library on Highway 16 North.     Guest speaker will be Attorney Carole King Boyd, who will present a program on “Advanced Directives, Living Wills & Power of Attorney.” In addition, she will offer other information importance to cancer patients.     Boyd was born in Dallas, and received her Bachelor of Art degree from the University of Oklahoma in 1969.     In 1985, she received a Doctor of Juris Prudence from New York School of Law, and has been admitted to both the Texas and New Jersey Bars. A resident of Medina, Boyd practices law in Bandera County.     Last week, Elinor Vandergriff RN presented an outstanding program on hospice. Sixteen members attended, including Clare Barnett of the Bandera County Courier, who snapped photographs during the meeting.     The group welcomes all survivors, caregivers, those currently going through treatments or anyone interested in learning about cancer.     “I know there are many more out there that could benefit from the group and we benefit from your presence,” said Robert Gladden, spokesman for the Medina Area Cancer Support Group. “Come enjoy the fellowship and goodies. We'll leave the light on for you.”     For more information, contact Gladden at 830-589-7664.

PCCS CAP announces new commander Published Feb. 28, 2008    Major Dan Swan has been appointed commander of the Pipe Creek Christian School Civil Air Patrol Squadron 804.     Swan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, and a Master of Science degree in management from Troy State University in Troy, Alabama. He is also a graduate of the Naval War Academy.     Currently employed as a secondary school teacher at Pipe Creek Christian School, Swan previously taught mathematics at Medina High School and Northwest Vista College and manufacturing technology at Palo Alto College in San Antonio.     Swan and his wife have two daughters, ages five and eight.     Squadron 804 is an in-school unit, with PCCS students attending grades six through 12 eligible to enroll as cadets. Additionally, home-schooled students may join this unit which meets at 2:35 pm to 3:20 pm each Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Play tryouts tonight at Silver Sage Published Feb. 28, 2008    The Bandera Riverside Players will hold tryouts for their summer production of “Virtue is its Own Reward, or All That Glitters May Be Gold,” based on a book by Alice McDonald. This play was originally set in the old west and is the kind of theatrical production cowboys love to watch. The heroine is pure, sweet and virtuous, the hero is handsome and brave and the villain is cunning and a scoundrel of the first order.     The play will be performed in the Delsarte Method. There are parts available for two men and five ladies. Tryouts will be Thursday, Feb. 28, at the Silver Sage Activity Center, beginning at 6:30 pm. For more information, please call Sallie Ellis at 830-460-8584.

Kiwanis meets today Published Feb. 28, 2008    The Kiwanis Club of Bandera County meets at noon, Thursday, Feb. 28, at the China Bowl, 1206 Pecan Street.  Winners and runners up from both the Bandera Middle School and Bandera High School entries for the poster contest, “Keep Our Highways Clean,” will present the program. The Kiwanis Club recently sponsored the poster contest for students in the Bandera Independent School District.     The Kiwanis Club meets at noon every second and fourth Thursday of the month at the China Bowl. Members and anyone interested in community service are invited to attend.

Air and ground forces come to the rescue at Triple H by Alma Aguirre Special to the Courier Published Feb. 28, 2008 Members of the U.S. Air Force’s 690th Alteration and Installation Squadron helped rebuild the bunkhouse at Triple H. Boerne Home Depot donated materials to help rebuild the bunkhouse at Triple H. One air force volunteer installed a fan in the Triple H bunkhouse.    Both the US Air Force and Home Depot came to the rescue of Triple H Equitherapy Center, 791 Backhaus Road in Pipe Creek. The facility needed a fully equipped training center and bunkhouse for disabled Triple H clients – and that’s what was delivered.     In 2006, Triple H received a grant from the Volney E. Dibrell Charitable Trust, which was administered by Frost Bank. Eventually funds from the grant were used to renovate the bunkhouse and transform it into a safe secure area with disabled access for client group lesson sessions, client interviews and evaluation, volunteer orientation and training and program implementation.     Volunteers and neighbors began the work began in 2006; however, materials were expensive, labor was costly and progress was slow. Volunteers came and went, and Triple H clients were left with a bunkhouse that seemed forever under construction. Then the Air Force and Home Depot came to the rescue.     After learning of Triple H’s need, the 690th Alteration and Installation Squadron (ALIS) out of Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio promptly mustered up and sent out a squad of engineers to review the status of the bunkhouse. To Triple H, they were angels in uniform. Members from the squadron, who normally build and repair facilities needed by the Air Force throughout the world, immediately surveyed the current renovation and developed plans for its completion. They indicated that, depending on deployment orders, they would be able to provide volunteer labor to complete the project as soon as materials were delivered.     Richard Dosher, executive director for Triple H, then contacted personnel with the Boerne Home Depot to inform him of their plight. Emmett Phillips, with the Home Depot commercial sales department, met with representatives from the 690 ALIS. Together, they refined the materials list and plans. With an additional $500 donation from Home Depot and with the assistance of other donors to Triple H, additional materials were purchased and renovations began. Phillips provided quick delivery of all needed materials.     The 690 ALIS has almost completed the project with the renovation of a bathroom with facilities for the disabled, a training area, offices and storage rooms. All this will facilitate the equitherapy programs for disabled children and adults at Triple H. The 690 ALIS volunteered off duty time and “free time” to work in teams of between four and five individuals with as many as 20 participants on weekends.     One airman stated, “We enjoy the hard work. Volunteering within our communities helps us maintain and fine tune our skills so that when we are deployed we can best serve our nation.”     The dedication, fortitude and inspiration of the 690, Triple H staff offered has been “ immeasurable and will always be appreciated by the clients, staff and board of Triple H, as will the generosity and assistance provided by the Home Depot in Boerne. It is with us all working together as a community and nation that we can provide for those less fortunate than ourselves.”     The programs at Triple H, a nonprofit agency since 1996, serve the disabled who come from all over the Hill Country.     For more information of the programs available at Triple H, call 830-510-9515 or email at hhhdream@aol.com.

Little League receives lighting grant Published Feb. 14, 2008    A group of baseball players, parents and interested folks from the Lakehills-Pipe Creek Little League were on hand Saturday, Feb. 2, to receive a $20,000 grant check. The funds will be used for stadium lighting at the Barbara LeStourgeon Field that is set for completion on April 5.     The funds were made available through Bandera Electric Cooperative, Inc. from the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) Outdoor Lighting Grant Program. Carla Kuykendall (bottom right), president of the Lakehills-Pipe Creek Little League, said the organization was elated to get the big check.

Cancer group hears about hospice Published Feb. 14, 2008 Elinor Vandergriff, left, speaker at the Monday, Feb. 4, Medina Area Cancer Support Group meeting, Bob Gladden and RN Pam Haylock display some of the literature available for people battling cancer. Photo by Clare Barnett    Elinor Vandergriff told the Monday, Feb. 4, Medina Area Cancer Support Group meeting that hospice is a concept of caring derived from Medieval times, symbolizing a place where travelers, pilgrims and the sick, wounded or dying could find rest and comfort.     The contemporary hospice offers a comprehensive program of care to patients and families facing a life-threatening illness.     Hospice is not primarily a place of care, but rather a concept of care. Hospice emphasizes quality of life rather than quantity of life; treatments are designed to alleviate suffering and pain rather than to cure.     Hospice recognizes that the patient is dying and they need comfort. Professional medical care is given and sophisticated symptom relief provided.     The patient and family are both included in the care plan and emotional, spiritual and practical support is given based on the patient’s wishes and the family’s needs.     Trained volunteers can offer respite care for family members as wells as meaningful support to the patient.

Chamber winners announced Published Feb. 7, 2008 Bandera's iconic Maudeen Marks, left, with Kathy Spinks, received the Wilton Crider Cowboy Preservation Award during the Saturday, Feb. 2, Bandera County Chamber of Commerce Awards Gala at the Flying L Guest Ranch. The Wilton Crider award is presented annually to the Bandera Country resident who exemplifies the "cowboy way of life."    Members and directors of the Bandera County Chamber of Commerce announced recipients of the organization's 2007 awards at their annual awards gala held Saturday, Feb. 2, at the Flying L Guest Ranch.     Volunteer of the Year Award went to Faye and Gary Scott. Bob Mack received the Director's Award. Maudeen Marks was selected for the Wilton Crider Cowboy Preservation Award. These recipients were chosen by the board of directors. The following recipients voted on by the entire Chamber membership.     Cowboy Capital Award was given to the collective members of the Cowboy Capital Rodeo Association. Citizen of the Year Award went to Tricia Green, and Peggy Ashmore's Shoe Biz received the Business Community Service Award.     More images of the glittering gala, as well as photos of all winners, will be published in the Thursday, Feb. 14, edition of the Bandera County Courier.

BCRW February events Published Feb. 7, 2008    The Bandera County Republican Women will hold their regular monthly meeting at 10 am, Saturday Feb. 9, at the Silver Sage Corral Senior Activity Center, 803 Buck Creek Boulevard.     Immediate Past President of the Texas Federation of Republican Women, Borah Van Dormolen, will be guest speaker. A continental breakfast will be served. There is no charge for food and reservations are not required; however, donations will be accepted to defray cost of room rental.     Additionally, the BCRW will host a 2008 Candidate Forum, beginning at 2 pm, on Saturday, Feb. 16, at the Silver Sage Corral. All candidates from local to state races, who will on the ballot for the Bandera County Republican Primary, have been invited to participate. Refreshments will be served.

'Naked Archaeologist' greets Kiwanis Published Feb. 7, 2008    The Kiwanis Club of Bandera County will meet at noon, Thursday, Feb. 14, at the China Bowl, 1206 Pecan Street.     Guest speaker is Dr. David Maltsberger, professor at Baptist University of the Americas in San Antonio. He has extensive experience with archaeological expeditions in Israel and Jordan. Maltsberger will speak on recent important finds featured on the Discovery Channel television series, "The Naked Archaeologist."     Everyone is invited to attend.     The Kiwanis Club of Bandera County meets every second and fourth Thursdays of the month at noon at the China Bowl.

Bandera Business Association to meet Thursday Published Feb. 7, 2008    The Bandera Business Association will meet Thursday, Feb. 7, at the Silver Sage Senior Center beginning a 6 pm to vote on the new 2008 board of directors.     The BBA sponsored Shoppers Jubilee this year and according to association president Margaret Paradee, the Shoppers Jubilee is the perfect event for the merchants. "Next year we will add as many or maybe more lights to the City Park for nights of light in Bandera," said Paradee. "Our hope is to pull people from around the Hill Country to Bandera for Cowboy Christmas and to see the lights."     Paradee said the Bandera County Chamber of Commerce's help with the Christmas shopping extravaganza was instrumental in the success. "Nancy Montgomery and her volunteers did a fantastic job on the parade, best Christmas Parade ever," said Paradee.     The BBA has formed committees on river lighting and on the city park plans.     At Thursday's monthly meeting, a light meal will be served.

Rose Garden Club of Medina to meet Wednesday Published Feb. 7, 2008    The Rose Garden Club of Medina will meet Wednesday, Feb. 13, at the Medina Community Center at 2 pm.     The program will be on shrubs and small trees for the Hill Country with speaker Ann Brown, President of Hill Country Master Gardeners. All new members and guests are welcome.     Be sure to get your bird houses ready for spring and prepare for the plant sale April 19.

Bandera County Christian Fellowship meets Wednesday Published Feb. 7, 2008    The Bandera County Christian Fellowship will meet Wednesday, Feb. 13, beginning at 10:30 am at the Helping Hand Center.     Topics include planning the Good Friday and Easter services.     "All pastors and interested laypersons are welcome," said secretary Marcia Bower.

Cancer support group meeting Published Jan. 31, 2008    The Medina Area Cancer Support Group will meet at 7 pm, Monday, Feb. 4, at the Medina Community Library on Highway 16 North.     Elinor Vandergriff RN will discuss the purpose of hospice. With her many years of experience working with hospice, Vandergriff is considered an expert in the field. Her presentation was scheduled in response to requests from members.     In January, Pam Haylock RN, addressed the importance of proper nutrition and diet to those battling cancer. According to Robert Gladden, Haylock distributed information in an easy-to-read format. Those attending the meeting included cancer survivors, patients presently receiving radiation treatments, caregivers and those interested in learning more about cancer. Everyone enjoyed the fellowship and refreshments.     For more information on the Medina Area Cancer Support Group, call Gladden at 830-589-7664.

Fine Arts Club to meet Tuesday at BUMC Published Jan. 31, 2008    The Fine Arts Club of Bandera will meet at 2 pm Tuesday, Feb. 5, at the Bandera United Methodist Church. Dr. Thomas Hunter, retired archeologist, will speak about interesting finds unearthed at excavation sites around the Hill Country. Guests are welcome to join the Fine Arts Club and members are always urged to bring guests with them to events.

Kiwanis Club meets Thursday Published Jan. 24, 2008    The Kiwanis Club of Bandera County will have its regular noon meeting, Thursday, Jan. 24, at the China Bowl, 1206 Pecan Street.     Bandera Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Kevin Dyes will present an assessment of district schools as well as an outline of his goals for the future.     The meeting is open to anyone in the community, and members are encouraged to bring a guest.

BC Chamber’s comings & goings Published Jan. 24, 2008    As usual, the folks at the Bandera County Chamber of Commerce are busy planning events to promote local businesses – and provide a lot of fun, too.     Here’s what’s coming up in the next couple of weeks.     Chamber Gala     Tickets for the Chamber Gala are currently on sale, and everyone is reminded to reserve a spot as spot as soon as possible. The gala will be held from 6 pm to 10 pm, Saturday, Feb. 2, at the Flying L Guest Ranch, on Highway 173 South and Wharton’s Dock Road. Individual tickets cost $35, and corporate tables seating eight are $275. Tickets can be purchased at the Chamber office at 331 Main Street.     Additionally, nominations are still be solicited for the gala awards.     Members who have not yet received a nominating form are asked to call the Chamber at 830-796-3280 or email cowboy@banderatex.com, and request one.     “We particularly need suggestions for the Cowboy Capital Award, Citizen of the Year Award and Business Community Service Award,” said Executive Administrator Cerise Merritt Ripps.     Mixer     Bandera Chevrolet on Highway 16 South will host a mixer at 6 pm, Friday, Jan. 25, with music by Fifty Dollar Dynasty and catering by Brick's River Cafe.     “This will be a big one,” noted Ripps, adding, “This is also your chance to preview the 2008 Chevy Malibu, recently selected as Car of the Year at the North American International Auto Show. Don't miss the fun.”     Mardi Gras Parade     Entry forms for the annual Mardi Gras Parade entry forms are available at the Chamber office. The parade begins at City Park at 11 am, Saturday, Jan. 26. It’s always a great time, so hunt up your masks, dust off you feather boas and come to the party.     For more information on any of the events, contact Ripps at 830-796-3280.

Upcoming Chamber events Published Jan. 17, 2008    The Bandera County Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon cutting at Overnight in the Hill Country Thursday, Jan. 17, at 5:30 pm.     The chamber's board of directors will meet Monday, Jan. 21, beginning at 5:30 pm at the Flying L Guest Ranch.     Bandera Chevrolet will unveil the new 2008 Chevy Malibu from 6 pm until 8 pm, at the dealership showroom on Highway 16 South in connection with a Bandera County Chamber of Commerce mixer Friday, Jan. 25.     The Cowboy Mardi Gras Parade will be held Saturday, Jan. 26, beginning at 11 am from the Bandera City Park to Longhorn Saloon. Call the chamber at 830-796-3280 to enter.

Chamber selects 2008 board, officers Published Jan. 17, 2008    The Bandera County Chamber of Commerce has announced 2008 directors and officers. New directors include Amy Aossey, general manager of Silver Spur Guest Ranch; Douglas Ansaldo, co-owner of Cinar Interiors; and Lisa Jones, co-owner of Team Pest Control. The trio will replace outgoing directors Shelia Click, Jay Harmon and Robert “Beau” Palmer.     During a Friday, Dec. 21, meeting, Paul David Fuentes, park manager for Hill Country State Natural Area, was elected board president; and Scott Asher, owner of Scott Asher Custom Homes vice president. Nancy Montgomery will continue as secretary and Jean Tumlinson, representative of Flying L Guest Ranch, will stay on as treasurer.     Additionally, Shelia Click will remain on the board as past president, replacing Cathy Spinks, who leaves following the end of her term.     Other directors are Alex Donalson, owner of Comet Cleaner; Brick Gibson, owner of Brick’s River Café; and John “Hutch” Hutcherson, director of Grimes Funeral Chapel.

Williams receives CAP advanced training Special to the Courier Published Jan. 17, 2008 Luke Williams    Civil Air Patrol Senior Master Sergeant R. Luke Williams recently attended the Advanced Training Squadron (ATS), held concurrently with the Texas Wing Winter Encampment.     Held from Dec. 26 to Dec. 31, ATS trained non-commissioned officers to improve staffing at future encampments, Williams said.     “We spent the first two days in the classroom, learning the duties of the flight sergeants and flight commanders,” he said. Taught by Cadet Lt. Col. Thomas Wright, Cadet 1st Lt. Annabel Andres and Cadet Chief Master Sgt. James McCann, classes included teaching and drills, report writing and public speaking.     Cadets also learned how the encampment flight staff trains cadets. “Using notes taken during the session, we wrote a report, due the following afternoon, about what was done and what might have been done,” Williams said.     On the third day, ATS participants observed the Standard Evaluation Team (SET) during a uniform inspection of the basic cadets, as well as a mock barracks inspection. “Afterward, we made up our own standards for uniforms and barracks, which we presented on the fifth day,” Williams said.     At the conclusion of the encampment, participating cadets received blue and green cords during the ATS graduation ceremony.     “It was a great honor to attend and graduate from the first Advanced Training Squadron held since 1992. I learned about leadership and the purpose and execution of encampment,” Williams said. “I am eager to share and use this training at the Bandera County Cadet Squadron and to use it with staff at future encampments.”     Williams was one of only 42 CAP cadets throughout the United States to attend ATS.

Angel Food distribution set By Cindy Stein Published Jan. 17, 2008    Angel Food Ministries is a non-profit, non-denominational organization providing grocery relief and financial support to communities throughout the United States.     In Bandera County, Angel Food Ministries distribution day is Saturday, Jan. 26, at 8:15 am at the Lakehills United Methodist Church, and at 9:30 am at the First Baptist Church in Bandera. All participants are reminded to bring a medium sized box.     In Lakehills, the deadline for placing February orders at the Lakehills United Methodist Church is Sunday, Feb. 10 and Sunday, Feb. 17, 9:15 am through 10:15 am, and Monday, Feb. 4, and Monday, Feb. 11, 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm.     In addition, orders can also be placed at Hill Country Elementary School through 11 am, Friday, Feb. 15.     In Bandera, February orders must be placed by Friday, Feb. 15, at the Silver Sage Corral Senior Activity Center, 830-796-4969, and by Sunday, Feb. 17, at the First Baptist Church, 830-796-4171.     Food boxes for February cost $18, $20 and $30 each and contain a variety of foods. Distribution Day for February will be Saturday, March 1, at 8:15 am at Lakehills United Methodist Church and 9:30 am at the First Baptist Church in Bandera.     For detailed information on contents of the food boxes, call Cindy Stein at 830-612-3250 or visit, www.angelfoodministries.com.

Wreaths Across America ceremony Special to the Courier Published Jan. 3, 2008 Civil Air Patrol cadets participating in the recent Wreaths Across America ceremony included 2nd Lt. Melissa Bannon, Senior Master Sgt. Katie White, Senior Master Sgt. Forest Lee, Chief Master Sgt. Zachary Bannon, Master Sgt. Hunter Lee, Master Sgt. Deacon Peterson, Airman 1st Class Joshua Taylor, Airman Daniel Taylor and 2nd Lt. Laura Zinsitz.    During the holiday season, many Americans reflected on thankfulness — for their home, family and hard-won freedoms.     On a clear and blustery Saturday, Dec. 15, a stirring and solemn memorial service honoring the servicemen and women who gave their lives for these freedoms took place at the Kerrville National Cemetery.     Cadets with the local Civil Air Patrol squadron from Kerrville and Fredericksburg placed seven wreaths in memory of those who served in each branch of the armed services.     The wreaths were donated by the Maine Wreath Company, which sponsors the Wreaths Across America project.     On Dec. 15, more than 75,000 remembrance wreaths were placed in veterans cemeteries as part of a nation-wide effort to honor fallen heroes during the holiday season.     Local veterans, as well as members of the Civil Air Patrol and other observers, attended the local ceremony.     Addressing the spectators, Lt. Col. Denis Finuf said, "Today, we show a united front of national unity all across the United States of America as we remember the fallen, honor those who serve and teach our children the value of freedom."     Following his remarks, the wreaths were placed and "Taps" sounded. The biting north wind whipped the flags. All spectators stood at attention, and heroes were remembered.     For more information on the Kerrville Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol, call 830-896-3511.

Kiwanis Club meeting Published Jan. 10, 2008    The Kiwanis Club of Bandera County will hold its first regular meeting of 2008 at noon on Thursday, Jan. 10, at the China Bowl, 1206 Pecan Street.     The program features "a challenging and informational program related to helping the physically challenged in this area," offered a club spokesman.     "We hope members and interested community citizens will join us to find out more about ways that Kiwanis serves those who live in our county."     The Kiwanis Club meets every second and fourth Thursday.

Upcoming chamber events Published Jan. 10, 2008    The Bandera County Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon cutting ceremony for Overnight In the Hill Country at 5:30 pm at their location at 518 Exotic Lane Thursday, Jan. 17.     The monthly chamber board of directors business meeting will be held at 5:30 pm Monday, Jan. 21, at Flying L Guest Ranch.     The Mardi Gras parade will begin at 11 am Saturday, Jan. 26. Call the chamber office at 830-796-3280.

Avocados on garden club 'menu' Published Jan. 10, 2008    The first meeting of the new year for the Madrona Garden Club will take place at 2 pm, Thursday, Jan. 17, at the Bandera United Methodist Church, 406 11th Street.     Guest speaker is Bill Schnider, owner of Divine Avocado Orchard. He will discuss the myriad aspects of avocados, including production methods and the best types of avocados to grow in this area.

Clean highways aim of poster contest Published Jan. 10, 2008    The Kiwanis Club of Bandera County will sponsor a poster contest with an aim to "Keep Our Highways Clean."     The contest begins Tuesday, Jan. 15, and continues through February for students in the Bandera Independent School District. Poster submissions will be submitted and judged by grade categories — kindergarten through second grades; third through fifth grades, for Alkek and Hill Country Elementary schools; sixth through eighth grades; and ninth through 12th grades.     There will be six first place prizes, with winners receiving a $50 United States Savings Bond and a certificate. Runners-up in each category will receive a certificate.     Additionally, the winner, along with his poster, will be pictured in the Bandera County Courier.     The five top posters from each school will be displayed at the Bandera County Public Library from Monday, Feb. 11, to Friday, Feb. 15, when winners will be announced. The public is encouraged to stop by and appreciate the talent of these top participants, said a spokesman for the contest.     This contest will encourage pride in the roadways of Bandera County,