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DRIPPING SPRINGS BABBLE
FARMERS MARKET UPDATE
As a bonus to our recent Dripping Springs Farmers Market update, we have now learned that Thyme & Dough will be at the market selling coffee and pastries. Along with Crucita's and their breakfast tacos, plus all the great vendors and possibly some live music, the farmers market promises to be just wonderful this year. First market is just 9 days away!
MAKING HAY WITH MARIANNE: WHAT TO DO WITH EMPTY PLASTIC VINEGAR JUGS
With spring peeking its cheery head around the corner, we're climbing out from under our literal and figurative winter blanket. Dipping our toe into spring cleaning waters, we decided to tackle our growing vinegar jug collection. We use vinegar for a myriad of household purposes — it keeps our dishes sparkling clean and removes stubborn dog nose prints from our windows. As a result, we've accumulated a mess of empty jugs. What to do with them? Whenever we need practical, friendly — and environmentally friendly — advice we ask Marianne, superstar organic farmer and Dripping Springs sage. Not surprisingly, Marianne had a perfect answer for our vinegar jug quandary. Rather than keep her wisdom all to ourselves, we asked her if we could share her answer and maybe even have an ongoing series for the Babble. She said "yes, as long as I have the answer." And so begins "Making Hay with Marianne", quick, practical answers for home and garden questions. As a farmer, spring is her crazy busy season so we may not get answers to all questions, and we won't tie her down to a schedule, but if you have a home and garden question for Marianne, send it to driptips@gmail.com.
Question: I use vinegar in my dishwasher and for general cleaning. What can I do with the empty jugs?
Marianne: I have two that I cut the bottoms off of over 15 years ago and they are still my feed scoops. Cut the bottoms off and make cloches (covers) to protect tender seedlings. You can also recycle them at the center on Darden Hill Road and FM 150 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Marianne Simmons is owner and operator of Onion Creek Farm here in Dripping Springs. Look for her certified organic produce at the Dripping Springs Farmers Market — first one for the season is next week, March 20!
Question: I use vinegar in my dishwasher and for general cleaning. What can I do with the empty jugs?
Marianne: I have two that I cut the bottoms off of over 15 years ago and they are still my feed scoops. Cut the bottoms off and make cloches (covers) to protect tender seedlings. You can also recycle them at the center on Darden Hill Road and FM 150 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Marianne Simmons is owner and operator of Onion Creek Farm here in Dripping Springs. Look for her certified organic produce at the Dripping Springs Farmers Market — first one for the season is next week, March 20!
PAWS DOG OF THE WEEK: LUCKY
To learn more about Lucky and the other wonderful dogs (and cats) for adoption, visit pawsshelter.org or
call PAWS Tuesday through Sunday at 512-268-1611or visit the shelter on
Tuesdays from 11:00AM - 6:00PM, Wednesday - Sunday from11:00AM-5:00PM.
The current shelter is located at 500 FM150 East in Kyle.
Babble founders
have a merry menagerie of rescued dogs, including a couple of darlings
from PAWS Animal Shelter, a no-kill shelter. Currently located in Kyle,
PAWS is building a new, larger shelter in Dripping Springs because,
unfortunately, the homeless animal population continues to grow. We
want to help spread the word about the special, smart, and loving dogs
and cats now available for adoption.
DRIPPING MONDAY (ON A TUESDAY): THE WEEK AHEAD
Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District holds their open meeting on Thursday at 6:00PM at Dripping Springs City Hall (511 Mercer Street).
For fellow bargain hunters, All His Children Preschool (9725A Circle Drive) is holding a large family and friends garage sale this Saturday. Really, it's this Saturday, March 13. We messed up the date last week. Look for riding toys, tools, and more. The garage sale is from 8:00AM - Noon. (Rain date is March 27).
The 6th Annual Brittany Tuck Memorial Scholarship Benefit is Sunday from Noon - 9:00PM at Camp Ben McCullough. Included in this year's live country music line-up are Freddie and Cale from Honeybrowne, The Jerry Martin Band, Chad Hudson, Texas Renegade, Michael Myers, and Southern Chrome, and others. In addition to the live entertainment, there will be a BBQ dinner served from 1:00PM - 3:00PM with the popular live auction running from 4:00PM until 6:00PM. Live music will performed all day and the silent auction will be open throughout the day as well. Tickets, which can be purchased ahead of time or bought at the gate on the day of the event, are $20 for adults, $10 for children ages 8-12, (7 and under FREE.) Tickets will be available for purchase in Dripping Springs at Print Plus, Cattleman's Bank and Prosperity Bank. Proceeds from this event fund the Brittany Tuck Foundation which awards scholarships to area athletes from Dripping Springs, Lake Travis, and Dayton High Schools. For more information or tickets, please call Keith or Sandra Tuck at (512) 858-0504, email ssjjb@austin.rr.com, or visit brittanytuck.com.
For fellow bargain hunters, All His Children Preschool (9725A Circle Drive) is holding a large family and friends garage sale this Saturday. Really, it's this Saturday, March 13. We messed up the date last week. Look for riding toys, tools, and more. The garage sale is from 8:00AM - Noon. (Rain date is March 27).
The 6th Annual Brittany Tuck Memorial Scholarship Benefit is Sunday from Noon - 9:00PM at Camp Ben McCullough. Included in this year's live country music line-up are Freddie and Cale from Honeybrowne, The Jerry Martin Band, Chad Hudson, Texas Renegade, Michael Myers, and Southern Chrome, and others. In addition to the live entertainment, there will be a BBQ dinner served from 1:00PM - 3:00PM with the popular live auction running from 4:00PM until 6:00PM. Live music will performed all day and the silent auction will be open throughout the day as well. Tickets, which can be purchased ahead of time or bought at the gate on the day of the event, are $20 for adults, $10 for children ages 8-12, (7 and under FREE.) Tickets will be available for purchase in Dripping Springs at Print Plus, Cattleman's Bank and Prosperity Bank. Proceeds from this event fund the Brittany Tuck Foundation which awards scholarships to area athletes from Dripping Springs, Lake Travis, and Dayton High Schools. For more information or tickets, please call Keith or Sandra Tuck at (512) 858-0504, email ssjjb@austin.rr.com, or visit brittanytuck.com.
SPRING IS SOONER RECOGNIZED BY PLANTS THAN BY MEN: A CHINESE PROVERB FOR A FARMERS MARKET UPDATE
An asparagus peeks through the earth at Onion Creek Farm, no doubt in anticipation of the first Dripping Springs Farmers Market of the season, in less than 2 weeks. Rain or shine, the market is set to open March 20 with a mixed offering of fruits and vegetables, eggs, plants, herbs, flowers, and handcrafted items. Many of the market favorites from last year including Bella Verdi Farms, Onion Creek Farm, EIEIO Farms, Lazy 8 Ranch, Twin County Dorper, Los Sombras, Jupiter’s Child, Bell Springs Products, Vibrant Naturals and Bubby’s Biscuits will all return. As a bonus this year, Crucita's Taco Village will will be on hand to sell breakfast tacos and live entertainment including local acoustic performers is promised. Anyone interested in providing live entertainment or selling at the market should contact City of Dripping Springs Parks Director Ashley Seay or City Secretary Jo Ann Touchstone at (512) 858-4725. Photograph by Melanie Cambron.
DRIP PIC OF THE WEEK
We've all heard rumblings about all the rain (and maybe done some rumbling ourselves), but we'll still happily take the rain and a flowing Onion Creek over a drought and an Onion Dribble. Thank you to Karen Maxwell Foyle for the photograph of Onion Creek at Mt. Gainor.
ALL HIS CHILDREN GARAGE SALE IS NEXT SATURDAY - MARCH 13
Previously posted All His Children garage sale is March 13 (not this Saturday).
DSYSA SOCCER STARTS ON SATURDAY
For fellow World Cup watchers, we're just 97 days away to South Africa! A little closer to home, the
Dripping Springs Youth Sports Association kicks off their spring season this
Saturday, March 6, at the Sportsplex fields on RR12, about half a mile
south of 290. For anyone interested in or curious about youth soccer,
this is the place to be. Soccer players range from 4.5-15 years old with
varying skill levels (recreational, academy and select). Games are scattered
throughout the day, starting at 9:00AM with last match starting at 3:00PM. For
more general information, visit drippingspringssoccer.org. Note: The most up-to-date schedules have not
been loaded into the website, but, generally speaking, the spring season runs through mid-May with no
games scheduled for the second weekend on spring break and Easter weekend.
DRIPPING WEEKEND
Much happening on Saturday!
For fellow bargain hunters, All His Children Preschool (9725A Circle Drive) is holding a large family and friends garage sale. Look for riding toys, tools, and more. The garage sale is from 8:00AM - Noon. (Rain date is March 27). UPDATE: Garage sale is March 13. Not this Saturday.
At 1:30PM, the Dripping Springs Community Library will host its first book discussion of the year, featuring the writings of Wendell Berry. Berry's books are shelved in the CWR Collection, a special collection dedicated to the memory of Charlotte Walters Rhodes and her unwavering support of the free exchange of ideas. Linda Woodward and Craig Axelrod will facilitate the discussion. Light refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Library.
The Community Benefit for DS Relay for Life is from 6:00PM - 11:00PM at Nutty Brown. Rotel and the Hot Tomatoes will hit the stage for this musical fundraiser. For more information, contact dsrelayforlife@gmail.com or visit relayforlife.org/drippingspringstx.
At 1:30PM, the Dripping Springs Community Library will host its first book discussion of the year, featuring the writings of Wendell Berry. Berry's books are shelved in the CWR Collection, a special collection dedicated to the memory of Charlotte Walters Rhodes and her unwavering support of the free exchange of ideas. Linda Woodward and Craig Axelrod will facilitate the discussion. Light refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Library.
The Community Benefit for DS Relay for Life is from 6:00PM - 11:00PM at Nutty Brown. Rotel and the Hot Tomatoes will hit the stage for this musical fundraiser. For more information, contact dsrelayforlife@gmail.com or visit relayforlife.org/drippingspringstx.
PAWS DOG OF THE WEEK: SCULPTURE CHALLENGE ON SATURDAY
Instead of PAWS Dog of the Week, we're featuring Saturday's Sculpture Challenge which is not only a great time, but it benefits PAWS! This art and music festival is held at Carved Stone (5300 Bell Springs Road) from 10:00AM - 5:30PM. We had a ball last year — it's where we discovered Nong's Thai Gourmet! Nong will be a food vendor again this year along with The Big Drip. Enjoy sculpture, live music, and more. Visit with and observe sculptors as they demonstrate their style and discipline. Sculpture and art are for sale, and you have the opportunity to deal directly with the artist. You can also help judge the winner of Sculpture Challenge by marking your ballot by 4:00PM. The Sculpture Challenge has very professional sculptors but allows beginner level as well — you be the judge! Admission requires a $10 per person donation to PAWS. All ticket proceeds benefit PAWS. Also, if you purchase one of the sculptures entered into the Sculpture Challenge, 20% will go to PAWS. For more information, visit sculpture challenge.
LOST DOG ALERT
Lost dog in Sunset Canyon South. Small/Medium Blonde Poodle/Bichon
Frise mix. Missing for approximately 6 days. He answers to "Bailey".
Not wearing a collar. Anyone who has seen Bailey, please call (512)
858-0890.
BERRY BOOK DISCUSSION @ LIBRARY ON SATURDAY
On Saturday, March 6, at 1:30PM, the Dripping Springs Community Library will host its first book discussion of the year, featuring the writings of Wendell Berry. Berry’s books are shelved in the CWR Collection, a special collection dedicated to the memory of Charlotte Walters Rhodes and her unwavering support of the free exchange of ideas. Linda Woodward and Craig Axelrod will facilitate the discussion. Light refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Library.
POLLING LOCATIONS AND SAMPLE BALLOT
For a list of polling locations and to download a Democratic or Republican sample ballot, visit the Hays County Election and Voting information page here. Scroll to close to the bottom for the polling locations for Henly, Driftwood and Dripping.
UPDATE: Hays County Elections division will be posting results as they come in. You can get the latest updates after the polls close here.
UPDATE: Hays County Elections division will be posting results as they come in. You can get the latest updates after the polls close here.
BE A PARTNER IN READING SUCCESS
For most of us, reading is as natural as breathing. We don't give it any thought, but would have no life without it. From the moment we turn on the television in the morning and read the scrolling news ticker, to late at night when we read one last email before logging off or just one more page in a great book before turning out the light, reading is our life. We have this life gift because someone took the time to teach us how to read. To help students in need of a bit of an assist when it comes to reading, Dripping Springs Elementary School (DSES) PTA is launching Partners in Reading Success (PIRS), a reading mentor program that pairs the student with an adult volunteer. For one hour each week, the mentor and student will meet for one-on-one reading and listening to stories and engaging in conversation about books. The goal is to foster a love of reading and learning, which will lead to improved reading skills and academic performance. The PTA is seeking volunteers from the Dripping Springs community to participate in this valuable and fun program. It is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in a child’s life.
All materials and training are provided. PIRS will meet Friday mornings at DSES. Choose your time slot: 8:00AM - 9:00AM, 9:00AM - 10:00AM, or 10:00AM - 11:00AM. Initial training sessions are scheduled for March 30th and 31. Contact Jennifer Misko for more information: jen.misko@att.net or (512) 826-4654.
All materials and training are provided. PIRS will meet Friday mornings at DSES. Choose your time slot: 8:00AM - 9:00AM, 9:00AM - 10:00AM, or 10:00AM - 11:00AM. Initial training sessions are scheduled for March 30th and 31. Contact Jennifer Misko for more information: jen.misko@att.net or (512) 826-4654.
DRIPPING MONDAY: THE WEEK AHEAD
Dripping Springs' Community Creative Alliance (DSCCA) is organizing "A Window View" community art project. Everyone has a view, a view on life, a view from back, front, up, down, in, out. Whatever view you choose to portray in your window is your choice. In this project, participants create their own 5”x 7” portrait window view. Window views will be collected and incorporated into a large community art piece. All ages are welcomed. Art will be rotated around town, unveiling to be announced. This week, March 1-5, participants can pick up art paper and instructions at Keller Williams Realty (333 W. Hwy. 290). March 27 will be an optional window art creation day. From March 29 - April 2, turn in finished art at the same location. For more on CCA visit dscca.org.
Much happening this Saturday!For fellow bargain hunters, All His Children Preschool (9725A Circle Drive) is holding a large family and friends garage sale. Look for riding toys, tools, and more. The garage sale is from 8:00AM - Noon. (Rain date is March 27). UPDATE: This is March 13. Not this Saturday.
Next up on Saturday is the Sculpture Challenge from 10:00AM - 5:30PM at Carved Stone (5300 Bell Springs Road). We had a ball at this art and music benefit for PAWS last year. Enjoy sculpture, live music, and more. Visit with and observe sculptors as they demonstrate their style and discipline. Sculpture and art are for sale, and you have the opportunity to deal directly with the artist. You can also help judge the winner of Sculpture Challenge by marking your ballot by 4:00PM. The Sculpture Challenge has very professional sculptors but allows beginner level as well — you be the judge! Admission requires a $10 per person donation to PAWS. All ticket proceeds benefit PAWS. Also, if you purchase one of the sculptures entered into the Sculpture Challenge, 20% will go to PAWS. For more information, visit sculpturechallenge.com.
Saturday rounds out with the Community Benefit for DS Relay for Life from 6:00PM - 11:00PM at Nutty Brown. Rotel and the Hot Tomatoes will hit the stage for this musical fundraiser. For more information, contact dsrelayforlife@gmail.com or visit relayforlife.org/drippingspringstx.
Much happening this Saturday!
Next up on Saturday is the Sculpture Challenge from 10:00AM - 5:30PM at Carved Stone (5300 Bell Springs Road). We had a ball at this art and music benefit for PAWS last year. Enjoy sculpture, live music, and more. Visit with and observe sculptors as they demonstrate their style and discipline. Sculpture and art are for sale, and you have the opportunity to deal directly with the artist. You can also help judge the winner of Sculpture Challenge by marking your ballot by 4:00PM. The Sculpture Challenge has very professional sculptors but allows beginner level as well — you be the judge! Admission requires a $10 per person donation to PAWS. All ticket proceeds benefit PAWS. Also, if you purchase one of the sculptures entered into the Sculpture Challenge, 20% will go to PAWS. For more information, visit sculpturechallenge.com.
Saturday rounds out with the Community Benefit for DS Relay for Life from 6:00PM - 11:00PM at Nutty Brown. Rotel and the Hot Tomatoes will hit the stage for this musical fundraiser. For more information, contact dsrelayforlife@gmail.com or visit relayforlife.org/drippingspringstx.
DRIP PIC OF THE WEEK
Marianne Simmons of Onion Creek Farm readies the earth for potatoes. Look for the harvest from today's plantings at the Dripping Springs Farmers Market later in April. Photograph by Melanie Cambron.
A TALE OF 2 DONKEYS, 2 COUNTRIES AND THE GOOD PEOPLE OF DRIPPING SPRINGS
In February, we attended a charity dinner for PAWS Shelter and Humane Society. We had the good fortune to be seated next to Sibby Barrett of Onion Creek Kitchens at Juniper Hills Farm. If you’ve never been to Sibby’s place on RR 165, it’s a Tuscan-inspired slice of heaven, complete with donkeys, a common sight in the hills of Italy. We ended up having a detailed donkey discussion at the dog dinner. When local realtor Ann Oppenlander contacted Sibby yesterday about a friend in a bind, Sibby recalled our interest in donkeys. Ann’s friend was moving from her 10 acres in Dripping Springs today to a house with a small yard where she would be unable to keep her two miniature donkeys. She had made arrangements for the donkeys, but at the last minute that person backed out and did not take them.
Yesterday afternoon, Ann’s friend contacted Ann who contacted Sibby who contacted us.
We did not have a place ready to keep the donkeys, so a few minutes after we received Sibby’s email, we posted the predicament on the Babble’s Facebook page, and within a minute we had a response.
From Iraq.
SPC Paul Sherrod, a 1998 graduate of Dripping Springs High School and member of the Texas National Guard, has been serving our country in Iraq for the past 2 months and was catching up on news back home. Paul suggested we contact his parents who live in Dripping as they might be able to help with the donkeys. We passed along Paul’s suggestion to Ann who contacted Paul’s parents and short, unbelievable story even shorter…Paul’s parents very graciously agreed to take care of the donkeys for as long as necessary until a permanent home can be found.
They picked up the donkeys today.
Yesterday afternoon, Ann’s friend contacted Ann who contacted Sibby who contacted us.
We did not have a place ready to keep the donkeys, so a few minutes after we received Sibby’s email, we posted the predicament on the Babble’s Facebook page, and within a minute we had a response.
From Iraq.
SPC Paul Sherrod, a 1998 graduate of Dripping Springs High School and member of the Texas National Guard, has been serving our country in Iraq for the past 2 months and was catching up on news back home. Paul suggested we contact his parents who live in Dripping as they might be able to help with the donkeys. We passed along Paul’s suggestion to Ann who contacted Paul’s parents and short, unbelievable story even shorter…Paul’s parents very graciously agreed to take care of the donkeys for as long as necessary until a permanent home can be found.
They picked up the donkeys today.
2 MINI-DONKEYS IN NEED OF HOME
A lady in Dripping Springs is in a bit of pickle. On Sunday, she is moving from her 10 acres in Dripping to a home with a small yard and has 2 mini-donkeys in need of a home. The woman who said she would take them has backed out at the last minute. If you might have a home for 2 mini-donkeys, please call Tasha at 512-296-7851.
UPDATE: Thanks to a reader on the Dripping Springs Babble Facebook page the donkeys have found a foster home and will be picked up tomorrow. We will have a more detailed update and the interesting story on Sunday!
UPDATE: Thanks to a reader on the Dripping Springs Babble Facebook page the donkeys have found a foster home and will be picked up tomorrow. We will have a more detailed update and the interesting story on Sunday!
PAWS ON TEXAS COUNTRY REPORTER THIS WEEKEND
PAWS and its Cell Dog Program will be on Texas Country Reporter this weekend. In the Austin area, it will be on KEYE-CBS on Sunday at 10:00AM.
DRIPPING WEEKEND
Live music, beer and wine from 6:30PM - 9:30PM Friday night at Hemisphere (28000 Ranch Road 12). Listen to musical guests, Intrepid Duo, featuring the jazz guitar and vocals of Alex Doormont and Lonnie Atkinson while sipping wines by Wily Jack, Mondavi Vineyards, and Gabbiano, and beer by Anchor Steam and Gordon Biersch Beer. Appetizers and special desserts are also on tap. Visit hemispheremarketplace.com for more or call (512) 858-9800.
For those already steeped in the geocaching craze, Saturday's geocaching event at Harrison Ranch brings an equine twist. Riders are invited to take part in this treasure hunt on horseback using a GPS. A portion of the entry proceeds benefits Harrison Ranch Park, a 64-acre city-owned park that is to be developed as an equestrian - multiuse park. Take part in the morning or afternoon ride. Sign up and pay for the event at equestrianevents.org - go to Events Calendar - or contact Catherine Murphy at (512) 788-0280 or cmurphy41@austin.rr.com. Time and additional details at the weblink.
If you haven't been to Ike's Beer and Wine Bar, in the old Clifford's location on RR 12 before you get into Wimberley, you are missing a treat. Absolutely charming setting, local beer on tap, wines from around the world, plus they are doing cuban sandwiches, paninis and more (including a much talked about cheesecake). The owner, Ike (Isaac) has such a good and positive spirit about him. We wish him much success. This Saturday, Ike's will have a poetry reading by Corinne Lee, the author of Pyx. More information at ikesbeerandwinebar.com.
For those already steeped in the geocaching craze, Saturday's geocaching event at Harrison Ranch brings an equine twist. Riders are invited to take part in this treasure hunt on horseback using a GPS. A portion of the entry proceeds benefits Harrison Ranch Park, a 64-acre city-owned park that is to be developed as an equestrian - multiuse park. Take part in the morning or afternoon ride. Sign up and pay for the event at equestrianevents.org - go to Events Calendar - or contact Catherine Murphy at (512) 788-0280 or cmurphy41@austin.rr.com. Time and additional details at the weblink.
If you haven't been to Ike's Beer and Wine Bar, in the old Clifford's location on RR 12 before you get into Wimberley, you are missing a treat. Absolutely charming setting, local beer on tap, wines from around the world, plus they are doing cuban sandwiches, paninis and more (including a much talked about cheesecake). The owner, Ike (Isaac) has such a good and positive spirit about him. We wish him much success. This Saturday, Ike's will have a poetry reading by Corinne Lee, the author of Pyx. More information at ikesbeerandwinebar.com.