January 1, 2009

A theme of change permeated the national headlines in 2008, from the election of a new president to the roller coaster economic fluctuations. But closer to home, a review of the past year reveals it was a time of continuity with a focus on faith, family, friends and community. The joint sign erected in June this year pointing the way up the hill to St.

Everyone loves a wonderful fresh Christmas tree, but at some point, the holiday tree starts shedding pine needles and must give way to the new year. The Pedernales Electric Cooperative will recycle natural, undecorated Christmas trees again this year for all area residents. Until January 5, 2009, individuals may drop off their Christmas trees during normal business hours at the PEC offices, including the one located at 3105 Hwy 281 North in Marble Falls. As part of its Green Works initiative

Horseshoe Bay Fire Chief Jim Fiero reminds residents and visitors that not only are fireworks against the law, but with the current drought conditions “any kind of ignition source” can easily start fires that can be quickly spread by strong winds. On Saturday, the HSB Fire Department sent a unit to help combat a large grass and brush fire near Bertram.

Come on, Mister, you’ve got to be kidding! Nope, that’s the honest-to-goodness truth. In fact, since HSB’s beginning in 1970, holding HSB lakefront real estate has actually been a far better investment - 6.6 times better. That’s quite an impressive fact, and here’s how and why it happened. First of all, credit the vision of Wayne and Norman Hurd, who saw “gold” in the hills lining Lake LBJ’s south shore when the early prospectors and the ranchers that followed saw nothing but

Cowboys and cowgirls from near and far came to sit around the campfire on Christmas Eve at the Church at Horseshoe Bay’s Cowboy Christmas. They came to sing and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Like Country Western singer-composer john Arthur martinez sang that night: What a Christmas It Was. Kinda like a rodeo, there was a lots’ going on and a lots’ of wranglers doing it.

“If I had worked as hard during college as I have on POA matters over the past 4 years, I’d have been valedictorian!” HSB POA Treasurer and Director Bill Gaylord (aka “Mr. Mailman”) upon leaving office in March. “I don’t think I have enough clothes to be a member here.” Spike Dykes after spying an errant chewing tobacco stain on the front of his new golf shirt on the first hole at Escondido.

Joy Snell, Francis Highsmith and Jean McCormick supported the Art and Wine Auction at Quail Point on May 18 that raised over $27,000 for the Highland Lakes Family Crisis Center.

Kids, grand kids and great grand kids all gathered around the camp fire for a Cowboy Christmas at The Chuch at Horseshoe Bay on Christmas Eve. Guest performer composer-singer john Arthur martinez led the singing and pastor Johnny White led the celebrating of the birthday of Jesus Christ. All the cowpokes joined in to present the reason for the season to their ranch bosses.

Jess and Carolyn Claiborne celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary at their Escondido home over the Christmas Holiday. The couple both grew up in Lamesa, Texas and attended the same grade school.

Horseshoe Bay resident Barbara Williams (front center) enjoyed the Christmas Family Potluck with (from left) grandchildren Megan and Stephen McNabb visiting from Houston, daughter and HSB resident Sabra McNabb, grandchildren Frank and Bonnie Orlowski visiting from Manattan, and son-in-law Jim McNabb. Many other multi-generational families joined the fun at the party hosted by Teen and Bill Roberts and Janis and Tony Koby on December 23 at the Trails Clubhouse

Shirley Stoner (left) and Kris Kozlak did a great job as the WGA Tournament Chairs for 2008. They can look forward to carefree 2009 as Sally Lavine and Vicki Wash take over the reins as Tournament Chairs for the new year with the first play day scheduled for Wednesday, January 7.

Becky and Dave Collins

Sherry and Kent Lesley

PUBLIC NOTICE There will be a public hearing concerning the Replat to be known as Horseshoe Bay Plat No. 32.5, a Replat of Lot No. C32001-a, Horseshoe Bay Plat no. 32.4 at the regularly scheduled City of Horseshoe Bay City Council meeting on Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 3.00 p.m., followed by discussion and action on the same.

As a small-business owner, you may need to review the benefits and incentives you can provide prospective employees — particularly in the area of retirement planning. If a 401(k) is not appropriate for your business, you can offer your workers a SIMPLE IRA (Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees). This plan is available for any type of business with 100 or fewer eligible employees — those who earned at least $5,000 in compensation in any two previous years and are reasonably expected to

Whether you’re a seasoned investor or you’re just getting in the habit of putting money away, saving for retirement takes discipline and strict adherence to a well laid-out plan. Sometimes it may seem far away, but preparing now for the time when you’ll be done bringing home a regular paycheck is critically important.

Newell Rider Hale, age 80, of Horseshoe Bay, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Christmas Day, 2008. She was born in Kansas City, Missouri on April 13, 1928 to William Norris Rider, Sr. and Josephine Newell Rider. Raised in Oak Park, Illinois, Newell attended Sullins College in Virginia before graduating from Purdue University where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority. After college, Newell moved to Dallas, Texas to work for American Airlines.