Thank you to all who have served and sacrificed for our country. We appreciate you today and every day.

Happy Memorial Day. Dripping Springs, Texas.

Press release from the City of Dripping Springs:

The City of Dripping Springs will hold a public meeting to gather input from interested persons regarding a proposed city-wide trail plan on Monday, June 18, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, located at 511 Mercer St. The plan is being developed in response to the City’s desire to move forward with goals and recommendations of the Dripping Springs Comprehensive Plan. When the plan was adopted in 2010, an extensive public input process identified values for the community: one of the values states that “Dripping Springs is a Sustainable Community.”

To achieve sustainability Dripping Springs will need to address mobility within the city. The Comprehensive Plan goals and recommendations encourage walking and cycling throughout the community by creating a network of both on and off street paths that will connect city parks, schools and other popular destinations throughout Dripping Springs.

A committee consisting of members of the Dripping Springs City Council, Parks and Recreation Commission, Planning and Zoning Commission and city staff developed the proposed trail system and the results will be presented at the meeting on Monday, June 18, 2012. The plan as presented proposes to use existing trails in city parks, the city transportation plan and future potential connectors throughout the city to achieve the goal of increased mobility within the city.

The proposed trail plan will be available for review at City Hall and on the City’s website, www.cityofdrippingsprings.com, on June 11th.

For more information on the proposed trail plan, please call Planning Director Jon Thompson at City Hall at 512-858-4725.

Hope everyone has a safe and happy Memorial Day Weekend and we all take more than a moment to remember those who have given all for our country.

Dripping Springs events this weekend:

Westcave Cellars Winery (25711 Hamilton Pool Rd) invites you to their Memorial Weekend Pig Pickin’, Saturday, May 26. Suzanne Smith and her band plays from 2pm – 5pm. Tickets are $10/Cellar Dweller wine club member and $15/nonmember. Plates include the meat and sides and are served around 4:30pm. For reservations or additional information, contact Margaret or Paige at 512-431-1403 or info@westcavecellars.com.

St. Martin de Porres’ Knights of Columbus, Council 11695 hosts a Veteran’s Memorial Day Breakfast, at 7:30am on Monday, May 28, in the Parish Hall at St. Martin de Porres’, located on Post Oak Road and RR12 in Dripping Springs. The breakfast honors our veterans and is fee to all local veterans and their family members. The Police and Fire Departments are invited for their service too. For more information, please contact Neil Fox at nfox3@austin.rr.com.

On Monday, May 28, the Dripping Springs American Legion Post 290 and VFW Post 2933 will have a Memorial Day program at the Memorial Flagpole at the Dripping Springs Triangle. The event will take place from approximately 11:15am until Noon. All veterans, their families, friends, general public, and local community members are invited to attend this ceremony American heroes and departed comrades.

Veterans memorial in Dripping Springs, Texas. Thank you Melanie Cambron for the photo.

Twisted X Brewing Company announced they will be moving to Dripping Springs and a 3 acre 7,000 sq ft destination style location. We don’t know where (they promise details to come), but in the meantime we know that The Barber Shop now has Twisted X on tap. UPDATE 5/24/212): Looks like they’ll be at the corner of RR 12 and 150.

The Hays County Commissioners Court Tuesday reaffirmed that a ban against burning in Hays County remains lifted – for the time being. County Judge Bert Cobb, M.D., noted that while the outdoor burning of brush and debris is still legal, citizens needing to do so should plan to burn soon and with care.

“With highs in the 90s and fewer chances of rain as we approach summer, we expect we’ll have to reinstate the burn ban soon,” Cobb said. “If you have burning that you need to do, do it soon and be extremely careful. If you are burning a large amount of brush, advise your local fire department (not the Sheriff’s Office) as a precaution and as a courtesy, tell your neighbors.”

Fire Marshal Mark Chambers echoed the judge’s concern. “In addition to the drought index, fire safety officials look at wind conditions and number of responses to out-of-control burns to determine when a ban should be in place,” he said. “While the drought index is currently low – in the low 100s – as the dryness continues it can rise rapidly to the danger zone of 500. Fire officials in the county look daily at whether a burn ban should be in place and the County Judge has the authority to reinstate the ban on their advice.”

Chambers noted that when in force a burn ban typically exempts charcoal and gas grills in approved, lidded containers, but burning in “burn barrels” (even ones with screens on the top) is not allowed.

Information about outdoor burning, the drought index and fire safety is available by visiting the County website at www.co.hays.tx.us and choosing Fire Marshal from the Law Enforcement drop-down.

Just in time for grilling and chilling this holiday weekend, the Dripping Springs Farmers Market is back in action this Thursday, May 24, from 3pm-6pm at The Triangle (RR12 @ 290). If you have any specific questions about the farmers market and vendors, call (512) 858-4725. This week’s vendor line-up:

Baguette et Chocolat: French baguette, French sourdough batard, French sourdough pecan, olive (green/black) provence herbs olive oil ciabatta, plain croissants, pain au chocolat (chocolate croissant), chouquettes and brioche.

Brownson Rockin’ B Ranch: Grass fed and finished beef, goat, and rabbit.

Casa Verde: Potted succulents.

Dan’s Custom Woodworking: NEW VENDOR! Dan Baker, local resident, will have his unique, handmade bird feeders, houses and baths.

Dos Lunas Artisan Cheese: Dos Lunas is a specially aged raw cow’s milk cheese from grass-fed, free-roaming cows in Schulenburg, Texas.

Drippin’ Sauce: Ketchup and sauces made with no high-fructose corn syrup.

Fitzhugh Creek: Tomatoes, green beans, cabbage, radishes, onions, sweet peppers, and kale. Jim will also have some of his wood crafts available.

Gourmet Texas Pasta: Whole wheat pastas are made with real vegetables and herbs.

Happy Duck Farm: Find duck eggs from Happy Duck Farm of Dripping Springs available at Marianne’s booth with Onion Creek Farm.

Happy Vegan Baker: Cupcakes, brownies, bread, Danishes, quiches, cobbler, pies and meals.

Jason Jamar: Fresh roasted coffee beans.

Lazy 8 Ranch: Tomatoes, eggs, healthy pancake, waffle and muffin mixes and flavorful rubs. Also featuring handmade jewelry and flip flops.

Liddy Loo Designs: Handsewn, reusable bags for snacks, lunchboxes, and more. Many whimsical designs. Help teach the kids to pack a “trash free” lunch and scratch Ziplocs off your grocery list.

My Chihuahua Bites Salsa: Sample homemade salsa, mild and hot varieties. They don’t sell at the market, just samples.

Onion Creek Farm: CERTIFIED ORGANIC PRODUCE: Visit Marianne for gorgeous green beans, cherry tomatoes (just starting), red thumb fingerling potatoes, Yukon gold potatoes, purple Viking potatoes, cucumbers, radish pods, jalapenos, serranos, lambs quarters, shallots, garlic and elephant Garlic. Herbs: Basils – sweet, lemon, purple, Thai, dill, and rosemary. Plus, fresh free-range eggs.

Ottmers Farm: Onions, squash, carrots, and Swiss chard. He will have more to harvest in coming weeks: tomatoes and green beans.

Phoenix Rising Bakery: Artisan breads, pizza crust and sweets.

Pure Luck Farm & Dairy: Basket molded chèvre (plain, cracked black pepper, and Anaheim red pepper), June’s Joy (chèvre with Round Rock Honey, thyme, and pepper), two soft ripened cheeses (Del Cielo and Ste. Maure) and feta. Also, organic fresh cut herbs.

Sam Williams: Peaches are here.

Vibrant Naturals: Handmade vegan soaps. Available in bar soap, liquid, and foam. Also, lotions and lip balms.

Wright Longhorn Beef: Wright Longhorn Beef is driving a long way to bring lean cuts of Longhorn beef to Dripping Springs.

Photos courtesy Dripping Springs Farmers Market.

Dripping Springs Farmers Market happens every Thursday during market season from 3pm – 6pm at The Triangle (RR 12 @ 290). For the latest vendor information, be sure to follow the Dripping Springs Farmers Market on Facebook.

Westcave Cellars Winery (25711 Hamilton Pool Rd) invites you to their Memorial Weekend Pig Pickin’, Saturday, May 26. Suzanne Smith and her band plays from 2pm – 5pm. Tickets are $10/Cellar Dweller wine club member and $15/nonmember. Plates include the meat and sides and are served around 4:30pm. For reservations or additional information, contact Margaret or Paige at 512-431-1403 or info@westcavecellars.com.

One of our favorite local getaways is a cooking class (and eating) at Onion Creek Kitchens at Juniper Hills Farm. We just found out they have a few spots left for the Moroccan-inspired class on Saturday, May 26, at 4pm. Cook and feast on Honey Spice Chicken Tagine, Moroccan Spice Rubbed Beef Tenderloinm Potato Saffron Tagine, Toasted Pearl Couscous with Asparagus and Zucchini, Home Made Honey Pita, Peanut Butter Hummus, Caramel Pistachio Chocolate Torte. For reservations and more information click here.

St. Martin de Porres’ Knights of Columbus, Council 11695 hosts a Veteran’s Memorial Day Breakfast, at 7:30am on Monday, May 28, in the Parish Hall at St. Martin de Porres’, located on Post Oak Road and RR12 in Dripping Springs. The breakfast honors our veterans and is fee to all local veterans and their family members. The Police and Fire Departments are invited for their service too. For more information, please contact Neil Fox at nfox3@austin.rr.com.

On Monday, May 28, the Dripping Springs American Legion Post 290 and VFW Post 2933 will have a Memorial Day program at the Memorial Flagpole at the Dripping Springs Triangle. The event will take place from approximately 11:15am until Noon. All veterans, their families, friends, general public, and local community members are invited to attend this ceremony American heroes and departed comrades.

There will be an Armed Forces Day Open House at the Veteran’s Hall in Dripping Springs on Saturday, May 19 from 10am – 2pm. The event is sponsored by the Vince F. Taylor American Legion Post 290 and the Dripping Springs VFW Post 2933. Everyone is invited to celebrate and honor our service members and veterans. There will be food and drink (around Noon) and live entertainment by the Kyle Sisters. Veteran’s Hall is located at 27500 RR12, Dripping Springs (corner of Loop 64/Mercer Street and RR12).

As pet food recalls grow more common and their geographical scope widens, Stay N Play Pet Ranch (2500 E Hwy 290) offers a timely dog and cat nutrition workshop on Saturday, May 19, 1pm – 3pm. The free workshop will discuss food sources for dog and cat diets, as well as address the recall issues. The workshop will also address dog and cat skin issues (itchy skin, shedding, etc) from a grooming perspective, including product demos.

It’s the Annual Artists of Dripping Springs Studio and Gallery Tour on Saturday, May 19, from 10am – 5pm. This year’s studio tour features seven studios and galleries. Get your tour map from any of our show locations: Sunset Canyon Pottery, Sol’stice, Wesley Gallery, Carved Stone, The Barn at Bell Springs Art Club, Dragonfly Studio, and Dragonfly International School. After you visit one location, go on and drive to the next. The tour showcases the creativity of our local artists and allows visitors a peep into some of the local studios. There will be a variety of media for sale, including ceramics, paintings, jewelry, and stone. For further details, contact Nancy Paton at (512) 585-0806 or paton_nancy@hotmail.com.

On Sunday, May 20, from Noon – 4pm, we can feast and say “thank you” to our local volunteer firefighters at the Seventh Annual Seventh Annual Driftwood Volunteer Firefighters Feast at The Salt Lick Pavilion (18300 FM 1826, Driftwood).Enjoy free BBQ from The Salt Lick and live music by John Inmon Band and Johnny Nicholas. There will be activities for the kids, silent auction, Starflight appearance and more.

Need a sweet and supportive office assistant? Does not require smoke breaks.

Working on reports is so much nicer with Sadie by your side. Sadie has been hanging out in the office area at PAWS Shelter and Humane Society and, word is, this 11-years young sweetie is unquestionably the best office assistant ever. Superb with cats and other dogs, she was returned to the shelter after 7 years of faithful companionship. Yesterday, she learned Quicken. Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?

For more information on Sadie, other adoptable cats and dogs, and how you can help the shelter, call (512) 268-1611 or visit pawsshelter.org.

Dripping Springs Pharmacy hosts ladies night out on Thursday, May 17 at 7pm with wine and cheese, free skin analysis, and trial sizes of clinically studied (and created at Dripping Springs Pharmacy) anti-aging products by Dorinda James Cosmeceuticals skin care. Seating is limited, please RSVP to Ashley@cpdwellness.com.

Debra L. Winegarten, author of There’s Jews in Texas?, is the featured poet for the May 17 meeting of “Thirsty Thursday” at New Life Lutheran Church. Doors open at 7pm at 120 Frog Pond Lane off Highway 290. Winegarten’s book is a recent winner of Poetica Magazine’s chapbook contest. She works for the Department of Astronomy at UT Austin, where she is the First Undersecretary of the American Astronomical Society. For more information, call venue host Nancy Fierstien at (512) 858-2024.

There will be an Armed Forces Day Open House at the Veteran’s Hall in Dripping Springs on Saturday, May 19 from 10am – 2pm. The event is sponsored by the Vince F. Taylor American Legion Post 290 and the Dripping Springs VFW Post 2933. Everyone is invited to celebrate and honor our service members and veterans. There will be food and drink (around Noon) and live entertainment by the Kyle Sisters. Veteran’s Hall is located at 27500 RR12, Dripping Springs (corner of Loop 64/Mercer Street and RR12).

As pet food recalls grow more common and their geographical scope widens, Stay N Play Pet Ranch (2500 E Hwy 290) offers a timely dog and cat nutrition workshop on Saturday, May 19, 1pm – 3pm. The free workshop will discuss food sources for dog and cat diets, as well as address the recall issues. The workshop will also address dog and cat skin issues (itchy skin, shedding, etc) from a grooming perspective, including product demos.

It’s the Annual Artists of Dripping Springs Studio and Gallery Tour on Saturday, May 19, from 10am – 5pm. This year’s studio tour features seven studios and galleries. Get your tour map from any of our show locations: Sunset Canyon Pottery, Sol’stice, Wesley Gallery, Carved Stone, The Barn at Bell Springs Art Club, Dragonfly Studio, and Dragonfly International School. After you visit one location, go on and drive to the next. The tour showcases the creativity of our local artists and allows visitors a peep into some of the local studios. There will be a variety of media for sale, including ceramics, paintings, jewelry, and stone. For further details, contact Nancy Paton at (512) 585-0806 or paton_nancy@hotmail.com.

On Sunday, May 20, from Noon – 4pm, we can feast and say “thank you” to our local volunteer firefighters at the Seventh Annual Seventh Annual Driftwood Volunteer Firefighters Feast at The Salt Lick Pavilion (18300 FM 1826, Driftwood). Enjoy free BBQ from The Salt Lick and live music by John Inmon Band and Johnny Nicholas. There will be activities for the kids, silent auction, Starflight appearance and more.