TEXAS MEETS ITALY Travel Event at VILLA TEXAS

A Taste of Venice, Veneto and Emilia-Romagna in Fredericksburg, Texas, on November 3rd and 4th!

Mark your calendar and join Villa Texas for an in-store special event exploring the food, wine, and cultural offerings of Venice and the Veneto, plus an introduction to the Emilia- Romagna region of northern Italy.

Darlene Marwitz and Harold D. Partain will share their experiences and knowledge providing you with valuable travel information on this region “at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.” Villa Texas is welcoming Harold back for the second in their TEXAS MEETS ITALY series. Harold is the Executive Director of McCabe Travel Group located near Dallas and has traveled extensively throughout Italy.

Be among the first to learn about our premier lifestyle travel experience called “VILLA TEXAS DOES ITALY” as they present details for their first tour in Italy: “Exploring Venice, the Veneto & Emilia-Romagna” available April 24 – May 6, 2007. Walk hand in hand with Darlene and Harold next spring in pursuit of la dolce vita as they share their passion and love for this often overlooked and misunderstood area of northern Italy.

Elegant Elephant Sale and Silent Auction

Zonta Club of Fredericksburg is hosting its first annual Elegant Elephant Sale and Silent Auction! This fundraiser benefits local scholarships for women wishing to further their education. The silent auction includes artwork by local artist Melissa Starry, dinner for two at Rosehill Manor, and tickets to a Round Rock Express Baseball game. Zonta members are currently collecting new or slightly used items to sell at traditional garage sale prices, such as jewelry, accessories, household decor, or never-used gifts. Anyone wishing to donate items may contact Brenda Matysiak at (830) 644-2166 or Sharon Wahrmund at (830) 997-5956. The event will be free and open to the public, and will include refreshments.

Artist Reception at Hanger Hotel

A reception to meet artist John Dormer will be held at the Officer's Club at The Hangar Hotel, 155 Airport Road, on this Friday, November 3, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. John is a painter of vintage airplanes and cars, pilot and flight trainer and designs aircraft. Dress is casual. Cash bar. Call Sherryl Brown at (830)990-9305 for more information.

Wine & Hors D'oeuvres with Fredericksburg Theater Co. - 11/2

The Fredericksburg Theater Company's Board of Directors invites you to join them at their wine & hors d'oeuvres fund-raiser on November 2, from 5:30 to 7:30, in their next step as they attempt to secure the "little red building on Hwy. 87S" (Crider's Event Center, 1668 S US Highway 87), as FTC's new home. If in 60 days $300,000 can be raised, the down payment can be made and initial renovations can begin for FTC's first performances there in the Spring of 2007. As an attendee at this event, you will be asked to either write a check or make a short-term pledge toward the acquisition of the facility, provide information on other sources from which FTC could request funding, or become informed advocates in the community about this project. Dress is casual; please come and pledge your support for the future home of the Fredericksburg Theater Company!

Molly Fowler Cooking Class at Runnymede - 10/29

Molly Fowler, "The Dining Diva" from Houston, will be at Runnymede Country Inn in Fredericksburg on Sunday, October 29 for "Grillin' and Chillin' on the Patio." This fun class will celebrate the Texas tradition of outdoor entertaining. Weather permitting, the class will be held outdoors on the terrace at Runnymede from 5 pm to 7:30 pm Attendees will taste every dish and receive a recipe packet to take home, as well as lots of ideas for entertaining. The class is $35 per person, and advance registration is required. Call Runnymede Country in at 830-990-2449 for more information.

Marshall Styler Holiday Specials

Purchase any three Marshall Styler CDs FOR JUST $40-AND, you can add Marshall's Silent Night CD for an additional $10.00 (a great gift), AND the Dreammaker DVD for an additional $15.00! FREE SHIPPING for orders $40 or more!

Make sure to check out the DVD with over one hour of great images by renowned photographer James Innes featuring selected pieces from Marshall's CDs including the new title track of his upcoming CD "A Face In The Clouds."

Visit http:www.marshallstyler.com. Online orders are safe and easy! Or call 512.462.2845 to purchase.

Benini Arts Encounters - 10/28-29

RTS Encounters at the Beninis – a tradition of lively social & cultural lectures in a relaxed setting - will be Saturday, 10/28/2006 & Sunday, 10/29/2006, with presentations beginning both days promptly at 1:30PM.

Everyone is welcome, and all events are free of charge.

This month brings a lively, eclectic lineup that includes the following:

• Bedlam Faction: The Sonnet Project: An Investigation into the Perform-ability of Shakespeare's Sonnets.
• Dr. Maria Wells: Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center
  Carlo Levi: The Word and the Image. Paintings and Narrative of Lucania.
• Zena Stetka Howe: Houston/Johnson City
  Monoprints
• Celeste Cyr: Classical Flute
• Stathis Trahanatzis: Iconologist
  Byzantine Art as Art

Fbg Theater Co.'s Dracula: The Musical? - 10/27-29

Dracula: The Musical?: Back by popular demand, and the Fredericksburg Theatre Company does mean demand! This completely nutty spoof of the Bram Stoker character bears absolutely no resemblance to the real story. The original cast is back to reprise their roles, but with some new twists.

TICKETS & SHOW TIMES:

The play runs on Friday & Saturday at 7:30 pm & Sunday at 2:00 pm. Ticket prices are $15/adults and $5/18 & younger, and can be obtained during the run of the show, or in advance via the Fredericksburg Theater Company's Box Office at 306. E. Austin St. Box Office hours are Wednesday – Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Group discounts are available for groups of 25 or more; contact the box office for more info: 888/669-7114 OR 830/997-3588.

Art Past Dark Schedule

The schedule for the Art Past Dark weekend --- November 10 – 12 --- continues to grow each year. Over 30 events are on the schedule, including art shows, gallery shows, open studios, the Art Past Dark Gala, artist demonstrations, the antique show, culinary events and more. The works of over 200 artists will be on display around Fredericksburg and throughout Gillespie County. Visit www.artpastdark.com for more information.

16th Annual Food and Wine Fest - 10/28

A celebration of Texas wine and food on Fredericksburg's Marktplatz featues 25 Texas wineries and 50 Texas-made specialty participants, Texas gourmet chefs demonstrating culinary talents, Gargantuan Great Grape Toss, wonderful auction, art, lively entertainment, plus three special events. $20/adults & $5/under 21. Visit www.fbgfoodandwinefest.com for Fest details or call 1-866-TEX-FEST (839-3378).

Central US Swift Fly-In - 10/26-29

The 2nd annual Central US Swift Fly-in is hosted by the Red River Swift Wing and will be held at the Gillespie County Airport in Fredericksburg, TX. Formation ground school and plenty of formation flying. Plan a couple fly-outs, one to the LBJ Ranch and a tour.

Experience the ambiance of the Hangar Hotel and the Airport Diner right on the flightline.

A brief off-topic post

My aunt, Ann Holt, is a breast cancer survivor. She is participating in a five mile walk to raise money for breast cancer research. My other Aunt Ann, is also a breast cancer survivor. My late Aunt Sue survived breast cancer to die of bone cancer earlier this year. My late Aunt Johnnie passed away from cancer last year. That's why I have made a donation to support Aunt Ann in her five-mile walk. If you aren't contributing to someone you love, please consider supporting Ann P Holt. Thanks.

Three Dog Night at Fiesta Gallery - 10/21

Fiesta Gallery at Rocky Hill, about one and a half miles west of Wildseed Farms, is having an opening reception on this Saturday, October 21, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for “Three Dog Night.” The exhibit includes recent works on canvas by Georg Williams and signed and numbered originals in clay by Chris Menconi. Patsy Swendson will be signing copies of “Penney’s from Heaven.” For more information, call (830)990-0873.

Story Book Evenings - 10/21

Story-Book Evenings, benefiting the Texas Hill Country Youth Choir, will be presented this Saturday, October 21, starting at 7:30 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Halle, 212 West San Antonio Street. Stories will be bought to life this month by Zara Houshmand, an Iranian-American writer from Austin whose poetry and translations have appeared in several anthologies, and by Doug Boyer, a musician, theater artist and teacher from San Antonio whose is director of the Texas Lutheran University School of Music. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students. For more information, call (830)997-0212.

Cooking Demonstration at Der Küchen Laden - 10/21

Stop by Der Küchen Laden's Fredericksburg store at 258 E. Main Street this Saturday and next will enjoy demonstrations by popular kitchen-equipment manufacturers. This Saturday, October 21, Nordicware company representative John Asmus, along with Der Küchen Laden's own Marilyn Jacobs, demonstrate Holiday baking utilizing Nordicware pans. Additionally, Betty Eckerdt, Der Küchen Laden's Springerle expert, demonstrates techniques for baking these traditional Christmas cookies from Bavaria and Austria. Call 830-997-4937 for more information.

Knights of Columbus Pancake Breakfast

All-you-can-eat style pancake and sausage breakfast at St. Mary's School Cafeteria, on the corner of Orange & San Antonio Streets in Fredericksburg, TX, served with coffee and juice. Proceeds benefit various special causes.

Fall Dance Fest benefiting Meals on Wheels - 10/21

A fall dance, benefiting the Meals on Wheels program, will be held at Marktplatz this Saturday, October 21, from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Admission is $5. The Texas Weather Band provides music for dancing. For more information, call (830)997-7131.

Luckenbach's Harvest Classic & European Motorcycle Rally

Luckenbach's annual Harvest Classic & European Motorcycle Rally.

Kelly's Cafe Opens in Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg welcomes a new restaurant, Kelly's Cafe. Featuring home-made American food, all made from scratch, the restaurant is now in operation. Pressed on a favorite dish, Chef/Owner Kelly Rogers cites the Blue Corn Green Chile and Chicken Enchiladas. In addition to home-made entrees, they also feature home-made soups and fresh salads. Mr. Rogers, a chef for 25 years, renovated the 1931 Bungalow housing the new restuarant at 505 West Main Street (formerly Alfredo's). Kelly's Cafe phone: 830 997-8593

Armchair Travel to Italy

Travel vicariously to Italy via the VILLA TEXAS booth (#200-201) at the Texas Book Festival in Austin later this month.

Join Darlene Marwitz, author of Italy Fever: 14 Ways to Satisfy Your Love Affair with Italy, and her husband, David Marwitz, for a weekend of armchair travel---to Italy---books, maps, travel gear and music, plus learn details on their guided travel program for Spring 2007, "VILLA TEXAS DOES ITALY!"

Learn about Making Wine - 10/15 Woodrose Winery

On Sunday, October 15, 2006 from 12:00 pm -6:00 pm, Come enjoy the experience and learn the ins and outs of making wine with Woodrose Winery owner and winemaker, Mike Guilette. This October wine making party will be an event you won’t want to miss! Call to schedule a time or stop by for a visit. 1 hour shifts available.

Woodrose Winery is best known for its quality wines and relaxed, laid back atmosphere. They have recently completed the construction of multi-level 3,000 sq. ft decks to provide additional seating for the tasting room. With the change in weather, the Woodrose Winery deck is a great way to enjoy a glass of wine! The decks were completed without removing any mature living trees and will provide a peaceful place to sit and enjoy our wines with restaurant style tasting in a beautiful hill country setting.

Each season something new will come to Woodrose. This will include new wines, new improvements and new opportunities for the customers to learn about wines and the winemaking process. “We hope that you stop by to see all the new changes and to experience Woodrose Winery for yourself,” invites Mike Guillette.

Woodrose Winery is located at 662 Woodrose Lane on the south side of Hwy. 290 just west of Stonewall or 14 miles east of Fredericksburg. They are currently open Wednesday thru Sunday noon until 6pm.

Tex Hill Wing's Vintage Military Aircraft Display - 10/15

Thanks to the Commemorative Air Force's "Tex" Hill Wing, in Fredericksburg, Texas, old military aircraft used in WWII will be on display at the Gillespie county airport this weekend. There you can talk to the crews, take a tour, take a flight, all without any gate or parking fees.

Texas Wine Month Passport Trail - Oct 6 -31

See why all of Texas is celebrating along the Texas Wine Month Passport Trail, where you can celebrate new releases or revisit old favorites still available as autumn begins in the Texas Wine Country. Purchase your passport ($25) and receive this year's unique collector's t-shirt. Visit ten of the sixteen participating wineries and become eligible for a prize drawing drawing.

Kick-off weekend is the 1st weekend of October, but all month the passport is honored. Call 866-621-9463 for details.

Texas Mesquite Art Festival -10/13-15

Over 50 talented mesquite wood artisans come to Fredericksburg's Marktplatz to showcase their handcrafted mesquite products. Featuring the world’s largest selection of: original mesquite art, sculpture, furniture, turnings, architectural accents, gift items, ornaments and more! For times and more information visit www.texasmesquiteassn.org/fbgshow.html or call 1-866-TEX-FEST (839-3378).

American Legion BBQ Dinner - Oct 15 at 4 pm

Fund-raising BBQ dinner for the American Legion Auxiliary; please call (830) 997-2505 for further information. The dinner starts at 4 pm at Fredericksburg's American Legion Hall at 726 South Washington Street.

South Central BMW Owners Reunion - 10/13-15

The annual reunion & motorcycle rally for the South Central BMW Owners and riders will be at Fredericksburg's Lady Bird Johnson's Municipal Park October 13-15. Bike Show, Field Events, Ride-In Awards, on/off road GS Ride, Scenic Poker Run, catering by Smokin' Willie. Danny Liska's historic BMWs on display. Shaded tent camping, RV hook-ups and off site accommodations. Visit the BMW Club of Houston web site for more details and a pre-registration form.

Stonewall Volunteer Fire Dept. Fish Fry

An annual fund raiser for Stonewall Volunteer Fire Department, event includes food, drinks, prizes, & more. Admission by donation. The fish fry will be at 5 pm at Stonewall Chamber of Commerce Grounds, 115 St. Francis St., in Stonewall, Texas. Call (830) 644-2735 for more information.

3rd Annual Knap-in & Lithic Arts Festival - 10/13-15

Come to the 3rd Annual Fredericksburg Knap-in & Lithic Arts Festival! This festival is best described as a gathering of men & women who share a passion for making arrowheads, spear points, & art objects made from obsidian chert & other types of stone. Over 200 participants gather for three days & knap flint. There are constant demonstrations going on for beginners & many vendors selling beautiful items made from stone. This is a great family outing!

The Festival will be held on the grounds of Fort Martin Scott, a pre-Civil War era frontier fort located just east of Fredericksburg on Hwy. 290, very near to the Wal-Mart & directly across the highway from the Fredericksburg Law Enforcement Center. Click the “Map/Directions” link above to get Fort Martin Scott’s location map.

There is a fee to be a registered attendee; but it is FREE to the public with the exception of a $3/per carload parking fee.

Fall Events at VILLA TEXAS & the Lavender Market

La Bouqutiere, one of Villa Texas' all-time favorite lavender lines, is back! The familiar blue bottles are gone, but it’s the same great lavender fragrance for lotion, liquid hand soap, countertop spray, and candles.

More bed styles and luxurious linens are on the way, including SFERRA and other fine linens from Italy.

NOTE: Villa Texas is now closed on Sundays except for special events. Domenica (Sunday) in Italy is celebrated with faith, family, and friends. It’s also a time for renewing our creative energy to make VILLA TEXAS an exciting destination for your next visit! We hope that you, too, will discover quiet moments of la dolce vita.

Fredericksburg Community Magazine - 10/9 to 12/1

The Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce announces plans to begin work on the 2007 edition of the Fredericksburg Community Magazine and matching digest size MembershipDirectory featuring the Fredericksburg area. According to Ms. Crenwelge, Executive Vice President, of the Chamber, “The Fredericksburg Community Magazine and Membership Directory provides an extremely effective means for marketing our community to a variety of audiences and is an invaluable tool in attracting and informing newcomers and business prospects of every description. Through these publications, visitors, potential newcomers and investors can get a firsthand glimpse of our beautiful community, as well as the businesses and services available in our area. The Fredericksburg Community Magazine offers a value-driven advertising opportunity for chamber members. The Membership Directory offers a unique opportunity to promote your business services or products to other businesses in our community.”

As a chamber member, SouthComm Publishing Company, Inc. will produce these publications. Ms. Hope Merrill, CEO of SouthComm, comments, “We are proud to be the publisher of choice for this important marketing endeavor. We look forward to working with the businesses and leadership of the Fredericksburg area.”

A SouthComm representative will call on chamber members between October 9th and December 1st, 2006, to discuss advertising and marketing solutions offered through these high-quality publications. Call 830-997-6523 for details.

Monarch Celebration at Wildseed Farms - Oct 7

In celebration of the Monarch butterflies’ journey through the Texas Hill Country en-route to Mexico, Wildseed Farms of Fredericksburg, Texas is hosting the 3rd annual Monarch Celebration on October 7th and 8th, 2006.

In combined effort with Monarch Watch at the University of Kansas, Monarchs will be “tagged” and released throughout the United States as part of a large-scale mark and recapture program to aid in the study and research of their migration. Tagging consist of placing a tiny official Monarch Watch self-adhesive tag on the butterfly’s wings. Wildseed Farms’ Monarch Celebration tagging and release event will be held on Saturday, October 7th at 11:30 am and 3:30 pm, and again on Sunday, October 8th at 11:30 am and 3:30 pm.

Visitors can observe Monarch tagging and release demonstrations and see graceful butterflies surrounded by the plants they use for nectar and as host plants. Witness the magic of the butterfly life cycle and learn the basics of butterfly gardening. There is no charge to Wildseed Farms’ Monarch Celebration, which includes tagging demonstrations. The standard admission fee is charged for entrance to the Meadows, which includes the live butterfly exhibit. Fun for the whole family!

Ben Hur Shrine Circus - Oct 2

The 2006 Ben Hur Shrine Circus will be appearing in Gillespie County for this one night only, October 2, 2006, at 7PM. Tickets are $14 for both children and adults and will be on sale at the fairgrounds one hour before showtime. The Circus will be at the Gillespie County Fairgrounds, three miles south of Fredericksburg, Texas on State Highway 16. Call 830-997-2359 for more information.