Solar Workshop - 5/18

Fredericksburg area residents and small business owners are invited to a solar workshop to learn about the nuts and bolts of solar water heating and electricity generation.

There is no fee to attend the event which is scheduled Saturday, May 18, from 9 a.m. to noon at Hill Country University Center, 2818 East U.S. Hwy. 290 in Fredericksburg. The event is an initiative of the clean energy subcommittee of Fredericksburg SHINES, a nonprofit organization showcasing Fredericksburg as the center of sustainability in Texas.

Michael Hurst, green builder and president of the Fredericksburg SHINES board of directors, said this workshop is the place to find answers. “Essentially, this event will cover questions and issues surrounding solar installation such as costs, placement and viable financing,” he said. “We really encourage anyone who has ever thought about solar energy—but dismissed it as too costly or too technical—to attend this workshop and learn how this exciting new energy source is overcoming those early challenges and is really now in reach of regular people and small businesses looking for sustainable, more environmentally friendly ways to live and operate from day to day.”

Introductory presenter for the workshop will be John Watson, a Corpus Christi native now living in Fredericksburg, who will recap his personal, multi-year journey from solar interest to actual installation of his solar energy system and, more recently, a solar water heating unit. Watson’s presentation will include a brief segment on an easy, money-saving way for almost anyone to harness the sun’s power for their benefit.

Thomas Isaac, chief executive officer of Techsun Solar, a solar water heater manufacturer, distributor and installation company headquartered in Martindale, TX, will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of various residential and commercial solar thermal system designs.

Isaac, whose company has installed systems for NASA, the U.S. military, HUD and many commercial and residential entities, including the solar water heating system at the Watson home in Fredericksburg, will review common installation or design errors and the effects of hard water.

He will also discuss a solar water heating system’s financial return, its significant environmental impact and reasons it has not yet been more readily adopted in Texas.

John LaFleur, sales consultant with Native, Inc., of Austin, a green builder and a licensed installer of solar, rainwater collection and geothermal air-conditioning and heating systems, also will make a presentation at the workshop. The company installed Watson’s solar electric system in Fredericksburg.

David Peterson, P.E., director of engineering and operations at Central Texas Electric Co-op (CTEC), will be on hand to answer questions about CTEC members installing solar systems and connecting to the CTEC distribution system. CTEC does have a policy for what is called “distributed generation” that addresses how a member may generate power while continuing to connect to the distribution system.

After the workshop concludes, local residents with solar installations will be available to talk about their personal experiences with solar technology.

Light refreshments will be available. While there is no charge to attend the workshop, reservations are encouraged for planning purposes. For more information or to reserve seats, call Watson at 830-997-3543, ext. 27, or email him at jwatsongreenliving@gmail.com.

Acoustic Music Workshop & Concert in Kerrville - 1/29

Musicians of all levels can build their skills at a new one-day January Acoustic Music Workshop in Kerrville on Saturday January 29, sponsored by Kerrville ISD’s Club Ed and Bob Miller’s Hill Country Acoustic Music Camp.

The workshop will feature three world-class musicians: Alan Munde on Banjo, David Hamburger on Guitar and Pops Bayless on Ukulele. All three play Americana and Roots music ranging from Folk to Blues and Bluegrass.

The Workshop consists of each instructor teaching three classes on Saturday, topped off by an exclusive faculty “House Concert” at the Union Church on the Schreiner University campus.

Alan Munde is a recording artist and author of several instructional publications. He has taught Bluegrass and Country Music at South Plains College in Levelland since 1986. Munde’s Banjo Workshops are - Rolls and how to use them; Chords and how to use them; and Songs & accompaniment styles.

David Hamburger is a renown guitarist who has appeared at Merle Fest and the Kerrville and Philadelphia Folk Festivals, toured with Joan Baez, and performed with the great string players. His guitar, slide guitar and dobro playing can be heard on many albums. David is also a contributing editor to Acoustic Guitar and the author of a dozen books. He will teach Guitar Workshop - Theory; 6 degrees of Travis Picking; and Fingerpicking Blues.

Pops Bayless brings over three decades of performing experience on the ukulele. An accomplished teacher, Pops has presented a myriad of uke-based workshops at different schools and fests across the country including the Augusta Heritage Center, Blue Stone Folk School, Midwest Ukulele Festival, Ukulele Expo, and the Dallas Uke Fest. His Uke Workshops will feature Strums; 3 chord songs; and Chord Shapes.

Workshops will meet at the Kerr Arts & Cultural Center, 228 Earl Garrett St, Kerrville. Class Times are:

Class Period 1, 10:00am to 11:15am
Class Period 2, 1:00pm to 2:15pm
Class Period 3, 2:30pm to 3:45pm

Each class period is $40, or students can sign up for all three workshops by one instructor for a discount price of $100.

The day will be finished with an exclusive “House Concert” featuring all Workshop instructors. The workshop is Saturday evening, January 29, 2011, from 6 - 8 p.m. at Union Church at the corner of Broadway, Water, and Travis Streets in Kerrville. Concert admission is $20, and guests are welcome to bring a snack and beverage to share.

Class sizes are limited. Students can reserve their seats through Club Ed by several methods: Online at www.clubed.net, email at club.ed@kerrvilleisd.net, Phone 830-895-4386, Fax at 830-257-0566, or in person at the Auld Center, 1121 Second Street, Kerrville TX 78028.

Texas Water Symposium - 1/30

The population of Texas is expected to double in the next 50 years. Some parts of Texas are water-rich; others are water-poor. There is a great need for a water-literate public to make informed decisions. The second in a series of Texas Water Symposium co-sponsored by Schreiner University, Texas Tech University - Fredericksburg and Texas Public Radio will be held at the Llano River Field Station of Texas Tech University in Junction. The symposium's topic will be "Climate Change and Impacts on Floods, Weather and Drought in Texas: What Controversy?" moderated by Tom Arsuffi. Panelists will include Robert E. Mace, deputy executive administrator, water science and conservation, at the Texas Water Development Board; Todd Votteler, executive manager of governmental relations and policy for the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority and executive director emeritus of the Guadalupe-Blanco River Trust; and Katharine Hayhoe, research associate professor of atmospheric sciences at TTU in Lubbock and an expert reviewer for the Nobel Peace Prize-winning Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. This event is free and open to the public. All of the water forums are taped and aired on Texas Public Radio. Call (830) 792-7405 for information.

Free Wildlife Management Seminar - 10/15

Plateau Land & Wildlife Management will be holding a free seminar on Wildlife Management Valuation in Fredericksburg on October 15 at the Fredericksburg Inn and Suites (201 S. Washington Street) from 6-8PM. Please join Plateau professionals for an informative discussion of this alternate tax valuation and learn why many rural landowners currently in Ag are making the switch to Wildlife. Space may be limited, so please RSVP to Plateau at (888) 289-9409.

Texas Tech Masked Rider visits Hill Country University Center

Texas Tech University's legendary Masked Rider and horse will be visiting the new construction site of Hill Country University Center on Highway 290 East for campus tours and photo ops Saturday at 9 am. Bring your cameras and get your picture taken with this Tech icon. Guns Up, Go Tech!

Choose, Grow and Use Herbs

Learn how to choose, grow and use Mediterranean herbs in the kitchen during this free class presented by Carol Seminar, certified master gardener at Woerner Feed & Garden Supply, 305 S. Lincoln Street, Saturday July 18 at 10:30 am. To sign up for this class, please call 830/997-2246.

Sunshine Clown Camp for Big Kids - 4/1-3

“Sunshine” the Clown’s 6th Annual “Clowning wherever you can Camp” for Big Kids at the Willow City Schoolhouse in Willow City, TX . “Sunshine” will lead participants in a fun exploration to find their inner clown!!! Classes include: (A) Clown movement, (B) Character development, (C) Clown Makeup, (D) Ballooning Fun, Other clown camp courses include; juggling, magic and realizing the art of causing smiles and laughter. Fee is $150 per person. Special Guests! Please call 830/997-1852 to register, space is limited.

Rhythm of the Soul Vinyasa Workshop

Combining live music by Oliver Rajamaini with vinyasa flow to guide you inward during your practice. Cost is $35 per person at The Yoga Center, 128 Kneese Road, on Saturday from 4-6 pm. Please call 830/990-9642 for more information.

Put a Pencil to Your Spending, A Financial Literacy Program - 9/22

Dollars & Sense, a financial literacy program for the community presented by Schreiner University. The program will present six free 40-minute workshops lead by Schreiner faculty members with expertise in that particular area. Program organizers ask that participants bring a brown bag lunch, paper and pencil. Drinks and dessert will be provided. The lack of understanding which the public has about the basics of personal finance has reached a crises level in our country. With Americans losing their homes at an unprecedented rate these last weeks and months, we have to educate consumers regarding how to manage their money and their access to and use of credit. For more information about the workshop series, call Toni Bryant at 830/792-7229.

"Hill Country Native Grasses" Topic at Native Plant Society

The Fredericksburg Chapter of the Native Plant Society will host speaker, Jim Stanley at Gillespie County Historical Society, 312 W. San Antonio Street, on Tuedsay July 29 at 7 pm. He will speak on the topic of "Hill Country Native Grasses". This program is free and the public is welcome. Please call 830/990-2942 for more information.

Student Rockets to be Launched - 4/25 - 28

Science students from all over Texas will be launching their rockets at Paul Meek Ranch, Highway 16 South off Alfred Petsch Road south of Fredericksburg. Rockets '08 is part of the SystemsGo Aeroscience program. Fredericksburg students will be launching their rockets on Saturday at 8:45AM, 1:45 and 3:15PM. The launch is free and open to the public. There is free parking, security and concessions. Please call 830/997-3567 for more information

"Valentine Love Feast" Cooking Class at Runnymede Country Inn - 2/13

A wonderful dinner menu that will scream "I Love You!" taught by Molly Fowler, The Dining Diva at Runnymede Country Inn on Highway 16 South at Boos Lane, February 13 from 6:30AM - 9:30PM. Cost is $40 per person. Please call 830/990-2449 for more information.

Menu: Shrimp Bisque with Basil Cream, Hearts of Palm Salad, Beef Tenderloin with Mushrooms and Blue Cheese, Potato Gallette, White Chocolate Raspberry Torte.

Scrapbook Retreat at Journey Lane

An in-store scrapbook retreat this Friday at Journey Lane Scrapbook, that is sure to inspire you, cost per person is $75 and includes the following: Friday evening meal, all meals on Saturday, breakfast & lunch on Sunday, & tools available for use. Additionally, supplies will be available for purchase, and projects may be left overnight - no need to set-up multiple times. Scrapbookers may come and go as they wish and work on their projects at their convenience.

If this sounds likes something you'd enjoy, please call (830) 990-6942 for further info or to reserve a spot.

Wine and Dine with the Diva - 10/24

Cooking class with visiting chef, Molly Fowler, the Dining Diva, held at Runnymede Country Inn, from 6:30 - 9:00 PM.

Crusted Scallops with wine sauce

Porcini Mushroom Soup

Tournedos of Beef with Brandy Peppercorn Sauce

Green Beans with Walnuts and Roquefort

Fall Fruit Tart

Wine will be paired with each course.

$40/person. Call 830-990-2449 for information and reservations.

Cook Once, Eat Twice

Cooking class with visiting chef, Molly Fowler, the Dining Diva, held at Runnymede Country Inn.

Salad with Creamy Bacon and Peppercorn Dressing

Stuffed Pork Tenderloin with Dijon Sauce

Sauteed Veggies

Sweet Potato Maple Pie

Leftovers transform to Green Gator Chile

Veggie Soft Tacos

$35 per person

$35/person. Call (830) 990-2449 for more information.

“The White Elephant” and More on Main Street Phot Exhibit

Take the time to visit the Vereins Kirche Museum on Marktplatz and view the photo display of the thirteen saloons that were on Main Street in the early days of Fredericksburg – places like The White Elephant Saloon, The Nimitz Saloon, the Rudolph Itz Saloon, the Sliver King Saloon, the Capitol Saloon and The Klaerner Saloon to name a few. The exhibit was researched by Bill Teague. Historic research shows that music, singing, dancing and drinking have always been a part of Fredericksburg’s heritage.

Texas Woodcarvers Guild

The Texas Woodcarvers Guild Fall Roundup and Show is this week at the Gillespie County Fairgrounds. There are five days of instruction and then the show and sale are on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Spectators are invited out throughout the week; small fee for classes.

A Mosaic Class by Suzan Germond - Artisans at Rocky Creek

Artisans at Rocky Hill is hosting A Mosaic Class by Suzan Germond. The fee is $200 which includes all supplies for you to keep plus, a mirror of mosaic. This is the second day of the class on the 15th from 1:00 - 4:00PM. Drinks will be provided, please bring a lunch. The class will be held at Fredericksburg Artists' School at Rocky Hill. Please call 830/990-8160 for more information.

Nimitz Symposium - 9/15

Enjoy this internationally acclaimed Pacific WWII symposium featuring authors, scholars and veterans held at the Fredericksburg High School Auditorium on Highway 16 South, Saturday, September 15 thru Sunday, September 16 from 9:00AM - 5:00PM. Sponsored by the National Museum of the Pacific War. Call (830) 992-2765 for more information.

Cooking with Molly Fowler-9/11

On this Tuesday, September 11, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Molly Fowler will present a cooking class entitled “A Movable Feast.” Learn the secrets to make several great dishes for a picnic or tailgate party. The cost is $35 per person, and you must pre-register by calling (830)990-2449.