Barbara Pevoto, a resident of Brookdale, poses in front of the residence’s Christmas Tree.
Photo by Carrie Casillas
Brookdale Senior Living will hold its 25th Anniversary Celebration on Wednesday, Dec. 13 from 4 to 6 p.m. with a special toast and tree lighting ceremony at 5 p.m.
The Aquarena Springs Symphonic Band prepares for its upcoming concert at First Baptist Church, 325 W. McCarty Lane.
Photos submitted by ASSB
ASSB performs at Kissing Tree Christmas in December 2022.
Tis the season of Christmas and music will fill the air, courtesy of the Aquarena Springs Symphonic Band’s holiday concert set for Saturday, Dec. 16 at Kissing Tree, located at 201 Kissing Tree Lane. ASSB will follow up this season opener with its grand concert on Dec. 17 at First Baptist Church, 325 W. McCarty Lane, featuring a special secret guest. Both programs are free and will begin at 7 p.m.
Prepping a garden for winter is a good opportunity for fun and connection while working in the outdoors before cold weather hits.
Plants that were planted this year should be covered with mulch or a blanket to protect them from frost.
Photos submitted by the Hays County Master Gardeners
Ten tips to help our gardens and plants thrive during the winter season
Kelly S tone Educator, Comedian, Champion P unner
Dear Readers, Do you ever find yourself in a bipolar- like funk around the holidays, or is it just me? It’s a mix of childlike glee marveling at Christmas lights and enjoying carols, yet I also feel a bit like the Grinch. I mean, how many times can we listen to Mariah Carey in a single month? And this comes from a gal who flew to Oakland, Ca., just to see Lionel Richie perform with special guest Mariah Carey. She’s certainly impressive, but it’s a lot. Still, let’s give her credit — creating a Christmas album was a brilliant move for her bank account, so I certainly don’t fault her. However, I think we all know there are plenty of other Christmas albums that could be included in the store playlists.
WINTERING WONDERFULLY
Hard to believe that in just a few weeks, we move from Fall to Winter in the meteorological world. As a former resident of Caribou, Maine, I will not wish to see more snow, but I can enjoy all of the finer aspects of winter at this Saturday’s Winter Family Fun Day presented by The Meadows Center Glass Bottom Tours starting at 10 a.m. and going until 3 p.m. Held at Spring Lake, there will be crafts to make and hot chocolate to sample. Later, I will check in at the Sights & Sounds of Christmas Festival to see why everyone has praise for biscuits and rides, of course. Then, I will spend some time celebrating my daughter’s December birthday. Yes, she gets more presents on her birthday just because Christmas is so close. Bundle up this weekend but be sure to get out and enjoy the wealth of events from Kyle to Buda to San Marcos that make this time of year so special.
ROCKIN’ OUT THEN ROCK PAINTING
This weekend I’ve got a couple of things on my plate that I’m very excited about. First and foremost, tonight I will be watching my favorite band—Queens of the Stone Age—in Austin at the Moody Center. My tickets are for general admission, which at my 33 years of age may be quite an experience as this band is the type of rock that could get a little chaotic. If you’re less of a mosh-pit person and feeling more of a chill and local vibe, as a sane person should, you could always celebrate an old yuletide tradition by going to Sights and Sounds with your family tonight. I went last weekend, and I kid you not, that funnel cake and Christmas light combination transported me to my childhood. Also, you should try the biscuits and gravy. I never would have thought of this as a winter treat or a carnival treat for that matter, but I was so wrong—it’s perfect. Saturday I’m going to Wilory Farm in Martindale to support Own Your Own Universe—a nonprofit created by grammy-award winning musician Terri Hendrix to bring inexpensive art and music classes to the public. This class is a rock painting class, and there are various types of visual and auditory art classes that happen all of the time. If you’re interested in perusing the course selection go to this link ownyourownuniverse. org/calendar/ .
MUSIC, MUSIC AND MORE MUSIC
How about a San Marcos-based two-day music festival happening on the Square? This weekend is SMFest: Winter Edition, an event that will take place at multiple venues around downtown San Marcos including Sean Patrick’s, Tantra Coffeehouse, Wildfire and The Railyard. This allinclusive free music festival will feature music from local bands such as Ryn, Kenny Normal, Unspoken, Mad Dabber, Boycott and more. The event will also have vendors, art booths and SMFest’s first ever community art installation. SMFest begins at 7 p.m. Dec. 8 and will continue through 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9. For more information, check out the Sean Patrick’s Facebook event page at facebook.com/seanpatrickstx.
In addition to SMFest, this Saturday is the last Art Squared of 2023, so don’t miss the opportunity to pick up unique hand-made holiday gifts from local artists on the Square from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you’re still in the mood for shopping small and local, check out the Sunday Flea Market at Wonder World Cave located at 1000 Prospect Dr. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The San Marcos Daily Record suggestions for things to do in and around San Marcos
Yellow esperanza is the first in line of many blooms across the Powell front yard on Nance St.
Photo by Sharon Lockett
Above, coral vine elevated on wire cages provides privacy and backdrop for potted red bougainvillea and periwinkles.
Photo by Sharon Lockett
Inset, coral vine and bougainvillea bloomed together in November behind a limestone boulder.
Photo by Jenny Powell
A gravel walkway between a curbside garden and foundation plants includes another red crape myrtle plus irises and garden ornaments. Inset, Esperanza or yellow bells shine curbside in Powell front yard in December.
Photos by Sharon Lockett
Red turk’s cap and lantana edge left side of yard in front of red crape myrtle and potted bougainvillea with ligustrum in background.
Indigo spires of salvia contrasts with red bougainvillea and pink periwinkles in the Powell front garden for the December Yard of the Month.
Powell residence displays front yard with lowmaintenance, drought-resistant landscape
Acanthus the Rooster.
Photo from Metro Creative
The Broke Thespians Theatre Company will present a staged reading of “Acanthus“ as part of the company’s New Works Series on Dec. 9 at the San Marcos Public Library.
Community organizations come together for the “Stronger Together Fair” set for Dec. 9 at the San Marcos Public Library.
Photo by Celeste Cook
The San Marcos Public Library is excited to announce an inspiring community program that brings together residents and local organizations in an endof- year festival of learning and resources. Called the “Stronger Together Fair,” this unique gathering seeks to bolster the spirit and assets of our beautiful San Marcos community by providing invaluable services, volunteer opportunities and engagement with organizations that span the gamut of San Marcos’ diverse needs.
Graphic submitted by the Wimberley Community Chorus
The Wimberley Community Chorus presents its 2023 winter concert, “Holiday Classics” on Dec. 8 and 9 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 10 at 3 p.m. in Avey Hall of the Chapel in the Hills, 14601 RR12, Wimberley.
(512) 392-2458
P.O. Box 1109, San Marcos, TX 78666
