The Kyle Chamber Ambassadors held their monthly meeting at the Gary Job Corps Center. As part of the meeting, Susanne Ritter, Business Engagement Liaison and Apprenticeship Coordinator, informed the ambassadors of the mission of Job Corps, the training available, job placement opportunities and the educational model of the social, academic and Vocations that the Job Corps has utilized over 60 years. Randolph Goodman, Community Relations Coordinator, lead the ambassadors on a windshield tour of the 775-acre campus, showing the over 100 buildings housing the trades (19 vocations), medical, residential and recreation areas while sharing the many Shining Star Graduates and Events at the Gary Job Corps.
On Feb. 25 at 5 p.m., the Aquarena Springs Symphonic Band will present a free program of varied styles of songs.
The iconic Andean Cock-of-the Rock is the species most responsible for drawing birding enthusiasts to Jardin. Amazingly, this male was one of many at a Lek — or mating area — just a few minutes’ walk from the historic city’s downtown area. You can encounter them outside the mating area, but encounters are likely to be brief here. The short walk and small fee are well worth it.
Photos by Justin Harris
As birdwatching becomes more accessible, birding enthusiasts flock to Jardin, Columbia
Hays County Master Gardeners announces the Spring Plant and Tree Sale, which will be held online and in-person this year. March is the perfect time to plant, and the Master Gardeners will bring their favorite vegetables and herbs to sell. Growing vegetables and herbs will allow gardeners to skip the line at the grocery store and harvest fresh this spring. The Hays County Master Gardeners will also lend expertise in helping gardeners with plantings and transplants for home gardens. These will include Texas Superstars, Texas native and adapted perennials, ornamental grasses and sedge, as well as trees and succulents perfect for the Hill Country climate.
With varying degrees of frustration, I really dislike when I’m writing something while my pen runs out of ink. Argh! If I have another pen on hand (which is usually the case), it’s not the worst. If it’s my only pen without another one instantly available, that’s like Hulk Smash-level frustration. Sometimes, I’ll just keep writing with my inkless pen to finish my thought, hoping I can go back later and etch over it with a pencil, just like in the mystery and detective stories. And sometimes, I try to get to a new pen as quickly as possible to attempt tracing those letter impressions.
SMARTS assists teachers in Hays, San Marcos CISD
One of four living species of Tapir, Mountain Tapir can reach up to 550 pounds. Females, like this individual that I spotted on the Otun-Quimbaya trail, are larger than males. Mountain Tapir are unique among Tapir species in that they are the only member of the family found outside of tropical lowlands. The other three species are the South American, Bairds and Asia’s Malayan Tapir. If you encounter one, enjoy the moment but be cautious. While usually shy, Tapir can be aggressive if provoked.
Photos by Justin Harris
Encountering Mountain Tapir at Otun-Quimbaya is a matter of luck and chance. Finding Red Howler Monkeys, though, is typically much easier. Among the largest species of monkey in the world, they are also among the most boisterous. Listening for their loud calls is an effective way of locating Howlers. Often, they can be completely quiet and you will catch them in the trees immediately above you.
Unforgettable nature encounters await bold adventurers in this tropical locale
For one night only, Broke Thespians Theatre Company is performing “Dinner at Eight, Dead by Nine,” a dinner theater production written by Michael Druce. For $15, enjoy a spaghetti dinner and determine who killed the rich and fabulous Eleanor VanHeusen with over 45 minutes of nonstop laughter. The production is a partnership with the Maurice T. Suttles VFW Post 3413, and all proceeds go toward improving the building. The show starts on Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. at the VFW Hall, 1701 Hunter Rd.
(512) 392-2458
P.O. Box 1109, San Marcos, TX 78666