Welcome to the third issue of GeorgeTown & Country Magazine, a resource for both residents and newcomers alike. The magazine’s primary focus is on Georgetown and secondarily, the beautiful Hill Country area.

In this issue Inner Space Cavern is featured, along with the Wine and Food Festival. One of the premier events of the year, the Red Poppy Festival, is held in April and a couple of months later the Festival of the Arts with classical music and fireworks comes to various venues around town. If it’s art you’re interested in, we’ve covered two of our local premiere artists, Don Snell and Dalhart Windberg. For hiking enthusiasts, we recommend a nice little walk on some of the trails circling Lake Georgetown. Millions of bats are a draw for thousands of people in the Hill Country and a day trip to the old railroad tunnel is included in this issue. Or, if it’s food you’re interested in, we have two great recipes, one from Laurie’s and the other from Created for You Bakery and Catering. These are just a few of the articles, so sit back, relax and find out about our wonderful city!

And, I would like to say thanks to our advertisers and contributors for their support with the magazine. It’s been fun and challenging to bring this publication to our community. If you would like to be an advertiser or would like to contribute an article for the magazine, please contact me at 512-863-3263.

I hope you enjoy the magazine and find it useful!

Lucas Adams, Publisher

Spring - Summer 2008

Your Guide to Georgetown & the Hill Country

2 Wine & Food Sunday Fair held in San Gabriel Park

4 The Red Poppy Festival Held as a fund-raiser for the Main Street Project

5 The Artist Snell 85 years young and still going strong!

8 Hiking Lake Georgetown Trails around the lake

12 Georgetown’s CavernExploring down under

16 Master Painter Dalhart Windberg

19 Best Barbecue One of our favorites

20 Bat Watching Large colony in the Hill Country

25 Festival of the Arts A week of classical music and art

© 2008 Lucas Adams. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use, without express written permission from Lucas Adams, of any portion of this publication is prohibited. Reasonable efforts have been taken to prepare this publication for accuracy, however the publisher assumes no liability for errors. Content in GeorgeTown & Country Magazine may include paid advertisements. Booklet designed, photographed and published by Lucas Adams.

8th Street StudiosChantal’s Bistro & Wine BarCianfrani Coffee CompanyD’Vine Wine of GeorgetownFramer’s GalleryFranklin & Company JewelersGatheringsGeorgetown Antique MallGeorgeTown & Country MagazineGeorgetown Shirt CompanyHarper-Chesser Historic InnHeavenly Oasis Ponds & WaterfallsHill Country BookstoreHollandaze GourmetJust Kidds & MoreLaurie’s TooLone Star PropertiesNovita SpaOaks at WildwoodQuenan’s JewelersRazmataz SalonRough & Ready AntiquesRufina’s Pottery and DecorSan Gabriel House B&BSellstate Summit RealtyShe, Etc... International Day SpaSweet SerendipityThe CollectorThe EscapeTreasuresWildfireWise CouncilWonderful ThingsZoe’s Gifts & Accessories

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Quenan’s New LocationLocated where the old P&K Hardware Store used to be, Quenan’s Jewelers will be open mid-April after almost a year of remodeling from the ground up. Numerous delays in construction, including nearly a solid month of rain in 2007, put them several months off schedule for the move from their old location to the new. Just judging from the way the outside looks, it was worth the wait. Go by and check it out!For more information call 512-869-7659.

Sparky’s Now OpenSparky’s is now open in Sun City, serving a casual eclectic menu of southwestern cuisine from the same restaurateur who brought the popular Wildfire restaurant to Georgetown. They’re open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends.For more information call 512-863-6200.

Running GeorgetownOne of Austin’s original success story businesses, RunTex, has opened its doors in Georgetown. They carry men’s and women’s running shoes, clothing and accessories for the fitness minded. They also have yoga and fitness classes available. Their hours of operation are: Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.For more information phone (512) 868 2345 or visit their website, www.runtex.com.RunTex on the Square is located at 809 South Main Street next door to Razmataz Salon.

City-wide Garage & Sidewalk SaleHeld in the parking lot from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. behind Council Chambers and also at Grace Heritage on March 29th, (and again later in the year on October 25th) the city-wide garage sale will benefit the Main Street Facade Fund.For more information call 930-3545 or visithttp://mainstreet.georgetown.org.

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TheTexas Hill Country Wine & Food Festival Sunday Fair will be held Sunday, April 13, at San Gabriel Park.

Held on the banks of the beautiful San Gabriel River, this classic wine and food tasting event is sure to please. Wineries from allover the state and beyondset up their booths withtheir best vintages, andrestaurants from thearea serve anassortment ofdelicacies, entréesand appetizers.

Tickets are availableat the VisitorInformation Centerdowntown or youcan purchase themat the gate, but thisevent has been knownto sell out in advanceso get your tickets early!

For more information,phone (512) 249-6300or visit http://texaswineandfood.org

G e o r g e t o w n E v e n t 2

Art Festival at Southwestern UniversitySupported in part by a King Creativity Grant, an art festival will be held on Saturday, April 5th, from11 a.m. until 6 p.m. The event, sponsored by the Delta Omicron Sorority, will be held in the Bishops Lounge, Veranda and Academic Mall, and will consist of:

Composers Collective Concert• Fine Art Scholar Lectures• Photography Workshop• Ensemble Performances• Instrument Petting Zoo• Student Art Exhibits• Arts & Crafts• Yoga• And More!•

Plaka Greek Cafe OpenFor those of you who love authentic Greek food, we have a new Greek restaurant open at the intersection of IH35 and Williams Drive! The owner, George Betondos, was one of the owners of the Athenian Greek Restaurant in Austin. Go by and say “καλωσορίζω” (Greek for “welcome”). For more information phone 863-5008.

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“So You Think You’re a Celebrity” EventApril 5th at Razmataz SalonThey’ll have the limo ride, the red carpet walk and the famous photographer outside to take your picture all dressed up for a minimum price. There will be a silent auction, with proceeds benefiting the Nikki Gilbert Cause, a fund-raiser for a little girl with alife-threatening illness.Inside you’ll enjoy appetizers and wine whilst strolling through the newly expanded Razmataz Salon.Silent auction items will be on display and drawn at9 p.m. Door prizes will be given out to all!This is not an evening to be missed! Please RSVP before March 29th!For more information call (512) 864-9829.

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The Red Poppy Festival, held every year the last full weekend in April, has become one of the favorite events in the state. Designated the Red Poppy Capital of Texas, Georgetown celebrates its signature event featuring live music and performances, the Red Poppy Bike Ride, handmade arts and crafts vendors, an open car show, a children’s area and more.

This year, Two Tons of Steel followed by Kelly Willis are the showcase performers at Saturday night’s street dance.

Few people know it, but the festival is held as a fund-raiser to help preserve the downtown area that has made Georgetown so unique. The proceeds benefit

the Main Street Facade and Sign Grant program, which is dedicated to the preservation and restoration of the buildings. Looking around the Square at the fine architecture, one can see the results of several years of hard work by dedicated individuals who established the program in 1982. Since 2004 over $80,000 worth of grants have been awarded to 22 different downtown businesses or organizations for facade or sign improvements.

Just how does the program work? Whenever a building is in need of repair or is being remodeled, an application can be made to the Main Street Program prior to construction for funds to be used in the exterior restoration or signs. The funding is not for the full amount of the restoration since there are limited funds available, but it is helpful.

Main Street Manager Shelly Hargrove, who has been with the program for about four years now, said, “This program means a lot to Georgetown.

April 26th & 27th

G e o r g e t o w n E v e n tContinued on page 13

55 A r o u n d G e o r g e t o w n

Local 85-year-old artistDon Snell and his partnerRuth Roberts moved to Georgetown from Houston in 1981, opting for small townlife over the stress of the bigcity. Buying a small pieceof property just outside town,they hand-built their own modest house and studio, takingabout 2 years to get it like they wanted. Several years later in 1995 they built a gallery on the property that faced the wide open spaces. (That is, until they built the toll road outside their front door...)

Snell has been tirelessly painting and sculpting for years, amassing a huge volume of work, “Some that will go with your couch and some that won’t.” A visit to Snell’s gallery to see his originals is almost overwhelming, as there are hundreds of oil paintings everywhere you look. It’s an explosion of color and emotion that makes you want to see more as you flip through stacks of paintings, a treasure hunt forthe senses.

The subject matter - faces, flowers, surreal landscapes, sensual figures - are all executed with a unique style, bold and highly imaginative, the creations of a true artist. One can see the influence of many popular artists on his work, such as Van Gogh, Picasso, Matisse and others.

For more information or tosee Snell’s work, visitwww.donsnell.com or call (512) 863-7635 and make an appointment to visit the gallery. Now for the disclaimer: as with a lot of art out there, some of it may be offensive to some people. That is, of course, what makes it... interesting.

The artist at work

Woman in a Red Dress

The Red Chair

Georgetown Artworks Project

Georgetown Art Works (GAW) has, as its goal, the promotion of the arts as a mechanism to create greater vitality in downtown Georgetown’s historic district.

In order to reach this goal, GAW will attempt to provide low-cost space to attract artisans to the downtown. In addition, GAW will attempt to develop workshop space that can be used by area artists to hone their skills and create an environment where art education can be made available to the public. If funds and space permit, GAW will develop a public gallery area for display of work by area as well as nationally recognized artists.

It is a GAW wish to create a center for the arts that will serve as an attraction to our downtown and an incubator for artistic innovation within our community. Toward this end they will attempt to provide low-cost space where professional artists can create and market their products as well as a place where the transfer of talent from professional to amateur is encouraged.

GAW it is exploring several sites that might be used for the purposes described above. These include the old power plant between 8th and 9th Streets on Rock, the building on the northwest corner of 7th and Main Street currently housing and number of city offices, the building on the southwest corner of 7th and Church Street, and the property between 4th and 5th streets on Austin Avenue. In addition, GAW continues to explore the potential use of the open space at the rear of the buildings on 8th Street between Austin Avenue and Main Street. This space might be used as an events area or art park. The latter space currently has the issue of multiple ownership and safe public access but these are not insurmountable obstacles.

The final selection of the site requires that GAW can maintain a high degree of flexibility while retaining a clear precise vision of its goals. That vision is to create a center for the arts emulating the highly successful facility that has been operating in the historic district of Raleigh, North Carolina, for over 23 years. For more information phone 863-2214.

- Fred Bolgen Framer’s Gallery

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Map on next page.

Lake Georgetown has over 25 miles of trails, with trailheads that are accessible from several parks around the lake. Some are fairly easy while

others are more rugged, requiring a greater level of conditioning, planning and preparation. It’s always advisable to let someone know that you are going hiking no matter where it is, and as the Boy Scout’s motto says, “Be Prepared.” For instance, take a cell phone with you and even though you don’t think you’ll need them, take water and a hat. It’s always a good idea to take a snack, too, just to keep your energy level up, and don’t forget the camera... there

are some good photo opportunities. You’ll need insect repellent for the chiggers depending on the time of year and good hiking shoes, as the trails are fairly rough in places - exercise caution!

On the north side of the lake near the dam there’s a trail which goes to Jim Hogg Park, about 5 miles long with fairly mild terrain, suitable for both hiking and trail-biking. One of the other hiking trails is on the south side of the lake at Cedar Breaks Park and it is not suitable for trail-biking, being much rougher. There are springs and a small waterfall on the Cedar Breaks trail about 4 miles out where elephant ears grow wild, and grassy glens with lots of shade make for a good rest stop. Another trailhead is at Russell Park, on the west side of the lake and also at Tejas Camp, not far off the new Ronald Reagan Blvd.

There is an admission fee for Cedar Breaks Park, Jim Hogg Park and for Russell Park, but not for the park near the north side of the dam. For more information call 930-5253.

Hiking theGoodwater Loopat Lake Georgetown

Natural spring and waterfall at Cedar Hollow Camp

A r o u n d G e o r g e t o w n

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Our New Library is a Success!If you’ve just moved to Georgetown or don’t get downtown much, you may not know that the new library is open! It is on 8th Street just past Rock Street, west of the downtown Square a block and a half. Specifically, it’s at 402 West 8th Street and the hours of operation are: Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The library is available for meetings and other events. For more information visit:http://library.georgetown.org/info.overview.php

For more information here are the phone numbers:930-3551 Circulation desk 930-3627 Reference desk 930-3623 Children’s Services

One of the other nice things about the library is the Red Poppy Coffee Company, a cafe on the east side of the building, serving coffee, tea, bakery treats and more. Their phone number is 931-7703.

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12A r o u n d G e o r g e t o w n

Getting Down in GeorgetownCentral Texas is full of caverns, many of which are still undiscovered. The limestone formations have been forming for countless years, so many in fact that several of the caverns contain fossils from extinct animals.

Georgetown’s Inner Space Cavern was discovered in 1963 by a construction crew drilling test holes for Interstate Highway 35. The drill bit dropped away into the darkness and other test holes were drilled with the same findings. Finally a 24-inch hole was drilled. A worker was lowered into the hole, becoming the first person to see the cave. The highway was then rerouted, which accounts for the meandering part of Interstate 35.

Fossil remains from sabre-tooth cats and a mammoth tusk were found near the entrance to the cavern, and some of the fossils remain on display inside the main building.

Adventure Tours leave every 30 minutes for an hour and fifteen minute tour. There’s also an Explorer’s Tour going into sections not seen on the regular tour. Approximately 100,000 visitors see the caves every year. For more information visit www.innerspace.com or phone 512-931-CAVE.

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Anyone who was here in the late 1970s knows how far the downtown had slipped into disrepair. The process of revitalization is ongoing and will continue for years to come. The Poppy Festival and other events like the City-wide Garage & Sidewalk Sale in March provide the seed money for this program.”

The Poppy Festival and other events raise not only funds but also public awareness. It is this public awareness that makes Georgetown’s downtown one of the most prominent in the state. And, what better place to hold the Red Poppy Festival than the very downtown that benefits from the event? If you have never been to the festival you don’t know what you are missing!

For more information visit:www.redpoppyfestival.comor phone (800) 436-8696

Continued from page 2

Every year a painting is chosen to be used on the Poppy Festival poster and the original is raffled off, the proceeds going to the Main Street Facade fund and the artist. A striking watercolor by artist Nancy Brown was chosen this year and can be seen in the Visitors Info Center, corner of 7th and

Main. Raffle tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5 and are available at the Visitors Center. The drawing will be held during the festival and you don’t have to be present to win. To see more of her work during April go by the Framer’s Gallery on Main Street.

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Moose Canyon, palette knife painting

Dalhart Windberg at work

From Raw Canvas to Fine Art,the Mastery of Dalhart Windberg

Having done the a little oil painting myself, I have come to appreciate other artist’s work from the standpoint of not just composition, but the technical aspect as well. Half of what is learned as an artist is trial and error - if enough paintings are finished one will learn what works and what doesn’t.

I am always amazed when I see a painting that is so superbly executed that it glows not only with depth and subtlety of color, but also with a finely tuned balance of composition and style. It is not easy to gain such a mastery, and some artists spend a lifetime trying to achieve it.

The works of our own local master Dalhart Windberg are just such paintings, instantly recognizable in their sublime perfection, simultaneously taking us to a place of great imagination and celebration of life.

Dalhart Windberg’s paintings are in many fine art collections around the world, both public and private. One only has to compare his work to that of old-world masters to see why. They are equal in every way and are in some cases, better. This may seem a bold statement, but having seen the original works of Monet, Renoit, Degas, and others one can see their influence on his work.

The volume of work created over a period of 60 years is massive, the subject matter

ranging from landscapes to seascapes, animals, florals, buildings, churches, Italian vistas, longhorns and more. He’s even done an abstract or two. In order to share this volume of work, prints are also available and can be seen either online or at the gallery.

Visit the Windberg Gallery on the Square to see more of his work, or to inquire about classes. For more information call 512-819-9463

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ROTH IRA CONVERSION OPPORTUNITY

2010 is not far off and you should know about an opportunity coming that year for converting your regular IRA accounts into ROTH IRA accounts.

ROTH IRAs allow you to invest and achieve tax-free growth and income on the account values for life. Regular IRAs only provide you with tax deferral and then you pay tax on the funds as you withdraw them. With ROTH IRAs you do not have to begin making withdrawals at age 70 ½ like you do with regular IRAs. Since ROTH IRAs are tax free there is more flexibility to leave them in trust without creating negative tax consequences which is not as easily accomplished with regular IRAs. This makes ROTH IRAs more user friendly when coordinating your estate planning if you have a large estate and your retirement accounts make up a large portion of that estate.

So, ROTH IRAs are attractive. But how can you get a substantial amount of money inside of your ROTH plan, especially if you’re already in your 50s, 60s or 70s? Normally, you can only contribute $5,000 to $6,000 per year into your ROTH account and that’s only if you meet the earned income requirements.

The conversion opportunity in 2010 just may be your solution.

Congress passed a law a few years ago that is going to allow anyone to convert their IRA to a ROTH IRA starting in 2010. In that year only, the law allows you to pay the tax due on the converted IRA ½ in 2011 and ½ in 2012. So, rather than having to report the tax all in 2010 you get to spread the taxable income over the next two years.

If you have the ability to pay the tax from other assets, you should seriously look into the possible advantages of doing the ROTH conversion. If it looks right for you then try and set up your ROTH IRA as soon as possible. This matters because one of the requirements for receiving tax-free status on a ROTH IRA is that your account has to be open for at least five years before taking distributions. So if you don’t already have a ROTH IRA set up then the sooner you get it going the sooner the 5 year clock starts ticking. Then in 2010 you can do the conversion and already be a couple of years into the five year period.

There is a lot to learn about ROTH IRAs but for now just remember that the year 2010 is a one-time chance to do your conversion and spread the tax payments out rather than paying it all in one year. What a great feeling it would be to have all of your retirement assets in a tax-free account that you get to decide when to take withdrawals from, income tax-free and you can leave to your loved ones as a tax-free legacy of their own.

Robert W. Huntley, CFP, ChFC is President/CEOof Wise$Counsel and author of “Retire is a VERB!”Send questions to bhuntley@wisecounsel-inc.om

Securities Offered Through LPL FinancialMember FINRA/SIPC

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While some people drive all the way to Taylor when they are looking for good barbecue, I personally think some of the best barbecue around can be found right in Georgetown.

The place is Duke’s BBQ, which is owned by Darren Hendricks and his wife, Jana.

There are several reasons I like Duke’s BBQ. One is the variety of meats they offer. In additional to the usual beef and sausage, they have the best smoked turkey I have ever had. (We ordered a whole one for Thanksgiving last year and frequently take out a pound or two of the sliced turkey when we need a meat for dinner or a pot luck dish.)

But if it’s beef you like, that’s good too. They have a moist brisket that melts in your mouth and ribs that are as good as any around.

For the family member who might lean toward a vegetarian diet, they have corn on the cob, green bean casserole, mashed potato casserole and the usual beans and potato salad. You can even get a tossed salad.

Duke’s location is one of the best around too. They have a beautiful setting overlooking the San Gabriel River. If it’s not too hot out, you can sit outside and really enjoy the view.

Duke’s can be a bit hard to find if you are new to Georgetown. It’s located just off the northbound I-35 feeder road, (exit 261A) to the right of the bridge. If you are coming from downtown heading north on Austin Avenue, turn left after the Sonic on West Morrow and look for their entrance just past the car wash. For more info, 512-930-2877, www.dukesbbq.com.

– Ellen Davis

In Search of...the Best Barbecue in Texas

Bat Watching in Central TexasThe Texas Hill Country is home to an estimated 100 million Mexican free-tailed bats. Experts called these “billion-dollar bats” because they are worth that much to the Texas economy in terms of pest control.

The most famous place to see these bats emerge in the evening is the Congress Avenue Bridge in Austin. However, they can be seen much closer to Georgetown. If you are ever passing through Round Rock at dusk, you may see bats coming out from under the IH-35 bridge over McNeil Road.

For a really special experience, it’s worth a weekend trip to see the bats fly out from the Old Tunnel Wildlife Management Area southeast of Fredericksburg. The trip provides not only a unique opportunity to see bats, but also to learn a little about Texas history.

In the early 1900s, when Central Texas did not have very good roads, residents of Fredericksburg wanted a better way to get their produce to the booming city of San Antonio. They decided to build a railroad to cover the 75-mile distance. The only obstacle was Mt. Alamo, which reached 2,300 feet. Rather than go to the expense of climbing over this mountain, the Fredericksburg & Northern Railroad company built a 920-foot tunnel through it. The railroad opened in 1913, and was used until 1942, when the tracks were pulled up and recycled for use in World War II.

Today, an estimated 3 million bats call this abandoned tunnel home from March to early November – more than twice the number that live under the Congress Avenue Bridge. The

D a y T r i p 20Continued on page 23

Entrance to the “Bat Tunnel”

Canadian Cheese Soup1 cup carrots, diced1 cup celery, diced1 cup onions, diced1 stick margarine2 tablespoons all-purpose flour4 tablespoons cornstarch1 cup milk5 cups chicken broth1 1/2 cups processed cheese cubed

Sauté vegetables in marga-rine until soft. Add flour and cornstarch. Stir until mixed. Gradually add liquids, stirring with a whisk until thickened. Add cheese cubes and stir until it melts.Makes 1 gallon.

Recipe courtesy of Laurie’s Too612 Main Street.

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Epcon Communities offers desired lifestyle and single-story, maintenance-free homes at the Oaks at Wildwood

Bill and Sylvia Smith’s large house and yard in Round Rock were more than they wanted to deal with. After considering a two-story condo, they learned about single-story, maintenance-free living offered by Epcon Communities at the Oaks at Wildwood in nearby Georgetown. And they decided it had the right combination of what they were looking for: superior construction and design, a carefree lifestyle among friends in a close-knit community, and amenities that include a clubhouse and pool. “We fell in love with the place,” says Sylvia who is joined by other quality-conscious home buyers also excited about the Oaks.

Beyond the expected high-end features such as granite kitchen counter tops, tile entry ways and energy efficiency, Epcon offers a creative approach to its floor plans that today’s active adults are looking for. Open and spacious, several two-and three bedroom designs are flexible for both everyday living and entertaining. Plus, the pinwheel layout of home sites clusters four different models in a way that ensures privacy and architectural variety.Community amenities are another draw and feature a clubhouse for social, intellectual and physical outlets. A big screen TV, pool table, fireplace and full kitchen compliment a fitness center and outdoor heated pool to provide residents with a balance and range of activities among friends and neighbors. “Because it’s so important, we constructed the clubhouse first,” says David Blackburn, President of the Oaks at Wildwood. “It is a wonderful hub for this spirited neighborhood.”

But the bricks and sticks are one thing. According to Blackburn, residents are buying so much more. “They are getting a new and rewarding way of life,” he says. “They are exchanging the hassles of mowing in the summer and cleaning gutters in the fall with more travel, visits to grandchildren or a new hobby. They are part of a real and caring neighborhood where people enjoy being together in a secure environment and sharing a life that is enriched and carefree, and where value is expected and received.”

Epcon Communities has been perfecting the carefree lifestyle in over 200 cities around the U.S. with huge success. Add to that the charm and convenience of Georgetown just minutes away, as well as a relatively healthy local real estate market, and it’s no surprise the Oaks at Wildwood is finding that success as well. Plus, through creative contingency plans and other incentives, the Oaks is making it even easier for residents to move there. Oaks homes start in the $180’s.

As for the Smiths, they know they made the right decision to start enjoying life now in their new community. “Everyone is so warm and friendly and helpful. I feel like we’re spoiled,” says Sylvia, adding, “We don’t feel guilty about the responsibilities of a house and yard now – because we don’t have to!” The sales and information center is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.Call 512-864-3210 or visit our newwebsite: www.OaksAtWildwood.com.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department acquired the area in 1991 to protect the colony because of its importance to the economy.

To reach the Old Tunnel WMA from Georgetown, take Hwy. 29 west to Burnet, head south on Hwy. 281 and pick up Hwy. 290 west near Johnson City. As you are coming in to Fredericksburg, look for a brown sign that says “Old Tunnel Wildlife Area.” Turn south here on Old San Antonio Road and go 10.5 miles. The area will be on the left.

During emergence times, visitors can watch the bats come out of the Old Tunnel from one of two spots – an upper viewing area or a lower viewing area. The upper viewing area is free, but the lower viewing area has a small fee and includes a ranger program before the bats come out. The lower viewing area seats 70 persons, and seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

We visited the tunnel in mid-August, which is when the bat population reaches its peak due to the presence of babies as well as adults. The bats began emerging from the tunnel at 8:05 p.m. and were still going strong 25 minutes later. At times, it was literally like a tornado, as the bats emerged and swirled counterclockwise before heading south for their evening of feeding. Bats came out from both ends of the tunnel, forming river-like ribbons that merged and stretched as far as one could see.

“I see this three nights a week and it still amazes me,” our volunteer guide, Craig Hensley, said as we watched the exodus.

Hensley explained that each bat can eat 40 moths a night, which means the colony catches 25 to 37 tons of insects nightly. They travel as far away as 30 to 40 miles to hunt.

Since it will be dark by the time the bats finish emerging, it’s worth staying in the area for the evening.

There are numerous B&Bs in the area with a wide variety of styles to chose from.

About 20 miles from the Old Tunnel, Becker Vineyards in Stonewall also offers a bed and breakfast in a log cabin called The Homestead. If you stay here, you can try the vineyard’s wide selection of delicious wines before heading home. A complimentary bottle is even included with the stay.

– Ellen Davis

For more information:Old Tunnel Wildlife Management Area866-978-2287www.tpwd.state.tx.us

23Clouds of bats emerging at dusk

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Chewy Toffee Cookies 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour1 teaspoon baking soda½ teaspoon salt½ cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, softened ¾ cup granulated sugar¾ cup packed light brown sugar1 teaspoon vanilla extract2 eggs10 oz. package (approx. 1 ¾ cups) English Toffee Bits such as Heath or Skor Bits

Heat oven to 350°. Cover cookie sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease. In medium bowl stir together flour, baking soda and salt. In separate larger bowl beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla until well blended. Add eggs; beat well. Gradually add flour mixture, beating until well blended. Stir in toffee bits. Drop by rounded teaspoons onto prepared cookie sheet. Bake 9 to 11 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool slightly; remove form cookie sheet to wire rack to cool completely. Makes about 4 dozen cookies.Recipe courtesy of Created for You Bakery and Catering.

Anderson House Celebrates100th year AnniversaryThe historic Anderson house, home of Chantal’s Bistro, will be celebrating its 100-year anniversary on Sunday, May 18th. Owner Bob Bousquet is planning a charity event in remembrance of the family who lived in Georgetown for 123 years. It will run from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., with barbecue, live music and other activities, proceeds going to local charities and non-profits.For more information call (512) 535-6143.

Plans are underway for the fourth Georgetown Festival of the Arts. An expanded Art in the Park event will take place Saturday, May 31st, through Sunday, June 1st. The Temple Symphony Orchestra, playing the music of Mendelssohn, will be followed by a great fireworks display on Saturday evening, May 31st. The rest of the Mendelssohn in Georgetown event will be held from Thursday, June 5th, through Sunday, June 8th, in different venues.

On Thursday evening, June 5th, two of America’s premier string quartets will perform at Southwestern University’s Alma Thomas Theatre in the newly renovated Sarofim School of Fine Arts. The Shanghai Quartet will return to Georgetown to be joined by the Miró Quartet. Each group will play a quartet by Mendelssohn, and they will then join forces to play Mendelssohn’s masterpiece, the Octet in E-flat Major.

Friday afternoon, June 6th, will feature a concert composed of songs and piano music by both Felix Mendelssohn and his greatly talented sister Fanny. Performers include Virginia Dupuy and Bruce Cain, with Dale Dietert at the piano.

Georgetown Festival of the Arts: Mendelssohn in Georgetown

A Cathedral Evensong Service, written by Mendelssohn especially for English worship with choral and organ music, will be held Friday evening, June 6th, in Southwestern’s Lois Perkins Chapel. The liturgy will be based on the 1853 edition of the Anglican Book of Common Prayer. Bishop Joe

Wilson will be liturgist, Kenny Sheppard will conduct the Austin Vocal Arts Ensemble, Trey Gurley, boy soprano, will be soloist in Mendelssohn’s Hear My Prayer, and John Schmidt will play the organ.

The First United Methodist Church will host a presentation on Lieder and Chamber Music at 3 p.m. on Friday, June 6. Virginia Dupuy, Bruce Cain, and Dale Dietert will perform A Recital of Songs With and Without Words by Felix and Fanny. Then, Eri Lee Lam, Hai Zheng and Kiyoshi Tamagawa will present Piano

Trio in D Minor by Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel.At 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 7, a chamber music recital at First United Methodist Church will feature Southwestern’s faculty panel trio Eri Lee Lam on

Artist tents under the trees in San Gabriel Park

Fireworks after the concert in San Gabriel Park

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violin, Hai Zheng on cello, and Kiyoshi Tamagawa on piano. Their selections are Violin Sonata in F Minor, Opus 4; Cello Sonata in D Major, Opus 58; and Piano Trio in C Minor, Opus 66.

On Saturday evening, June 7, a rare opera by Mendelssohn, Heimkehr aus der Fremde, will be performed in English translation as Son and Stranger. This opera, with spoken dialogue, was written by Mendelssohn as a celebration of his parents’ 25th wedding anniversary.

On Sunday, June 8, Scotty Rundell and the choir of First United Methodist Church will perform Mendelssohn’s Hymn, Opus 96, during the 8:30 and 11 a.m. worship services.

The Festival ends Sunday afternoon, June 8th, with a performance at the Klett Center for the Performing Arts of Mendelssohn’s oratorio St. Paul. It will feature soloists with Chorus Austin and the San Gabriel Chorale and will be conducted by Kenny Sheppard. The music will be sung in a version newly edited by Michael Cooper, professor of musicology at Southwestern University.

One of the special features of the Georgetown Festival of the Arts is the inclusion of presentations by leading scholars who specialize in studying the music of the featured composer. This year will feature an outstanding group, including R. Larry Todd of Duke University, Susan Youens of the University of Notre Dame, Marian Wilson Kimber from the University of Iowa, Michael Cooper from Southwestern University, and Jeffrey Sposato of the University of Houston. Ellsworth Peterson, the artistic director of the Festival, will also make presentations.

A brochure with more complete information about the Festival events will be available in the spring.For more information visit:www.georgetowntexassymphony.org

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Georgetown Project Fund-raisersAs part of their fund-raising efforts for their numerous projects, the Georgetown Project presents the 7th Annual A Taste of Georgetown series of small, intimate and unique dinner events. Not to be confused with the DGA’s Taste event, these are held several times throughout the year in different homes and settings, each with its own flavor and theme. For more information or to make reservations, phone 943-5198.

The Georgetown Project is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, whose many programs include the After School Action Program (ASAP), Bridges to Growth, the Parent Resource Center, Community Interaction Partnership, Youth Leadership, Mental Health Services, Drug and Alcohol Prevention, and Hope for the Homeless.

The mural on the right, at Benold Middle School, was painted by students in the After School Action Program in memory of 9/11.

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