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🪶 Letter from the Editor

If this week’s Townie looks slimmer, it’s not because we’ve been skipping carbs. It’s because we’re evolving — and I want you to hear the “why” directly from me.

For six months, I’ve been writing The Townie like it’s my full-time job and a part-time love affair. Twenty-five editions, 141,000 words, and a whole lot of “did I really just spend five hours on a newsletter?” later… it’s clear The Townie has outgrown its baby stage.

So starting today, the free edition becomes what it was always meant to be:
a tight, tasty snapshot of what’s happening in our little corner of Texas — not the Library of Congress.

Why?
Because I’m pouring my bigger creative energy into the Townie Business Circle — our monthly business club where locals get real mentorship, fresh ideas, and the kind of networking this region hasn’t seen before.

This shift isn’t about giving you less.
It’s about giving the whole community more — more sustainability, more local business support, more events, more opportunities for motivated people to actually connect and get stuff done.

And hey — did your favorite section disappear this week?
If something you loved is missing in this “lighter” Townie, hit reply and tell me exactly what you want back and why. I’ll take every request seriously and may add back the ones that truly serve the community.

Going forward:
The free Townie = quick hits, good vibes, and the highlights.
The Business Circle = deep dive into the real opportunities shaping Greater Mason County.

We’re not shrinking.
We’re sharpening.

Thanks for being here — truly.
We’re just getting started.

— Katie Milton Jordan
Editor, The Townie
📬 [email protected] // 📞 325-475-4991

The Two Insights Your Business Needs Right Now

A taste of the kind of practical, Hill Country-grounded strategy you’ll find inside the Townie Business Circle.

As we roll into a new year, rural Texas businesses are navigating a very recognizable mix: shifting tourism patterns, tighter household spending, rising operating costs, and a community that’s craving real connection after a long, uneven 2024. The silver lining? Small-town businesses have something urban markets lost years ago — agility, authenticity, and presence. When big cities zigzag, we can pivot faster.

Here are two insights that matter right now for any Hill Country business looking to strengthen its footing in 2025. Consider them a small taste of the type of clarity and support the Townie Business Circle was created to provide for our local entrepreneurs.

1. Tourists Are Still Coming — But They’re Spending Differently

The Hill Country remains a favorite getaway, but the trend going into 2025 isn’t more travel; it’s more intentional travel. Visitors are taking shorter trips, choosing fewer stops, and spending money where they feel a genuine connection — not just where they see the biggest sign.

For local businesses, this means one thing:
You don’t need more foot traffic. You need deeper foot traffic.

Today’s travelers want:

• An experience (your story, your vibe, your personality)

• A specialty (something that exists only in your space)

• A connection (your face, your expertise, your welcome)

People are buying fewer “things” and more meaning.

What to try right now:

• Create a “What Makes Us Different Here” display, sign, or menu callout.

• Share one behind-the-scenes moment a week on social media.

• Launch a limited “Winter in the Hill Country” version of a product or service.

Small-town distinctiveness is currency. Use it boldly.

2. Locals Are Quietly Craving NEW — New Events, New Ideas, New Ways to Connect

This is the trend almost nobody talks about out loud: rural residents are bored, and they’re tired of driving an hour for every experience. After years of sameness, people want a spark — something light, local, and easy to show up for.

The businesses that will grow in 2025 aren’t necessarily the ones with the lowest prices.
They’re the ones creating micro-moments of connection.

You don’t need a festival. You need:

• A themed shopping night

• A maker’s demo

• A porch concert

• A “taste and try” hour

• A small workshop or class

• A pop-up with another local business

Here’s the hidden truth:
The more someone feels connected to your business, the less they price-shop you.

Events aren’t fluff in rural communities — they’re strategy.

What to try before February 1:

• Host one micro-event, even a tiny one.

• Pair with a complementary business (coffee + crafts, books + baking, tools + tips).

• Photograph it and share it — social engagement rises sharply with local faces.

Don’t Build Alone. Join the Circle.

The Townie Business Circle isn't just a newsletter; it's your insider pass to the most motivated leaders in Greater Mason Co.

For just $10/MO, you get:

• Immediate access to the archive.

• Exclusive Monthly Business Tips and local marketing support.

• A front-row seat to shaping local prosperity and human flourishing.

• A ticket to our EXCLUSIVE Busines Networking Events (Wine, ideas, and real-talk—dates TBA soon!).

[Upgrade and Join The Townie Business Circle Today] $10/MO for your exclusive pass to a more resilient region.

Fresh off the Porch

Events

• Mason — Rangeland Field Day (Fri, Dec 12, 8:00 AM, Mason Mountain WMA) — Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Local ranchers and landowners are invited for a hands-on day of learning about rangeland management at Mason Mountain. Swap tips on land stewardship, enjoy a chuckwagon stew lunch, and even earn CEU credits. It’s a full day of Hill Country know-how out in the field.

• Mason — “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” Screening (Fri–Mon, Dec 12–15, 7:00 PM, Odeon Theater) — Odeon Preservation Assoc. The Odeon Theater brings this heartwarming Christmas comedy-drama to the big screen. Mischievous Herdman kids end up starring in their small town’s Christmas pageant, with hilarious and touching results. Showings run nightly and tickets are just $4, making for an affordable family outing.

• Mason — On-Site Knife & Tool Sharpening (Thu, Dec 18, 11:00 AM, 126 Ft. McKavitt St) — Wilson Sharpening Services. Mobile sharpener Mark Wilson will be in town one day only to put a fine edge on your knives, scissors, and tools. Prices start at just $5 per item. Drop by and get those blades sharpened while you wait — your kitchen (and garden) gear will thank you!

• Mason — “Zootopia 2” Movie (Fri–Mon, Dec 19–22, 7:00 PM, Odeon Theater) — Odeon Preservation Assoc. Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde are back on a new caper in this animated sequel. Bring the kids for an evening show at our historic Odeon Theater. Admission is just $4 per person, so you can enjoy a fun family movie night without breaking the bank.

• Menard — Annual Poinsettia Dance (Sat, Dec 13, 8:00 PM, American Legion Hall) — Menard Community. A cherished Menard tradition returns at the Legion Hall. Neighbors will don their boots and best holiday duds for an evening of music, dancing and small-town merriment. The Poinsettia Dance lasts until midnight, promising plenty of Texas-style fun and Christmas cheer.

• Brady — Christmas in the Heart & Parade of Lights (Sat, Dec 13, 5:00 PM, Downtown Square) — Brady Clergy Association. Brady’s downtown square turns into a holiday wonderland at 5 PM with bounce houses, games, live music, food, and carriage rides. After dark, the lighted parade winds through downtown, with twinkling floats spreading cheer. All activities are free — bring the family for an evening of small-town Christmas magic!

• Brady — New Year’s Eve Country Dance (Wed, Dec 31, 8:00 PM, Heart of Texas Events Center) — Heart of Texas CMA. Ring in 2026 Texas-style with a classic country dance in Brady. The Heart of Texas Events Center welcomes crooner Darrell McCall and friends for a boot-scootin’ New Year’s Eve. Doors open at 7 PM, music at 8 PM. Reserved seats are $25. Grab your hat and get ready to two-step into the new year.

• Junction — Light Up Christmas Parade & Movie (Sat, Dec 20, 6:30 PM, Main Street & City Park) — Kimble Co. Chamber. Junction’s downtown will glow as the parade rolls at 6:30 PM, with floats sparkling in holiday lights. Right after, everyone’s invited to City Park for a free outdoor showing of “The Santa Clause” (movie starts ~7:30 PM). Bring lawn chairs and cocoa for a magical small-town movie night under the stars.

• Pontotoc — Wine Case Christmas Social (Sat, Dec 13, 12:00 PM, Pontotoc Vineyard Picnic Table) — Pontotoc Vineyard. Pontotoc Vineyard is hosting a come-and-go holiday social at its Picnic Table tasting room on Hwy 290. Build your own Christmas case by picking any 12 bottles (special pricing available) and enjoy some friendly Hill Country hospitality while you sip and shop. A festive way to stock up on local wine for the holidays!

• Fredericksburg — Christmas Nights of Lights (nightly through Jan 6, 6:00 PM, Marktplatz) — City of Fredericksburg. Each night at 6 PM sharp, Fredericksburg’s Marktplatz comes alive with a 10-minute audio-light show celebrating the town’s German heritage. Sing along to carols and watch thousands of lights illuminate the giant Christmas tree and spinning German pyramid. This beloved tradition runs through Jan 6 and always fills hearts with holiday spirit.

• Fredericksburg — Eisbahn Outdoor Ice Rink (daily through Dec 28, times vary, Marktplatz) — Heritage School. Bundle up and hit the ice in downtown Fredericksburg! The open-air Eisbahn rink at Marktplatz is a winter treat for all ages. Every twirl and laugh on the ice helps local youth charities, too (proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Club and more). Check the schedule and come make some merry memories.

• Fredericksburg — Santa in the Garden (Wed, Dec 17, 5:00 PM, Hill Country Herb Garden) — Hill Country Herb Garden. One of Fredericksburg’s most charming kid-friendly traditions! Little ones can meet Santa, decorate cookies, and craft ornaments in the beautiful herb garden. Parents can relax under the lights (the on-site bistro will be open with a limited menu). Tickets required for kiddos, so grab yours early for this magical evening.

• Fredericksburg — Trade Days Christmas Market (Fri–Sun, Dec 19–21, 9:00 AM, 355 Sunday Farms Ln) — Fredericksburg Trade Days. Shop over 300 vendors at this famous monthly market’s holiday edition. Antiques, handmade crafts, and yummy treats fill seven big barns at Sunday Farms. Enjoy live music and a cold one in the beer garden while hunting for unique gifts. $5 parking is good all weekend. It’s a Texas-sized Christmas shopping experience!

• Luckenbach — Christmas Ball Dance (Sat, Dec 20, 7:00 PM, Luckenbach Dancehall) — Luckenbach Texas. Everybody’s somebody in Luckenbach—especially at the annual Christmas Ball! Texas music legend Bob Livingston and his band will fire up the legendary dancehall with classic tunes. The dance floor is open to all (all ages, free admission), so grab a partner and two-step through a Christmas celebration the Luckenbach way.

• Llano — Starry Starry Nights Lighted Park (nightly through Dec 31, 6:00–9:00 PM, Badu Park) — Llano Lighting Committee. Take an evening stroll along the Llano River through over 30 dazzling holiday displays in Badu Park. Santa visits on weekend nights (6–8 PM at the park pavilion) to hear wishes and pose for photos. Open nightly 6–9 PM through Dec 31, this free walk-through light wonderland is a Hill Country holiday favorite.

• Llano — Art Guild Christmas Bazaar (Thu–Sat, Dec 11–13, 10:00 AM, Llano Fine Arts Guild) — Llano Fine Arts Guild. The Llano Fine Arts Guild’s gallery has transformed into a Christmas Bazaar filled with handmade treasures. Browse local artists’ paintings, pottery, ornaments and more—perfect for unique last-minute gifts. Open 10 AM to 6 PM through Saturday. Every purchase supports Llano’s creative community, so shop local and find something truly special.

• London — New Year’s Eve Dance (Wed, Dec 31, 8:00 PM, London Dance Hall) — London Dance Hall. Little London, TX (pop. ~180) knows how to throw a big New Year’s bash! The historic London Dance Hall will have live country music, cold beer, and plenty of boot-scootin’ to ring in 2026. If you’re looking for an authentic small-town New Year’s Eve under the stars, London has you covered.

Community Features

• Mason — Photo Contest Call for Entries — Mason County’s annual photo contest is open for entries! The Chamber of Commerce invites anyone with a camera to capture what makes Mason special. The top three fan-favorite snapshots win prizes (and bragging rights). Send in your best shots by Jan 6 and show off your Mason County pride!

• Menard — Holiday Decoration Contest — The Bank of Menard is challenging everyone to light up the town! It’s the 3rd Annual Menard Christmas Decorating Contest. No entry fee—just deck your home or yard in its holiday best. Judges will cruise around later this month to pick the most festive displays. Spread some cheer and you might earn bragging rights!

Business/School Highlights

• Mason — New Law Office Opens — Welcome Leifeste Law to the Mason square! The Chamber held a ribbon cutting to celebrate attorney Whitney Leifeste opening her new practice downtown. With 25 years of experience in everything from family law to ranch real estate deals, she’s ready to serve the community. It’s great to see a new business on the square.

• Junction — Visitor Center Revamp — Junction’s visitor center got a facelift! The Kimble County Chamber hosted an open house and ribbon cutting to show off the spruced-up space on Main Street. The updated center will warmly welcome travelers and showcase all that Junction has to offer. Just in time for holiday tourists, it’s looking better than ever.

Awards/Recognitions

• Menard — Band Shines at State — Hats off to the Menard High Yellowjacket Band for bringing home a silver medal from the state marching contest! Under director Rebekah Cook, the band has now earned bronze, gold, and silver in three straight years — an incredible run. The whole town is buzzing with pride for these talented student musicians.

• Fredericksburg — Christmas Town Kudos — Fredericksburg was just named one of the country’s top 50 Christmas towns by HGTV — and the #1 holiday destination in Texas! Our German-settled neighbor earned kudos for its “magical” Christmas spirit, from the downtown lights and festive markets to the iconic 26-foot German Weihnachtspyramide twirling on Marktplatz. Hill Country Christmas, take a bow!

Editor’s note: All listings verified and current for the 12/11/25 edition of The Townie.

🌤️ Weather at a Glance: Week of December 11–17, 2025

Howdy, neighbor! Looks like the Hill Country is gonna give us a classic Texas tease this week. We’re starting off with some beautiful, downright balmy days Thursday through Saturday, where the afternoon sun will push our highs up to a blissful mid-70s. You'll be shedding that jacket, but don't hang it up! Nights will still be crisp, dipping into the high 30s and upper 40s—just enough to keep the Christmas spirit cool.

But here’s the rub: a cold front is set to swoop in right around Sunday, and it’s dragging the mercury way down. Expect a noticeable chill as highs plummet into the high 40s and low 50s, hanging around there for the beginning of next week. That temperature drop comes with our only real chance of rain, looking like a wet, gray Sunday and Monday with a low chance of light rain or sprinkles. The good news is there are no warnings for any serious ruckus—no hail, no high-wind nonsense, and no deep freeze to worry the pipes. Just be ready for a beautiful start and a cozy, damp finish!

✨ Advertise in The Townie ✨
Want your business to be top of mind in Mason County and beyond? The Townie offers powerful ad packages designed to fit your goals and budget.
✉️ Just hit reply to get started.

Meet the Maker: Mark Wilson of Wilson Sharpening Services
📍 Bi-weekly at Kneading Faith Sourdough Co.

Under a striped canopy, between the smell of fresh bread and the hum of small-town chatter, you’ll find Mark Wilson at work — eyes focused, hands steady, restoring edge and purpose to the tools we too often forget to care for.

What started as a lifelong hobby turned part-time profession, Mark’s sharpening service is a tribute to old-school craft and quiet precision. From chef’s knives dulled by years of Sunday roasts to garden shears that haven’t seen a hone since the drought, Mark brings tools back to life — and in doing so, revives a bit of the everyday magic they hold.

Using a setup he’s perfected over time, Mark offers on-site sharpening every other week outside Kneading Faith Sourdough Co., where locals drop off their blades and leave with both sharper tools and stories swapped. He’s honed hundreds of scissors, clippers, and kitchen staples from across the region — word travels fast when your knives cut clean again.

But it’s not just the edge work that draws folks in. It’s the steady rhythm of a trade done well, the pleasure of watching someone make something useful even better. In a world of throwaway things, Mark reminds us that care, patience, and the right grit can go a long way.

Catch him under the striped tent, usually with a smile and a magnifying light — doing small work that makes a big difference.

📅 Bi-weekly pop-up at Kneading Faith Sourdough Co.
📞 864-346-3153
🔎 Find Wilson Sharpening Services on Facebook

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Dear Hazel Mae & Fern,

I don’t know what kind of spell the trees are under this year, but our yard is raining pecans. We’ve gathered buckets and buckets — way more than we can bake into pies. What else can I do with them? (Bonus points if I don’t have to shell every single one by hand.)

— Nuts for Nuts in Llano

Hazel Mae: Oh honey, if pecans were dollar bills, you’d be sittin’ prettier than a fat cat on a porch swing. This year’s harvest has been a downright blessing — or a curse, if you’re the one stuck shellin’ ‘em while your spouse claims to be “supervising” from the recliner.

Now, beyond pie — which, don’t get me wrong, still deserves a place on your table — here’s what I’d do:

• Pecan Butter. Toss toasted pecans in the food processor with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of local honey. Boom. Spreadable gold. Slap it on biscuits, apple slices, or a spoon straight to the mouth. No judgment.

• Freeze 'em. You don’t have to do it all at once. Shell what you can, bag 'em, and freeze. They'll keep for up to two years if you tuck 'em in tight and keep the air out. That way, come February, you can still toss a handful into banana bread like a kitchen wizard.

• Barter. True story: last year, I traded a quart of shelled pecans for a neighbor’s homemade goat cheese and a six-pack of her cousin’s homebrew. Pecans are currency in these parts. Use ‘em.

But if you’re drowning in the shelling part, get yourself one of those hand-crank shellers. I know they’re not cute, but they work like a dream — better than cracking each one with your bare hands and muttering words you shouldn’t say around church ladies.

Fern: Hazel’s right about the bounty — I’ve lived here a long while, and I haven’t seen the trees give like this in years. The trick is to think of pecans not just as sweets, but as staples.

• Savory dishes love pecans. Toast and sprinkle them over roasted sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or a winter salad with goat cheese and dried cranberries. You’ll never look back.

• Make oil. If you’re feeling adventurous and have access to a cold press (some local co-ops offer shared tools), pecan oil is rich, nutty, and beautiful for cooking or even skin care. Yes — skin care. It’s gentle and moisturizing.

• Wildlife. Don’t forget your feathered and furry neighbors. Unshelled pecans can be set out for squirrels and jays — just keep it away from the patio unless you want a front-row seat to squirrel drama.

• Gifts. Fill up mason jars with toasted pecans, tie on a bit of twine and a handwritten label, and you’ve got heartfelt holiday gifts without spending a dime. People remember those kinds of gestures more than store-bought candles.

And lastly, let the trees remind you — sometimes life gives in big, generous ways. It’s okay to be overwhelmed. Just gather what you can, share what you can’t, and give thanks for the giving.

With love (and a dusting of flour),
Hazel Mae & Fern

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🕯️ End-of-Year Reflection Readings — Week of 12/11/25

Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 19)
You’ve moved fast this year — maybe too fast to notice just how far you’ve come. This week asks you to look back, not to stall, but to honor the miles you’ve covered. Restlessness may whisper, but reflection has something better to say: you’re growing braver, not just bolder.

Taurus (Apr 20 – May 20)
Your steady heart has carried you through more change than you let on. Now’s the time to sit with it — the quiet victories, the hard goodbyes, the routines that held you steady. Light a candle. Stir something warm. Let your body remember that safety was something you built.

Gemini (May 21 – Jun 20)
You’ve lived twelve different lifetimes this year, haven’t you? Let each version of you pull up a chair. Laugh at the chaos, cry at the sweetness, and write down whatever still feels true. You don’t need a resolution — just a record of all the ways you tried.

Cancer (Jun 21 – Jul 22)
You gave your heart generously this year. Maybe too generously. It’s okay to admit that. This week, tend to what’s been stretched thin. Wrap yourself in softness — a blanket, a memory, a friend who doesn’t need small talk. Let rest be your reward, not your retreat.

Leo (Jul 23 – Aug 22)
Spotlight or not, you shone in rooms that didn’t see it. That matters. As the year winds down, release the pressure to sparkle for others. Instead, light your own fire — a quiet pride, a private joy. What you carry into the new year should be what lights you up.

Virgo (Aug 23 – Sep 22)
You’ve done the lists, checked the boxes, maybe even color-coded your regrets. But what if the real work was in what didn’t get finished? This week, let imperfection be your teacher. Unravel a little. The seeds you planted are growing, even if you’re not micromanaging the soil.

Libra (Sep 23 – Oct 22)
Balance wasn’t always easy this year — but you learned to shift your weight gracefully. This week, reflect on the choices that cost you peace, and the ones that restored it. Your future isn’t a scale; it’s a dance. And you’re finding your rhythm again.

Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 21)
You went deep, didn’t you? Faced shadows. Loved hard. Maybe even scared yourself a little. Now, give yourself a soft place to land. Not everything has to transform. Some things can just be — held, honored, and carried gently into what comes next.

Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21)
You chased wonder this year. Sometimes it was breathtaking. Sometimes it ran you ragged. This week, return to your own hearth. What did you discover when you stopped running? You’ve gathered stories. Now’s the time to listen to them — and let one become your compass.

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 19)
You climbed some steep hills in 2025. Quiet ones. Necessary ones. Maybe no one noticed, but you know. This week isn’t for strategizing the next summit. It’s for sitting at base camp, pouring a cup of something warm, and saying: I did that. And I’m still here.

Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 18)
You dreamed wide this year — not all of it worked, but oh, the ideas you birthed. Now’s your moment to sift through the stardust. What’s worth carrying forward? What’s compost? Honor the vision, yes, but also the stillness between sparks. That’s where clarity waits.

Pisces (Feb 19 – Mar 20)
Your intuition whispered all year, and even when you doubted it — you listened. That’s no small thing. This week, draw a bath, pull a card, write a letter to your future self. You’ve grown tender and strong. The tide’s pulling you forward, but for now, just float.

💫 Until next week, let the year-end light show you what matters most.

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