ERNA Sands is producing high quality road base essential for local road repair, construction, and more. Stop by 224 Evans Lane Mason TX M-F from 6am-3pm to view our products in person or call 325-216-4189 to place your order.

💻 Browse products and learn more: www.ernasands.com

✍️ Letter from the Editor

I met a personal goal this week — 500 miles ridden in less than two months, all along Highway 377. Maybe you’ve passed me out there and caught my crazy wave. But I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure I’d make it.

In the first week, my e-bike’s back tire went flat. YouTube said I’d have to remove the tire and the drive assembly to fix it — not exactly a five-minute job. Hubs, ever the problem-solver, found a clever way to patch it without taking it apart. Victory… for about a mile. Then, flat again.

So, off to the shop we went for a dose of tire slime. “We live in rough country,” he reminded me, “there’s something around every corner just waiting to pop your tire.” Several applications of slime and a few rounds of reinflating later, I was back on the road — and eventually, at mile 500, earlier this week.

That little saga stuck with me. Out here, we’re no strangers to things that can derail us — floods, drought, busted air conditioners, and the daily curveballs of rural life. But we’re also no strangers to fixing, patching, and getting back on track. Sometimes it takes a little slime and a lot of persistence.

This week marks seven editions of The Townie. I’d love to hear from you: What’s working? What’s missing the mark? What do you want more of? I had a reader tell me over the phone last week that The Townie was “darling” — which made my whole day. If you’ve got thoughts, kind words, or constructive nudges, click here and tell me.

And speaking of getting back on track — I’m in conversations with local leaders in Mason, Fredericksburg, Junction, Brady, and Menard about hosting a Texas Venture Fest here in our region on October 2. When I hosted it in Kerrville as Deputy Director of the EDC, it won an award from the International Economic Development Council. I’d love to bring that same energy here. If you’re passionate about seeing this happen, reply now. You can also read the award-winning 2023 recap here: Texas Venture Crawl Recap.

Here’s to flats that get fixed, goals that get met, and towns that keep building.

— Katie

🪴 Fresh Off the Porch 08/14/25

Your weekly roundup of good news, upcoming events, and community cheer from across Greater Mason Co.

• Fredericksburg Farmers Market – August 14
  A vibrant weekly market showcasing fresh produce, culinary goods, and local culture at the heart of Marktplatz.

• Heart of Texas Honky Tonk Fest – August 20–23 (Brady)
  Four nights of foot-stomping music and dancing with hometown bands and tributes to country legends at Ed Davenport Civic Center.

• Gillespie County Fair Parade – August 22 (Fredericksburg)
  A festive downtown parade to launch the county fair, full of floats, families, and local spirit.

• Fredericksburg 4‑H Leaders BBQ – August 22
  A hearty BBQ meal at Marktplatz supporting local 4‑H leaders as part of the Gillespie County Fair kickoff.

• Pedernales Creative Arts Alliance Musical Evening – August 24 (Fredericksburg)
  A free, community‑powered concert under the stars—grab a chair and enjoy live local music in a relaxed setting.

• Mason: Odeon Theater Classic Movie Nights – August 19–31
  The Odeon Theater brings a lineup of family-friendly classics including Superman and Cinema Paradiso to the big screen.

• World Championship BBQ Goat Cookoff – August 30 (Brady)
  A flavorful and fun‑filled community festival featuring cook‑offs, local vendors, live music, and activities in Richards Park.

• Kow Kick BBQ Cookoff & Arts Fest – August 30 (Junction)
  A day-long celebration with barbecue, arts and crafts, live music, and friendly competition at Schreiner Park.

• Little Miss & Mr. Kimble County Pageant – August 30 (Junction)
  A heartwarming children's pageant showcasing young talent and community spirit, held during the Kow Kick festivities.

• Up & Back Boat Race – August 31 (Junction)
  A unique race along the South Llano River for kayakers and canoe enthusiasts—fun for both paddlers and spectators.

🌤️ Weather at a Glance

Ain’t no breeze blowin’ and the sun’s sittin’ heavy—feels like you’re wearin’ a warm, dry blanket out there. Highs’ll hover in the upper 90s with nights barely droppin’ into the low 70s, and a few ornery thunderstorms might rumble through in the afternoons. Best keep your chores done early, your water jugs full, and your hide parked in the shade come midday—this heat don’t play fair.

Community Content & Classifieds

💼 Job Board / Help Wanted

🦌 Hunting Guide Needed – Fredonia, TX
Full-time hunting guide needed for MLD season + ranch hand work in the off-season.
📞 Call Justin Mondrik at 830-317-1977 for more info.

🛠️ Local Services & Contractors

Powers Aquatics Construction & Landscaping
📞 Call Lloyd Powers at 325-446-6085

Nailed It Clearing and Dirt Work – Josh Nail
Land clearing + dirt work
📞 325-347-7665

Twisted K Construction – Ashton Kettinger
Rural construction work
📞 830-333-4589

🫙 For Sale / Local Products

Sheri Ivy’s Homemade Salsa
$12/pint. Made locally. Limited batch.
🛒 Stop by London Grocery & Grill (17451 US-377, London, TX 76854)
📞 Or call (325) 475-2296 to place your order!

2020 Grand Design SOLITUDE 377MBS Fifth Wheel
$42,500. Sleeps 10. 40 ft with 4 slide outs, king bed, bunks, Cummins Onan generator. Well maintained. Mason County.
📞 Call Joel at (830) 777-7550 for more info.

🎟️ Community Events & Fundraisers

London Community Assoc. Raffle – Drawing Sept 13
Win firearms or a Lyssy & Eckel gift card.
🎟️ Tickets: $5 each or 5 for $20
📞 Call Philip at 325-446-5344

Click here to 👉 Submit your classified to The Townie.

Snoop that listing! — Real Estate

📍 325 East Rainey Street, Mason, TX
Built in 1954, this charming red-brick home is tucked just minutes from the local schools. With 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and a cozy 1,866 sq ft footprint, it sits on a quarter-acre lot—plenty of yard without the upkeep. Inside, you'll find warm wood finishes, spacious rooms, and updates throughout. The sellers are even offering a roofing allowance to help you get started fresh. This one’s got great bones, and even better potential.

💬 Want to see it in person? Call Shayne Smith at 325-347-4012 or email [email protected].

• 3BR / 2BA home on small acreage in Erna, TX. 1985 double-wide mobile home needs full remodel. Well, septic, and electric in place. Nice front-yard shade tree and direct highway access. $75,000. Call Randy at (325) 347-2520.

Click here to 👉 Submit your real estate or rental to The Townie.

Business Backbone with Walt & Nadine

📍 Now serving children and adults in McCulloch and surrounding counties
From ages 3 to 103, Olive Branch is here for the hard stuff—grief, trauma, transitions, and everything in between. You don’t have to do life alone. Their compassionate, licensed team offers counseling for individuals and families navigating real-life challenges, right here in rural Texas.

📞 Call: 210-564-4310
🌐 olivebranchsa.com

Dear Walt & Nadine,

I’ve been running a little side hustle out of my garage making wooden signs with custom sayings — “Bless This Mess,” “Farmhouse Vibes,” that sort of thing. Business picked up last fall after a craft fair, and since then I’ve been doing steady Facebook orders. Here’s the thing: folks keep asking if I’ll be at the local fall festival this year. I want to say yes, but I don’t know how to price for it, what to bring, or if I’ll even make enough to cover the booth fee ($150).

Is it worth doing? Or should I just stick to online orders?

— Whittling on the Fence

Click here to 👉 Submit your Q to Walt & Nadine.

WALT: If folks are asking, that’s demand — and that’s rare. Don’t ignore it.

But don’t show up guessing. You need numbers. What’s your average sale? What’s your time worth? How many signs can you make without losing sleep or quality?

If you can make $500+ at the festival, do it. If not, raise your prices or stay home.

And don’t bring 50 signs that say the same thing. Make ‘em stop. Make ‘em laugh. Then make the sale.

NADINE: There’s real opportunity here, Whittling. Festivals are more than sales — they’re visibility, feedback, and connection.

Here’s how I’d prep:

1. Set a simple sales goal. Aim to make back 3–4x your booth fee. That’s $450–$600. Totally doable if your signs are priced right.

2. Plan 3 price points. Think: $15 mini signs (impulse buys), $30–$40 mid-range, and one or two $75+ showstoppers.

3. Pre-sell. Post a “see you there” teaser on Facebook. Offer free pickup at the event. Builds buzz, saves on delivery.

4. Take orders at the booth. Bring a clipboard or QR code for custom orders. Some folks browse now, buy later.

This is a test run. Go prepared, but don’t panic. If you sell out, that’s a great problem.

🕵️‍♀️ The Biz You Didn’t Know Existed

• Cross Keys Designs – “Let Us Tell Your Story!”
  Interior design rooted in personal storytelling—spaces that reflect your journey, style, and soul.
  🔗 FB: CrossKeysDesigns

• WIN: Women’s Innovation Network – “Women in Business: Networking + Learning Together”
  A regional women’s business network with regular events, mentorship, and community support.
  🔗 FB: WIN

• RV EMT – “Mobile RV Repairs. Reliable Parts. Ready to Roll.”
  On-the-go RV service and parts for Texans with wanderlust.
  🌐 rvemt.com

• Heart of Texas Taxidermy – “Preserving Your Trophies for a Lifetime”
  Local taxidermist with deep Texas roots and a law enforcement background.
  🌐 heartoftexastaxidermy.com

• House of Joy Art Studio – “Art from the Heart of the Hill Country”
  Local artist Joy Milliorn brings creativity and community to San Saba through watercolor workshops, artisan events, and an inspiring studio space. Explore, create, and connect.
  🌐 houseofjoyartstudio.com

*sponsored 👉 Click here to advertise in The Townie — all ads free until Oct.

💼 Job of the Week

ERNA Sands is Hiring!

Join a growing team at Mason’s own sand plant. Entry-level role with warehouse + office tasks. Must be 18+, able to lift 50 lbs, and eager to learn. We’ll train the right fit.
📧 Apply: [email protected]

*sponsored 👉 Click here to advertise in The Townie — all ads free until Oct.

Career & Money with Laurel and Reese

Somatic Yoga for Chronic Stress, Anxiety & Trauma

This week, Laurel & Reese are talking about what happens when you’re doing all the “right” things—working hard, chasing goals, showing up for others—and you still feel off. Burnout and unresolved stress don’t just disappear with a vacation or a new planner. They show up in your body, your mood, and your sense of self.

Enter somatic yoga: a gentle, body-based approach to healing that helps unravel years of tension, anxiety, and stuckness. It’s not about perfect poses—it’s about reconnecting with your nervous system, creating calm from the inside out.

If your personal or professional journey feels like it’s taken a toll, this might be your next best step. Healing is possible.

📍 Offered by Alison Pounds, a certified somatic yoga teacher focused on trauma-informed healing.
🌐 alisonpoundsyoga.com | IG: @alisonpoundsyoga

*sponsored 👉 Click here to advertise in The Townie — all ads free until Oct.

Hey Laurel & Reese, it's August 14, 2025, and I'm out here in rural Texas where the sun still roasts the days and the promised end-of-summer relief hasn't arrived yet. Between payday being weeks away, the rent creeping up, and the kids back to school (and me trying not to lose my mind), I'm wondering: are there smart side hustles or ways to bring in a little extra cash that feel doable, don’t require a ton of gear, and don’t make me regret life in September when the electric bill arrives? And can you speak to what’s actually worthwhile right now, given the heat, limited resources, and season?

— Heatwave Hustler

Click here to 👉 Submit your Q to Laurel & Reese.

Oof, Heatwave Hustler—we can feel the heat through the screen. You’re not alone. This moment is a pressure cooker for anyone trying to keep the lights on, get kids back in school, and not break under the weight of back-to-school budgets and August utility bills.

Let’s break this into two parts: how to bring in cash without frying your energy—and what’s seasonally smart in rural Texas right now.

🌡️ Part 1: The Side Hustle Rules of August

Here’s the deal: a good side hustle right now should be…

• Low-lift to start (no big upfront costs or certifications)

• Flexible AF (school pickup and errand runs still exist)

• Heat-safe (because outside = no)

• Quick-paying (none of this “net 30” nonsense)

Here are a few that meet the moment:

🧺 1. Local Pickup & Delivery Services

Use your car or truck (if you have one) for grocery pickup, supply runs, or errand help for neighbors or small businesses. Post in local Facebook groups, churches, or bulletin boards. Offer a flat rate per errand or hourly.

🧽 2. Back-to-School Prep Help

Parents are scrambling. Offer last-minute babysitting, organizing backpacks/supplies, or even assembling IKEA desks or dorm gear. These are one-offs that pay quickly.

📦 3. Flip School Gear or Home Goods

Check your garage, closets, or local garage sales. If you’ve got unused kids’ items, old tools, or seasonal stuff, list them on Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp. It’s decluttering and cash.

💻 4. Freelance Microtasks (Digital & Light Work)

Sites like TaskRabbit, Upwork, or Fiverr have short-term gigs like data entry, resume help, or voice recordings—stuff you can do indoors, even in short bursts.

🧵 5. Small-Scale Homemade Goods or Food

If you’re crafty or a whiz in the kitchen, offer small-batch baked goods, homemade jams, or quick-sew repairs. Keep it micro (low ingredients, fast turnaround) and local.

🍂 Part 2: Playing the Season (and the Long Game)

We love that you’re thinking about how this hustle plays out next month. Here’s how to protect your future self:

➤ Use Your Current Pain as a Filter

Don’t say yes to work that’s going to wreck you. A “quick $100” isn’t worth heatstroke or mental spirals. Look for repeatable, non-draining ways to earn—something you’d do again if needed.

➤ Put the Hustle in a Container

Back-to-school chaos won’t last forever. Set a short-term window (like two weeks) and a clear goal (e.g., $300 for bills). That makes it easier to say no when you’ve hit your mark.

➤ Track What Works

Which hustle actually earned money without draining you? Note it. Come holiday season—or spring rodeo—you’ll have a playbook.

You’re doing the absolute most right now, and that deserves respect. This isn’t about becoming a 24/7 entrepreneur or chasing some TikTok side hustle fantasy. This is about staying upright, getting what you need, and maybe even building a little resilience for the next round.

We’re rooting for you—with a box fan blowing full blast.

Career & Money with Laurel & Reese

Home and Garden with Hazel Mae & Fern

🛋️ Cross Keys Designs – “Let Us Tell Your Story”

Your home isn’t just a place—it’s a reflection of your life, your memories, your style. Cross Keys Designs helps you bring that story to life through curated interiors that feel personal, soulful, and deeply yours.
🛠️ Let your home speak. FB: @CrossKeysDesigns

Dear Hazel Mae & Fern,

Every summer I get the itch to repaint something. This year it’s the kitchen cabinets. They’re old oak, orangey, and make the whole room feel like a 1993 hunting lodge. But my husband insists they’re ‘real wood’ and that painting them would be a sin. I want a fresh, light look. He wants to keep the ‘character.’ How do we compromise without ending up on a home renovation true crime podcast?”

— Glossed Over in Grit

Click here to 👉 Submit your Q to Hazel Mae and Fern.

Hazel Mae: Oh honey, if I had a dollar for every man who clutched his oak cabinets like they were made of gold-plated mesquite, I could afford a whole crew to come paint mine twice. “Real wood” is lovely, but so is not cooking dinner in a dim, orangey cave that smells vaguely of deer season.

You’re not trying to tear out a piece of history — you’re just giving it a glow-up. A coat of paint doesn’t erase character; it highlights it. Now, if he’s that sentimental about the wood grain, tell him you’ll leave the insides unpainted. He can commune with the “real oak” every time he grabs a cereal bowl.

Fern: Hazel Mae’s not wrong — a fresh coat of paint can do wonders, especially in a room you use every day. But before you break out the drop cloths, sit down with your fella and ask him what he really loves about those cabinets. Is it the color? The memories? The idea of keeping something “natural”?

Sometimes, we get attached to what’s familiar — even if it’s holding us back. Maybe you meet halfway with a wood-toned island and painted uppers. Or you two pick the new color together — something soft, warm, and still respectful of the home’s bones.

Just remember: homes are meant to grow with us. And compromise, like paint, goes on smoother when stirred well.

🔨 Contractor’s Corner

Sponsored by Refuge Decor & Designs
From paint color consultations (thinking Clary Sage for a soft refresh? Or Alabaster for that clean, calm glow?) to full space makeovers, Tessa brings local charm, expert eyes, and just the right amount of “let’s do this” energy to every project—starting at just $50.
📞 Call 254-630-8950 | 💻 FB: @RefugebyTessa

August 14, 2025
Ladies, it’s hotter than the devil’s driveway out there — but that’s no reason not to look and feel fabulous. We’ve rounded up our favorite deals, treats, and little luxuries to help you survive August with style and a wink. Click, shop, and know you’re keeping The Townie humming right along. Go on, darlin’ — treat yo’self.

👚 Kohl’s – Home & Closet Refresh
Free shipping, easy returns, and savings on just about everything — from cozy throws to back-to-school threads.
Shop Kohl’s Deals

📸 Walgreens – 50% Off Prints, Posters & Enlargements
Turn your summer memories into fridge art — use code SUMMERPRINTS through 8/30.
Print Your Favorites

🎯 Academy Sports + Outdoors – Gear for the Great Outdoors
Camping, tailgating, backyard lounging — gear up for the season with savings to match.
Shop Academy

👢 Ariat – Boots, Jeans & Western Wear
Work hard, wear well. Western staples that’ll last longer than your cousin’s engagement.
Browse Ariat

🪞 Etsy – Handmade, Vintage, & Just-Right Gifts
From fall wreaths to personalized teacher gifts — support small makers and score big charm.
Explore Etsy Finds

💻 FlexJobs – Work Where the A/C Works
No scams, no spam — just real, remote jobs to fit your life (and iced coffee habit).
Find Flexible Work

🥗 Green Chef – Organic Meal Kits
No planning, no shopping — just healthy, yummy meals delivered to your door.
Try Green Chef

🥤 Ka’Chava – All-in-One Superfood Shake
Plant-based, protein-packed, and tastes like dessert if dessert was good for you.
Sip Smarter

🧴 L’Occitane – French Luxury for Your Bathroom Sink
Almond oil everything, heavenly hand creams, and little moments of luxe.
Indulge a Little

👙 Lands’ End – Up to 70% Off Swimwear
Classic, comfy, and designed for cannonballs or cocktails.
Dive Into Deals

🍹 Local FAV: Don Julio Blanco at Mason Liquor
If you ask us, the most important tool in a Texas kitchen this time of year isn’t the cast iron — it’s a good bottle of tequila. And right now, Mason Liquor is stocked with the real deal: Don Julio Blanco — crisp, clean, and smoother than your cousin Beau trying to sweet-talk his way out of traffic court.

Swing by and grab a bottle, then try our favorite Garden Party Margarita — a porch-worthy sipper that puts your jalapeños and cukes to good use.

🥒 Garden Party Margarita (Serves 2-ish)

• 4 oz Don Julio Blanco

• 2 oz fresh lime juice

• 1 oz agave nectar or simple syrup

• 3 slices cucumber

• 1–2 slices fresh jalapeño (more if you're brave)

• Pinch of salt

• Ice & shaker or blender

• Optional: Tajín + lime wedge for the rim

How-To:
Muddle cucumber and jalapeño with lime juice and agave. Add tequila, salt, and ice. Shake like you're mad at it (or blend for a frozen treat). Pour into a glass with a Tajín rim and sip slowly — or not. We’re not your mother.

📍 811 Fort McKavitt St, Mason, TX 76856
📞 325.805.5079
🕒 Mon–Fri 10–8, Sat 10–9, Closed Sunday

Tell ‘em The Townie sent ya — and maybe bring a cucumber or two as a thank-you gift. 🥒💚

Travel and Dreamers: for when you want to wander but not too far…

The Seaquist House | 405 Broad St, Mason, TX

Tucked just two blocks north of the courthouse, The Seaquist House is a towering reminder that small towns hold big stories. With its limestone turrets, original woodwork, and whispers of Texas history around every corner, this restored 19th-century mansion is open to dreamers and daytrippers alike.

📍 Mason’s own castle is waiting. Don’t just drive by — come wander inside.
🌐 seaquist.org

South Llano River State Park

When the summer heat hits that “I’m melting” level, nothing beats a float down the South Llano. We packed the cooler, grabbed a couple of tubes, and made the easy drive to Junction for one of the most peaceful swims we’ve had all season.

The river’s spring-fed, cool, and mellow—perfect for a lazy float or a splashy afternoon with the kids. There are shaded banks for reading, gravel bars for lounging, and plenty of space to paddle, kayak, or just wade out and let the current take your stress downstream.

Pro tip: hit the park early to snag a shady spot and watch the deer wander through the pecan groves. And don’t sleep on the rest of the park—there are 17+ miles of trails, bird blinds for spotting wild turkeys and painted buntings, and it’s a designated International Dark Sky Park, so if you stay past sundown, the stars will blow your mind.

This park feels like a secret—uncrowded, beautiful, and just far enough to feel like a getaway without burning a whole tank of gas.

📍 1927 Park Road 73, Junction, TX 76849
📞 (325) 446‑3994
🕒 Open daily, 8 a.m.–10 p.m. | $5 Adults, kids under 12 free
💻 Make a Reservation

🧭 Newcomers Welcome

Because moving to the Hill Country isn’t the same as figuring out how to live here.

📘 This Ain’t Austin: A Guide for Newcomers with Sense (and a Sense of Humor)
💵 Preorder for $6.99 | Grab it here

Whether you bought land in Mason, rented a fixer-upper in Junction, or showed up in Menard with big dreams and no clue what a stickerburr is — this lovingly irreverent guide is your unofficial survival manual for small-town Texas life.

Inside, you’ll find straight-up wisdom from real locals on how not to end up in the ER, the gossip column, or both.

Here’s a peek from Chapter 1: Welcome, Stranger —

This isn’t Austin. It’s not supposed to be. And that’s the point.

🗺️ Covers Mason, Menard, Junction, Fredericksburg & Brady
📥 PDF delivered straight to your inbox when the book drops
👉 Preorder now

Been here a while?
Tell us what you wish newcomers knew. Hit reply with your favorite bit of rural survival wisdom — we might feature it next week.

💌 SHARE THE LOVE

Small businesses like yours don’t survive on hopes and wishes — and neither do we.

If you enjoyed this edition of The Townie, hit the button below and share it with a friend, your neighbor, or that one cousin who’s always “thinking about moving out here.”

It costs nothing to click “Share,” tell a friend, or hit reply and tell us what you think — the good, the bad, or the “y’all missed a comma.”

Every click, comment, and forward helps keep this modern-day front porch going. We appreciate the heck out of you.

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