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🔧 Book today at rvemt.com or call Michelle 512-228-1669.

💌 Letter from the Editor

Hey y’all,

The past two weeks have been hard.

The Fourth of July wasn’t fireworks and lemonade for our Hill Country communities—it was flash floods, washed-out roads, and heartbreak. Kerr County continues to report rising fatalities, and towns like Menard, Brady, Llano, and Mason are picking up the pieces after serious property damage and livestock losses.

We’ve been boots-on-the-ground with local leaders and the Salvation Army in Kerrville to get supplies to folks who need them. If you’ve been impacted—or if you have resources or help to offer—please reach out. We’re keeping a real-time list to connect what’s needed with what’s available.

And while it feels impossible to shift from grief to joy, that’s what community does. We hold space for both. So I hope this week’s Townie gives you a moment of connection, a little hope, and a reminder that rural resilience runs deep. We’ve weathered a lot—and we’re not done yet.

With love and grit,
Katie

🗞️🥚 Fresh Off The Porch 🪻🐄

Here's your roundup of good news and community highlights from across Mason County and nearby towns—perfect for planning your weekend or celebrating local wins!

Mason, TX

• Dr Pepper Tennis Outlet Open
July 17–20, 8:00 AM–7:00 PM at Fort Mason Community Park
This community tournament brings together open and junior players for four days of summer tennis competition and camaraderie.

• Read-to-Swim at Mason County Library
Weekdays, July 17–18, 1:30–2:30 PM at Mason County Library
Kids in grades K–8 can earn a free pool pass or Dairy Queen treat by reading 30 minutes at the library—sponsored by Mason Bank. Ask the front desk if you need to arrange a different time.

• Mason Military Museum – Open Hours
Saturday, July 19, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM at Mason Military Museum
Stop in for a free self-guided tour featuring artifacts from the Civil War through modern day. A great educational stop for the whole family.

• Live at the Odeon: Matt Kirk & The Gueyfarers
Saturday, July 19, 7:00–9:00 PM at The Odeon Theater, Mason Square
Enjoy an evening of live country music inside one of the Hill Country’s historic theaters. Doors open early for mingling and concessions.

Fredericksburg, TX

• Fredericksburg Farmers Market
Thursday, July 17, 4:00–7:00 PM at Marktplatz
Grab fresh produce, local wines, baked goods, and handmade gifts from over 20 regional vendors in this weekly open-air market downtown.

• Trivia for a Cause
Thursday, July 17, 6:00–8:00 PM at Courtyard Marriott
Gather your smartest friends for a good time supporting The Knowledge Exchange. Food, fun, and prizes for a great local cause.

• State Championship BBQ Cook-Off
Friday–Saturday, July 18–19, Noon–4:00 PM at Gillespie County Fairgrounds
Pitmasters from across Texas compete in this two-day cook-off celebrating Hill Country BBQ traditions. Don’t miss the brisket.

• Live Horse Races: Quarter & Thoroughbred
Saturday–Sunday, July 19–20, gates open at Noon, post time 2:00 PM at Gillespie County Fairgrounds. Catch the thrill of live horse racing with refreshments and family-friendly entertainment in the grandstands.

• Live Music at Hidden Hideaway & Emigrant Hotel
Thursday, July 17, 8:00–11:00 PM
Wind down your evening with local favorites Chris Guerrero and Abe Mac, performing live in cozy downtown venues.

🔜 Coming Soon

• Shay Gott Live in Brady
July 26–27 – Catch this popular hometown artist’s weekend performance in Brady. Details coming soon.

• Sizzler Disc Golf Tournament – Junction
July 26–27, with registration open now. Sign up to play or come cheer on the region’s best at Junction’s city parks.

• Brady Splash Day at Aquatic Complex
July 22, open swim, giveaways, and family fun hosted by Brady Parks & Recreation.

Click here to 👉 Submit your good news or upcoming event to The Townie.

🌦️ Weekend Weather: Hot, Humid & Hanging On

Thursday:
She’s startin’ off steamy—partly sunny and pushin’ 94°. Good morning to wrap up outdoor chores, ‘cause come noon you’ll be sweatin’ like a preacher in a poker hall. Low near 68° after sundown.

Friday:
Plenty of sun and not much mercy. High of 94°, low of 71°. If you’ve got fence to mend, do it before the sun’s high or you’ll be feelin’ medium-well by lunch.

Saturday:
A humid 95° kind of day. Perfect weather if you’re a tomato plant or a kid with a stock tank. For the rest of us—shade, fans, and lemonade. Low around 72°.

Sunday:
A little breeze in the morning but don’t get your hopes up. It’s 95° again and the breeze won’t save your biscuits past 10 a.m. Maybe a good day to pray, nap, or both.

🛎️ Townie Classifieds: Slightly Questionable, Fully Entertaining

Got a gently-used garden bench? Need a reliable dog-walker? Looking for a hand with hay bales or house painting? This is your corner of the newsletter.

FOR SALE / RENT

• Giant Metal Rooster – 6-foot yard art that “guards” your flower beds and startles delivery drivers. $200 OBO. Will trade for a smaller, less aggressive bird. Text Carla: (325) 555-8273

• One (1) Squirrel-Safe Bird Feeder – So far, the squirrels hate it. $45 or best barter. Email: [email protected]

• Tiny House on Wheels – Former she-shed turned escape pod. No plumbing, but great vibes. $3,000 firm. Located just outside of Castell. Call Fern: (325) 555-2983

HELP WANTED

• Pie Crust Consultant – Grandma retired and now we’re floundering. Must know lard ratios and tolerate supervision from three nosy aunts. Saturdays only. Call Ruby Jean: (325) 555-4452

• Chicken Therapist – Our flock has trust issues and won’t lay for strangers. Must be patient and cluck-fluent. Compensation: eggs. Email [email protected]

• Unofficial Parade Wrangler – Must be good with kids, candy, and rogue tractors. No actual authority, just a vest and some gumption. Apply in person at the VFW.

NEED SOMETHING?

• Desperately Seeking AC Window Unit – Ours gave up and now we sleep in the kiddie pool. Will pick up. Call Larry: (325) 555-1129

• Looking for a Left Cowboy Boot (Men’s 11) – Right one survived a bonfire incident. Prefer brown, not picky. Text Wade: (325) 555-8877

GARAGE/ESTATE SALES

• Estate Sale with Attitude – Everything priced to move and pre-loaded with family drama. Friday–Sunday, 204 Cypress Ln. Featuring: mason jars, a haunted sewing machine, and vintage spatulas.

• Three Sisters, One Driveway – Joint garage sale includes: crochet supplies, suspicious Tupperware lids, and an entire table labeled “Might Be Useful.” Saturday, 8–1, 612 Peach Blossom Rd.

• Yard Sale with Free Sass – Come for the knick-knacks, stay for commentary from Aunt Loretta. Sunday only, behind the Dollar General. Look for the flamingo.

Click here to 👉 Submit your classified to The Townie.

🏡 Snoop That Listing! – Real Estate 🏘️

Curious about that fixer-upper off Post Oak? Wondering what that big ol’ ranch house is going for? This is where Mason County neighbors share homes for sale and rent.

🏡 Sponsored by Heart of Texas Taxidermy

Buying land? Building your dream home? Make sure your wall mounts match the view. Joel at Heart of Texas Taxidermy brings expert care and Hill Country honesty to every piece—from white-tail bucks to exotic game. A retired police officer and lifelong hunter, Joel’s the guy you want preserving your story.

🔸 Visit: heartoftexastaxidermy.com
🔸 Email: [email protected]

FOR SALE

• 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.

• Former Goat Yoga Studio Turned Micro-Compound – $4.9 Million
  That’s right—four shipping containers, a windmill, and an outdoor clawfoot tub (no plumbing, but great views). Located 37 miles from pavement, with “artisanal” solar and unpredictable WiFi. Bonus: the goats stayed. Perfect for off-grid influencers or eccentric hermits.
  Contact Fern at (325) 555-2107 – serious inquiries only, must love goats.

• The World's Smallest Bungalow – $799,999 (Firm)
  One room. One window. One dream. This 98 sq ft hand-built hut sits between two prickly pears and comes with a deeded cow path. No electricity, but you’ll gain spiritual enlightenment (or heatstroke).
  Call Dusty at (325) 555-0032 to schedule your 45-second tour.

FOR RENT

• Rustic Cabin with Questionable Plumbing – $1,200/month
  One bedroom, one bath (kind of), and a woodstove that definitely adds “ambiance.” Located behind Old Man Wallace’s barn—he might wave or he might holler. Water’s spring-fed (most days). No Wi-Fi, but plenty of character.
  Text Bonnie at (325) 555-1172 – no city folks, please.

• Spacious Coop-Inspired Loft – $675/month
  Technically a converted chicken coop, but it’s been scrubbed and sassed up with twinkle lights and a mini fridge. Lofted bed, tiny sink, and a patio with prime rooster-watching. Pets negotiable, but no actual chickens allowed.
  Email: [email protected]

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

The Business Backbone with Walt and Nadine

Sponsored by WIN – Women’s Innovation Network

Business is better with backup. WIN brings together women entrepreneurs, creatives, and community leaders across the Hill Country for monthly meetups, support, and real connection. Whether you're scaling a business or dreaming one up, there’s a seat for you at our table.

👉 Follow us for upcoming events: facebook.com/WIN.FBG

Dear Walt and Nadine,

Our region of Texas was rocked by flash floods on July 4th. The death toll continues to rise in our neighboring Kerr County. Roads and bridges were out all over the region and many folks are still missing livestock. Some businesses can't get employees in or products out. Its really a devastating time. What can individuals do to support the businesses in our communities that have been impacted by the July 4th flash floods?

-- Heartbroken at ERNA

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

Dear Heartbroken at ERNA,

WALT: First off, thank you for writing. That’s a hard letter to pen when your neighbors are hurting.

Right now, folks don’t need clever campaigns — they need cash, customers, and clean-up crews. If a local business is open, spend your money there. Pay full price. Tip big. No “discount for flood damage?” Good. They’re trying to make payroll, not a sale.

If they’re closed, check their social media or call — not to bug ‘em, but to ask what they need. Clean up crews? A generator? A truck bed? Show up.

And if someone’s running a GoFundMe or a tab at the feed store, don’t overthink it. Ten bucks in the right hands beats a thousand in good intentions.

NADINE: Walt’s right — this is about direct support, not just sympathy.

Here’s a list you can share with others looking to help:

• Buy gift cards to local businesses now, to use later. It puts cash in their hands while foot traffic is slow or doors are closed.

• Order online or over the phone if roads are out. Some shops may offer porch pickup, local delivery, or mail service.

• Share their posts far and wide. Visibility helps — especially for pop-ups, fundraisers, or shifting hours.

• Organize a neighborly cleanup. Don’t wait for a city-wide plan if you’ve got able bodies and work gloves. One shovel at a time.

• Give grace. If a restaurant is out of your favorite meal or a boutique can’t restock sizes — remember, supply chains are shot right now.

This is when a local economy either crumbles or comes together. Keep asking this question, keep checking on folks, and keep showing up.

We’re pulling for your community.

—Walt & Nadine🧤💧

🕵️‍♀️ Business You Didn’t Know Existed* 🏪

Cross Keys Designs – Let Us Tell Your Story

Your life’s a good one—shouldn’t your home reflect it? Geri Russell of Cross Keys Designs believes every room should speak your language, from heirloom coziness to bold new chapters. Whether you’re reimagining a farmhouse kitchen or giving your guest room some soul, Cross Keys Designs brings heart, history, and style into every detail.

✨ Spaces with soul. Stories worth telling.
📞 Call Geri: 203-613-1052
📍 Find them on Facebook: CrossKeysDesigns

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

🛠️ Job of the Week* 🛠️

ERNA Sands LLC is hiring!
40 hrs/week with benefits. Must lift 50 lbs and pass a drug test.
Send resume to [email protected].

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

Career & Money with Laurel & Reese

Dear Laurel and Reese,

I just moved back to Mason County to help care for my aging parents—and I’m juggling my day job, family obligations, and trying to start a side hustle (online craft shop). I feel stretched thin and guilty, like I’m failing at everything. How do I set boundaries and make progress on my goals without burning out or disappointing my family?

— Small‑Town Double Duty

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

Dear Small-Town Double Duty,

First of all, deep breath. You're not failing—you're doing a lot. What you’re navigating isn’t a time management issue; it’s a season-of-life juggle that calls for clarity, compassion (especially for yourself), and some strategy.

Laurel here: Boundaries don’t mean shutting people out. They mean creating a structure where you can show up—consistently, not constantly. Let’s get practical:

• Designate protected time blocks. Even 90 minutes a week that are just for your side hustle (no errands, no caregiving) can move the needle.

• Communicate your availability. “I’m off-limits Tuesdays from 6 to 8—working on my shop.” The more calmly you normalize this, the more others adapt.

• Write a tiny weekly to-do list. Like, three tasks max. Progress is cumulative, not dramatic.

Reese jumping in: Guilt is a crafty little liar. You’re not disappointing your family by having ambitions—you’re modeling sustainability and self-respect. Also: your creative work matters. It isn’t “extra” or “just for fun.” It’s a source of energy and identity that helps you be more present for everyone else.

Bonus reframe: This isn’t about doing it all—it’s about living in alignment with your values. Right now, that might mean:

• Being a caregiver and a creator.

• Saying “not this month” to certain social things so your business can breathe.

• Celebrating done is better than perfect moments.

Your goals deserve space, not guilt.

Cheering for you (and your craft shop),

Laurel & Reese

JOB BOARD

• Assistant Duck Wrangler – Lazy J Farm & Events | $17/hour + free lemonade
  Help keep our wedding ducks in line (literally). Must be okay with mud, unpredictable waddling, and being in 100+ guest photos. Prior poultry or bridal experience a plus.
  Apply: Text “DUCKS” to (325) 555-9898

• Shed Inventory Specialist – Carl’s Backyard Emporium | $15/hour + mystery perks
  Count and categorize Carl’s ever-growing shed of “someday projects.” Includes tools, tangles of wire, and one suspiciously heavy cooler. Ability to identify mystery objects a bonus.
  Apply in person behind Carl’s house—look for the garden gnome.

• Senior Biscuit Tester – Honey Bea’s Café | $10/hour + unlimited carbs
  Taste, critique, and rank daily biscuit batches before they hit the breakfast crowd. Must love butter. Retired grandmas encouraged to apply.
  Apply: Drop off resume (or handwritten note) at Honey Bea’s, 118 Main St.

Click here to 👉 Submit a job to The Townie.

🏠💐 Home & Garden with Hazel Mae + Fern 🌱💛

Dear Hazel Mae and Fern,

Rains and flash floods have wrecked the property around my home. The washouts in my driveway are unbelievable. What do I do and how do I fix this mess?

-- Overwhelmed in Streeter

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

Hazel Mae: Oh honey, when it rains it pours—literally and figuratively, sounds like. First off, let me say I’m so sorry. Flash floods are no joke around here. One minute you’re admiring your zinnias, the next you’re watching your driveway do a disappearing act.

Let’s not panic. Let’s prioritize. You can’t fix everything all at once, and frankly, you shouldn’t try. Here’s what I’d do:

1. Triage the Damage – Walk that property (carefully, boots on) and snap some photos. Not just for insurance, if that applies, but so you don’t forget how bad it really got when you're knee-deep in patching it up and thinking you’re failing. You’re not. It’s just a bear of a mess.

2. Patch the Driveway – Crushed granite, decomposed granite, or even coarse gravel from a nearby feed store or rock yard can be used to temporarily fill the worst of the ruts and washouts. You’re looking for stability, not perfection. This’ll keep it passable till you can do a proper fix.

3. Direct the Water – This is the real deal, friend. No sense patching a driveway that’s just gonna wash out again. Get yourself a few basic tools—shovel, pick, maybe a rented box blade if you're feeling handy—and start redirecting. Create some shallow swales or ditches to lead water away from your drive and house. If you've got old logs, big rocks, or even leftover bricks, stack 'em like mini levees. Use what you’ve got.

Fern: And if you don’t have it, ask your neighbors. This is when community shows up.

I’d also add: the land is speaking right now. Washouts happen where water wants to go. Let it teach you. Don’t try to fight it with force—work with it. Eventually, once things dry out and roads reopen, you can bring in proper base material, maybe install a culvert or two, even sow some native grasses to hold the soil. But for now, you’re just trying to stem the bleeding.

And I know it’s hard, but don’t let the overwhelm win. Make your list, one job at a time. Drink water. Stretch your back. Let a neighbor bring you a casserole, or at least a cold beer and an ear.

Hazel Mae: Or both, if they know what’s good for ‘em. You hang in there, sugar. We’re rooting for you, ruts and all.

Love,
Hazel Mae & Fern

🛠️ Contractor’s Corner – DIY Tricks + Tips

This week’s tip is brought to you by ERNA Sands LLC

Need a solid foundation—literally?
Head out to ERNA Sands at 224 Evans Lane for quality road base at just $12/ton. Whether you’re fixing a driveway, building up your pad site, or just want to feel like a big-time dirt boss, we’ve got you covered.

🛻 Got a truck? Swing by and we’ll load you up with a super sack.
🚛 Need a semi full? Call Max Mahan Trucking out of Brady at (800) 597-0026 for full-load delivery.

📍 Questions? Call ERNA Sands at 325-216-4189

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

Things we’re loving this week (with links that help keep The Townie running!)

✶Creative Market✶ – If you’re the artsy type or just pretending to be, this global design marketplace is packed with fonts, graphics, templates, and creative goodies from independent makers around the world. Support creatives, boost your next project.
👉 Check it out here

✶DollarTree✶ – You know we love a good bargain. From floral supplies to school snacks and party gear, Dollar Tree is where small-town savvy meets serious value.
👉 Fill your cart here

✶FlexJobs✶ – Hunting for legit remote work without sifting through scams? FlexJobs curates quality part-time and full-time gigs across industries and around the world. No nonsense—just jobs.
👉 Start your search

✶Green Chef✶ – Get wholesome, organic meals delivered straight to your door. They do the prepping, you do the impressing. Ideal for busy folks who still want to eat like a grownup.
👉 Get cooking

✶Target✶ – Because some weeks you just need dish soap, yoga pants, and a candle that smells like “Farmhouse Fig.” Target gets us.
👉 Shop now

✶Thrive Market✶ – Healthy groceries delivered, no fuss. Think organic pantry staples, sustainable brands, and member perks—all from your laptop.
👉 Browse the pantry

✶ affiliate links

FOOD & DRINK

Local Favs (Click here to 👉Submit a fav!)

🍕 The Cauliflower Crust Pizza at Joe’s Italian

"I don’t know what kind of sorcery Joe’s is working with, but that cauliflower crust is crispy, cheesy, and full-on divine. Gluten-free or not, you’ll be fighting your tablemates for the last slice. "
— Fork First, Questions Later
📍 212 Fort McKavitt St, Mason, TX (also in Brady!)

What’s on Your Stove? (Click here to 👉 Submit your recipe)

🍲 Pinto Beans & Hot Rice

"When the fridge went out and the roads washed over, I lit the camp stove and made a big ol’ pot of pintos. Simmered ’em with bacon, onion, and a dash of Tabasco. Served over rice and called it dinner, breakfast, and survival food."
— Cooking on a Prayer

🍳 Cornbread Fried in Bacon Grease

"We were out of bread and too muddy to go to town, so I pulled out the cast iron and fried up cornbread patties in leftover bacon grease. Crispy edges, soft centers—paired with honey or beans, it hit the spot and felt like home."
— Stuck But Fed in Segovia

Try This Ingredient (Click here to 👉 Submit an ingredient)

🧄 Try This: Pickled Okra

Crisp, tangy, and just a little spicy—pickled okra isn’t just for snacking. Chop it into potato salad, skewer it in your next Bloody Mary, or slice it thin over grilled chicken. It’s Southern crunch with a kick, and it holds up even when the power doesn’t. Bonus: you can find jars at most feed stores or farmers markets.

Wine of the Week*

🍷 2023 Estate Lizzie Rosé, Texas Heritage Vineyards

Sippin’ this chilled rosé after a week like we’ve had feels like hitting pause on the chaos. It’s crisp, a little floral, and just dry enough to cut through the humidity and heartache. Pair it with porch swings, soft breezes, and maybe a good cry or a laugh—either works.

— Sips with Sass

Sponsored by Texas Heritage Vineyards – where family roots run deep and the rosé is always cold.
📍 3245 US Hwy 290 E, Fredericksburg, TX | texasheritagevineyard.com

COMMUNITY

IN OTHER NEWS*

🔨 Need help fixing that fence that “fixed itself” during the flood?
Call Wade at Hammer & Hope Carpentry—licensed, local, and allergic to shortcuts. Free estimates within county lines. Accepts pie, cash, or a really good story as partial payment.

🎣 The unofficial fishing derby at Crider’s Crossing is ON.
No fees, no rules, and no one’s really sure who’s in charge—but if you catch a catfish bigger than 22”, you get bragging rights and maybe a cold beer. Sunday morning till the bait runs out.

🪑 Lloyd’s Re-Upholstery now offering “Driveway Consults.”
He’ll pull up in his van, check out your busted recliner, and give you a quote on the spot. Bonus: he brings donuts if you book before 10 a.m. Text “FIX MY CHAIR” to (325) 555-0442.

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

👵 Neighbor of the Week: Darlene "Ducky" Watson

Role: Retired school bus driver, current keeper of everybody’s business
Why she deserves a shoutout:
Darlene hasn’t missed a single yard sale, funeral casserole delivery, or “just checking in” drive-by since 1983. She can parallel park a church van in a snowstorm and once stopped a skunk fight behind the Dollar Store using only a pool noodle and prayer. Every town needs a Ducky.

Quote from nominators:
"If you’ve ever lost a dog, a casserole dish, or your temper — Ducky probably found it, fixed it, or fed you."

👉 Click here to nominate a neighbor or colleague.

🧑‍🎨 Young Star of the Week: Tanner Blake

Age: 11
School/Town: Mason Elementary, Mason
Accomplishment:
Invented a school lunch trade network so efficient, it’s now known as “Tanner’s Exchange.” He turned one pudding cup into a brisket taco and a pencil sharpener. Principal says it’s “capitalism with a heart.” Also, he built a slingshot trebuchet during indoor recess. Science teacher is both proud and concerned.

Quote from nominators:
"The kid once traded a granola bar for a drone. We don’t know how. We’re just glad he’s using his powers for good."

👉 Click here to nominate a child or student.

💬 The Best Advice You’ve Ever Gotten

“Never rebuild in a rush.”
Submitted by Twice-Flooded, Still Standing
"My uncle lost the same shed twice before he learned to wait for dry ground and a second opinion. Now he says, if the mud hasn’t dried, the cement shouldn’t pour. Applies to buildings and decisions."

After all the rains we’ve had, this one feels like gospel. Pause. Breathe. Then pick up the hammer.

👉 Click here to submit your advice to The Townie.

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER OPPS

• Library Escape Artists Needed – Wednesdays at 10 a.m.
  The Pine Hollow Library’s new “Wizard Cat Escapes the Volcano” storytime has gotten... interactive. We need teen volunteers who can act, dodge flying stuffed animals, and maybe herd small children pretending to be lava. Costumes provided. Courage required.

• Chicken Run Patrol – Sunday, 6 a.m., behind the co-op
  Lurlene’s prize bantams keep slipping through the fence and terrorizing the coffee club. Help reinforce the coop, chase strays, and maybe earn a cinnamon roll. Gloves and firm voice recommended.

• Cemetery Tour Cast Call – Thursdays at dusk, Oak Hill Cemetery
  Seeking dramatic souls to play “colorful locals of yesteryear” in the town’s walking history tour. Must be okay with light fog effects, lanterns, and sudden raccoon cameos. Bonus if you can monologue near a tombstone.

• Highway Doughnut Hand-Off Crew – Saturday at 7 a.m. sharp
  The bikers doing the Hill Country Relief Ride don’t stop pedaling—but they will grab a donut on the go. Help toss baked goods (gently!) from the roadside. Training provided. Must have decent aim and steady hands.

• Folding Chair Whisperers – Friday afternoon, Community Center
  Set up chairs for the Old Timers Spaghetti Supper. Must possess mild psychic ability to find the one chair with a wobbly leg and preemptively fix it. Free spaghetti and a “thank you, darlin’” guaranteed.

Click here to 👉 Submit your volunteer opp to The Townie.

TRAVEL & DREAMERS

For When You Want to Wander, But Not Too Far

Step Back in Time at the Seaquist House – Saturday, July 12
If you’ve ever driven past that grand stone home on Broad Street in Mason and wondered what stories it could tell—this Saturday’s your chance to find out. From 11am to 1pm, explore the iconic Seaquist House at your own pace with a self-guided tour for just $5/person (kids 10 and under are free).

Want more history? Grab a $3 booklet packed with details about the architecture, the families who lived there, and the men who built it. Take your time, take photos, and soak in the soul of a Hill Country treasure just two blocks north of the courthouse.

📍 405 Broad St., Mason | Questions? Call Jan at (325) 347-4058

Click here to 👉 Submit your content to The Townie.

🧭 Newcomers

Welcome to the Hill Country, y’all. We’re glad you’re here—and we’ve got thoughts.

Welcome to the Neighborhood

If you're new around here, first things first: get ready to wave. At stop signs, on porches, and especially when someone lets you into traffic from that one weird corner downtown. Whether you moved here for land, peace, or that magical little town feeling—you're now part of something good. Don’t be shy. Show up and say hi.

How Not to Die Out Here

1. Don’t mow when it’s 112°F.

2. Always carry water—yes, even “just to town.”

3. Snake season is real. Check your boots.

4. That’s not a shortcut, it’s a riverbed.

5. If your car breaks down between Junction and nowhere, call Buck. Everyone knows Buck.

Advice from Locals to Newcomers

🗣️ “Buy a paper map. Cell service ain't gospel.”
🗣️ “Don’t try to rename anything. It already has a name, even if it’s unofficial.”
🗣️ “Want friends? Show up to the fish fry fundraiser, bring a folding chair, and listen more than you talk.”

📘 This Ain’t Austin: A Guide for Newcomers with Sense (and a Sense of Humor)

We're not saying you'll get judged if you ask for oat milk at the feed store... but also, maybe don't.
This guide is your no-nonsense, high-charm cheat sheet for surviving and thriving in small-town Texas.

🛒 Preorder now for just $7 (30% off!)
Get it here → payhip.com/b/v2GNy

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