FOOD & DRINK

WIMBERLEY — Being alongside a peaceful meandering river, enjoying fine art and live music, while also kicking back in the sun-sprinkled shade of an ancient pecan orchard is the setting for the Wimberley Arts Fest at the Water Point Resort. Now in its 17th year, Wimberley Arts Fest, a festival organized by the Wimberley Valley Art League, has gained a national reputation as a fine arts festival organized by artists. There’s plenty of shade, plenty of onsite parking, great food and drinks and continuous live music throughout the festival. Approximately 100 artists from across the country are in their studios putting the finishing touches on their artwork to bring to the show. This year, artists from 14 different states will attend. Enjoy the works of great painters, potters, porcelain artists, photographers, wood workers, sculptors, jewelers and more, as attendees stroll the beautiful grounds. Live music from nine talented local and regional bands will play throughout both days. From jazz to Americana to country and folk music, there’s something for every musical taste. The musicians who’ll be on hand are Gerry Burns -White Shoes, the Hot Texas Swing Band, Elliott Rogers & Friends, Andrew Hardin, The Ash Family, Ike Eichenberg, Gypsy Moon, Eric Hokkanen & Friends and the Jazz Messenger Boys. There will be plenty of comfortable seating for those who want to sit back, relax and just listen to the music, or listen as others enjoy their leisurely stroll through the festival. For classic car lovers, the Twelve Kings Car Club of Wimberley will be on hand for a classic car show on the same grounds throughout the day on Saturday. Attendees can see 100 pristine restored cars of all makes and models and meet the folks who lovingly restore and care for them. Proceeds will benefit several local Wimberley charities. The festival will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 27 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 28 at the Waters Point Resort at 13401 Ranch Road 12 in Wimberley. The festival is free to the public, but there is a $10 parking fee for on-site parking. Free shuttles will run continuously throughout the festival to nearby parking areas and the Wimberley Square. There will also be a free shuttle from the Wimberley Community Center on Saturday. For more information, visit www.wimberleyartsfest.org .

A top spot for Lone Star State meat eaters shared tough news.

Driftwood – The landscape of west Texas can be pretty darn desolate. With the Chihuahuan Desert sprawling across this part of our state, it’s hard to imagine being able to harvest something out here. But if you learn about the natives that lived here thousands of years ago, you’d realize that there is substance all around you. “This plant has been here for 10,000 years,” said Brent Looby. “Think about all of the atmospherics that it has gone through in its life, and it is still here to this day.”

Here's what we know.

HAYS COUNTY — As the spring blooms across the nation, so does a heightened sense of awareness regarding a prevalent, yet often overlooked issue: alcohol use disorder (AUD). April marks Alcohol Awareness Month, a time dedicated to shedding light on the challenges, complexities and solutions surrounding alcohol misuse and its far-reaching impacts on individuals, families and communities. The Nuances of Consumption Alcohol, often celebrated as a social lubricant, finds its way into countless gatherings, from casual get-togethers to milestone celebrations. “The biggest influence is that our culture has not only accepted, but encouraged, alcohol to be ever present at parties, sporting events, concerts, even events like children’s birthdays or just dinner out with friends," notes Dr. Robert Hilliker, founder of Ethos Behavioral Health and The Prairie Recovery Center. "However, we are starting to see social trends in younger generations moving away from alcohol use, which is very promising for what we can do to prevent addiction issues." This shift in societal attitudes toward alcohol consumption underscores the evolving landscape of public perception and highlights the importance of fostering a culture of responsible drinking habits and informed decision-making. Navigating the Thin Line One of the most challenging aspects of addressing alcohol use and abuse is navigating the fine line between enjoyment and excess.What begins as an occasional drink to unwind can quickly spiral into habitual consumption, leading to a range of health, social and psychological consequences. Recognizing the signs of problematic drinking is crucial in offering support and intervention before it escalates. AUD statistics In the United States alone, the statistics paint a sobering picture. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, approximately 15 million adults ages 18 and older have AUD. This includes individuals from all walks of life, from high-powered executives to blue-collar workers and from college students to retirees. The pervasive nature of AUD knows no bounds, transcending age, gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. A Harsh Reality While the media spotlight often shines on the devastating effects of opioids and fentanyl, the prevalence of alcohol use disorder remains the most prevalent amongst treatment facilities . Dr. Hilliker emphasizes this discrepancy: "For the last several years, the news has covered countless stories on opioids and lately more specifically on fentanyl. While this is undoubtedly deadly, and is devastating the lives of so many people, we have turned a blind eye to the biggest culprit of societal discord, alcohol. For those in the business of treating addiction, we can tell you that alcohol is still king. Close to 70% of the patients we treated last year in detox and residential care had a severe alcohol use disorder." Supporting Recovery Dr. Hilliker, adopts a holistic approach to aid individuals in their path at The Prairie Recovery Center. Dr. Hilliker shares, "Our deliberate small by design center fosters a tight-knit community of support, offering diverse avenues for pursuing recovery, including individual therapy alongside options like the 12-steps, dharma recovery, SMART recovery, and celebrate recovery. Our expert staff is trained specifically in addiction care and the treatment of co-occurring mental health issues. Additionally, our Pyschodynamic approach to care focuses heavily on building relationships and supportive alliances for long term success and recovery.” Taking Action As Dr. Hilliker wisely points out, "it’s never too late to seek help and that delaying it is not something I’ve seen help, only hurt. So, if you or a loved one is struggling, pick up the phone and ask for help." Alcohol Awareness Month serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities surrounding alcohol use and abuse. By shedding light on its impact and fostering compassion and support, we can work towards building communities where individuals are empowered to make informed choices and where those struggling with alcohol misuse find the understanding and resources they need to embark on the path to recovery. Resources for Hays County In Hays County, individuals seeking support for alcohol use disorder can access a range of resources. Organizations like the Hays-Caldwell Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse (HCCADA) offer counseling, support groups, and prevention programs tailored to the needs of the community. Additionally, healthcare providers, community centers and faith-based organizations may offer resources and support services for individuals and families affected by alcohol misuse. Alcoholics Anonymous focuses on easing one’s journey by providing support, compassion, and assistance for overcoming addiction. There are several meetings in every city in Hays County at a variety of locations. Visit www.aa-meetings.com to find a location near you. The Prairie Recovery Center is located in Round Top, Texas and offers a full continuum of care, including detox, residential stay and intensive outpatient options for adults looking to start their recovery process.  Admissions can be reached at 713-470-9878 or email via admissions-team@ethosbhg.com.

SPONSORED (All American Autoplex) – The Buggy Barn Museum in Blanco, Texas is a hidden gem in the Hill Country. “I said, well maybe, I don’t have one like that, and it just continued to grow,” Dennis Moore, owner and curator of the Buggy Barn Museum said.

HAYS COUNTY — Commissioner Michelle Cohen has held the ambition of writing children’s books for as long as she can remember. In a few weeks, her dream will come true, with the release of “A Day in the Life of a Hays County Commissioner.” “When I became county commissioner, even before that, when I was running for county commissioner and I would talk to people about my campaign, they would say things to me like, ‘Well, I’ll vote for you, but I don’t know what a commissioner does,’” Cohen explained. “There was definitely a lack of understanding of what a commissioner can do for the community.” In an effort to help educate others, she began thinking about how she could reach out to the community. In February 2023, Mary Lou Alvarez, a district judge in Bexar County, released an activity book filled with fun facts, puzzles and coloring pages about the courthouse. “The Courthouse Adventure Book” was aimed at familiarizing children with the courthouse and to teach them more about the justice system. “I really thought that was a great idea because we don’t see a lot of that from a local level — somebody from their community trying to put information out like this for young people,” said Cohen. “So, [that is] kind of why I followed that lead, but I’m really proud of it.” Ultimately, she decided that it would be a simple look into what an average day in the life of a commissioner is. The book depicts the county courthouse, located on The Square in San Marcos, the inside of the courtroom, ribbon cuttings and more. “I talked about how Texas has 254 counties [and] they each have four commissioners and a judge,” said Cohen. “I basically talk first about court. We talk about how we do the Pledge of Allegiance, we do the Texas Pledge, we listen to public comments, we do proclamations … [But] also how we have disagreements sometimes, but that everyone treats everyone very respectfully.” She also noted that the commissioners help communities by bringing services, building parks and trails and funding first responder agencies. Cohen's story is illustrated by Natasha Bolonna, who she found after noticing her illustrations in another book. “I contacted her and she’s been fantastic to work with,” she said. “I sent her a picture of the courthouse, just a photograph and she was able to create what she created, which was wonderful. I think it’s one of my favorite pages … I thought she captured it just brilliantly and I was just so pleased with the work.” There are also photos of the Kyle water tower, Lehman Road and the commissioner’s personal Ford Mustang, which she often drives in parades. Her hope is that children are able to recognize some of the aspects depicted of the county. It took approximately one year to finish the book, the commissioner said, but the community response has been great. A special memory was when she received a hard copy of the book for the first time. “It’s one of those moments where [you’re like], ‘Oh my gosh’ … To feel it and to see it in my hands, I was just so proud. I was personally proud of being able to achieve this because people talk about writing books all the time, but they never do for whatever reasons … I like to see the end result of [a project[ and I don’t like to just keep dreaming about it," the author said. "It’s just overwhelmingly happy.” Cohen is awaiting a shipment of books in the upcoming weeks. Afterwards, parents, schools and students can contact her office at annette.yanez@co.hays.tx.us or visit the office at 5458 FM 2770, Kyle, for free copies. “It’s kind of my contribution to the community of trying to help educate our young people because we do want them to be more involved, make their own opinions about politicians or office holders. Not just what they see or hear, but actually start learning about positions and maybe be a county commissioner one day or a county judge one day, where they can directly impact their communities,” said Cohen.

A park is more than just green space; more often than not, it is the heart of a community. In the case of Palm Park, first opened in 1933 adjacent to the Palm School, one of Austin’s first elementary schools, it is also a place of historic significance, especially to Austin’s Mexican American population. The city has been deep in community engagement sessions to discuss Palm Park’s redesign and revitalization. On Thursday, Waterloo Greenway will present an updated vision for the park, as well as field more community feedback; a second session takes place Saturday, April 27, at Eastside Early College High School.   – Kimberley Jones.

, Step into the 21st Century only five minutes away from the sixth stop on the Home Tour in your motorized buggy ride to experience the master- planned community of La Cima in the Texas Hill Country, hailed by Forbes magazine as the “next great metropolis.” Spanning over 2,400 acres, La Cima offers distinct new home designs with Hill Country views by a distinguished line-up of builders. The Perry Home and the Highland Home in La Cima will be the final two homes on the 47th annual Home Tour hosted by the Heritage Association of San Marcos. While the theme...

On Friday, April 19, the Hays Free Press and News-Dispatch staff received multiple awards in the South Texas Press Association annual contest for content published in 2023. The Hays Free Press awards are: First place News Photos, first place Editorial Writing, first place Feature Photos, first place Serious Column Writing, second place Special Section, second place General Excellence, second place News Writing, second place Feature Writing, second place Page Design, third place Best Website and the Division 1 Sweepstakes award for the most points in the small weekly divison. The News-Dispatch awards are: First place News Writing, first place Feature Writing and second place Serious Column Writing.

The Starbucks is located at 22449 I-35 in Kyle. (Amira Van Leeuwen/Community Impact) The Starbucks located at 22449 I-35 in Kyle reopened April 15 after temporarily closing March 30 to undergo renovations. A Starbucks spokesperson said the store received the renovations to ensure it was meeting the needs of its...