Features

The Esperanza is one of those shrubs that brings about hope and anticipation for the growing season. Actually, that is what Esperanza means in Spanish. As a gardener who got his horticultural roots in Texas, I can tell you the Esperanza is a plant to be treasured and even more so with the debut of Chicklet Orange in 2022.

Q. My child really enjoys the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney. Could you recommend some other books or series like it?

My friend, John Rush, has a vacation home on the river in Gruene.

When I visited the Galapagos Islands many years ago, members of our group enjoyed walking along a black sand beach and wading out into the cool ocean water. But we were hesitant to wade out too far, because we had been told the area had a robust population of hammerhead sharks.

Everyone has “corned beef and cabbage” on the brain come St. Patrick’s Day. But another flavorful dish might appeal to a greater number of people with Irish roots.

Sherri Wilson knows a few things about running a business. As the owner of Lather, a small-batch and organic cosmetics company in Tanger Outlets, she has been self-employed in successful business ventures for 32 years.

The Art of Bill Hutson is a unique citywide exhibition celebrating the work of artist and San Marcos native Bill Hutson (b. 1936). As part of the show, the Texas State Galleries at Texas State University, San Marcos is featuring a six-piece installation of works by Hutson, the centerpiece of which is Homestead with signs, symbols and numbers. This massive painting — over 6 x 9 feet — is accompanied by five preparatory studies for the work, including a sculpture titled “Shotgun for Elton Fax.” The exhibition is on view in the Texas State Galleries foyer through May 18.

Nine students recently completed the HVAC certification course offered in a partnership with the San Marcos Public Library and the Continuing Education Department of Austin Community College. All nine individuals completed 80 hours of instruction and obtained their HVAC certificates on March 2.