KBB Trash-Off & River Clean-Up

The 12th annual Keep Blanco Beautiful “Don’t Mess with Texas” Trash-Off event will be held on April 2, 2011, along with the 5th annual Blanco River Clean-Up. Volunteers are needed; meet up at Bindseil Park on the Square at 9am and then disperse to clean-up the city streets. Lunch will be served to volunteers afterward. For more information, call 830-833-4720.

The City will not have the city yard open, nor will there be curbside pickup for this event. The city clean-up will be held on April 16 in conjunction with the county-wide event.

The Henry House Licensed

The Henry House (515 3rd St.) has received its Type A Assisted Living license from the state. The complex currently has five residents with a capacity for 42. They have single and double rooms available. Manager Dee Isidro says everyone is welcome to come and take a look at the facility. The 15,000 square foot facility opened in 2007. For more information, call 830-833-4674.

Where’s the Siren?

Lynn Hicks with the Blanco Fire Department reports that electrical problems caused by the last cold spell damaged the control board that regulates the siren. Repair parts are being ordered!

Design Guidelines Meeting

The third public meeting with Architect Sue Ann Pemberton of Mainstreet Architects will be held on March 14, 2011, at the Blanco Public Library at 6pm.

Mainstreet Architects has contracted with the City of Blanco to develop Design Guidelines for the city. The project is being funded by a Certified Local Government Grant and the City of Blanco and should be completed by July 2011.

This is a project of the Blanco Historic Preservation Action Plan and will give Blanco a guide for future growth as well as rehabilitation of existing structures.

The group looks forward to a large turnout of realtors, builders and developers as well as other curious citizens with a lot of questions for Ms. Pemberton.

The first draft of the design guidelines is available on blancoguide.com.

Zocalo Eclectic Cafe

Now open at 520 Pecan St., Zocalo is a cozy, European-style cafe featuring espressos, coffees, desserts, and daily specials, as well as a full breakfast and lunch menu emphasizing fresh, low glyceminic items. The cafe will hold its grand opening on Friday, March 18, but you can stop by now. Open Wednesday-Sunday 8am-3pm. 830-833-4300, www.zocaloblanco.com.

Collector’s Hideaway For Sale

Want to own a historic piece of the Blanco Square? This shop, located across from the Blanco bowling alley at 313 4th St., was also known as Trash & Treasure. The shop is staying open in the meantime; the owners, who have had the building for over 41 years, are looking to sell. Some of the inventory transfers with the building. For information on the property, call Hill Country Real Estate at 830-833-4591.

Lavender Festival Volunteers Needed

The Blanco Chamber of Commerce is looking for volunteers to help with this year’s festival (June 10-12, 2011). Give them a call at 830-833-5101 to sign up. www.blancolavenderfest.com.

Carousel Antiques Moves

Carousel Antiques has closed its doors on the Blanco Square (at the 306 Pecan St., the Oso’s/The Land Cut building) but has moved up to Johnson City. Look for Carousel at the Old Feed Mill/Texas Mercantile on the corner of US 290 and Nugent Ave.

Sunset Restaurant For Sale, Still Serving

Don’t be turned away by the “For Sale” signs on Sunset Restaurant & Bar (419 3rd St.), they are still open and serving food. Check their website for hours or give them a call. 830-833-5776, www.sunsetblanco.com. For information on the building and business, call Hill Country Real Estate at 830-833-4591.

Closed

Unfortunately, Threshold, located at the corner of Main and 6th streets, closed in the first week of February. Riley’s Bar-B-Q is also permanently closed, according to Bonnie Riley, and will be selling some of their equipment.