Winchester Quilt Block Paint Class Set March 20; WACA Membership Drive Continues
Frigid Weather and Hot Soup
We were lucky at the Gersch house in Winchester with only one evening without power. We did have to drag out extra blankets and wear that winter coat and boots that I bought in Kansas for an extended stay last year. I never thought I would wear it in Texas. Working jigsaw puzzles, reading, and looking through recipes finding hot soups helped pass the time. Finally, after days of ham and beans, venison chili and stew I was ready for a hamburger and sunshine.
Quilt Block Paint Class
A quilt block paint class will be held on Saturday, March 20 at 10 a.m. at Zilss Hall in Winchester. This date is a correction from last week’s column. Registration is required and can be completed on-line at www.quiltblocktrail.com. A $50 registration fee may be sent to WACA at 8945 FM 153, Winchester, Texas 78945. If you would prefer to pay with credit card you may contact Rhoda Gersch at (979) 242-3213. The class will be six hours long and you will be able to complete a quilt block. All supplies will be provided. Please wear appropriate clothing that could be stained with paint, also bring a sack lunch and drinks. COVID-19 protocol will be observed.
Membership Drive
The purpose of WACA is to promote the Winchester area, produce a forum for discussion of local events and ideas relevant to the Winchester community, and to produce cost free, familyfriendly community events. It is also the association’s responsibility for the cost of maintaining Zilss Hall.
This past year with COVID-19 most events, such as the annual domino tournament, hall rentals and quilt block painting classes, have been canceled. Three of our largest funding streams have been cancelled. Therefore, your membership is important.
It is time to renew our WACA membership and if you are not a member this is your opportunity to join. The dues are $10 per household per year. A letter has been sent to area residents asking you to please consider joining. If you did not receive a letter and have questions, contact Margaret Atkins at (512) 751-5298.
You can send a check to WACA, 8945 FM 153, Winchester, Texas 78945. If you would like to use a credit or debit card, please contact Rhoda Gersch at (512) 237-0842.
Faith Lutheran High School
New student registration is open at the school in Warda.
Any new student who registers prior to March 12 will have registration fees waived for the 2021-22 school year. You can receive registration materials by calling (979) 242-2889 or visit the website at www.faithlutheranhighschool.com.
Barn Board Quilt Trail
The quilt block trail in Winchester can now be seen at www. quiltblocktrail.com. Schedules of classes and class registration forms, pictures and trail map are just some of the items available for viewing. A comment section is being developed. Quilt Trail maps can be picked up at the Texas Quilt Museum, Casino Hall, the Wendish Museum, quilt stores, and other businesses in Giddings, Smithville, and La Grange. The trail is self-drive, is available at your convenience and is a great way to spend an afternoon during this COVID-19 social distancing time. You will find the blocks on fences, gates, barns, and houses that can be seen from the road.
Recycling Trailer
The Winchester Recycling trailer is located on the side of Zilss Hall on Memorial Hall Street. Please place your recycling in the appropriate bins. We would appreciate that you make sure that you close the bins so that any trash will remain in the bins and not blow. Reminder: these bins are not for household garbage. Please recycled items only.
Zilss Community Hall
Anyone wishing to rent Zilss Hall should contact (512) 434-0292. The hall is following COVID-19 requirements. Rent is very reasonable.
The Little Free Library
The library is always open and has a variety of authors. Space is limited, so please, if you donate a book(s), look through the current selection and take as many as you leave.
The Little Free Library is housed under the roof of the patio at Zilss Hall. There is also a bulletin board available on the patio. If you have an event you would like advertised, please post.
Birthdays
Birthday wishes are sent to Gabriel Qualman and Gillian Smith-Feb. 24 and Cindy Hielscher-March 1.
Anniversaries
Congratulations are extended to Bobbie and Billy Hajek and Misty and Dustin Miertschin on their Feb. 26 anniversaries.
St. Michael’s Lutheran Church
Continuing for all future worship services unless notified otherwise, St. Michael’s will be changing the format of their worship services as they continue to adapt to COVID-19.
The new worship format will allow those who are comfortable returning to worship service in the sanctuary to so while still making accommodations for those who would prefer to participate from their vehicles in the parking lot.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call Pastor Nate at (979) 966-8036.
First United Methodist
The Winchester First United Methodist Church has returned to service inside the sanctuary. Pease wear a mask and social distance inside the church. The Church has services on the first and third Sunday of the month at 8:30 a.m. The Rev Patricia Zaiontz-Newcomer is the pastor.
Shiloh Baptist Church
The Shiloh Baptist Church is located on FM 153 at North Raymond Road. For more information, please contact Rev Paul Whitmill at (512) 629-1428.
White Chicken Chili Recipe
This White Chicken Chili is hearty, warming, creamy and perfectly comforting. It is a great alternative to traditional beef chili and makes a simple, yet completely delicious dinner. Makes about 8 cups.
Prep 15 minutes: Cook 35 minutes.
Ingredients
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 (7 oz) can diced green chilies
• 1 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp ground coriander
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 (8 oz) pkg Neufchatel cheese (aka light cream cheese), cut into small cubes
• 1 1/4 cup frozen or fresh corn
• 2 (15 oz) cans cannellini beans
• 2 1/2 cups shredded cooked rotisserie or left-over chicken
• 1 Tbsp fresh lime juice
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for serving
• Tortilla chips or strips, monterrey jack cheese, sliced avocado for serving (optional)
Directions
1. Heat olive oil in a 6-quart dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion and saute 4 minutes. Add garlic and saute 30 seconds longer.
2. Add chicken broth, green chilies, cumin, paprika, oregano, coriander, cayenne pepper and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring mixture just to a boil then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 15 minutes.
3. Drain and rinse beans in a fine mesh strainer or colander then measure out 1 cup. Set whole beans aside, transfer 1 cup beans to a food processor along with 1/4 cup broth from soup, puree until nearly smooth.
4. Add cream cheese to soup along with corn, whole beans and pureed beans and stir well. Simmer 5 - 10 minutes longer.
5. Stir in chicken, fresh lime juice and cilantro. Serve with Monterrey Jack cheese, more cilantro, avocado slices and tortilla chips if desired.
Have News?
If anyone has news to share and/or corrections please call me, Rhoda Gersch, at (979) 242-3213 or email me at rmgersch@yahoo.com.