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INTRODUCING LIFE IN SAN MARCOS & TXST

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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HOUSING BOOM COMMON EXPERIENCE EXPRESS YOURSELF : ENTERTAINMENT WHY ALL THE MERMAIDS? MAKING OF THE COVER: MERMAID SMUGGLER 7+( 0(50$,'6· 5(7851 LAYAR OVERVIEW THE ECCENTRIC AND QUIRKY RENE PEREZ BOBCAT TRADITIONS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FROM REVAMP TO REBUILD WHEN YOU NEED HELP FINE ARTS RIVER GLOW CENTRO CELEBRATES CULTURE FINDING A HOME AWAY FROM HOME ONE-STOP SHOP FOR WESTERN GEAR A SAN MARCOS CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND THE CRAFT OF COFFEE POWWOW GETTING AROUND TOWN EVENT CALENDAR

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SAN MARCAN FALL 2017 • ISSUE ONE SAN MARCOS DAILY RECORD | SAN MARCOS PUBLISHING

SANMARCOSRECORD.COM

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Don Moore dmoore@sanmarcosrecord.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Anita Miller amiller@sanmarcosrecord.com

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Marcy Holt mholt@sanmarcosrecord.com

LEAD DESIGNER

Colton Ashabranner cashabranner@sanmarcosrecord.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Anita Miller, Colton Ashabranner, Cody Holland, Denise Cathey, Donavan Jackson, Ishmael Johnson, Jack McClellan, Miles Smith, Rachel Willis, Robin Blackburn

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FALL 2017 | ISSUE ONE

FALL 2017 | SAN MARCAN • 5

HOUSING

BOOM BY ANITA MILLER PHOTOS BY DENISE CATHEY & LA CIMA

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Three major housing developments and a skyline-changing student housing complex are reshaping San Marcos in ways the city has not seen before. And in the case of one, the age-controlled Kissing Tree, property taxes to local entities like the San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District are all gravy. Though Kissing Tree, to eventually be composed of 3,200 homes off Hunter Road and Centerpoint Road, is restricted to those 55 years of age and older, two other substantial developments — La Cima and Trace — are geared for families. La Cima – 2,400 HOMES “Our target market is 35 to 55 with kids,” Eric Willis said, then almost immediately added he expects the 2,400 home master planned, gated community will also draw folks without kids as well as some over the age of 55 who prefer to live in a family-oriented neighborhood. Willis envisions college professors, medical professionals and others who now live out of town to be drawn to La Cima, which will also attract some folks already living in San Marcos. “I think you’re going to see some movement, some people living in older homes wanting to get into a brand new neighborhood.” The development will encompass over 800 acres of parkland, trails that hook up to existing trail systems as well as more than a 45 acre “Central Park.” “It’s transformative,” Willis said. In addition to the residential and parkland components, there will be more than 200 acres of commercial space and a corporate center. “San Marcos is making a leap forward and opening its doors,” he said. La Cima, just a few miles west of San Marcos, plans to have a grand opening in May or June of next year. 6 • SAN MARCAN | FALL 2017

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Trace – 1,800 HOMES Trace, meanwhile, is located to the east of Interstate 35 off Posey Road and will include, in addition to an eventual nearly 1,000 homes, some 800 apartments, 13 to 14 acres of retail/commercial and a 60-acre business park. It will also be the site of a new elementary school that voters approved in a May bond election. “We’re very happy with our location. We think it’s sensational,” Steve Vliss of Highpointe Communities said. The location, he continues, “anchors the south end of the city and is highly visible.” It is also adjacent to the outlet QEPPW ERH XS XLI %QE^SR *YP½ PPQIRX 'IRXIV XLEX STIRIH in 2016. “When a facility like Amazon comes into the community like San Marcos, there tends to be a synergistic effect with other businesses wanting to locate there. Being GPSWI XS XLEX MW HI½ RMXIP] E FIRI½ X SJ XLMW ² Vliss said Trace, with a large central public park and TVMZEXI EQIRMX] GIRXIV [MPP ½ PP E RMGLI ±8LI TVSNIGX VIEPP] MW E ½ VWX XMQI ½ VWX QSZI YT ERH TSXIRXMEPP] E QSZI HS[R satisfying empty nesters. We have a wide spectrum of buyers in a highly amenitized master-planned community. It’s a very unique package.” :PMWW WEMH LI I\TIGXW XLI ½ VWX JEQMPMIW [MPP FI QSZMRK MR sometime in the second quarter of 2018. Kissing Tree – 3,200 HOMES The Kissing Tree development hit the ground running, and with a head start. Required permits had all been approved under another name, before the focus was switched to Baby Boomers. Kissing Tree is an ambitious, sprawling development of high-end housing wrapped around an 18-hole golf course designed by renowned

8 • SAN MARCAN | FALL 2017

course architect Gary Stevenson. Kissing Tree will also have E TYXXMRK GSYVWI ERH [EPOMRK XVEMPW SJ ZEV]MRK HMJ½ GYPX] At the hub of social activities is “The Mix,” which will feature picnic tables, pickleball courts, tennis courts, indoor ERH SYXHSSV TSSPW E FMIVKEVXIR ½ XRIWW GIRXIV GSQQYRMX] ½ VI TMXW FMPPMEVHW FSGGI FEPP ERH QSVI Eight model homes are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Though it will take years for the community to be fully built out, a few homes are already occupied, according to 8EQQ] 7GLRIMHIV SJ &VSSO½ IPH 6IWMHIRXMEP XLI HIZIPSTIV behind the project. A fully-gated community at night, Kissing Tree is being built as a “dark skies” community, meaning the Milky Way in all its glory should be visible on clear nights.

in the market currently. It’s one block from downtown and one block from campus. There’s no other competitor that offers that.” Students are now moving in for the fall semester and retail spaces EVI ½ PPMRK YT JEWX Walkability is key, and also a goal of the city of San Marcos. “Hopefully our tenants will park their cars on Monday and not use then again until the weekend when they are going out of town,” King said. “There’s retail and night life near the square, there’s really no need for our tenants to use their cars.”

The Local – DOWNTOWN LIVING Student housing has been booming in San Marcos for years, but the latest edition, The Local, now dominates the downtown skyline. It opened in July and Rodney King, vice president for the development company EDR, said the 304-bedroom project is all about location. “It’s geared toward Texas State University students and the downtown market,” he said. “The proximity to the university, the proximity to the river, to downtown — we think we have the best location of any

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Common Experience THE SEARCH FOR

JUSTICE BY DONAVAN JACKSON PHOTOS BY DENISE CATHEY AND TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY

In 2004, Dr. Denise Trauth, president of Texas State University, put into motion an initiative that impacted the culture of Texas State. The Common Experience was initially supposed to be for incoming students but grew to include upper level courses, campus communities, student support services and the greater San Marcos community. 8LI ½VWX ]IEV´W 'SQQSR )\TIVMIRGI [EW themed “Hatred.” Along with every theme, there is a book that highlights the topics discussed. Paired with the “Hatred” theme was the novel “Night” by Elie Wiesel. This yearlong experience is designed to create conversations about topics that may be controversial or pivotal to what kind of knowledge students are exposed to. 10 • SAN MARCAN | FALL 2017

Each freshman is required to take a University Seminar course that introduces them to the theme related to that year. Throughout the semester, many events provide an opportunity for engagement about the topics. Many of these events include respected WTIEOIVW ½PQW VIPEXIH XS XLI XSTMG ERH various opportunities for discussion in other areas surrounding the campus. Some of the themes over the years have included “Courage,” “Protest and Dissent,” “Civic Responsibility,” “Exploring Democracy's Promise” and “Shared Heritage of the United States and Mexico.” These themes are chosen by faculty and staff who are encouraged to submit proposals. These proposals includes a book related to the theme, some academic

events, speaker suggestions and a short analysis of the theme would expect to achieve. After all the proposals have been submitted, a committee chooses, organizes and develops the idea over a two-year period. The Common Experience for the 2017-2018 year will be “The Search for Justice: Our Response to Crime in the WX 'IRXYV] ² 8LIVI [MPP FI XLVII IZIRXW [MXL XLI ½ VWX one scheduled for Oct. 10, when Anthony Graves, also known as Death Row Exoneree 138, will be the guest speaker at Alkek Library. 8LI ½ REP IZIRX [MPP LEZI X[S TEVXW SR 3GX 8LI “Strange Fruit and Lemonade: Music, Race, Gender, Class, Place Round Table” will give students and staff an opportunity to meet with a number of professionals known for bringing awareness to this theme. The visiting speakers include Caroline Gnagy (author of Texas Jailhouse Music: A Prison Band History), Dr. Tyina Steptoe (University of Arizona), Dr. Deborah Vargas (Rutgers University), Dr. Zandria Robinson (Rhodes College), Dr. Kinitra Brooks (UTSA), and Texas State's own Dr. Jason Mellard and Dr. Kevin Mooney. All of the events are open to the public and free to attend at on-campus venues. These Common Experiences have become a tradition because they have given students and staff an opportunity to understand the issues that are at hand while enabling students to engage on these platforms.

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EXPRESS YOURSELF BY ROBIN BLACKBURN PHOTOS BY DENISE CATHEY

LIVE MUSIC OPEN MICS POETRY RECORD POP-UPS

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Penn Johnson and the Lost Tribe.

:KHWKHU \RX¡UH ORRNLQJ WR EH HQWHUWDLQHG RU WR WDNH WKH VSRWOLJKW \RXUVHOI 6DQ 0DUFRV KDV D YLEUDQW HQWHUWDLQPHQW VFHQH RIIHULQJ HYHU\WKLQJ IURP EOXHJUDVV WR FRXQWU\ PXVLF SRHWU\ DQG ORFDO DQG LQGHSHQGHQW Ă€ OP The San Marcos live music scene is a diverse one, as local musician Dusty Glover attests. “It’s not unusual to have punk, bluegrass and metal played in one show,â€? he said. Glover, who grew up in San Marcos, is the lead singer for rock bands Mile of Dirt and Superfoot. Mile of Dirt, made up of San Marcos High School graduates, has been together since 2009. “We mostly play shows with other old local bands that draw out our old school buddies,â€? Glover said. “It’s like a school reunion for classes from 1980-1990.â€?

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Superfoot is a newer band, started in 2013 by Mark Diehl with Danny Putegnat, Charles Bryant and Dan 3PWSR 8LI FERH´W ½ VWX WLS[ [EW EX XLI San Marcos Facial Hair Club’s “Beards JSV /MHW² FIRI½ X EX XLI ZIRIVEFPI FYX now-defunct Triple Crown. “We got a lot of positive feedback and started actively booking shows,â€? Glover said. “We recorded an album at UpDown Studios just outside of town and pressed it on red vinyl. San Marcos is our preferred city to play, but Triple Crown was home and it was crushing to see it disappear.â€?

(SJGm O )BSSJTPO PG (SJO BOE #FBS *U performs “Wasting Away” during the Monday open mic at Buzz Mill.

Even without Triple Crown – which used to stand where The Local is now – there are plenty of places in town to see live music. “San Marcos has multiple music scenes, in my opinion,” Glover said, “which leaves every generation here a time and place to enjoy live music.” And San Marcos does have a wide range of both musical styles and music venues. Singer-songwriters and Americana artists have a home at Cheatham Street Warehouse. Art galleries often host acoustic acts, and some restaurants book full bands. At local GSJJIILSYWIW ]SY GER ½ RH IZIV]XLMRK JVSQ the experimental sounds of Attic Ted to the blues of Black Bird and the Western Swing stylings of Georgia Parker. And of course there are more traditional venues, such as Kiva and Jack's Roadhouse. Local rapper and DJ Greg Williams, also known as Chief, sees a promising future for the local music scene. “I'm excited about the potential for it to crystallize again,” Williams said. “There's always been a wealth of talent, and that's still the case.” Williams, who has a solo act called Chief and the Doomsday Device (a reference to Stanley Kubrick's “Dr. Strangelove”), has a residency as a DJ at Tantra on Friday nights. “Escapism Plan” is a night featuring a broad spectrum of hip-hop music. “We try to show people how diverse it

can be,” he said. In addition, the Bad Ingredients pop-up record shop sets up every Friday at Tantra with Williams. Chief and the Doomsday Device has been around for about eight years, Williams said. He calls his style “hip-hop for music lovers.” “Those with sharp ears will hear elements you wouldn't expect in a hip-hop set,” he explained. Glover and Williams both praised the San Marcos music scene as being a real GSQQYRMX] [MXLSYX E PSX SJ MR½ KLXMRK Williams said San Marcos has been WYTTSVXMZI SJ LMW QYWMG ERH LI EPWS ½ RHW a lot of inspiration in San Marcos and in the local arts scene. And that inspiration doesn't just run one way. “I try to inspire folks,” Williams said. “There's not that much of a difference between a hardcore fan and a participant.” If you're a hardcore fan looking to become a participant, the open mics in San Marcos could be your launching pad. Whether you're a poet or a guitar picker or something else entirely, there's room for you on a stage here. The oldest and most prestigious open mic in San Marcos is Kent Finlay's Songwriter Circle, held Wednesday nights at 9 at Cheatham Street Warehouse. The evening is a continuation of a tradition Finlay started in 1978 as a way to

encourage songwriting and musicianship. Songwriter Circle is a “listening night,” meaning that everyone who attends is asked to pay as much attention to the performer on stage as they would want others to pay to them. Audience members are asked to silence their cell phones and to avoid talking. Gregg Andrews of Dr. G and the Mudcats – and president of the Cheatham Street Music Foundation board – FIRI½ XIH KVIEXP] JVSQ XLI 7SRK[VMXIV Circle and from Finlay's tutelage. “It's not just another open mic night,” Andrews said. “It was church to Kent.” Finlay, who died in 2015, nurtured Andrews as a songwriter and got him up on stage at Cheatham Street Warehouse, Eventually, Finlay gave Andrews a happy hour show and shepherded Andrews all the way to recording and releasing a CD. Andrews said the Songwriter Circle, which the foundation puts on, has always drawn a surprising crowd, often including celebrities. “You never knew who was going to come in here,” he said. The newest open mic in town is at Buzz Mill on Monday nights, hosted by Faylita Hicks. This open mic, which is open to all kinds of entertainers, began on May 29 of this year. “It's open to everybody,” Hicks said. “We have comedians, we have poets, we have musicians.” “We haven't had a juggler yet,” said Jack Corcoran, music director at Buzz Mill. “We haven't had a rapper yet,” Hicks added. Hicks has a storied career as a performance poet and hip-hop artist. She was the Austin Poetry Slam champion in 2009, has toured most of the country and is a member of the Grid Squid Entertainment collective. Her latest endeavor, Arrondi Creative Productions, is what brought her to Buzz Mill. ±- GEQI ERH HMH Q] ZIV] ½ VWX %VVSRHM event here,” she said. After that, Buzz Mill's music producer Jack Corcoran asked Hicks if she would like to do an open mic. “I said, 'Yeah!' And then he asked if I'd like to do one weekly and I said, 'Yeah!'” Hicks said the open mic at Buzz Mill is “adult-friendly,” meaning there are no rules against profanity but no one has gone overboard with it. “For the most part, people are respectful,” she said. FALL 2017 | SAN MARCAN • 15

$MPDLXJTF GSPN UPQ MFGU $PNFEJBO + .BSTIBMM #VSSFMM .VTJDJBO $FDJM James and Comedian James Torres stepped up to perform during Buzz Mill’s weekly Monday open mic.

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Performers are given seven to 10 minutes on stage. Only about 15 people are allowed on the list because of time constraints; the open mic is EQTPM½ IH ERH SYXHSSVW [LMGL QIERW MX LEW XS end at a certain time. Hicks said signup is at 7:30 p.m., and the list is always full by 8. However, if a lot more people get interested, she will start it an hour earlier to make time for more performers. Hicks said Corcoran has been instrumental in getting the open mic going. Moreover, since he's the music director for Buzz Mill, any performers who might want to book a show at the venue can use the open mic as a chance to get in front of him and show him what they've got. Hicks also said that Buzz Mill has been fantastic in supporting the open mic and as a venue overall. “Everyone is working to make this a community place,â€? she said. There are other open mics around town, including a monthly poetry open mic at Wake the Dead that has been running for several years. Started by Jonathan Hobratsch and continued by current host Michael 1G'PERELER XLI STIR QMG MW LIPH EX T Q IZIV] ½ VWX Thursday. Jack's Roadhouse has an open mic on Tuesdays, and other venues in town are looking at starting up open mics and open jam sessions.

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SOCIETY f you prefer your entertainment on screen instead of on stage, the San Marcos Cinema Club might be for you. The collective holds events throughout the year, including ½ PQ WGVIIRMRKW GSQTIXMXMSRW ERH festivals. “We started as an informal conversation at Jo's Cafe,” said Jordan Buckley, a member of the collective. ±.YWX WSQI ½ PQ RIVHW ² The organization started about two years ago and has quickly found its voice and character. ±;I HI½ RMXIP] [ERXIH XS TVSQSXI WLS[MRK MRHITIRHIRX ½ PQW ² &YGOPI] WEMH IWTIGMEPP] ½ PQW F] [SQIR 0+&85 ½ PQQEOIVW ERH SXLIVW [LS EVI X]TMGEPP] QEVKMREPM^IH F] XLI ½ PQ MRHYWXV] ERH ½ PQW EFSYX WSGMEP NYWXMGI Buckley said the cinema club HIWGVMFIW MXWIPJ EW ±E ½ PQ WSGMIX] XLEX GEVIW EFSYX FSXL ½ PQ ERH WSGMIX] ² Earlier this year, San Marcos Cinema Club had a 72-Hour Film Race, a competition among teams that were given 72 hours to make

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WLSVX ½ PQW WLSVXIV XLER QMRYXIW and 66 seconds long – a play on the San Marcos ZIP code). A screening was held 72 hours after the prompt reveal. “That was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the talent of San 1EVXMER ½ PQQEOIVW ² &YGOPI] WEMH The collective also has hosted WGVIIRMRKW SJ KVSYTW SJ WLSVX ½ PQW made by locals. The next big project for the collective is the Lost River Film Festival, scheduled for Nov. 2-5. The REQI SJ XLI ½ PQ JIWXMZEP &YGOPI] explained, is an homage to the movie ±4MVERLE ² [LMGL [EW ½ PQIH MR 7ER Marcos, with the San Marcos River XYVRIH MRXS XLI ½ GXMSREP 0SWX 6MZIV waterpark. The opening night of the festival will include a garden party at the Price Center that will be free and open to the public. Other events throughout the festival include an appearance by Joe Nick Patoski, WLS[MRKW SJ ½ PQW QEHI F] ]SYRK PSGEP ½ PQQEOIVW ERH E ;LIIP^ R

Reelz event downtown featuring BMX bike riders and other athletes SR [LIIPW %QSRK XLI ½ PQW XLEX [MPP be screened at the Lost River Film Festival are “Tower,” a documentary about the bravery of everyday people the day of the University of Texas tower shooting; a featurePIRKXL GSQIH] ½ PQ F] :ERIWWE 4PE that was shot at Wonder World; and the documentary “Southwest of Salem,” about the four San Antonio women wrongfully convicted of abusing children during the “Satanic Panic” decades ago. Organizers say they are working to make sure there is something for everyone at the festival and that it is inviting to the whole community. “We made a very conscious decision to make this accessible, with as many entry points as possible,” collective member Chris Perez said. *SV QSVI MRJSVQEXMSR SR XLI ½ PQ festival, visit PSWXVMZIV½ PQJIWX SVK

FALL 2017 | SAN MARCAN • 17

Why all the mermaids? If San Marcos is several hours away from the ocean, why are there mermaids all over town? BY ROBIN BLACKBURN PHOTOS BY DENISE CATHEY & COURTESY OF MARGARET RUSSELL

Mermaids in San Marcos date back more than 50 years to the days of Aquarena Springs, a theme park centered around Spring Lake. The popular tourist attraction included an underwater theater where spectators could watch the Aquamaids – women dressed as mermaids, performing swimming routines – and drinking bottles of soda – under the water. The Aquamaids often performed with Ralph the Swimming Pig, another popular attraction at Aquarena Springs. It's a new century, and Aquarena Springs is no more; Texas State University bought the old theme park and rehabilitated

18 • SAN MARCAN | FALL 2017

it, returning the land to its natural state. What once was the Aquarena Springs Hotel is now headquarters of The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment. But the mermaids that once graced Spring Lake have experienced something of a renaissance. Now, they are seen as stewards of the environment – particularly the San Marcos River and its delicate ecosystem. As symbols of beauty, water and life, the mermaids of San Marcos serve to remind us of the power and importance of nature and our responsibility to protect the habitat we share with other species.

Kaityln Amaral

The Mermaids’ return BY RACHEL WILLIS PHOTOS BY DENISE CATHEY

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Shirley Rogers

San Marcos is in the midst of a mermaid movement. Artists are preparing mermaid statues to be placed around town, art galleries around the city exhibit it and residents are getting pumped for another year of mermaid festivities this September. The Mermaid Society SMTX launched their organization in 2016 with the promise of bringing together the diverse communities in San Marcos to protect the river under the symbol of XLI QIVQEMH 8LIMV ½ VWX year was a week-long event dubbed Mermaid Week. During last September, the organization hosted and collaborated with the city to provide mermaid-themed events and festivities, highlighting the city and the heart of its culture — the San Marcos River. Mermaid Society SMTX founder July Moreno, who grew up in San Marcos, says that the river is a resource that is easy to take for granted. It’s easy to think it will always be there, but she hopes that Mermaid Society can serve as a gateway for residents to take the river into their hands and protect it. “I always viewed the river for recreation, kind of took it for granted growing up and thought it was always

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Jamie Shelton

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going to be there and I feel like a percentage of our population still thinks like that,” Moreno said. “They just don’t think about river conservation or how what they do damages it, they think that protecting the river is for environmentalists, but Mermaid Society – the music, the arts, the mermaids they might open that door up for them – it might be a gateway for them.” This year the event is a 15-day long festival dedicated to the spring-fed

Jamie Shelton

FALL 2017 | SAN MARCAN • 21

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24 • SAN MARCAN | FALL 2017

ERH GYPXYVEPP] WMKRM½ GERX headwaters of the San Marcos River, Spring Lake. The former Spring Lake Resort at Aquarena Springs was the ‘original home of the San Marcos Aquamaids’. The ball sparks the grounds to life with a magical evening with starry rooftop views, dancing, cocktails, glass-bottom river boat rides and mermaid-inspired evening wear. “We’re highlighting the arts through food, through music, through drinks, through activities and performances,” Moreno said. “So every year is going to be a different ball with different art, food, drinks and attendees, but it’ll always be the art ball – the Mermaid Ball.” There are 500 available tickets that are expected to sell out. VIP tickets that are loaded with extra perks cost $125. General admission tickets cost $100. The Downtown Mermaid Parade is a free communitywide event. It is slated to take place on Saturday, Sept. 16 at 10 a.m. The parade highlights the unique river and artistic culture of San Marcos. Back by popular demand, Austin Samba and Las Monas de San Antonio will lead the parade bringing their

brand of “radical creativity, fantasy and imagination” to the streets with a sizzling combination of rhythm, dance, movement, color, joy and colossal mermaid puppets. There will be ¾ SEXW QEVGLIVW HERGIVW and music in the mix. The Mermaid Aqua Faire will take place at the San Marcos Plaza Park on Sept. 16 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., directly after the parade. The San Marcos River will serve as the backdrop to the free and river-centric festival. There will be live music coordinated by local singer and songwriter Terri Hendrix, an art gallery with over 60 artisans showcasing their works and food trucks from the Hitch Food Park as well as an Eco Village with environmental conservation info booths that will be hosted by The Meadows Center for Water and Environment. Also on the agenda for the 15-day event are three symposiums centered around entrepreneurship, river guardianship and arts and culture. The small business symposium will take place Wednesday, Sept. 6 from 6-9 p.m. The River Guardianship Symposium will be on Tuesday, Sept. 12 from 6-9 p.m. and the Arts and Culture Symposium on

Thursday, Sept. 13 from 6-9 p.m. San Marcos now has its own signature celebration with SMTX Mermaid SPLASH. The celebration will commemorate the city’s storied history while promoting tourism, the arts and river preservation. Residents can expect to see mermaid styles, food, drink and culture permeating the city. To learn more about Mermaid Society SMTX and the lineup of events go to QIVQEMHWSGMIX]WQX\ GSQ

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FALL 2017 | SAN MARCAN • 25

THE ECCENTRIC and quirky RENE PEREZ BY COLTON ASHABRANNER PHOTOS BY DENISE CATHEY

10

DOWNTOWN MINI-MURALS & BLUE DAHLIA BISTRO

4EMRXIH HS[RXS[R [EPPW XVEJ½ G FS\IW ERH well-hidden mini-murals are popping up all around our community and adding even more beauty to our cityscape. The arts culture in San Marcos is immense and growing – especially with the city’s location along the Interstate 35 corridor. Art markets, galleries and even pop-up shows are becoming increasingly common around town. Some of the regular shows include Art Squared, the DuBois Gallery and Martian Culture. Known for painting exquisite mini-murals of cats, birds and other animals around the downtown area – local artist Rene Perez hasn’t always enjoyed painting outdoors or in public. Six months ago, he would’ve said that he enjoyed being inside and painting indoors, away from everyone – now, he’s gotten more comfortable with being out in public and having others watch his process. Perez got his start with mini-murals about a year and a half ago. Perez discovered that he had a talent for painting the day before his son Santiago was FSVR MR ,MW ½ VWX TEMRXMRK [EW SJ LMW GEX Next came his other two cats, son, wife and XLIR LMQWIPJ 8LSWI [IVI LMW ½ VWX ½ ZI TEMRXMRKW 26 • SAN MARCAN | FALL 2017

After that, Perez did a lot of pet portraits. %GV]PMGW [IVI XLI ½ VWX QIHMYQ XLEX LI started with. He then moved on to watercolor, oil and most recently to gouache – which he ½ RHW EHHMGXMRK EPXLSYKL SMP MW LMW JEZSVMXI Perez is known for featuring his own cats in his work – Chazz, Lafayette and Nikki Ratcat. “They like to get photographed and I think that they enjoy being painted, Perez said. “Every time I paint them, I show them. They usually react to it, in a way that they know. I think they get jealous when I don’t paint the other, too. I know it’s weird – but I think it’s true – they know what’s up.â€?

Perez began painting mini-murals by asking friends if he could do unpaid works outside of their buildings. “You do these things out of love and they come back to you,” Perez said. Of course, the friends took him up on the offer and slowly his works were spreading XLVSYKLSYX HS[RXS[R 8LI ½ VWX WXVIIX TEMRXMRK [EW XLI GEX over behind Vagabond, a vintage clothing store located off of the square on North LBJ. Perez was then hired by Blue Dahlia Bistro, a new restaurant in downtown San Marcos, to paint some minimurals on the back patio walls. Perez already worked for the bistro’s Austin locations as the art curator, after having his work featured in the restaurant’s galleries for several years. “If you could give me one place in San Marcos that would be the coolest place to paint – it would be that spot (Blue Dahlia Bistro).” Perez said the job just kind of fell into his lap. “I feel really blessed to leave my marks on that wall,” he said. Co-owner of the new bistro downtown, Amy Ramirez, said that Perez helped them with so many things throughout the opening process without even asking. Ramirez asked 4IVI^ XS TEMRX E QYVEP ¯ RSX XSS FMK WLI WTIGM½ IH 7LI gave him the creative freedom to do with the space what he wanted, only asking that it be covered up if she didn’t approve. Perez added tiny touches that transformed their new outdoor patio into a beautiful work of art – none of which had to be painted over. “He’s just awesome and such a fun artist,” she said. Ramirez owns the business with her husband, who has lived in San Marcos for 35 years. After seeing his work, the city commissioned Perez to complete 10 mini-murals downtown. Perez said he feels like the work with the city came from his work at Blue Dahlia, after painting the wall at the back patio and posting photos to social media. “They’re very subtle. I think that’s what the city saw,” he said. “I was doing all of these real subtle, sneaky paintings into this wall.” Perez said that the city is very supportive when it comes to the murals project and having shows around town. Most of his pieces are smaller – whether on canvas or a mural. “To me – whatever painting surface I have, I’ll just paint on it. Whatever canvas or paper I have in my room – I just need to paint something,” he said. “I’ll just grab whatever

I have and paint something on there.” The works that Perez completed for the city are a little more planned than the ones at the bistro or in his personal work. “I see the space – I want to paint that spot,” he said. Perez says he might sit on the spot for a few days or even weeks. “Sometimes it comes to me in the middle of the night,” he said. Perez then transfers the image in his mind to a small painting to then be relocated to the mural space after approval from the arts commission. He expects to complete the mural project by the end of summer. -R .YP] 4IVI^ ½ RMWLIH E QMRM QYVEP F] XLI VMZIV LMRXMRK EX the importance of river stewardship and keeping the San Marcos river clean. Slightly downstream the Rio Vista Falls, a hidden mural of a blue heron rests on a light pole. Attached to the majestic bird’s beak, is a water bottle, showing that the litter is dangerous to the San Marcos wildlife. “I want people to be happy and smile. For the most part my paintings aren’t too political or offensive. Sure there’s times when I put stuff in there to kind of jab at people – for the most part, it’s just happy good-time art,” Perez said.

FALL FALL2017 2017| |SAN SANMARCAN MARCAN• •273

“I want my art to travel like the river flows out of here – flowing into the

GULF, into the OCEAN, into the WORLD.” Being involved in shows and connecting with people around town is important to Perez. “I try to do as much as I can – any time I get a chance to go out,” he said. Perez said that he sometimes does as much as three shows in a weekend. “That’s my main thing – just being out there in the public. That’s the best way in this town to connect with people – show your face, talk to them,” he said. “I’ve gotten used to the fact that I’m not the greatest painter. My techniques aren’t that great, but it doesn’t matter. I’m just doing my thing. It might be a little crooked or whatever, I might shake a little bit – but you know what, I’m painting my thing and it’s going to come out – whatever,” he said.

28 • SAN MARCAN | FALL 2017

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The artwork of Rene Perez has been well-received throughout town. “I think it’s the University – the youth that keeps it going‌ makes it more diverse. It’s always shifting – new people coming in and going out,â€? he said. Perez said that concentrating in San Marcos is a good thing for him, that if he stays here and pushes it long enough, his work and message will reach other places. “I [ERX Q] EVX XS XVEZIP PMOI XLI VMZIV ž S[W SYX SJ LIVI ÂŻ ž S[MRK into the gulf, into the ocean, into the world.â€?

SAN

.PTU SFDFOUMZ 1FSF[ m OJTIFE a mural of on the stage of San Marcos Plaza Park.

of

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7 years and counting!

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UKQN JATP LQN?D=OA 4AOP %KLGEJO 0PA ‰ Î ‰ PDAóKN=HOPQ@EK JAP FALL 2017 | SAN MARCAN • 29

BOBCAT TRADITIONS BY DONAVAN JACKSON PHOTOS BY DENISE CATHEY AND TEXAS STATE ATHLETICS

Every University has some traditions tailored to the legacy that has been left behind by past generations — many of which are not truly meaningful until one achieves the goals necessary to add to that legacy. Here at Texas State University, there are a number of traditions instilled in our culture. What is known as “Bikini Hill” throughout undergrad years, becomes a location for leaps of joy during graduation. Graduates line up in Sewell Park every spring, summer and JEPP XS QEOI SRI ½ REP NYQT MRXS XLI 7ER 1EVGSW 6MZIV [MXL XLIMV robes on. Those students who are not keen to the chilly, 72-degree river, elect to dip their graduation rings in the river for good fortune moving forward. Placed throughout campus are statues that students put their JEMXL MR [LIR QMHXIVQW ERH ½ REPW GSQI EVSYRH The Fighting Stallions statue is placed at the end of the Quad and is where students are welcome to exercise their right to free speech. For good luck, several students rub the stallions and take photos right before an exam. Students who have a love for any of our athletic teams are encouraged to join Texas State’s Loud Crowd organization. They have a section they cheer from in both Bobcat Stadium and Strahan Coliseum. What started in 1936 as the Victory Star, has since been relocated to Jackson Hall, the tallest building on campus. Every time Texas State wins an athletic event, the star is lit up and can be seen from miles away. A tradition that has become a part of Texas State in recent years is Bobcat Build. This is an opportunity for organizations throughout the university to come together. Bobcat Build is an annual community service day that brings thousands of students, faculty, staff and alumni together to give back to the San Marcos community. Volunteers take on projects including landscaping, painting, cleaning up playgrounds and giving services to schools as a way to say thank you. 30 • SAN MARCAN | FALL 2017

Some do JU BMPOF others need reinforcement. Friends Meagan Daugherty and Emily )FSWFZ IPME hands as they take the plunge into the 72 degree San Marcos River.

8LI SRI ½ REP XVEHMXMSR IZIV] Bobcat leaves with is the “Heart of Texas Stateâ€? and “The Eat ‘Em Up, Catsâ€? hand sign. The “,IEVX SJ 8I\EW Stateâ€? hand sign can be made by holding up your left hand, with your ring and pinky ½ RKIV JSPHIH HS[R XS[EVHW the palm. This hand sign symbolizes the unity of Texas State in every aspect. Students hold up the hand sign after every athletic event, after every graduation and any time the alma mater is played. “The Eat ‘Em Up, Catsâ€? hand sign is made by holding up your right hand in the shape of a Bobcat paw while yelling “Eat ‘em up, Cats!â€? These traditions are only part of the culture here at Texas State but have become the foundation for creating a legacy not only in San Marcos, but moving forward throughout life.

Texas State University graduates Stephanie Rodriguez and Ashley Jenschke hug FBDI PUIFS BGUFS UIFJS QMVOHF JOUP UIF 4BO .BSDPT 3JWFS JO 4FXFMM 1BSL BGUFS UIF m STU TQSJOH $PNNFODFNFOU DFSFNPOZ PG *U JT B MPOHTUBOEJOH USBEJUJPO GPS HSBEVBUFT to jump into the river after their Commencement to celebrate the completion of their degrees.

FALL 2017 | SAN MARCAN • 31

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

BY ANITA MILLER PHOTOS BY DENISE CATHEY

GSMP BRINGING EMPLOYERS AND OPPORTUNITY TO SAN MARCOS BY ANITA MILLER PHOTOS BY DENISE CATHEY

It's a paradigm that's been repeated for decades, for generations. Each fall, incoming freshmen at Texas State University arrive in 7ER 1EVGSW JSV XLI ½ VWX XMQI ERH JSV QSWX MX HSIWR X XEOI PSRK JSV them to develop a crush on the community for its river, its vibrant downtown arts scene and nighttime clubbing. Fast forward four years and the crush has grown to full-blown love. Yet as much as new college graduates want to stay in what has become “their” town, the economic

32 • SAN MARCAN | FALL 2017

opportunities just haven't been there, so they leave to pursue a productive career elsewhere. All that is changing, though, and the long model may be starting to break. As more and more companies locate or relocate to San Marcos — all paying at least $15 an hour to qualify for tax incentives — “living wage” jobs are becoming more common and according to the Greater San Marcos Partnership (GSMP), that trend will only continue. Within the past year, the community has celebrated the opening of XLI %QE^SR *YP½ PPQIRX 'IRXIV SR 'IRXIVTSMRX 6SEH EPSRK [MXL XLEX of a Best Buy call center. The next major employer to set up shop MR 7ER 1EVGSW [MPP FI 9VFER 1MRMRK E ½ VQ XLEX VIG]GPIW VEVI IEVXL minerals from computers and other digital devices and converts them into magnets. “I'm excited about the next few years and what that's going to bring,” said GSMP President Adriana Cruz. She hinted at a “big announcement” expected in the fall, and said that in general, economic development in San Marcos has been surprising — even for those dedicated to making it happen. %GGSVHMRK XS ½ KYVIW WSYVGIH from the Texas Workforce Commission, San Marcos had an average

aggregate employment growth of 44.28 percent between 2010 and 2016. That compares to 22.59 percent for Austin, 31.79 percent for Hays County, 22.44 percent for Travis County, 24.14 for the Austin Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), 12.69 percent for Texas and 8.90 for the U.S. Cruz said that's because San Marcos has many strong selling points, so much so that the GSMP is currently involved with about 80 projects. “They are all in different stages — some are preliminary and others are farther along. We've got a couple of really big investments with a large number of jobs that we're going through the process with.” Not too surprisingly, she said 7ER 1EVGSW ½RHW MX MW RSX WS QYGL competing against other Texas cities but rather, against communities from across the country. “It depends on the project. Sometimes (the competition) is the Nashville area, or Georgia or North Carolina. Sometimes they're looking exclusively at Texas so maybe we're competing with Dallas or Houston. It's very rare that we compete with our

neighbors.” The local community's draw Is heavily MR¾YIRGIH F] XLI XEPIRX EZEMPEFPI ERH in many cases, that means Texas State University. The university was hugely important in securing Urban Mining, Cruz said, in particular its materials science program. Another is the STAR Park, where businesses incubate. It has expanded twice since opening in 2012 and Cruz said the facility is now 100 percent occupied. “We view STAR Park as an asset to attract companies to our area.” As businesses incubated there “grow and continue to be more successful they move out into another facility and that allows the park to bring in more new companies.” GSMP research analyst Chris Duran was, back in 2010, one of those brighteyed students new to San Marcos. “When I came here, you were here for four years and you were gone,” he said. “Now people want to stay.” “I think they've always wanted to stay here but there was nothing, no option,” 'VY^ GPEVM½IH Bit by bit, that is changing.

FALL 2017 | SAN MARCAN • 33

From revamp to rebuild What’s Everett Withers’ plan in year two at Texas State? BY ISHMAEL JOHNSON PHOTOS BY GERALD CASTILLO

Last year, Texas State head coach Everett Withers compared his team to a plot of land on campus. The “hole in the ground” that eventually became the University’s new Engineering building was the perfect visual to what the Bobcats [IVI YRHIV LMW ½ VWX WIEWSR 6SWXIV turnover, injuries and youth eventually led to their 2-10 season, the worst since before World War II. What about in year two? While Withers admits that the team MW RS[LIVI RIEV E ½ RMWLIH TVSHYGX LI sees the shaping of what that product will be. If the team was newly dug ground, this year’s incarnation has the foundation set before them. “There’s a lot of brick and mortar being slung around every day and it’s CONTINUED ON PAGE

37

The offense

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART WR

LT

So. Thurman Morbley

Jr. Tyrson Mizerak

SL

Sr. Eric Luna

Sr. Tyler Watts

LG

RG

C

RT

Fr. Jaquel Pierce So. Aaron Brewer So. Kregg Lemons Fr. Josiah Washington

Fr. Reece Jordan So. Charlie Vatterott Jr. Cedric Gambrell

qb

Running Back None of Texas State’s leading rushers from last season return and the leader of the pack appears to be redshirt freshmen Robert Brown Jr., but don’t count out true freshman and Fossil Ridge product Anthony Smith who’s garnering early praise from his coaches.

Jr. Elijah Rogers

Jr. Mason Hays

hb

Fr. Willie Jones III or Fr. Jaylen Gipson

RS Fr. Robert Brown or So. Anthony D. Taylor

Fr. Jaylin Nelson

Fr. Anthony Smith

k So. Marcus Ripley Jr. James Sherman

IMPACT PLAYER

POSITIONS TO WATCH The player who takes the first snap against Houston Baptist is in no way guaranteed to be the person who takes the snap in Week 2 against Colorado. The Bobcats are looking for the quarterback of the future and that could be a journey that takes all season long.

WR

Sr. Gabe Schrade Sr. Elijah King

Fr. Nic Foster

Fr. Caleb Twyford

Quarterback

So. Jacob Rowland

TE

Offensive Line With only two of last year’s starters back in Preseason All-Conference sophomore center Aaron Brewer and junior left tackle Tryston Mizerak, Texas State has a lot of work to do up front, especially in a unit that couldn’t generate holes for its run game last season.

1 Tyler Watts High School: Brenham

Height: 5-8, Weight: 165 lbs. Position: Slot receiver Class: Senior

The defense

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART cb So. Anthony Taylor

olb

So. Jordan Eastling

DE

NT

DE

So. Jordan Mittie

Jr. Sami Awad

Jr. Ishmael Davis

So. Dean Taylor

Fr. John Lilly

Sr. Jeff Banks

ilb

ilb

So. Bryan London

Sr. Gabe Loyd

So. Nik Daniels

So. Clifton Lewis

Sr. Easy Anyama So. Hal Vinson

ss

High School: S.A. Randolph 36 • SAN MARCAN | FALL 2017

.V *VEROMI +VMJ½ R Fr. London Harris

Jr. Quinn Tiggs

Fr. Preston Dimery

Jr. A.J. Krawczyk

Height: 6-2 Weight: 232 lbs. Position: Inside linebacker Class: Sophomore

Jr. Andrew Aneke or Fr. Kordell Rodgers

fs

POSITIONS TO WATCH Cornerback

Bryan London

So. JaShon Waddy

olb

Sr. Dila Rosemond

IMPACT PLAYER

9

cb

Three sophomores and a junior litter the early two-deep at corner, but two true freshmen in Kordell Rodgers and Kieston Roach are already turning heads in practice. Don’t be surprised to see this young unit tested often this season by Sun Belt offenses.

Defensive Line A newly beefed up defensive line should pose a new threat to opposing rushing attacks. The unit adds junior college 300-pound nose tackle Sami Awad who should free up Jordan Mittie, Dean Taylor and Ishmael Davis to make plays at the defensive end positions.

Linebacker Texas State’s linebackers are probably only bested by Appalachian State’s when it comes to the best in the conference. All-Conference sophomore Bryan London along with Gabe Loyd provide stability inside and throw in Easy Anyama returning on the outside and you have an explosive group.

Jaylen Gipson

starting to take shape,� Withers said during Sun Belt Media Day. “The frame’s kind of up and brick’s

starting to be built. I feel like we’re headed in the right direction.â€? Texas State will still be young, they’ll just be a young roster with some more playing experience under their belt. They’re going to make mistakes, Withers is prepared for that. The 54-year-old head coach described himself as an impatient person, but said last year taught him the value of patience. He wants to build something lasting in San Marcos. “This was as different a situation as I’d ever been used to,â€? Withers WEMH EJXIV LMW ½ VWX PSWMRK season since 2007 at Minnesota. “I’d never come to a program that

had been in the situation that we took over. Having patience is something that I think is important. I don’t have any, at all. But I do understand that it takes time to grow it the way you want to grow it. “They’re going to make mistakes, they’re going to go the wrong way, they’re going to miss a block, they’re going to miss a tackle. As a coach, don’t take patience for softness because that won’t happen. But patience to help those guys grow.� What’s the biggest difference perhaps? Withers feels every person currently on the roster wants to be there. He couldn’t say the same for last season. In fact, players feel the same way. Senior wideout, and last year’s leading receiver, Tyler Watts says the atmosphere just feels

“We didn’t do those things last year, just hanging out, talking and just having fun.â€? - Senior receiver Tyler Watts more open this time around. With the laughs going on around the team before and after TVEGXMGI SRI [SYPH ½ RH

“Having patience is something that I think is important. I don’t have any, at all. But I do understand that it takes time to grow it the way you want to grow it.� - Texas State head coach Everett Withers it hard to believe Texas State was a double-digit loss team a year ago “We didn’t do those things last year, just hanging out, talking and just having fun,� Watts said. But don’t mistake the good feelings for a lack of awareness. Texas State knows it has a lot of work to do to show the marginal improvements from year one. That’s where some of Withers’ new hires come in. Two of the most notable new faces are co-offensive coordinator and running backs coach Zak Kuhr and offensive line coach Eric Mateos from LSU. Both were brought in to reestablish the Bobcats’ dedication to the rungame. “Getting our new coach, Coach (Eric) Mateos, he brought a new culture with him coming from Arkansas and LSU some of the best known offensive lines in the country,� junior left tackle Tryston Mizerak said. “So, bringing that culture instilled in us the expectations. So, living up to those expectations, you’ve got to know the standards and that brings the best out of you.� Withers had Mateos tabbed for a long time dating back to his time at James Madison and for good reason. Mateos was groomed under some of the best offensive line coaches in the nation in Jeff Grimes and Sam Pittman. When Brett Elliott

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left for Mississippi State, Withers looked to a familiar face to be his playcaller. Kuhr spent 2016 at Rutgers after spending two seasons with Withers at James Madison, also as cooffensive coordinator. Kuhr will work in tandem with co-coordinator and quarterbacks coach 4EVOIV *PIQQMRK XS ½ RH Texas State’s new signal caller for the future. “We’ve worked together for a long time so we kind of know each other very well, know what each other thinks,â€? Kuhr said. “Having the different roles helps us focus on something more, gets more attention spread out so it’s a pretty good collaboration.â€? The Bobcats have plenty of good options to choose from. Withers inked Texas State’s best-

ever recruiting class this past winter and among it were four three-star quarterbacks in Willie Jones III (Silsbee), Jaylen Gipson (Mexia), Jaylin Nelson (Duncanville) and Kishawn Kelley (Corsicana) “They all compete, they’re all encouraging each other,â€? Withers said. “I think they’re all smart kids so again, the best is yet to come with those guys. Patience is what I’m learning to have because we’re going to need it with those guys.â€? Where Texas State goes this year is fairly limited with the team still working with over 30 percent of its roster being true freshmen, but the team’s trajectory beyond 2017 is heavily dependent SR [LS XLI] ½ RH EW XLI VMKLX ½ X FILMRH GIRXIV FALL 2017 | SAN MARCAN • 37

When you need help 4BO .BSDPT JT m MMFE XJUI NFOUBM IFBMUI SFTPVSDFT BY JACK MCCLELLAN PHOTOS BY DENISE CATHEY

There are multiple avenues to pursue in the San Marcos area for those seeking mental health care. Several options, including the Central Texas Health Center and Wellbridge Healthcare, are available to all San Marcos residents. Texas State University provides additional care to its students, faculty and staff. The Student Health Center at Texas State offers students access to primary care physicians and psychiatrists, who provide care for mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and ADHD. Additionally, the university’s Counseling Center makes available individual therapy sessions, group therapy options and workshops designed to equip students with tools to combat anxiety and depression. “College is a time of major transition for most students,” said Dr. Kathlyn Dailey, director of the Counseling Center. “For traditional age students it is also a time when mental health concerns are PMOIP] XS WLS[ YT JSV XLI ½ VWX XMQI 4VSZMHMRK TVIZIRXMSR ERH treatment resources allows students to get the support they need so they can be successful in school.” The Counseling Center offers care to students enrolled in the current academic semester. Individual sessions are

38 • SAN MARCAN | FALL 2017

available as often as once every other week. Group sessions–which include options such as an anxiety group, a mindfulness therapy group and art therapy–and workshops are offered throughout the academic year. The wide range of therapy options are designed to serve the spectrum of students. “College isn’t life in a bubble,” said Dr. Heather Aidala, the center’s assistant director. “Our students are navigating a lot of different life transitions. (They) range from 18-year-olds who are transitioning away from their home life, to non-traditional students who are coming back for a career change. We have a high population of veterans. We also have a big graduate school population, and a lot of stress comes with graduate school.” According to Aidala, stress is among the most common concerns for students, along with depression and anxiety. For students dealing with these issues, Aidala says that reaching out to a trusted person can be helpful. “Often times, what people think is that (the person they seek help from) has to be a mental health professional,” %MHEPE WEMH ±&YX XLEX X]TMGEPP] MWR´X SYV ½ VWX place to go. It can be reaching out to a friend, it can be reaching out to E WMKRM½ GERX

Minds Matter Caring for yourself and others

(PHUJHQF\ FULVLV UHVRXUFHV &RXQVHOLQJ DQG WUHDWPHQW &UHDWLQJ FRQQHFWLRQV 6HOI KHOS UHVRXUFHV /HJDO DQG À QDQFH 6RFLDO MXVWLFH

other, it can be reaching out to a trusted family member or maybe a resident advisor or faculty member. It’s just talking and identifying what is causing them to feel overwhelmed.” However, she notes, if the problem persists, a student should seek professional help. “If (a problem) becomes chronic, if it’s ongoing, if it’s preventing somebody from feeling like themselves or accomplishing what they need to be accomplishing, then - HI½ RMXIP] XLMRO KIXXMRK MR GSRXEGX [MXL E trained mental health professional is a great FIRI½ X ² The university has also launched a website compiling its mental health resources. The website, Minds Matter (QMRHWQEXXIV ZTWE X\WXEXI IHY ), provides information on common mental health problems, as well. “The website itself has a large breadth of all direct mental health resource an individual can access on campus, but it is also a place to help understand how our stress can intersect with different aspects of our day-to-day life,” said Kelsey Banton, health promotion specialist with the Student Health Center. Outside the university, most mental health care for the wider San Marcos community is provided by hospitals. While there is a dearth of private psychiatric options, both Wellbridge Health Care and the Central Texas Medical Center (CTMC) have

stepped in to meet the need. Wellbridge and CTMC offer inpatient geriatric mental health care, and Wellbridge also provides intensive outpatient care. The outpatient program allows patients access to a full complement SJ QIRXEP LIEPXL VIWSYVGIW MR ER SJ½ GI PMOI setting. CTMC, while specializing in geriatric care, offers emergency mental health surfaces to the whole community. “We provide emergency stabilization treatment for patients that are in an acute GVMWMW ² WEMH )PWMI +VEZIW GLMIJ RYVWMRK SJ½ GIV and vice president for patient care at CTMC. “We can stabilize them in our emergency department and help prevent harm to the patient and others.” +VEZIW HI½ RIH ±EGYXI GVMWMW² EW E TEXMIRX “that may be suicidal, or even homicidal, after experiencing a crisis such as a death or a breakup or some other life-change that has affected them in an acute way.” Although the hospital specializes in geriatric care, Graves had a message for anyone, particularly young people, who may be struggling with mental health issues yet are hesitant to seek help. “There is a stigma (to receiving mental health care),” Graves said. “We have to get past that as a nation. Young people might not want to let others know that they’ve had some behavioral issues. But there are people who have a mental illness that lead very productive lives, and they have learned to cope with their condition by seeking help.” FALL 2017 | SAN MARCAN • 39

SMTX & TXST

FINE ARTS BY DONAVAN JACKSON PHOTOS BY DENISE CATHEY

Austin has long been thought the arts hub of Central Texas, but as the cost-of-living rises in the city, much of that famous Austin culture has migrated south on Interstate 35 and settled in San Marcos. 8LI ½ RI EVXW WGIRI LIVI MR 7ER 1EVGSW LEW ž SYVMWLIH MR VIGIRX ]IEVW Much of that growth comes from Texas State University, which offers both its students and members of the community many ways to become involved in the arts. The Performing Arts Center at Texas State acts as a centerpiece for the arts scene on campus. The 69,122 square-foot facility houses two professional quality venues, the 397-seat Patti Strickel Harrison Theatre and the 317-seat Recital Hall. The center hosts performances by the university’s Music and Theatre and Dance departments, as well as visiting performers. 4FBNTUSFTT &TUIFS "TIMFZ )JMESFUI MJTUFOT BT IFS TVJUPS (FPSHF (FPSHF +BNFT SFDJUFT IJT letter to her as he works on the Panama Canal during Texas State University’s Department of 5IFBUFS BOE %BODF QSPEVDUJPO PG i*OUJNBUF "QQBSFMw BU 1BUUJ 4USJDLFM )BSSJTPO 5IFBUSF

40 • SAN MARCAN | FALL 2017

“We are very fortunate to have a state-of-the-art facility on our campus,â€? said Deb Alley, professor at Texas State and chairperson of the Department SJ 8LIEXVI ERH (ERGI Âą-XW TVIWIRGI LEW LEH E WMKRM½ GERX MQTEGX SR XLI education of our students in every area. The performance and design labs in the Performing Arts Center have enhanced student experiences immensely. The Harrison theatre is a beautifully intimate space with current technology that allows our students to expand their skills.â€? In the fall, the Department of Theatre and Dance will produce two theatrical productions and one dance production. “A Chorus Lineâ€? will play Sep. 26 through Oct. 1, and Hamlet will play Nov. 14 through 19. The “Opening Door Dance Concertâ€? will play Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. All performances will be held in the Patti Strickel Harrison Theatre. In addition, the Black and Latino Playwrights Conference will be held XLMW ]IEV JSV XLI ½ VWX XMQI MR XLI 4IVJSVQMRK Arts Center. 8LI SXLIV TMPPEV SJ ½ RI EVXW SR GEQTYW MW XLI Wittliff Collections, which holds events such as poetry readings, houses archives and presents several art exhibits. The collections was founded in 1986 by Bill and Sally Wittliff, and is dedicated

to showcases Southwestern artists of all kinds. The Wittliff Collections MW TEVX ½RI EVXW KEPPIV] TEVX WTIGMEP research archive. “We do anything from poetry readings to question-and-answers with authors and photographers,” said Mark Willenberg, marketing and promotions coordinator for the collections. “Sometimes we even have musical performances in our space.” All exhibits and events are free to students and the public. The Wittliff Collections permanently display the Lonesome Dove collection, which includes photographs and archives from the 1994 TV miniseries. Founder Bill Wittliff wrote the screenplay for and produced the series. The Southwestern Writers collections features authors including Cormac McCarthy and Sandra Cisneros. The Southwestern and Mexican Photography Collection is one of the largest archives of Mexican contemporary and modern photography in the world. The collections are meant to inspire as well as preserve, Willenberg said. “To be able to come here and STIR XLI ½VWX HVEJX SJ E 'SVQEG McCarthy novel and see where he

scribbled out a paragraph, you see that (art) is a process,” he said. “Hopefully that will inspire the next generation to keep creating and continue the legacy of Texas and the Southwest.” In the fall, the Wittliff Collections will have two major exhibits, both focusing on music. “Legends of Tejano Music: Highlights from the Ramón Hernandez Archives” opened Aug. 7. “In Harmony: Celebrating Music in Photography” will open Aug. 28. Alongside the university, the arts scene in the community continues to grow. The Dahlia Woods Gallery, which opened last year, showcases local and student art. “Our goal is to give students an opportunity to give students an opportunity to show their work in a professional setting,” Woods said. “Students experience the installation process, being on display for visitors and, happily, the selling process.” Woods believes that, like IZIV]XLMRK MR 7ER 1EVGSW XLI ½RI arts community centers around the river. “The San Marcos river is a great inspiration for the creative process.”

FALL 2017 | SAN MARCAN • 41

42 • SAN MARCAN | FALL 2017

RIVER

GLOW BY ANITA MILLER PHOTO COURTESTY OF PADDLE SMTX

The San Marcos River's cooling waters provide instant relief HYVMRK PSRK LSX WYQQIV HE]W ° FYX MX W FIRI½ XW HSR X WXST there. After dark, when all the tourists are gone, the river is an altogether different place, though still magical. One of the latest ways to experience the river after the sun goes down is to take a stand up paddleboard “glow tour.” Each board is equipped with [EXIVTVSSJ 0)( PMKLXMRK XLEX WLMRIW HS[R MRXS ERH VI¾ IGXW SJJ the crystal-clear water. Reach Paddle SMTX at Olympic Outdoor Center, 602 Interstate 35 North in San Marcos.

FALL 2017 | SAN MARCAN • 43

Centro celebrates culture BY ANITA MILLER PHOTOS BY DENISE CATHEY

-J ]SY [EPOIH MRXS XLI SPH WGLSSPLSYWI SR 0II 7XVIIX ½ ZI ]IEVW EKS you would likely be greeted with the sounds of mariachi music, or of accordion or piano students learning their instrument. That's still true today; however just down the hall, it's also likely a group of students would be engrossed in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) activities or learning computer coding, or a line of adults would be formed, waiting for their turn to get free legal aid. Although it is still growing and expanding, Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos has come a long way since its founding in 2010, steadily increasing its value as a cultural and educational hub for generations of local residents. “Our mission is to serve as a community beacon for the preservation, development, promotion and elevation of Hispanic arts, culture and heritage,” explained Rebecca Manzanares, Centro's executive director. “Serving people hope is the most valuable and powerful thing on the planet,” Centro President Ruben Becerra said of the multigenerational outreach. “That to me would be the highest vibrating frequency. ... to touch their lives and help them see their world in a different way.” Education is at the basis of much of Centro's programming, though the arts — ballet folklorico, music classes and rotating art exhibits, to name a few — are still integral, and everything is free. 44 • SAN MARCAN | FALL 2017

“Serving people hope is the most valuable and powerful thing on the planet,”

-Centro President Ruben Becerra

That latter part has become more of a struggle since Centro is still working to sign a long-term lease with the San Marcos CISD for use of what used to be the Hispanic school, located in the heart of one of San Marcos' oldest “barrios.” The contract is a big deal, Becerra said, because once it is signed, Centro can apply for federal funding to offset some of the cost of providing programming. “Financial support is the key,” Manzanares said. “Centro is on the cusp” of an even bigger role in the community. “We're pushing hard on a daily basis to have (Centro's) roots reach deeper and further, so it can have a sustaining impact on our community.” Much of what goes on at Centro is a result of partnerships already formed with organizations as diverse as NASA, LULAC, Girl Scouts, the Bahai faith, Mermaid Society SMTX, Memorial Presbyterian Church (using the space until XLIMV ½VI HEQEKIH GLYVGL can be rebuilt), Mano Amiga (an organization formed in the wake of the signing of Texas' so-called “sanctuary cities” law) and Texas State University. Dr. Miguel Guajardo of Texas State actually holds masters and doctoral classes at Centro, and the university is instrumental in Centro's

FAMA (Future AerospaceEngineers & Mathematicians Academy) classes, held weekly for different grade levels. It has also been the site of job fairs, hosted meetings of the San Marcos Cinema Club, political debates, a fatherhood initiative, UIL debate meets and health checks in partnership with Central Texas Medical Center. “The Hispanic Policy Network organization on campus was founded by one of our board members almost 30 years ago,” Becerra said. “We believe very strongly in our ties to the school district and our ties to the university. It's our goal to include both institutions on our board.” Already, Clem Cantu, president of the SMCISD board of trustees, and Trustees Miguel Arredondo and Lupe Costilla are Centro board members. -R MXW ½ZI ]IEVW MR operation, Centro has changed the culture and opportunities for children. Now, there’s a focus to continue and expand on that with older generations. “We need to be able to offer that second level,” Becerra said. Ultimately, he said, he would like to enable more people to frame their own futures through starting a small business — to “pave the road” for individuals to have that opportunity. “It's the American dream.”

FALL 2017 | SAN MARCAN • 45 MARCAN 45 • SAN

FINDING A HOME AWAY

FROM HOME BY ROBIN BLACKBURN PHOTOS BY DENISE CATHEY AND CRU

L

eaving home to come to Texas State University can leave some students feeling disconnected and in search of community. For students who find comfort in faith organizations, San Marcos has plenty of opportunities to find fellowship. Local churches of many denominations welcome new members, and some faith organizations in town are especially welcoming of college students.

"Our students have a great community that often feels like a family. We are not perfect but hopefully we convey our care and desire to make others feel a part," said Erin O'Brien, missional team leader for 'EQTYW 'VYWEHI JSV 'LVMWX, or Cru-South 8I\EW 3YV HIWMVI MW XS LIPT WXYHIRXW ½ RH ERH JSPPS[ .IWYW [LMPI in college. Our mission is to bring the hope of Jesus Christ within arm's reach of every Bobcat." O'Brien said that only about 3-4 percent of college students are looking to get involved with a Christian student organization or local church. Cru's students reach out to others, taking the initiative to bring other students in. "We also encourage students to be missionaries by getting into life with their non-Christian friends and going to where they are, rather than only inviting them to a church service or to our Thursday night Cru meeting," O'Brien said. Cru hosts a regular weekly dinner at different locations, O'Brien said, and attendance ranges from around 10 to around 40 people. Students share responsibilities for the cost and cooking of each meal. "These are not Bible studies nor religious meetings," O'Brien said. "They are just dinners and an opportunity to get to know people in the warm context of someone's home." O'Brien said the weekly dinners often lead to new friendships, and students frequently become more involved in Cru activities after making friends. ;I PMOI XLEX E RI[ WXYHIRX W ½ VWX I\TIVMIRGI [MXL 'VY MW SJXIR 46 • SAN MARCAN | FALL 2017

dinner at a home, not a religious meeting," he said. "Young people often want to belong before they believe." Cru offers discipleship groups – gatherings of three or four students who encourage each other in their faith and discuss passages from the Bible and how to apply them to their lives. "Our discipleship groups allow people to be in community with others while learning to be honest and real with their everyday lives, sin struggles, ministry successes and prayer needs," O'Brien said. "Our students pray for one another, serve each other, and encourage one another to live out their faith in Christ." O'Brien said Cru builds friendships as well as fellowship. "Our community is very ethnically diverse, and I think it's relationships that often breaks the ethnic barriers we see in our culture today," he said. "But even more so, it's love of Jesus Christ that reconciles people to Himself and to one another." 'VY W SJ½ GI MW PSGEXIH EX 2 0&. (V HS[RXS[R EFSZI 6SSX Cellar Cafe. For more information, visit X\WXEXIGVY SVK Another faith community geared toward students is Christ 'LETIP The ministry is open to all students and is supported by Lutherans and Episcopalians from across the country. The desire for a joint Lutheran-Episcopalian ministry on campus dates back HIGEHIW ERH ½ REPP] GEQI XS JVYMXMSR IEVPMIV XLMW ]IEV EGGSVHMRK XS Chaplain James Bouzard. "Not every student starts to college with a church home as their ½ VWX TVMSVMX] FYX QER] ½ RH XLIMV [E] XS E GEQTYW QMRMWXV] [LIR loneliness, homesickness or a sense of spiritual longing kicks in,"

Bouzard said. Christ Chapel offers free lunches and has a coffeehouse – both ways to reach out to students – and Bouzard frequently sits at a table in the Quad with a sign that says, "Let's Talk About Anything." "Some profoundly meaningful conversations take place at that booth," Bouzard said. Christ Chapel also gives students opportunities for service. The group serves a meal to homeless people MR 7ER 1EVGSW SR XLI ½ VWX Monday of each month, Bouzard said. "Joining us in this work and in our worship are a number of adults from the community," he said. "Some have ties to Texas State as faculty or staff, and some simply enjoy working with college students. We always welcome these adults, whom we call our mentors." Bouzard said other members of the local community join with the organization on a regular basis, but he said, "Our work will always be about the WXYHIRXW ½ VWX For the adults who come to Christ Chapel's services and for the sake of continuity, Bouzard said, worship services are offered all year. Christ Chapel is located at 510 N. Guadalupe St. For more information, visit GLVMWXGLETIPX\WXEXI SVK or call 512-557-8836. Christian students aren't XLI SRP] SRIW [LS GER ½ RH religious fellowship in San Marcos. Rabbi Ari Weingarten of the Chabad Center SJ 7ER 1EVGSW said his organization is very active on campus and is happy to offer Jewish students a sense of community. Even nonpracticing Jews are welcome, he said. "We're servicing all the

Jewish needs in the area," Weingarten said. Weingarten and his wife had noticed that there was no synagogue or other Jewish community facility on the interstate 35 corridor between Austin and San Antonio. "That led us to move here," he said. The Weingartens began running the Chabad center out of their home in July 2016. They hold activities for students and other community members alike. "It's a diverse community," Rabbi Weingarten said. "It's a beautiful community." To reach out to students, Chabad holds "Lunch and Learn" sessions on campus, offers kosher meals for students on campus and sets up at events on campus to let students know about the center. "The word is getting out there," Weingarten said. Among the activities Chabad offers are weekly Torah study sessions with coffee and cake, Friday night get-togethers, "Girls Night Out" discussions led by Weingarten's wife, trips to Israel and trips to Poland. And of course, Chabad offers a chance for Jewish students and other community members to gather and celebrate holidays like Passover and Hanukkah. Weingarten said people from New Braunfels and Kyle have started coming in to San Marcos for events at Chabad. "We love it here," Weingarten said. "We really love it here. … And students see us as a home away from home." For more information on the Chabad Center of San Marcos, visit NI[MWLWQX\ GSQ or JEGIFSSO GSQ .I[MWL&SFGEXW

Chris Gentry

Arlyn Argumedo and Kate McCown

FALL 2017 | SAN MARCAN • 47

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Texas Outfitters offers one-stop shop for Western gear BY MILES SMITH PHOTOS BY MILES SMITH

Has your shopping list ever included blue jeans, dog food, boots, a new necklace for mom and a horse trailer? While quirkier shopping lists have likely existed, a short journey down Hwy. 123 to Seguin will put you in the parking lot of a store that would have such a supply list covered. ( ( 8I\EW 3YX½ XXIVW MW PSGEXIH EX ) -RXIVWXEXI [MXL a veritable cornucopia of goods ranging from farm and ranch supplies to western casual fashions and even pet grooming. The company – which has been owned by the Ferrell family WMRGI ÂŻ ½ VWX STIRIH MXW HSSVW MR ERH EGGSVHMRK XS co-owner Corbett Ferrell, is entering its busiest time of year with autumn right around the corner. “We provide everything anyone could really want – we’ve got everything from saddles, dog food, cat food, cattle food, fencing and clothing,â€? said Ferrell. “For some of our customers, it’s a destination and for others, its just their home store.â€? 48 • SAN MARCAN | FALL 2017

So, with back-to-school and fall wardrobe shoppers in mind, what’s hot and what’s in style? “People are really going back to basics,� Ferrell said. “It’s more about buying stuff you can wear for a lifetime rather than clothes that are going to be out of style next fall. Tonal palettes – a lot of greys, darker greens and olives – are in right now for both men and women. And blue is always going to be popular with men. “Comfort and casual clothing – simplistic styles – are appealing to both men and women right now.� On the utility side of things, trailers are and have always been a big attraction at D&D “We’ve got more than 400 trailers on our lot, and we do service, parts and accessories,� Ferrell said. The co-owner also wanted to remind bargain-minded shoppers to give the cashiers their e-mail addresses at the

A family atmosphere

register and to like the company’s Facebook page. “That’s where you’ll ½ RH GSYTSRW ERH information about our sales,” he said. Kevin Ferrell purchased the business in 2004. Although he recently stepped back from the dayto-day grind, the company – which also has a location that focuses on clothing and boots in New Braunfels – has remained in the family. Corbett and his brother, Chase Ferrell, run operations and are there daily to make sure the proverbial trains get to the station on time. The store seems like a cheerful place under its young leadership. Chase graduated from Texas A&M University in 2009, and his fellow Aggie brother joined the company full time after earning his degree in 2014. “I walked the stage and started the

next day,” Corbett recalled. “It’s a great place to work – I had been working summers and Christmases here since eighth grade. “As this business has grown up, I’ve grown up with it.” The business employs a total of 90 people at its Seguin and New Braunfels locations – some of whom have been with the company since Corbett and his brother were teenagers. Corbett said Kevin Ferrell still gets involved when he needs to, and his mother, Lisa Ferrell, still plays a big role in the company with orienting and training new employees. “We don’t do it alone,” Corbett said. “We’ve got a lot of great people here who help us. It really is a family atmosphere.” Visit HHXI\EWSYX½ XXIVW GSQ for more information.

FALL 2017 | SAN MARCAN • 49

A SAN MARCOS CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND BY RACHEL WILLIS PHOTOS BY DENISE CATHEY

Each year the twinkling lights are strung, the carnival rides pop up into the San Marcos sky line and the city transforms into a Christmas wonderland. Since 1987, Sights & Sounds of Christmas has spread holiday cheer and provided PSGEP RSRTVS½ XW [MXL ER STTSVXYRMX] JSV fundraising – over $125,000 in 2015. Last year the annual festival had to shutter its doors early because of inclement weather during the weekend. But the bad luck last year sparked organizers to make 2017’s JIWXMZEP XLI ½ VWX XS VYR X[S [IIOIRHW IZIV in order to give the community more time to enjoy the festivities. And according to Sights & Sounds Board President Tommy Curtis, community is the reason for the festival. “It is always so rewarding to see the city, local businesses and so many volunteers come together to put on this truly local San Marcos community festival,” Curtis said. This year more than the dates are changing, organizers will be introducing new elements to the holiday celebration almost every night, in the form of theme nights like ugly sweater night and others to be announced. “We’re trying to create something every night that will draw people back. There’s a reason to 50 • SAN MARCAN | FALL 2017

come on different nights throughout the two weeks,” Curtis said. Family Night will be the opening night on Wednesday, Nov. 29, with discounted carnival rides, as is tradition. According to Curtis, making Sights & Sounds not only a community-friendly event but a kid-friendly event has been the goal since day one. “Sights & Sounds is the gift to the children of San Marcos,” Curtis said. “That’s how it was created and that’s always

our number one goal is how can we keep it free and great for kids.” College Night will be Thursday, Nov. 30. College students can get $1 beverages for wearing Texas State University garb. This year “brings lot of exciting changes both within our organization, and with the festival itself,” Curtis said. “We will be going all out this year with creative new displays and attractions for all ages to make San Marcos’ signature event even brighter. You’ll just have to come out and see for yourself.” Sights & Sounds has attractions for all age groups, a free kids crafts area, photos with Santa and a free petting zoo for families to take part in and one of the best date nights of the year for couples. “It is the best date night in San Marcos,” Curtis said. “I remember being in college and it’s just the feel of it, it’s so local, it’s so different and there’s nothing like it anywhere else.”

Couples can take a ride on the Ferris wheel and see downtown San Marcos alight with twinkle lights, skate on the ice rink hand-in-hand or sneak a kiss under the mistletoe that’s hung under the white gazebo. And best of all, it’s all within walking distance of Texas State University campus and downtown. The thing everyone can enjoy is the endless booths of traditional carnival foods and some that are unique to Sights & Sounds. Also almost every food vendor is E RSRTVS½ X WS XLI QSRI] [MPP JYRH PSGEP charities and organizations working to better

Celebrating 31 Years

2 0 1

7

San Marcos. “Ten years ago it was mostly businesses selling food during the festival, now we have TIVGIRX RSRTVS½ XW WS QSWX SJ XLI QSRI] that is spent on food in the park goes right back to charity,” Curtis said. %RH XLI JSSH MW RSXLMRK XS WRII^I EX ¾ YJJ] GEQT½ VI FMWGYMXW [MXL [EVQ LSRI] ERH butter, sweet and crispy funnel cakes, handdipped corndogs, giant roasted turkey legs and steaming cups of hot cocoa to warm the ½ RKIVW ERH XLI FSRIW Sights & Sounds hosts smaller events throughout the year, boasting the city’s largest 5K and Kid-K

holiday run that winds its way through the heart of historic San Marcos. The organization also selects families in need each holiday season to provide gifts, a Christmas dinner and some holiday cheer. The annual Sights & Sounds of Christmas 5K and Kid’s K Jingle Bell Runs will be held on Saturday, Dec. 3, this year. Participants will sprint through downtown and the historic district, which is typically dotted with residents cheering on the runners from their yards with Christmas music wafting through the air. Sights & Sounds will begin the festivities on Nov. 29 and run every Wednesday through Sunday until Dec. 9. Gates open nightly at 5:30 p.m. and close at 11 p.m. For more information go to WMKLXW R WSYRHW SVK

Bigger than EVER

2 Big Weeks NOV 29th - DEC 2rd DEC 6th - 9th

San Marcos Plaza Park Title Sponsor

Presenting Sponsors

NON-PROFITS - RESERVE YOUR BOOTH TODAY FALL 2017 | SAN MARCAN • 51

COFFEE THE CRAFT OF

BY RACHEL WILLIS PHOTOS BY DENISE CATHEY AND RACHEL WILLIS

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Mochas and Javas Mochas and Javas opened their doors to the community in 2003. Owner Kevin Carswell and his family have focused their efforts on providing a place in the community for people to relax and enjoy as well as get a great cup of joe and food. “They started with this feeling that there was this niche XS FI ½ PPIH MR 7ER 1EVGSW MR XIVQW SJ E VIEPP] GSQJSVXEFPI community gathering place, with high-quality coffee and customer service,â€? Marketing and Catering Manager Grace Mills said. “That was the main focus and to this day we live by that motto. We want our customer service to be legendary and we want everyone to be well-served and I really think we live up to that.â€? Mochas and Javas now has expanded their local venture to four locations including one directly across from the Texas State University Quad at 700 N. LBJ Dr., one across from Purgatory Creek Nature Trail at 102 Wonder World Dr., one at the Central Texas Medical Center at 1301 Wonder World Dr., and one inside of the big H-E-B at 641 E. Hopkins St. The LBJ Drive location serves up a full menu of grilled 52 • SAN MARCAN | FALL 2017

TERMRMW TERGEOIW XLEX EVI ž YJJ] FYXXIV] ERH WXMPP LIEPXL] breakfast sandwiches, healthy and hearty salads like the Purple Reign with roasted chicken, cranberries, walnuts, blue cheese, red onion and croutons all on a bed of spinach. They EVI KVIEX TPEGI XS KIX ]SYV GEJJIMRI ½ \ SV IEX E FVIEOJEWX that’ll hold you over. And on the last Saturday of every month, the LBJ location sells 99 cent pancakes. Healthy choices are important to the Carswell family. They avoid buying coffee syrups that contain high fructose corn syrup and have incorporated healthier food choices into every part of their menu. They work to create highquality food and drinks from scratch, with quality produce and products. All dressings are made from scratch, they have ER MR LSYWI KPYXIR JVII FVIEH ERH EPP QYJ½ RW EVI FIKYMPMRKP] gluten-free as well. “We want to do more than accommodate people with food allergies or that are gluten-free or vegetarian by choice, we want to serve them,â€? Mills said. “We don’t want to just have options, but great options.â€? Mochas and Javas also serves up some specialty drinks

´(YHU\ZKHUH KDV \RXU W\SLFDO LFHG FRIIHH EXW ZH JR WKURXJK WKH WRGG\ SURFHVV HYHU\ VLQJOH QLJKW ZH EUHZ LW IRU KRXUV VR LW WXUQV RXW UHDOO\ VPRRWK ZLWK D UHDOO\ ORZ DFLGLW\ Âľ *5$&( 0,//6 ]SY´H FI LEVH TVIWWIH XS ½ RH IPWI[LIVI including a Butterbeer Latte with caramel, Irish cream and toffee and weekly specials. They also serve an ice-cold toddy that’s hard to beat in the Texas heat. “Everywhere has your typical iced coffee, but we go through the toddy process every single night we brew it for 12 hours so it turns out really smooth with a really low acidity,â€? Mills said. “It never touches hot water and it’s two-thirds less acidic so it gives a natural sweetness to the coffee.â€? Mochas and Javas' LBJ location is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. The Wonder World location is open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. For more information go to QSGLEWERHNEZEW GSQ

Wake the Dead Right off Old Ranch Road 12 sits a little oddity of a building, painted red, black and lime green – straight out SJ 8MQ &YVXSR ½ PQ ÂŻ ;EOI XLI (IEH Coffee House. When owner Julie Balkman opened the coffee shop in 2008, she wanted it to be more than a great coffee shop, she wanted it to be a community space. The WTEGI MW SYX½ XXIH [MXL E WXEKI PMRIH [MXL velvety curtains and lights, two large rooms with lots of comfy furnishings ERH E [VET EVSYRH GSYVX]EVH ½ PPIH [MXL plants, art and a 10-foot-tall skeleton rising to life from the purest of nectars, caffeine. In Wake the Dead’s almost 10 years of service, it has become a social spot for locals to gather, listen to live music, poetry or improv. Wake the Dead has three separate art exhibits that are changed out monthly, one in the Main Room, one in the Study Room and one in the Stage Room. They offer over 55 imported and domestic beers, wine, specialty drinks,

breakfast and lunch choices, pastries and treats, as well as monthly art exhibits, hand-crafted items for sale and a great cup of coffee. Wake the Dead has a food menu that ranges from smoked salmon on a bagel topped with cream cheese, capers, tomatoes and red onions to homemade salsas, soups and sandwiches with vegetarian options. They have mochas that range from white to dark chocolate and chai lattes and one of the biggest tea selections in town with 16 options from Republic of Tea. Wake the Dead is located at 1432 Old Ranch Road 12. They are open Monday through Sunday from 7 a.m.12 a.m. For more information go to [EOIXLIHIEHGSJJIILSYWI RIX

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.S SR XLI +S .S´W 'EJI Redbud Roasters Jo’s Cafe and Jo on the Go share a menu of coffee drinks that can please the bitterest coffee lover to the candy bar lover with everything from the Overdrive that’s house-made cold brew with a shot of espresso to the Moon Mocha that has hazelnut, chocolate and espresso. Owner Elizabeth “Lizâ€? Rios moved to San Marcos 18 years ago from New York, NY. Born in Brooklyn, Rios escaped to the south and found this small river town in 1999 and hasn't left since. “I left the corporate world in New York, I moved to Texas where I found San Marcos and I’ve been here ever since,â€? Rios said. She bought Jo on the Go from the owners in 1999 and decided to keep the name and run with it. In 2008 she branched out and created Jo’s Cafe on Mary Street. Jo’s Cafe expanded her business into creating a menu. Jo’s Cafe has a breakfast menu that’s quick and delicious with build your own breakfast tacos that have options like sweet potato, queso fresco and black beans along with the XVEHMXMSREP ½ PPMRKW SJ IKKW FEGSR ERH chorizo. They also have a sandwich WIPIGXMSR ½ X [MXL XLMGO ERH LIEVX] Reubens or a healthy turkey club loaded with sprouts and avocado. Rios prides both of her businesses on their homey comforts for locals to gather for conversation or even come together during hard times. When Sept. 11, 2001 shook the nation, Rios

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FALL 2017 | SAN MARCAN • 53

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Rios remembers the attack hitting close to home because that was where she lived for years and grew up, but she also remembers the community of San Marcos and their response at Jo on the Go. “It turned into a little community hub for the town, it’s just a place where people go and they wanna know what’s happening in town and any world events that happened, I mean we all sat there when 9/11 happened, somebody brought in a television and we just all sat there together and watched,” Rios said. “But just to see the community was so close, so connected and so loving.” Both Jos remain community hubs where people post their WLS[ TSWXIVW PSWX TIX ¾]IVW QIIX JSV QSVRMRK GSJJII ERH catch up with friends. Rios knows her regulars and takes pride in her staff and what they do. “I love what I do, I love the people and I love my staff,” Rios said. “I couldn’t do this without my staff.” Jo on the Go is located at 312 University Dr., they are open from 7 a.m.- 8 p.m. daily. Jo’s Cafe is located at 310 Mary St., they are open 7 a.m.- 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and open 7 a.m.- 5 p.m. Sunday. Rios also bought Redbud Roasters in October of 2016. Redbud was the town’s only coffee roaster and when the business looked like it was going to have to close Rios stepped in and bought it.

54 • SAN MARCAN | FALL 2017

Rios kept the traditional Redbud Roasters menu with items like the Full Nelson with Cuban espresso pulled over steamed cream, topped with a splash of coffee; the Rodriguez latte with almond milk, dairy and a Cuban shot alongside other original and some traditional coffee drinks. Redbud also offers a selection of kombuchas available by the cup or growler, whole bean coffees they’ll grind to your preference and coffee brewing gear for enthusiasts. %PP SJ 6IHFYH´W GSJJII VSEWXW EVI GVIEXIH JVSQ GIVXM½IH fair trade, organic, shade grown coffee beans from all over the globe. And on roasting days you can smell the beans all over downtown. “Redbud is the specialty shop, it has grinders and French presses and you can get freshly roasted beans there, they have a variety of half pounds and full pounds, they will grind it for you and they also do hand-pressed coffee there. It’s a special kind of one-on-one attention, it’s all about the beans, the roasting business,” Rios said. Now Redbud Roasters is the coffee used at all three cafes and is expanding elsewhere. Redbud Roasters is located at 169 S. LBJ Dr. They are open Monday through Friday 7 a.m.- 6 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. For more information about Redbud Roasters go to VIHFYHVSEWXIVW GSQ

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FALL 2017 | SAN MARCAN • 55

SACRED SPRINGS

POW WOW BY ANITA MILLER PHOTO BY DENISE CATHEY

This year’s powwow expanded to two days The Coahuiltecan people, who inhabited the local area before the arrival of Europeans, traced their SVMKMRW XS XLI 7ER 1EVGSW 7TVMRKW WS MX´W SRP] ½ XXMRK XLEX XLI ERRYEP 7EGVIH 7TVMRKW 4S[[S[ MW LIPH EPSRK the shores of the lake those springs feed. This year’s powwow, which will also feature Maori dancers from 2I[ >IEPERH [MPP FI LIPH 3GX I\TERHIH JSV XLI ½ VWX XMQI XS X[S HE]W 2EXMZI %QIVMGER HERGIVW from far and wide will perform for the public while competing for prize money. Along with the dancers, the powwow features a Native American marketplace with arts, crafts and food. Everything happens at The Meadows Center for Water and the environment, and is free for children 12 and under. Admission for adults is $5. For more information visit MRHMKIRSYWGYPXYVIW SVK 56 • SAN MARCAN | FALL 2017

Getting around

TOWN BY JACK MCCLELLAN PHOTO BY DENISE CATHEY

The city of San Marcos and Texas State University offer students and community members several public transportation options, including bus and shuttle service and efforts to increase the city’s walkability and bikeability. The city’s bus service, called SMTX The Bus, is run in partnership with Capital Area Rural Transportation Systems (CARTS). The bus runs Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and serves the greater San Marcos area, with popular destinations including the Factory Outlet Malls, H-E-B, Wal-Mart, Springtown Mall and Texas State. Most routes begin and end at the San Marcos Bus Station, located at 338 S. Guadalupe Street. Full route information is available at WQX\XLIFYW GSQ. The bus costs $1 per ride and $2 for a day pass. Month-long passes $30, while eligible passengers may purchase a month-long pass for $15. Half-fare rates are available to senior citizens, people with disabilities and elementary through high school-aged students. The bus is free for Texas State

students, staff and faculty through a partnership with the university. “We are writing a new development code, called Code SMTX,” WEMH GMX] TPERRMRK QEREKIV %FMKEMP +MPP½PPER ±;MXLMR XLEX GSHI [I are focusing on walkability and bikeability, particularly in those areas where the community has called for more mixed-use development and more walkable and bikeable areas.” 8LI ¾EKWLMT TVSKVEQ SJ XLI YRMZIVWMX]´W XVERWTSVXEXMSR department is the Bobcat Shuttle, which operates as a bus service for the campus community. The shuttle travels a route on campus, with limited off-campus destinations. Full route details can be found at WLYXXPI X\WXEXI IHY For most off-campus travel, students can use SMTX The Bus.

FALL 2017 | SAN MARCAN • 57

PLAN YOUR FALL AROUND THE BEST EVENTS IN TOWN SEPTEMBER:

SAN MARCOS PRIDE FESTIVAL • WHEN: Sept. 9 at 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. • WHERE: San Marcos Plaza Park • WHAT: Pride is our community’s way to unite in a positive stance against violence and discrimination towards our “Family” in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual and Ally people. Our Goal is to bring awareness of unity, equality, while building a community of support.This is our third year of building this tradition in our City of San Marcos. Starts with the parade at 10 a.m. from Dunbar Center to San Marcos Plaza Park. Starbucks will provide coffee at the beginning of the parade and Dixie Cream will provide Donuts on the Route. Live music at Plaza Park with drag shows, speeches and dedications. • INFO: www.smtxpride.org/

TEXAS STATE FOOTBALL HOME OPENER • WHEN: Sept. 2, 6 p.m. • WHERE: Bobcat Stadium • WHAT: Opening game against Houston Baptist University • INFO: txstatebobcats.com/schedule. aspx?schedule=180

58 • SAN MARCAN | FALL 2017

THE MER-TINI SHAKEDOWN COMPETITION • WHEN: Sept 9, 6 - 11:30 p.m. • WHERE: 16 bars with a shuttle ride between locations • WHAT: &EVW 1IV XMRM´W X[S WIQM½REPMWXW one winner. SMTX Mer-tini Shakedown is a friendly competition among local mixologists to create the BEST San Marcos Mer-tini cocktail using Dripping Springs Vodka! Up to 16 cocktail masters will represent some of San Marcos’ most popular restaurants and bars and compete for bragging rights, a handcrafted trophy created by a local artist and a $250 cash prize. Ticket holders will enjoy drink and food specials offered by participating businesses and join in on cheering for their favorite mixologist. Second Place and People’s Choice winners will also be recognized.Two teams of judges will travel from site to site and sip on tasty concoctions to determine [LS [MPP KS XS XLI ½REPW 8LI X[S WIQM½REPMWXW [MPP then go on to the Shakedown Finals to be held on the rooftop during the Mer-tini VIP reception at the Mermaid Society “Art” Ball on Friday, Sept. 15. Shuttles will be available to offer pickup and drop off service to ticket holders at designated stops. • INFO: mermaidsocietysmtx.com

TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY V. UTSA FOOTBALL GAME • WHEN: Sept. 23,TBA • WHERE: Bobcat Stadium • WHAT: Home game against UTSA • INFO: txstatebobcats.com/schedule. aspx?schedule=180

NOCHE DE GALA • WHEN: Sept. 30, 7- 11 p.m. • WHERE: Embassy Suites Conference Center, 1001 E McCarty Lane • WHAT: 'IRXVS MW LSWXMRK MXW ½VWX JYRHVEMWMRK 2SGLI de Gala.The purpose of the event is not only to celebrate and raise awareness of Centro’s mission and history, but to seek support in its continued efforts to enhance the availability of programs and services at minimal or no cost to the community. The Gala includes dinner and dancing with music provided by Broken Arrow and featuring the Gala’s Keynote Speaker, nationally acclaimed journalist John Quinones.Tickets are $75 • INFO:sanmarcoscentro.org/noche-de-gala-2017. html

OCTOBER: 5TH ANNUAL GRIP IT AND RIP IT GOLD TOURNAMENT • WHEN: Oct. 6, 9 a.m. • WHERE: Quail Creek Country Club • WHAT: Sponsored by the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce, this is one of the largest tournaments of the year. It is also sponsored by H-E-B. Events include 4 player scramble and shotgun start. • INFO: http://bit.ly/2hNvrzJ

MERMAID DOWNTOWN PARADE • WHAT: Sept. 16, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. • WHERE: Downtown San Marcos • WHAT: Highlighting our unique river and artistic culture, the Downtown Mermaid Parade is created to be a celebration of San Marcos’ vibrant artistic and river community.This all-inclusive city parade celebrates our history of the Aquamaids of Aquarena Springs and immortalizes the mermaid as guardians of the San Marcos River. The parade line-up starts at the corner of CM Allen and Cheatham Street and offers plenty of viewing options along the route. The fun continues at the Mermaid Aqua Faire immediately following the parade • INFO: mermaidsocietysmtx.com

TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY V. ULM FOOTBALL GAME • WHEN: Oct. 7, TBA • WHERE: Bobcat Stadium • WHAT: Home game against ULM • INFO: txstatebobcats.com/schedule. aspx?schedule=180

SPRING LAKE TRIATHLON

TEXAS STATE FAMILY WEEKEND • WHEN: Sept. 15-16 • WHERE: city of San Marcos • WHAT: Join us for our annual Family Weekend at Texas State University. Spend the weekend on campus with your Bobcat enjoying activities planned for the whole family.You can also explore the great city of San Marcos through some of our partner events.The weekend will entail a dinner, brunch, tailgating, the Appalachian State vs.Texas State football game,The Texas State Family Weekend Wine Walk and many other activities on campus and in the San Marcos community. • INFO: parentandfamily.txstate.edu/family-events/ family-weekend.html

• WHEN: Sept. 30, 8 a.m. • WHERE: Spring Lake • WHAT: Hosted by The Rotary Club of the Greater San Marcos.This event is a 500 meter swim, 5K run and a 14 mile bike.The feature of the event is the chance to swim in Spring Lake which is only opened 3 times a year to the community for swimming. • INFO: rotarysanmarcos.com

STARS OF TEXAS GALA • WHEN: Oct. 8, 7 p.m. • WHERE: Embassy Suites Hotel, Spa and Conference Center in San Marcos • WHAT:The Central Texas Medical Center Foundation will present its 24th annual Stars of Texas +EPE FIRI½XXMRK XLI LSWTMXEP´W SVXLSTIHMG WYVKIV] program.This black tie optional event will feature gourmet dining, a mobile bidding silent auction, a cash bar and entertainment by Herman’s Hermits featuring Peter Noone. For more information, please visit ctmcgala.com, or call the CTMC Foundation SJ½GI EX • INFO: 512-753-3687 or CTMCfoundation@ahss.org

FALL 2017 | SAN MARCAN • 59

TEXAS STATE COMMON EXPERIENCE: ANTHONY GRAVES • WHEN: Oct. 10, 7 -8 p.m. • WHERE: Alkek Library Teaching Theater • WHAT: Anthony Graves, also known as Death Row Exoneree 138 will speak at Texas State. He spent more than 18 years in prison, 16 of those in solitary GSR½RIQIRX SR 8I\EW (IEXL 6S[ [MXL X[S execution dates, for a crime he did not commit.With his steadfast focus on his innocence and the tireless work of The Innocence Network, he was vindicated and released in 2010. Since then, his speaking engagements have included the American Bar Association Death Penalty Representation Project’s 25th Anniversary with retired Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens and LI XIWXM½IH EX XLI 9 7 7IREXI .YHMGMEV] ,IEVMRK SR 7SPMXEV] 'SR½RIQIRX PIH F] 7IREXSV (MGO (YVFMR Graves is a prominent activist with the American Civil Liberties Union. • INFO: txstate.edu/commonexperience/events.html

SACRED SPRINGS POWWOW • WHAT: Experience the 2017 Sacred Springs Powwow that celebrates the Native American culture that has been part of the San Marcos area for thousands of years. • WHEN: Oct. 14 from 10 a.m.- 9 p.m. and Oct. 15 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. • WHERE: Meadows Center for Water and the Environment • INFO: indigenouscultures.org/powwow.html

60 • SAN MARCAN | FALL 2017

STRANGE FRUIT AND LEMONADE: MUSIC, RACE, GENDER, CLASS, PLACE

FUN-RUN DOWNTOWN SMTX TRICK OR TREAT

• WHEN: Oct. 26, 3:30-5 p.m. and 7-10 p.m. • WHERE: LBJ Student Center Teaching Theater • WHAT: Conversations about music, gender, race, history, class and regional identity using an iconic Billie Holiday song and a Beyoncé album as focal points. Speakers include experts on jailhouse music, jazz, gender and Latino music in Texas, AfricanAmerican life and music in Houston and the soul scene in Memphis: Caroline Gnagy (author of Texas Jailhouse Music: A Prison Band History), Dr.Tyina Steptoe (University of Arizona), Dr. Deborah Vargas (Rutgers University), Dr. Zandria Robinson (Rhodes College), Dr. Kinitra Brooks (UTSA) and Texas State’s own Dr. Jason Mellard and Dr. Kevin Mooney. • INFO: txstate.edu/commonexperience/events.html

• WHEN: Oct. 28, 12- 3 p.m. • WHERE: Downtown San Marcos • WHAT: Grab your monster masks and fairy wings and head downtown for our annual Downtown San Marcos Trick or Treat! With multiple candy stops throughout downtown, there will be plenty of fun for the whole family! Kids can trick or treat for their Halloween treasures at local shops, play games and face their fears in Spooky Alley.This event is free for all age groups. • INFO: sanmarcostx.gov/655/Main-Street

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS 5K RUN/WALK & KIDS FUN RUN • WHEN: Oct. 28, 7:30 a.m. • WHERE: Hernandez Elementary School, 333 Stagecoach Trail • WHAT: Come on out to celebrate Día de los 1YIVXSW (E] SJ XLI (IEH EX XLI ½JXL ERRYEP morning 5K Run/Walk in San Marcos.Wear your favorite Day of the Dead running costume, face painting provided for early arrivals. Music will be provided by DJ Jesse Cruz/Jammin X-Press. 5K proceeds are allocated to the Johnnie T. Rosales Memorial Scholarship which distributes annual scholarships to selected San Marcos High School graduating seniors. • INFO: athleteguild.com/running/san-marcostx/2017-dia-de-los-muertos-5k-runwalk-kids

NOVEMBER TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY V. NEW MEXICO STATE FOOTBALL GAME • WHEN: Nov. 4,TBA • WHERE: Bobcat Stadium • WHAT: Home game against New Mexico State • INFO: txstatebobcats.com/schedule. aspx?schedule=180

TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY V. GEORGIA STATE FOOTBALL GAME • WHEN: Nov. 11,TBA • WHERE: Bobcat Stadium • WHAT: Home game against Georgia State • INFO:Txstatebobcats.com/schedule. aspx?schedule=18

SHOP SMALL SATURDAY • WHEN: Nov. 25, while businesses are open • WHERE: Downtown San Marcos • WHAT: Support small businesses through shopping locally. Downtown stores will have deals for the holidays and lots of holiday surprises. • INFO: sanmarcostx.gov/655/Main-Street

SIGHTS & SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

HOLIDAY MOVIE IN YOUR PARK

• WHEN: Nov 29 - Dec. 2, 5:30 -11 p.m. & Dec. 6 - 9, 5:30 - 11 p.m. • WHERE: San Marcos Plaza Park • WHAT: Enjoy ice skating, carnival rides and food, live performances and giving back to the community. Sights & Sounds of Christmas is a 501(c)3 charity established to bring the community together to celebrate the holiday season and to create a place for PSGEP EVIE RSRTVS½XW XS VEMWI QSRI] JSV XLIMV GEYWIW • INFO: sights-n-sounds.org

• WHEN: Dec. 5, 5:30 - 8 p.m. • WHERE: San Marcos Plaza Park • WHAT:The city presents Holiday Movie in Your Park! Bring a blanket to sit on and watch a holiday movie free.There will be free cookies and hot cocoa! All ages are welcome • INFO: 512-393-8400

DECEMBER:

OPENING DOOR DANCE THEATRE PRESENTS IN SEARCH OF MERCY • WHEN: Nov. 30 at 7:30 – 9:30 p.m., Dec. 1 at 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. • WHERE: Performing Arts Center Patti Strickel Harrison Theater • WHAT: “In Search of Mercy” is a 2017-2018 Common Experience event showcasing the choreography of Ana Baer (Dance faculty), Matthew Cumbie of Dance Exchange (Washington, DC), Darla Johnson (Austin,TX), Nadine Mozon (Theatre faculty) and Nicole Wesley (Dance faculty). Revolving around dialogues of social, political and personal responses to justice, the program spotlights The JUSTICE Project, directed by Darla Johnson and Nicole Wesley.The JUSTICE Project celebrates the authentic artistic voice and embraces the transformation that arises at the intersection of self and community. • INFO: txstate.edu/commonexperience/events.html

DECEMBER 5K & KID’S K JINGLE BELL RUN • WHEN: Dec. 3, 9 a.m. • WHERE: San Marcos Plaza Park • WHAT:The Sights & Sounds of Christmas 5K and Kid’s K Jingle Bell Run showcases the beautiful downtown and Historic District of San Marcos.The VEGI [MPP FIKMR ERH ½RMWL EX XLI 7ER 1EVGSW 4PE^E Park. Chip timing will be used and Christmas music will be enjoyed along the 5K route! Every 5K and Kid’s K entrant will receive a high quality shirt (if registered by Nov. 28). Participants are encouraged to dress in festive, holiday attire and we provide jingle bells to keep the Christmas spirit alive.The 5K awards ceremony will follow the completion of the VEGI [MXL E YRMUYI 7ERXE XVSTL] XS XST ½RMWLIVW MR IEGL ½ZI ]IEV EKI KVSYT JSV QEPI ERH JIQEPI (SSV prizes will be given out during the ceremony for the runners. Each Kid-K entry will receive a Santa trophy for completion of the course as well! • INFO: sights-n-sounds.org/5k

WINE & WASSAIL WALK • WHEN: Dec. 15, 5:30- 8:30 p.m. • WHERE: Downtown San Marcos • WHAT: Enjoy an evening of holiday cheer at the 2017 Wine and Wassail Walk in historic downtown 7ER 1EVGSW 8LI ½JXL ERRYEP IZIRX [MPP JIEXYVI a progressive tour of retail businesses serving a variety of wines, homemade wassail and paired hors d’oeuvres. Participants will receive a commemorative wine glass and enjoy live entertainment while strolling the downtown streets. • INFO: sanmarcostx.gov/655/Main-Street

FALL 2017 | SAN MARCAN • 61

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