south texas
Monthly Meetup for Classic Car Talk
Welcome to Down Home South Texas!
Welcome to the Winter edition of Down South Texas, DeWitt County’s very own quarterly magazine. We’re excited to bring you stories from all kinds of folks, car-loving folks, sweetsloving folks, fastpitch folks and especially two of our centenarians. As we close out 2024 and start the New Year, may the holidays bring a glow to your heart. And for those in need, the CAMAL House, which started as a food bank for the county,
helps anyone it can. In this of giving, see article about the transformation of this alliance of local churches. We hope you take special note of our advertisers, who make this type of storytelling possible.
Virginia S. Gilstrap MANAGING EDITOR
Thank you for embracing DHST! This magazine has a longer shelf life than other publications, and our advertising partners also receive long term interest.
Have safe and blessed holidays, and we’ll see you in March!
ON THE COVER
Robbie Angerstein, of Cuero, shows off the engine of his 1967 Camaro SS 350. Angerstein is one of many classic car owners who gather at the Texan each first Friday of the month. See the story on page 6.
Down Home South Texas is a publication of The Cuero Record & Yorktown News-View and is published four times per year. Down Home South Texas is copyrighted by and a registered trademark of DeWitt County Publishing, Cuero, Texas. Reproduction of any part of the publication is strictly forbidden without written permission from DeWitt County Publishing.
Down Home South Texas Team
Calling All (Classic) Cars
AUTO ENTHUSIASTS SHARE THEIR VINTAGE RIDES
SALLY RODGERS-SPENCER, CONTRIBUTING WRITER PHOTOS BY ELE CHEW
If you are not at Gobbler Stadium on a home game night, you just might be in a local parking lot waxing poetically about your favorite driving machine. Or, as you head to the stadium and you happen to spot a 1956 Buick followed by a Model A passing by, it isn’t a car show. It is the monthly Cuero Show and Shine meetup.
The first Friday of each month, a group of auto enthusiasts display their cars and trucks in the parking lot of the Texan at the corner of Heaton and Esplanade. On display is an array of vintage, antique and even current automobiles. From the newest Corvette to a 50s era Chevrolet, the gamut of car history can be seen.
DeWitt County automobile enthusiasts began gathering at the Texan about three years ago. Joining them are mem-
bers of the Golden Crescent Region Antique Car Club of America.
“We come over to eat, visit and show off our cars,” Richard Ross, president of the GCR in Victoria, said.
Around 6:30, the cars and trucks begin to line up around the parking lot perimeter, lawn chairs get set out and hoods lifted to reveal the engines that power these machines. There is a sense of community built around the passion of classic cars and preserving and promoting history.
Colors range from teal to brown to red. There is shiny chrome and even a little rust here and there. Some of the vehicles were purchased as antiques in their current condition while others, like the 1979 F-150 belonging to Jim
1960 Ford F-150.
1957 Chevrolet, Ron Albert, Victoria.
1955 Ford F-100, Butch Tolbert, Cuero.
Moyers of Yoakum, were restored.
“I bought the truck in 1982 and later it was wrecked, I did a complete restoration in 2002,” he said.
Besides monthly meetings and gatherings like the Friday night event, owners also compete in car shows, participate in local car events and fundraisers, as well as area parades. Most recently, Cuero Turkeyfest, Yorktown Western Days and Hallettsville Kolache Fest parades had classic cars participate.
Passersby are welcome to stop and visit and check out the cars. Someone will tell you about their vehicle and maybe even let you sit inside.
Gary East, of Victoria, opens the front “suicide door” of his 1935 Pontiac Roadster. “Most people call these suicide doors, but they were also known as the “peekaboo” door,” he said. “When the young ladies of the day were getting in and out, they might show some leg,” he said with a smile.
1960 Ford F-150, Ken Broughton, Cuero.
Photo by Sally Rodgers-Spencer
Photo by Sally Rodgers-Spencer
1974 Corvette, Richard Ross, Victoria.
1955 Chevrolet Bellaire, Willie Sanders, Nursery.
Christina Sherman’s Family Sweets
Fun times Baking Christmas Cookies with Kids
Ele Chew, reporter
Following in the footsteps of many accomplished bakers, Christina Sherman started baking Christmas cookies with her children while remembering her grandmother, Mimi, teaching her. Her beloved grandmother, Arnelda Carter, made wedding cakes for all of Cuero.
“My grandmother did wedding cakes, always, since my Mom was five. She did a lot of weddings in this town,” Sherman said.
“Mimi’s last cake was my wedding cake,” she fondly reflected. “She called it her ‘Black Swan Cake’.”
Sherman’s aunts, cousins, and other family members are renowned throughout the county for their cakes, cookies, desserts, and other delicious baked goods. This family legacy inspired Sherman to name her business “Family Sweets,” of which she is the sole proprietor.
“That’s why it’s called ‘Family Sweets.’ It’s in the family,” she beamed.
During her childhood, she had baked with her (grandmother) for 4-H sales. “I enjoyed drawing and arts and crafts growing up,” Sherman said. “This (cookie making) seems like a big craft.”
Baking cookies at Christmas rekindled her interest in baking. “It’s a hobby I picked up a few years ago with my kids, and I posted a photo. Sheryl Miller was my first customer. She saw them and ordered some cookies,” Sherman said.
By word of mouth, people began seeking out her cookies, inquiring whether she made birthday cookies and cakes.
“Cakes were not my thing at all, and I’m slowly learning to love them and enjoy them,’ she admitted. Despite this, making cookies remains her primary passion because she finds them “cute.” Sherman is a patron of “The Sweet Design Shoppe,” an online
Mimi made wedding cakes for all of Cuero.
store where she purchases many cookie cutters. The designs from the site also spark her creativity.
Her cookies are made from a vanilla sugar cookie base with no corn syrup or corn starch, and she also offers chocolate sugar cookies and gluten-free options.
Sherman prioritizes flavor. “I want everything to taste good. A lot of sugar cookies look pretty but don’t taste good,” she emphasizes. The icing she uses is royal icing, which consists of confectioners’ sugar, meringue powder, and water. However, achieving the correct consistency can be tricky.
Sherman offers classes on cookie decorating. One of her favorite activities is decorating cookies with kids. “Kids really get excited when they see decorated cookies,” she said. For instance, the Cuero Public Library hosted Halloween Trick or Treat festivities along with her “Paint Your Own Cookies” workshop.
Christina Sherman from Family Sweets in Cuero holds a platter of freshly baked Christmas cookies. Photo by Ele Chew
She also provides a cookie kit. “I sell a cookie kit that has 12 cookies in it with icing and sprinkles. People can buy them during holidays and decorate cookies with their kids,” she offers.
This reporter was able to sample some cookies and completely agrees with the review of Ilene Gohmert from Cuero:
“She (Christina) has been delivering to our office for years. Most recently, she made decorated cookies for a friend’s 50th anniversary as a Hair Stylist!” Ilene Gohmert said.
Family Sweets’ desserts are made with love and the utmost attention to detail.
A platter of Christmas cookies from Family Sweets awaits Santa Claus’s visit to Cuero Record. Photos by Ele Chew
Christmas cookies from Family Sweets spread joy through the holiday season.
DEWITT COUNTY’S Remarkable Centenarians
Ele Chew, reporter
Centenarians Allonia Earnestine Kitchen, known as Mother E-Kitchen, and Caroline Blain are remarkable individuals who deserve recognition. These incredible women, one from Syracuse, N.Y., and the other from the El Campo-Port Lavaca area arrived in DeWitt County at a similar age and made their homes here. With lives that each spanned over 100 years, they have faced a mix of experiences—some alike and others unique.
Both centenarians confidently discussed the blessings of God, family, and a strong work ethic.
When asked to reflect on their Christmas memories for this special issue, they both stated that Christmas was not their favorite holiday. As war children from that era with shadows of the Great Depression lingering, making ends meet was difficult.
Mother E-Kitchen preferred celebrating Thanksgiving with family coming in from Georgia, Austin, and San Antonio. She relished sleeping in on Christmas. Perhaps, it was a remembrance of tough times that Mother E-Kitchen voices “Money” instead of saying “Cheese” when taking photos.
Caroline Blain expressed similar sentiments. “When we were growing up, Christmas Eve was really the Christmas meal…They served calamari. On Christmas day, we had a hen. No presents … There were no jobs,” she asserted.
Now, things are more plentiful. Her son Lovel and daughter-inlaw Letha have hayrides and sing Christmas carols for the shutins, followed by brunch.
With vibrant twinkles in their eyes, they shared their narratives with me.
Mother E-Kitchen
My Mission is to plant seeds of unity.
In October 2022, former Mayor Sara Post Meyer issued a proclamation designating October 8th as “Allonia Earnestine Kitchen Day” in Cuero, celebrating the Cuero resident’s 100th birthday. Just last month, the beloved community figure, affectionately known as Mother E-Kitchen, reached another incredible milestone by celebrating her 102nd birthday, delighting friends and family who have cherished her presence in their lives.
“I had a very good childhood. I was raised by a very spiritual woman…in a Pentecostal Church,” Mother E-Kitchen said.
She received her LVN nursing training in Chicago and returned to Texas in the 1980s, working as a nurse aide in various hospitals. “I loved nursing. It’s always helping people, and I love to help people. I love to give out love to people,” Mother E-Kitchen said.
After her time in nursing, she served as a county transportation driver for the elderly in Victoria. Eventually, she became a caregiver and moved to Cuero.
“I got a privileged job with a very good lady. Her name was Jeanie Duderstadt. I worked for her for 21 years. She’s the one who bought me this house…I retired at 92,” Mother E-Kitchen recollected about driving the two of them regularly to San Antonio at the age of 80.
“As long as my mind is good, I am going to use my mind,” she said. “Each day you declare healing of your body. Whatever you’ve got, ask God to heal it and get up and then thank him for every morning,” she added, sharing her experience as a survivor of thyroid cancer.
Five generations have feasted at Mother E-Kitchen’s house over Thanksgiving. “We just have soul food-baked chicken, rolls, maybe some seafood, dressing…I usually make the dressing because no one can make dressing like I can,” she said.
She shared her ingredients. “You bake your cornbread, green pepper, onion, celery, eggs, cream of chicken, cream of mushroom, and broth, maybe a stick of butter. Then you mix that all up. And then you put your seasoning in. Poultry seasoning, garlic salt, basil. Me, I put a little spice in it….a teaspoon of baking powder makes it fluffy, “she instructed.
When asked, “Who would you like to have dinner with?”, her response included her late husband, oldest son, grandson Chase, and granddaughter Stephanie. “I would like to be in heaven and have Thanksgiving with them,” Mother E-Kitchen said. “They were very important to me. Very important. They were my backups,” she said.
“Thank God for my children. My children call me every day. Every one of them calls me every day. Checking on me…I’m never without food. I’m never without anything,” she added.
Despite being partially bound to a wheelchair, Mother E-Kitchen remains dedicated to her mission.
“God had me in Cuero on a mission. …My assignment is now to going and seeding each church. He gave (me) five churches to go to and put a seed there...Even when I’m gone on out of here, that seed will always be growing,” she said.
Mother E-Kitchen shared her aspirations as part of her bucket list. “I want to be able to help someone to see how good it is to live for God. Open my doors for counseling,” she said. Unity Prayer meetings are held every third Monday of the month at Cuero Library from 5:45-6:45 pm.
In closing, she offered heartfelt messages to her friends and family. “This is for my friends - 2 Chronicles 7:14. For my family - Hebrews 12:14,” said Mother E-Kitchen.
She began her career as a typist earning $1 per hour and eventually advanced to the position of vice president at First National Bank.
Caroline M. Blain was celebrated as “Citizen of the Year” during Yorktown’s October Western Day festivities. Mayor Bill Baker made a proclamation honoring Caroline M. Blain on her 100th Birthday with a plaque recognizing her longevity of life and her lifelong commitment to family, friends, and community.
In 1945, at 21, she took an eighteen-hour train ride to Texas. That was a long way from her birthplace in Syracuse, NY. She had to cross the tracks to change trains in St. Louis. “I had a one-yearold child and told her, ‘Hang on to my skirt! Don’t let go!’” Mrs. Blain said. “I still remember that my brother had brought a bag of bananas,” she said, recalling that it was all they had eaten on the journey.
“My mother-in-law met me (at the train), and we went to my husband’s sister’s house,” she said. They placed a bowl of boiled dark, slimy okra before her. She looked at everyone. “We don’t have
Mother E-Kitchen
Caroline M. Blain
Caroline M. Blain
okra in New York. ‘You don’t expect me to eat that, do you? ‘I kept looking at it and I just couldn’t. I learned to love it. I like okra now,” she said.
“And I loved it (Yorktown) I wished everyone could go back and see what little towns were like. It was so safe. You didn’t have to worry about anyone kidnapping your child,” Mrs. Blain said.
In 1953, as a young mother of four children, she recognized the necessity of driving. To achieve this, she learned how to drive a stick-shift car. Her sister taught her essential techniques, such as putting her hand out to signal turns and slamming on the brakes to stop. She failed after two or three attempts at the driving test held at the Lutheran church.
“I want you to keep practicing, but I’m going to give you your driver’s license because, with four kids, you need a car,” the policeman said.
“I wanted to go to work, but there were no jobs, “Mrs. Blain said. In 1956, I went to (do) ad work for 2 weeks for Conoco. It was a typing job, and I had not typed since high school. I went to the school and asked Miss Speckles if I could borrow her typewriter and a book. I practiced 3 hours every night trying to get my speed up,” she said.
At Conoco, she typed eight hours a day, and her back and shoulders ached. “But I got a dollar an hour,” she said with glee in her eye.
In 1957, she went to work at a bank that went into receivership. The bank was located at Gerhardt’s Jewelry.
“We did nothing but typed all day long till 10 o’clock at night. My shoulders hurt so bad. But they paid 50 cents more than Conoco, and we got time and a half past the regular hour. We were able to make a little money. It was exciting! “Mrs. Blain chuckled.
After graciously turning down a job offer at the First National Bank of Yorktown the first time, Mrs. Blain accepted the second offer and worked there from 1958-1990. She rose from being a bookkeeper to cashier to assistant vice president to vice president.
“I taught all these people as they came in because I’ve gotten very good experience at that state bank. I learned everything about financial statements which was my field. That’s how I became vice president because I knew how to do that,” Mrs. Blain said.
“My heroes are my sons. They worked until retirement. My daughter-in-law, too. She’s a wonderful homemaker. She’s a wonderful caretaker. She’s a wonderful cook. She’s a mother, grandmother, all of these things. It is a blessing that I have. I have to say that my daughter-in-law is my hero, as well,” said Mrs. Blain.
Grandkids love Pepperoni Bread, with or
Taco Soup
without
By Janie Hill
Pepperoni Bread
SERVINGS:
16 pieces
INGREDIENTS:
Looking ahead, it’s kind of hard to think about wintertime when it was nearly 100 degrees a few weeks ago! Yet, I forced myself to do so. In thinking about winter and something good to eat, I decided to share with you a recipe our oldest daughter, Dana, has shared with me. Her family loves this soup as do my husband and I. We have paired this with my version of Pepperoni Bread. Our grandkids enjoy it when we have Taco Soup. As always, I hope you’ll enjoy it, too! This easy taco soup recipe is so hearty, filling and just the perfect comfort food. And the deliciously spiced, beefy flavor will have everyone craving more! Makes about 10 1/2 cups.
4 Bolillo buns (French bread-type rolls resembling “sub” buns found at HEB)
1 – 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
1 ½ - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 small package of pepperoni slices, large or small
Taco Soup Recipe
COOKS IN: 35 minutes
READY IN:
45 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
2 tsp olive oil
1 1/4 lbs lean ground beef
1 medium yellow onion chopped (1 1/2 cups)
2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp)
1 jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped (optional)*
2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes with green chiles
1 (14 oz) can low-sodium beef broth
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1 Tbsp chili powder**
1 tsp ground cumin
3/4 tsp ground paprika
1/4 tsp dried oregano
1 1/2 Tbsp dry ranch dressing mix, or 1/3 cup chopped cilantro and 1 Tbsp fresh lime juice (see notes***)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups frozen corn
1 (14.5 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (14.5 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
TOPPINGS:
Shredded Mexican blend cheese, chopped green or red onions, diced avocados, and corn tortilla strips/chips.
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Slice buns length-wise, then in half.
2. Lightly spread marinara sauce on each piece of bun.
3. Lightly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the marinara sauce.
4. Add 4 slices of pepperoni on top of the mozzarella cheese.
5. Place in oven or toaster oven, at 325 degrees, for 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat drizzle lightly with oil.
2. Add ground beef in a large along with chopped onion, crumbling and stirring occasionally until browned. Add jalapeno and garlic and saute 1 minute longer.
3. Drain excess fat from beef mixture.
4. Stir in tomatoes with chiles, beef broth, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, ranch dressing mix and season with salt and pepper to tastes. Cover pot with lid and simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add in corn, black beans and pinto beans and cook until heated through. Add 1/2 cup water to thin soup if desired. Stir in cilantro and lime if using.
6. Serve warm finished with desired toppings.
NOTES:
* This is also good with 1/3 cup chopped bell pepper in place of jalapeno if you want it more mild. Or just omit and don’t replace and it will be fine.
** For a stronger spiced flavor double up all of the spices.
*** I first shared this recipe 5 years ago and since people have loved it as is I didn’t want to tweak it. But personally I now omit the ranch mix and add 1/3 cup chopped cilantro and 1 Tbsp lime in at the end and I like it better this way.
MY NOTES FOR THE TACO SOUP:
1. I do recommend doubling the spices as she mentioned in her notes.
2. I would also like to suggest adding more broth or water as there is not much liquid in this recipe. I believe I add another 2-3 cups of liquid, at least, in addition to the cans of beef broth and tomatoes.
3. I have considered adding cubed potatoes and carrots sticks to increase the vegetables.
For love of the game
Fastpitch players share stories of team's heyday
Virginia S. Gilstrap
In the summer of 1970, several Yoakum baseball players showed up – on a dare – to play Weesatche. But the game wasn’t baseball. It was fastpitch. The Yoakum boys had never seen anything like it.
“I fell in love with the game” shortstop E.L. Moore, 70, said.
That long-ago game inspired the formation of the Yoakum Fastpitch Association. The team thrived for decades and made it to nationals three times.
Though the men’s fastpitch teams are mostly a thing of the past, the FastPitch Legends of Greater Houston continue to honor the standout participants. The organization acknowledges “players, umpires, sponsors, commissioners, media and teams who have greatly contributed to the history of FastPitch Softball great from the 1930s and 1940s up to and including today.”
Last year, Moore, who has umpired for 50 years and still plays in the 70 and Over league, was inducted into the FastPitch Legends of Greater Houston - Hall of Fame.
This year, a team sponsor and two players from the Yoakum team were inducted into the FastPitch Legends – Hall of Hon-
or on November 16. Team sponsor, Joe Machalec, owner of Joe’s Exxon, was honored for his many years of support for the team. Pitcher Roger Weise, 85, of Cuero, and pitcher/ 3rd base/ outfielder C.L. Moore, 73, of Yoakum, were inducted for their decades as fastpitch players.
The main difference between the two Halls is participation in a World Tournament, which E.L. has done with other teams. The Yoakum team went to nationals in Las Vegas, California and Arizona.
Fastpitch has morphed into a women’s competitive sport, but it started in the 1930s with men’s leagues in communities everywhere, much like Little League.
“There were teams in Shiner, Mission Valley, Victoria, Cuero, Meyersville, Weesatche and Port Lavaca,” Weise recalls.
Weise has shirts from 25 different teams that he pitched for in his 50-year career. Half of his career he played with the Yoakum team.
“You play with someone for 30 years and they’re like family,” Weise said.
E.L. said Roger had a reputation for throwing hard and good. “He was known for the speed of his rise ball.”
He described how Weise came to pitch for Yoakum: The team went to a tournament in Beeville, and Weise was the pitcher for Cuero. But the Cuero team didn’t show up. So, he practiced with Yoakum.
“One thing led to another and Roger started pitching for us,” E.L. said.
E.L. coached the team for five years, which he said “consisted mostly of making the line up and keeping everybody happy.” He said they passed around the coaching duties every few years.
At the height of the sport’s popularity, games would be played during the week as well as on the weekend.
Weise said he would work all day at Cuero’s Ful-O-Pep and get picked up at 7 to travel to a game in any number of area towns.
His wife, Arleen, who didn’t drive but was always in the car driven by a friend, brought sandwiches to eat on the way.
“She’s the lifeblood of my playing,” Roger said, describing all the clippings and photos that Arleen collected for him and other players.
“We met at a game,” Arleen said about Roger. “My brother played, and I was there for him.”
Brothers figure prominently in the old fastpitch leagues. Weise had two brothers who played. One, named Lloyd, was also a pitcher that often faced off against him.
“The battle of the brothers they called it.” Weise said.
The Moore brothers also shared a love of the game. C.L., who is three years older than E.L, enjoyed directing the Yoakum Tournament for the first 20 years.
“I’m proud that our tournament was known as one of the best in Texas,” C.L. said. He said the local leather companies and sponsors in Yoakum provided billfolds along with other leather gear.
“The word of mouth got out, and we had a waiting list of teams wanting to come.”
C.L., now 73, played his last game at the age of 66. Roger calls the Moore brothers his “brothers he never had” and credited C.L. with helping him develop as a pitcher.
As the sport declined for young men, it gained participation with young women. Roger was recruited by Janie Hill to help her daughters’ Babe Ruth team get started.
Half of this year’s inductees in the Fastpitch Hall of Honor were from Yoakum’s team: (L to R) C.L. Moore, Joe Machalec, Roger Weise, Albert Arredondo, John Choppa, and Bruce Terry Jr.. Contributed photo
“When we moved here there wasn’t a girls team like they were used to,” Hill said. She said she heard about Roger and approached him to help start a local team.
Roger and Janie coached the team together for many years. He also helped the Cuero High School softball team get up to speed.
Roger and Arleen love recalling all the times they spent traveling to games with their girls in the backseat and all the close friends they’ve made over the years.
Arleen said these days when they go to watch a game and they have a choice between baseball or fastpitch - it’s still fastpitch for them.
“The younger ones (men) are missing out on a great sport,” E. L. said.
The heyday of men’s fastpitch may be over, but who knows? Perhaps a friendly dare of young athletes will spark a new version of league play - for the love of the game.
The Weise’s grandson lives in Japan and sent them T-shirts with writing that means grandfather and grandmother.
Message from the Mayor of Yorktown
Good day Yorktown,
down to write this for the winter edition of Down Home South Texas for the YorkNews-View I can honestly only visualize winter. Currently it is 87 degrees in Yorkand it is November! I am hopeful though that cooler weather is around the corner.
are happy to announce upcoming events over the next several months. The Yorktown Chamber of Commerce Fall Festival will be November 24th from 2.30 pm to 5:30 pm with a movie to follow in the city park. Christmas Downtown is scheduled for December 5th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and Rockin K Market Days will be December 7th in the City Park. These are all family friendly events designed to benefit our citizens and business community alike.
Also mark your calendars for late February and early March 2025 (exact date to be determined) for our first ever Mardi Gras celebration. Another family friendly event we feel will be great fun for everyone.
Please as a community member make an effort to support our Yorktown academic, athletic and band events at all grade levels. We are fortunate to have a tremendous group of students and I know they appreciate your support.
I also encourage you to shop local and support all your local business establishments. You support is appreciated and needed to help make our small community successful.
There are many benefits to living in a small community and in all honesty some drawThat said there is no doubt in Yorktown the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. I hope you feel the same and I hope you enjoy each and every day here as much as I do.
Bill B. Baker, Mayor, City of Yorktown
‘Not enough room at the inn’
CAMAL House growing pains prompt transformation
Sally Rodgers-Spencer | Contributing writer
Solomon, writing in Proverbs 14:31, says “Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.” A proverb that could be the standard for the Cuero community food bank.
Started in 1987 as a ministry of the Methodist and Presbyterian churches, the Cuero Area Ministerial Alliance has been serving those in need with food and other essentials as available or needed. In 2001, C.A.M.A.L was serving a little over 200 households each month. That number has doubled to around 400 households today, according to executive director, Emily Halbert.
As the population of Cuero has grown and the necessity to reach more of those in need, the local food pantry is in the position of need themselves.
“We have outgrown our 2,000 square foot building,” Halbert said. “We are blessed with a donation from Dorothy
(Dee) Sager of a vacant lot just down from our current location.” It is the hope of the board of directors for the food bank to build a 5,000 square foot facility to meet the growing needs as well as streamline the operation.
Along with more pantry room storage, there will be more cold storage, a conference room and a smaller meeting room. “We will have much more storage space,” Halbert said. “And with more storage, we can have more at the facility without having to get as often food from Victoria.”
The first location for the food bank was in a house owned by the Methodist Church at 209 E. Morgan Ave. When the food bank received approval of their application by the Victoria Food Bank, they began to acquire more food at a cheaper cost. By 2002, the new non-profit was in need of a larger space. So, on April 4, 2002, the current home of C.A.M.A.L. House opened at 118 W. Main.
Since being there, a walk-in freezer has been added. Fol-
Service to the community is a lesson taught at St. Michael’s School. Pictured are some of the elementary students delivering breakfast cereals for the food bank. Many of the households served have school-aged and younger children in the home. Contributed photos
It’s all hands-on deck when the food deliveries are made to the C.A.M.A.L. House food bank. With the planned new and larger facility for the food bank, more food and necessities will be able to be stored. Around 12,000 pounds of food can fit in one truck at a cost of around 19 cents per pound with 1.5 trucks each month.
Clients who are elderly and/or homebound receive their groceries through delivery. This much needed service is one of the many ways the local food bank serves the community. If you would like to help deliver to Cuero seniors or those who are homebound, please call C.A.M.A.L. House at 275-5022
It just isn’t food that is provided by C.A.M.A.L. House. Pictured are members of the Miss Cuero Court who helped pass out fans to clients who were without air conditioning during the hot summer. Join CAMAL House Food Pantry on Facebook to stay in touch and find out how you can help with stocking, deliveries, the monthly distribution and other ways to provide for the community.
lowing COVID, the food pantry has been a drive-up service and will continue that way at the new building.
“We will have a covered area for grocery distribution at the new building,” Halbert said.
The architectural firm of RMA Architects and Interior Designers in Victoria will be drawing up the plans for the new building. “Through capital campaigns we will seek to raise the funds for this venture,” Halbert said.
This year’s offering at the annual Community Thanksgiving Service is earmarked for the new CAMAL House facility. In 2025, a Harvesting Hope capital campaign will launch to fund a new home for CAMAL House. The dream is to foster resilience in DeWitt County and honor God by serving those in need.
To keep providing food and other necessities as needed to the community, it takes a host of regular volunteers, youth organizations, church groups and others to keep the operation running. The current board includes:
President: Rev. Paul Muehlbrad, St. Mark’s Lutheran
Vice President: Rev. John Boor, St. John’ Evangelical Lutheran
Execute director: Emily Halbert
Assistant Director: Jennifer Koudelka
Secretary: Maria Martinzez
Treasurer: Karla Klaevemann
And representing each of the churches involved in the ministerial alliance are:
Debbie Hess and Lucille Cochran, St. Mark’s; Fr. Jacob Mendoza and Rita Clar, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic church; Janis Ford and Marge Kacir, First Baptist Church; Rev. Kevin Boyd, First Presbyterian Church; Rev. Aloysius Peter Thaddeus, Jr., Grace Episcopal Church; Rev. R.L. Love and Marvin Neitch, Cuero Assembly of God; Rev. Lindsey Smith, Sue Halbert, and Donna Cox, First United Methodist Church.
If you are interested in helping through volunteering or by donating food or items, you may contact the pantry at 361-275-5022.
Message from the Mayor of Cuero
Hello All,
It’s just days until the end of 2024 and the start of 2025. What a year 2024 has been! For the Cuero City Council: a new mayor and two new council members. Ruby Begonia won both heats of the Great Gobbler Gallup and returned the bragging rights as the “Turkey Capitol of the World” back to Cuero for another year. The first Community Pancake Breakfast on parade morning was a huge success and the first meeting of the Mayor’s Youth Council was convened.
As I have mentioned in previous messages there are events going on in Cuero every week, and weekend. Please go to the Chamber of Commerce, Mainstreet, City of Cuero websites to name a few.
On Veterans Day I attended the dedication of a 60 ft flagpole and a 12 ft by 18 ft American flag at the Energy Waste site on US Hwy 183 toward Goliad. You will be able to see the flag from a good distance,
thanks to Kenny Schumaker for another reminder on how great the United States is. I also attended the Veterans Day ceremony in Yorktown. The guest speaker presented one of the best history lessons on the sacrifices of the US military that I have seen in a while. If you know a veteran, please take a moment to shake a hand, say thank you to him/ her and their families, as the families serve as well. Cuero has most certainly contributed its fair share of veterans over the years.
Christmas events are around the corner. Cuero’s Christmas downtown is slated for Friday and Saturday, December 13 and 14. Please come out and support the downtown businesses.
Christmas in the Park debuts on Monday, November 25. Nightly hours will be from 6-10 p.m., and this year will be the first time holiday music will be piped throughout the entire route by the newly installed public address system.
2024 also experienced national political anxiety for millions of Americans. Although the United States comprises a large number of city megaplexes, we must not lose sight of the rural communities, who provide the food, manufacture the goods and represent the best this nation has to offer. I am proud to call myself a Cueroite. Being born and raised here, and raising my children in our beloved community gives me a sense of pride every day! May the Good Lord continue to protect and provide many blessings to Cuero and its Sons and Daughters! More to follow.
Emil Garza, Mayor, City of Cuero
FINANCE
HEALTH INSURANCE MARKETPLACE - OPEN ENROLLMENT
Health insurance is important. No one plans to get sick or hurt, but most people need medical care at some point. Health insurance covers these costs and offers many other important benefits. Health insurance covers essential health benefits and protects from unexpected high medical costs
If you don’t have health insurance through a job, Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), or another source that provides qualifying health coverage, you can find coverage through the Marketplace. If you enroll by December 15th your coverage will start on January 1st. If you enroll by January 15th, coverage will start on February 1st.
Many people qualify for savings. You may qualify for assistance based on your anticipated income for the coming year.
The assistance can include lower costs for Marketplace plan, like the premium tax credit that lowers your monthly plan premium, and for extra savings on your out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
When applying for Marketplace health coverage, you will also find if you qualify for Medicaid or CHIP.
You can save money on health insurance by applying through the Marketplace. You will get an exact price upon completing your application at the Marketplace. Many people and families will qualify for help. A Texas family of 4 can make over $ 150,000 and still receive savings on the plans.
All Marketplace plans cover 10 essential health benefits plus other benefits.
Ambulatory patient services - this is outpatient care you get without being admitted to the hospital.
• Emergency Services
• Hospitalization – Surgery and overnight stays.
• Pregnancy, maternity, and newborn care, both before and after birth.
• Mental health and substance use disorder services
• Prescription Drugs
• Rehabilitative services. These would be services and devices to help people with injuries, disabilities, or chronic conditions, working to gain or recover mental and physical skills.
• Laboratory services.
• Preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management.
• You get free preventive care, like vaccines, screenings, and some check-ups, even before you meet your deductible.
• Pediatric services, including oral and vision care. Note: Adult dental and vision coverage are not essential health benefits.
• Plans must also provide birth control coverage.
You can apply for coverage in several ways. Pick the way that works best for you.
• Online at Healthcare.gov (be careful to use the .gov (.com and .org are online insurance brokers)
• By Phone by calling Healthcare.gov. at 1-800-318-2596
• With help by someone in your community, usually described as Navigators
• Through an agent / broker
• Through a certified enrollment partner website
• With a paper application
The criteria for qualifying for assistance for premium and enhanced coverage has expanded tremendously over the last few years. If you do not have health insurance or found that you did not qualify in the past, I strongly recommend you check the Marketplace to see what is available.
Richard N. Carbonara, Jr., CIC President, RNC Insurance
Valentine extra! Red Velvet Doberge Cake Janie Hill
My younger daughter, Ryan, loves Red Velvet Cake, so I have tried to find a recipe which is tasty and moist as some red velvet cake recipes can be dry. This recipe is the “cake” part of a very involved recipe called “Red Velvet Doberge Cake,” which was created by Vallery Lomas and printed in the December, 2024 edition of Southern Living. In my humble opinion, it’s the best I’ve had. It’s delicious! I would like to suggest you bake the cake and make your favorite version of cream cheese icing to use in between the layers and in frosting the cake.
ACTIVE TIME:
1 hr 30 mins
ADDITIONAL TIME: 12 hrs
TOTAL TIME: 4 hrs 35 mins
SERVINGS: 16 slices
INGREDIENTS - CAKE LAYERS:
Baking spray
3 1/3 cups bleached cake flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
2 cups canola oil
2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs plus 1 large egg yolk, at room temperature
1 Tbsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. red liquid food coloring or 1/2 tsp. red food coloring gel
1 1/3 cups whole buttermilk
2 tsp. white vinegar
Contributing Writer
DIRECTIONS:
1. Prepare the Cake Layers: Preheat oven to 350°F with rack in center position. Coat 3 (8-inch) round cake pans with baking spray (or coat with a thin layer of softened butter, and dust with flour).
2. Sift cake flour and cocoa into a large bowl; whisk in salt, and set aside.
3. Beat oil and sugar in a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment on medium-high speed until combined, about 20 seconds. Reduce mixer speed to medium, and add eggs and egg yolk, 1 at a time, beating until each is incorporated before adding the next, 1 minute total. Add vanilla and red food coloring; beat until combined.
4. Reduce mixer speed to low, and gradually add flour mixture to egg mixture in 3 additions, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Use a spatula to scrape down sides and bottom of bowl as needed. (Batter will be very loose.)
5. Combine vinegar and baking soda in a bowl (it will fizz). Pour into batter; beat on medium speed until just combined, about 10 seconds. Stop mixer; use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl and thoroughly combine the batter. Pour batter evenly into prepared pans (about 2 cups per pan).
6. Bake in preheated oven until a wooden pick inserted into cencomes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool in pans minutes. Invert onto wire racks; cool completely, 1 cakes may be wrapped in plastic wrap and temperature up to 2 days).
Red Velvet Doberge Cake – by Vallery Lomas – Published November 18, 2022
