Texas Hill Country Culture May 2019

MAY 2019

FIND PERFECT GIFTS FOR MAY EVENTS

ONE WOMAN’S JOURNEY ACROSS THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL

KERRVILLE CELEBRATES ART IN UPCOMING FESTIVAL

May 2019 - Volume 4 - Issue 5

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Carlina Villalpando Publisher

Parastoo Nikravesh Magazine Editor

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Jeanette Eastwood Nash Assistant Managing Editor

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Writers Ariel Lutnesky Jenna Carpenter

Photographers Tom Holden

John Doran Advertising Director

Account Executives Brandon Baldwin Jeff Herring Luly Miller Claudia Richards

Composing Johanna Rangel

For story ideas: parastoo.nikravesh@txhcculture.com

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The Kerrville Daily Times 429 Jefferson St., Kerrville, Texas 78028 www.dailytimes.com | Phone: 830-896-7000 | Fax: 830-896-1150

Copyright: Hill Country Culture is published by The Kerrville Daily Times under Southern Newspapers Inc. No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part by any means, including electronic retrieval systems, without written permission of the publisher. Editorial content does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher of this magazine. Editorial and advertising does not constitute advice but is considered informative.

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EDITOR’S LETTER

Strong Female Role Models

I

’ve had the wonderfully fortunate experience to be surrounded by strong, curious, kind and forgiving women in my lifetime. I have continued to be lucky when I moved here to be surrounded by talented and generous women at The Kerrville Daily Times and in the Hill Country. Thank you for welcoming me to the community and being my friends!

The women in my life have been role models, mentors, guardians and friends so close I can call them my sisters.

I would not be here working on this magazine without the female role models I grew up idolizing.

I dreamed of being a journalist like Christiane Amanpour and Diane Sawyer, and a writer like Margaret Atwood or Sylvia Plath. My role models were politicians, activists, actresses and leaders.

Fortunately for the young women and men of the Hill Country, strong, female role models aren’t just in history or on TV but working and living in their communities.

I’ve had the greatest time meeting women in the Hill Country who are mentors, mothers, helpers, fighters and adventurers. For example, you can read about Lorraine LeMon, who works

in the community at her nonprofit, Art2Heart, to teach children how to use art to find themselves and make good choices, on page 8. Perhaps read about Lorrie Hess’ journey hiking the Appalachian trail for 199 days in 2018 and how she stayed motivated along the way on page 32. You can also find out about Jennifer Hyde, a home builder who uses her personal expertise to bring dream homes to those seeking to live in the Hill Country on page 40.

Those stories and much more exciting content can be found in this issue celebrating women in the Hill Country.

I would also like to take a moment to thank everyone who has reached out to The Kerrville Daily Times to let us know what they thought of the April issue of the magazine. The kind words and support kept me motivated and inspired to work harder on the May issue for our wonderful audience. If you’re interested in keeping up with the magazine online, check out our new Instagram page @ txhillcountry_culture and Facebook at Texas Hill Country Culture.

Happy reading!

-Parastoo Nikravesh

On the Cover Photos by Parastoo Nikravesh Cover Model: Alyx Irene Gonzales Accessories courtesy of Kerrville Ranch and Pet at 1900 Junction Hwy, Kerrville

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Contents 28

Departments

Features 20

HELP FOR HILL COUNTRY MOMS Midwife guides mothers through pregnancy and childbirth

25

SWING YOUR CARES AWAY Aerial yoga at humblingBloom takes relaxation to new heights

28

HIKING THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL Fredericksburg resident takes 199-day hike through national trail

31

WANDER’N CALF FINDS HER SPOT Mother opens coffee shop to give daughter working opportunity

34

A COMMON AND IGNORED ILLNESS Writer opens up about personal struggles with endometriosis

37

KERRVILLE FESTIVAL OF ARTS Art festival returns to downtown and shines on local talent

Your Home 40

4

HILL COUNTRY HOME BUILDER Kerrville home building company brings Hill Country homes to life

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I MAY 2019

25

40

8

GET TO KNOW Lorraine LeMon

10 WELLNESS

Lavender health 16

COVER LOOK Find out how to get the cover style

18

GIFT GUIDE Find your gal the best gift

10

48

GOOD TASTE Monroe’s East End Grill

50 UNCORKED Zero815 53

OUT & ABOUT Photos from the Bread for Life event

55 EVENTS

April Calendar

Contributors Nancy Foster “It is an honor to write about the people and businesses in The Hill Country,” Nancy Foster, who has contributed to Texas Hill Country Culture since its beginning, said.

“I love to interview and share the stories of the region’s talented people, fascinating places to visit and unique businesses. Success is measured when readers tell us they’ve found another place to visit and enjoy.”

Nancy and her husband, Raymond, have lived in Kerrville for 9 years. She heads Foster Tourism Marketing, a company that services clients in four states. She also is a writer for a national inflight magazine.

John and Carol Aceti After encouragement from Dick Holmberg, owner of Singing Water Vineyards, John wrote “Wineries of the Texas Hill Country Plus One Fine Brewery” in December 2016. After visiting 30 wineries in the Hill Country, he is convinced that the area has plenty to offer wine connoisseurs and casual wine enthusiasts.

Sandra Lane Sandra Lane is a fourth-generation Texan who has written for newspapers, trade journals and corporate communications.

She has written extensively about real estate and mortgage banking as well as high-tech industries. She has a B.S. degree in Journalism from the University of North Texas. A native of the Dallas / Fort Worth area, she moved to Kerrville in 2013.

Michelle Iracheta Michelle Iracheta is a Houston-based reporter who works at the Houston Chronicle. She is the director of communications and public relations for The Endometriosis Foundation of Houston, a nonprofit (pending) dedicated to endometriosis awareness. She and her fiancé love to travel and together have three dogs, including a 4-month old puppy named Kooper.

Alyssa Faykus Alyssa Faykus is a senior at Stephen F. Austin State University majoring in mass communications. She is a published playwright with Samuel French Publishing Company and works for SFA’s student newspaper, The Pine Log, as social media editor. In her spare time, Alyssa likes to write for her blog, The Daily Alyssa, and take photos for her photography business, Flora and Faykus Photography.

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Lorraine LeMon The gift of speaking that led to Art2Heart Photo and Story by Parastoo Nikravesh

1. Lorraine LeMon started as a motivational speaker visiting

around 20 to 30 schools a year to teach kids how art, music and theater can guide them to make better choices. She decided to make a permanent organization for her teaching and began Art2Heart in 2003 in Kerrville. Starting the nonprofit has given her the chance to watch the kids grow and sometimes return to volunteer for Art2Heart as adults.

2. Her nonprofit, Art2Heart, has three different programs: Art After Dark, Leadership Academy and Summer Arts Camp.

Art2Heart is in the Kerr Arts and Cultural Center.

3. LeMon is a self-proclaimed queen of acronyms and one her main acronyms for Art2Heart and motivational speaking is CRAVE: Commitment, Responsibility, Accountability, Vision and living by Example.

4. LeMon grew up in inner city Detroit, Michigan, and

moved to Texas in 1995 and to the Kerrville area in 1999.

5. LeMon’s passion for entertainment started young as she grew up in her grandpa’s juke joint singing and dancing for guests as a little girl. She says that is when she knew entertaining others was her gift to give back to the world.

6. LeMon and her husband love to travel. She has visited

around 17 countries including Mozambique, South Africa, Barbados, Costa Rica and many more.

7. Always pushing her kids in Art2Heart to achieve their

dreams and continue their schooling, Lorraine herself was motivated by the kids to finish her bachelor’s degree. She now has a master’s and is looking to get her PhD in reading and literacy.

8. LeMon says understanding how someone wants to learn is a vital first step in getting them to truly comprehend what they’re learning.

9. Not only does LeMon work with Art2Heart, but she also started her own musical group, Lady LeMon’s

Boyeez, to give young musicians a chance to perform on the platform she has worked hard to create here.

10. Blues and soul are her favorite genres of music. She hasn’t learned any instruments yet, but she has her eyes on the harmonica.

11. LeMon has five kids and 15 grandchildren.

12. Although she has a deep passion for singing and dancing, LeMon feels that speaking is her greatest gift.

Her motivational speaking took her to schools, but she also has served as a motivational speaking for other groups covering topics such as reaching goals.

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GET TO KNOW

13. LeMon is currently working on writing two books including one she plants to title “Juke Joint Girl” which is inspired by her own childhood.

14. After any show, LeMon and her husband always go to the

beach. No matter what time of day. They pack the car and head

to the ocean to rejuvenate. Popular beach destinations for them are Rockport and North Padre Island.

15. LeMon began a short show called 60 Seconds Can Change

Your Life at a local radio station. She is planning on taking some of the shows and creating new ones to start her podcast, Living Life by Design.

“ I teach the kids you’re born now because every human being comes to the planet specifically designed for his or her time and they come packaged with something — a gift. Whether they ever sing on Broadway or dance it doesn’t matter, Art2Heart teaches them to unpack that gift ... and in the process find out who they are.

”

– LORRAINE LEMON 9

WELLNESS

Loving Lavender THE HEALING MAGIC OF LAVENDER Story by Alyssa Faykus

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Lavender & Becker Vineyards Tucked away in the scenic Hill Country lies a lavender farm within a winery. Becker Vineyards is a winery located near Stonewall at 464 Becker Farms road in Fredericksburg, known best for its exclusive wine experience and “old world” feel. Many visitors are pleasantly surprised by the Becker Lavender Farm that contains over 500 plants of Spanish lavender.

Nichole Bendele, public relations and winery tasting room coordinator, has been with Becker Vineyards since May 1996, and has watched the lavender farm bloom into what it is today.

“The owners, [Dr.] Richard and Bunny Becker, they were traveling through France and in between visiting the different wineries and vineyards, they noticed some lavender growing and they thought it was really beautiful and they thought the climate was similar and decided to incorporate it here,” Bendele said. “In 1998 is when they started the lavender part, and that’s when they started the first Lavender Festival as well.”

Lavender Festival & Shop This year, Becker Vineyards will host the 21st annual Lavender Festival on May 4 and 5. Guests can sip and swirl wine while listening to live music and visit over 30 vendors and walk through the lavender fields.

“Our lavender tends to bloom mid-to-late April and usually finished blooming mid-to-late May,” Bendele said. “We invite different vendors to sell their different products with the theme of lavender and gardening. We also have lavender cooking demonstrations featuring lavender. And then we also have lavender luncheons featuring lavender in each course, which is fun.”

Guests visiting the lavender farm any time of year can always find unique lavender gifts.

“We have lotions and shower gels and salt scrubs,” Bendele said. “We have culinary if you want to cook with it. We’ve got candles and lip balms, all kinds of different things. We’ve also got essential oils and things like that too.”

Almost all of the lavender products for purchase at Becker Vineyards are locally made and incorporate the locally-grown lavender.

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WELLNESS

Wellness and Healing of Lavender Lavender has many uses and is known for its calming and healing properties.

If you are experiencing anxiety or bouts of nervousness, lavender’s sweet, floral aroma can calm your nerves. You can diffuse lavender in an oil diffuser in your home or apply a few drops of lavender oil to the bottom of your feet and in the nape of your neck. For people experiencing insomnia, putting a few drops of lavender essential oil in a warm bath can help soothe you before going to sleep. Some with insomnia also like to use the lavender linen spray from Becker Vineyards on their pillow before they go to sleep.

“ Lavender is also seen as a sign of hospitality and good luck.”

– TUMALO LAVENDER

According to youngliving.com, lavender is also good for cuts and burns and can be soothing for sunburn. Lavender’s antiseptic properties are helpful in reducing the appearance of blemishes and supporting aging skin. If you have sensitive skin, it is suggested to dilute lavender oil with a carrier oil, such as almond or vegetable oil.

Lavender has a 2,500 year history, according to Tumalo Lavender. The Egyptians used lavender for mummification and perfume. The Romans used lavender for cooking and bathing. During WWII, the British weren’t able to get any supplies in when they were being blockaded in. They had asked the people to go into their gardens and grab lavender to wrap within the bandages.

Lavender can also repel unwanted insects, such as mosquitoes, scorpions and moths. The Spanish plant lavender in front of their homes repel these pests. Lavender is also seen as a sign of hospitality and good luck. Today, lavender is mostly grown in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, North and South America and cultivated for its oil and culinary uses.

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TEXAS HILL COUNTRY CULTURE

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COVER LOOK

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MEET THE MODEL Alyx Irene Gonzales is an actress from San Antonio, Texas. She graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Trinity University. Alyx then moved to Ireland for three years where she attended the Gaiety School of Acting and went on to receive her Master of Arts in Theatre Practice from University College Dublin. Alyx has since returned to San Antonio where she will be seen in The Little Foxes at The Classic Theatre running May 3-26 followed by Sink, Florida, Sink at The Public Theatre of San Antonio running from June 13-30. Alyx’s fashion sense shifts towards a simpler, chic style. She prefers staple pieces and a pop of color often in the form of a bright shoe or accessory. Follow Alyx on social media @alyxirene.

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May Gift Guide These selections are perfect gifts for the ladies in your life.

Mother’s Day, graduation or even a May birthday won’t be complete without the perfect gift.

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3

9

2

4

1 8

5

6 7 16 18

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GIFT GUIDE

20 11 15 12

17 13

18

19

14 1) Shirt and velvet cover - Kerrville Ranch and Pet 2) Real rose, gold plated - Baublit’s, Kerrville 3) Traeger Grilling sauces - Hill Country Propane, Fredericksburg 4) Red wallet - Kerrville Ranch and Pet 5) Garnet earrings - Baublit’s, Kerrville 6) John Henry’s grilling rub - Hill Country Propane, Fredericksburg 7) Plates - Kerrville Ranch and Pet 8) Cultured pearl necklace - Baublit’s, Kerrville 9) Slate and Tell Sentiment rings - Segners, Fredericksburg 10) Turquoise, gold and diamond earrings - Segners, Fredericksburg 11) Diamond and blue topaz necklace - Segners, Fredericksburg 12) Swig stainless steel insulated tumbler - Kerrville Ranch and Pet 13) Lapis, diamond and yellow gold ring - Segners, Fredericksburg 14) Fredericksburg custom made charms - Segners, Fredericksburg 15) David Yurman 18K gold diamond and carved onyx cable bracelet - Gold Cup, Kerrville 16) David Yurman topaz and citrine earrings - Gold Cup, Kerrville 17) Purse - Kerrville Ranch and Pet 18) Intuitions gold sentiment bracelets Segners, Fredericksburg 19) Novelty towels - Kerrville Ranch and Pet 20) Embroidered blouse - Kerrville Ranch and Pet

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Helping Families Grow MIDWIFE GUIDES MOTHERS

Story by Nancy Foster | Photos by Parastoo Nikravesh

T

here are hundreds of elementary-school-age children in the Hill Country who wouldn’t recognize Niessa Meier if they saw her, nor would they realize she played an important part in their lives.

But Niessa was with them at the very beginning, watching them take their first breaths and caring for their mothers during critical time. As those babies said hello to the world, Niessa was there helping their mothers through the joys and anxieties of childbirth.

Niessa Meier is a certified nurse midwife, and she’s helped more than 800 children across the Hill Country enter the world.

“When I walk into HEB and recognize a former patient holding a child by the hand, it gives me joy to think I had a part in making that family,” Niessa said.

“It is exciting for me to see these families grow and flourish.”

A mother of three teens, Niessa is passionate not just about the birthing process, but about building relationships with women.

“Birthing is a formative time of a woman’s life, and we want this to be a positive experience for the mother and family,” Niessa said. “Rather than shaping how she remembers the birth, I like to focus on empowering women.”

A guide through birth and beyond Niessa has been working in women’s health care for 20 years, the last 16 of which have been at Peterson Women’s Associates, a division of Peterson Health.

A stint as a labor and delivery nurse for high-risk pregnancies at a San Antonio hospital ultimately led her to Kerrville. During that she earned her master’s degree and passed national certification to be a midwife.

She was a perfect match for what doctors at the newly-opened Peterson Regional Medical Center were seeking for their birthing center, and a job offer quickly ensued. She began her journey as a midwife in 2009.

“Midwives have been around forever,” Niessa said. “But during the 1960s/1970s there was a rise in interest, and by the 1990s it became a common option.”

Now many hospitals employ midwives, and the number of those who work primarily in homes is very small in comparison.

Statistics from the American College of Nurse-Midwives indicate more than 94 percent of certified nurse midwives work in hospitals, while 3 percent are in freestanding birth centers and fewer than 3 percent are in homes.

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Certified nurse midwife, Niessa Meier measures belly of expectant mother.

21

“It is such a blessing to care for a young mom and watch over the years as she grows into a strong, confident woman and mother.”

– NIESSA MEIER

Caring for the whole woman Niessa said midwives provide a variety of services beyond birthing.

They counsel on issues related to birth control, neonatal care, exercise instruction, nutrition and more.

“We stay with our patients through the years with any problems or issues they have before, during or after their pregnancy,” Niessa said. “We are here as a resource for guidance on birth control, paps, mammogram orders, cholesterol screening, menopausal care, hormone replacement and STI testing. We do most of what your Ob/ Gyn does except surgery.”

The crew at Peterson Women’s Associates consists of five midwives, three obstetrician-gynecologists and one nurse practitioner. The facility offers four on-site birthing facilities and patients may choose to labor in a warm tub with essential oils and soft music or opt for an epidural while taking a nap. In-home midwifery services are not offered by the practice.

“We are not here to decide how a woman should labor, only to help her achieve the best birth for her,” Niessa said.

She added it is rare for other obstetricians-gyncologists in town to attend births, but that’s not the case at their practice. The team is there every step of the way, and they embrace

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every joy and challenge.

“This is a rite of passage for women,” said Kristen Johle, Ob/Gyn Practice Manager who works with Niessa. “Some come in vulnerable and scared and our goal is to have them leave with confidence and strength.”

While every midwife hopes for an easy birth and perfect baby, the fact is nationally, approximately one in four pregnancies ends in a miscarriage.

Counseling helps the patient to manage their grief, but the midwives themselves endure their own personal heartache at each loss.

“While there is joy, there are times of hardship and sorrow when all outcomes are not good,” Neissa said.

“During such challenging times, our team bonds together to provide each other with emotional support, advice and strength.”

Despite the challenges, Niessa said she can’t imagine doing anything else.

“My greatest joy is the deep, longlasting relationships with women,” Niessa says. “It is such a blessing to care for a young mom and watch over the years as she grows into a strong, confident woman and mother.”

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away Aerial yoga offered at humblingBloom Story by Sandra Lane Photos by Parastoo Nikravesh

Stephanie Stewart, creator of humblingBloom and aerial yoga instructor, poses in pigeon position.

F

eeling stressed out? Can’t seem to relax? Then perhaps you need to experience the peace and tranquility of aerial yoga at the humblingBloom Studios in Kerrville. Many people have discovered the regenerative powers of practicing aerial yoga as taught by Kerrville native Stephanie Stewart.

“This gives people a chance who think that regular yoga is boring or is too difficult,” Stewart said. “It’s not difficult, and it’s actually a lot of fun. Some say it’s like being a kid on a swingset.”

Aerial yoga is a type of yoga combining traditional yoga poses with the use of a hammock or aerial silk, usually made from nylon tricot fabric or polyester.

Think of a much simpler Cirque Du Soleil.

There are similarities and differences to floor yoga, mainly that the aerial yoga poses are done in a hammock and are adapted to that station. It’s not necessary to practice floor yoga prior to participating in aerial yoga, according to Stewart.

“As students relax and trust that the hammock is there for them, you can see the transformation in their minds,” Stewart said. “Towards the end of the first or second class, you can see the confidence they have developed.”

In addition to being relaxing, the benefits derived from aerial yoga are significant. The practice relieves compression on the spine and offers relief from chronic neck and back pain. Aerial yoga also builds flexibility, core and upper body strength, and improves mental focus and concentration.

An alternative form of aerial yoga created by Stewart is what she calls Hammock Yoga Nidra.

“This is a meditative yoga,” Stewart said. “You don’t work out your body; you work out your mind.”

She offers a 30-minute meditation while students are relaxing

in their hammocks.

“I give them a cool moist towel with essential oils,” Stewart said. “With the lights out, there is only candlelight and soothing music. I guide students through a peaceful experience.”

She said this practice has been helpful to people suffering from PTSD, anxieties, or stress.

“Lying in a hammock is like floating in a cocoon-like environment,” Stewart said.

Stewart is joined by other associates in the studio who teach their own forms of health practices. She said that Alex Leemaster offers yoga for pregnant women. “This is helpful in childbirth,

POSE LIKE A PRO According to Stewart, Aerial yoga is still a new practice that doesn’t have universally accepted names for each pose. Most studios have some variation in the names, but these poses are similar to the Boerne studio Stephanie Stewart learned from.

1) Standard inversion or butterfly: Opens up hips and decompresses spine.

2) Viking Pose: opens up peck area and arms.

3) Opening Heart: Stretches quadriceps and opens chest.

4) Standard balancing pose: finds balance on silk and gives time to find breath and be present while using core and lower body.

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TEXAS HILL COUNTRY CULTURE

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ensuring that women have the strength and flexibility to relax and concentrate on breath during delivery,” Stewart said. “Understanding how to find peace or Zen during delivery, but also having strength helps when it comes time for childbirth.”

Stewart believes that aerial yoga and the other practices taught at humblingBloom can help students relax, enjoy life more, and maintain a healthy body. humblingBloom Studios are at 2500 Memorial Blvd., Suite B, Kerrville.

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Woman brings dream to life

HILL COUNTRY LOCAL HIKES APPALACHIAN TRAIL Story by Parastoo Nikravesh | Courtesy Photos

L

orrie Hess woke up one morning after a night of heavy rain to step outside and see the sunrise illuminate the lake near her campsite. Bushes full of ripe blueberries, cattails and lily pads surrounded the water. She sat along the shore to cook breakfast and thought to herself, “This is how I live now.” She had food, her shelter had worked and the birds were singing.

These were the moments Hess dreamed of before hiking the approximately 2,190 miles of the Appalachian Trail, and she turned that dream into a reality.

Hess set out March 21, 2018 in Georgia to hike north to complete the entire length of the trail carrying everything she needed in a 39- pound pack.

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She finished 199 days later on Oct. 25.

Hess decided she wanted to do the trail several years ago. She felt challenged by its length and by the 25 percent dropout rate of hikers. After planning and some practice, it seemed like Hess wouldn’t be able to find someone to hike the trail with her.

Hess’ husband suggested going sooner rather

than later. Once she set the date a partner fell into place and she started the trip.

“There are lots of ways to be successful and you can prepare and be the strongest person on the trail and you could still quit or succeed,” Hess said.

“You could be someone who never put on their backpack until the day before they went and you could succeed. You could be overweight, you could be someone who is super fit or older.”

Hess is the 400th woman older than 50 to complete the trail in one season since 1936.

“People said, ‘Oh you’re not twenty something, it’s going to be harder for you.’ And it was harder for

me,” Hess said. “It didn’t matter — I still made it.

With a 75 percent dropout rate I consider that pretty darn good.”

Although her original partner eventually hiked faster and moved on without her, the camaraderie of the trail provided Hess with hiking partners throughout the journey.

“People worried about me going on the trail because they think it’s dangerous because of other humans, but it isn’t,” Hess said.

Hess explained the distance from populated areas made it unlikely hikers would be bothered by people with malicious intent. Wild animals, nature and

29

FAST FACTS

TRAIL BY NUMBERS

2,190

Miles of Appalachian Trail

14

Number of states trail passes through

5-7

Average number of months it takes to thru hike

2

Trailheads of Appalachian trail.

Mount Katahdin, Maine is the northern trail head of the AT and Springer Mountain, Georgia is the southern trailhead.

Emma Gatewood, known as Grandma Gatewood, was the first woman to hike the entire 2,050 miles of the Appalachian Trail in one season by herself in 1955 at the age of 67.

30

TEXAS HILL COUNTRY CULTURE

I MAY 2019

Lorrie Hess stands at the northern peak of the Appalachian Trail, Mount Katahdin in Maine, after completing the trail.

accidents were the major threat Female hikers are about 25 percent of the hikers who set out on the trails but, according to Hess, that figure has moved up from 10 or 20 years ago. Overall, more people hike the AT and trails like it due to the popularity of recent movies like, “Wild,” ultralight equipment and offline GPS or hiking apps.

“Surprisingly, I was treated the same as the male hikers,” Hess said. “At first I thought they think I’m not going to make it because I’m an older woman, but that was in my head. People didn’t treat me that way at all. Nobody cared about anything other than you were doing it, and they were going to help you succeed or expect that you knew what you were doing if you’d gone two or three weeks.”

The hiker etiquette on the trail is one of mutual support and respect.

As Hess explained, thru hikers, hikers who hike the entire length of the trail, take care of each other by offering help in whatever way they can. Whether Hess stayed that night camping on trail, made a call to a friend or friend of a friend to ask to stay at their home or at the hostels and shelters along the trail, people

were generous.

“I’d give people wanting to hike the trail the same advice I’d give someone for any goal they have,” Hess said. “Plan it, research it, figure what you need to do to get started and save enough money. If you’re not fully prepared, that’s okay, and if you haven’t talked to everyone that’s done it before, that’s okay. Then go and learn on the way.

“If someone wants to help you say, ‘yes,’ and if someone is giving you a cold beverage or offers to take you in and feed you, then let them.

People enjoy helping others succeed, and every person who helped me out made me feel like it was about the people and not the path. If I had said ‘no’ because I didn’t know them or felt it was an obligation, then I wouldn’t have met all these cool people and I wouldn’t have been the recipient of human kindness . They cared that I was trying to hike this trail and they helped with that goal, and it showed all the things we want in our world but don’t often see. Let people help you and let them share in your journey. It doesn’t take away from me, because I had to take every step, but it added to me because I met all these generous people.”

Wander’n Calf finds her spot DAUGHTER FINDS INDEPENDENCE IN COMFORT COFFEE SHOP

Story by Ariel Lutnesky | Photos by Parastoo Nikravesh 31

T

here are three things you notice when you walk through the door to get to the Wander’n Calf Espresso Bar and Bakery: the cozy, warm energy filling the room, the rich, enticing scent of coffee and, most notably, the display of crumbly, decadent baked goods, lit up like the clouds parted for Heaven to shine through.

As much as you might want to run up to that case of sweets and press your nose against the glass, it’s hard to keep from saying hello to the person behind the counter. She gives a welcoming smile while expertly pouring coffee for customers. Her name is Cheyenne “You walk into some specialty coffee said.

Riggott. shops and you feel overwhelmed, so we “What we found is that they always A few years ago, Cheyenne, like try to create a comfortable environment need a helper,” Wendy said. “One many high schoolers getting ready for the customer as much as possible in challenge is having to pay two people to graduate, was looking for the next getting to know them,” Wendy said. for one job. We’ve been very creative in step and a way to ways to create remain close to her a job that can We’re trying to make them as independent as possible in their family. That’s how pay and then she and her mom workplace, finding those gifts that they have, things that they can another person came up with their there with do independently and trying to hone those skills. It’s okay even if family coffee shop. them that’s we just help one. Even if it’s just for Cheyenne, that’s really what “There’s being paid to not a lot of do something our goal is. Our hope is to help more, but that will come in time. opportunities for else but can – WENDY RIGGOTT young adults with oversee.” developmental Wendy disabilities to have said every a work environment,” said Cheyenne’s Community is a huge element for the employee at the shop must have a mom, Wendy Riggott. “She really likes coffee shop and for the Riggott family. heart for working with people with to bake, and that’s something that we The shop provides a full-time working developmental disabilities. always do together.” opportunity for Cheyenne — and “Some of the challenges are that they The specialty coffee shop makes all another employee at the shop who has look at our kids and think, ‘Oh, they of their baked goods from scratch and developmental disabilities — that they look perfectly normal,’ and they’ll ask offers gluten- and dairy-free options. might otherwise struggle to find, Wendy them questions and Cheyenne may

“

”

32

TEXAS HILL COUNTRY CULTURE

I MAY 2019

From left, Wendy Riggott and her daughter Cheyenne prepare coffee.

have a hard time responding verbally,” Wendy said.

Cheyenne said she loves the opportunity to connect with both customers and those she works with, but her favorite part actually happens in the back.

“I like to help at the bakery,” Cheyenne said in sign language, which her mother translated. “I like to wash dishes.”

And she’s very good at it, Wendy added.

“That’s one thing that all the kids that we’ve had, interns or working here, say is their favorite part, and I don’t know why,” Wendy said. “Maybe it’s because you can see something start to finish, or it’s hands in the warm water.”

It’s important to the business to help young people with disabilities become independent, Wendy said. Originally, she wanted to help more young people with disabilities get a job, but realized

that that was a little bit unrealistic with where the business is now.

“We’re trying to make them as independent as possible in their workplace, finding those gifts that they have, things that they can do independently and trying to hone those skills,” Wendy said. “It’s okay even if we just help one. Even if it’s just for Cheyenne, that’s really what our goal is.

Our hope is to help more, but that will come in time.”

She never wanted to form a nonprofit because she felt like it would move away from helping Cheyenne, which would defeat the purpose of the business.

“Most people don’t know what our mission is, and we’re okay with that,” Wendy said. “We want them to come because it’s good quality and they love the product — oh, and by the way — they find out what our true mission is and why we’re doing what we’re doing.”

The shop is four years old and started

in Boerne. The Riggott family finances the business themselves. Originally, the shop was going to be a food truck, which is how they came up with the name.

“Then it kind of evolved,” Wendy said. “When you’re raising a child with special needs, you’re constantly advocating, looking, trying to find that place where they belong, and that’s through every stage of life. It’s like you’re wandering for that right place for them.”

And although they dumped the food truck idea, they kept the name because it was meaningful to them, Wendy said.

“The calf part just represents innocence and the fact that they always need somebody to help and guide them and lead them and advocate for them,” Wendy said. “It was just something fun.

And we like cows, too.”

Wander’n Calf Cafe has their main business in Comfort, at 523 8th St., inside of 8th Street Market.

33

Endometriosis THE INVISIBLE ILLNESS

Story by Michelle Iracheta | Courtesy Photos

A

I had experienced many of the symptoms associated with s the only sister in a home with four brothers, I was the disease for about 19 years, after having my first period. confused and embarrassed when I began my first My mother took me to the doctor then to figure out why I was menstrual cycle. experiencing so much pain on the left side of my pelvis.

It was heavy and it hurt – a lot.

The doctor found a large cyst on one of my ovaries and At 13 years old, I wasn’t as delicate in appearance as I suggested I use birth control to suppress the symptoms and would have liked, having inherited my grandmother’s stocky reduce the size of the cyst. The pain persisted and worsened build and none of her son’s – my father’s – slender features. until I was 28 years old, and a gynecologist suggested I might I looked curvier than most girls and in middle school, my have endometriosis. brothers would often tease me I was not familiar with about my “child-bearing hips.” the condition but agreed Ironically (and much to my to undergo a minimallychagrin), I’ve never been able invasive laparoscopic to conceive a child, despite ablation surgery where being a Latina from a family the doctor “burned” the of seven who’s always wanted endometriosis inside my her own baby. It was medically abdomen. The surgery only impossible without surgical made my problems worse. intervention or alternative In 2017, my pain solutions. intensified, sexual I, along with more than 176 intercourse nearly became million women worldwide, a nightmare and bowel have endometriosis, a chronic movements would cause disease that affects the entire me to keel over on the body. Endometriosis is a bathroom floor, crying. gynecological condition where Every day, I struggled tissue similar to the lining of to figure out ways to the uterus is found in other reduce my symptoms, parts of the body, including including the incessant the ovaries, intestines, lungs, nausea that often sent bowel, vagina and, in rare me dry heaving into the instances, the eyes and brain. nearest trash bin. To make Endometriosis can cause matters worse, on some debilitating pain, chronic days, I looked pregnant, a fatigue, heavy periods, painful symptom known to the intercourse and can lead to endometriosis community infertility – all symptoms I was I searched for doctor after doctor for as “endo belly.” experiencing.

The Endometriosis Often called an “invisible someone to listen to me. And I’m not alone.

Foundation of Houston illness,” the disease is about – MICHELLE IRACHETA spawned after a group as common as asthma and of women met at a affects more than 10 percent of documentary screening of Endo What? – a film about women in their reproductive years, but it’s poorly understood endometriosis. The ladies formed a Houston-area Facebook and under researched. Unfortunately, it has no cure. support group, laying the groundwork for the foundation.

Last year, five women and I founded the Endometriosis I discovered the group on Facebook one night, as I lie Foundation of Houston, an organization dedicated to awake in bed a few months after my second surgery, this time bringing awareness to the disease and improving the lives of with an endometriosis excision specialist — one of just a those in the region affected by it. The other founders, much handful in the state of Texas. Dr. Xiaoming Guan performed like myself, have endometriosis or related conditions, such as an excision surgery – the gold standard of endometriosis adenomyosis affecting the uterus.

“

34

TEXAS HILL COUNTRY CULTURE

I MAY 2019

”

How we met Michelle

Michelle Iracheta is a friend and former colleague of Hill Country Culture contributor Jenna Carpenter.

The two met in January 2016, after Jenna took a job reporting alongside Michelle at a publication on the island of Kauai.

Shortly after the two met, Michelle had surgery, was later diagnosed with endometriosis and has been in and out of doctors’ offices for the last three years.

Jenna has a high pain tolerance but says she can’t imagine enduring the pain that Michelle does on a regular basis.

“She rarely complains about being in pain for days on end,” Jenna said. “She hardly talks about being bedridden or the scars on her body, caused by countless surgeries.

“Michelle talks about having endometriosis, but she doesn’t let it determine her identity.

I admire that.”

Jenna said she counts herself lucky she’s not one of the one in 10 women who are diagnosed with the disease.

care — to dissect and “cut away” the endometriosis implants and adhesions inside my pelvis and around my uterus, and he removed parts of my bowel that were diseased.

Guan said I most likely also had adenomyosis, which causes the inner lining of the uterus to break through the uterine wall. The only cure is a hysterectomy.

Next month, I will undergo a partial hysterectomy leaving behind only my ovaries. I haven’t fully had time to process the decision, but I’m hopeful the surgery will drastically improve my quality of life.

Endometriosis and adenomyosis are isolating diseases and without a support group, women can often find themselves battling depression and anxiety. Chronic pain has been shown to be a major factor in up to 70 percent of suicides, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

The Endometriosis Foundation of Houston aims to tackle that by providing support services, health seminars and one day introducing and supporting legislation that could put endometriosis awareness in the hands of nurses in Texas schools. School nurses are in the frontline when it comes to early detection of many childhood diseases.

Had a nurse told me that painful, heavy periods were not normal and that I could potentially have endometriosis, I could have discovered my diagnosis 13 years earlier. Instead, I searched for doctor after doctor for someone to listen to me.

And I’m not alone.

It can take an average of 10 years and 15 different doctors before a person is diagnosed with endometriosis. That’s too long.

Let’s change that.

If you or someone you know suffers with endometriosis, reach out to them and let them know they are not alone.

Direct them to the Endometriosis Foundation of Houston, where our endometriosis experts can help them by providing a growing list of resources. Although we’re based in Houston, our organization has national and even worldwide contacts, including a possible new branch in the San Antonio area. We want to help.

What is endometriosis?

A condition that occurs when uterine tissue grows outside the uterus, implanting on the lining of the pelvis, ovaries, bladder, or bowels. The tissue creates inflammation and eventually forms scar tissue between organs causing severe pelvic pain.

Women afflicted with endometriosis may suffer for years in silence before finally being diagnosed.

Endometriosis symptoms

• Chronic pelvic pain • Painful bowel or bladder symptoms

• Pain with sex • Infertility • Heavy, painful periods 35

Kerrville Festival of the

Arts

Story by Jenna Carpenter | Courtesy Photos This month, Kerrville will be welcoming artists from all over the country during a two-day downtown festival dedicated to supporting and promoting their crafts.

The Kerrville Festival of the Arts returns for its sixth year on May 25. The juried show and sale will feature the work of 125 artists spanning a variety of skill sets, including painting, sculpture, glass, metal work, fiber, jewelry, leather and photography.

Cindy Morawski is one of the artists who will be camped out downtown over the weekend.

A pastelist from San Antonio, Cindy specializes in scenes of nature.

“As soon as I was old enough to put my hand around a crayon, I was set...”

Susan Thorn, of JDS Leather, a Kerrville shop that specializes in custom made cowboy boots, leather belts, handbags and other goods will also be at the Kerrville Festival of the Arts this year.

She is the matriarch of a family of craftsmen, and owns the store with her husband, Jack, and son, Drew.

Susan grew up working with leather, but when she was in college at Texas Tech University Center in Junction, she took a silversmith class.

That kickstarted a passion for creating one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces. But, she never forgot her roots.

A visit to her family shop on Mack Hollimon Drive features leather in all colors and sizes, a large working table and a custom boot room.

– CINDY MORAWSKI From a field of bluebonnets to blue herons taking flight and a profile painting of a donkey, her pieces reflect the vibrant, colorful and variety that is the Texas landscape.

“I’ve been trying to master this for a dozen years. I’m a retired teacher, and I always considered myself an artist, but I didn’t have the time to work on it as much as I would have wanted to,” Morawski said.

So, after she retired, Cindy took classes from a master pastelist. She later helped launch the Texas Pastel Society.

Cindy also has work displayed in five galleries in San Antonio, goes to art festivals and works as an instructor.

She has been an artist ever since she can remember.

“As soon as I was old enough to put my hand around a crayon, I was set,”Morawski said. “My mother had to follow me around with Windex because I was trying to put murals on the walls.”

She has been participating in the Kerrville Festival of the Arts for about five years.

“It’s one of my favorite settings. It’s in alignment with my Texas nature theme,” Morawski said. “The people who attend seem to be really passionate about art.”

Her bags, which are all made by hand with detailed precision, are displayed around the shop.

The key to staying current is keeping up with the times, she said.

“Don’t copy what people are doing, but look at what the trends are,” Thorn said.

For example, the family started making leather-bound cases for electronic devices, but it can be hard to keep up with the newest editions of phones, iPods and other devices.

“The sizes keep changing,” Susan said.

And she always has the customer in mind. She usually works with axis deer hair to decorate the outside of the purses.

But that’s not to everyone’s taste, so she experiments with other coats like coyote and beaver. Susan also makes sure to offer a wide selection of purse sizes.

The family has been a fixture at the Kerrville Festival of the Arts for about three years.

Her advice to people starting out in craft shows is to be friendly.

“I always make a point to say ‘hi, how are you doing’ and invite them in,” Thorn said.

The Kerrville Festival of the Arts is held on Water Street and Earl Garrett Street.

37

The MuseuM

of

WesTern ArT MAY EVENTS:

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H May 1 - June 29 American Plains Artists

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The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery accepts as members only those surgeons whose training and experience allows them to focus on plastic surgery of the face, head, and neck. These surgeons care enough about patients’ faces to develop that expertise.

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TEXAS HILL COUNTRY CULTURE

I MAY 2019

JO ANNE ENGLISH LET JO ANNE MAKE YOU HER PRIORITY!

JO ANNE’S LISTINGS ARE SELLING! CERTIFIED RESIDENTIAL SPECIALIST PLEASE CALL JO ANNE TO SELL YOUR PROPERTY! JO ANNE ALSO HAS A HIGH NUMBER OF SALES WORKING WITH BUYERS! SHE IS A CERTIFIED BUYER’S AGENT.

JO ANNE ENGLISH • Broker/Owner 200 Sidney Baker St., South, Ste. 30 “In Riverhills Mall” • 830.285.0190 www.KerrvilleHomeListings.com • englishj777@gmail.com

HOME

40

TEXAS HILL COUNTRY CULTURE

I MAY 2019

HOME

Hill Country Home Builder

TEXAS LIVING HOMES OWNER BUILDS DREAM HOMES Story and photos by Parastoo Nikravesh

A

home is one of the most important purchases in a person’s lifetime. The financial and emotional burden on those who decide to build their own home can often feel too great to handle alone.

Jennifer Hyde, owner and president of Texas Living Homes, seeks to give every client building a house an experience that feels like coming home.

Texas Living Homes is a home building company in the Kerrville area. For several years Hyde had a construction design consulting company working with home builders in the Hill Country and then decided to go out on her own. Those years working have given her the chance to take the good and improve on the areas that needed work.

A background in broadcast coupled with her interest in home design provided Hyde the opportunity to work for design shows on HGTV, Fox national network, Better Homes and Garden magazine and Fine Living network.

“I think women are very good at two things,” Hyde said. “They’re good

at organization and communication.

Not just those two, but those are two strengths that I think a lot of women have. And I think that aligns perfectly with the home-building industry, because you need to have good organization and excellent communication. If you have those two things, everything else falls into place.”

Hyde explained there are three components for home building: design, which includes an architect or home designer; execution of the home plans, which includes the home builder and finishing out home selection for overall aesthetic, which includes an interior designer. Although Hyde will work with other interior designers, her company can combine the home building and interior design process to create the home of her clients’ dreams.

“It allows me to look at a set of plans and to be able to know exactly how the structure will pull through to the aesthetic and finished outlook in the end, and to make sure those two match together and stay on budget and on time,” Hyde said. “I want to be a part of the whole process I want to see

41

A TEXAS HILL COUNTRY TRADITION FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS

RESIDENTIAL

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42

TEXAS HILL COUNTRY CULTURE

I MAY 2019

HOME

From left, Ronnie and Fran Lohr with Jennifer Hyde

“We’ve built three homes and there’s always issues and things that happen along the way. Not this time. It was built exactly like Jennifer said it would be built. And it went to smoothly.”

– RONNIE LOHR, CLIENT

that emotional decision-making process between my clients. That allows me to do a better job of making sure we achieve that look.

There are going to be obstacles, and it allows me to make decisions while keeping their wishes in mind.”

Two clients of Hyde’s, Ronnie and Fran Lohr, moved in February to Comanche Trace in one of Texas Living Homes’ custom-built houses.

“Working with Texas Living Homes and Jennifer was so easy,” Ronnie Lohr said. “We’ve built three homes and there are always issues and things that happen along the way. Not this time. It was built exactly like Jennifer said

it would be built. And it went so smoothly. The financial part of it was smooth as silk.”

The advice Hyde has for those seeking a home builder for their own project is to meet with all the builders they have any interest in.

Figure out who you’re comfortable with as far as their building and financial techniques, and who you feel you can have a good relationship with.

“There are a lot of good home builders in the Kerrville area and people always ask me what my relationship is with the other home builders, because we’re competing for the same clients, and I always tell people I want to be surrounded by the best in the industry,” Hyde

said. “So I welcome the best home builders in this area, because the stronger they are, the stronger I am. The more business they have, inevitably, the more business I have. I love the quote, ‘A rising tide lifts all ships,’ and it’s so true. If we’re all doing a good job building a quality product at a good price for clients, that just means more people are going to want to come to Kerrville and to the Hill Country and build homes, which means more business and economic impact for all of us.”

Hyde is open to building homes in a number of locations in the kerrville area. For more information in Texas Living homes visit texaslivinghomes.com.

43

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TEXAS HILL COUNTRY CULTURE

I MAY 2019

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45

HOME

The Lohr household was built in Comanche Trace by Texas Living Homes.

46

TEXAS HILL COUNTRY CULTURE

I MAY 2019

RANDY PURSWELL Realtor®

Looking to buy or SELL call PursWELL www.RandyPurswell.com Office:830.496.1041 Cell:713.817.9786

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804 Water Street • Kerrville, texaS 78028 47

Mom’s Cinnamon Rolls 1 pkg. Yeast ¼ cup warm water 1 egg-slightly beaten 1 cup scalded milk 2 tbs sugar 2 tbs oil ½ tsp salt 3 to 3 ½ cups flour

“My brother and I have been in the restaurant industry for a combined 50 years. Our main focus is to serve fresh, made-to-order food using recipes that have been passed down in our family for generations. Monroe’s East End Grill serves a variety of burgers, wings, salads and sandwiches, and you can finish it all off with a coffee or pastry made in-house by our bakers and baristas. We’re very excited to be sharing a few family recipes with you. They came straight out of our mom’s cookbook. We hope you enjoy them as much as we have over the years. Come see us for breakfast, lunch or dinner, 7 days a week.”

– JIM HOWARD AND LEE HOWARD Monroe’s East End Grill 1700 Water St. Kerrville

Scald milk and then pour over sugar and oil. Let mixture cool slightly. Put yeast in warm water and let sit.

To cooled milk mixture, add egg and then yeast and water mixture. Add salt and flour. Cover and let rise to double size. Press down and let sit for 10 minutes.

Roll out in rectangle and spread on butter, sugar and cinnamon. Roll and slice. Place rolls on a greased cookie sheet and let rise. Bake at 375 degrees for 12 minutes. Melt butter on top. Do not put yeast in hot milk [will kill the rising element].

48

TEXAS HILL COUNTRY CULTURE

I MAY 2019

GOOD TASTE

Salmon Patties

Savory & Sweet

MONROE’S EAST END GRILL

2 fillets canned salmon-flaked 1 egg-beaten 2 tbs green onions-diced ½ cup bread crumbs Vegetable oil, for frying Over medium heat, heat oil in medium skillet. Combine salmon, beaten egg, green onion and ¼ cup bread crumbs.

Form into patties and dust with additional bread crumbs.

Fry until brown, about 2 minutes on each side.

Photos by Parastoo Nikravesh

49

Come Sip With Us! A DATE TO REMEMBER

Story and photos by John and Carol Aceti Zero 815 might make a good password for your bank account but in this case, refers to a happy date in the life of Laura Hogsett. Laura married Karl Hogsett on August 8, 2015. They opened a bistro and tasting room on Rt 290 in Hye Texas on December 15, 2015 and named their winery Zero 815.

Laura knew her chemistry background would be helpful in the wine making world. She also worked in wine sales and traveled the country learning about wines. Karl was a professional chef in Europe and the United States and had owned several restaurants. Offering good wine and good food was a winning combination.

However, Karl passed away in March, 2018. A fire took place in the tasting room about the same time and Laura faced many challenges.

There is no more bistro but Laura is determined to provide great wine to the hill country. She has studied wine making at Texas A & M and credits Bob Young at Bending Branch Winery for lots of helpful advice.

She purchases grapes in Lubbock and they are processed and bottled at Bending Branch.

“ Zero 815 might make a good password for

your bank account but in this case, refers to a happy date in the life of Laura Hogsett.�

50

TEXAS HILL COUNTRY CULTURE

I MAY 2019

UNCORKED

+

Laura wears all the hats at this boutique winery. With a small vineyard on the premises, she fertilizes, weeds and prunes vines. She maintains a website and a Facebook page. She runs a wine club known as Sip! She is open 6 days a week. She plans events for holidays, hosts barbecues and provides for private parties.

She plans to have her own buildings to process and bottle her wines at Zero 815 eventually. A animal lover, she brings her 2 dogs to the room and welcomes others to do the same.

Her specialty wines, from all Texas grapes, include the 2016 Hyeland White Blend with beautiful color and subtle strawberry notes and hints of citrus. A 2016 Hyeland Red Blend boasts of dark fruits and raspberry aromas with a caramel and spice finish.

A 2016 Red Zinfandel provides dark fruit aromas with ripe berries, medium

tannins and a long finish. A follow up is a 2017 Red Zinfandel with a berry and spice forward and smooth tannins that linger for an exceptional finish.

A favorite rosé with continental sophistication is the Alletante Rosé. In Italian alletante means alluring. So one can add to their Italian vocabulary while enjoying this medium rosé - not too sweet or too dry. It is 89% Tempranillo and 11% Grenache. It offers honeysuckle and tropical notes.

Some new comers to savor this spring are a 2017 Tempranillo with layered flavors of spices, cherries and oak and 2017 Sangiovese, an enjoyable medium bodied wine with bright cherry and plum flavors.

For y’all who love Texas wines from Texas grapes, Zero 815 has an hospitable atmosphere in which to relax and enjoy. Laura says that “elegant yet casual” describes her

One Sweet Paring

On one occasion a patron selected Alletante Rosé to compliment her Snickers bar.

Laura struggled with that thought. But later tried it. Soon any chocolate - dark, light, or spiced - became a regular pairing with Alletante Rosé. This rosé won a silver medal at the Lone Star Wine Competition in Grapevine, Texas. Is it a special favorite with the ladies? Laura does not think that it is chosen more often than her whites or reds and is popular with all her customers.

Time To Make The Wine.

Let’s Go! 11157 W. US Hwy 290 Hye, TX 78635 zero815winery.com (830) 644 2000 51

Creating Smiles...

IN THE HILL COUNTRY

Botox Special ™

Our licensed esthetician offers Botox to remove wrinkles so that you can put your best face forward. $9.50/unit (reg. $11.25) until 5/31/19.

By appointment only.

Dental Implants • Wisdom Teeth General Oral Surgery • IV Sedation

Advanced Oral Surgery Previous Preapproval # 8089 of Kerrville

715 Hill Country Dr #6 • oralsurgerytx.com • (830) 896-0056 Thank you, Kerrville, for voting us the Best Heating/Air Conditioning Company

Serving the Hill Country’s A/C Needs for

Wine Weekdays @ 1011 Bistro BRING YOUR BOTTLE - NO CORKING FEE TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY!

RESERVATIONS 830-895-1169 1011 Guadalupe Street H Kerrville, Texas

www.1011bistro.com

30 +

Years

1986

Summer’s Happening.

Are You? 2016

KERRVILLE’S TRUSTED LEADER IN AFFORDABLE AND RELIABLE HEATING & COOLING SERVICES

830-257-4303

93 Coronado DR  Ste 7 Kerrville, TX 78028 www.coolingkerrville.com TACL000165C

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TEXAS HILL COUNTRY CULTURE

I MAY 2019

See Us for Sunglasses!

Tobin Tilley, O.D. • Drew Whitehead, O.D. • Trinh Nguyen, O.D. Therapeutic Optometrists • Optometric Glaucoma Specialists Treatment of Eye Diseases • Laser Vision Correction (LASIK) Pediatric Vision Care • Sports Eyewear • Sunglasses • Contact Lenses Great Selection of Designer Frames & Affordable Eyewear!

(830) 257-5656

708 Hill Country Drive, Kerrville www.visionsource-tilley.com

OUT & ABOUT

Bread For Life Community members gathered together on March 25 for the Bread for Life International Fundraiser in the gym of Calvary Temple Church.

Bread for Life International is an organization dedicated to bringing resources to communities in West-Central Africa.

Photos by Valerie Tucker

1

2

3 4

5

1) Stewart Nelson, Pat Nelson and Ben Taylor 2) Justin Weaver and Cassandra Fuller 3) Kathryn Kaye, Don Hassell, Lee Hassell, Mellissa Zales, Michael Zales, Doyle Grundy 4) Nancy Hood, Jana Palm, Ricky Palm, Joel Palm 5) Pastor Del Way and event speaker Pastor Ernest Ehabe

53

104 Homestead Drive, Kerrville, Texas 78028 www.sheehanearlyhypnosis.com

416 Main Street • Kerrville • 830-896-5688

Mouth Watering, Daily Specials Award Winning Wine List • Full Bar Homemade Delicious Desserts Lounge Open 4PM • Dining Room Open 5PM - ‘TIL • Mon.-Sat.

“Yes, it’s just like that.

Do we have your attention?

Do we need to say more?”

Serving Proudly Hill Country as the Tex r 41 years! fo

www.cowboysteakhouse.com

Call for an appointment

830.792.1138

The Hill Country Quilt Guild Proudly Presents

Acne · Eczema · Hair Loss Rashes • Mole Examination Psoriasis · Rosacea · Warts Skin Cancer (evaluation & treatment)

Photo Dynamic Therapy Facial Rejuvenation

(Botox, Fillers, Kybella)

Spider Vein Treatment Chemical Peel

Accepting

Matthew C. Lambiase, DO, FAAD

Board Certified: American Board of Dermatology

Fellow, American Academy of Dermatology

Diplomate, American Board of Dermatology

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TEXAS HILL COUNTRY CULTURE

CareCredit

Accepting new patients and all insurance, including Medicare and Tricare.

Same day appointments.

712 Hill Country Drive, Suite 100 Kerrville • 830-890-5181

I MAY 2019

Quilt Show 2019

Memorial Day Weekend • May 24-26, 2019 Fri. & Sat. 9-5 • Sun. 12-4

Hill Country Youth Event Center • 3785 TX HWY-27 • Kerrville Admission $7 per person • Children under 12 Free

• Over 200 Judged Quilts • Wearable and Fiber Arts • Boutique and Handmade Items for Sale • Fabric and Notion Vendors • The Scissors Sharpening Guy Donation Quilt • Price $1 per ticket

For more Information: www.hillcountryquiltguild.com

EVENTS

Get Out and Play in May! MAY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

TBD ANNUAL JAMES AVERY BIG MATCH TENNIS TOURNAMENT A USTA-sanctioned, adult and junior tennis tournament benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Texas Hill Country.

H.E.B Municipal Tennis Center, 801 Tennis St. 830-257-2447. www.bigmentor.org

MAY 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 KERRVILLE FARMERS MARKET - DOWNTOWN F, 4-7 p.m. The Kerrville Farmers Market is a producersonly market offering a variety of locally sourced produce, meat, eggs, bread, cheese, beer, wine and more.

AC Schreiner House, 529 Water St. www.kerrvillefarmersmarket.com

MAY 4 EXTREME DWARFANATORS WRESTLING

MAY 3 FIRST FRIDAY WINE SHARE F, 6-7:30 p.m. A fun way to meet new or different wines, people and places. Please bring no more than one bottle of wine per every two people.

Singles may feel free to bring a bottle every other month.

Bring your own wine glass.

This could be a conversation starter in itself.

Different location each month.

830-896-6600 Stephen. www.firstfridaywineshare.com

MAY 3 SUMMER CONCERTS IN THE PARK SERIES F, 6:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. Bring your lawn chairs. Come out and enjoy some summer jams.

Louise Hays Park, 202 Thompson Drive 830-257-7300. www.kerrvilletx.gov

MAY 3-5 “ROMEO AND WINIFRED” F-SA, 7:30 p.m., SU 2:30 p.m.

Playhouse 2000 Youth Theater, ages 5-13, presents “Romeo and Winifred.”

Playhouse 2000 VK Garage Theater, 305 Washington St. 830-896-9393. www.playhouse2000.com

MAY 4 KERR COUNTY MARKET DAYS & HILL COUNTRY SWAP MEET SA, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Features artists and crafters bringing their own original, handcrafted jewelry, fiber, wood, metal, soaps, lotions and more. A community garage sale and flea market with all types of merchandise.

Concessions available. Indoors, free parking and pet friendly.

Kerr County Hill Country Youth Event Center, 3785 Hwy. 27. 830-459-6198. www.kerrmarketdays.org

SA, 7-9 p.m. The World’s smallest wrestlers are competing for the title. They are the baddest little show on earth. Don’t miss this epic event.

Kerr County Hill Country Youth Event Center, 3785 Hwy. 27. 682-400-2136. www.dwarfanators.com

MAY 4-JUNE 29 AMERICAN PLAINS ARTISTS SIGNATURE SHOW TU-SA, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Museum of Western Art, 1550 Bandera Hwy. 830-896-2553. www.museumofwesternart.com

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EVENTS

MAY 10-JUNE 14 60 YEARS STRONG ART EXHIBIT

MAY 10 KERRVILLE SCHOOL OF DANCE SPRING VARIATION F, 7 p.m. Dancers from Kerrville School of Dance and SA Performing Art Classical Ballet present their spring variation.

Cailloux Theater, 910 Main St. 830-896-9393. www.caillouxtheater.com

TU-F, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., SA 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Celebrating artists from the past 60 years of HCAF history.

Hill Country Arts Foundation, 120 Point Theatre Rd., Ingram. 830-367-5121. www.hcaf.com

MAY 12 WINE DOWN WITH YOGA SU, 2-3:30 p.m. To guarantee a relaxing afternoon. The Winery is offering 1 ½ hours of yoga, paired with tasting of four pose-enhancing wines.

Kerrville Hills Winery, 3600 Fredericksburg Rd. 830-895-4233. www.kerrvillehillswinery.com

MAY 18 SHATTER THE STIGMA 5K WALK/ RUN FOR MENTAL HEALTH

Steven Paul Premier Properties 830-285-4738 Steven R. Paul

“Manufactured Home Resale Specialist” Broker/Owner srpaul1234@yahoo.com 1012 Guadalupe st 1D Kerrville, Texas 78028

R.C.

T Callfo/rTaex imate FRee est

Cleaning

Residential Cleaning Services & Home Organizing

References Available

830-377-2436 • 830-896-6190 rosacompean78@gmail.com

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TEXAS HILL COUNTRY CULTURE

I MAY 2019

SA, 8 a.m. Annual fundraiser to raise awareness about mental illness and to “shatter the stigma” associated with it.

Funds will help to contribute to the quality of life of individuals with mental illness served by Kerrville State Hospital.

Louise Hays Park, 202 Thompson Dr. 830-896-2211 X 6269. www.kerrvillevsc.org

MAY 16 ANNUAL CIRCLE OF SERVICE GALA TH, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Annual fundraiser dinner event.

Silent auction, live music, guest performers, and hors d’oeuvres, followed by a three-course meal at 6 p.m.

The Salvation Army Kroc Center, 201 Holdsworth Dr. 830-315-5753. www.kerrvillekroc.org

MAY 18-19 HILL COUNTRY GUN & KNIFE SHOW SA, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., SU 9 a.m.

-4 p.m. Sale of guns, knives, coins, cutting boards, ammo and more. All proceeds go to local-area veterans.

Hill Country Veterans Center, 411 Meadowview.

830-315-3101.

Doehill6679@gmail.com

MAY 23-JULY 6 SOUTHWEST GOURD FINE ART SHOW

TU-SA, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The nation’s finest gourd artists compete in a variety of categories.

Kerr Arts & Cultural Center, 228 Earl Garrett St. 830-895-2911. www.kacckerrville.com

MAY 23-JUNE 6 48TH ANNUAL KERRVILLE FOLK FESTIVAL TH-SU, Times vary 18 days and nights featuring songwriters of national and international acclaim. The festival has activities for all ages with a focus on nurturing and developing artistic expression in a loving, family-friendly environment.

Quiet Valley Ranch, 3876 Medina Hwy. 830-257-3600. www.kerrvillefolkfestival.org

MAY 24-26 “QUILTING IS ART” QUILT SHOW F-SU, TBA The Hill Country Quilt Guild presents over 200 judged quilts. Boutique with handmade items, fabric and notion vendors, scissor sharpening, and a fundraising quilt drawing.

Kerr County Hill Country Youth Event Center, 3785 Hwy. 27. www.hillcountryquiltguild.com

MAY 24-26 16TH ANNUAL TEXAS MASTERS OF FINE ART & CRAFT

MAY 25-26 6TH ANNUAL KERRVILLE FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS

F-SA, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., SU 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. An exhibition of some of the finest professional artists and craftspeople from all over Texas in the comfort of air conditioning.

Y.O. Ranch Hotel & Conference Center, 2033 Sidney Baker.

214-497-7179. www.texasmasters.com

SA, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., SU 10 a.m.

- 5 p.m. A two-day, juried fine arts show & sale. 100 artists working in a variety of mediapainting, sculpture, jewelry, glass and photography, and so much more. This pet friendly venue, held outside under big tents, will have concessions on site, live music, nearby restaurants and shops, and plenty of free parking.

Downtown Kerrville, Water St. & Earl Garrett St. 830-895-7962. www.kvartfest.com

MAY 25 CRIDER’S RODEO & DANCEHALL OPENING NIGHT!

SA, 8 p.m. Rodeo, 9 p.m. dancing and live music featuring TBD. Crider’s Rodeo and Dance Hall, 2310 Hwy 39, Hunt.

830-238-4441. www.cridersrandd.com

EVENTS MAY 26 MEMORIAL MEMORIES SU, 3 p.m. An annual Memorial Day Tribute concert featuring Big Band and Patriotic music that also pays homage to each branch of the military.

Cailloux Theater, 910 Main St. 830-896-9393. www.caillouxtheater.com

830-792-0808 204 Cully Drive Kerrville

Find Us on Facebook

Spring Sale!

Mother’s Day & Graduation

Baublit’s

719 Water Street Kerrville, TX 830-257-8317 57

Chop House Dining in The Trophy Room Special limited menu event Only available for the first 24 people

Comanche Trace Restaurant Home Delivery Service Tuesday - Friday 5 PM - 8 PM

-Club Members OnlyReservations Required

Community Delivery - Club Members OnlyDelivery Service Fee - $5.00

Call (830) 895-8500 ext. 237 to reserve your seat

Call (830) 895-8500 ext. 249 to order now

Comanche Trace Membership has something for everyone!

Golf

Club

Fitness

• Championship 27 hole Golf Course • Tiffsport Bermuda Tee Boxes & Fairways • Bentgrass Greens • 1,100 sq. ft. Golf Pro Shop • 15 acre Practice & Teaching Facility with Chipping & Putting areas • Annual MGA, LGA, and Lady 9’ers golf events & tournaments • Texas Hill Country Couple’s Invitational Golf Tournament • Numerous & diversified Men’s & Ladies’ Golf Groups

• Monthly “Member Mixer” • Mah Jongg Club • Bridge Club • Book Club • Texas 42 Dominos Club • Kid Comanche Summer Camps • Family Movie Nights • Uncorked Wine Dinners • Untapped Brew Club • Quarterly Trivia, Bingo, & Karaoke Nights • Additional fun-filled Member and Family Events, including Special Holiday Buffets, Chop House Dinners, Food Delivery, & more!

• Tennis & Pickleball Courts • Swimming pool & hot tub • Fitness Center with weights & cardio machines • 4+ miles of crushed granite walking trails • 8 acre private river park • Stocked Catch & Release fishing lake • Yoga, Feldenkrais, and Pilates

Gena Teer, Membership Director - gteer@comanchetrace.com | (830) 895-8500 ext. 224 Trent Schiek, Clubhouse Manager - tschiek@comanchetrace.com | (830) 895-8500 ext. 237 3074 Bandera Highway, Kerrville, Texas 78028 • (830) 895-8500 • info@comanchetrace.com • www.ComancheTrace.com