Jan. 15, 2025
Read. Score. Win.
Local elementary school students in the hunt for a Read to the Final Four Championship
(McQueeney) -- Third graders at Seguin ISD’s McQueeney Elementary are proving that hard work pays off as they advance in the Read to the Final Four® literary challenge.
McQueeney’s three thirdgrade classes competed against more than 300 schools in the San Antonio area by reading 59,393 minutes between November 4 and December 15, 2024. And according to Emily Allen, the Seguin ISD director of communications, those minutes were enough to advance their school to the NCAA bracket-style tournament round of 68 schools.
“We are so excited for them. They have worked incredibly hard to read as much as they possibly can, and we just really want to encourage their reading.
Read, pg. 3
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
Quick response to fire in the Navarro ISD helps keep students, campus safe
(Geronimo) -- Guadalupe County fire officials are applauding what they say were all the right steps taken during Monday’s AC unit fire above the main office at Navarro High School. Bryce Houlton, Guadalupe County assistant fire marshal and emergency management coordinator, says it was a definite team effort led by not only area fire departments but also by the Navarro ISD and the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office.
Just after 5 p.m. Monday, Houlton says local fire and emergency response teams were called out to the campus following reports of smoke contained to the front office area. He says fire crews were able to extinguish the fire –preventing it from causing any more damage.
Houlton says after discovering the issue, every element to keep students and staff was put into action.
“The school district staff did a really great job along with the sheriff’s office deputies that were on scene. They were helping make sure that everybody was out of the building. There were minimal students left in the building and minimal staff, and we were just making sure that everybody was aware of what was going on and trying to get everybody out. One thing we also ran into is of course, a lot of the extra-curricular activities were ending around at that same time and a lot of the parents, I think, used the front parking lot of the high school to pick up their kids so we were having to shuffle parents and the remaining students to the junior high parking lot to make sure they were safely reunited with their families – making sure everybody was picked up and the sheriff’s office went and talked to every other campus
making sure that they were aware of what was going on,” said Houlton.
Initially, many questioned the intensity of the incident after witnessing a handful of fire assistance arriving at the scene. However, Houlton says fire protocol ensures that all possible assistance is made available for structures such as schools.
“Any kind of school or any kind of large facility, we call that a commercial building whether its manufacturing like CMC Steel or Republic Plastics or like a school so it’s just because of the large complexity of the building. So, a normal structure fire in the county is about three fire engines and a commercial structure fire alarm assignment would be anywhere from five to six engines and also a ladder truck if available because of the multi-story building. Better safe than sorry is the best way to put it,” said Houlton.
In a letter to its Panther families, the district shared its appreciation and recognized all those who were on hand to assist.
Sincere gratitude was extended to the Guadalupe County Fire Rescue with assistance from Geronimo Volunteer Fire Department, Seguin, New Braunfels, San Marcos and Lake Dunlap Fire Departments. The district also recognized the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office for its swift response and unwavering support in ensuring the safety of the school community.
Luckily, district officials received the go ahead to operate the school the following day. Meanwhile, contractors have been called in to begin repairs and to begin the assessment of the damaged areas.
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
Read, continued.
It is such a vital part of their education, and this is a great way to celebrate it,” said Allen.
Although the tournament is far from over, Allen says the Seguin ISD felt that just making it onto the bracket was plenty of reason to surprise the students and campus during their morning assembly on Friday.
“I was so excited I got to be there. For somebody who still loves to read and who loved to read growing up, the kids were just thrilled to find out. Their faces were just completely shocked. They had no idea. They just know that they’ve been reading, and they love to do it and getting to see the excitement – I know for me coming in, it was great. I’m sure it was more of a thrill for their teachers, for their principal and for all of the people who work with them daily. So, I don’t want to take that away from them, but I can tell you as a bystander, it was wonderful. Best part of my job,” said Allen.
Their work, however, is far from finished. Allen says the 54 students this week have already begun to compete in the NCAA bracket-style tournament. She says they all have the hope of being named the ultimate Reading Champion.
“It is going to be reading much like an NCAA tournament bracket so if you are very familiar with filling out their brackets for the Final Four and that’s really what this is all leading up to is the Final Four coming to San Antonio. They are going to keep reading in that same style. There is a set window which did start Monday, and they will try to read as much as they can,
and they are competing against those other 67 schools that are in this bracket. Whoever reads the most will move onto the Round of 32 and so on leading up to the Final Four. So, there are prizes on the line. There are some really great opportunities for our kids. The Final Four in this particular bracket will get a chance to go and enjoy some of the festivities around it in San Antonio. So, they are really excited about that, and we are really excited for them,” said Allen.
In addition to the coveted title, McQueeney students will be competing for prizes, books, and a library makeover.
“Literacy is vital to our students’ success and future, and I am thrilled to see them get excited about reading,” said Superintendent Dr. Veronica Vijil. “We are proud of their accomplishments and look forward to seeing what else they accomplish as they represent our district in this tournament.”
Dr. Vijil joined McQueeney library media specialist Amber Williams in surprising the students and their classmates with the news during Friday’s morning assembly. Students from the Seguin High School Mighty Matador Band and the Seguin High School MatCast program also joined the festivities.
Seguin ISD’s other elementary schools will also have a chance to earn prizes as they continue participating in Read to the Final Four® through the Rising Reader tournament.
Read to the Final Four® is expected to name its Reading Champion during the NCAA® Men’s Final Four® Fan Fest Presented by Capital One in April.
TLU’s Lauren Sansano Earns First SCAC Player of the Week Award
SEGUIN, Texas -- Texas Lutheran junior guard Lauren Sansano (San Antonio/FEAST) is the first Bulldog to be named Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) Player of the Week this season, the conference announced today. Sansano has twice landed on the SCAC Weekly honor roll this season, but this marks her first selection as Player of the Week this season and in her career.
Sansano averaged 18.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 3.5 steals across TLU’s two wins last week as the Bulldogs beat St. Thomas 61-53 and upset the No. 24/25 Colorado College Tigers 76-65 at Memorial Gymnasium. Against UST, Sansano led the Bulldogs with 17 points while
dishing out five assists and contributing three steals to the Bulldogs program record 22 steals on the night.
Against Colorado College, Sansano emerged with a team-highs of 19 points and four steals and a career-high seven assists. Sansano has scored in double figures in nine straight games. After her performances this weekend, Sansano moved into the top ten in assists and steals in the program’s NCAA history. Sansano currently ranks 11th in NCAA Division-III in field goal percentage (57.8) and 25th in free throw percentage (86.8).
TLU’s 10-2 start to this season is its best in the program’s NCAA history and the best overall since the 1973-74 season, and this is the Bulldogs’ first
4-0 conference start since the 2018-19 season.
Sansano and the Bulldogs now turn to another SCAC road trip starting on Friday, Jan. 17, with a trip to Clarksville, Arkansas, to face the University of the Ozarks Eagles. Tip-off is set for 5:30 PM. All streaming and live stats links will be available on tlubulldogs.com.
Fans can receive updates by following @ tluathletics & @tluwbb on X (Twitter) and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the TLU Athletics Facebook page at @tlubulldogs or by visiting the team’s Instagram page at @tluwbb and as always follow TLU athletics on all of our social channels for updates on all things TLU Athletics.
Bryce Hayes - TLU Sports Marketing & Sports Information
Harwell
Suzanne (Sue) Blessing Harwell, age 88 of Seguin, passed away on January 9, 2025.
Suzanne was born in Niagra Falls, New York on January 16, 1936 to Alfreda Mae (Baum) and Paul Christopher Blessing.
Sue was 1954 graduate of LaSalle High School in Niagra Falls, New York. She attended the University of Buffalo in Buffalo, New York. She then was employed at Bell Aircraft Corporation in Buffalo, New York as a technical designer and produced drawings for the X1 Missile Handbook.
She moved to Corpus Christi, Texas in 1968, with her then United States Navy husband and three children. After their divorce, she and the children remained in Corpus Christi. There, she met her husband-to-be, Chunkie. They married in 1975 and spent many happy years together. They moved to Seguin in 2005 and were members of Faith Lutheran Church.
She was a proud member of the Texas Society of Sculptures. She sculpted a life size Prisoner of War to display in Sherrill Park in Corpus Christi, Texas in 1972. Sue also designed stained glass at Olszewski Stained Glass Studio
in Corpus Christi, Texas, making many Stained Glass windows for churches and businesses throughout the Coastal Bend Area. She traveled the State of Texas for many years attending art shows. In addition, Sue will always be remembered for her love of horses.
She is preceded in death by her parents, grandson, Jason Corby, and brother, Frederick P. Blessing and his wife Jean.
Survivors include her loving husband, Loal E. (Chunkie) Harwell; children, Lynn Ellen Corby and husband Kenny, Dianne Levy and husband George, and Brett Andrew Braunschweiger; grandchildren, Liza Wolfe and husband Bryan, Brandy Hammill and husband Andrew, Travis Glass and wife April, Barbara Sullivan, and Amanda Couples; nine great-grandchildren and five step-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews, other loving family members and a host of friends.
Visitation will begin on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at 1 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in Seguin, followed by funeral service at 2 p.m. with the Reverend Daniel Cave officiating. A reception will follow. Private interment will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Guadalupe County Humane Society, P. O. Box 1593-1593. You are invited to sign the guest book at www.treshewell.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Tres Hewell Mortuary, 165 Tor Dr., Seguin, Texas, 78155, 830-549-5912.
VITAL STATISTICS
Brannies
Catherine “Cathy” Engbrock Brannies was born on November 10, 1940. She went home to Heaven on January 8, 2025 at the age of 84, to join her family and friends who had gone before her.
Cathy was raised in Seguin by her loving parents, Robert Lee “Obie” and Irene “Mimi” Engbrock and enjoyed a wonderful early life with her loving, little sister Sue Ann. She attended St. James school grades 1 - 8 where she developed a life long love for books, and went on to spend a wonderful life of “escape” into thousands of books.
She graduated from Seguin High School in 1958 and obtained her Registered Nursing Diploma from Seton Nursing School in Austin and then she spent a lifetime caring for others. She started her career as a surgical nurse at M.D. Anderson in Houston before returning to Seguin where she worked for a short time at Guadalupe Valley Hospital. She then went on to work at The Medical Center for a group of physicians for 20 years, and then for the next 20 years she was the Nurse at Seguin High School where she not only cared for the students, but also the staff.
After her retirement, Cathy enjoyed traveling with her Supper Club, who were lifelong friends. Along with the Heinemeyer’s, Vetter’s, Ellis’s, and See’s she enjoyed many vacations to beautiful Caribbean Islands. With her friend, Marge Squires, she went on trips all over the world, including Alaska, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and the Great Wall of China. She also enjoyed the simple family trips to Rockport. For the last few years when Cathy couldn’t leave home, her lifelong friend Judy Johnson Hyatt and a new friend Mickey Peoples, visited regularly and brought her much joy.
Cathy was a kind and compassionate nurse and friend who went out of her way to lend a helping hand to those in need. “Sweet” was the most often used word to describe her. She was a lifelong member of St. James Catholic Church as well as a proud alum and supporter of St. James School. She was also an active member in the Service Organization, Beta Sigma Phi.
SawyerSGM Frank Charles Sawyer, Jr., USA (ret), age 88 of Seguin, TX, passed away on December 25, 2024. Frank was born on August 26, 1936 in Willimantic, Connecticut to Marie Luciene (Pepin) and Frank C. Sawyer, Sr.
Frank graduated from Windham High School in 1954. He served in the United States Army for 24 years with a rank of SGM. His military awards were the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Armed Forces Expedition Medal.
Frank served in Okinawa Japan, Korea, Italy, New Jersey, Pennsylvania,
Cathy is preceded in death by her parents Robert Lee and Irene Engbrock as well as many aunts and uncles.
Survivors include the Father of her two daughters, Ken Brannies; daughters, Kendra Brannies Gibbs (Jeffrey), and Gina Brannies Moore (Tyler); sister, Sue Ann Engbrock Woytek Balusek; nieces, Margie Woytek Maxwell (Jim), Rebecca Woytek, Jennifer Woytek Nagel (Tom), nephew, Jonathan Woytek (Patricia), as well as numerous great nephews and many cherished friends.
Visitation will begin on Friday, January 17, 2025 at 10 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church followed by the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 10:30 a.m. and the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. with the Reverend Canon Stanislaw Fiuk officiating. A reception will follow in the St. James Parish Hall.
Private interment will be held in the family plot at St. James Catholic Church Cemetery.
The family would like to thank the two most amazing caretakers that have become a part of our family. Mona Pantoja and Sylvia Almaguer cared for our Mother with more love and kindness than you can imagine. Because of these two ladies our Mother’s last several years were filled with happiness and light. Mona and Sylvia called her “Sweet Cathy” and told her she had beautiful sparkling eyes, and they kept a smile on her face to the very end.
The family would also like to thank GRMC Hospice including Dr. Charles Nolan and his assistant Kay Lynn Hawkins, hospice nurses Cat Smith, Linda Hall and Sara Vogel, Social Worker Carmen Anderson, and Chaplain Emmanuel Carpenter for their excellent care and support.
The family would also like to thank Maritza Miller, the Eucharistic Minister from St. James for bringing weekly communion, but also for bringing so much laughter, joy and friendship into Cathy’s life.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to St. James Catholic School, 507 S. Camp St., Seguin, Texas, 78155, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, WEB PO Box 7410354, Chicago, IL 60674-0354 or Guadalupe Regional Medical Center Hospice Services, 1215 E. Court St., Seguin, Texas, 78155.
You are invited to sign the guest book at www.treshewell.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Tres Hewell Mortuary, 165 Tor Dr., Seguin, Texas, 78155, 830-549-5912.
Virginia, Washington D.C., and Texas.
Frank is preceded in death by his loving wife of 53 years, Gaile Mary Sawyer, his parents, and sister Shirley Landon of Chaplin, CT.
Survivors include his son, Nelson Sawyer and his wife Suzanne of Colorado Springs, CO; daughter, Norma Engelmann and husband Douglas of Lufkin, TX; grandchildren, Heidi Engelmann of Seguin, TX, Tiffany Engelmann and husband Fred Booker of San Antonio, TX, Korey Engelmann and wife Kayla of La Vernia, TX, Molly Sawyer, Christopher Sawyer, and Benjamin Sawyer of Colorado Springs, CO and Erin Greszler and husband Brian of the Netherlands; nine great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other loving family members.
Private graveside services and interment with full military honors will be held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at a later date.
You are invited to sign the guest book at www.treshewell.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Tres Hewell Mortuary, 165 Tor Dr., Seguin, Texas, 78155, 830-549-5912.
Bolin
Amy Katherine Sagebiel Bolin, passed away on December 27, 2024, at the age of 51 in Seguin, Texas. Beautiful Amy was born on April 30, 1973, in Seguin, to parents James E. Sagebiel and Janet Whitmire Sagebiel.
Amy graduated from Rockdale in the summer of 1991 and then went on to Bauder Fashion College in Dallas. Amy started her career with Sally beauty Supply and rose up ranks. She eventually changes gear and went on to help her Husband’s company with a title of CFO at stay-at-Home Domestic Goddess and CFO of Technovation Security Control Systems.
Amy’s true love was taking care of others. In the years 2019, 2020 and 2021, I had the opportunity to watch Amy Nurture and love our Grandkids in the first years of their lives. The joy and love for these kids was so amazing. The bond they had was inseparable. Also, there was not a stray cat or dog in
the neighborhood she would not be fed and loved on. People that knew Amy loved her free spirit, and she was a magnet for people. Whether it was talking about life, love or football, she could hold her own in any conversation.
Amy is survived by her loving husband of 26 years, Michael J. Bolin of Seguin, TX, father James Sagebiel and wife Judy of Seguin, Tx, mother Janet Whitmire Anderson of Austin, TX, her son Dylan Hest and wife Emily of Oklahoma City, OK, her sister Kerry Sagebiel of Houston, TX, and brother James Christopher Sagebiel and wife Elizabeth of Austin TX; nephew Jameson and niece Lilirose Sagebiel. Beloved Stepsons Chandler T. Bolin, Chaaz M. Bolin and wife Jessica, grandkids Beckett Reign and Everett Layne Bolin.
A private service will be held at a later date.
A celebration of life will be held in Rockdale in the Spring of 2025 (date pending). All friends and family are welcome to attend. The coordination will be through Mother (Janet Anderson) and Husband (Michael Bolin).
“We will always carry your memory in our hearts”
You are invited to sign the guest book at www.treshewell.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Tres Hewell Mortuary, 165 Tor Dr., Seguin, Texas, 78155, 830-549-5912.
US Overdose Deaths Outpacing Other Countries
(Undated) -- Overdose deaths in the United States are rapidly outpacing other countries. A new report from the Commonwealth Fund discovered the U.S. has the highest rate of overdoses out of 30 other developed countries like Canada, Scotland, Iceland, Sweden, Japan, and more. The U.S. has 324 overdose deaths per one million people.
Global Birth Rate Decline
(Undated) -- The birth rate is dropping globally. The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development’s 2024 report shows that from the U.S. to Singapore the global birth rate is down in comparison to 1960. The international group is made up of 38 countries, including the US, to create solutions for social, economic and environmental changes. The report cites main factors for the decrease to be increased education for women, birth control accessibility, the growth in dual-earner households and reinforced public policies like paid leave and early childhood education and care.
Child Vaccination Rates Fall
(Atlanta, GA) -- Childhood vaccination rates are falling. CDC data shows fewer than 93-percent of kindergarteners lgot vaccinated last year for measles. That’s down from the 95-percent rate seen before the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccination rates for chickenpox, polio and whooping cough also fell at a similar rate. The rates had held steady for years until they began to fall during the pandemic. About 92-percent inoculation is needed for “herd immunity” in which unvaccinated children aren’t able to easily spread measles.
Poor Sanitation Caused Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak
(Undated) -- Poor sanitation at a Boar’s Head factory in Virginia contributed to a massive listeria outbreak late last year. A new report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture says inspectors found “meat and fat residue from the previous day’s production on the equipment, including packaging equipment.” The listeria outbreak resulted in the deaths of 10 people and left dozens more in the hospital. At least 19 different states had confirmed cases, the largest outbreak of foodborne illness since 2011.
Lunch & Learn
The Young Professionals Seguin Chamber will host their Bi-Monthly Lunch and Learn on January 15th from 11:30 - 1 p.m. at 116 N. Camp St.
First Friday Feast
The Geronimo Lions Club’s First Friday Feast Has been Postponed until February 7th from 5:50PM7:30PM or until they out! Small Business Development Seminar The Seguin Chamber will be hosting their Small Business Seminar featuring Paul Gaytan, at 11:30 a.m. January 22nd at the Windmill Farm Winery. Ticket Price (includes lunch) is $15 and seats are limited.
Analogous Color Theory Workshop
An introduction to analogous color theory using watercolors will be taught at Seguin Art League on January 29 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Students will be painting yellow flowers in a cobalt blue pot in an Impressionism style. 18 and older. Limit of 10 students. $35 with supplies included as needed. For more information call 830-3050472 or come by the gallery at 104 S. Austin.
Guadalupe County Republican Women Meeting
Join the Guadalupe County Republican Women on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at 11:30 AM at the Seguin Silver Center, 510 E. Court Street, Seguin, for their first meeting of the year featuring Luke Macias, a Texas political consultant. Lunch is $15 (reservation required); the program is free. Reserve by contacting Glenda Partain at 830.391.3979 or silvercenter@sbcglobal.net. Visit guadalupe-county-rw.com for details.
Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce Women’s Council Lucheon
Join the Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce Women’s Council Luncheon on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at 11:30 AM at the Seguin Public Library, 313 W. Court St., Seguin, TX. Tickets are $15 (RSVP required). For details, visit the Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce website.
February
Regional Job Fair
The Winter 2025 Regional Job Fair will be held on Thursday, February 6, 2025, from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Seguin Coliseum, 950 S. Austin St., Seguin, TX. Open to employers located in New
Braunfels, Seguin, Schertz, and Cibolo. Limited to 60 employers (no staffing agencies). Registration includes coffee, a light breakfast, lunch, and an 8ft table. For more details, contact the event organizers. To Register visit: https://info. seguinedc.com/regionaljobfair-reg-02-06-2025
Seguin Job Shadow Program
The Seguin Job Shadow Program offers high school students real-world experience through hands-on learning with professionals. Open to students from Seguin HS, Marion HS, Navarro HS, and Southwest Preparatory. The program runs on February 5, 11, 19, and 27 from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Contact Jessica Dersen at jdersen@seguintexas.gov to sign up.
Seguin Chamber Membership Luncheon
The Seguin Chamber will host a Membership Luncheon on Wednesday, February 5th. Check in and Networking will be held from 11:30 - 11:45 a.m. the Lunch & Program will follow from 11:45 - 1 p.m. @ the Seguin Coliseum. Cost is $20 for Chamber Members and $25 for future members. All attendees must register.
Pre-Super Bowl Las Vegas Bash
The Seguin Sunrise Rotary will host a Pre-Super Bowl Las Vegas Bash from 6-10 p.m. Saturday, February 8th at The Big Red Barn located at 390 Cordova Rd.
Chamber 2025 Showcase Seguin: Wild West Business Round-Up
The Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce will have its 2025 Showcase Seguin Wild West Business Round-Up from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13 at the Seguin Coliseum, located at 950 S. Austin St. in Seguin. Registration is required for all attendees. Register by Friday, Jan. 31 to avoid a $5 entry fee. For more information, call 830-379-6382.
Texas Farm Bureau Food Connection Day
The Texas Farm Bureau will host “Food Connection Day” from 11:30AM - 1PM on February 14th. @ 325 S. Texas HWY 46. Texas Food Connection Day was established to connect farmers with their consumers and spark conversations about agriculture and food-related issues, including affordability, nutrition, animal welfare, profitability, and productivity. For more information, contact
the Guadalupe County Farm Bureau office at 830-37-4456 or stop by the office located at 325 S State HWY 46.
Valentine Cookie Decorating Class
Valentine Cookie Decorating Class will be held February 14 from 5:30 to 6:30 at the Seguin Art League. Want to find something different to do for Valentine’s? How about cookie decorating! This class would be a great start to a date night evening with someone special, a significant other, or even best friend! And, the best part? You’ll have a great time, come away with some delicious cookies decorated by you to enjoy, and decorating skills you can apply for a lifetime! 18 and older; limited to 10 people; $25 single or $40 a couple with supplies included. For more information call 830-305-0472 or come by 104 S. Austin.
Jury Day for the Seguin Art League
Jury Day for the Seguin Art League will be February 15. Artwork should be presented between 10 a.m. and 12 noon. The prospectus is available on the website seguinartleague.com or may be picked up at the gallery at 104 S. Austin. This jury process enables the accepted artist to display in the gallery and serve as a gallery docent. For more information call 830-305-0472.
Mid-Texas Symphony
The Mid-Texas Symphony, with conductor, Akiko Fujimoto, will present Puttin On the Ritz, at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 23 at the Brauntex Theatre in New Braunfels. To purchase tickets, visit www.mtsymphony.org or call the box office 830-463-5353 For questions, email boxoffice@mtsymphony.org.
Brown Cultural Event Series – Elizabeth Smart
The TLU Jessie S. and Jack Harold Upton Brown Cultural Enrichment Fund will present Elizabeth Smart at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 27 at Jackson Auditorium on the campus of Texas Lutheran University. Elizabeth Smart is a victim of one of the most followed child abduction cases of our time and has become a beacon of hope and an advocate for change related to child abduction and recovery programs. Smart, now a bestselling author, will speak about her experience and recovery.
Continued on the next page.
March
Brown Cultural Event Series – The Second City 65th Anniversary
The TLU Jessie S. and Jack Harold Upton Brown Cultural Enrichment Fund will present The Second City 65th Anniversary Show at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 26 at Jackson Auditorium on the campus of Texas Lutheran University. There will be handpicked songs, sketches, and characters written by Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Bill Murray, Keegan Michael Key, Eugene Levy, and other star-studded alumni of The Second City. The show celebrates the comedy troupe’s history with favorite material from their stages over the years.
Swing for Seguin
Join the Leadership Seguin Class of 2025 for the “Swing for Seguin” Golf Fundraising Event on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at The Bandit Golf Course. Registration and breakfast begin at 7:30 AM, with a shotgun start at 8:30 AM. A 4-person team is $500, including range balls, cart rental, 18-hole scramble, breakfast taco, box lunch, drinks, swag, and snacks. Sponsorships are available. Proceeds benefit enhancements to Manuel C. Castilla Park. For more information and to register, visit the Seguin Chamber of Commerce website.
Mid-Texas Symphony
The Mid-Texas Symphony, with conductor, Akiko Fujimoto, will present Bond and Beyond, at 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 30 at the New Braunfels Civic and Convention Center in New Braunfels. To purchase tickets, visit www.mtsymphony.org or call the box office 830-463-5353 For questions, email boxoffice@mtsymphony.org.
April
Mid-Texas Symphony
The Mid-Texas Symphony, with conductor, Akiko Fujimoto, will present Ode to Joy, at 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 27 at Jackson Auditorium at Texas Lutheran University. To purchase tickets, visit www.mtsymphony.org or call the box office 830-463-5353 For questions, email boxoffice@ mtsymphony.org.
Ongoing Community Calendar Items
CCSCT Utility Assistance Application for 2024
Applications are available for the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (C.E.A.P.) provided by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs through the CCSCT. The program will help low-income consumers reduce their utility bills. There is also assistance available through the Low Income Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). For more information visit www.ccsct.org or follow them on the socials at https://linktr.ee/ ccsct_cares.
Heritage Museum Calendars
The Heritage Museum is selling 2024 Then and Now Themed Calendars. There is a limited supply and they are available for purchase at the Heritage Museum, Gift & Gourmet, Pecan Town Books and Brews, Parker’s City Pharmacy, and online at www.heritagemuseum.net. All proceeds benefit Museum projects.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Dial 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline available 24 hours a day in English and Spanish.
Volunteer Van Drivers Needed
Guadalupe County Veteran Services Office is in great need of volunteer van drivers. Even those who can only commit to one day per month. Volunteers will drive local veterans who have no transportation to their VA medical appointments in San Antonio. To volunteer, call 830-303-4188 ext. 1249.
Precious Life Services
Precious Life Services is accepting new clients who may need help with Anger Management, Parenting Skills, Christian Counseling, Group and Family Therapy, Anxiety and Depression, etc. Appointments are available in-office, by Zoom or Teleconference by calling 830-372-5980.
Free Accredited Adult Homeschool Program
The Life Changing Church is now offering a Free Accredited Homeschool Program for adults wanting to earn their high school diploma. It is a selfpaced, no classes to attend program. You work around your schedule and at the end of the program you will receive an accredited diploma that is acceptable for college. Tutors are available at no charge. Free placement testing, no previous
records required. For more information call or text Crystal at 325-956-1155.
Salvation Army Office
The Seguin Unit Salvation Army office is located at 205 North King Street. The office is open to receive requests for assistance weekly from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Volunteers Needed
The Guadalupe Valley Young Marines need volunteers. They promote a healthy, drug-free program and need males, 19 years and up who would like to see the program grow by contributing time to help future citizens, boys and girls 8 to 18. Positions available include computer input, physical fitness training, planning/logistics, and medical. Contact Dina Dillon at 423-227-9610 or visit www.gvyoungmarines.org.
La Trinidad Blessing Box - Food Pantry
The La Trinidad United Methodist Church invites you to “Take what you need, Bring what you can, and above all be Blessed!” by its Blessing Box Food Pantry located at the corner of the church at 306 E. Gonzales St. in Seguin. The Blessing Box is filled with items to help those in need.
The Country Church Attic
The Country Church Attic is now open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Wednesday and Thursday.
Clothing Ministry
The Refuge III Clothing Ministry continues to give away clothing, some furniture, dishes, and other items at 7535 Elm Creek Road in Seguin. For further information call 830-303-6478.
Free Bible Course
The World Bible School is offering free Bible correspondence courses. Answer questions from the Bible and send in for grading. Visit studygod. info for further information.
To ensure non-profit organization’s meetings and events appear in this calendar, send information to: communitycalendar@kwed1580.com, or drop off the information at the Seguin Daily News/KWED offices located at 609 E. Court St. in Seguin. For best results, submit information at least two weeks prior to the event.
SDN Classifieds
FOR RENT
FOR RENT: 512 E. Ireland - Newly remodeled, 3 bedroom/2 bath home available now. Require 1 year lease, deposit and references from previous landlord(s). $1500 monthly plus $1500 deposit. No pets. Call 830-401-4797, leave message, if no answer.
