STEEL MAGNOLIAS Better than an armadillo groom’s cake

(Seguin) – When I heard Steel Magnolias was being performed at the Texas Theatre, I knew I had to see it. The show holds a special place in my heart. In college, my school's theatre department put the play on in our tiny black box, and as a sophomore, I played the infamous Ouiser Boudreaux. It is one of my favorite memories from those days, and I haven't seen the play or the movie since then.

The movie is an undeniable southern classic, starring a cast of famous female faces from Dolly Parton to Julia Roberts. The play, however, is a very different experience from the movie.

On opening night, I headed to the Texas, picked up my tickets from the box office, and chose my seat. While looking over the playbill, I also took in the theatre. With the curtains open, the elegant proscenium framed the carefully crafted beauty shop set highlighting the regality of the small Seguin theatre. The set was designed with southern charm in mind, painted teal with leopard print details bringing the space to life.

Soon, the lights dimmed, and the show opened with Annelle (Lauren Bouquet) interviewing for a job at Truvy's (Johanna Bain Johnson) salon. The nearly full house was immediately smitten with Bouquet's earnest rendition of Annelle, chuckling at her first-day nerves as the other characters made their entrances.

While the play takes place in the salon, the story surrounds a group of women and hinges around two in particular –– M'Lynn and Shelby. Portraying the mother-daughter pair are Seguin's Mary Jane Windle and Ivy Koehler Meehan, who depicted a relationship of love, sometimes fraught with disagreement, with deft believability. Their dispute over baby's-breath at the top of the show is particularly relatable. Then there is Clairee, portrayed by Pat Hoppe, who I have to admit gave me a little giggle fit, and last but not least, Ouiser, played by Sheila Bailey Lucas.

The crowd erupted when she entered stage right, whooping and cheering as she stormed into the scene. Her portrayal of Ouiser was deliciously deranged and, more importantly, profound, elevating the character beyond comic relief, showing a tenderness beneath all the posturing.

Also of note was Meehan's portrayal of Shelby. She, in particular, stood out to me as bringing a modern women's touch to a character living in the 80s. She sits in her salon chair, legs half folded, fiddling with her nails as her mother gossips with friends. Meehan's Shelby stands out amongst her mother's peers but does not make herself smaller in their presence. Instead, she grows into her space in the story and the stage throughout the show. As she does, she transforms and impacts the women around her.

Steel Magnolias is a play that shows the strength of women following them through times of happiness and tragedy and finally healing. It's a timeless story, and this ensemble cast brought it to life through laughter and, yes, tears. This show is very likely to make you cry. So get some tissues, and see this talented local cast before closing on Sunday.

Show times are 7:30 p.m. this Friday and Saturday and again on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for general admission or $25 for reserved seating. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Gift & Gourmet, the Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce, Keepers Interiors, or online at thetexas.org.

The Texas Theatre is located at 425 N. Austin St.

On May 10, 2023, Prof. George E. Dix passed away of natural causes. He is survived by his loving wife, Dahlia Marie Gutierrez-Dix of Austin, TX.

He is also survived by two sons: George Dix of Tupelo, MS. and Edward Dix of Raleigh N.C.; a sister, Jennifer Dix Burkholder (Regan) of Santa Fe, N.M.; and a brother, John Dix (Carolyn) of Telluride CO.

Prof. Dix was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Law School in Madison WI, where he was a distinguished student, graduating first in his class. Afterward, he clerked for two Federal Judges on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in Alabama. Upon completing his clerkships, he went on the teach at Washington University School of Law in St. Louis MO. Subsequently, he was lured away from St. Louis to become a “founding faculty member” of the Sandra Day O’Connor School of Law at Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ. He worked diligently at Arizona State to assure a level of excellence in legal studies for the students. In 1971 he was lured away again by Dean W. Page Keeton of the University of Texas Law School to help establish one of the most prestigious law schools; particularly in the area of Criminal Law. Prof. Dix taught at U.T. Law School for 48 years and was passionate about each year. He loved teaching and found great pleasure in getting to know his students and in encouraging them in their endeavors.

In addition to his teaching duties, Prof. Dix distinguished himself in his legal writings and research. He is the author and co-author of numerous books, periodicals, articles, and most notably his treatise in the TEXAS PRACTICE series on CRIMINAL PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE for numerous editions. He was very gratified that his writings and opinions were often cited as guidance and authority by the United States Supreme Court in their opinions concerning Texas criminal law.

He was also passionate about the rights of the mentally ill in our society and worked closely with several legislators in rewriting the Texas Mental Code. He was a lecturer on these matters with the State Bar of Texas and with specific Mental Health organizations to help educate physicians and mental health workers on the legal rights of mental health patients.

Prof. Dix devoted more than 52 years to legal education in his hope to produce the best and most ethical attorneys to serve the people of the State of Texas.

He will be remembered most by his devoted wife for his sharp wit; his gentleness; his sweet and loving manner; his wonderful hugs and kisses, and most importantly, constant support and encouragement. His accomplishments in his profession pale in comparison to the love he felt and shared in their marriage.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 26, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Louis Catholic Church, 7601 Burnet Rd., Austin, TX 78757. A reception for mourners will be held in St. Louis IX Hall immediately after the funeral mass. A graveside interment service is scheduled for May 30, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. at St. James Catholic Cemetery, Seguin, TX 78155.

In his memory, the “Prof. George E. Dix Scholarship Fund” has been established and donations to this fund should be payable to ST LOUIS CATHOLIC SCHOOL, in order to provide tuition to students in financial need. Donations may be made at the funeral mass and/or at the reception following or by mail.

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.

WieDing

John Henry Wieding, age 70 of Seguin, passed away on May 19, 2023. John was born on September 12, 1952, in Seguin, Texas. He was a 1971 graduate of Seguin High School. John retired after 30 years, with SMI now CMC where he worked as a maintenance mechanic.

John loved everything outdoors, especially hunting. He loved welding and barbecuing including building and welding barbecue pits. His favorite times were spent among family and friends, particularly with his grandchildren who never wanted to miss any of their activities.

He is preceded in death by his father, Wilson Maddox, and his brother, Curtis Wieding.

Survivors include his loving wife of 47 years, Brenda Kay Wieding; son, Wesley Warren Wieding and wife, Terri; grandchildren who knew and loved him as Pop Pop, Brayden, Brylee and Brealyn Wieding; mother, Marie Wieding; sisters, Bertha Krueger and husband Allen, Connie Sill and husband Louis, Debbie Rohde and partner, Stuart Falor, and Tammy Schulle and husband Alton; sisters-in-law, Connie Falkenberg and husband, Leroy, and Judy Schulze and husband, Val; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving family members, and many friends.

Visitation will begin on Friday, May 26, 2023, at 1 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church of Elm Creek followed by a funeral service at 3 p.m. with the Rev. Toby Burk officiating. Interment will follow in the Christ Lutheran Church of Elm Creek Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Troy Krueger, Alton Schulle, Dennis Zamzow, Maurice Zamzow, Donnie Zamzow, Caide Krueger, Scott Prothero, Chance Schulle, and Stuart Falor.

Memorial contributions may be made to Christ Lutheran Church of Elm Creek, 3305 Church Road, Seguin, Texas, 78155.

You are invited to sign the guest book at www.treshewell.com [1]. Arrangements are under the direction of Tres Hewell Mortuary, 165 Tor Dr., Seguin, Texas, 78155, 830-5495912.

CDC Issues Food Safety Salmonella Alert For Papa Murphy’s Cookie, S’mores Dough

(Atlanta, GA) -- The CDC is issuing a food safety alert after a salmonella outbreak linked to Papa Murphy’s cookie dough. The health agency on Tuesday said 18 salmonella infections were reported across six states, with two people winding up in the hospital. People in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California, Utah, and Missouri became infected after eating the cookie dough raw. Papa Murphy’s is temporarily pulling its raw chocolate chip cookie dough and raw S’mores bars dough from shelves while investigators work to find the contaminated ingredient in the dough.

Several Pregnant Women and New Moms Are Faced With Depression Undetected (Chicago, IL) -- May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Aetna Better Health Doctor Marilyn Griffin notes there are some telltale signs of depression in pregnant women and new mothers. She says feelings of hopelessness, shame, guilt, and beliefs of not being a good mother. Doctor Griffin says that if anyone needs or knows someone that needs help can go to aetnabetter-health-dot-com-slash-illinois-slash medical or call the crisis hotline at 988.

Americans Forego Healthcare Services

(Washington, D.C.) -- Americans are foregoing health care services at higher rates. A survey from the Federal Reserve reveals 28-percent of respondents went without some form of medical care in 2022 because it was too expensive. That number climbed by four-percent year-over-year. The survey found Americans were most likely to skip dental care, followed by a doctor’s visit and prescription medication. They also neglected to schedule follow-up visits and mental health counseling.

U.S. Filled With “Play Deserts”

(Athens, GA) -- The U.S. is apparently filled with so-called “play deserts.” Researchers at the University of Georgia found many areas in the country have few safe, free parks and playgrounds for kids. Several of those areas are in rural parts of the country, specifically the southeast region. Experts say kids who don’t have access to a playground or park are more likely to sit in front of a screen.

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