SDN: June 10, 2024

Seguin’s little Princesses!

City moves forward, explains a TIRZ for downtown Seguin

(Seguin) -- The city of Seguin is working on yet another strategy that could help with the revitalization of the downtown area.

The Seguin City Council on Tuesday reached a consensus to move forward with a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone, better known as a TIRZ.

Economist Travis James, vicepresident of TXP, is working with the city on the creation of the TIRZ for downtown Seguin. James explained to the council how the TIRZ works, and how it might be beneficial to the downtown area.

“It’s a tool where governments, typically, cities and counties come together, sometimes college districts and they dedicate future tax revenue to pay for projects within that geographic zone. That’s the short version. So, what you are collecting today continues to go to the general fund or pay for your bonds or talk about allocating all or a portion of future revenue above what we are collecting today. That’s the increment, right? -- the extra to pay for projects in the zone,” said James.

James says the zone would not require any additional tax support. He says the taxes generated in that area would be set aside to help with future projects within the zone.

“Just to be clear, it is not a tax rate increase. It is not a burden on any of the property owners. They do not have to do anything extra. We work with the appraisal district; they will code within the appraisal district file -- and there is a calculation worksheet that we do. There’s a TIRZ board. You have to submit an annual report to the comptroller. It is completely transparent. The public is invited to participate in these board meetings. It’s typically created by the governing body. Cities can add a portion of the sales tax -- I don’t think it’s contemplated for this one. I think we are talking about just a portion of the property tax. Some cities, New Braunfels down at the Town Creek Center, they do both property tax and sales tax. But we are just thinking about property tax with this one and that is my initial recommendation to you all,” said James.

TIRZ, pg. 3

Darren Dunn

Seguin's royalty rolled up in style Saturday during the annual Seguin Police Department’s Cinderella Ball at the Seguin Coliseum. Dozens of princesses and their kings spent the evening enjoying food, fun and dancing. Pictured are Lucas & Kynleigh Barnard Photo courtesy Kellsie Barnard. See more photos in Tuesday's edition of the Seguin Daily News.

City of Seguin approves next step in Wells Fargo redevelopment project

(Seguin) -- The redevelopment of the Wells Fargo building in the heart of downtown Seguin is continuing to gain steam. The city approved the purchase of the building last summer and closed on the property earlier this year. It also hired Andrew Douglas, of TBA Douglas Architects, who is helping the city develop a process that will lead them to a qualified developer, who can help to redevelop the property, which covers a full city block at the corner of Nolte and Austin streets.

Seguin Economic Development Director Josh Schneuker on Tuesday asked the Seguin City Council to continue the city’s relationship with TBA Douglas Architects and allow the firm to move into the next phase of this work.

“Before you tonight is the resolution authorizing a continuation of work with TBA Douglas. They are the consultants that we are working on with the Wells Fargo redevelopment project on. Phase 4 is focused on the request for qualifications and the request for proposals portion of this and this will probably be the most important part of this project here. So TBA Douglas will be helping with preparing those documents, issuing them, helping us go through the review process and all of that stuff. We will be slated to get that process started here later on this summer and should be wrapping up as we go into the fall -- at

the end of the year with final selections on that,” said Schneuker.

Schneuker says this is a critical piece of the city’s hope to find the right developer to turn the property into something special for the future of downtown Seguin.

“Total cost for Phase 4 services is in the amount not to exceed $159,953.85 and don’t forget that the expenditures that we are making to TBA Douglas are being offset by the lease revenue that we are now taking in as the landlord of the Wells Fargo property so just FYI, so far since we’ve closed on the property, we have knocked on the door of about $72,000 in lease revenue on that already so that’s helping to offset a pretty substantial chunk of the cost associated with this, “said Schneuker.

There are a number of possibilities that have been identified for the redevelopment of the Wells Fargo property. Those possibilities include things like retail space, a hotel, conference rooms, town homes, restaurants and more. It also would include enhancing parking in that area. The city used a lengthy public engagement process to listen to the things that the citizens wanted for the downtown area. This next step will help them seek proposals from developers who would present their vision for the project, as part of a competitive process. The city spent $2.5 million on the property to help control its future use.

Darren Dunn

TIRZ, continued.

TIRZ can be tied to a specific project, or it could be used more broadly in a downtown area. He says the money set aside in the TIRZ can be used in a variety of ways. He says it’s simply another tool for the city to use for economic development in the downtown area.

“You can pay for all kinds of things just like you do normal economic development. You can do economic development grants. You pay for infrastructure. You pay for sidewalks. You pay for utilities. You can buy land. So, you recently purchased the Wells Fargo building. If a tourist TIRZ was in place and if the TIRZ had money, the TIRZ could have done that for you. You can do building facade grants. Taht’s very common in downtown. You can do a downtown facade grant program from a TIRZ - demolition -- all kinds of things typically that the public sector gets involved with as it relates to economic development. There are financing costs. You can pay for engineers, surveying, professional services those kinds of things. Some TIRZ do issue bonds. We are not contemplating that with this one but for these really big master plan TIRZ’s, once the TIRZ generates enough revenue, sometimes the TIRZ will issue debt because it’s cheaper for cities or counties to issue debt than a private development. It just saves you money. This TIRZ is not big enough for you to need to contemplate that but that is something that you may see other Tax Increment Reinvestment

Zones do,” said James. TIRZ have been successfully used by cities all over the state of Texas for some well-known economic development projects. Las Colinas in Irving, the Pearl in San Antonio and the Creekside development in New Braunfels were all

you create what is your tax increment reinvestment zone board. You can have no less than five, no more than 15. If other taxing entities join, hopefully, the county might be interested in joining, they will have a board member or two, but you have to have at least five by state law. We then

developed using a TIRZ.

James says the city is just getting started with the formation of this TIRZ for downtown Seguin. He says there are several steps that will need to be followed to have the zone created.

“It’s a 7-step process. If we get the green light go ahead - you like what you are hearing, we will come back and have a a brief preliminary reinvestment zone and financing plan. That is required by law. We have to have a public hearing. We have to have an ordinance so that is the first two or three steps. Then

James. James shared the proposed map for the TIRZ, which includes a large portion of the downtown area. That prompted a discussion by the council that they would like the public to offer more input about the boundary lines for the TIRZ. James says those are discussions that should be taking place now, and he can shift those boundaries in the proposed map.

have to create what is a final project and finance plan and within that document, we have to outline what is an eligible expense. So, if you said we don’t want to fund sidewalks, let’s just pick that for example -- we would not list sidewalks as an eligible expense and therefore, you can’t fund it with TIRZ money. The TIRZ board has to approve the final plan and the final plan comes back to you again for approval. So, you always have oversight and a say in what happens in this process. Then you collect the tax increment,” said

“It picks up the core of your downtown. There’s a number of projects in there that I think would be redevelopment and development of different buildings. We can’t have too much residential. You do have some public sector buildings whether it’s the ISD, whether it’s the county, whether it’s the city -- those are outlined as well. You do have different taxexempt properties those are going to primarily be your religious buildings up there towards the north. So, this is roughly what we are including. As I said, if you have changes or comments or want something included or excluded, we can absolutely do that just let us know and we will have to move the lines around,” said James.

The city council did not take a formal vote on the TIRZ. That is expected to come during a meeting next month. Meanwhile, the council did ask that there again be more public discussion about those boundaries for the reinvestment zone. Council members said it was important to make sure public input was received on what areas should be included in that downtown TIRZ.

Seguin boys force play-in game; Marion

Navarro’s Tegan Harborth selected to Texas girls coaches basketball all-star game

(Arlington) -- Navarro High School’s Tegan Harborth has been selected to play in the Texas Girls Coaches Association (TGCA) All Star Basketball Game.

In her junior season, Harborth led the Lady Panthers in scoring, rebounding and assists. She averaged 15.4 points, 7.3 boards and 2.9 assists per game. Harborth also led Navarro in steals at 2.5 per game. Following the 2023-24 season, she was selected to the All-District 27-4A First Team and was honored on the Academic All-District Team. The Texas Girls Coaches Association also named Harborth to their All-State Team.

The Lady Panthers are coached by Tegan’s father, Darrell who recently completed his 25th season as the head coach of the Navarro Lady Panthers. Navarro was 24-13 overall during the season, and advanced to the UIL Bi-District round.

on Tuesday, June 25th at Arlington Lamar High School and will get underway at 7 p.m.

And recent Navarro High School grad Taylor Helms was named to the TGCA AllState Volleyball team. Helms was a three-year varsity starter for the Lady Panther volleyball team. She finished her career at Navarro as the all-time school leader in kills with 1268. She also set the Navarro school record for most kills in a season with 552. Helms and Tegan Harborth were both selected to the AllDistrict 27-4A volleyball first team and alldistrict academic team.

Taylor Helms graduated this spring as her class salutatorian. She will continue her volleyball and academic career at Colorado School of Mines located in Golden, Colorado.

Tegan Harborth will play in the 1-4A All Star Game. The game is scheduled to take place

Chris Austin

Mendez

Sonia Marie Mendez, age 58 of Seguin, TX, entered into eternal rest on June 4, 2024 after a 3 year battle with ALS and related conditions. She was born to Paul and Mary Ellen Mendez on April 20, 1966. Sonia was honored to serve her community as a City Council member for District 2 and was a Seguin High School graduate, Class of ’84. She is survived by her Mother, Mary Ellen Mendez, Sister, Rebecca (David) Aguilar and her children: Raquel (Frank) Valadez, Jacob Aguilar and Andriana (Zachary) Carrizales, her grandchildren: Alannah Torres, Matthew Aguilar, Illiana Aguilar, Alexander Valadez, Aiden Valadez, Abigail Valadez, Alexandria Hernandez, Aubrey and Jayce Aguilar. Extended family: Niece-Jessica (Emmarie) and Ashlie Aguilar, Nephew- Michael and David Paul Aguilar. She is preceded in death by both of her Maternal and Paternal Grandparents: Manuel and Consuelo Paez and Jose and Adelaida Mendez, and her Father, Paul Mendez.

In 2020, Sonia was elected to the Seguin City Council, District 2, where she held that position until her passing. She loved being a part of

the change in her community and attending the many City events. She was also a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church where she was a lector for Sunday mass. Sonia worked for Seguin ISD for 8 years at Ball ECC and Rodriguez Elementary. She worked for the Community Child Development Center (CCDC) daycare and as a Security officer for Tyson Foods at the Seguin Center.

When she wasn’t working, you could catch her at the Seguin Volleyball Complex. She had a passion for recreational volleyball and enjoyed playing alongside her children. She also enjoyed cheering on her favorite sports teams: Dallas Cowboys, Texas Longhorns and the Houston Astros. She was a strong supporter of the many sports her grandchildren and nieces/ nephews played. She would attend their baseball, softball and volleyball games.

In December 2023, Sonia was officially diagnosed with ALS. Although this disease debilitated her physically, she continued to remain active in the community as much as she could.

Services honoring Sonia will be held on Monday, June 10, 2024. The Holy Rosary will be recited at 10:00 a.m. followed by the Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, June 30, 2024 at the Seguin Coliseum from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Arrangements are under the direction of Goetz Funeral Home, 713 N. Austin St. Seguin, Texas 78155 (830-379-2313)

Senate GOP Sink Dems Messaging Bill On Contraception

(Washington, DC) -- Senate Republicans are sinking a Democratic-led bill to protect access to contraception. The bill failed to get enough votes to move forward in the Senate on Wednesday as Republicans argued the legislation was unnecessary and overly broad. Democrats are pushing to make reproductive rights a primary issue in the upcoming election and claim there’s a very real effort to restrict access to birth control following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Republicans say they don’t oppose contraception and there’s no serious efforts to restrict it.

Cedars-Sinai Department Of Surgery Received $100 Million Donation

(Los Angeles, CA) -- The Cedars-Sinai Department of Surgery is benefitting from a 100-million-dollar donation. The gift is from philanthropists Jim and Eleanor Randall through their Randall Family Foundation. The center will become known as the Jim and Eleanor Randall Department of Surgery. Jim Randall made his fortune after buying a rivet and fastener plant in the City of Industry in the late 1960s.

CDC Warns About Salmonella Outbreak In Cucumbers

(Atlanta, GA) -- The CDC says 162 people have fallen ill due to a salmonella outbreak in cucumbers. The agency said it recalled affected products and urged anyone who consumed them to contact their doctor if they have symptoms like bloody diarrhea and excessive vomiting. The CDC notice said a Wednesday investigation found that 54 people were hospitalized in the outbreak, affecting 25 states and Washington, D.C.

Older Americans Increasingly Worried About Medicare

(Washington, DC) -- Older Americans are increasingly concerned about the future of Medicare. A West Health-Gallup 2024 Survey on Aging in America says that nearly three in four Americans between 50 and 64 are “extremely worried or worried” about Medicare not being available when they become eligible for it. That’s up 13-points from 2022.

THE ANSWER IS YES

Seguin Fire Department Fan Drive

The Seguin Fire Department Fan Drive is currently underway. Fans will be available to households (within the Seguin city limits only) that are without air conditioning. Fans can be picked up between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Municipal Court/Fire Administration building, located at 660 S. Hwy 46. A picture ID and proof of residency is required. limit one fan per household. If you received a fan last year, you are ineligible this year. If you would like to donated a fan, please drop off donations at the Municipal Court/Fire Administration building. For more information, call 830-401-2321 or email ltrevino@seguintexas.gov.

Elks Lodge Sweetheart Dinner

The Seguin Elks Lodge will have a Sweetheart Dinner at 6 p.m. on Monday, June 10 at 1331 CH Matthies Jr. in Seguin. Plates are $10 and include salad with ginger dressing, chicken and shrimp fried rice, egg roll and cheesecake with triple berry sauce.

Geronimo VFW Jam Session

The Geronimo VFW will have a Jam Session from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, June 11. For more information, call or text 830-305-8829.

Native Plant Society Meeting

The Guadalupe Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas will meet beginning with a plant/seed exchange at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 11 at St. John Lutheran Church, located at FM 465 in Marion. The presenter will be David Will continuing his series on “Saving Our Prairies. Part 2 will be on “Saving Our Native Grasses.” For more information, visit www.npsot.org/wp/guadalupe/.

AA Meetings

The Seguin Primary Purpose Group of AA will meet at 7 p.m. Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays at 315 S. Crockett St. in Seguin. For more information, call 830-386-0334.

Elks Lodge Veterans and First Responders Breakfast

The Seguin Elks Lodge will have its Veterans and First Responders Breakfast from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 15 at 1331 CH Matthies Jr. in Seguin. Veterans and First Responders eat free all other plates are $8 and include eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, biscuits and gravy.

Reddix/Scott Family Reunion

There will be a Reddix/Scott Family Reunion from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 15 at Refuge III Church Social (Irene White Fellowship Hall), located at 7491 Elm Creek Road. For more information or if you have a story, a photo, or newspaper clippings to share about the early days of Jackes Colony, or if you are a descendant of one of the indigenous tribes or nations or a formerly enslaved family that lived in the area or near any of the freedom colonies in the USA, call 830-491-8089.

Molly Hatchet/Knotty Grove at the Brauntex

Midales Entertainment will present Southern rock legendary band, Molly Hatchet with special guests Knotty Grove from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, June 15 at the Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre, located at 290 W. San Antonio St. in New Braunfels. Tickets and more information are available at www.brauntex.org or call 830-627-0808.

Elks Lodge Father’s Day Lunch

The Seguin Elks Lodge will have an Italian Trio Lunch for Father’s Day at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 16 at 1331 CH Matthies Jr. in Seguin. Plates are $23 plus tax and include salad, breadsticks, and dessert. Reservations are required by texting Stacie at 830-556-5019.

Caregiver Cafe

There will be a Caregiver Cafe at 9 a.m. on the 1st Thursday of the month at Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church and at 2 p.m. on the 3rd Sunday of the month at Emanuel’s Lutheran Church. This will be an informal gathering for caregivers to share with each other over a cup of coffee and refreshments while learning stress-relieving, relaxation techniques or hearing from guest speakers on helpful subjects. For more information, call 830-2720040, ext. 104 and leave a message.

Geronimo VFW Sunday Dance

The Geronimo VFW will have its Sunday Dance from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 16. Entertainment will be provided by Bob Appel. The doors open at 1:30 p.m. with $10 admission. For more information, call or text 830-305-8829.

NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group

The NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group for adults with mental health conditions meets from 6:30-8 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of each month at First Methodist Church. Learn more at www.NAMIGuadalupeCounty.org.

Heart to Heart Grief Support Group

There will be a Heart to Heart Caregiver Support Group from 4 to 5 p.m. the third Tuesday of every month at the Silver Center, located at 510 E. Court St. in Seguin. For more information, call 512-6676816 or 512-557-7185 or email tberger@htohh. com.

Grand Parents Raising Grand Children Group

The First Presbyterian Church, Seguin is offering a Grand Parents Raising Grand Children Group at 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 18 at 1121 E. Walnut St. The group is available to assist with questions regarding your rights and benefits available to you and will meet the third Tuesday of the month. For questions or more information, call 830-3795421. If there is no answer, leave a message and someone will get back to you as soon as they receive the message.

Comal Country Music Show

The Comal Country Music Show will be held from 7:30 to 10 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18 at the Columbus Club Hall, located at 111 Landa St. in New Braunfels. The featured guests performers will be Johnny McGowan and Mandy McMillian. The doors open at 6 p.m. with an $8 cover charge. All proceeds benefit charities.

Pecan Valley Communicators

The Pecan Valley Communicators, a community club dedicated to helping members become better speakers and leaders, will meet at 6:30 p.m. the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month at the GVEC Community Room, located at 927 SH-46 in Seguin. The annual dues are $24.

NAMI Family Support Group

The NAMI Family Support Group for adult family members and friends of adults with mental health conditions meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at First Methodist Church Seguin. Learn more at www. NAMIGuadalupeCounty.org.

Business Improvement Grant (BIG) Program

The City of Seguin is now accepting applications for the Business Improvement Grant (BIG) Program. Applicants may be eligible to receive up to a 75 percent matching grant, with a maximum grant awarded to an applicant not to exceed $10,000. Improvements and other expenditures eligible under the Seguin BIG Program include facade improvements, sign improvements, site improvements, and other real property improvements. Program Guidelines and Applications are available online at www.SeguinTexas.gov or at www.SeguinEDC.com. Applications must be submitted through the BIG application portal which can be accessed by visiting: https://bit. ly/seguin-big24 by the close of business on the last day of each month. For more information, visit www.SeguinEDC.com, or call 830-401-2476.

Student Summer Camp at Crossroads Church

The Crossroads Church will have a Student Summer Camp for 6th to 12th grade students on Wednesday, July 24 and Thursday, July 25 at 3455 W. US Highway 90 in Seguin. There will be games, food, movies, a lock-in and a day at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. The cost is $100 per student with a $25 deposit due on Thursday, June 20. For more information, call 830-379-7737 or email brandy@crossroadsc.com.

Activities Fair for Veterans

There will be an Activities Fair for Veterans from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 20 at the Veterans Outreach Center, located at 205 E. Weinert St. in Seguin. For more information, call 830-303-4188, ext. 1249.

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Summer Solstice at Elks Lodge

The Seguin Elks Lodge will have a Summer Solstice event at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 20 at 1331 CH Matthies Jr. in Seguin. Celebrate the longest day of the year by the Elks Lodge pool. Dinner plates are $15 and include grilled lime chicken, cilantro rice, watermelon, and pineapple upside down cake.

Fourth of July Parade Application Deadline

The City of Seguin Main Street Program is accepting applications for the Fourth of July Parade until Friday, June 21. Applications are available at the Seguin Visitor Center, located at 200 S. Austin St. or online at www.seguintexas.gov/ fourthofjuly.

Build for Better Bash

The Guadalupe Valley Habitat For Humanity will have a Build for Better Bash from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 22 in the Seguin Hall parking lot on the campus of Texas Lutheran University, located at 1000 W. Court St. in Seguin. Tickets include a meal, ticket, and t-shirt and are $25 for individual and $15 for youth (16 & under). To purchase tickets visit https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/fgdzx77/lp/747ccb91-2f4c4281-ae71-3939d63ff32f. For more information, call 830-401-0422.

Mosaic Garden Stepping Stones Class

The Seguin Art League will offer a Mosaic Garden Stepping Stones Class from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 21 and continuing on Saturday, June 22 at 104 S. Austin St. in Seguin. Instructor, Karen Roberson, will give an introduction to basic mosaic and participants will learn to cut tile, affix a design, and finish with grout. The class is for ages 14 and older. The cost is $50 and participants should bring their own stepping stone. Call 830-305-0472 for size and more information.

Geronimo VFW Sunday Dance

The Geronimo VFW will have its Sunday Dance from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 23. Entertainment will be provided by Bimbo. The doors open at 1:30 p.m. with $10 admission. For more information, call or text 830-305-8829.

Help Seguin Shine Grant Applications

The Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce will accept applications for its Help Seguin Shine Grant until Friday, June 28. Do you have an entryway to your business that needs sprucing up? Does your business’s signage need updating? Do you have a community project that will create a visual attraction for the City of Seguin? The Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce encourages you to apply for its Help Seguin Shine Grant. Applications are available online at www.seguinchamber.com. For more information, call 830-379-6382.

Help Seguin Shine Grant

The Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce will accept applications for its Help Seguin Shine Grant until Friday, June 28. Do you have an entryway to your business that needs sprucing up? Does your business’s signage need updating? Do you have a community project that will create a visual attraction for the City of Seguin? The Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce encourages you to apply for its Help Seguin Shine Grant. Applications are available online at www.seguinchamber.com. For more information, call 830-379-6382.

26th Annual Youth Range Camp

The Comal-Guadalupe Soil & Water Conservation District will have its 26th Annual Youth Range Camp for students ages 12 to 17 on July 16 – 18, 2024. Registration is $75 per camper for the 3-day overnight camp at the Texas State University Camp in Wimberley. Registration closes at 4 p.m. on Friday, June 28. To register and for more information, call Beverly at 830-379-0930 x3. Camp is limited to the first 30 campers registered.

Freedom Fiesta

Freedom Fiesta presented by KWED will be held from 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday, June 29 in Central Park in downtown Seguin. There will be entertainment provided by Brandon Michael and D.J. DTrayne. There will also be a variety of food trucks, non-profit food vendors, other vendors, cold drinks, and time to connect with the community. For more information call 830-379-2234.

GCRW Kiddie Parade at Freedom Fiesta

The Guadalupe County Republican Women will have its Kiddie Parade to kick off KWED’s Freedom Fiesta at 6 p.m. Saturday, June 29 on Donegan St. next to Seguin’s Central Park gazebo. Kids can ride in their strollers, on their bikes or scooters, in their motorized vehicles, or just march around Central Park following Uncle Sam around the square. Prizes will be given to the top two in each category (walking, self-propelled, or motorized), No registration is necessary. Contact Kelly with questions at 830-463-7549 or kdfoll123@yahoo.com.

Geronimo VFW Sunday Dance

The Geronimo VFW will have its Sunday Dance from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 30. Entertainment will be provided by Gabe Galvan. The doors open at 1:30 p.m. with $10 admission. For more information, call or text 830-305-8829.

July

Seguin Art League Beginning Watercolor Class

The Seguin Art League will have a Beginning Watercolor Class from 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, July

3 at 104 S. Austin St. in Seguin. Lean how colors interact, how to make washes, color theory, and basic page layout. The cost is $30. For more information call 830-305-0472.

Elk Lodge 4th of July Pool Party and Cookout

The Seguin Elks Lodge have a 4th of July Pool Party and Cookout after the parade on Thursday, July 4 at 1331 CH Matthies Jr. in Seguin. Come cool off and celebrate the 4th with friends and family. Hot dogs will be provided by the lodge. Bring a side dish to share.

First Friday Feast

The Geronimo Lions will have its First Friday Feast Fish or Steak Dinner from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 5 at the Big Red Barn. Meals are $20. A child’s hot dog plate (chips, drink and dessert) is also available. Tickets can be purchased at the door. The June entertainment will be provided by the Brushy Creek Boys and the Beneficiary will be Kidsight.

Parkinson’s Support Group

The Gonzales Area Parkinson’s Support Group will meet from 6 to 8 p.m. the 1st Thursday of each month in the Fellowship Hall at the Presbyterian Church, located at 414 St. Louis St. in Gonzales. For more information visit lonestarparkinsonsociety.com or email gapsg23@gmail. com.

Basic Mediation Training

The Central Texas Dispute resolution Center will offer its Basic Mediation Training on Thursday, July 11 through Saturday, July 13 and Thursday, July 18 through Saturday, July 20 via Zoom. To register online, visit www.centexdrc.org or email csheppard@cemtexdrc.org.

Seguin Sports Booster Club Media Guide Deadline

The Seguin Sports Booster Club is seeking members and advertisers for its media guide that will be available at each home game this upcoming football season. The deadline for submitting information is Monday, July 12. For application/ form, contact Cathy Beicker at 830-401-1954 or cbeicker@gmail.com.

Food Distribution Event

There will be a Food Distribution Event from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, July 15 at First Baptist Church, located at 1314 E. Cedar St. in Seguin. Pre-register at www.Freshtrak.com.

Crossroads Vacation Bible School

The Crossroads Church will have its Inaugural Vacation Bible School for kids ages 5 to 11 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16 through Thursday, July 18 at 3455 W. US Highway 90.

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Seguin Art League Monet’s Impressionism Class

The Seguin Art League will have a Monet’s Impressionism Class from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, July 18 at 104 S. Austin St. in Seguin. The class is for ages16 and older. Paint your own impressionistic painting based on Claude Monet’s masterpiece, “Sunset in Venice.” Learn how to map out the painting, different types of brushstrokes, underpainting, layering, highlights and reflections. The cost is $40. Call or come by for supply list. For more information, call 830-305-0472.

AP and Advanced Art Workshops The Seguin Art League will offer AP and Advanced Art Workshops from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 24 and Thursday, July 25 at 104 S. Austin St. in Seguin. The workshops will be taught by certified art teachers and will provide real solutions and strategies for a successful portfolio with creative art concepts and lessons in order to provide a jumpstart for the 2024-2025 school year. The cost is $60 a day and supplies are included. Limit 10 students. For more information, call 830-305-0472.

August

Food Distribution Event

There will be a Food Distribution Event from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, August 24 at GRMC, located at 1215 E. Court St. in Seguin. Pre-register at www. Freshtrak.com.

September

FFA Pantherfest and Tractor Pull

The Navarro FFA Booster Club will have its Pantherfest and Tractor Pull on Saturday, Sept. 7 at The Big Red Barn, located at 390 Cordova Rd. The Tractor Pull begins at 10 a.m. with a $30 a hook fee. Food trucks will be on site from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pantherfest will run from 5 to 11:30 p.m. with a catered meal by Schulze’s Pit Room. There will also be a dance with music provided by Cross Roads. Pre-sale tickets are $25 and a limited number of tickets will be available at the door for $30. For tickets, email navarroffaboosters@gmail. com.

Food Distribution Event

There will be a Food Distribution Event from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 16 at First Baptist Church, located at 1314 E. Cedar St. in Seguin. Pre-register at www.Freshtrak.com.

October

Understand Your Medicare Options Seminars

The GRMC, GHN and the Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce’s new Healthcare Advisory Committee will offer free educational seminars on Understand Your Medicare Options at 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 18 and at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 20

in the GRMC Upstairs Classroom (Enter Central Entrance Lobby), located at 1215 E. Court St. in Seguin. For more information, call 830-303-4846.

Food Distribution Event

There will be a Food Distribution Event from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 21 at First Baptist Church, located at 1314 E. Cedar St. in Seguin. Pre-register at www.Freshtrak.com.

November

Food Distribution Event

There will be a Food Distribution Event from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 16 at GRMC, located at 1215 E. Court St. in Seguin. Pre-register at www. Freshtrak.com.

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 830-3725980.

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.