Dec. 4, 2024
No cash? No problem!
Salvation
Army Kettle Campaign now accepting digital donations
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
(Seguin) – The Seguin Unit Salvation Army’s 2024 Kettle Campaign has not only gone digital, but it is offering all sorts of new ways to give back. In addition to still being able to drop your loose change inside one of the red shiny kettles outside the store, folks in Seguin are being given new options in which to donate. This year’s ringing of the kettle bells can be found outside the doors of Seguin’s Walmart Store and Walgreens.
Salvation Army Volunteer Liz Hilsdorf says the local non-profit organization is excited about being able to collect from those who are cashless.
“One of the things that we do have this year is that you can collect if you are cashless. We have a QR code now that you will be able to use and be able to give directly to our unit. Every cent that we get and use from the bucket stays 100 percent in Guadalupe County – every penny. So they will be able to just scan that code and be able to give it directly to us and then people can also write a check and they’ll get a tax deduction for that,” said Hilsdorf.
Again, folks can donate digitally via Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal and Venmo. Individuals can also donate by texting the word KETTLE to 53555.
Kettle, pg. 4
What’s on the grocery list for the Christian Cupboard?
Christian Cupboard, Seguin PD Blue Santa Program to benefit from KWED Holiday Food and Toy Drive
(Seguin) – If you need some tips to donate to the Christian Cupboard during this Friday’s KWED Holiday Food and Toy Drive, look no further. Currently on the food pantry’s grocery list are cereal, peanut butter, soup, green beans and pasta sauce. Of course, this is only a suggested list and will never turn any food items down.
Volunteers say unfortunately, there are food items that are often requested but are still too expensive for the cupboard to provide daily. Some of those items include jelly
and jams, coffee and margarine.
Now, before heading out to the store, Cupboard volunteers ask that you first check your own cupboards at home. They say perhaps there is food that you don’t need any more or maybe you’ve got extras.
As they experience a rise in clients who are homeless, the nonprofit group is also seeking food and drinks that are easy to eat. Suggested items include chips, Vienna sausages, Gatorades, juice boxes, canned beans, dry cereals, granola bars, applesauce and puddings.
The food pantry also accepts garden vegetables and other fresh foods along with any processed leftovers such as deer meat.
Although the bulk of donations are food items, volunteers at the Christian Cupboard say they also welcome non-food items such as toiletries and personal hygiene items such as shampoo, soaps, toothpaste, laundry detergent, feminine products, clean egg cartons and recyclable bags.
Cupboard, pg. 4
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
TLU to host Christmas tree lighting during tonight’s Winterfest
Free family fun to be held outside TLU Chapel
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
(Seguin) – Families are invited to ring in the holidays tonight at Texas Lutheran University’s Winterfest. TLU hopes to jump start all the local Christmas festivities set for this week in Seguin. The free event will include plenty of festive fun. This includes listening to a local choir perform as folks get their Christmas shopping done
at the arts and crafts vendor market. Families are also invited to play games, enjoy delicious food, and watch TLU’s Christmas tree lighting.
The Winterfest
celebration will be held today, De. 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. on the lawn outside the Chapel of the Abiding Presence. Parking for the event is available throughout campus.
“A Parade of Lights: Celebrating the Holiday Season in Style”
Special by Myra Salinas, Main Street/CVB tourism coordinator
(Seguin) -- Every year, Seguin, Texas, transforms into a winter wonderland as the community gathers to celebrate the holiday season with the much-anticipated Holiday Lighted Parade. A beloved tradition of the holiday season in Seguin officially begins with the Holiday Stroll Parade on Thursday, December 5th at 6:30 p.m.
Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a longtime parade-goer, Seguin’s Holiday Lighted Parade promises a memorable experience for all ages.
Local businesses, schools, community groups, and individuals participate by decorating floats, vehicles, and even marching units with vibrant lights, creating a visual spectacle that delights attendees. These creative displays range from traditional Christmas themes to whimsical, unique interpretations of the holiday spirit. It’s an opportunity for Seguin’s residents to showcase their festive spirit and come together to share the joy of the season.
“As the first night of the Holiday
Stroll festivities, the parade is a great introduction to the holiday season in Seguin,” said Lindsay Hajek Recreation Superintendent for the City of Seguin. “The Holiday Stroll Parade gets bigger and better each year and brings friends and family together for a night of twinkling lights, creativity, and holiday spirit. We want everyone to spend the holidays in Seguin!”
The floats will start at the intersection of Austin and College streets and head south towards Central Park. Once the parade ends, the Mayor will announce the winners of the parade and the Christmas Tree Decorating Contest. Immediately
following, the community is invited to stick around for the countdown to the holiday lighting of Central Park. The evening event will also include photos with Santa, musical entertainment, local non-profit vendors and more.
The parade is just the start of the three-day Holiday Stroll festivities downtown. On Friday, December 6th Sip ‘N Stroll with participating downtown merchants sampling hot cocoas. Then Saturday, December 7th bring the family to Central Park for the North Pole Stroll.
For more information on all the holiday activities, visit httpe://www. VisitSeguin/events/annual-events/ holiday-stroll/.
Kettle, continued.
Other options include donating cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin or Ethereum or by donating via the group’s website available at SalvationArmyUSA.org.
All donors are also reminded to enter the 78155-zip code if prompted or to ensure that donations (especially check donations) are made directly to the Seguin Service Unit of the Salvation Army so that funds can be applied locally.
The Salvation Army works year-round to help residents with emergency-based funds. Examples include utilities, rent or even travel expenses such as needing a bus ticket to visit someone out of state who is sick or dying.
Volunteer Tom Jones says it’s already
amazing what the holiday campaign can pull in with just the kettles. He says now, the sky’s the limit as to what folks can give straight off their phone or other digital device.
“Seguin in my opinion is one of the most generous communities that I’ve ever seen. To think that we can collect over $40,000 in little red buckets at the door of a shopping center is incredible and yet, this year, we are going to extend ourselves even to Walgreens,” said Jones. “It’s incredible what Seguin and Guadalupe County as a whole can provide.”
This year’s Kettle Campaign runs each day through Christmas Eve. Those wishing to volunteer to ring the bell are asked to call 830-4014872 or stop by the local office at 1201 W. Court St.
Cupboard, continued.
Donations for the Christian Cupboard will be accepted during the holiday food and toy drive slated for this Friday morning outside the KWED studios at 609 E. Court St. Toy donations for the Seguin Police Department Blue Santa Program will also be collected. Toys are needed for both boys and girls ages 0 to 12.
The drive will be held from 7 to 9 a.m. on Friday. Those wishing to donate in advance are welcome to drop off items in the radio station lobby today through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Friday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
KWED Radio and the Seguin Daily News thank the following sponsors for their contributions to help make this year’s food and toy drive a reality. Those sponsors include Joe Cools AC and Heating; Furniture Warehouse; Beyond Coffee; Sweet Treats; Su Casa Café; Palms Mexican Restaurant; Noe’s Mexican Restaurant; Mi Chula Taco Stand; Heideke’s Country Kennels; Steele Hyundai and Triple Bee Bakery & Boutique.
Wildfire Smoke Plume Study Links Smoke With ER Visits And Premature Deaths
(Urbana, IL) -- A new study on wildfire smoke shows an increase in emergency room visits the first day smoke plumes reach an area. It also shows an increase in deaths after that. The study by the University of Illinois looks at Eastern Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, the Dakotas, and Wisconsin. It cross references air quality with Medicare data and finds 191-thousand emergency room visits and ten-thousand premature deaths over the past 20 years linked to wildfire smoke.
AIDS Memorial Quilt Displayed At White House
(Washington, DC) -- President Biden and his wife are increasing the visibility of those dealing with HIV and AIDS. The White House celebrated World AIDS Day yesterday by displaying the AIDS Memorial Quilt on the South Lawn. The Bidens also welcomed HIV survivors, families and advocates, and displayed a red ribbon on the South Portico to recognize those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses. Addressing the goal to end HIV and AIDS in the U.S., the President called it a hard fight but one that he knows will eventually be won.
Elderly Drug Addicts Recover, But Face Health Problems
(Undated) -- Drug addiction and recovery are impacting senior citizens way more than ever before. Federal figures show more than two million Americans over the age of 65 are addicted to drugs. Research also shows about three-fourths will recover, however they now have to deal with the long-term effects on their bodies and minds. The Wall Street Journal reports that includes 72-year-old Jerry Schlesinger, who started using at 15 and finally got sober two years ago. He says decades of drug use have taken a toll on his lungs, teeth, and liver.
Doctor Offers Decoration Safety
(Undated) -- A doctor is offering safety tips for holiday decorations. Carole Parsons, an emergency medicine physician for the Cleveland Clinic says falls from ladders is one of the most common injuries. He says make sure the ladder is firmly planted in the ground, have someone else with you and not reach out too far when trying to hang lights. Any lights with broken bulbs or frayed wiring should be tossed because they are a fire hazard. He recommends keeping live trees away from fire places or other fire sources. Consumer Safety Product Commission stats show last year nearly 15-thousand people were treated in emergency departments due to holiday decorating-related injuries
December
Di Sucre by V
The Seguin chamber of commerce will host a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Di Sucre by V at 11AM Thursday, December 5th at 225 S. Saunders ST. inside The Schoolyard.
Guadalupe County Republican Women Meeting
On Friday, December 13th, 2024 the Guadalupe County Republican Women will be hosting a luncheon, with Chris Byrd as their main speaker. The luncheon/meeting will be held at the Seguin Silver Center at 510 East Court Street, Seguin. Social hour starts at 11:00 AM with a cash bar. Seated lunch at 11:30 AM. Cost for lunch is $20.00. Please make reservations with Glenda Partain by calling or texting 830.391.3979 or emailing silvercenter@sbcglobal.net. The program is free but lunch requires reservation. Payment by cash or check. Please join us for a timely and informative program. More information is available at https:// www.guadalupe-county-rw.com/.
Agave Coffee
The Seguin chamber of commerce will host a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Agave Coffee at 10AM Tuesday, December 17th at 109 S. Crockett ST.
Serenity Boutique
The Seguin chamber of commerce will host a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Serenity Boutique at 11AM Thursday, December 19th at 837 E. Court St.
Christmas Market
Immanuel Lutheran Church will host its 9th annual Christmas Market from 9 AM- 2 PM Rain or shine, at 310 Seguin Street in La Vernia. There will be Breakfast Tacos, Cheesy Potato Soup, Wassail & More. Visit the country store for fresh baked and candied goods. There will also be Christmas pictures in front of the church, face painting & balloon animals for the kids. Outdoor vendor spaces are still available! For more information, contact ILCWOFChristmasMarket@ Gmail.com or call (830)-688-1810.
Parkinson’s Support Group
The Gonzales Area Parkinson’s Support Group will meet from 6 to 8 p.m. the first 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.
TLU’s Operation Blue Santa
Texas Lutheran University is partnering with KWED for an Operation Blue Santa Christmas Toy Drive until Friday, Dec. 6. New, unwrapped toys crafts, books and games suitable for ages 0 to 18 are being collected a various locations on the TLU campus and in the Seguin community. TLU is accepting cash or check donations only for Operation Blue Santa.
Wesley-Harper UMC Fashion Fusion 2024
The Wesley-Harper UMC will present its Fashion Fusion 2024 at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 7 at the Seguin Events Complex, located at 950 S. Austin St. in Seguin. Tickets are $25 presale or $30 at the door and are available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday at the church, located at 754 W. Court St. in Seguin or at Serenity Boutique, located at 837 E. Court St. in Seguin. For more information and tickets call 210-669-3404 or 210-857-4752.
Grand Parents Raising Grand Children Group
The Texas Grand Parents Raising Grand Children Seguin Support Group will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10 at the GVEC Community Room, located at 927 N. TX-46 in Seguin.
GCCWB Ugly Sweater Dinner Party
The Guadalupe County Child Welfare Board (GCCWB) will have its Ugly Sweater Dinner Party at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13 at the Stephen and Mary Birch Texas Theatre, located at 425 N. Austin St. in Seguin. There will be a silent auction, live entertainment with Magician, Carlos David, dinner, and an Ugly Sweater Contest. Tickets are available at www.gccwb.org/ event-details/5th-annual-ugly-sweater-dinner-party.
Mid-Texas Symphony
The Mid-Texas Symphony, with conductor, Akiko Fujimoto, will present Merry Melodies, at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15 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.
Public Service Award Nominations
The GVEC’s Public Service Award (PSA) ac-
knowledges deserving individuals and organizations who consistently make a positive impact on their community. Nominations for the GVEC 2025 Individual or Organization PSA are being accepted until Monday, Dec. 16 at www. gvec.org/psa.
Seguin Art League Creating Fabric Designs Class
The Seguin Art League will offer a Creating Fabric Designs Class from 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 104 S. Austin St. in Seguin. Participants will learn to use block print techniques to create their own unique fabric. A reusable block will be carved using custom colors that you create. The class is for adults and the cost is $35 with supplies included. For more information call 830-305-0472.
Seguin Art League Beginning Drawing Class
The Seguin Art League will offer a Beginning Drawing Class, for ages 9 to 13, from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21 at the Seguin Art League, located at 104 S. Austin St. in Seguin. The class will cover basic skills and lead up to drawing in 3D, and finish with a still life drawing. The cost is $35 with supplies included. Participants can also bring their own supplies. There is a minimum of 5 students and a maximum of 10. For more information, call 830-305-0472.
January
First Friday Feast
The Geronimo Lions Club will host their First Friday Feast from 5:30 - 7:30 PM or until they run out @ The Red Bar on 390 Cordova Rd. There will be $20 Steak or Fish Dinner with sides and a drink. This event is benefiting local non-profits. Happy New Year from the Geronimo Lions.
February
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. 23 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.
Continued on the next page.
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.
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.
