A Blue Santa Success! A Blue Santa Success!
There was a huge turnout for Friday’s annual KWED Holiday Food and Toy Drive. A truckload of new unwrapped toys was collected for the Seguin Police Department’s Blue Santa program, along with 580 pounds of food that was collected for the Christian Cupboard.
Success, pg. 2
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
Success, continued.
The collection effort also brought in close to $7,000 that will be jointly shared by both non-profit organizations.
The Food and Toy Drive is an annual tradition for the KWED staff, and it includes great support from the community.
We thank all who gave this year. We also thank the sponsors and partners for this year’s drive.
That list includes Joe Cools AC and Heating: Beyond Coffee; Sweet Treats, Triple Bee Bakery; Heideke’s Country Kennel; The Palms Restaurant; Mi Chula Taco Stand; Su Casa Restaurant; Reyna’s Restaurant; Noe’s Restaurant; Furniture Warehouse and Steel Hyundai New Braunfels. They each made donations that helped keep our volunteers well fed during this year’s event or provided transportation for our donations.
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Success, continued.
A big thank you goes out to all of the volunteers that showed up early this morning, including representatives from local businesses and organizations, the city of Seguin, Guadalupe County, the Seguin ISD, the Navarro ISD, Texas Lutheran University, the Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce and the Seguin-Guadalupe County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
If you missed your chance to drop off items during today’s Food and Toy Drive, you could still drop items off at the KWED Studios, located at 609 East Court St. We will be open until 2 p.m. today. Donations will continue to be accepted next week. Lobby doors are open Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Friday’s from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
VITAL STATISTICS
Downs
On the morning of December 5, 2024 La Nelle (Hoermann) Downs peacefully went home to be with her Lord and Savior.
She was born January 15, 1934 in Seguin to Alvin “Daddy Louse” and Reatha “Todda” Hoermann where she resided happily her entire life and was blessed to be a home maker serving her family and supporting the family business as a mother, grandmother, & great grandmother.
We won’t know until heaven how greatly she impacted the lives of people in our community with her faithful example. Recently, she was honored for 60 years of faithful service at First Baptist Church Seguin. Her passion for serving as a Sunday School teacher has inspired so many of us to love and follow Jesus which was her desire in life. She enthusiastically shared her favorite season of life was being “born again” into a new life with Christ as a young adult and spent her life living out the Great Commission.
Time spent with family was always a priority whether it be around the Sunday dinner table, celebrating birthdays, or cooking and serving the catch of the day on the Texas coast.
She fervently prayed for each one of us and used scripture to share encouraging notes, seeing us through the ups and downs of life.
Sauceda
Juan M. Sauceda, age 72 of Seguin, passed away on December 4, 2024. Juan was born on February 7, 1952, in Seguin, Texas to Lydia (Zapata) and Domingo Sauceda.
Juan had a deep love for fishing, taking trips to the coast, and spending time in the great outdoors. When he wasn’t casting a line, he could often be found in his garage, happily tinkering away on his latest project. Juan also enjoyed the thrill of gambling and relaxing with a cold beer in hand. His greatest joy came from being surrounded by his friends and family, sharing laughter, and creating cherished memories. Above all, Juan treasured traveling with his beloved wife, Mary, with whom he shared 22 wonderful years of marriage. His love for life and those around him will always be remembered.
Juan is preceded in death by his parents Lydia (Zapata) and Domingo
She would describe herself as “a child bride” which enabled her and her loving husband of more than 50 years, James Olen Downs, to amass quite a family. She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, sister (Mary Baker), and two of her children, daughter Codi Lee Downs and son Douglas Clayton Downs. She is survived by her son Jeffrey Olen Downs (Conee), Clay’s devoted partner Debbie Lowe; brother King Hoermann (Karen); grandchildren Tom (Betsy), Marc (Andrea), Calesse (Scott), Clarie (Brandon), Cindy (Jimmy), Audra (Hondo), Kelli, and Jared (Jodie); great grandchildren Olivia, Emma, Sofia, Atticus, Ryan, Cole, Kendall, Kylie, Caleb, Tyler, Lane, Tenley, Luke, Emma, Shay, and Cade; and extended family to include her church family and friends.
Please come join us for a celebration of life service at First Baptist Church, Seguin on Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 11 a.m. with the Reverend Dr. Brice Mandaville and the Reverend Jeremy Roy officiating. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall. For those who desire, the service will be livestreamed at https://vimeo.com/event/4774618
Private interment will be held at a later date in San Geronimo Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Bush Bunny Brenda, (Orphans Unlimited, 562 South HW 123 Bypass #301, Seguin, TX 78155) www.orphansunlimited.org
We are very grateful to Jeff and Conee Downs who lovingly cared for our sweet Granny in their home, meeting her every need, in her final years here on earth.
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.
Sauceda, his son Jeremy Sauceda, Daughter in law Marlene Sauceda, Brothers Luis Rios, Domingo Sauceda Jr., Sister Lydia Gomez, and fur baby Princess. Survivors include his loving wife Mary Sauceda, his sons Johnny Sauceda and Raymond Aguirre (Erica), Grandchildren Noah and Kylie Sauceda, Melanie Aguirre Narro (Chris) and Matthew Aguirre. Brothers Joe and Albert (Veronica) Sauceda, Sisters Esmeralda Cevallos, Carmen Johnson, and Rosa Hernandez and multiple nieces and nephews that he was very close to. Visitation will begin on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at Tres Hewell Mortuary at 5 p.m. followed by the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6 p.m. with Deacon Nick Carrillo officiating. A procession will depart Tres Hewell Mortuary on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. for the Mass of Christian Burial at 12 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church with the Reverend Monsignor Dennis Darilek officiating. Interment will follow in San Geronimo Cemetery.
Serving as pallbearers will be Josh Cevallos, Adrian Sauceda, Johnny Cisneros, Robert Cisneros, Albert Sauceda, Matthew Aguirre and Noah Sauceda.
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.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Pauses Anesthesia Decision After Backlash
(Undated) -- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield is halting its decision to not cover anesthesia under certain conditions. The insurance company originally announced they wouldn’t reimburse anesthesia costs if the surgery went on for what the insurer deemed too long. The news sparked outrage across the internet, as well as with doctors and the American Society of Anesthesiologists. Blue Cross Blue Shield announced they’d be halting the policy one day after the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Dark Chocolate Could Lower Diabetes Risk
(Boston, MA) -- Eating an ounce of dark chocolate a day could lower the risk of Type Two diabetes. A new study out of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health finds that people who ate dark chocolate compared to other types or none at all had up to a 21 percent lower chance of developing the disease. There was also no evidence that the chocolate was associated with weight gain. But as with all things, the study’s authors stress moderation is important. They also note that the study doesn’t account for things like the possibility that people who consume dark chocolate could have other healthy lifestyle habits.
Whooping Cough Cases On Rise In U.S
(Undated) -- Whooping cough cases are surging in the U.S. There’s more than ten-thousand cases in a typical year. However, Centers For Disease Control and Prevention stats show more than six times as many cases have been reported as of late November compared to the same time last year. The CDC expects whooping cough cases to increase in unvaccinated and vaccinated people. The CDC recommends vaccination as the best way to prevent getting whooping cough.
Study Shows Harmful Effects Of Lead In Gasoline
(Undated) -- A new study shows lead in gasoline has been linked to mental health disorders. The study, published Wednesday in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry looked at blood lead levels in children from 1940 to 2015. Results show there’s been about 151 million excess mental health disorders nationally connected to exposure to lead from car exhaust during children’s early development. Lead was banned from fuel in 1996.
Unwind Your Drawing Class
The Seguin Art League will host an “Unwind Your Drawing” art class on December 13 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Seguin Art League, 104 S. Austin. Slow down, relax, observe, and practice your drawing skills in this class for all skill levels. This session will include a lesson on linear perspective and drawing an object, and a street scene in a bird’s eye or worm’s eye view. Age requirement is 18 and older. $20. Bring your sketchbook.
THE K-9 DREAM A DOG’S DREAM COME TRUE
The Seguin Chamber of Commerce will host a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 10 A.M. on Tuesday, December 10th, @ 100 Schneider RD Unit F. in Seguin.
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS NETWORKING w/SCOC
The Seguin Chamber of Commerce will host a Business After-Hours Networking event from 5-7 PM Thursday, December 12th, held at A-1 Tri County Plumbing Inc. 384 Partnership Rd. Seguin. Make sure to bring your Chamber Membership Card for entry! Shake hands with the mystery guest for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate!
EL RANCHITO RIBBON CUTTING
The Seguin Chamber of Commerce will host a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 10 A.M. Thursday, December 12th @ 921 S. HWY 123 Bypass, Seguin, Texas.
Guadalupe County Republican Women Meeting
On Friday, December 13th, 2024, the Guadalupe County Republican Women will host 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 a 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 10 AM on 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 11 AM 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 LCWOFChristmasMarket@ 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 at 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 officeat 830-463-5353 For questions, email boxoffice@mtsymphony.org.
Public Service Award Nominations
The GVEC’s Public Service Award (PSA) acknowledges deserving individuals and organizations who consistently make a positive impact on their community. Nominations for the GVEC 2025 Individual or Organization PSA are accepted until Monday, Dec. 16 at www.gvec. org/psa.
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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.
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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. 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.
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.
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 want-
ing 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.
