Seguin Magazine - December 2023

G u a d a l u p e C o u n t y l i v i n g

DECEMBER 2023

Ho! Ho! Hot Rod Mr. and Mrs. Parker show off their holiday sleigh

Sugar Glass Ornaments Make sweet memories with these Christmas tree ornaments for a festive and delicious holiday tradition

Embracing the season Local first responder ignites the Christmas spirit with holiday decor

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In this issue December 2023

FEATURES 10 EMBRACING THE SEASON

Local first responder ignites the Christmas spirit with holiday decor

10

14 JOYFUL JINGLES & TIMELESS TRADITIONS The Seguin Gazette staff shares their cherished holiday traditions

UNDER THE HOOD 18 HO! HO! HOT ROD

Mr. and Mrs. Parker show off their holiday sleigh

CULINARY CREATIONS 22 SUGAR GLASS ORNAMENTS

Make sweet memories with these Christmas tree ornaments for a festive and delicious holiday tradition

18

ON THE SCENE 26 BUNDLE UP & GET OUTDOORS

Embrace the chill and unleash the thrill of winter with exciting outdoor activities

‘TIS THE SEASON 30 SHOP LOCAL FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Unplug, stroll and soak in the seasonal spirit with local holiday shopping

AROUND TOWN 36 SAVE THE DATE

See what events are coming up

38 FACES OF SEGUIN

Submitted photos from our readers

on the cover Photo by Felicia Frazar

Doug and Debbie Parker share their 1940s Ford Sedan with a life-sized Santa statue from Father Christmas.

14

G u a d a l u p e C o u n t y l i v i n g

Vol. 10, No. 7 Seguin magazine is published twelve times a year by the Seguin Gazette.

Publisher

Elizabeth Engelhardt magazine Editor

Desiree Gerland Writers

Felicia Frazar Dalondo Moultrie Bianca Rawlings Danny Story

Photographers

Felicia Frazar Victoria Gaytan

ADVERTISING

Megan Granzin Gay Lynn Olsovsky Graphic design

Melissa Taylor

I

FROM THE editor

t's that wonderful time of the year again – cold weather, delectable treats, twinkling lights, and the gift of giving. In our December issue we're diving headfirst into everything that makes this season magical in our lovely Seguin community.

For me-and-mine, navigating the holiday season with teenagers brings a wave of change, as their interests shift and evolve. Gone are the days of building gingerbread houses and eagerly awaiting Santa's visit. Instead, my family has embarked on a journey to discover new traditions that resonate with the our values and interests as a family.

While the old traditions may not hold the same allure, we've found joy in exploring activities that cater to their current passions and hobbies. Whether it's a festive movie marathon with their favorite films, a DIY holiday decor project that channels their artistic flair, or a baking session where they take the lead in choosing the recipes, we're embracing the opportunity to create fresh, meaningful traditions that reflect the unique personalities of each family member.

This issue of Seguin Magazine is full of holiday spirit, jolly inspiration and unique ideas that I'm excited to share with my family in hopes of finding a family tradition that lasts for years as they grow into adults.

So, grab a cup of cocoa, snuggle up in your favorite blanket, and dive into the goodness we've whipped up for you. Let's make this holiday season one for the books, filled with laughter, love, and a whole lot of Seguin magic.

TO ADVERTISE IN SEGUIN Magazine Call 830-463-0766 Have Story Ideas? Let us know!

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To view the digital version visit issuu.com/seguingazette

Desiree Gerland SEARCH SEGUIN GAZETTE All material herein c. 2023 Southern Newspapers Inc., dba The Seguin Gazette, 805 E. Court St., Ste. #200, Seguin, Tx, 78155 All rights reserved

Desiree Gerland Magazine Editor

desiree.gerland@seguingazette.com

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{ FEATURE }

Embracing The season

Local first responder ignites the Christmas spirit with holiday decor

Story by Felicia Frazar Photos Courtesy Sheena and Derek Clark

N

estled in a Seguin subdivision is a home that is bursting at the seams with holiday decor.

The outside of the home is dusted in a modest collection — lights, inflatable characters — where everything matches.

However, as family and friends open the door, they walk into what can only be described as a Hallmark-esque scene filled with brightly decorated trees, wreaths of all sizes, Santas, reindeer and more. Every room, wall and doorway show off Seguin resident Derek Clark’s holiday spirit.

Clark, a husband and father of four, takes it upon himself to set up the Christmas decor — including all of the family’s Christmas trees.

His work typically starts the day after Halloween and doesn’t stop until Christmas Day. “I don’t think it is ever really 10 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

finished,” he said. “I don’t think I’ve ever gotten everything up all the way.

I think there was one year I almost got everything up; I was still moving stuff around until Christmas Day. It is always a work in progress. But that makes it fun too, because there is always something new I can add or rearrange or move to a different spot and change up the way it looks and feels.”

That includes more than a dozen fully decorated and lit Christmas trees, Clark said.

“There are 13 to 15 decorated Christmas trees inside the house,” he said. “They’re anywhere from 6 feet to 12 feet. Then there is probably 30-40 other small decorative trees.”

The trees help Clark bring the outdoors inside.

“I wanted to make it look like I was outside inside with lots of trees, lots

of garland,” he said. “That’s kind of my style, the trees and the natural looking stuff. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve got a whole area for Santas and another all of gnomes and one for villages, but most of it is because I like the trees.”

Christmas comes once a year, so Clark, who is also a Seguin firefighter, does all he can to embrace the holiday spirit and put it on display. Boughs of holly here, garland there, Christmas characters and an entire village fill his home.

This was not something that Clark was always passionate about. Growing up, Clark and his family trimmed their Christmas tree with all of the decor together. It was their tradition, but they didn’t go all out.

“It was important to decorate our tree together at home when I was a kid, up until I left the house to be on my own,” he said. Christmas was usually a time where we left to go gather with other family. Everybody else is from Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi.

Christmas is a time for family. And since we weren’t always home, we didn’t go crazy and decorate, but there was always something. Always. We always put the tree up together; my dad always had something done up outside for us.”

Seeing how important celebrating the holiday was to his parents, Clark wanted to carry on that tradition with his family, but also for other people.

While Clark gets free rein inside the home to decorate, his wife, Sheena, gets the final say outside, he said.

“Outside is not as big as inside,” he said. “Sheena has more control over the outside. She wants things to be very pretty and matching, I like things to be big and grand and everywhere.”

His love of the holiday decor and going big is not something Derek planned, but his family has embraced it.

When Derek and Sheena got married, they both came into the relationship with a Christmas tree neither were willing to part with. So, it started off with two, but soon grew to three for the children, he said.

“From there it was a couple of small things, like the kids need a tree, we need a GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 11

big family tree for the kids,” he said. “Then there was one more. While we were out getting that one, it was like well we need something for over here and then I just kept going and going and going.”

Sheena saw how much joy it brought Derek, so she helped add to his Christmas collection, including an entire Christmas village from a couple of friends.

“It was a village set — a whole, 30-year collection. They just couldn’t put it up any more because it took too much work, so Sheena said it is something Derek would like, so she got that for me.”

Each year, Derek and Sheena invite the couple to come to their home to enjoy the village. But it’s not just the couple who benefit from the Clarks’ Christmas displays.

Their children — three girls and a boy — have grown to love their father’s spirit.

“The first year, they were just in awe about it. Then they laughed about it the next couple of years,” he said. “Now they’re kind of proud of it and they’ll tell their friends about it and have them come over and see it. They like to show it off. Every now and then one of them will slip up and say they can’t wait to have their own tree in their own house.”

Although Derek has five helper elves in his home, this is one task he prefers to tackle on his own.

“Even though it’s a lot and it’s fun, I’m pretty meticulous on how things get done, trees get fluffed and things get decorated,” he said, adding his children can decorate their own trees, but he’ll step in to help.

That’s how Christmastime is for him, a time of joy and cheer.

“Christmas is a whole time of year that — now is November through December – people seem a little happier and are more willing to come together,” he said. “It is not something you see throughout the year. Everybody stays so busy and bad things happen. But during that season, everybody is a little more willing to help each other out, so I like to make it last as long as I can and embrace it as much as possible.”

12 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

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{ FEATURE }

Traditions & timeless

The Seguin Gazette Staff Shares their Cherished holiday Traditions

Story by Dalondo Moultrie

H

ere at the offices of Seguin Magazine and the Seguin Gazette, the holiday season each year takes on special meaning to many of the employees.

Being a small staff, getting together for Christmas cheer and merriment has become an honored tradition among this group. COVID-19, staff reductions and more changed the face of the annual Seguin Gazette holiday party but it remains a festive event that brings co-workers together to fill each other with cheer and fun.

While staff members come together for the annual Christmas party, members of the team have years-long traditions they continue with their own families away from work.

With the holidays fast approaching, team members shared some of their cherished traditions and, to a person, they all 14 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

Photos courtesy Seguin Gazette Staff

centered around familial ways of celebrating the holidays with those they love.

Some traditions staff members fondly share each year with their families put the focus on Christmas Eve. For instance, after Seguin Gazette Publisher Elizabeth Engelhardt's senior year of high school, her family's big celebration started to morph into what it is today.

“Starting when I went away to college, my mom started us wearing matching pajamas on Christmas Eve,” she said. “I liked it. I didn’t have a problem with it. My brother and dad had to be coerced.”

Of course, when she and her little brother were younger, they got excited about unwrapping gifts under the tree Christmas morning but that changed in their late teens so the family’s traditions changed, Engelhardt said.

Christmas Eve dinner became bigger than Dec. 25. Matching Christmas pajamas were a must as other friends and family members visited the house, exchanged gifts and celebrated the occasion. That started around 2003 and now that she has a husband, Brian, and two sons of her own, the Engelhardts carry on the tradition, she said.

“Brian loves it; Christmas is his jam,” Engelhardt said. “(The boys) love it. They love it because they’re big enough now to wear the same pajamas as us.”

Her father has since passed away but her mother holds onto the PJ tradition as do Engelhardt’s husband and their sons, she said.

“My dad died seven years ago so it was important to keep up these traditions, not just for my kids but the family as a whole,” Engelhardt said. “I think it’s something I’ll carry on after my mom’s

gone. I’m a nostalgic person so I’ll carry on this tradition.”

For as long as he can remember, Sports Reporter Nolan Alexander and his family have gathered on Christmas Eve for gift giving and fun. The small unit consisting of immediate family members, including his parents, his sister and himself spend time together and they always find ways to make the most of it, Alexander said.

Each year, every member of the family gets a gift for every other member and they clandestinely place presents into corresponding Christmas stockings, he said.

“We open stockings on Christmas Eve after we sneak stocking stuffers into the stockings,” Alexander said.

They aren’t always the most extravagant gifts and sometimes they’re good for a laugh. Like the time his sister left food in her car for too long and it reeked. Alexander stuffed a car air freshener into his sister’s stocking as a gag and they enjoyed a good laugh.

Gathering with family on Christmas Eve is important to Advertising Director Megan Granzin, though she said this year could be a somber one for the family. Her paternal grandmother passed away in late October and for decades the family has gathered at the farm her grandparents own out toward Belmont in Kingsbury.

They ate finger foods and opened stocking-stuffer gifts as a family.

“The grown-ups always made the kids sing for our Christmas gifts,” Granzin said. “We had to sing Christmas carols if we wanted to pass out or receive gifts.”

Over the last five or more years, the clan still has gotten together Christmas Eve but usually not at the farm anymore.

Some traditions never die, she said, as the adults still insist on the younger generation singing before gifts are exchanged. Everyone plays their parts in keeping the traditions going and that’s important, Granzin said.

“As kids, it meant getting to tear into presents and see what you got,” she said. “As adults, it’s carrying on tradition and knowing my kids get to have the GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 15

same experiences I got to have.”

Some Christmas-related traditions take place even well before Christmas Eve. For instance, Customer Service Representative Christina Villarreal traditionally starts her Christmastime festivities with her family in November.

She and her four children intertwine holidays. After all of the food is consumed and parades have ended on Thanksgiving Day, her family swings into Christmas spirit by setting up the Christmas tree Thanksgiving night, Villarreal said. As the season wears on, things are pretty normal until the big day, she said.

“I do wake up early every Christmas with the kids and cook breakfast then open presents,” Villarreal said.

Seguin Gazette Managing Editor Felicia Frazar said her family members have started a tradition in recent years. It also happens before Christmas, though not as early as Thanksgiving.

It began a couple years ago when her sister bought cookie cutters. Now each year, the siblings gather up some of their grandmother’s cookie cutters, round up her sister’s children and bake sugar cookies together as a family.

“We try to pick a day close to Christmas to bake and then decorate,” Frazar said. “We try to do that with my sister’s kids.”

It gives Frazar, her sister and their mother the chance to get together and 16 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

make lasting memories, she said. Hopefully, it also gives the children something to carry on with their families when they’re adults and out on their own, Frazar said.

It also provides a lasting link to the past through the use of the cookie cutters used by their “Nana,” who died in 1993.

“Whenever we use those cookie cutters Nana used, my sister and I talk about her,” Frazar said. “The hope is that my sister’s kids will carry it on and talk about us.”

When Circulation Manager Samantha Rangel-Salas was small, her parents, aunts, uncles and cousins would gather for Christmas Eve at her grandfather’s house right next door to her immediate family’s house. She fondly remembers the men huddled around barbecue pits cooking in the backyard and women in the dining room and kitchen of the house preparing tamales, mole, beans and rice and other dinner staples.

There would be children running around everywhere outside the house, Rangel-Salas said. They played volleyball or got with other kids from the neighborhood and played football in the street. Then later everyone would stay up anxiously waiting for midnight so the could rip into wrapped gifts, she said.

“It was fun,” Rangel-Salas said.

“The parties there at grandpa’s and our house lasted until, like, 4 a.m. Grandpa

would always say 'before you leave, you have to take a shot.'”

The shot was for the adults, of course.

Though grandpa is still alive, the gatherings at his house aren’t the same.

But Rangel-Salas said she intends to restart the tradition. The hope is that she can get everyone together at her grandfather’s house like the old days, she said.

Christmas Day was when her big family got together for dinner at her grandmother’s house, Account Manager GayLynn Olsovsky said. Her grandmother would make a German sweet rice for all to enjoy and eventually Olsovsky became the family member preparing the sweet rice.

Before the big dinner, her mother made sure to hang a stocking for each immediate family member, including one for herself and her husband, and stuff them with gifts. Olsovsky carries on the stocking tradition today.

“I do that now for the kids, my daughters, sons-in-law, everybody gets a stocking,” she said. “They all have kids. My older grandson is 20. He gets a stocking.”

With so many traditions to pass along and enjoy, Christmas is sure to be festive for each member of the Gazette team. Everyone should find a way to enjoy the season with their own traditions. If not, Rangel-Salas has an answer.

“It’s either that or you’re taking a shot with me,” she said.

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{ FEATURE }

Ho!Ho!

Hot Rod Mr. and Mrs. Parker show off their holiday sleigh Story and photos by Felicia Frazar

I

n the back of a 1940’s Ford Sedan is Adolph Snotsenbooger, a fake skeleton who watches over the vehicle for owners Doug and Debbie Parker.

The couple purchased the car two years ago as a way to spend time together, Debbie said.

“We both wanted something that we can have in common that we both enjoy outside of work and volunteer work and family,” she said. “Quality time with each other is hard to find. We both love old cars, so we bought this one.”

Doug, who owns Parker’s City Pharmacy, said he scoured several websites searching for the perfect car for them to replace a ’37 Ford, that was a little too small for them.

“It was real tight and chopped too much. You almost got claustrophobic,” he said. “Debbie and I went internet shopping at Classic Cars.com. I had my sights set for another Ford.”

18 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

They found a dealership in Ohio that sent them videos of the sedan and they purchased the modified classic without test driving it.

Since receiving the car, they’ve made a few modifications of their own, with the help of Doug’s son Zachary Parker.

“A lot of the work was already done.

Debbie and I have done a few things on it,” Doug said. “The first thing Debbie and I were unhappy with was the opening of the hood. Zach came over and rigged the hood to have a foot pedal release.”

Next on their list is power steering. That needed work doesn’t stop the couple from driving the car, nor entering it into car shows, where it has captured many hearts, Doug said.

“First car show we we’re in we got a first place,” he said.

The couple looks forward to bringing in more awards and spending time together with their piece of the past.

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{ CULINARY CREATIONS }

Sugar Glass Ornaments

Make sweet memories with these Christmas tree ornaments for a festive and delicious holiday tradition

Story and photos by Danny Story

H

ello again friends, and a very welcome merry Christmas!

There are so many reasons to enjoy the season, whether it’s enjoying the family time, loving the cold weather finally arriving, or just the fun and fancifulness of the holiday itself. I think my favorite part is being able to be silly with the kids and create those forever memories with them. The kind of memories that will last a lifetime and will hopefully inspire them to create the same kind of memories with their future families. With that in mind, I decided to do something fun with them for this article.

22 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

I remember, when I was little making Christmas ornaments with my mom. We’d use construction paper, markers, popsicle sticks and hot glue to create small little treasures that she keeps to this day. I also loved decorating the tree with both of my parents, and my favorite part as a kid was covering the tree with candy canes. So, what better than to combine the two into an experience my kids will hopefully never forget?

This time we’re doing something super simple and fun. Making sugar glass ornaments that double as beautiful tree decoration and a fun candy for the kiddos. I hope you have just as much fun making these with your family as I did with mine.

- Ingredients Silicone molds 2 cups table sugar ¾ cups light corn syrup ½ cups water Powdered sugar to dust Optional: Food coloring Natural extracts or flavorings Citric acid

In a large saucepan mix sugar, corn syrup, water, food color, flavorings, and citric acid (if you want the candy a little tart) and bring to a boil on medium heat, stirring constantly.

Continue to boil until the mixture hits about 300 degrees Fahrenheit. It is super nice to have a candy thermometer at this point, but if you don’t you can use a small bowl of water to dip a small amount of the candy lava in. When it is ready it will harden to a jolly rancher-like consistency almost immediately. Once up to temperature all that’s left to do is pour into the silicone molds and let cool.

Once cool, have fun dusting the candies in powdered sugar and making a mess with the kids. Not only does this give them a nice snowed-on look, but it also prevents the candy from getting sticky on the outside.

Have fun with these, and to you and yours, Happy Holidays!

24 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

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{ ON THE SCENE }

Bundle Up & Get outdoors

Embrace the Chill and Unleash the Thrill of Winter with Exciting Outdoor Activities

Story by Bianca Rawlings Photos by Victoria Gaytan

A

s the temperatures cool down, many Texans find themselves drawn indoors. While it's certainly cozy to snuggle up at home, this time of year offers a welcome break from the scorching triple-digit days. It's the perfect opportunity for the whole family to embrace the outdoors.

Winter in Texas provides a unique chance to relish nature without instantly breaking into a sweat the moment you step outside, a stark contrast to the sweltering summer months. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover or rediscover some local spots that invite everyone to bundle up and get outside.

At Starke Park, there is something for everyone. The largest park in Seguin’s park system features a fantastic playscape, walking trail with an exercise station that includes a step-up station and a pull-up bar. All of these examples are perfect for the whole family to play on. Showing children and grandchildren how important outdoor activity is — even during 26 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

the winter months — is a habit they will carry with them into adulthood.

Winter in Seguin also brings a quieter, more serene Guadalupe River.

With the hustle of summer behind us, the river becomes an idyllic spot for tranquil kayaking and fishing. The serene waters offer a peaceful escape, making it an ideal time to explore the river's beauty while enjoying a relaxing day on the water.

Seguin boasts a four-mile paddling trail accessible from Max Starcke Park West near the Bowl Pavilion. This trail is designed specifically for beginner or novice paddlers, eliminating the need for shuttles or portages, providing a hasslefree experience for those new to kayaking.

Another spot in Seguin for a relaxing stroll or a quick jog in the fresh winter air is the Hike and Bike Trail that extends from West New Braunfels Avenue/FM 78 to the Pecan Bottom Hiking Trail in Starcke Park.

It meanders its way through the city

GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 27

passing through Park West, Spirit of Joy Church, passes the Seguin Police Department, through Walnut Springs Park, passes the Seguin Public Library and on to Starcke Park.

As people run, walk, bike or skate through Park West, they’ll see it features a BMX track, skatepark, playscape and open fields. It is a great spot for families to gather and play.

Anyone looking to take up a new sport can look no further than the disc golf courses at Starke Park and Texas Lutheran University or the new pickleball courts at Saegert. Disc golf presents a perfect combination of hand-eye-coordination with low impact exercise. Or those seeking a slightly higher impact activity can set their sights for the Seguin-Saegert Pickleball Complex. The new complex features nine courts, ample lighting, and is open daily. Pickleball is suitable for players of all ages and skill levels and offers an engaging (slightly competitive) way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors with the whole family.

Another great spot for walks, jogs and more is Crescent Bend Park in Schertz. It offers an array of options for nature and animal enthusiasts. Some visitors, myself included, have seen snakes, armadillos, birds and more. It has an easy-to-navigate nature trail. There are two blinds along the trail for bird watching and photography. There are also tables and restrooms, making it a perfect spot for a picnic or a crockpot potluck.

No matter where you go, the best part about getting outdoors in the Texas winter is that while we have a respite from the heat, we often still have clear and sunny skies. The days of winter are a little shorter but the moments spent connecting to nature with families can be just as memorable as in the long summer days.

As world renowned British explorer Ranulph Fiennes once said, “There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.” This serves as a simple reminder that with the proper clothing, we can enjoy nature everyday. So, embrace the colder months, bundle up, and discover the diverse outdoor experiences that Seguin has to offer.

28 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

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155 St., Seguin, Tx 78 510 North Austin ING IR CONDITION H E AT I N G & A

License#TACLA0

10612C

Alyson Kirchner, MD

Obstetrics & Gynecology

CUSTOMIZED, COMPREHENSIVE CARE FOR WOMEN OF ALL AGES

Annual check-ups & routine pap tests Management of abnormal pap tests Abnormal uterine bleeding Fibroids, pelvic pain • High risk obstetrics Prenatal counseling • In-office sonography Postpartum depression • Contraception & teenage counseling Menopausal symptoms • Hormone replacement Sexual dysfunction • Infertility Office Procedures - Hysteroscopy Genetic screening for hereditary cancers Dr. Kirchner is a board certified, skilled surgeon, specializing in minimally invasive surgeries such as: robotic and laparoscopic hysterectomies, pelvic floor reconstruction and incontinence

Same location, new practice

1339 E. Court, Ste. 210 Seguin, Texas 78155 • 830.379.1500 www.kirchnerwomens.com Or visit us at our clinics in Cuero, and Gonzales

GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 29

{ FAVORITE FINDS }

'TIS THE

SEASON TO

Shop

Local Unplug, Stroll and Soak in the Seasonal Spirit with Local Holiday Shopping

Shut down that computer, tuck away the phone, and step into Seguin where festive stores twinkle with Christmas magic. Take a jolly stroll amidst the decorations, sip on a peppermint perfection from the local coffee shop, and engage in merry chats with the shopkeepers. Not only will this merriment transform your holiday shopping experience, but it's sure to wrap you up in the warm embrace of the holiday spirit!

30 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

TOP FROM LEFT: Sip-N-Stroll Mug - $15. Available at Keepers Interiors & Furniture, Gift & Gourmet, You're So Crafty and Father Christmas Shop. Serpe (Poncho) - $35. BZ's Mexican Import, 4146 Texas Hwy 123, (830) 534-7988, www.fb.com/bzsmexicanimports. Cigar Gift Basket - Prices starting at $50. Big Chief Cigar Co., 111 N. Austin St, (830) 556-1465, www.fb.com/BigChiefCigarCompany. Christmas Lights Sequin Tunic - $59. Serenity Boutique, 837 E. Court St., (830) 379-4849, www.SerenityBoutiqueTX. Kendra Scott Holiday Collection - $50-250. Gift & Gourmet, 212 S. Austin St., (830) 379-1242, www.giftandgourmetseguin. Mudpie Holiday Collection - $19-45. Keepers Interiors, 615 N. Austin St., (830) 379-9995, www.keepersinteriors.com. Big Poppa Sweater - $44.99. The Mercantile, 206 S. Austin St., (830) 406-2321, www.fb.com/ The-Mercantile-at-SouthernGood. Cowboy Santa - $89.99. Father Christmas Shop, 101 S. River St., (830) 243-1430, www.fatherchristmasshop. com. Metal Cross - $25. Dietz Flower Shop, 969 E. Kingsbury St., (830) 379-2879, www.dietzflowershop.com. NEXT PAGE FROM TOP: Lazy Boy Recliner Rocker - $699. Starcke Furniture, 300 S. Austin St., (830)379-4622, www.starckefurniture.com. Teleflora's Classic Cardinal Centerpiece - $79.99. Viola's Flower Shop, 745 N. Hwy 123 Bypass A, (830)379-8892, www.violasflowershop.com. Creative Lettering Art Set $22.99. You're So Crafty, 208 S. Austin St., (830) 379-0730, www.youresocrafty.com. Mudpie Wood Santa Door Hanger - $52.95. The Gift Shop at GRMC, 1215 E. Court St., (830)401-7238, www.grmedcenter.com/patients-visitors/gift-shop.

32 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

M.E. Plumbing has served clients in Seguin, San Marcos, New Braunfels, San Antonio, Luling, La Vernia, Gonzales and surrounding areas of Texas since 2005.

2023 THE OF

BES T

H

ST BE

SG THE SEGUIN GAZETTE

BEST OF THE BEST

2021

24 Hour Commercial and Residential Plumbing Services

RMP37076

830-303-5534 Seguin 925 S. Austin St., Seguin, TX 78155

GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 33

TOP FROM LEFT: Pickle Ball Set - $93. Pecan City Disc Golf Shop, 225 N. Saunders St., Suite 6, (830) 491-5007, www.pecancitydgs.com.

Stonewall Kitchen Specialty Foods - $1.95-$49.95. Gift & Gourmet, 212 S. Austin St., (830) 379-1242, www.giftandgourmetseguin.com. Bright Lights, Big Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews - $24 & Pecantown T-Shirt - $28. Pecantown Books & Brews, 212 S. Camp St., (830) 491-9155, www.pecantownbooks.com. Candy Cane Lane Cardigan - $68. Serenity Boutique, 837 E. Court St., (830) 379-4849, www.SerenityBoutiqueTX. Santa's Best Friend Home Decor - $20-45. Keepers Interiors, 615 N. Austin St., (830) 379-9995, www.keepersinteriors.com. Birkenstock Slides - $100. Vogue Shoes, 114 W. Court St., (830) 379-4106, www.vogueshoes.com. Holiday Travel Mugs - $29.99. Father Christmas Shop, 101 S. River St., (830) 243-1430, www.fatherchristmasshop.com. Sun and Moon Hanging Wall Art - $40. BZ's Mexican Import, 4146 Texas Hwy 123, (830) 534-7988, www.fb.com/bzsmexicanimports. Holiday Socks - $17-20. Culture, 114 E. Court St., (830) 401-3352, www.culture8thirty.com.

NEXT PAGE FROM TOP: Sparkle Santa Ribbed Sleeper By MudPie - $28.95. The Gift Shop at GRMC, 1215 E. Court St., (830)401-7238, www.grmedcenter.com/patients-visitors/gift-shop. Floral Arrangement by Diets Flower Shop - $75. Dietz Flower Shop, 969 E. Kingsbury St., (830) 379-2879, www.dietzflowershop.com. Embroidered Floral Blouse - $50. BZ's Mexican Import, 4146 Texas Hwy 123, (830) 534-7988, www.fb.com/bzsmexicanimports. Handmade Scripture Inspired Jewelry by Madison Sterling Jewelry Co. - $96-102. Southern Good, 114 S. Austin St., (830) 433-438, www.fb.com/southerngood.

34 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

The Crystal Chandelier Event Center

WEDDING VENUE, BANQUET HALL, MEETING ROOMS AVAILABLE

Perfect for Weddings, Birthdays, Dances, Service Club Meetings and Fundraising holds up to 225 people

Yellow Rose Room Holds up to 70 people

FULL SERVICE CATERING AVAILABLE

Book your christmas party now!

Now booking for 2024. Book your event early!

830-303-6612 • 510 E. Court - Seguin • www.silvercenterseguin.com

We Sell an experience and a Service Thank you for your business and warmest wishes for a joyous holiday season WWW. A ND E R S PIE RCE.COM

109 W Court St Seguin

480 S Seguin ave New braunfels

830-372-9466

830-214-6002 GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 35

{ save the date }

EVENT C A L E N D A R - DECEMBER Yule Fest: Third – 10 am - 4 PM Get ready to shop till you drop at this year’s Yulefest Arts and Crafts Show. The show, hosted by the Seguin Art League, returns this holiday season on Sunday, Dec. 3 at the Seguin Coliseum. There will be vendors selling jewelry, copper fused glass, beading, silver, Christmas cards, plates, sewing, crochet, embroidery, quilts, table runners, paintings, photographs, pottery and sculpture. There will also be wooden items like bird houses, decorative cutting boards, charctuerie boards, dolls and custom-made knives. We have leather products, homemade soaps and lotions and plants.

Location: Seguin Events Complex, 950 S. Austin St.

Rising Stars of Guadalupe County: Seventh – 5:30 - 6:30 PM The celebration of the Rising Stars of Guadalupe County award reception will honor the top Rising Stars. Additionally, two winners with the highest scores in Professional Leadership and Community Impact will be announced as the Top Rising Stars during the reception. Refreshments will be served.

Location: The Stephen & Mary Birch Texas Theatre, 425 N. Austin St.

Country Christmas: Eighth – 5 - 8 PM Texas Agricultural Education & Heritage Center hosting a Country Christmas including a live nativity sponsored by the Faith Lutheran Church and local youth groups. Santa will make an appearance at 6 p.m. Family rate of $25 | Single Adult (over 12) $10 | Children (6 -12) $5.

Location: The Texas Agricultural Education & Heritage Center, 390 Cordova Rd.

Wizarding Wonderland: Ninth – 11 AM Experience the magic of your library at this family-friendly event celebrating fantasy fandoms.

From Harry Potter and the Chronicles of Narnia, there is something for everyone, and everyone will have a chance at magical prizes! Location: Seguin Public Library, 313 W. Nolte St.

Sounds of the season: tenth – 4 pm Ring in the holidays with sleigh rides, villancicos (Christmas carols in Spanish) and Hanukkah songs! Guest vocalist Liliana Guerrero will thrill you with her rendition of Bach-Gounod’s “Ave Maria,” and the voices of children will warm your heart in this spirited holiday program.

Location: Jackson Auditorium at TLU, 1000 W. Court St.

Third Thursday: Twenty-first – 4-8 pm Visit beautiful downtown Seguin for a lovely evening filled with shopping, friends & food trucks.

Location: Central Park, 201 S. Austin St.

Send event details to seguinmagazine@seguingazette.com to have your event added to this calendar

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Orthopedics Office care for m High quality in APPOINTMENTS nEW PROMPT a iAVAILABLE andG.i La Verndisorders RANKED TOP 2% IN THE NATION FOR JOINT & TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT BY HEALTHGRADES IN 2022

quality care for musculoskeletal •SportsTODAY! injuries •TraumBo CALL High 830-379-9492 disorders and injuries.

•Sports•Joint injuries •Trauma •Fractures EMERGENCY: 830-379-2411 Replacements •ArthritisPRO •H •Joint Replacements •Arthritis •Hand/Foot Problems Walnut Family Springs Family WeHealth Accept Most Insurances, Including Worker’s Comp & Medicaid Walnut Springs Health G. Steven White, MD trent J. twitero, MD 309 Silverado St., La Vernia Steven 280 S. KingG. Street • Seguin, White, TX 78155 MD tre 309 Silverado St., La Call Vernia Spor for an appt. 830-379-9492 E SEGUIN GAZETTE

280 S. King St. Seguin, TX WWW.SEGUINORTHOPEDICS.COM Join N GAZETTE www.seguingazette.com Call forGAZETTE anWalnut appt.

830-379-9492 Springs Family Health THE SEGUIN tte.com 309 Silverado St. LaVernia, TX bringing life to your doorstep since 1888

• • •

WWW.SEGUINGAZETTE.COM orstep since 1888

guingazette n: guin.gazette

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Patients also seen in Kenedy Prompt Appointments Available!

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THE ANSWER IS YES Robotic Surgery is available at GRMC.

grmedcenter.com/yes