Seguin Magazine July 2018 by Seguin Gazette

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

July 2018

TLU's First Lady

Opens up her closet

Luxury Living

A look inside beautiful waterfront property

Glamping in Garner Spend the weekend on the Frio

Big City Class, Small Town Sass

Feed, Clothing, Gifts, Livestock and Pet Supplies

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Guadalupe County living ~ Seguin

Thank you Seguin for voting us your #1, “Best of the Best” Manufactured Home Sales Center. We strive to provide families with the Absolute Best Customer Service possible, and we are pleased you voted us the #1 Home Center in Seguin.

Clayton Homes of Seguin has Knowledgeable and Friendly home consultants who are committed to helping you find your Dream Home. Whether you’re still researching the best options for your family or are ready to pick your wall colors and backsplash, we can help answer any questions you may have. Come check out our Fully Furnished Models and see options like Soaker Tubs, Entertainment Centers, Farmhouse Sinks and Much More! With Budget Friendly Options and countless Manufactured and Modular home floor plans to choose from, we are certain we can help you find the Home of your Dreams today. RBI #03296

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TOP 2% IN THE NATION FOR PATIENT SAFETY AND EXPERIENCE TWO YEARS IN A ROW

Out of 4,500 hospitals evaluated nationally for excellence in patient safety and patient experience, only 65 achieved both distinctions. GRMC is proud to be in the top 2% of eligible hospitals in the nation, and honored to be the premiere healthcare choice for Seguin and its surrounding communities.

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Vol. 5, No. 2 Seguin magazine is published twelve times a year by the Seguin Gazette. GENERAL MANAGER

Elizabeth Engelhardt CREATIVE DIRECTOR/ DESIGN EDITOR

Hannah Ruiz EDITOR

Chris Lykins GRAPHIC DESIGN

ADVERTISING

Becca Harrison Grace Davila

Gay Lynn Olsovsky Brooke Kuchercka

WRITERS

TO ADVERTISE IN SEGUIN MAGAZINE CALL

Felicia Frazar Valerie Bustamante Priscilla Aguirre Stephanie Agnew Zach Ienatsch

830-379-5402 STORY IDEAS seguinmagazine@ seguingazette.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Laura Ridge B. Kay Richter Central Texas Technology Center

SEARCH SEGUIN GAZETTE

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SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

Photo by Felicia Frazar The city of Seguin’s Fireworks Fiesta pyrotechnic show explodes over the tree line from the parking garage at the Guadalupe County Justice Center.

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An inside look from our WRITERS... “It was a great experience to sit down with Texas Lutheran University first lady Michelle Dorsey. She was such a sweetheart with an eye for fashion. I specifically enjoyed hearing her thoughts on the evolvement of women’s fashion over time.” — Valerie Bustamante “Chef Ernest Servantes was fun to watch on “Chopped: Grill Masters” and “BBQ Pitmasters,” but he is even more interesting to sit down and talk to in person. Ernest has such an incredible outlook on not only crafting the best food he can, but also helping to inspire others. I can’t wait to see what he cooks up in the future. Texas Lutheran University, and Seguin, are lucky to have him.” — Felicia Frazar “As I was taking pictures for this story, the academy told me to put down my camera and taught me a few self-defense moves. It was eye-opening. Them taking the time to do that, should show you that this school is dedicated to teaching others the art of martial arts.” — Priscilla Aguirre “It’s always a joy to interact with a community of young people who find passion in something together. Even in these tense times, I saw nothing but respect, pride, discipline, compassion and ethics from the folks of 4-H Shooting Sports. I haven’t fired a gun in nearly a decade but after these interviews, I might hit the range soon.” — Zach Ienatsch

Seguin ~ Guadalupe County living

Travis Webb

Former Editor of the Seguin Magazine

elcome, dear readers, to another fantastic issue of Seguin Magazine. This is our second issue since relaunching Seguin as a monthly publication. It also is my last. By the time you read this, I’ll be in Kerrville working at our sister publication, The Kerrville Daily Times and Texas Hill Country Culture magazine. While bittersweet, it is in a way quite fitting: I came to Seguin just in time for the transition from our last issues of Sizzle and will leave having seen this magazine become something much more exciting than it has ever been at any time in the past. That change reflects our own Guadalupe County as it, too, changes and grows. Exciting times are afoot — as you will see in these pages and in the months to come. Inside this edition, you’ll find stories that touch on the lives and lifestyles of our community, from fitness to fun fashions, great cuisine, getaway travel options and more. We continue our Barbecue tour through Texas and learn about the self-discipline and health benefits that come from martial arts. We talk to local artisans and share some quirky local traditions. But, most importantly, we’ll be telling the stories that make Guadalupe County what it is — a great place to live, full of interesting characters, hidden gems, rich history and a unique culture. I sincerely you hope you enjoy these stories even half as much as we enjoy telling them.

Travis Webb

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THE HOTTEST SPOT

26 Features

Around Town

In Each Issue

38 Shooting Sports

14 Closet Close-up

12 Sizzlinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Five

42 BBQ TOur

18 Culinary Creations

30 10 things

46 Holiday Displays

20 Be You - Be Well

32 Fashion

50 Central Texas Technology Center

24 Luxury Living

54 Faces of Seguin

26 Day Tripper

58 Favorite Finds

10 Seguin ~ Guadalupe County living

SIZZLINFIVE

Five events you don’t want to miss

July 3rd FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA

In celebration of Independence Day, the city of Seguin lights up the sky with its Fireworks Extravaganza. This year’s festivities start at 9 p.m. on Tuesday, July 3. The pyrotechnics are shot off from the Starcke Park Golf Course and can be seen from miles around.

July 4th BIGGEST SMALL TOWN PARADE

Each year thousands of people from around the area line Austin Street to watch as the Biggest Small Town Parade marches by. Beginning at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 4, more than 150 parade entries wind their way down Austin Street starting at College and ending at the Seguin Coliseum.

July 21st TEXAS LINEMEN’S RODEO

Linemen from across the state head to Nolte Island to compete in the annual Texas Linemen’s Rodeo, including teams representing the city of Seguin and GVEC on July 21. The linemen and apprentices show off their skills for a chance to win the state title and represent Texas at the National Linemen’s Rodeo.

July 27th - 29th

CAMP BROADWAY

Children from around the area spend two weeks over the summer building their stage presence during the Stars of Texas Camp Broadway. This year’s camp culminates with the children’s production of “The Jungle Book” on July 27, 28 and 29 at The Texas Theatre.

July 28th

KINGSBURY VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT FUNDRAISER

A day of barbecue and fun is on tap for the 49th annual Kingsbury Volunteer Fire Department fundraiser. This year’s event set for July 28 will include games for children, country store, auction, barbecue, beer garden and more. DJ Bo Peep will keep the beat flowing in the afternoon, while Clint Taft and the Buck Wild Band will set up for a free dance under the stars starting at 9 p.m. 12 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

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Closet Closeup:

Michelle

Dorsey

Valerie Bustamante

ith her signature 60s style up-do, and smokey eye shadow and Jackie O-esque fashion — Texas Lutheran University’s first lady Michelle Dorsey always stands out in a crowd. Whether she is arm-in-arm with her husband, TLU president Stuart Dorsey, at a university event or talking to her student ambassadors, Michelle loves to play with her fashion and style. A long-time lover of clothes and shoes, Michelle said it all started when she was a teenager. “The fateful day when I started working as a junior in high school and I had money, it went straight to clothes,” 14 Seguin ~ Guadalupe County living

she said. “Unfortunately, I didn’t have a junior’s body so I wore dumb clothes. When I got into my 30s I said ‘OK, I’m going to dress for me’ and I became more confident about it.” Just as her personal style has evolved, Michelle has enjoyed seeing women’s fashion change as well, she said. “When I first started working at a bank we were required to wear suits and that’s fine, but the suits back then looked boxy,” she said. “They didn’t show any of our figures and didn’t acknowledge that we were women. We wore an oxford cloth button-down shirt that you had to iron. Then we wore little bowties, so we basically looked like men in

heels. It wasn’t flattering and we weren’t really allowed to express ourselves.” Michelle said she loves that women can now wear more color and “bling” while still be taken seriously. “We have suits that fit our bodies and not squares. I talk to my students about etiquette and how to properly dress,” she said. “I always tell them we’ve come along way. You don’t have to look like a man, but you also don’t want to look trashy.” While Michelle doesn’t opt for a pantsuit nowadays, she does love wearing dresses. “My style is generally solid classic colored, sleeveless dresses that I can wear for work,” she said. “I love wear-

ing dresses for work. We do a lot of events and I’m always wearing a dress. I don’t wear pantsuits because I don’t think they are as flattering on me. When I’m wearing dresses I don’t always do patterns because of my jewelry and my jackets. Sometimes I’ll do prints, but I try not to because solid dresses are more versatile.” However, when she gets the chance to dress down Michelle will throw on a pair of blue jeans. “I love jeans. I love slouchy boyfriend jeans. I’ll wear flowy tops and introduce a lot more color when I wear jeans,” Michelle said. For her purses and accessories, Michelle tends to stick to a retro vibe.

“I love ModCloth because it’s so much fun and retro,” she said. “Sometimes it’s not appropriate for me because I’m older, but I do like that for purses and accessories.” Retro and vintage items are something Michelle has always gravitated toward, she said. “I buy a lot of vintage items, too. Back when I had three small kids and was a stay-at-home mom I would go to vintage stores,” Michelle said. “I’d wear my Levis, a Hanes t-shirt and a men’s wear jacket and roll up the cuffs. I thought I looked pretty darn trendy and I didn’t spend any money.” However, ModCloth and vintage stores aren’t the only places where Michelle enjoys shopping. Some of her favorite stores and brands, include Stuart Whitesman, Target and her two ultimate favorites —

Kendra Scott and Cabi. “I love to support companies that do right by women and are philanthropic,” she said. Originally founded by clothing designer Carol Anderson and management consultant Kimberly Instep — Cabi is an exclusive brand sold by independent stylists, a role Michelle once had. “We were in California before coming to Seguin, so when we moved I didn’t have a stylist anymore and you can only buy it from a stylist,” Michelle said. “So my friend from California said ‘Michelle just sell it.’ So I did that on the side until I got sick and I couldn’t handle it anymore. I just did a couple of shows a month and I had a ball. I met so many women in a different way. When I went out to these shows that I did it was just so much fun.” Guadalupe County living ~ Seguin 15

While Cabi empowers women through its products, it also empowers and encourages them through its Heart of Cabi Foundation. The Heart of Cabi has distributed about $50 million in clothing to communities affected by natural disasters and funded 12,800 small business loans to women entrepreneurs in developing countries, the Cabi website said. “That is so cool to me. I want to support a company like that,” Michelle said. “They employ mainly women. They come up with a good product. They are about family and talk freely. This is all really important for me. I was very proud to work with them.” Kendra Scott also is a company with charitable values. Founded in 2002 by its namesake, the jewelry company’s three core values are family, fashion and philanthropy. “If somebody asks Kendra to support somebody she

16 Seguin ~ Guadalupe County living

does it,” Michelle said. “She’s supported Texas philanthropic organizations all over. It’s kind of a pride for me because I’m not originally from Texas, but I’ve been here seven years and I’m proud to be from Seguin.” The company’s foundation, Kendra Gives Back, has donated more than 75,000 pieces of jewelry to 3,500 local and national organizations and given more than $3.5 million in 2016, the organization’s website said. “I love Cabi and Kendra Scott the best — I mean there are so many designers I love — but I like those two because they both have the same values,” Michelle said. “It sounds cheesy, but it is very true. They are both companies made by women and employers of women.” The Justyne Statement Earrings from Kendra Scott are one of Michelle’s favorite set of earrings, but she does have a few sentimental pieces in her collection close to her heart.

Two of those are Michelle’s connection to the university as the First Lady. “Stuart and I sit on the stage during the class ring ceremony every year and present these rings that sit in the chapel overnight,” she said. “It evolved into my husband giving them the ring and me giving them a hug saying, ‘Congratulations’ and ‘I am proud of you’ because I’m so proud of these kids. Well, about three years ago after the ceremony was done, we were sitting on the stage and somebody said, ‘We have two special rings we would like to bestow on our honorary alumni.’ Stuart and I looked at each other and were like ‘who is that?’” The announcer then called the names of the Dorseys so they could receive their own TLU ring. “I was bawling. They put our start date on the rings. Stuart got one too and he was bawling as well even though he tried so hard not to,” Michelle said. The second piece of jewelry is Michelle’s black and gold button, which represents the Black and Gold President’s Council founded in 2012. “I started this student ambassador group to basically have our students represent us at events,” Michelle said. “They wear black jackets and name tags that say, ’Black and Gold President’s Council.’” TLU juniors and seniors are nominated by faculty members for the program before they can apply and go through an interview process. If a student is selected, they need to maintain a 3.0-grade point average, be active in the campus community and attend several events. “We make a big ceremony and they are inducted by having a black jacket put on them and they get pinned,” Michelle said. “We have an etiquette dinner and we talk about professional wear. They’re exposed to donors, alumni and all kinds of people. They go through a big interview process, which I think is a lesson where they make it or not.” Michelle said the black and gold button also is an important accessory in her jewelry box. “I started this organization and I love those kids. They are my connection to the university,” she said.

Medical Director Dr. Antonio Flores

Cardiac medical Director Dr. Ronnie Garcia Guadalupe County living ~ Seguin 17

Culinary

Creations With

Chef Ernest Servantes By Felicia Frazar

ike many great chefs, Ernest Servantes found his love of cooking at a young age. Watching his grandma craft meals in a familyowned restaurant started him on the path of becoming an executive chef and well-known pitmaster — although he wouldn’t call himself that. “It was a lot of fun. I loved cooking, I loved being in the kitchen. I loved to barbecue with my dad outside,” he said. By the time he was 22, Ernest was an executive sous chef, and advanced to executive chef just four years later. But working late hours and most weekends meant he was missing out on family life. His wife saw an ad for an executive chef at Texas Lutheran University, and Ernest decided he’d give it a shot. “They hired me and, 13 years later, I’m still here,” he said. “I’ve worked all over. As an executive chef, we learn everything we can at a restaurant or under a chef and then we move on, and we move on. Honestly we never set our hearts on staying somewhere. I came here and working at TLU, I felt like I was home, and I had never felt like that in all my years.” However, it wasn’t just TLU that welcomed Ernest with open arms. “Seguin really brought me in. I’m from New Braunfels and they love me, but here, it was just like family,” he said. “I always consider Seguin home.” 18 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

Five years later, Ernest got a peek inside the world of barbecue competition. “I would always barbecue on the weekends and my neighbor would come over and would tell me I should compete,” he said. “So, one day we were hanging out, and I said, ‘OK, I’ll do it.’ I totally forgot. Then a month-anda-half later, he’s like ‘I signed you up, I’ve paid and we’re going to be competing in Canyon Lake at this cookoff.’” Ernest showed up to the contest with an H-E-B barrel pit and his entire kitchen. “I had no idea what I needed out there,” he said. “We went out there and I think I brought the whole house with me. These guys had these elaborate rigs and they were like huge pits, and I’m over here with an H-E-B barrel pit. I just thought, I’m out of my element. At the same time, people are telling me, it’s what you cook, not what you cook on. I did my best and ... I won first place. It was just like I got the barbecue bug bite and I was obsessed.” His talents as an executive chef and a master of the grill landed him a spot on the Food Network’s “Chopped: Grill Masters,” where Ernest brought home the gold. Ernest was also featured on TLC’s “Barbecue Pitmasters,” which sent him to competitions in several states. The seasoned chef isn’t above helping newcomers to the game.

HONEY SOY GRILLED PORK CHOPS

with KOREAN BBQ SAUCE

Ingredients •

6 to 8 (4-oz.) Smithfield® Boneless Center Cut Pork Chops

•

1 cup KC Masterpiece® Honey Teriyaki Marinade

•

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

•

1 to 2 tablespoons soy sauce

•

1 tablespoon white or rice wine vinegar

•

KOREAN BBQ SAUCE

•

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

•

2 cloves garlic, minced

•

½ cup water

•

2 tablespoons soy sauce

•

2 tablespoons TABASCO® sriracha sauce

•

4 teaspoons brown sugar

•

2 teaspoons minced ginger

•

2 teaspoons KC Masterpiece BBQ Sauce

Directions 1. Sprinkle both sides of the pork chops with salt and pepper and place in a large resealable food storage bag. Whisk together honey teriyaki marinade, oil, soy sauce and vinegar;mix well. Pour over pork chops; seal the bag and let stand one hour. 2. For Korean BBQ Sauce, heat oil in small saucepan on medium; fry garlic until it begins to turn color. Stir in water, soy sauce, sriracha sauce, brown sugar, ginger and barbecue sauce. Bring to a simmer; reduce heat and cook for 10 minutes or until it becomes thick. 3. Heat charcoal or gas grill to medium. Remove pork chops from marinade (discard marinade) grill for three minutes or until the pork chop easily releases from the grill. Flip chops and continue to cook for three more minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F to 160°F. 4. Baste each pork chop with Korean BBQ Sauce, grill 1 minute on each side. Let chops stand three minutes before serving GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 19

Be You Be Well

Grand Master Dick Strom’s

Guide to a Better, more Positive Life

By Priscilla Aguirre

rom self-confidence to self-discipline, martial arts has proven in many ways to improve the lives of millions of practitioners around the world. In Seguin, Grand Master Dick Strom owns and operates the Strom’s Black Belt Academy, 928 S. Hwy 123 Bypass. For more than 30 years, Dick has studied and mastered several styles of martial arts and focuses his teaching on the taekwondo technique. With a passion for helping others and to teach people the beauty of martial arts, Dick said everyone who takes his class will leave with a better outlook on life. “What we do here will help everybody in their life whether as a kid or an adult,” he said. “You will succeed and get exactly what you want out of life. If they don’t know, we help them figure it out. They can come to talk about anything, it’s an open door policy. Whatever age you are, you will gain and accomplish something here.” Dick added that not only will you learn how to defend yourself, but you also will become physically and mentally strong. “We teach so much through martial arts,” he said. “Whether it’s physical fitness, stress relief, becoming more confident, selfdefense skills, discipline or taking a kid that’s mad at everything and teaching them how to control that. Whatever problem you have, martial arts can fix it.”

What is taekwondo? At Strom’s Black Belt Academy, Dick and his staff focus mainly on the “Traditional” training of taekwondo. They use a variety of techniques from other martial arts, such as Hapki-Do, Judo, Aikido, Jujitsu, Grappling, MMA, Self-Defense, SelfAwareness and Kubudo. “Taekwondo is our foundation, but our philosophy is any martial arts works as long as we try to accomplish what the person needs,” Dick said. “Our whole key in the martial arts industry isn’t to teach people how to fight, it’s to make and teach people how to be better so they can have a more successful life.” So, what is taekwondo? According to the academy’s website (stromsfit.com), taekwondo is the “technique of unarmed combat for self-defense, involving the skilled application of pushes, kicks, flying kicks, stances, blocks, dodges and interceptions with the hands, arms, feet and various other parts of the body to the rapid destruction of the attacker.” From learning the skills and techniques, each individual will earn their way to obtain a black belt. Although earning the black belt may take years, Dick said the main goal of the academy strives to teach others to be prepared for life. “The programs we have work on people’s self-confidence and self-esteem. We do that by showing them that they can do things that they didn’t think they could do. We don’t let them quit,” he said. “Can’t is a bad word. It’s a four-letter word, so we don’t let them use that word because that stop themselves from accomplishing something.” 20 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

What do they offer? The academy starts training individuals as young as 3-yearsold. Everyone that signs up, including children, go through an interview process to see if the academy is a good fit for them, Dick said. Once the sign-up process is done, the interested person will begin training and placed in either the beginner, intermediate or advanced class — placement depends on age and skill level. The academy has a ‘Tiny Tiger’ program for children ages 3 to 6. They also offer a class for the 7-12 age group. When someone reaches the green belt level, they will move on to more advanced classes. Adults that sign up can choose which class they would like to take, however, only black belt members are in the really advanced classes, Dick said. As for the price, it ranges from $49 a month to $139 a month, Dick said. “The $49 is like a one class program and the $139 is like an unlimited program,” he said. “We don’t let anyone into the $139 program until they have been here for at least six months because we want to make sure they are a good fit for us and we are a good fit for them.” From Monday through Thursday, the academy opens its doors at 4 p.m. and teaches a range of classes to several age groups. With all the knowledge they instill in others, Dick said the price range is pretty decent and added that he works with families if they can’t afford the monthly bill. “I have some families and people here that don’t pay anything because they are on a scholarship program,” he said. “If someone can’t afford to put their kids into our academy, we find a way to work with them. Because if I turn them away, that doesn’t do any good for them and their child. So we work with people, work out a deal and try to help them reach a payment plan.”

Why should you join? At the academy, Dick said they instill several principles into their classes and teaching such as courtesy, humility, integrity, perseverance, indomitable spirit, self-control and honor — all with the purpose to bring someone one step closer to a black belt. “We instill in them from the very beginning the ‘don’t give up attitude,’” he said. “The parents come in and say we want to find something their child will stick to. At the academy, you will stick with it until the long run, until you get that back belt. We train hard and apply discipline in everything, but we make it fun.” From teaching a child who has behavior problems discipline to helping a battered woman learn self-defense, Dick said he has seen many different characters come out better people because of his program. “It’s kind of unique how martial arts can get an overconfident kid and make him more attainable and more understanding to other people,” he said. “It can take a really shy kid and bring out him out of his shell. We help others develop social skills.” No matter the age or size, Dick said earning your black belt will help others in their life. “I’m passionate about this work,” he said. “I believe whoever sits across from me and signs up will come out a changed person. I know that we can change their life to a positive outlook. Whatever they want to do in the future, this will help.” GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 21

LUXURY LIFESTYLE

akeside living takes center stage at this luxurious home on Lake McQueeney. Tucked in the Lake Ridge subdivision, this home never loses sight of one of its best assets, with gorgeous views on display from multiple rooms. Soaring ceilings in the entry and main level are echoed by the towering cypress trees on the outside which help shade the lush landscaped yard. An outdoor area for entertaining includes an outdoor kitchen with ice maker and bar seating as well as additional dining and seating options. The boathouse, with a partial covered deck, offers another place to enjoy relaxing views of the lake. The indoor kitchen is a luxury allin its own, featuring a 6-burner DACOR range with double ovens and a DACOR refrigerator with separate ice machine. The kitchen also boasts loads of counter space and bar seating. The master bedroom features two walk in closets, wood blinds, double vanities, a Jacuzzi garden tub and an oversized shower. The second bedroom has its own private bath while the third and fourth bathrooms share a Jack and Jill bath. The home, listed by Julie Collie Ennis with Heritage Texas Properties, is $1.4 million. Ennis said that the home’s location means that it’s close to I-10 and I-35 — making Austin and San Antonio accessible. “The kitchen overlooking the den area is unique, and it has a great location on the lake, too.”

248 Lake Ridge

By Elizabeth Engelhardt Photos By Laura Ridge

f you have not traveled to Concan and spent a weekend on the Frio River, then you’re simply not living. Although, this is only my second year to visit the pristine Garner State Park, I still can’t believe it took us this long to get there. We invested in our own Travel Trailer a couple of years ago and have ventured all around South Texas. We typically travel with a group of family and friends, where the number of kids easily outnumbers the adults. Our boys are 7 and 10, and they’re at the age where we can do more adventurous things together. They love to swim, fish and climb just about anything outdoors. When you make the drive out to Concan, it’s hard to imagine that you’re getting close to the Hill Country because it is just miles and miles of farmland. However, once you arrive, you see nothing but beautiful hills covered in trees, broken into sections by hiking trails. Garner State Park offers campsites, screened shelters and cabins for daily rental fees. We love the campsites because they are very spacious with much needed shade on those hot summer days. However, these Guadalupe County living ~ Seguin 27

spots go very fast, so we have to make our reservations at least 10 months in advance. The daily passes sell out in less than an hour every day in the summer, the tube and cooler filled cars wind throughout the entrance and wrap around the roads, full of Texans ready to take a dip in the Frio. We typically set up a small camp in a little cove above the dam, with just enough riverfront to keep the kids close and a few rope swings near to keep them entertained for hours. The crisp, cool water is incredibly refreshing and I love to tie up a tube and just sit and watch the kids play, I could stay there for hours and usually do. As they’ve gotten older, they’ve gotten better at using an inflatable kayak and fishing. We take coolers and lunch, and usually stay on the river until dinnertime. You get to see a different angle of Garner by floating the three-mile portion of the Frio River that winds throughout the park. Garner State Park boasts incredible hiking trails, for all levels of hikers. With 1,774 acres of beautiful Texas Hill Country, you are bound to see some incredible wildlife. From jackrabbits to wild turkeys and even a raccoon that knows how to lift the lid off of a crockpot. The kids enjoy being able to track the animals and see how they interact in the wild. You don’t have to pack all of your own gear; since Garner offers a wide range of equipment that you can rent, including paddle boats, kayaks, and inner tubes. If you happen to forget something or run out of ice, there also a well-stocked general store within is park that offers all of the essentials, and more. They have a great gift shop filled with souvenirs for just about anybody. Garner also is widely known for its Summer Dances. For more than 70 years, people of all ages, have gathered at the pavilion to dance under the moonlight to a roaring jukebox. It will warm your heart beyond belief to see the crowds of young and old having a grand time dancing on a beautiful Texas night.

One of my favorite things about visiting Garner State Park are the memories that we make as a family. I grew up traveling with my family and camping all over Colorado for a week or two every summer. I didn’t appreciate much at the time but, looking back now, those were some of the best trips we’d take and I am grateful that my father didn’t listen to a nagging teenager. I think that in the technology-fueled society we live in today, having the opportunity to take our kids out into the wilderness — virtually gone untouched by time, with the exception of certain updated amenities —and let them experience what it’s like to sit by the river, catch a fish, watch wildlife and make memories with their friends and family, is more valuable than any other experience we could pay for. I believe, and I hope, that they will take these wonderful memories we’re making and one day share them with their own families. We’re already looking forward to a third Memorial weekend on the Frio River in 2019.

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Guadalupe County living ~ Seguin 29

30 Seguin ~ Guadalupe County living

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Location: Seguin Public Library Photographer: B. Kay Richter Clothes: LaVernia Country Store Models: KayLynn & Doug Hawkins Melissa & Miguel Carrillo

Fourth of July

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Competitive Shooting: Zach Lenatsch

Ready

Aim Fire

ocked and loaded, two local young men remind their friends, family and the community what can be possible when you shoot for the stars â&#x20AC;&#x201D; or maybe just a few clay pigeons. Competing in Guadalupe County 4-H Shooting Sports, Ethan Bundick and Ryan Hensley overcame personal struggles to excel in multiple categories of shooting sports. The two remain active in the sport and have their sights set on continued success this summer. Ethan has participated in 4-H shooting for seven years, aided by his parents, who serve as the club managers, and his brother Tate, who is a 4-H Shooting Sports alumnus. Last December, Ethan discovered a lump in his throat, which was removed the following month on

recommendation from doctor visits and tests. Not long after the surgery, Ethan was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma — a type of cancer affecting his white blood cells. Despite this, cancer has not affected his passion for competitive shooting. “My condition has made my involvement in the sport more varied,” Ethan said. “It can be frustrating but we have to do what the doctors say. I’ve always loved this sport and will continue to do so regardless.” Also contending in 4-H shooting sports is Ryan Hensley, who specializes in shotgun shooting. Ryan is no stranger to the sport and has been honing his skills since the sixth grade. “The thing I love the most is not the actual shooting part,” Ryan said. “I just really love being a part of the community and everyone involved is so nice and helpful.” Between eighth and ninth grade, Ryan was diagnosed with a brain tumor and had two surgeries to remove the growth. Because of this, Ryan started high school in a wheelchair. His passion for shooting and 4-H, however, remained unchanged. “4-H and shooting has really been his best medicine,” Ryan’s mother Sandra Hensley said. “It got him through some really hard times. I’m very proud to have been a part of that.” Guadalupe County 4-H Shooting Sports teaches young people ages 8 to 18 proper firearm safety and handling, as well as marksmanship. Firearms included in the scope of the club include .22 small bore rifles and pistols, air pellet rifles and pistols, shotguns and archery. In 2017, the club added hunting and wildlife. Participants in 4-H Shooting Sports compete in competitions at the local, district, state and national levels. The club is a non-profit organization. Texas AgriLife extension agent Matt Miranda serves as the county extension agent, overseeing all 15 4-H clubs in Guadalupe County, including shooting sports. “The biggest benefit of 4-H is that it teaches kids responsibility and how to communicate as leaders,” Miranda said. “4-H started in agriculture and although we’re still very much focused on that, the organization has grown to so much more. We basically include everything other than organized sports. This variety allows young people to do things they wouldn’t get to do otherwise.” The competition with the highest stakes is the 4-H Shooting Sports State Competition in July. Hunting and wildlife, GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 39

muzzleloading, pistol and rifle events will be held July 8-13 at the Austin Rifle Club in Manor. Archery and shotgun events will be held at the National Shooting Complex in San Antonio, with archery starting July 15, shotgun events starting July 17 and both events concluding on July 21. Qualification for the state event was not necessary, but prior registration and an adept understanding of the competition’s rules and guidances is required. Ryan is competing with his shotgun in San Antonio, while Ethan hopes his health will allow him to attend the meet when the time comes. “The state shoot is bigger and more competitive than the other competitions, but I like competition,” Ryan said. “Placing at state would mean the world to me.” To prepare for the state shoot, club members practice their event at least once a week, under direction from coaches and club managers. February through July is an exceptionally busy time for 4-H Shooting because of the nearly constant competitions throughout the state. Most young competitors make time to practice on their own when their schedule permits. Shotgun club manager Barney Ross is serving his first year in his current role, said he’s committed to the club “for the long haul.” Ross enjoys contributing his time and guidance to the young people, including his daughter, Karsyn, who is currently training for the Junior Olympics in skeet shooting. “It’s really inspiring to see the kids grow up, especially the ones who have been here since they were very little,” Ross said. “It means a lot to be that role model and mentor for them.” After a semester of homebound instruction, Ethan plans to return to Seguin High School next year as a senior. He would like to go to college to study aviation engineering. “I’d like to get a scholarship,” Ethan said. “It’s a possibility and I hope it works out. Even after 4-H, I still want to shoot.” A recent graduate of Navarro High School, Ryan will take his trap shooting skills to Schreiner University in Kerrville this fall, where he will attend on a competitive shooting scholarship — a rare and coveted achievement. He plans to study finance, and according to his mother, “academics will still come first.” “Schreiner will be good for Ryan, because he already knows a lot of students who went there for shooting and he’ll be a step closer to getting his education,” Sandra said. “It’s a bittersweet end but college is a new beginning. He wants to share his love of the sport with other people. He 40 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

very much a people person.” To grab the attention of young people who may be interested in the club, 4-H hosts informational meetings in the fall. For shooting sports, the club takes the practice a step further and welcomes prospective members to come out to the shooting range for a more hands-on approach. The idea came from Kory Bundick, Ethan’s dad and club manager for 4-H Shooting Sports, who felt the traditional meeting just didn’t capture what makes shooting sports great. “Anytime we can get someone to come to the range, we try to do it,” Kory said. “Giving people a chance to see firearms are not as scary as what their used to is very important. We teach kids what to do and what not to do and they have to make us trust in them that they’re reading for the responsibility.” The most important part of 4-H is to have fun and create a family-friendly atmosphere for young people to learn how to be better people and future adults. “Education is the best safeguard against gun violence,” said. “We make sure to take the curiosity out of firearms and remind them it’s not a toy and not a game. If introduced correctly, they’ll either love it or feel indifferent to it. But if they love it, that opens the doors to scholarships, college, opportunities and lifelong friends. The friends you make here are always more than happy to help each other out.”

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Luling’s Best By Steffanie Agnew

633 E Davis St, Luling, TX 78648

Joe Capello Sr., the pitmaster of City Market, said they hen you hear “Luling, Texas” the first thing that likely comes to your mind is barbeoffer three kinds of meat: brisket, pork ribs and sausage. cue. City Market is one of the most iconic “It’s an open pit and the wood we use is post oak,” he said. barbecue joints in the state, producing “We use post oak because you get a good flavor and it burns unique and delicious meats that draw people from around the way we like it to burn.” Texas and beyond. To smoke the meats, a wood-fired brick pit and gas-fired During rush hour, guests likely stand in line for a minirotisserie smoker is used. mum of 30 minutes while they wait for the chance to score Joe said nothing special is added to the meat, and the some meat. At the back of the dining room sits a glass-enflavor comes from cooking it on the pit and smoker. The closed chamber that barbecue-goers wait their turn to enter. key to great tasting meat was knowing when it is ready, he Inside is a thick smell of smoke and a heat that radiates said. “When it gets that light brown color to it and we see if from the pit as you watch it cook right in front of you. 42 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

the meat is soft, it’s ready to go,” he said. City Market serves up sides such as potato salad and pinto beans, with bread, cheese blocks, soda and beer available to compliment a meal. The barbecue joint is located in downtown Luling on Davis Street., where it has smoked meats for more than 50 years. Luling City Market was founded in 1958 by brothers Lanos and Howard Ellis. The business was owned by Lanos, while Howard was the cook. Now, the business is owned by Lanos’s son, Buddy Ellis, who has kept things exactly as they are, Joe said. “Howard and Lanos used to work at Kreuz in Lockhart,” he said. “They had kind of a passion for barbecue and wanted to make their own great products, which is why they started City Market.” One recipe that hasn’t changed since the beginning is the all-beef sausage recipe. It’s a German-style sausage with a pork casing. Bull meat and trimmings are mixed with black

pepper, red pepper and salt. Customers can choose from hot sausage or cold sausage when ordering their meat. While the sausage is known for its taste, there’s another meat on the menu that Joe said draws the crowds. “Almost everybody who comes wants the rib,” he said. “I think the secret sauce we put on them is what makes them taste great.” The sauce on the ribs was created by Joe. It is a thicker version of City Market’s famous yellow sauce that is housemade and produced, and also is an original recipe that’s remained since City Market opened. The sauce was made by Lanos’s wife, Delma, Joe said. In addition to the food, the experience also what sets City Market apart from other barbecue joints, Joe said. “Our barbecue is very consistent, but you’ll have a unique experience each time,” he said. “We’re known mostly by word of mouth. People tell their neighbors or friends and family, and they decide to stop by. That’s how we got to where we are now.”

Guadalupe County living ~ Seguin 43

709 E Davis St, Luling, TX 78648

hile City Market may be one of the more well-known barbecue places in Central Texas, the city is home to another barbecue joint that works hard to make itself known as one of the best barbecue stops in the city and state. Luling Bar-B-Q sits across the street from City Market and prides itself on doing things differently than their competitor, and that has allowed them to stand out, Ken Blevins, Luling Bar-B-Q business manager said. While their competitor offers a specific selection of food, the menu at Luling Bar-B-Q is a little more diverse. “Our main claim to fame is we offer a big variety of stuff,” Ken said. “They keep it simple across the street, so we gave a contrast of what they had. You really couldn’t come in and reproduce exactly the same kind of product and mimic 44 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

it or people go, ‘It’s exactly the same. Why are you doing that?’” Guests can choose from seven different meats, including beef brisket, pork loin, turkey breast, sausage, ribs, chopped beef and chicken. Ken said the sausage was the number one item on the menu that was the big draw. “We do an all-beef sausage, and we think we probably sell more sausage than anybody in the county,” he said. “We have been switching over to Angus beef, because we like the flavor of it better, and it’s a leaner cut. After you can get the fat trimmed off of it, it’s a better product.” Another way Luling Bar-B-Q stands apart from not just City Market, but many other older barbecue places is in how the meat is cooked.

“A lot of the barbecue places that are really old, like City Market, have an open pit, wood cook barbecues,” he said. Too much carbon product on meat from open pit is a thing people should limit in their diets, he said. “What we do is, we try to bridge the gap between flavor, and getting it as healthy as we can,” he said. “We use natural gas on the rotary top of it, and then have a smoke box where we inject the amount of wood that we put in it on a 13-hour cooking cycle. Just enough wood, smoke in it to flavor, but not so much that it’s burning it the whole time.” Luling Bar-B-Q is also unique in the type of wood used to cook meat. “We’re the only ones in the county that uses mesquite,” he said. “Everybody else has gone to post oak because so many of them still cook over a wood fire. You can’t cook over mesquite for 13 hours because the wood is too hard,

but it’s good for flavoring in shorts durations.” In addition to the large selection of meat, Luling Bar-B-Q offers a large selection of sides to go along with it. People can choose sides including potato salad, coleslaw, pinto beans, macaroni and cheese, fried okra, potatoes, broccoli salad, pea salad, onion rings, fries, soda, tea or coffee. They can top off their meal with pie or cake. Luling Bar-B-Q is family owned and operated. It has been in operation for since 1986, but Ken said his family purchased it in 2002 and has ran it since. Patricia Chambers, Ken’s mother, is the current owner. “We also stand out because the food’s good, but then there’s also really good customer service,” Ken said. “Our thing that we try to emphasize is to be really customer friendly at a level that isn’t corporate. We have people that just are happy to serve people and have to be here.” Guadalupe County living ~ Seguin 45

Holiday Displays F

By Steffanie Agnew

or the weeks leading up to Christmas, River Run stood proudly on his lawn with Santa Claus riding his back. He is a horse with a mission — make people smile as they drive down FM 725 in McQueeney and pass his house. It was a mission he succeeded at, and looked forward to accomplishing every holiday. He isn’t a real horse though. He belongs to Susan Vordenbaum, the owner of the home and master holiday decorator. River Run has become an iconic element in her holiday displays, and well known to those that pass-by and see how he’s decorated for the next upcoming holiday. “I decorate for Christmas, Easter and Halloween — those are my big ones,” Susan said. “I’ll probably put a couple of things out there at Valentine's also.” The tradition of decorating River Run and setting up holiday displays began seven years ago after Susan bought him at D&D Texas Outfitters and repaired him. “He was busted up in the backyard of D&D and I talked the manager into selling him to me,” she said. “His head was off, so I got it put back on, and he was kind of a mess. I got him fixed and I decorated him for the kids that went by at school.” River Run and his decorated display

was an instant hit, Susan said. “I got so much response from decorating him, that I just started doing it all the time for every holiday,” she said. “He was just sitting out there and I had thought, ‘Gosh, let me go throw something on him, put something on him here.’ People would stop and want to take pictures and stuff, so I just kept doing it. I enjoy it.” Although he’ll be decorated for Valentine’s, the next big display is Easter. A giant blow-up bunny will ride on his back and greet travelers in an Easter-themed display as they drive down the road. “He's really cute at Easter with that blow-up bunny,” Susan said. The displays pop-up about three weeks before the holiday’s big day, for those wanting to see the unique display. “I usually have it up rather early,” she said. “I have it up three weeks. I do it

“People would stop and want to take pictures and stuff, so I just kept doing it. I enjoy it.”

fairly early so the kids can see it during the week and people can see it on a few weekends before the holiday.” Decorating is a pretty quick task that takes about an hour. Each holiday display sits in boxes in storage waiting to be unveiled. “I've got it all in the shed here in boxes, so I just put the box in the tractor, bring it up here, and spread the stuff around,” she said. “It took me a little bit longer to put up the Christmas tree in this past Christmas display, because I put lights on it.” Every year the display varies, so those who see it on a regular basis might want to drive by and take another look. “One minute I'll put something here and then the next year I won't remember where I put that then and it goes someplace else,” she said. “I just go out there in the yard and start sticking stuff in the ground and decorating him. It's no preplanned thing.” Susan hopes her displays bring smiles to those in her community — the same one she grew up in and has

deep roots. She was raised in McQueeney, and currently lives in the house left to her by her grandmother. “My grandmother was Bloomberg and the camp next door used to be my great-grandfather's, which was Bloomberg Camp, and now it's called the Dam Camp,” she said. “The '98 flood is when I finally came here to live because it was just a shack and a cabin. I had to do something with it.” Susan lived in the home and commuted to her job at the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio for 36-and-a-half years, she said. “So, I've been here since the year 2000 actually living here, but I was raised here from my grandmother, Melinda Bloomberg,” she said. “I'm

retired, and I don't really do much of anything else right now except decorate this horse and work in the yard.” The smiles are Susan’s favorite part of why she decorates her holiday displays. “I think the smiles of the people and the way people wave at me are the most enjoyable part of putting up the displays,” she said. “I’m glad to be a part of the community and put smiles on people’s faces. I hope the children and I hope all the people…I hope I put a smile on their face. Everybody needs to smile more this year. In our world, we need to smile and love. River Run and myself says, ‘Have a lot of smiles this next year.’”

“In our world, we need to smile and love.”

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An Education

For Everyone By Zach Ienatsch

or young individuals attempting to navigate their educational opportunities, the Alamo College’s Central Texas Technology Center (CTTC) is here to make the decision easier. Located in Guadalupe County, a short distance from both Seguin and New Braunfels, CTTC presents a valuable resource for the right kind of vocational training to give students a boost in their career field, as well as keeping the local job market strong and flourishing. Embarking on the next chapter of one’s life can evoke certain feelings of uncertainty or inability, but with the right direction and resources, it need not be so. The low-stress, low-intimidation approach is something CTTC prides itself on. The variety of courses and training at CTTC includes, but is not limited to, manufacturing, healthcare, public services, utilities, financial services and other trade skills. Most workers in these fields do not need to obtain a fouryear degree to be successful. CTTC’s local location benefits students and the community alike. Prospective students will not have to travel far and wide to receive an education, streamlining the process of obtaining a degree or certification. Keeping students in their own backyard also keeps Seguin and Guadalupe County strong by retaining bright, hardworking

young people where their expertise is very much needed and vital to the growth and sustainability of the area. “The fact that a prospective student can obtain an associate degree or an industry certification can create value added to not only the employers in the local area but also for the overall workforce,” interim CTTC director Janice Roth said. “Add the ability to conduct employer customized training, this equals success for the employer and employee and to have this in our backyard is even better.” Seguin has more manufacturing jobs per capita than any other city in the state of Texas. For CTTC, it is important for local young people to know this when considering their employment options after high school. The benefits of vocational workers staying local is not just an easier option, but a rewarding and stable one as well. According to the Seguin Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), who is a close partner with CTTC, Seguin was one of the few areas in the state to add manufacturing jobs during the 2008 housing crisis and ensuing recession, adding to the credibility and resilience of the local industry. Wages are also competitive, ensuring local workers are receiving comparable compensation for what their labor is worth. In addition to training students right out of high school, CTTC also offers training to newly hired and incumbent Guadalupe County living ~ Seguin 51

employees to ensure employers have a skilled and up to date workforce. Partnering with the local Workforce Solution Alamo offices, CTTC also offers state-funded training for unemployed and underemployed workers who are seeking an upward pathway in employment. “If there is a job skill that employers need to have for their employees, Alamo Colleges most likely has a training program they can benefit from,” Roth said. “CTTC devotes training space inside the building to deliver and teach these programs right here.” To maintain this relationship with the needs of the local industries, CTTC works closely with the SEDC to make sure the path to the greatest success of the city is the road most traveled. Founded in 1994, the SEDC works to promote Seguin as an optimal place for businesses to open shop, expand or relocate and advise business owners on how to make this a reality. Naturally, this lends itself to cross paths with CTTC when workers and their skill training are concerned. “For us, it’s a tremendous advantage and a great asset for the community,” SEDC director Josh Schneuker said. “It’s a great location for training and a valuable marketing piece for recruiting businesses to come to Seguin. The CTTC strengthens this community and I definitely see that relationship continuing in the future.” Preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow starts today and CTTC does not wait for high school students to cross the stage and receive a diploma before sharing their resources and helping young people explore their options. Starting in 11th grade, students at local high schools, including Seguin and Navarro, bus to CTTC and take dual credit courses to jumpstart their workforce education. Steve Gonzalez, career and technical educational director for Seguin ISD, works closely with CTTC to make this “Seguin Talent Pipeline” a great alternative for older high school students who may want 52 Seguin ~ Guadalupe County living

to do something else besides the traditional four-year university route after graduation. “These opportunities are so important because quality education is right here,” Gonzalez said. “Showing them there are more opportunities close by is great for getting experience and looks nice on a resume. CTTC’s resources are also in a capacity the high school is just not equipped to deliver when it comes to getting students firsthand experiences in these vocational fields.” Examples of dual credit courses offered through this partnership include advanced technology and information tech security. Daily instruction in CTTC’s facilities and curriculum can also lead to summer internships for high school students. Besides students directly involved in instruction with CTTC, the center facilitates an annual career fair in May in partnership with the SEDC. Students from Seguin and Navarro ISDs are brought in to meet directly with local businesses and government entities who need skilled workers in the immediate area. SEDC does the heavy lifting in coordinating the event, but CTTC serves as the middleman to satisfy the needs of both parties after the career fair is over. This specific distribution of information once again engages with CTTC’s specialty of tapping into local workers and inspiring them to go where they are needed and best suited. “The employers seem to always have an open door for the local students should they want to stay in the local area,” Roth said. “Some of the local employers have stated that on occasion, they have provided interviews for local graduating students solely based on the fact they are local. And Seguin has some very talented high school students.” For more information on kickstarting your vocational education and training, visit CTTC’s website at www.alamo.edu/cttc or call 830-6092100 or 210-486-7400.

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