Seguin Magazine — June/July 2017

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June|July 2017

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AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING ~ SEGUIN

1

Vol. 4, No. 1 Seguin magazine is published six times a year by the Seguin Gazette.

PUBLISHER

Jeff Fowler EDITOR

Travis Webb DESIGN

Hannah Ruiz Melissa Crume Becca Harrison WRITERS

Felicia Frazar Marcel Louis-Jacques Forrest Grimes

A

little more than three years ago, the staff at the Seguin Gazette decided that we wanted to put together a quarterly, seasonal lifestyle magazine that was distinctly Seguin. In June of 2014, Sizzle was born with the tag line “life, well done.”

That first issue was a 32-page self-covered glossy magazine. My, how time flies. Over the next two years, our little magazine grew and evolved and, eventually, we decided to make some major changes.

In June of last year, we introduced a new look for Sizzle, with 52 pages of unique content in a bound cover unlike your typical magazine.

We wanted it to feel different in your hands from the moment you picked it up. We also changed the look of the cover and started putting out a new edition every two months rather than every three.

It still wasn’t quite right so, in December, Sizzle became simply Seguin, with the tag line “Authentic Texas Living.” Why? Because we wanted the name to clearly convey exactly what the magazine is all about.

Many of the faces that put together that first magazine have changed, but the spirit of the publication remains the same. We’ve come a long way since that first offering.

As we begin our fourth year of publication, we want to thank you all for going on this ride with us and continuing to support your magazine. After all, you’re what it’s all about.

As always, you’ll find lots of good stuff in this issue. Hopefully there’s something for everyone.

So what are you waiting for? Turn the page and come on in!

Jeff Fowler

CONTRIBUTORS

Katey Shea Pfenninger Charlie Agar ADVERTISING

Elizabeth Engelhardt Gay Lynn Olsovsky Lorinda Spaulding Darla Wallace TO ADVERTISE IN SEGUIN MAGAZINE CALL

830-379-5402 All material herein c. 2017 Southern Newspapers Inc., dba The Seguin Gazette, 1012 Schriewer Road, Seguin, TX, 78155.

All rights reserved

hot tip TOMORROW YOU WILL WISH YOU STARTED TODAY

An inside look from our WRITERS...

“Not only did I enjoy learning about the process Kelly Schoenvogel goes through to make each piece of her handcrafted furniture, but I found her energy and enthusiasm to be a real inspiration. This young mother of four is quite obviously accomplished, energetic and hugely talented.”

— Travis Webb “Hanging around the campsite, watching Joey and Ty Machado work on the grill felt like I was getting an inside look at the family dynamic in the barbecue world. The pair, along with Michelle and Taya, have the art of spending quality time together mastered.

The Machado’s have truly expanded their barbecue passion to something so much more — a family affair.”

— Felicia Frazar “The Irma Lewis Outdoor Learning Center is a valuable resource for Seguin, and a great way to educate area students about outdoor activities. ” — Forrest Grimes “On my way to meet with Ben to interview him for this story, I realized I didn’t know what he looked like — so I just scanned the room for the biggest person in it. Needless to say, he wasn’t hard to find.”

— Marcel Louis-Jacques

SEARCH SEGUIN GAZETTE

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SEGUIN ~ AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING

On

the

Cover

Photo by Katey Shea Pfenninger With the help of Willie Ybarra, we were able to spend a gorgeous morning on Lake McQueeney.

Samantha and Trace were both great sports, despite a late start and camera difficulties.

From Tonsillitis to Arthritis

GRMC FAMILY PRACTICE PHYSICIANS—TAKING CARE OF ALL AGES.

Whether a patient is 8 months old or 80 years young, we are dedicated to their health and wellness. In a community like Seguin, we love getting to know our patient families. Using a family physician is not only convenient but also provides the physician an ongoing family medical history. Our entire team of family practice physicians is knowledgeable in a wide range of medical issues which enables us to care for patients at all stages of life, from infancy to adulthood and even seniors. Join our family and let us take care of you — for a long time to come.

FIND A LOCAL PHYSICIAN: 830.401.7401 1215 E. Court St. • Seguin, TX 78155 • 830.379.2411 grmedcenter.com

THE HOTTEST SPOT

22

10

32

16

14 FEATURES

AROUND TOWN

IN EACH ISSUE

22 FATHER & SON BBQ TEAM

8 IMBIBE

6 SIZZLIN’ FIVE

28 HOMEMADE FURNITURE

10 CLOSET CLOSE UP

16 FASHION

32 FLY FISHING

12 BE YOU – BE WELL

40 FAVORITE FINDS

36 SEGUIN OUTDOOR

14 UNDER THE HOOD

42 FACES OF SEGUIN

LEARNING CENTER

47 READER’S COMMENTS 48 TESTIMONIAL

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SEGUIN ~ AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING

Proudly serving Seguin, New Braunfels, Lake McQueeney and the surrounding lake and river communities

SEGUIN

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Ken Kiel NEW BRAUNFELS

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Lea Phelps SEGUIN

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Jordan Lippe Walker NEW BRAUNFELS

Lynn Zarr, Sr. NEW BRAUNFELS

Susan Schmidt Office Manager

Stephanie Besett Ryan Sales Manager

Not pictured from Seguin: Cindy Olvera and Willie Velasquez

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SizzlinFive SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

The sounds of music fill the park each year during the Summer Concert Series. This year area residents can listen to the Comal County Band on June 4, Conjunto Cats on June 11, Bobby G. and Le-Duece on June 18, Fools of the Trade at June 25 and the San Antonio Symphonic Band wrapping up the series on July 2.

June 20th

TASTE OF SEGUIN

Area restaurants and caterers try their hand at taking home the title of Best in the City during the Silver Center’s Taste of Seguin.

With guest judges and people’s choice, local chefs put their best foot forward for the tasty event. This year the event is from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on June 20 at the Seguin Coliseum.

June 23rd

CINDERELLA BALL

For one night, Seguin’s own Fairy Godmother waves her magic wand and turns the Seguin Events Center into a grand ballroom for the Seguin Police Department’s annual Cinderella Ball. The annual father-daughter dance offers the opportunity for area daughters of all ages to be treated like a princess. This year’s event is set for 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, June 23.

July 4th

4TH OF JULY 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 Tuesday, July 4, more than 150 parade entries wind their way down Austin Street starting at College and ending at the Seguin Coliseum.

July 15th TEXAS LINEMAN’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 15. 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.

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SEGUIN ~ AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING

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Summer and fall Registration In Progress

KiCK off your summer in seguin June ConCerts & 4th of July Celebrations CENTRAL PARK SUMMER CONCERT SERIES Every Sunday in June from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

PRESENTED BY SEGUIN MAIN STREET PROGRAM & CVB This is a free event , so bring your family, friends and your lawn chairs. Food will be available for sale by the Boy Scouts.

July 1 - 6:30 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Freedom Fiesta Central Park

June 4 - Comal Community Band June 11 - Conjunto Cats June 18 - Bobby G. & Le-Duece June 25 - Fools of the Trade

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SEGUIN ~ AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING

M

ichael and Melissa Poole’s plans to open their own winery outside Seguin were already well on their way to fruition when mead first came on their radar.

The couple had just wrapped up a tour of New England wineries but, not wishing to spend their last day of vacation waiting at the airport, decided to take one last quick trip — this time to a meadery.

“We tried it and Michelle says ‘this is good, do you know how to make it?’ And I said, ‘Yeah, I can make that,’” Michael said.

In one form or another, Michael has been producing beer, wine or mead for 25 years. And today, Blue Lotus Winery and Texas Mead Works are a premier stop, not only for Texas wines but also boutique meads.

The vineyard also is one of the stops along the Texas Keg & Barrel Trail.

“We’re not in competition with each other, this only helps us all,” Michael said of the partnership.

Mead, an alcoholic beverage made from fermented honey, has a history that goes back thousands of years. With such a rich history, it’s no surprise that there are many variations — but at Texas Mead Works, the Pooles like to put their own spin on the concoction, from the beer-like Bee Hoppy to the uniquely Texan Jalapeno Melomel.

The latter has a smooth, pleasant finish; crisp enough to enjoy on a hot day, but with just the right hint of heat to put a smile on the face anyone who loves spicier fare.

It’s an excellent alternative to beer or wine, especially for those seeking something a little different.

“It’s very Texan,” Michael said. “People either love it or hate it.”

If you’re among the latter group, fear not: In addition to their other meads, the vineyard offers a wide selection of wine, with a particular emphasis on Texas wines.

The Pooles even color code their menu to let visitors know which wines were produced solely on the vineyard.

The grounds often host live music and are available for events. The vineyard is located at 5151 FM 20, in Seguin. For more information visit www.bluelotuswinery.com/ or www.texasmeadworks.com/, or call 830-379-9463.

To learn more about the Texas Keg & Barrel Trail, visit www.facebook.com/txbtrail/.

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AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING ~ SEGUIN

9

Dr. Al

Burns A Closet Close-up

BY FELICIA FRAZAR

l Burns’ daily attire consists of a few staples.

From scrubs to Polos, the local pediatric dentist has a pretty basic wardrobe, except for a few key accessories.

“I wear scrubs on surgery day and my other days it’s polo shirts an khaki pants,” he said. “It is kind of bland, but we spice it up in other ways. I love wearing crazy shoes and I love wearing crazy socks. From time to time, I’m even allowed to wear crazy hair.”

Al’s most noticeable accessory is his shoes, which vary in colors and patterns and typically lack laces.

“It is finding fun unique things that kind of stand out,” he said.

“As far as personal preferences, I am not a big fan of shoelaces, so a lot of my shoes are shoelace-less. It is one less thing to worry about. Of course fun colors and different styles. The last year or two, I decided to branch out into socks as well. I now have fun socks and fun shoes at the same time.”

In a closet within the larger closet Al shares with his wife Lisa is the couple’s collection of shoes.

While the top three rows appear to be mostly Lisa’s, the rest belong to Al, with a variety of shoes that go along with about any theme, including beach day, checker day, camo day and patriotic days. He even has a pair of cowboy boots.

“There are some fun shoes,” he said. “A tradition we have is every year for all of our doctors and managers, I custom design a pair of shoes around the holidays. Anytime Lisa is at the store, she keeps her eye out for something fun.”

Al’s affinity for interesting footwear includes his golf shoes.

“Even my golf shoes are not traditional,” he said. “I have Crocs golf shoes.”

While Al cycles through his shoes each year, filtering out about six to seven pairs and replacing them with new ones, there are a few he just can’t seem to let go.

“It is a constant rotation,” he said. “My checker shoes I’ve had for a long time. My Nebraska Husker Crocs I’ve had since my residency.”

As a professional, Al said most of the time you have to play the part, but occasionally stepping out of the box is warranted.

“That’s one of the perks of being a kid’s dentist, you get to do kind of fun and exciting things and dress up days,” he said. “You have to look responsible most of the time so the parents have a sense of trust with you, but at the same time you have to find that balance for the kids so they have a good time.”

Inside the house closet is Al’s daily wear of t-shirts, jeans, Polos, nice shirts, church clothes and jackets, but in a separate closet in the garage, it’s a different story.

“I have my closet in here, and then sometimes I get to go into the “dress up” closet,” he said.

On special days at Alligator Dental, any number of characters can make an appearance including Buzz Lightyear Captain America, a gladiator, Harry Potter, a ninja turtle, an ‘80s rocker, a Minion, even a cowboy with a horse.

“One of my personal favorites — Hammer pants — stonewashed, parachute pants,” he said. “I’ve actually had the experience where I came to the office and the kid looks up at me and

says, ‘I thought Buzz Lightyear was going to be here today.’ He was a little disappointed that day, however we did try to make the best of it.”

In a separate container, Al keeps a very special character locked away — Bad Breathe Bob, who helps teach kids proper dental hygiene.

Al credits his family for instilling a passion for shaking things up.

“I came from a family that was crazy about Halloween,” he said. “My dad, who is in his mid-60s, still dresses up in a gorilla suit and sits on the front porch and scares kids. That is the family I grew up in. Lisa’s family is the opposite. However, her mom has an incredible collection of dress up clothes she collected over the years for her girls to play with. When those two worlds combine when Lisa and I got married, it just became this thing for us.”

In addition to the plethora of costumes, the couple has a bag of wigs, which Al said can be just as fun as the full get up.

BE YOU • BE WELL

BODY SCULPTING Bodybuilding an art form for Ben Windle

BY MARCEL LOUIS-JACQUES

A

t 5-feet-6-inches and 166 pounds of solid muscle, Ben Windle looks like something straight out of a Mr. Universe competition — so it’s only fitting that’s exactly where he’s heading toward.

At 22-years-old, Ben won the Open Male Physique competition at the National Physique Committee’s Southeast Texas Championships on April 22, 2017 to qualify for the North American Championships in Pittsburgh later this year.

By strictly monitoring his habits in and out of the gym, he’s won two of the three events he’s competed in and sculpted his body into something even Michelangelo would be impressed with — all in three short years.

“You hear it all the time, ‘oh if you put in the time and the hard work, this will happen,’” he said. “This is one of those things that really proves to you that if you put in the time and the effort, it will pay off.”

Success from the start Ben’s path to Pittsburgh began in 2014, when he’d taken up rugby after graduating from high school. He’d always been lean growing up, but really saw his body change as he trained with his teammates.

“I noticed that even though I was doing the same reps as everyone else, I was physically progressing a lot faster,” he said.

After injuring his back, he decided to put the ball down and keep hitting the 12 SEGUIN ~ AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING

weights. He stopped eating junk food and became “obsessed” with seeing progress in the gym.

As he continued to develop, Ben said people often asked him if he was into bodybuilding, and the prodding eventually convinced him to give it a shot.

“I feel like if you aren’t sure about something, and you really want to do it, sometimes you just need to jump in and do it,” he said. “That’s how you learn. If you take too much time to try to learn something, years can go by, and you ultimately never do it.”

Ben competed in his first show when he was 19, but despite looking like a fully grown man, he was too nervous to enter the men’s division. He easily won the teen class, and even had a judge stop him after the show and tell him they would’ve given him the men’s title as well.

From there, he was hooked.

Ben met a coach at the show who helped him with nutrition and dieting, which he described as, by far, the most difficult and time-consuming aspect of bodybuilding.

“Lifting weights, in my opinion, is the easy and fun

Photo taken at Guadalupe Regional Wellness Center

part,” he said. “Dieting, you really just have to get familiar with what works for your body. It takes a lot of time and a lot of trial and error.”

He competed again a year-and-a-half later at the Phil Heath Classic, and felt like he could win easily after assessing his competition.

The results didn’t go quite according to plan — he placed eighth.

Fuming as he left the event, Ben was stopped by three-time Mr. Olympia Men’s Physique winner, Jeremy Buendia, who offered him a key piece of advice.

“I was really angry. But Jeremy told me ‘hey, stuff like this happens in bodybuilding, but I hope you compete again,’” Ben said. “After hearing that, I decided to give it another try.”

A new level of dedication This time around, Ben meant business.

He took a year off to build muscle and learn more about the art of bodybuilding.

He called his 10-week long preparation for April’s competition the “hardest I ever did.”

“I never missed an ounce (during meal preparation),” he said. “I did all my cardio. It was really, really hard — but I just really wanted to win.”

He identified his three macronutrients — carbohydrates, fats and proteins and developed a high-protein diet that included a lot of meat and a small amount of rice, potatoes and vegetables in each meal.

“Well there’s four including alcohol, but I don’t count that one — especially when I’m competing, I don’t drink,” he added.

“It was very, very high protein and very low carb and low fat, as well. Lot of meat, a lot of actual protein powder — a lot of people see protein powder as an actual supplement, but all it is a meal replacement if you don’t want to cook.”

At the gym, he stuck to a strict regime every week: Sunday — Legs with a focus on quads, and a little hamstrings and glutes Monday — Chest and triceps Tuesday — Back and biceps Wednesday — Hamstring and glute-dominant workout with a minor focus on quads Thursday — Shoulders Friday — Arms Saturday — Rest He usually lifts for 45 minutes to an hour each time; bookending his weight lifting are two 25-minute cardio sessions.

Ben also alternates working his calves

and abs throughout the week, although he goes about them differently than an athlete would — especially his abs.

“Abs are very genetic-based — if you’re hitting them too hard, you’re going to build a thick waist,” he said. “In bodybuilding, you want everything to be as tight as possible, especially your waist.

“If your focus is on aesthetic and cosmetics, I recommend only doing bodyweight ab exercises.”

His calves, however, get the Death Star treatment — he obliterates them.

“My calves, I just kill them as hard as I can,” he laughed. “They’re a very unique muscle, and they’re very hard to build.

High rep, high weight — as hard as I can.”

Ben’s workouts differ from an athlete’s because he’s focused on appearance, not necessarily performance.

“When you’re doing sports, there’s really no point in hitting your biceps hard.

You want to focus on your compound movements — squats, deadlifts and bench and stuff like that — that’s what’s going to give you strength,” he said. “You’re not focusing on trying to look a certain way.”

During his off-season, he focused on building muscle with heavier weight and fewer repetitions before switching his routine a bit during his 10-week preparation.

“When you’re doing heavy weight you’re building the muscle, and when you’re doing the faster-rep weight with high repetition you’re sculpting it,” he said. “Once I’m six to 10 weeks out from a bodybuilding show, the reps are much, much higher. I’m really not going heavy at all. I’ll still do some compound movements — it’s a significant change, but it’s not a crazy change. For the most part, it’s high repetition.”

Future plans Ben is currently preparing for the North American Championships at the end of August. If he places in the toptwo in Pittsburgh, he’s earn his pro card, and will be cleared to compete in professional events.

He made it his goal to turn pro after his disappointment at the Phil Heath Classic — now he’s mere months away from turning that dream into reality.

“For this, the sky is pretty much the limit, I want to go as far as I can possibly go,” he said.

National Physique Committee Men’s Physique Division Judging Criteria •

Muscularity and body condition: Judges will be looking for fit contestants who display proper shape and symmetry ,combined with muscularity and overall condition. This is not a bodybuilding contest so extreme muscularity should be marked down.

•

Stage Presence and Personality: Contestants will be asked to walk in board shorts. Competitors will enter the stage without a shirt and barefoot. Judges are looking for the contestant with the best stage presence and poise who can successfully convey his personality to the audience.

•

Presentation: Competitors will walk to the center of the stage alone and perform front and back turns with optional pose of hand on hip or hand in pocket, finishing facing the judges as directed then proceed to the side of the stage.

•

Comparison Round: The competitors will be brought back out in a group and directed to do turns.

•

Judges will have the opportunity to compare competitors against each other in turns.

AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING ~ SEGUIN 13

Corvette engine 350, V-8, 4-bolt main Corvette transmission Camaro rear-end Caterpillar yellow

14 SEGUIN ~ AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING

Under the Hood

1931 FORD COUPE

M

By Felicia Frazar

ichelle Howard grew up watching her father, Jim Ruby, build cars — but not just any old cars.

“When I was born, dad was building hot rods,” she said. “He had already built one, then he did another, then he built a three-wheeler. I watched him do it. I would sit on pieces in our garage in San Antonio as he worked. I was his ‘Little Hot Rod.’ I just loved watching him with all of this.”

She wasn’t alone in witnessing Jim’s work, as her husband, Danny, who was 16 at the time, was also along for the ride.

“Both of us grew up around it,” he said.

So, it came as no surprise that when Jim found a shell of a 1931 Ford Coupe in a field, that Danny and Michelle were right alongside him from the day he purchased it.

“I watched him with this hot rod from when he bought the rust bucket, just the shell,” she said. “When he bought it, Danny was involved too. We were there when he got it and was taking it off the trailer. He told Danny when he found the rust bucket out in the middle of a ranch field somewhere. When dad got it, he was telling Danny everything he wanted to do with it.”

With only the shell to work with, Jim piece-mealed the car together from scraps he procured, some with help from Danny.

“He would bring things to dad for him to use,” Michelle said. “Danny would bring him materials and dad would make the parts that he needed. I would go over,

hang out and sit with him, watch him do this. There was a lot of time spent with together.”

Because Jim was wanting to get the car on the road, he invented ways and got creative to make his car run, Michelle said.

“Dad wanted to get it going ... so he rigged a lot of the stuff so he could get it on the road,” she said. “You wonder how it was running with all of that stuff. We have come across some crazy stuff. We are just following through the wishes of what dad always wanted to do. It was a mess, but we got it running.”

Most notable was the fuel tank.

“He took an old, 10-gallon air compressor tank and made a gas tank out of it,” Michelle said. “Over the years, it got rusted inside and it was letting stuff go through. We ended up pulling it out, and last year put a new fuel tank in it with the gas gauge.”

Additionally, the hood was crafted out of an aluminum sign and the side vents are from a scrapped salad bar, Danny said.

The ’31 Ford Coupe has a Corvette engine and transmission, with a Camaro rear end, Danny said.

Before Jim died in 2011, he gave the car to Michelle and Danny.

“I didn’t know he wanted us to have it,” she said. “We didn’t know what he wanted to do with it. He handed me the title on my birthday in September 2010, and he passed away March 2011. It is just a shame it wasn’t running when dad passed away.”

“He knew the history of her and I, and the kids, and how we wouldn’t get rid of it, we wouldn’t abuse it,” Danny said. “I

drive 45 miles an hour in it.”

Since then the couple has worked to fulfill all Jim’s wishes for the caterpillar yellow Ford Coupe.

“We’ve known all of his wishes with what he wanted to do and that is what we’ve been doing these last several year,” Danny said. “All of the things he wished he could do to it, we’ve done it. We try to do at least one big thing a year.”

The couple has made caring for the car a true partnership, Danny said.

“We’ve done different things to the car and she is always right there,” Danny said.

“And, it is never one of us saying ‘I’m driving.’ It’s both of us asking, ‘Do you want to drive?’ This is a joint venture.

Recently, the couple started to showcase the car in area shows, and it has received some recognition.

“We took it to shows before that and really didn’t place, we weren’t planning to place, we just took it to have fun,” Danny said. “Since we put the tires on it, in the last three shows we’ve placed.”

No matter where they go, there are three key pieces that never leave the hot rod — a Conway Twitty CD, an angel necklace that hangs from the rear-view mirror and a piece of one of her dad’s shirts.

“When I get into that hot rod, every time I hear him,” Michelle said. “Even though he has been gone for six years, it still goes on and on. Like I said, the history we have with this hot rod is being with dad through this journey of his and being there with him and helping him. He loved that car.”

AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING ~ SEGUIN 15

Samantha is wearing women’s Wrangler sleeveless allover Americana screen-print top $28.99, extra long fray denim shorts

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16 SEGUIN ~ AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING

SUMMER

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Photos By - Katey Shea Photography Location - Lake McQueeney Models - Samantha Bodin, Trace Shelton, Jennifer Vann Special thanks to Willie Ybarra for boat usage.

AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING ~ SEGUIN 17

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18 SEGUIN ~ AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING

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AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING ~ SEGUIN 19

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20 SEGUIN ~ AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING

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AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING ~ SEGUIN 21

Father & Son Beyond the Grill

BY FELICIA FRAZAR

J

oey and his 15-year-old son, Ty Machado, have created a special bond, one forged over hot coals and barbecue.

The father/son team that make up Guadalupe BBQ Co. have paired up for years to take on the world of barbecue.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better hobby; I love the sport,” Joey said. “I couldn’t ask for a better partner. That is really what it is, we are partners.”

Getting Started Joey started “cueing” it up about 16 years ago, with a couple of co-workers as a way to promote the company they worked for — Explorer USA RV. “That was the first time I’d heard about the cook-off in conjunction with the Guadalupe County Fair,” he said. “We thought ‘that’s a great promotional deal.’

We’d take the RV down there, that’s the primary goal. The secondary goal was to have fun. We went and did it. We didn’t know how the experience was going to be and it opened our eyes to the sport of barbecue and the camaraderie and the friendships that were built through it.”

That opened a door that Joey couldn’t shut, and the crew continued to join the cook-off each year.

“After that, it kind of got me hooked,” he said. “At that time we’d only cook one a year and that was it. Every time we’d go back we would have a little bit better equipment, a little bit better trailer. Then eventually, we figured it would be nice to start winning these things, instead of just coming and donating money once a year.”

When Ty became old enough to help, the cook-offs became a family affair, Joey said.

After taking a job in the Amarillo area and moving to Hereford, Joey continued to work on his grilling skills, as well as his passion for the competition “When we finally left the Hereford area, we started doing more competitions,” he said. “We would do three or four a year, and we got a few started up there. We honed our skills up there, we came back home and at that point we were at a whole different level then when we left. At that time, the kids got a little bit more involved in it.”

But, it wasn’t until he took a job in the oil fields and started running competition cook-offs there, that Ty really jumped in.

“They have these organizations, called the API — American Petroleum Institute

— there are several regional chapters and the chapters would have these events like a roping and a cook-off or a golf tournament and a cook-off,” Joey said. “I was asked to help organize a real cook-off for them. One of the chapters I was running at the time was wanting to represent the company. That’s when I asked Ty if he would come down with me and help out.”

His first shot out of the gate, Ty brought home some awards.

“At the very first cook-off he went to, he held his own really well,” Joey said.

“He cooked against some experienced cooks. He won first place jackpot, cook’s choice, second place chicken, first place ribs, second place brisket. Right off the bat, he had really great results. From that AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING ~ SEGUIN 23

point, we just decided we were going to continue to do this.”

However, Ty admitted he was a little taken aback facing off against adults who have manned barbecue pits far longer than he had.

“That first competition I did by myself was a little overwhelming. It was stressful,” he said. “I didn’t really know what to do, but those first few cook offs, even though my dad was running them, he would come around and make sure I was doing stuff right. It was an experiment. In the end, it was fun and I learned along the way that I can do it by myself.”

Ty says his passion for cooking came before hitting the cook-off circuit.

“I started because of my dad,” he said. “Years before I started, I helped at barbecue contests, but not only there.

I helped him in the kitchen, grilling or backyard cooking, I would help him. I just wanted to do it, so I started. It was really fun.”

At each event, Joey would set his son up on a pit that was easy for to use.

“With him being younger, we weren’t having to worry about him starting fires,” Joey said, adding that Ty was never left alone, as his mom Michelle or his grandfather was right alongside him. “It wound up that he mastered that pit well, and being a proud dad I would post photos on 24 SEGUIN ~ AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING

Facebook and social media.”

The manufacture, of the pit, Yoder Smokers, saw the posts and contacted the Machados wanting to do a story, which later opened the door for Ty’s television debut on the Food Network.

“Kids BBQ Championship” Participating in the show opened up a whole new world for Ty. “He had the opportunity to be on the show, and had the opportunity to experiment with a lot of new techniques and flavors he had never cooked with before,” Joey said. “It was a really great experience.”

From spices to meats and everything in between, Ty said he had to learn quick what worked and what didn’t.

“I got to experiment with foods and ingredients that I’ve never tried,” he said. “I had to compensate for stuff I didn’t have. It showed me that if something is wrong, how to fix it, and that I can use something else. It was a challenge, but it was fun at the same time.“ Not only did Ty’s time on the show offer him some perspective at the grill, it gave him and Joey a chance to bridge a gap neither really knew existed.

“Before we had the opportunity to do the show, I was always gone. I was always traveling,” Joey said. “So, when we had the opportunity to do the show, that was the longest period that we’ve ever had together one-on-one and it was amazing. It really changed our relationship.

We had a common ground that we didn’t know we had. It has brought us together, and it has our thinking a little bit more in sync.”

The additional time together has created something unique, Ty said.

“My dad and I have definitely bonded a lot, and have gained a better friendship over the years that we’ve been doing this,” he said.

“We’ve been more open to each other and we’ve learned to love each other more over the barbecue.”

Sticking to the Routine Following his time on TV, Ty had to figure out his next step.

Since he was already established in the realm of barbecue, the family decided to keep on that route.

“We decided it was one of those deals that would probably be in both of our best interests for him to continue on that path, as long as he enjoyed it and we could make it not so labor intensive,” Joey said. “We try to find a happy point or a balance point.”

The duo participates as a team. And, while Ty does most of the cooking, due to the younger Machado’s age, he can’t officially take the lead, Joey said.

Ty Machado’s

Pork Bullseye with roasted corn and lemon herb butter

A Bacon wrapped pork tenderloin stuffed with Serrano peppers What you need: Pork tenderloin Fresh Serrano peppers 5 strips of bacon Toothpicks Your favorite pork seasoning.

Your favorite pork glaze.

Directions: Run a sharpening steel directly through the center of the tenderloin until able to insert the Serrano peppers with the stems removed.

Stuff with Serrano peppers touching end to end Season with salt and pepper and your favorite pork seasoning.

Bacon wrap the tenderloin attaching the bacon to the pork with toothpicks.

Smoke till 130 degrees and bacon is looking good Glaze and put back on the grill until 145 and glaze it tacky Remove and rest for 5-10 min Slice and serve , slice as medallions and dress with additional glaze and barbecue seasoning Grilled Corn with an Mixed Herb Butter Mixed herb, Parmesan and lemon butter 1 stick unsalted butter softened 3 tablespoons fine grated Parmesan 1-1/2 fine chopped tarragon leaves 1 1/2 fine chopped basil leaves 1 1/2 fine chopped fresh chive 1 teaspoon fine grated lemon zest 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper Mix all in small bowl and put in refrigerator to harden Grilled corn on the cob with mixed herb , Parmesan and lemon butter Shuck corn, season and grill corn over clean grill, grill over direct heat, turning occasionally until tender and brown in some spots, 12-15 min Season to taste and top with mixed herb, Parmesan and lemon butter.

AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING ~ SEGUIN 25

“At his age, he can not be a head cook, according to IBCA (International Barbecue Cookers Association) rules,” Joey said . “In order for him to compete, I’ve got to the be the ‘head cook’ and he has got to be with us. In the event he gets the win, I accept the check. It’s kind of a crazy scenario.”

But that doesn’t really mean anything to Ty, because for him, it’s a partnership.

“If we win, it’s a team effort,” he said.

Participating in cook-offs has become a fun way for the Machado family to spend time together, including Ty’s mother and twin sister, Taya.

“I like to spend time with my family,” Ty said. “I’m glad I get to do this with my dad, especially so we can bond more. He is always working. This is the one time I get to spend sometime with him, and my family, because they come out and support us. They’ll help and ask what they need to do. It is just really fun to have 26 SEGUIN ~ AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING

them all come out.”

Competing in cook-offs has become a family pastime, and the Machados intend to keep it that way.

“We are a non-drinking team. We try to promote a very kid friendly environment, a family friendly environment,” Joey said.

“That is the image we want to promote.

We still enjoy our friends who come to the cook-offs and have the big parties, but it’s just not our deal. It is a great family sport, it’s a great anything. Anyone can barbecue.”

It’s not all on the pit While they are not manning a grill, the pair talk shop at home, among other interests, Joey said.

“We talk about barbecue and school,” Joey said. “We recently got into BMX. Ty recently found interest in it, so I bought him and I BMX cruiser bikes. We’re trying to find more time to spend together and ride together. We love to fish, we love

to hunt. We don’t really have time for any of it. But, now that I’ve accepted a new position, they want us to go and do more stuff together. We really relish the time we have together.”

Joey knows that he doesn’t have much time left until Ty turns 18, and has decided to make the most of it.

“I know that he’s 15 today and, three years from now, it’s a whole new ball game,” he said. “I’m hoping he will still be my running buddy at that time. At that time, he might say ‘Well, OK you can come.’”

Looking to the future, the family hopes to one day open a restaurant. But for now, the pair keeps their focuses on pit, Joey said.

“One of these days, we would love to have a barbecue place, and serve our local community,” he said. “That is really what our plan is.”

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LLammers@RiverstoneAdvisors.com

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With

I

BY TRAVIS WEBB

t’s a windy spring day south of Seguin as Kelly Schoenvogel stands outside her home putting a block of pine through a miter saw.

Neither the buzz of the saw nor the wind whipping her hair around her head distract her as she expertly guides the wood toward the spinning blade.

A gust of wind catches the spray of saw dust and sends it twirling through the air just as Kelly finishes, a smile playing across her face.

She pauses, examining the cut.

It’s flawless; the first step in the journey of turning a pile of lumber into a table that someone is going to put in their home or on their back porch.

FAMILY TRADITION Kelly, a 33-year-old mother of four, has been making and selling furniture for a little more than 18 months now. But her background in craftsmanship goes back much further — she grew up surrounded by tools and the sounds of things being crafted by hand. Her father, a former carpenter and tile setter who now owns and operates an organic fertilizer business, taught her everything she knows about working with wood and power tools.

“He and my mom built furniture a long time ago, when we were really little,” she said. “I used to work with dad when he was a tile setter. He’s taught me a lot. He taught us all a lot.”

It’s something she’s always been interested in: Kelly also owned The Paisley Patch, a downtown shop, for years.

“I’ve always enjoyed making things,” she said. “My mother-in-law and I started it. I got really in crafts after my daughter was born; her name’s Paisley.”

While she enjoyed the business, the family ultimately decided to close the 28 SEGUIN ~ AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING

AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING ~ SEGUIN 29

Paisley Patch after the birth of Kelly’s youngest son.

“I used to take him to work. But he wasn’t really into that. So, finally, I decided to bring it back home.”

A trained architect, Kelly even designed the Schoenvogel house — and attractive ranch-style home built on her family’s property south of town.

“I drew the floor plan for the house,” she said, “My dad and husband did most of the work on the house, but I did a lot too.”

TEAM EFFORT As a wife and a mother to four young children (11, 9, 6 and 2), it’s hard to believe Kelly finds time for anything — much less making and selling furniture.

Not only are there life’s little chores to keep up with, but the older kids are active in baseball and livestock shows. She’s also been part of the planning committee for Seguin’s annual Cocoa Sip-N-Stroll for several years now.

“We’re always busy, the boys have baseball, they show swine,” she said. “That’s why I work outside — that way I can keep an eye on them.”

Fortunately, the older boys are able to lend mom a helping hand now and then. Using chains and other abrasive materials, the boys help give the tables the knots and scuffs that add to her work’s unique, rustic finish.

They do help me, they help me a lot,” she said. “They really beat them up.”

Her furniture making business started small — a coffee table Kelly made from wood left over from an old barn.

“With four kids, I needed one that was sturdy,” she said.

Of course, she didn’t stop there. Most of the furniture in the house is her work too.

The bed, the kitchen and coffee tables, even some of the cabinet and counter work is hers.

“I’ve always liked certain kinds of furniture, but it can be expensive. So I just decided to make it myself,” she said. “My

30 SEGUIN ~ AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING

husband likes it, because now I don’t have to buy furniture.”

HER OWN BOSS For Kelly, each piece — whether it’s one for own home or will be gracing someone else’s — is a unique work of art.

“They all mean something to me. I try to make each piece just a little different,” she said. “That way, nobody’s is exactly the same. Each one is unique.”

The bulk of her work is in tables, both indoor and outdoor.

And, despite a number of sales, she still recalls the excitement of her first commission.

“It was so exciting. I thought is was pretty cool that someone wanted something that I made inside their house. I still get pretty excited,” she said. “I still get pretty excited for each one,” Kelly makes tables in a half a dozen styles — mostly from pine.

“I primarily work with pine. The color just stains better. It’s also pretty forgiving,” she said.

For most folks in Texas, summer is a time for backyard barbecues, family get-togethers and other outdoor celebrations. And, while her tables look as attractive inside the home as they do outside, her orders tend to pick up during the summer months.

“I definitely think there’s more interest in the summer,” she said, “The most recent piece I did was for outside.”

Working primarily on weekends, it takes Kelly roughly 2 weeks to finish one of her tables, which she sells for about $450 each.

And while she’s come a long way since her earliest pieces, she’s still eager to hone her craft.

“I still don’t always feel good about (the pieces); I see all the imperfections. The people who buy them don’t — but I see them,” she said, “I’m just going to keep learning and maybe one day I’ll think they’re perfect.”

MORE INFO To find out more about Kelly’s work, visit her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Designsks/ or call 830-305-2682.

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AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING ~ SEGUIN 31

32 SEGUIN ~ AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING

BY CHARLIE AGAR

S

tanding thigh-high in the frigid flow of the Guadalupe River near New Braunfels, fishermen swish their fly rods high in the misty morning air to cast into the current – eyes trained on the target of their casts more like hunters eying the sight of a rifle than fishermen.

Spying the scene, you might imagine yourself on a mountain stream in Utah or Colorado, but the humidity in the air quickly reminds you that it’s Central Texas and you’re in the southernmost trout fishery in the United States.

Trout are not native to the area, but thanks to the 55-degree water spilling from the depths of Canyon Lake through the tail race below Canyon Dam, the Guadalupe River in Comal County is a hotspot for trout fishing.

Shortly after the dam was constructed in 1964, locals started stocking trout and, what was once a handful of enthusiasts and one lease access site, is now an active community of fishermen. With more than 5,000 members statewide, the Guadaulpe River Trout Unlimited group is the

largest chapter of the organization in the country.

It was what brought fisherman Chris Jackson to River Road to open Action Anglers in 1998.

A native of Houston, Jackson’s grandfather taught him to fish lakes and ponds as a kid, and he spent years traipsing around the bayous scaring up snakes and turtles before he got into saltwater fishing.

At age 12 his father took him on a 12-mile hike to catch his first trout near the source of the Rio Grande in Creede, Colorado. Using a “perch popper” he hooked a trout out of dumb luck.

“That set it all off,” Jackson said.

But a career in banking meant fishing would be a sideline for Jackson until, in 1998, he opened up the shop on the Guadalupe.

Originally designed as a destination fly fishing retail shop, Jackson’s operation soon morphed into a guiding operation where he leads trips and collaborates with other local guides to serve clients.

He offers fly fishermen parking for a small fee and access to the river and

all the gear anyone might need, and also serves regular customers who fish near 3rd Crossing and forget or need to replace gear.

“Anywhere there’s fish you can fly fish,” Jackson said.

Both Texas Parks & Wildlife officials and members of the group Guadalupe River Trout Unlimited stock trout in the river. And Jackson runs a fly fishing clinic every year in December to raise funds and stock the area near the shop – this year with 425 added to the population.

The unique site attracts adherents from across the region, especially in the high season from December to May. “I fly fish everywhere I can find fish,” said Greg Montalvo, an Illiniois resident who dropped in to Action Angler’s as a side trip following a conference in San Antonio.

An educational psychologist, Montalvo said he always has his gear at the ready when he travels and likes to explore new terrain.

“It is addicting,” Montalvo said. He started fly fishing on a pond in Missouri and after catching a fish on his second

cast. Some 20 years later he is still captivated by the sport.

Montalvo spent a half hour looking at maps and flies with Jackson, getting all the intel on local fish, then made a point of buying an Action Anglers cap before heading out.

“I buy one at every shop I visit,” Montalvo said.

“Mother Nature dictates the season,” Jackson said and 2017 has been a good year.

It’s all catch-and-release, Jackson said, so today’s catch might spell an adventure for another angler later.

Summertime on the Guadalupe means crowds of campers, tubers, and bait-andtackle fisherman, and Jackson is one of a handful of guides who close up shop each year at the end of fly fishing season and pack up for guiding work up north.

Loading into the family RV, Jackson, wife Stephanie and daughters Clara, 14, and Bella, 12, spend the warmer months in Colorado – namely the Frying Pan area off the Roaring Fork Valley near Aspen and other spots.

Jackson guides in the Gunnison Gorge, the Roaring Fork, and other Colorado rivers, often catering to long-time Texan clients who fish the Guad from Jackson’s shop in winter.

“Nobody’s getting rich doing this,” Jackson said with a grin, but the family’s split time between Colorado and Texas is conducive to raising kids, keeping a “small footprint,” and living a healthy lifestyle, he said. Plus, he gets to spend time with interesting clients.

“These are nice people out to have a good time,” Jackson said. And that’s when work is enjoyable.

Charlie Agar is a writer, media producer and marketing professional who is always happy to throw on a pair of waders for a good story. Contact him at www.FrontRowMultimedia.com.

Local Resources Guadalupe River Trout Unlimited: www.grtu.org Texas Parks & Wildlife: www.tpwd.state.tx.us Resource: “Fly Fishing the Texas Hill Country” by Kevin Hutchison.

Local Outfitters: Action Angler & Outdoor Center 9751 River Road @ 3rd Crossing New Braunfels, TX 78132 Tel. 830-708-FISH (3474) www.actionangler.net

Gruene Outfitters 1629 Hunter Rd., Gruene, TX 78130 Tel. 210-625-4440 www.grueneoutfitters.com Reelfly Fishing Adventures 1642 F.M. 2673 Canyon Lake, TX 78133 www.reelfly.net 830-964-GUAD (4823)

Getting Started So where to begin if you want to give fly fishing a try?

Jackson suggests a beginner lesson starting on dry land to get the hang of casting, then heading out on the water to practice the basics. Becoming an expert fly fisherman means years of experience, and the key is not to get demoralized or overwhelmed but to take everything in bits and pieces, Jackson said.

Membership in Guadalupe River Trout Unlimited is also a good way to get started.

GRTU is not an exclusive fishing club: all are welcome, and members are also involved in conservation efforts, from ongoing river re-vegetation in the wake of flooding to funding research, protecting native species, and in-school programs such as “Trout in the Classroom,” where children raise trout in aquariums to release into the river.

GRTU holds a trout camp for children in January and Jackson is among other outfitters involved in Trout Fest in February each year. Fly fishermen from all over the country converge on Sattler for fly tying classes, presentations, and excursions.

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“Caring for Smiles from Ages 1 To 100” AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING ~ SEGUIN 35

S LC

BY FORREST GRIMES PHOTOS BY FELICIA FRAZAR

The Irma Lewis Seguin Outdoor Learning Center

W

ith many of us surrounded by technology on a daily basis, it can be easy to forget the fun outdoor activities can provide. One facility in Seguin aims to keep the outdoors a big part of every kid’s childhood.

Since 1995, the Irma Lewis Seguin Outdoor Learning Center has served as an educational tool for kids about outdoor activities.

“This is a place where school children and adults can come and learn about the outdoors in general,” ILSOLC Board President Drew Williams said. “We also have curriculum that is designed to meet the TEKS test for science that was developed with the help of GBRA (Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority) so that kids can come out and meet some of their science requirements.”

The center was named in honor of Irma Lewis, a former Seguin High School physical education teacher, Drew said.

“She started a class

called outdoor education in 1982,” he said. “I was in the second class of that program. Carla Blumberg, a local philanthropist, she owned this land and donated part of it in 1995, and a lot of folks came together and got it put together. It was very successful, and she donated the remainder of the land. So now, we have 115 acres.

“We use probably a third of it. We’re trying to figure out ways to utilize that land a little better.”

The mission of the learning center is to keep children aware of, and accustomed to, the outside world, Drew said.

“We want to get them outdoors and understand the pleasure you can have from being outdoors and in nature,” he said. “Some of these kids come out here and have never fished and, if we weren’t here, you wonder if they’d ever fish in their lives.”

The center provides a wide range of outdoor activities including archery, rope climbing, canoing, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, target shooting and many others, Drew said.

“We got a grant from GVEC (Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative) last year

to build a mountain bike skills course,” he said. “It’ll have bank turns, obstacles and a pump track.”

Drew said the facility also is used for team-building activities.

“We get groups that come out and want to learn about team building,” he said. “I think one of the Navarro athletic groups comes out every year and they do a team-building exercise on the ropes and have a barbecue.”

The center receives about 10,000 visits per year from various school districts, including Seguin, Navarro, Marion, La Vernia, New Braunfels, Stockdale, Poth, Gonzales, Northeast and Boerne, Drew said. “(Seguin and Navarro) pay a fee every year based on their head count,” he said. “They come out pretty much unlimited for classes and field trips. We also have a per-use fee for other districts.”

Prices can vary based on the activities, facility manager Gregg Sparks said.

“For a field trip it’s $145 for normal activities,” he said. “The ones that require more certification and more people require a higher price, because we have to pay a certified facilitator to conduct the course, like the ropes. So it’s a higher price point than one that doesn’t need certification.”

Seguin ISD Outdoor/Physical Education Coordinator Pete Silvius said SISD makes frequent use of the Outdoor Learning Center.

“There are many different programs that take field trips out there, but we have a real consistent daily trip out there with P.E. outdoor ed classes,” he said. “That class does things the Outdoor Learning Center is suited for.

All those things fit well into the facilities at the Outdoor Learning Center and would be really hard to do on campus. For those purposes, it’s of incredible value to have. That really is why Irma Lewis created the center.”

The outdoor education class is not the only SISD program the uses the Outdoor Learning Center, Pete said.

“We also have several programs from

the school district that will go out to the Outdoor Learning Center to access the science center and do hands-on science activities,” he said. “The whole design of the Outdoor Learning Center is experiential education. That, in itself, is really an incredible focus when you talk about trying to achieve academic skills and goals because, when you’re doing hands-on experiential learning, it automatically gives the kids something to build on and something to memory associate with it. It’s really helpful for those kids that are kinesthetic learners and learn by doing.”

Having a facility such as the Seguin Outdoor Learning Center is of great value to a city, Seguin public information officer Morgan Ash said.

“Anytime we have a venue, such as the Outdoor Learning Center, that can be used for all sorts of events it’s great for the city,” she said. “People can get married there, have day long field trips or outdoor retreat. It also has a lot of options for team-building with kids and adults. It’s another entertainment venue we can offer in Seguin, and we want to support those outlets.”

Gregg urged more people to make use of the Outdoor Learning Center.

“It’s a really nice place to come and hang out,” he said. “The goal here is to get the word out about the center and let people know we’re available. We book birthday parties, Girl Scout events, Boy Scout camping events and we have a statewide 4-H event that’s going to be here this summer.”

Pete said the school district has received positive feedback on its use of the center from parents and students.

“Many times we’ve heard students and their parents relay how much kids enjoyed their experience out there and how those experiences create memories that are easy for them to reference,” he said. “We would love to use the Outdoor Learning Center even more than we do. The possibilities are endless, and it’s a diamond for the community to have access to that.

There aren’t many communities, certainly not in our area, that have access to a facility such as that.”

For more information, call the Outdoor Learning Center at 830-379-7652.

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READERS COMMENTS “I LOVE!!!!! this magazine it has everything in it like all the new and trending places in our community and the fashion is awesome! The best part is it is about our community and watching it grow with all the exciting things that are to come.”

--Jennifer Puchot “What I like about Seguin Magazine is that it features our hometown people, events and businesses and supports our community, which make the magazine interesting & valuable. Because it is all about us!”

--Marilyn Anderson “I’ve read several of the Seguin Magazines. The articles and images presented in them create an enjoyable reading experience.

Especially since it’s about our town and surrounding areas.”

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Have something to say? Send us your comments, SeguinMagazine@seguingazette.com

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