G u a d a l u p e C o u n t y l i v i n g
June 2022
Tai Chi
First the mind, then the body
hands of experience Dedicated, compassionate citizens help GRMC serve its patients and community
carefree cruising Setting sail at any age is one of the most exciting and enlightening ways to see the world
Gift And Gourmet 212 S Austin - 830-379-1242
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Bring your broken jewelry to our expert jewelers for in-house repairs. 830-625-3203 | www.ernestos.com | New Braunfels Marketplace | 717 N. Business IH 35 Suite 150
in this issue June 2022
FEATURES 10 SEE THE WORLD FROM A CRUISE SHIP
Cruising makes it possible for seniors to enjoy several destinations, and endless activities for any age
10
18 PROVIDING CARE AND COMPASSION
Seniors volunteer as a way to enrich their own lives and those of countless patients and visitors at GRMC
24 BEAUTY SCHOOL BASICS
Looking good leads to feeling good, Seguin Beauty School provides top-tier treatments to clients
ON THE SCENE 30 TAI CHI AT SEGUIN LIBRARY
A gentle form of movement to enhance fitness without breaking a sweat
CULINARY CREATIONS
18
36 GERTH FAMILY PICKLES
60 years of pickling skills and generosity passed down from generation to generation
AROUND TOWN 42 FAVORITE FINDS Unique items from small, local businesses
44 SAVE THE DATE See what events are coming up
46 FACES OF SEGUIN Submitted photos from our readers
on the cover Photo by Victoria Gaytan
Tai chi instructor Dr. Barry Jackson teaches his students to utilize their body parts and connect with the energy of the world around them.
24
IMAGINE DOCTORS YOU CAN TRUST.
Now Accepting New Medicare-Eligible Patients WellMed is redefining health care for people of all ages. We do it by focusing on healthy choices. By making sure you never feel rushed. And by identifying risks early. It’s an approach we committed to 30 years ago—and one that still sets WellMed apart today.
Cara Marie Hartquist, DO Family Medicine
Call 830-560-2813 or visit WellMedHealthCare.com 1483 E. Court Street • Seguin, Texas 78155 Hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Visit us on facebook: Facebook.com/WellMed WellMed does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in its health programs and activities. ATTENTION: If you speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Please call 888-781-WELL (9355). ATENCIÓN: Si habla español (Spanish), hay servicios de asistencia de idiomas, sin cargo, a su isposición. Llame al 888-781-WELL (9355). 請注意： 如果您說中文 (Chinese)，我們免費為您提供語言 協助服務。請致電：888-781-WELL (9355)。 21_6900_AD_WM_TRUST-PROVIDER AD_SEGUIN_JL_C042220
FROM THE
G u a d a l u p e C o u n t y l i v i n g
Vol. 9, No. 1 Seguin magazine is published twelve times a year by the Seguin Gazette. Publisher
Elizabeth Engelhardt creative director / magazine Editor
Desiree Gerland
Graphic Designer
Rebecca Harrison Writers
Dalondo Moultrie Bianca Rawlings Grim Gilbreath Katy O’Bryan photographers
Felicia Frazar Victoria Gaytan
ADVERTISING
Delilah Reyes Gay Lynn Olsovsky
P
editor
eople today have a longer life expectancy due to the correlation between a healthy lifestyle and minimal years of disability. Choosing a healthier lifestyle keeps you moving and can help slow down the aging process in many ways. Even at a young age, a lack of physical activity and an unhealthy diet can contribute to a poor health-related quality of life. Doesn’t that inspire you to focus on a healthier lifestyle? The good news is that it is never too late, and you’re never too old to adopt new healthy habits because, surprisingly, there’s not that much difference between an 18-year-old brain and a 100-year-old brain if adequately cared for. This month’s Senior Health and Living edition highlights ways for seniors to stay healthy and get active. It is crafted to help encourage you to take charge and not let your age stop you because living a longer, healthier life also means you have more chances to share your stories with your family, caregivers, and the young. As a result, you can influence the next generations ahead of you. The world needs more of this. We are not doing the future any good without understanding the complexities of the past. You matter. Tell your story, Seguin.
TO ADVERTISE IN SEGUIN Magazine call 830-463-0770 have Story Ideas? let us know
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SEARCH SEGUIN GAZETTE All material herein c. 2022 Southern Newspapers Inc., dba The Seguin Gazette, 805 E. Court St., Ste. #200, Seguin, Tx, 78155 All rights reserved
6
SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING
Desiree Gerland Desiree Gerland
Creative Director / Magazine Editor desiree.gerland@seguingazette.com
An INSIDE look from our
WRITERS
“I love my job so much because of the very real fun and happiness in all of our guests onboard! Growing up an avid cruiser and now with a career in the industry, I firmly believe there is no better way to maximize your budget than by booking a cruise.” – Katy O’Bryan “Guadalupe Regional Medical Center Volunteers give the gift that keeps giving — their time. The ladies and gentlemen who help out in many ways at the hospital speak reverently about the medical facility and obviously care about the hospital and the people there — the people who work there and those who come for care. Kudos go out to the volunteers who don’t have to spend their hours helping others but do so out of an apparent abundance of love for the community.” – Dalondo Moultrie “The no appointment needed atmosphere of Seguin Beauty School made for an inviting, impromptu interview opportunity to learn more about their services and clients. I met many of the stylists, staff, and clients in one fell swoop. I was even able to get a trim myself and chat away with my stylist about the specials offered for seniors at the beauty school on Wednesdays. It was great to see all the seniors socializing and getting pampered on. It was clear to see from the room full of smiles just how much their clients cherish their weekly appointments at the beauty school.” “Learning more about tai chi opened my eyes to the benefits of it for people of all ages. As a fitness professional myself, I truly appreciated the in-depth explanations given by Dr. Barry Jackson about the health and spiritual aspects of practicing tai chi. He made something new and foreign seem simple, relaxing, and fun. I plan to attend one of his classes at the library in the future and am excited to try something that challenges me to step out of my comfort zone.” – Bianca Rawlings
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GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN
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Keepers
Interiors & Furniture Find something you love for your home
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4th of July Festivities July 2nd - Freedom Fiesta (Downtown) July 3rd - Patriotic Concert (Downtown) Fireworks Fiesta (Max Starcke Park & surrounding areas) July 4th - Flag Raising Ceremony (Downtown) The Biggest Small-Town 4th of July Parade (Downtown)
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{ feature }
Cruising through retirement
one of the most exciting and enlightening ways to see the world
Story and photos by katy Obryan
Y
ou’ve saved for the perfect vacation, or taken your retirement and are itching for a well-deserved getaway. In today’s economy, you are likely thinking about your vacation of a lifetime but remaining dedicated to staying within budget. A perfect way to do this is by boarding a ship and sailing away from all the cares in your world.
10 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING
On a cruise ship, you can leave trivial things like cooking, cleaning and driving to someone else to manage, so all that needs to occupy your mind is when to reapply sunscreen or what time your dinner reservation is. Instead of a vacation where the cost of room, food, taxis and more can add unwelcome expenses, cruise vacations are paid for in advance and have plenty of free activities alongside extra opportunities to treat yourself in various ways.
One of the most exciting aspects of a senior citizen cruise experience is the infinite variety of activities for guests of every age. Is bingo on your scorecard? Many cruising outfits offer the beloved hall game nearly every day. Are you itching to pull the arm of a slot machine? Some vacations only allow you one or the other, but onboard a cruise ship you could do both in the same hour if you wish. If your travel companion is a sun-lover but you would rather stay inside playing blackjack, you can each do your own thing and meet for dinner. Or you just might run into each other in your cabin for a mid-day siesta after all of the excitement. 12 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING
Short and Long Term Transitional Care for your Post-Acute Needs
We Accept: Medicare, Medicaid, Insurance & private pay
www.regencyhealthcare.com GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 13
Whether it is a three day getaway or a month-long, Euro-trek, think well on what you want your vacation to look like because there is a cruise line that offers exactly what you have been dreaming of. Some cruise lines specialize in “fun” vacations, but that’s not what everyone dreams of. Others offer family friendly atmospheres, while some only allow those 18 years and older to board. You might find that one cruise line stacks events in an all-day nonstop lineup while another centers on a more tranquil atmosphere. Wheather you would rather see an Alaskan glacier in the summer or white sand beaches in the winter, cruising can take you to almost anywhere your imagination desires. If considering this type of vacation, the best way to start is by enlisting a travel agent. There are local agents that specialize in this type of travel and can help you book so you don’t miss out on any great deals or amenities. Every single cruise line offers different itineraries, onboard activities and so much more while catering to all forms of ADA needs and medical assistance should you need it. Leave all your cares at the pier and set sail on the vacation of a lifetime — it’s completely worth it!
14 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING
GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 15
At Walnut Springs Health & Rehabilitation, we proudly serve disabled veterans and our community. Memory Care Beyond Compare • 24 Hour Skilled Nursing Care • Joint Recovery with proven outcomes • Physical, Occupational, & Speech Therapies using state of the art equipment • Respite - Hospice Care • WanderGuard® Security • Gardening, Beauty Parlor, and a Pet Friendly Facility Whether you need Fast Track Rehab or Long Term Care, we want you to experience why our residents say ... “When you can’t be at home, Come to Walnut Springs”
1637 N. King • Seguin, TX 78155
Call and ask about medicaid pending. For referrals please call anytime • 830-379-3784 Office • 830-303-7153 Fax Or reach out to us via email at admissions.walnutsprings@summitltc.com VA Contract Accepted
2022
SG H
THE SEGUIN GAZETTE
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Giving
from their
Hearts
volunteers with an interest in giving their time, talent and uniqueness to make a positive impact
Story by dalondo Moultrie | photos by victoria gaytan
A
bout 60 years ago, about 60 women started an organization that has changed a little over the years, but still today continues a mission of supporting staff, employees, visitors and more at the local hospital. Through the years, the Guadalupe Regional Medical Center Volunteers continue to give to and help improve Guadalupe Regional Medical Center in Seguin, said Teresa Grimm, GRMC Volunteers CEO. “In October of 1961, 59 community-minded women chartered the Guadalupe Valley Women’s Auxiliary,” she said. “It’s known today as the Guadalupe Regional Medical Center Volunteers.” The group has a purpose of promot18 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING
ing and advancing the welfare of the hospital by serving its patients and the community at large, Grimm said. It’s currently made up of a group of people who want to do good and give back to their community. Guadalupe Regional Medical Center Volunteers is an amazing group of folks, said Guadalupe Regional Medical Foundation CEO Elaine Bennett. “Their kindness is another reflection of the culture we have here because they care about the patients that come in for services and they want to make sure they direct you in the right place,” she said. “They’re just an amazing extension of our hospital.” After the Guadalupe Valley
Women’s Auxiliary formed years ago, the group was recognized by another name, Grimm said. Only until relatively recently, volunteers wore pink jackets and were fondly called the Pink Ladies. Then, more men started volunteering, the jackets were switched to blue and volunteers stopped going by the fond pseudonym. And around 2008 or 2009, an official name change came, Grimm said. “When we became the GRMC Volunteers and were no longer an auxiliary and had more men as part of our organization, they became the GRMC Volunteers and no longer the Pink Ladies,” she said. Volunteers help in many different areas of the hospital. They meet and greet visitors to the hospital, direct patients to areas they need to go for service, push wheelchairs down the hospital hallways and much, much more, said Mary Gomez, a Guadalupe Regional Medical Center Volunteer and president of the group’s board. After retiring in April 2010 from her job with the United States Department of Agriculture, the walls began closing in at home and Gomez had to get out and do something by February 2011. “Once you retire, you can’t just stay home, you have to go out and see people,” Gomez said. “This keeps you pretty busy, between this and church. Otherwise, you’re just going to sit in front of that TV.” Living in Seguin all her life, she’s always known of the hospital. In fact, her son was born there in 1969, Gomez said, making the place almost like her home. Life long Seguin resident, Gloria Valdez has volunteered at Guadalupe Regional Medical Center nearly a dozen years and helped recruit Gomez to join the fold. Getting out of the house, enjoying the camaraderie and talking with friends, other volunteers, visitors and staff at the hospital are highlights of her week. But even more keeps her coming back, Valdez said. “It’s very gratifying, you meet a lot 20 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING
Two Locations SAME HOMEMADE TASTE
2022
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BEST OF THE BEST
Open Dine in & Drive thru
Mon-THu 11am-8pm Fri & sat 11am-9pm Seguin Location: 830-433-4201 921 S. HWY 123 BYP, Seguin, TX 78155 Marion Location: 830-914-2572 129 W San Antonio St.. Marion, Tx 78124 GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 21
of new people” she said adding that she also volunteers with other groups and organizations to help keep herself going. “I try to stay as busy as I can otherwise, I might be dead by now.” Volunteers work in the hospital’s gift shop and host regular fundraising events, with proceeds going to purchase equipment and more at Guadalupe Regional Medical Center, said Valdez, who serves at the Volunteers’ board treasurer. Over the years, the Guadalupe Regional Medical Center Volunteers have donated millions of dollars to the hospital and recently gave a quarter of a million dollars to help fund the new women’s imaging center at the hospital. They have helped fund many renovations throughout the facility, Grimm said. “Since, say, 2012, we’ve probably donated probably $2 million to the hospital to different various projects, big needs and little needs alike,” she said. Women’s health issues are very vital to many of the members, Grimm said. They focus on helping with things like breast cancer and other women’s issues as an important way of helping to support the hospital, she said. And they do it expecting nothing in return, Grimm said. “These people are coming here everyday because they want to be here, not because, ‘oh, I have to go and get paid.’ They’re genuinely giving from their hearts,” she said. “They average in age from their early 50s up into their 90s. Just recently, I had one of my 90-year-olds retire. “That’s pretty impressive; I want to be like that when I get older.” She’s shared her views with hospital administrators, Grimm said. If ever the time comes when she no longer can work as CEO of the Volunteers, she will gladly join their ranks. “One thing our Human Resources department does is go around with staff and see how they’re doing, if there’s something else to do in the hospital, what would it be,” Grimm said. “I said the only thing I would want to do is work with the Volunteers.” 22 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING
1064 E. Ireland | Seguin, Texas 830.379.6171 | 800.288.3921
Our Services Include: Nursing - Physical Therapy Home Health Aides - Speech Therapy Occupational Therapy
1064 E. Ireland | Seguin, Texas 830.379.6171 | 800.288.3921
“The agency with a heart” Our
Services Include:
Nursing Serving Guadalupe, Comal, Caldwell, Hays, Gonzales,Home Wilson and Health surrounding counties since 1995.
- Physical Therapy 1064 E. Ireland Seguin, Texas Aides |- Speech Therapy Occupational Therapy 830.379.6171 | 800.288.3921
“The Agency with a heart” “The agency with a heart”
Serving Our Services Include: Guadalupe, Comal, Caldwell,
Serving Guadalupe, Comal, Caldwell, Hays,Wilson Gonzales, Hays, Gonzales, andWilson and surrounding surrounding counties since 1995.
Nursing - Physical Therapy Home Health Aides -counties Speech Therapy since 1995 Occupational Therapy
1064 E. Ireland | Seguin, Texas 830.379.6171 | 800.288.3921 Voted Best Home Healthcare
“The agency with a heart” Our Services Include: by Readers Choice 2021
Nursing - Physical Therapy Home Health Aides - Speech Therapy Spend the wee hours Comal, Wisely. Occupational Therapy Caldwell, Serving Guadalupe,
Hays, Gonzales, Wilson and “The agency with since a heart” surrounding counties 1995. Serving Guadalupe, Comal, Caldwell, Voted HomeWilson Healthcare Hays,Best Gonzales, and by Readers Choice 2021 surrounding counties since 1995.
Living a life of love and impact is a journey of small steps. And First United Bank is here to inspire and empower you along the way. We invite you to call or stop by today to learn more. Seguin-East • 1539 E. Court St. • 830-401-1170 Seguin-Main • 200 N. Austin St. • 830-401-1100 Seguin-West • 901 N. State Hwy 46 • 830-401-1175 Member FDIC.
Equal Housing Lender. NMLS# 400025.
FirstUnitedBank.com
GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 23
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Bring out the
Beauty in you
Affordable salon services for Senior citizens Story By Bianca Rawlings | photos by Felicia Frazar
R
ita Riel is a long-time client of Seguin Beauty School. The inviting atmosphere and friendly stylists have kept her coming back for more for the past 15 years. Riel laughed and joked recently with her stylist as she enjoyed her pedicure. It was clear to see she savored her time at Seguin Beauty School and was a very satisfied client. GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 25
Riel is among many area residents who have patronized the local beauty school during its 45-year tenure in Seguin and New Braunfels. The Seguin Beauty School, which celebrated its 45-year anniversary this May, offers full salon services at a steal of a deal with no appointment necessary in both Seguin and New Braunfels. Conveniently located in downtown Seguin, the accredited cosmetology institution provides top-tier treatments at ultra-trim prices by utilizing its current students as stylists. “The best thing about Seguin Beauty School is not only are students learning a pathway to a successful career, but they also get to practice the techniques and skills they’ve learned on clients who save money on their hairstyling hair needs,” said Jennifer Evans, the school’s financial aid director. Haircuts, blowouts, braiding, shampooing, deep conditioning, perms, wet sets, up-dos, highlights, and hair coloring are just a handful of the
26 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING
KIRCHNER WOMEN’S CLINIC, PLLC Obstetrics & Gynecology
CUSTOMIZED, COMPREHENSIVE CARE FOR WOMEN OF ALL AGES
Annual check-ups & routine pap tests Management of abnormal pap tests Abnormal uterine bleeding Fibroids, pelvic pain High risk obstetrics Prenatal counseling In-office sonography Postpartum depression Contraception & teenage counseling Menopausal symptoms Hormone replacement Sexual dysfunction Infertility Office Procedures - Hysteroscopy Genetic screening for hereditary cancers Dr. Kirchner is a board certified, skilled surgeon, specializing in minimally invasive surgeries such as: robotic and laparoscopic hysterectomies, pelvic floor reconstruction and incontinence
Same location, new practice
1339 E. Court, Ste. 210 / Seguin, Texas 78155 • 830.379.1500 Or visit us at our clinics in Cuero, and Gonzales
GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 27
services offered. The students also train in manicuring, pedicuring, and waxing, all of which are available to men, women, and children of all ages. The costs of services are a fraction of what salons charge, but the customer service is high above the average. Senior citizens get an additional discount every Wednesday and many have flocked to the school for all their styling needs since it opened in 1977. Wednesdays are the perfect day for seniors to walk right into Seguin Beauty School, save some serious money, socialize with the stylists and other clients, and walk out feeling like superstars. Over the years, Riel formed deep friendships with several of the other women and stylists she’s met at Seguin Beauty School. Her Wednesday appointments are something she looks forward to all week. “When I leave the salon, I am ready to rock’n’roll, it just makes me feel so good,” said Riel.
28 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING
ONE FINAL GIFT Pre-arranging your funeral gives you the freedom and security of having your wishes set in writing. It removes the burden of making difficult decisions from your loved ones.
PALMER
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830-609-4906
Seguin, TX 78155
New Braunfels, TX 78130
713 N. Austin St.
2951 S. State Hwy 46
& CREMATIONS
830-379-9430 1116 N. Austin St.
Seguin, TX 78155
{ ontheSCENE }
meditation in
Motion
Mind, Body, and Spiritual Connection for Seniors through Tai Chi
Story by bianca rawlings photos by victoria gaytan and felicia frazar
D
r. Barry Jackson has found a way to help stave off stress with tai chi and shares it with his patients and the community. Jackson has worked in a variety of healthcare settings, from being the lone practitioner in a clinic to managing more than 50 staff members simultaneously in multiple locations.
30 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING
GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 31
He is certified in LSVT BIG (a Parkinson specialty treatment program) and is currently a physical therapist at the GRMC Inpatient Rehab Unit in Seguin. He focuses on healing his patients through physical movement, exercise, and by really connecting with them as individuals. Jackson was exposed to tai chi more than 10 years ago at the Texas Physical Therapy Association’s annual conference. He was 1 of 12 out of the 2,000 conference attendees to meet for the early-morning, poolside class. He immediately connected with the practice of tai chi, and soon after contacted several of his peers to find a master instructor, also known as a sifu, that could train him. The martial art has bettered Jackson’s own life, as well as the life and recovery of his rehabilitation patients. He currently teaches tai chi at the Guadalupe Regional Wellness Center. He has a consistent, committed group that varies between 10 to 14 participants, he said. The practice offers an essential and low-impact activity for senior citizens and rehab patients of all ages. Tai chi shows seniors that they can do more than they think and helps improve mobility and balance, Jackson said. “Tai chi is all about the exchange of energy throughout the body and with the ground,” Jackson said. Mastering the techniques of tai chi is extremely important to Jackson. He studied for years to ensure he was adept enough to instruct others and continues to hone his skills by meeting with his instructor regularly — virtually and in-person, he said. He proposed his idea of bringing tai chi to all Seguin residents for free to his supervisor three years ago and was elated when he was given the green light. He eventually earned a grant to provide free classes at the Seguin Public Library. The classes are followed with refreshments and post-session chats, which are important parts of the 32 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING
COMAL C OUNTY S E NIOR CITIZ ENS FOUNDATI ON ARE YOU 60 YEARS OF AGE OR OVER, HOMEBOUND, AND IN NEED OF A NUTRITIOUS MEAL DELIVERED TO YOUR HOME AT NO COST TO YOU? DO YOU HAVE A FAMILY MEMBER OR FRIEND THAT NEEDS THIS SERVICE? We are the Meals on Wheels provider in Guadalupe
County. Meals are delivered Monday-Friday. For information call
830-629-4547
655 Landa Street New Braunfels www.nbsenior.org
The weather is heating up, and so is the market! If you’ve been entertaining the idea of selling your home this season, we’re here to chat. With our resources and expertise, we can determine what your property is worth and develop a personalized plan to get the best value out of your sale.
109 E Court St - Seguin 830-372-9466 Locally Owned and Operated
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480 S Seguin Seguin ave - New braunfels braunfels 830-214-6002
GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 33
social interaction the tradition of tai chi provides, Jackson said. The spiritual and social connection the classes provide to senior citizens in Seguin is exceptional. “I’ve seen friendships formed at the wellness center and free tai chi classes,” he said. Some attendees even come to both of the free classes every month, Jackson said. Jackson began teaching the introduction to tai chi at the Seguin Public Library about two years ago. When it started, the class had about 50 participants, but the numbers decreased to the mid-20s due to COVID, he said. Attendance has picked up and the large space at the library allows for social distancing during class. Masks are optional. “I have since added a Tuesday evening library class where I continue to add participants and build on the tai chi routine on the weekly basis,” Jackson said. He hopes to continue to add more participants of all ages to his classes and grow the art of tai chi in Seguin. He would also like to have more outdoor classes, similar to the one he held for World Tai Chi, or Qigong Day. “It takes time to learn tai chi. It is a simple concept of standing and moving in certain positions, but it’s not easy,” he said. It can take six months to learn the basic building blocks and another six to eight months to learn the complete form, Jackson said. Tai chi utilizes all the body parts and is ultimately about connecting with the energy of the world around you, he said. Whether it is your first class or your fifth, Jackson makes sure his attendees get individualized attention and instruction, he even prescribes homework to those who want to practice at home. “If you are willing to show up [to a class] and give me your time, I will definitely make sure I invest my time to help you,” he said. 34 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING
This weekend is all about Dad! He called and told us he wouldn’t mind some arm candy! 1024 E. Court St. Seguin, Tx 78155 • 830-372-1944 Fabiosjewelry@gmail.com • FabiosJewelry.com Follow us on Social Media!
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830-372-5200
515 N. King St., Ste.103 • Seguin, TX 78155 www.SeguinFamilyMedicine.com GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 35
{ culinarycreations }
Gerth family
Pickles
preserving the connection of generations and cultures from our past into our present
Story by Grim Gilbreath photos by felicia frazar and courtesy of Mary Jane Gerth
M
ary Jane Gerth isn’t your everyday, ordinary grandmother. Since 1962, she has canned, sold and donated her family’s famous pickles for many to enjoy in Guadalupe County. These little briny beauties have a long history in Gerth’s family, a tradition passed on to her by her mother in-law, the late Evelyn “Oma” Gerth. Shortly after her nuptials, Mary Jane and her mother-in-law not only found a way to bond, but also discovered they had quite the talent for making these salty snacks. Compliments rolled in from friends and family, spark36 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING
ing a growing demand and a source of income. It’s hard to find a person in the area who hasn’t heard of the Gerth family pickles, let alone someone who hasn’t made it a summer tradition of obtaining a jar for themselves. Not only have Gerth’s world-class pickles tantalized the community’s taste buds, but they have taken the spotlight at many fairgrounds and competitions, pulling in more than a few tri-colored ribbons and top prizes. Mary Jane’s unique process starts with procuring copious quality cucumbers, then carefully categorizing them; smaller ones going into the dills, and the
GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 37
larger are sliced and made into the bread and butter pickles after being closely inspected and washed. Mary Jane also says that unlike other pickles that use a brine with a mere 5% vinegar, her brine is comprised of 9% vinegar, and she only uses ball salt, fresh dill, red peppers and garlic for the dills. The process for the dills from start to finish usually takes a couple of hours in the kitchen then about a month to process. The bread and butter process takes considerably longer and consists of the cucumbers being sliced with the same knife Oma used back when they first started pickling. “I’d say dill is definitely my favorite,” Mary Jane said. Whether it’s the delightfully delectable and delicious dills or the boisterously buttery and briny bread & butter pickles, these snacks have become a growing keystone in the community. Every year for more than 20 years, the family has donated an average of 50 gallons of Gerth’s pickles to churches, fire departments and other local organizations for visitors to bid on at community auctions. These highly anticipated snacks recently raised a record-breaking $3,250 at the Wade Busby Memorial, the proceeds of which went on to benefit 4H and FFA members, Mary Jane said. “We just donated the last of the spring batch, and the next ones won’t be ready until June,” she said. The Gerth family has made pickles the highlight of their summer activities for years, Mary Jane said. The grandchildren eagerly enjoy pickling their own batches and submitting them to the county fair alongside their grandmother’s entries. With the grandchild that started this tradition now in her 20s, this goes to show that Mary Jane and her grandkids skills and generosity have enriched the community and its people for some time now, and have been a hallmark at the county fairs for just as long. The family hasn’t been stingy with its perfected pickling process either. Mary Jane and Oma taught and mentored local adults and youth, either independently or through the 4H programs. 38 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING
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“We’ve been teaching kids how to pickle for about 20 years now.” she said. The success of these pickles doesn’t solely rely upon the unique recipe started by the Gerth family, but predominantly on the family tradition it represents, which is the main ingredient in Gerth’s pickles — adding a pinch of love, a dash of family, and a heaping helping of community to these tasty treats.
Cucumbers perfect for pickling have a thicker skin that can stand up to the pickling liquid, and remains crunchy, with a good snap, long after it’s been preserved. This tradition is showing no signs of stopping anytime soon as children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of the Gerth family are following in the gracious footsteps left by their talented community-oriented matriarchs. Whether added as a side to a summer hot dog, sliced for extra flavor on a home grilled burger, or just eaten as a salty snack on its own, it’s clear these pickles make summers in Guadalupe County that much richer, as the Gerth family continues to add that certain special spice of life and love to every jar. 40 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING
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EVENT C A L E N D A R -JuneCentral Park Summer Concert Series: Sundays – 7 - 8:30 PM
Get ready to enjoy a good-ole summer concert in the park! The annual Central Park Concert Series kicks off on June 5. Come to the park during the early evening with lawn chairs in hand to relax and enjoy a selection of entertaining musical pieces. The free, family-fun concerts take place for five consecutive Sundays. Location: Central Park, 201 S. Austin St.
31st Annual Rotary Club of Seguin Raffle Night: Ninth – 6 - 9 PM
Join us for a fish and shrimp dinner from Sea Island, live music, silent and live auction, whiskey & wine wagon raffle, card raffles and more! The Rotary Club of Seguin’s annual raffle fundraiser raises money for local high school scholarships and area non-profit organization projects. L ocat i o n : Seguin Coliseum, 950 S. Austin St.
Third Thursday - hello summer Sixteenth – 4 - 8 PM
Come out to see what Downtown Seguin has to offer! Late-night shopping, food trucks, and live music. Locat ion: Central Park, 201 S. Austin St.
FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY: seventeenth – 11 AM - 2 PM
Join Guadalupe County and the Seguin Main Street Program every third Friday behind the Justice Center for delicious eats. Location: S. Camp and W. Donnegan.
Chamber Mixer at Pecantown Books & Brews: Twenty-Ninth – 5 - 7 PM Join us for the After Hours Mixer sponsored by Pecantown Books and Brews. Bring your business cards for networking and be sure to stay to the end for the membership prize drawing of $650!! Must be present to win. Locat io n: Pecantown Books & Brews, 212 S. Camp St.
-JulyFIELD OF HONOR: second – 10 am
The Guadalupe County Field of Honor will officially open to honor area military members, veterans, first responders and more during its annual display in the field next to Faith Lutheran Church. The display will be up from July 2 to 9. Location: Faith Lutheran Church, 1326 E. Cedar St.
FIREWORKS FIESTA: third – 9:30 pm
Get fired up for fireworks with the city of Seguin at the annual Fireworks Fiesta in celebration of Independence Day. Locat ion: Max Starcke Park Golf Course, 650 River Dr. W.
BIGGEST SMALL TOWN PARADE: Fourth – 10 am
The annual march, hosted by the city of Seguin, will start at the intersection of College Street and Austin Street and will make its way south on Austin Street to the Seguin Events Complex.
Send event details to seguinmagazine@seguingazette.com to have your event added to this calendar
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