Santa floats into San Marcos for Sights & Sounds celebration —
Holiday Edition
See page 4
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San Marcos Daily Record sanmarcosrecord.com
features....Anita Miller, Dalton Sweat, Kaitlin Schmidt, Candice Brusuelas, Tyler Mayforth, Joseph Garcia and Richard Parrish photos.... Don Anders, Randy Stevens, Anita Miller design....Randy Stevens cover photo....San Marcos’ favorite Santa Bruce King arrives at Rio Vista Falls. Photo by Anita Miller. Canoe courtesy of TG Canoes & Kayaks.
Bruce Smith (right) and Duane Tegrotenhuis of T&G Canoes and Kayaks
Table of Contents Story Sights & Sounds Virgen de Guadalupe Santa’s Ranch Local and area Holiday events
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Keresztury: Woman in a Man’s World Black Thursday? Caring for Holiday plants Staying fit through the Holidays Glogg goodness
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Thirty years of Sights Sounds
San Marcos’ holiday tradition continues to thrive
ights & Sounds of Christmas started as a one-man show. Santa Claus would come to the courthouse square, sit on a folding chair and hand out peppermint sticks and Christmas cheer to children.
BY KAITLIN SCHMIDT
“Kids would come in without a peppermint stick and leave with one. That was all of our Christmas, which didn’t set with some people very well.” Kelly Franks, one of the founders of Sights & Sounds and former Main Street director,
said. “People got to talking and the county got interested, performing arts got interested and the hospital got interested.” Five people were on the original
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Children (above) get ready for a performance, while parents (below) prepare to watch during last year’s Sights & Sounds Celebration in San Marcos (Photos by Don Anders)
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Santa’s arrival, be it by motorcycle or helicopter, is always a big attraction at San Marcos’ annual Sights & Sounds celebration. (Photo by Don Anders) Sights & Sounds committee. They used old props from a production at the Price Seniors Center of a school, church and house and turned them into Santa’s Village. “I think it was either two or three days. We advertised and people came out. We also put a lot of lights out,” Franks said. “It was a good beginning. Not spectacular, but it was a delightful time.” Sights & Sounds grew each year. As more organizations and schools got involved, the event eventually outgrew the courthouse square and moved to its current location at the San Marcos Park Plaza, a move which drew some flack. “They eventually had to move it and a lot of people objected to it, but it came off very well and everyone loved (Continued from page 4)
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Natalia Moreau, who grew up in Mexico City, shows off a Virgen de Guadalupe she has in her San Marcos home. A feast day for the Lady, as she is called, falls on Dec. 12. (Photo by Anita Miller)
Virgen de Guadalupe
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atalia Moreau uses her hands when she speaks of Our Lady of Guadalupe, also known as the Virgen de Guadalupe, whose feast day is Dec. 12. The gestures the San Marcos resident makes as she talks are wide, expansive — illustrative of the sweeping influence of the mother
A Feast of Faith BY ANITA MILLER
of Christ as she appeared to a poor peasant nearly 500 years ago. “We consider her our mother,” she said. Moreau, who was born in a small town near Acapulco and grew up in Mexico City, said the Lady’s appeal to Catholics throughout Mexico and South and Central America begins with her appearance.
“For Mexicans, it’s more like she is a part of our race,” she said. While different images of Mary have been portrayed worldwide, many of those depictions give her an Anglo appearance. “The Virgen de Guadalupe has our skin color and dark hair and she appeared to one of the Indians, na(Continued on page 7)
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tives of Mexico.” The Indian was Juan Diego, who was 57 years old when, on his way to chapel in the hills near Mexico City, he “encountered a beautiful woman surrounded in a ball of light as bright as the sun,” according to Catholic Online. Speaking in his native language, she told him she “desired a church in this place” and instructed him to go to Tenochititlan “and tell the Bishop all you have seen and heard.” He did so immediately, but was kept waiting for hours by the bishop’s staff, who were suspicious of rural peasants. Though he got a polite response, Juan Diego believed he had failed to do the Lady’s bidding. He returned to Tepayac Hill and found her there waiting, She told him to visit the Bishop again and he did, but was told “to provide a sign as a proof of who she was.” The third time he spoke with her, she told him to return the next day and she would provide the sign. Juan Diego didn’t get to make the trip that next day because a relative was ill. Two days later, he was on his way to find a priest for the dying relative when he saw the Lady again. She told him his relative’s health had been restored, and instructed him to go “to the top of the hill” and bring her the flowers he found there. Although it was December, Juan Diego found roses in full bloom and gathered them up in his tilma, a simple peasant cloak. Again before the Bishop, Juan Diego opened his tilma to let the flowers fall out. “But it wasn’t the beautiful roses that caused the bishop and his advisors to fall to their knees; for there, on the tilma, was a picture of the Blessed Virgin Mary exactly as Juan had described her,” Catholic Online concludes. The cathedral was built, and today houses the tilma. Moreau is among Mexicans who have viewed the artifact. “You cannot touch it or take photos with flash,” she says with reverence of the fragile piece of simple cloth. Within six years of Juan Diego’s vision, six million Aztecs had converted to Catholicism and Moreau said celebrations in Mexico City typically start the night before. “The day before they have people coming in from all over the world, especially from different states in Mexico. It’s a pilgrimage. People come to say (Continued from page 6)
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More depictions of the Virgin de Guadalupe in the home of Natalia Moreau. (Photo by Anita Miller) thank you to her.” Moreau said streets are closed and a festive atmosphere prevails. “They have traditional dances, like an offertory for her. They dance for her and they bring flowers, of course.” A special Mass held in her honor also includes Mariachi music and the singing of “Manatias,” which Moreau calls “a birthday song.” In San Marcos, the Virgin’s special Mass is held early in the morning on Dec. 12 but also involves music and dancing. Many local homes also have photos or statues of the Virgen de Guadalupe. “It’s part of our culture and part of our family. I know that every single Catholic family from Mexico have a photo or statue.” She said either side of the border, the reverence is the same. “I know what it means in Mexico and I know what it means here, what it means for us as immigrants. We are in a different country with a different language and different traditions.” Worship of the Virgen de Guadalupe and observance of her feast day are a part of those “traditions we bring to Texas.”
Santa’s Ranch
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Lighting up the holiday season
With more than one million lights and 100 different displays, Santa’s Ranch drive-through park has been a holiday favorite for Central Texans for more than 10 years. (Photo by Randy Stevens)
or the past 10 years, Frank and Melanie Bass have operated Santa’s Ranch, a drive-through light show just south of San Marcos. And while the displays change, the fun remains the same for families who cruise through the heavily illuminated property. With more than one million lights and 100 displays, Santa’s Ranch is once again open for the season seven days a week through Christmas. Business has been good at Santa’s Ranch, especially on weekends.
BY CANDICE BRUSUELAS
Frank Bass said the wait can take up to two hours to get through the line on weekend nights. “We stay busy,” the owner said. “I recommend a night other than a Friday or Saturday night in December.” Every year the displays are completely rebuilt in the fall. A group of about 12 people work on the displays for several nights. Bass’ favorite is the Alamo display. “It’s a small-scale stucco display of the Alamo,” he said. “It’s old, rustic, has lights on it. It’s pretty cool.” Santa’s Ranch also always comes up with new displays each year.
“We’ll have some dinosaurs that I think will be a hit this year,” said Bass. Bass says he and Melanie are hoping to add a parking area and an area for concessions — if not this year, the next. He said he would like customers to be able to get out and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or cider with the lights. “With everything as expensive as it is, to go to the movies, to a restaurant, it’s a great deal for family fun,” said Bass. For more information, go to www.santasranch.net.
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Local and Area Holiday events
Along with the shopping, baking and visiting with friends and family, the holiday season, here’s a list of holiday event in San Marcos and the surrounding area is chock full of once-a-year performances. Here’s a sampling of what’s on tap:
San Marcos events The Nutcracker
The River City Ballet 10th annual Nutcracker Performance will be accompanied by the S.M.A.R.T. Orchestra of San Marcos with staging and choreography by the RCB Artistic Director Caitlin Kelly. • When — Saturday, Dec. 14, 7 p.m. (doors open at 5 p.m.) and Sunday, Dec. 15, 2 p.m. (doors open at noon) • Where — San Marcos High School Performing Arts Center, 2601 E. McCarty Lane • Tickets: $10 general admission • Information — www.rivercityballet.org/nutcracker-2013, (512) 396-8736
Bowie Choir and first grade students
• When — Thursday, Dec. 5, 7:20 p.m. • Where — San Marcos Plaza Park
Miller Middle School Dancing Diamonds
• When — Dec. 17, 6 p.m. • Where — Miller Middle School auditorium
Miller Middle School
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Winter Concert
• When — Dec. 17, 7 p.m. • Where — Miller Middle School cafeteria
Destination in concert
The vocal group “Destination” takes their Andrews Sisters Revue and presents it as an old-time live radio show. Linda and Michelle Sriro along with Juli Dearrington will bring the Christmas spirit to young and old alike. • When – Thursday, Dec. 12, 7 p.m. • Where — San Marcos Public Library
Price Senior Center Christmas Banquet
Celebrate Christmas at the Price Senior Center as the center hosts a fun-time Christmas musical by Terri Hendrix and Lloyd Maines. • When —Thursday, Dec. 5 • Where — Price Senior Center, San Antonio St. • Admission — $20 by reservation only • Information — (512) 392-2900
Area events: Buda
• What — Budafest • When — Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. • Where — Buda City Park This festival is sure to put you in the holiday spirit, including a Christmas parade, entertainment, carnival, and over 125 artisans selling handcrafted items of every type. Children can also visit and take
pictures with Santa.
Canyon Lake
• What — Canyon Lake Noon Lions Club Annual Christmas Parade • When — Dec. 14, 11 a.m. • Where — Sattler Join the family fun at the only Christmas Parade in Comal County.
Gruene
• What — Cowboy Kringle • Were — Gruene General Store • When — Every Saturday and Sunday until Dec.15 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Create a Christmas memory with photos with Cowboy Kringle, Gruene’s own brand of Santa. Packaging is available, along with photo ornaments, Christmas cards and other special order items. • What — Bah Humbug • When — Dec. 1, 2 p.m. • Where — The Grapevine Garden It’s Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol with an amazing twist — one actor plays all the roles in this powerful tale of hope & compassion. Award-winning stage actor Damian Gillen transforms before your eyes into all those beloved characters from Scrooge to Tiny Tim, in this magical and imaginative re-telling of the holiday classic.
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Woman in a Man’s World
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Texas State Director of Football Operations Kelly Keresztury stands in front of Bobcat Stadium. (Photo by Randy Stevens)
Texas State’s Keresztury one of few female director of football operations in the nation hen Texas State had to hire a new director of football operations after Mike Groce left for Oklahoma State,
Kelly Keresztury’s name was one of the first potential replacements on head coach Dennis Franchione’s desk. Franchione learned of Keresztury through defensive coordinator Craig Naivar, who spent time working
BY TYLER MAYFORTH
alongside Keresztury at Rice University under former Texas State head coach David Bailiff. Naivar spoke highly of Keresztury and Franchione had to find out for himself. (Continued on page 11)
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“I talked to her and she was just as impressive as Craig said,” Franchione said while checking his ringing cell phone that featured Keresztury’s name on the Caller ID. “I felt like she could hold her own in a man’s world, I guess you could say.” It’s rare for a woman to hold any position with a football team, let alone the one Franchione hired Keresztury to fill. Counting Keresztury, there are three active DOFOs (as they are affectionately known) in charge of every day operations for Football Bowl Subdivision teams: Keresztury, Florida Atlantic’s Heather Henderson and Georgia State’s Sarah Gigantino. “She is kind of a pioneer,” Franchione said of Keresztury. “As more and more people see the job that she does and the way she does it, there will probably be more and more ladies that will be doing this kind of work.” While there are recurring items on Keresztury’s weekly to-do list, like organizing travel plans for the team and finding potential practice locations should inclement weather pop up, no day is exactly the same. Keresztury learned how to manage responsibility on the fly when she was student equipment manager for the West Virginia football team from 2001-2005. “We might have been in period five and running ‘middle drill,’ but my coach needed period six and period seven set up for skelly (skeleton passing),” Keresztury said. “That really correlates with everything else I’ve done in my career, since you always need to be thinking two steps ahead.” Keresztury continued her rise through the ranks in 2006 when she was hired as Rice’s director of equipment operations. She actually could have jumped ship to the University of Tulsa with head coach Todd Graham as the Golden Hurricane’s director of football operations, but chose to stay with the Owls for the next six years. It’s probably a good thing Keresztury hung out in Houston, because that’s where she met her husband, former Texas State All-America offensive lineman Thomas Keresztury. “Everything happens for a reason,” Keresztury said. “If I had this job, that early in my career, I don’t think I could have handled it.” After leaving Rice in 2011, Keresztury took a job as a sales consultant with GameWear Team Sports. Then a few years later, Keresztury got the call from Franchione and the rest is history. “When I was a freshman in college, this was my dream,” Keresztury said. “This is what I wanted to do before kids and the rest of life caught up to me. I didn’t think it would be at the Division-I level — and that’s not discrediting me. It’s just because I’m a woman.” Keresztury takes pride in what she’s done and keeps pushing ahead. “I am the first at Texas State and I don’t take that lightly,” Keresztury said. “I try not to get too high on it, but there are some times when I say ‘This is pretty awesome. This is a great thing for women.’ I really work hard to make a name for myself, regardless if I’m male or female. That’s where I hope I’ve done a good job: where you wouldn’t know if Kelly is a male or female talking to me through email or seeing the work that I’ve done.” (Continued from page 10)
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Black Thursday?
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Stores, outlet malls to open Thanksgiving evening
hristmas trees will be on Centerpoint Road, flood lights will illuminate crosswalks and crossing guards, police and EMS will be on duty in large numbers. Yes, San Marcos, it’s that time of year again: Black Friday at San Marcos’ famous outlet malls (Tanger and Premium Outlets). General manager of Tanger, John Larison, says Black Friday is an more of an exciting than stressful time for the Tanger staff. “I think it’s the most exciting time of the year for us. I don’t dread coming in to Black Friday,” said Larison. “The adrenaline gets you going, and the management staff, we’re not sitting in the office, we’re out on property, talking to people, helping
BY CANDICE BRUSUELAS
people, spreading holiday cheer.” Tanger, combined with neighbor outlet center Premium Outlets, is one of the largest sources for sales tax revenue for the city of San Marcos, according to Larison. The outlet centers have a significant impact on city revenue throughout the year. People drive from neighboring cities and even as far as Mexico to peruse the wide shop selection that Larison says can’t be found anywhere else. “People will drive past other outlet centers to come here,” said Larison. “It is a destination and people are willing to drive to come out here and have that kind of selection.” With Black Friday comes added security and surveillance on the outlet’s property for the customers’
safety. “Prior to the event itself, we line up the San Marcos police and fire departments. They actually have a command post here on site so we give them the space to set up,” said Larison. In addition, off-duty law enforcement is hired for traffic control. The traffic control personnel help safely guide pedestrians across the street and help traffic flow. “It can be bumper-to-bumper getting in, but it moves very quickly because we provide the traffic control,” said Larison. “We also add extra maintenance staff. We probably triple our staff out here to make sure the facility is maintained to Tanger stan(Continued on page 13)
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dards.” Store security will be increased as well. For the first time ever, some outlet stores will be open Thanksgiving evening. Most open at 10 p.m. with other opening earlier. Friday and Saturday hours are also extended to 10 p.m. while Sunday’s hours will be extended to 8 p.m. “I think it’s interesting that it’s become a tradition for so many families now,” said Larison. “They have Thanksgiving, and then, boom, it’s off to shopping.” Some Black Friday openings can get a bit crazy when the doors open, but that’s not the case at the outlets according to Larison. “Traditionally, people are in a great mood when they’re out here, having fun,” he said. (Continued from page 12)
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San Marcos’ famous outlet malls are packed with shoppers year-round, but particularly on Black Friday. This year, Christmas shopping starts early with numerous stores opening Thanksgiving evening. (Photo by Anita Miller)
Caring for H oli day plant s
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very holiday season has certain plants associated with it. For Valentine’s Day, it’s roses. At Easter, many people think of lilies. When Halloween rolls around, pumpkins become the traditional decor. The season that probably has the most plants associated with it would be the Christmas season. For many, the first image that comes to mind when they think of Christmas is a Christmas tree adorning a place of honor in their home. Following the season, however, the spent tree is quickly escorted to the curb, hopefully to be recycled into mulch. But there are many other plants associated with this season besides the beloved Christmas tree. Yes, the vibrant poinsettias are everywhere and are another sign of the season, but as we look around us, we will probably find even more plants that we associate with Christmas. With a little work and some tender loving care, you can carry many of these plants through and beyond the Christmas season. In some cases, you might even be
able to enjoy these plants for many Christmas seasons to come.
By RICHARD PARRISH
Poinsettias The vibrant red and green colors of the poinsettia plant have become an expected part of the Christmas season. With proper care, they can keep that mood flowering for many weeks to come. These beautiful plants can live indoors for long periods with proper care. The plant requires bright light and should be kept away from drafts. Place poinsettias near sunny windows, but do not let the leaves touch a windowpane, which may be cold and could damage the plant. A temperature between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. Avoid temperatures below 60 and above 75 degrees. Keep plants well watered but do not over-water. Check the soil daily for moisture, as low moisture will cause the plant to prematurely wilt. When the surface is dry to the touch, water the soil until water runs freely out of the container holes. Gardeners frequently ask whether they can carry their (Continued on page 15)
Poinsettias (background) and Amaryllis (above) are two beautiful plants enjoyed by many during the holiday season. 14
poinsettias over to bloom again next year. It is questionable whether the results are worth the effort as the quality of home-grown plants seldom equals that of commercially grown plants.
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Mistletoe Mistletoe is an important part of the holiday season. Branches are frequently hung over the door as part of the celebration. Many a young girl or boy received their first kiss while standing under the mistletoe. Unfortunately that is the only good use for this plant. For the rest of the year, homeowners are concerned about how to rid their trees of this pest. Although it is a green plant and manufactures its own food, it is a parasite. Water and nutrients needed by mistletoe for its growth and development are taken from the tree’s sap. The plant is present on the tree 12 months of the year, but property owners often become more concerned about controlling the parasite during the winter months. During this time the leaves have shed from the tree and the mistletoe is more no-
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The bright red berries of the Holly plant provide enough color to brighten any arrangement or room
ticeable. Cut all the mistletoe you want for the holiday season to reduce the amount in the landscape plants. Remember to keep the berries out of reach of small children as they can be extremely poisonous.
Holly Holly is another plant associated with Christmas. There probably isn’t a person who doesn’t remember watching a Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Christmas Special on television and hearing Burl Ives sing his standard “A Holly Jolly Christmas”. While American Holly that is most often associated with Christmas will not grow in our central Texas soils, there are still some holly varieties that will grow here and give vibrant color during Christmas. The Possumhaw Holly (Ilex decidua) and the Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria) are both central Texas natives that will provide bright red colored berries during December. Both of these varieties grow no taller than 20 feet. They do well in sun and partial shade. Regardless of which variety is used, the bright red berries provide enough color to brighten any arrangement and any room. Both varieties have a fairly low water requirement, making them great landscape plants for our drought conditions (Continued on page 16)
and are deer resistant, another benefit in our central Texas landscape. While the berries are beneficial to birds and other wildlife, they are poisonous to people.
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Norfolk Pine In the garden department of many large stores, one can find Norfolk Pines. These small evergreen trees help brighten up any room. With the proper care, these small trees can provide years of enjoyment and Christmas cheer. Native to the Norfolk Islands in the South Pacific, the Norfolk Pine tree cannot tolerate temperatures below 40 degrees. In the United States, the Norfolk only grows outdoors in Florida, California and Hawaii.
Rosemary Many stores also sell rosemary topiaries in the shape of a small Christmas tree. Following the Christmas season, these plants will continue to grow and provide greenery for the home all year long. You want to plant rosemary in full sun in an area with good drainage. You can lighten heavy soil with plenty of organic matter. Do not water rosemary too much, as it will result in poor growth and woodiness. You can pinch the tips to control growth when the plants are small. As the plants get older and larger, prune frequently but lightly. Amaryllis The Christmas-flowering amaryllis is a prolific and long-lived bulb that will produce its showy trumpets year after year with a minimal amount of care. After the blossoms wither, cut the flower stem one inch above the base. Treat as a house plant, providing regular watering, feeding and plenty of light. Do not repot annually as you would with other bulbs. Amaryllis produce their best and largest blooms when they are severely potbound. In late October/early November, remove the old foliage and replace the top inch or two of potting soil. The bulbs like to be crowded and should have about an inch all the way around between the bulb and the pot. Thoroughly water and then wait for growth. The new flower bud and stem will emerge and bloom in three to eight weeks. Water sparingly at first, increasing the amount as the stem elongates. Sunlight is essential during the growth stage. Ro-
The Christmas Cactus is a favorite holiday season house plant, but one which needs careful attention to details if it is to live and flower again the next year. tate the pot to encourage straight stems. Texas-type temperatures in the 90 to Water generously during blooming. Re- 100 degree-range, although growth may move from direct sunlight to prolong be slower. the life of the bloom. With good tending, Christmas cactus Each bulb will provide several weeks may live for many years. of spectacular color, making amaryllis an economical and elegant addition to Live Christmas Trees the home and garden. What type of article on Christmas plants would be complete without at Christmas cactus least some mention of the selection and The Christmas cactus is a favorite care of a live Christmas tree? Whether holiday season house plant, but one you buy a live tree or go and cut your which needs careful attention to details own, the care of the tree is the same. if it is to live and flower again the next When choosing a pre-cut tree, choose year. These are cacti which in nature a fresh tree. Fresh trees have a healthy live in the crotches of jungle trees, and green appearance with few browning benefit from light, porous soil mixed needles. Needles should be flexible and with leafmold and sand. not fall off if you run a branch through When the flowering period is finyour hand. It is normal for a few inner ished, an active growth period will com- brown needles to drop off. mence. Keep the plant in a sheltered Once home, make a fresh cut about place until danger of freezing is over. an inch up from the bottom of the tree, Water carefully, keeping in mind that which removes any old dried up tree sap over-watering is the major cause of fail- and allows the tree to take up water. The tree should be placed in a stand ure with Christmas cactus. Soak the potting medium when watering, then allow that holds at least one gallon of water. A fresh tree can lose this much water or the plant to become almost dry before more a day, so old-fashioned small watering again. (When the plant is put stands just do not hold enough. It is imoutside during warmer weather, it will be easier to keep if placed on the porch, portant that the tree stand be kept full with water. Place the tree away from or in a situation where it will not be heaters, furnace vents, or other sources soaked with rainwater over a period of of heat. several days). There are too many house fires each Fertilize with a water-soluble 20-2020 fertilizer with trace elements while in year nationwide that are caused by peoan active growth stage. Occasionally, ple using bad light strands. A fresh tree leach out excess fertilizer salts with that is watered daily can stay moist and plain water. safe for several weeks. After Christmas, Although a temperature of 70 - 80 de- dispose of the tree according to city orgrees during the growing season is con- dinances. sidered ideal, plants will tolerate
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Keeping off the Pounds pounds Local trainer offers advice on how to avoid holiday weight gain
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BY JOSEPH GARCIA
t’s chilly outside, family is visiting and enticing aromas billowing from the kitchen are commonplace. That’s right, the holiday season is here and good — but not-so-healthy — food is abundant. Research shows people usually gain about 2-5 pounds over the holidays every year. So how can you keep off those extra pounds this year with all that delicious food surrounding you? Terrell Mercer from So High Sports and Fitness Center has a few tips for you to battle the holiday bulge. Mercer joined So High as a Performance Specialist in March 2008, after being a client of local legend and 1996 Olympic gold medalist Austin Charles for more than a year. Utilizing the training methods incorporated by Charles, Mercer lost more than 100 pounds and rehabilitated two knee injuries that had required reconstructive surgery. Mercer’s background helps him understand what it takes to shed some serious pounds, and keep them off for good. “The biggest thing I tell people is moderation,” Mercer said. “Don’t necessarily deprive (Continued on page 19)
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yourself of anything, just keep it under control. There’s lots of good food out there and the holidays only come once a year. It’s okay to indulge a little bit, just don’t overdo it.” Mercer suggests to after each bite, take a sip of water, because it helps fill you up faster while you still eat the things you like. “During the holidays it’s hard to sit there and tell yourself no,” Mercer said. “However, one serving is usually enough. If you feel full, stop eating. Don’t feel like you have to clean your plate.” He also shared some ideas to burn calories while dealing with the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping. Just move, Mercer says. “If you go shopping on Black Friday, instead of taking the elevator to the second floor, use the stairs instead,” Mercer said. “Park a decent way away in the parking lot and force yourself to walk. The holidays are very stressful as well, so exercise makes you feel better and less stressed.” Mercer said there are all sorts of recipes and tips online you can use to help make the foods you prepare healthier. For instance, when you make mashed potatoes, mix in cauliflower because it takes the flavor of the potatoes. In the end, if you want to be fit, don’t wait until after the holidays to start living healthy. “If you are already thinking about it don’t keep pushing it back,” Mercer said. “It will help you get through the holidays without the weight gain.”
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Goodness, it’s glogg
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Brewing up a Norwegian holiday tradition
n snowy Norway, nothing evokes Christmas time like a pot of glogg brewing on the stove. The traditional Scandinavian winter drink mixes wine and port with spices like clove, cardamom and cinnamon to make for a brew that smells divine and tastes even better. Former Daily Record features editor and San Marcos wedding photographer Tiffany Hoefeldt shares her infamous glogg recipe to help warm you up during the holiday season. Tiffany says to be sure to dim the lights when caramelizing the brandy. Ingredients 2 – 750 ml bottles of inexpensive dry red wine 2 – 750 ml bottles of inexpensive port 1 – 750 ml bottle of inexpensive brandy 10 inches of cinnamon sticks 15 cardamom seed pods 12 whole cloves 1 orange peel, whole and washed 1/2 cup dark raisins
1 cup blanched almonds 1 cup sugar
Directions Pour wine and port into a extra large pot. Bring to a light simmer over low-medium heat. Wrap orange peel, cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, raisins, almonds and cloves in cheesecloth, tie with kitchen string and hang into port and wine pot. Let simmer for 15 minutes or as long as you can (we try to let it steep for at least three days), stirring occasionally. Do not boil. In a separate pot, over medium high heat, pour in the brandy and sugar, dim the lights and with a long matchstick light the brandy and sugar mixture. Take a picture. This step caramelizes the brandy and reduces the amount of alcohol in the already potent Glogg. When the sugar has melted place a lid over the pot to extinguish the flame. Add caramelized brandy to port and wine mixture. Stir, remove spice bag, and enjoy.
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(Continued from page 9) • What — Gruene Pony Express Ride • When — Dec. 7, 10 a.m. • Where — Gruene Historic District Gruene Historic District will receive Pony Express riders from the Heritage Trail Ride Association of New Braunfels, who will carry a "Christmas Greetings" message from the Governor of Texas. A temporary post office will be set up next to Gruene Outfitters in Gruene to cancel stamps for mailing. Bring your Christmas cards to have the stamps canceled with the 2013 commemorative stamp representing Gruene. • What — Gruene Town Lighting • When — Dec. 7, 5 p.m. • Where — Gruene Historic District Watch as Cowboy Kringle rides into town on horseback and lights Gruene for the Holidays. Live musical performances with festival food and wine.
Kyle
• What — Kyle Tree Lighting • When — Dec. 4, 4:30 to 9 p.m. • Where — City Square Park/Historic Kyle City Hall Since 2000, Kyle has invited Santa to take part in the Tree Lighting event in downtown. Join us to kick off the Holidays. Santa will be available to take pictures. You must bring your own camera. We will not have a photographer available. School choirs from local elementary, middle and high schools will be performing holiday songs, there will be free activities for the children and food vendors.
Lockhart
• What — Lighted Christmas Parade
• When — Dec. 6, 5 p.m. • Where — Lockhart Courthouse Square On Friday night, the annual “Lighted Christmas Parade” kicks off this weekend and is sponsored by the Lockhart Chamber of Commerce. The parade is a fantastic display of lights that travels around the Courthouse Square.
Martindale
•What — Martindale Christmas Tree Lighting •When — Dec. 6, 6 p.m. • Where — Main Street in downtown Martindale The tree lighting will be in conjunction with the monthly farmers marking with refreshments, music, singing, and cheer. There will also be fire pits and S’mores for toasting. The Farmers Market will have local produce and meats, handicrafts and Christmas items, as well as Martindale Market T-shirts. The Martindale Market begins at 5 p.m. and ends about 8 p.m.
New Braunfels
• What — Wassailfest • When — Dec. 5, Evening • Where — Downtown New Braunfels Sample wassail, a warm spiced cider, through the streets of downtown and vote for the best wassail in town. • What — A visit by St. Nick • When — Dec. 5, Evening • Where — Sophienburg Museum Learn the legend of St. Nickolaus from a special guest at the Sophienburg Museum • What — Caroling on the Plaza • When — Dec. 15, Evening • Where — New Braunfels downtown plaza Christmas carols fill the air at this community
sing-along around the bandstand.
San Antonio
• What — Ford Holiday River Parade & Lighting • When — Nov. 29, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. • Where — San Antonio River Walk For over 30 years, this spectacular one-hour parade along San Antonio’s River Walk has featured illuminated floats with celebrities, bands and lavishly-costumed participants. • What — River of Lights • When — Dec. 6, 6 p.m. Dec. 7, 8 p.m. • Where — San Antonio River Walk Experience the San Antonio River Authority’s Museum Reach River of Lights. Have your picture taken with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus on a river barge for free and enjoy live entertainment.
Schertz
•What — Festival of Angels • When — Dec. 6 • Where — Hal Baldwin Municipal Complex The official kick-off to the holiday season, Festival of Angels is held the first Friday in December each year. A lighted night parade, music from the district’s school choirs and bands, food and beverages and snow make for a winter wonderland. Texas Hill Country • What — Texas Hill Country Regional Christmas Light Trail • When — Nov. 29 through Jan. 1, Evenings • Where — Bandera, Blanco, Boerne, Burnet, Dripping Springs, Fredericksburg, Johnson City, Kerrville, Marble Falls and Wimberley From Bandera to Burnet, 10 local communities line downtown with Christmas lights for the holiday season.
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Visitors get up close with a camel in Santa’s Village at last year’s Sights & Sounds celebration. (Photo by Don Anders) it,” Franks said. “When kids get involved, the parents come. And they started adding a few food booths and Santa’s Village grew and it just never quit.” Almost two decades after the first Sights & Sounds, Premier Cuts had just opened. Someone encouraged owner Brian Olson to get involved, so he set about finding a way to bring his airplane chair for kids into the event. “They said they didn’t normally do this, but they would let me bring my chair if I promised to help them next year. I thought it would be really easy,” Olson, who now serves as Sights & Sounds president, said. “In January, she called me and asked me to come to a board meeting. The next thing you know, I’m in charge of cotton candy.”
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Olson oversaw all of the cotton candy at the event for years. Then, he joined the sponsorship committee. This year marks his fourth year as president. “I never thought I’d be here,” Olson said. Olson has seen a lot of change in the event over the years. This year, Sights & Sounds has added a petting zoo, a laser show and live musical entertainment. Last year, the event raised more than $50,000 for non-profits and Olson is hoping to eclipse $70,000 this year. And if all goes well, next year will bring even more changes. “Next year we are hoping to go all LED. It will be that cool, yellow light. It will look so much fresher and cleaner,” Olson said. “I would like to see Sights & Sounds bring non-profits $100,000 and also more lights and more cool, free
attractions to the general public for a low cost.” Looking back 30 years, Franks still finds it hard to believe how much the event has grown, especially compared to the early days with Santa and a peppermint stick. Now, Sights & Sounds is one of the premiere Christmas events in Central Texas. “We’ve become quite well known for Sights & Sounds. I think one of the biggest assets is that it’s not commercialized so much that it’s lost its meaning,” Franks said. “It still is very much a community event. You don’t lose the Christmas spirit and the meaning of Christmas and I think that’s very, very important.” For more information, visit www.sights-n-sounds.org. 22
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