Fine Spirits: Farm to Bottle Distilling p.19
30 spots and activities for the best summer ever
MAY / JUNE | 2016
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Contents
May/ June 2016
The 4 C’s of jewelry…
Classic, Contemporary, Custom…
Stargazing Spots P. 42 The stars at night are big and bright, deep in the heart of Texas.
SMTX 14 Handpicked Events From the biggest festivals to tubing at night
16 Picture Perfect San Marcos Andy Heatwole’s stunning night photography
18 Patio Dolcetto
28 Psychedelic-Funk-Rockers The Shaws of Awe bring the party
31 Summertime Fun 30 spots and activities for the best summer ever
40 Digging Deep TXST professor takes class outside
The most exclusive beer list in town
19 Farm to Bottle Smithville’s new distillery
20 I Am Awesome Make self-confidence a reality
23 Summer Camps Day camps for every interest
208 N LBJ Drive San Marcos, TX 78666 | Ph. 512-392-4100 | christiesjewelry.com S M T X M AG A Z I N E . C O M 6
On The Cover Madison G. models San Marvelous Swim Photo by Rio Rodriguez
LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER The Magazine of San Marcos PUBLISHER Rick Koch ART DIRECTOR Will Bowling MANAGING EDITOR Tiffany Koch COPY EDITOR Steven F. Helsing CONTRIBUTORS TRAVIS ATKINSON KRISTEN SOWELL EDMOND ORTIZ JEREMY THOMAS CHRISTOPHER PAUL CARDOZA CORY TOWNSEND ROBIN BLACKBURN DANNY COLEMAN JONATHAN RODRIGUEZ TRAVIS E. GREEN PARKER THORNTON MIKE BARTOSZIK ANDY HEATWOLE
WRITE TO US Send your raves, rants or questions to smtxmagazine@gmail.com or bobcatfans@gmail.com Please include name and daytime phone number, and remember that letters are subject to editing for clarity and space.
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HEADQUARTERED IN SAN MARVELOUS 139 E. Hopkins Suite B San Marcos, TX 78666 Copyright 2016, BOBCATFANS LLC All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited. Not affiliated with Texas State University. Printed In USA - Locally Operated Please Recycle This Magazine
Eat Well Today
Hello Neighbors, It’s summertime in Central Texas; that means water to our family. One of our favorite spots is Five Mile Dam Park. We pack up the floating cooler, tubes, Bluetooth speaker, and a backup phone to play tunes (I learned to use a backup phone the hard way) and head over to anchor up in the middle of the Blanco River. The luscious green tree covered hills serve a majestic backdrop for watching kayakers paddle towards the dam. If it weren’t for the swimming holes and rivers I wouldn’t be as willing to put up with all the 100 degree days. But the scorching hot weather is a great match for the cold, spring-fed waters that surround us. I truly feel we live in one of the most amazing places in the world.
Downtown San Marcos
SAN MARCOS ENTERTAINMENT MAGAZINE
In this issue we explore the water as well as what to do on dry land, from kids’ summer camps to mind-blowing stargazing at Enchanted Rock. Did you know only 20% of Americans have witnessed the beauty of the Milky Way with our own eyes? We also have a feature on summer fashion, known to most as the bikini. This year we teamed up with San Marvelous to show off the latest trends. Thanks to Rio Rodriguez, owner of San Marvelous, for sharing his swim designs and models with us. I hope you enjoy the summer as much as we do and “dip in” to fun. Best, Rick Koch & family
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MAY /JUNE 2016
CRAFTHOUSE OPENS ITS DOORS The highly anticipated grand opening of CRAFThouse Kitchen & Tap on North LBJ had the restaurant packed on its first day open. The fully remodeled building features patio dining, a brick warehouse interior with a sky high ceiling, a large bar area, and even a brick fireplace. The creative gastropub menu offers dishes such as deviled eggs, an Apple Brie burger, Ahi tuna street tacos, funnel cakes, and also has breakfast available all day. To quench your thirst try the fresh made sangria, frozen screwdriver, cucumber margarita, or one of over 50 beers on the menu.
CRAFThouse located at 242 N LBJ Drive in San Marcos
Fully remodeled interior features a brick warehouse style with a large bar area
Waiter Adrian Barboza with CRAFThouse street tacos
Owners Sam Neil, Allen Shy, and Hank LewisÂ
Waitress LeAnne Brown and bartender Hunter Mackey Photos Christopher Paul Cardoza
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CLASSIC CAR & PLANE SHOW
Robert Garcia inside a bomber gun turretÂ
Guests get a close up view of a WWII bomber plane
Family Diane Flores, Madison Flores, Richie Flores, Audrie Flores, and Hayden, Colman with their father Keith Bryd
Amber Johnson and her 1957 Chevy
The Commemorative Air Force Central Texas Wing hosted a fly-in or drive-in classic car and plane show. The event featured WWII plane flyovers and rides, classic cars, live music, and plenty of photo opportunities.
Visitors touring the San Marcos police department’s rescue vehicle Photos Christopher Paul Cardoza SMTX
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HAYS COUNTY FAIR & CRAWFISH FESTIVAL The annual event at the Central Texas Speedway added a crawfish boil this year. The three day event featured a carnival, helicopter rides, high speed go cart racing, vendor booths, a car show, and live music on the large festival stage. Ivorie Elizalde & Rob Rolfe
Left to Right: Woody Munoz, Miguel Salinas, Dianne De Leon, Cynthia Vargas, Joe Casas, Augie Munoz, & Cil Munoz
Mansour Spears and his mother Carol Consla
Patty-Gean Clement
Kimberly Mobley and Wendy Thomason on “The Himalaya”
Left to Right: Justin Pavelka, Ashton Williams, & John Beauchamp Photos Jeremy Thomas
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Mermaid Image created by Artist, Topher Sipes Poster Design by Artist, Christine Terrell
Mermaid Image created by Artist, Topher Sipes Poster Design by Artist, Christine Terrell
Mermaid Society SMTX invites you to be Mermaid Society SMTX invites part of this unique celebration of our most precious resource—the San Marcosyou to be River—and this great city called So c’mon dive in,resource—the make a splash and part of this unique celebration ofhome! our most precious San Marcos join the fun! For questions email us at info@mermaidsocietysmtx.com. River—and this great city called home! So c’mon dive in, make a splash and
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UPS & DOWNS UPS College students love San Marcos. Now we know retirees do too. Forbes Magazine named the city one of the top 25 places to retire for the second straight year. Among the many reasons cited by Forbes were the local cost of living, home prices, opportunities for an active lifestyle and the natural beauty of the San Marcos River. But of course, we knew that already. But wait, there’s more! Website wideopencountry.com recently decided to list the top underrated music towns in Texas and topping the list was our very own San Marcos! Cheatham Street Warehouse, The Marc and KIVA were among the venues mentioned by the site, which says the city always has a cool performance going on. That’s music to our ears.
Keeping with the music scene, San Marcos got a shout-out on the recently departed American Idol show. Dallas singer (and 3rd place winner) Dalton Rappatoni sang a Blue October song in the semifinals and, when asked why he chose the song, mentioned that the band was from San Marcos and he had something in common with the band’s lead singer. We’ll take good press wherever we can get it..
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A LITTLE BIRD TOLD ME @LIFEATWARPSPEED
TLRiver Koothin it. #smtx @HAYSFOODBANK
#Millennials are big time donors! Way to go, and we hope you stay caring! @CHASCABASS
Slippery Falls TXSTATEDEMOCRAT
Up bright and early for #bobcatbuild giving back to San Marcos! #txst #smtx @THEMORRISSCODE
Donald Tramp posing in front of the steps of Old Main @txst for the Million Student March to end student debt. #TXST @IGNITETHEWRITER
My Monday #TXST
DOWNS Will the Texas State University golf course ever open again? The 9-hole course has been closed since the rains of October 30, 2015 did major damage. The university has discussed repurposing the space for various recreational fields. If so, the community would lose a course that has always been a low-cost alternative for those who love the game but can’t afford country club prices. It would be a shame to lose it.
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@JAYLONASHAUN
I have so much to thank God for, I have so many reasons to smile. #TXST @BUNTING_SYDNEY
Can’t wait San Marcos! #TXST #class2020
Your Dog Could Make You A Millionaire Could your dog turn a $90 entry fee into $1 million? Million Dollar Dog Games is a newcomer to the world of dog sport competition. All dogs are invited to enter a regional qualifier, one of which will be held in San Marcos at K9 Water World in early October. The top three scorers in each competition (Agility, Dock Diving, and Flying Disc) and the dogs with the top overall scores will win cash prizes and be awarded an invitation to the National Championship in Dallas this November. At the National Championship individual winners in each sport will receive $50,000. But the best overall scoring dog will be crowned the “Million Dollar Dog” and be awarded an unprecedented $1 million.
Schlitterbahn’s American Heroes Week From military members to EMT’s, those that serve our community deserve countless thanks. In honor of Memorial Day Schlitterbahn Waterparks is offering free admission to our heroes from Saturday, May 30 to Thursday, June 5. Members of the military (active duty, veterans, and reserves), police officers, firefighters, & EMTs are all eligible to receive free entry and purchase tickets for their spouses and dependents at 50% off. On the day of your visit, simply show your military ID or proof of employment at the park entrance to receive a complimentary ristband and to purchase discount tickets for family members.
For dogs new to competition try the Beginner Experience for $45. All dogs (and humans) are welcome to participate in the Beginner Experience where you can try all the events with your dog, receive guidance, and gain valuable experience without the pressure of competition. You may have a championship dog on your hands and not even know it. To learn more, visit onemilliondollardoggames.com.
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WHAT TO DO
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HANDPICKED EVENTS
Moonlight Tubing Adventure Club San Antonio’s biggest event of the year is a moonlight float on the Comal River. There is a cookout at 6 pm and the float starts at 9 pm. After the float the party continues at a downtown nightspot near Texas Tubes. For those that really love tubing, you can also float at 3:30 pm for no additional charge. Cost is $29.95 per person and includes tube rental, shuttle, dinner and a glow necklace, and tubes for coolers. For tickets, visit adventureclubsa.com. Saturday, June 18, Texas Tubes, 250 Meusebach, New Braunfels
Texas River Fest
One wristband, two river floats, 45 live music performances. A $50 wristband includes access to most musical performances, shuttle service, and two river floats; one for Friday on the Comal River and one for Saturday on the Guadalupe River. While on the Comal there will be live music and entertainment throughout the float. After both floats a shuttle will take you to Downtown New Braunfels or Gruene for more festival concerts. $25 musiconly wristbands are also available and include shuttle service between concert venues. Headliners such as Randy Rogers and Kevin Fowler require additional ticket purchase. For tickets, visit texasriverfest.com. Friday, June 10 – Saturday, June 11, Rockin’ R River Rides, 1405 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels
Chisholm Trail Roundup The largest annual event in Lockhart, this rodeo and music festival has been held the second week of June since 1972. Festivities begin the weekend prior to the official event with the ‘BBQ Capital of Texas’ Championship & Chili CookOff on June 3rd & 4th. The following Wednesday, the city hosts a Cowboy Breakfast around a chuck wagon on the Courthouse square where guests are encouraged to dress in western attire. Thursday through Saturday the official festival takes place with a carnival, rodeo, Queen’s court coronation, auction, food & craft vendors, exhibits for kids, and live music on two stages.The Grand Parade on Saturday morning is not to be missed. Visit chisholmtrailroundup.com for a full schedule of events. BBQ & Chili Cook-off Friday, June 3 through Saturday, June 4 Rodeo & Music Festival Thursday, June 9 through Saturday, June 11 Lockhart City Park, 702 S. Commerce St, Lockhart
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63rd Annual Watermelon Thump Nothing says “summer” like this 4-day family friendly festival. Each year thousands enjoy this timeless Texas tradition honoring the nutritious, wonderful watermelon. The Watermelon Thump hosts a carnival with children’s rides, beer garden, loads of food vendors, arts & crafts competition, children’s entertainment, dances, shaded exhibitor’s market, Queen’s coronation, champion melon judging and auction, Gospel Jubilee, a special salute to Veterans, world champion seed spitting contest with cash prizes, a giant Parade, melon eating contests with cash prizes, large classic car show and much more. Adult admission on Friday is $5 until 7pm and $15 after 7pm. Adult admission on Saturday is free before 2pm and $5 after 2pm. Optional Saturday night concert is $20 per person. Thursday and Sunday admissions are free and children 12 and under are free all weekend. Visit watermelonthump.com for a full schedule of events. Thursday, June 23 – Sunday, June 26, 421 E. Davis Street, Luling
BIGFest This annual event celebrates the birthday of Big John Mills, ace guitarist and singer-songwriter who founded BIGFest, and is also a fundraiser for the Cheatham Street Music Foundation. The event features bands and song swaps featuring some of the best of the Southwest’s singer-songwriters. This year, local military veteran-songwriters will be showcased in a special presentation. There will be a silent auction and food, plus beverages from the bar. Tickets are $14. For more information, visit bigfestmusic.com. Friday, June 24 through Sunday, June 26, Cheatham Street Warehouse, 119 Cheatham St, San Marcos
Blanco Lavender Festival The lavender blooming season is May through July so the entire town of Blanco and the surrounding countryside will be bathed in lavender during the festival. The Lavender Market, on the grounds of the historic Blanco County Courthouse, is always a must-see highlight of the festival. Selected vendors and artists from across the Hill Country offer lavender-related treasures from the finest craftsmen. At the courthouse, speakers will lead lavender-related educational programs on lavender’s mystical culinary properties, its various craft uses, aromatherapy benefits, and its suitability as a landscape plant. During Lavender Weekend the whole town will be participating in the celebration. Local merchants will offer lavender merchandise and restaurants will serve lavender-flavored dishes and treats such as lavender ice cream. During the festival, the two area lavender farms will be open to the public for tours and will offer activities and events nsuch as classes in aromatherapy and demonstrations of lavender oil distillation. Friday, June 10 through Sunday, June 12, Blanco County Courthouse, 300 Main St, Blanco
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SMTX MAGAZINE
“If I can convey the emotional connection to a particular place at a particular time, then I’ve done my job.”
SAN MARCOS STILL LIFES Local photographer works to capture the beauty of his hometown.
I
f you’ve ever seen a stunning picture of San Marcos somewhere on the web or social media, there’s a good chance that Andy Heatwole took it. You may not remember his name, but his photographs of the city are unforgettable.
What started out as a hobby became a way for Heatwole to connect with thousands of others who appreciate the beauty of San Marcos. A San Marcos native, Heatwole’s main goal is to encourage people to appreciate the natural scenery the city offers. “I started smtxphotos.com as a way to show the beauty and uniqueness of our natural resources [and] to instill a sense of appreciation. I don’t ever want to come to a point where apartments or businesses have destroyed places like the San Marcos River or Purgatory Creek,” he says.
Heatwole faces many challenges when out taking photographs. Sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate, and sometimes there are too many people in a particular area. The most daunting challenge, however, is trying to appeal to audiences emotionally rather than just visually. “It’s tricky to capture the feel of an image because sometimes it looks exactly how it feels and sometimes it looks completely different from how it feels. But if I can somehow convey the emotional connection to a particular place at a particular time, then I’ve done my job and I’m satisfied,” he says. Armed with a DSLR camera and a love for Central Texas, Heatwole has built a reputation for turning seemingly normal and mundane scenes of the city into unique, captivating vistas. Heatwole credits night photography as the sole reason why he became interested in photography as a profession. Now, fifteen years since he began taking photographs as a career, he’s
mastered the art of night photography with a stunning beauty that most amateur photographers envy. Fortunately, he hosts occasional photography classes where he teaches photographers of all skill levels how to capture images at night. Heatwole says that he likes to help photographers realize that many of the techniques he uses are not hard to learn. “People say my night photography almost looks like magic, but at its core, it’s actually pretty simple. I love teaching other people photography skills so that I can see them experience the same excitement I experienced when I first got into photography,” he says. Heatwole’s prints of San Marcos and Texas State University are available for purchase at smtxphotos.com for $25 each. smtxphotos.com smtxphotos smtxphotos sanmarcosphotos By Jeremy Thomas
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MIXOLOGY
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PATIO DOLCETTO The Beer Lovers’ Dream atio Dolcetto is a sophisticated lounge and patio with crafted brews, fine wines, homemade sangria, and a gallery of local artisans. The two-level garden patio has plenty of cozy seating and is a perfect spot to enjoy a cold brew from Dolcetto’s crafted draft selection. Sample the weekly rotating draft options with a beer flight ($12) that includes 5oz pours of 4 drafts such as a chocolate peanut butter porter from Wisconsin. The exclusive beer menu consists of 28 bottled craft beers such as the Weekend Warrior Pale Ale ($4) from Karbach Brewing Company in Houston. The soft caramel malt flavors are met by bright, citrusy hop bitterness and aromatics to provide balance to this pale ale. Inside, the custom bar top is hand-carved out of reclaimed wood from the San Marcos River and inlaid with precious stones forming an exact layout of the river.
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Wytchmaker Farmhouse Rye IPA ABV: 6.0%
The motive behind this Jester King brew was not demonic possession (which would have been pretty intense), but ergot-infected rye. Wild yeast native to the Texas Hill Country lends a sense of place to this earthy, floral farmhouse rye beer. Unfiltered, unpasteurized, and 100% naturally conditioned. Packaged in a 750ml bottle.
Myrcenary Double IPA ABV: 9.3%
Named for Myrcene, a component of essential oils in the hop flower, Myrcenary is Odell Brewing Company’s tribute to those who revere craft hop-forward beers. Brewed with a blend of hops containing the highest levels of Myrcene, this double IPA prevails with a tropical fruit-like flavor, a pungent floral aroma, and a clean getaway. 322 Cheatham St, San Marcos patiodolcetto.com
Photos Parker Thornton 18 S M T X M AG A Z I N E . C O M
DRINK
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BARE BONES BOOZE
Smithville distillery uses local products to create a unique farm to bottle product. ocated a little more than an hour away from San Marcos lies a warehouse behind a quaint neighborhood in Smithville. Right in front of the warehouse are four barrels lying side by side that spell out B-O-N-E. The Bone Spirits Distillery, known for beverages such as Moody June, Fitch’s Goat and Smiths Vodka, is its own distillery, processor, and warehouse that controls every step in the process of creating fantastic alcoholic beverages.
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“Not only is the alcohol 100 percent unique to Bone Spirits, it’s also truly unique to this region because we make these products out of corn that we bought from farms right around here.”
Created in 2010, Bone Spirits is a company that takes pride in its farm to bottle process. Products such as vodka, gin, and whiskey are all made from scratch in the facility. Local corn is bought from farmers out of Bastrop, Fayette and Gonzales County. The corn is then cooked, fermented, and distilled in order to create unique refreshments. Joseph Alecci, the Director of Operations of Bone Spirits since its inception, elaborated on what makes the distillery unique. “Most distilleries in the state of Texas...make their products from alcohol that they bought,” he explained. “When we started Bone Spirits six years ago it was with the idea that if it’s in our bottle, it would be a unique expression of our distillery. Not only is the alcohol 100 percent unique to Bone Spirits, it’s also truly unique to this region because we make these products out of corn that we bought from farms right around here.” Alecci was a big proponent of Bone Spirits’ “farm to bottle” philosophy as his background in environmental consulting and passion for sustainable living helped lead to the in-house and local production process. “We don’t do any additives like glycerin to give a smooth out the mouth feel or citric acid,” according to Alecci. “We don’t rely on a whole bunch of carbon filtering like other makers do to strip away odor, color, and flavor. In fact, our name comes from the idea of being bare-boned. It’s simple, straight-forward, stripped down distillation. Just make the alcohol and put it in a bottle.” Some favorites of customers include the aforementioned Moody June Gin, Smith’s Vodka, Fitch’s Goat Whiskey, and Fitch’s Goat Moonshine, with every drop carefully crafted from scratch. All products are available for sampling in the tasting room located above the warehouse distillery. Open 6 days a week (except Sunday) with tours available and walk-ins welcomed, the Bone Spirits crew love serving you a beverage to wind down. 802 Northeast 1st Street, Smithville
bonespirits.com
10 am – 5 pm Monday – Saturday
bonespiritsllc
bonespiritstx
Producing Spirits It takes a month of production to create the alcohol needed for a gin, whiskey, or vodka. The process includes cooking, fermenting, and distillation. At that point it is decided whether to age it to make a whiskey or add botanicals and juniper berries to make gin.
bonespirits By Jonathan Rodriguez SMTX
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LIFESTYLE
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The “I Am Awesome” Frame of Mind
I
Making Self Confidence A Reality
remember it so vividly. My sister Jill and I were sitting at the kitchen table, talking as we normally do, when she suddenly blurted out, “You know, sometimes you just have to look in the mirror and say, ‘I’m the shit.’” We both busted out laughing It’s funny, but it’s true. Sometimes you have to stand up and say, “I got this.” But it hasn’t been that easy for me. Maybe you can relate. It’s not exactly a light switch that you can just flip and suddenly you’re a confident, badass, successful, cool guy. I’ve always been a confident kid, but ever since I left
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high school I’ve struggled mentally. It’s like I lost belief in myself. I was doing all the affirmations and positive thinking the self-help books were teaching; “You’re a badass, capable dude, who’s an awesome writer with luxurious hair.” And repeat. Although I do have those luxurious locks, I still struggled with writing and believing that I could actually accomplish my audacious goals. There’s a term in psychology called self-efficacy. Selfefficacy is the extent or strength of one’s own ability to complete tasks and reach goals. Basically, it’s the “I’m Awesome” switch. It’s your ability to stand up, say, “I got this,” and truly believe it.
HOW TO BUILD CONFIDENCE 1. Walk The Walk
2. Wait It Out
The way we observe and judge other people is the same way we judge ourselves: by our actions. If somebody shows up drunk to work, vomits all over your new shoes, and then proceeds to blame you for leaving your feet there, they are now officially a jerk. It’s a fair judgment.
One night I was at the bar with my dad. We were talking about growth and development, and he said, “You know Dan, we’re used to doing something for 20 years, and then we learn something new and want to change what took us 20 years to establish in a matter of days.”
I spent hours upon hours of my week binge watching Netflix, eating Chipotle meal after meal, sleeping in ‘til noon, and skipping class (in order to make more time for Netflix, of course). So how could I possibly tell myself that I was a badass writer on my way to greatness when I knew I was watching TV instead of writing, and eating Chipotle instead of working out? I couldn’t. It’s because our actions are more important than our words. The more moves we make, the more we build confidence. Admiral William McRaven, a Navy SEAL who commanded the operation to get Osama bin Laden, was the speaker at the University of Texas Spring 2014 commencement ceremony. In his speech he suggested making your bed: “If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride, and it will encourage you to do another task… and another… and another. The little things in life matter. If you can’t do the little things right, you’ll never be able to do the big things right.” Small actions completed daily will build the belief in yourself required to step up and accomplish bigger things. Focus less on what you say, and more on what you do. What does somebody who is successful in your field do daily? Are you doing those things?
My sister Jill (model, blogger, and founder of multiple fitness companies) has been writing a lot about patience lately. She sends me the links because she knows I struggle with the waiting game. I want to have a book deal, a successful online business, a pool table, and a steam room in my living room, and I want it all yesterday. She often reminds me how she wrote articles every day, Monday through Friday, for YEARS in order for her brand JillFit to be what it is today. Writing a blog post today doesn’t lead to a book deal tomorrow. In reality, hundreds of blog posts lead to one tweet from your favorite author. #NotAtAllHumbleBrag Waiting can be tough, but it’s necessary. Doing the right things, day after day, week after week, year after year, finally lead to what feels like a sudden flip of the “I’m Awesome” switch.
3. Another Gratitude Reminder The third element of flipping the switch is gratitude. “Oh great, another self-help writer preaching gratitude.” That’s right. That’s exactly what I’m doing. Shawn Achor, an American happiness researcher, author, and TED speaker, says that when we practice gratitude our brain starts to subconsciously scan for things to be grateful for. Think grateful and you’ll see more to be grateful for. Frequency builds habits.
ASSIGNMENT: Every day write down three things you’re grateful for. The only catch is that they have to be different every day. They can’t be the same three things as yesterday or the day before. A grateful person is not a depressed person. The more in your life you see to be grateful for, the more you appreciate all you have and all you’ve done, and the more self-efficacy has a foundation to build confidence. Confidence doesn’t build from empty words. It doesn’t come from looking in the mirror and saying how much you love yourself and your luxurious hair. It comes from building skills, success habits, and mini accomplishments over a period of time. Because the fact of the matter is, you are awesome. Nobody else can do what you do in this world. We actually need you to do it. Don’t worry whether you believe it or not yet. Just keep moving, make your bed, be patient, and be grateful along the journey. Then one day you’ll look in the mirror and say, ‘You know what? I am awesome.’ The switch will be flipped. Confidence doesn’t build from empty words. It doesn’t come from looking in the mirror and saying how much you love yourself and your luxurious hair. It comes from building skills, success habits, and mini accomplishments over a period of time.
Danny is a storyteller and blogger who uses psychology and personal experiences to guide people to happier and healthier lives. dannycoleman.net
By Danny Coleman
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OPEN 24 hours, every day
By Robin Blackburn
Summer day camps in Hays County offer kids of all ages the chance to learn new skills, make new friends and enjoy summer vacation. Whether they want to learn arts and crafts, hone a musical skill, ride horses, learn a sport or take the stage, there’s an area day camp to engage their interests.
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AQUATIC SCIENCE ADVENTURE CAMP The premiere summer aquatic science camp in Central Texas for more than 25 years, this camp offers young people a chance to participate in scuba diving, river rafting, cave exploration, aquatic chemistry and biology labs, learning water quality basics, crafts and games and more. A six-day resident camp and two-day non-resident camp are offered. Location: Texas State University Ages: 9-15 Dates: June 6-7, June 9-10, June 12-17, June 19-24, June 26-July 1, July 3-8, July 10-15, July 18-19, July 21-22 Price: $150 (two-day camp), $700 (six-day camp) eardc.txstate.edu/education-center/ camp.html
CAFE MONET SUMMER CAMPS Cafe Monet offers weeklong camps full of hands-on lessons in creativity. This year, Cafe Monet is partnering with the Sylvan Learning Center to provide STEM lessons alongside art at some of the camps. Location: 145 E. Hopkins St. Dates: July 11-15 & July 25-29 (Half Day), July 18-22 and Aug. 1-5 (Full Day) Price: Half day $175, Full day $400 cafemonet.org/p/summer-camp.html
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ATHLETIC TRAINING SUMMER CAMP This camp provides high school students with a wide variety of opportunities to learn athletic training and emergency care skills from the Texas State University athletic training faculty and staff. There will be two separate camp sessions in 2016: Beginner’s and Advanced. Location: Texas State University Grades: 9-12 Dates: June 5-8 (Beginner), June 9-12 (Advanced) Price: $395 Registration Deadline: May 20 (Beginner), May 27 (Advanced) hhp.txstate.edu/Camps/ Athletic-Training-Summer-Camp.html
AUTISM SUMMER CAMP
Faculty in Texas State University’s Department of Health and Human Performance established the Autism Summer Camp Program in 2010 to focus on children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Local sponsors provide support for the camp. Location: Hernandez Elementary, 333 Stagecoach Trail Ages: 5-12 Dates: Weekly Sessions July 11-Aug. 4 Price: $110 per session, discounts available if you enroll for more than one session Registration Deadline: June 1 hhp.txstate.edu/Camps/ Autism-Camp.html
CHILDREN’S SUMMER THEATER CAMP Summer theater camp is a favorite for many locals. Students spend two weeks learning a musical that they will perform on the final night of camp. Students work directly with Texas State University theater students and with internationally known theater director Tracy Goodwin, who comes in from New York to direct the camp. Location: Texas State University Ages: 7-15 years old Dates: Aug. 8-19 Price: $375 theaterplaceplus.com/home.html
CHOIR CAMP AT TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY The junior high choir camp features daily activities and a mixed-voice choir directed by a nationally recognized guest artist. High School choir camp features intense music preparation, outstanding section leaders and camp activities. Private lessons and instruction are available, as is specialized diction coaching. Location: Texas State University Grades: 6-12 Dates: July 6-9 (junior high), July 11-14 (high school) Price: $75 tim.txstate.edu/choircamp
CITY OF SAN MARCOS DISCOVERY CAMP The City of San Marcos Parks and Recreation Department offers nine themed weeks of exploring, adventure, and discovery. Campers will have the chance to be outside, do experiments, build things, get messy, work as a team, develop leadership skills, and have fun. Themes include Super Hero Week, Frozen Week, River Rat Week and Blast Off Week. Location: 1951 Hunter Road, San Marcos Ages: 7-12 Dates: Weekly beginning June 13 and ending Aug. 12, M-F, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Price: $136-$245 per week sanmarcostx.gov/index. aspx?page=1354
KIDS PADDLING SUMMER CAMP
CITY OF SAN MARCOS SUMMER FUN PROGRAM
Kids learn canoe and kayak safety, teamwork, basic strokes to handle the vessel, how to rescue a swamped canoe, and river conservation -- all while allowing campers to explore and enjoy nature.
Summer Fun is an eight-week program (with a one-week break) hosted by the City of San Marcos Parks and Recreation Department at two schools. Camp runs from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. Locations: Bowie Elementary School (4020 Monterey Oak), Hernandez Elementary School (333 Stagecoach Trail) Ages: 7-14 (they can be 6 if they have completed the first grade) Dates: Weekly beginning June 13 and ending Aug. 12 Price: $32-$50 per week sanmarcostx.gov/summerfun
COACH Z’S BASKETBALL SUMMER CAMPS Texas State University’s Women’s Head Basketball Coach Z hosts several different girls’ summer basketball camps. Campers can learn, develop skills and have fun based on their age groups. Location: Texas State University Grades: Girls PreK-12 Dates: June 11-12, June 13-16, June 20-24 Price: $150-$240 txstatebobcats.com/camps
Location: Pecan Park Ages: 8-16 Dates: July 25-29 Price: $130 paddlewithstyle.com
KAT CONNER’S SOCCER SUMMER CAMP DANNY KASPAR BASKETBALL SUMMER CAMPS
1-4 (Individual Camp Grades 2-9) Price: Varies based on camp dannykasparbasketballcamps.com
The Danny Kaspar Basketball Camp emphasizes fundamentals and skills, such as shooting, dribbling, passing, individual moves and movement without the ball. Camp has a 10-1 campercoach ratio, providing a safe and well-supervised learning environment and more coachcamper interaction.
EVERETT WITHERS FOOTBALL SUMMER CAMPS
Location: Texas State University Grades: Boys 2-12 Dates: June 10-11 (Elite Camp), June 17-18 (Team Camp), June 28- 29 (Individual Camp Grades 4-12), August
Players are evaluated by a toptier coaching staff with numerous Division 1 BCS experiences. Student athletes get personal coaching and learn as much about their positions and the game of football as possible. The camp’s goal is to have attendees leave camp better football players not only physically but also mentally. Location: Texas State University Ages: 8-14, 14-22 Dates: Varies based on specific camp, start on June 10 and go through June 19 Price: $60-$180 based on camp everettwithersfootballcamps.com
KAREN CHISUM VOLLEYBALL SUMMER CAMPS
Kat Conner, Head Soccer Coach at Texas State University, offers summer camps for young players. Lessons focus on honing knowledge and skills in the four components of soccer: technical, tactical, physical and psychological. Location: Texas State University Ages: 5-18 Dates: June 13, July 17-20 Price: $120-$495. abcsportscamps.com/tsusoccer
KIDS KOLLEGE OF ART Kids Kollege offers campers the chance to work on exciting art projects in various media including painting, sculpture, printmaking and photo related projects. Sponsored by the Department of Art and Design, this camp meets for 2 hours a day for one week. Location: Texas State University Ages: 6-12 years old Dates: June 20-24 Price: $25 Registration Deadline: None finearts.txstate.edu/Art/academics/ undergrad/ugrad-arted/other.html
Camp Director Karen Chisum, the Texas State Volleyball coaching staff, and members of the Texas State Volleyball team teach campers volleyball skills. Location: Texas State University Ages: 5-18 Dates: July 6-8, July 9-11, July 19-21 Price: $125-$410 karenchisumvolleyballcamps.com
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PLAY AND INQUIRY SUMMER WORKSHOP
MATH CAMP AT TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY The first-year program introduces students to beginning concepts in algebra through play-acting and drama (“dramathics”). More advanced programs involve problem solving and discrete math. Students explore problems together and share in the excitement of mathematical exploration and discovery. Location: Texas State University Grades: 4-12 Dates: June 5-17, June 6-17, June 19-30 Price: $350 (Half Day Junior Camp), $1200 (Residential Junior Camp), $3300 (Honors Summer Math Camp) txstate.edu/mathworks
YOUNG WRITERS CAMPS AT TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY Campers explore their imaginations with the Central Texas Writing Project. Young writers have the chance to meet each other and express themselves through creative writing in a fun workshop atmosphere. No writing experience is needed. Campers will meet new friends, get loads of ideas for stories and poems, and leave with a book featuring some of their own writing. Location: Texas State University Ages: 6-18 Dates: June 20-24, June 27-30. Price: $250 Registration Deadline: May 20 worklife.txstate.edu/SummerCamps
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TY HARRINGTON BASEBALL SUMMER CAMPS One of the most enthusiastic coaching staffs in the state will evaluate, coach and instruct players during a pro-style workout and scrimmage. The camp emphasizes the skills needed to perform at the collegiate level.
The Early Childhood Play and Inquiry Workshop is an annual enrichment camp for children offered by the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Texas State University. The university’s education students guide children in learning activities involving art, music, science, language, woodworking, sand and water, and much more. The camp hours are from 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Location: Bonham Prekindergarten School, 1225 State Highway 123 Ages: 3-8 Dates: June 13-30 Price: $95/1 child, $175/2 children, $260/3 children worklife.txstate.edu/SummerCamps
SAN MARCOS NATURE CENTER SUMMER CAMPS Campers get to take a walk on the wild side at the San Marcos Nature Center. The center offers 11 weeks of science-based, fun summer camps. Explore things from the tiny microbes in the Nature Center’s pond to the 4.5ton Iguanodon that once roamed the Texas Hill Country. Location: 430 Riverside Dr. Grades: K-5 Dates: June 8-12, June 15-19, June 22-26, July 6-10, July 13-17, July 2731, Aug. 3-7, Aug. 10-14, Aug. 17-21 Price: $147-$155 sanmarcostx.gov/ index.aspx?page=799
Location: Texas State University Ages: 5-13, 14-18 Dates: June 19, June 20-23, July 4-7, July 18-21 Price: $185-$210 collegebaseballcamps. com/tyharringtonbaseball
TEXAS STATE STRING CAMP
SAN MARCOS DANCE STUDIO SUMMER CAMPS Campers have the chance to explore a range of dance styles including hip-hop, ballet and tap. Children’s camps, such as the “Frozen” or “Finding Dory” camp, include crafts and games. Each week’s camp includes a different theme and ends with a performance for guests. Location: 1405 N. Bishop, Ages: 3-17, Dates: June 6-Aug. 12 Price: $150 per camp sanmarcosdancestudio.com
This summer camp gives students the chance to interact with worldclass musicians on the faculty of the Texas State University School of Music. The goal is to provide exceptional experiences for musical and personal growth, ultimately enriching the quality of children’s music education. Location: Texas State University Ages: 12-18 years old Dates: June 26-July 2 Price: $425-$675 music.txstate.edu/stringcamp
HUNTERS CHASE FARMS SUMMER CAMPS Hunters Chase horsemanship camps are kept small so that each camper receives personalized attention. Daily lessons in riding and horse care are offered in a safe and educational environment. Mounted games, arts and crafts, and swimming are also part of the fun. Location: 4909 Lone Man Mountain Road, Wimberley Ages: 6-17 Dates: Various dates June-August. Day camps and overnight camps available. Price: Varies hunterschasefarms.com/camp
EXTEND-A-CARE
FOR KIDS SUMMER PROGRAM
CITY OF KYLE SUMMER DAY CAMPS LEARNING FUN 101’S SUMMER CAMPS Give your child a chance to learn how to build and design Robots using LEGO bricks! Students learn basic robotic, engineering, programming principals, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) concepts while having fun at this camp. Locations: Elm Grove Elementary (801 FM 1626, Buds), Hays Hills Baptist Church (1401 FM 1626, Buda) Grades: K-7 Dates: June 6-10, June 13-17, July 18-22, Aug. 8-12 Price: $160/Half Day, $320/Full Day learningfun101.com/camps
CHALLENGER SPORTS: BRITISH SOCCER CAMPS AND TRAINING Challenger Sports’ British Soccer Camp is the most popular soccer camp in the country. This summer’s camps feature the new 1,000 Touches Curriculum, packed with new drills and practices designed to improve individual ball control, foot skills, fakes and moves. Locations: Hays Youth Soccer Complex (100 Hays Youth Drive, Buda), Hays Communities YMCA (465 Buda Sportsplex Drive, Buda), Gregg Clarke Fields (1500 West Center Street, Kyle), Springs Family YMCA (27216 Ranch Road 12, Dripping Springs) Ages: 3-16 Dates: Varies based on camp. Camps scheduled between June 20 and Aug. 12. Price: Range from $89-$239 challengersports.com/camps.aspx
These camps offer a recreational program for youth to maintain a happy, healthy and active lifestyle. Children will experience new and different ways to be active through physically and mentally exhilarating field trips, on-site activities and valuable friendships. Voyager Camp is offered for younger children, and Adventure Camp is offered for teenagers.
Throughout the summer, children can experience a variety of enriching activities such as basketball, soccer, baseball, flag football, arts & crafts, cooking, painting and much more!. The weekly themes are based on children’s books introduced to students during the camp. Locations: Elm Gr ove Elementary School (801 FM 1626, Buda), Kyle Elementary School (500 Blanco St., Kyle) Ages: 3-12 Dates: Weekly from June 6-Aug. Price: $175/week (financial assistance is available for qualifying families) Registration Deadline: May 20 eackids.org/programs/summer
CREATIVE ARTS OF AUSTIN FILM ACTING FOR THE CAMERA SUMMER SESSIONS Campers will learn the basics of film acting, covering television and commercials. An industry professional will guide them through the audition process as well as prepare them for auditions. Commercial work will be done in class, and each student will also be assigned a scene from a current TV show. Locations: Plum Creek, Kyle Ages: 5-18 Dates: June 13-17 Price: $250 creativeartsofaustin.com
Location: Wallace Middle School, 1302 W. Center St., Kyle Grades: 2-9 Dates: Weekly beginning June 6 and ending July 29 (no camp July 4-8) Price: $120 per child & $32 Registration Fee cityofkyle.com/recreation/ summer-day-camps-youth-teen
STERLING HUNTER JUMPERS RIDING SUMMER CAMPS This is a unique horsemanship camp experience that includes daily private riding lessons, horsekeeping lessons, horse-themed arts and crafts, mounted games and more. All of the camps are kept small so that each camper receives personalized attention in a safe and educational environment. Location: 13304 Wright Road, Buda Ages: 6-16 Dates: June 13-17, June 27-July 1, July 25-31, August 1-5 Price: $325 per camper sterlinghj.com/camp-program.html
YMCA CAMP CYPRESS
YMCA will host three weeks of half-day summer camp at its Camp Cypress location, sitting on 85 acres of pristine wilderness along a half-mile stretch of Onion Creek. The camp contains many features of the Edwards Plateau and is rural in nature. Location: 959 Old San Antonio Road, Buda Ages: 8-12 Dates: June 6-10, June 13-17, July 11-15, July 18-22 Price: $120-$150 per week austinymca.org/programs/summer-day-camp
YMCA SPORTS MINI CAMPS
The Hays Communities YMCA is offering Flag Football, Baseball, Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball and All Sports mini camps. All camps are Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Location: 465 Buda Sportsplex Drive, Buda Ages: 6-13 Dates: June 6-9 (All sports), June 13-16 (Basketball), July 4-7, July 18-21 Price: $185-$210 austinymca.org/programs/mini-camps
YMCA SUMMER DAY CAMPS
Campers can build self-confidence, independence and creativity at a safe and enriching place. At YMCA day camps, campers make friends while learning the values of diversity and cooperation. There are four different Summer Day Camp options: Kinder, Theme, Sports and Trailblazer. Locations: 465 Buda Sportsplex Drive, Buda Carpenter Hill Elementary 4410 FM 967, Buda Dahlstrom Middle School 3600 FM 967, Buda Ages: 4-14 Dates: June 6-Aug. 18 Price: $136-$245 per week austinymca.org/programs/summer-day-camp
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THE SHAWS OF AWE: JAW-DROPPING FUNK These San Marcos musicians bring the party.
an Marcos-based psychedelic-funk-rockers The Shaws of Awe will shake you. Or, at least, the backside of you. Currently consisting of seven members (though their website mentions “a rotating cast of guest musicians”), there is no shortage of musical ideas. This is music you can both dance to and think about. The grooves will get you moving, but there is no shortage of technicality. Guitarist Johnny Storbeck describes their sound as “…progressive, but vintage at the same time. It’s still rooted in the blues, but we’re using some sub-sonic sounds to make it more futuristic.” The Shaws of Awe consists of Luis Aran on vocals, Johnny Storbeck and Andy Fulton on guitars, Payden Price on bass, Rex Simmons on keyboard, Carlos Arturo on percussion and Patrick Montgomery on drums. Having a larger than average sized band suits them very well. It can be ideal for funk music, as George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic showed back in the day. They describe their songwriting through collaboration process as “One person brings a riff and that’s the basis of the song, then everyone adds in their own contribution until we have the full song.” This process ensures each member of the band gets ample time to shine with their particular brand of funk.
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Storbeck detailed nights with the band around the campfire with acoustic instruments, having perhaps a few too many brews, and seeing what riffs came out of the night, or what lyrics suddenly slid into place on top of a newly thought-up idea. The collaboration is the main thing to listen for, as The Shaws of Awe feature extensive improvisation segments within their songs. These are serious musicians. Storbeck describes the constant search for satisfaction with one’s own playing as a musician. “It’s a constant uphill battle. You’ll get as good as you think you need to get, then you go see a show and your jaw hits the floor. It’s endless.” As the players are made up of seasoned veterans of the San Marcos music scene (not to mention classically trained pianist Simmons), their musicianship on any given night is impressive. But, don’t think for a second that means you aren’t going to want to shake most parts of your body.
“It’s a constant uphill battle, you’ll get as good as you think you need to get, then you go see a show and your jaw hits the floor. It’s endless.”
HEAR THE BAND
As far as their philosophy goes, Storbeck explains, “We’re real big about being comfortable with each other and having a good time.If you can’t do that then you can’t create good music. You have to get through all those barriers.”
By Cory Townsend
shawsofawe
Happy Hour Specials Monday-Friday from 4-7 p.m.
$0.99 Crispy Beef Tacos
$12 Domestic Buckets
$2 Landshark, Zeigen, Miller Light, Coors Light,
$13.50 Import Buckets
& Bud Light Pints
(Including Margaritas)
$3 Double Wells
$1 Off All Tequila $1.50 Off Beer Ritas
By Kristen Sowell
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Our summer vacation bucket list of can’t miss activities and local sites.
#3
Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theater
Movies In The Park Summer Schedule
• Friday, May 20, The Good Dinosaur, Lake Kyle
• Friday, June 3, Rango, Buda City Park • Tuesday, June 7, Annie, San Marcos Plaza Park
• Friday, June 10, Aladdin, Buda City Park
• Tuesday, June 14, The Mighty Ducks, San Marcos Plaza Park • Friday, June 17, Goosebumps, Lake Kyle
• Friday, June 17, Hotel Transylvania 2, Buda City Park • Tuesday, June 21, Cinderella, San Marcos Plaza Park • Friday, June 24, Singin’ in the Rain, Buda City Park • Tuesday, June 28, Cool Runnings, San Marcos Plaza Park
• Tuesday, July 5, Paul Bar Mall Cop 2, San Marcos Plaza Park
• Friday, July 8, Hotel Transylvania 2, Lake Kyle
• Tuesday, July 12, The Boxtrolls, San Marcos Plaza Park • Tuesday, July 19, Inside Out, San Marcos Plaza Park • Tuesday, July 26, Aladdin, San Marcos Plaza Park • Friday, July 29, Happy Feet, Kyle Pool
• Friday, August 19, Inside Out, Lake Kyle
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MOVIES #2 #1
San Marcos Cinema Club Every second Monday of the month the club hosts free film screenings at Wake the Dead coffee shop. The unique experiences often include club members dressed in costume, movie themed food available for purchase, and sometimes the filmmakers themselves in attendance. The club also hosts screenings each month at other non-traditional venues such as the back deck of HomeBrew Supply. Free 1432 Old Ranch Rd 12, San Marcos, facebook.com/ SMCinemaClub
Movies In The Park Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks and watch a movie under the stars in San Marcos, Buda, or Kyle. In Kyle movies start 30 minutes after sunset at Lake Kyle (700 Lehman Road) or on July 29 Happy Feet will be shown at Kyle Pool (1300 W. Center Street) where the first 230 attendees can watch the movie while swimming. In Buda movies are shown every Friday in June starting at 9pm at Buda City Park (204 San Antonio St). In San Marcos movies are scheduled every Tuesday in June and July. Screenings begin at sunset at San Marcos Plaza Park (206 N C M Allen Pkwy) with pre-movie games beginning one hour before sunset. Free.
#3
Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theater There are less than 400 drive-in movie theatres left in America, but one of them is in New Braunfels. Showing double-features of the newest movies, guests get two first-run movies for the price of one. Concessions are available in a 50’s style cafe or bring your own from home. Watch from the front seats of your car, bring lawn chairs, or create a makeshift bed in the back of your SUV with the hatch-back open. Use your car radio or portable stereo to hear the film’s sound. Adults $8, Children 4-11 $5, Children 3 and under are free. 1178 Kroesche Ln, New Braunfels, driveinusa.com
FOOD & DRINK #7
Middleton Brewing
PERFORMING ARTS #4
Gruene Hall Celebrating 40 years of live music, the iconic music hall is Texas’ oldest continually operating and most famous dance hall. Gruene Hall has played host to hundreds of celebrity musicians, such as George Strait, Willie Nelson, and Lyle Lovett, whose pictures adorn the walls. The second Sunday of each month features a New Orleans-style Gospel brunch led by Bret Graham. Graham sings cowboy style Gospel tunes accompanied by uplifting Gospel singers while guests enjoy a buffet catered by Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar. Over 20 concerts per month are free, Gospel Brunch $30 per person, other concerts $10-$25 per person. 1281 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels, gruenehall.com
#5
Summer In The Park Every Thursday the San Marcos Performing Arts Association hosts free live music in San
Marcos Plaza Park. 2016 will mark the 30th year of the summer concert series. Concerts begin at 7:30 on the first Thursday in June and continue every Thursday night through the second Thursday in August. In case of rain, concerts will be held at the San Marcos Activity Center. Free.
202 N CM Allen Pkwy, San Marcos, sanmarcossummer.com
#6
EmilyAnn Outdoor Theatre The outdoor mainstage of this Wimberley theatre will hold a musical performance of Shrek every Friday and Saturday in June and also on July 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. Performances of ‘Shakespeare Under the Stars’ run August 4th through 13th (no performance on August 7th). The Shakespeare series is a 6-week intensive program for area high school theatre students. This year’s production will be A Midsummer Night’s Dream, full of fairies, magic, tricks and love. All performances start at 8:15 pm and are $15 for adults and $10 for students. 1101 FM 2325, Wimberley, emilyann.org
Dog friendly Middleton Brewery features a casual décor with garage door walls that open up to provide a huge covered patio feel downstairs. The upstairs to the rooftop patio has twinkle lights and beautiful Hill Country views. During the day play corn hole, darts, or a game of Cards Against Humanity. Stay through the evening to enjoy live music on Saturdays and Sundays or open mic on Mondays. A variety of craft beers are brewed on site, ranging in style from Belgian and American to British. Seasonals and limited releases are brewed occasionally, but at least 14 regulars are always on tap. Don’t miss the gourmet sliders at the adjacent food trailer. 101 Oakwood Loop, San Marcos, middletonbrewingtx. com
#8
Candy, Sweets & Treats Indulge your sweet tooth at this downtown candy and novelty store. Peruse over
1,500 types of old-fashioned, distinctive and imported candy; as well as fudge, gourmet popcorn, unique bottled sodas, party favors, and gift baskets. Adults will love going down memory lane and children will literally be kids in a candy store. 241 N LBJ Dr, San Marcos, candysweettreats.com
#9
Bella Vista Ranch Taste Tuscany in Texas. This Texas Ranch is modeled after traditional family farms in Northern Italy, where families focus on becoming self-sufficient by producing primary products like wine and olive oil. The ranch was the first to successfully grow and harvest olives in Texas, producing a fresh olive oil that is the first of its kind in the area. Bella Vista currently grows more than 1,000 olive trees consisting of over 15 varieties. Guests can sample Bella Vista’s olive oils, jams, wines, and other gourmet foods in the tasting room. Or take a 90 minute guided tour for $15 per person and learn about the agricultural aspects of growing olive trees in Texas, see the olive press in action, and receive guided tastings of all their products. 3101 Mt Sharp Rd, Wimberley, texasoliveoil. com
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#11 RHEA’S ICE CREAM
#10
Lone Star Delights The business started as a roaming kettle corn booth at local outdoor events. Customers affectionately nicknamed the salty and sweet snack “Kettle Krack”. The owners opened up a permanent location in downtown Kyle and serve gourmet fruit shaved ice in addition to the freshly popped kettle corn. To make the icy delight, fruit is pureed and whipped in ice with a little sugar added to give it a sorbet consistency. It’s a sweet treat perfect for hot summer days. 108 S Front St, Kyle, lonestarkettlecorn.com
#11
Rhea’s Ice Cream This San Marcos staple serves up homemade scoops in unique flavors including avocado coconut, goat cheese & raspberry jam, strawberry Nutella, and Big Red. In addition to a cup or waffle cone, patrons can order their ice cream between fresh-baked brownies or cookies or in a milkshake. Want to make a custom flavor of your own? With a minimum half gallon order and a week’s notice, Rhea’s will make any flavor you dream up . 318 N LBJ Dr, San Marcos, rheasicecream.com
#12
Wimberley Valley Winery A drive to this winery starts with a greeting by miniature horses, which guests can pet when they are lounging near the fence. Inside the villa tasting room, guests can sample 5 wines for $7. Wines are all reasonably priced and available by the glass. The Cellar Select 34 S M T X M AG A Z I N E . C O M
Red is a chilled semi-sweet wine and only $12 for the bottle. Enjoy your wine on the large back deck or at one of the seating areas scattered around the grounds under the shade of large oak trees. 2825 Lone Man Mountain Rd, Driftwood, wimberleyvalleywine. com
#13
The Gourmet Ice Co Rethink your snow cone experience. This shaved ice has a gourmet twist with made-fromscratch syrups of fresh fruit, herbs, and natural cane sugar poured over the softest, finest, fluffiest, shaved ice you’ve ever had. The semi-revolving menu features 12-15 flavors each week including hibiscus mint, blackberry lavender, sea salt chocolate caramel, and green tea vanilla. If you can’t pick just one flavor choose the flight of 3 flavors and get a 4 ounce portion of each one. Available toppings include sweet cream, coconut cream, chile limon powder, or vanilla ice cream. 1102 N. Walnut Ave, New Braunfels, thegourmeticeco.com
#14
Texas Pie Company Life is short, eat more pie. Famous for their handmade pies, the secret recipes of Texas Pie Company were passed down from chef/owner Julie Albertson’s grandmother. The pies rival anything you (or even your grandmother) can make at home. Available as full size
pies ($15.25) or mini-personal pies ($3.75), there is a large selection ready to eat everyday so no pre-ordering is needed. Popular flavors include Almond Joy, pumpkin praline, peanut butter mousse, fudge pecan, key lime, and Kahlua cheesecake. Texas Pie Company is also a full service restaurant serving southern comfort food for lunch.
202 W Center St, Kyle, texaspiecompany.com
#15
Stinson Distilling Just opened to the public in March this newcomer to the Hill Country distilling scene was founded by Clint Blythe who has been perfecting his home distilling craft for 23 years. Stinson produces moonshine, brandy, rum, whiskey, potato vodka, and other spirits crafted in small batches. Fresh fruit and herbs are soaked in the spirits creating a variety of fresh cocktails available by the glass. The venue includes the distillery, a tasting room with custom wood accents and a large outdoor area with picnic tables and space for children to run around. 18281 Ranch to Market Rd 150, Driftwood, stinsondistilling.com
SWIMMING #16
Rio Vista Park The deep watering hole of the spring-fed San Marcos River offers a refreshing swim on hot summer days. Rio Vista Park is 14 acres with restrooms, picnic tables, and BBQ grills. Pack your ice chest and outdoor chairs and claim a shady spot near the river for a day of fun. The best people-watching spot is the falls area. It’s become a play area for tubers, kayakers, SUP boarders, and even surfers. Surfing San Marcos may sound strange, but when water levels are just right the man-made tube and kayak shoot doubles as a wave simulator. Free . 555 Cheatham St, San Marcos
#17
Landa Park This 51 acre park features a springfed pool from the Comal and stays a constant 72 degrees year round. Built in the early 1900s, it is one of the oldest and most historic bathing pools in Texas, varying in depth from 0 to 9 feet deep and featuring an overhead cargo net for climbing, rope swing, and a 2-story tall slide. There is a zero depth pool that varies from 0 to 2.5 feet deep, ideal for children under 5. It features a 5 foot tall slide and a mushroom fountain.
While visiting Landa Park you can ride the miniature train, paddle boat on Landa Lake, play miniature golf, or visit the arboretum with over 50 species of trees. The park has over 300 picnic tables, many under large oak trees, and over 75 BBQ grills so pack a lunch and make a day of it. Aquatic facility fees are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors 60+ and children 3-12, and free for children 2 and under. 164 Landa Park Dr, New Braunfels
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#18
Blue Hole
JACOB’S WELL
For an easy to access swimming hole don’t miss the crystal clear waters of Blue Hole in the center of Wimberley. The 126 acre city park has bathrooms, picnic areas, trails and an amphitheater around the natural swimming hole. Leap into the water from a beautiful flagstone deck or just use the ladder to climb in and out. Ice chests with picnic lunches, camp chairs, small pop-up shade tents, and floats and inner tubes are allowed. The park is open for swimming on weekends in May and every day in June, July, and August from 10 am to 6 pm. Get there early, they often reach capacity. Admission to the swimming area is $9 for adults and $5 for children 4-12, seniors 60+, and military service members. 100 Blue Hole Lane, Wimberley Photo by: San Marcos Photos
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#19
Labeled “one of the most dangerous places to dive on Earth” the beautiful waters of this natural swimming hole cover an underwater cave system reaching approximately 5 football fields below the surface. Because of the danger, cave diving is only allowed to research professionals with a permit but the swimming in the largest continually flowing karstic spring in the Texas Hill Country should be enjoyed by all. Limestone cliffs and native vegetation surround the spring with enchanting beauty. Year round the water temperature is a constant 68 degrees. Access to the spring requires a hike of approximately 1300 feet so wear sturdy shoes and leave strollers and ice chests at home. Capacity is limited so swimming reservations should be made online in 2 hour blocks. $9 for adults and $5 for Hays County residents, children 5-12, seniors 60+, and military service members.
This 34 acre public park has a quarter mile of Blanco River access, seven BBQ grills with picnic tables, and walking trails. Besides swimming, kayaks and other non-motorized boats are allowed. The dam offers beautiful vistas with a deep swimming hole above and a shallow walking stream below. On the weekend get to the park early to claim a spot and lounge all day. A pop up tent and some folding tables and chairs are suggested for a full day at the park since shaded areas are limited. Or just pop in for an easy and refreshing swim during daylight hours and enjoy this beautiful stretch of the Blanco River between grassy lawns and tall limestone bluffs. Free.
Jacob’s Well
1699 Mt. Sharp Road, Wimberley, jwna.checkfront. com/reserve 36 S M T X M AG A Z I N E . C O M
Five Mile Dam
4440 S. Old Stagecoach Road, San Marcos
WITH THE KIDS #21 #22 Wonder World Park
The first park in Texas to open cave exploration to the public, Wonder World Park offers 90 minute tours of the only earthquake-formed cave in the nation. Tour tickets also include the 190 foot high observation tower, an anti-gravity house, a train ride, playtime at waterfalls, and a petting park. Combination tickets are $24.95 for adults, $16.95 seniors 65+ and kids 6-12, and $9.50 for kids 3-5. Military discounts also available. 1000 Prospect St., San Marcos, wonderworldpark.com
McKenna Children’s Museum
Children can wander and play inside exhibits that ignite the imagination and teach them about the world they live in. Your child can be a doctor, banker, astronaut, gardener, scientist, artist and inventor all in one afternoon. One of the most popular exhibits, the outdoor water table, recently underwent a total renovation and has all new features and interactive stations, including a racing ramp, fishing pond, high powered squirters with targets, water wheel, and bucket conveyor belt. Admission is $7.50 per person. Children under 12 months are free. . 801 W San Antonio St, New Braunfels, mckennakids.org
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#23
New Braunfels Railroad Museum The museum is made up of several rooms of local train history, equipment, model trains, and photographs. The large model train village has lots of fun details and several trains going at once. Outside, several retired train cars are open to explore including a dining car, steam engine, baggage car, and a caboose. The museum is located next to active railroad tracks with over 30 trains passing by each day.
The most popular visitation days for families are the Kids Fun Days on the first and third Saturdays of the month from 10 am to 2 pm. On these days the museum hosts special areas. Kids can run the model trains by pushing levers and then receive a personalized train engineer certificate. The Lego club brings many tables of Legos for kids to build with, a model Lego train set for inspiration, and helpful volunteers offering guidance. For a $5 donation, kids can even take home their creation. On these special days the museum also gives free train tickets for children 12 and under to ride the nearby Landa Park train. Museum admission is free but a $3 suggested donation is appreciated. 302 West San Antonio Street, New Braunfels, newbraunfelsrailroadmuseum. org
NATURE
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Exotic animals eating out of your hand from the comfort of your air conditioned car makes a perfect adventure on a hot summer day. Start your safari with plenty of animal food purchased at the park entrance. Then drive through the Ranch where hungry antelope, bison, and elk (just to name a few) will happily eat out of your hand. An ostrich may stick its neck into your car and taking a selfie with a zebra is priceless. After your adventure by car explore the ranch on foot and visit the only living twin giraffes born in the US, a petting zoo, a lemur island and much more. To experience the animals at their most active arrive at the park when it first opens at 9 am and animals are at their hungriest. Park admission is $22 for adults, $13.50 for children 3-11, $20 for seniors 65 and older, and free for children under 3.
The crystal clear waters of Spring Lake at the Meadows Center, formerly known as Aquarena Springs, has the densest population of turtles in the US, many endangered species, and one of the world’s largest aquifer-driven spring systems. The springs are home to several threatened or endangered species including the Texas Blind Salamander, Fountain Darter, Texas Wild Rice (a rare species of grass), and San Marcos Salamander. See the aquatic creatures up close with a guided 30 minute glass-bottom boat tour of the lake. Inside, the center has a 1,000 gallon aquarium tank housing several native fish species only found in Spring Lake. Entrance to the Meadows Center is free. Glass-bottom boat tours are $9.75 for adults, $8 for seniors 62 and over, $6 for children 3-12, and free for children 2 and under.
Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, wildliferanchtexas.com
#25
Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo Formerly known as the Snake Farm, this roadside attraction has expanded to house over 500 animals, including one of the state’s largest reptile collections, seven types of lemurs, a petting zoo, five different types of monkeys and two of the fewer than 300 white lions in the world. Not your typical zoo, this attraction provides an upclose experience with shows including alligator and crocodile feedings, snake handling, and interactions with otter pups. Admission is $12.75 for adults, $9.75 for children 3-12, and free for children 2 and under. 5640 Interstate 35 Frontage Rd, New Braunfels, exoticanimalworld.com
Meadows Center
6601 University Drive, San Marcos, meadowscenter.txstate.edu
#27
San Marcos River Flowing from artesian springs, the San Marcos River is a refreshing 72 degrees year-round. A popular recreation spot, visitors to the river enjoy tubing, kayaking, swimming, snorkeling and fishing in crystal clear water. Open weekends in May and daily beginning Memorial Day the Lions Club Tube Rental offers tubes and shuttle service for an hour float from San Marcos City Park to Rio Vista Park for $10 per person with a $20 refundable deposit. Visitors can also rent stand-up paddle boards, sit-on-top kayaks, fishing kayaks, and whitewater kayaks from the Olympic Outdoor Center for $40 for a half day, $60 for a full day, and $10 shuttle fee per boat. Or try a stand-up paddle board yoga class from SUP Salutations, no paddle or yoga experience needed. tubesanmarcos.com, kayakinstruction.org, supsalutations.com
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#28
Lookout Mountain Also called ‘Old Baldy’ and ‘Prayer Mountain’, a short 10 minute hike up 218 steps is rewarded with beautiful Hill Country views. After many years as an iconic spot for Wimberley residents, the church that owned the land offered it up for sale in 2014 and, with the help of fundraisers and donations, the City of Wimberley was able to purchase it and turn it into a city park. Wear good walking shoes, bring water, and enjoy 360° views of the area below. Free. 33 La Toya Circle, Wimberley
ACTIVITIES #29
Live Band Karaoke Moonshine & Ale is known for its Rock & Roll sing-along piano bar show, but Thursday nights the tables turn and the audience becomes the star. Not your average karaoke, the Live Band Karaoke event is a chance for guests to sing with a live band accompaniment from 9pm to close. The band’s catalog features
over 200 songs including today’s hits, Motown, R&B, Classic Rock and favorite karaoke anthems. Moonshine & Ale has a full bar with over 150 beers, a spinning shot wheel, and an outdoor patio. 236 W San Antonio St, New Braunfels, moonshineale.com
#30
Cafe Monet
to paint from the studio’s huge selection and a color palette. The friendly staff then demonstrates tips and tricks such as using lace, a toothbrush, stamps, stencils, and books of examples. When the artwork is finished, the staff glazes the pottery and it’s ready for pickup 5 days later. For a take home same day option you can select a wooden plaque to paint, available in many shapes from seasonal to the state of Texas. Prices vary based on items selected; $15-$30 per item is average. Cafe Monet is BYOB friendly, making it a fun girls’ night out. The studio also has a potter’s wheel and offers private and group classes. A 6-week class is available on Sundays for $200 and includes clay, firing of successful pieces, and instruction. For the kids, the studio offers birthday party packages and hosts a Kids Night Out one day a month where children can be dropped off for 2 hours for a $25 fee that includes a painting of a cereal bowl and pizza dinner. 145 E Hopkins St, San Marcos, cafemonet.org
Where the Pinterest projects you’ve been dreaming of come to life. Guests select a ceramic item
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OFF CAMPUS SMTX
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Digging Deep Texas State University professor and his students search for the ancient secrets of southwestern Texas.
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“One of the things that attracted me to a teaching job at Texas State was the opportunity to carry on doing research in the region.”
“
We hope it’ll become the best dated archeological site in the region and the best studied.”
“One of the things that attracted me to a teaching job at Texas State was the opportunity to carry on doing research in the region,” Black said. “There’s a lot to be learned from the region. It’s one of the relatively few areas in North America that essentially has an unbroken history of peoples living off the land -- hunting and gathering, foraging.”
D
r. Steve Black’s job has taken him further back in time than many people will go. The associate professor of anthropology launched the Ancient Southwest Texas research project seven years ago to research the ancient history of the Lower Pecos Canyonlands -- an area where people lived off the land for at least 8,000 years. The people left pictographs on the walls of rock shelters, and traces of their lives are buried beneath the dirt.
Black first became interested in anthropology and archeology because of books he read in junior high. “One of the books was called ‘Secrets of the Indian Mounds,’” he said. “It was a kids’ novel, but it got me interested in the idea that things were buried that you could learn from.” Later, his father took him to an archeological dig site not far from their home in Austin, and that led him to study anthropology at the University of Texas in the 1970s. Black first visited the Lower Pecos Canyonlands in the 1990s, when a friend who taught at Texas Tech took students down to the region for a tour of the sites. Later, Black was the lead editor of several web exhibits on the region at “Texas Beyond History,” and he became aware of the region’s archeological potential.
The region is on the northern edge of the Chihuahuan Desert and the dry weather and structure of the land has helped with preservation. “Portions of it are preserved because of dry rock shelters,” Black said. “Ranchers call them ‘Indian caves.’” Some of those shelters have been dug up and are poorly preserved. The rock shelter where Black and his future, current and former graduate students are working -- Eagle Cave -- is different. “The landowners, since the 1940s, have kept people from digging in it,” according to Black. “A substantial portion of those deposits are still intact.”
cultural deposits and layers of mud or sand that covers it, and we don’t know how deep it goes. We know it’s at least 15 to 20 feet deep,” the professor explained. The Ancient Southwest Texas research project has launched a crowdfunding campaign to help pay for more radio carbon dating to help discover how old some of the layers in Eagle Cave are. “Radio carbon dates are not cheap. We have a special arrangement through UTSA where we can get our radio carbon dating done at half price,” Black stated, but the team will probably need between 60-70 dates and currently only have 18. Even at the discounted price, 20 more radio carbon dates will cost about $6,000. “When you’re studying one layer in particular, you want to know as much as you can,” Black said, “and one of the critical things you want to know is how old it is.”
The most interesting thing he has found during these digs isn’t a thing at all -- it’s a circumstance. The layers Black and his team have found aren’t the kind of flat, uniform examples found in textbooks. “For me, the most remarkable thing is the complexity of the layering,” he said. “Another striking thing is realizing how those sites have been impacted by occasional severe floods. That’s been surprising to us. It oftentimes didn’t destroy the archeology -- sometimes it helped protect it by depositing a layer of mud over the site. We’ve been very fortunate and found several cases of that.” The floods that occurred were not very frequent; Black said some might have been 1,000 years apart, but when they hit, “it fundamentally altered the nature of the site.” One of Black’s graduate students, Victoria Pagano, is excavating a site below one of the rock shelters that was flooded more frequently than the rock shelters above it. “There’s almost alternating layers of
FOR MORE
INFORMATION: The Ancient Southwest Texas Research Project Blog:
aswtproject.wordpress.com Texas Beyond History:
texasbeyondhistory.net Donate: donate.txstate.edu/crowdfunding
By Robin Blackburn SMTX
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“THE STARS AT NIGHT ARE BIG AND BRIGHT, DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXAS.” During the 2003 blackout of the Northeast, hundreds of New Yorkers called 911 to report something strange in the sky. Light pollution had deprived them of the sight of stars for so long that they didn’t recognize the Milky Way. But it is not just NYC that suffers from light pollution. An estimated 80% of Americans have never seen the Milky Way either. Trade the city lights for a sleeping bag at these top stargazing spots. You’ll be rewarded with the beautiful Texas sky in all its glory.
Photo by: Mike Bartoszik
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South Llano River State Park The Birder’s and Stargazer’s Paradise
South Llano River State Park offers visitors a variety of outdoor activities along its two miles of beautiful river frontage. The spring-fed South Llano River’s clear water attracts a large variety of wildlife and abundant wild bird species. Families can enjoy tubing, canoeing, fishing or swimming in the river. The park is well known for its turkey roost, considered one of the largest in central Texas. The night sky offers an abundance of family stargazing with virtually no light pollution. There may even be a turkey or two to share in the enchantment of the beauty of the starry night.
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Enchanted Rock
The Enchantment of the Milky Way The park’s distinctive centerpiece is a 500 foot high pink granite formation and it is one of the most beautiful and popular hiking and camping spots in Texas. It is also one of the best stargazing spots in the state. Texas Parks & Wildlife has partnered with the McDonald Observatory, the International Dark Sky (IDA) Association and local astronomy groups to promote stargazing at Enchanted Rock. They have updated the lighting at the park to protect the night skies above it and it has been officially named an IDA Dark Sky Park, which means it is considered to be exceptional for stargazing. The skies are dark enough to view the Milky Way!. The park will host a “Star party” on July 8 and on September 2 where guests can join Enchanted Rock Staff and members of the Hill Country Astronomers for a night of Stargazing. Or enjoy the night sky on your own any day the year. Visitors can hike to the top of the rock to stargaze but must be down by 10pm. Overnight primitive campsites are available but book in advance, weekends sell out weeks in advance.
Lake Georgetown Stargazing Plaza
Lake Georgetown is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir on the north fork of the San Gabriel River near Georgetown. Lake Georgetown is comprised of three parks each offering picnic areas, boat ramps, and camping. The parks are known for their family friendly atmosphere and abundant wildlife. The North San Gabriel River Trail travels three miles along the San Gabriel River. It includes two river crossings, a star gazing plaza, a bird watching station, and a nature trail that winds through a spring and sensitive wetland area. The trail is beautiful and unique to the area and some say even better than Lady Bird Lake Trail in Austin. The star gazing plaza has seating for visitors and unobstructed views of the night sky.
Overnight camping at Lake Georgetown is abundant and easily accessible. There are over 200 campsites available with water, electricity, covered picnic tables and a grill. Visitors can also reserve primitive campsites in undeveloped areas of the park where sites are only accessible by hiking or by boat.
10 Celebrating
years EST. 2006
CELEBRATING
TEN YEARS THANK YOU SAN MARCOS! WE LOVE SHARING YOUR ENTERTAINMENT & CULTURE.
Marvelously priced at under $25
MAY / JUNE | 2016
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LATE NIGHT
PIZZA BY THE SLICE AT HARPERS HALL
THURSDAYS,FRIDAY & SATURDAY NIGHTS
PLATE SIZED SLICES
$3.00 A SLICE PEPPERONI & CHEESE
PITCHERS
ALL DAY, EVERY DAY MILLER & BUD
STARTING AT 1 AM
WHILE SUPPLIES LAST
139 East Hopkins, San Marcos 48 S M T X M AG A Z I N E . C O M
HarpersHall
HarpersBrickOven
(512) 878-2448
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GAME FACE SHOT
CONTENTS
May / June 2016
Bikini Fashion P. 60 Sydney Woy and other San Marvelous Kittens model San Marvelous’ new swimwear line.
BOBCATFANS 52 Lonesome Dove Reunion TXST’s Star-Studded Event
54 Rodeo
Bobcat Alumni Leads Women’s Professional Rodeo
55 Rugby
Team Captain and Air Force Veteran Sam Dunn
57 Fashion
Flower Power
58 Campus Observatory TXST’s Best Kept Secret
66 San Marvelous Kitten Gabriella Davis
Music Greeks P. 67
Texas State’s oldest active fraternity works to change the negative stigmas of fraternity life through music
ONLY @ 50 S M T X M AG A Z I N E . C O M
On The Cover Madison G. models San Marvelous Swim with a Cheetah Black & Brown Spirit Photo by Rio Rodriguez
NEW BUSINESSES: CRAFTHOUSE KITCHEN & TAP The fully remodeled building features patio dining, a brick warehouse interior, and a large bar area. The creative gastropub menu offers dishes such as deviled eggs, an Apple Brie burger, Ahi tuna street tacos, funnel cakes, and also has breakfast available all day. Specialty drinks include fresh made sangria, frozen screwdriver, cucumber margarita, and, as the restaurant name suggests, a menu of over 50 beers.
242 N LBJ Drive, San Marcos | 512-667-6700
WELL BOUTIQUE SPA Stress relief is the name of the game here. With massages for one or two ranging from one to two hours, facial massages, full body wraps, body masks and aromareflexology, and package deals for a combination, you’re sure to leave both relaxed and invigorated.
DAHLIA WOODS GALLERY See the work of Woods and other Texas artists, along with collections of private owners. Fans of true crime novels will also be pleased to know the gallery also contains a small bookstore selling accounts of history’s famous cases.
232 North LBJ Drive, San Marcos
SWING TIME DANCE COMPANY Why just watch Dancing With The Stars? Become the star yourself by learning Latin, ballroom, swing, and country western steps. From the jitterbug to merengue to the waltz, you’ll be getting 10’s from your partner in no time.
101 Uhland Road Suite 218 (Old Mill Building), San Marcos| 512-210-7460
900 F.M. 967 Suite D, Buda | 512-789-9484
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BF TIDBITS
TXST HOSTS LONESOME DOVE REUNION
Diane Lane (actress), Suzanne de Passe (executive producer), and Margo Martindale (actress) at the “Women of Lonesome Dove” Panel Discussion.
STAR-STUDDED EVENTS BRING A BELOVED MINISERIES BACK TO LIFE. FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, THE BIGGEST STARS OF THE LONESOME DOVE MINISERIES – INCLUDING ROBERT DUVALL, DANNY GLOVER, DIANE LANE, RICKY SCHRODER, AND CHRIS COOPER – JOINED OTHER MEMBERS OF THE CAST AND CREW FOR A MEMORABLE REUNION. Lonesome Dove, Larry McMurtry’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, was later turned into a well-loved Emmy Award-winning miniseries. The Wittliff Collections, located in the Alkek Library at Texas State University, were founded by Lonesome Dove screenwriter
Live Auction Bid Spotters with Heath Hale of Heath Hale Auctioneers
and co-executive producer Bill Wittliff. TXST organized the high-profile events of the Lonesome Dove Reunion & Trail to raise awareness of the importance of preserving the Southwest’s cultural heritage while raising private support for the Wittliff Tomorrow Fund. “With these panels and exhibits and the reunion gala, it gives people an opportunity to revisit Gus and Call, Clara, Lorena and Elmira – and people can take whatever part of it they most identify with,” said Wittliff. “It’s a way for them to be on the trail with those who made it.” The Lonesome Dove Trail included museum exhibitions, a screening of the 4-episode miniseries, panel discussions and a symposium at multiple locations in Fort Worth and one
Suzanne de Passe (executive producer) and Robert Duvall at the “Remembering Lonesome Dove” Panel Discussion.
venue in Albany, Texas. Costumes, props, photographs and other items on loan from the extensive Lonesome Dove Production Archive of the Wittliff Collections were paraded to the public. The once-in-a-lifetime experience introduced a new generation to the legendary Lonesome Dove story and brought the production back to life for die-hard fans. The climax of the Lonesome Dove Trail was a star-studded reunion gala at River Ranch in the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards. The soldout event included appearances and remarks by cast and crew, live musical performances, a silent and live auction, a tribute to author Larry McMurtry, and a gourmet dinner. Featured speakers included TXST President Denise Trauth, Wittliff, and master of ceremonies Barry Tubb, who played Jasper Fant in the miniseries.
Lonesome Dove actors Robert Duvall, Ricky Schroder, Chris Cooper, and Danny Glover speak at the “Remembering Lonesome Dove” Panel Discussion.
Photos by Stephanie Schulz, courtesy of Texas State University 52 B OB CATFANS MAY/JUNE 2016
Bill Wittliff (screenwriter and co-executive producer) speaking to Diane Lane (actress) at the Lonesome Dove Reunion Gala.
Lonesome Dove actor Ricky Schroder mingling with Reunion Gala guests.
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TEXAS STATE GRAD BRINGS WOMEN’S RODEO TO THE FOREFRONT STAR COMPETITOR CAROLYNN VIETOR ALSO STEERED HER SPORT TO NATIONAL PROMINENCE. BY EDMOND ORTIZ
CAROLYNN VIETOR RECALLS BEING INTRODUCED TO RODEOS BY HER GRANDFATHER AS A YOUNG GIRL. ”I VIVIDLY REMEMBER SITTING IN THE FIRST ROW. I WAS 4 OR 5,” VIETOR SAID OF ATTENDING THE SAN ANTONIO STOCK SHOW AND RODEO, EARLY IN THE EVENT’S HISTORY. She immediately took a liking to the action, especially roping and barrel racing. “It became a passion. I was hooked,” Vietor says. Although she spent her formative years in San Antonio, it was during visits to her grandfather’s ranch in Cambellton, south of San Antonio, where Vietor learned how to ride and care for a horse, as well as roping. “I spent all my available time at the ranch,” she says. Vietor’s desire to compete at the collegiate level led her to attend then-Southwest Texas State, which fielded a rodeo team. In college, Vietor won two national intercollegiate regional titles and the Reserve World Champion Goat-Tying Championship. In 1965 she was named Miss Rodeo Texas and Miss College Rodeo, and Miss Rodeo America in 1966. “I was 100 percent involved in rodeo. One reason I came to Southwest Texas was because I wanted to do rodeo. I wasn’t interested in sororities,” she says. Vietor graduated from Southwest Texas with a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics in 1968. That same year, she married William Vietor, a Montanan whose family had a ranch. For the next several years, Vietor raised her own family and worked for the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program in Philipsburg, Montana, attending local amateur rodeos in her free time. In the 54 B OB CATFANS MAY/JUNE 2016
“ONE REASON I CAME TO SOUTHWEST TEXAS WAS BECAUSE I WANTED TO DO RODEO. I WASN’T INTERESTED IN SORORITIES.” mid-1970s, Vietor acquired a horse and got back into competitive rodeo, starting with amateur rodeos, followed by the Girls Rodeo Association (GRA), the predecessor of the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA). As she became more renowned on the rodeo circuit, Vietor supported efforts to advance women’s rodeo, especially adding prize money into the mix. “Early on, there was no prize money. We just ran for a small entry fee. The crowds loved it. Barrel races, specifically, were crowd pleasers,” she says. “Barrel racing is one of the two most popular activities. It’s easy to follow. It’s a fast event.” Vietor served 11 years on the WPRA’s Board of Directors before becoming WPRA president. After retiring in 2003, the membership pushed her to run again for the presidency in 2013 and she won. She retired again in 2015. Under Vietor’s WPRA leadership, women barrel racers got pay equal to
their male counterparts, and female competitors received more respect and recognition. Vietor also negotiated sponsorships and television coverage for WPRA events. “The passion, hours, investments are all the same,” Vietor says of comparing men and women rodeo competitors. “A lot of women make money at barrel racing.” As a competitor, Vietor made the Montana Pro Rodeo Circuit Finals 18 times between 1980 and 2005 with seven different horses. She was circuit champion in 2003. Back home, Texas State University named her a Distinguished Alumnus in 2008. The Vietors now focus on operating their ranch in Philipsburg, splitting time there and at a second home in Arizona. But as Carolynn says, “The passion is still there,” to keep competing. “I raise and train my own horses. I hope I am still able to keep competing,” she says. “As for (the Montana) ranch, I’m incredibly blessed. It provided me with the ability to do some of these things.”
AWARDS AND HONORS While attending then-Southwest Texas State, Carolynn Vietor earned two national intercollegiate regional titles, Reserve World Champion Goat-Tying Champion, Miss Rodeo Texas, Miss College Rodeo, and Miss
Rodeo America. Later the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association named Vietor Woman of the Year, Pioneer Woman of the Year, Heritage Award winner, and President of their national organization.
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Conference championships this year and won the Conference in 2011.
PROFILE
ATHLETES
Like most Americans, Dunn was a stranger to rugby before a roommate’s friend introduced him to it. Dunn accompanied the friend to a practice and hasn’t stopped playing since. “It wasn’t too much of an adjustment,” he said. “The biggest thing was just learning all the different rules, because I had never even seen a match before. It took me a couple of weeks of practice to understand most of the rules. So they had me playing before I even understood what I was doing really.” It didn’t take long for Dunn to impress. After one season he was selected captain of the squad for 2015-2016 by the club’s president, officers, and coach. “I can’t really see it when I’m out there but I’ve been told I have a leadership quality,” Dunn said. “It could be from my time serving or all the sports I’ve played. In the military you have to be ready to step up and fill a role at any time so you kind of learn to be a leader.” Dunn plays what’s known as the “8-man” in rugby jargon. His is a key position in a rugby scrum. Scrums are opposing balls of interlocking players who push on each in an effort to gain possession of a ball. The 8-man stands at the rear of the scrum, directing it by pushing certain players.
“I CAN’T REALLY SEE IT WHEN I’M OUT THERE BUT I’VE BEEN TOLD I HAVE A LEADERSHIP QUALITY. IT COULD BE FROM MY TIME SERVING OR ALL THE SPORTS I’VE PLAYED.”
“I like the physicality of it,” Dunn said when asked about his favorite part of the sport. “But at the same time you can go hang out and get a beer with a guy after a match. It’s a real gentleman’s game.”
VETERAN LEADERSHIP
A
TEXAS STATE STUDENT AND AIR FORCE VETERAN CAPTAINS A TALENTED RUGBY CLUB. BY TRAVIS ATKINSON
AFTER SUFFERING A TOUGH 31-17 DEFEAT AT THE HANDS OF NORTH TEXAS IN THE SOUTH WESTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP IN MARCH, THE TEXAS STATE RENEGADES HOPE TO REBOUND NEXT SEASON. IF THEIR CAPTAIN SAM DUNN HAS ANYTHING TO SAY ABOUT IT, TEXAS STATE WILL BE BACK.
Dunn isn’t your traditional college student. The 24-year-old junior from San Antonio didn’t start college straight out of high school. Instead, just a few months after graduating Dunn joined the Air Force, where he would serve for four years. It wasn’t a difficult decision for him. “Serving was something I wanted to do for a long time,” Dunn said. “I didn’t really even look into colleges or think about going to school P HOT OS BY: PARKER THORNTON
because I knew I wanted to join.” Dunn says his time in the Air Force had a huge impact, giving him the discipline and motivation to go to school. Now the accounting major hopes to get his masters after graduating. “It made me appreciate just having the opportunity to go to school,” Dunn said. “I probably wouldn’t have given school a lot of effort straight out of high school. In the military you don’t really have a choice to be somewhere or not, you have to be there. It instilled me with the discipline to study and make it to class every day.” When Dunn isn’t studying, he’s playing rugby as captain of the Texas State Renegades. The Texas State Rugby Club has been active since 1986. They reached the South Western
Rugby was first developed at Rugby School in Rugby, Warwickshire. It evolved from ball sports played at English public schools in the 1800’s whose roots stretch back to the Ancient Greek game “Episkyros”
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“BEING ABLE TO SEE SOMETHING THAT’S HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS LIGHT YEARS AWAY...HERE ON EARTH, I DON’T KNOW, IT’S WHAT I LOVE ABOUT EVERYTHING. JUST THE VASTNESS OF THE UNIVERSE AND HOW BEAUTIFUL IT REALLY IS.” - TYLER
CAMPUS
Though the observatory is a free service available to students and the general public, not many actually know it exists. Doescher has a long history overseeing the observatory. “I’ve been here so long time I was here before this building was built. When the building was built, Dr. Olson, who teaches astronomy here, was given the task of the astronomy side of this building. That was when we decided to have an observatory. I was his helper when the building was built. In 1992, I officially became the one in charge. We got the telescope in 1994 and so I’ve been in charge of it, its whole life!”
LONG, TEXAS STATE SENIOR AND OBSERVATORY STUDENT WORKER
Anyone can enjoy the marvelous sky above, even if you don’t know what you are looking at. Doescher and his student workers inform visitors what planets are visible and the names of the constellations currently in view. On nights when the 16-inch telescope is being heavily used to observe a particular sight, there are other telescopes ready for use. “We have smaller telescopes that have smaller aptitude but excellent optics. They love things like the moon and the planets so we bring those out onto the deck to look at things like that.” Texas State senior and Society of Physics member Tyler Long is one of the observatory’s student workers. “It’s super relaxing. Physics has a really hectic work schedule but it’s always nice to come up here on a Wednesday night and hang out. Even when it’s kind of cloudy, it’s nice to talk to people and check out what we can. It’s really humbling. I was that little kid who wanted to be an astronaut when I grew up and I always thought the stars were gorgeous. It’s mind boggling, everything about space, the stars and its endless possibilities.”
TEXAS STATE’S BEST KEPT SECRET THE PLANETS AND STARS ARE IN FULL VIEW IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TXST CAMPUS. BY JONATHAN RODRIGUEZ ONE OF THE BEST KEPT SECRETS OF TEXAS STATE IS FREE STARGAZING AT Located in the Supple Science Building on the Texas State camwpus, a quest to see the galaxy begins as you take the elevator to the fourth floor and follow the signs leading you to the observatory. Take the steps outside to an observation deck that oversees the entire city and where small portable telescopes can be used. Adjacent to the observation deck is a 16-inch diameter telescope housed in a dome.
Open to the public, visitors can enjoy a stargazing session or, on particularly clear nights, see shooting stars, Jupiter, and Orion’s Belt. “If you look up and don’t see many stars because of clouds, then our telescope won’t be able to see them either,” says Russell Doescher, the faculty director of the observatory and senior Physics lecturer. “It really is best to wait for clear skies.”
STARGAZING AT THE OBSERVATORY Though the lights of the city and campus may hinder the stars’ visibility from ground perspective, the optics in the telescopes are powerful enough to enhance the view.
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Jupiter is opposite the sun in the sky and is visible all night. It is the biggest planet in the solar system, so enormous that over 1300 planet Earths could fit inside it.
“The stars are all around us in all directions… there’s no set season where you can or cannot see the stars,” said Doescher when asked if there is a best time to view them.
’s p u o S On
Private group sessions are available and the observatory is open to the public every Wednesday night from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
, UE Q S O I H B UMB R S I G E F txstate.edu/physics/Observatory.html AW IANA OWD R C UIS CH LO LAM OW LE N AB &C IL AVA
Weather affects stargazing. If the forecast calls for rain the observatory likely will be closed. Cloudy days also do not allow for much visibility.
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BF CAMPUS
“WE ARE REALLY BREAKING THROUGH AND LETTING PEOPLE SEE [THE NEGATIVE CONNOTATION OF GREEK LIFE] IS NOT HOW IT IS ANYMORE. THE GREEK CULTURE IN GENERAL IS A WHOLE NEW BEAST AND IT’S MOVING IN SUCH A POSITIVE DIRECTION.” AWARD WINNING SINGING GROUP Phi Mu Alpha fraternity chapters across the country competed in the National Sinfonia Song Challenge in late 2015. Texas State’s sinfonia won the competition with their rendition of the fraternity song, “Songs are Best at Candlelight”. The Sinfonia also won the Texas State University Homecoming Talent Show Fall 2015.
MUSIC GREEKS
TEXAS STATE’S OLDEST ACTIVE FRATERNITY WORKS TO CHANGE THE NEGATIVE STIGMAS OF FRATERNITY LIFE THROUGH MUSIC. -BY TRAVIS E. GREEN PHI MU ALPHA WAS FOUNDED AT TEXAS STATE IN 1947 WITH A SINGULAR PURPOSE. THE SINFONIA WORKS TO ADVANCE MUSIC THROUGH INVOLVEMENT IN THEIR SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY. The Sinfonia is open to any male student with a love of music. “One of the things that brings all of us together is the music factor,” says Johnny Edds, Secretary of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia at Texas State. “Anyone that wants to pursue advancing music and find brotherhood through music can find a home here.” Housed in the school of music at Texas State University, Phi Mu Alpha focuses on advancing music in America through recitals,
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participation in local projects, and the growth and development of its members in their passion for the craft. One of the initiatives that Phi Mu Alpha started on campus is “Serenading Sinfonians,” a time when the group walks through different buildings on campus singing just to brighten people’s days. The group also participates in Bobcat Build every year. According to Edds, another focus of Phi Mu Alpha is to “spin the negative connotation of Greek life,” which insinuates a focus on partying and lewd behavior. “We are really breaking through and letting people see that’s not how it is anymore. The Greek culture in general is a whole new beast and it’s moving in such a positive direction.”
Phi Mu Alpha began as a group of men who simply wanted to discuss and focus on the music developed in America rather than European music. Edds says, “At the turn of the century there was a big focus on European music but there was no one studying and discussing American music, which is what our founders focused on. That turned into a club, which turned into a fraternity that spread from school to school.” And now as a national fraternity the group has at least one chapter in every state in the Union. At Texas State the group is one of the largest singing groups on campus. The Sinfonia is dedicated to serving the music community. “On a local scale we try really hard to focus on our music building. We try to help out with the orchestra, we are really heavily involved with each of the ensembles, and making sure that the school has what it needs to retain a strong music base.” Edds added, “On a larger scale we just want to ensure that anyone, regardless of if you are music related or not, gets some type of music and knowledge of music into their life.”
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