Texan Magazine Summer II 2023

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

PHOTOGRAPHERS

CONTRIBUTORS

LISA DANTE

KEITH CHESTER

JOSH HUSKIN

LISA DANTE

MARC HESS

DR. JUSTIN PHILLIPS, L.Ac

LISA DANTE

MARSHALL E. KUYKENDALL

EDUARD PEYER

BILL DANTE

MATTHEW HARVEY

DR. RICHARD BRUCE WINDERS

ALBERT FLORES

NANCY FOSTER

SHERIFF JAVIER SALAZAR

JIM PETERSON

ILLUSTRATOR

JEREMIAH TEUTSCH

CONTRIBUTING PRODUCTION STAFF

JOSH LOPEZ, SAMANTHA MUSCAT-SCHERR, GABRIELA ALTAMIRANO

Letter from the Editor

Texans are certainly no strangers to scorching summer days. But the consecutive record breaking temperatures have soared towards astonishing. My meteorologist husband tells me that it’s due to high pressure over the state. This pressure leads to dry soil and air that no longer provides cooling relief from evaporation.

Are there any simple measures we can take to save energy during this intense heat wave? Yes, of course. Use LED lightbulbs instead of traditional lightbulbs. Use the microwave instead of the oven.

In fact, we’ve included several mouthwatering and healthy meal ideas in this issue that require very little prep time in the kitchen.

Also, wear natural fabrics versus synthetics. There are some great ideas in our fashion section to inspire you.

If you love the look of palm trees in your landscape but are not sure which varieties will survive the freezing temps, check out our gardening section. The time to plant palms is now.

Well, here’s to cooler days ahead. Plan your fall calendar in the picturesque Hill Country town of Kerrville. Exciting things are happening in the arts.

As always, thank you for your support of Texan Magazine. Remember, summer may be in full bloom, but we still need a reminder to stop and smell the roses.

Lisa Dante Editor-In-Chief

In Texas, we wear cowboy boots to brunch! Texan Magazine on location at Little Hen, Houston

Kerrville, Texas

Open Tues-Sat 10am - 4pm Admission charged. Active Duty, Former Military, and First Responders always our guests

JULY

Billy Schenck is considered to be one of the pioneers of the Contemporary Art Movement of the 60s. His bold art provides a contemporary and aesthetic counterpart to the traditional western art genre.

This important exhibition contains 65 of his original artworks that range from western landscape to cowboy pop.

SEPTEMBER 8 - 9, 2023

40th Annual Roundup Exhibition and Sale. Over 60 of the top western artists in the U.S. exhibit and sell. The two-day event kicks off the exhibition which runs through October 28, 2023.

Billy Schenck - The Legend of Gregorio Cortez - oil

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF TEXAS STATE PARKS AT PEDERNALES FALLS

by LISA DANTE

In 1923, the Governor of Texas, Pat Neff, persuaded the legislature to create the State Parks Board. He regarded the action as his most important achievement as governor. He wanted to create a parks system that people, “might go and forget the anxiety and strife and vexation of life’s daily grind.” Well, a hundred years later, Texans and visitors from all over the world still enjoy the natural beauty, splendor and diversity of the nearly 90 state parks that Texas has to offer. They aren’t just grand in size, they’re full of grand adventure!

Viewing fossilized dinosaur tracks at White Bluff Creek, Dinosaur Valley State Park

Pedernales Falls

TEXAN TRAVEL

Pedernales Falls State Park

Located 10 miles east of Johnson City and about 25 miles west of Austin containing 5,212 acres, there are so many things to do. Because of the range of activities and trails, there is something for everyone. The drive is very scenic, with access to overlook points that require little effort, and longer trail routes that require a good level of fitness to complete.

With every range of trail difficulty available within the park, both seasoned hikers and casual explorers will enjoy trail options. Stargazing, geocaching, swimming, fishing, camping, hiking, bird watching and horseback riding are all favorite pastimes of visitors, too. Kids can become a Junior Park Ranger. You complete a certain number of activities from the park’s free Activity Journal to earn a badge.

Caves cut into the limestone of the Pedernales River

TEXAN TRAVEL

Horseback riding is one of the many activities you can do at Pedernales Falls

One thing that you must do is the short trek to the park’s namesake waterfall. It’s an easy walk down to the sandy beaches and rocky riverbed lined with white cliffs. For stunning sunset views, hike one of the park’s overlook trails, which gives expansive views of the curvature of the Pedernales River and wild displays of color.

Rocks in the park have a history of going back more than 300 million years, and you will see some of the most beautiful and unique scenery in the Texas Hill Country. While the river itself is reason enough to visit the park, scenic trails wind through forests, atop ridges, and along the riverside.

TEXAN TRAVEL

Know Before You Go

Entrance fees:

Children 12 and younger are free. 13 years and older are $6.00. The park often reaches capacity, so in order to guarantee entry for day visits or camping, make reservations online or by calling the customer service center before you visit. (512) 389-8900

Other Statewide 100 Year

Park Celebrations Include:

July 15

100 year Boat-A- Thon Inks Lake State Park

July 22

Kids Fish Event Sea Rim State Park

July 22

100 S’more Years Of Texas State Parks! Dinosaur Valley State Park

August 12

Maples and Meteors Night Sky Fest Lost Maples State Natural Area

September 2

Sync Yourself Where “Life’s Better Outside”…at the Sinkhole!

Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area

September 9

Family Fishing Festival

Ray Roberts Lake State Park-Johnson Branch Unit

September 15

Prairie Palooza: Palo Duro Canyon- Back To The Future

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

THE PERFECT RED WINES FOR SUMMER SIPPING

by JIM PETERSON, WINE ENTHUSIAST & INSTAGRAM WINE INFLUENCER

So many people associate summer with white wines or rosé, but there are some fun red wines just perfect for summer sipping. Despite misconceptions, you can chill certain red wines and serve them colder than normal cellar temperature. These are the types of wine you want to serve poolside, perhaps enjoy with a barbecue, or to simply sip outside on a hot summer day. What do I look for in a summer red wine? I do have my favorites, so let’s explore some of the best red wines for summer sipping.

TEXAN WINE

BEAUJOLAIS AND OTHER GAMAYS

The king of summer red wines must be the wines made from the Gamay grape, and the top of the list for Gamay wines is Beaujolais. It may be that you think of Beaujolais Nouveau when you hear Beaujolais, but trust me when I say there are far better versions of Beaujolais you should be trying. What makes Beaujolais ideal for the summer? I like my summer reds to be light, bright, and effusive with a cheerfulness that brightens my mood. That defines Beaujolais! A lot of Beaujolais is vinified using a technique called carbonic maceration, where the whole cluster grapes

are sealed in a tank with carbon dioxide, and the grapes sort of ferment from the inside-out. This produces fresh, fruit-forward wines with very low tannins that pop on the palate. A little chill on these wines (45-50°) does not diminish that high-powered fruit profile at all, and that’s what makes them perfect for the summer.

There is a distinction between Beaujolais Villages, where the grapes can be sourced from anywhere within the Beaujolais region, versus Cru Beaujolais where the grapes are from one of the ten defined appellations within Beaujolais: St-Amour, Juliénas, Chénas, Moulin-à-Vent, Fleurie, Chiroubles, Morgon, Régnié, Brouilly, and Côte de Brouilly. The Cru Beaujolais wines are typically of higher quality, and many can be aged for several years if you have the patience to wait for them. Most people don’t, though, and that’s okay! You can expect fresh flavors like strawberry, raspberry, cherry, with perhaps some pomegranate and blackberry overtures.

You can also find fantastic Gamay wines from other regions. I have discovered some enjoyable Gamay wines from the Loire Valley in France, like Domaine Sérol’s Eclat de granite from Côte Roannaise. Many regions in the United States are producing excellent Gamays too, with my favorites coming from the Willamette Valley in Oregon and Sonoma County in California (especially from Pax Wines). While US versions can be hard to find, many Beaujolais wines, especially the Louis Jadot (a great value) can easily be found on your supermarket shelf. Gamay wines are certainly worth seeking out when you need a crowd-pleasing red wine to serve on a hot summer day.

LAMBRUSCO

Let me set the record straight up front with Lambrusco. I am not talking about the cheap Riunite style ultra-sweet Lambrusco you may remember from your youth! There are some excellent dry or semi-dry Lambrusco wines I greatly enjoy in the summer.

What makes them so good for the summer? First, the sparkling nature of Lambrusco tickles and refreshes the palate on a summer day. Secondly, these are best served chilled, and that cold sparkling red with its dark fruit flavors is perfect to pair with burgers and barbecue. The way the bubbles dance on the palate refreshes me in a way a still wine can’t quite muster. To find a good Lambrusco I recommend asking a knowledgeable wine merchant for a recommendation. Give it a try!

TEXAN WINE TROUSSEAU

The Trousseau grape mainly originates from the Jura region in France. I would not be shocked if you have never tasted Jura wines since large quantities are not imported into the US. Some adventurous producers in California have been producing some tasty Trousseau wines, and a few years ago there was a bit of a fad amongst sommeliers with Trousseau wines. I discovered a fun producer in Sonoma County, Rootdown Wines, whose Trousseau has become my absolute favorite. I sat down with winery owner Mike Lucia in April and tasted his newest Trousseau, the 2021 Cole Ranch. Cole Ranch sits in a high altitude, cool climate location and Mike uses the carbonic maceration method to create an irresistible summer red.

ZWEIGELT (TSVYE-GELT)

The Zweigelt grape originated in Austria in 1921, the brainchild of Dr. Friedrich Zweigelt. He created a hybrid grape combining the Austrian Sankt Laurent and Blaufränkisch grapes. While the resulting wine can be an inky purple color, the flavor typically has an elevated dark red fruit profile that belies the concentrated color. The Zweigelt wines are also distinctive for their exotic spice and floral character, highlighted by aromas of cinnamon and violets. I became fond of this grape when I tasted the version from Schneider Winery located in the Austrian Thermenregion. Zweigelt is another solid choice for a summer barbecue, especially if you enjoy expanding your wine knowledge by trying new wines.

TEXAN WINE

CINSAULT (SAN-SOH)

Thought to originate in Provence, the Cinsault grape is mostly used as a blending grape for reds in the Languedoc and Rhône Valley, while you can also see it included in Provençal rosés. Still, there are producers in France and California who produce a varietal version of Cinsault you can enjoy in the heat of summer. Like the others I mention here, Cinsault wines are bright, fruit-driven wines loaded with red fruits. Throw a little chill on them and they become immanently suitable for summer sipping. One fun fact about Cinsault is that the oldest surviving vines are thought to be in the Bechtold vineyard, planted in 1886, in Lodi, California of all places. Well known California producers Turley and Sandlands both make a small production of Cinsault from that vineyard.

FINAL THOUGHTS

As I said at the beginning, white wines and rosé are often the go-to wines for summer sipping. Hopefully, I have given you some ideas on fun reds out there to try when heavier reds like Cabernet Sauvignon are just…out of place. Don’t be afraid to experiment with chilling these red wines I have mentioned here. They don’t have to be ice-cold, but a bit of a chill can go a long way to enhancing your enjoyment. You might even surprise your family or guests by showing them something new to consider. As always, I only recommend something when I have convinced myself it works. And these work!

Follow Jim on Instagram, @tx_wine_pilot, for more wine tips and reviews.

Jim Peterson is a retired U.S. Air Force officer who mainly flew the A-10 fighter jet. He has ties to the wine business going back over 20 years and is an avid wine collector. His extensive wine knowledge includes travel to many wine regions, tasting many of the world’s top wines, and ongoing personal wine exploration. He has cultivated a large following on his Instagram account, @tx_wine_pilot. He works in marketing now, but you can also find him helping customers on Saturdays at JS Fine Wines in San Antonio, Texas.

by NANCY FOSTER

Guadalupe

TEXAN EVENTS

Kerrville has always been a hotspot for Texans -- and for good reason. For some, it’s an escape from big city life, where gently rolling hills, winding roads and the flowing waters of the Guadalupe River make for an idyllic quick getaway – or even a second home. Kerrville is also an easy day trip from anywhere in the Hill Country. This small city mixes history and culture with nature and tosses in friendly residents that make you feel welcome. Browse the charming, historic downtown, grab some food for a picnic at the park, go fishing, hiking, shopping at the flagship James Avery retail store, or enjoy a really good meal at one of the locallyowned restaurants (many offer pretty river views, so plan for a leisurely al fresco dining experience). A bonus reason to visit is the abundance of things to do. Week in and week out there are so many events, exhibitions and festivals that it sometimes makes it difficult to choose – especially in the fall when the weather is mild and leaves are brilliant. We’ll give you a few choices so you can plan in advance – and maybe stay for the weekend.

Historical downtown Kerrville in the Texas Hill Country

TEXAN EVENTS

CAILLOUX THEATER

Downtown Kerrville is rich in culture, and the hub of it all is the beautiful 800seat Kathleen C. Cailloux City Center for the Performing Arts. A stellar lineup of shows, plays and concerts kicks off with a wine and cheese celebration on Sunday, July 23 to announce the 2023/24 season of The Cailloux performance international performing arts series. And, mark your calendar for September 29th when longtime country/rock legends, “Exile” appear in concert at 7:30 p.m. caillouxperformingarts.com

MUSEUM OF WESTERN ART

September 8 – 9 – Love western art? Here’s your chance to add to your collection as the Museum of Western Art celebrates its 40th Annual Roundup Exhibition and Sale with two days of public daytime events, a ticketed steak dinner/awards banquet in their beautiful outdoor pavilion and a Saturday evening quick-draw sale of art showcasing the talents of over 60 of the most respected western artists in the U.S. The exhibit will remain up through October 28th but the weekend is well worth attending. Info at: museumofwesternart.com

“All in the Family” by Carla D’aguanno

TEXAN EVENTS

RIVERSIDE NATURE CENTER RUN

September 9 – If you’re into running, the Run for Riverside 5K should be on your “gotta do it” list. It will kick off at 8:00 a.m. at Riverside Nature Center and follow the course along the picturesque City River Trail adjacent to the Guadalupe River. Pre-register at www.athleteguild. com/event/kerrville-tx/2023-run-for-riverside-5k-run-and-walk

KERR ARTS AND CULTURAL CENTER

September 18 – 23, How fun! Paint Kerrville! is a plein air painters’ event hosted by the Outdoor Painters Society and the Kerr Arts & Cultural Center. Artists from all over the U.S. come to capture the unique Kerrville landscapes and buildings on canvas, and here’s your chance to view their creations at the VIP ticketed reception on September 23 and buy some fabulous art! kacckerrville.com

TEXAS ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR

September 23-24 – Who doesn’t love fairs? The 2023 Texas Arts and Crafts Fair celebrates its 51st year with over 150 Texas artists, craft makers, musicians and demonstrators that showcase and sell their fabulous original art and crafts creations. Held on the grounds of the beautiful Hill Country Arts Foundation in Ingram (the nextdoor neighbor to Kerrville), this fair, known as Texas’ Official State Arts and Crafts Fair, attracts thousands who enjoy the art, presentations from the Army Camel Project, a slew of live musical acts and lots of good eats from regional food trucks. Make sure to see the permanently-based Stonehenge II sculpture! txartsandcraftsfair.com

TEXAN EVENTS

SYMPHONY OF THE HILLS

October 4 – Music lovers will be delighted by the wondrous Symphony of the Hills, a 75-piece orchestra bringing classical and pops performances to the downtown Cailloux Theater. The kick-off concert to their 23rd season of five originally-programmed concerts will be the world-premiere of Schreiner University’s Centennial Celebration. symphonyofthehills.org

WELCOME HOME FEST

October 12 – 15 – the third Welcome Home Fest, a family-friendly event produced by the Kerrville Folk Festival Foundation, will be held on the grounds of Quiet Valley Ranch in Kerrville. Musical talent includes The McMercy Family Band, Kinky Friedman, Laraaji, Grace Rowland (of the Deer) and Michael Hurley. kerrvillefolkfestival.org/welcome-home-fest

ECLIPSE

October 14 may well be a hectic time in Kerrville. In addition to the events mentioned here, this is also the day of the annular eclipse and Kerrville is in its direct path. NASA has selected the city as one of only three U.S. sites chosen as primary partner locations where they will cover the spectacle live. Gearing up for tens of thousands of visitors is on everyone’s minds, and many hotels/ RVs/Campgrounds and B&Bs are already booked; however, the welcome mat will still be out. A plentitude of activities is planned including the Kerrville River Festival held by the banks of the Guadalupe River at Louise Hays Park, where locals and visitors will revel in tons of music, food, entertainment –and spectacular fireworks to end the day.

KERRVILLE CHALK FESTIVAL

October 14 - 15 - Situated on the historic and well-appointed downtown square, The Kerrville Chalk Festival will surely capture the imaginations of the young and young at heart. Watch as more than 65 artists from across the U.S. create massive chalk murals directly on the pavement for all to enjoy. The temporary masterpieces take two days to complete but are washed away with the next rain. Live music, gourmet food trucks, and locally crafted wine and beer are served throughout the weekend. kerrviillechalk.org

TEXAS FURNITURE MAKERS SHOW

November 2 – December 15 - Want to be wowed? Then definitely do not miss the amazing Texas Furniture Makers Show held at the Kerr Arts & Cultural Center. Come view exquisite one-of-a-kind, handcrafted furniture, accessories and home décor made by the best craftsmen in Texas….then buy a piece or two for your own home or office. Everything is heirloom worthy! kacckerrville.com

Have enough ideas? Plan now for a fun escape to beautiful Kerrville, and if you need lodging, dining and attraction info, visit the Kerrville Convention & Visitors Bureau site at www.kerrvilletexascvb.com. Remember, the welcome mat is always out in Kerrville!

Nancy Foster has authored more than 400 articles for national, regional and local magazines and newspapers, including regular contributions to Allegiant airlines in-flight magazine, My Non-Stop Life. She heads Foster Tourism Marketing based in Kerrville and has clients in the hotel and attraction industry, including the Museum of Western Art in Kerrville.

TEXAN EVENTS

Challk art on the sidewalk

TEXAN FASHION

Bohemian style is as much a state of mind as it is a fashion statement. The loose fitting, soft colors of the summer look go hand in hand with the breathable, natural fabrics associated with the warming temps. Inspired by the style of the 60s and 70s, the updated, current Boho look oozes relaxed style and comfort.

TEXAN FASHION

JUST NATURAL

Some of the fabrics associated with Boho chic include cotton, jute, linen, bamboo and hemp. You’ll also see lace, chiffon and silk. Synthetic fabrics like polyester and the like are just not part of the look. Plus, anyone who has survived a scorching and humid Texas summer knows that breathable, natural fabrics are the way to go. Fabric quality is a very good thing.

Over the years, as a fashion writer, I’ve had several friends say to me that they love linen, (which is one of my favorite summertime fabrics), but they don’t like the way it wrinkles so they don’t wear it. I personally think that’s the beauty of linen. The soft wrinkles somehow give the fabric a very rich look. Kind of like how you can spot luxury across the room.

TEXAN FASHION

FRINGE AND FLORALS

Maxi skirts or peasant skirts are a big part of the Boho look. If you prefer something a little more fitted, you can team them with a fitted top or a short denim jacket. Try a cropped, white denim jacket, for example. Soft, floral, romantic prints also really lend themselves to the overall Boho look. Stick with earthy and natural colors including dreamy pastels.

TEXAN FASHION

JEWELRY AND ACCESSORIES

The elements of the Earth, crafted from stones, including turquoise, feathers, shells, beads and metals like sterling silver, copper and brass, are often associated with the look. You will also see leather and fabric tassels and fringe on accessories like handbags and shoes.

If you want to take the trend to the next level, accessorize yourself with scarves, hats, head-bands and belts. Scarves can be used for tying a ponytail, or around the neck or worn as a shoulder wrap. Belts are often made of leather, beads or crocheted.

TEXAN FASHION

TEXAN FASHION

TEXAN FASHION

FOOT LOOSE

There are a lot of options in footwear besides the expected summertime open toed sandals. Cowboy boots compliment the look in shades of soft, light colors. One of the hottest trends in cowboy boots include any shade of white or cream colored, tan or beige boots. Cowboy boots not your thing? No problem. You’ll see embroidered slip-ons, suede ankle boots or gladiator sandals. Yes, suede boots in summer. Crazy, I know. I’ll probably stick with the very-popular-right-now lace up sandal, or even an espadrille wedge. Chukka lace up boots or Pom Pom multicolored sandals are other options to transform your attire into a mesmerizing, trendy street style look.

TEXAN FASHION

BOHO CHIC HAIR

Free and artistic. That’s the look. There’s no right or wrong way to achieve the style. You’ll see lots of loose waves, long braids, bangs, loose curls and the ever popular messy bun.

MIXING STYLES

What if your style is more of a classic, tailored look, but you still want to incorporate a touch of Boho chic into your current wardrobe? Not a problem. Of course you can do this. An oversized linen top, with puffy sleeves in a soft neutral color, for example, would look great with a white fitted skirt. It’s all about balance and proportion.

Boho style is a fun way to celebrate individuality and express your unique identity. Besides, the loose flowing layers of Boho outfits are flattering and comfortable for all figures. Everything from detailing to ruffles, to dramatic necklines can draw attention to wherever you’d like. Plenty of women have Boho items in their closets even if it’s not their primary style. It’s all about creating a look that reflects your personality best. Fashion should be fun and certainly lightweight for a hot Texas summer!

ONE PILL

CAN KILL

by SHERIFF JAVIER SALAZAR, BEXAR COUNTY, TEXAS

Fentanyl is either the best kept secret of the drug world, or the worst kept secret. It’s the worst kept secret because anybody that wants to get their hands on it absolutely knows how to get it, to include our young people. It’s the best kept secret because many people, including parents and even law-enforcement officials, don’t truly understand it. In my opinion, as a law enforcement professional, most of us don’t understand the issue of fentanyl enough to be as

afraid of it as we should be.

Thanks to information sourced from the Drug Enforcement Administration, known as the DEA, I will tell you what I know about fentanyl; to include what it is, who makes it, how it is made, how it gets here, who it’s killing, and how. The information provided by the DEA came in the form of a presentation called, “One Pill Can Kill,” and is presented publicly by the Bexar County Sheriff‘s Office.

In my opinion, as a law enforcement professional, most of us don’t understand the issue of fentanyl enough to be as afraid of it as we should be.

For starters, not all fentanyl is bad. There are two different types. Although both are considered synthetic opioids, that is where the similarities end. Pharmaceutical/medical grade fentanyl is made in actual medical grade drug labs and is legitimately found in mainstream medications used to treat severe pain, such as that encountered after a major surgery. Of most concern to the American public, and the topic of this article, is illicitly made fentanyl.

Illicit fentanyl is made in makeshift clandestine drug labs, some of which are huge in scale and which drug trafficking organizations, aka cartels, spend quite a bit of money to construct and maintain. It is not made to the exacting standards of the medical grade variety. Measurements

and quality control are only to maximize profits, certainly not for the safety of the consumer.

For the most part, fentanyl destined for the United States starts life in the form of precursor chemicals manufactured in China. These precursor chemicals are sent to Mexico, where illicit drug labs crank out finished product for export to the U.S. It is then smuggled into the U.S. literally by the ton. By some figures, in excess of 90% of the fentanyl being brought into the United States is brought across the border in 18 wheelers driven by United States citizens. There are several reasons the cartels have turned to fentanyl in favor of other drugs. For starters, by some estimates, it is 50 times more addictive than most mainstream drugs such as

cocaine and heroin. Unlike other drugs which rely on crops to grow, there is no growing cycle needed to manufacture fentanyl. Drug cartels are making it and distributing it as quickly as they can get their hands on the precursor chemicals from China.

Although, via media coverage, much attention has been given to “rainbow fentanyl” being made to look like candy and being marketed to kids, the truth is, that is not the way law-enforcement is most commonly encountering it. The most common and arguably the most dangerous method, is in the form of counterfeit pills which look like legitimate prescription pills commonly used in the United States. If nothing else, cartels know their audience and what appeals to their target demographics.

They absolutely know without a doubt that there is a market in the United States for prescription medications. Being that the cartels are in this business to make money above anything else, it is cheaper and easier to make a fake pill which looks realistic than it is to actually get their hands on real medications. Not to mention, it’s much more addictive to the consumer. In most cases, the consumer has no idea the pill they are taking is counterfeit, leading to countless deaths in the United States.

Why would the cartels knowingly kill their customers?

The cartels are providing a drug they know there is a certain clientele for. They are making it stronger and stronger to remain competitive and to further drive addiction. In their estimation, for every customer who dies, there are hundreds more to take their place. While they may not be deliberately trying to kill users, they are most certainly aware that it’s a distinct possibility, and just don’t care.

In most cases, the consumer has no idea the pill they are taking is counterfeit, leading to countless deaths in the United States.

Why would people knowingly take a drug that can kill so easily?

If we think about it, most drugs have the potential to kill, to varying degrees. However, many victims of fentanyl poisoning deaths do not know they are taking fentanyl. Most believe they are ingesting a prescription type medication. Although that doesn’t make it legal or ok, many are unsuspecting victims. This is why many law enforcement agencies, the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office included, have taken to investigating these poisoning deaths-NOT “overdoses”-as potential murders. The word “overdose” implies that the consumer/victim took too much of a drug they were intending to take. “Poisoning” is the more correct term when someone is duped into taking something they have no clue will kill them. There is a very real possibility that those who supply fentanyl laced counterfeit pills which lead to death will routinely face homicide charges. (At least, that is the hope and intention of this author.)

How does it kill?

Fentanyl affects the brain’s ability to take in and process oxygen. As a result, death often comes in the form of hypoxia, or shortage of oxygen. In a sense, the victim suffocates. Many survivors, or “angel parents” report that the victim died silently in their sleep after ingestion. Drugs like Narcan can reverse the effects of the drug rather effectively, but the victim has to be found in time. There are a variety of factors that can prevent the drug’s effectiveness, such as time since dose, amount of dosage, tolerance of the victim, etc.

How much fentanyl does it take to kill you?

The universally accepted lethal dosage is estimated to be around 2 mg. For some context, if you look at the year on a regular penny, 2 mg is smaller than the digits on that year.

More frequency and more strength:

Counterfeit pills seized and tested by the DEA, have found that not only are fentanyl laced pills becoming more common, but also more potent. It used to be that 4 out of every 10 pills tested by the DEA tested positive for fentanyl. Now, that number has moved up to 6 in 10 pills. Additionally, the average concentration of fentanyl in each of those pills used to be around 1.8 mg, just under the universally recognized lethal dose. Now that average dose has gone up to 2.4 mg, just above the lethal dose.

Enough to kill every single American:

In 2021 alone, the DEA seized enough fentanyl to kill every living person in the United States. That’s just one law enforcement agency in one year. This does not include what was seized by state and local agencies for the same time period.

Faces of Fentanyl: Normally, law enforcement agencies reserve things like memorial walls to commemorate fallen members of their particular agency. However, the fentanyl crisis has reached such proportions that the DEA has erected a wall called, “Faces of Fentanyl,” which commemorates the lives lost to this horrible drug. The memorial is located at DEA Headquarters in Virginia. Among the thousands of victims on the wall are babies as young as 17 months, and seniors of 70 years of age. This killer kills, regardless of age, location, or socioeconomic status.

We must act NOW to stop this drug from taking any more lives. It is incumbent on us to educate everyone, young and old, on the dangers of accepting and taking pills from someone who is not a doctor, parent, or guardian.

For more information, check out www.DEA.Gov/OnePill, and/or email the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office to come make a presentation to your group regarding the dangers of fentanyl. The presentation, which consists of a poignant PowerPoint and Q&A with actual “angel families” is called, “One Pill Can Kill.” The email to schedule a presentation is OnePill@Bexar.org.

Sheriff Javier Salazar, Bexar County, Texas is a career law enforcement officer, husband, father, and son.

TEXAN CULINARY

MORE THAN JUST A SALAD

EASY, REFRESHING, AND FLAVORFUL

by THE TEXAN MAGAZINE CULINARY TEAM AND BILL DANTE

Salmon, avocado and edamame bowl

Take the edge off the summertime heat, at least in the kitchen. This summer, just like last year, we’ve been experiencing record breaking, unprecedented high temps. Summer in Texas has always been associated with high heat and humidity. That’s a given and certainly nothing new. But many consecutive days, actually months well over 100 degrees, with heat indexes high enough to issue serious health warnings, mean serious business for everyone. Nobody wants anyone to stand over a hot stove or grill preparing a meal, well, not unless it’s your birthday. Ha! But seriously…..eating light salads during the hotter summer months is not exactly groundbreaking news.

TEXAN CULINARY

Sliced beef with carrot ribbons, radishes and spinach

Butter lettuce wraps

TEXAN CULINARY

Of course, eating out can be fun, but sometimes you just want to prepare something delicious and nutritious with little effort at home. The goal here is to present some great salad ideas as complete MEALS that don’t make you feel like you’re a rabbit eating a head of lettuce, or leave you hungry, thirty minutes after eating.

Chickpeas, feta and cucumbers

TEXAN CULINARY

Lobster salad with avocado

Quinoa with avocado, spinach and tomato

Avocados stuffed with tuna

TEXAN CULINARY

I know a lot of folks are not necessarily salad fans. I always pass on salads in restaurants, because I would rather fill up on my main meal, which is normally a nice serving of protein with sides. Yet my wife enjoys eating salad WITH protein at every opportunity. What a concept!

If I’m at an Italian restaurant and the salad is included with the meal and it comes with a generous portion of Italian dressing, then I’m all in.But, try to imagine some refreshing, unique salads and ones that are creative and actually look and taste good. The trick is to use ingredients that you actually like.

Taco salad presented two ways

Cheeseburger salad with ground beef and pickles

Now, if you are already a salad lover, then we have some salad combinations and ideas that you might not have thought of before. In addition it’s fun to try different food. Creating different salad combinations depends on what you like. The choices are endless. Obviously, there are many lettuce varieties to choose from, just as there are many different types of proteins, cheeses, vegetables, pastas, nuts and fruits… etc. Get creative and choose your favorites. Use your imagination. There really are no rules. It’s whatever you like!

Sometimes we all get stuck in a rut, or are used to a certain routines regarding our eating habits. Yet our favorites never get old. But it’s

always fun to branch out and try new flavors and combinations. Good old taco salad is a great family favorite of ours. When it comes to salads in general, it’s the dressing you choose that makes all the difference. Sweet, savory, spicy or tangy, the choice is up to you.

Add a glass of champagne or Prosecco for you and that special person in your life. That would be a pleasant surprise. Then again, some of these salads would be just fine with your favorite ice cold beer. Have you tried the Yuengling Black and Tan? It’s exceptional!

Stay cool, eat, enjoy and salude!!!

Rotini pasta, with chicken and green olives

Zucchini noodles and shrimp

Italian spring salad with goat cheese, grapes and walnuts

Tortellini pasta with fresh mozzarella, basil and tomato

Kobeashi beeffrom the Sumo Ranch

THE MOST HARDY PALM TREES TO PLANT THIS SUMMER THAT CAN SURVIVE A TEXAS WINTER

by MARC HESS, EDITOR OF “GARDENING SOUTH TEXAS”

With over 2,600 palm tree varieties to choose from, only a handful have have the best chance of surviving the “new” Texas winter weather patterns. The following is a comprehensive guide to help you select the most hardy palms for your landscape.

trouble. Two of them, the Dwarf Palmetto and Texas Sabal Palm, while not a native plant, even grow in the wild. Palm trees are known to withstand powerful winds, they require little attention once established and people with no gardening experience can easily grow them. But, while many palm tree varieties are wind-resistant, far fewer are cold-resistant.

Palm trees give Texas landscapes an interesting, almost enchanting aesthetic. With their cool tropical vibe, their soothing colors and breezy patterns, palms are being deployed more extensively as ornamental plants in a greater climatic range throughout Texas. No longer confined to the coast, numerous palm tree species grow in Texas without much

Texas is growing increasingly vulnerable to mid-winter cold snaps. Historically, a normal Texas winter would have only given us a couple of days that were entirely below freezing and only a few nights when our thermometer dipped to the freezing point.

This is not so in the last few years. While the average winter temperature may be the same, we have now come to expect random mid-winter cold snaps that will leave us buried in ice and week-long freezing temperatures that last the whole week.

While many palm tree varieties are wind-resistant, far fewer are cold-resistant.

Harsh winter weather hits the tropical trees the hardest. Unlike hardwood trees that sprout new growth from multiple spots, palm trees only grow new leaves from one spot—the heart. The palm heart sits right in the center of the tree’s canopy, and if it’s hit with harsh cold, the damage trickles down to all the future palm leaves growing from it. A hard freeze will leave your palm fronds brown and drooping, a terrible sight. But you will not be able to tell from the looks of it if the heart is dead. It’s quite difficult, even for the most experienced arborist, to predict the future of a freeze damaged palm. You may remove fronds that are completely brown to improve aesthetics but there is nothing that you can do to improve your palms chances of survival. If it’s dead, it’s dead—if it’s not it’s not.

Palm fronds do not grow quickly. You will have to wait until April to know if your palms have survived. Your palms won’t show any new growth for months after the freeze damage is done. Even if leaves are mostly brown, any sign of green could mean the tree has a

chance at survival. When your palm shows green at the very top or green sprouts at the base you can provide a moderate amount of water and a small amount of organic fertilizer that incorporates micro-nutrients like iron, manganese and magnesium. Be careful not to overwater. The quickest way to kill palms (and other heat tolerant woody perennials) is by giving them too much water. Trust nature. Palms are tough. Eventually your palms may return to full beauty. It may take about six to eight months, but have patience and they’ll likely rebound. After the Great Texas Freeze of February 11 to 20, 2021, when even the southern part of our great state spent eight consecutive days below 32°F and Dallas plunged to a low of -2°F, arborists in San Antonio expected they would lose almost all of their Mexican fan palms (90%) and cold-tolerant Sago palms (70%). As it turned out over half of them survived.

Choose Your Palm Tree Wisely

As with all other plants the best way to assure the longevity of your palm is to choose a palm tree that is most suitable for your area.

SAGO PALMS

Sago palms are a popular, slow-growing tree due to their small stature and easy upkeep requirements. The secret to their cold hardiness is that they are not, technically, a palm tree at all. They just look like one. They are cycads, a group of plants that have been around since prehistoric times. The tree can grow up to 10-feet tall and has a large, round trunk with a crown of stiff, feather-like fronds. Unlike many plants, they do not flower, rather they create large, cone-like structures instead. They are easy to grow indoors as rugged

houseplants or outdoors in containers in warm areas. Don’t let the mature height of these plants frighten you off. These slow-growers take many years to reach their final height.

Sago Palm

TEXAN GARDENING

TEXAS SABAL PALM

Stately and robust, Texas Sabal palm is a native to our big state that can grow up to 50feet. The canopy of a mature Texas Sabal palm may be up to 25-feet across with a crown of fan-shaped fronds at the peak of the huge, thick trunk. The fronds range in color from light green to emerald green, depending on whether they grow in an area with shade or full sun. Another distinct feature is the crosshatch pattern on the trunk and the limited number of leaves (usually 10 to 25). Each leaf features 80-115 leaflets with threads hanging along the margins. Tall and wind resistant, the Texas Sabal Palm is cold hardy to 16°F.

WINDMILL PALM

If you are searching for a versatile Texas palm tree, the Windmill palm is a good bet. A mid-sized palm with a single trunk produces a canopy of lustrous green fan fronds that works well as a framing tree or an accent around the shady borders of your yard. Just be sure that your Windmill palm is on welldraining soil. It is cold-hardy and highly tolerant to numerous climate types, including humidity, heat, and moisture. The best part is that it has a moderate growth pace, meaning you won’t have to wait for too long to have matured palms in your yard.

MEDITERRANEAN FAN PALM

The Mediterranean Fan palm proudly holds the reputation as the hardiest of all palms. With a small, stocky appearance, 15-feet at maturity, it wears a canopy with dark green fronds that makes it the perfect tree to grow under power lines. This palm also grows slowly and develops suckers upon maturity. You can transplant the suckers to grow solitary trunked palms or allow the tree to create a grouping. Some have said that Mediterranean Fan palms are cold hardy to as low as 0°F but I wouldn’t want to test that theory in my yard.

Windmill Palm

Texas Sabal Palm

Mediterranean Fan Palm

TEXAN GARDENING

PINDO PALM

The Pindo Palm is the most cold-hardy feather palm, bearing up well in freezes of 14°F degrees and lower. Pindos handle the harsh north Texas winters with little or no damage. They feature a stout, thick trunk with distinctive silver-green arching fronds spraying from the top. They are an excellent choice for growing in containers, make attractive deck, patio and poolside palms. They are a short stature accent palm. The foliage leans to the blue-green or silvery-gray color.

CABBAGE PALM

The Cabbage palm is a warmweather tree that grows well where the humidity levels and temperatures shoot during the summer months. It thrives along the gulf coast but you don’t see many in Central or Northern Texas. It can tolerate brief temperature dips of up to 10°F. Cabbage palms can grow up to 40 feet or taller. Their trunks have a uniform diameter from the base to peak, where the fan-shaped fronds are held in place by stiff, woody stalks. These fronds spread around the top to give the branchless tree a nice “palmy” look.

DATE PALMS

Date palms, which produce edible fruit, can be seen across South Texas and throughout the more arid and desert climates of Arizona and California. These very clean, beautiful, resort-style palms are a great choice for parking lots, to line a long drive or road, or to anchor a planting bed. Elegant and highly wind tolerant Date palms have been known to recover from 14°F of damage.

Date Palm

Pindo Palm

Cabbage Palm

CALIFORNIA FAN PALM

The California Fan palm, also known as the Desert Fan palm, does not score high in its cold tolerance. However, we have seen the tree grow in Dallas, Fort Worth, and parts of North Texas with a bit of care. It can survive temperature dips in winter and humidity and dry conditions during hot summers. One of the major perks of this palm tree is that it has a fastgrowing rate. A mature tree will have a wide, smooth trunk and a large crown of pale green fan-shaped leaves that grow three to six feet long. Moreover, the California fan palm can grow to an impressive height.

DWARF PALMETTO PALM

The Dwarf Palmetto palm has no trunk at all so it only gets up to the height of two to seven feet tall. The fan-shaped fronds grow directly from the ground and have slight differences in size. It is pretty hardy for a warm-weather tree and doesn’t sustain much damage through occasional winter cold snaps, especially once it matures. Its only worthy rival in terms of coldhardiness is the Needle palm. The Dwarf palmetto can thrive in just about any part of Texas without much trouble. It is also tolerant to hot, humid, and heavy moisture conditions.

MEXICAN BLUE FAN PALM

The Mexican Blue Fan palm is native to northern Mexico and Baja California and is a popular palm in many southwestern states. It is a cold-hardy palm species that can bring unique aesthetics to your yard. This slowgrowing tree has striking bluish-silver fronds, and each frond can have a width of up to 10 feet. The Mexican Blue Fan palm grows up to 50 feet tall and spreads to 20 feet wide. This tree can tolerate temperature dips of up to 10°F. When the winter temperatures fall below double digits, you may have to winterize the fronds and protect them from damage. The Mexican Blue Fan palm tree grows best when planted in warm, sunny spots

California Fan Palm

Dwarf Palmetto Palm

Mexican Blue Fan Palm

Plant Your Palm Trees When Its Warm

Plant your palms when the soil is warm. Palms have a fibrous root system, with each root fiber growing from a single root collar. When part of the root is severed by moving, it dies back completely. Severed roots must be replaced by new roots if the plant is to survive. Warm soil temperatures are needed to encourage this new growth or the plant may rot before growth begins. That means that balled palms should be moved in warm weather. A good rule of thumb is to plant balled palms before September 1st in all but the Lower Rio Grande Valley.

Palms prefer well-drained soil, rich in organic matter and with adequate water and nutrient-holding capacity. Loams and clays with good subsoil drainage are preferred over sands or soils with impervious pans or parent material. Young palms cannot survive as many sub-freezing hours as older palms which have developed protective “wood” around the vascular bundles and the central “shoot.”

FUN FACTS

Palm trees are divided into three categories by the type of fronds or leaves:

• Palmate leaf palms have lobes fanning out from a common point. The structure resembles a fan or open hand, with fingers stretching out from the palm.

• Pinnate leaf palm, derived from the Latin “pinna” or feather, has individual leaflets branching out on both sides of a common axis resembling a feather.

• Costapalmate leaf is a cross between a palmate and pinnate shape.

MARC HESS is an author whose latest novel, “The Gillespie County Fair,” is available on Amazon. It’s a riveting story about the gentrification of rural Texas. He is also the editor of Milberger’s Gardening South Texas newsletter, a monthly (except January) publication covering the challenges and solutions of gardening in South Central Texas’s unique growing zone. It’s available on-line at no charge at

https://www.milbergernursery.com/newsletter-archive/

TEXAN SPICY TEQUILA MANGO SPLASH

Ingredients for two servings

• 2 Fresh Limes

• 1 Mango, or (substitute ripe peaches) peeled and diced

• 2-4 Jalapeño slices, seeds removed

• 1 ounce of Triple Sec

• 1 ounce of Agave Nectar

• 3-4 ounces Tequila, (Don Julio, Reposado or Anejo, preferred)

• 6-8 ounces Mango Juice (Trader Joe’s)

• 4 Slices of fresh Pineapple

• 2 cups of crushed ice

Tajin to rim the glass (optional)

Instructions

1. Muddle the mango in a bowl, or use a mortar and pestle, then add the juice from one lime. Mix

2. Rub the rim of the glass with cut lime, then dip rim in Tajin or salt, (optional)

3. Fill each glass with 1/3 of crushed ice.

4. In each glass add muddled mango, Agave, Triple Sec, mango juice and Tequila to taste.

5. Squeeze the remaining lime juice over the top of each drink and stir.

6. Garnish with fresh mint, Jalapeño slices, or pineapple.

“SUCH A BEAUTIFUL RANCH PROPERTY!”

| Letty H. | Google.com Review

“We enjoyed floating in the creek and swimming in the pool while my husband went to shoot sporting clays. Food was delicious at the poolside restaurant. Can’t wait to be back again soon.”

– UPLAND BIRD HUNTS FOR QUAIL, PHEASANT, & CHUKAR –

– EUROPEAN-STYLE DRIVEN PHEASANT SHOOTS –

– DECOYED MALLARD DUCK HUNTS –

– FREE-RANGE TROPHY AXIS DEER HUNTS –

– FLY FISHING FOR BLUEGILL, BASS, & RAINBOW TROUT –

– GUADALUPE RIVER FLOAT TRIPS –

– HANDGUN & LONG-RANGE RIFLE SHOOTING –

– LUXURY LODGING, FINE DINING & RESORT AMENITIES –

PREMIER HUNTING LODGE TEXAS HILL COUNTRY RESORT