November 7, 2025
American traveling tribute featuring Memorial Wall, Field of Honor
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
(Seguin) -- A powerful symbol of remembrance is coming to Seguin this Veterans Day.
The American Veteran Traveling Tribute which includes the 80 percent scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., will be on display next week at Smokey Joe Williams Field located at the Seguin Events Complex. The event will provide visitors with a moving opportunity to honor those who have served and have sacrificed for our freedoms.
The traveling wall’s visit is being presented by Seguin’s Doug Herrle DAV Chapter 61. The event is part of a larger community effort to recognize local veterans and their families.
Honor, pg. 3
Sand Hills VFD fires up the pit for annual BBQ fundraiser
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
(Seguin) -- The Sand Hills Volunteer Fire Department is inviting the community to join it for lunch this Saturday.
The department’s annual BBQ and bake sale kicks off at 11 a.m. at the Sand Hills Fire Station.
KB Hallmark of the Sand Hills VFD says this year’s event will again include their popular barbecue meal.
“We are already picking up the pits. They are going to be cooked overnight. Pretty much the same crew is going to be doing the cooking. We are going to be having brisket, sausage, chicken is on the menu, and we also have beans and
the potato salad. Plus, we will be having a bake sale. We won’t be
having a raffle just the meal,” said Hallmark.
Plates are $20, with dine-in and carryout options available. A bake
sale filled with homemade sweets will also tempt visitors, offering the perfect way to round out a hearty meal.
In addition to bringing the community together, Hallmark says the annual fundraiser serves as a critical source of support for the Sand Hills Volunteer Fire Department. He says funds raised go toward maintaining equipment, improving emergency response capabilities, and supporting the department’s volunteers who serve the surrounding community yearround.
The Sand Hills VFD is located at 4252 Zion Hill Road.
SCUC ISD faces tough choices after voters reject Proposition A
(Schertz) -- The Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD is preparing for tough financial decisions after voters rejected its tax rate election, Proposition A.
This is an update to the story we first ran on Wednesday. Preliminary results now show the measure passed in Guadalupe County but failed districtwide.
Superintendent Paige Meloni says the district now faces major funding challenges heading into the next budget cycle. Rising costs and limited state funding are putting pressure on programs and operations.
“While the outcome of the election was not what we had hoped for, our focus remains on serving students and their families, and supporting staff to the greatest extent possible,” said Meloni. “At the same time, the challenges before us are real. We cannot continue to operate with a deficit budget, and that means every decision ahead will continue to require our thoughtful planning, collaboration and transparency as we navigate the financial realities ahead.”
SCUC ISD says it will form a Cost Drivers Committee made up of staff, parents, and community members to help identify possible budget cuts and spending priorities.
District leaders say they remain committed to transparency and supporting students, staff, and families through what’s expected to be a difficult process.
Our story on Wednesday initially said the measure had passed, but the votes from outside Guadalupe County factored into the overall count and changed the outcome.
Honor, continued.
That’s because standing alongside the Wall will also be the 5th annual Field of Honor, one of Seguin’s annual patriotic displays normally held along State highway 123 bypass.
Connie Ramirez, event chair for the Seguin Field of Honor® Committee, says the group was honored to join forces with the Guadalupe County Veterans Council which includes the DAV – the group assigned each year to head up the Veterans Day Ceremony. She says working together helps to support funding for the Wall’s visit, ensuring Seguin can provide this experience free to the public.
“They talked about how much the wall would cost to bring in and you really can’t do fundraising per say on the wall. You can’t charge admission or anything like that with the wall so we decided, you know what, we will go ahead and do a Field of Honor and the proceeds then, we will give to the DAV to help them defray the cost of that wall,” said Ramriez.
Ramirez says the opportunity to honor or remember someone with a flag is still available.
Plus, to the best of her knowledge, she knows of no other field of honor event that has paired up with a visit by the Wall.
“Flags can be sponsored or dedicated to members like the military, active duty, veterans, first responders. The flags this year are $35 to sponsor. We will tag the flags in the name of your loved ones and put them out onto the field and the flags will fly for the duration of the event and once the event is over, the flag is yours to take home and like I said, the proceeds are going to the DAV here in Seguin,” said Ramirez.
Each of the American flags will be proudly flying on 7 and a half foot flagstaffs.
Flags will remain part of the display from November 10 through November 15.
For more information on purchasing or dedicating a flag, or to learn more about sponsorship opportunities, visit the Seguin Field of Honor® Facebook page or contact Ramirez directly at 830-243-2872.
Friday Night Football Schedule
San Antonio MacArthur @Seguin
Marion @Florence
Boerne Champion @Pieper
San Marcos @New Braunfels Canyon
Cibolo Steele @Buda Johnson
Converse Judson @Schertz Clemens
Universal City Randolph @Luling
Nixon-Smiley @Stockdale
El Campo @La Vernia
Jarrell @Gonzales
Wimberley @Lago Vista
Chris Austin
VITAL STATISTICS
Sebesta
Rev. Dr. Robert James Sebesta died on Monday October 6, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. Robert, known as Bob by his friends and family, was 93 years old when he passed. Bob was born on November 16, 1931 in a farmhouse near Caldwell, Texas in Burleson County to Joe Frank and Julia Bravenec Sebesta.
Bob is survived by Claribel, his wife of 70 years, his son Robert J. (Rob) Sebesta, Jr. (Melinda) and their children Major James Sebesta (Sarah), Olivia Jakubowski (Tomek), and Julia Sebesta, his daughter Drs. Cheryl Banks (Bill) and their children Drs. Kristen Beaver (Jared), Austin Banks, and Dr. Emily Banks and daughter Claire Sebesta (Dr. Jackie) and their children Taylor Smith (Yesenia), Joy Smith, and Jordan McGeehon (Timo), 9 great grandchildren (and one on the way), and his brother Rev. Dr. Daniel Sebesta (Marsha).
Bob’s childhood education occurred in 3 room Hlavaty Rural School, from grades 1 through 9. He graduated from Caldwell High School in 1948. While living at home, with his parents and 3 brothers, Bob attended the CzechMoravian Brethren Church in Caldwell.
Bob graduated from Southwest Texas State Teachers College in San Marcos in 1952 and Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in 1955. Always striving to learn and grow, Bob earned his Doctorate in Ministry from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in 1983.
In the summer of 1952 Bob met the love of his life in Dulac Louisiana and in June of 1955 he married Claribel Joan Brown of the rural community of Raymond near Jennings, Louisiana. Starting their life together and Bob’s passionate ministry career immediately after, Bob was ordained as a Presbyterian pastor at his first church in Rocksprings Texas in July of 1955.
Bob lovingly served 5 Presbyterian congregations in Texas during his 42 ½ years of ministry: Rocksprings, Portland, Harlingen, San Marcos, and Pecos. Bob believed his wife Claribel was half of his ministry because she taught, worked with women’s groups, and served in the community of all of their churches.
Krueger
Doris Anne Krueger passed away on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at the age of 76. She was born to Alfred and Mary Reimer on July 21, 1949, in Seguin, Texas.
Doris will always be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and dear friend. She loved working in her yard and had a passion for handmade crafts. She will be deeply missed.
She is preceded in death by her parents Alfred and Mary Reimer; sister Delrose Elley and brothers Alfred “Sonny” Reimer, Elroy Reimer, and Richard
He felt called by God to pastor small churches and enjoyed all parts of a small church’s life: preacher, teacher, administrator, organizer, counselor, community relations. He especially enjoyed teaching the Bible, which he continued to do through most of his retirement.
Bob’s passion for helping others extended into a strong commitment to community service. Bob actively served in leadership roles in Kiwanis and Lions Clubs in the communities where they lived. Continuing his dedication to service in retirement, he served as Board President for Habitat for Humanity and was recognized as an outstanding facilitator of Parents Helping Parents program for 14 years.
In addition to church specific activities, Bob enjoyed gardening, dancing, history, researching and writing family history, genealogy, and personal memories. He was especially passionate about music and loved singing in the church choir and attending concerts whenever possible.
Bob and Claribel loved to travel. Early in their marriage they lived in Scotland for a year where they both attended St Mary’s College at the University of St Andrews. While living there, they spent the summer of 1957 touring Europe, visiting 10 different countries, covering 6188 miles in 75 days on their Lambretta motor scooter (the Blue Dart).
Through Bob’s passionate faith and loving embrace of others, he touched countless lives far beyond his local church ministry. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will continue to touch lives for years to come.
The family wishes to express deep gratitude to the wonderful staff at Seguin Assisted Living, the nurses and aids from Guadalupe Regional Hospice Services and our dear Seguin Angels for the tremendous love and care shown to Bob and Claribel over the past several years.
There will be a Celebration of Life for Bob on November 15, 2025 at 10:30 am at First Presbyterian Church Seguin with a light lunch after. The family requests that persons wishing to give memorials make contributions to First Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, 1121 E. Walnut St., Seguin, Tx 78155 or the charity of their choice.
You are invited to sign the guest book at www.treshewell.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Tres Hewell Mortuary, 165 Tor Dr., Seguin, Texas, 78155, 830-549-5912.
Reimer.
Left to honor and cherish her memory is her husband of 56 years, Vernon Krueger; son Bryan Krueger; grandchildren Renae Krueger and Isabel Krueger. She is further survived by her sister Irene Abrameit, and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at Goetz Funeral Home in Seguin, Texas from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. The Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at Goetz Funeral Home at 10:00 am, with interment following at Guadalupe Valley Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Services are under the direction of Goetz Funeral Home, Seguin, Texas.
VITAL STATISTICS
Oestreich
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dr. Charles H. Oestreich, age 93, President Emeritus of Texas Lutheran University (TLU). As we remember him, we honor a life well lived, as a teacher, scholar, and leader whose work helped shape Texas Lutheran University and whose legacy endures in the lives of those he influenced.
Born in Columbus, Ohio, June 8, 1932, Dr. Oestreich earned a Bachelor of Science from Capital University, followed by an M.S. and Ph.D. from Ohio University. He joined the TLU faculty and administration in 1969 as the Academic Dean, later serving as the university’s President from 1976 to 1994.
During his leadership, Dr. Oestreich oversaw significant growth in the university’s academic programs, faculty development, campus infrastructure, and institutional mission. His stewardship strengthened TLU’s reputation as a thoughtful, values-based liberal-arts institution rooted in the Evangelical Lutheran tradition and provided a foundation for its continued success.
Beyond the institution, he was known among colleagues and students for his integrity, scholarly curiosity, and genuine devotion to the educational and personal growth of those around him. A document from 1971 shows his early advocacy for developing the Mexican American Studies Program at TLU, reflecting his attention to diverse student needs and inclusive academic planning.
Dr. Oestreich served on and chaired numerous boards, including the Council of Independent Colleges, Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas, VP of St. Luke’s Lutheran Health Ministry, the Mid-Texas Symphony, and EdenHill Communities. He was a member of the New Braunfels Conservation Society and a Rotarian. He participated in numerous international Rotary trips, including efforts to secure books for schools in Africa.
Dr. Oestreich enjoyed traveling with his wife, Rhoda, to various domestic
Gomez
Mary V. Gomez, who was born October 12, 1941, in Edinburgh Tx, went home to be with our lord and savior on Monday, November 3, 2025, at the age of 84 years old, surround by family, peace, love and prayer.
Mary is proceeded in death by her beloved husband Oliver R. Gomez Jr, her son Carlos E. Gomez, Grandson Joshua I. Salazar, her parents George and Juana Velasquez, her brothers Jacinto Velasquez, Simona Zambrano Anita Flores, Dominga Mendez, and Angelita Martinez.
Mary was a beloved Mother, to her surviving children George O. Gomez, Lisa A. Gomez, Irwin R. Gomez, (Patricia), Norma C. Gomez (Jason E. Villarreal), Pauline N. Gomez (Maria C. Mora) and Linda M. Gomez.
Mary was a loving grandmother to her Grandchildren Ray, Amber, Irene, Eric, Irwin, Matthew, Christopher, Oliver, Carlos G, Zachery, Brandon, Carlos V, Crystal, Jessica, Stephanie, Amanda, Vanessa, George, Nick, Noe, Joey, Jacob, Jadyn. Mary was blessed to call herself a great grandma “GIGI,” to many great grandchildren.
and international destinations, playing bridge, and researching genealogy. He authored two volumes on family history titled Our Heritage. Above all, he cherished attending his grandchildren’s events and welcoming his greatgrandchildren into the family.
Charles H. Oestreich married Rhoda J. Haseley in 1957. Charles and Rhoda were married for almost 65 years before her passing on August 1, 2022. He is also preceded in death by his parents, the Reverend Henry F. Oestreich and Martha E. (Schwartz) Oestreich, and his sister, Ruth M. Harsch. Charles is survived by his daughters Martha Oestreich, Mary Cooper (Jill), and son, David C. Oestreich (Jo Beth), grandchildren Jennifer M. Shira (Mark), Matthew R. Shira (Jennifer), Robert D. Oestreich (Courtney), Dr. Andrew W. Oestreich (Jordan), and greatgrandchildren, Elizabeth M. Shira, Heinrich R. Oestreich, Ivy Grace Oestreich, and Josephine Marie Oestreich, step-grandchildren Amanda N. Stephens (Eric) and Lindsey D. Yazbek (Ryan), step-great grandchildren Theodore I. Stephens and Lillian E. Stephens, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Dr. Oestreich will be remembered not only for his exemplary leadership but also as a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, mentor, educator, and friend. His legacy was defined by faith, family, institutional strength, educational opportunities, and dedication to community service.
A memorial service for Dr. Oestreich will be held on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at 1 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in New Braunfels with the Reverend Paul Owens officiating. A reception will follow. A private family graveside service will be held at Guadalupe Valley Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Dr. Charles H. Oestreich Scholarship, c/o Texas Lutheran University, Development Office, 1000 West Court Street, Seguin, Texas 78155, or to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 777 W. San Antonio St, New Braunfels, TX 78130.
You are invited to sign the guest book at www.treshewell.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Tres Hewell Mortuary, 165 Tor Dr., Seguin, Texas, 78155, 830-549-5912.
Mary was known for her warm smile, her deep faith, and her ability to make everyone feel at home. She loved cooking for her family, praying her rosary, gardening, and spending time surrounded by loved ones. Mary was a woman who made sure you knew how important you were to her, and she never met a stranger. Mary was our hero and always leant a helping hand every chance she had. She made sure you felt her love and grace, and she let her light shine everywhere she went. Her spirit and grace will be missed greatly. She had a heart of gold and when you look to the stars, she will always be the brightest one shining. The loss and pain of losing this amazing woman will leave a void in our hearts forever, but her everlasting love and spirit will be with us always.
Visitation will be held Thursday, November 6th, 2025, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. at Palmer Mortuary in Seguin, Texas, with a Rosary to follow at 7:00 p.m.
A Mass of Catholic Burial will take place Friday, November 7th, at 10:30 a.m. at Saint James Catholic Church, followed by a procession to Holy Cross Cemetery at 17501 Nacogdoches Rd, San Antonio Tx 78266. A family reception will follow.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Palmer Mortuary and Cremations located at 1116 N. Austin Street, Seguin, Texas 78155; 830.379.9430. Please log on to www.palmermortuary.com to sign and view the guest book.
Dramatic Global Surge In Colorectal Cancer In Young People
(Undated) -- There’s been a dramatic surge in colorectal cancer in young people, not just in the U.S., but globally. Health experts say what we drink and eat is contributing to the trend. That includes consumption of red meat, processed meat, alcohol, sweetened beverages and ultraprocessed foods. The CDC says there’s been a 185-percent increase in colorectal cancer among adults ages 20 to 24 and a 333-percent increase in teens ages 15 to 19 in recent years. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide with just under two-million new cases in 2022.
Deadly Bird Flu Arrives Early In Europe Posing Worldwide Threat
(Undated) -- Deadly bird flu is arriving early in Europe this fall, posing a worldwide threat. It’s led to the deaths of hundreds of millions of chickens and ducks in the last few years and has spread to dairy cows in the U.S. So far, 15 out of 27 European Union nations have recorded avian flu outbreaks on farms. That’s led to a number of those countries, including Ireland, England, France, Belgium and the Netherlands, issuing indoor confinement orders. Poultry farmers are trying to shield their stock from infected wild birds.
Reliability Of AI Chatbots When It Comes To Health Advice
(Undated) -- Have you ever wondered how reliable AI chatbots are when it comes to giving health advice? A new Spanish study, published in NPJ Digital Medicine, turned up some interesting results after posing 150 medical questions to major search engines, like Google, Yahoo!, Bing and DuckDuckGo, plus large language models including ChatGPT, GPT-4 and MedLlama3. The search engines answered 50 to 70-percent of questions correctly with Bing proving most reliable, followed by Google. The large language models produced an 80-percent accuracy rate with ChatGPT and GPT-4 leading the way. Researchers concluded that accuracy depended a lot on how questions were phrased.
Canadian Hospice Nurse Wants To Educate People About End-Of-Life Care
(British Columbia) -- A Canadian hospice nurse is waging a campaign to educate people about end-of-life care. Dr. Kath Murray says many families wrongly equate hospice care with giving up. But, she says, it provides comfort care for patients with a terminal illness, plus psychological support for families. Dr. Murray wants people to know that hospice care improves a patient’s quality of life and doesn’t have to be frightening or painful. In fact, she says, she’s never had a job where she’s seen so much laughter among patients and family members.
NOVEMBER
Sand Hills VFD Annual Barbecue
Sand Hills Volunteer Fire Department will be hosting its annual barbecue on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, beginning at 11 a.m. Plates are $20 and include brisket, sausage, chicken, and sides, with a bake sale offering desserts. For more information, contact KB Hallmark at 210-393-8124.
Navarro ISD Veterans Day Celebration
Navarro ISD will be hosting its annual Veterans Day Celebration on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at Erwin-Lee Stadium. The event begins with a breakfast reception for veterans at 8:35 a.m. in the Navarro High Library, followed by a procession at 9 a.m. and the ceremony at 9:15 a.m. The program will feature student performances, art displays, and a keynote address honoring those who served. Veterans and parents must RSVP by Friday, November 7, by emailing ingrid.davenport@nisd.us. Guests are encouraged to wear red, white, and blue.
November’s First Friday Feast
Join Geronimo Lions November 7, 2025 at the Red Barn at 250 Cordova road for a steak or fish dinner! Serving starts at 5:30. Come out and enjoy the evening. The beneficiary is the Christian Cupboard, and entertainment is provided by the Brushy Creek Boys. A first responder from the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Department will be honored with special recognition.
Motorcycle Escort for AVTT Wall
The Guadalupe County Veterans Council will be hosting a motorcycle mission to escort the AVTT Traveling Vietnam Wall into Seguin on November 10 at Rattler Stadium. Riders will meet at 9:30 a.m. and depart at 10:15 a.m. for the escort to the stadium parking lot.
Veterans
Day Parade and Events
The City of Seguin, Guadalupe County, and the Guadalupe County Veterans Council will be hosting Veterans Day events beginning with a parade at 9 a.m. on November 11 in Seguin, with line-up at 8 a.m. Following the parade, an assembly will be held at the Convention Center along with the grand opening of the AVTT Traveling Vietnam Wall and other memorials.
Wrangler Country
The Silver Center will be hosting Wrangler Country at 7:30 p.m. on November 14th at the Crystal Chandelier Ballroom. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Presale tickets are $10 by calling 830-303-6612.
Tickets are $15 at the door.
GRMC helps community fight against diabetes
In honor of World Diabetes Day, Guadalupe Regional Medical Center is hosting a FREE community event on Friday, November 14th, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the GRMC East Campus. Attendees can enjoy healthy cooking demonstrations, check out the latest insulin pump technology, and get diabetes education from Endocrinologist Dr. Jonven Attia. The event welcomes everyone interested in learning more!
Guadalupe County Bulk Clean-Up
Guadalupe County will host its free Bulk CleanUp event on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. at 310 IH-10 West, with entry only at N. Austin St. and N. Guadalupe St. The event allows county residents to dispose of trash, furniture, appliances, scrap metal, tires (limit four, no rims), dry paint, and bagged yard waste. A photo ID or utility bill is required to verify residency. For details, visit guadalupetx.gov or call 830-3038858.
Food Drive Underway
We the People Central Texas will host a food drive through Nov. 22 to benefit the Christian Cupboard. Donations of non-perishable food and hygiene items may be dropped off at Pecantown Books & Brews, Wal-Mart, or 1916 Bar & Bistro. Needed items include canned goods, cereal, pasta, and toiletries. Visit wethepeoplecentraltx.com for details.
Community Food Distribution
Navarro ISD, Guadalupe County, and the San Antonio Food Bank will host a community food distribution on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Navarro Intermediate School, 588 Link Road in Seguin. Those needing food assistance can register at freshtrak.com/register/ event/382838. Volunteers are needed from 7:30 a.m. to noon; sign up at forms.gle/Hw1uhPkndV5rYUR87.
Más Amor Fest: A Día de Los Veteranos Celebration
The Center for Mexican American Studies and the Mexican American Student Association at Texas Lutheran University are hosting the third annual Más Amor Fest on Saturday, November 22, from noon to 10 p.m. This free, all-ages event honors veterans and is open to the entire community.The festival will feature a lowrider, classic car, truck, and bike show from 12:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Blumberg Memorial Library parking lot. Visitors can also see the 1969 Chevy Impala from
the movie Selena. There will be a vendor market, a food court, live graffiti murals, and a live music showcase. Additionally, there will be a free turkey raffle giveaway every hour from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The celebration will conclude with a concert featuring Frankie J, DJ Kane, and Amanda Solis from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. For more information, visit masamorfest.com.
Redeemer United Church’s Handmade-Only Craft Fair
The Women’s Fellowship group of Redeemer United Church, 7415 Gin Rd., Marion, will host a Handmade-Only Craft Fair on Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.. The fair will feature local artisans and offer concessions and a bake sale. Proceeds from the bake sale will support the church’s Sunday school program.
No Dance at Silver Center Thanksgiving week
The Silver Center will not be hosting a dance on November 28th due to the holiday.
Glue Printing on Fabric Class
The Seguin Art League will be hosting Glue Printing on Fabric Class at 1 p.m. on November 22 at 104 S. Austin, Seguin. Participants will learn a simple batik process using gel glue and acrylic paint to create dynamic designs and will take home their own unique fabric piece. Open to ages 10 and up, limited to 10 participants. Cost is $35 with supplies included. For more information call 830-305-0472 or visit seguinartleague. com.
The Table: A Community Thanksgiving Meal
The City of Seguin will host The Table, a free community Thanksgiving meal, on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Seguin Events Center. The event will provide hot meals and essential items to anyone in need, with a goal of serving at least 2,000 people. Donations and sponsorships are welcome to help support food, supplies, and personal care items. For details or to donate, visit thetableseguin.com or contact Chris Larson at 830-305-0248 or Jessica Cummings at 325-650-1890.
To ensure non-profit organization’s meetings and events appear in this calendar, send information to: communitycalendar@kwed1580.com, or drop off the information at the Seguin Daily News/KWED offices located at 609 E. Court St. in Seguin. For best results, submit information at least two weeks prior to the event.
Q:The large live oak tree in front of the library has different acorns and leaves than mine at home. What is it?
A:
This is a question I received from a patron of the library recently. Off the top of my head, I said that it was maybe an Escarpment live oak. He went up on the Internet and did find a difference. An Escarpment live oak is Quercus fusiformis while the live oak in front of my house and maybe his is Quercus virginiana. Wildflower.org says that the Escarpment oak is much hardier than the virginiana and the leaves are generally smaller with the acorns long, spindle shaped and narrowed at the base.
Eugene Gehring of the Cross Timbers Forestry Council in Arlington feels that we are seeing more fusiformis around since the 70’s and 80’s when many nurseries started carrying them. He also explains why live oak trees are so susceptible to Oak Wilt. Live oaks are prolific at sprouting from their roots, he says. That allows oak trees in a given stand to share their roots. This helps make them drought hardy, but also makes them susceptible to Oak Wilt.
Q: What makes some leaves change color in the fall?
A: In the fall, because of shorter days, explains Doug Welsh, Extension Horticulturist, chlorophyll production slows. In the absence of the green pigment, other pigments show through. This is the time of year
when you should drive around and check on which color is best for your yard. Although, as I write this the end of October, there is no fall color on the cedar elm, the Chinese pistache, or the red oak in my back yard. Other Texas trees that show color are the bald cypress, chinquapin oak, Fan Tex ash, flameleaf sumac, lacey oak, sycamore, and Texas ash.
Q: My houseplants have been outside for the summer. When do I bring them in and should I take any precautions?
A: Remember that the humidity inside your house is much drier than outside. Check your soil moisture frequently. Make sure that no pests came inside with your plants. Wash the plants or spray with something that will be fine for indoor plants. I use a soap solution sold for the purpose. Ask your local nursery for help.
Q: Please root me a cutting of your fig tree.
A: Now is probably a good time to do this if you have the room to store the cutting over the winter. Doug Welsh suggests taking cuttings from the end of stems that are pencil length and pencil diameter. Angle cut the bottom end at 45 degrees and remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting. Dip in rooting hormone and plant in good soil. (First make a hole with a pencil so that the hormone does not fall off). Water lightly and place in bright light.
