Seguin Magazine - December 2020

G u a d a l u p e C o u n t y l i v i n g

December 2020

it’s The Most

Wonderful

Time of the Year Operation

Blue santa

Retired military policeman, Randy Burnsides, wears the Blue Santa suit with pride

Mid-Texas Symphony Founder

Anita Windecker’s passion for music sets the stage for a lifetime of accomplishments

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in this issue December 2020

10

FEATURES 10 BLUE SANTA

Retired Army MP Randy Burnsides is involved with the local police department to give back in a special way

14 MID-TEXAS SYMPHONY FOUNDER

Anita Windecker’s passion for music has helped grow the foundation of Seguin’s musical community

FASHION 18 GEORGIA NICKEL

Teen is using a hand-me-down sewing machine to create unique fashion and costume designs

14

ON THE SCENE 26 ELLE BRIGHTLY

Emerging singer and songwriter has the music industry buzzing.

CULINARY CREATIONS 28 CRANBERRY SALSA

This sweet and spicy appetizer is sure to add some spice to your holiday table

UNDER THE HOOD 30 1970 VW BUS

The teal-colored classic is an adventure on four wheels

AROUND TOWN 32 FAVORITE FINDS

Unique items from local small businesses

33 HOLIDAY SAVINGS

Local savings just in time for the holidays

34 FACES OF SEGUIN

4

Submitted photos from our readers

SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

on the cover

Photo by Michael Pape

“A tasty reception awaits a hardworking Santa on Christmas Eve. Homemade eggnog, a choice of cookies, and a note of thanks and wishes placed with tender care.”

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FROM THE

G u a d a l u p e C o u n t y l i v i n g

Editor

A

nother year has come and gone, and oh deer what a year! This holiday season is unlike any other, to cap off a year unlike any other.

Throughout this season, and as we move into a new year (yes, please!), I wish you health, happiness, moments of peace amid the difficulties, connections with family and friends even if they can’t be in person, the warmth of memories from holidays past, and wonderful glimpses of the joy that still lives under the surface.

This month we have some much-needed joy with a cheerful spread of stories. Anita Windecker, the founder of the Mid-Texas Symphony, tells us of her path to bringing the music to more ears, and Randy Burnsides dons the blue to help every child have a toy as Blue Santa.

Sprinkle some cinnamon in your eggnog, hang some lights, let’s do our part to help each other make it through the rest of this crazy year, and make it the best Christmas we can!

Keep sleigh-ing it, Seguin!

Desiree Gerland

Desiree Gerland, Editor

Happy Holidays!

Vol. 7, No. 7 Seguin magazine is published twelve times a year by the Seguin Gazette.

Publisher

Elizabeth Engelhardt Editor

Desiree Gerland PHOTO Editor

Lizz Daniels Graphic Designer

Bethy Male Writers

Dalondo Moultrie Joe Martin Katy O’Bryan Lizz Daniels ADVERTISING

Delilah Reyes Gay Lynn Olsovsky Laurie Cheatham TO ADVERTISE IN SEGUIN Magazine call 830-379-5402 have Story Ideas? let us know

seguinmagazine@seguingazette.com

SEARCH SEGUIN GAZETTE All material herein c. 2020 Southern Newspapers Inc., dba The Seguin Gazette, 1012 Schriewer Road, Seguin, TX, 78155.

All rights reserved

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An INSIDE look from our

WRITERS

“At the outset in a telephone interview, Seguin Police Department’s Blue Santa seemed like a tough cookie to crack. He offered short answers, little description and almost no exposition.

But once I visited his home to ask more questions and photograph him more in his element, Randy Burnsides opened up. I think, like he said, once he put on the suit, everything changed and he transformed into, dare I say, a jolly ol’ elf. Randy and his wife Nina were a delight and are treasures to the police department and the community.”

– Dalondo Moultrie “My story and photo shoot this month with G was such an uplifting and exciting experience. The passion she has is inspiring and seeing her work with Yesenia as she modeled G’s BLM dress. As we reviewed the photos everyone at the shoot became kind of emotional to be part of it. There were real tears in some of those photos, and I’m glad I had the opportunity to capture it.”

– Lizz Daniels “Elle shows incredible ambition for such a young artist, and is getting her due recognition in the industry.

The opportunity to watch her grow from the toddler I babysat across the street to a beautiful and talented young woman with nothing short of an exciting future has been an honor. Also, her music is the bomb! I can’t wait to see what the coming years look like for her, the sky is the limit for Elle.”

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Blue Christmas!

S t o ry a n d Photos by Da l ondo Moultri e

M

ilitary police probably aren’t the first folks who come to mind when thinking of someone jolly, but former MP Randy Burnsides partnered with local police years ago and has continued to bring holiday cheer to thousands of children over the years as Seguin Police Department’s Blue Santa.

“A lot of it stems from my history; I’m retired Army,” Burnsides said. “Getting involved with the police department was a way to get back into the police family. … It’s something we really missed. It’s just kind of a way to give back and help out with families.”

After joining the Seguin Citizens Police Alumni Association, Burnsides and his wife got involved with the police department’s D.A.R.E program. The program’s Officer Hope Vasquez asked them to participate in the Blue Santa program. They did that for a couple years and then Burnsides took over the Santa mantle.

That was more than a decade and a half ago and he’s been rocking the suit, cap, gloves and boots ever since.

Randy does what he has to do to put huge smiles on the children’s faces when they see Old St. Nick all decked out in his blue threads.

“My wife and I both have put in a lot of hours helping out,” Burnsides said. “It’s been a lot of fun.”

They’ve worked with Vasquez in more than just the Blue Santa program, Nina Burnsides said.

Nina, personally, has worn several hats, literally and figuratively, to help the police department.

“I’ve played Mrs. Claus. I used to be an elf,” Nina said. “I’ve been Blue Santa in a pinch.”

She’s put on costumes to portray characters such as McGruff the Crime Dog, Daren the Lion, and whatever the police department needed. Helping the department is part of the big

12 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

draw for Randy and Nina.

It’s part of the efforts to help people in the community maintain positive views of the police department and its officers, Nina said.

“A lot of people’s contact with police is negative,” she said.

“But this is a way for the police department to show they’re humans, they’re fathers, they’re brothers, they’re sisters, husbands and wives.”

Civilians in the community are also part of the focused demographic Randy, Nina and the police programs hope to serve.

“Their hearts are in the right place, really contributing to the community every year,” Vasquez said. “They’re always asking what’s next.”

Next is the Blue Santa Program, which last year served more than 320 families and more than 900 children. For that robust year, volunteers wrapped more than 2,700 gifts in three nights, Vasquez said.

COVID-19’s presence in the community this year has called for some changes, and organizers think the pandemic could mean an uptick in families who need Blue Santa’s help.

“We don’t want the number to be higher, but we are going to get ready to serve those families that might be over the 300 mark,” Vasquez said. “For that reason, we are going to need everybody to pull together and help out at any of the donation locations throughout the city.”

A lot goes into collaborating for the Blue Santa program and appearing as the jolly old elf at various events throughout the year. Strapping on the blue winter wear for the Fourth of July parade in town can be a task.

Randy said he takes it all in stride, and does what he has to do to put huge smiles on the children’s faces when they see Old St. Nick all decked out in his blue threads.

Regardless of whatever else is going on, once he puts on the suit, the rest comes naturally, Randy said.

“That’s the thing about if you’re going to do the job, if you’re going to be a Santa Claus and be there for the kids, that’s what it’s about,” Randy said. “Try to do the best you can. Play the part and try to be there and be the best Santa you can.

“Once you get dressed up and get the suit on and kind of head out the door to go see the kids, it just starts to kind of fitting in place.”

And smiling, happy kids are enough to make anyone feel a bit more jolly, even a grisled former military policeman.

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THANK YOU FOR DOING YOUR PART!

sharing theLOVEof music with the Founder of the

mid texas symphony S T ORY AND PHOTO S BY J OE MA RT I N

A

nita Windecker’s fingers work the keys of the piano in her living room at blinding speeds. She effortlessly fills the room with a wave of soft, melodic, keystrokes, all while holding a rhythm that only a masterful artist can tame.

The Seguin resident has accomplished much in her life through her passion for music. In 1953, while in her 20s, Windecker played at Carnegie Recital Hall; she was a professor at Texas Lutheran University; and she is one of the three founders of the university’s music department. While sharing her love of music to students, she offered it to the community with the Mid Texas Symphony.

“The teacher called my mother and dad, and she said that I really should be taking piano,” Windecker said. “She said the entire time that my brother had the lesson, I just sat there on the sofa and listened to every bit of it. So sure enough, that’s what started it.”

Anita’s affinity for the piano grew after a sit-in at her brother’s lesson.

While in grade school, she found herself continuously being pulled from class to play for her family, teachers, the school and at churches. She even began touring the country playing at various venues and continued to do so throughout her adult life.

“Artists do what we call mental

Whatever it is you enjoy, you don’t let it go; that’s what I say.

Windecker began playing the piano at the age of 5 while attending a lesson with her brother Roland Windecker.

practice,” she said. “My driver would drive miles to the next concert and on the way, I’d be sitting in the car going

over every note of every piece. That’s thousands upon thousands of notes, but really seeing the whole page. It’s about mental practice, not just playing and saying ‘I hope I get through this.’”

One particular venue that has stuck with Anita over the rest was in Dallas, where she was gradually lifted from the basement to the stage on a platform –– all whilst performing.

Although, at times, she longed for a normal childhood alongside her classmates, Anita loved playing the piano and never considered deviating from a musical career.

“This has been my life since I was 5 years old,” she said. “It’s just something I’ve always enjoyed, and you don’t just put things down. Whatever it is you enjoy, you don’t let it go; that’s what I say.”

Anita toured while working as a professor at Texas Lutheran University.

Juggling her double life as a teacher and performer was a joy and presented the musician with opportunities to teach from first-hand experience.

“If I tell my students ‘do this, do

Anita Windecker proudly displays the model plaque for her brother Leo Windecker, designer of the first all composite airplane.

that,’ they might think, ‘well, why don’t you do it?’” she said. “Well, I already had, and that helps with teaching.”

Anita fondly looks back on her debut at Carnegie Recital Hall as one of her greatest accomplishments.

Although the performance had always been a dream, it was her family’s passion and support that stuck with her.

“My mother had just passed, and I was so sad because I was hoping she could come when I first played at Carnegie Recital Hall,” Anita said.

“My father came up from [Seguin], which you didn’t do at that time; we didn’t travel back and forth like that, it was too far. So they came to hear me play at Carnegie Recital Hall, and that’s what I had always hoped.”

Throughout Anita’s 50-year career at Texas Lutheran University, she decided to bring music to the forefront of the Guadalupe County area, leading to her single-handedly founding the Mid-Texas Symphony in 1978.

Anita came about this decision by reflecting on her time as a student at Texas Lutheran University. At the time, students traveled by bus from the college to San Antonio to watch the San Antonio symphony perform, she said.

16 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

“We had to pay the driver 50 cents, which is nothing now,” Anita said. “And I thought, ‘we should have a symphony here. Why should all of us have to go all the way to San Antonio?’”

Creating the local orchestra was a relatively painless process as dozens of community members from both the Seguin and New Braunfels areas heeded her call.

The mesh of eager members led to the symphony’s namesake, Anita said.

“I said New Braunfels alone can’t afford a symphony. Seguin alone can’t afford a symphony. Why don’t we join up and both have a symphony?” she said. “I named it Mid-Texas because there’s a Dallas Symphony, Corpus Christi Symphony, San Antonio Symphony, they are all geographical location. We’re sort of in the middle of Texas, so what else would you call it? Seguin and New Braunfels Symphony? It probably wouldn’t have gone any place.”

The reason the symphony has thrived throughout the years is its mission to maintain the best talent around.

“We always get the best in the nation that we can get of a conductor; that’s what’s important,” she said.

“Whatever you’re trying to sell, make

sure that the product is right and what you’re trying to sell is true, be very truthful about it, and I always have been, and I’ve felt I always was.”

Anita’s laundry list of accomplishments are unimaginable without the support of her two brothers Roland and Leo Windecker.

Her siblings are no slouches either, as Roland developed the first T.I. calculator and Leo created the first composite airplane, Anita said.

“They treated me so honorably, just as if I’d break if they touched me,” she said. “They were really, really the greatest brothers.”

Throughout it all, creating the symphony, playing at Carnegie Recital Hall, helming the music program at Texas Lutheran University, Anita’s faith is what held it all together.

Even all these years later, she attributes her success to God and she says he’s the one who really did it. He gave her the skill and passion needed to continue playing the keys and bringing joy to others.

“It’s just like with Leo and the airplane. He always said, ‘God did it, but he used me as an instrument to do it,’” she said. “And that was always very strong in my family’s life, faith.”

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“There’s something about it being a part of my mother that makes it special to me,” she said. “It’s the sewing machine my mother taught me to sew on, which is the same way her mother taught her to sew. I also love that it’s old and simple, unlike the new complicated electronic sewing machines they have now.”

A senior in high school, Nickel dreads going off to college next year because it will mean parting with her THE OF B beloved Singer. Fortunately, she still T has plenty of work to do on her college portfolio before then. Since her plan is to major in fashion and costume design, 2020 24 Hour Commercial and Nickel’s college portfolio is currently a focal point of her life.

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•Joint Replacements •Arthritis •Hand/Foot Problems The bone-bodiced dress with hoop •Joint Replacements •Arthritis •Hand/Foot830-379-9492 Problems Walnut Springs Family Health Walnut Springs Family Health skirt consists of 11 yards of rose-gold G. Steven trent MD J. twitero, 309 Prom MD Steven White, MD White, trent MD J. twitero, 309aSilverado St.,Silverado La VerniaSt., LaG.Vernia Appoin pt silk and was based on plantation tme Availab nts evening-gown pattern from the 1700s. Call for an le!

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830-379-9492 appt. 830-379-9492 It was, without doubt, one of Nickel’s most costly projects to date.

“This particular gown was one worn by white women of the time,” she said.

“It’s sort of a nod to the injustices of the past. I’m currently embroidering the names of African American victims who died at the hands of police brutality. It’s ances Most insur difficult not only because hand embroiaccepted, ing lud inc mp dering takes a long time, but also because Worker’s Co The health and safety of our patients and staff & Medicaid the number of names I had to fit on are our highest priority as we strive to the dress was heartbreaking. There’s minimize the spread of COVID infection. so many I am going to have to switch CALL FOR AN APPT. 830-379-9492 between embroidering and painting the names just to get it done in time.”

Nickel hopes to touch people’s hearts and get her message across through a medium, which has always been about challenging fashion creators to embrace differences by making them work together.

Another of Nickel’s projects illustrates her views on medical costs in the United States –– an issue that hits far too close to home for the young adult. The "Look To Seguin Assisted Living For A Carefree Future.” piece consists of a simple white dress with pills scattered across its surface.

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Yesenia Macias models Georgia Nickel’s Black Lives Matter dress inspired by her experience at a protest in San Antonio. The names of African American killed by police officers are stitched and painted on the fabric.

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Kalie Bohnenburger, Yesenia Macias and Georgia Nickel model some of Georgia’s custom fashion designs. From mismatched patters to changeable skirt lengths, Nickel has challenged herself with unique custom designs that are inspired by her love of androgyny and costuming. Make-up by Johnothon Berg-Eaton.

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24 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

of course, are less tragic. Many of my pieces are made just because they’re pretty and aren’t related to anything at all. A favorite piece of mine is a mini-suit I made based on my love for androgyny.”

When first brainstorming an idea, Nickel often finds herself sketching rough drawings on napkins and scrap paper that later end up in the trash once she has a pattern in the works.

Her figures are most often genderless to allow anyone to dress the part and complete the look.

“I’ve always been a very androgynous person and I like to express that in my work,” Nickel said. “Fashion to me has always just been –– fashion –– no gender, no feminine or masculine.

I often like to shop in both the men’s and women’s section. That confuses a lot of people, I think. For me, it’s just about what will make me feel and look good. I want to encourage others to do the same through what I make.”

As a cosplayer and thespian, Nickel’s foundation is in costume design.

Lately, however, she has been working to create more wearable fashion. Her process typically starts with a visit to the fabric store where she will browse pattern magazines until something catches her eye. Once she’s settled on a pattern, she uses it as a guide, keeping old ideas in mind while coming up with new ones on the spot.

As Nickel completes her portfolio and begins the college application process, she has her eyes set on some of the top schools for fashion and costuming in the country.

“I’m planning to apply to a lot of fashion-based schools in New York, Georgia and Rhode Island,” she said.

“I’m also applying here in Texas too.

I’m feeling good about the plan moving forward, and have been grateful to work on all these projects in preparation for my next step.”

Nickel’s next step may be uncertain as of yet, but one thing is for sure –– wherever she ends up, her trusty Singer will remain at home in Seguin awaiting her return home to begin her next fashion project.

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Holidays are often difficult for Holidays are often difficult for people who have experienced experiencedthe people who have Holidays are often difficult for the death a loved one.

The death ofwho aof loved The Tree people haveone. experienced Tree of Remembrance helps of Remembrance helps families the death of a loved one.

The families paytotribute to special pay tribute special family Tree of Remembrance helps family members andtofriends. members andtribute friends. families pay special

family members and friends.

Th e Seguin Gazettewould wouldlike like The Seguin Gazette to invite to dedicate an to invite you dedicate an The Seguin Gazette would like “ornament” “ornament” remembrance to invite youintoremembrance dedicate an of a lost loved one, whether recently of a lost loved one, whether “ornament” in remembrance or years ago, on this special color recently years ago, on this of a lostor loved one, whether feature page to be ago, printed in special color feature page tothe be recently or years on this Seguin Gazette on Wednesday, printed thefeature Seguinpage Gazette special in color to be December printed in23rd. the Seguin Gazette on Wednesday, December on Wednesday, December 23rd.

To reserve your ornament 23rd. please call (830)379-5402

Call (830)379-5402 or or email Call (830)379-5402 advertising@seguingazette.com email advertising@or email advertising@ seguingazette.com THE SEGUIN seguingazette.com H

GAZETTE DELIVERING LIFE TO YOUR DOORSTEP SINCE 1888

GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 25

y l t h g i r B e l l E

A ll pho t o s o wned by a ngela t wi t ero

ontheScene iter r w g n o s Singer &

r ya n K a t y O ’B Story by

A

s a contracted recording artist and the owner of Brightly Worldwide Music, Elle Brightly has ambitiously chased her dream for the past two years.

And she’s only 14 years old.

Glowing in the spotlight is nothing new for Brightly, who modeled for Angela King Designs — her mother’s company — for years before deciding music was her passion.

“My main thing has always been singing and songwriting,” she said. “Ever since I was little, I would write down in my notepad little ideas. They were not good but it was something I really loved doing, and it was just a good pasttime.

About two years ago I told my mom I wanted to do this seriously.”

From there, she never looked back.

A weeklong audition through an online call for singer/songwriters ended with Brightly selected to record a song with a London-based BBC group.

“I was so excited and really nervous,” Brightly recalled. “Then when I got chosen. I was in shock, like, ‘wait, this is actually happening?’ Then we recorded the first song, which was ‘You got me.’ It’s only on YouTube right now, but we might get that more out in the future.”

Brightly’s pop-infused dance mix quickly reached thousands of viewers, gaining positive attention from top

26 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

producers.

“People started to notice me a little bit and one of those was Alex Cantrall,” Brightly said. “We went out and recorded the song ‘Figure It Out’ and I got to be a part of the writing process.

I was so excited because it really came from me, and I got to make it personal.

That’s what I really love doing, putting my own little spin on stuff and having a real voice in everything.”

“Figure It Out” was released in early 2020, and Brightly was scheduled to film a music video soon after.

Due to the pandemic, production was canceled and a green screen coupled with long-distance direction was the only option left. Brightly’s second video dropped on YouTube in April 2020, reaching thousands of viewers.

After the video’s release, veteran label executive Jason Dauman offered Brightly a contract with his label, which included recording two singles with remixing by celebrity producers, all set to launch in the upcoming year.

“Brightly’s dynamic debut single promises to take her up the dance music charts around the world,” Dauman said about the rising star. “I’m delighted to have signed her and look forward to a great future with Brightly in the coming years! She has varied talents musically and should continue to evolve. It will be a fun journey!”

Pho t o by Jero d Johnson at m azm o rra studios

Grammy award wining producer Moto Blanco remixed the first single, and his work with artists like Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande give Brightly and her team confidence in its upcoming release.

“Fantastic track, and that voice!”

Blanco said when recalling working with Brightly. “She was a joy to work with.”

With an abundance of travel and energy spent pursuing her dream, Brightly’s also navigating through her first year at Marion High School.

“I do sports and stuff so there isn’t a lot of free time with homework and doing AP classes,” she said. “If you love what you’re doing, it all makes it worth it, so that’s how I balance it out. It does get a little stressful sometimes, but I love making time for my voice lessons so I can better myself. I really want to succeed in this career path.”

Brightly’s ambitious future includes expanding into other genres and growing her portfolio as a musician, along with branching into the modeling and acting fields. She signed contracts with agencies for both and is keeping her eyes open for all opportunities.

“My main focus is music but I’ve slowly been getting into acting,” she said. “They probably will mesh together at some point, but we’ll just have to see how it goes. You never know what will happen.”

Pho t o by Jero d Jo hnso n at m azm o rra st u d i o s

goal is to make someone listen “ My to my music and feel something,

”

P h oto by A l Z ava l a

Pho t o by Jero d Jo hnso n at m azm o rra st u d i o s

As fun as it is to create music with top level artists, Brightly values the songwriting process and explains how her songs take their shape.

“Just coming up with an idea from the beginning is what I really love doing,” she said. “So, I’ll start off with a track, and get a vibe from the music and what I think it should be about, then lyrics start to form with it. Then I start writing. Usually, I have another songwriter with me, and we bounce ideas off of each other. It’s a great process.”

Brightly wants her music to reach people on a personal level, and feels it’s important to show vulnerability.

“My goal is to make someone listen to my music and feel something,” she said. “I know that sounds kind of simple and small, but when I listen to a song, I want to be able to relate to the artist. I feel like if I can even just make one person be like ‘hey, that’s exactly how I feel,’ then it makes it feel like I’m doing something for someone.”

P h oto by A l Z ava l a 01/31/21

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GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 27

CULINARYCREATIONS

Holiday) (Cranberry Salsa Re ci pe by Be thy Ma l e

Photo by L i zz Da ni e l s

- Ingredients -

1 (12-ounce) package fresh cranberries 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 jalapeño pepper, deseeded and chopped 2 tablespoons chopped green onion 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves 1 tablespoon orange zest 2 tablespoons orange juice 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened Water crackers or tortilla chips

- Instructions -

Add cranberries and sugar to food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped, about 30 pulses. Stir in

jalapeño, green onion, cilantro, orange zest and orange juice. Cover and store in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to overnight.

To serve, arrange cream cheese on a serving tray, strain away juices from the cranberry salsa and spoon on top of the cream cheese. Serve with water crackers or tortilla chips.

- Notes -

My family likes it spicy so we don’t deseed the jalapeño.

It will keep well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week. Making the salsa portion in advance is a great way to keep your holiday entertaining as stress-free as possible.

TH E O RI G I N AL CHRI STM AS STORE

RADKO

IN SEGUIN

the Shop @

design associates

YARD ART

110 West Nolte Street

(830) 303-1522 WWW.DESIGNASSOCIATESTX.COM THESHOPTX.SQUARE.SITE @designassociatesseguin

@theshopSeguin

NATIVITIES

Monday - Saturday Lunch Special Lunches are served with (2) sides, for only $8.50!

To Go Cups add .25 cents. Extra plate add $1.50 Served from 11-2 or while quantities last.

(Drinks NOT included with Lunch Specials)

SUN

6

13

20

27

MON

DECEMBER 2020

OPEN

MON - THURS 11-8 FRI - SAT 11-9 CLOSED SUNDAY

TUES

WED

THUR

FRI

SAT

Chicken Fried Chicken Breast

Chicken Fried Steak

Chicken Spaghetti

Cajun Catfish

French Dip Sandwich

1

2

4

5

7

8

10

11

12

Meatloaf

Breaded Pork Cutlet

Country Fried Chicken

Old Fashion Pot Roast

Butterfly Shrimp

French Dip Sandwich

14

15

16

17

18

19

Meatloaf

German Sausage

Turkey N Dressing

Liver N Onions

Cajun Catfish

French Dip Sandwich

21

22

Meatloaf

Breaded Pork Cutlet

28

29

Meatloaf

Chicken Ranchero

9

3

23

24

Country Fried Chicken

30

Chop Steak Closed @ 2 Merry Christmas

25 Closed for Christmas

26 French Dip Sandwich

31

Chicken Fried Steak

Ground Beef N Gravy

129 W. San Antonio, Marion (Down HWY 78) • 830-914-2572 GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 29

UndertheHood

HippyBus They call it a

S t o ry a nd Photos

by Li zz Da ni e l s

W

hen your wife wants a ‘hippy bus,’ you get her a 1970 Volkswagen Transporter Type II; at least that’s what James Deatherage bought for his wife, Laurie.

“I just think they’re neat and very us,” Laurie said. “One of our friends had this image of us traveling around in a bus before getting married.”

The Deatherages didn’t roam through the ’70s living out of their bus, but they have shared many adventures.

The couple met in seventh grade during confirmation classes at church.

Despite encouragement from her mother, Laurie wanted little to do with her future husband –– at least at the time.

“One day, I was walking to the church after school and my motherin-law pulled up with Laurie,” James said. “I just about had the door handle in my hand when Laurie says, ‘oh no mama, that boy is too mean.’ So they 30 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

just left me standing there.”

That was the first of two times Laurie left James standing on the side of the road. The second time was 38 years later on a road trip to Garner State Park in their hippy bus.

“We got to San Antonio and the engine blew on it,” James said. “I coasted into a parking lot. Our daughter and son-in-law picked her up and left me standing on the side of the road –– again.”

While the rest of the family headed off to enjoy camping at the park, James sat at a Bill Miller’s with the dogs waiting on the wrecker to pick them up. With a little time and work in the shop, James had it back up and running. He’d already done it once, of course. When the teal bus came into his possession, it was a fixer-upper, like most of his cars.

“When I first got it, the engine wasn’t too bad, but the brakes were totally shot,” he said. “The windows

I coasted into a parking lot. Our daughter and son-inlaw picked her up and left me standing on the side of the road –– again. leaked so the carpet was ruined. That caused the metal underneath to rot out. If you opened up the door in my shop and stepped inside it, you’d still be standing on concrete — there was no floor left.”

After buying the vehicle from

All decked out in love and peace, Santa is ready to deliver some holiday cheer in the Deatherage’s hippy bus.

The couple decorated the VW with lights, garlands, and ornaments to show their spirit. The pigs are theme from James and Laurie’s supper club, which they trade each Christmas.

a shop in San Marcos, James rebuilt the floor pan, making it around 200 pounds heavier than it originally was, and rewired it entirely. It sits up high and turns sharp due to its snub-front, which is made possible by the rear-situated engine –– a feature for which Volkwagen is well known. James also repainted the bus, replaced all the rubber seals and some of the glass due to their age.

“It rides like an old car,” James said. “It doesn’t have power steering or brakes and it doesn’t have air when you drive, but I enjoy it.”

Now that it’s up and running, James and Laurie’s favorite thing to do with the bus is to take it camping. The back has just enough amenities to meet modern needs, including a microwave, refrigerator and air conditioning unit.

The teal-colored classic is an adventure on four wheels and a cool weekend ride, which hopefully doesn’t leave James stranded any time soon.

Keepers Interiors & Furniture Find something you love for your home

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Not just oil, Pennzoil

SEGUIN

NEW BRAUNFELS

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988 Mission Dr.

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1190 Borgfeld Rd.

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at Court St.

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at Landa St.

Next to Kohl’s

992 Business IH35 S 830-214-0622

at FM 3009

SAN MARCOS

1044 Hwy. 123 (512) 396-3493

OPEN: Mon - Fri 8AM-6PM • Sat 8AM-5PM GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 31

Fa♥orite Finds Shop local for the holidays! Thank you for continuing to support our community.

1

2

3

1. Personalized Glass Ornament 2. Honey Scrub Gift & Gourmet - $23.95 Gretchen Bee Ranch - $15 With a touch of personalization, this All natural and unique, using only ornament instantly becomes a unique honey crystals as the exfoliant, and gift for anyone on your list.

Vitamin E oil to help with blemishes.

3. Christmas Face Masks CraftPudding- $8 - $10 These Face Masks are washable and reusable. Made with 100% cotton and has a filter pocket.

212 S Austin St. • (830) 379-1242

2745 W. Kingsbury St. • (830) 463-9161

420 N. Austin St. • (715)444-0646

www.giftandgourmetseguin.com

www.gretchenbeeranch.com

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32 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

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510 E. Court St. Seguin, TX 78155

Pies made with Love & Grandmother’s Recipe!

Call 830-303-6612 to special order your pie

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(830) 433-9362

550 N Hwy 123 Bypass Suite 142 • Seguin, TX

Johnny’s Bar-B-Que

6036 Stockdale Hwy. • Seguin • 379-0275 Mon-Wed 10-7, Thur and Sat 10 -7:30, Fri 10-8 Pies • BBQ • Burgers • Catering Catfish on Fridays • Daily Lunch Specials

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Faces of seguin email YOUR PHOTOS to SEGUINMAGAZINE@SEGUINGAZETTE.COM

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1215 E. Court St.

|

Seguin, TX 78155

|

830.379.2411

|

g r m e d c e n t e r. c o m