Seguin Magazine - May 2022

Page 1

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

MAY 2022

Ballet Folklorico Sharing the benefits of dance with the community

teatro de artes celebrates 40 years Educating the community about Mexican American culture

seguin is where home is Striving to achieve and maintain the American dream



Gift And Gourmet 212 S Austin - 830-379-1242

www.giftandgourmetseguin.com

HUGE SELECTION OF GENUINE RECLINERS

L

A

599

$

Z

B

f ro m to

O

$

Y

1199

In Stock & Ready for FAST - FREE DELIVERY

New Spring Styles have arrived 20% Off One Regularly Priced Item*

*Coupon Cannot be combined with any other offer, Does not apply to previous purchases, one Coupon Per day Per customer, Expires May 31, 2022

www.starckefurniture.com

300 S. Austin St. • 379-4622 La-Z-Boy Recliners | Broyhill Furniture

Mothers Day Sale Save 15-55% on many items that are perfect for Mom, now til Mother’s Day!

Where Seguin and New Braunfels Celebrate Mom!

830-625-3203 | www.ernestos.com | New Braunfels Marketplace | 717 N. Business IH 35 Suite 150


in this issue May 2022

FEATURES 10 TEATRO DE ARTES DE JUAN SEGUIN

A resilient source of culture and community for countless families in and around Guadalupe County

10

16 BALLET FOLKLORICO DE LA ROSA

Sharing the benefits of traditional dances that emphasize local Hispanic culture

22 RISE AND SHINE

Opening the doors to become a thriving businesswoman with a passion to help other do the same

ON THE SCENE 26 GROWING MUSICAL ROOTS

16-year-old Seguin High School student recently released his first self-produced music album

CULINARY CREATIONS

16

30 IF LIFE GIVES YOU LIMES, MAKE MARGARITAS The only thing better than one margarita, is two margaritas

AROUND TOWN 34 FAVORITE FINDS Unique items from small, local businesses

36 SAVE THE DATE See what events are coming up

38 FACES OF SEGUIN Submitted photos from our readers

on the cover Photo by Felicia Frazar

Thania Hernandez, 8, shows off some of the moves from the dance representing the state of Jalisco. Hernandez learned the style of dance from Teatro De Artes De Juan Seguin’s Ballet Folkorico.

22


31st Annual Rotary Club of Seguin

$20,000 Raffle Night

All proceeds benefit area high school senior scholarships and grants for local non-profit organizations

FifteenGrand VISA Gift CARD Prizes Prize: $10,000 Gift Card Tier One: $3,000, $2,000, $1,000 Gift Gard Tier Two: Six (6) $500 Gift cards Tier Three: Five (5) $200 Gift cards

Sea island Fish & Shrimp

Meal Tickets $20 each, Raffle Tickets $100 each Tickets Available from any rotarian or Scan the QR code below to purchase

Live music • Silent Auction • Bucket Raffle • Jackpot Raffle • Deck of Cards Raffle • Whiskey Wagon Raffle • Wine wagon raffle

Thursday, June 9th, 2022 | 6:00 PM Seguin Coliseum | 950 S. Austin St. | Seguin, Tx 78155


FROM THE

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

Vol. 8, No. 12 Seguin magazine is published twelve times a year by the Seguin Gazette. Publisher

Elizabeth Engelhardt creative director / magazine Editor

Desiree Gerland

Graphic Designer

Rebecca Harrison Writers

Felicia Frazar Dalondo Moultrie Bianca Rawlings

ADVERTISING

Delilah Reyes Gay Lynn Olsovsky

TO ADVERTISE IN SEGUIN Magazine call 830-463-0770

A

editor

city’s identity is layered with different characteristics scattered throughout the town in design and tradition, which compels a visitor to explore winding roads, taste local fare, and stand in awe of monumental architectural spaces. On the surface, Seguin might give the appearance of a growing industrial city, but it doesn’t take much scratching to see that just below the surface this city is rich with diverse cultural histories. Many of which I get the pleasure of learning about through the pages of this magazine. A huge representation of that history is from the cultural arts center, Teatro De Artes De Juan Seguin. The organization was formed in 1982 by Vickie De La Rosa, her family and the hispanic community in order to preserve a culture that is abundant with agriculture, culinary arts, literature and dance. Throughout history, people have been attracted to cities as centers of culture, learning, and economic opportunity. For many thats what Seguin is. It is more than just a place to call home; but it is the best place to call home. Let’s dance, Seguin.

have Story Ideas? let us know

seguinmagazine@seguingazette.com

To view the digital version visit issuu.com/seguingazette

SEARCH SEGUIN GAZETTE All material herein c. 2022 Southern Newspapers Inc., dba The Seguin Gazette, 805 E. Court St., Ste. #200, Seguin, Tx, 78155 All rights reserved

6

SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

Desiree Gerland Desiree Gerland

Creative Director / Magazine Editor desiree.gerland@seguingazette.com


An INSIDE look from our

WRITERS

“The time I spent at Teatro talking to everyone from the current director, dancers, multiple staff, the parents of students, and even a Teatro founder truly flew by. They were all so welcoming and warm that the hours I spent there seemed like mere minutes. The valuable perspectives and voices I heard resulted in a diverse and in-depth story. I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for Teatro and am confident they will not only continue to be a beacon of culture and art for so many but also expand Mexican American representation in Seguin to exciting new heights.:” – Bianca Rawlings

“Mary Ann Leos Smith’s determination to create a better life for herself, her family and her community is inspirational. In a time when people said she couldn’t, she did. She made the journey to US for the American dream and is living it by owning and operating four businesses, and lending a helping hand to her neighbors when the need arrises.” – Felicia Frazar

“Young singer/songwriter/music producer/ performer/recording artist Eric Sebastian Gonzales is on his way to being a Seguin superstar. What’s more impressive about the multi-hyphenated entertainer is his humility. Keep an eye out for more from the high school junior but don’t expect him to toot his own horn.” – Dalondo Moultrie

Everything for today’s trendy woman, kids & home 830-393-7993

918 10th Street, Floresville, TX 78114 Monday-Saturday 9-6 • Sunday 12-6

GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN

7


STORE OPENED mate i l C 4/1/22. l

o

Contr STOCKING oon! S ENGEL COOLERS. g n i m Co COME SEE US!

BOAT, RV AND SELF STORAGE FACILITY 885 FM78 EAST, MARION, TX 78124 • 830-743-5311 CALL (830) 743-5311 • 885 FM78 EAST, MARION, TX 78124 INSULATED ROOFS

AVAILABLE UNIT TYPES:

24-HOUR ACCESS

• Self Storage (10 x 10, 10 x 15, 10 x 20)

EXTRA SECURITY LIGHTING STATE-OF-THE-ART CAMERAS AIR AND WATER ONLINE RENTALS AND BILL PAY

• Covered Boat & RV Storage (35’, 40’, 45’) • Open Air Storage (Multiple Size)

backyardstorages.com


Keepers

Interiors & Furniture Find something you love for your home

Furniture • Art • Lamps Beatriz Ball • Home Accessories Lampe Berger • Gifts Chalk Paint ® by Annie Sloan Paint & Workshops Custom Upholstery • Furniture Repair Interior Design Consultation Custom Window Treatments

Meet & Learn More About Texas Authors, Artists & Muscians May 28, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 29, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Central Park, 201 S. Austin St.

830-379-9995 keepersinteriors.com 615 N Austin S t, S eguin, T X 78155

www.VisitSeguin.com 830.401.5000

Spring Into Clear Vision Cataracts – LASIK Surgery Routine Eye Exams – Optical Diabetic Eye Care We Pay More!! Glaucoma –• Silver Dry• Diamonds Eye • Gold Coins Gold Class Rings • Estate Jewelry

Get $1000 off LASIK vision correction surgery. Offer good May 1 - 31, 2022. LASIK procedure performed in San Marcos at our modern LASIK Center.

Call today to schedule a FREE consultation! In New Braunfels, San Antonio, Seguin, San Marcos, Luling, Lockhart, Castroville, La Vernia, Gonzales, and Hondo • www.EyesTx.com

Offering appraisal & liquidation of estate jewelry, fine art and silver by appointment.

Trade in your old gold and let us design your new treasures ... or trade for store credit.

830-379-EYES (3937) 908 E. Court St., Seguin, TX A Fine Jewelry Store • Since 1981 • 830-625-3203 • www.ernestos.com New Braunfels Marketplace • 651 N. Business IH 35 Suite 240


{ feature }

Teatro

Center for Art and Cultural Empowerment

Story by Bianca Rawlings Photos by Felicia Frazar & submitted by Alphonso Rincon

I

n 1970, Vickie De La Rosa moved to Seguin as a middle school math teacher at the newly integrated Ball Jr. High School. De La Rosa grew up and graduated high school in Crystal City, Texas. “Crystal City High School produced the biggest walkouts of students because the Mexican American students there were their largest population, and they had no representation or rights,” she said. Unfortunately, this political action did not come until De La Rosa was in college, but she was able to bear witness to the change that she knew was badly needed in her hometown. “I felt all the racism and all the discrimination while I was in that high school and town of Crystal City,” De La Rosa said. 10 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

Despite the daily discrimination she faced, her family support and sense of self was so strong that she was able to take the negativity and transform it into positivity. “When I arrived in Seguin ISD it was a bit of a cultural shock, because the majority of the students, almost 70%, were Anglo,” She said. Even in the Mexican American community, there was a lack of culture. De La Rosa would go to fiestas and felt they were devoid of culture, they were simply a party with lots of drinking, eating, and letting loose. She knew she needed to take action and tightly hold onto the rich culture of her ancestors for herself and her children. She integrated herself into Our Lady Guadalupe Catholic Church,



which was near Ball Jr. High and was in the part of town where many of the children she taught lived in. She got to know the students and their families outside of school through the church. De La Rosa said, “that this started to fill the void that she had been feeling.” As she came to know more people and places in Seguin, she came to discover the area where Teatro is now located which was known as “Mexico Chico” and was full of culture, she said. During the fiestas here, people would proudly stand up on the platform and give speeches, recite poetry, and prose. There was a flame burning within the community here and she knew she wanted her children to have pride in their culture. De La Rosa was driving her children to San Antonio for Folklorico and Flamenco classes when she realized, “this doesn’t make any sense, there are people here willing to do something.” She talked to her principal and proposed bringing in representations of Hispanic culture for her students. “He listened,” she said, “and brought in Spaniard dancers for the next regular assembly put on by the Southern Assembly Company.” During the dance, De La Rosa realized how mesmerized all the students were by the beautiful culture and dance. This is where her idea for a center for art and culture was first formed. By 1979, she had a connection with the community and the parents. When she began meeting with her students’ parents and the Hispanic community leaders to present her idea for a cultural and art center in Seguin, they embraced the idea with open arms. Even though there was some fear of backlash for promoting their ancestry, the Hispanic community needed this representation and reminder of their history. After two years of meeting, De La Rosa rallied her husband and her sister to start Teatro in 1982 which they immediately gifted back to the community. They created a diverse board of directors which focused on educating the community about Mexican Amer12 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

ican culture through programs such as Folklorico, Flamenco, and more. Today, Teatro De Artes De Juan Seguin is a steady source of inspiration for so many. Nearly 40 years since its inception, Teatro has grown from a grassroot effort into the beacon of culture and community that it is today. The founders knew for Teatro to be truly successful in reviving the vibrant Hispanic culture, it would need to be passed on through the generations. It is apparent that this goal has been achieved when looking at Teatro’s current board members and staff. Sulema Silva, Teatro’s current Board President, oversees the Ballet Folklorico and costume coordination. She started going to the center in 2009 as a mother seeking dance lessons for her son. “Teatro raised me from a dance room mom to a president…that Teatro grew me into a different type of leader.” she said. Silva echoed the founder’s mission of education and inclusion, “What we do at Teatro is we grow our leaders, we teach not only our students but our parents,” she said, “so we are not just an ‘I’ organization but a ‘we’ organization.” New Braunfels resident Lizzette Molina-Smith’s three children, who have attended classes for two years, said she feels fully embraced by the Teatro family. “They have learned about even more than their ancestry, they have learned about responsibility, discipline, and time management,” Molina-Smith has learned things about her culture that she didn’t know, and it has felt like she’s gained something she didn’t even know was missing. She feels empowered and accepted by Teatro and hopes to pass on that feeling to her children and their families to come. Alejandro L. Guerra, Teatro’s current Program Coordinator, started out as a student at Teatro. Thanks to the mentors he had there, Guerra said he grew into a confident and capable


GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 13


young man. Guerra moved to Austin for college to study architecture, but said he never forgot about Teatro. When he got a call from the xxecutive director about a position becoming available, he jumped at the chance. In his current position, he feels like it has come full circle and he has become a mentor himself. Guerra uses his graphic design skills to create art for Teatro and said the process felt very natural and fulfilling, including a collage featured at Teatro’s front desk. “Putting together that collage was fun because it has the founders, the instructors, everybody that’s been involved,” he said, “it is a big picture of who Teatro is.” The image includes many pictures of people who were key to Teatro’s success and is framed by the image of a dress that was once worn by Executive Director Yvonne De La Rosa when she was a child. The collage was created for Yvonne’s dissertation and encompasses the many compelling voices of her research partners. It is a great expression of how Teatro connects so many individuals through art and beyond. Carla Medina, a current Mariachi instructor and former student, feels like her experience with Teatro has come full circle. She started with Teatro in the third grade through her school’s music program, Ballet Folklorico Residency with Teatro, and went on to practice Mariachi in high school. “Mariachi is the best of all the arts, you get to play an instrument which is the band or orchestra piece, you get to sing which is the choir piece, but you get to perform which is the theater part of it,” Medina said. She felt so connected to her culture and her family through Mariachi. Her son has also learned Mariachi through Teatro and she is so grateful for the connection he now has to her and their culture through this form of art. Medina saw generations of her family brought together by music. “My grandpa, before he passed, would drive an hour to see me perform. A couple times a year because it meant so much 14 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

to him.” She will always cherish the moments and conversations she had with her grandpa because of their shared love of Mariachi, especially once her son came along and could share that love with her and his great-grandfather. The current Executive Director of Teatro, Yvonne De La Rosa, has a big vision for the center. She hopes to bring in a new era of cultural appreciation through art and storytelling. “Our elders have done the true work of Teatro…and they have put us on a pedestal to grow people…and we can already see the children who are those future leaders.” She wants to nurture these leaders to grow into a larger representation of art forms in Teatro. In the future, Yvonne said she sees the programs growing to include theatre, visual arts, and storytelling…with a focus on cultural reproduction and understanding. She applauded the leaps Teatro has made over the years and recognized the strides they still have to go. Teatro will continue to connect with local and regional intellects such as historians and lecturers in order to grow and preserve the Mexican American culture, ensuring it is passed down from generation to generation. Yvonne knows Teatro’s work must remain resilient and involve the community in its efforts, she aims to make Teatro a tourism and humanities staple known throughout Texas. Teatro celebrates it’s 40th anniversary this year with a gallery, multiple community events. Teatro’s leaders, staff, and founders have instilled a sense of cultural pride in the hearts of hundreds of youths in and around Seguin. They continue to work tirelessly to fill the cultural void that so many Mexican American families feel when surrounded by a society that seeks to strip them of their identities. Since the beginning, Teatro has been a labor of love and learning. It was formed to preserve a culture that is too vibrant to be forgotten and moved by a selfless desire to educate and share that culture with people of all backgrounds.


2022

SG H

THE SEGUIN GAZETTE

BEST OF THE BEST

WOMEN’S & CHILDREN’S APPAREL • HOME DECOR ACCESSORIES • & SO MUCH MORE!

Best Boutique Best Childrens Clothes Best Clothing store

114 S AUSTIN ST (830)-463-5170

Mon - Fri 10am - 6pm Sat - 10am - 5pm Sun - 11 - 4 Follow us on social media for more info

@SouthernGood


{ feature }

dancing from the

Heart

Ballet Folklorico De La Rosa

Story by Bianca Rawlings Photos by Felicia Frazar & The Seguin Gazette

T

eatro De Artes De Juan Seguin provides more than just dance lessons in their adult and youth programs. The organization offers a strong sense of community, connection, and culture for all ages and races. Teatro prides itself on offering an experience that stays with someone long after the practices and performances are over. A heart and mind is moved by what is learned at Teatro whether they’re a beginning performer, toe-tapping spectator, or a proud parent. The staff at Teatro are educators, before all else seek to share their histories with others through art. This inviting form of education started through Folklorico and other beautiful tradi16 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

tional dances. The dresses and costumes used for these dances are truly lovely, but it is the culture and the strong desire to share it with others that shine the brightest at Teatro. Things have a way of growing when given love and shared. So it is no surprise Teatro has now expanded its lessons to include agriculture and culinary arts, literature and storytelling, and has their sights set on even more expansion and inclusion of all art forms. Teatro’s current Executive Director, Yvonne De La Rosa, said the organization chooses their dances carefully and consider the lessons that will go along with each program they design. “We will have a directors meeting,



look at all our current costuming, vestuario…then have conversations about the importance of each of the regions in México,” De La Rosa said. These conversations were integral to the curriculum and resulted in a more inclusive, in-depth program whether they are planning the popular Jalisco dance or spearheading a new dance. “We make sure that we always try to encompass a new state or region that we haven’t done before every year so we can build our own repertoire of dance for the students,” she said. These ambitions to build and grow in order to share the benefits with the community are perfect examples of the mission of sharing and inclusion at Teatro. Emily Holz, a current dancer in the adult classes Ballet Folklorico De La Rosa, started with Teatro in her youth. “I have lived in Seguin my whole life. I first learned of Folklorico when I attended Ball Elementary [the Ballet Folklorico residency]…I was a very shy little girl and when my mother signed me up for [Folklorico] I was so nervous,” Holz said. Once she got comfortable it felt like a new family for her and she still relishes those memories. “I still remember our instructor Professor Cruz [Benjamin Cruz Ascencio], he didn’t speak any English and needed a translator at times.” Watching 18 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING


Two Locations SAME HOMEMADE TASTE

2022

SG H

THE SEGUIN GAZETTE

BEST OF THE BEST

Open Dine in & Drive thru

Mon-THu 11am-8pm Fri & sat 11am-9pm Seguin Location: 830-433-4201 921 S. HWY 123 BYP, Seguin, TX 78155 Marion Location: 830-914-2572 129 W San Antonio St.. Marion, Tx 78124 GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 19


the dances and learning the footwork was like a universal language, it came to her naturally and easily broke through her nervousness, Holz said. “I learned to love it so much, I looked forward to going to every practice.” Almost 40 years later, Holz has returned to Teatro to reconnect with those memories and share that experience with her children. She is now in Teatro’s adult classes and says the thrill of it takes her back to her childhood and brings her closer to her late mother. “My mother loved everything about Ballet Folklorico and Mariachis,” she said. “As I got older, I had my daughter and when she got old enough, I enrolled her so she can experience this beautiful culture that has grown so much in our town.” She embodies the desire to pass on the Mexican American culture that first created Teatro, she passed it on to her children and wishes to share her rich identity with anyone and everyone. “I wish more of Seguin knew of this wonderful program Teatro de Artes offers.” Holz is a shining example of the welcoming, embracing attitude that all can find when they enter the doors of Teatro. 20 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING



{ feature }


{ feature }

Rise

& Shine

Local Woman’s Journey to business ownership

Story and photos by Felicia Frazar

E

verything Mary Ann Leos Smith does is to better herself, her family and her community. She puts her heart into her various businesses, while boosting up others in their endeavors as part of the Seguin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “It is a great community,” she said. ‘I don’t do much, but whatever I do, I do it with all of my heart. I do whatever I can to help people.” Smith is the proud mother of two children — Julie and Eric Leos. “My kids are good,” she said. “God is good at taking care of them. I think that is my success, more than business more than money, is my children.”

Smith made Seguin her home in 1978 after migrating to the US, albeit illegally. “I used to be kind of embarrassed to tell people how I got here, because I got here like every other illegal alien that come to the United States, crossing the river and walking, trying to make my dreams come true,” she said. “I tried to locate the American dream.” But that dream was hard to come by. She remembers the day she came to Texas vividly, Oct. 18, 1978. “That day my life changed,” she said. “I changed country, I changed friends, I changed language, I changed dollar amounts. I changed everything.” GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 23


When Smith made her way to Guadalupe County from Mexico, it was with a friend whose husband was already here. Once they made it to Seguin, Smith found herself on her own. “They left me, practically in the streets,” she said. “I was walking the streets, finding someone to offer me a place to stay, here in Seguin.” Smith made her stay here permanent and, eventually, legal. She got a job working at a local manufacturing plant, but a big mistake cost her greatly and found herself looking for work to support her family. A friend, who owned a business, gave Smith a second chance and opened the doors for her to eventually becoming a thriving businesswoman. “Tom Krause, at the time he had the Wrap Up — it was the Mailboxes Ect. from here in town,” she said. “I worked there for two years. Tom is really smart. He was teaching me everything he knew. I was hungry to learn. I was hungry to learn the business, I was hungry to learn anything.” The businessman taught Smith the ins and outs of the operation from packing and shipping to financials, Smith said. The shop was shutdown, leaving a void in the community, Smith hoped to fill. And just a few months later, Smith opened Ups & Grounds in the building where Mas Tax Service is currently located. It was in the same space that Smith opened Su Casa, hoping to give other people, including her family, a place to work. “I opened the restaurant because my older sister was here and she needed a job and not every place you go will give somebody a job,” she said. Soon, Smith joined the Amway Corporation and began selling products. Her entrepreneurship has boomed and Smith is now one of the top leading salespersons in town, and has created a small shop for customers to pick up items as needed. She’s also invested in real estate, purchasing houses to flip to either rent or sell. “I took a course in Vegas about 24 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

flipping houses,” she said. “The market always changes, but it’s a good market.” When Smith lived in Mexico, she took bookkeeping courses and began learning about taxes. It wasn’t until she came to the United States that she began putting these skills to work, helping her neighbors prepare taxes. This gave Smith the opportunity to open Mas Tax Service, a business she hoped to open in Mexico before coming to the U.S. “I said ‘I can make a living out of that,’” she said. “That’s what my thinking was, how am I going to make a living out there. How am I going to support myself in this little town (in Mexico). I didn’t want to be as poor as I was. I wanted to be able to pay my way out.” Things didn’t work out as originally planned, and Smith found herself at home in Seguin. “I love Seguin and thank the people here for being a part of my life,” she said. “I’ll be here until I die and I will help and do as much as I can to make Seguin proud of me.” While she may not hail from here, she proudly calls Seguin home and strives to continue making it a better place. “Living in Seguin for all of these years has made me the woman I am now,” she said. “Seguin is a beautiful community. “All of the people that live here are very friendly. We just have to make sure we keep it that way.”

“Seguin is a beautiful community. All of the people that live here are very friendly. We just have to make sure we keep it that way.”


HOSPICE WITH HEART.

Our dedicated team includes highly skilled physicians, experienced nurses, qualified and passionate aides, devoted social workers, warm-hearted chaplains, and committed volunteers. Let us bring our personal touch to your loved one.

1346 E. Walnut St. • Seguin, TX 78155 • 830.401.7561 • grmedcenter.com Serving Guadalupe, Comal, Hays, Caldwell, Gonzales & Wilson Counties GRMC-1413 Hospice Print Ads-4_71x4_94-Heart.indd 1

The Crystal Chandelier

11/29/21 2:45 PM

Event Center

Wedding Venue, Banquet Hall, Meeting Rooms Available Perfect for Weddings, Birthdays, Dances, Service Club Meetings and Fundraising holds up to 300 people

FULL SERVICE CATERING AVAILABLE

Yellow Rose Room Holds up to 70 people

Tickets Available Now! With Jay Eric

Saturday, May 28

$15.00 in advance. Music starts at 8:00 pm

Classic Rock

Saturday, June 18

830-303-6612 • 510 E. Count - Seguin • www.silverCenterSeguin.com GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 25


{ ontheSCENE }

growing musical

Roots

Presentando a Eric Sebastián González

Story by Dalondo Moultrie Photos by Felicia Frazar & Submitted by Eric Sebastian Gonzales

W

hile many found themselves stuck at home vegging on the couch during the shutdowns of the pandemic, one Seguin High School student found more artistic and productive ways of spending his time. And that wisely-spent time is paying off in big ways for 16-year-old Eric Sebastian Gonzalez, who recently released his self-produced music album, recorded in his bedroom. “I started writing it at 15. I was just doing whatever I could whenever I had time,” he said. “It’s just something I enjoy. It’s like a happy place sitting down writing, recording, everything.” Gonzalez — a trumpeter, guitarist and vocalist — explores styles such as Corrido, Ranchera, Mariachi and more on the album “Introduciendo” released in November. He began learning to play the 26 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

12-string guitar during the pandemic, but Gonzalez’s roots go back a bit further. When he was even younger, about at the age of 4, is when he fell in love with music, the budding music mogul said. His father Eric Gonzalez played in a band, Eric Sebastian said. The elder Eric played trumpet and his family would watch him perform. In fact, that is where Eric Sebastian inherited his musical talents, mom Zulema Gonzalez speculates. “I cannot carry a note if I tried. That’s definitely all on his dad’s side,” she said. “His dad played trumpet as well. He was in school band. After he graduated high school, his friends all the way from elementary through high school started a band and did gigs. He went on tour with well-known Mexican artists. “I’ll let him take the credit.” The family moved to Seguin about


GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 27


five years ago, leaving behind California. Since their arrival, Eric Sebastian has been more focused on music, Zulema said. He joined his school’s Mariachi band and performs with the high school’s Matador Mariachi. Over the years, the young Gonzalez began penning poems in his spare time. Around the same time, he began to hear and make up rhythms in his head. Eventually, he combined the two and realized he was on to something, Zulema said. “He started writing, composing and was like, ‘I think I want to record some of my music,’” she said. “He worked during the summer and was able to save his money. … He bought his little gadgets and that’s how he started. “Pretty much we can say it was all on his own at 15 so we’re really, really proud of him.” The now-16-year-old took the “little gadgets,” which included a microphone, a computer and his instruments, to his room and began recording. The result so far is “Introduciendo,” which is available on all the streaming services, Eric Sebastian said. He also submitted the work to a distribution service that puts out his music to a wider audience. The nine-track album that includes a batch of original his songs isn’t the final venture into the music business if Eric Sebastian has his way. He still plans to go to college and after that continue in the music business. “My main goal is to have my own record label and signing other artists through there,” he said. “I would want to still put some music out every now and then. That part he’ll never give up, as it includes his happy place. “I just like the feeling of being on stage and expressing myself through music,” Eric Sebastian said. With his talent and drive at such an early age, it appears he will have ample chance to express himself for many years to come. 28 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING


We are proud supporters of our community and all surrounding counties!!!!

1024 E. Court St. Seguin, Tx 78155 • 830-372-1944 Fabiosjewelry@gmail.com • FabiosJewelry.com Follow us on Social Media!

Seguin’sPremiere Premiere Medispa Seguin’s Medispa Seguin’s Premiere Medispa Seguin’s Premiere Medispa Seguin’s Premiere Medispa Seguin’s Premiere Medispa Family Medicine Seguin’s Medispa Seguin’sPremiere Premiere Medispa Family Medicine Seguin’s Premiere Medispa Weight Loss • Hormone Therapy Seguin’s Premiere Medispa Family Medicine Family Medicine Seguin’s Premiere Medispa Weight Loss • Hormone Therapy Seguin’s Premiere Medispa Aesthetics Women’s Health Weight Loss Therapy Weight Loss• ••Hormone Hormone Therapy Family Medicine • Family Medicine • Weight Loss Family Medicine • Hormone Therapy Weight Loss Family Medicine • Family Medicine • Aesthetics Hormone Therapy Weight Loss • Weight Loss •• Family Medicine Botox & Fillers Aesthetics Hormone Therapy • Hormone Therapy Weight Loss •• Family Medicine Ultherapy Botox & Fillers Aesthetics • Aesthetics Hormone •• Weight Eyelash Extensions Ultherapy Botox &Loss Fillers • Botox &Therapy Fillers Aesthetics •• Hormone Therapy Micro-needling Eyelash Extensions Ultherapy • Ultherapy Botox & Extensions Fillers •• Aesthetics Microblading Micro-needling Eyelash • Eyelash Extensions Ultherapy •• Botox & Fillers Medi Facials Microblading Micro-needling • Micro-needling Eyelash Extensions •• Ultherapy Women’s Health Medi Facials Microblading • Microblading Laser Hair Removal Micro-needling •• Eyelash Extensions Women’s Health Medi Facials • Medi Facials IPL Photofacials Microblading •• Micro-needling Women’s Health • Women’s Health Medi Facials • Microblading •• Medi Seguin, TX 78155 Women’s Health Facials •• Women’s Seguin, TX 78155 Health

Aesthetics • Family Women’s Health Medicine Aesthetics Health Aesthetics •Women’s Women’s Health Weight Loss • •Hormone Therapy www.SeguinFamilyMedicine.com Weight Loss • •Hormone www.SeguinFamilyMedicine.com Aesthetics Women’sTherapy Health www.SeguinFamilyMedicine.com • Women’s Health St., Ste. www.SeguinFamilyMedicine.com 103 •Aesthetics Seguin, TX 78155

830-372-5200 830-372-5200 830-372-5200 830-372-5200 515 N. King 515 N. King St., Ste.www.SeguinFamilyMedicine.com 103 • Seguin, TX 78155 830-372-5200 515 103 TX 515N.N.King KingSt., St.,Ste. Ste. 103••Seguin, Seguin, TX78155 78155 830-372-5200 830-372-5200 www.SeguinFamilyMedicine.com 830-372-5200 Call us for BackCall to School us forSpecials BackCall to School us for Call us Specials for

Botox 515 N. King St.,515Ste. 103 •Ste.103 Seguin, TX 78155 N. King St., 830-372-5200 830-372-5200 $11/UNIT 515 N. King St.,515Ste. 103St.,•Ste.103 Seguin, TX 78155 N. King www.SeguinFamilyMedicine.com Back to School Specials Back to School Specials Call us for BackCall to School us forSpecials Back to School Specials

830-372-5200 515 N.N. King St., Ste.103 • Seguin, 515 King St., Ste.103 • Seguin,TX TX78155 78155 www.SeguinFamilyMedicine.com 830-372-5200 www.SeguinFamilyMedicine.com 515 N.www.SeguinFamilyMedicine.com King St., Ste.103 • Seguin, TX 78155 515 N. King St., Ste.103 • Seguin, TX 78155 www.SeguinFamilyMedicine.com GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 29 www.SeguinFamilyMedicine.com


{ culinarycreations }

Jeff’s

Handcrafted Margaritas - INGREDIENTS 1.5 oz Good quality tequila 1.5 oz Organic agave syrup 1.5 oz Fresh squeezed limes

- DIRECTIONS -

Place ice in shaker. Add tequila, syrup, and lime juice. Shake by hand until very cold. Strain and serve.

“I am not a huge margarita fan because the usual ingredients don’t like me....I get a little crazy.... but I love tequila! So, I set out to find a recipe that eliminated the Triple Sec and the other usual liqueur flavors. I consulted my expert Tequila connoisseur, Mike Andrews, and he suggested I try aqave syrup instead, with the fresh squeezed lime juice it strikes the perfect balance. I have to add that hand- making each drink and shaking with ice in a shaker makes it really cold and really good.” -Jeff Koehler Design Associates 30 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING


It doesn’t get any gooder Need help Life is all about creating your getting organized? oasis...inside and outside. Let Design Associates Needhelp helpyou cleaning things out? create Beauty. Need motivation?

All goodr. call All stylin’. All 1973 classmates. At life on972-921-2428 the Guadalupe is goodr.

Tidy Ivy

da

the shop@design associates

the shop@design ◆ 110 West Nolte Street, Seguin 110 Westassociates Nolte Street, Seguin www.designassociatestx.com www.designassociatestx.com - 830-303-1522

d e s i g n a s s o c i a t e s

WWW.ANDERSPIERCE.COM

109 E Court St - Seguin 830-372-9466

480 S Seguin ave - New braunfels 830-214-6002

GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 31


{ culinarycreations }

Ken’s

Watermelon Margaritas - INGREDIENTS -

1.5 oz Patrón Reposado 1 oz Fresh watermelon juice or puree 1 oz Fresh lime juice 1 oz Agave nectar 3 Basil leaves or basil simple syrup + Watermelon wedge or lime wheel for garnish

- DIRECTIONS -

Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Shake with ice to chill. Strain onto fresh ice in a double old fashioned glass.

“Margarita Madness is most definitely one of my favorite Third Thursday themes. So when I had this drink at one of my favorite restaurants I knew I had to mix some up. This drink is not your ordinary margarita, it turns regular margaritas green with envy. It is sweet, tart, refreshing, and with the summer months coming it is the pitcher perfect drink for entertaining. Cheers!” -Ken Centeno Southern Good 32 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING


NG AS I

NO W

LE

KAYDEN PARK II KAYDEN PARK III 1913 Post Road

KAYDEN PARK III 1913 Post Road KAYDEN III 72,000 sqPARK ft OFFICE/WAREHOU KAYDEN PARK III 1913 Post Road Now Pre-Leasing in 2,000 sf increm

Post Road 19131913 Post Road, New Braunfels 72,000 sq ft OFFICE/WAREHOUSE Build Out to Suit 1913 Post Road 72,000 sq ft OFFICE/WAREHOUSE Now Pre-Leasing in 2,000 sf increments 72,000 sq ft OFFICE/WAREHOUSE Now Pre-Leasing 2,000 sfAnn increments Mary Realty • 830.606.5353 72,000 sqContact: ftinOFFICE/WAREHOUSE Build Out to Now Pre-Leasing in 2,000 sfCarter increments Build Out to Suit Suit Now Pre-Leasing in 2,000 Build Out to Suitsf increments Build OutRealty to Suit Contact: Mary Ann Carter Realty • 830.606.5353 Contact: Mary Ann Carter • 830.606.5353 Contact: Mary Ann Carter Realty • 830.606.5353 Contact: Mary Ann Carter Realty • 830.606.5353

RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL Providing Comfort To Our Customers Since 1994

Your comfort is our Business

Voted Best Heating/AC company in Seguin 16 years in a row!

Change your life with

(830) 303-8624

TACLA010612C

WIFI T-STAT

510 N. Austin • Seguin www.TriCountyAC.com GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 33


Choose local and independent for all your shopping needs! Thank you for continuing to support our community.

20 oz Handmade Candles Funky Monkey Vintage Venue - $65

Hand carved and hand poured curated candles perfect as a table centerpiece. 308 E. Court St. | (210) 410-5943 fb.com/FunkyMonkeyVintageVenue

Floral Frog Garden Decor Maldonado Nursery Landscape and Irrigation - $49.95

This whimsical Talavera-Style Frog Sculpture and Planter is amphabulous! Handcrafted from clay, each friendly frog is individually painted by Mexican artisans in the classic Talevera decorating style. An opening on the back accommodates a houseplant or flowers, or just display her as a piece of ceramic sculptural art. 3011 W. US Highway 90 | (830) 372-3879 www.maldonadolandscaping.com

1930’s Victrola Traveling Gypsy - $295

Penne Regate Pasta with Chicken El Rodeos Tex-Mex - $9.99

A delicious rich and creamy tomato sauce folded together with penne pasta and topped off with grilled chicken breasts. 4610 US 90 Alternate | (830) 379-2255 www.elrodeostexmexrestaurant.com 34 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

An antique original early 20th century Columbia Grafonola gramophone machine and wood decor cabinet. Original antique handle crank. Wheeled decorative wooden legs. Inner metal locking hinge. Own a piece of authentic Art Deco audiophile history. 110 S. Austin St. (830)379-1932 www.travelinggypsy.org


M.E. Plumbing has served clients in Seguin, San Marcos, New Braunfels, San Antonio, Luling, La Vernia, Gonzales and surrounding areas of Texas since 2005.

2022 THE OF

SG

ST BE

wki

WESTERHOLM K O E H L E R INSURANCE

BES T

Professional Quality Service You Can Trust

H

THE SEGUIN GAZETTE

HOME. AUTO. LIFE. COMMERCIAL.

BEST OF THE 2 BEST

830-379-7352

RMP37076

533 E. Court St. • Seguin www.wkitexas.com

THIS COULD BE YOUR AD To reserve your ad space call the Seguin Gazette at 830-463-0760

or email advertising@seguingazette.com

021

24 Hour Commercial and Residential Plumbing Services

830-303-5534 Seguin 925 S. Austin St., Seguin, TX 78155

Navarro Education Foundation: Duck Fiesta 2022

Funding Classroom Grants

May 21, 2022 11:00-1:00, Walnut Springs Park, Seguin

Rubber duck race, food, entertainment, & free games for the kids

Adopt Your Duckies Today!

Adoption forms available at all NISD campuses and online at: www.nisd.us (More/Foundation tab) Navarro Education Foundation, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.


{ savethedate }

EVENT C A L E N D A R -MAYSeguin Food Truck Fest: Seventh – 1 - 9 PM First Annual food truck fest! Up to 10 food trucks. Bounce houses. Ranch rodeo & team roping. Craft vendors. Concert. Free entry, free parking, free admission into ranch rodeo & concert. Location: Seguin Events Complex, 950 S. Austin St.

Ballet Folklórico De La Rosa: Seventh – 6 - 7 PM The Ballet Folklórico De La Rosa will be performing at the annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration hosted by LULAC Council #682 at Seguin’s Downtown Central Park. Dancers will perform dances from the numerous states and regions in Mexico such as: Norte, Jalisco, Tamaulipas, and Colima to name a few. Location: Central Park, 201 S. Austin St.

Your Best Life Festival: Fourteenth – 10 AM - 3 PM NAMI Guadalupe County will host a family-oriented community event in downtown Seguin, focus will be on comprehensive health and wellness for all ages. Find information on health & wellness from a variety of local agencies, businesses and organizations. Learn about community resources, financial planning, mental health, nutrition, physical fitness, safety and more. See Jiu jitsu, tai chi, yoga and Zumba demonstrations. Enjoy coloring activities for all ages, and face painting, an inflatable bounce house and a petting zoo for children. Location: Central Park, 201 S. Austin St.

Third Thursday - MARGARITA MADNESS: NINETEENTH – 4 - 8 PM Visit Beautiful Downtown Seguin for our 3rd MARGARITA MADNESS. Enjoy the lovely evening filled with live music and food trucks, with your favorite businesses competing for the Best Margarita!!! Do a little shopping, too!! Location: Central Park, 201 S. Austin St.

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY: TWENTIETH – 11 AM - 2 PM Join Guadalupe County and the Seguin Main Street Program every third Friday behind the Justice Center for delicious eats. Location: S. Camp and W. Donnegan.

Badges, Bikes & Tykes: Twenty-First – 11 am - 2 pm Seguin Police Department & Seguin Fire Department team up for a day of carnival games, prizes, bike raffles, yummy food, face painting, and more! This year’s theme: Super Heroes! Children 16 & under are welcome! Location: Max Starcke Park East, River Drive E.

Send event details to seguinmagazine@seguingazette.com to have your event added to this calendar


FUNKY MONKEY

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

M

A

G

A

Z

I

N

E

NEVER MISS AN EDITION! ENJOY 12 ISSUES OF GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

SEGUIN MAGAZINE DELIVERED TO YOUR MAILBOX AT THE BEGINNING OF EVERY MONTH

Antiques • Weird Stuff Cool Junk • Hand Crafts Furniture and more!

Funky Monkey

V i n ta g e V e n u e

MOM’S THE BOMB Entry form

308 E Court St 210.410.5943

Name __________________ Phone__________________

10-6 Tue - Fri. •10-5 Sat. Open until 8pm every Third Thursday

Drop off at Funky Monkey

For your chance to win a gift basket!

Not just oil, Pennzoil

SEGUIN

NEW BRAUNFELS

SCHERTZ

128 Hwy. 46 S

988 Mission Dr.

482 Hwy. 46 S

1190 Borgfeld Rd.

(830) 379-6659

(830) 625-0401

(830) 626-3280

(830) 566-1077

at Court St.

at Landa St.

123 S. King St. (830) 379-6654

Next to Kohl’s

992 Business IH35 S 830-214-0622

at FM 3009

SAN MARCOS

a i n r e V a L Orthopedics Office 1044 Hwy. 123 (512) 396-3493

OPEN: Mon - Fri 8AM-6PM • Sat 8AM-5PM

a i n r e V a L Orthopedics $39.95! in FOR ONLY

280 S. King St. Seguin, TX musculoske High quality care for • • • disorders injuries. Walnut Springs Familyand Health

in

•SportsSt. injuries •Trauma 309 Silverado LaVernia, TX •Fractures

O

r e V a L

Patients Seen Thursday Mornings •JointLaVernia Replacements •Arthritis •Hand/Foot Probl

Walnut Springs High Family qualityHealth care for musculoskeletal Steven White, MD 309 Silverado St.,disorders La Vernia andG.injuries.

Walnut Springs Family Health 309 Silverado St., La Vernia

trent J. twitero

•Sports injuries •Trauma •Fractures Call •Arthritis for an•Hand/Foot appt. 830-379-9492 •Joint Replacements Problems

G. Steven White, MD

trent J. twitero, MDA

Call for an appt. 830-379-9492

Promp t ppoint me Availab nts le!

High quality care for m disorders and in ances Most insur accepted, including mp Worker’s Co & Medicaid

Walnut Springs Family Health ORDER NOW-St., La Vernia 309 Silverado

830-463-0760

•Sports injuries •Trauma • •Joint Replacements •Arthritis •Ha

G. Steven White, MD

CALL FOR AN APPT. 830-379-9492

tren

Call for an appt. 830-379-9492


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



CHOOSE

FIRST-CLASS

urgent care. grmedcenter.com/choose

SCHEDULE ONLINE OR WALK-IN

7AM–7PM 7 DAYS A WEEK

OPEN HOLIDAYS & WEEKENDS

PATIENTS OF ALL AGES


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.