October/November Sizzle 2016

SIZZLE SEGUIN

LIVING

october|november 2016 - LIFE WELL DONE

Natalie Rose Gunsmith | antiques | hunting

13625 US Highway 87 W La Vernia, Texas 78121 (830) 779-2600

Big City Class, Small Town Sass FEED STORE, WESTERN WEAR, LIVESTOCK, STOCK SHOW & PET SUPPLIES, GROOMING, GIFTS, ACCESSORIES AND CLOTHING BOUTIQUE.

YEAR END CLOSEOUT GOING ON NOW!

“We Never Forget Price Matters!”

509 W. IH 10 - Seguin, TX 78155 (800) 925-3980 SeguinChevrolet.com 

SIZZLE SEGUIN

LIVING

Vol. 3, No. 3 Sizzle magazine is published six times a year by the Seguin Gazette.

PUBLISHER

Jeff Fowler EDITOR

Travis Webb CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Desiree Gerland FASHION COORDINATOR

O

ne of the best things about taking Sizzle from quarterly to bimonthly is the ability it gives us to take a current theme and run with it.

As we put summer behind us, it’s time to turn our eye to autumn and all that the season brings. In Seguin, that means the fair and rodeo, country music, guns and hunting, boots and whiskey. We’ve got it all covered in this issue.

Need a little help getting properly decked out for the fair and rodeo?

We’ve got some tips that will have you looking like you just stepped off the Rocking the Rodeo Runway. And if you just want to know what boots your friends and neighbors are sporting, we’ve got that too.

If hunting’s your thing, visit with local gunsmith Bill “BJ” Lunsford, who can get you ready to climb into your blind with confidence. If that kind of hunting isn’t what you’re into, Steffanie Agnew takes a look at a different kind of hunt for another version of big game: the rare and elusive antique.

We also take a look at do it yourself canning, fresh fitness routines, and Savanna Russell’s beautiful 1964 Chevy C-10 classic.

So help yourself to a taste of Rebecca Creek Whiskey and come on in for a visit with Natalie Rose and a look inside Dottsy’s closet.

And please remember, we want to hear from you. We’re always looking for story ideas and feedback. Let us know what you think at sizzle@seguingazette.com.

Hannah Ruiz

Jeff Fowler

CONTRIBUTORS

Felicia Frazar Jennifer Luna Lauren Dodd Steffanie Agnew Derek Kuhn Jessica Kuhn ADVERTISING

Elizabeth Engelhardt Gay Lynn Olsovsky Delilah Reyes TO ADVERTISE IN SIZZLE CALL (830)379-5441 All material herein c. 2015 Southern Newspapers Inc., dba The Seguin Gazette, 1012 Schriewer Road, Seguin, TX, 78155.

All rights reserved

hot tip DON’T SQUAT WITH YOUR SPURS ON.

SEARCH SEGUIN GAZETTE

An inside look from our WRITERS...

“Spending the day with Debbie and tasting some of her yummy canned creations was a great time!

Watching her keep up with a tradition passed through generations was quite refreshing.”

— Jessica Kuhn “Joining Derek and his class for a workout was both enlightening and inspiring. They were kind enough to let me try out some of the odder equipment and, since then, I’ve challenged myself to spend more time at the gym.”

— Travis Webb “Sitting down and talking with BJ, getting to see the inner workings of LFS Gunsmithing was a fun and unique experience. You never know who your neighbors are, or what they truly do, until you sit down and talk with them.”

— Felicia Frazar “Natalie Rose is such a lovely person inside and out. She’s been so dedicated with her career, and it really does show. Even during our interview, it was obvious that with her perseverance and talent, she’s going to rock the country world.”

— Jennifer Luna

D

On

the

Cover

Photo by Jennifer Luna Time was of the essence for this photo. The tree lights at Park Plaza just turned on as the sun was setting, giving us just enough time and light to capture this portrait of Natalie Rose.

The advantage of GRMC’s new 3D mammography is pretty clear.

Introducing state-of-the-art 3D Mammography at GRMC. Early detection is critical for women over age 40 and those with a family history of breast cancer. That’s why GRMC is proud to now offer 3D breast tomosynthesis, which gives all women the best chance for early and accurate diagnosis. Up to 30% of cancers go undetected by standard mammography, so this clearer, more accurate look inside can save a lot more than additional screening time.

FIND A LOCAL PHYSICIAN: 830.401.7401 1215 E. Court St. • Seguin, TX 78155 830.379.2411 • grmedcenter.com

SIZZLE SEGUIN

LIVING

THE HOTTEST SPOT

14 6

SIZZLIN’ FIVE

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16 CLOSET CLOSE UP

31 READER’S COMMENTS

Find out five upcoming events that keep Seguin hopping.

Take a peek into the closet of a local country music artist.

Find out what readers have to say about Sizzle magazine.

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18 FACES OF SEGUIN

32 NATALIE ROSE

BE YOU – BE WELL

Don’t get stuck in the same workout Find out if anyone you know has found routines — learn how to change things up. their way into Sizzle.

Read how a young song bird hopes to be a role model for other girls.

10 CULINARY CREATIONS

21 SHOW US YOUR BOOTS

36 ANTIQUE HUNTING

Discover what canning is all about from Seguin resident Debbie Wolter.

See who has some fancy footwear ready for the dance floor or rodeo ring.

Find a few tips on seeking classic collectibles around Seguin.

13 IMBIBE

22 RODEO FASHION

40 GUNSMITH

Stir things up with Rebecca Creek’s Texas Manhattan.

Take a look at some of the coolest trends for rodeo nights.

Local gunsmith, Bill Lunsford, shares his passion for making custom firearms.

14 UNDER THE HOOD

28 FAVORITE FINDS

44 HUNTING GUIDE

What’s roaring inside this Navarro grad’s ’64 Chevy?

Check out what the staff found on their adventures around town.

Get an inside look with local hunting guide Keith Warren.

Proudly serving Seguin, New Braunfels, Lake McQueeney and the surrounding lake and river communities

Debbie Freeman Brown SEGUIN

Eve Hiner SEGUIN

Carol Sewell SEGUIN

Jay Crowell SEGUIN

Christy De Wolfe SEGUIN

Don Ennis NEW BRAUNFELS

Julie Ennis NEW BRAUNFELS

Fanny Harkins SEGUIN

Joe Haskins SEGUIN

Karen McMillan SEGUIN

Brannon Monkerud NEW BRAUNFELS

Cynde Parker SEGUIN

Lea Phelps SEGUIN

Kelley Rose SEGUIN

Celina Ross SEGUIN

Matt Skinner SEGUIN

Mike Stevens SEGUIN

Jordan Lippe Walker NEW BRAUNFELS

Lynn Zarr, Sr. NEW BRAUNFELS

Stephanie Besett Ryan Sales Manager

Not pictured from Seguin: Cindy Olvera and Willie Velasquez

SEGUIN NEW BRAUNFELS

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808 E. Court St.

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Seguin, TX 78155

251 S. Seguin Ave., Suite 110

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830.303.SOLD

New Braunfels, TX 78130

heritagetexas.com

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830.214.0043

SizzlinFive

sizzle

GUADALUPE COUNTY FAIR

The Guadalupe County Fair is a can’t miss event that starts the first week of October. From carnival games and rides to livestock shows and rodeos, the event is sure to have something for everybody.

Pre-fair events include a barbecue cook off and mutton bustin’. For more information on the fair, visit gcfair.org.

October 19th & 20th

BUCK FEVER

Buck Fever is the county’s very own hunting extravaganza set in the Seguin Events Complex. The event includes a horns contest, fishing pond for kids, pellet fun shoot and this year’s program Gator Country featuring Gary Saurage of “Gator 911”. For more information, check out www.buckfever.org.

October 28th - 30th

PECAN FEST AND HERITAGE DAYS

Pecan Fest and Heritage Days is a three-day salute to the town’s nutty history. The celebration will include honoring the city’s namesake with the Hats Off to Juan Seguin celebration street dance and parade.

For more information, go to visitseguin.com.

November 11th

VETERANS DAY

Local groups and organizations take the day to honor those who served in the military on Veterans Day with a special ceremony. The event takes place at 11 a.m. in Veteran’s Park, located at the corner of South Saunders Street and Jefferson Avenue.

December 1st - 3rd

HOLIDAY STROLL AND PARADE

The Christmas spirit officially rolls into town with the Holiday Stroll on Dec. 1 with a parade and festivities that include lighting up Central Park. The celebration continues the next night with the annual Holiday Sip-n-Stroll. Then, on Saturday afternoon, is the North Pole Stroll.

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SIZZLE ~ SEGUIN LIVING

SEGUIN

October 6th - 9th

Five events you don’t want to miss

spring, well done 2016

WORK HARD. Pecan Fest O

Emanuel’s Lutheran Church, E.L.C.A. Day School and

Ages 18 months to 5 years | Certified Teachers in Pre-K Sunday Worship: 9:00 am | Sunday School: 10:15-11:15 am Informal Worship : 11:15 am | KWED 1580 Radio Broadcast - 10:30 am Polka Service & Sausage Supper

28 - 30 c to b e r

October 30th - 4:00 pm

Community Thanksgiving Service November 22nd - 7:00 pm

206 N Travis St. Seguin, Texas 78155 (Corner of Travis and Mountain Streets) 830-379-5046 | info@emanuels-seguin.org | www.emanuels-seguin.org

WHY

Real Seguin is Nutty!

www.visitseguin.com

CELEBRATE BIG.

TAVERN

ON THE

ADVERTISE IN

SIZZLE?

DOES

CREEK

“Tavern on the Creek has advertised in Seguin Sizzle since opening our doors in March 2015. We’re proud to have also been featured in a few of the magazine’s articles. Seguin Sizzle’s primary focus is on the Seguin lifestyle; informing area residents, new and old, all there is to see, do and enjoy right here at home. Sizzle’s articles range from information on local businesses, to local farming and ranching, to health, etc. You never know what interesting articles you’ll find when you open a new issue. The exposure we’ve gained from advertising in such a well thought out, broadly distributed publication has been invaluable. We wish the magazine many years of success!”

– The partners at Tavern on the Creek

BE YOU • BE WELL

BY TRAVIS WEBB

W

Changing the Pace with Derek Clark

hen it comes to fitness, it’s pretty obvious that running on a treadmill will beat surfing channels from the sofa.

And while there may be a lot of conflicting, complicated or confusing information out there about which workout routine may work best for any given individual, fitness experts do agree on one point — changing up your workout pays.

As muscle tissue adapts to use it becomes stronger and more efficient — but that also means the same exercise routines won’t keep giving the same results.

“If you’re not changing up your workout, your body gets used to it. You’re going to stop seeing the results you want,” Derek Clark, a fitness specialist and CrossFit 78155 coach, said. “And when you stop seeing those results, you get bored. You’re going to get discouraged.”

Derek Clark - 78155 Supervisor, Fitness Specialist and CrossFit Coach

That’s where classes like 78155’s Team WOD CrossFit sessions come in to play.

The class challenges attendees to meet fitness goals as a group, and mixes up workouts to keep gym-goers on their toes. Whether they’re climbing, dead-lifting, jumping rope or getting some fresh air with a variety outdoor exercises — Derek aims to create new and different routines to keep things fresh.

“There’s a lot of fitness fads. And you’ve got things like obstacle races or parkour,” he said.

Those types of activities are great for changing up a stale workout routine — if you’re ready for them.

“If you’re trying to land a big jump or running an obstacle course and you’re not in control of your body, if you can’t properly execute a squat or something, you’re not going to be able to do these things,” Derek said. “If you’re trying to just jump into something, it’s not safe.”

That’s where varied routines like the Saturday class comes in to play.

“We’ve got hammers, tires outside, climbing ropes,” he said.

CrossFit mixes elements from highintensity inter val training, Olympic weightlifting, powerlifting, gymnastics, calisthenics, and other exercises. It’s all part of an approach that looks to address all levels of fitness and types of movement.

“CrossFit is really a total modality workout,” Derek said, explaining what he calls the various levels of fitness. “At the base, you’ve got the nutritional level.”

Derek said that without proper fuel and hydration, physical activity might not only prove less effective, but can even be dangerous.

Then, he said, there’s gymnastics, “body awareness” and movement. There’s muscle training through weightlifting and what Derek calls throwing — fast, powerful movements.

QUICK & CONVENIENT, BUT NEVER EASY. Finally, he said, is the totality of the various levels: what he called “sport.”

It’s a total approach to fitness in all the ways the human body can be developed: strength, speed, agility, etc. But it’s not just limited to CrossFit. “Anything can be scalable with the right coach,” Derek said. “It’s not just about a class. You can do this on your own, you just have to be cognizant of your abilities.”

Derek said beginners looking to get fit and looking for something besides free weights, treadmills or other machines can get good results with body weight exercises and other simple routines.

“Things like push-ups, pull-ups, squats and sit-ups can be great,” he said. “Especially if you’re changing intervals, anytime you’re changing up your movement.”

The bottom line: Change things up. New routines and exercises can be exciting or as simple as a variation on one you’re already familiar with.

“I can come up with 100 different workouts with just a kettlebell and a pullup bar,” Derek said, “It’s all about teaching the fundamentals of movement.”

MORE INFO: CrossFit 78155 operates out of the 78155 Family Athletic Club, located at 1199 East College Street in Seguin.

Call 830-0379-0981 or visit club78155. com for more information.

INTERVAL TRAINING Kettlebell Swings 20

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2

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Push ups Do 20 kettlebell swings, then 2 push ups.

Then, 18 kettlebell swings, 4 push ups.

Then, 16 kettlebell swings, 6 push ups. ... continue in the same fashion until the final round of 2 kettlebell swings, 20 push ups.

Complete as fast as possible with as few breaks as possible.

Have fun!

FOOD PRESERVING TRADITION still alive in Guadalupe County

BY JESSICA KUHN

I

n some places such as New York City and even Dallas, you may not be able to find someone who still hones the skill set to can food. However, in Guadalupe County, it still is a tradition passed down between the generations.

“I’ve grown up on a farm my whole life, working vegetable gardens,” Debbie Wolter said. “That’s what we live off in the summer and the winter instead of going to the store and buying groceries.”

For as long as she can remember, Debbie said she loved canning foods.

“I’ve been canning with my dad since I was little,” she said. “It’s just a trait I picked up from him, and I have just always done it.”

From jalapeños to fresh okra, the former Guadalupe County Fair grand champion said she loves canning just about any type of vegetable she can — except broccoli because she says it turns a little mushy.

“Canned fruits and vegetables picked from your garden or purchased from nearby producers when the products are at their peak of quality — within 6 to 12 hours after harvest for most vegetables,” the center said. “For best quality, apricots, nectarines, peaches, pears and plums should be ripened one or more days between harvest and canning. If you must delay the canning of other fresh produce, keep it in a shady, cool place.”

TRICKS OF THE TRADE Debbie said there are a few tricks of the trade she learned during her years of canning.

“You want to pack them as tight as you can,” she said. “The rule of thumb if you are really doing it professionally, you are not

supposed to go above the ring at the top of the jar. I go above the ring because if I am going to give it somebody, I want them to get more bang for their buck. I want them to go home and enjoy it.”

As for the pickle brine, Debbie said it’s a recipe she has been using for years.

“Now, once I get the okra stuffed real good, I will put in 3 cups of water, 1 cup of vinegar, 1/4 cup of pickling salt and a pinch of alum seasoning,” she said. “It’s just an old German recipe, something I have done since I was little.”

More recently, Debbie said she has been trying her hand at making jelly.

“Jelly is kind of fun because you can add different flavors like peach, peach-jalapeño jelly, strawberry-fig,” she said. “With jelly, it’s like a total different ball game.”

“PEOPLE LOVE IT,” she said. “My family, every time someone walks in that back door, they leave with a jar of something. I just tell them to bring the jar back.”

Not only does it help pass the time, Debbie said it also cuts down her visits to the grocery store in return, saving money.

“I go to the grocery store about once a month,” she said. “If I do go, it is to buy like, chips, milk, butter or stuff like that. It’s not to buy a lot of vegetables because we have them. It’s to buy other necessities.”

According to the National Center for Home Food Preservation, the best fruits or vegetables to use when preserving are fresh ones.

10 SIZZLE ~ SEGUIN LIVING

DEBBIE’S PICKLE BRINE 3 cups water 1 cup vinegar 1/4 cup pickling salt Pinch of alum * Debbie recommends combining cauliflower, carrots, pickles and jalapeño.

JUST OPEN A JAR And when it comes time to eating something she’s canned, Debbie said it’s as simple as simply opening the jar.

“I just open them up and eat them like pickles,” she said. “If I make a relish tray to take somewhere, for a party or something, then I open up pickles, squash, okra and jalapeños and put it on like, a tray and take it.

People normally will eat them with like, sandwiches. Last night, we had ribeyes, and I opened up a can of squash to eat with it. It’s not like a meal, but more like a really good garnish.”

WHAT IS CANNING? Canning is really one step beyond cooking.

It is a method that applies heat to food in a closed glass home canning jar to stop the natural spoilage that would otherwise take place, and removes air from the jar to create a seal.

SOURCE: Ball® Canning

SEGUIN LIVING ~ SIZZLE 11

Fresh seasonal produce • Locally sourced protein • The freshest seafood

- Refined Classic American Food Served in a Casual Atmosphere

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320 W. Nolte St. • Seguin • www.tavernonthecreek.com

INSURANCE FOR TEXANS.

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830-379-7352 533 E. Court St. • Seguin www.wkitexas.com Whether you’re considering clear aligners, retainers or today’s braces, an orthodontist is the smart choice.

Orthodontists are specialists in straightening teeth and aligning your bite. They have two to three years of education beyond dental school. So they’re experts at helping you get a great smile – that feels great, too.

Orthodontic Specialists

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(830) 372-9811 Your smile is special.

Trust it to a specialist - your orthodontist.

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Texas Manhattan This recipe is set to be a true Texas classic, complete with its large Texas sipping size and slightly sweet flavors of Rebecca Creek Fine Texas Spirit Whiskey!

3 oz. Rebecca Creek Fine Texas Spirit Whiskey 1 oz. Premium Sweet Vermouth (optional) 2 dashes Bitters 1 stemmed maraschino cherry Fill large glass tumbler with ice. Add Rebecca Creek Fine Texas Spirit Whiskey, Vermouth and Bitters. Gently stir for 20 seconds, do not rush this step and DO NOT shake! Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Splash the stemmed maraschino cherry and enjoy!

Under the hood Navarro High School Graduate

Savanna Russell’s Chevy C10

YEAR: 1964 HORSEPOWER: 300 ENGINE: Chevy 350 4-barrel carburetor, 3-speed automatic transmission FAVORITE THINGS: “I really love how it sounds” “Everyone’s a friend with this truck. Everybody, young or old, loves to look at the truck and ask me questions about it. No matter where I go, it turns heads.”

Closet

Close Up

BY JENNIFER LUNA

D

ottsy Dwyer learned how to put on a show at an early age.

She graduated from wearing cowboy boots, vests and a cowboy hat when onstage, to flashing fringe with a mix of jewel tone colors and black.

The San Antone Rose said she takes pride into what she wears both, on and off stage.

“I try to be classy, but casual,” Dottsy said.

“I like to wear show clothes that make me look like I’m putting an extra effort into looking good.”

And friends could agree.

Owner of Court Street Coffee Shop and longtime friend Mary Jo Langford said the colors Dottsy chooses really reflect her personality.

“When I think of Dottsy, I think of what a warm and welcoming person she is,” she said. “And her clothes reflect that, with the colors she chooses — warm, earthy, pretty and fun ... The way I’ve seen her dress in day to day life supports that warm and welcoming person.”

Another good friend of Dottsy, Irene Knemoeller, who is also a former roommate, knows from first-hand experience how Dottsy likes to dress in the morning and on stage.

“I helped her with what she was going to wear on stage and on television,” she said.

“Under those lights, clothes change colors because the lights are very strong, so you have to coordinate with the colors.”

Irene had a large influence on Dottsy, from sharing blouses and keeping up with the

trends in the 70s, to accessorizing outfits with turquoise jewelry.

“She’s always been consistently elegant,” Irene said. “Classy in the traditional, country style way, updating it as the times change, but keeping it simple and elegant.”

W hen Dottsy talked about the importance of the colors she likes to wear, she noted she refuses to wear yellow.

“I already have so much yellow in my skin, plus in my blond hair,” she said.

“Yellow just washes me out.”

Dottsy recalled that during her career, when asked what color of spotlight to use during her performance, she said anything but yellow. However, that didn’t seem to be clear to those who turned the lights to her.

“I’d say any color, but yellow. Don’t use yellow on me, because it just washes me out,” she said. “And, invariably, I would tell them that, and that’s what they put on me.

It was weird. I’d see pictures, and I have no face. It’s just blonde hair.”

Needless to say, in Dottsy’s closet there is no yellow. But, there are many different shades of blue, along with many vintage pieces from the 70s as well as a plethora of leather jackets, embroidered jewel toned boho tunics and a wall dedicated to earrings she’s collected from her travels.

That’s the one thing the chart topper prizes most, she said.

“On the road I’d always try to find those unique shops,” she said. “These earrings I had from San Fransisco I think those are the most fun. You won’t be able to buy a piece like that anymore.”

Dottsy said her love for jewelry came about for the simple reason that she can wear it on stage and it was all small enough to fit in a suitcase. “(Earrings) remind me how much fun I’ve had and how lucky I am to have traveled, and how lucky I am to have music in my life these many years,” she added.

All-in-all, from Dottsy selection of colors to her jewelry, to her vintage flair, reflects that classy, casual look she goes for.

“My mother used to say always look better than anyone else in the place,” she said. “So, I have that kind of mentality. I try to really dress up, and I really try to, not so much impress, but made that extra effort.”

FACES OF SEGUIN FACES OF SEGUIN

FACES OF SEGUIN 18 SIZZLE ~ SEGUIN LIVING

WANT TO SEE YOUR PICTURES ON THIS PAGE?

SEND THEM TO US AT SIZZLE@SEGUINGAZETTE.COM

FACES OF SEGUIN FACES OF SEGUIN

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the Shop

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“We would like to thank all the First Responders for attending the luncheon, you are all appreciated.”

Independent Insurance Agency Auto • Home • Wind Flood • Commercial • Life Worker’s Comp • Bonds Builder’s Risk • Mobile Home

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SHOW US YOUR BOOTS! SEGUIN LIVING ~ SIZZLE 21

Sophia is wearing Southern Grace “Welcome to the Wild Wild West” mint tunic, Nora Madison pleather & suede fringe skirt in pink, both from La La Gypsy, and Macie Bean western boots girls floral rose garden, from La Vernia Country Store.

Matthew is wearing Cinch boys’ toddler triangle button down, Rock 47 Denim for Wrangler jeans and Cinch western boot boy’s cowboy leather Caiman print black chili, all from La Vernia Country Store.

22 SIZZLE ~ SEGUIN LIVING

Noah is wearing Ariat Joel blue print western shirt, Rock & Roll Tuf cooper competition straight leg dark wash jeans and Twisted X Hooey boots, brown tipped bullhide/ black, all from La Vernia Country Store.

Myra is wearing a denim romper by Win Win with a crochet & fringe vest

by Kori America from La La Gypsy and Corral women’s honey crystal pattern fringe boots from La Vernia Country Store.

Location - Texas Agricultural Education and Heritage Center Photo by Llamar Vasquez Photography

David is wearing Ariat delmar performance button down, 20X vintage woodcreek jeans from Wrangler and Horse Power saddle mad dog cowboy boots, from La Vernia Country Store.

SEGUIN LIVING ~ SIZZLE 23

Jacob is wearing a straw hat made by Ariat, maroon and tan circle print George Strait long sleeve, button up shirt, Mid-rise, Relaxed fit Cinch Carter’s 2.2, Men’s leather belt with brown cowhide and clear rhinestones and conchos and Brown Ostrich Ariat boots with rubber soles, all from La Vernia Country Store.

24 SIZZLE ~ SEGUIN LIVING

Photo by Hannah Ruiz

Heather is in a maroon tank top under a Wrangler Rock 47 Aztec vest, Ariat Spitfire trouser jeans with silver/white stitched pockets, brown Corral boots with multicolor stitching, Bronze Pink Panache oval earrings and “key to my heart” necklace with rose pink, bronze and iridescent stones. She is carrying an American West handbag black leather cowhide with fringe and bronze concho and studs on the front, all from La Vernia Country Store.

David is in a Performance camo antler hoodie by Columbia from Gift & Gourmet, jeans and boots from La Vernia Country Store. He is carrying a White Wing shotgun case from Gift & Gourmet.

Photo by Llamar Vasquez Photography

Myra is wearing Jesus Take the Wheel on pink with leopard 3/4 sleeve by Southern Grace and brown Crazy Train fringe shorts with a cross necklace and earrings all from Lala Gypsy, and boots from La Vernia Country Store.

SEGUIN LIVING ~ SIZZLE 25

Noah is wearing Cinch men’s teal with American Flag Screen Print short sleeve t-shirt, jeans and boots, all from La Vernia Country Store.

26 SIZZLE ~ SEGUIN LIVING

Photos by Llamar Vasquez Photography (Both Pages)

Sophia is wearing a Tunic dress by Hayden from La La Gypsy and boots from La Vernia Country Store.

303 E San Antonio St, Marion, TX 830-914-4438 marionsorangepoppy@hotmail.com

Myra is wearing Kendra Scott Grant necklace and Kimmel earings from Gift & Gourmet.

David is wearing Wrangler Tough Enough to Wear Pink shirt from La Vernia Country Store.

La La GYPSY Boutique 210-535-9196 108 W. Court St., Seguin, TX 78155 shop@lalagypsy.com

Women’s Fashion, Jewelry, Candles & Gifts

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830-379-1242

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Like and follow us! facebook.com/giftandgourmetseguin @giftandgourmetseguin

Monday-Friday 10am-6pm Saturday 10am-4pm Closed on Sundays

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L

ooking at her, people don’t expect a booming voice singing male cover songs and powerful original material coming from the big-blue eyed, petite country singer, Natalie Rose, but that’s the kind of stereotype she is trying to combat.

Throughout life, Natalie had a passion for singing.

But, as she grew in her career, she also became passionate about breaking through the barriers artists face in the music industry, especially women.

“It’s a very tough career,” she said during an interview at Park Plaza. “If anyone wants to be a musician, and that’s all they want to do, you have to throw yourself into it — it’s all or nothing.”

Unbeknown to Natalie, who started her career at 12 and is now almost 22, the journey to achieve her dream of one day reaching out for the mic on the Grand Ole Opry stage, comes with a price of sacrifices, hurdles and discrimination against women performers.

Natalie said ever since she could remember, she’s wanted to be a country singer, and her family did what they could to make it happen.

Her mother, Tina Capparelli, took on the role of becoming Natalie’s manager when she was too young for other managers to work with.

“Nobody wanted to brand her as their artist, or do bookings because of her age,” Tina said.

“Then I said, ‘it’s you and me, we’re on our own.’”

“They would criticize my mom,” Natalie said.

“They thought my mom was pushing me to do it ... but she tried to talk me out of it, and I said ‘no, this is what I want to do,’ so she supported me every step of the way.”

Natalie Rose Local Musician takes on Big Texas Country Music

EN

BY J

NIFE R LU NA

Throughout the years of Natalie’s career, she not only faced obstacles for being too young to book gigs, but being a woman is also a barrier in the music industry.

“There’s a stereotype that women can’t put on shows, that they can’t entertain,” she said. “They (bars) don’t think they’ll make that much money by hiring a woman entertainer. They think we can’t draw a crowd, they think we can’t make the bar enough money because women are associated with not being beer pushers ... I feel like I want to break that stereotype.”

After five years of being a lead guitarist for Natalie Rose, John Butcher said he’s experienced first-hand the challenges Natalie faces everyday.

Just recently, Natalie performed in Denton with different artists — she was the only female musician. After using social media to promote their talents, one onlooker posted a disturbing comment.

“Natalie and other artists were (streaming on) Facebook Live,” John said. “On one of the artists’ streams, someone came on and left a very gross message for Natalie — none of the other guys received anything like that.”

Another instance happened in San Antonio. Natalie had a gig lined up at a northside bar, but the people running shop were not interested in Natalie’s performance.

“It’s hard to sing for 3 hours in a night,” John began to explain. “So, I’ll sing, or another band member will sing — ­ it gives her time to take a break. But, for 75 percent of the time, they wanted guys to sing and not have Natalie do her show.”

“The band’s name is just Natalie Rose,” he added in detest of the bar’s request. “That’s the product we’re supporting.”

But she doesn’t let it get to her, John said.

Instead, it makes Natalie work harder and more determined.

“How she responds to it when she gets home ... instead of letting it get to her, and defeat her, she doubles down and goes extra hard to try to earn that respect, verses just giving up,” John said.

“I’m extremely proud of her,” Tina said when she described her daughter as a musician and her resilience.

“She’s amazing, to me.”

Despite the challenges Natalie has encountered, she still has managed to become a respected name in Texas country music.

“I have an EP, which is an extended play — it’s not a full CD — I had four songs on it,” she said. “I recorded that with Ray Benson, from ‘Asleep at the Wheel.’ I released all four

34 SIZZLE ~ SEGUIN LIVING

of those songs to Texas Radio, and all four were top 50 on The Texas Music Charts and two went to number 25.”

In addition, Natalie won awards such as the San Antonio Music Awards for Best Country Band in 2012 and the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Frontier Club’s for Band of the Year in 2013.

She was also nominated for new female vocalist of the year twice and for female vocalist of the year at the Texas Regional Radio Music Awards.

“The new female vocalist is for someone new to the scene, and the female vocalist is for someone who is established,” Natalie said. “The artists I was nominated alongside of was Sunny Sweeny and Bri Bagwell, so it’s really amazing ... that was a moment. I’m here, I’m nominated alongside of these artists, I’m getting somewhere — it’s paying off.”

Natalie Rose’s EP, “Promise Me Beautiful” is available on iTunes and her Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/ NatalieRoseMusic.

“If anyone wants to be a musician, and that’s all they want to do, you have to throw yourself into it — it’s all or nothing.”

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Antique hunting for beginners

BY STEFFANIE AGNEW

A

ntique shopping can be an exciting hobby. There’s a vast world of interesting items to collect and every hunting excursion has the potential to turn up a cool new addition to your collection.

Let’s start with the basics. What makes an item an antique?

Traveling Gypsy owner, Ana Nieto said the distinction is based on the item’s age.

“An antique item is 100 years old, while vintage is 50 years,” she said.

The beginning collector has many interesting places to start, said Lynn Marie Putney, owner of Aunt Maudie’s Attic.

“Some things to look for would be antique and vintage kitchenalia, locally made pottery, advertising items, signs and such, military items, rustic and shabby furniture, frames, old windows, and hardware,” she said.

Ana also said metal signs were a great starting item for beginning collectors.

You can also begin your antique hunting journey right in your own home, by collecting

items passed down from your family, which is how Lynn got started.

“The very first thing I collected was my great Aunt Maudie’s cookbook,” she said.

“She gave it to me when I was only 14 years

certain piece of pottery, or handmade quilt, vintage or first addition book, signed piece of artwork or depression glassware,” she said. “The thrill of finding those items tucked in the corner of an antique shop

“The thrill of finding those items tucked in the corner of an antique shop is what changes a shopper into a collector.” old. I still have it and that started my love of collecting. I have 400 cookbooks in my collection. Maybe a little excessive and that is probably what not to do! At a certain point the collector may want to become a little more selective, looking for the special piece rather than the quantity.”

Lynn also said that antique shopping is all about the hunt.

“It becomes a challenge to find that

is what changes a shopper into a collector.

She recommended that beginning collectors make themselves knowledgeable about the items they decide to collect.

“There are so many books, periodicals and professionals to educate anyone who wants to learn,” she said. “It is a lifelong process, but one of the most enjoyable things you can do.”

Five Tips for

Antique Hunters Tips from

Lynn Marie Putney, owner of Aunt Maudie’s Attic.

1. Start with collecting family treasures Look to see what kind of collectibles you have in your family, such as Grandma’s favorite piece of jewelry or Dad’s favorite fishing lure, or tool.

2. Quality over quantity Be selective. Look for that special piece rather than how many like it you can collect.

3. Be Knowledgeable Understand the items you are collecting.

Know the difference between originals and reproductions. Be able to spot items made to look antique, but were made to deceive the unknowing eye. Read books, periodicals and seek out professionals to educate yourself.

4. Great starter items There are many items that are good for the beginner collector to start with: antique and vintage kitchenalia, locally made pottery, advertising items, signs and such, military items, rustic and shabby furniture, frames, old windows, and hardware.

5. Hunting hotspots Find antiques in places like antique stores, flea markets, estate sales, auctions and trade days. Look in places like Gruene, Round Top, Fredricksburg and of course, right here, in Seguin.

38 SIZZLE ~ SEGUIN LIVING

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HANDMADE and handled with care

BY FELICIA FRAZAR

M

aking a gun from scratch is a tedious task, but it’s one that Bill “BJ” Lunsford has perfected.

BJ is a self-taught gunsmith with his own small business, LFS Gunsmithing, located at 2341 Farm-to-Market Road 1150 in Kingsbury.

“I built my first one, then I built my second one and third one,” he said. “Then I built one for another guy, then another guy and that’s how I got started. Now, we do general repairs on all types of guns and build custom rifles. I repair shotguns, pistols, air rifles, whatever. We’ve built 1,000 yard rifles, using 1,000 yard matches.”

BJ learned to work with his hands from his father, who was a master machinist.

“My dad, when I was young, he had a machine shop, and in the summer time I would go work with him,” he said. “I didn’t care anything about it, but I learned some of it anyway.”

While his father built a couple of guns as hobby, BJ took it a step further several years later.

“I got into it when I was 18 years old, but never really had the chance to do a whole lot until about 20 years ago,” he said. “That’s when I started messing and experimenting with my own guns.”

His experimentation turned into a business venture he began creating customized hunting, competition and tactical rifles.

It was a business that long-time customer and friend Kell Finch happened upon one day in 2003.

“I was coming back one day from Seguin, and I saw a sign that said gunsmith with an arrow pointed down the road,” Kell said.

“I just followed the sign over there, went and talked to him, and he was what I was looking for.”

Since then BJ has built a variety of guns for Kell, all quality works of art, he said.

“He has probably built six or seven, maybe more than that — competition rifles, performing riffles and hunting rifles,” he said.

“His work is top notch, it is about as good as it gets. I’ve had rifles built by other people, but BJ’s work is right there with the best there

part of his job is being able to either make or restore bolt action rifles and single-shot black powder cartridge rifles.

“I had a lot of fun building single-shot black powder cartridge rifles,” he said looking an 148-year-old piece. “I enjoyed that because you are working with something that is old. So you are taking something that is that old and refreshing it, making it new again. That’s fun.”

Doing that is like bringing a piece of history back to life, BJ said.

Unfortunately, with older guns, parts are harder to come by, but that is where BJ steps in.

Bill “BJ” Lunsford

is. He’s been at it a long time.”

For the competition guns, BJ said his work is on target.

“A lot of the competitive shooters are shooting my guns, and my guns win quite often,” he said. “On my rifles, I’ve always had a standing guarantee that if they don’t shoot like the customer expects it to shoot, I’ll buy it back. I’ve never had to buy one.”

When it comes to customizing guns, BJ said the sky is the limit for the customer’s desire.

“The customer tells me what they want,” he said. “Sometimes it’s easy because they know what they want, other times they don’t know. What I’ll do is I’ll drag a bunch of guns out and a bunch of pictures and they’ll say there, that’s what I want.”

With deer season on the horizon, and dove season in full swing, BJ has is work cut out for him with repairs, scopes and sight work.

“Around deer season there will be a lot of guns coming in that will have scopes mounted and sighted in,” he said. “I don’t charge much for that.”

For repairs, BJ is like a firearms doctor, trying to pinpoint the ailment and find a solution.

“The average person will come in here and say ‘It wont shoot. It won’t load. It won’t fire. It won’t eject,’” he said. “From there obviously you are doing a diagnosis just like a doctor, then you are trying to figure out what is wrong with it. Sometimes its easy, sometimes it is multiple things wrong with it.”

One of the common problems BJ fixes for customers who have accuracy issues are the stocks.

“They will come in and say, the guns just won’t shoot right,” he said. “Mainly, it is stock work. If you are building a stock for somebody, you take their measurements and fit the stock to the person. I’ve done more stocks for young girls shooting in FFA trap, because they don’t make shotguns that fit them. You take them and you measure them. I measure it up, rough it out and before sanding it, I get them to come back over and try it. It takes a lot of time. Most all of it is done by hand.”

For the self-taught gunsmith, the best

“Some times you’ll have guns come in here like the older Winchesters, and people want to hang on to them, they are worth a lot of money,” he said. “There are not hardly any parts for those any more, so when you have something that is worn out, you are faced with hanging the gun on the wall and forgetting it, or making a part so that it will work again. It is fun being able to bring something back that is pretty much going into a trash can and making it work again.”

Over the years, BJ has seen his share of rare and interesting firearms, some that most may never seen in their lifetime.

“I get some pistols that are really rare,

stuff that people have hardly ever seen, much less buy parts for them, and people will bring them to me in a plastic bag in pieces wanting me to put them back together,” he said. “There’s no drawings, no instruction.”

Additionally, BJ likes to keep his skills sharp and enjoys refitting store bought guns.

“What I like to do is take a regular offthe-shelf rifle and re-barrel it,” he said. “I take them apart and strip them down to the action. Then I blueprint it. True everything up to where it is spot on. I’ll take the custom barrel and thread it to where it fits, then cut the chamber into it. If you do everything right, it will shoot little bug-hole bunches.”

Since LFS is a small operation and part time business for BJ, his prices aren’t really comparable to that of a larger business.

“A lot of times, I’ve found that people are scared off by the lower price,” he said.

“They come to me and want the same gun

42 SIZZLE ~ SEGUIN LIVING

as one they found at a big outfit, and the big outfit wants $6,000 and I can build it for them for $1,600. And they think it might not be as good because it is less expensive, until I build it for them.”

To reel them in, BJ lets potential customers borrow one he’s made to give them an idea about the quality of his work.

“I’ll even loan them one of mine that I built and let them try it out and see what they think,” he said. “They’ll come back and say they want one just like that. That was actually the way I started getting a lot of rifle orders, by loaning rifles out at different matches or competitions.”

Because BJ works full time, it takes him a while to get to orders, but his customers understand.

“When they bring me a gun, I’ll tell them it could take up to four months,” he said. “They generally say, ‘Ok, see you

in four months.’”

From creating a barrel and customizing a stock to mounting scopes or routine cleans, BJ does it all right there in the shop next to the home he shares with wife, Susan.

“I’m 65, so about this time next year, this will be my full time job,” he said in his shop.

For more information, go to www.lfsgunsmithing.com, call 830-639-4011 or email BJL708@yahoo.com, visits are by appointment only.

“The first time you visit our shop it will not look anything like you imagined,” he said. “There is no showroom or glass display cases, and the floor will most likely be covered with walnut shavings rather than carpet. It’s a gunsmith shop, and that’s what we do — work on guns. Our reputation is based on what we do, not what we look like.”

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BIGGER, BETTER and

GROWING THE LOVE OF HUNTING

BY LAUREN DODD

T

exas-native and awardwinning outdoor TV host, Keith Warren, has seen big gains in the quality and quantity of deer on his ranch outside Seguin over the course of two decades .

When Keith, host of The High Road on the Pursuit Channel, first purchased the Texas Hidden Springs Ranch, located between Seguin and Gonzales on State Highway 90 Alternate, the white-tail deer herd was meager at best.

But the ranch provided the opportunity for the experienced, globe-trotting hunter to put his skills to the test.

“I’d been looking to buy a ranch for many many years and all of a sudden I found an ad in the paper that this ranch was for sale,” he said. “I looked at it (the ranch) and there was nothing

on it. There were little bitty deer, a few turkeys, that’s it. I mean nothing.

I knew it was perfect.”

Keith knew with a little hard work and time he could turn the herd around.

“I’ve been to enough places around the country to see how you can grow big deer,” he said. “Guadalupe County certainly has got great habitat potential, but the problem is hunters in the area need to just back off what they’re shooting — that’s like much of the country.”

Deer management was the key to his ranch’s success, he said.

First, he put up a large fence and, for two consecutive years, fed and watered his deer — 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“I did that and now, 20 years later — people come out and look at the

deer and say ‘this is amazing, how did you do it,’” he said. “And I say ‘all I did was management. The deer are our number one priority.”

Each hunter has a different management philosophy, he said, but his is simple: allow the deer to reach adulthood.

“Some people have a management philosophy: if it’s brown it’s down and they just shoot it, they don’t care,” he said. “I don’t measure the success of the hunt, as many people do, with a tape measurer. When I pull the trigger or the arrow on an animal, I want to kill the right animal. It’s just a management decision at that point. I want to shoot an older animal, regardless of what’s growing on his head or whatever, because it makes room for the younger animals by doing that.”

Over the course of two decades, Keith has watched his deer increase in size to 180 and 200 inches. Hunters who visit his ranch have taken note.

“The management deer get better and better every year and the hunters just buy them up literally a year in advance,” he said.

“I mean we’re sold out. The trophy hunts, because they are more expensive and they are better quality animals — bigger, better and prettier — those hunts aren’t as easy to sell but the trophy hunts are big deer. They will be some of the biggest deer shot in Guadalupe County ever.”

Management deer, he said, are deer that don’t necessarily have what it takes to grow into trophy deer.

Each year he attracts hundreds of out of town hunters to his ranch and thus to Guadalupe County. The best part about his ranch, he said, is being able to share his love of hunting with others.

“I grew up hunting — I mean I have been hunting my whole life,” he said. “Hunting is my life. It’s something I live for. I’ve

hunted virtually everything from dangerous game in Africa to small game in the United States and everything in between. I love the entire process.”

That love transcends to the telly in his weekly hunting show which at times, has featured his Seguin ranch. “‘The High Road’ is a weekly half hour show on hunting where we celebrate the joy of the hunt,” he said. “That’s what we really specialize in is the joy and the fun, it’s not just the kill, it’s the joy of the entire experience.”

Since 1984, Keith has produced and hosted outdoor shows on networks including the Outdoor Channel, ESPN, ESPN 2, Sportsman Channel, and now the Pursuit Channel.

White-tail deer season starts Nov. 5 both in north and south zones. It continues through Jan. 1 in 226 counties in the north zone and until Jan. 15 in the 30 county south zone.

To book a trip or to learn more about Keith’s ranch, visit texashiddenspringsranch.com. To find air times for Keith’s show visit pursuitchannel.com/portfolio/the-high-road.

46 SIZZLE ~ SEGUIN LIVING

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only $24.95 Call 830.379.5441

or clip and mail this order form to: 1012 Schriewer Rd., Seguin, TX 78155 along with a check or money order made payable to The Seguin Gazette

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SEGUIN

LIVING

RV SALES • SERVICE • ACCESSORIES

ONE-STOP LOCATION FOR EVERYTHING RV!

AMERICA’S #1 RV DEALER!

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GOOD SAM CLUB

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TOWABLES FROM ONLY

189/MO.

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500

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MOTORHOMES FROM ONLY

426/MO.

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RECEIVE A

MERCHANDISE CERTIFICATE WITH ANY RV PURCHASE†

3887 I.H. I-35 NORTH in NEW BRAUNFELS, TX 78130

888.451.1278 | CampingWorld.com/RV

*(Stk.# 1257520) Camping World RV SuperCenter payment not inclusive of tax, title, license and dealer doc fees. Based on 20% down at 6.99% APR for 180 months to qualified buyers with approved credit. Subject to lender terms. **(Stk.# 1287084) Camping World RV SuperCenter payment not inclusive of tax, title, license and dealer doc fees. Based on 20% down at 4.99% APR for 240 months to qualified buyers with approved credit. Subject to lender terms. †Must present this advertisement at time of purchase. Not applicable to prior sales and may not be combined with any other offer. Limit one gift per household. Not applicable on wholesale units. Offer valid only at Camping World RV SuperCenter in New Braunfels, TX. Advertised inventory available at time of printing. New unit photography for illustration purposes only. May not be combined with any other offer and not applicable to prior sales. See dealer for details. ^Based on Statistical Surveys 2015. © 2016 FreedomRoads, LLC. CAMPING WORLD and the CAMPING WORLD Mountain Logo are registered trademarks of CWI, Inc. and used with permission. Unauthorized use of any of CWI, Inc.’s trademarks is expressly prohibited. All rights reserved. Offer expires 12/31/16.

SW086991-0916

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IT’S A GREAT DAY AT LULING CHEVROLET! COME SEE US FOR A LARGE SELECTION OF CHEVROLET, BUICK, GMC AND PREOWNED!

You Betcha! The Sweetest Deals are at Luling Chevrolet!

1088 E. Pierce St. Luling

830-875-5425

LulingChevrolet.com Owner, Carroll Barron

Mon-Fri Sales Open until 7pm Saturday 8:30 am - 6:00 pm