Seguin Magazine — October

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

October 2018

Miss.

Round-Up

riverside revenant’s

What it takes to earn a crown

RenShirts

How one couple’s passion became their business

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GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN

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

Vol. 5, No. 5 Seguin magazine is published twelve times a year by the Seguin Gazette.

GENERAL MANAGER Elizabeth Engelhardt

Tattoos by Jeremiah

EDITOR Hannah Ruiz

Award winning artist

Private Studio • Seguin, TX

• Custom Work • Color Art • Black & Grey Art • Cover-Ups

GRAPHIC DESIGN Tera Swango

ADVERTISING Gay Lynn Olsovsky Brooke Kucherka

WRITERS Chris Lykins Felicia Frazar Valerie Bustamante Priscilla Aguirre Zach Ienatsch B. Kay Richter

TO ADVERTISE IN SEGUIN MAGAZINE CALL 830-379-5402 STORY IDEAS seguinmagazine@seguingazette.com

CONTRIBUTORS Rob Sawyer

SEARCH SEGUIN GAZETTE

All material herein c. 2018 Southern Newspapers Inc., dba The Seguin Gazette, 1012 Schriewer Road, Seguin, TX, 78155.

All rights reserved

hot tip

Awards for Best portrait • Most realistic Color Portrait • Lettering

WHEN YOU LOSE, DON’T LOSE THE LESSON.

On

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Photo by Rob Sawyer

2018

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SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

Olivia Swango poses in front of Eugene Nolte’s mausoleum in Riverside Cemetary. We decided that a cemetery shoot would be unique for our October edition. On October 28th you can experience the Saint’s Alive Cemetary tour in Riverside Cemetary.

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An inside look from our WRITERS...

“Getting the opportunity to write about the Guadalupe County Miss Round-Up was so much fun. With not being from Seguin, I learned a lot about the history of this community’s county fair and by talking to former Miss Roundup winners and reading old articles in the Seguin Gazette’s archives.”

— Valerie Bustamante “Sitting near a fire at the Rehfeld’s home as Butch and Linda cooked was an excellent experience. The breezy hilltop at sunset, good food and great conversation made for an amazing evening.”

– Felicia Frazar “SWEAT Class was very eye-opening.

They make working out look fun. What makes the class unique is the fact that they have a different workout every day.

From the coaches to the exercises, you are guaranteed an exciting challenge.”

— Priscilla Aguirre “I can honestly say alpacas are amazing! At first, I was apprehensive about visiting the animals since this was my first time visiting an alpaca ranch. However, these animals are beautiful, gentle and curious! I encourage everyone to experience these animals and to research alpaca fleece production.”

— B. Kay Richter

8

SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

“To the world, you may be one person; but to one person you may be the world.”

I

— Dr. Suess

was reminded of this quote in church one Sunday as I sat there mulling over this issue. So much has happened since the September issue went to press, we had a staff change in the composing department, my brother got married and my daughter turned 4. This quote reminded me that even though Aria is growing up, as her mother, I am her world. In fact, last night she told me I was her best friend.

It also reminded me that while magazine time is very stressful just before deadline, there are people that look forward to this publication the first Sunday of every month. We always get such amazing feedback on Seguin Magazine, and I am so very proud to contribute it to the town of Seguin.

With this issue, you will meet an amazing young lady who was crowned Miss. Round Up 2017 in Closet Close-up and learn about what it takes to earn the title. Zach visited with the owners of RenShirts, who create Renaissance festival garb and our fashion team did a Halloween-themed fashion shoot in Riverside Cemetery.

With every issue, I feel that we get stronger and stronger, and this one is nothing short of that. If ever you have any comments about Seguin Magazine please feel free to send us an email, seguinmagazine@seguingazette.com. Also, we would love for you to share your photos with us for our Faces of Seguin section. I look forward to hearing from you, so turn the page and enjoy.

Hannah Ruiz

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gO NUTS IN SEGUIN

at pecan fest october 26-28

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Vendors ● Pecan Goodies ● Meads Kids Activities ● Pub Crawl Historic Tours ● Live Entertainment Pecan Queen Contest Pumpkin Patch ● And More!

Pecan Fest Heritage Days is an opportunity to break out of your shell, go a little nuts, and harvest a good time. The weekend long celebration is spread out over all of Seguin and is a celebration of all things pecan and all things Seguin.

www.seguingonuts.com GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN

9

THE HOTTEST SPOT

20

14

32

46

22 FEATURES

AROUND TOWN

IN EACH ISSUE

38 RENSHIRTS

14 CLOSET CLOSEUP

12 SIZZLIN’ FIVE

42 MISS. ROUND-UP

18 CULINARY CREATIONS

30 10 THINGS

46 GREAT AMERICAN ALPACAS

20 BE YOU - BE WELL

32 FASHION

50 DUTCH OVEN COOKING

22 DAY TRIPPER

54 FACES OF SEGUIN

26 LUXURY LIFESTYLE

58 FAVORITE FINDS

10 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

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SizzlinFive

Five events you don’t want to miss

Month of October PUMPKIN PATCH

The First United Methodist Church’s front lawn will turn to a sea of orange, as the fall gourds come, creating the annual Pumpkin Patch. The month-long event includes photo stations, education stations, story time and, of course, the chance to purchase a pumpkin.

October 11th-14th

GUADALUPE COUNTY FAIR

The Guadalupe County Fair is a cant’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 20th

KIDS DAY IN THE PARK

The annual Kids Day in the Park brings community members together to have fun in Central Park. More than 40 booths will offer activities, food and fun, as well as some information about local services. For more information, visit www.seguinkidsday.org.

th October 24th &BUCK25 FEVER

Buck Fever is the county’s very own hunter’s 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 is presented by Gator Country. For more information, check out www.buckfever.org.

October 26th - 28th PECAN FEST AND HERITAGE DAYS

Pecan Fest and Heritage Days is a three-day salute to the town’s nutty industry. The celebration will also include honoring the city’s namesake with the Hats Off to Juan Seguin celebration street dance and parade. Events will be spread out through the area to include the Central Park, Big Red Barn, Sebastopol, Pape’s Pecan House Nutcracker Museum, Riverside Cemetery and the Magnolia Hotel. For more information, go to gonutsseguin.com.

12 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

The Gypsy goes

Gruene,

GYPSY

Texas that is!

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Come visit our 2 great Locations!

114 S. Austin St., Seguin Mon-Sat 10am-5pm 830.379.1932

@ the corner of Donegan and Camp St. next door to the Warehouse Bar & Grill

1263 Gruene Rd., New Braunfels Mon-Sun 10am-6pm 830.627.9883

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GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 13

CHEYANNE HATLEY

2017 Guadalupe County Miss-Round up

BY VALERIE BUSTAMANTE

O

n some days Cheyanne Hatley sports a pair of high-waisted Wrangler blue jeans and Western boots while other times she is wearing her favorite maroon high-top Vans, a graphic tee and a baseball cap.

While the 2017 Guadalupe County Miss-Round Up describes her style as western and relaxed, she said her friends describe her as "just being Texan."

“That’s how a lot of people describe me as. But I think my style is 100 percent western," Hatley said. "I love denim. In the winter time, you’ll see me wearing denim shirts, denim jackets and jeans all the time. I love Levis and Wranglers.”

As an employee at D&D Farm and Ranch in Seguin, Hatley said she normally dresses comfortably especially on days when she has to carry the feed for customers.

But on days when she’s representing the Miss Round-Up program — the sash and crown come out.

“Typically when we’re at events we’ll just wear nice boots — nothing too crazy —Wrangler jeans, a long sleeve blouse and our sash and crown with a white hat typically,” she said. “At some events, we are required to wear our red vest so we look like a coordinating group and then we’ll wear a blouse underneath.”

The Wrangler brand is a staple in her closet, but Hatley does enjoy

shopping locally.

“I love Double D Ranch, out of Yoakum. It’s a higher end western designer and their history goes way-way back,” she said. “I love the southwestern style that they have and the different seasons they have. That’s probably one of my favorite designers.”

Other places include D&D and a small shop in Andrews, Texas.

“I like various little boutiques that you’ll find in small towns. One of my favorites is Gypsy Pearl Texas,” Hatley said. “They gave me like a discount code so I shop there all the time. Their stuff is legitimately some of my favorite items ever.”

Hatley’s closet doesn’t just include GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 15

modern pieces.

“I like older things and vintage.

Goodwill is probably my second favorite aside from my place of work. I also enjoy consignment shops and I do a lot of shopping on eBay,” she said.

Hatley has had the opportunity to snag pairs of vintage Levi jeans and handbags during some of her shopping adventures.

“I like hunting for unique pieces that other people don’t have like different purses, jewelry and shirts,” she said.

Being different from others is why Hatley gravitates toward accessories handcrafted by Native Americans.

“When you get into a lot of that Native American sterling silver jewelry no two pieces are the same and I love that about it,” Hatley said. “I love things being different. I love Zuni jewelry and Navajo jewelry. I like the heritage behind it and I like the work that just goes into the pieces they make.”

As for shoes, when Hatley isn’t wearing her Vans or sandals she lives up to the standard of being “just Texan” by throwing on a pair of boots.

“You can never go wrong with boots.

In the state of Texas you can wear boots and get away with it no matter where you are,” she said.

One of Hatley’s most prized accessories is a black felt cowboy hat that was gifted to her by her father.

“That hat is probably 30 to 40 years old. It was my dad’s hat when he was a bull rider. She said, he used to bull ride for the Professional Rodeo Association and he gave that to me for my first rodeo queen pageant, I really liked this hat and I wanted to wear it, but I didn’t like the shape it was so I reshaped it myself.”

Hatley believes social media has been her inspiration behind her unique style.

“Instagram has heavily influenced me. I’ve met a ton of western fashion models through there and a what I call ‘western style icons,” she said. “A lot of boutique owners, too. As my Instagram has grown, I guess I’ve kind of invested a little more into my style.”

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GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 17

d n fi u o y o Where d

an apple bourbon pork tenderloin?

BY FELICIA FRAZAR

As the smell of cinnamon, nutmeg and coriander wafted the office, co-workers slowly made their way into the kitchen to see what I was cooking up.

I found a recipe online through BevCooks.com for seared pork tenderloin with apples and broccoli.

The aroma took me back a couple of years ago when my grandmother and I visited my sister when she lived in New York and went apple picking with her family.

Once I discovered the recipe, I knew it was right up my alley with a cook time of about 15 minutes.

I’m not one for patience, especially when it comes to cooking, mostly because I wait until I’m

hungry to eat and by then I realize that it takes took long to cook what I’m really hungry for.

Gathering the ingredients was easy with one exception — where do you find an apple bourbon pork tenderloin?

Instead of trying to search high and low, I found a recipe through Rachel Ray for an bourbon-apple marinade.

Using whatever remnants of bourbon we had in the liquor cabinet, I made the marinade, poked holes in the tenderloin and let it soak overnight.

The prep work the following day took little to no time and the cooking only took a little bit long.

Since both the apple and broccoli were quite large, I only used one and it worked perfectly.

Because it was pork, I decided to cook the meat a little longer than the recipe suggested, keeping an eye on it to make sure it didn’t burn.

After it was done, most of my co-workers sampled it, giving it a thumbs up.

I was worried the tenderloin might be tough, however, it was just right. Although, next time I might use a little less bourbon and a little more apple cider or maybe just a different bourbon.

Next up, is to test it on the family.

I may saute the apples and broccoli by themselves and make that a meal.

SEARED PORK TENDERLOIN WITH APPLES AND BROCCOLI adapted from BevCooks.com Seared Pork Tenderloin with Apples and Broccoli: 1 apple bourbon pork tenderloin, trimmed of fat and sliced into 1-inch pieces 2 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp nutmeg 2 tsp ground coriander 2 Tbs. butter 2 apples, thinly sliced 1 large shallot, thinly sliced 1/4 cup apple cider 2 heads broccoli, florets separated coarse salt and freshly ground pepper 1 small sprig of fresh thyme In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon, nutmeg, ground coriander and a pinch of salt and pepper. Sprinkle both sides of the sliced pork with the spice mixture.

Heat a cast iron (or large skillet) over medium high. Sear the pork for about 3 minutes on each side, until cooked through and browned all over. Remove from pan and cover to keep warm.

Back in the pan, add the butter and melt. Add the shallots and sauté until they start to soften, 2 minutes. Add the apples and broccoli to the pan, continuing to sauté until another 2 minutes. Add the apple cider and sauté two more minutes, or until everything is so glorious you need to rest. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Nestle the pork back in (with the accumulating juices) and cook about a minute longer, incorporating the flavors.

Serve dish garnished with fresh thyme leaves!

pple Bourbon-A Marinade

l Ray

By Rache

r rbon ice or cide 1 cup bou d apple ju e n te e e 1 cup unsw orcestershire sauce nw 1 teaspoo le oil n vegetab 1 teaspoo n salt 1 teaspoo le tened app p unswee u c 1 1 , , n e o c rb ershire sau 1 cup bou n worcest o Combine o . lt sp sa a n te o o er, 1 nd 1 teasp juice or cid table oil a e g e v n o teaspo

class F

BY PRISCILLA AGUIRRE

rom CrossFit to boot camp, there are several types of workout classes that can seem intimidating or too advance for individuals who are just trying to get in shape or lose weight.

Luckily, 78155 Family Athletic Center, 1199 E. College St., offers a class that applies to anyone that is willing to SWEAT. At the beginning of this summer, the 78155 Athletic Club started a new class called SWEAT — a workout exercise that literally speaks for itself.

In the class, individuals can expect to partake in different types of workouts, including ones that are enduranced based or for toning.

Whether it’s jogging on the treadmill or lifting weights, the SWEAT class offers a range of unique workouts that are supervised by a coach trainer.

Although the class is fairly new, 78155’s general manager Tim Littwin said the class is fun, offers a different workout every day and has already benefited several members.

“The class is great because you form some commodity when you go. You’re in competition against yourself, so you’re always going to be pushing yourself against what you did the previous day,” he said. “All results are tracked in real time and are emailed to the members. What we are seeing in terms of our members who take the class is more muscle toning, feeling better, having more energy, they are sleeping better and they are burning more calories so there is some significant weight loss happening.”

BE YOU • BE WELL

What to expect?

Although the gym offers CrossFit and boot camp classes, Littwin said SWEAT was implemented to offer a class that has high-intensity interval training with more cardio-based workouts along with weight training.

“The goal of the class is to bring your heart rate near maximum but not quite hit it and then bring it back down. So, what you’re really

doing in that regard is burning calories, but when you bring it back down, your body is still recovering,” Littwin said.

“When you go into your next high-intensity interval, your body is still recovering from the previous interval and now you’re throwing that extra work that you are doing on top of that — so you just get a really good calorie burning effect.”

The SWEAT class has different components of exercise that burn a good amount of calories. There is the based workout that is going to have longer intervals on the treadmill, another is the power workout and then there is the toning workout.

For example, in an endurance based class, individuals will start on the treadmill and begin with a three minute warm up. After the warm-up, the members will perform interval training on the treadmill for about 30 minutes.

On the treadmill, members start with a one-minute moderate pace and increase their incline to a more difficult level for about three to five minutes.

After the treadmill, individuals will move on to doing bench dips, scissor kicks, workout on the rowers and more for about 25 to 30 minutes.

Within the workout, all results are monitored through heart-rate monitors that are given to a member before the class.

Every member in the class can check where their heart rate is and how many calories they’ve burned in the six displays the gym has mounted on the wall. The gym also will send the member their results in an email explaining how many calories they burned.

“A really good thing about the class is after you take it, your body is not done recovering. So essentially, you are burning more calories for up to 24 to 36 hours after the workout than you normally would because your body is still in recovery mode,” Littwin said.

Why you should join?

Some people create their own workout plans, some people have a personal trainer and some people just run on the treadmill at the gym. SWEAT creates a

different workout plan every day, has a coach to help members reach their goals and provide all the weights and equipment for their members.

“If you’re looking for a structured workout that you don’t have to really do anything but show up for and make sure that all the bases are covered and something that’s going to be changing by the day —you should join the class,” he said. “We haven’t done the same workout twice, so you’re always going to get something new. You don’t have to worry about doing any workout structuring on your own, so you come into the class and basically come in worry-free and know that you are going to get a good workout.”

Coach Tanya Sandqvist, said, “The members that she work with have shown a lot of growth since the class started, she said “Basically, the ladies, they come in on their own journey wanting to accomplish either weight loss or increase their cardio or increase muscle toning and every one of these ladies who started this program already see the difference,” she said. “They are fantastic, I call them warriors all the time because they are always willing to push through it, willing to try really hard. They never give up, ever.”

With the different classes 78155 offers, SWEAT started to help individuals live a healthier life while also getting in shape, Littwin said.

“Everyone that has been taking the class really enjoys it. We are doing a really good job of getting people who weren’t exercising before and getting them interested in it and making healthier changes in not only their exercise habits but also their eating habits, their lifestyle habits,” he said. “We try to keep it fun with music and often take requests. It’s really good to get in and just try it and once you try it you are basically going to be hooked.”

GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 21

Good Times in Galveston

BY ELIZABETH ENGELHARDT PHOTOS BY LAURA RIDGE OF LAURA RIDGE PHOTOGRAPHY 22 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

W

hen folks in Guadalupe County plan a trip to the Gulf Coast, mostly everyone heads straight for the Port Aransas/Rockport area because of its close proximity. However, Galveston is not very much farther (depending on Houston traffic) and you do not have to wait in an hours long line to ride the ferry across to the island.

Growing up in Dallas, Galveston was where we spent our time at the beach. We had a small beach house on stilts in Treasure Island that has weath-

ered a few major hurricanes since it was built in the mid 1980’s. We spent holidays and many long weekends there, mostly fishing and crabbing, but creating lifelong memories that I carry with me today. I would have to say that the Fourth of July was always my favorite – especially shooting fireworks over the water. There was just something so majestic about it that I really can’t describe. I don’t know what it is about Galveston sunrises and sunsets, but they are the most beautiful I have ever seen. One of my earliest memories of my Grandmother

was waking up and joining her for her coffee on the sun porch and watching the sunrise, which we did nearly every morning when we visited. We sold our little beach house about 18 years ago, but luckily I still make annual trips to Galveston since many of our company meetings are held there and I check on our “Almost Heaven” beach house.

The always-popular Pleasure Pier was rebuilt in 2012 in the same location that the original attraction stood that was destroyed by Hurricane Carla in 1961. There is literally something for everyone at the pier. Whether GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 23

you’re looking for boardwalk games, rides, food or shopping, it’s all right there stretching out over the gulf. The bright lights over the water are really a sight to see.

And did I mention the shopping? There is a fun assortment of boutiques, art, souvenir shops and more lining the streets.

The Strand Historic District, or simply “The Strand,” stretches five business blocks of downtown Galveston and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1976. Even the pickiest of eaters will find something to love amongst the vast array of restaurant choices.

When we were kids, my Grandmother had a boutique on The Strand. We used to spend hours at her shop helping customers and meeting new people. We even ventured onto an authentic paddleboat where we quickly made friends with the Captain. He let us take turns steering, which we inevitably steered into giant circles. Needless to say, that was the majority of our sea navigation careers.

Moody Gardens is another must see when visiting Galveston. It’s pristine aquarium and botanical gardens make you feel like you are in another part of the world. It’s a really great chance to learn about conservation and wildlife in Texas, all the while surrounded by breathtaking exhibits.

The Galveston Sea Wall boasts miles of sandy shores, fishing piers/jetties, shopping dining and more. There’s also the stunningly beautiful, but haunted Galvez Hotel that walking tours never miss. There is also a basement full of historical artifacts and details about past famous guests.

Whether you’re looking for a quiet weekend, or a fun adventure with friends and family, Galveston can offer you a little bit of everything. I truly believe the ocean heals the soul, and to me, there’s nothing more relaxing and rejuvenating than sitting by the ocean, watching my kids dig a hole to China and losing all sense of time. So the next time you are thinking of planning a quick road trip, consider adding Galveston to your destination lists.

You won’t regret it!

24 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

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GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 25

LUXURY LIFESTYLE

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ife on Treasure Island is good. It’s even better in this beautifullyupdated custom home on the waterfront.

That waterfront is what makes the gorgeous view of Lake McQueeney possible — and it’s visible from the open kitchen and living area.

The main living area boasts hardwood floors and 10-foot ceilings, while the kitchen sports custom cabinets and a large center island with room for barstool seating. Also featured are granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, including a warming drawer.

The spacious master suite features a large walk in closet, while two additional bedrooms share another bath on the upper level.

A smaller living space off the main room would make great home office space.

The home also features a large three car garage with a workshop as well as a boathouse and floating jet ski docks.

Inside, or out, this home is ready to entertain on the shores of beautiful Lake McQueeney.

26 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

242 Benbow GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 27

10 Things about...

Elizabeth Engelhardt General Manager for the Seguin Gazette.

1. 2.

3. 4. 5.

6. 7.

I am originally from Frisco, TX, just north of Dallas. I moved here in 2007

My parents met at the World’s Largest Honky Tonk, Billy Bob’s Texas, when they both worked there in 1983

I think I have more fun at Disney than my kids do!

We bleed maroon in our house, Gig ‘em Aggies!

My favorite movie is “A League of their Own”

I learned how to fly fish when I was 10 years old.

We spent a week every summer camping in Colorado I have been married to my husband Brian since 2007 and we have 2 sons; Aiden (10) and Mason (7)

8. 9. 10.

I had never heard of a “breakfast taco” until I met my husband in college

30 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

I can wiggle my ears

My dream vacation is to stay in a bungalow over the water in Bora Bora

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Turning Passion Into Product

By Zach Ienatsch

A

“If you find something you love, try true Renaissance fair to make money off of it.” guest would be remiss without qualA graduate of Seguin High School, ity, historically accurate garb to fit the April spent many years in the oil busipart. Thankfully for both local and ness before returning to her love of distant bands of middle age mercesewing. Using the skills she acquired naries, Frank and April Rippel, of Seguin, specialize in the craft and sale with the sewing machine when she was younger, coupled with her educaof Renaissance-style shirts for men tion and experience with the business with their appropriately named busiworld and her time in the U.S. Navy, ness, RenShirts. Started in 1998 as she and Frank opened the couple's a side project from their main business, the couple discovered how their original sewing and alterations busilove for sewing and alterations could ness in 1994, which served as the precursor to RenShirts. intersect with the medieval lifestyle Years later, the Rippels closed when they visited the Texas Renaistheir doors of their first business to sance Festival near Houston while focus on the success of RenShirts, wearing their own creations. This although April still does special authentic look helped complement requests for first responders. the feasts, jousts, tournaments and “My home economics teacher overall atmosphere of a Renaissance always suggested I do something Fair. What struck the Rippels as exceptionally odd was the number of with sewing but I didn't listen to her at the time,” April said. “But evenpeople who would approach Frank tually, everything came full circle. A and ask him about his loose, cotton lot of schools don't teach sewing shirt. anymore. It's sort of a lost art.”

“We spent a whole year traveling After key exposure in Renaisto different festivals and they kept sance Magazine, the Rippels' plan asking about men's shirts," Frank said. "We realized there was a market for custom shirts had a queue of prospective buyers lined up lookfor just a plain, medieval men's shirt. ing to complete their medieval look.

So April made the patterns and they Initially, they were mainstays in fairs really went off after that.” in Texas, but soon filled orders from According to April's philosophy, GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 39

patrons from coast to coast and eventually overseas.

With steady growth and the power of word of mouth, the Rippels kept making more money with each passing year, putting most of the profit right back into RenShirts for better equipment and materials.

Initially only selling a plain, cotton, longsleeve shirt with laces, RenShirts expanded to offer other design options, such as the sleeveless and half-sleeve varieties. These modification ideas came from the business's patrons directly.

“We had one gentleman buy a shirt from us at a fair and then immediately ask if we could cut the sleeves off,” April said. “Initially, I was scared because that's my work, that's my baby, but we did it anyways and now we sell this style directly. it's very popular here in Texas, where it can get quite warm during these festivals.”

All RenShirts are pre-shrunk before the article is even crafted. April washes bulk amounts of fabric in the couple's industrial washer before replacing it on the roll it came from, long before shirts are even built.

This ensures the shirts fit just right at the moment of purchase, as most patrons desire to change right into their new garb for the festival.

Although Renaissance fairs are their most popular events and namesake clientele, the couple also sells shirts to pirates, who have their own festivals called “invasions”, and Santa Claus clubs, professional organizations dedicated to the image and lifestyle of Jolly Ol’ St. Nick. The style of the iconic RenShirt complements all three costume ensembles.

“The Santa Claus here in Seguin wears our shirt,” Frank said. “During our time, we were introduced to Santa Claus clubs, which are professional organizations committed to the image of Santa, believe it or not. Now even the Santa in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade wears our shirt. It works well with that outfit.”

In addition to individual customers, the Rippels have also been contracted to provide costumes for historical documentaries, local community theater productions, television shows and movies.

“Ron Howard approached us to make military men's uniforms for ‘The Alamo’,” April said. "We met with him and made a sample uniform to model for him. He liked what he saw but needed more than 200 uniforms by the following month. That would've been impossible for me to do so I had to turn it

down. You can only do what you can do.”

This year has especially been a good for the Rippels, with more than quadruple the amount of orders for shirts and garments than 2017. August is the business's busiest month, as patrons gear up for Texas Renaissance Festival, which starts in late September.

They attribute their growing popularity to the power of word of mouth, a dedicated following and the spirit of the Renaissance fair community.

Part of the charm of RenShirts is the hard work and relationship between Frank and April. The entire business is run by just the two of them in a shop and warehouse previously built by April's father. They claim the business is made stronger by their close partnership and vice versa.

“We get along great,” April said. “A lot of other couples probably couldn't do it. It helps that we have separate jobs in the business. I make the clothes and Frank handles the logistics. We’ve been married for 28 years and for most of that, we've been in business. We love it and wouldn't have it any other way.”

When Frank and April aren't in the shop, they enjoy traveling the world, although the endeavor has been complicated by April's recent knee surgery. The couple has attended the Tour de France several times with the most recent trip in 2015. The Rippels also used their travels in Western Europe to enhance their work back home, as many museums in France, Germany and the British Isles have original clothing samples for guests to examine.

With the couple both in their 60s, retirement is on the horizon. The Rippels plan to sell their business in the next few years and take the newfound free time to travel the country and visit as many of the 300 Renaissance festivals in the United States as they can.

“When we do sell the business, it's already trademarked, sellable and valuable,” Frank said. "We'll travel to all the fairs and see what our product has contributed to this community."

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p U g n i d Roun the Years

BY VALERIE BUSTAMANTE

E

very October Guadalupe County residents gear up for the annual Guadalupe County Fair and PRCA Rodeo. Some look forward to entering their most precious homemade jellies and jams, needlework, baked goods and homegrown vegetables at the Horticulture and Home Art competitions while others are more interested in getting their hands on a warm, crispy funnel cake before hopping on carnival rides.

For the young ladies of the Miss Round-Up and Little Miss Round-Up pageant, the annual fair is an opportunity to show off their cowgirl boots and horsemanship skills.

The history The Guadalupe County Miss Round-Up competition contest got started in 1954 with the first winner being Helena Fleming.

According to Miss Round-Up 196465 Linda Lange Ebest, the contest was originally held on the grounds of the Mary B. Erskine School, but by her

42 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

competing year, it was at the old arena space at the Guadalupe County Fairgrounds.

“Peggy Schneider Warnecke and her sister Betty Mount were in charge of the contest at the time. I don’t know who they took it over from, but it use to be held in the old arena,” Ebest said.

The competing girls were allowed to be married and have children in the early years of the competition, Ebest said.

“My sister-in-law Billie Lange won it in 1970 and she was married at the time she competed,” she said. “After she won they changed the rules so you have to be single and not have been married.”

While the competition was only for girls between 14 and 20, in 1998 the Miss Round-Up committee added Little Miss Round-Up for the younger girls with Brittney Bennett being the first Little Miss.

Today’s competition When the competition first started, Ebest said the main focus was on

horsemanship and they were asked a handful of questions.

However, today Miss Round-Up and Little Miss Round-Up are modeled after the Miss Rodeo Texas pageant — focusing on public speaking, personality and horsemanship.

“In fairly recent years, we’ve added a written test to test the girls’ knowledge on horsemanship and rodeo,” Guadalupe County Miss Round-Up director Karen Lloyd said. “We have a separate test for Little Miss and Miss because that’s something they do at Miss Rodeo Texas. It’s sort of like a beauty pageant except they don’t wear bikinis and everyone's talent is horsemanship.”

To compete in both programs, the girls need to be between the ages of 8 and 13 and 14 and 20, and be from either Guadalupe, Hays, Comal, Caldwell, Gonzales, Bexar or Wilson counties.

They also are expected to have an extended knowledge of horsemanship in order to compete, Lloyd said.

“You don’t necessarily have to be a

world class rider. We want the girls to have some proficiency in riding by being able to walk, trot, rope and know how to stop the horse and ride circles,” Lloyd said. “This isn’t something you do to learn to ride. It’s something you do after you’ve already had some riding experience because putting girls who don’t have any experience with a horse can be dangerous. Safety is always our number one concern. “ Each age group does a western pleasure type class, which consists of a walk, trot, lope and pattern and presentation run.

When the younger girls come in during the event they ride around the edge of the arena where they walk, trot, lope in both directions, stop and backup before doing an individual pattern.

“We tell the girls and the judges that the focus is not so much on whether you have a perfectly trained horse,” Lloyd said.

Similar to how a rodeo queen gallops into an arena waving at the

crowd at a high rated speed, the girls also conduct a presentation run, she said.

“We want to see a fast and controlled run while the girls make eye contact with the crowd. We want them with a smile on their face and to be somebody who would be a good ambassador to the people in the audience,” Lloyd said. “We want the girls to be attractive, friendly, happy and somebody that is approachable. As they ride away from the crowd we want them to convey that image.”

Additionally, both groups model on stage in their best outfit — usually a Western-style dress and a cowgirl hat.

While on stage the older girls are asked two questions that are drawn from a basket — with one question focusing on a current event and the other being a fun personality question, Lloyd said.

“It allows them to show if they are in tune with what is going on in the world and to get them to think on their feet,” Lloyd said.

Unlike the older girls who answer

on stage, the Little Miss contestants are interviewed as a group in private with the judges and two committee members, she said.

“The judges can ask them questions about horsemanship, riding and fun questions like what their favorite subject in school is or who’s their best friend and why,” Lloyd said. “It’s all sort of geared towards making the girls comfortable down the road for interviews that they would do for college scholarships, applications, job interviews and all kind of stuff.”

Before they are interviewed by the judges, former Miss Round-Up director Wanda Clark works with the young girls to make them feel comfortable by asking them questions from their biography, Loyd said.

To practice their public speaking the Miss Round-Up contestants also conduct a two- to three-minute speech about Texas.

“We use to change the topic every year, but because Miss Rodeo Texas and a number of the other pageants all use the topic of Texas as their

GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 43

speech we changed ours,” Lloyd said. “If one of our girls who did well wanted to go on to compete at a higher level she already has a pretty good speech and she isn’t having to start from scratch.”

The Miss Round-Up wins a saddle trophy and silver belt buckles trophy. The judges also name a Miss Round-Up Princess, Miss Round-Up Duchess, Miss Photogenic, Miss Congeniality and winners for horsemanship and the speech.

The Little Miss Round-Up contest names an overall winner as well and a Little Miss Round-Up Princess, Little Miss Round-Up Duchess, Little Miss Photogenic, Little Miss Congeniality and a winner for horsemanship.

“We realized that not everybody excels in all areas — some people might not exceed in all the areas, but at least they can win in one category and receive a pretty cool prize,” Lloyd said. “Every once in a while we have one or two girls that sweep just about every category, but the intent is to give everybody an opportunity.”

to carry the American flag and I just thought she was super cool and I told my mom I wanted to be just like her.”

Lloyd, who is also Kraft’s mom, said she knew nothing about rodeo queen contests until then, but they allowed her daughter to compete in Little Miss Round-Up the following year.

“While I didn’t do very good it was a lot of fun. It was a good experience,” Kraft said. “There were about 16 girls that competed so I got to make a lot of friends. I did Little Miss Roundup another time and then I got first runner-up. Then I did Miss Roundup in 2007 when I was about 14 years old and I won that.”

After Kraft won the crown she decided to go back and join the Miss Round-Up committee as a college student.

“I knew after I was Miss Roundup I wanted to keep helping out and continuing to help give some of the girls the experience that I was able to have,” she said. “I thought The experience I could be someone the girls could One of the goals of Miss relate to a little more being closer to Round-Up is to prepare the girls to their age. Now I’m a mom myself compete at other pageants in the state so I don’t know if I have that same or at the state level — something Miss edge anymore, but whenever I first Round-Up 2007 Erica Lloyd Kraft did. started that’s where I was at.”

After winning the Miss Round-Up Jami Dietz Carley, Miss title Kraft went on to compete in Round-Up 1985-96, said competing other contests in Nacogdoches, in the contest was more like a family Odessa and at the Miss Rodeo Texas tradition.

Teen.

“I participated in it in 1984 and “It’s great having a local pageant that went back in 1985. My mom had I was able to participate in that could also participated in it, but she was give me the same skills and atmonot Miss Roundup,” she said. “It sphere as the higher level competiwas just something in our family tions,” Kraft said. “I knew what to and something we had strong values expect when I went to Miss Rodeo behind.”

Texas Teen. They have all the same The tradition carried on to her categories and scoring systems. So daughter Ashlee Carley who was it was a really great way to practice Little Miss Round-Up 2009-10 and and learn to do the same things that Miss Round-Up in 2015-16.

I would need to apply at the higher “She’s learned a lot from it as well. level.”

You meet so many people and there Kraft got the pageant bug when her are so many connections you can family moved to Seguin in 2001 when make for the future,” Carley said. she was about 8 years old.

The idea of showcasing her “Our first year we went to the rodeo horsemanship and competing was because it’s a big thing to do in town. what attracted Ebest, now the Miss That year the Miss Rodeo Texas was Rodeo Texas national director, to there and I saw her on her horse with the Miss Round-Up event in 1964 at her sparkly outfit,” she said. “She got the age of 15, she said.

44 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

“I was born and raised on a farm in which we had horses and cattle. I helped my dad break horses and all of my siblings and I rode horses every day,” Ebest said. “I also competed in rodeos with the Texas Youth Rodeo Association. I ran barrels, roping and later on I use to team rope. As far as competing in the (Miss Round-Up) I wanted to prove to myself that I could ride.”

Ebest’s cousin Connie Land Green went on to earn the Miss Round-Up title in 1965-66 while her sister Mona Lange Mayes took the crown in 196667.

Similar to Ebest, Miss Round-Up 2017-18 Cheyanne Hatley also was attracted to the pageant because of her background with horses.

“I had competed in some other county level pageants and they weren’t successful. I didn’t win — I lost,” she said. “Then I had some friends who told me about the Guadalupe County Miss Round Up pageant so I went to one of the first meetings in 2014.

Everyone was so nice and so sweet and genuine.”

During her junior year in 2014, Hatley won the princess title “I was thrilled about it and it was such an amazing experience,” she said.

After working for a horse trainer in Abilene for a couple years, Hatley decided to move back to the area and made the decision to compete again for the crown.

“I was working at D&D and I saw they had the Miss Round-Up buckles because that’s where they make them and since I was still within the age requirements I decided to compete,” Hatley said. “I’m kind of sad that it’s coming to an end.”

While the competition has evolved since its inception in 1954, many of the former queens agree it’s still about helping girls prepare for their future.

“I think it’s a really great thing for girls to participate in to develop a strong sense of self. It’s a good way to learn how to speak in front of people and to do interviews,” Kraft said.

“Also, for girls who enjoy riding horses and stuff it’s another fun way for them to compete and bond with their horse.”

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GREAT AMERICAN ALPACAS

BY B. KAY RICHTER

R

ick and Lisa Walton initially purchased one alpaca to help alleviate taxes. However, it eventually grew into something much larger.

“We were living in north central San Antonio and the taxes were killing us,” Lisa said. “We had looked into other investments and then I read an article about alpacas and we decided to visit several ranches all over the United States.”

From there, the couple's knowledge grew and they purchased one alpaca which stayed at a ranch in Brenham.

“We started in 2004, and the plan was originally to buy one or two alpacas and board them at the ranch that we bought them from,” Lisa said.

In 2005, Rick found 10 acres in Marion, which the couple purchased. They soon moved in and started building their herd, which currently sits at 31 animals. From there, their business of Great American Alpacas was born.

The herd's growth was due to a group of animals the couple adopted through a rescue.

“Within the first six months of being here, we did a rescue of 13 animals and then we started our breeding program,” Lisa said. “We brought the animals back over

here and we had one born two days after the animals arrived here.”

The Walton's alpaca herd count for that first year included more than a dozen animals, Lisa said the gentle behavior of the animals makes them easy to care for.

“Once you have the setup done of how you manage the animals, then it's pretty much done,” she said. “We wake up in the morning and check on the animals and then when we get home, we feed them their natural supplement and check on the water.”

The Waltons’ approach to raising the gentle animals is for their fleece.

“Alpaca fiber is known for its softness, durability, warmth, and is hypoallergenic,” Lisa said. “It is a luxury fiber.”

According to OpenHerd.com, alpaca wool maintains an excellent thermal and wicking properties which keep one warm while still allowing your skin to dry naturally.

“Alpaca fiber makes great socks, hats, sweaters, scarves, and gloves,” the website said. “Lower grade fiber from the legs and belly area makes excellent rugs and blankets.”

The Waltons carry various alpaca-fiber based products at their boutique located at 2288 Lower Seguin Road. The

GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 47

products include socks, sweaters, polo shirts, jewelry, rugs and even dryer balls. While the couple used to vend their products at local shows and alpaca conventions, they are set to expand to other venues soon.

"Now, we are going to be doing a lot of farmer's markets, we want people to learn about fleece and its natural properties," Lisa said. The fleece from alpacas is not itchy like wool, it's classic and sustainable."

The Waltons also coach and advise other potential business owners on how to set up an alpaca business.

"First of all, I tell everyone that you need your structure first before you bring the animals on," Lisa said. "We did the fencing ourselves and the barn because you have to separate the males and females animals due to the fact the animals can breed at any time."

Potential business owners can evaluate the cost based on what they may already have, Lisa said. She says this is one

48 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

of the main guides for determining the total cost of what is needed.

"They (alpacas) do need shade, especially in Texas," she said. "That outlay is a lot different depending on what you want to do."

The American Alpaca Owners Association is another place people can turn for more information, Lisa said.

"You need to ask yourself, do you have the capital to do this completely," she said. "Then ask yourself, what do you want the animal for? Are you going to be a breeder? If you are looking at this for the fiber industry, find out what specific products you are interested in."

For more information on the Waltons and their alpaca business, visit www.openherd.com/farms/3321/ great-american-alpacas.

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B

By Felicia Frazar

utch Rehfeld stood near a small fire pit with his hand about 3 inches above a Lodge cast iron dutch oven topped with hot coals checking the temperature. The cookware wasn’t sitting in the fire, just near it on the Rehfeld’s property, as it cooked up a few chicken breasts, while the two pans next to it baked up potatoes and cobbler.

Butch’s wife, Linda Rehfeld was nearby with cheese in hand to sprinkle on the potatoes when they were just about ready.

For a time, not long ago, the couple traveled with the Guadalupe County Sheriff ’s Mounted Posse to participate in rodeos with friends and began cooking with dutch ovens, Butch said.

“It was about 2002 and we went to places like Del Rio and different places ... with our friends — Scott Hollingshed, Tom Fox and Mr. Terry Mayfield,” he said.

Along the way, the cooks have tried a number of recipes and made some of their own, Linda said.

“Terry, Tom and Scott started things and then we modified some things along the way,” she said. “Lodge has cookbooks, we have several cowboy cooking cookbooks. When we cook for ourselves we modify things because Butch can’t have sodium. I’ll try things and experiment. I usually put stuff together and he gets the fun job of standing over the fire

GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 51

and cooking it.” Mayfield would cook in dutch ovens for a Relay For Life team, but when that team dissolved, the Rehfleds picked up where he left off.

“He started helping us,” Linda said. “He did that for a couple of years and then we just took over from there doing it.”

Having both faced Cancer, the couple supported the American Cancer Society’s largest fundraiser, and started the group Cowgirls for a Cure, serving up Dutch oven cobblers.

“The core group is in it for a reason, we’re either cancer survivors ourselves or family members,” she said.

“We have a pretty good team,” Butch said.

Butch was diagnosed with skin cancer.

“They only cut out one knot off my face, but I’ve been lucky,” he said. “I’ve been lucky. I had facial stuff — skin cancer.”

However, Linda was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 1990.

“I noticed it brushing my hair and I would have this bulge popping up. It started bothering me, but I had no other symptoms. I was A-symptomatic otherwise,” she said. “Dr. (Brooks) Mullens took some x-rays. On the X-rays he found a mass in my chest too. He wanted to do a biopsy and they took out. It had started wrapping around the bones and the nerves and the collarbone.”

In addition to the big Relay event in April, the team cooks up cobblers at Pecan Fest and Heritage Days, as well as Country Christmas, both at the Big Red Barn.

“If you have those pots out, people just come to you,” Butch said.” They ask, ‘what are you cooking?’ and you explain it. I look forward to it.”

Children tend to ask the most questions about what the team is doing, Linda said.

“Kids ask us ‘why are you cooking out here? Why are you cooking over a fire?’ I tell them, ‘if the electricity goes out we can cook, can you?’” she said.

The Rehfelds enjoy talking to children and teaching them more.

“We taught a class of 4H kids. We did it for their outdoor adventure series,” Butch said. “We did a whole chicken with potatoes and carrots, then we made biscuits and gravy.

What we want to do here is more with the children. Not only with the cooking part but with the wildlife.”

Butch and Linda live on his family’s property that is now part of the grassland reserve program, in a house that he estimates was originally built in 1878.

“We teach about native grasses, about edible plants and toxic plants. I’d love to do more about wildlife,” he said. “We need to teach kids. They don’t understand that even with a small piece of property, you can have wildlife.

We’ve got almost everything here.”

The couple also uses their skills to help other organizations raise funds by offering up a donation of a meal cooked at their home, just south of McQueeney.

“We donate dinners for 10 to 12 people for like the Youth Show Gala or the Children’s Advocacy Center,” Linda said. “We’ll donate a dinner, they’ll come up here and we’ll cook it. They get to come out and enjoy an evening.

Butch’s love for cooking dates back to when he was a child and family would come over for days at a time and he’d lend a helping hand.

I’d rather do that than anything else in the world. I love cooking. I’ve always loved cooking,” he said. “People ask,

‘Why do you cook for people?’ I said, ‘You know what? You gotta think about it. The way the world is right now, everybody is mad at everybody.

Everybody wants to fight, everybody is just this way. But you know what, when I cook for people and they eat my food, they thank me. They are happy.’ It makes them happy, it’s worth it.”

Furthermore, the Rehfelds enjoy having that extra connection to the past.

“We love it. It is great. We are helping to keep alive a tradition of our ancestors and passing it on to future generations,” Linda said. “We try to get kids to learn that not everything is about being on a cell phone or a Game Boy and to get out in the real world and do something. He is in his element when is out doing this stuff.”

There are several ways to cook in a dutch oven, including using charcoal or hot mesquite embers, Butch said.

However, measuring the amount of heat placed on the lid of the oven is key.

“On those pots, there is a ring on the top of the lid and you put those coals all round and you put two in the middle,” Butch said. “The way you can tell if it is working, is if you can put you had about four to five inches above the lid, and count oneone thousand, two-one thousand, three-one thousand and it burns your hand, it’s fair. If it goes to five or six, then you need to add more heat. If you have to remove it right away, you should take some heat off. When you talk to people who did it a long time ago, they’ll tell you that’s how they did it.”

Butch said it is easy enough that anyone can cook with a Dutch oven, and it is great for families to enjoy together.

“Anybody with a backyard can do it. Go out back, make a fire, get your pot, get your kids out there, cook your food,” he said. “The kids can help watch the fire and they can look up and just look at the stars. Unplug and see the real world and get away from the TV, get away from the video games and just get back to nature.

I’d rather sit here doing this than anything else.”

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54 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

Keepers Interiors Home Decor • Art • Rugs • Mirrors • Accessories • Fine Furniture • Blinds • Shades • Shutters • Draperies • Gifts Jewelry • Lampe Berger • Candles •Frames • Specialty Window Fashions Cornice Boards • Custom Upholstery • Custom Bedding • Delivery and Installation • Design Consultation 830-379-9995 keepersinteriors.com 615 N Austin S t, S eguin, T X 78155

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Saints Alive! Riverside Cemetery October 28th, 2018

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Tickets $15 Gift & Gourmet, Court Street Coffee Shop, Keepers, Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce, and The Silver Center

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GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 57

favorite finds

This issue’s Favorite Finds are presented by Lorinda Spaulding, Inside Sales Specialist for the Seguin Gazette.

This necklace is very pretty you can wear this to the County Fair or any occasion. I also like it because it is multi-layered. The detail to the cross is beautiful, Julio Design Handmade in Plano Texas at Southern Good Cost is $99.

I love this it is stainless steel and not your average wine glass It comes in many colors to choose from, wine glasses unbreakable $24.99 at Southern Good.

I love these decorative candle holders.

They bring fall look to your living room or kitchen for the Holidays, Pine-cone Candle Holders Large and Small at The Shop. Large holder is $32.95 and the Small one is $29.95 I love these they are light weight and come in several colors you can dress them up or down, Kendra Scott Aragon Earrings at Gift and Gourmet $70.00

I love this dress and the added kimono gives it a nice touch dress, combo from Southern Good, the dress comes in green and black, $36.99, Kimono is black, $32.99 58 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

TRUCK CENTER FOR LOW PRICES & GREAT SERVICES

1880 IH 10 W, Seguin, TX 78155 830-303-FORD (3673) www.griffithfordseguin.net

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