matador
Roots
WELCOME HOME Habitat for Humanity makes dreams come true for local homeowners
BEYOND ATHLETICS WITH CRAIG DAILEY (and his family!)
AUGUST 2021, Vol 1 l Iss. 7
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THIS ISSUE First-time homeowner Bianca Munoz shares how Habitat for Humanity made her dreams come
6 AUGUST 2021, Volume 1 l Issue 7
It’s been quite a summer, Seguin. The weather hasn’t been as hot as usual, and we’ve had lots of rain. The Olympics went down, and COVID numbers went back up. Sometimes it is hard to keep your head on straight with time flying by so fast and changes unlike any we’ve ever faced continuously happening. That’s why it’s so important to take a step back and evaluate what’s essential in life as we head into the final dog days of summer. This month, we do that by exploring the deeper story behind Seguin ISD’s new athletic director - the human story behind the man and his family that made a big move during one of the most challenging housing markets in history. We also take a look at how Habitat for Humanity is helping locals achieve their dreams of homeownership despite the many challenges that come with it. So Seguin, we invite you to take a deep breath and realize that things will be okay even though the world is a little crazy right now. This is an amazing community made up of individuals with their own stories - so flip the page, get cozy, and know –– you’re not alone.
facebook.com/KWEDradio kwed.seguindailynews @kwed
Events and more in this month’s June Community Calendar.
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Moving back to your hometown can be hard! Find how SISD athletic director Craig Dailey and his family made it happen.
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Take your dessert game to the next level with this month’s DIY: Recipe to Try
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It’s LEO SEASON!
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Find out what the stars have in store for you this month in our NEW Horoscope section.
STAFF COVERSHOT The Dailey family loves sports. On this month’s cover they came together to celebrate their move to Seguin and Craig’s new position as head of Matador Athletics. Photo by Lizz Daniels
GENERAL MANAGER Darren Dunn WRITERS Cindy Aguirre-Herrera, Mike McBride, Lizz Daniels, Tess Coody-Anders GRAPHIC DESIGN Lizz Daniels
SALES MANAGER Nick Spence ADVERTISING Laurie Cheatham, Linda Duncan, Mary Jane Windle OFFICE MANAGER Priscilda Rodriguez
Seguin Today is published by KWED, Seguin Daily News www.seguintoday.com
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Home Welcome
Real life volunteer efforts making real life changes in the lives of local families Story by Cindy Aguirre-Herrera Photos by Lizz Daniels
“We moved around a lot, now that I think about it.” Bianca Munoz was only a teenager when she became a mom. Over the years, she has lived in a lot of places. Those places have been with family members, in a mobile home, a rental home and up until the last year, it was in a local apartment complex. Now although the single mother has ensured a safe place for her 10-yearold daughter Zerenity Garcia every night since she was born, the two say they have finally arrived home. This summer marked the one-year anniversary of Munoz being a homeowner. Munoz and her daughter are examples of how life can change and when all odds seem to be stacked against you, life can always get better. Helping to facilitate that change and improve lives here in Seguin is the Guadalupe Valley Habitat for Humanity organization. Munoz says Habitat for Humanity has done more than just help her own her own home, it has gifted her with a new lease on life and a new way of living. “It’s been a huge blessing for us. A year later now that I see myself here, I feel a whole lot more financially stable because with Habitat, of course, they also make you take a financial class, and they help you out with getting financially stable and paying off things that give you credit. They make you make the smarter decisions of course and I know everyone has to go through with this with a home. You can’t change your job. You can’t buy new things when you do. I mean they really help me out in actually being able to be comfortable with my financial situation in being able to pay off bills and like now, I definitely appreciate it now because I have a mortgage,” said Munoz. “They help you learn how to manage money and take care of it where you can be okay to pay your bills
and they show you how you don’t have to struggle.” The financial lessons to live differently have also allowed her to really appreciate every corner of her new home. Munoz says although she lived the last several years in the same apartment complex, the feeling of home was never really there. “It was a good home. I mean it wasn’t horrible, but my daughter is very energetic and she’s into softball, so she played softball and we really didn’t have much for her to do like she wasn’t able to go outside and practice and do things of that sort, so we always had to go somewhere else like the park or something for her to do that kind of stuff,” said Munoz. “I’m very grateful for our yard actually. We have a space in the front yard which is good. I mean it’s nice. She likes to do cartwheels out in the front. It’s nice to see that as a parent. I enjoy being able to cook and watching her out the window playing in the front yard. She’ll get her scooter and she’ll go out into the front. I’ll move my car and she’ll be in the driveway as well.” Munoz says it was in the fall of 2019 when she first learned that she had been selected for a Habitat Home. Thinking back to that time in her life, Munoz says she isn’t even really sure why she hesitated to get started. “I always heard about it. People always told me to apply that I needed to just go get the paperwork and just apply and they always thought it was so easy. I don’t know why it took me so long to do it. I guess it’s just one day you wake up and you see that it is still going on and it’s a blessing and then I don’t know, it’s like God guides you and then you start questioning things and you show up and just ask for the paperwork. I can’t even begin to explain it because I know a lot of people told me to apply and then one day,
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I just went in there and was like ‘can I get an application?” said Munoz. Munoz says part of her experience now includes explaining to others how the program of owning a home actually works through Habitat. She says her house was “definitely not free.” In fact, she says it is the result of perhaps of some of her hardest work yet. “It’s definitely not free. I will still say there is still a down payment. There is still a mortgage payment every month. You still have to maintain the house. It’s definitely not free. They do help you to get stable to where you are a smart homeowner. I know they help you out, but you have to have a background check as well. You do have to put in sweat equity hours. You have to be out building the house as to where most people just get to put a down payment on a house and their house is theirs. It doesn’t necessarily happen like that with Habitat. You do put work in it but at the end of the day, you appreciate the work that you put in as well,” said Munoz. Munoz said those sweat equity hours that are obligated to be put in by each house recipient might have also been worth more than the dollars she contributed toward the down payment. “It’s money that is going to us, going to a home that is ours. It’s going to be mine when I get done paying it off and I really try to do everything I can to take care of the house the best that I can because I mean, I put in a lot of work of making this house. It was great memories like I can walk around the house and know that I built certain parts of the house. It’s a good feeling,” said Munoz. The new skills and talents that were also picked up along the way in building her home may have also improved not only her self-confidence but just the overall confidence in being a homeowner. “I know the best part is probably being there and helping build your house because at the end of the day, if anything goes wrong, you pretty much know how to fix it because you know where everything is and you know of course, how to work with the breakers like different things
–temporary things that if they do mess up, you know how to fix them and that’s why they have you put in sweat equity hours too,” said Munoz. Being a part of the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity has also been fulling for Munoz. She says she never knew that a new home would also bless her with a new family in Habitat for Humanity. “I can say that was definitely the best part maybe – getting to know everyone at Habitat. Everyone there is great. The director Madeline (Zwicke), she was so helpful. She was probably the best part of it. She helped me out so much with everything. It’s not like they make you fend for yourself and make you figure it out yourself and try to figure it out. They guide you when you are selected because I remember being overwhelmed when I got it – I was like ‘Oh my God! It’s a home. I don’t know what to do, how it starts’ and they definitely guide you through the whole way. I was blessed to where I had a lot of volunteers as well to help me with making a home. I know everyone pretty much gets volunteers to make their home, but I met a lot of good people through the volunteers, and they definitely got to help me build the home,” said Munoz. Reaping the rewards of her mother’s hard work and of all those in the community who continue to build homes throughout the year, is Munoz’s daughter. When asked if she thought the home made her life better, Zerenity excitedly said ‘yes.’ “The apartment, I never got to like have a dog. I never got to ride around in my scooter or a bike or anything. It was a little bit fun at the apartment but here, it’s like I have a dog and I can ride in the front yard, have a trampoline in the back and it’s just really fun for me here. And, what I like about here is my mom is with me,” said Zerenity. Although she celebrated her one-year anniversary at the home on July 25, Munoz says the gifts of being a homeowner appear to her every day. She says the most exciting gifts come from her daughter and the
security that she now has in own future. “I definitely think my daughter enjoys having her own room where she gets to put things on, and she puts things in there and says she’s going to leave them there until she gets older. That’s probably the (warmest thing) I get to hear -- like her trophies, her little certificates, things like that that she gets from school or from softball, things that she enjoys. She gets to put them in special places and says she’s going to leave them there until she gets older, I think is the best because I know I wouldn’t be able to do that if I was still moving, living from apartments, and doing that sort of stuff. Like from moving so much whenever I was younger, I know we lost a lot of things. It always happened. Whenever we moved, something would get lost. It wouldn’t get from one place to another. I don’t know how things got lost but they did. It’s just nice to live in a nice home and see your daughter want to leave things in special places,” said Munoz. Munoz says you never realize how life changing a group like Habitat for Humanity can be for a family. She says a dream for others elsewhere is REAL right here in Seguin. Madeline Zwicke, the executive director for Guadalupe Valley Habitat for Humanity, says Munoz’s past experiences are very similar to the current needs of many others in this area. “We realize that the need in Guadalupe County is great. (A total of) 159 homes lack adequate plumbing, 287 homes lack kitchen facilities, 23 percent are cost-burdened and 12,000 households are in the income guidelines to be served by Habitat. Looking at these numbers, we know we have to do more to serve our community. Guadalupe Valley will go from building three to seven homes in the upcoming year. We need the help of our community to make this happen. Whether contributing your time through volunteering or financially, there is a place for you to get involved with Habitat for Humanity,” said Zwicke. Zwicke says of course, the first step for residents is to make that leap of faith and dream the same dream as Munoz.
“Families in need of decent, affordable housing are encouraged to apply for homeownership with Guadalupe Valley Habitat for Humanity. Homeowners are selected based on three criteria: need, willingness to partner with Habitat and ability to repay an interest free mortgage. We provide our partners with the tools and education to build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter. Habitat’s homebuyers invest hundreds of hours of their own labor, called sweat equity, working alongside volunteers and other Habitat homeowners, in addition to paying an affordable mortgage and receiving financial education. Habitat for Humanity follows a nondiscriminatory policy of family selection,” said Zwicke. Zwicke says Habitat makes dreams possible for the whole family. She says it’s more than just the walls and floors. “There are numerous studies that discuss that children of homeowners have better home environments, higher cognitive test scores and fewer behavioral problems than do children of renters. Owning a home compared with renting leads to 13 to 23 percent higher quality home environments. The independent impact of homeownership combined with its positive impact on the home environment results in the children of owners achieving math scores up to nine percent higher, reading scores up to seven percent higher, and reductions in children’s behavior problems of up to three percent. In addition, the graduation rate of homeowners is 19 percent higher than for renters, and the children of homeowners are twice as likely to acquire some postsecondary education. Homeownership provides security and safety for the family as a whole,” said Zwicke. Pointing out that her kitchen is her favorite part of the house, Munoz says it’s not only because she loves to cook and eat but because it’s the room that now helps her cook up even more dreams for her little family. “I definitely worked for it a lot harder,” said Munoz. “I just knew that this was going to be my last home, so I knew that I was going to have to work for it.” •
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matador
Roots
This was the one in my career where it had to be a family decision more than my decision. -Craig Dailey
Story & Photos by LIzz Daniels
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raig Dailey wasn’t looking for a change when he was invited to consider returning to his hometown as the new athletic director and head football coach for Seguin ISD. Rather, he and his wife Kristen had a house they loved where their three kids, Keighly (15), Corey (13) and Kassidy (10) were comfortable. The Daileys lived just down the street from family, and everybody was happy with their life. Sometimes, however, unexpected opportunities arise when you’re a coach, which means having to make tough decisions –– being a husband and father means not making those decisions alone. “I knew it was going to be hard to have that conversation just because we were so comfortable where we were at,” said Craig. “It’s where she (Kristen) grew up. Her parents were a couple of miles down the street. Her sister lives a couple of houses down. We were in a great neighborhood. This was the one in my career where it had to be a family decision more than my decision.” Early in his career, Craig chased his dream of climbing the coaching ladder to success, moving the family to six different homes over the years. This time, the kids are much older, so Craig and Kristen knew they had to get family input; otherwise, it wouldn’t work. Kristen was in Louisiana at a volleyball tournament with their eldest daughter when she got the call from her husband. “It was kind of like ‘so this has happened,’ and that’s usually how the conversations always happen,” said Kristen. “I kind of laughed it off at first because I thought he was playing a prank on me. I guess
it was a few hours later, he’s like ‘no I’m being for real, they want me to come on Friday.’ So I told him to go and see what it was about. We were here 14 years ago and a lot has changed. It’s been a really good change to see how much it’s grown and flourished.” With his wife’s blessing, Craig headed to Matador country to check things out, and Kristen was right –– a lot had changed. There was a brand-new high school and football stadium, new programs for their kids to participate in, and an incredible community far more diverse than what they’d grown accustomed to in Houston. Of course, transitioning older kids to a new school can be difficult, especially if they are not on board with the change. To avoid this, the Daileys approached their two oldest and shared the exciting opportunity. “I think they were a little shocked at first,” said Kristen. “But they’re excited to be where we met and he grew up. Coming from a big city to a small town, there’s a big difference, but I think they were excited about a little slower pace. Our kids are resilient. We knew they would flourish here, and they’d be fine. It’s a big change for a 15- and 13-year-old, but those two are the ones who actually did great. The 10-year-old (Kassidy) hasn’t met her friend group yet, but she will.” The logistics of the move were the first thing the family had to figure out. Craig ended up staying with his father near Kingsbury while the family was still in Houston. Before long, they joined him, all cramming into one house together. It was a tight fit, especially with two teens and a pre-teen.
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Athletics is serious business in the Dailey household, but they still find time to be silly together. Craig and Kristen say they value each of their childrens’ unique personalities and expect to see them grow as leaders in Seguin.
“We thought we could make it work,” said Craig. “But it was just two bedrooms and five of us trying to share, so you can tell the amount of fighting that was going on there.” That was when they knew they needed a place to call home to put down roots and have space to grow as a family. However, given the state of Texas’ housing market, finding a home proved to be more challenging than football two-a-days in August. “The kids never had their own space, so we were trying to find a house to rent while we build, but they pop up and then go away – you call and they’re not even online for five minutes and its already gone,” said Craig. “Somehow,we luckily found one to rent temporarily while we find the land we want to build on, and that’s what we’re going to do. Most of our stuff is still in storage still here and in Houston, we didn’t even move it all yet. We are just waiting until we find the right place which is tough right now.” While the Daileys continue searching for their forever home, they’ve spent time acclimating to their new community and enjoying the slower pace of Guadalupe County life, which they love. “Living in the city, everything’s fast,” said Craig. “Everything is a competition - who wants to have the bigger house. City living is just different. There’s a lot of pressure on kids, so I think they’ll be able to slow down and enjoy life while still being successful in whatever they’re doing. The community has been awesome already on embracing them. It’s just different. The city is so big. People knew who we were, but not as many as are going to know us here, but I think the biggest thing is this is going to be a great opportunity for them to grow as leaders because you have to learn to work with all types of people.”
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One of the first local events the family participated in was this year’s Freedom Fiesta. It highlighted the most significant differences between their old neighborhood and the hometown feeling they have already found in Seguin. “We laughed when we were at Freedom Fiesta,” said Kristen. “The kids were like standing there staring at us because in Houston we’d be like you’ve got to stay right here. Here we were like ‘go, get away, go do something,’ and they looked at us like ‘what we can roam, we can explore?’ I think that’s a big difference because they’re going to have to learn the communal part of it, and that’s going to be huge for growth for them. I think it’s just a shell shock because there’s so much for them to do here.” While the rest of the family settles in, Craig has big athletic goals for the Matadors. With practices already beginning, he’s made significant changes to how student-athletes do business, including having boys and girls practice together. It’s all part of his community-oriented mindset. “Seguin is a big melting pot of kids,” said Craig. “I think that’s what is a little different than the Houston area. There, all the kids live within probably an eight or 10 mile radius of the school because it’s so populated. Most of those kids live in the same type of neighborhoods and come from the same background. This district is so spread out that you have all different kinds of kids. You have kids that live on the lake, kids that live in the city, kids that live 20 to 30 miles outside of town and they all come to one school, so you have to give them more different programs to be successful.” As for the three Dailey children, they say they are excited to be living in Seguin and still see Craig as ‘dad,’ not necessarily ‘Coach’ –– at least most of the time. Football season is a different story, explained 10-year-old Kassidy –– especially the weekend after game day. “We call it ‘we suck Saturdays’ because he always has film on,” said Kassidy. While Craig and Kristen laughed in horror at Kassidy’s honesty, the moment perfectly encapsulated the Dailey family dynamic –– one of joy and positivity, which is one thing all three children adore about their dad. “I think my favorite things about him is how everybody thinks he’s big and tough, but he comes home and he’s like this big teddy bear,” said Keighly. “He’s super nice and very loving to all of us.” With their house hunt only just beginning, the kids preparing to start school at a new district and a football season on the horizon, the Dailey family, no doubt, has its hands full going into August – hands that will help plant a new generation of Matador roots. •
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AUGUST LET it FLY!
Events and special promotions happening locally this month!
You are invited to participate in disc golf putting tournaments this month! Pecan City Disc Golf Shop will be hosting 3 putting tournaments at The Backyard in Seguin. Anyone may enter and play from 6 pm to 8 pm. Entry fee is $5 and $2 for extra rounds. The Bar will be open and food trucks will be on site. Winners will receive store credit!
www.pecancitydgs.com
Located at 225 N. Saunders, Ste 6, Seguin, TX
Call the store at 830-491-5007 for more info! Find us on Facebook & Instagram @pecancitydgs
To promote your May event on this page contact advertising at 830-379-2234 or email tradingpost@kwed1580.com
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22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 HOLIDAYS 1st- National Sisters’ Day 20th - National Radio Day
Featured Events
Thu, Aug. 19 Third Thursday
Come meet and listen to authors Ernie Lee and Michael Kihntopf from 5pm-8pm as they share their literary works. Court Street Coffee Shop 5pm - 8pm
1st & 3rd Sat. Farmer’s Market
The Big Red Barn will have its Farmer’s Market on the first and third Saturdays of the month. There will be various booths featuring local farmers selling vegetables, plants and more. The Big Red Barn 10:00 am - 2 pm texagedu.org
Aug. 7
Aug. 8
Aug. 10
Allan Dreibrodt Memorial Fundraiser
Elm Creek Community Cemetery Meeting
Guadalupe County Coalition Meeting
5:00 pm - 9:00pm 830-832-1476 830-305-6037
1951 Settlers Way, Seguin TX 210-414-3308
The Allan Dreibrodt Memorial Fundraiser Dinner, Dance & Auctions will be held at the Columbus Club of Seguin. Tickets are $25 and are available at Gift & Gourmet or by calling the numbers listed below.
The annual Elm Creek Community Cemetery Association meeting will be held Sunday, August 8. Donations for continued maintenance would be greatly appreciated.
The Guadalupe County Coalitions will meet Tuesday, August 10 via Zoom. The meeting ID is: 817 4957 3079. Passcode: 445670
https://tinyurl.com/gcm710 830-210-225-4741
Aug. 10, 12
Aug. 18
Aug. 19
Ballet Folklorico Registration
Blood Drive
Seguin Birthday Celebration
The Teatro De Artes De Juan Seguin will be hosting its Ballet Folklorico De La Rosa & Mariachi Juan Seguin registration at the Cultural Arts Center. Registration packets are available online along with fees and other information.
www.teatrodeartes.org 830-401-0232
The Guadalupe Masonic Lodge #109 will be hosting a Blood Drive through the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center on Wednesday, August 18 in Seguin. All doors can choose from hundreds of gift cards.
9:00 am - 1:00 pm 1945 W. Kingsbury St 512-809-1497
Come celebrate Seguin! The Seguin Conservation Society will have a Seguin Birthday Celebration featuring a catered BBQ dinner, entertainment and homemade ice cream contest.
https://tinyurl.com/seguinbd21 5:30pm
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Welcome to Pecan Town
Who Do
YOU
Think We ARE?
Photo by Thomas Hawk
Answering this Question is KEY to Downtown Master Planning Column by Tess Coody-Anders
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Photos by Jasperado
n 1971 when landmark minimalist artist Donald Judd moved to Marfa from New York, it was a dying West Texas cowtown with little more to offer than amazing light and surprisingly good weather. There, he found the empty canvas and open spaces he craved, along with a few hundred people who lived close to the bone. These were people with family in the local cemetery, whose experiences and lives were real, connected, and distant from the gentry that would one day subsume them and their town. Judd found simplicity, Marfa found fame. Since then, downtown Marfa has been transformed as artists and entrepreneurs from New York, LA, Austin and Houston bought in. Previously decrepit buildings have been reinvented as clean, modern facsimiles of the old structures. The outline of an old corner gas station is there, but rendered ironic by its whitewashed exterior. Thousands of people from all over the world visit, charmed by the juxtaposition of cowboy culture and the avant-garde. On a recent trip, we catalogued the unexpected wares: Crystals and incense. Bespoke skincare and makeup. A hand-carved wood and acrylic sculpture of a DQ Dilly bar for $600. It’s an undeniably cool and surprising destination. And remarkably one-note. It strikes me that the authenticity that first attracted Judd and early artists to Marfa - the “outsiderness” of the people and community - has been lost. That’s not good for Marfa, as locals can hardly afford to live and work there. And it’s not good for artists and inspiration either, as they become trapped in the very echo chamber Judd sought to leave behind. Back here in Seguin, city leaders recently began work on a master plan for downtown and an update to the whole city’s comprehensive plan. Where Marfa’s brand trajectory and reality were decided for them by outsiders, we have the opportunity to cultivate ours. To do this, we need to carefully examine our strengths, and build on them. Acknowledge our weaknesses, and plan to mitigate them. Clarify our values, and build them into the planning as guiding principles for decision making. Perhaps most importantly, we need to make sure that diverse voices are at the table, or at least heard. We all have our personal wish list (Target, anyone?!), but this process needs to be about more than saying “we need more shops and restaurants.” We need to be specific about what kind of experience we want to cultivate for visitors and residents alike. How will we encourage and
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support small businesses, even as we court national chains? And how can we do this without losing the essence of what makes Seguin wonderful to begin with. While I am not fully in love with our “It’s Real” tagline, it is a truthful statement. Unlike Marfa, Seguin is a messy hodgepodge of diverse people – in every way. Chock-a-bloc with interesting architecture and housing stock. Informed still today by a deep and complicated history. We need to attract new people and ideas, but we need to fiercely protect what makes us who we are. I wrote last month about The Backyard, an adaptive reuse project at the old Lizzie Burges Elementary that will become a multi-use destination to the benefit of the adjacent neighborhood and downtown. Developer Freddie Leos didn’t paper over the history and architecture of Burges in an effort to transport visitors to some cooler, continental destination. He’s also not working with franchises and national chains. Instead, he’s attracting small businesses that fill gaps for Seguin. We have to be who we are, recognize that we deserve more and better, and build toward that. Sometimes, as happened in Marfa and Austin, progressive developers mistake authenticity for vulnerability, maybe even desperation, and cover over local life with a sterile newness that can be attractive, but never beautiful, because real beauty is not perfect. It’s messy. It’s real. It’s interesting. If we are careful, we can hold onto that realness and still court new ideas without making ourselves over into another New Braunfels, or Fredericksburg. Let’s just be a better version of Seguin. •
Aerial photo by Nick Spence Tess Coody-Anders is a serial small-towner, having spent most of her adult life in towns where everybody knows your business. A Seguin High School graduate, Tess currently serves as Vice President for Strategy and Strategic Communications at Trinity University. Welcome to Pecan Town is Tess’s column which seeks to explore opportunities and challenges from explosive growth in our area.
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DIY: Recipe to Try
Summer Turn Over
with Apples for Dessert!
Easy Apple Turnovers Serves 4
1 1/2 cups thinly sliced, peeled apples 1/4 cup packed brown sugar 2 tablespoons water 1 teaspoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon granulated sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon butter or margarine 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 1 box Pillsbury™ refrigerated pie crusts 1 egg
Directions: 1. In a 2-quart saucepan, mix apples, brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of the water and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until bubbly. Reduce heat to low; cover and cook 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender.
5. In a small bowl, beat egg and 1 tablespoon water; brush over edge of crust. Fold untopped half of crust over apple mixture; firmly press edge to seal. Flute edge; cut small slits in several places in top crust. Brush top with remaining egg mixture.
2. In a small bowl, mix flour, granulated sugar and salt. Gradually stir into apple mixture, cooking and stirring until mixture thickens. Remove from heat; stir in butter and vanilla. Cool 15 minutes.
6. Bake 25 to 35 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Serve warm or cool. Drizzle with icing, if desired.
3. Meanwhile, heat oven to 350 F. Let pie crust pouch stand at room temperature for 15 minutes.
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4. Remove pie crust from pouch; unroll crust on ungreased cookie sheet. Spoon cooled fruit mixture evenly onto half of crust to within 1⁄2 inch of edge.
Expert tips: Tart apples, such as Granny Smith or McIntosh, make flavorful pies. Braeburn or Gala apples provide good texture and a slightly sweeter flavor.
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In Case You Missed It
Curtains open for Disney’s
Story by Cindy Aguirre-Herrera Photos by Lizz Daniels
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A group of local kids are still reeling from their individual experiences of having been a part of the magic that happens at The Stephen & Mary Birch Texas Theatre. The historic theatre in early August transformed into an ice palace during the theater production of Disney’s Frozen, Jr. The kids, which ranged from third graders to incoming ninth graders, were all participants in this year’s Stars of The Texas Camp Broadway program. Leading the production again this year was Director Sheila Lucas. Lucas said after canceling last year’s show, it felt great to see the kids back on the stagethis summer. “We are just having such a wonderful time and we are so glad to be back on stage. It’s like these kids have been chomping at the bit just to get back on stage and I have too. I’ve been like ‘okay,
we need to do a show now’ so it’s going very well. I’m thrilled,” said Lucas. Lucas says this year, the campers were especially excited to also be under the direction of several local professionals. They included ChoreographerAmanda Gold, of Second Story Dance & Company, formally Suzi Hughson;Director Aidan Martinez and Tim Luna from Seguin High School who serves as the technical director. Lucas said while most people admit that Frozen songs still sing in their heads from time to time, there’s no getting away from the popular Disney plot and its famous Snow Queen Elsa. “Everybody is so sick of ‘Let it Go! Let it Go!’ but the kids love it, an dthey are doing a great job. I couldn’t be more pleased to hear music comin gfrom every room. Our counselors --they are little campers that have come all the way
up. I’ve just watched them grow up every summer in this building. It couldn’t be more fun this year,” said Lucas. Of course, it wouldn’t be Frozen if there wasn’t an Elsa, Anna and an Olaf in the cast of characters. Excited about her first lead in a show was 12-year-old Clara Spencer-Dibble, a student at A.J. Briesemeister Middle School. Spencer-Dibble said to work alongside so many talented in-
dividuals was amazing. “I’ve done this previously, but I haven’t really been a lead, so it’s definitely been new, but it’s been really fun just because Aidan hasn’t directed before so to be able to work with Aidan and Ms. Amanda has beenreally fun. It’s a little overwhelmingly to be the star but it’s all goingto be worth it on opening night,” said Spencer-Dibble. As for playing the Snow Queen who acci-
dentally uses her power to turn things into ice to curse her home, Spencer-Dibble says…well, “it’s been fun.” “There’s such a difference between Anna and Elsa and so it’s taking what I interpret of Elsa which is this introverted girl who has been hiding her powers for years and then also trying to match it up with how Eleanor does Anna as like this extroverted, fun sort of naïve girl,” said Spencer-Dibble.
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Portraying Elsa’s sister, Anna, was 13-year-old Eleanor Crettenden, an eighth grader at Barnes Middle School. Crettenden says Broadway Camp is what she looks forward to every single year. She said these two weeks makeup some of her most favorite moments of her summer. Plus, when you add Ann ato her list of characters, Crettenden said that’s when things get even better. “Anna is so quirky and that’s a part of me so it’s really fun getting to put myself on stage. So, every character I have, I always try to put a part of myself into it and this year, it was really fun because Anna is me,” said Crettenden. Crettenden also added that just because the show is Disney, adults were still likely to enjoy the show. “It’s a show about family and reconnecting and you will find a part of yourself in the show no matter whether you have kids or not. It’s funny for the kids to see the show and to see their favorite characters but when the adults come, they see the deeper meaning and they see stuff that the kids might not see and I think that’s a really cool experience that they get to come and see,” said Crettenden. Also bringing laughs to the audience was 12-year-old Caleb Pape of Jim Barnes Middle School. Pape said he was looking forward to his portrayal of the best and only snowman in the cast Olaf. “Olaf is a fun-loving character. He really doesn’t have much brains. He really like doesn’t understand and stuff and he’s just fun and loving,” said Pape. “Everyone is doing really good. There’s so many people that I know and it’s like a community here.” Unlike in years past, this year’s show was forced to limit its campers to third grade to incoming freshman. This year’s show included 28 campers. Lucas said the hope is to welcome back the younger students next year. She said it’s such a great experience and would like to see more kids on stage. “Come and see what kind of talent we have right here in Seguin, Texas even at the elementary and junior high level. There’s a lot of talent right here and you don’t want to miss it. Frankly, you don’t want to miss seeing these kids on stage giving everything they’ve got and when you hear the voices and you hear the applause, there is just nothing like it,” said Lucas. • This story originally ran in the Seguin Daily News on Friday, July 30, 2021. To read the original story please visit, www.seguintoday.com
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Stars Over Seguin
LEO
Jul 23 - Aug 23
Enjoy time spent connecting with some new people this week, Leo. It is a fine time to branch out of your typical social circles and embrace new friendships with confidence.
SCORPIO
Oct 24 - Nov 22
Scorpio, your desire to socialize will be stronger than ever, so get out there and make a new friend or two. You will enjoy sharing ideas with others and trying some new things.
AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 18
A short trip out of town might be necessary to clear your head, Aquarius. Schedule some time to get away so you can rest, relax and recharge free of distraction.
TAURUS
Apr 21 - May 21
It’s good to have a rich fantasy life to envision plans for the future, Taurus. Some of these ideas may come to fruition this week as you dig down deep into your creative side.
AUGUST, 2021 VIRGO
LIBRA
Aug 24 - Sep 22
You gravitate toward people who prefer to see life through rose-colored glasses this week, Virgo. Enjoy this optimistic outlook and make the most of it.
Sep 23 - Oct 23
An intense phone call may put you on edge for a little while, Libra. But once you get to the heart of the matter and think things through, you can work it out.
CAPRICORN
SAGITTARIUS
Dec 22 - Jan 20
Nov 23 - Dec 21
Appreciate all of the good things you have going in your life now, Sagittarius. Pay homage to those who have lent a hand or offered support that went above and beyond.
You may be on the brink of making a major move Capricorn. Try not to focus too much on all of the small details; look at the bigger picture.
PISCES
ARIES
Feb 19 - Mar 20
Take some time alone this week to reorder your priorities, Pisces. You may have made commitments that no longer are vital.
Mar 21 - Apr 20
Try to dig a little deeper and not take things at face value this week, Aries. Some surprising elements that you may not initially recognize are just waiting to be discovered.
GEMINI
CANCER
May 22 - Jun 21
Avoid jumping to the conclusion that a romantic partner is looking to move on, Gemini. There may be another underlying factor at play that will soon come to light.
Jun 22 - Jul 22
Some major news is the catalyst that ignites the flame for your motivation to change, Cancer. You may find you’re interested in volunteerism or another worthy project.
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