Annual PARK(ing) Day this Friday

softballparking18 — The annual PARK(ing) Day event will take place this Friday September 21 on McCullough Avenue. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

In cities across America, acres of real estate are dedicated to surface parking. If those spaces could be reclaimed, how would that transform the urban experience? The local chapters of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) and The American Institute of Architects (AIA San Antonio) and the McCullough Avenue Consortium are transforming curbside parking spaces into tiny parks at their annual PARK(ing) Day event on Friday, September 21 in on the 500 block of McCullough Avenue (at Avenue B) from 11a.m. until 8p.m. (McCullough Avenue Consortium, 2018)

PARK(ing) Day 2018 will pop up along the 500 block of McCullough Avenue, where talented local landscape architects and local AIA members will re-imagine six 9’ x 22’ curbside parking spaces as places for people. Participants include ASLA, Ford, Powell & Carson Architects & Planners and Lake|Flato Architects. Three additional spaces designed by members of AIA San Antonio’s 2PLP professional leadership class will demonstrate solutions for activating and greening McCullough Avenue. Two spaces, sponsored by Christian Assistance Ministries and the San Antonio River Authority, will creatively reflect the missions of their organizations.

PARK(ing) Day 2018 opens at 11a.m. on Friday, September 21 with six unique mini-parks and a Community Table where some of San Antonio’s best and brightest will gather to discuss issues facing our community, including the opportunity to revitalize McCullough Avenue. The community is invited to ‘come to the table’ and experience the transformational affect the PARK(ing) Day installations have on this normally busy street. Lunch will be offered by area food trucks.

A free Community Block Party begins at 5p.m. and will include a mobile amphitheater and three live bands. Free parking is sponsored by First Baptist Church of San Antonio. The celebration goes on until 8p.m. with a sampling of savory bites offered by area food trucks.

PARK(ing) Day and the Community Block Party are hosted by ASLA, AIA San Antonio and the McCullough Avenue Consortium with generous funding by First Baptist Church of San Antonio, Metropolitan Methodist Hospital, Christian Assistance Ministries and the San Antonio River Authority. In-kind sponsors include Centro San Antonio, CPS Energy, Gratr Landscapes and Schultz Landscapes.

“We hope that downtown workers, neighbors and all of San Antonio will join us at this one-day, free event, PARK(ing) Day is planned to be casual and fun – everyone is invited to join us during lunch or after work to see ideas for making McCullough Avenue more welcoming.” – Caleb Etheredge, ASLA South Texas Section president

PARK(ing) Day takes place annually on the third Friday in September. The event began in 2005 with one parking space. The temporary public park in San Francisco was created by Rebar, a local landscape design firm, in response to the fact that 70% of San Francisco’s downtown outdoor space was dedicated to the private vehicle. More than a decade later, their open source event has gone viral. Each year, more than 700 PARK(ing) Day events are organized in more than 150 cities across the United States and on 6 continents, in 21 countries around the world.

Krause’s Café gets ready for Oktoberfest

krausebeerpic — Oktoberfest begins at Krause’s Café & Biergarten on Saturday September 22. Photo: Krause’s Café, used with permission.

Oktoberfest is the world’s largest beer festival and fair held in Munich, Germany. German heritage runs rich in New Braunfels and Krause’s Café & Biergarten is excited to announce the return of its own Oktoberfest celebration and the restaurant is getting ready for two weeks of German celebrations. The official festivities begin on Saturday September 22 with a viewing of the traditional tapping of the keg in Germany. Throughout the month, there will be live music from German-inspired bands, lively events like doxen races, along with newly launched German cuisine items and international bier steins. (Krause’s Café & Biergarten, 2018)

Groups of party-goers or families can get a taste of Germany with the Munich Platter which features pork belly, pork shank, chicken schnitzel, assorted sausages, sauerkraut, red cabbage, and dunkel reduction (serves up to six, $70). For a German-Texan twist on Oktoberfest, patrons can try the Solms Platter of grilled quail, tenderloin skewers, kartoffel poppers, assorted sausages, barbecue shrimp and brussels sprouts (serves up to six, $85).

During Oktoberfest, New Braunfels becomes the Bavarian beer capital of South Texas. Year round, Krause’s Café and Biergarten is stocked with over 70 beers on tap, many being German steins. Guests can fill up on German bier from Hofbrau to Warsteine and more. Oktoberfest runs from September 22 through October 7 and Krause’s Café will host several Oktoberfest-related events.

Saturday, September 22
o A viewing of the Tapping of the Keg from Munich, Germany which will be projected on the big screen in the biergarten at 3p.m.
o Comal Community Band at 3p.m.
o The Oompahs at 7p.m.

Sunday, September 23
o Doxen Races – Watch as dachshunds race their way to the finish line on the turf patio, some come dressed in hats and some in scarves. All friendly dogs are welcome and races will begin at 4p.m. Guests who wish to participate can register their Dachshund online.

Thursday, September 27
o Rumor Town at 8p.m.

Krause’s Café & Biergarten
186 S. Castell Ave.
New Braunfels, TX 78130

Book review: ‘You Are Not Alone’ by Debbie Augenthaler

youarenotalone Debbie Augenthaler is a psychotherapist with a private practice in New York City where she has specialized in trauma, grief and loss. She uses eastern philosophy, energy healing and spiritual practices from cultures around the world as well the connection of a shared experience to help people through their grief. In her new book ‘You Are Not Alone: A Heartfelt Guide for Grief, Healing, and Hope’ she gives readers insights and suggestions for healing and hope.

There are several layers to ‘You Are Not Alone’ beginning with the Introduction where the author explains how this is the book she wishes she had after her husband Jim died. She was young and even though the experience shattered her life, she carried on, but longed to read about someone who understood what she was going through. Dry clinical books held no interest to her; all she wanted was “a book that could witness and validate” her experience. With that said, this thoughtful and informative book is a combination memoir and self-help guide through grief and recovery. It is divided into four parts: Shattered, Grieving and Coping, Emerging and Transition and Expanding Into the Mystery.

Grief is a universal emotion, so it makes a big difference if the advice comes from someone who has travelled the same painful path. This gives the author the credibility necessary to dispense advice, even though everyone’s experience is different. She is open and honest, but some of the details of her journey may be too difficult for readers with fresh losses. The information is presented in simple, clear, non-clinical terms, making it easy to read and understand. It also contains poems and inspirational quotes from the likes of William Blake and Paul Coelho and coping mechanisms that worked for her. The Appendix, ‘How to Help’ has sections such as ‘The Importance of Support’ and ‘Notes and Cards’ with suggestions on what to do “If You Are Grieving” and “If Someone You Know is Grieving.” ‘You Are Not Alone’ by Debbie Augenthaler is recommended for anyone who is looking for a helpful yet poignant guide through the transition from grief to recovery from someone who has been there. It will be twice as helpful if passed along to someone else who needs it.

“In helping others, even when in the midst of our own grief, we can help ourselves.”

*The reviewer received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Hotel Emma’s Chef John Brand to participate in No Kid Hungry’s Chefs Cycle

Chef John Brand to participate in Chefs Cycle. Photo: Hotel Emma, used with permission.

September is Hunger Action Month, a campaign designed to get the public mobilized to combat hunger. The month is dedicated to spreading the word and working together to find solutions. Chef John Brand of Hotel Emma is teaming up with No Kid Hungry from Tuesday September 25 through Thursday September 27 for Charlottesville’s Chefs Cycle. This event is an endurance fundraiser featuring award-winning chefs and members of the culinary community fighting hunger outside the kitchen. They will be completing a three-day, 300-mile ride while raising funds and awareness in support of No Kid Hungry. Chef Brand is seeking to raise $7,500 by the end of the event, which would help donate 75,000 meals for children in need. (Hotel Emma, 2018)

To help support the cause, last week Supper donated $10 from various lunch specials to Chefs Cycle. The public can make donations online to support Chef Brand’s goals

Chefs Cycle is a fundraising endurance event featuring award-winning chefs and members of the culinary community fighting hunger outside the kitchen. For the past three years, Chefs Cycle has engaged culinary talents who want to push their limits by completing a three-day, 300-mile ride while raising funds and awareness in support of No Kid Hungry. The spring 2018 ride took place in Santa Rosa, California with a goal of 275 chefs riding to help raise $2.4M, which translates into 24 million meals for kids facing hunger. The fall 2018 ride will take place in Charlottesville, Virginia in September.

‘Disney’s Newsies’ at The Public Theater of San Antonio

‘Disney’s Newsies’ is the next big musical playing in the Russell Hill Rogers Theatre at The Public Theater of San Antonio. It opens on Friday September 14 and will run through Sunday October 14. A co-presentation with Ballet San Antonio, this musical tells the story of the New York City newsboys who seize the day when they strike against unfair working conditions put in place by the publishing giant Joseph Pulitzer.

Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. On opening night Friday September 14, there will be a reception following the performance. Tickets are available online or at the box office at (210) 733-7258 and are $35 for adults, $25 for military members with ID, $25 for seniors age 60 and older and $20 for students with ID. Groups of ten or more receive a special rate. Tickets are going fast. (The Public Theater of San Antonio, 2018)

‘Disney’s Newsies’ is adapted from the 1992 Disney film Newsies which in turn was inspired by the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899 in New York City. It has music by Alan Merken, lyrics by Jack Feldman and a book by Harvey Fierstein. Jack Kelly is a rebellious newsboy who dreams of a life as an artist away from the big city but when newspaper prices rise at the expense of the newsboys, Kelly and his fellow newsies fight back.

Special performances:
Thursday September 27 – Education Night
Friday September 28 – Food Truck Friday
Saturday September 29 – ASL Night – Interpreters present

The Public Theater of San Antonio
800 West Ashby Place
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 733-7258

The Public Theater of San Antonio announces new COO/Managing Director

The Public Theater of San Antonio recently announced the addition of Shelly Chance to their team as COO / Managing Director. (The Public Theater of San Antonio, 2018)

Shelly Chance was born and raised in San Antonio and has been actively involved in the theatre most of her life. Her first paid gig was as the spotlight operator at age 11 at The Public. She received her BA in theatre arts from the University of the Incarnate Word and has worked as an actor, director, producer, stage manager and costume designer. After college Shelly moved to Tokyo, Japan where she worked as an educator and was instrumental in incorporating theatre, music and dance into the stringent Kokudai Seminar curricula. In 2013, Shelly joined Theatre for Change as COO where she cultivated her passion for pairing the arts with social justice issues and service projects. In December 2017 Shelly received The Community Project of the Year award from The Alamo Area Council of Governments for her volunteer efforts. She is the president of the China Grove Lions Club and is lucky enough to spend every minute of her spare time giving back to the community.

“Shelly’s passion for theater combined with community service is the perfect combination. As we move forward with new programming Shelly’s understanding of the ‘theater way’ will be instrumental to our advancement. Her collaborative spirit will allow me to set and guide the vision for The Public as well as continue to raise the bar for our artistic quality.” – George Green CEO/Artistic Director

The Public Theater of San Antonio
800 W Ashby Place
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 733-7258

Garrison Brothers Distillery releases Cowboy Bourbon

This week, Garrison Brothers Distillery announced the release of Cowboy Bourbon™, the rarest, most coveted release in the company’s portfolio of ultra-premium, Texas-born bourbon whiskeys. In celebration of Bourbon Heritage Month, Cowboy Bourbon™ will be available at Garrison Brothers Distillery in Hye, Texas, for a limited time beginning September 21. The special edition 134-proof bourbon is bottled at cask-strength and comes from barrels hand-selected by the distillery’s founder and its master distiller. In bourbon connoisseur circles, The Cowboy has become known as the crown jewel of Garrison Brothers’ homegrown bourbon family. Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible named Garrison Brothers Cowboy Bourbon™ “The American Micro Whiskey of the Year” in 2014 and again in 2017. (Garrison Brothers Distillery, 2018)

Garrison Brothers will celebrate the release of Cowboy Bourbon™ with a party at their distillery in Hye, Texas, on Friday, September 21. Dubbed ‘Cowboy Round-Up,’ the daytime party will feature frozen cocktails by Frost 321, a mobile cigar lounge by Habana Cowboy and food offerings from Chef Jake Gober of Silver Whisk. Distillery gates will open at noon and the festivities will last until 6p.m.

Only 500 bottles of Cowboy Bourbon™ will be available at the distillery in Hye, Texas, beginning September 21 at Hye Noon. 2,500 bottles will be distributed to Texas liquor stores, bars and restaurants, and 1,725 bottles will be distributed to the other 25 states and military bases where Garrison Brothers is sold. Each bottle comes packaged in a decorative wooden box with a weighty pewter medallion emblazoned with the release year around the bottle’s neck.

As part of an ongoing partnership with Team Rubicon, a non-profit veteran service organization that uses disaster response to help reintegrate veterans back into civilian life, Garrison Brothers Distillery will donate $5 to the organization for every bottle of Cowboy Bourbon™ purchased between September 21 and November 1.

Garrison Brothers Distillery
1827 Hye Albert Rd.
Hye, TX 78635
(830) 392-0246

Go Orange to Fight Hunger with San Antonio Food Bank and Whataburger

WhatanightStory September is Hunger Action Month, a campaign designed to get the public mobilized to combat hunger. The month is dedicated to spreading the word and working together to find solutions. The ninth annual “Go Orange to Fight Hunger” campaign kicks off with San Antonio Food Bank and Whataburger joining forces in the fight against hunger. (San Antonio Food Bank, 2018)

This year, Whataburger’s commitment includes a customer fundraising event from now until September 30. Customers who visit any San Antonio or New Braunfels Whataburger restaurant and donate at least $1 will receive a thank you coupon for a free Whataburger with a purchase of medium fry and 32 oz. drink. Whataburger will also be donating $1 for every t-shirt sale from the hunger collection in the Whatastore. In 2017, Whataburger’s efforts helped the Food Bank provide more than 420,000 meals to area children, seniors, individuals and families in need.

The Food Bank’s “Go Orange for Hunger” campaign offers companies and individuals opportunities to make a difference by raising funds and awareness for hunger relief. Local buildings, including the Tower of the Americas, will turn orange for the month of September. The Food Bank has a “30 Ways for 30 Days” calendar to encourage community participation. On social media, the public can show their support by turning their Facebook or Twitter pages Orange and by showing how they go orange and tagging their photos with #HungerActionMonth.

“We are grateful for Whataburger’s longstanding partnership in the fight against hunger. We share a love for feeding people and giving back to the communities we serve,” Eric Cooper, President and CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank.

‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ at The Classic Theatre

midsummersnightdream — John Stillwagon and Carolyn Delinger in William Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ now playing at The Classic Theatre. Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.

The Classic Theatre of San Antonio opened their 11th season on Friday with Shakespeare’s comedy ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream.’ This classic production will run until Sunday September 30 with show dates on Fridays and Saturdays at 8p.m. and Sundays at 3p.m. Tickets are available online and are $33 for general admission, $29 for senior, military, educator or SATCO, and $18 for students. Valid ID required. Season Passes are now available. (The Classic Theatre, 2018)

In ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream,’ magic, action, love and humor are the ingredients for this unforgettable spell. Shakespeare’s most famous comedy features four interconnecting love stories, connected by a wedding celebration, which is set simultaneously in the woodland and in the realm of Fairyland, under the light of the moon. But sometimes while dreaming and desiring, a little magic is all it takes to set the course of love, comedy and reality in motion.

Student Performances nights are on September 20 and September 27, 2018 at 7p.m. and include a talk back with the cast and crew after the show.

The Classic Theatre of San Antonio
1924 Fredericksburg Rd
San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 589-8450

Book review: ‘The Atwelle Confession’ by Joel Gordonson

atwelleconfession Joel Gordonson is a fiction author and international lawyer with degrees from the United States and Cambridge University. His first novel ‘That Boy from Nazareth: The Coming of Age of Jesus of Nazareth,’ a historical fiction adventure story set in biblical times, received critical acclaim. His most recent novel is ‘The Atwelle Confession,’ a historical fiction story of two identical macabre murders five hundred years apart.

‘The Atwelle Confession’ begins with a Prologue set in Atwelle, Norfolk in the year 1532 during the twenty-third reign of Henry VIII, King of England. Two men have just witnessed something heinous and are told by the local priest that they must confess and do penance. This confession is written and sealed and after he mails it off, the priest is killed. In present times in the same town, while restoring an ancient church, architect Don Whitby and young research historian Margeaux Wood discover rare gargoyles mysteriously positioned inside an ancient church. When people in town start dying in a series of bizarre murders, they determine that the gargoyles are predicting these murders. In the past, two families are involved in contesting control of the region and in the middle of these conflicts, the same bizarre murders are being committed. These family disputes resurface five hundred years later and come to a surprising and violent conclusion during All Hallow’s Eve.

In the Preface, the author writes that “while the storyline and characters in this novel are fictional, the discovery of rare half demonic-half human wooden figures carved in the ceiling of the parish of St. Clement is a true event” and this is enough to lure fans of historical fiction. The action moves effortlessly back and forth between the past and the present without losing steam and gives the illusion of a story being told in a split screen. His use of descriptive language brings the scenes brilliantly to life, “…he was surprised how dark it was despite the daylight coming through the windows and illuminating the floor far below. Margeaux grimaced at the dust, spider webs, and acrid odor of creosote as Don fiddled with a flashlight…” It is an intriguing and suspenseful novel and the last few chapters are definite page turners. There is not much character development or back story but, in this case, it works because the focus is on the story. In a refreshing twist, the hero and the bad guy are not who he or she seem to be from the beginning. The only off-putting part is the bloody cockfighting and bear baiting in Chapter Five which serves to spotlight the character’s blood lust, but otherwise it is a must-read for fans of the genre.

*A copy of this book was received for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are solely the author’s.

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Month: September 2018