Mary Flores and her son Tommy. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
As a mother of an individual with Down Syndrome, Mary Flores understands the challenges that similar families, and the non-profit organization they rely on, are facing during the COVID-pandemic. Many group homes and non-profits have seen a reduction in donations and find it challenging to shop for groceries with restrictions on quantity. (Cook With Michael, 2020)
As a result, Mary Flores is donating 2,000 pounds (one ton) of produce that will benefit the clients, staff and group homes of the following recipients:
Autism Treatment Center
Down Syndrome Association of South Texas
Morgan’s Wonderland
Reaching Maximum Independence (RMI)
This will feed approximately 4,000 individuals. Monetary and in-kind donations of personal care and household items are especially appreciated. Please donate directly to the organization of choice.
“Individuals with Down Syndrome and Autism don’t understand the concept of ‘shelter in place’ or adapt well to quarantine, as their daily program and therapy is based on consistency and routine. Also, a large majority rely on day programs and group homes for therapy and meals.” – Mary Flores
The relaunched Pearl xXx. will be available everywhere in June. Photo: Joe Mondo Cruz, used with permission.
The Pearl Brewing Company announced today the relaunch of the iconic Gem of Fine Beer. The brand’s rebirth is rooted in San Antonio’s history and re imagined with a new look and taste inspired by the growth and success of its beloved home city. Pearl xXx will be available for purchase at select retail locations throughout San Antonio, Austin, Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth and other Texas counties starting this week, with full distribution starting in June. Pearl Beer will be available at select retailers in all major Texas cities, with six-packs available at a suggested retail price of $9.49. (Pearl Brewing Company, 2020)
An introduction 134 years in the making, Pearl xXx represents a return to its heritage of quality, bearing the triple “x,” the pre-prohibition signature of craftsmanship. Established in 1883, with production beginning in 1886, the Pearl Brewery has been a timeless icon in Texas, sustaining itself through prohibition and embracing change early-on by becoming a female-owned and operated brewery in the early 1900s when Emma Koehler took over operations of the brewery in 1914 after her husband’s death.
With an ABV of 3.8%, this renewed, easy-drinking Texas beer is brewed at a craft facility in the Texas hill country with the finest ingredients, including premium Czech Pilsen malt, caramel malt and a touch of wheat for a smooth, modern take on a classic American lager. A touch of citrus at the end of the boil gives it a truly distinct flavor.
The design is inspired by the original characteristics of the brand, including its iconic clam shell shape and script, and is updated with a new timeless look. Austin-based agency Guerilla Suit reverted back to Pearl xXx Beer’s rich, storied heritage to refine and polish what makes the beer a gem among traditional-style lagers. Packaged in a new bottle, Pearl xXx Beer’s updated design repositions the beer as a modern classic that Texans can both identify with and (re)adopt as their own.
Pearl xXx has also partnered with local artisans like Richter Goods to create a line of modern clothing inspired by the heritage of the brand, as well as with Jung Provisions to create a limited edition candle. Pearl xXx Beer will continue to champion local artisans and makers embedded in Texas culture to create signature and one-of-a-kind merchandise items and lifestyle products.
“This relaunch of Pearl Beer is all about paying homage to Pearl’s deep roots while embracing the San Antonio of today.” – Pearl Brand Manager and San Antonio resident, Daniel Crawford
Snowpiercer the series premieres Sunday May 17 on TNT. Photo: google
Jacques Lob and Jean-Marc Rochette are French comic book creators who created the post-apocalyptic French graphic novel Le Transperceneige. It was first published in 1982 under the title Le Transperceneige and later retitled The Escape. An English translation was released in 2014 by Titan Comics, consisting of two volumes: Snowpiercer: The Escape and Snowpiercer: The Explorers. A third volume, Terminus, was released in 2016, followed by a prequel series in 2019. In the graphic novel, an attempt to stop global warming via climate engineering catastrophically backfires and creates a new ice age, the remaining humans now ride the Snowpiercer, a circumnavigational train. It was adapted into the 2013 South Korean-Czech science fiction movie Snowpiercer starring Chris Evans and Octavia Spencer, John Hurt and Ed Harris. Now it is an upcoming television drama series that will premiere on TNT on Sunday May 17 and stars Daveed Diggs and Jennifer Connally.
In Snowpiercer, humanity rides in a 1,001 car train called Snowpiercer starting in 2014. By 2031 they have become segregated by class with the elite in the extravagant front cars while the poor are forced into squalid tail compartments by armed guards. In the movie, Curtis Everett is a member of the lower class tail section who leads a revolution against the elite of the front of the train. The series is a reboot of the film’s continuity. It questions class warfare, social injustice and the politics of survival and has already been renewed for a second season.
Home Is Where the Art Is! coloring pages are available online. Photo: google
During these times, we have seen Texas’ heart through the kindness and support being offered by neighbors and organizations. We have also seen the power of the arts magnified as an emotional salve, a universal language, a reflection of current events, a form of expression, a unifying force and a symbol of hope. In response, the Texas Cultural Trust invited Texas artists, luminaries and organizations to create coloring pages for Home Is Where the Art Is!, an online collection of coloring sheets for people of all ages. (Texas Cultural Trust, 2020)
These coloring pages are available to download for free on the Texas Cultural Trust website. Everyone is encouraged to share their finished work of art via social media by tagging the color page artist and Texas Cultural Trust using the hashtags #ArtCanTexas and #HomeiswheretheARTis. Help the Trust highlight the creativity and compassion that we have seen during this pandemic and most of all have fun coloring.
The Trust plans to publish a coloring book of all the page submissions to raise funds to help the arts and culture sectors recover and rebuild post-COVID-19. Access to art and culture will continue to be essential as we heal, recover and rebuild our local and global communities.
Texas Cultural Trust is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and increasing access and awareness for the arts across the state. Programs of the Texas Cultural Trust include the Texas Medal of Arts Awards, Art Can, Texas Young Masters, Texas Women for the Arts, Partners in the Arts and Arts Access. Texas Cultural Trust efforts are amplified by its partners who are instrumental in the success of leading a cohesive voice for the arts in education, advocacy, and economic impact in Texas, spotlighting the artistic excellence of our state.
Ricochet, certified therapy dog. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Ricochet, a certified therapy dog, champion surf dog & celebrity star of the IMAX film, Superpower Dogs is surprising kids with FREE virtual canine therapy and video conferencing sessions during the corona virus pandemic. Parents, teachers, special education programs, home school educators, therapists, counselors, military families, at risk programs, group homes, surf therapy organizations and other child related initiatives are invited to get their kids involved. (Surf Dog Ricochet, 2020)
The sessions are FREE and ALL INCLUSIVE so any child can partake in fun, educational activities which include video chatting, coloring, Superpower Dogs activities, reading, virtual surfing, dog tricks, show and tell, Q&As, boredom busting, anxiety relief and more. Each one-on-one session is geared toward each individual child, group or classroom. To schedule a session, email Judy Fridono, Executive Director of the non-profit, Puppy Prodigies & Ricochet’s guardian. Participants do not need to have met or worked with Ricochet previously. She is available to individuals all over the world via Zoom or FaceTime.
In every other crisis, therapy dogs provide assistance, comfort and healing. Due to social distancing and quarantine, animal assisted therapy programs have been suspended. At a time when dogs could be truly valuable resources, Puppy Prodigies is thinking outside the box so kids can still interact with Ricochet from the safety of their own home. Puppy Prodigies has been offering canine-assisted programs since 2006. They are a grassroots organization that prides themselves on their pioneering efforts and innovative programs utilizing highly skilled and task trained service dogs, certified and registered therapy dogs and trained emotional support dogs.
Ricochet has 12 years’ experience as a certified goal directed therapy dog through Pawsitive Teams. This program is different from the usual “meet and greet” hospital and nursing home type of animal assisted activities. In this program, the dogs are used both as a tool and a motivator to help clients, children and adults, achieve clearly defined goals as set by their teacher or therapist.
Ricochet is also certified through Alliance of Therapy Dogs and holds the title of AKC Therapy Dog Distinguished. She has won scores of awards for her substantial work in human-animal intervention and healing and also provides canine-assisted surf therapy and adaptive surfing to kids with autism and other special needs, differently able individuals, wounded warriors and veterans with PTSD.
Ricochet’s therapeutic expertise includes, but is not limited to autism, special needs, anxiety, stress, depression, PTSD, combat PTSD, moral injury, brain injury, social anxiety, triggers and melt downs. She empowers, enhances and improves the quality of life for individuals with behavioral, social, physical, cognitive or emotional challenges. Ricochet’s virtual canine provides anxiety reduction to those affected by the corona virus pandemic including doctors, nurses, other healthcare workers, first responders, essential workers, families who lost a loved one to covid-19, seniors in nursing homes and anyone else feeling stressed, anxious or other feelings. Ricochet provides a calm demeanor of comfort and support where emotions can be safely released as the individual is spun into a cocoon of positive energy and healing.
The outdoor oyster and beer bar will reopen on Thursday May 7. Photo: Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery, used with permission.
Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery, located at the Pearl, has announced that it will reopen its outdoor oyster and beer bar and patio seating at 25 percent occupancy starting Thursday, May 7. Customers can order from the limited oyster bar menu to enjoy on the patio or go online/call and order the curbside pickup menu to enjoy on the Southerleigh patio as well. The curbside menu will now also include Southerleigh’s famous Snapper Throats. All to-go beverages, including Babe wines, White Claw, Southerleigh Beer and more, will also be available for purchase at the oyster bar. Additionally, Southerleigh’s indoor dining room will reopen to the public at 25 percent occupancy on Thursday, May 14. (Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery, 2020)
Southerleigh has purchased additional supplies to ensure the experience at the restaurant is both safe for guests and staff and will continue to implement additional sanitization procedures. All employees will be wearing masks and gloves. Guests are encouraged to wear masks prior to food arriving.
Southerleigh will continue to offer curbside pickup and delivery until further notice.
Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery
136 E Grayson St #120
San Antonio, TX 78215
This Sunday May 10, take a drive around the Circuit of the Americas race track for a good cause. Photo: google
On Sunday, May 10 from 12p.m. to 5p.m. Circuit of the Americas (COTA) will be collecting donations for Central Texas Food Bank and allowing guests a once-in-a- lifetime opportunity to take a drive on the world-famous 3.4 mile track. This will be a parade of unity, hope and fun for the Central Texas community. Join friends and neighbors safely from inside your vehicle as you ascend the iconic “Turn 1” hill, weave through the challenging “esses” at Turn 3 and 4 and cruise down the same back stretch as the greatest Formula 1 have done. Donations are recommended, but not required to participate. This is an experience as unique as Austin. (Circuit of the Americas, 2020)
Germania Insurance will match up to $10,000 of donations and COTA and Austin Bold FC will match Germania’s donation to $10,000. Donations can also be done online. Please keep in mind that $1.00 can produce up to four meals. If you choose to donate cash or non-perishable items, “touchless” locations will be available for self-drop-off in the COTA garages.
Circuit of The Americas
9201 Circuit of The Americas Blvd
Austin, TX 78617
Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas, is the only purpose-built Grand Prix facility in the United States designed for all classes of racing. The 3.4-mile racetrack hosts the world’s most prestigious sporting events, including Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, MotoGP Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas, INDYCAR Classic, as well as world-renowned concerts, music festivals, and opportunities for track rentals. The 1,500-acre campus is also home to the award-winning Austin360 Amphitheater, driving experiences including COTA Karting, open-wheel Formula America and the Audi Driving Experience, expansive meeting and hospitality spaces and an iconic 25-story observation tower that offers 360-degree views of the circuit, amphitheater and downtown Austin.
Fiesta Corn by Chef Gio Silva, Chef de Cuisine, Grille 254. Photo: La Cantera Resort & Spa, used with permission.
Even though La Cantera Resort & Spa will not be open for Mother’s Day this year, their Chefs are sharing some recipes anyone can make at home. (La Cantera Resort & Spa, 2020)
Fiesta Corn Recipe by Chef Gio Silva – Chef de Cuisine, Grille 254 Ingredients:
4 pieces of corn on the cob
¼ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream
1 tsp. Valentina hot sauce
1 pinch of salt to taste
1 tbsp. finely chopped cilantro
½ cup cotija cheese or queso fresco
1 tbsp. Tajin or chili powder
1 lime cut in wedges
Directions: Simmer the corn in water for about 30 min or until soft, or grill if you prefer. Mix the rest of ingredients, except the cheese and tajin/chili powder. When corn is done cooking, allow to cool down. Either slice the kernels or leave the cob whole. Mix or cover the corn with the Valentina/mayo mix. Sprinkle with cheese and Tajin.
Goldfish Cheddar Mac and Cheese by Chef Robert Carr – Executive Chef, La Cantera Resort & Spa
Goldfish add a nice crunch to creamy macaroni and cheese, while a mild poblano pepper gives the dish an earthy richness without being too hot for the kids. If you do not want to cook and dice the bacon, bacon bits will work. Ingredients:
½ cup of shredded cheddar
1 roasted and diced poblano chili pepper
½ cup bacon
1 cup crushed cheddar Goldfish
Directions: Prepare the macaroni and cheese according to the instructions. Mix in ¼ cup of the cheddar, ½ cup of the crushed goldfish and the pepper. Top with ¼ cup of cheddar followed by the remaining ½ cup of goldfish and bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.
Champagne Margaritas by Chef Gabriela Hinojosa – Chef de Cuisine, SweetFire Kitchen
Champagne Margaritas are so fresh and satisfying and easily adaptable with different fruit purees and garnishes. Ingredients to yield 1 pitcher:
6oz. lime juice
4oz. orange juice
4oz. tequila
1/4 cup sugar
1 bottle (750ml) Champagne
Ice
Directions: Stir the sugar with the lime and orange juices to dissolve. Add the tequila and fill the pitcher with ice. Pour the Champagne over the ice and stir. Serve in Champagne glasses with a slice of fresh mango or orange wheel.
‘Decisions’ is one of Robert L. Dilenschneider’s best selling books about business and professional advice. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Robert L. Dilenschneider has hired more than 3,000 successful professionals and advised thousands more. He is the founder of The Dilenschneider Group, a corporate strategic counseling and public relations firm based in New York City. Formerly president and CEO of Hill & Knowlton, he is the author of the bestselling books “A Briefing for Leaders,” “The Critical First Years of Your Professional Life,” “50 Plus! Critical Career Decisions for the Rest of Your Life,” “Decisions: Practical Advice from 23 Men and Women Who Shaped the World” and others. They all offer readers practical life and business advice for whatever stage in life they happen to be experiencing.
“Decisions: Practical Advice from 23 Men and Women Who Shaped the World” begins with a catchy sentence: ‘This book is intended to make your life better’ and it certainly delivers on its promise. Decisions are a part of everyday life for everyone, regardless of background. How people make decisions is critical to their future. This remarkable book focuses on twenty-three individual who made decisions that shaped the world and their stories stretch from 218 B.C to the present. It is divided into four parts which are in turn divided into individual chapters about a particular person and the most important decision he/she made. These are: Part One: War and Peace (Harry Truman, Elie Wiesel) Part Two: Commerce and Invention (Johann Gutenberg, Henry Ford) Part Three: Science (Marie Curie, Rachel Carson) and Part Four: Breaking Boundaries (Julius Caesar, Abraham Lincoln).
As a whole it analyzes not just the decision but provides background and history regarding the subject matter. The one major lesson to be learned is that many advances in civilization were made because most inventions, like the printing press, the automobile and general banking, were designed to reach everyone, not just the rich. This is turn made room for advances in society which is beneficial to growth. At the end of each chapter there is a decision section that summarizes the lessons readers can use in their own lives.
“The Critical First Years of Your Professional Life” is targeted to young people about to enter the real world of business and professional careers but the advice in these pages is invaluable to anyone, regardless of age or expertise. The Introduction gives a chapter by chapter synopsis to help readers focus on a specific topic. First off, it explains why the book is so important: because it is the paper or electronic version of a mentor in a world increasingly without any generous men and women who at one time would have helped young people entering the workforce. It also emphasizes the five goals in reading this helpful guide: 1)gaining self-knowledge 2)feeling empathy 3)presenting yourself well 4)retrieving information effectively and being informed and 5)solving problems. Standout chapters include: Networking, Making Allies of Your Elders and Image. The best part about this guide is that depending on what advice readers need, they can go back and re-read chapters on their own or if need be, read the whole book more than once because the information contained is ageless.
Lastly, “50 Plus! Critical Career Decisions for the Rest of Your Life” strives to help the more mature worker navigate the everchanging workforce rules. It emphasizes the importance of refreshing skillsets to meet the challenges of competing in today’s job market. The target audience “includes people who are highly accomplished and economically secure but intellectually bored or emotionally dissatisfied.” Some of the chapters include: The New Rules, Time to Change, On Your Own and Becoming a Consultant. Readers may be at a crossroads or unsure of how to proceed with the rest of their lives and this book gives helpful advise on finding a new career direction, growing within their current field, starting their own business or finally realizing a dream. Regardless of what they decide, the author ends by stating that retiring to just play golf or lay around the house is synonymous with giving up and that is never a good thing.
“Be ready to take criticism, and even ridicule and derision. Think about this as part of your decision process. Rather than turning away, be prepared to develop a thick hide.” – from “Decisions”
*The author received a copy of these books for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
Garrison Brothers will celebrate the release with a drive-thru purchasing opportunity on Friday May 22. Photo: Adam Voorhes, used with permission.
Garrison Brothers Distillery, the first legal whiskey distillery in Texas, announces the third release of its multi-award-winning twice-barreled bourbon, Balmorhea. The limited release will kick off on Friday, May 22 in Hye, Texas, at the distillery. The team will have a drive-through purchasing experience for the first available bottles. Balmorhea will then be available nationwide in extremely limited quantities beginning May 25. First released in 2018, the twice-barreled bourbon’s 2020 release produced 6,000 bottles total. Named after the iconic West Texas Park that is home to the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool, the initial release of this bourbon raised over $250,000 to help keep Balmorhea State Park open. (Garrison Brothers Distillery, 2020)
Garrison Brothers’ Balmorhea has won the most awards to date in the distillery’s portfolio of grain-to-glass bourbon whiskies. Most recently, Balmorhea won a Double Gold medal at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Awards. Double Gold distinctions are only awarded to entries that receive a Gold medal rating by all members of the judging panel; these are noted to be among the finest products in the world.
Balmorhea is the only Garrison Brothers’ twice-barreled bourbon released annually. It is aged four years in new American white oak barrels made from wood grown, yard-seasoned and dry-aged for 25 months in the Ozarks. Then, the liquid is transferred to a second new American white oak barrel, custom designed by Master Distiller Donnis Todd to highlight specific flavors and qualities and aged for another year. The bourbon is bottled at 57.5% alc/vol or 115 proof and comes from a sweet mash bill, like all of Garrison Brothers’ releases. Todd’s tasting notes for Balmorhea include a litany of what he calls “Dairy Queen toppings” including bourbon candy, frozen fudgesicle bars, amaretto coffee with cream, sticky buns and pecan brittle.
Garrison Brothers will celebrate the third release of Balmorhea Twice-Barreled Bourbon with a drive-through purchasing opportunity at their distillery in Hye, Texas, on Friday, May 22, 2020. Distillery gates will open at Hye Noon (12p.m. CDT) and remain open until 2p.m. All bottles allocated to the distillery typically sell out within one hour, so the Garrison Brothers team encourages early arrival. The purchase limit is two bottles per person.
One lucky attendee will win the chance to join Master Distiller Donnis Todd as he tastes his way through the Garrison Brothers’ rickhouse to find the perfect barrels for the 2021 release of Balmorhea. Seventy-seven barrels went into making the 2020 release. One special bottle will be secretly labeled with “#77” and placed on gift shop shelves. The patron who purchases it will win barrel selection rights for the following year. Balmorhea lovers are encouraged to keep an eye on Garrison Brothers’ Instagram page for teasers and more info.
Only 504 bottles of Balmorhea Twice-Barreled Bourbon will be available at the distillery in Hye, Texas, for $159.99 beginning May 22. The remaining 5,496 bottles will be distributed to select liquor stores, bars and restaurants throughout Texas and the other 26 states and military bases where Garrison Brothers is sold. Bottles will be available for purchase nationwide the week of May 25.
SA Examiner 