Month: June 2021

San Antonio Food Bank needs summer volunteers

The San Antonio Food Bank is asking for volunteers to help out this summer. Photo: google

Eric Cooper, President & CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank, is asking community members of all ages to join the Food Bank in a summer of service. The Food Bank is facing an urgent crisis for volunteers as it ramps up to meet the meal needs of a record number of kids who may face hunger this summer. (San Antonio Food Bank, 2021)

Volunteers are needed to help prepare meals in the Food Bank’s three kitchens, as well as to help pack food boxes in their main facility warehouse and work mobile food distributions. Information on dates, time, age restrictions, and more can be found at the Food Bank’s volunteer website.

An additional service opportunity is available for those seeking full-time service this summer via the Food Bank’s partnership with AmeriCorps and Equal Heart. The Food Bank is recruiting individuals to serve as AmeriCorps Members to reduce community hunger and provide engagement for youth. In exchange for their service, AmeriCorps Members receive a bi-weekly living allowance and an end-of-term education award.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early as applications are considered on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. Qualified applicants are screened and interviewed by both Equal Heart  and the Food Bank before any formal offer is made. Application information is available online.

“It’s a bit of a collision: a combination of volunteer fatigue and businesses opening up coupled with as many as 250,000 kids being at risk for hunger this summer. Summer is traditionally our highest time of need (for food, funds, and especially volunteers) and we’re usually in great shape with volunteers for the summer. The pandemic, however, has changed the landscape for volunteers and we are in a serious crisis. Our community has been heroic in its volunteerism during the pandemic. I have total faith that together we can help ensure that no child goes hungry this summer.”

Eric Cooper, President/CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank

The San Antonio Food Bank is a 501c3 non‐profit organization providing millions of pounds of food to over 530 charitable organizations in Southwest Texas serving those in need. In addition to food distribution, the San Antonio Food Bank provides numerous programs that not only solve the immediate problems of hunger, but help individuals and families gain long‐term food security.

Bakery Lorraine celebrates Pride Month with cookies for a cause

Bakery Lorraine launches specialty cookie in observance of Pride Month with a portion of all proceeds contributed to local LGBTQ+ organization. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

Bakery Lorraine, a local favorite and nationally recognized pastry shop, will offer a rainbow-colored cookie in celebration of Pride Month. They will be joining forces with San Antonio-based LGBTQ+ organization, Thrive Youth Center. (Bakery Lorraine, 2021)

A portion of all proceeds will be donated to Thrive Youth Center, an organization whose mission is to help homeless LGBTQ+ youth in San Antonio. The cookies will be available throughout the month of June starting Friday, June 4, and will be sold in packs of three cookies for $6.50. Cookies can be purchased at all Bakery Lorraine locations in San Antonio and Austin for dine-in or to go. This June Thrive Youth Center aims to raise over $20,000 for its organization. Meeting this goal will allow the organization to accommodate the growing numbers of youth entering their shelter, assist with housing programs, provide funding for increased staffing needs and supply necessary items for LGBTQ+ youth.

Bakery Lorraine is a San Antonio favorite and nationally recognized pastry shop famous for its colorful macarons and exquisite French pastries. Owned by chefs Anne Ng, Jeremy Mandrell, and operator Charlie Biedenharn, Bakery Lorraine was named one of the best new bakeries in the U.S. by Food & Wine and CNN’s Eatocracyblog, as well as one of the “13 Destination Bakeries” by Conde Nast Traveler. Bakery Lorraine serves handmade French pastries and macarons using the finest ingredients. The bakery also serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, including items like its breakfast parfait, the quiche Lorraine, chicken potpie, an assortment of salads and soups, and artisan sandwiches. Bakery Lorraine has three locations in San Antonio including one in the Historic Pearl district, one in San Antonio’s Medical Center, and one in San Antonio’s RIM shopping center, including now an Austin location at Domain NORTHSIDE.

Thrive Youth Center’s mission is to provide a safe, effective, and supportive center for homeless LGBTQ youth in San Antonio and Austin, so they may become productive, skilled, educated, and successful adults with the ability, opportunity, and possibility of achieving their dreams. Thrive has 10 beds at their emergency shelter located on Haven for Hope’s campus, and are now in the third year of housing young adults in their own apartments for up to a year through a federal government grant. Thrive Youth Center has served over 200 young adults in 2019 alone.

Latin Grammy nominated Buyuchek joins forces with Los Askis

Buyuchek joins forces with Los Askis on a norteño-Andean version of the beloved cumbia song “Cariñito.” Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Two-time Latin Grammy nominees Buyuchek continue to expand their repertoire and musical influences with the release of their new collaboration with the internationally renowned Los Askis, a norteño-Andean version of the beloved cumbia song “Cariñito.” (Buyuchek, 2021)

On this special occasion, Buyuchek delves into a musical fusion, exploring sounds beyond their typical repertoire and demonstrating that music has no borders. They join Andean–cumbia international Mexican stars Los Askis who blend cumbia with Andean music and pre-Hispanic musical elements.

Founded in 2012, Buyuchek is a norteño band from General Tehran, Mexico that has earned two Latin Grammy nominations (2019 & 2020) for Best Norteño Album. The band has quickly become fan favorites in both Mexico and the U.S. thanks to their collaborations with the 82-year old singer Irma Silva, aka La Abuela. She is both a vocalist and the grandmother of the leader and founder of the band, Jorge Loayzat.

Originally from General Terán, Mexico, La Abuela grew up in poverty and in a male-dominated environment, which made it nearly impossible for her to follow her musical dreams. She spent the majority of her life as a seamstress, always singing along with her radio while working. La Abuela Irma Silva is also the niece of Eugenio Ábrego, accordionist and second voice of the legendary Norteño duet Los Alegres De Terán. The duet is one of the founding fathers of norteño music.

The name Buyuchek is a play on words of the International Büyükçekmece Culture and Art Festival in Istanbul, Turkey, where they performed. Buyuchek and La Abuela Irma Silva released their first collaboration album in 2018, titled Las Canciones de la Abuela. The album was conceived as an 80th birthday gift for Irma Silva and went viral, earning a Latin Grammy nomination and launching La Abuela’s new artistic career. The album’s music videos were filmed at Hacienda El Granjenal, where Irma Silva lived for more than 50 years.

SAY Sí and Alamo Colleges District offering free art kits to the community

SAY Sí will be providing the community with free art supplies. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

With the start of summer upon us, SAY Sí has once again partnered with Alamo Colleges District to provide community members with free art supplies for kids. Free art supply bags will be available for curbside pickup for parents with elementary- and middle school-aged children on a first come, first served basis while supplies last; limit two kits per car. Those interested in receiving an art supply bag can complete the interest form online. (SAY Sí, 2021)

Kits will be available for pickup this Friday, June 4 from 10a.m. to 1p.m. at the ACD District Support Operations building, located at 2222 N. Alamo St., San Antonio, TX, 78215. 

Founded in 1994, SAY Sí is a national award-winning, art-based nonprofit youth development program located in San Antonio, Texas. The goal of the organization is to provide San Antonio area students in grades 6-12 with the opportunity to develop artistic and social skills in preparation for higher educational advancement and career building. SAY Sí programs serve over 200 students from all of San Antonio’s school districts – in addition to serving 4,000 youth in community programs. SAY Sí’s unique approach to education has placed the organization on the national stage, with recognition as one of the top out-of-school-time organizations in the country by The Wallace Foundation, as well as serving as one of seven international youth arts organizations chosen to receive an inaugural Creative Catalyst Award by Adobe Project 1324 in 2016.

Father’s Day gift ideas from Twang

Father’s Day gift ideas from Twang. Photo: Twang, used with permission.

Father’s Day is coming up on Sunday June 20 and to help celebrate dads, Twang, a family owned and operated manufacturer of salts, seasonings, michelada mixes and more, has created a bucket full of things beer aficionado dads will love. Twang is offering a limited amount of Father’s Day Buckets for $29.99 a piece, plus shipping. Shipping is free with purchases of $40 or more. (Twang, 2021)

The Twang Father’s Day Buckets include the following items:

• Beer Salt Bucket
• Beer Salt Bandana
• Beer Salt Hat
• 2 Beer Salt Pint Glasses
• 2 Camo Holster Koozies
• 1 Pickle Beer Salt Bottle
• 1 Lemon-Lime Beer Salt Bottle
• 1 Lime Beer Salt Bottle

The Twang Father’s Day Buckets are available for purchase here starting June 1, 2021 and are available for nationwide shipping. Please note that the beer is not included in the Twang Father’s Day Buckets.

Based in San Antonio, Texas, Twang Partners Ltd. is a family-owned and operated creator and manufacturer of premium-flavored salts, sugars and seasonings and credited as being “The original beer salt.” Since 1986, Twang Partners has produced the highest quality products designed to enhance the taste, appearance and enjoyment of food and beverages. Brands include Beer Salt, Twangerz, Twang-A-Rita, Clamato Salt, ZAS! Super Seasoning, Twang Reserve Michelada Cocktail Mixes and Cafe Zuca. Find Twang products in grocery, convenience, liquor and specialty store shelves across the country. Twang Partners has successfully collaborated with some of the top food and beverage companies around the world to create innovative custom blends.

First impression: The Boost Lf

The Cherry Bomb tea from The Boost Lf. Photo: Sandra Cruz

Since Monday was a federal holiday, I had some extra time on my hands and decided to do some local exploring. There is a fairly new small business in town that I have been meaning to try but somehow I always get distracted so this was a perfect time. The Boost Lf here in Los Fresnos is a self-described health and wellness business and I tend to favor the small, locally owned ones. Some of the items on the menu include energy teas, protein shakes, iced coffees, and even waffles and donuts.

I went early enough in the day, so I guess I lucked out because there was no waiting. The interior is brightly lit with booming music and the atmosphere is pleasant and cheerful. Currently there are only a couple of small tables for dine-in , but hopefully with easing COVID restrictions, this will change later. According to Chelly, the owner, business is booming and the ongoing dreadful construction has not affected her business. I decided to try out the Cherry Bomb tea, one of her best-sellers.

I was pleasantly surprised at the size of this drink; it is a generous sized portion. The cold, icy drink has a sweet and tart flavor combination and was a treat on what was beginning to be another hot and humid day in South Texas. This particular flavor promises an energy boost and includes real cherries. I counted six of them. They also have small Herbalife protein based snack bars for energy and nutrition, so I opted for two of those, one being the citrus lemon. These are rather tasty as well. Everything is moderately priced, I paid $13 for a tea and two protein bars

So next time you are craving a snack, do yourself a favor, put down the potato chip bag and head on over to The Boost here in town for a healthy treat. I think I will try the iced coffees next, because, after all, summer has unofficially started. I just wish it was open in the evenings for us night owls. Thanks to Chelly for taking the time to answer all my questions. Support local, small businesses; they will love you for it.

$$

Business hours:
Monday through Friday 7:30a.m. to 2p.m. and 4:30p.m. to 6p.m.
Saturday 8:30a.m. to 2p.m.
Closed Sunday

The Boost Lf
218 N Arroyo Blvd, Suite A
Los Fresnos, TX 78566
(956) 233-2215

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Celebrate summer at Taco Cabana with NachoMania

Taco Cabana launces NachoMania for summer 2021. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Launching Wednesday, June 2, 2021, Taco Cabana invites guests to kick off their summer with NachoMania. Featuring four new varieties of TC nachos, $4.59 each for a limited time at all participating Texas locations. (Taco Cabana, 2021)

NachoMania offerings include:

• Tex Mex Nachos: Crispy tortilla chips, ground beef, refried beans, enchilada sauce, queso, and jalapeno slices
• Supreme Nachos: Crispy tortilla chips, ground beef, refried beans, queso, tomatoes, and sour cream
• Mexican Nachos: Crispy tortilla chips, chorizo, refried beans, queso, jalapeno slices, sour cream, and pico de gallo
• Beyond Meat Nachos: Crispy tortilla chips, Beyond Meat, black beans, queso, sour cream, and pico de gallo

Summer would not be summer without an array of Taco Cabana’s signature $2 margaritas. Eight flavors just $2 all day, every day including: Lime, Strawberry, Mango, Strawberry Mango, Mangonada, Blue Curacao, Watermelon and Dragonfruit; the Pickle margarita will also remain available for a limited time. Guests have the option to add chamoy at no additional cost. TC guests may also purchase gallon margaritas of Lime, Strawberry and Mango for $34.99.

All menu items, including $2 margaritas, can be ordered online or via the MYTC! App for convenient curbside pick-up. TC drive-throughs are open for food and alcohol purchases and Taco Cabana dining rooms and patios are open for on-site dining as well. Currently, San Antonio residents can order alcohol and food delivery online or via the Taco Cabana app. Members of the MYTC! Loyalty Program also earn reward points for each alcoholic beverage purchase.

Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: FRGI), was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, burritos, tacos, flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of beer and tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up and delivery. As of June 1, 2021, Taco Cabana operates 142 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., owns, operates and franchises Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana® restaurant brands. The brands specialize in the operation of fast casual/quick service restaurants that offer distinct and unique flavors with broad appeal at a compelling value. The brands feature fresh-made cooking, drive-thru service and catering.

MerleFest 2021 announces lineup additions

MerleFest, presented by Window World, will take place September 16-19. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

MerleFest, presented by Window World, is proud to announce additional performers for MerleFest 2021, which will take place September 16-19 in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. Sturgill Simpson, Margo Price, Shovels & Rope, Balsam Range, Jim Lauderdale, John Cowan, Peter Rowan’s Free Mexican Air Force with Los Texmaniacs, Amythyst Kiah, Yasmin Williams, and Brittney Spencer will be joining the annual homecoming of musicians and music fans on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. These world-class bands and artists will join previously announced performers Tedeschi Trucks (Friday), Melissa Etheridge (Sunday), Mavis Staples (Sunday), LeAnn Rimes (Friday), Sam Bush (Saturday), Donna The Buffalo (all 4 days), Scythian (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday performances), and The Waybacks (Friday and Saturday). Additional artists scheduled to perform will be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets will go on sale Thursday June 10, 2021.  More information available online. (IV-PR, 2021)

MerleFest was founded in 1988 in memory of the son of the late American music legend Doc Watson, renowned guitarist Eddy Merle Watson. MerleFest is a celebration of “traditional plus” music, a unique mix of traditional, roots-oriented sounds of the Appalachian region, including old-time, classic country, bluegrass, folk and gospel, and blues, and expanded to include Americana, classic rock, and many other styles. The festival hosts a diverse mix of artists on its 13 stages during the course of the multi-day event. MerleFest is the primary fundraiser for the WCC Foundation, funding scholarships, capital projects, and other educational needs.

MerleFest, presented by Window World, would also like to remind potential volunteers that the volunteer application period is now open and the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest (CASC) is accepting submissions until June 15. Information on all of these can be found online.

2021-09-16T13:05:00

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MerleFest 2021

Upcoming new book release: ‘Gone for Good’ by Joanna Schaffhausen

‘Gone for Good’ is the new novel by Joanna Schaffhausen, due out on August 10, 2021. Photo: amazon

Joanna Schaffhausen is a crime and mystery author. She has a doctorate in psychology, which reflects her long-standing interest in the brain―how it develops and the many ways it can go wrong. Previously, she worked for ABC News, writing for programs such as World News Tonight, Good Morning America, and 20/20. Her new novel “Gone For Good: A Novel (Detective Annalisa Vega)” is the first in a new mystery series from the award-winning author and features Detective Annalisa Vega, in which a cold case heats up. It will be released on Tuesday August 10, 2021, and is available for pre-order on amazon. (amazon, 2021)

“Gone for Good” – The Lovelorn Killer murdered seven women, ritually binding them and leaving them for dead before penning them gruesome love letters in the local papers. Then he disappeared, and after twenty years with no trace of him, many believe that he is gone for good. Not Grace Harper. A grocery store manager by day, at night Grace uses her snooping skills as part of an amateur sleuth group. She believes the Lovelorn Killer is still living in the same neighborhoods where he hunted and if she can figure out how he selected his victims, she will have the key to his identity.

Detective Annalisa Vega lost someone she loved to the killer. Now she is at a murder scene with the worst kind of déjà vu: Grace Harper lies bound and dead on the floor, surrounded by clues to the biggest murder case that Chicago homicide never solved. Annalisa has the chance to make it right and to heal her family, but first, she has to figure out what Grace knew―how to see a killer who may be standing right in front of you. This means tracing his steps back to her childhood, peering into dark corners she had not acknowledged before, and learning that despite everything the killer took, she has still so much more to lose.

2021-08-10T11:36:00

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Release of ‘Gone for Good’ by Joanna Schaffhausen