Texas Women for the Arts awards 33 arts organizations with $171K in grants at 16th annual meeting in San Antonio. Photo: google
Texas Women for the Arts, a program of the Texas Cultural Trust (TXCT), has selected 33 arts programs across the state to receive nearly $170,000 in grants at their 16th Annual Meeting that took place on April 25 – 26, 2022 in San Antonio, Texas. Texas Women for the Arts (TWA) is one of TXCT’s statewide giving circle, with nearly 200 members from all over Texas. Through their collective generosity, TWA invests in the arts and arts education with the mission of increasing access to the arts for all Texas children. TWA grant applications for 2023 will open for submission on October 1, 2022 and will close December 1, 2022. For more information on the Texas Cultural Trust and their Texas Women for the Arts program, please visit Texas Cultural Trust. (Texas Cultural Trust, 2022)
“Since its inception in 2005, Texas Women for the Arts has awarded 318 grants, totaling nearly $3.7 million to arts programs across the state of Texas, and we are honored to continue this legacy in 2022.” – Heidi Marquez Smith, Executive Director of Texas Cultural Trust
On Tuesday, April 26, day two of their annual meeting, Texas Women for the Arts granted Leslie D. Blanton the Donna Axum Whitworth Champion of the Arts Award for her continued support, promotion, and generosity for arts and culture in the state of Texas. Blanton currently serves as Chairman of the Governing Council for the Shepherd Society of the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University. She is a member of the Liberal Arts Development Board and the National Leadership Board of the Jack S. Blanton Museum of Art at The University of Texas. Blanton is also a long-time member of the Texas Cultural Trust Board of Directors, serving in various capacities including Board Chairman and Co-Chairman of the 2019 Texas Medal of the Arts Awards and is a founding member of Texas Women for the Arts, of which she previously chaired and will chair again in 2022-2023.
The 2022 Texas Women for the Arts Impact Grantees are: • Creative Kids, El Paso • Art Center of Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi • Artpace San Antonio, San Antonio • Hope Stone, Inc., Houston • Rockport Center for the Arts, Rockport • Texas Ballet Theater, Inc., Fort Worth • Ellen Noel Art Museum of the Permian Basin, Odessa • Imagination Fort Worth, Fort Worth • Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra Association Inc., Fort Worth • El Paso Symphony Orchestra Assn., Inc., El Paso • Art League Houston, Houston • Harris County Cultural Arts Council, Houston • Victoria Ballet Theatre, Victoria • The Kindness Campaign, Austin • Lubbock Community Theatre, Lubbock • Magik Theatre, San Antonio • Contemporary Art Museum Plainview, Plainview • Jewish Federation of Fort Worth & Tarrant County, Fort Worth • Gillespie County Children’s Foundation, Fredericksburg • Alcorta’s Folklórico Diamante, Inc., Corpus Christi • Zachary Scott Theatre Center, Austin • Amphibian Productions, Inc., Fort Worth • Cypress Creek Fine Arts Association, Spring • Amarillo Museum of Art, Amarillo • Longview Museum of Fine Arts, Longview • Kids Excel El Paso, Inc., El Paso • Art Museum of South Texas, Corpus Christi • The Citadelle Art Foundation, Canadian • Amarillo Symphony, Inc., Amarillo • Austin Classical Guitar, Austin • Texas Book Festival, Austin • Young Audiences of Northeast Texas, Tyler • Ballet Austin Incorporated, Austin
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.
Texas Women for the Arts (TWA) is a statewide giving circle and membership program with nearly 200 members from across Texas. Since its inception in 2005, this philanthropic force and champion for the arts in education has awarded 318 grants totaling nearly $3.7 million, impacting nearly 3.5 million Texas children.
Alpine Swim Club at Madeline Hotel & Residences. Photo: Madeline Hotel & Residences, used with permission.
There is no place quite like Telluride, Colorado in the summer. The historic mining town offers a lifetime’s worth of outdoor activities, from hiking, bicycle trails and fishing to camping, natural mineral hot springs and stunning scenery. (Madeline Hotel & Residences, 2022)
This 4th of July weekend, Telluride’s only Forbes five-star resort, Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection, is hosting their Second Annual Alpine Cookout on July 2. Celebrating the spirit of Southwestern cuisine, the event will draw visiting culinary icons such as Salt Lake City celebrity Chef Viet Pham, Texas all-star Chef Dean Fearing, Phoenix famed chef Mark Tarbell and Santa Fe legend Mark Kiffin, who will collaborate with the resort’s Executive Chef Bill Greenwood on a specially curated menu, including Chef Pham’s famed Pretty Bird signature hot chicken sandwich.
The luxury mountain retreat is also debuting a new one-of-a-kind adventure just in time for the long holiday week. Soar and Raft with Red Tail Flights and embark on a unique experience to explore Telluride by air and water. See Moab, Canyonlands, and Arches National Park from above and raft through the famed Westwater Canyon. The day begins with a private scenic flight from Telluride Airport over national parks to a thrilling rafting trip on Westwater Canyon, which is rated “The West’s Best Short Whitewater Trips” by National Geographic. The Madeline culinary team will provide a delicious chef-prepared picnic.
Additionally, the Wellness Oasis Poolside Pop-up with Free People Movement and Telluride Yoga Festival is taking place Thursday June 23, Friday June 24, and Saturday June 25. It promises to be an immersive wellness journey as Madeline’s Alpine Swim Club transforms into the wellness oasis of your dreams.
Commodore Perry Estate in Austin. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resort Collection will charm guests this season with Father’s Day and July 4th celebrations and immersive activities that embrace Austin, a city with so much to offer travelers. Where Southern hospitality and European elegance meet – the Estate is Austin’s luxury urban escape for a summer getaway the family won’t forget. (Commodore Perry Estate, 2022)
Father’s Day at The Estate (June 19): Bring dad to an exclusive private session with Austin’s Trovador Custom Hats to design his personalized custom hat from scratch at their studio on South Congress. Afterward, join the Estate team for a Father’s Day Grill and Chill at the Mansion Loggia where award-winning chefs, Bradley Nicholson and Susana Querejazu will be serving up specials straight from the grill, paired with delicious frozen drinks to cool down.
Fourth of July at The Estate (Weekend of July 4): From July 1 – 4, Milk & Honey will be bringing mini versions of their signature organic treatments to the intimate property. Poolside facials, hand, and foot massages, lasting from 10a.m. to 2p.m. each day, are the perfect ways for guests and members to enjoy the holiday poolside. On July 2, a KUTX Show featuring Austin-based creative Mobley will take place from 6p.m. to 8p.m. with free entry and cocktails available for purchase. On July 3, join the property for a BBQ with old-school, finger-lickin’ good purveyors, LeRoy & Lewis; which will be open to the public. Tickets are $100 and include food and two (2) drinks. From 6p.m. to 11p.m., visitors can enjoy delicious locally sourced and inventive barbecue while roaming the beer garden (featuring oversized lawn games) and enjoying a live DJ at Lutie’s Cocktail bar. On July 4, sparklers & bubbles will be available on the Loggia to end off this picture-perfect weekend.
Popular Jamaican-style eatery, The Jerk Shack, is now offering brunch on Sundays. Pictured: Sweet Potato and Cream Cheese French Toast and Catfish and Grits. Photo: The Jerk Shack, used with permission.
Starting June 5, Popular Jamaican-inspired restaurant The Jerk Shackstarted offering brunch service on Sundays. (The Jerk Shack, 2022)
The new menu items will be available from opening (11a.m.) until 5p.m. and will feature items like:
• Catfish and Grits – herb butter broth, collard greens, red pepper coulis, jerk remoulade • Sweet Potato and Cream Cheese French Toast – sweet potato, cream cheese, Frosted Flake-crusted powdered sugar, dulce de leche • Texas Toast Benedict – choice of bacon or jerk pork or jerk chicken, sunny-side-up eggs, habanero hollandaise, parmesan cheese
The Jerk Shack’s regular menu will still be available throughout the day in addition to the new brunch menu.
The Jerk Shack 10234 TX-151 San Antonio, TX 78251
The Jerk Shack is a concept by Chef Nicola Blaque and her husband Cornelius Massey. After serving ten years in the Army, Blaque began working as a private chef to explore her passion for cooking. She relocated to San Antonio from Hawaii to pursue a degree at the Culinary Institute of America where she graduated in 2016. Blaque returned to her Jamaican roots and began focusing on Caribbean cuisine, working to bring the unique flavors to South Texas. In 2018, the team launched The Jerk Shack, a restaurant inspired by the flavors of Jamaica and the Caribbean. The Jerk Shack has received national praise including being featured by Eater as one of the 2019 Top 16 New Restaurants in America as well as being included in GQ’s 2020 Best New Restaurants in America.
The Hero Twins: Blood Race is one of the productions in the upcoming 2022-2023 Magik Theatre season. Photo: Magik Theatre, used with permission.
The Magik Theatre is thrilled to announce its 2022/2023 season filled with classics, timeless tales, and new works. This season presents a range of titles that celebrate diversity, inspire curiosity, and encourage an appreciation for the arts. There is something for everyone. We are offering Sensory-Friendly, Pay What You Wish, and American Sign Language Interpreted performances for each production, all designed to create a welcoming environment. Season subscriptions, flex passes, and single tickets are now on sale. (Magik Theatre, 2022)
“If the past two years have been about change and survival, then I am happy to say we are moving into a season of growth. As we begin to find life’s new rhythm, the plays and musicals in Magik’s upcoming season will remind us not only that change is possible throughout our lives, but necessary for growth. We see this through the eyes of a very hungry caterpillar, a young woman trying to find her place in the world, a boy who embraces his learning differences, a toy rabbit who becomes real through love, and a young person speaking truth to power. I hope you will join us for what promises to be an exciting year!” – Artistic Director Anthony Runfola
The 2022-20203 season: Performance times vary and programs/dates are subject to change.
THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR SHOW Created by Jonathan Rockefeller, Based on Eric Carle’s Books Directed by Jon Gentry July 9–August 7 Recommended for ages 3 +
The critically acclaimed production of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show, created by Jonathan Rockefeller, features a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets. The production faithfully adapts four stories by author/illustrator Eric Carle: The Very Lonely Firefly, The Artist Who Painted A Blue Horse, Mister Seahorse, and of course, the star of the show–The Very Hungry Caterpillar. The Very Hungry Caterpillar has delighted generations of readers since it was first published in 1969 selling more than 48 million copies worldwide.
SELENA MARIA SINGS By Miriam Gonzales | Music by Daniel French Co-Production with Childs play in Phoenix, AZ Directed by Andréa Morales September 6–October 2 Recommended for ages 9+
Named after Selena Quintanilla, Selena Maria has much to live up to. Selena Maria has a passion for music. While her Selena superfan mother hopes she takes after the popstar, Selena Maria is working to find her own beat. Selena Maria Sings tells a story of music, family, immense love, and the strength it takes to be yourself.
EDDIE & VINNIE (World Premiere) by Jenny Millinger Directed by Anthony Runfola October 15–October 28, 2022
Recommended for ages 6+Eddie has dyslexia and struggles with schoolwork, and finds out he cannot play on the basketball team unless he gets his grades up. With the help of his pet gecko, Vinnie, and the overly-helpful new girl in class, will Eddie’s final class presentation come together, or will his basketball dreams be dashed forever? A Magik Theatre world premiere, produced in collaboration with Celebrate Dyslexia.
THE VELVETEEN RABBIT Adapted for the stage by Magik Theatre Based on the book by Margery Williams November 19–December 24
Recommended for ages 5+The Velveteen Rabbit is a delightful ‘Magikal’ retelling of the classic children’s story of a boy who receives a stuffed rabbit sewn from velveteen as a present on Christmas Day. When another toy is lost, the Rabbit quickly becomes the Boy’s new favorite. As the Rabbit’s dapper appearance gets worn and shabby from play, a wonderful change begins to happen. Join us this holiday season for the heart-warming and much-loved classic story about a shy toy rabbit who longs for nothing more than to become real.
THE HERO TWINS: BLOOD RACE By Ramón Esquivel Director TBD February 4–March 5, 2023 Recommended for ages 7+
Who will win the Blood Race, an ancient competition between two tribes that takes place in the underworld? The winner rules the capital city and all the people who labor for it, while the loser remains trapped forever in the underworld. Cricket has trained for his entire life with his twin sister, Moth, and he is favored to be the first of their tribe to win the Blood Race. When Cricket fails, the high priestess, Iguana, challenges Moth to compete in the next race against King Jaguar. When Moth learns the truth of the Blood Race, she is faced with a choice that could turn the world upside down. An invented mythology inspired by classic Mayan narratives, The Hero Twins: Blood Race is an action-filled adventure that is also an allegory about inequality, justice, and liberation.
SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE! Originally Adapted and Produced for the Stage by Theatre BAM | Form the Series Created by George Newall and Tom Yohe | Based on an Idea by David McCall Book by Scott Ferguson, George Keating, and Kyle Hall Music and Lyrics by Lenn Ahrens, Bob Dorough, Dave Frishberg, Kathy Mandry, George Newall, and Tom Yoha Directed by Anthony Runfola April 15–June 4, 2023
Recommended for ages 6+Now’s your chance to catch the musical that wowed audiences nationwide. Schoolhouse Rock Live! follows Tom, a nervous schoolteacher who is anxious about his first day of teaching. He tries to relax by watching TV and discovers that his favorite show comes to life on the set. Together with the Schoolhouse Rock gang, Tom realizes how fun learning can be. Enjoy classic songs such as “Just a Bill,” “Interjections,” and “Conjunction Junction” at this fun-filled retro revue.
Events at the Briscoe include artist demonstrations, paint-alongs, talks, movies, and family activities. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.
Fathers, sons and tons of fun await everyone at the Briscoe Western Art Museum this summer. Featuring the fantastic summer exhibition The Sons of Charlie Russell: Cowboy Artists of America,the Briscoe is hosting an array of programming to allow everyone to step into the West from the heart of the River Walk. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2022)
Premiering at the Briscoe and including works from 17 public and private collections, The Sons of Charlie Russell features 70 works of art showcasing the forefathers of Western art and how their great works provide foundations, traditions and ideals for today’s contemporary artists. On display through September 5, the exhibition is the first and only time these works will be viewed together. To accompany the exhibition, the Briscoe is hosting a summer of programming that brings Western art to life through artist talks, demonstrations, and more.
The summer line-up includes:
Cowboy Creations: Learn from Cowboy Artists
Bringing the art of The Sons of Charlie Russell to life, members of the Cowboy Artists of America are appearing in a series of demonstrations and talks throughout the exhibition. Guests can enjoy meeting and watching these talented cowboy artists share the processes behind their work. All sessions are included in general museum admission.
Saturday June 25 – Mikel Donahue
Saturday August 6 – Chad Poppleton (Paint-along)
Saturday July 23, 10a.m. – 3p.m. – Jason Scull (Sculpture demonstration, part of the Briscoe’s National Day of the Cowboy Celebration)
Saturday August 27, 10a.m. – 11:30a.m. – Bruce Greene (part of The Lessons of Our Fathers Panel)
Saturday September 3, 11a.m. – 1p.m. – Teal Blake (Paint-along)
Saturday September 3, 11a.m. – 3p.m. – Jason Scull (Sculpture Demonstration)
STEAMing into the West with The Sons of Charlie Russell
Families and visitors of all ages are invited to learn about the American West through the works featured in The Sons of Charlie Russell during the museum’s “Full STEAM Ahead” series on the third Saturday of each month. From transportation and weather to animals, astronomy and engineering, each program explores an aspect of life in the West to engage and inspire learning. Full STEAM Ahead is included with museum general admission. Children 12 and under receive free admission to the Briscoe.
Saturday June 18, 11a.m. – 1p.m. – Full STEAM Ahead: Red Moon – Participants will learn about the lunar eclipse, and the significance the moon had on the people of the American West. Guests will also learn and practice perspective and contrast in creating art, exploring “Red Moon,” by CAA member Phil Epp and featured in The Sons of Charlie Russell. Children and families will paint their own fizzy moons using special combinations of baking soda and paint to create uniquely textured and colorful moons.
Saturday July 16, 11a.m. – 1p.m. – Full STEAM Ahead: All A-Gnome – Families will make their own gnomes inspired by the beloved children’s book “Charlie Russell and the Gnomes of Bullhead Lodge” by renowned author and Briscoe curator Emily Wilson. Wilson curated The Sons of Charlie Russell exhibition.
Saturday August 20, 11a.m. – 1p.m. – Full STEAM Ahead: Whimsical Windmills – While conservation and renewable energy efforts may seem like new solutions to the energy crisis, cowboys and settlers alike used renewable energy long before access to gas and electricity was ever invented. Guests will learn how windmills were some of our first sources of alternative energy.
What is a Western? Summer Film Series
The Briscoe’s popular Summer Film Series returns with a question: What is a Western? What are the elements of a Western and how has the Western been re-interpreted through the years? The first film in the series will explore the traditional components of Western cinema. A short presentation discussing the foundations of the Western will begin at 1p.m., followed immediately by the screening. Each film is included in general museum admission, with free brews courtesy of Ranger Creek Brewery. Popcorn, drinks and snacks will be available for purchase.
Sunday June 19, 1p.m. “The Searchers” – In the 1956 movie considered by many to be the greatest Western ever made, John Wayne stars as a post-Civil War veteran on a journey to find his niece after Comanche Native Americans kidnapped her. Its influence is reflected in the works of Martin Scorsese, George Lucas, Steven Spielberg and other critical filmmakers.
Sunday July 10, 1p.m. “Dances With Wolves” – In his directorial debut and breakout role, Kevin Costner stars as a post-Civil War veteran who comes into contact with the Lakota while on assignment in South Dakota. The 1990 film was nominated for 12 Academy Awards, winning seven, including Best Picture and Best Director, and received Golden Globes for Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Director, and Best Screenplay.
Sunday August 21, 1p.m. “Wind River” – In this tense neo-western thriller, Jeremy Renner and Elizabeth Olsen star as a U.S. Fish and Wildlife hunter and an FBI agent investigating a murder on the Wind River Indian Reservation. The 2017 film was “Yellowstone” creator Taylor Sheridan’s directorial debut.
Books and Brews: Briscoe Book Club
Thursday July 14, 6p.m. – Briscoe Book Club: “No Country for Old Men” by Cormac McCarthy
Weathered Souls Brewery, 606 Embassy Oaks #500, San Antonio, 78216
Join the Briscoe Book Club for a lively chat in a laid-back social gathering as we explore significant works of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction inspired by the vast and varied experiences of the American West. We will discuss a new book each quarter. Books are available for purchase at the Museum Store, or you may reserve a copy for check out through the San Antonio Public Library system before each meeting. There is no charge to participate in the book club. Reserve your spot by registering online.
Free Cowboy Fun: National Day of the Cowboy Celebration
Tippin’ its hat and celebrating the legacy of the cowboy, cowgirl and vaquero, the Briscoe Western Art Museum presents its annual National Day of the Cowboy celebration on Saturday, July 23, 10a.m. – 4p.m. at the Briscoe. The free community event, which includes free admission to the museum and its exhibitions, features indoor and outdoor activities for cowpokes of all ages. This year’s celebration will feature The Sons of Charlie Russell, with artist demonstrations to include leatherworking, metalsmithing and more. Saddle up with your family and head west for a day you will not forget.
The Lessons of Our Fathers: Panel and Artist Presentation
With The Sons of Charlie Russell: Cowboy Artists of America, the Briscoe Western Art Museum casts a spotlight on the history and significance of the Cowboy Artists of America and its efforts to maintain and evolve the style and subject matter of traditional Western art. The museum is hosting a panel of Western art scholars to discuss the importance of preserving traditions and the necessity for tradition to evolve and undergo revision to remain relevant in a changing world. The panel will also examine the CAA’s success at executing its mission: to authentically preserve and perpetuate the culture of Western life through fine art. The panel will be moderated by Emily Wilson, Curator of Art for the Briscoe Western Art Museum and the curator of The Sons of Charlie Russell. The panel is Saturday, August 27, 2p.m – 4p.m.
Before the panel discussion at 10a.m. – 10:30a.m., CAA artist Bruce Greene, the 2022 President of the CAA, will do a presentation detailing his journaling techniques and how he uses his journal to help with the accuracy of his art Both the presentation and the panel are included in museum general admission.
210 West: Gallery Talks
Join the Briscoe for in-gallery chats featuring selected works from The Sons of Charlie Russell. Using the exhibition gallery guide, Curator of Art Emily Wilson will provide an overview of the tools and strategies used to evaluate narrative art. Guests will leave with a deeper appreciation of the artistic strategy, methods and design choices made by the artists. Gallery talks are included in general admission and start at 1p.m.
June 24, July 8, Aug. 12
The Sons of Charlie Russell: Cowboy Artists of America is supported in part by Jan McCaleb Elliott, the Eddie Basha Collection, Mr. and Mrs. Marrs McLean Bowman, The Elizabeth Huth Coates Charitable Foundation of 1992, the Klesse Foundation, Jessica Elliott Middleton, Debbie and John T. Montford, and Western Art Collector.
Admission to the Briscoe Western Art Museum is always free for children 12 and under and for active duty military members. The museum is proud to participate in Museums For All, Blue Star Museums and Bank of America Museums on Us. The Briscoe is located on the south end of the River Walk, near the Arneson River Theatre and La Villita, with convenient parking at the Riverbend Garage directly adjacent to the museum or one of many downtown surface lots. Museum hours, parking and admission details are available online.
Give dad a Father’s Day fit for a cowboy at JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa in Sonora, Texas. Photo: JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, used with permission.
Show that Yellowstone-obsessed Dad some love this Father’s Day and treat him to a weekend at the stunning, 13,000-acre JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa in Sonora Texas. (JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, 2022)
Families can celebrate their favorite cowboy with a gourmet brunch from JL Bar’s expert culinary team on Sunday, June 19, with two exclusive seatings at 11:30a.m. and 1:30p.m. (locals and day visitors can book, too). For $39.95 and $19.95 for children, guests and locals will be treated to a special menu of signatures dishes including Mesquite Grilled Tomahawk Ribeye Steaks, Smoked Pork Spareribs, and Beer Can Chicken.
For those lucky enough to stay for the weekend, there is an activity for every type of Cowboy Father. From a full equestrian program featuring horseback riding and a horse psychology experience to off-road ATV adventures, a putting/chipping Green, and clay and skeet shooting, families will be able to make so many memorable moments at JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa.
The Peach Truck will be making stops at EVO’s Schertz and Kyle locations. Photo: Peach Truck, used with permission.
Summer has finally arrived, which means the beloved Peach Truck is making its way back to EVO Entertainment with stops at EVO’s Schertz and Kyle locations. Pickups of delicious, hand-picked peaches and Georgia pecans will be available at both locations by pre-order only, and orders must be placed five days prior to the tour stops. Pickups will take place at EVO Kyle from 9a.m. to 10a.m. on Wednesday, June 29, 2022 and at EVO Schertz from 2:30p.m. to 4p.m. on Wednesday, June 29, 2022 and from 8a.m.to 9a.m.on Friday,July 22, 2022. (EVO Entertainment, 2022)
After grabbing a box or two of the best peaches around, movie lovers can kick back in one of EVO’s luxury recliners and enjoy the latest summer blockbusters. To sweeten the deal, anyone who purchases a box of peaches or products from The Peach Truck will also receive a complimentary 30-minute game card to redeem at EVO Schertz or EVO Kyle.
EVO Entertainment Group is an Austin based out-of-home entertainment operator made up from several innovative brands including EVO Entertainment, EVO Cinemas, and EVO Concerts. Since its launch in 2014, EVO has gained a reputation as a leader in innovation, as well as one of the fastest growing independent cinema circuits in the country.
Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas launches $2.4 million fundraising campaign to open Uvalde Center providing free grief support. Photo: Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas.
The recent tragedy in Uvalde highlights the need for mental health services and support not only for the families and friends of the 21 victims but for the entire community. The Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas (CBCST) is launching a $2.4 million fundraising campaign to expand its presence in Uvalde. (Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas, 2022)
The $2.4 million five-year operating budget includes real estate, staff salaries, and training for CBCST at Uvalde. Because all services offered by CBCST are free, financial donations are essential. Its two-pronged plan for assistance includes: (1) a center offering free grief support programs to the children, families and community members living with grief, and (2) grief and trauma training for Uvalde schoolteachers and counselors. Fundraising for the project has already brought in donations from several San Antonio businesses and individuals. Anyone interested in donating may do so online.
“Grief is not a linear process. The Uvalde community and surviving families will go through many stages over an extended period of time – most likely years. We will be here for them for as long as it takes.” – Marian Sokol, Executive Director for CBCST.
CBCST was on the ground in Uvalde within hours of the mass shooting and counselors specifically trained in grief and trauma have remained. They are currently operating out of a temporary space and plan to open a more permanent location in the next 45 days.
Ultimately, the Center in Uvalde will be modeled after the CBCST, offering the same services. These include individual counseling, grief camps and peer support groups for children, parents and caregivers.
CBCST is well-versed in dealing with these types of traumatic events being the largest program of its kind in the country and serving South Texas for 25 years. They created a similar temporary location in Sutherland Springs following the mass shooting there in November 2017. Additionally, they helped launch the Children’s Bereavement Center Rio Grande Valley, which now operates independently and offers the same services as CBCST.
The second prong of the plan will begin immediately with grief and trauma training for schoolteachers and counselors in the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District (UCISD). In fact, CBCST already has some connection to UCISD counselors through a recent virtual training that specifically addressed how to talk to grieving children.
The Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas’ mission is to foster healing for grieving children and youth, their families and the community. As the sole provider of grief support programs for children through young adulthood in South Texas, CBCST wholeheartedly devotes itself to addressing the bereavement needs of children from every culture and social circumstance to help them heal and move forward. CBCST believes that each person’s journey through grief is unique and therefore deserving of a distinctive approach. Their goal is to help children and their caregivers understand the depth of their grief, stabilize and preserve family relationships, and develop healthy coping skills after the death of a loved one.
The new Lone Star merchandise line comes just in time for Father’s Day. Photo: Lone Star, used with permission.
Lone Star Brewing is celebrating Texas dads with a new limited-edition merchandise line for Father’s Day. The new items include Lone Star-inspired ballcaps, a variety of t-shirts, pearl snap embroidered shirts, Lone Star branded coolers, a limited edition belt from Austin-based Zilker Belts, and more. The merchandise is available for purchase online until it sells out. (Lone Star Brewing, 2022)
The Father’s Day merchandise line was inspired by the “Modern Texan Dad” and features items for more than just dads, like unisex and women-oriented t-shirts and hats, so that all can embrace the items. Lone Star wants to acknowledge all fathers and father figures with this new limited-edition merchandise line. The t-shirts, ball caps and pearl snap shirts were all created with the help of Morgan Mercantile based in Fort Worth, Texas.
“This one’s for Pops; Fathers come in many forms and are often the ultimate guides, creators of memories and providers of family fun. We want these ‘pops’ and ‘pop figures’ to wear these items like badges of honor for their hard work. The goal was to create a line of goods that could be a cross generational ‘cheers’ and approachable to all with items that extend beyond just fathers.” – Lone Star Senior Brand Manager Daniel Crawford
Lone Star Brewing Co., the makers of Lone Star Beer “The National Beer of Texas” and Lone Star Texas Light Beer, has been proudly brewing beer in Texas since 1884. Since its founding, Lone Star has partnered with local communities throughout the state, supporting Texas-specific charities and organizations. Lone Star Brewing Co. is owned by Pabst Brewing Company, one of the largest independently owned American brewing companies.
SA Examiner 