The San Marcos Exchange: Spring 2019

Spring 2019

Exchange The San Marcos

small surprises

the art of rene perez

New hours for the animal shelter Spring and Summer camp registration

downtown swing

wic’s new mobile van

Events

Take a look at our upcoming events. Interested in learning more about one of the community events listed here? Learn more at www.sanmarcostx.gov.

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21 City Council MEeting

6-10 pm | City Hall Council Chambers Members of the public are welcome to attend the meeting in-person or view an online stream at www.sanmarcostx.gov

9 am-1 pm | Price Center Tea Room San Mercado includes art, live music, and a variety of goods and products.

APRIL

AARP Tax Aid 01

3-6 pm | San Marcos Public Library Trained volunteers from the AARP prepare individual tax returns for free. best friends for life 5:30-6:30 pm | San Marcos Activity Center Join us for this 5-week inclusive recreation program for kids of ALL abilities. 02 City Council MEeting 6-10 pm | City Hall Council Chambers Members of the public are welcome to attend the meeting in-person or view an online stream at www.sanmarcostx.gov. 04 demystifying medical careers 6-7:30 pm | San Marcos Public Library Panel discussions with physicians,

Memorial day 27 CITY OFFICES CLOSED

May

lego mania 02

4-5 pm | San Marcos Public Library Grab a bowl full of LEGOs and a base plate and build your dream creation. For ages 4 and up.

June

movies in your park 04

7:30-10:30 pm | San Marcos Plaza Park Join us every Tuesday in June and July for a FREE movie under the stars. Concessions available for purchase. city council meeting 6-10 pm | City Hall Council Chambers Members of the public are welcome to attend the meeting in-person or view an online stream at www.sanmarcostx.gov

05 Herbalism club

1-2:30 pm | San Marcos Public Library Join us for an ongoing herbalism knowledge-share with other local gardeners, foragers, and plant lovers.

07 city council meeting 6-10 pm | City Hall Council Chambers Members of the public are welcome to attend the meeting in-person or view an online stream at www.sanmarcostx.gov 09 mother & son bowling night 3-7:30 pm | Sunset Bowling Lanes A night of fun and bowling for mother figures and sons! 11 Art Squared 9 am-4 pm | 150 E Hopkins St Browse booths where local artists will

volunteer opportunities, and mentorship. Open to all ages.

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san marcos sustainability fair & native plant sale 9 am-4 pm | Discovery Center Connect with local sustainability organizations and learn skills to reduce your carboon footprint while shopping for native plants.

08 Art Squared

9 am-4 pm | 150 E Hopkins St Browse booths where local artists will have their work for sale, enjoy live music and performance art.

daddy daughter dance 14 6:30-9 pm | San Marcos Activity Center Open to young ladies age 1 year and older, along with their father figures, for a semi-formal evening of music, dancing, treats, tiaras and keepsakes. 18 City Council MEeting 6-10 pm | City Hall Council Chambers Members of the public are welcome to attend the meeting in-person or view an online stream at www.sanmarcostx.gov 26 babysitters training 9:30 am-3:30 pm | San Marcos Activity Center Students will learn about child development, safety, babysitting as a business, meals and snacks, and much more!

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Downtown Swing: Music and culture fest All Day | Downtown Square Live music, dancing, contests, and free arts & crafts.

have their work for sale, enjoy live music and performance art.

16 third

16 City Council Meeting 6-10 pm | City Hall Council Chambers Members of the public are welcome to attend the meeting in-person or view an online stream at www.sanmarcostx.gov

thursday downtown walkabout 6-9 pm | Downtown Businesses

Check out local art & entertainment, discounts and specials, and experience an evening unique to SMTX.

18 Farmer Fred’s Garden

17 party in your park 5-8 pm | Swift Memorial Park

6-9 pm | City Park Carnival games, egg hunt, candy and prizes. Free and fun for all ages!

Yard games and interactive activities. Healthy snacks, activities, music and more will be available free of charge for all guests.

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A City in Photos

Want to see your photo in our next issue? Email your photo to communicationsinfo@sanmarcostx.gov and your photo may be selected!

Downtown San Marcos Square Photo: City Staff

Holiday Movie in your Park Photo: Don Anders Photography

Jack C. Hays Statue Photo: City Staff

Kissing Alley Photo: City Staff

Rio Vista Park Photo: City Staff

Mural at the Marc Photo: City Staff

Plaza Park Bridge Photo: City Staff

Gazebo at Veramendi Plaza Photo: Samuel Aparicio

Friends of Trees Photo: Don Anders Photography

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Residents are encouraged to go hunting for the mini murals, take photos, post selfies with them, and fully interact with this unique art. “Rene’s mini murals can be delightful surprises for people walking downtown or in our parks,” said Arts Coordinator Trey Hatt. “They add a whimsical element to otherwise drab walls and bring a spirit of playfulness to our public spaces.” So what’s next for Perez? “I’m still actively painting throughout the city on my own or on private commissions,” said Perez. “I paint to mainly surprise the passersby, hopefully to make them laugh, smile or shake their heads.” Property owners interested in having a mural placed on their walls should fill out the form at www.sanmarcostx.gov/ murals and email it to Recreation Programs Manager Lisa Morris at lmorris@sanmarcostx.gov or Arts Coordinator Trey Hatt at ghatt@sanmarcostx.gov. For more information about the San Marcos Mural Arts Program, please contact Lisa Morris at 512.393.8400 or by email at lmorris@sanmarcostx.gov. Artists who are interested in applying for one of our current mural projects are invited to visit www.sanmarcostx.gov/callsforartists. Cover: “Squirrel with Trumpet” at Plaza Park Top Left: Rene Perez poses with “Cupig” in Kissing Alley. Photo by Don Anders Photography Bottom Right: “Heron with Butts”

Pint-sized portraits san marcos finds art in the most unexpected places.

• “Cat Pie” at 119 E. Hopkins • “Cupig” at Kissing Alley • “Rats” at Kissing Alley • “Birdhouse” at Dunbar Park • “Heron/Bottle” at Rio Vista Park near the Lions Club tube pickup • “Squirrel with Trumpet” at the stage in Plaza Park • “Goats on Wall” at 302 W. Hopkins • “Heron with Butts” at 345 N. LBJ • “Rattlesnake/Bobcat” at 120 E. San Antonio Street • “Trash Fish” at Rio Vista Park near the Ranger Station

If you weren’t looking, you might not see these small gems of art scattered around San Marcos. Playful renditions of woodland creatures exhibiting some surprisingly human behaviors can be found tucked away in alleys, on the sides of buildings, or on lampposts. Finding them all can be a treasure hunt, one that’s sure to make you smile and appreciate the unique culture that exists in our town. These snapshots are the brainchild of Rene Perez, a San Marcos resident and local artist. Perez specializes in richly colorful paintings, usually depicting animals in unusual or humorous situations. He is entirely self-taught and has a deep passion for his art and San Marcos. This quirky and vibrant style caught the eye of the San Marcos Mural Arts Program, an initiative that commissions murals and provides grants and design assistance to artists wishing to place murals on public and private property throughout the city. This program began in 2014, modeled after a successful program in Philadelphia addressing graffiti vandalism with mural art. Perez was approached by the Mural Arts Program after a committee member saw his series of mini murals at downtown eatery, Blue Dahlia Bistro. He began composing miniature art for the City beginning in April 2017. Now there are ten City-official mini murals:

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SMEU Installs Fault Circuit Indicators

we can achieve a significant reduction in restoration times.” For more information about the Fault Circuit Indicator Project, contact electricutilityinfo@sanmarcostx.gov.

These fault indicators are designed to reduce repair times by pinpointing fault locations

is making changes to attract potential adopters. At the public’s request, the adoption office has shifted their hours later in the day, and families looking to adopt a pet can now visit the shelter Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 12pm-7pm, and Saturday 12pm-5pm. “These hours are more convenient for families stopping by after work on weekdays,” said Animal Services Manager Kara Montiel, “With this new availability, we hope there will be even more chances for our pets to find forever homes.” This increase will hopefully continue the hot streak of adoptions Animal Services has achieved over the last year. Home 4 the Holidays 2018, a three month adoption special stretching from October 1-January 5, found a record-breaking 323 homes for San Marcos shelter pets. “We’re really working to increase our adoptions every season,” said Animal Shelter Supervisor Erin McCann. “Each new month is a chance for us to challenge ourselves and our staff to increase the amount of lives we can save in our community.” The City of San Marcos is currently installing fault circuit indicators on all 24 feeder circuits within the city. Fault indicators, which flash a light when they sense a fault on an electric line, are used to assist the city in locating problems requiring necessary repairs. These indicators provide a visual clue that a repair is needed and reduce the amount of time required to identify and correct an issue associated with an electrical line or circuit. After a fault, an indicator will flash for eight hours and automatically reset itself,

so there is no cause for alarm to see one or more of these indicators flashing in your neighborhood. “This is a very low cost program that will allow our lineworkers to quickly identify the location of trouble spots, isolate the faulted locations, and improve their ability to restore power to the rest of the circuit.” said Tyler Hjorth, Assistant Director of San Marcos Electric Utility, “With the number of trees, vegetation, animals, and storms that we have in San Marcos, eliminating outages altogether may not be feasible, but

Animal Shelter Adopts New hours, embraces new goals T he San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter

Shelter Supervisor Erin McCann enjoys some yard time with shelter dog Jibbs. Photo by Greg Mitchum Photography

An adjustment in hours isn’t the only change coming to Animal Services. The department is also preparing to relaunch its foster program, enabling volunteers to temporarily open their home to a shelter pet while they are waiting for their forever families. “It’s something that I know is very important to the community and to

the staff, so I’m excited to see the foster program relaunch,” said McCann, “If you’ve been interested in volunteering or fostering, now is the time to get involved!” For more information about the animal shelter, adoption or volunteering, visit www.sanmarcostx.gov/animalservices.

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On the Road: WIC’s Mobile Van

caregivers on the proper nutrition for babies and young children. In addition to nutrition education, WIC clients also receive breastfeeding support and education, supplemental WIC foods, and referrals to other health and social services. For more information about the WIC program or how to volunteer, email wicinfo@sanmarcostx.gov

Neighborhood Enhancement Assistant Director DerryAnn Krupinsky poses in the new mobile WIC van.

Get ready, because WIC is hitting the road! The San Marcos chapter of Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Nutritional Services has recently acquired a mobile van clinic. The van, originally purchased from Creative Bus Sales, was given a full overhaul by Lonestar Handicap Vans in Tyler, Texas. The van now sports generated power, a portable air conditioning unit and a functioning lab. WIC staff will now be able to record height, weight, and blood iron levels, perform a full certification,

provide education, and issue WIC benefits remotely. “This is a huge asset to our WIC program,” said Assistant Director of Neighborhood Enhancement, DerryAnn Krupinsky, “This creates more visibility, allows functionality at health fairs and other events, and allows us to reach people who would otherwise have a difficult time accessing WIC services.” WIC is a health and nutrition program focused on educating parents and

The mobile van is built to provide many standard services on the go for local families.

Main Street Presents: Downtown Swing Festival

helpful guide on places to stay in the area. On Saturday, April 13, the San Marcos Farmer’s Market will include an Arts Market as part of Downtown Swing. Vendors will be set up along San Antonio Street and on the Hays County Courthouse lawn. The joining of these two markets will allow attendees the opportunity to purchase and enjoy local and homegrown products along with original artwork showcased by the artists themselves. Free arts and crafts for kids will also be available. For more information and a schedule of events visit www.smtxswingfest.com

Local San Marcos band, Big Cedar Fever, performs during the 2018 Downtown Swing festival.

The Main Street Program is excited to announce the return of the annual Downtown Swing festival. Downtown Swing is a swing music and culture fest for all ages set to take place April 11-14 at various music venues downtown. The four-day event will feature live music, dancing, as well as a Farmer’s and Arts Market. Eight venues hosted events in 2018, including the first-ever “Dolly Parton

Tribute & Look-a-like Contest” at Stonewall Warehouse. This year, Main Street anticipates increased venue participation at various locations, all within walking distance. “It’s always great to see how music and dancing brings people together in the heart of our city,” said Josie Falletta, Interim Manager for the Main Street Program. Tickets for Downtown Swing are 100% free and all shows are open to the public. For more information on lodging, visitors can visit toursanmarcos.com/hotels for a

D O W N T O W N

Music and Culture Fest

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Introducing: Neighborhood Enhancement

A new department- with new responsibilities- is changing the face of San Marcos neighborhoods. In Fall 2018, City Manager Bert Lumbreras announced the formation of Neighborhood Enhancement, a department dedicated to improving resident quality of life through innovative and creative solutions tailor-made for the City of San Marcos. Neighborhood Enhancement, formerly Neighborhood Services, now encompasses several other departments, all targeting a unique facet of San Marcos living: • Animal Services • Code Compliance • Environmental Health • WIC (Women, Infants, and Children Supplemental Nutrition Program) • Neighborhood Vitality What is Neighborhood Vitality? If the name Neighborhood Vitality is unfamiliar to you, you’re not alone. This new department is responsible for targeted assistance to San Marcos neighborhoods, emphasizing education and problem- solving to improve quality of life and image. Neighborhood Vitality is comprised of two divisions: • Resource Recovery: Dedicated to providing an integrated solid waste

The Neighborhood Vitality Team focuses on improving quality of life at the neghborhood level. Photo by Don Anders Photography

system that includes recycling and compost programs, community clean- ups, household hazardous waste drop off and more. between Texas State University and the City of San Marcos to address common issues of a university town by using innovative approaches to increase quality of life for a successful off-campus living experience. Residents can visit the Neighborhood Enhancement office located behind the two story Municipal Building on the City Hall Complex, Monday-Friday from 8am to 5pm, or reach them by calling 512-393- 8440. For more information, visit www.sanmarcostx.gov/living. • ACT (Achieving Community Together): a collaborative effort

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Spring and Summer is now in session: Camp Registrations

The Parks and Recreation Department is offering 9 themed weeks of exploring, adventure, and discovery where campers have the chance to be outside, conduct experiments, build things, get messy, work as a team, develop leadership skills, and have fun! Session: June 10-August 9, 7:30 am- 5:30 pm, Monday-Friday Location: Dunbar Recreation Center, 801 Martin Luther King Dr. Cost: Registration for residents is $150/ week and begins on April 2. Registration for non-residents is $175/week and begins on April 23. Age: Children ages 5-10 are eligible to register. adventure every day to various field trip sites. The Exotic Resort Zoo in Johnson City and ZDT’s in Seguin are examples of some of the fun places we will be going. We hope you can join us! Sessions: Camp sessions are held 7:30 am- 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Session One: July 8-12 Session Two: August 12-16 Location: Recreation Hall in City Park, 170 Charles Austin Dr. Cost: Registration for residents is $115 and begins on April 1 Registration for non-residents is $130 and begins on April 22. Age : Children ages 7-14 are eligible to register, 6 years old if the child has completed first grade. For more information, visit www.sanmarcostx.gov/springbreakcamp. Camp Quest: At Camp Quest, campers go on an

Spring Break is just around the corner, and Parks and Recreation Youth Services is here with another round of Spring Break and Summer camps designed to entertain and educate youngsters of all ages. Spring Break Camp is now accepting registrations, and space is limited, so sign your children up for a week they’ll never forget at the Parks and Recreation Office, 401 E. Hopkins St. Spring Break Camp: Spring Break Camp offers games, crafts, field trips in San Marcos as well as a large field trip out of town to Dart ‘em Up in Austin! Session: March 18-22, 7:30 am-5:30 pm Location: Dunbar Recreation Center, 801 Martin Luther King Dr. Cost: $150/child for the entire week. Age: Children ages 5-11 are eligible to register. Campers enjoy a dinosaur sensory box at Discovery Camp

Summer Fun: Summer Fun is an 8-week program hosted by the City of San Marcos Parks and Recreation Department. Field trips are to the Rio Vista Pool, Starplex Movie Theatre, and Sunset Bowling Lanes. Sessions: The camp sessions will be held 7:30 am-5:30 pmMonday through Friday. Session One: June 10- June 28 Session Two: July 15- August 9 Location: TBD Cost: Registration for residents is $32/week and begins on April 1. Registration for non-residents is $50/week and begins on April 22. Age: Children ages 7-14 are eligible to register, 6 years old if the child has completed first grade. Discovery Camp: Experience an adventure this summer with the City of San Marcos Discovery Camp!

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