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People, places and possibilities

A LOOK

WORKING TO BRING TOURETTE SUPPORT GROUP TO COASTAL BEND

Last year, our annual edition of SCENE magazine focused heavily on the critical state of our regional water supply—and rightfully so. While nature has granted us temporary relief, this welcome blessing affords us the liberty to turn our lens toward the extraordinary people, vibrant communities and boundless possibiliDENNIS WADE ties that define the Coastal Bend Publisher we call home. Within these pages, you will discover stories that capture the true spirit of South Texas. Our dedicated team of journalists, photographers and researchers has poured immense care and craft into uncovering what makes our region thrive. We know you will enjoy the fruits of their labor. As our community grows, there is always more to tell. Please enjoy this edition, and we invite you to share your feedback or story ideas as we plan next year’s issue. Thank you for reading and supporting local journalism.

NSIDE 4 CUSTOM CHARACTER

Former South Texas teacher trades classroom for custom hat-making

6 SAFETY OR SURVEILLANCE?

South Texas communities debate the growing reach of automated license plate readers

10 FLEXING HER SMILE

Skidmore-Tynan High School student couldn’t hide the joy of being a world champion

14 MCMULLEN COUNTY:

Where western heritage lives on

HEALING ON THE WING

18 SMALL TOWN LIFE:

Big reasons to keep it that way

22 THE PAINTED WORD

Winding road has led South Texas artist to path of fulfillment

26 HAMLYN:

Seeks to create, inspire opportunities, projects

30 FROM QUESTION TO CAUSE

Refugio author turns confusion over government classifications into books, national advocacy

34 HEALING ON THE WING:

How a rescued pelican led a couple to their purpose in Rockport

38 TOURETTE SUPPORT GROUP Former youth ambassador’s parents working to bring help to Coastal Bend

2026 South Texas Scene

CUSTOM ter Charac

FORMER SOUTH TEXAS TEACHER TRADES CLASSROOM FOR CUSTOM HAT-MAKING

wife and a small circle of friends, Vickers headed to Salt Lake City to learn a trade that was nearly extinct.

LEARNING AN OLD CRAFT

SINTON — Step inside Chiltipin Creek Hats on a typical morning, and the atmosphere hits you instantly. The workshop smells of fresh coffee, rich leather and the distinct, warm scent of steamed fur felt. Wooden hat blocks line the shelves, vintage machinery sits ready on workbench counters and half-finished crowns rest in various stages of shaping.

FROM CLASSROOM TO HAT SHOP

For 20 years, David Vickers guided students through the past as a history teacher at Moreno Junior High in Beeville. He loved working with kids, but over time, mountain-high paperwork and friction with school administrators eroded the joy of the classroom. When he announced he was leaving education to make custom cowboy hats, the reaction was swift. "Most people said I was nuts," Vickers said. Even his friend Steve — the mentor who originally encouraged him to become a teacher — called the career change a huge mistake. But supported by his

For almost a month, Vickers apprenticed under master hatter J.W. Whittington, diving into methods dating back generations. The learning curve was steep, especially mastering the machine stitching required for leather sweatbands. "The old man gave me an old hat and an old band, and I sewed it in with the machine over and over until the crown had so many stitch holes that it separated from the brim," Vickers said. It would take years — and acquiring a vintage 1938 sewing machine built specifically for the task — to perfect the process.

TOOLS WITH THEIR OWN HISTORY

Today, Vickers operates Chiltipin Creek Hats using equipment that carries its own history. His most prized piece is a 1908 crown iron originally powered by steam belts, which Whittington retrofitted with an electric motor. As it spins, the iron conforms the felt to a wooden block and smooths the crown's finish. Vickers works primarily with rabbit and beaver fur felt, crafting each piece to the buyer's specifications. "Rabbit is less expensive, but it’s still quality," Vickers said. "Beaver is the best. It’s softer and handles water better."

HOURS OF WORK IN EVERY HAT

ABBY THARP | SOUTH TEXAS NEWS

David Vickers steams fur felt over a nozzle to soften the material before handshaping the crown of a custom hat at Chiltipin Creek Hats in Sinton. Each hat requires between five and seven hours of manual labor to craft by hand.

Transforming raw felt into a finished custom hat takes between five and seven hours of hands-on labor spread over several days. Pulling the felt over a wooden block, shaping the crown, cutting the brim and "pouncing" — a traditional hatter’s sanding technique — takes about three hours. Fitting sweatbands, sewing brim ribbons and setting the interior lining takes another four hours.

A FADING TRADE FINDS NEW LIFE

Decades ago, custom hat-making was on the verge of fading away in Texas, dropping to fewer than 10 full-time hatter shops state-wide. A growing demand for bespoke, handcrafted goods has helped bring the craft back. For Vickers, shaping hats isn't so different from teaching history — both rely on respecting traditional methods, focusing on detail and passing down something built to last. n Abby Tharp, abby@southtexasnews.com

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Safety or Surveillance? South Texas communities debate the growing reach of automated license plate readers

SOUTH TEXAS – If you have driven across Bee, Goliad, Karnes, Live Oak, San Patricio or Aransas counties recently, your vehicle has almost certainly passed through an invisible dragnet. Positioned along two-lane state highways, rural farm-to-market roads and bustling A STRIKING SYMBOL OF municipal intersections, slender black poles MODERN GOVERNANCE— topped with dark camera boxes and small solar panels stare out at passing traffic. STANDING RIGHT AT THE They are Automated License Plate Readers— known as ALPRs—manufactured INTERSECTION OF PUBLIC commonly by technology vendor Flock Safety. SAFETY, CIVIC TRUST AND Unlike traditional traffic cameras, they do not issue speeding tickets or run red-light INDIVIDUAL PRIVACY. violations. Instead, they continuously capture the high-speed signature of everyday transportation: scanning license plates, recording vehicle colors, identifying makes and models, and instantly broadcasting that data into a searchable cloud database monitored by law enforcement in real time. Across the Coastal Bend and rural South Texas, the rapid expansion of these roadside sentinels has sparked an escalating debate. On one side stand police chiefs and sheriffs who view the technology as an essential multiplier for understaffed departments. On the other stand civil liberties advocates, defense attorneys and wary residents who question the constitutional cost of logging the daily routines of innocent motorists.

CAMERAS SPREAD ACROSS SOUTH TEXAS

The deployment of Flock technology across local counties has unfolded at a rapid pace. In Bee County, the Beeville Police Department recently sought grant funding to align with regional law enforcement partners, including the Bee County Sheriff’s Office and Coastal Bend College Police Department, to construct an interconnected local monitoring network. Down on the coast, the Aransas Pass Police Department utilizes local camera networks to track suspect vehicles entering municipal borders, while the Goliad County Sheriff’s Office acquired plate readers through state funding grants to curb regional vehicle thefts and agricultural property crimes. Concurrently, the Texas Department of Public Safety operates ALPR units along state rights-of-way on major travel arteries like Highway 181, Highway 77 and State Highway 35 under permits issued by TxDOT. State authorities emphasize that access to footage is strictly governed by interlocal agreements and reserved for official law enforcement investigations.

2026 South Texas Scene

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

A solar-powered Flock Safety Automated License Plate Reader scans daily traffic, logging license plates and vehicle characteristics into a searchable cloud database in real time. As local police cite investigative wins, area city councils like Ingleside are weighing public privacy concerns against the rapid growth of roadside surveillance.

LAW ENFORCEMENT POINTS TO RESULTS

DPS points to clear investigative victories. Texas Rangers recently drew on regional plate data to track a home-invasion suspect to San Antonio, leading to the arrest of four individuals, two of whom were wanted for murder. Following a severe multi-vehicle pileup in Hill County, troopers relied on camera logs to identify incinerated vehicles and notify families, while regional departments routinely use hotlist alerts to resolve Amber Alerts and locate missing elderly citizens within minutes.

INGLESIDE PULLS BACK

Yet, despite these success stories, local opposition has reached a tipping point in several South Texas communities. In San Patricio County, the Ingleside City Council made headlines when members voted unanimously to authorize terminating the city’s contract for six Flock cameras scheduled for placement along Main Street and Highway 361. The council allocated up to $22,000 in discretionary funds to pay early termination fees after hearing

strong pushback from residents. Ingleside Councilman Victor Polanco Jr. observed during the meeting that while the program began as a phenomenal tool, it had expanded into a broad system vulnerable to misuse. Ingleside Police Chief Martin Molina noted that while his officers appreciated the technology’s utility in solving local cases, the department respected public opinion and would continue keeping the city safe through standard police work.

STATE FUNDING, PERMITS PUT ON HOLD

The policy ground shifted even further when Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ordered state agencies to pause state grant funding for Flock cameras. The decision came as scrutiny mounted over statebacked auto-burglary grants that funneled tens of millions of dollars into deploying roadside camera networks. Concurrently, the Texas Department of Transportation suspended issuing new permits for ALPR installations along state roads. The state’s sudden funding pause and permit freeze have impacted programs across Texas, leaving local city councils and county commissioner courts to decide whether to fund the surveillance systems entirely with local taxpayer money or pull the plug for good. SEE FLOCK PAGE 8

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A solar-powered Flock Safety license plate reader stands mounted on a roadside pole at Coastal Bend College in Beeville. The college police department joined regional law enforcement agencies in deploying the technology, highlighting how license plate readers have expanded into local educational institutions and municipal centers across Bee County.

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2026 South Texas Scene

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

An interactive online map from DeFlock.org details crowd-sourced locations of Flock Safety Automated License Plate Readers positioned along public roadways. As privacy advocates and motorists utilize digital tools to track camera placements across South Texas, local government officials are weighing citizen transparency against law enforcement tools.

FLOCK

FROM PAGE 7

CONCERNS GROW OVER MISUSE

National reports of improper system use have reinforced calls for strict local oversight. “Anyone with policing experience could have reasonably foreseen that what have been termed as ‘curiosity searches’ by officers, searches for private reasons not related to police work, were going to be a problem this technology faced,” said Ian Adams, an associate professor of criminology at the University of South Carolina studying the platform. In response to national pushback, Flock Safety CEO Garrett Langley announced a series of mandatory operational changes for all law enforcement customers. The company reduced its default data retention window from 30 days to seven days, requiring departments

2026 South Texas Scene

to tie retained footage to an active case number. Flock also made search-reason requirements mandatory and introduced settings allowing cities to block outside agencies from querying local data for specific non-violent offenses, such as immigration enforcement. Langley stated the updates give individual communities the ability to manage the platform in a way “consistent with community values.” CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Flock Safety CEO Garrett Langley faces rising nationwide debate as his company mandates new search controls and reduced data retention for its network of license plate readers. Privacy advocates argue the changes are PR measures, while law enforcement leaders credit the technology with solving critical crimes across South Texas.

CRITICS SAY SAFEGUARDS FALL SHORT

Civil liberties advocates remain unconvinced. The American Civil Liberties Union characterized many of the updates as “retreads” of voluntary measures that officers previously bypassed by typing generic text into search reason boxes. Robert Frommer, a senior attorney at the Institute for Justice, described the company’s policy updates as “window dressing” from a vendor facing mounting public friction. “This is window dressing that doesn’t address the fundamental problem, which is that police officers are the ones deciding who and when to search, and that should be done by judges with real warrants,” Frommer said. Andrew Guthrie Ferguson, a law professor at George Washington University Law School, emphasized that the debate touches on a deep-seated cultural tension. “Flock and the movement against it have captured people’s sense that maybe they don’t want to be surveilled all the time,” Ferguson noted, calling for statutory guardrails and judicial oversight. Public safety analysts maintain that finding middle ground requires thoughtful local policy. “It’s a balancing act. A community has a legitimate interest in how information is used, but it also has a legitimate interest in the effectiveness of a police department in preventing crime,” said Chuck Wexler, executive director of the Police Executive Research

Forum. “I think a balance can be struck, but it’s more likely to come from department policy than company changes.”

PRIVACY DEBATE REACHES THE HIGHWAY

For residents motoring between coastal ports and inland county seats, the proliferation of roadside cameras presents fundamental constitutional questions. While courts historically hold that drivers have no expectation of privacy on public roadways, privacy scholars argue that aggregating millions of daily location scans into a permanent timeline transforms public observation into a full-scale tracking mechanism showing where citizens work, pray, shop and live. In response, grassroots mapping networks like DeFlock.org and search portals like HaveIBeenFlocked. com have gained popularity among drivers seeking transparency regarding camera locations and audit logs.

LOCAL DECISIONS STILL AHEAD

As South Texas leaders re-evaluate municipal budgets and contract renewals in light of the state funding freeze, the black poles along regional highways remain a striking symbol of modern governance—standing right at the intersection of public safety, civic trust and individual privacy. n Abby Tharp, abby@southtexasnews.com

2026 South Texas Scene

FLEXING HER SMILE

joy

Skidmore-Tynan High School student couldn’t hide the

Above, Elaina Canales competes in the squat. At right, Canales smiles after winning the SubJunior 84-kilogram equipped division world title. WHITE LIGHTS MEDIA | CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

SKIDMORE – Elaina Canales just couldn’t keep a straight face. The 16-year-old Skidmore-Tynan High School student tried her best while standing on the podium, with her gold medal draped around her neck, to take in the moment without showing too much emotion. Canales could not do it. “Competing, especially doing one of my favorite sports ever and just being able to do this at such a high level, it brings a joy out of me that I cannot suppress,” Canales said. “I could try to be all nonchalant and cool, but I really can’t.” There was plenty for her to smile about. A half a world away, Canales won the girls SubJunior 84-kilogram equipped division at the 2026 International Powerlifting Federation Sub-Junior and Junior World Championships on Aug. 20 in Sun City, South Africa. She was the youngest member of the U.S. roster and one of 65 athletes representing Powerlifting America at the championships. The organization sent 31 lifters for equipped competition and 34 for classic competition. When the national anthem began playing and Canales stood atop the podium, the size of the accomplishment started to settle in. “Shock, for sure,” she said. “But then as it settled in, I was just thinking about this is who people see me as. This is what I achieved, and this is a part of who I am.” Canales kept looking toward her mother, Cassandra Dale, while receiving her awards. “I think I was looking at her kind of a lot of the time, especially on the podium and getting my awards, because she’s the only one that really always supported me for what I do, and anything I do, no matter what it is,” Canales said. “Clearly she supports me. I mean,

of being a world champion

we went all the way to South Africa.” The journey to South Africa was Canales’ first experience flying. She and her mother spent about 31 hours traveling, including layovers. They flew from San Antonio to Dallas before taking flights lasting eight and 15 hours, followed by a three-hour shuttle ride to the resort. “I hated it,” Canales said. Winning a world championship made the trip easier to forgive.

A QUICK RISE

Canales’ path to South Africa began with a national championship in May. She won the women’s equipped 84-kilogram Sub-Junior division at the Powerlifting America Age Division Nationals with a 410-kilogram total, or approximately 904 pounds. Canales squatted 185 kilograms, bench-pressed 77.5 kilograms and completed a 147.5-kilogram deadlift. The performance marked a 72.5-kilogram improvement from her first Powerlifting America meet only a month earlier. She totaled 337.5 kilograms and placed second in the equipped Sub-Junior 84-plus kilogram division at the STX Powerhouse Throwdown in April. Her success extended a strong high school season with Skidmore-Tynan. Canales won the 198-pound division at the Texas High School Women’s Powerlifting Association Class 1A-2A regional meet March 2. She finished with an 850-pound total after recording a 345-pound squat, 175-pound SEE CANALES PAGE 12

CANALES

FROM PAGE 10

bench press and 330-pound deadlift. She later placed seventh in her weight class at the THSWPA Class 1A-2A state championships. Canales credits much of her improvement to coach Jack Rangel, with whom she began training in January. “I’ve improved so much,” Canales said. “I didn’t even know that going to nationals and winning that title and then winning worlds was a possibility for me. But because of him, I was able to get there.” The support did not come from one coach alone. “My team has been my biggest supporters besides my family and my mom,” she said. “Having everyone behind me is just such a great thing. It just pushes me forward.”

INSPIRED BY HER SISTER

Powerlifting first caught Canales’ attention while she watched her older sister, Kristena Hicks, train and compete. Canales followed her sister into the sport as a Skidmore-Tynan freshman. “I practiced with her and worked with her,” Canales said. “I just watched her be that person. I was like, ‘Oh, my gosh, she’s so cool. She’s so strong. Let me just do exactly like her.’ ” Her sister advanced to regional competition in 2022 and 2023. An injury, however, kept her from returning to the form she showed early in high school. Canales understands how quickly an injury can change an athlete’s plans. She has remained healthy as a powerlifter. “I feel like I’m pretty blessed to have such a body and just be able to do all these things and still go uninjured,” she said.

GETTING USED TO THE ATTENTION

Canales calls herself an introvert, at least until she gets comfortable. Competing before cameras and answering questions about herself have required some adjustment. “Being able to be in front of a

2026 South Texas Scene

camera, it’s kind of hard because it is all really new to me,” she said. “I guess making it about powerlifting makes it easier.” The attention followed her home from South Africa. Canales joked that her parents had become her bodyguards against the “paparazzi.” “I like the attention, just not so much at once,” she said. What matters most is having others realize the work behind her success. “It’s nice to know that people are recognizing my strength and my hard work,” Canales said. “It makes me feel good about myself knowing people see that with me.” Powerlifting also has given Canales an opportunity to challenge assumptions about girls and strength sports. When people ask what powerlifting is or appear surprised that she competes, she explains the squat, bench press and deadlift. She hopes her success can help make female strength athletes more visible. “If I continue this sport outside of high school, I can build a platform to where it’s more normalized that women and girls are strong, that they show that strength, especially on TV and getting these world titles,” Canales said. She plans to continue lifting after high school and possibly in college. “Girls can do anything a guy can do,” she said.

CLOSING IN ON 1,000

Canales returned from South Africa with a world title and another number on her mind. She wants to join the 1,000-pound club, which requires a combined squat, bench press and deadlift of at least 1,000 pounds. She is about 60 pounds short of the mark. “That has been my thing,” Canales said. “I’m almost there.” Her schedule reflects how seriously she takes that goal. Canales trains about four times a week with the Skidmore-Tynan program and three times a week with Rangel for Powerlifting America competition. The THSWPA and Powerlifting America are separate organizations

with different competition schedules. Canales expects to compete in a Powerlifting America meet in December and defend her national title in April at Lake Tahoe. Training is only part of the work. Canales followed a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet before nationals and worlds while cutting back on soft drinks and sweets. The sweets were not easy to surrender. Her mother said Canales learned how to open childproof locks at age 2 so she could reach the candy. “Personally, you’ll never catch me on a super-strict diet for more than three months,” Canales said. She knows that improving her lifts will require discipline, but she does not intend to let the pursuit of bigger numbers drain her enjoyment of the sport. “I definitely have to keep up my diet, keep up my weight and just make sure I stay where I am,” Canales said. “And just have fun.”

SUPPORT FROM HOME

Canales’ mother accompanied her to South Africa. Her father, Will, stayed home but followed the meet via livestream regardless of how early he had to wake up to watch. He shared updates and told others about his daughter’s performance, providing the kind of support that Canales said often happens outside the spotlight. “If you think about theater and the crew that’s not acting but is backstage, that’s kind of who he is,” she said. “He’s so important in my life, and he’s supported me throughout everything.” Future international championships could take her to Japan or Panama. Either trip would mean another long flight, another demanding meet and another chance to represent the United States. It would probably mean more photographs, too. Canales has already shown she has no interest in hiding her smile. “It was just a ton of fun,” she said. “I just want to thank God for giving me this body and then thank my mom for being able to support me.” n Coy Slavik, coy@southtexasnews.com

JUDGE WADE J HEDTKE

IS VERY PROUD TO CALL

KARNES COUNTY

OUR HOME!

MCMullen County:

Where western heritage lives on

MCMULLEN COUNTY – A sign at the courthouse in Tilden greets drivers: Welcome to the Free State of McMullen County. The motto, which dates back nearly 70 years, is associated with the Cenizo Study Club and emphasizes the county’s independence, autonomy and love of its western heritage. From the courthouse to McMullen County Heritage Park to the school, where the Cowboys and Cowgirls are the mascots, the love of western life is evident. The traditions carry forward from one generation to the next.

A HERITAGE BUILT ON INDEPENDENCE

McMullen County Judge James Teal explains the significance of preserving the county’s heritage. “In the age of digital everything, we need to stay focused on our heritage and what makes McMullen County a great place to live, work and raise a family,” said Teal. The legacy of the county’s way of life began with earlier generations. “A few pioneer families came to McMullen County, each for their own reasons and they stayed. Through thick and thin, drought and flood, they stayed. Rural,

2026 South Texas Scene

DR. JANET M. CUNNINGHAM | SOUTH TEXAS NEWS

Top, The Tilden Lions Club Rodeo has been a McMullen County tradition for 76 years. Middle, Young McMullen County residents learn about the cowboy way of life from an early age. Bottom, during Rodeo Days, elementary students learn the basics of roping.

pioneer ranching families raised their families, remained close and bonded with each other to form a unique land, forged in independence and strength,” said Teal. As families face modern issues, they continue to hold fast to their roots and traditions. SEE MCMULLEN PAGE 16

MCMULLEN

FROM PAGE 14

RODEO TRADITION SPANS GENERATIONS

One of those traditions is the annual Tilden Lions Club Rodeo. For 76 years, the rodeo has been going strong, and traditions such as the Grand Entry continue, with people riding their horses to the rodeo to participate. Long-time residents remember the rodeo as a big social gathering and an opportunity for people who lived outside Tilden to come together. Today, families continue to meet during the Labor Day weekend event, seeing friends and neighbors like a big family reunion. For some, the best part is seeing young children grow up and participate in the rodeo. McMullen County Principal Joe Timms commented, “There is something special about sitting in those stands and looking around at generations of McMullen County families gathered together. We are watching a rodeo, but we are also sharing a culture, a tradition, and an experience that has been passed down from one generation to the next.”

STUDENTS LEARN THE WESTERN WAY OF LIFE

The children are watching and learning about honoring the traditions and legacy of western heritage. In McMullen County, they start learning early, from cowboys at the rodeo to lessons in school. At the elementary school, children from prekindergarten to second grade learn about the agricultural and ranching culture of the county. During Rodeo Days, held during the week of the Lions Club Rodeo, the children rotate through stations learning about riding and caring for horses. They have a chance to barrel race on a stick horse and try their skills at roping. From older students, they hear stories about cowboys and cowgirls. Timms said, “Our students are connected to where they are going, but we also want them connected to where they came from. Rodeo Days is one small way we keep that history alive.”

HERITAGE PARK CARRIES THE THEME FORWARD

Even in the new McMullen County Heritage Park, children learn early to appreciate aspects of country life. The splash pad contains a windmill, and there is a rock horse to climb. The playground is filled with western motifs, including cactus, a “jail” in the monkey bars and a blacksmith shop to play in.

THE MEANING OF THE ‘FREE STATE’

Many residents cherish the saying, “The Free State of McMullen County,” which is associated with the Cenizo Study Club, which began in 1955. There is no documentation regarding exactly how the motto began or its original meaning, but most people see it as a positive statement. In the wide-open

2026 South Texas Scene

DR. JANET M. CUNNINGHAM | SOUTH TEXAS NEWS

Elementary students learn about horses and ranching during Rodeo Days.

spaces of the county, there is a sense of freedom – to think for yourself, be responsible for your actions, not depend on the government and maintain an independent spirit.

CENIZO STUDY CLUB LEAVES ITS MARK

Fran Swenson, who served as president of the club in 2008, provided a little history of the organization. She said the club began as a garden club, but there were many rules that had to be followed, along with an expense to be an official garden club. So, they changed the name to Cenizo Study Club and became more of a civic organization. “We had meetings in people’s homes, so you got to go all over the county and visit other people’s houses. It was a good social club and a great way to meet people,” Swenson said. She added that club members worked on beautification projects and raised money from the Labor Day bake sale for scholarships for McMullen County students. The club is also known for working to help clean up Boot Hill Cemetery in Tilden. Club members, as well as some of the sheriff’s inmates, cleared brush and located graves. The club was instrumental in helping to commission a large Boot Hill sign, as well as securing a Texas Historical Marker that stands at the cemetery entrance. The cemetery is reportedly one of only two authentic “Boot Hill” cemeteries in the Southwest.

KEEPING THE LEGACY ALIVE

Preserving the past is important to McMullen County residents, as is passing traditions on to the next generation. There’s something special about McMullen County. In a county that is far from big cities, people learn to depend on themselves, as well as reach out to help neighbors in need. It is a community in every sense of the word. “While times continue to change, the heart of McMullen County remains strong to this day, but we should never forget the ones who came before and gave us a solid legacy to stand on,” said Judge Teal. n Dr. Janet M. Cunningham, theprogress@southtexasnews.com

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Small Town Life LIVE OAK COUNTY – There’s something special about living in a small town. Whether it’s the feeling of community, the country breeze, the beauty of the night sky or simply knowing your neighbors, those who love smalltown life say they wouldn’t trade it for big-city lights, traffic and a faster pace. In George West, Three Rivers and smaller communities such as Lagarto, Oakville and Ray Point, residents say the close-knit way of life is one of the reasons they are proud to call Live Oak County home.

NEIGHBORS BECOME FAMILY

A strong sense of community is one of the most common reasons residents give for loving smalltown life. When a family is facing a medical crisis, funeral expenses or other hardships, neighbors come together to help. Josie L. Fernandez described that feeling simply: “Everyone knows each other and everybody is family.” She said that when something tragic happens, “we all come out and support those in need.” That sense of familiarity extends beyond neighbors to local businesses and community 18 2026 South Texas Scene

BIG REASONS TO KEEP IT THAT WAY institutions. Residents know the people behind the counter at local businesses, know their families and often see them at school, church and community events. Roberta Dobie said she enjoys doing business with people who become friends and knowing their families. In a small town, she said, “you don’t have to have a PIN or go through an automated phone system – you can walk in and be greeted properly.”

COUNTRY LIVING WITHOUT GIVING UP CONVENIENCE

For others, small-town living offers a balance between the conveniences of a larger community and the benefits of rural life. “The community, amenities of the big city with a fraction of the crime and problems, smalltown is the best,” Sean Steele said. “Perfect mixture of country and city. You know almost everyone.” Peace and quiet are also part of the appeal. Residents point to star-filled nights, wildlife in their yards, quiet mornings and darker skies as simple pleasures that can be difficult to find in larger cities.

A PLACE TO RAISE CHILDREN Small towns also provide

a comfortable place to raise children. Children grow up knowing their neighbors and classmates, while parents often become part of a community that supports young people beyond their own families. Sports are another part of that community connection, particularly Friday night football. “Friday Night Lights … nothing like small-town high school football,” Danny Gregory said. The support extends beyond the athletes. Parents and community members cheer for local children as if they were their own, creating a sense of pride that reaches throughout the community.

PATRIOTISM AND TRADITION RUN DEEP

Patriotism and respect for veterans are also woven into small-town life. Children learn from an early age to appreciate the American flag and those who served to protect the country. In Live Oak County, flags fly at the courthouse and throughout the county, including during the annual Patriotic Revival. Life in a small town also tends to move at a slower pace. Neighbors take time to greet one another and offer a friendly wave

as they travel. Drivers sometimes have to slow down for a tractor making its way down the road, but that, too, is part of life in a county rooted in agriculture.

MORE THAN A PLACE ON THE MAP

Small-town life in Live Oak County offers a strong sense of community, peaceful surroundings and traditions passed from one generation to the next. At far right, one of the pleasures of living in a small town is driving your tractor to lunch.

For those who call Live Oak County home, small-town life is about more than population size. It is about knowing your neighbors, helping when someone is in need, watching children grow up together, supporting local businesses and preserving traditions. As one resident put it, “The best part about living in a small town is the people.” That sentiment was echoed by others who described a sense of connection and belonging that can be

ALL PHOTOS BY DR. JANET M. CUNNINGHAM | SOUTH TEXAS NEWS

difficult to replace. “You know your neighbors, you celebrate each other’s successes, and when times are hard, people show up,” said Angie Ponce. “You know people, you see familiar faces, and you feel like you are part of something.” That may be the biggest reason many Live Oak County residents want to keep small-town life just the way it is. n Dr. Janet M. Cunningham, theprogress@southtexasnews.com

2026 South Texas Scene

Since 2014, Cameron Walls has told the story of South Texas and the Coastal Bend through the painted word - sometimes in words themselves, and sometimes through abstract concepts. But however he chooses to tell the story, it’s one that he can’t help telling. “I’ve always been drawn to art, but I didn’t necessarily grow up thinking, ‘I’m

painted WO THE

WIND SOUT ING ROAD H H PATH TEXAS ARTAS LED OF FU LFILLIST TO MENT

going to be an artist,’ It was something I naturally gravitated toward. I’ve always liked creating things and expressing myself visually,” said Walls, who is a Coastal Bend native. “As I got older, painting became more than just something I enjoyed doing. It became a way for me to process what I was experiencing and to connect with the places and people around me.” Much of Walls’ artistic journey he said, has been playing things by ear and rolling with the punches. And though it might have lacked a traditional path, he would not have it any other way. “There wasn’t some perfect roadmap where I knew exactly how to become a professional muralist,” he said. “A lot of it has been saying yes to opportunities, learning from mistakes, figuring out how to price jobs, learning the business side, working through difficult projects and constantly improving.”

SETTING THE SOUTH TEXAS SCENE Walls’ art journey began professionally in 2014 and has only evolved since then with his inspiration coming from the world he’s grown up in. Being around the Gulf, boats, wildlife, tropical plants, South Texas culture and all the colors that come with it have given Walls what he calls an “endless” supply of inspiration. Walls, who is a graduate of Gregory-Portland High School and currently resides in Ingleside, has spent much of his life around the tapestry of South Texas. It’s an area, he said, which possesses a very specific identity. “There’s the coastal environment, the wildlife, agriculture, ranching, fishing, the Hispanic influence, the small towns, the people and all

of the history that comes with them,” he said. And having his now be part of that tapestry, he said, means more than he can say. He has created projects in Corpus Christi, Taft, and more, and is currently underway on a mural project in Sinton. “When I paint a mural here, I’m not just trying to make something colorful that looks good on a wall. I want someone who grew up here to recognize something that feels like home, while someone visiting can look at it and learn something about the place,” he said. “I really enjoy taking things that people might drive past every day without thinking about and turning them into something they stop and look at. There’s a lot of history and character in these communities, and I feel fortunate that I get to help preserve some of that through paint.”

TURNING POINT A major curve in the road, Walls said, actually occurred several years ago after being let go from

PHOTOS FROM FACEBOOK

South Texas artist Cameron Walls’ winding road has led him down a path of fulfillment from storytelling through murals and the impacts his murals have had on communities in which they reside.

a job in the oilfield. That firing, he said, wound up being a blessing in disguise. “Before that, I was working for a big company where I felt like I was just a number…At one point we didn’t get a day off for months

and honestly, it was terrible,” he said. “I had just bought a boat that I was living on but I didn’t get to see it during the day for three months. The crazy part was that I wasn’t even making that much money for the amount of time and energy I was putting into it.” Following the firing, he said he picked up painting once more simply for the enjoyment of it after years of not picking up a brush. Then, while bartending in Port Aransas, he said the bar owner let him sell a few paintings. And what started as a trickle, became a stream. “That first year, I ended up making almost as much money selling paintings as I did working at the restaurant. That was really the moment when I started thinking, ‘Maybe I can actually do this.’ It showed me that I could make money doing something I loved instead of spending my entire life working for a company where I was just another employee,” he said. “From SEE PAINTED WORD PAGE 25 2026 South Texas Scene

PAINTED WORD

FROM PAGE 23

there, I started taking the art more seriously, taking on more commissions and eventually getting into mural work. Looking back, getting fired was probably one of the best things that happened to my art career. At the time it felt like a setback, but it pushed me back toward something that I had put aside for years. It ended up changing the direction of my life.”

WINDING ROAD The road has not always been full speed ahead, however, as Walls reiterated the lack of a traditional roadmap in following his chosen path. It has also come with a lot of mistakes, learning through trials, and many trial and error projects, according to Walls. But that trial and error has often led to breakthroughs. “People see the finished mural, but they don’t always see the hours of planning, sketching, mixing paint, climbing lifts, dealing with weather, fixing mistakes and sometimes standing in the Texas heat for hours,” Walls said.

FOR THE COMMUNITY Walls did not have one specific project in mind as to his favorite, but said a few did jump to mind. The Sinton murals, he said, have become a favorite undertaking due to the local history and symbolism

“

which permeates the canvas “I really enjoyed researching the area and figuring out how to bring those pieces together visually,” he said. Other times, he said he most enjoys projects with a bit of creative freedom and incorporating his own style. But whatever the project, he said it means the world to be able to tell stories through art. “I’ve also always tried to let my life experiences influence my work. My art has changed as I’ve changed,” he said. “Some paintings come from really positive experiences, while other work comes from difficult periods in my life. Painting has always been one of the ways I make sense of things.” Even other times, he said some of his favorites are not even major projects once he sees the reaction from the people who live around a mural. It’s that, he said, which makes a project memorable. “When somebody comes up and tells me that a mural reminds them of their childhood, their

You’re creating something that becomes part of a place and part of other people’s lives. That’s a pretty incredible feeling.” — CAMERON WALLS

family or a place they remember, that’s something I don’t really get from painting a canvas in my studio,” he said. And while he does take pride from a professional standpoint, Walls said the most fulfilling part of the creation is taking a step back to see the community’s response. It’s a feeling, he said, that never gets old. He might spend days or weeks on it - but ultimately he said it becomes not just his painting. It becomes the painting of the entire community. “I love seeing people take pictures with the murals, bring their kids to see them, or tell me stories about what a particular image means to them. That’s probably the biggest reward. I also like knowing that these murals are going to be around after I’m gone,” he said. “A painting on a wall can become part of a town’s identity and become something that future generations grow up seeing. For me, that’s what makes mural painting different from just making art for yourself. You’re creating something that becomes part of a place and part of other people’s lives. That’s a pretty incredible feeling.” n Landan Kuhlman, thenewsofsanpatricio@southtexasnews.com 2026 South Texas Scene

Randi Hamlyn said she has always been drawn to well-crafted, useful, and thoughtful gifts. And as the passion grew, so do did her passion for spreading that creativity to others to help items last a lifetime. Hamlyn is the creator and founder of Indigo Laine and Co. in Sinton, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in business earlier this year. And as part of this year’s South Texas Scene, South Texas News recently sat down with Hamlin to discuss her journey, inspiration and passion for item creation. Indigo Laine, she said, really started from a love of creating things with her hands. “I’ve always been drawn to things that are well made, useful and beautiful, and I especially love pieces that get better with age and carry a story with them. Leather naturally fit into that,” Hamlyn said. “What began as curiosity and creativity slowly turned into learning a craft.” There was a lot of trial and error in the beginning, she said, where she learned by doing— figuring out construction, working with different leathers, learning equipment and constantly trying to make the next piece better than the one before it. And over time, she realized she didn't just love making leather goods- she loved the entire process of taking an idea from a sketch or thought and turning it into something someone could carry and use for years.

Hamlyn seeks to create, inspire opportunities and projects in South Texas

MORE THAN A BUSINESS

That passion eventually became Indigo Laine & Co which was inspired more by a reaction than any one person or moment. “I think more than one person or moment, it was seeing that people genuinely connected with what I was making,” Hamlyn said. “Customers were willing to spend their hard-earned money on something I

2026 South Texas Scene

PHOTOS FROM FACEBOOK

Indigo Laine and Co. creator and founder Randi Hamlyn is shown working on and showing off some of Indigo Laine’s products. She said the company has become about both the creation of lasting leather goods and creating opportunities for other women.

had created, and then they would come back. They would tell their friends. They would carry their bags for years. That gave me the confidence to believe this could become something much bigger than a hobby.” As the business grew, she said it also became about creating opportunities for other women. Today, Indigo Laine is a women-owned business with a team of women making their products in Sinton. Knowing that this business can provide jobs, teach skills and contribute to our local economy gives the work an entirely different purpose,” she said. “There SEE HAMLYN PAGE 28

We are delighted to be a part of this dynamic economic area

and salute all industry including our campus partners.

Southwest-Sinton Division

HAMLYN

FROM PAGE 26

wasn't necessarily a roadmap for building a leather-goods manufacturing business in a small South Texas town. We just kept taking the next step, learning what we didn't know and figuring things out along the way.”

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE

Hamlyn said she comes from a long line of entrepreneurs and makers. On both sides of her family, there is a history in construction— people who built things with their hands, solved problems and created businesses of their own. On her mother’s side, there is also a history in clothing manufacturing, so the idea of taking raw materials and turning them into a finished product has been part of her family for generations. Hamyln’s husband is also a fabricator, so that maker mentality is very much a part of their life together since she said he understands the process of taking an idea, figuring out how to build it, working through the problems and ultimately creating something tangible. “I think being surrounded by that kind of creativity and resourcefulness has had a tremendous influence on me,” she said. “Looking back, Indigo Laine feels like a natural continuation of that legacy. I grew up around people who weren’t afraid of hard work, who knew how to make things and who understood what it meant to build something of their own.” She may be working with leather instead of lumber, steel or fabric, but the foundation is very much the same. “That history has shaped the way I approach both life and business. I have a tremendous respect for skilled trades, American manufacturing and the value of knowing how to make something with your own two hands,” she said. It makes me especially proud

2026 South Texas Scene

that through Indigo Laine, we are continuing that tradition of entrepreneurship and craftsmanship right here in South Texas — and hopefully passing some of that spirit on to the next generation.”

PRODUCTS FOR ALL WALKS

Hamlyn said that company’s Blue Collar Collection will always be incredibly special to her. The company created it for their 10th anniversary earlier this year using leather, denim, vintage fabrics and vintage metal pieces. “We made around 20 pieces, and the entire collection sold out during our anniversary celebration. Seeing people lined up before we opened and watching every piece find a home was one of those moments when you realize how far you've come,” she said. She also noted some of the company’s customers projects through a partnership with the Hilliard Center in Corpus Christi have also been highlights for our team, where they’ve had the opportunity to create custom leather pieces that have been gifted to artists who perform there. “Those projects push us creatively because we want each piece to reflect both the artist and Indigo Laine,” Hamlyn said. Hamlyn and her team have created everything from custom bags and guitar accessories to pieces specifically designed around an artist or event. They have also been able to serve the everyday person. Both aspects, she said, can be rewarding. “As genuine country-music fans ourselves, it's pretty surreal sometimes to stand in our shop in Sinton making something that will later be handed to an artist we've listened to for years,” Hamlyn said. “I also really love our everyday collections. There is something equally rewarding about seeing a woman walk into the shop, find the bag that feels like her, and then see her carrying

it years later.” Hamlin said the most fulfilling part of the process is knowing that Indigo Laine is knowing that we're building something that lasts—in more ways than one. Yes, the company is making leather goods that are meant to be used, worn in, traveled with and hopefully kept for many years. But at the same time, she said the company is also building a business, creating jobs and showing that manufacturing and creativity can happen in a small South Texas community. Ten years in, she said she is excited about all that can still happen and what is on the horizon - products to create and community partners to pursue “I love seeing our team take pride in something they've made. I love seeing a customer's reaction when we hand them a custom piece. And I love looking around our shop and realizing that what started as an idea has become something that supports other people and represents our hometown,” she said. “I think that's what keeps me going— the roots we've put down here in Sinton and the possibilities of where those roots can take us next. We're proud of where we come from, proud that our products are made here, and incredibly grateful that South Texas has continued to support us as we've grown.” n Landan Kuhlman, thenewsofsanpatricio@southtexasnews.com

From question to cause Refugio author turns confusion over government classifications into books, national advocacy

REFUGIO – Kris Elizondo went to renew a driver’s license and ran into a question that did not have an obvious answer: Which box should a Hispanic person check for race? “It was confusing,” Elizondo said. “No one ever told me about it. When I went and got my driver’s license, I was like, ‘Where am I supposed to, what do I put here?’ ” Elizondo left with a renewed license but kept thinking about the form. Questions about government classifications soon grew into a broader examination of Hispanic identity, history and representation. The result was political advocacy and two books: “More Than a Queen: Selena, Hispanic Identity, and the Legacy That Changed America” and “The Missing Race.” “We’re Americans,” Elizondo said. “We’re not all undocumented immigrants, and we have a place in this country.”

SOUTH TEXAS ROOTS

Elizondo, 38, was born in Idaho and moved to Texas with family members at age 6. Elizondo’s father had family ties to Refugio County. The family lived first in Bayside. Elizondo later moved to Woodsboro, earned a GED and settled in Refugio about four years ago. Hispanic culture was never difficult to find in South Texas. Elizondo saw a different picture in national discussions, where Hispanic Americans and immigrants were often treated as a single group. “I feel like the Hispanic identity has kind of been rolled into the immigrant category,” Elizondo said. “It’s kind of become an immigration thing, and there’s no more distinction between who is and who isn’t.” The driver’s license form was only part of the concern. Elizondo also remembered learning about notable members of other racial and ethnic groups in school while hearing much less about Hispanic figures. Selena Quintanilla offered a place to begin. “I’ve always been a fan,” Elizondo said. “I just never really stopped to consider what exactly there was more to it than just outside of music.”

A FRIEND’S CHALLENGE

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Kris Elizondo has authored two books researching Hispanic identity in the United States.

2026 South Texas Scene

Elizondo often talked with a friend about the lack of Hispanic representation. Eventually, the friend challenged Elizondo to write about it. “I thought, ‘Well, you know what? She’s right,’ ” Elizondo said. “There’s a difference in investigating someone that writes about it from the outside. There’s a lived experience.” Elizondo made an initial attempt at the Selena project in 2021 and began working seriously on the book in 2022. Nearly two years of research and writing followed. Elizondo interviewed Selena fans and fan club members in Corpus Christi and elsewhere in South Texas. Another biography was not the goal. Elizondo wanted to understand why Selena still mattered to fans decades after the singer’s death. Elizondo came to believe that Selena’s rise coincided with a growing desire among Hispanic Americans to

see more people with similar backgrounds represented in American culture. The rise also came during a period of increasing anti-immigration sentiment in parts of the country. “We were the community that was hungry to be seen,” Elizondo said. “They identified with her very well. I feel like she represented what they wanted to accomplish. It was a seat at the table for the first time.” Selena died in 1995 at age 23. The singer’s connection with fans endured, and younger generations continued discovering the music and story. “She may have been an artist and a daughter, but she also was ultimately a cultural symbol whose influence crossed generations,” Elizondo said. “Her story gives us an opportunity to ask many questions about our identity and representation and what it means to be a Hispanic American.” Published in 2026, “More Than a Queen” looks at Selena’s legacy alongside questions of Hispanic identity, culture and political representation.

REACHING THE CLASSROOM

Elizondo soon began hearing from readers outside South Texas. According to Elizondo’s website, “More Than a Queen” reached No. 61 on an Amazon bestseller list. The book also received a Booksy literary award. Elizondo also learned that material from the book would be included in an academic discussion connected with Harvard University. According to Elizondo, the course dealt with Hispanic and Latino identity, politics and representation in the media. “I was very surprised,” Elizondo said. “That was definitely the first thing I thought would never happen. When I received that email, I was very thrilled. I was so excited by it.” Finishing the first book and seeing the response made

Elizondo want to write another. “After I finished, the feeling of accomplishment – getting that message out – I actually was really satisfied,” Elizondo said. “It’s kind of like a chain reaction once you get one successful one. You’re looking for that next one.”

‘THE MISSING RACE’

Some of the research left over from the Selena book became the starting point for “The Missing Race.” The second book took about 2 1/2 years to complete. Elizondo focused on the way Hispanic and Latino people are identified in census data and other government records. Federal forms historically have treated Hispanic or Latino origin as an ethnicity rather than a race. Hispanic and Latino people may identify as White, Black, Indigenous or another race. Elizondo believes that approach leaves many Hispanic Americans without a choice that matches personal identity. “It’s a feeling that you actually are in the correct place and that you’re actually looked at, seen and valued here,” Elizondo said. The issue took Elizondo beyond research and writing. Elizondo contacted members of Congress and other federal officials and submitted petitions supporting the addition of a Hispanic or Latino choice in the race section of government forms. “We’re one of the biggest minorities in the country. Why don’t we have a category in the race section?” Elizondo said. A congressional response pointed to federal updates and additional subcategories as evidence that the government had addressed the concern. Elizondo was not convinced. Elizondo said the proposed category would not replace Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban or other national and cultural identities. The category would give Hispanic and Latino Americans another way to identify

themselves on federal forms. “We just need a little bit of an opportunity to be recognized and actually get a chance to do more for the country,” Elizondo said. “The Missing Race” was released recently and is being distributed internationally, according to Elizondo. Copies also have appeared in Walmart stores in South Texas.

BEYOND THE BOOKS

Elizondo has continued speaking about both books through podcasts, media appearances and advocacy work. Music also remains part of the plan. Elizondo said an upcoming single involves singer Becky G and producer Danny Romero. The song is expected to be released on streaming services, including Spotify. While becoming an author was never part of the original plan, Elizondo encourages prospective writers to take a chance on an idea. “I would do it,” Elizondo said. “It’s very, very liberating. No matter what you’re writing, it’s a great feeling. When you finally finish that book and you see the result, it’s just an amazing feeling. I would definitely pursue it.” n Coy Slavik, coy@southtexasnews.com 2026 South Texas Scene

Healing on

How a rescued pelican led a couple to their purpose in Rockport

ROCKPORT — Amy Benkowski said it all started with a little brown pelican. About three years ago, Benkowski and her husband of more than 25 years, Stephen, were fishing on a local beach when a juvenile brown pelican landed in front of them, hopped out of the water and waddled up to them. Stephen offered the pelican some bait fish, but the bird couldn’t swallow it and spat it out. When the pelican pulled its head back, a hook was revealed in its throat. “So, he actually came right up looking for help,” Amy said. Amy, who had experience as a dog trainer and rescuer and had always loved animals, said they did a quick search and found Wings Rescue Center in Rockport was the closest facility that could help. “I called, and Diane, our dispatcher, met us over at the park,” Amy said. “That little peli didn’t want to leave us.” After learning about the rescue efforts happening at Wings Rescue, Amy decided she might have found a place where she could give back during their retirement years. Originally from the Northeast—Amy from Connecticut and Stephen from

n the wing

Massachusetts—the couple toured multiple states before deciding Texas was the best fit. They fell in love with the Coastal Bend region. “Diane and I started talking about rescue, and I said, ‘I kind of feel like I need something to do if we’re going to stay and live down here,’ because I’m not the type of person who can sit around all day,” Amy said. “She said, ‘We’re always looking for volunteers, and you have a background with medical and dogs. We really could use you.’ So, I came in, did a tour, and a week later, here I was.” Amy started volunteering about three years ago, and Stephen, a disabled veteran, joined a little over a year ago. The couple now lives on the Wings Rescue property. Beyond assisting with bird rescues and releases, Amy handles marketing and website updates, while Stephen handles multiple tasks on the property and with the birds. “Stephen has PTSD and back issues, and he was having a difficult time, so I suggested he come sit with the birds,” Amy said. Stephen began spending time with the pelicans. One in SEE HEALING WINGS NEXT PAGE

“...The birds bring so much peace and serenity. They are so majestic, and you can feel their strength.”

LEN HAYWARD | SOUTH TEXAS NEWS

Amy Benkowski works with rescued raptors, or birds of prey, at Wings Rescue Center in Rockport.

LEN HAYWARD | SOUTH TEXAS NEWS

Stephen, left, and Amy Benkowski are two of the volunteers at Wings Rescue Center in Rockport.

HEALING WINGS

FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

particular, named “CT,” took a liking to the Army veteran and began following him around the center’s medical room. “It felt pretty awesome,” Stephen said. “I like dealing with animals better than people. I’ve always liked watching wild birds — pelicans, egrets, great blue herons — out on the ocean. They’re amazing and smart. Here, I clean the raptor cages, cut up food, and help with rescues and releases.” Both have faced significant personal hardship. Amy has overcome multiple battles with cancer, including a double mastectomy, and manages Lyme disease. “I don’t let it get me down,” she said.

Stephen was medically discharged from the Army following a servicerelated injury and manages daily battles with PTSD and other issues related to his injuries. Amy works extensively with the center’s raptors. Walking through the property with her, the deep level of trust she has built with the birds — especially the birds of prey — is obvious. Some of the permanent resident raptors bear the names of Greek gods, such as Artemis and Athena. Amy can step into their enclosures and gently touch them while speaking softly. “Birds are 100% wild,” Amy said. “Dogs want to please humans, but with birds, to reach out, touch my redshouldered hawk, and build that trust… humans don’t normally do

that in the wild. The first time Artemis took food from me, it took three weeks. The birds bring so much peace and serenity. They are so majestic, and you can feel their strength.” It’s that strength that sustains the couple each day. After years of chasing careers and navigating health challenges, their life at Wings Rescue Center has provided a sense of peace they weren't sure they might ever find. While volunteering doesn't come with a monetary paycheck, Amy said their real "payday" comes when a fully recovered bird is released back into the wild. She recalled a recent osprey release after four months of care: “You can’t help but get emotional. They don’t belong to us.” Stephen agreed. “It’s very awesome. I can just walk out anytime I want and see all these cool birds. Most people only see them from afar.” n Len Hayward, len@southtexasnews.com

Former youth ambassador’s parents working to bring help to Coastal Bend

ROCKPORT — During the time Mark and Lisa Morris were working with their son, Tyler, and his Tourette Syndrome, one of the avenues that helped them was meeting other people who were experiencing the same thing. It was in those groups Tyler learned other children had similar issues to himself, and for Mark and Lisa, it helped them know there was a support system to guide them through the process.

FINDING SUPPORT THROUGH SHARED EXPERIENCE

Tyler eventually became an Ambassador, which is a program offered by the Tourette Association of America that helps sponsor and train 13- to 18-year-olds with Tourette’s to talk about it. Lisa said Tyler talked to all sizes of

groups, informing and educating them about the condition. “These kids are suppressing their tics all day long, and it’s so nice to be in a surrounding where it’s understood and accepted,” said Lisa Morris. “They can just be themselves. So that was the great thing about ambassador training.” Tyler is now 30 years old and is an electrical engineer, following in his father’s career footsteps, and Mark and Lisa want to help bring that type of support system to the Coastal Bend.

BUILDING A NEW COASTAL BEND NETWORK

Lisa said the area had a group more than a decade ago and wants to restart it in the Coastal

Support groups are an important avenue for parents and children to learn more and help educate others about Tourette Syndrome. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Bend. They approached Driscoll Children’s Hospital for help, and one of the state’s top pediatric hospitals offered its assistance right away. With the help of one of the hospital’s neurologists, Dr. Marcus Valdez, the group has found a support network to help them bring in speakers and offer space for meetings. The goal is to have a meeting early in 2027, hopefully around February, to give Coastal Bend parents and children an opportunity to meet others dealing with Tourette Syndrome and to help inform and educate others. “I think that our kids sort of aged out down here, but we know that there’s a need,” said Lisa, who has lived in Rockport for around 18 months after living in the Houston area. “We

know there’s a fantastic children’s hospital and we really want to get the word out.”

HELPING FAMILIES UNDERSTAND TOURETTE SYNDROME

Lisa said between 2% and 4% of the population has Tourette Syndrome, adding that even more cases might go undiagnosed. Along with giving children who have Tourette's a chance to meet peers, the meetings offer parents an opportunity to gather the information they need to educate teachers and others about their child's condition. Plus, Lisa added the Texas Chapter of the Tourette Association of America pays for camps for children, making it one of the few chapters across the country to do so.

EDUCATION CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Mark said Tyler would spend time ahead of each school year talking to his teachers and administrators about his Tourette’s, helping educate them on what was happening if he had a tic. It’s that type of education that has helped others with Tourette Syndrome navigate their everyday lives. “They think he or

she is disruptive, and they send him to the principal, they don’t know,” Mark said. “Through the ambassador program, that was, to me, the single biggest thing we got through the Tourette’s organization, was then Tyler was able, and not just him, but the kids are able to in the first day of class and ask, ‘Can I have five minutes?’ and explain it. “Now the teachers and the students know what’s going on … they understand it.”

SPREADING AWARENESS AND SUPPORT

Their experience is something they would like to offer to other parents of children with Tourette Syndrome, which is why they wanted to start a group in the area. Understanding the condition can make a huge difference in the everyday lives of those who live with Tourette's and those around them. “We find that when you get a kid educated and able to talk to other folks about it, especially educators, then you spread the word,” Lisa said. “We get more interest, we get more support from the school system.” n Len Hayward, len@southtexasnews.com

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