Editor’s Note: This episode will be cross-posted to our other podcast, Beyond Disability Texas. If you are the parent or caregiver of a special needs child or adult in Texas, please share this episode and consider subscribing to our other podcast too.  The new show debuts at BeyondDisabilityTexas.com on September 1, 2019. Thank you.

Our guest this week is Raeme Bosquez-Greer, owner of Raeme’s Transition Services. Raeme’s mission is to promote the mindset of Independent Living by creating opportunities, encouraging choices, advancing equal access, and furthering the level of independence for all people with disabilities.  As a teen, transitioning from home to living on your own is tough enough.  It’s especially hard if you have a disability.  Raeme assists young adults with learning the skills that they need to successfully live on their own, hold a job and integrate into the community.  

Raeme describes herself as “first and foremost … a mother.” She is the mother of five adopted special needs children who are all now thriving as teens and young adults.  Prior to adopting she was a foster parent to 24 different children. Raeme has over 25 years experience working with individuals with disabilities. She has a specialization in Autism from the University of North Texas but she has a passion for all young people with disabilities.

Originally from California, Raeme has worked in vocational and transition services in the San Antonio area for the past 10 years. She also served as the Program Director/Program Coordinator for non-profits in San Antonio before deciding to strike out on her own to create Raeme’s Transition Services.

In this episode, Melissa and Kevin talk with Raeme Bosquez-Greer about her background as a foster parent, adoptive parent, and leader in providing transition services to young people with disabilities.  If you are the parent or caregiver of a special needs child, join us for this episode, then share your questions with us.

Contact Raeme’s Transition Services

* Phone:  (210) 844-5988

* Email:  [email protected]

* Website:  Raeme.net

* Contact Form: Raeme.net/Contact-Us

* Facebook:  Raeme’s Transition Services

ABOUT THE SHOW – Beyond the River Walk is your local, San Antonio podcast. Published weekly, each episode consists of a radio-style interview focusing on one of the Alamo City’s most interesting People, Places, or Events. The show’s audience extends to over a dozen countries around the globe and nearly 30 states across the nation. Subscriptions are always free and available wherever you find podcasts. Subscribe and join us on Facebook at Friends of Beyond the River Walk.

BE A GUEST – If you would like to be a guest on Beyond the River Walk, please visit our Guest Info page, then

Gary Rodriguez, Gary's mother, Marla Rodriguez, and B.L. Miers

Our guests this week are from the San Antonio Railroad Heritage Museum (SARHM). Joining Kevin are Gary Rodriguez, its president and CEO, and B.L. Miers, its treasurer. Both Gary and B.L. have extensive experience in the railroad industry in and around San Antoni and tell some amazing stories. Their commitment to preserving the Alamo CIty's railroad heritage and the communities that were build by and around our railroads it evident. Join us for this fun and (often) hilarious conversation, then visit the Museum for your own experience and opportunity to preserve San Antonio railroad history.

About the SARHM

The concept of the San Antonio Railroad Heritage Museum (SARHM) was laid out in 2001, and we have been meticulously refining and working on it ever since. Even though our concept is not new and has been done before, preserving our railroad heritage for future generations is very important to us and our community.  We are recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501❨c❩(3) Non-profit educational organization.

The mission of SARHM is to inform and educate the public about the rich railroad history of San Antonio and the South Texas region, by offering a historical look at the economic and cultural impact that the operations of the railroads had on the past. Further, SARHM will look at how the railroad affects the region today and will continually look forward toward how the railroad will affect the future of our region.

IN THIS EPISODE - Kevin talks with Gary Rodriguez and B.L. Miers about the history and impacts of railroads in San Antonio, their own experience in the railroad industry, and the current projects and goals of the SARHM. It's a marathon episode, that was a lot of fun to record on-site at the SAHRM location in Elmendorf, TX.

Mailing Address:  PO Box #794, Elmendorf TX 78112

Physical Address:  203 Bexar Avenue, Elmendorf TX 78112                    

Hours:  Saturdays - 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM

* Website: http://SAHRM.org

* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SARHMinc/

* Twitter: https://twitter.com/SARHMinc

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SARHMinc

* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SARHMMusicMan/

* Contact Page: http://www.sarhm.org/index.php?page=feedback

* Become a Member: http://www.sarhm.org/index.php?page=downloads&type=entry&id=forms-and-documents%2Fsarhm-form-2

ABOUT THE SHOW – Beyond the River Walk is your local, San Antonio podcast. Published weekly, each episode consists of a radio-style interview focusing on one of the Alamo City's most interesting People, Places, or Events. The show's audience extends to over a dozen countries around the globe and nearly 30 states across the nation. Subscriptions are always free and available wherever you find podcasts. Subscribe and join us on Facebook at Friends of Beyond the River Walk.

BE A GUEST – If you would like to be a guest on Beyond the River Walk, please visit our Guest Info page, then Contact Us. We’d love to hear from you and talk with you about your San Antonio story...

 Our guest this week is April Monterrosa. April is a San Antonio native and published author who has been featured in Good Housekeeping and SAXtreme Magazine. She is a Certified Tourism Ambassador for the City of San Antonio, is a member of the San Antonio’s Women Chamber of Commerce, is an ambassador for the South Chamber of Commerce and integral member of the Tourism Committee, the Palo Alto College Cosmetology Advisory committee, a member of Texas Auto Writers Association, James Avery Artisan Jewelry ambassador and works with several brands throughout the state of Texas.

Monterrosa launched her blogging career with shinebeautifully.me focused on making time for adventure, self care and fun. She also owns Shine Beautifully, a beauty and spa studio specializing in skin care and self care consulting and is the founder of Live From The Southside, an informational media outlet that helps San Antonio residents and visitors find things to do in the South side of San Antonio. In the short time that it has been online, it's become the go-to resource information about the Southside and will only continue to gain influence as her partnerships with local businesses and nonprofits are established.

In this episode, Kevin and Melissa talk with April about the origins of SouthsideSanAntonio.com, her experiences as a travel blogger and influencer, and her partnerships with Southside businesses and nonprofit organizations. From restaurants and parks, to the arts and business community, April knows the Southside.

Website: SouthsideSanAntonio.com | Facebook: SouthsideSATX | Twitter: SouthsideSATX | Instagram: SouthsideSATX | Email: [email protected]

Article and Itinerary: Travel Bloggers Visit Southside San Antonio

ABOUT THE SHOW – Beyond the River Walk is your local, San Antonio podcast. Published weekly, each episode consists of a radio-style interview focusing on one of the Alamo City's most interesting People, Places, or Events. The show's audience extends to over a dozen countries around the globe and nearly 30 states across the nation. Subscriptions are always free and available wherever you find podcasts. Subscribe and join us on Facebook at Friends of Beyond the River Walk.

BE A GUEST – If you would like to be a guest on Beyond the River Walk, please visit our Guest Info page, then Contact Us. We’d love to hear from you and talk with you about your San Antonio story.

BE A SUPPORTER – If you would like to support the show, contact us and connect with us below. You can also support show production as a patron.

* Email [email protected]

* Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BeyondRiverWalk/

Our guest this week is Jennifer Donbavand aka The Alamo Foodie (@AlamoFoodie) on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Jennifer’s Facebook page describes her as a Mom, Wife, Boss Lady, Food Lover, Fun-Haver, and Yelp Elite member.

If you follow Jennifer, you have seen that she is local food observer, enjoyer, and influencer who has become a go-to resource for her social media followers when it comes to finding great locally-owned restaurants and the latest hot-spots that are setting food trends in San Antonio.

IN THIS EPISODE

Kevin and Melissa talk with Jennifer about the origins of her social media presence, the feedback that she’s received from her followers and and fellow influencers along the way, and some of her favorite local restaurants. Join us for this fun and casual episode, then go out and find somewhere new and local to eat.

Social Media Accounts

Facebook: Alamo Foodie

Twitter: @AlamoFoodie

Instagram: @AlamoFoodie

ABOUT THE SHOW – Beyond the River Walk is your local, San Antonio podcast. Published weekly, each episode consists of a radio-style interview focusing on one of the Alamo City’s most interesting People, Places, or Events. The show’s audience extends to over a dozen countries around the globe and nearly 30 states across the nation. Subscriptions are always free and available wherever you find podcasts. Subscribe and join us on Facebook at Friends of Beyond the River Walk.

BE A GUEST – If you would like to be a guest on Beyond the River Walk, please visit our Guest Info page, then Contact Us. We’d love to hear from you and talk with you about your San Antonio story.

BE A SUPPORTER – If you would like to support the show, contact us and connect with us below. You can also support show production as a patron.

* Email [email protected]

* Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BeyondRiverWalk/

* Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/BTRWPodcastFriends

* Instagram https://www.instagram.com/BeyondRiverWalk

* Be a Patron https://www.patreon.com/BeyondRiverWalk

SUBSCRIBE – Our show is a free podcast. Subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet, or notebook and take us with you.  Use the link below to subscribe now and never miss another episode filled with San Antonio people, places and events.

Our guest this week is Mitchell Andry, co-owner of Cool Crest Miniature Golf in San Antonio. If you’ve grown up in San Antonio, then you know and likely have played a round or two at Cool Crest, but do you know the story of this local recreational institution and historical landmark?

History of Cool Crest (Per Website)

The earliest records of Cool Crest’s existence, according to city researchers, suggest that the golf course initially opened its doors for business in 1929  just as  the country’s first Great Depression began. The period between 1929 – 1930 also marked the onset of a miniature golf craze that swept the United States the following decade. The city of San Antonio itself boasted of having no fewer than a dozen miniature golf courses, mostly scattered around the downtown metro area.



Harold Metzger, a retired trucker, and his wife Maria, leased the property from the original owners in 1937.  At that time, there was only one 18-hole course on the property, built mostly of wooden rails lining its fairways. The Metzgers quickly went to work refurbishing the course.  No doubt due in part to its expertly terraced setting on a gently sloping hillside, and the lush tropical landscaping and stylish Art Deco look the Metzgers gave it, Cool Crest quickly became one of the city’s most popular recreational venues, hosting many a party attended by the city’s social elite.

In 1959, the Metzgers re-engineered the original 18-hole course that runs alongside Fredericksburg Road.  Now using concrete as its structural foundation, the business was also expanded at the same time with the addition of a second 18-hole course.



Owner Maria Metzger in 1985. Photo courtesy of Texas Monthly magazine.

Following Harold’s death in 1998, Maria Metzger ran the business until failing health forced her to close its doors around 2008.  After her own demise in 2010, the Metzger estate sold the business in early 2013 to the Andry family, life-long San Antonio residents who wanted to restore the golf course to its original beauty and place as one of the city’s most cherished and family-friendly entertainment destinations.

Recognizing its rich history and cultural significance, San Antonio’s Historic and Design Commission voted in 2009 to designate Cool Crest a historically significant site.  The following year, the city’s Zoning Commission and City Council unanimously approved the re-zoning of the golf course as a historically significant property.

Cool Crest has seen literally hundreds of thousands of miniature golf enthusiasts play through its two professionally-designed 18-hole golf courses over its rich history of more than eighty years.  For putt-putt golfers who love a good sporting challenge, or the nostalgic romantic reminiscing about taking that special person there on a first date, or grown-ups who fondly remember spending many a fun-filled moment on the courses as kids, there truly is no place on earth quite like Cool Crest Miniature Golf Course.

IN THIS EPISODE

Kevin and Melissa talk with Mitchell about the history of Cool Crest Miniature Golf, his involvement since childhood and his family’s assumption of stewardship for this San Antonio landmark from the Metzger family in recent years. Cool Crest remains a family business, so get ready for some fun stories and great local history.

Contact Information

Cool Crest Miniature Golf

1402 Fredericksburg Road

San Antonio, TX 78201

Website: CoolCrestGolf.com

Facebook: Cool Crest Miniature Golf

Our guest this week is Denise Richter, PhD of SanAntonioTourist.net and author of 100 Things to Do in San Antonio Before You Die. Get your copy of the latest edition using our Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/2XeUP5L

Dr. Richter is a tenured professor of Journalism and Mass Communication at Palo Alto College in San Antonio, Texas. She received her PhD in Journalism from University of Texas at Austin in 1998, her MA in Communication from University of the Incarnate Word in 1990, and her BA in Communication/Journalism from Trinity University in 1983. Before teaching full-time, Dr. Richter worked as a journalist in local media and as the Telethon Director at Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital.

In this episode, Kevin and Melissa talk with Dr. Richter about her educational background, career in communications and journalism, and how both contributed to her book and active blog about San Antonio. You’ll learn a bit, you’ll laugh a bit, and you’ll come to appreciate San Antonio even more by the time the episode ends. 

BOOK SIGNING – Dr. Richter will host a book signing at The Twig Book Shop at the Historic Pearl on Saturday, July 6, 2019 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Stop by, pick up your copy in person, and say hello. We’ll be there too. Event Link.

Contact Information

Website: SanAntonioTourist.net

Facebook: SanAntonioTourist

Instagram: @dbrsat

Instagram: @dbrsat

Mentioned in This Episode

100 Things to Do in San Antonio Before You Die

Palo Alto College

University of Texas at Austin

University of the Incarnate Word

Trinity University

Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital

The Alamo

San Antonio River Walk

Cool Crest Miniature Golf Course

The Twig Book Shop

Professional Tour Guide Association of San Antonio

ABOUT THE SHOW – Beyond the River Walk is your local, San Antonio podcast. Published weekly, each episode consists of a radio-style interview focusing on one of the Alamo City’s most interesting People, Places, or Events. The show’s audience extends to over a dozen countries around the globe and nearly 30 states across the nati...

Our guests this week are BRIAN MORELAND and BRANDON MORELAND. Brian is co-founder of JB Knife and Tool, LLC. Brandon is Brian’s son, who has developed something of a following on social media based upon his video updates about the shop, his work there, his art, and their recent trip to the 2019 Blade Show, the world’s largest knife show, in Atlanta, Georgia.

JB Knife and Tool is an outlet for all the crazy ideas that John Stubbs and Brian Moreland can come up with. Our goal is to provide quality custom knives, tools, pens, and gadgets that the average Joe can afford and depend on. All JB Knife and Tool products are made in San Antonio, Texas.

In this episode, Brian and Brandon talk with Kevin about the history of JB Knife and Tool, bladesmithing and blacksmithing in San Antonio, and how Brandon’s work has helped him, as an adult on the Autism Spectrum, develop both social skills and practical skills for the future. 

Contact Information

 JB Knife and Tool, LLC

4223 S. Presa

San Antonio, TX 78223

(210) 570-8665

Website: JBKnifeAndTool.com | Facebook: JBKnife | Instagram: JBKnife

Mentioned in This Episode

JB Knife and Tool

Blade Show

Cobb Galleria

J. Alex Ruiz (@Volundr_Forge)

Bexar Metal Creations (@BexarMetal)

James Helm (@HelmForge)

Tobin Nieto (@StoneHavenKnifeWorks)

Reforged.org (@ReforgedOrgOfficial)

Ed’s Manifesto (@EdsManifesto)

Austere Medical (@AustereMedical)

ABOUT THE SHOW – Beyond the River Walk is your local, San Antonio podcast. Published weekly, each episode consists of a radio-style interview focusing on one of the Alamo City’s most interesting People, Places, or Events. The show’s audience extends to over a dozen countries around the globe and nearly 30 states across the nation. Subscriptions are always free and available wherever you find podcasts. Subscribe and join us on Facebook at Friends of Beyond the River Walk.

BE A GUEST – If you would like to be a guest on Beyond the River Walk, please visit our Guest Info page, then Contact Us. We’d love to hear from you and talk with you about your San Antonio story.

BE A SUPPORTER – If you would like to support the show, contact us and connect with us below. You can also support show production as a patron.

Our guest this week is Dr. Bruce Winders, Historian and Curator at The Alamo. Dr. Winders earned his doctorate at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas in 1994 and joined The Alamo in 1996 as Historian and Curator. Dr. Winders is an author and sought after expert on conflicts involving United States, Mexico, and Texas. Dr. Winders has authored several books and scholarly articles including the following via Amazon Affiliate links:

* Mr. Polk’s Army: The American Military Experience in the Mexican War (1997)

* Crisis in the Southwest: The United States, Mexico, and the Struggle over Texas (2002)

* Sacrificed at the Alamo: Tragedy and Triumph in the Texas Revolution (2004)

* Panting for Glory: The Mississippi Rifles in the Mexican War (2016).

For Additional Study

Download Dr. Winders' expanded Reading List called The Alamo, An Evolving Interpretation. If you haven't been, you should also visit The Alamo at 300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, Texas 78205 (Map) and connect through the website: TheAlamo.org, Facebook: OfficialAlamo, and Instagram: @OfficialAlamo.

Personal Note: This episode is dedicated to my father, Wilton W. Barron, born in Dripping Springs, Texas, and my grandfather Wilton G. Barron, who served at Fort Sam Houston during World War II. Happy Fathers Day.

ABOUT THE SHOW – Beyond the River Walk is your local San Antonio podcast. Each week, we publish a new episode that (re)introduces you to one of the Alamo City's unique people, places, or events. Whether you're new to San Antonio or a native, our guests will enlighten and inspire you; possibly both. Join us for our weekly excursion beyond the River Walk and around the neighborhoods that we call home. Subscriptions are always free and available wherever you find podcasts.

To add your voice to our community-wide conversation,

Our guest this week is JOHN LARGENT, President and CEO of GameDay Media Enterprises and Founder of the Texas Podcasters Association. John holds a Masters Degree in Service Administration from Central Michigan University and a Bachelor of Science in Health Service Administration from Texas State University.

John is a former healthcare administrator turned producer of audio excellence. With over a decade experience as a podcaster and producer, he works with corporations, universities, brands, associations, business coaches and storytellers to craft, mold and consult to bring their unique and distinct voices to life. He received an MBA at Central Michigan University and lives with his wife and kids near the banks of the River Walk in San Antonio, Texas.

In this episode, John and Kevin geek out a bit about podcasting. Among related subjects, they talk about John’s background in podcasting, his desire to bring Texas podcasters together, and his plans for the Texas Podcasters Association. Like us, John is passionate about sharing stories and doing so in ways that engage his audience and support his community.  Listen and join the conversation by sharing your comments and questions.

Website: GameDayMedia.us | Facebook: GameDayMediaUS | LinkedIn: John Largent

Facebook Group: Texas Podcasters Association

Address: 115 E. Myrtle Street, Suite 201, San Antonio, TX. 78212 (Map)

MENTIONED DURING THE SHOW

* John Largent

* GameDay Media

* Texas Podcasters Association

* Podfest Multimedia Expo

* Lou Mongello

* WDW Radio

* Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

* Cliff Ravenscraft

* Joe Rogan

* Adam Curry

* Audacity

KEVIN & MELISSA, Show Hosts

ABOUT THE SHOW – Beyond the River Walk is your local, San Antonio podcast. Published weekly, each episode consists of a radio-style interview focusing on one of the Alamo City’s most interesting People, Places, or Events. The show’s audience extends to over a dozen countries around the globe and nearly 30 states across the nation. Subscriptions are always free and available wherever you find podcasts. Subscribe and join us on Facebook at Friends of Beyond the River Walk.

BE A GUEST – If you would like to be a guest on Beyond the River Walk, please visit our Guest Info pag...

Our guest this week is MEREDITH BALZEN, Communications Coordinator for the Briscoe Western Art Museum. Meredith joined the Briscoe in December 2018 after serving as the Communications Coordinator for the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo.  She is a graduate of Texas Tech and holds a bachelors degree in Agricultural Communication and Journalism. (Photo Credit: Linkedin)

Through the preservation of the art, history, and culture of the American West, Meredith works with the team at the Briscoe to inspire and educate the public with engaging exhibitions, educational programs, and public events reflective of the region’s rich traditions and shared heritage.

In this episode, Meredith talks with Kevin and Melissa about the Briscoe’s temporary Summer 2019 exhibition, Into A New West: Contemporary Art from the Booth Museum. Per the Briscoe website: “The exhibition includes artworks of “modern art” from 1960s to present that challenge the conventions of representation that are a hallmark of traditional Western art. Into A New West includes art produced in the present day; in addition, art that references or engages with the culture of the present day; and works that are made in a way that defines what the “present day” entails. These works are different from traditional Western art in method, medium, and approach.” Kevin and Melissa also talk with Meredith about the origins of the Briscoe Museum, the diversity of its permanent collections, its experience-enhancing smart phone app, and its role in preserving and educating visitors  about the history of San Antonio and beyond.

Location: 210 West Market Street, San Antonio, Texas 78205 (Map)

Phone:  210.299.4499 | Email: [email protected]

Website: BriscoeMuseum.org | Facebook: Briscoe Western Art Museum | Twitter: @BriscoeMuseum | Instagram: @BriscoeMuseum

MENTIONED DURING THE SHOW: Briscoe Western Art Museum, Booth Western Art Museum, The Alamo, The Alamo Sculpture Trail (MySA Article), Briscoe Museum App, Briscoe Membership, Briscoe Calendar, Briscoe Book Club, Briscoe Film Series

KEVIN & MELISSA, Show Hosts

ABOUT THE SHOW – Beyond the River Walk is your local, San Antonio podcast. Published weekly,