www.78209magazine.com
September 2013
78209 MAGAZINE
A Traditional Setting for Family Heirlooms Alamo Heights Garage Shares 55 years of knowledge
The Flumes Balance Work and Play
AHISD School News Police Blotter
CONTENTS
www.78209magazine.com
September 2013
05 07 10 14 16 17
Local garage educates clients
September 2013
78209 MAGAZINE
Profile
At Home
Publisher J. MICHAEL GAFFNEY
AHISD School News
Editorial Director BEVERLY PURCELL-GUERRA
Police Blotter
Graphic Design MARIA JENICEK, JONATHAN LEE, ERIC WEIDNER, KEVIN HERRERA
Wine and Dine
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Contributors
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RON BECHTOL, JOHN BLOODSWORTH, CASEY HOWELL, BONNY OSTERHAGE, PATTI PAWLIK-PERALES, AL RENDON,
Copy Editor KATHRYN COCKE
Advertising Sales MIKE CARREON, STEVEN COX, JEN EARHART, MADELEINE JUSTICE
Administration & Customer Service NANCY A. GAFFNEY, JOSEPHINE GUZMAN
Printing SHWEIKI MEDIA, SAN ANTONIO, TX Advertising information:
(210) 826-5375 email: info@78209magazine.com
78209 MAGAZINE is published monthly by PixelWorks Corporation (Publisher). Reproduction in any manner in whole or part is prohibited without the express written consent of the Publisher. Material contained herein does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher or its staff. 78209 MAGAZINE reserves the right to edit all materials for clarity and space and assumes no responsibility for accuracy, errors or omissions. 78209 MAGAZINE does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertisements or editorial, nor does the Publisher assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. Articles and photographs are welcome and may be submitted to our offices to be used subject to the discretion and review of the Publisher. All real estate advertising is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Printed in the U.S.A. Copyright ©2013 Pixelworks Corporation.
ON THE COVER: Family heirlooms and art adorn this Lincoln Green home.
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Published by
8603 Botts Lane, San Antonio, TX 78217 FAX 210-826-2856 • www.pixelworkscorporation.com
78209 F EATU RE
Alamo Heights Garage Offers More than Just
Tuneups They offer valuable education. You’re a woman alone, driving down the highway, when suddenly your tire blows. Would you know what to do? How about if you suddenly see smoke rising from under your hood? Would you know the cause of it, or would you have to rely on an auto technician who may — or may not — be taking you for the proverbial ride? When it comes to cars, most women (and even several men) have come to rely so heavily on computerized systems that few of us would know what to do in case of an emergency. Nor would we be able to tell when a mechanic was making unnecessary and costly recommendations for repairs. “Our industry has a few bad apples that ruin the perception of this business,” says Darla Pundt, who, together with her husband, Gary, owns and operates Alamo Heights Garage. This family business boasts 55 years under its hood and strives not only to repair and maintain vehicles, but also to educate vehicle owners, especially women. “It is important for women to know more about their cars and make educated and informed decisions,” explains Darla. That is why Alamo Heights Garage offers twice yearly women’s auto classes. Participants can view an informative
slideshow from AC Delco, and then it’s off to the garage for an up-close look under the hood. Women of all ages and from all walks of life have attended the classes. From members of the San Antonio Charity League to high school students, what they have in common is the desire to feel more confident behind the wheel.
“This class offers a thorough and basic understanding of a vehicle and how it works,” says Darla, who adds that the classes are open to anyone, not just women. “There is not a lot of technical jargon.” These classes are a prime example of the Pundts’ commitment to going above and beyond for their customers. It is a commitment that was established with the original owners, John and Lee Pundt, whose reputation for honesty and integrity has resulted in generations of devoted customers who wouldn’t dream of trusting their vehicles to anyone else.
By BONNY OSTERHAGE
Photos By CASEY HOWELL
“We try to explain to the customer everything that we are doing to his or her vehicle,” says Gary, who has been known to text photos to customers of the work that is being done, or that needs to be done. “It establishes trust,” he says. “Explaining and visually showing the customer what you are doing removes any suspicion and helps the customer understand the procedure more clearly.” Gary, who got his start in the family business by sweeping floors, took over the daily responsibilities when his father passed away in 1986. He and his mother continued to run the business until her retirement in 1997, at which point Darla stepped in to work side by side with her husband. Together, the Pundts strive to maintain the level of excellence set forth by the elder Pundts. Both Gary and Darla are active in the Texas Independent Auto Association, with Gary serving as president of the San Antonio Alamo chapter from 1991 to 1994, as well as serving two terms as president at the state level. Additionally, the couple have held numerous positions on several auto boards, and Gary has assisted in strengthening the curriculum for up-and-coming technicians at his alma mater, www.78209magazine.com | 5
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St. Philip’s College. Helping to produce a generation of technicians that are properly trained and skilled is something that the ASE Certified Master Technician is passionate about. “This is a difficult business to stay in from a technical side,” he says, adding that it is mandatory for his employees to attend continuing education classes. “Vehicles change yearly, and it is too easy to fall behind.” The Pundts have also enjoyed a long and active relationship with the Alamo Heights Chamber of Commerce. In fact, it was Gary and his father who were responsible for the hanging, testing and storing of the thousands of Christmas lights that grace Broadway during the holiday season. “My dad started that tradition, and he started dragging me out of bed to help when I was 17,” laughs this father of three boys. While he may not have realized it then, Gary was learning what it means to go above and beyond for customers and the community. He continues to practice and uphold his parents’ successful business model of offering a fair price for good service and then standing behind it. It is how he has retained the devoted long-term customers of Alamo Heights Garage and built a following of new customers who appreciate his straightforward and personal approach to customer service.
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“You should know your mechanic,” Gary Pundt says, recalling how customers still regale him with stories of doing business with his father. “It’s like finding a physician you trust. When you find one you love, you stay with him.”
78209 PROFILE
Flume Family Has the Bases Covered They know how to balance work and play By BONNY OSTERHAGE
Photos By CASEY HOWELL
You know that old adage about what happens to people who are
all work and no play? Well, that doesn’t apply to Alamo Heights
residents Rick and Jennifer Flume. When it comes to balancing work and play, this family has the bases covered.
If the Flume name sounds familiar, chances are it’s because of
baseball or bankruptcy. One is the family’s livelihood; the other
is their passion. Attorney Rick Flume has been helping San Antonio residents who are experiencing financial trouble to obtain a
fresh start since 1999 through his firm, Flume and Associates.
More than just offering his clients a way to start over, this San Antonio native offers instruction and education on ways to make
more money and save more money to improve their chances of future financial success.
“Rick offers them ways to think differently than they have
thought before,” says Jennifer, who handles the firm’s bookkeeping.
“It’s an extra personal touch that he offers to try to make a difference in their lives.”
Rick and Jennifer, who celebrate 16 years of marriage this
month, met on a blind date at a Spurs game.“We were set up by
friends, and we hit it off so well that we didn’t even watch the game because we were so busy talking,” recalls the bubbly Jennifer, who moved to San Antonio with her family at the age of 8.
Settling in Alamo Heights seemed a natural fit for the pair. Rick
was a graduate of Alamo Heights High School, and both he and Jen-
nifer were attracted to the convenience and what Jennifer describes as the “close-knit, small-town feel of the community.” “It’s like a city within a city,” Rick agrees.
The Flumes do more than simply live in Alamo Heights; they
embrace it! Sons Hayden, 13, and Harrison, 11, have attended
Alamo Heights schools since their days at Howard Elementary. A stay-at-home mom, Jennifer has devoted countless hours and lots
of energy to volunteering at various school events and is an active member of the Alamo Heights School Foundation Board, using her background as a CPA to help with the resource allocation, marketing
and finance efforts of this fundraising organization.
“I love the concept that the funds raised go directly to the
schools in the Alamo Heights District,” she says enthusiastically.
“We are gaining recognition and getting more donations every year.” In addition to doing what they can to support the Alamo Heights
schools, Jennifer and Rick both donate their time and talents to a www.78209magazine.com | 7
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cause near and dear to their hearts: the Alamo Heights Little League. Both Flume sons cut their teeth
playing Tee Ball in the league, and Rick and Jennifer both serve on the board. “We love the Alamo
Heights Little League because not only does it give the kids an opportunity to compete, it teaches
them about good sportsmanship and how to work well with others,” says Rick. “It also allows them
to meet other kids, which is helpful in a school district as large as this one.”
Rick, who has been on the AHLL board for three years, serves as treasurer, while Jennifer is in
charge of the league uniforms. “He writes the checks, but I do all of the work,” laughs Jennifer.
Even when the boys aren’t playing, you can find the Flumes either cheering or working behind
the scenes at the ballpark. “This is a working board, and it’s a big-time commitment,” says Rick. “But we really enjoy it.”
During the summers, you can find the Flumes taking a break from their commitments to enjoy
family time spent waterskiing, wakeboarding and simply hanging out at their home on Lake Dunlap
in New Braunfels. It is here where the family unwinds and relaxes, playing games (Jennifer is an avid mahjong player) and entertaining friends.
“We just really enjoy spending time together here as a family,” says Jennifer. “The kids would
move to New Braunfels if we’d let them, but we are committed to staying in Alamo Heights.”
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78209 AT HOME
Gated Community Keeps House Hunter By JOHN BLOODSWORTH
Photos By AL RENDON
At Home
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John Hess' home in Lincoln Green is the repository for family heirlooms and art, above and opposite, with a neutral color palette focusing attention on the possessions. The vintage wrought iron pot rack in the kitchen was a find at a Parisian flea market.
Traditional aesthetic a background for family heirlooms
Jon Hess has a proclivity for finding the perfect home, or should that be homes. Since moving to San Antonio in 1984, he has lived in 24 dwellings in Monte Vista, Olmos Park, Terrell Hills and Alamo Heights and now is comfortably settled into Lincoln Green. “I bought this house on a lark,” says Hess, who has resided in his home for 14 years. “It had no charm, but it was a well-built house.” He brought in interior designer Lisa Menick, who assured her client that the transformation would please his traditional and refined aesthetic. The grand entry features a sweeping staircase that properly fits the scale of the home, stately and functional. It is a repository for the first of many exemplary collections of family heirlooms and fine art that fill the home with substance and warmth. Menick chose a neutral palette for public room walls with taupe and creams but applied a skillful hand with the painting of molding and the living room fireplace surround in a black lacquer finish. It brings a subtle gentrification to the home not found in its mid-‘80s inception. An English burled walnut liquor cabinet in a corner of the well-appointed living room is anchored by an antique Oriental paneled screen with inlay of
jade. Family porcelain and silver pieces are displayed in both the living and dining rooms. Commanding attention on an English buffet, a massive Nymphenburg porcelain vase sets the tone in the formal dining room. Flanked by a group of matching mahogany chairs, a Hepplewhite dining table is set for entertaining with views of the Quarry Golf Course now visible through the addition of a sunroom adjacent to the dining area. “I added the room and a pool to take advantage of the proximity to the manicured grounds of the golf course, which backs up to my property,” says Hess. “And there is a constant breeze that comes across the course that is pleasant even on the hottest days.” A granite-clad island in the kitchen plays host to informal meals and offers work space for culinary preparations. A vintage French wrought iron pot rack brought back from a Parisian flea market excursion to Clignancourt keeps cookware orderly. So far, Hess’s fervor for house hunting has been satiated with finding other families great places to live in 78209. As an agent with Phyllis Browning & Company, he still has a fondness for Alamo Heights cottages with curb appeal. www.78209magazine.com | 11
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ALAMO HEIGHTS CELEBRATES
Dr. Kaye and Sidney Wilkins, Marshall and Shelly Harrell, Donna and Dr. Mark Gilger with Dr. Fernando Guerra get together to enjoy a special celebration.
Albert Kuest and daughter, Juliana Connolly, greet guests at the Kuest Ranch party.
Mark Richter, Kristina Mistry, Veronika Kuest and Carol Karotkin enjoy the gathering at the Kuest’s Ranch.
Got the skinny on ‘09? Call or email 78209 magazine and you and your friends could be featured in our 0-NINE LIVES section. (210) 826-5375 or email info@78209magazine.com. www.78209magazine.com | 13
2013 San Antonio Ambassador Great Debate Team Wins Championship A combined 76 high school freshmen from 22 San Antonio and surrounding area high schools competed at the National Hispanic Institute’s (NHI) Texas Great Debate on June 13-16 at Austin College in Sherman and July 25-29 at the NHI’s Texas Ambassador Great Debate hosted at the University of Texas at Austin. The teams were composed of 35 members for the 2013 Ambassador Great Debate and 41 for the Sherman Great Debate team, with over 25 high school volunteer staff; in total, over 100 high school youth participated. The Ambassador Great Debate Team placed first out of seven other regions from around the state of Texas. Team members competed in five categories ranging from oratory, extemporaneous speaking, cross examination, mock trial and the athenaeum challenge. The debate is structured as a
ALAMO HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL PARTICIPANTS INCLUDED
round robin tournament in which the team members with
Sol Zona, Alamo Heights High School Ambassador;
the highest average advance to the finals through single elimination rounds. In addition to placing first overall, the 2013 team also boasts first place in the state in mock trial (at both the Sher-
Ricky Tamez, Alamo Heights High School Sherman; Genesis Rivera, Alamo Heights High School Ambassador; Julian Perales, Alamo Heights High School Ambassador; Melanie McDaniel, Alamo Heights High School Ambassador; Ryan Castro, Alamo Heights High School Ambassador;
man and Ambassador Great Debates), second place in the
Taylor Torres, Alamo Heights High School Ambassador;
state in oratory and the athenaeum challenge as well as the
Lilliana Sosa, Alamo Heights High School Sherman.
all-state award for oratory, which goes to the individual with the highest average in their particular category. Twentyeight team members from the Ambassador Team and five from the Sherman Team received bids to the National Hispanic Institute’s International Showcase, Celebración, scheduled for October 31-November 3, in San Antonio. NHI’s Celebración four-day leadership experience anticipates over 1,000 bright young college-bound Latinos/as representing 17 cities and five Latin American countries. The members of both the 2013 San Antonio Great Debate teams will be recognized by the City of San Antonio in September as well as by their respective high schools to highlight the great accomplishments they have brought to our city. For over 32 years, the work of the National Hispanic Institute has made leadership training its chief means of engaging high school Latino youth with strong potential. For over 23 years, the San Antonio Community Leadership Council (SACLC), the San Antonio affiliate volunteer group of the National Hispanic Institute, has promoted leadership by examining the character, ethics, beliefs and morals of high-achieving Latino youth, working to engage youth in the global Latino community, reaching beyond the borders of the United States and into México, Argentina, Panama and Puerto Rico, to name a few.
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PARTICIPATING SAN ANTONIO-AREA HIGH SCHOOLS IN THIS EXPERIENCE ARE LISTED BELOW: 1. Alamo Heights 2. Brackenridge 3. Brandeis 4. Brooks Academy of Science & Engineering 5. Central Catholic 6. Clark 7. Johnson 8. Highlands 9. Holy Cross 10. Incarnate Word 11. Judson 12. Lee STEM Academy 13. McCollum 14. Providence 15. Saint Mary's Hall 16. South San Antonio 17. St. Anthony's 18. Jefferson 19. Travis 20. Warren 21. Young Women’s Leadership Academy 22. Health Careers For more information, visit: www.saclc-nhi.org or www.nhi-net.org
Alamo Heights High School Aeroscience students unveil their high-altitude rocket on July 25, in front of the high school The unveiling allowed students the opportunity to share their experiences during the twoyear project in which they worked to build a rocket designed to reach an altitude of 100,000 feet at MACH (three times the speed of sound). The students then packed their custom rocket and traveled to the launch site in White Sands, New Mexico. On Tuesday, July 30, the AHHS Aeroscience students launched their 22-foot rocket, named Maverick II, into the skies over White Sands, New Mexico! Stationed in a command center similar to those used by NASA, students ran a series of pre-launch tests with great success. Reaching this first benchmark, proved to students that the rocket was indeed ready to launch. As they counted down to liftoff, the students shared their pride and excitement. White Sands officials called the students and their rocket impressive, sharing that this was the first time they had ever seen a rocket of this magnitude built by amateurs. As the rocket lifted and launched, students and staff cheered. As it lifted, the rocket somehow made contact with the launch railing and was damaged. Reports indicate the rocket launched to 3,000 feet before crashing after the sustained damage. Even though the rocket did not make its goal of 100,000 feet, the students called the launch a success. They are already planning the redesign for next year's rocket, still riding high on the enthusiasm and excitement of this experience.
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POLICE BLOTTER ALAMO HEIGHTS POLICE DEPARTMENT Criminal Investigations Division 6116 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 822-2164 FAX (210) 822-7111 Alcohol Violation 07/28/13 100 blk. Vanderhoeven Officer initiated contact with 2 male subjects during late night hours. Officer discovered one of subjects under the influence of alcohol and under age 21. Subject released to parent. Narcotics Violation 07/27/13 600 blk. Austin Hwy. Driver stopped for traffic violation found to have suspended driver’s license. During inventory of vehicle prior to impoundment, marijuana and narcotics paraphernalia found. Case will be filed with District Attorney’s office at a later date. Vehicle Burglary 07/27/13 5800 blk. Broadway Vehicle unlawfully entered by breaking side window giving access to iPad and other property items left in open view within passenger compartment. Burglary Apprehension 07/26/13 200 blk. E Oakview Officer on patrol observed vehicle parked in alleyway behind house. Officer was aware owner of house was away and upon investigation apprehended male subject removing property from house after forcing entry through rear doorway. Subject transported to jail. Vehicle Burglary 07/26/13 200 blk. Viesca Vehicle unlawfully entered by breaking side window giving access to laptop computer left in open view within passenger compartment. Vehicle Burglary 07/25/13 100 blk. Corona Two vehicles unlawfully entered by breaking side window giving access to purses left in open view in passenger compartment. Drivers were picking up children at daycare. Possession Stolen Property 07/24/13 100 blk. Montclair Officer attempted to stop vehicle with altered license plate prowling residential streets. Passenger fled from vehicle dropping a flashlight, cell phone and methamphetamines. Driver detained for further investigation, revealing several items recently stolen from other vehicle burglaries and tools commonly used for burglary. Driver booked into jail. DWI / Enhanced 07/24/13 1300 blk. Townsend Driver of vehicle stopped at night for driving without headlights found to be under the influence of alcohol and impaired. Driver booked into jail on enhanced charge of DWI due to having juvenile passenger at time of offense.
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Wanted Person 07/23/13 5700 blk. N. New Braunfels Driver of vehicle stopped for speeding found to have active arrest warrant for “Trademark Counterfeiting.” During vehicle inventory officers discovered 20 purses and wallets with counterfeit trademarks. Counterfeit items seized pending additional charges. Driver transported to Magistrate’s office for warrant disposition. 07/22/13 Wanted Person 5400 blk. Broadway Driver of vehicle stopped for speeding found to have active arrest warrant for larceny issued by El Paso County. Driver taken into custody and transported to Magistrate’s office for disposition. 07/20/13 DUI – Minor 7200 blk. Broadway Vehicle stopped for driving with 2 flat tires. Investigation revealed minor driver under the influence of alcohol and in possession of marijuana. Driver taken into custody and later released to parent, criminal charges pending. Theft – Shoplifting 07/20/13 4800 blk. Broadway Male subject detained by store personnel for attempting to leave without paying for items. Subject issued citation for misdemeanor theft and released. Burglary 07/19/13 600 blk. Evans Officers responding to burglar alarm at home discovered broken window panes on back door. Bedroom had been rummaged through and several items of value reported missing by resident. Public Intoxication 07/19/13 5200 blk. Broadway Officers located male subject lying in roadway passed out from alcohol intoxication and summoned EMS to conduct medical evaluation. Once cleared by EMS, subject was transported to detoxification facility. Wanted Person 07/17/13 5900 blk. Broadway Traffic stop revealed driver with suspended driver’s license and active warrant for Assault/Family Violence issued by Bexar County. Driver arrested and transported to Magistrate’s office for disposition. Fraud 07/16/13 6000 blk. Broadway Male subject attempted to pass counterfeit travelers checks at bank. Officer investigation revealed subject to be victim of fraud. Subject received travelers checks from unknown with instructions to cash checks and electronically send a portion of money back to sender.
78209 W IN E & D IN E By RON BECHTOL
Cheesy Jane’s
If you had a model train set as a kid, you’ll be thrilled. If you didn’t have one, you can bask in vicarious nostalgia. (This is mostly a guy thing, I know, but surely more than one girl has also fantasized over the miniature world conjured by a hootin’ and puffin’ tin horse.) There is, of course, more to Cheesy Jane’s than a miniature train circling overhead; there’s also the brightly colored space furnished with diner-style chairs and booths and punctuated by nostalgic neon. And while we’re on a nostalgic journey, there are the milkshakes — malt optional. In my model train days there were three flavors: vanilla, strawberry and chocolate. Cheesy Jane’s trumps tradition by offering 25 varieties, among them Dreamsicle (itself nostalgic) and Mint Chocolate Chip Oreo. I can only testify to the Dark Chocolate Espresso: It was excessive, and excessively good, and there was something almost sinfully satisfying about refilling the classic glass with the portion that remained in the mixing tin. Continuing down the nostalgia trail, I don’t recall there being “starters” in long-ago burger joints — though there were also neither nachos, chips nor salsa in my neck of the woods. Cheesy Jane’s, however, offers something called Spicy Splinters, and they are worth breaking stride for. The “splinters” consist of onion parts that might have not made the cut for rings and slices of jalapeño, all lightly dusted in cornmeal, fried and served with a ranch dressing that’s thankfully not thickened to a fare-thee-well. Recommended — especially if you’re contemplating standard fries, Sweetie Fries (yes, sweet potato) or Tater Tots (a personal fave) with your classic grilled burger. Cheesy Jane’s burgers, whether served at the restaurant or from the colorfully painted truck, have been satisfying in the past (the local favorite bean burger is also mine), so on this last occasion I felt the urge to step out of the zone and try something new. Voila! The Southwest Turkey Burger. Be warned (or perhaps encouraged): “Southwest” is taken seriously. The slab of ground turkey is draped in an entire blistered (though not blistering) and peeled chile, the cheese is pepper jack, and the bun is cheddar jalapeño. Oh, yes — there’s also South of the Border Mayo. And the result is remarkably restrained, especially as the turkey itself is low-key. Nostalgia has its place, but it occasionally does need to make way for tomorrow’s traditions. www.78209magazine.com | 17
78209 VINTAGE VIEW
Ready for some football
Photo courtesy of Alamo Heights ISD
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