Metrocom - LOCAL - July 2021

LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM VOL. 9, ISSUE 1 | JULY 19 - AUG. 17, 2021

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS HAPPENING PG. 05

Cool treats on hand at Schertz’s popsicle parties

CIBOLO • CONVERSE • GARDEN RIDGE • LIVE OAK • SCHERTZ • SELMA • UNIVERSAL CITY • WINDCREST

SUSAN YERKES | PG. 06

ALAMO: ENOUGH HISTORY FOR ALL

HEALTH CARE | PGS. 14-17

BLOOD SHORTAGE, COVID SHOTS

MAKO’S HONORED FOR PAYING IT FORWARD

SCHERTZ REVAMPS MAIN STREET ZONING RULES

by EDMOND ORTIZ

SCHERTZ — The city is creating a zoning district to accommodate new construction on Main Street designed to help revitalize the city’s historic downtown artery.

“This will help people invest more in Main Street,” said local business owner Nick Marquez, who owns

multiple Main Street properties.

City Council voted 4-2 on June 22 to amend the city’s Unified Development Code, launching what’s called Main Street Mixed-Use New Development, which will complement the existing Main Street Mixed-Use District.

FM 1518 turns into Main Street inside one of Schertz’s oldest neighborhoods. The road is a mix of single-family homes and CODES continues on pg. 22

Filing underway for Metrocom elections

RESTAURANT continues on pg. 24

CANDIDATES continues on pg. 26

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5545 Fredericksburg Road, Suite 211 San Antonio, TX 78229 Phone: (210) 338-8842 Fax: (210) 465-9455 ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: Advertising@localcommunitynews.com STORY IDEAS: tips@localcommunitynews.com EDITOR CONTACT: tedwards@localcommunitynews.com OUR OTHER PUBLICATIONS

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LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

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North Central SA: 78204, 78205, 78209, 78210, 78212, 78215 (Exclusively online).

North SA - Stone Oak: 78213, 78216, 78230, 78231, 78232, 78248, 78249, 78258, 78259 South San Antonio: 78204, 78210, 78214, 78223, 78235 Reproduction in whole or in part without our permission is prohibited, 2021 Local Community News LLC, all rights reserved.

ON THE COVER – Later this summer or early fall, property owner Nick Marquez plans to build an 11,000-square-foot commercial structure on two former home lots at Main Street and Schertz Parkway in Schertz. The move could revitalize Main Street in tandem with new city zoning, officials said.

See story on pg. 01. Courtesy illustration/Nick Marquez RIGHT: Mako’s on the Creek in Cibolo has been honored for assisting the community during recent crises. Seafood paella is a popular dish at the eatery. See story on pg. 24. Photo by Justin Kraiza

TALK LOCAL

Carry responsibly A NEW LAW allowing Texans 21 and older to carry handguns without a state license or a permit doesn’t mean common sense should go out the window.

While the constitutional-carry law eliminates a background check, instruction and proficiency on the shooting range, gun owners should still avail themselves of a free, online safety course to be provided by the Department of Public Safety.

Texas joins 19 other states in approving open carry.

There are naysayers, of course, including police and domestic-violence experts who say open carry will only increase gun violence.

Still, there are safeguards to help ensure that wrongdoers don’t have legal access to a handgun including those convicted during the last five years of deadly conduct, a terroristic threat, an assault causing bodily harm or disorderly conduct.

Proponents, meanwhile, argue Texas legislators only affirmed what is already the law of the land — the Second Amendment gives people the right to bear arms. Period.

But even if open carry is the law, those who tote a gun have a moral and ethical obligation to learn how and when to use it. Or, more important, when not to pull the trigger.

Carrying a pistol or a revolver shouldn’t be the fulfillment of some gunslinger fantasy. It’s serious business. Drawing and firing a weapon, even if it’s justified, can open one to criminal prosecution and costly civil liabilities.

Protecting your life and the lives of loved ones and innocents is understandable. But if you’re going to carry a gun, be responsible and get the proper training. This is 21st century Texas, not the OK Corral.

HAPPENING

JULY

PLAN YOUR MONTH WITH OUR CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS IN THE COMMUNITY.

5

City Councils/ School Districts SCHERTZ: 6 p.m. July 27 & Aug. 3, 10;

1400 Schertz Parkway LIVE OAK: 7 p.m. July 27 & Aug.10; 8001 Shin Oak Drive CIBOLO: 6:30 p.m. July 27 & Aug.10; 200 S. Main St. CONVERSE: 7 p.m. Aug. 3, 17; 406 S. Seguin Road GARDEN RIDGE: 6 p.m. Aug. 3; 9400 Municipal Parkway SELMA: 6:30 p.m. Aug. 12; 9375 Corporate Drive WINDCREST: 5 p.m. July 19 & Aug. 2, 16; 8601 Midcrown Drive UNIVERSAL CITY: 6:30 p.m. July 20, Aug. 3, 17; 2150 Universal City Blvd.

NORTH EAST ISD: 5:30 p.m. Aug. 10; 8961 Tesoro Drive in San Antonio JUDSON ISD: 7 p.m. July 15; 8205 Palisades Drive in Live Oak SCHERTZ-CIBOLO-UNIVERSAL CITY ISD: 6 p.m. July 27 & City Aug.17; 1060 Elbel Road in Schertz

JULY 19

STRUGGLING WITH CANCER? The New Life Cancer Support Team, a community outreach ministry of New Life Baptist Church, 101 North St. in Converse, meets at 7 p.m. in the Rupp Building. Those dealing with cancer are invited for emotional and physical support. For updates, call 210-658-1972.

JULY 19-22

BASKETBALL AND CHEER CAMP The Chamber (Cibolo-Schertz-Selma) is hosting a sports-based camp for kids — kindergarten through fifth grade — from 6-8 p.m. at the REC HAPPENING continues on pg. 10

EDITOR’S NOTE: THE CALENDAR IS CURRENT AS OF PRESS TIME, BUT SOME EVENTS MAY HAVE BEEN POSTPONED OR CANCELED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS CONCERNS. ACCESS TO PUBLIC MEETINGS MAY BE LIMITED OR STREAMING ONLY. CHECK WITH THE LISTED CONTACTS FOR UPDATES. LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM

OPINION

6

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS JULY 19 - AUG. 17, 2021

The unforgettable Alamo

by SUSAN YERKES

FOLLOWING YEARS OF STOPS AND STARTS, plans to preserve and maintain the Alamo are moving forward. After the Texas Historical Commission’s refusal to allow the Cenotaph, that 60-foot marble monument commemorating the Alamo defenders, to be moved from its prominent spot in Alamo Plaza, the ambitious plan to “reimagine” the Alamo stalled.

But it’s back on track, for the present.

A big infusion of money is key. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has promised $50 million from the state, and Bexar County commissioners have pledged another $25 million over the next five years. Hope Andrade, a leader with decades of political experience, is chair

of the Alamo Management Committee overseeing the project. Former District 3 Councilwoman Rebecca Viagran, who claims Alamo defender Jose Toribio Losoya as an ancestor, is the vice chair.

There are a lot of groups involved in this endeavor: the state, the historical commission, San Antonio, Bexar County, the Alamo Trust (charged with

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fundraising), the Alamo Management Committee and its executive committee, the Alamo Advisory Group and the Alamo Citizens Advisory Committee. The biggest point of agreement for all is the importance of preserving and maintaining the historic Alamo building.

Other issues remain to be fought over — and they will be.

It’s good news that Alamo Plaza, which some early planners wanted to close off, will remain open. It’s also wonderful to hear the historic Woolworth and Crockett buildings across the street from the Alamo will be preserved. Advocacy groups have been lobbying to save those buildings, which are also part of San Antonio history.

The Woolworth building now represents a bright spot in the saga of the struggle for civil rights. It was one of seven downtown lunch counters during the early 1960s.

On March 7, 1960, Black customers were served along with whites. The moment thrust San Antonio into the national news. Jackie Robinson, the first Black player to join a Major League Baseball team, told the New York Times the story “should be told around the world.”

The Woolworth building is the only one of those seven lunch counters still identifiable after 60 years.

Today, when the subjects of racism and diversity have become political flashpoints, the Woolworth lunch counter – still marked by a

red-tiled area that was the serving counter and holes in the floor where stools were bolted – is well worth commemorating.

And the story, which was barely remembered by most for decades, still bears retelling as part of the continuing discussion about freedom and inclusion. When museum designer Patrick Gallagher, the program manager for the Alamo Trust, presented some preliminary plans for the Alamo Museum and Visitor Center in May, he stressed the Woolworth building will also house an exhibit on its place in civil rights history.

There are still big battles ahead for the Alamo. The biggest is bound to be how the story of the Alamo will be presented in the new museum.

In June, a new book with the provocative title “Forget the Alamo: The Rise and Fall of an American Myth,” drew praise from revisionists and rage from traditionalists. It’s a fascinating, unsettling read. But given the worldwide popularity of the heroic Alamo narrative, it’s unlikely anybody is going to forget the Alamo.

It’s also likely the vital role of Tejanos in Texas history, the history of slavery in the state and a host of other issues will be increasingly known and remembered. Texas is a big, very diverse state, with plenty of powerful myths. There’s room for all our history here. syerkes@localcommunitynews.com

One of the most well-respected and award-winning journalists in South Texas, Susan Yerkes pens a column each month for LOCAL Community News. A veteran of newspapers, television, radio and online, she calls San Antonio home.

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LOWDOWN

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LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS JULY 19 - AUG. 17, 2021

TAKE A QUICK LOOK AT WHAT’S NEW IN THE COMMUNITY FROM OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS TO NEWS TIDBITS.

Open and Opening Soon

PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY CONSULTANTS OF SOUTH TEXAS, 11485

WAYBACK BURGERS & NESTLÉ TOLL HOUSE CAFÉ BY CHIP, 3142 Pat Booker Road, Suite 150 in Universal City, serves burgers, sandwiches, chicken, fries, shakes, hot dogs, salads and more. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Monday through Friday and 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday. For more, call 210-929-4518 or visit https://www.nestlecafe.com/ or www.facebook. com/nestlecafe.forumcrossing/. (See the story on page 27)

ORENDA FITNESS, 9010 FM 78, Suite 209 in Converse, offers personal training, small-group fitness sessions, CrossFit, nutrition counseling, and youth- and sports-specific programs. Hours are 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays, 6-11 a.m. Saturday, and by appointment Sunday. For more, call 210-440-5558 or visit http:// orendafit.com.

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Toepperwein Road, Suite 2, in Live Oak, treats children with congenital or acquired heart disease. For more, call 210-655-4278 or visit https://www.pccst.com.

THE CO-OP SA, 11911 Crosswinds Way, is designed as a resource for the San Antonio area’s culinary community. Co-Op SA is housed in three sideby-side facilities that enable existing culinary businesses to collaborate with and support each other. It’s also home to the nonprofit Chef Cooperatives.

In addition, representatives of the cooperative’s members offer their knowledge and guidance for free through an endorsed Beyond Break Fast & Launch mentorship program. For more, visit thecoopsa.com or call 210667-8818.

BURGER BOY PLANS TO OPEN A LIVE OAK LOCATION AT 8060 PAT BOOKER ROAD, according to the local burger chain’s social media.

Burger Boy, which has established restaurants on North St. Mary’s Street and on Potranco Road, recently opened a location near Hill Country Village and will open one on Southcross Boulevard.

No details about the Live Oak location are available yet.

IN OTHER NEWS

WAGNER HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE JAMES PEREZ, A MILITARY SERVICE ACADEMY NOMINEE OF DISTRICT 28 U.S. REP. HENRY CUELLAR, D-LAREDO, HAS BEEN ACCEPTED into the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Perez was a member of Wagner’s National Honor Society and Student Council while working as an aircraft maintenance intern and grill master at Whataburger.

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Recently opened at 3142 Pat Booker Road, Suite 150 in Universal City, Wayback Burgers is housed side by side with sister store Nestlé Toll House Café by Chip.

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JULY 19 – AUG. 17, 2021

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

EMPLOYEES OF HANSON AGGREGATES-SERVTEX QUARRY TEAMED UP WITH METROCOM CITIES AND SCHOOLS TO COLLECT 7,184 POUNDS OF FOOD during the company’s annual spring food drive for the Randolph Area Christian Assistance Program. Servtex Quarry worked with students at Garden Ridge, Sippel and Watts elementary schools, Danville Middle School and Davenport High School on the food drive. The class that brought in the most food at each school received a pizza party courtesy of Servtex Quarry. City halls in Cibolo, Garden Ridge, Schertz, Selma and Universal City also served as collection sites for the food drive.

LOWDOWN

CONSTRUCTION IS UNDERWAY ON THE KELLUM SCHERTZ MEDICAL CENTER ON FM 3009 AT GREEN VALLEY ROAD, according to a San Antonio Business Journal report. Darrell Keller, senior vice president of DH Realty Partners Inc., and Dr. Daniel Kellum of Kellum Family Medicine, are heading up the partnership behind the new $40 million medical center complex, which will include seven buildings offering 90,000-plus square feet of medical space across 10 acres. The first structure is set for completion in October. When finished, Kellum Family Medicine will leave its adjacent current location on 3009, or Roy Richard Drive.

TEXAS MUNICIPAL CLERKS ASSOCIATION RECOGNIZED THE GARDEN RIDGE CITY STAFF WITH THE MUNICIPAL CLERK’S OFFICE ACHIEVEMENT OF EXCELLENCE AWARD, officials said. The City Council in June recognized court clerk Shannon Del Toro, utility clerk Michelle Hinojosa, City Secretary Marisa Spencer, Assistant City Secretary Kat Balbi and City Administrator Nancy Cain for their work. TMCA’s Achievement of Excellence Award recognizes excellence in the effective and efficient management of resources in a city clerk’s office.

SAN ANTONIO CITY COUNCILMEN CLAYTON PERRY OF DISTRICT 10 AND

9

JOHN COURAGE OF DISTRICT 9 WANT THEIR CITY HALL colleagues to consider expanding the city’s homestead-tax exemption.

Since the city’s initial passage of a homestead-tax exemption, San Antonio homeowners have saved more than $12 million, Perry said. “I am committed to working with the other taxing entities such as school districts, Bexar County, San Antonio River Authority, (Bexar County) Hospital District, etc., as well as with the state Legislature to get as much property-tax relief as possible for our neighbors,” he added.

Find LOCAL Lowdown at www. localcommunitynews.com.

LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM

FALL 2021 APPLY BY AUG.2 · CLASSES START AUG. 23 FALL START II (14WEEK) APPLY BY AUG. 24 · CLASSES START SEPT. 7

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The Alamo Colleges Districtisan EOE. For any special accommodations issues or an alternate format, contact the Title IX Coordinator, (210) 485-0200.

10

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

HAPPENING

JULY 19 - AUG. 17, 2021

HAPPENING continues from pg. 05

JULY 24

MAYOR’S CALL Center of the First Baptist Church Universal City, 1401 Pat Booker Road in Universal City. Admission is free. For more, visit https://www.thechamber.info.

Come to the lobby of Converse City Hall, 406 S. Seguin Road, and meet with Mayor Al Suarez, 8-10 a.m. No appointment necessary, but face masks are required.

JULY 21 - AUG. 11

JULY 28

Young people can register for physical activity during a four-week sports clinic 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Cibolo Sports Complex, 338 S Main St. in Cibolo.

Taking place each Wednesday for four consecutive weeks, older-group clinics (ages 7-17) will participate in advanced drills and mini-games. Younger groups (ages 3-6) are more focused on skillbuilding and fun. For registration and more, visit https://www.activekids.com/.

The club meets 7 p.m. in the Garden Ridge Community Center, 9400 Municipal Parkway in Garden Ridge. For more, visit http://www.gardenridgelions.org/.

SCHERTZ/CIBOLO BASEBALL CLINIC

GARDEN RIDGE LIONS CLUB

THROUGH JULY 30

JUDSON FOOD PROGRAM The Judson Independent School District provides bundled, curbside breakfast and lunch meals 10-10:45 a.m. Monday through Friday at Hartman, Miller’s

About Face Nutrition 420 Schertz Parkway

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INVITED BY: ANNETTE USAF NURSE –R 210-848-8012 420 SCHERTZ PARKWAY MON-FRI 0700am - 3:00pm SAT – 1000am - 3:00pm Call to schedule an evening Virtual App People who use Herbalife® Formula 1 twice a day as part of a healthy lifestyle can generally expect to lose around half a pound to 1 pound per week.

Point, Rolling Meadows and Candlewood elementaries, Woodlake Hills Middle School, Wagner High School and the Converse Library.

Students do not have to be present to pick up a meal. However, if parents or legal guardians are picking up curbside meals for kids, they must provide proper identification, including one of the following: a student report card, a student ID, attendance record from a parent portal on the district’s website, a letter from the campus verifying the child is enrolled or the child’s birth certificate.

JULY 30

COFFEE WITH THE CHAMBER Join The Chamber (Cibolo-SchertzSelma) 7:30-9 a.m. at 1730 Schertz Parkway in Schertz for a morning of coffee, breakfast and networking with other members. For more, visit https://www.thechamber.info/.

JULY 31

STAR PARTY Explore the night sky of Texas, 8:30-11 p.m., at Crescent Bend Nature Park, 12805 Schaefer Road in Schertz for telescope observation provided by the San Antonio Astronomical Association. When entering, guests are encouraged to dim their vehicle lights, dress appropriately for the weather and bring flashlights with red infrared “night vision” filters. Masks are required for ages 10 and older. For more, visit https://stayhappening. com/.

AUG. 6

WHISKEY MYERS American Southern rock band Whiskey Myers takes center stage 8 p.m. at the Whitewater Amphitheater, 11860 FM 306, Suite 1 in New

Braunfels. For tickets, visit https:// www.whitewaterrocks.com.

AUG. 10

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP Join a support group addressing caregiving issues through open dialogue and resources 2-3 p.m. at The Schertz Senior Activity Center, 608 Schertz Parkway. Admission is free. For more, contact Chris Sutton at csitton@hopehospice.net or visit https://www.thechamber.info/.

AUG. 13

BAND OF BANDITS San Antonio country group Band of Bandits performs at 8 p.m. at Old Main Ice House, 110 N. Main St. in Cibolo.

THROUGH AUG. 13

BACK-TO-SCHOOL PROGRAM The Randolph Area Christian Assistance Program’s back-to-school initiative helps provide school supplies for children in families with needs. RACAP encourages churches, businesses and individuals to make financial donations to aid rent, utilities and restocking the RACAP pantry. For information or to apply for assistance, call 210-658-1613 or visit www.racap.org.

AUG. 17

NONPROFIT PARTNERSHIP LUNCHEON Join The Chamber’s annual Nonprofit Luncheon, 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Schertz Civic Center, 1400 Schertz Parkway, for nonprofit business networking, along with an exchange of resources and information. Admission is $20 for members and $30 for nonmembers. For nonprofits seeking a table at the event, contact Shelby at 210-619-1952, or visit https://www. thechamber.info/.

JULY 19 – AUG. 17, 2021

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

AUG. 20, 21 BOOK SALE

The Read Before Bookstore’s Big Summer Sale is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the children’s section of the Schertz Library, 798 Schertz Parkway in Schertz. Inventory includes a selection of hardback and paperback books for children and adults, cookbooks, craft books and some DVDs. Patrons can fill a bag for $5.

The bookstore will be open for regular browsing and the vintage collection. For more, call 210-619-1700.

Smith, NEISD community education coordinator, at 210-407-0140.

EVERY THURSDAY IN JULY

ONGOING

Attend a Schertz Parks and Recreation Month celebration with a free popsicle party, 6-7 p.m. The event is hosted at numerous locations, including Ashley Park, Cypress Point, Heritage Oaks, Playscape and Pickrell Park pool.

Admission is free. For more, visit https:// www.thechamber.info/.

Goodwill Industries offers pickup services for clothing donations, household items, and furniture at Bexar County residences.

For updates, call 210-271-8881 or fill out forms at https://www.goodwillsa.org/ donate/home-pickup.

POPSICLES IN THE PARK

SUNDAYS

Senior golfers meet at 8 a.m. at Olympia Hills Golf & Event Center, 12900 Mount Olympus St. in Universal City. The league is for those ages 60-plus. The cost is $10, an annual pot to winners. For updates, call Jesse Cox at 210-601-1504.

Live Oak Farmers Market, 8151 Pat Booker Road, is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Fresh produce and meats from local growers, plus gardening plants and landscaping products, are available.

For updates, visit facebook.com/ liveoakfarmersmarketonpatbooker or call 210-249-8030.

WEDNESDAYS

GREATER RANDOLPH AREA KIWANIS FOUNDATION The group meets 7 a.m. at Jim’s Restaurant, 7000 N. Loop 1604 East in San Antonio. For updates, email Cindy Newton at cindyn@satx.rr.com, or call 210-381-4082 or visit www.grak.org.

WEDNESDAYS & THURSDAYS PTSD SUPPORT GROUPS

Family members of veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder meet for a 6:30 p.m. Wednesday meal at Grange Hall, 413 N. Main St. The following day, the same place and time is reserved for dinner and talk only with service members. For updates, call 210-390-8002.

THURSDAYS

CIBOLO GRANGE MARKETPLACE The nonprofit agricultural and civic organization presents goods by area farmers and artisans from 3-7 p.m. at Grange Hall, 413 N. Main St. in Cibolo. For updates, visit facebook.com/

11

CiboloGrangeFarmersMarket or contact cibolograngemarket@yahoo.com.

TUESDAYS FORE!

HAPPENING

FARMERS MARKET

MONTHLY

ADVOCATES FOR CHILDREN

GOODWILL PICKUPS

ONGOING

CHIPPER SERVICES Free chipper service at Selma front curbs is provided to residents the first week of each month. Dates are subject to change. For updates, call 210651-7800 or email eporto@ci.selma. tx.us. Also, Schertz residents can receive curbside chipper service every Tuesday for $40 per 30 minutes. For updates or to schedule an appointment, call 210-619-1800 or visit https:// schertztx.mycusthelp.com/webapp/_rs/ (S(jcthgkekk3k0ldihaq5b3ebs))/ RequestOpenCI. aspx?sSessionID=&rqst=135.

The first Monday of each month, Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children holds a session for the Schertz community on the role of advocating for children removed from abusive and neglectful homes. It’s from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Schertz United Methodist Church, 3460 FM 3009 in Schertz.

Information sessions will be held in room 105 (Noah’s Room). For more, visit https://www.thechamber.info.

The Schertz-Cibolo Lions Club hosts a luncheon for children and adults noon to 1 p.m. at Schertz Family YMCA, 621 Westchester Drive. Taking place every second and fourth Tuesday of the month, the event is free to attend for all. For more, visit https://www.thechamber.info/.

ONGOING

ELSEWHERE

The North East Independent School District Community Education program presents courses for adults and kids.

Most classes are taught in NEISD facilities or the district’s Community Learning Center, 8750 Tesoro Drive in San Antonio. For updates, visit https:// communityed.neisd.net or call Carrie

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

NEVER TOO OLD TO LEARN

ONGOING

YMCA MEETING

JULY 21

UT Health San Antonio offers a group setting for women with gynecologic cancers.

Meetings are on the third Wednesday of each month 6-8 p.m. at the Medical Arts & Research Center, 8300 Floyd Curl Drive HAPPENING continues on pg. 20 LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM

FREEDOM! We have so much!

Garden Ridge Physical Therapy was designated as an essential function during COVID and happily stayed open.

Patients expressed deep appreciation for getting treatment, and out of the house. Some staff chose to not work, Ryan, Courtney and Sarah enthusiastically stepped up, thrilled to leave home while working in the clinic and profession so loved.

Lysol was 148.00 a can. A distillery in Fredericksburg made disinfectant and a patient brought it to us.

Patients made us masks and we procured N95 to put underneath. We are so grateful to our patients, our staff and our ability to work through COVID. It was great to see neighbors out riding their bikes or walking, enjoying the great vitamin D and getting exercise. We have so much freedom to be thankful for!

Dr. Schonhoff PT, DPT

210-651-4826 Fax 210-651-4862 18945 FM 2252, Ste., 107, Garden Ridge, TX 78266

gardenridgephysicaltherapy.com

12

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

EDUCATION

JULY 19 - AUG. 17, 2021

Judson ISD to design 6th middle school ahead of potential bond

by EDMOND ORTIZ

LIVE OAK — Judson Independent School District officials are weighing the prospect of another bond issue, but they are going ahead with designing an envisioned sixth middle school.

The school board June 3 voted unanimously to approve $5.7 million for design services and selection ranking for an architectural firm. Construction could cost an estimated $66 million, officials said.

JISD’s sixth middle school would sit on a parcel of land adjacent to Wortham Oaks Elementary School in the district’s

northernmost part, in unincorporated Bexar County. Wortham Oaks is east of Encino Park and northwest of Garden Ridge.

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Wortham Oaks Elementary School students toss water balloons and play other games on June 2, the next-to-final day of school. A proposed middle school could be built next door. Courtesy photo/Judson Independent School District

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Milton Fields III, deputy superintendent of administration and operations, told trustees the tract is big enough to support a campus.

The new site, Fields said, would help alleviate rising student populations at JISD’s existing northern middle schools, namely Kitty Hawk Middle School, with an attendance zone stretching from Evans Road to FM 78.

Among JISD’s five existing middle schools, only Kirby Middle is well under the district’s planning capacity of 900 students.

Judson and Kitty Hawk middle schools each exceed the ideal maximum capacity of 1,125 students; Metzger Middle exceeds the ideal planning capacity.

District 1 trustee Suzanne Kenoyer, who represents the district’s northernmost area, said she’s heard from parents who want a new middle school closer to them.

“Also, the (parents) who have kids at Kitty Hawk want Kitty Hawk to be a smaller campus so that kids get more individual attention,” she added.

JULY 19 – AUG. 17, 2021

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

EDUCATION

13

THAT’S WHY WE SEE A LOT OF KIDS NOT WANTING TO COME MILTON FIELDS, BACK...”

JUDSON ISD The same area also has the highest percentage of middle school-age students leaving JISD. Fields said many parents in the far north section of JISD see it as a daily challenge to send their children to Kitty Hawk Middle, which is miles away in Universal City.

“That’s why we see a lot of kids not wanting to come back down,” he added.

Meanwhile, growth continues up north. Nearly 1,500 houses are being built or are planned for construction in seven new residential developments mainly north of Evans Road near Wortham Oaks.

With growth in mind, JISD officials have considered putting a new bond up for a public vote, perhaps as soon as November. The district has until a state

deadline of Aug. 16 to call a Nov. 2 special election.

By planning to design a school now, Fields said, JISD could have a shovel-ready construction project if the district floated a bond and received voter approval.

It takes about a year and a half to build a middle school, Fields said.

“If we do that now and if we to have a potential bond in November, we could do a reimbursement resolution and put that money back into the fund balance,” Fields said. “But if we wait to do a bond before we start this process, it’ll increase our waiting time to six, seven or eight months.”

District 4’s Jose Macias urged district SIXTH continues on pg. 26 LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM

14

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS MEDICAL SPECIAL SECTION JULY 19 – AUG.17, 2021

PANDEMIC TAKES TOLL ON BLOOD SUPPLIES

by JOSE T. GARZA III

WHILE COVID-19 cases have waned, area bloodsupply levels remain critically low.

Because there is less than two days’ worth of stock, the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center is urging Texans to roll up their sleeves and donate plasma, said

spokesperson Francine Pina.

About 600 donations a day are needed to rebuild reserves and support hospital patients, she added.

Roughly 400 donors daily visit the center’s seven locations.

The spike in need can be traced back to postponement of surgical procedures due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Pina said plasma demand

from hospitals is 20 percent higher than it was a year ago, and because of that, the center is mostly requesting Type O blood donations.

That blood type is most commonly used for transfusions and trauma situations.

The center encourages donations of other blood types as well.

Because of the plasma shortage, University

PEOPLE ARE OUT DOING OTHER THINGS SO THEY ARE NOT COMING IN TO DONATE.” FRANCINE PINA, SOUTH TEXAS BLOOD & TISSUE CENTER Hospital physicians decided to create an hourly timetable for when patients receive transfusions, while also determining whether medical procedures need to be delayed, said Dr. Leslie Greebron, director of transfusion medicine.

“We have to ensure we are triaging inventory of our precious resource to make sure it goes to the

right people who need it at that moment,” she said.

The COVID-19 pandemic posed a plethora of challenges to the center’s supply this past year.

The organization was unable to host blood drives at businesses and schools, as most employees and students worked or studied remotely.

Collections from such events made up 60

JULY 19 – AUG. 17, 2021

15

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS MEDICAL SPECIAL SECTION

5

LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM

University Health System nurses and medical assistants administer the second dose of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to12- to 16-year-olds at Wonderland of the Americas mall June 4. While many are still receiving inoculations to stave off the disease, area blood banks say donations of blood are running low.

Courtesy photo/University Health System

percent of its stock, Pina said. Currently, that figure represents its donations from in-house, she added.

The crippling February winter storm and annual holidays also slowed down plasma collections.

“People were not able to donate blood during the storm,” said Pina, who noted that no-shows have also been an issue. “(During holidays), people are out doing other things so they are not coming in to donate. They may seem like minor things, but we need to catch up (on donations).”

The center relaunched its mobile drive events in the fall, Pina said, and due to the drop in COVID-19 cases, it has been able to fill existing appointments and not extend hours.

To reward donors, the organization gave away a Fiesta medal in June to commemorate the longtime celebration’s return after its cancellation last year due to

the pandemic.

An electronic gift card valued at $10 awarded to donors after each visit is redeemable with 100-plus retailers.

Vaccinated and unvaccinated donors are eligible to give blood as long as they are healthy, Pina said.

Unvaccinated guests, though, are required to wear face masks and practice physical distancing, she added.

“There is no waiting period after you have received (the COVID) vaccine to give blood,” Pina said. “The vaccine doesn’t interfere with a blood donation. It could be compared to getting the flu vaccine, as they still continue to give blood.”

For more on being a donor, visit https://donor. southtexasblood.org.

Find this story and more at www. localcommunitynews.com.

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LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS MEDICAL SPECIAL SECTION JULY 19 – AUG.17, 2021

by RON AARON EISENBERG

NEARLY 73% OF THE ELIGIBLE POPULATION in Bexar County and the surrounding area has received at least one shot against COVID-19, but more needs to be done, health officials said.

According to current figures, of the 1.9 million inhabitants in the greater San Antonio area, 959,040, or 57.7%, are fully vaccinated.

1,207,058 Bexar County residents have received at least one dose of the vaccine to limit the spread of a novel coronavirus that triggered a global pandemic and killed 4 million, according to officials.

248,018 Bexar County residents have not yet received

their second dose.

Scientists say more vaccinations create herd immunity and give the virus nowhere to go.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, by late June 65% of the U.S. population was partially vaccinated; in Texas, that number was 56%.

In spite of the rising numbers, there remain many people on the fence about taking shots, and labs have required additional research to determine if vaccines used by adults are safe for adolescents.

Attendance at clinics has also slowed in the past few weeks, as those who wanted the vaccine have gotten inoculated.

Now it’s a question of getting others to show up who are not so sure.

“We have plenty of work to do to get everyone vaccinated, but I’m pleased that we’re keeping pace with every major metro area

5%

%

BL AC K

COVID-19 VACCINES

ASIAN 2

ABOUT 73% OF THE AREA POPULATION HAS RECEIVED

CASES BY RACE/ETHNICITY (*TOTAL AVAILABLE = 135,262)

WHITE 18%

HISPANIC/LATINO 75%

*Table shows percentages based on COVID-19 cases with race/ethnicity data available at time of analysis. Data will be updated 4th Monday of every month. Demographic breakdown in Bexar County is 75% Hispanic, 5% Black, 18% White, 2% Asian, and 0% Other.

PERCENT FULLY VACCINATED (POPULATION 12+)

> 75 - 100

> 50 - 75

> 25 - 50

> 0 - 25

in Texas,” said Mayor Ron Nirenberg. “I’m impressed with the pop-up program that (Metropolitan Health District) is coordinating to meet people where they live in order to equitably and completely distribute our regional vaccine supply.”

The mayor said he realizes there are many residents who still have questions or concerns about getting the shots.

“This targeted rollout phase will be critical in developing trust with San Antonio residents who may be a little more hesitant to get the jab,” he added. “If we continue to build that trust and visit every neighborhood in our community, we will be able to avoid another surge.”

The number of deaths from the coronavirus pandemic nationwide is staggering.

More than 600,000 people in the U.S. have fallen prey to the virus and its complications, according to the CDC. And many more – who are not vaccinated — are expected to succumb to the disease in the coming months, officials said.

In Bexar County, according to June figures from Metro Health, nearly 3,600 people have died from COVID-19. Of that number, 53% were females.

An estimated 75% of victims who died from the virus were Hispanic, 18% were Anglo and 5% were African-American.

Some 28% of the fatalities were age 50 and over.

However, nearly 19% of those who succumbed were 19 and younger.

JULY 19 – AUG. 17, 2021

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM

MEDICAL SPECIAL SECTION

Anyone age 12 and over can be vaccinated.

Vaccine developers are currently conducting tests to determine proper dosing, efficacy and safety to inoculate youngsters from 2 to 12 years of age.

By mid-June, University Health System had vaccinated 15,500 youths ages 12-17, officials said.

Locally, Metro Health, UHS and WellMed Medical Management and the WellMed Charitable Foundation have administered vaccines across Bexar County.

The vaccinations are free to all. No insurance is required.

George B. Hernandez Jr., president and CEO of UHS, said, “Getting people vaccinated has been an important objective for UH since we received the vaccine in late December 2020.”

UHS will continue to offer the Pfizer vaccine at the Robert B. Green Campus Pharmacy, 903 W. Martin St., on a walk-in basis from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturdays for those 12 and older.

Metro Health offers vaccinations in a variety of pop-up locations across the community.

Find a vaccine site at https://tinyurl. com/3whxreth.

Metro Health is also offering incentives to those who get vaccinated – with a ticket to Six Flags Fiesta Texas for each vaccination at the Alamodome or pop-up clinics, plus free Fiesta medals at pop-up locations, while supplies last.

A spokesman for Metro Health said, “Our vaccination rate is pretty evenly tied with Houston’s, and second to Austin’s, when we look at big cities in Texas.”

While experts agree San Antonio is on the right track, there is still concern over those who refuse to be vaccinated.

That includes parents who resist having their children get shots.

Sofia Martinez, 13, receives her second dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at the University Health System vaccination clinic at Wonderland of the Americas mall June 4. Courtesy photo/University Health System

17

One parent, who asked that her name not be used, said she is not planning to get her two sons — both over the age of 12 — inoculated.

“I just think there needs to be more testing to prove the shots are safe for my kids,” added the mother, who is fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

According to the Metro Health official, “To persuade people who are still on the fence, it’s more about oneon-one conversations at this stage, and public health can’t do that alone.”

He urged people to check out the CDC’s suggestions on talking to those who are vaccine resistant by visiting https://tinyurl.com/42y8y46j.

New, more transmissible strains of the virus could prove even more harmful to those who haven’t taken the jab, he warned.

For more on COVID-19, go to www. cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/ vaccines/faq.html.

Find this story and more at www. localcommunitynews.com.

NEARLY 72.6%

OF THE ELIGIBLE POPULATION IN BEXAR COUNTY AND THE SURROUNDING AREA HAS RECEIVED AT LEAST ONE SHOT AGAINST COVID-19, BUT MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE, HEALTH OFFICIALS SAID.

57.7%

ARE FULLY VACCINATED.

According to current figures, of the 1.9 million inhabitants in the greater San Antonio area, 959,040 are fully vaccinated.

248,018 1,207,058 Bexar County residents have not yet received their second dose.

Bexar County residents have received at least one dose of the vaccine to limit the spread of a novel coronavirus.

COVID-19 HOTLINE The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District has opened a COVID-19 Hotline for residents to ask questions about the virus. The hotline is available in English and Spanish. Residents can call 311 or 210-207-6000 and select option 8.

Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday and Sunday.

THE LASTING EFFECTS OF ANKLE SPRAINS

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Your ankle is a network of bones, ligaments, tendons and muscles.

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According to some studies, ankle sprains are the most common

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Swing by anytime to: • Learn the basics of Medicare

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ATTENTION: If you speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Please call 888-781-WELL (9355).

ATENCIÓN: Si habla español (Spanish), hay servicios de asistencia de idiomas, sin cargo, a su disposición. Llame al 888-781-WELL (9355). 請注意： 如果您說中文 (Chinese)，我們免費為您提供語言協助服務。請致電：888-781-WELL (9355)。 20_4995_WM_AD_AEPPROVIDER_ALL_JL_C073020

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HAPPENING

JULY 19 - AUG. 17, 2021

HAPPENING continues from pg. 11

Northeast Clinical Research of San Antonio is conducting research trials for men and women with Diabetes AND/OR require treatment for high cholesterol. Participants with or without Type y 2 Pediatric/ Cardiac Eventws are welcome. Ty Adolescents also welcome. If you are eligible to participate in these research studies you will receive the following at no cost: • Physical Exams • Flexible scheduling • Laboratory Testing • Glucose Testing Supplies • Research Related Care • You will receive money for travel expenses

For more information please contact: Northeast Clinical Research of San Antonio, LLC 7323 N. Loop 1604 E. Suite 503, San Antonio, TX 78233.

(210) 581-0045

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

(first floor, conference room B). Light refreshments offered. Free parking. For updates, visit uthealthcare.org/purple or call 210-450-9500.

SEPT. 18

COMFORT ART FESTIVAL Artists plan to display, demonstrate, and sell their work on Sept. 18, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

ELSEWHERE

COMFORT ART FESTIVAL will feature wood carvings, oil paintings, fiber art, metalwork and jewelry Sept. 18.

at the 9th Annual Comfort Art Festival. Organizers seek artists skilled in wood carvings, oil paintings, fiber art, metalwork, and jewelry. For more, contact event Chairman Julie Kuykendall at kendall1@gvtc.com or 407-5956859.

ONGOING

DRIVING SENIORS Northeast Senior Assistance, 2903 Nacogdoches Road in San Antonio, needs volunteers to drive older persons to appointments.

For updates, call 210-967-6372.

SUBMITTING EVENTS: Email all the details along with your contact information two months in advance to tips@ localcommunitynews.com.

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LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

GOVERNMENT

JULY 19 - AUG. 17, 2021

CODES continues from pg. 01

small businesses, some of which are contained in former houses.

City Senior Planner Emily Delgado told the council the existing zoning district has mainly allowed Main Street property owners to meet requirements such as buffering and parking.

But a new zoning tool is needed for property owners wanting future development on Main Street, Delgado said.

“It’s basically built exactly off of the Main Street Mixed-Use existing zoning district with additional caveats in terms of parking, reduced setbacks, things of that nature,” she added.

The city is amending other parts of the UDC to accommodate the new

Main Street zoning district, including exemptions for 8-foot masonry walls and 20-foot landscape buffers between residential and commercial lots.

“It really doesn’t make sense on Main Street when we’re trying to allow flexibility for property owners to go from residential to commercial,” Delgado said.

Permitted uses include antique shops, bakeries, banks, bed and breakfast inns, bookstores, beauty salons, houses of worship, day care, dry cleaning, bars, farmer’s markets, florists, furniture sales, gymnastics/ dance studios, fitness centers, medical, dental or professional offices, pharmacies, pet stores, restaurants and schools.

Many of these type of businesses and

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organizations currently operate on Main Street.

Councilman Mark Davis questioned how city staffers were developing public-parking requirements on Main Street with the formation of a new zoning district.

Parking spaces are based on the square footage of the structure. A 1,500-square-foot-maximum building requires two parking spaces.

A building measuring from 1,501 to 5,000 square feet would require five spaces. A structure 10,000 square feet or bigger would require 20

spaces.

According to Assistant City Manager Brian James, the new zoning district would provide some flexibility with parking spaces, and such requirements may need to be tweaked with council approval as time goes on.

Councilman Tim Brown applauded a 10-foot setback requirement, adding it could make it easier to create parking spaces whether on the street or immediately in front of a building.

“The current structures down

Schertz is creating a zoning district to permit new commercial construction on occupied or vacant lots on Main Street. Photo courtesy/Google Street View

JULY 19 – AUG. 17, 2021

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

there — they do have a backyard, but it’s inaccessible by vehicle,” he said.

Marquez, who owns Bar House at 533 Main, is developing other ventures on the same corridor, including a restaurant and another bar.

Marquez said the new zoning district is just the next step toward transforming Schertz’s Main Street into a destination, adding that preserving and restoring historic homes along the route is also a goal.

GOVERNMENT

23

“I see a lot of potential here,” he added.

One of Marquez’s current plans calls for construction of a 11,000-square-foot building at Main and Schertz Parkway. The latter structure will contain a leased restaurant, retail and/or office space.

“It could help to be a true entry to Main Street and promote development,” he added. eortiz@localcommunitynews.com Find this story and more at www. localcommunitynews.com.

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LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

GIVING

JULY 19 - AUG. 17, 2021

Eatery has recipe to help community

by JUSTIN KRAIZA

CIBOLO — Though the global pandemic crippled many businesses, the staff at veteran-owned Mako’s on the Creek restaurant didn’t let COVID-19 keep them from helping neighbors in need.

In addition, February’s winter storm saw employees swing into action to provide hot meals to first responders in spite of road closures and power outages.

Now, the city has recognized the eatery’s “Pay It Forward” program with the 2020 Gary Kelly Community Service Award, which honors residents’ efforts to better the lives of their fellows.

The award is named for the late Gary Kelly, a former councilman

and community leader. Nominated

by Councilman Tim Woliver, Mako’s received the honor in June.

Woliver said Mako’s has provided hundreds of warm meals to those

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requiring a helping hand, as well as boosted morale among first responders.

“They took it upon themselves to give something back to the people, especially those directly involved initially in COVID-19 response: first responders, health care workers and people who couldn’t get out to get food,” Woliver said. “I think they deserve the chance to be recognized.”

Woliver believes the Pay It Forward program not only provides “an invaluable service to the Cibolo community” but has had a positive impact on surrounding communities fighting on the front lines against COVID-19.

Co-owner and founder Dave Petersen, a retired Air Force brigadier general, established the Pay It Forward program when his eldest son, Andrew Petersen, suggested finding ways to aid the community when COVID first struck.

Customers, residents and others looking to help pitched in by making financial donations through Mako’s several menu options, priced at $10 each.

“The first responders, the hospitals, the nursing homes were highly stressed,” Petersen said. “(Andrew) suggested this would be a way for the community to offer donations to purchase the meals, and our team could continue to stay employed and working, and those in need would get fed.”

Since its introduction, the Pay It Forward program incentivized a crowd-sourcing campaign that raised more than $10,000 to provide over 1,000 meals to individuals in need.

The program also benefits 25 entities across the service industry, medical and nursing communities, first responders and assisted-living

professionals.

“There was eagerness all around,” Petersen said. “Friends and family from across the country and around the globe pitched in.”

When February’s brutal winter storm created widespread business and roadway closures, the Petersens received an emergency call from The Chamber — which serves the Cibolo, Selma and Schertz areas — urging them to prepare meals for first responders.

The Schertz police, fire and EMS departments were among the agencies that benefited.

Petersen enlisted the virtual aid of Mako’s executive chef, Kyronn Cordner, who helped coordinate meal preparation for 70 to 80 people.

The Pay It Forward food motivated Schertz Assistant Police Chief Marc Bane and other law-enforcement officers to brave icy roads in the department’s Ford Explorers to reach Mako’s.

“We had few resources, especially with all the stores closed, power outages and water lines frozen,” Bane said. “There was really limited food sources, so talk about a morale booster when you can bring in a warm meal on a cold day.”

He added, “We couldn’t have done it without Dave and his crew.”

While the praise is appreciated, Petersen insisted his family was able to help because of “great customers.”

“You can have the biggest heart in the world, you could do the greatest things, but you need great customers,” he said. “That’s our real blessing, having loyal customers that have supported us throughout.”

The Pay It Forward program continues.

Mako’s regulars can contribute in-person, over the phone or on

JULY 19 – AUG. 17, 2021

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

the eatery’s website by clicking “Order Online” and selecting “Pay It Forward” to donate in $10 increments.

In July, all Pay-it-Forward meals will be directed toward health, medical, nursing-home, assisted-living and memory-care workers.

Petersen hopes to someday expand into other community outreach services.

“We really hope we continue to be positioned with the great support of our community and customers to be able to do good work,” he said. “Really, we are

GIVING

25

doing it on their behalf. They’re the ones that provide the resources that allow us to do it.”

He added, “If there are ways we can be supportive and helpful, that’s what we’re looking for.”

Mako’s is at 169 Buffalo Place.

For more, call 830-730-5947 or visit http://www.makostx.com/. newsroom@localcommunitynews. com Find this story and more at www. localcommunitynews.

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The owners and staff at Mako’s on the Creek in Cibolo say they believe in giving back to the community. The restaurant was named a recipient of the Gary Kelly Community Service Award. Photo by Justin Kraiza

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staff to communicate with the residents most affected by a sixth middle school.

“To jump ahead of it, make sure you include everybody in that geographic area, which means homeowner associations and neighborhood associations,” he said. “We want to make sure there’s no adversaries to us building it.”

Macias agreed a new middle school is needed, but he urged his colleagues to consider equity in developing a new bond to ensure no parts of the district are left out.

“What more could we add to this potential proposal? It could be broader than this middle school; it could be all of our middle schools are impacted,” he added.

“We’re going to propose projects that’ll impact a lot of our campuses,” Superintendent Jeanette Ball responded. eortiz@localcommunitynews.com Find this story and more at www. localcommunitynews.com.

Filing deadline is Aug. 16

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RESIDENTS interested in seeking public office in Cibolo, Converse, Schertz, Windcrest or the Schertz-CiboloUniversal Independent School District have until 5 p.m. Aug. 16 to claim a spot on the Nov. 2 ballot.

The candidate filing period for the next local election began July 19.

Aug. 16 is also the deadline for a city or school district to schedule a special election for Nov. 2.

Windcrest officials had been mulling

HERE ARE THE CITY COUNCIL AND SCHOOL BOARD POSTS UP FOR A VOTE THIS FALL. INCUMBENTS ARE ALSO LISTED, BUT THAT DOES NOT NECESSARILY MEAN THEY ARE SEEKING REELECTION: • Cibolo: District 1 (Jennifer Schultes), District 4 (Ted Gibbs), District 5 (Mark Allen) and District 6 (Tim Woliver).

Cibolo’s council positions carry three-year terms.

• Converse: mayor (Al Suarez), Place 1 (Shawn Russell), Place 3 (Nancy Droneberg) and Place 5 (Richard Wendt). Converse’s council positions carry twoyear terms.

• Schertz: Place 6 (Allison Heyward) and Place 7 (Tim Brown). Schertz’s council positions carry three-year terms.

• SCUCISD: Place 4 (Edward Finley, board secretary), Place 5 (Gary W. Inmon), Place 6 (David Pevoto) and Place 7 (Amy Driesbach, board president).

The SCUCISD school board carries four-year terms.

• Windcrest: mayor (Dan Reese), Place 4 (Frank Archuleta) and Place 5 (Joan Pedrotti).

Windcrest’s council positions carry two-year terms.

putting capital projects on the Nov. 2 ballot, including improvements to the city swimming pool or new pool construction.

A group of Universal City residents successfully submitted a petition to City Council to consider placing on the ballot a freeze on city property taxes for seniors or disabled residents.

Early voting is Oct. 18-29. eortiz@localcommunitynews.com Find this story and more at www. localcommunitynews.com.

JULY 19 – AUG. 17, 2021

EAT

27

Where ‘everything good is worth the wait’

by OLIVIER J. BOURGOIN

UNIVERSAL CITY —“Everything Good is Worth the Wait” is the message scripted on the employees’ T-Shirts at Wayback Burgers, which is housed side by side with sister store Nestlé Toll House Café by Chip.

After a couple of construction delays, the dual space that houses both franchises at 3142 Pat Booker Road was completed in early May. Seating is limited to 20 diners on the burger side and another 24 on the cookie side.

Franchisee Dean Moore began thinking about opening a business while overseas.

“My wife Cherry and I lived in the Pacific for 17 years, working for the U.S. military,” he said. “We saved our pennies and when we moved back to the U.S. a couple years ago, we investigated a number of business options. We decided that a food franchise would be the LEARN ABOUT best option for THE NEWEST us.”

NEIGHBORHOOD PLACES FOR At Wayback BREAKFAST, Burgers, LUNCH, DINNER. the patties are cooked HOURS ARE on demand, CURRENT AS OF including PRESS TIME, BUT CHECK WITH THE The Classic.

BUSINESS FOR Diners can add UPDATES. fixings such as chipotle mayo, onions and even blue-cheese dressing.

Other selections are crispy or grilled chicken, hot dogs and salads, as well as nine sides including tater tots, bacon-cheese fries, Irish nachos and 11 choices of milkshakes.

“Oreo Mud Pie,” anyone?

Wayback Burgers franchises are popping up everywhere and can be found in 32 states

and nine other countries.

Then there’s the sweet side of the business.

“We had seen the Nestlé Toll House Café concept and we liked it, but we wanted to also include a complementary main-meal type of food component,” Moore said.

Headquartered in Bossier City, Louisiana, the first of the cafés opened in August 2000, in Frisco. It was soon followed by locations across the U.S. as well as in Puerto Rico, Canada and the Middle East.

The Nestlé & Toll House chocolate-chip cookie dates back to 1939 when Ruth Wakefield, owner of The Toll House Inn in Whitman, Massachusetts, added a choppedup bar of Nestlé Semi-Sweet Chocolate to her cookie dough.

Moore’s shop offers coffee, ice cream, smoothies, sundaes and plenty of baked goods including fresh cookie cakes, brownies and peanut-butter cookies.

Hours for both shops are 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

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