LOCAL: Converse, Live Oak, Universal City, Windcrest September 2013

PLUS

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women in business

50 Shades of Art pg. 12

COMMUNITY NEWS Converse

Vol. 1, Issue 3

What's

INSIDE your community

pg. 04 local commentary SUSAN YERKES

live oak

pg.10

Chambers co-sponsor illustration of collaborative art efforts in Metrocom

universal city

windcrest

09/2013

High-tech or new Tech Startup Extinguish llc Schertz-based company providing apps for firefighters

by Robert Bowen

S

CHERTZ – Extinguish LLC, a tech startup originating from a bedroom-turned-office in Schertz two years ago, is starting to catch fire with a customer base as potentially large as every fire department on the planet.

pg.05 New Planet K store opens in UC

“It could be very huge,” said 22-year-old co-founder Ross Chinni.

“No other competitors exist on our platform. Almost every department we’ve talked to is interested.”

The firm offers special software for iPads and iPhones designed for firefighters

Startup continues on pg. 09

City OK with area’s newest emporium

pg.14 Save the Clock Tower!

HOA raising funds to restore iconic landmark at Olympia Hills

pg.07 National Night Out unites Metrocom neighbors against crime Community events set for Oct. 1

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coupons INSIDE Discover the city through LOCAL deals from restaurants, retailers and services in your community, and save money while you do it! pg. 19

pg.13 Old schoolhouse

to educate new students on Texas history NE Lakeview College to renovate Lower Valley School into museum

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september 2013

From the editor wwright@salocallowdown.com

President Harold J. Lees Publisher Gregg Rosenfield Assoc. Publisher Rick Upton Editorial Executive Editor Thomas Edwards Managing Editor Will Wright News Staff Collette Orquiz Contributing Writers Robert Bowen, Gabriel Delgado, April Lynn Newell, Travis E. Poling, Arthur Schechter, Susan Yerkes and Eric J. Weilbacher ART Creative Director Richard Fisher Contributing Photographer Josh Huskin and Joshua Michael Advertising Advertising Director Shelly Talamantez Account Managers Dawn Radick and Michelle Moon Controller Gerard "Jerry" Sulaica READER SERVICE Mailing Address 4204 Gardendale Ste. 201 SA, TX 78229 Fax Phone (210) 338.8842 (210) 616.9677 Advertising Inquiries rupton@salocallowdown.com Story Ideas tips@salocallowdown.com Website www.salocallowdown.com LOCAL Community News publications

Zone 1: 78204, 78205, 78209, 78210, 78212, 78215 Zone 2: 78213, 78230, 78231, 78248, 78249 Zone 3: 78216, 78232, 78247 Zone 5: 78108, 78132, 78154, 78266 For advertising, customer service or editorial, please call us at 210-338-8842 or write to us at: Local Community News 4204 Gardendale Ste. 201 San Antonio, TX 78229 Reproduction in whole or in part without our permission is prohibited, 2013 Helen Publishing, LLC and Local Community News, LLC, all rights reserved.

Fall means it's time to get involved

F

all is finally here, bringing with it the promise of cooler weather, Friday night football and a slate of activities and events across the Metrocom.

Perhaps the most important upcoming fall event will be Tuesday, Nov. 5 – Election Day for most cities in the area. Those who haven’t registered to vote have until Oct. 7 to do so with their county election offices.

Several communities will select representatives for city councils, and some voters will decide bond issues

that could have a lasting impact.

Casting those ballots is important, to be sure. However, residents should also take time to directly participate in the process – whether it’s attending city council and school board meetings, to simply contacting elected representatives to let them know how they feel about critical issues in their communities.

A reader called to ask why more folks haven’t gotten involved, and I really didn’t have an answer for him. But all one has to do is look at the statistics from each municipality that indicate only a slight percentage of eligible voters turn out for off-year elections. Even fewer choose to attend or take part in city and county government meetings.

local our turn

Views and opinions about your community.

City councils should not be thought police fforts by church and city officials to iron out differences in San Antonio's updated non-discrimination policies are to be commended, but the firestorm could have been avoided altogether if the city had just stopped trying to be the thought police.

The issue involves strengthening already existing anti-bias rules to ensure fairness on the part of city employees, municipal appointees and city contractors toward the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

Some religious groups argued that instead of preventing discrimination, the policy targets them because of their beliefs against same-sex marriage, thus denying them the right of free speech.

District 1 Councilman Diego Bernal (pictured), who pushed for the update, later met with church leaders and softened the language. That speaks well for his willingness to compromise, but why create an issue if none existed in the first place? The city already had an anti-discrimination ordinance.

As District 10 Councilman

Carlton Soules asked, where is the empirical evidence indicating there is a need to tinker with the policy?

This is still the United States where free speech is protected. Offering an opinion or a religious view some find unpopular is an inalienable right under the Constitution.

No one in their right mind supports discrimination or bias when someone seeks a city job or a city service. But that is not the same as expressing a personal view or a

That all seems to change when a controversial issue pops up – and only then do people band together to have their say. While it’s good that they do, they often could have taken the opportunity to speak up earlier.

Community involvement means more than just voting and staging occasional protests. It requires consistently letting elected and appointed officials know how you feel. Collectively taking that step will result in the kind of balance our forefathers desired for our country, where government “by the people, for the people” is fueled through active commitment.

Will Wright Managing Editor facebook.com/salocalcommunitynews twitter.com/salocallowdown

religious belief with which others disagree.

When groups attack conservatives for their views, will their opinions bar them from public service or city jobs? Probably not.

The law says speech should only be limited when it threatens physical harm or incites a panic.

Policing opinions is not the purview of the government. Plenty of other countries have such practices, but they are not democracies.

Instead, city governments should stick to their core mission: fixing roads, maintaining health standards, ensuring public safety and a variety of other functions that keep the buses running on time and potholes filled.

Perhaps such ordinances are proposed by leaders trying to curry favor with certain voting blocs for the next election.

Local councils — not just in San Antonio — should avoid the temptation to seek popularity with one set of voters at the expense of free speech. That is a slippery slope.

The Local Community News editorial board includes Harry Lees, Gregg Rosenfield and Thomas Edwards.

Send letters to the editor to tedwards@ salocallowdown.com or snail mail them to Local Community News, 4204 Gardendale, Suite 201, San Antonio, TX 78229. Please include a contact number, address and zip code. We reserve the right to edit for taste, grammar and length.

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september 2013

Happening LOCAL Plan your month with our calendar of upcoming events in the community.

SUICIDE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION SYMPOSIUM – The Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Mental Health Clinic is hosting a Suicide Awareness and Prevention Symposium 9-10:30 a.m. Sept.

19 at the JBSA-Randolph Chapel Annex at 2 Washington Circle, Bldg. 103, Randolph Air Force Base. Guest speaker Margy Agar will address suicide prevention within the military. To register, call 652-2448.

MUNCHIES AND A MOVIE – The

Universal City National Night Out Committee is sponsoring a “Munchies and a Movie” night Sept. 28 at 6 p.m. at Universal City Park, 305 North Blvd. A food truck will be on-site; other activities are planned prior to the showing of “Despicable Me” at 8 p.m. For more, visit www.universalcitytexas.com/events.

UC LIBRARY COMPUTER CLASS –

The Universal City Public Library, 100 Northview Drive, will sponsor a “Basic Internet Usage” class from 10-11 a.m. on Sept. 21. Participants must have a valid UC Public Library card, Internet access and knowledge in using a computer mouse.

A mouse tutorial is available on request.

Participants must be at least age 13 or be accompanied by an adult. Register at the library circulation desk or by telephone. For more, call Toni Davenport at 659-7048.

MORGAN’S WONDERLAND HOSTS SENIORS – Let age work in your favor

during “Senior Fridays” at Morgan’s Wonderland, 5223 David Edwards Drive. For $8, every second and fourth Friday there will be activities for seniors 11 a.m. – noon. For more contact Becky Lucci at 495-5888, ext. 1006 or email to blucci@morganswonderland.com.

NAMI 3K WALK SET FOR OCT. 5 – The

National Alliance on Mental Illness will have its 3K walk, Oct. 5 at Morgan’s Wonderland, 5223 David Edwards Drive. Registration is at 7:30 a.m.; the walk begins at 8:30 a.m. The event is a fundraiser for NAMI programs in San Antonio. For more, call 734-3349.

NE LAKEVIEW CLASSIC MOVIE SCREENINGS – Northeast Lakeview College,

1201 Kitty Hawk Road in Universal City, will host several upcoming classic movie screenings; each begins at 6:30 p.m. The 1947 classic, “Odd Man Out,” will be shown on Oct. 1, with Dr. Eric E. Reno leading a discussion following the movie. The fall movie series will conclude with showings of 1951’s “Singin’ in the Rain” on Nov. 5, and 1946’s “The Best Years of Our Lives,” on Dec. 3. For more, call 486-5484 or email to ereno@alamo.edu.

METROCOM CHAMBER ROTARY GOLF TOURNEY – The Randolph Metrocom

Chamber of Commerce will host the Randolph Metrocom Rotary Golf Tournament on Sept. 23 at Olympia Hills Golf & Conference Center, 12900 Mt. Olympus Drive in Universal City. Proceeds from the 17th annual “Fair-Way for Kids” will benefit schoolchildren in the Judson, Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City, and Marion school districts. Registration begins at 10 a.m., with a putting contest and box lunch preceding the 12:15 p.m. tee-time. An awards dinner will begin at 5:30 p.m. To register, visit www.RandolphMetrocomRotary.org.

MPO TRANSPORTATION MEETINGS –

The Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) will hold several San Antonio-area public forums on its 25-year metropolitan transportation plan entitled “Mobility 2040.”

Local events will be held from 6-8 p.m.

Oct. 1 at the Guadalupe County Coliseum, 950 S. Austin St. in Seguin, and from 6-8 p.m. Oct. 2 at the New Braunfels Civic/ Convention Center, 375 S. Castell Ave. For more, visit www.mobility2040.org.

Bring your chairs and blankets. Limited table and bleacher seating available.

local commentary

'50 Shades of Gross' by susan yerkes

E

ditor's note: Awardwinning journalist Susan Yerkes now writes a monthly column for LOCAL Community News. We are pleased to share her wit and insight with our readers:

This year’s steamiest, most scandalous summer read was not a novel. It was a true-life drama, played out in dozens of front-page stories — the sexual assault trial of prominent San Antonio dermatologist Dr. Calvin Day. You might call it “50 Shades of Gross.”

More than a dozen of Day’s former patients and employees took the stand to testify against him. The media served up constant reports packed with enough raunchy details to satisfy the most salacious thrill-seeker, along with powerful pathos and downright tragedy, when Day’s son committed suicide just hours after the jury found his father guilty in late June.

Day could have been sentenced to 20 years in prison, but was granted probation. His family was shattered and his reputation was in ruins. Still he continued to fight the verdict, and on Aug. 26, state District Judge Ron Rangel granted his motion for a new trial, Full disclosure: I was Day's patient 15 years ago, but I never experienced anything unsavory. As the trial unfolded, I found myself shocked, outraged and perplexed.

After all, most of us have known guys who were by all appearances decent men, but in some circumstances turned out to be lecherous jerks. Day will get a new day in court and possibly a chance to tell his story, but what about other defendants in other cases?

Here’s what drives me nuts: How can otherwise responsible men risk jobs, reputations, families and even prison for a quick feel? And why do women allow them to get away with it, before somebody finally

www.UniversalCityTexas.com

speaks out?

Even after the trial, I kept thinking about those questions.

I recalled how the Senate Judiciary Committee hearings on Clarence Thomas’ Supreme Court nomination became must-watch TV after Anita Hill’s allegations of sexual harassment.

I remember my mother’s reaction to the whole affair. "A good, hard slap in the face is a lot better solution than dragging this kind of thing out in court,” she said tartly.

To understand why women often feel defenseless in such situations, I turned to Maria Falcón, counseling supervisor at the Bexar County Family Justice Center, where she teaches empowerment classes for abused women.

“Instead of putting all the focus on what you need to do to stop being a victim, what about putting all this effort into teaching men and boys not to be perpetrators?" she said.

"The prevention needs to be done with the abusers, the same way it was with racism.

"Not just women, but men need to stand up and challenge other men, politically, in the media, in the schools. This isn’t a women’s issue. It’s a men’s issue. To make a difference, we have to transform...how we see men, women and children; with respect.”

That’s a lot to think about.

What do you think?

Email comments to syerkes@ salocallowdown.com.

210.619.0721

Universal City Texas

5

salocallowdown.com

Emporium continues from pg. 01

Retailer’s eclectic merchandise appeals to broad clientele

- Exclusive to San Antonio & Texas -

“Bathrooms by Terra Stone”

by robert bowen

U

NIVERSAL CITY – Planet K – a growing regional chain of 21st-century versions of 1960s-style head shops – recently opened its sixth San Antonio-area store.

Planet K recently opened its Universal City location, which features a variety of eclectic items. Photo by Joshua Michael.

The new business debuted in July at 2501 Pat Booker Road.

“We keep trying to make our stores convenient to as many people as possible,” said Michael Kleinman, founder and CEO of the chain. “As you know, San Antonio’s doing nothing but growing and we’re growing right along with S.A.” Kleinman said that Planet K came to planet Earth in 1990 with shops in San Antonio and Austin.

“Now there are like 17 stores. I don’t know exactly. I lose track,” said Kleinman, whose stores sell just what you’d expect to find in a head shop: Pipes and rolling papers, books on how to grow marijuana, imported cigarettes and cigars, sex toys and oils, bamboo shades adorned with Hindu-style paintings of Jimi Hendrix album covers, Beatles lunchboxes, incense, candles and more.

The niche retailer has shown staying power and profitability, the CEO said.

“You know, we’re 23 years old,” Kleinman said. “But it’s not about the money, actually.

It’s about serving the community, creating jobs and making people happy. That’s why we’re successful. We have customers who first encountered Planet K when they were brought in by their parents and are now bringing their children in.”

The new Universal City store is located in a building purchased by the chain and formerly occupied by the Hungry Farmer restaurant and Longhorn Café.

Inside, a handful of customers browse or chat with salespeople in an airy, welllit shop with products arranged on clean, well-ordered shelves. The layout, size and selection of merchandise seem generally similar to other Planet K locations.

“We get to serve a new community, Universal City, which we’re really looking forward to,” Kleinman said. “Universal City has been a pleasure to work with.

We love being in Universal City.”

The shop fills only a portion of its building and Kleinman said he’d like to see another business join Planet K at its new location.

“We hope that a restaurant or something food related comes in (to the vacant portion),” Kleinman said. “There’s a kitchen in there and everything. We don’t do food, but lots of people do.”

Kim Turner, Universal City’s development services director, said Planet K adds to the diversity of the city’s retail mix.

“We always try to find goods and services that are for all walks of life and desires,” she said.

Prior to the shop’s arrival, there were rumors of economic-development incentives being offered by the city and of a Planet K “superstore” going in, but none of those materialized.

Meanwhile, Turner emphasized there has been no law enforcement concerns brought to her attention.

As far as the products Planet K offers, there are definitely challenges and questions, said Brad Bailey, former executive director of the Randolph Metrocom Chamber of Commerce.

“There’s probably going to be some who might disapprove, but there’s also going to be a lot of others who say that Planet K’s been highly successful in the Alamo Heights area and elsewhere, and has been around for a lot of years without any major issues,” Bailey said.

While Texas is conservative, it has long had its weed-smoking, Willie Nelson side, too. Just look at the number of votes received by musician Kinky Friedman, a 2006 gubernational candidate who wanted to legalize pot, Bailey said.

“There are lots of businesses that cater to certain lifestyles," he said.

“Other shops in the area sell sex stuff.

Tattoo and body-piercing businesses are common. This is a very laid-back state in a lot of ways,” he added.

As for Kleinman, he’ll be keeping his eyes open for other possible Planet K opportunities in and around San Antonio.

“If the right location becomes available, we’d love to expand,” he said.

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september 2013

LOCAL LOWDOWN Take a quick look at what’s new in the community from opening and closings to news tidbits.

Open and Opening Soon 1. SWEET KARMA CUPCAKES & MORE,

4938 Windsor Hill in Windcrest, offers homemade cupcakes in a variety of fun and unique flavors. Open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Monday through Friday, by reservation on weekends. For more, call 526-1001 or visit sweetkarmacupcakes.com.

2. DUNKIN DONUTS, 5101 Walzem Road in Windcrest, across the street from Rackspace, offers coffee and baked goods. Open 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. For more, call 657-9000.

3. OVER THE TOP CAKE SUPPLIES, 10731

N. Interstate 35 in San Antonio, located on the southbound access road between Weidner Road and Thousand Oaks Drive, offers retail cake, cookie and baking supplies, mixers and containers. Open 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. For more, call 564-1300 or visit the Facebook page.

Several dishes are displayed from Thai Spice Restaurant, which recently opened in The Forum Shopping Center. Photo by Joshua Michael.

4. DOSS AUDIOLOGY & HEARING CENTER, 5000 Schertz Parkway, Suite

300, in Schertz, provides professional and efficient hearing health care paired with customer service and technical expertise.

Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more, call 819-5002 or visit www. dossaudiology.com. (See story on page 16)

5. THAI SPICE RESTAURANT, 8327 Agora Parkway, Suite 135, in Selma, offers a Sushi menu including 51 specialty items and a wide range of general Japanese dishes, some with a Texas twist. Open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday; noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday, and noon to 9 p.m. on Sunday. For more, call 658-1665. (See story on page 17) in other news CHANGES FOR RANDOLPH METROCOM CHAMBER – The Randolph

Metrocom Chamber of Commerce is undergoing a facelift, complete with a new home and operational model.

On Sept. 6, Chamber officials were in the process of moving from their current office in the Selma Stage Shop visitor center at 9374 Valhalla, into new digs at Northeast Lakeview College. A Chamber official, who declined to be identified, expected the move would be completed by Sept. 16.

Executive director Brad Bailey recently resigned and moved to Hawaii, the official said.

“We’re not going to have an executive director anymore,” the official said, adding Bailey’s duties will be assumed by new

Construction continues on Interstate 35, as workers will shut down the highway’s northbound FM 3009 exit ramp for three weeks beginning Sept. 23. Photos by Joshua Michael.

Membership Director Buck Buchanan and Board Chairman Scott Wayman.

The Chamber’s new home, in Building 800 on the Northeast Lakeview campus, will be “more of a virtual office,” the official added. “We’re getting a new website and (members) will be able to register and pay for the events online.”

Updates to the Chamber website were scheduled to be completed by the second week of September. The official said the Chamber would continue to sponsor monthly luncheons, Lunch N Learns, mixers and other events including the organization’s annual golf tournament and gala.

The Chamber’s office number, 658-8322, will remain the same.

DRIVERS TO LOSE FM 3009 EXIT –

Northbound drivers on Interstate 35 who use the FM 3009 exit will soon have

to choose another option, as the Texas Department of Transportation will shut down the ramp to complete work on turn lanes and the north-to-south turnaround lanes at the long-congested intersection.

TxDOT spokesman Josh Donat said work is slated to begin Sept. 23, and could take “two to three weeks to complete.” Officials hoped to have had work on both 3009 turnarounds wrapped up by the end of September, but

Lowdown continues on pg. 08

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Night Out continues from pg. 01

Several gatherings are planned throughout area

by Will wright

D

esignated to galvanize neighbors and law enforcement against crime, communities across the United States celebrated the first National Night Out in 1984.

On Oct. 1, thousands of Metrocom residents will band together to observe the 30th anniversary of National Night Out, sending a message to crooks that crime doesn’t pay.

The nationwide event, created by the National Association of Town Watch, has proven an effective crime deterrent, officials said. The organization describes NNO as a yearlong community-building campaign, which heightens crime-prevention awareness, generates participation in local anti-crime programs and strengthens neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships.

In 2012, NNO gatherings unified 37.5 million people in 15,704 communities from all 50 states, as well as Canada and military installations around the world.

Though Garden Ridge and many other participating communities held NNO observances in August, most Texas cities will mark the occasion next month with a variety of events.

Law enforcement representatives will visit folks at block parties and cookouts, forging relationships to enhance community-policing efforts. Most important, it lets criminals know neighbors are organized and fighting back.

Police Sgt. Mark Williams, the Windcrest NNO coordinator, said the event has helped create better relations with the community.

“We want to let the citizens know that we rely on them,” he said. “Everyone wants

to catch the bad guy, but there aren’t too many bad guys who are going to break the law in front of a marked police car.

“We’ve actually solved some crimes this year because citizens got involved; so, we need their help, too.”

The largest number of NNO events in the Metrocom will be staged in Schertz, which is mobilizing its public safety units for the big night.

“We have about 13 planned now, but that could go up to 24,” said Cpl. Shawn Ceeko, the Schertz Police Department’s special projects officer and NNO coordinator. Ceeko, a 12-year veteran, said he’s seen NNO’s popularity grow alongside the Metrocom.

“I’ve been organizing it here in Schertz for the last five years, but I also hosted block parties while I lived in Universal City,” he said. “I definitely think the community understands that police and fire and EMS departments really care; and those departments want to have an open communication with the citizens.”

Ceeko added, “It’s the city working together with the community in helping prevent as much crime as possible. I think it has a great impact, and when we go out, everyone is really happy that we’re there.

It’s a win-win – nobody comes out a loser on this deal and everyone comes away feeling better about their community.”

WINDCREST

The Windcrest Police Department will host NNO from 6-9 p.m. at Takas Park. There will be free food and drinks, demonstrations by the department’s K-9 unit, displays of police vehicles and equipment, and police officers answering questions regarding neighborhood-crime prevention.

Also, representatives from the Police Department Citizens’ Patrol, Windcrest Animal Control Task Force and Windcrest

Night Out continues on pg. 08

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Donat said workers are concentrating on improvements closer to I-35 and Loop 1604.

“The southbound exit ramp to Olympia Parkway is receiving a lot of attention right now, and we’ve got the northbound exit to Forum Parkway, which we’re trying to hammer out right now,” Donat said. “Those are receiving the bulk of our attention, but they haven’t stopped our work altogether.”

Detouring around the 3009 exit will test drivers’ patience until mid-October.

Donat suggested exiting the highway at Schertz Parkway, south of the 3009 exit, or travel north to the Wiederstein Road.

When finished, the 3009 northbound exit will be comprised of two exit lanes flowing into five frontage lanes – a completed turnaround lane, a left-turn only lane, an optional left-turn/forward lane, a straight lane and a right-turn only lane, Donat said.

Afterwards, work will begin on completing 3009’s south-to-northbound turnaround lanes, which will also take some time to complete, he added.

CONVERSE RECEIVES GRANT – Converse

Mayor Al Suarez and Fire Chief Richard Wendt formally accepted a $195,840 federal grant for the Converse Fire and EMS Department during an Aug. 20 ceremony at Converse City Hall.

U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, presented a check for the grant, which was issued through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The funds will be used to purchase self-contained breathing apparatus equipment for department members.

“The city of Converse, Emergency Management Services District No. 1 and the entire northeast Metrocom will greatly benefit from the services the Converse Fire Department will present as a result of this grant,” said Suarez, who thanked Cuellar and the federal agencies involved.

Cuellar, whose office also helped secure funds for departments in Pleasanton, Jourdanton and Poteet, said the grant process took just over a year.

“In any society, government plays a limited but important role,” Cuellar said.

“One of the most important things is the safety for firemen and also police.”

Wendt said the grant comes just in time to purchase new breathing apparatuses, as newly implemented standards will soon be in effect for the devices.

“To a firefighter, canned air is on his back and enables him to do his job,” he said. “The units we currently have were built in the early1990s and require a lot of repairs. They’ve served

their useful life. This grant that we now have will allow us to replace them, and enhance the safety of the firefighters.”

Also attending the event were Converse City Council members, representatives from the business community and Economic Development Corp., and those from other municipalities served by the Fire Department.

CONVERSE EDC AWARDED FOR GREEN EFFORTS – The city of Converse’s Economic Development Corp. was recognized with a Practitioner Award during the city of San Antonio’s Green Building Awards ceremony in June. Converse was cited for its commitment to promoting green building and sustainability efforts in the community.

The Converse City Council adopted a resolution supporting Build San Antonio Green’s design standards for new and existing construction, and the city’s EDC co-sponsored Converse Goes Green Days events in December and May. The Green Days events were established to bring public awareness to energy and water conservation benefiting the environment.

CONVERSE ISD TOUTS TEST SCORES –

The Converse Independent School District was one of three in the San Antonio area to have all its schools meet or exceed statetesting requirements the previous year.

All schools in the Converse, Alamo Heights and East Central districts exceeded set standards in last spring’s State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness examinations of third grade through 12th grade public school students.

Several JISD schools earned distinction in math and English language arts and placed in the top 25 percent in overall progress.

“While there’s obviously room for improvement, but out of the three districts, we had the largest percentage of students in the Free and Reduced School Lunch program who met state requirements,” Converse ISD public information officer Steve Linscomb said.

CONVERSE COUNCIL APPROVES LOOP 1604 PLAN – The Converse City Council

on Aug. 20 unanimously approved a draft of the Loop 1604 Commercial Corridor Study, which will serve as a guide for economic revitalization efforts along the loop’s commercial corridor. Converse Economic Development Corp. Executive Director Kate Silvas said the study should assist in pursuing state and federal funds and grants for city development.

Converse Mayor Al Suarez said, “This plan is unlike anything Converse has had before. We are pleased with the quality and future vision the 1604 Corridor Plan casts for Converse and the region.”

Community Emergency Response Team will recruit for their organizations and talk about how residents can make a difference helping fight crime.

Barring an emergency, “We’re planning to have a (Department of Public Safety) helicopter on hand,” said Williams, who added public safety and city officials plan to visit four or five other events across the community.

For more, or to schedule an event, contact Williams at 655-0022, ext. 2240.

around town. In a lead-up to the Oct. 1 celebration, Barela said officers would be on hand Sept. 21 for a Safety Fair, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Target located in The Forum Shopping Center.

“We’ll have McGruff (the Crime Dog), fingerprinting and Child ID services for the kids, and a meet-andgreet with the police officers,” said Barela of the event, which is being held in conjunction with the San Antonio Police Department NNO committee.

For information, or to schedule an NNO event, contact Barela at 945-1700.

UNIVERSAL CITY

SELMA

Night Out continues from pg. 07

The city website says caravans consisting of elected officials, police officers, firefighters, city employees and members of the Universal City Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association will visit block parties and converse with residents.

Several locations in the city will host events from 6-9 p.m. For more, call Universal City Police Lt. Fernando Parra at 658-5353, or the UC Police Academy Alumni Association at 659-0333, ext. 526.

CONVERSE

There will be a variety of events across the city, many hosted by homeowners’ associations, from 5:30-10 p.m.

Converse Crime Prevention Officer Kimberly Molder said she expects at least eight and up to 12 gatherings, which police and fire representatives will attend.

“We will be visiting events within our jurisdiction, with police and fire (representatives) giving talks at the block parties,” Molder said.

For more, call the Converse Police Department at 658-2322.

LIVE OAK

Live Oak Police Department Sgt. Jesse Barela, the city’s NNO coordinator, said officials plan on attending up to 15 events

There will be a variety of programs from 6-8:30 or 9 p.m. Selma Police Department Patrol Lt. Paul Gumm said he expects four to seven gatherings will be held across the city.

“Usually what happens is that we’ll visit each of them with the mayor, along with additional officers from the police and fire departments,” he said.

For more, call the Selma Police Department at 651-7813.

CIBOLO

Several NNO events are planned to run from 6-8:30 p.m. The main event for all city residents will be held at Grange Hall, 413 N. Main St. Other events will be held on Haeckerville Road, at the Stonebrook subdivision playground and at Veterans Memorial Park. For more, call 307-0599.

SCHERTZ

Most NNO events in the city will be held 6-9 p.m.

Three teams consisting of firefighters, paramedics and police officers will meet at Schertz Bank and Trust, 519 Main St. From there, each team, joined by city officials, will visit up to eight locations.

For more, or to schedule a visit, call Ceeko at 619-1253, or email him at sceeko@schertz.com.

Photo by Joshua Michael

Lowdown continues from pg. 06

september 2013

9

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Startup continues from pg. 01

Local trio taps into untapped market to use en route to incidents. Downloaded with information including fire hydrant locations, building diagrams and other features, the apps are designed to help firefighters save precious seconds, which in turn also save property and lives.

The company’s apps have already found homes in 18 fire departments and are being tested in another 450.

The firm was co-created by Chinni, a software designer, and two 20-something friends from Steele High School – Jonathan Henderson, a San Marcos firefighter, and Devin McKaskle, a software developer. The friends first met at New Braunfels Christian Academy.

The founders began with a little investment money from family members.

Armed with Henderson’s insider knowledge of fire department operations, McKaskle’s computer expertise and Chinni’s business savvy, the three young entrepreneurs went to work.

“When we started, we were working out of Devin’s parents’ bedroom,” Chinni said.

Co-Founder “I practically Ross Chinni lived over there.

I had my desk set up in the closet and we just worked night and day to get it going.”

The trio brainstormed with representatives from many fire departments before devising the applications, and now many agencies are seeking the company’s services.

Extinguish’s high-tech, touch-screen systems can supplant the old-school binders full of printed information fire departments typically carry.

“When you have five or six binders and you’re going to a place that only takes you 60 seconds to get there, it’s difficult to find the right page in the binders, especially at night,” Chinni said. “It’s so cumbersome that they don’t always use it, and get to the sites unprepared.”

Other fire departments use laptopbased systems Chinni believes are slower, more cumbersome, more complicated and more expensive.

We think the tablet and the phone are really the way it’s going to go for the industry

Through Extinguish’s touch screens, firefighters can find the information they need in seconds, with just a few swipes of a finger.

“That’s very important for them,” Chinni said. “We think the tablet and the phone are really the way it’s going to go for the industry.”

Another reason for the popularity behind the Extinguish apps is their creators designed them to be easy to learn and to use.

“We try to make it as simple as possible.

That’s always been our goal. It’s meant for a firefighter to pick it up and within a couple of minutes know the system,” Chinni said.

Maintenance of the system doesn’t require an information technology department, which is another plus, Chinni said. For example, firefighters independently can plot locations of hydrants located within a new subdivision, instead of waiting for the information to trickle down through city departments.

“The firefighters can do everything themselves. It’s selfsustaining,” Chinni said.

Extinguish LLC initially tested its product with the Selma Fire Department.

“We would go there and get feedback while we were building the system,” Chinni said.

“They used it for a year or so to beta test it.”

Selma Fire Chief Ric Braun raved about Extinguish.

“It’s an incredible tool – we’ve been quite happy,” he said.

Extinguish posted its first sale in early 2012.

“Universal City was our first money in the door,” Chinni said, adding that fire departments in Selma and San Marcos weren’t far behind.

Universal City Fire Chief Ross Wallace also praised the system.

“We have had the application for a couple of years and it has proven very useful with our fire-hydrant maintenance, including locations of our hydrants,” he said.

Within only a matter of months since the company was launched in the McKaskle family home, firemen from New Jersey to Alaska – and beyond are now using Extinguish’s apps.

“Most of our business is here in the United States,” Chinni said, “but we’ve had some sales in Canada. We’ve had interest in Australia, Germany and other places.”

A small fire department located near Baton Rouge, La., became a customer – spurring city firefighters in Louisiana’s capital to also take notice of the apps, Chinni said.

Startup continues on pg. 13

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women in business

Women making more of a mark in business

world from the “lead-and-follow” model to a more inclusive style. Because women by nature have been shown to be more nurturing, better listeners and better relationship facilitators, it stands to reason that they are excelling in these corporate leadership roles, research indicates.

Eyra Perez, the executive director for the San Antonio Education Partnership, said relationshipbuilding is key to her line of work, and being a woman Eyra Perez, has not been a S.a. education disadvantage. partnership

by Bonny Osterhage

I lead with my heart and am very passionate about what I do, and I think that comes across when I am speaking

he battle of the sexes in the workplace has waged for years and, while men have usually dominated as CEOs or entrepreneurs, women are beginning to make more inroads as leaders in the workplace.

According to recent statistics, 4.5 percent of Fortune 500 companies have female CEOs and the number of successful businesswomen continues rising.

Is it because women are more accommodating in the business world, or because the business world has become more accommodating to women?

Maybe a little of both, according to an article on www.cbsnews.com, which notes there has been a shift in the business

Nonprofits employ many female leaders, possibly because of the communication, listening and relationship-building skills women inherently possess, Perez said.

“I lead with my heart and am very passionate about what I do, and I think that comes across when I am speaking,” said Perez, who has worked with the partnership for eight years, three of those as executive director. “That’s not to say that men don’t. I’m just not sure they communicate it as clearly. They seem to come at it from more of a business angle.”

Raising money in this economy is difficult and being able to make people care about your project means cultivating relationships. Perez explained that you can’t just walk in with your hand out and expect them to give.

“People see my passion and hopefully that’s what inspires them to donate,” she said.

The partnership has spent 25 years helping students and their parents prepare for and attend college. From filling out applications to choosing a major and even preparing elementary-age children for success, the organization has provided nearly $2 million in scholarships.

When a young woman graduates

and enters the workforce, it is like Perez’s role has come full circle as she helps these women succeed.

As the owner of Push Fit Bootcamp, Jacqi Williams is also in the business of helping women succeed by paving a path to better health while also creating some time for family bonds.

How? By offering fitness classes that are “stroller friendly,” meaning that moms can bring their little ones in strollers to this unique class held outside at the new Schlather Park in Cibolo.

A busy mom herself, Williams understood firsthand the challenges women face in finding the time to do something for themselves, and she designed her business accordingly.

“As women, we tend to take care of everyone around us and put ourselves last,” she explained. “But when you are healthier and happier you are a better mom, employee, boss etc.”

Williams offers both morning and evening classes and builds her day around her children’s schedules.

“There is always time for you somewhere, “ she said. “You just have to find it.”

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Women finding balance between work and home

by Bonny Osterhage

n today's society, career women are expected to be superhumans who can juggle work, family and friends without dropping the ball.

So how does she balance the expectations both personally and professionally?

In the case of Dr. Kay Morris, founder of Refined Balance, a bioidentical hormone replacement center, it takes some thinking outside the box.

“I would take my children on rounds with me when they were little,” said the mom of two sons, ages 23 and 30. “Their dad would also bring them up to the hospital to have dinner with me or they would do their homework at my office. It was what we had to do to make it work sometimes if I wanted to see them.”

For Morris, the balance came from finding quality time with her children more than quantity time. Weekends were filled with trips to the zoo or the park. An avid potter, she and the boys spent time in her home pottery studio or attending art classes together.

“You have to make your time together count,” she said.

Claire Frnka, owner of Claire’s Sweet Treats, agreed, saying that she sets her schedule around the schedules of her three children, ages 10 and under, and she relies on help from her mother and husband to help things run smoothly.

Time management is critical to Frnka, who handles every aspect of her business from the baking to the decorating and the daily operations.

But she said that even though it can get hectic, she wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Sometimes you run on very little sleep,” she admits. “But when you love what you do, making it work is easier than you might think.”

Dr. Gloria Wright of Total Health Primary Care has been in family practice about 20 years, including seven years in the Selma and Schertz area. She understands that balance also comes from having a satisfying job, which includes "the people I have the honor to work with and make a positive difference in their lives."

The practice "treats this area's medical needs from newborns to seniors," including blood work, sports physicals, wellwoman exams, hormone evaluation and treatment with bioidentical hormones, immunizations and more.

LOCAL HEALTH

The latest in medical, health care and fitness news for your community.

NEW LIFE BAPTIST CHURCH OF CONVERSE offers a cancer support

team every third Monday of each month. Meetings, held by cancer survivors, provide support to anyone affected by the disease, including friends, family members and caregivers. For more, call 658-1972.

BEXAR COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY

provides medical services for emergency shelters within the first 72 to 96 hours of a hurricane, flood or terrorist attack.

The organization is recruiting physician volunteers, who will receive disaster training. For more, call 301-4363.

SAN ANTONIO SPORTS, a nonprofit with a goal of transforming the community through sports, is one of 33 finalists in the 2013 “Aetna Voices of Health” national campaign. Aetna will award $30,000 to the organization with the most online votes through Oct. 13 at www.aetnavoicesofhealth.com.

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER has been awarded $1 million from the Susan G. Komen Foundation to research a new way to treat triple-negative breast cancers.

UNIVERSITY HEALTH SYSTEM has been named one of the nation’s Most Wired Hospitals and Health Systems for the fifth time based on a survey by Hospitals and Health Networks magazine.

THE CHIEF OF FAMILY AND COMMUNITY MEDICINE AT BROOKE ARMY MEDICAL CENTER, Army Lt.

Col. Bonnie Hartstein, has been named one of Jewish Women International’s “Women to Watch.” Hartstein is among 10 other Jewish women from across the nation to receive the honor. She has been deployed in Korea, Iraq and Afghanistan, where she treated wounded soldiers as chief emergency physician and combat support hospital deputy chief. She will be honored in December.

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Art continues from pg. 01

Schertz, Live Oak artists promote wares at exhibition

by Gabriel Delgado

S

CHERTZ – The Schertz Civic Center came to life Aug. 29, as creations from artists across the Metrocom were featured during the “50 Shades of Blue” exhibition co-sponsored by the Randolph Metrocom Chamber of Commerce and the Schertz Chamber of Commerce.

The event served as a dual mixer for both chambers, which welcomed more than 75 art enthusiasts – as well as luminaries from throughout the Metrocom – to see the wares created by members of the Schertz Area Artz Council and Live Oak League of Artists.

The exhibition was the mastermind of Artz Council

Live

/

president Whitney Leigh Wiedner.

“It was a coy-ish play off the ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ book,” Wiedner said.

“My thought was that this show would be anything but provocative; I wanted to see the individual artists’ takes on the title and theme – expressing it in their own creative way.”

The Artz Council’s membership includes over 30 artists, artisans and craftsmen whose talents include quilting, clothing design and jewelry making. About 50 percent of its members’ works were featured during the show. Artworks by Live Oak League members graced the facility’s entry hallway, with some of their productions combining twodimensional and 3-D visuals.

The show displayed a diversity of talent, genre, medium and style, sponsors said. Although each artist chose their own displays, the variety made for an eclectic array.

Depression, suicide, seduction, gothic aesthetic, godly intervention and abstract epiphanies blended with blue jays, blue jewels, blue quilts, blue stones and blue flowers to elicit conceptual versus literal interpretations.

Work

/

Schertz Civic Center’s events coordinator Mary Spence said the Schertz Chamber has been sponsoring artistic exhibitions and events for four years.

“We talked about an idea of local artists getting together to expose and educate the general public to the art and artists in their area and neighborhood,” Spence said. “We started by having art-related events on a monthly basis in 2009, and then we went quarterly. But ('50 Shades of Blue') was the first art exhibition at the Civic Center this fiscal year.”

As part of the collaboration, the city of Schertz donated the use of its Civic Center as an in-kind gift to the Artz Council and its artists and patrons.

“Art is important in our history, as well as our future,” Spence said.

“We look forward to continue to provide opportunity to educate the public on the artists and the art

works by Live Oak League president and Artz Council member Laura Rhodes and Artz Council food and entertainment board member Ashlee Collins Mathis.

With over half a dozen paintings and 3-D wall hangings as part of the exhibition, Rhodes’ works crossed many styles.

“I want to be different as an artist. I am looking for my voice,” said Rhodes, whose painting “Frayed” encapsulated the emotional side of the blue-themed exhibition. Her other works included wax wall reliefs of flowers and plants that extended off the picture surfaces and reached into the viewer’s space.

Mathis’ works represented a world influenced by pop culture, women’s rights and unspoken gothic undertones. One of her portraits was of a female with an elongated neck.

“I like my women as feminine and attractive as possible with my own distortions,” she said. “The long neck just happens when I paint such a

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Several paintings and other art displays grace the walls of Schertz Civic Center during the ‘50 Shades of Blue’ exhibition on Aug. 29. Photos by Joshua Michael.

that is exhibited at our facility.”

The 50 Shades exhibition and mixer also afforded area artists the chance to meet and greet civic representatives.

Among those attending was state Sen. Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels.

“I see art in the day-to-day lives of the people here, the artists and the public; the lives they lead tell the stories. Art is not just on the canvases,” she said.

Other exhibitions included featured

large head with small shoulders.”

The evening also included a lively martial-arts demonstration by youths of Universal City’s Patriot Martial Arts League, as well as several games and raffles.

The Live Oak League of Artists and Schertz Area Artz Council are planning a monthly live painting event at Taza’s Coffee Shop in Universal City, as well as upcoming exhibitions at the Schertz Civic Center.

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Startup continues from pg. 09

Extinguish LLC founders, from left, Jonathan Henderson, Ross Chinni and Devin McKaskle, have expanded the company that was launched in McKaskle’s parents’ home. Photo by Joshua Michael.

“It looks like they’re going to use our system – hopefully,” he said. “That would be our largest one yet.”

The young entrepreneurs, who really haven’t even begun to aggressively market their product, just recently hired their first helper, a contract salesperson.

Chinni said they’d also like to hire a few additional workers to share the load.

The product has been so well received and the workload so heavy, Chinni dropped out of college to devote more time to Extinguish.

McKaskle also has put college on pause.

“We just found this little niche,” Chinni said. “We have the right product. We do see it being very successful.”

Not wanting to extinguish Extinguish’s momentum, the entrepreneurs plan to continue to expand their startup.

“We’re going to take it as far as we can,” Chinni said. “Where we’re at right now is not our end goal. We want to do a lot of other things with Extinguish.

We’ll have many more products to come – it’s been a lot of fun.”

For more information, visit extinguishapp.com.

History continues from pg. 01

Officials say restored school will maintain post-Civil War features

by Eric J. Weilbacher

L

IVE OAK — In 1966, a quaint, two-room schoolhouse hosted its final classes and was soon shuttered and forgotten.

Declining enrollment and older students transferring to Samuel Clemens High School in Schertz led to its abandonment.

The Lower Valley School District's only campus was soon obsolete as residents, in what was then an unincorporated part of Guadalupe County, voted to join the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District.

But now that bygone school is getting a new lease on life.

In 2007, the Alamo Colleges board of trustees accepted a donation of the schoolhouse, which has since been moved to the campus at Northeast Lakeview College. There, it will be restored and

renovated into a public museum, where today’s elementary schoolchildren can learn about the ways students were taught in the not-so-distant past.

Northeast Lakeview became the second community college in the country, and the first in Texas, to acquire an authentic rural schoolhouse for its grounds. Dr. Martha Trevino, Northeast Lakeview’s dean of community development, said college officials contacted the heirs of Lutrell and Maxine Watts, the last teachers at the school who also owned the schoolhouse property.

The Wattses taught at the school and lived on the campus from 1941 until its closing, but retained ownership of the property and the schoolhouse. Its first owner, German immigrant August Schwartz, taught at the school from its opening in 1877 and for 14 years thereafter. The facility passed through the hands of many other educators until the Wattses took possession during the 1940s.

“It was boarded up, sitting on the banks of Cibolo Creek,” Trevino said. “County records indicate that it was a one-room school from 1877 until 1919, when it burned down. It was rebuilt as a two-room schoolhouse, with the left room (serving) elementary students and the right for older students, up to the 10th grade.”

Trevino said most historic schoolhouses are owned by museums or conservation

societies. She said Northeast Lakeview wanted to do more than have it serve as a living history exhibit or for tours.

The college hopes the area’s fourthgrade students, in their first year of Texas History studies, will soon participate in daylong classes inside the schoolhouse, which will serve as a living example of the state’s long

history of commitment to education.

“There will be instructional space for schoolchildren,” Trevino said, adding the building will include a functional classroom with teachers dressed in period clothing “reading from some of the same books students read then.”

History continues on pg. 14

Lower Valley School District No. 33’s old schoolhouse was moved from its original site near Cibolo Creek to the Northeast Lakeview College campus. Photo by Joshua Michael.

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History continues from pg. 13 Also, when the schoolhouse was boarded up, everything within – such as stacks of homework assignments, teaching materials and textbooks, even confiscated toys that had been brought to school – all remained in place, gathering dust.

Newspaper articles and a U.S. flag with the name of a state representative were also found.

Restoration of the schoolhouse will come at a cost and Trevino said a special initiative has begun to collect the necessary funds. Called the Dr. Martha Trevino, Dean of Community “Ring the Texas development Schoolhouse

We want children to say ‘I’ve been to that old schoolhouse,’ and to become familiar with the (college) campus

Clock continues from pg. 01

For years, tower has welcomed home Olympia Hills residents

by April Lynn Newell

S

ELMA – As John Agnew drives home from a long road trip with his family, they come upon Olympia Hills. From the backseat, his children shout with anticipation, “Daddy, it’s the clock tower; we’re home!”

Since it’s a clock and not a calendar, no one can say with certainty how long the iconic landmark has stood at the entrance to the Olympia Hills subdivision.

Some say the 1980s; others believe it was constructed a few years earlier.

These days, time is ticking for the broken and worn clock tower, which is in dire need of repair. Subdivision developers recently turned over the structure’s maintenance to the Olympia Homeowners Association, whose members formed the Save the Clock

Bell Campaign,” the college is seeking $500,000 for the effort.

“We are unsure of the time frame for the restoration,” Trevino said, “But beyond monetary, we are trying to get the word out for in-kind donations for anything, plumbing (and other items).”

Only when the building is restored will the college request grants, such as ones available through the National Endowment for the Humanities, which Trevino believes will likely support the project.

Northeast Lakeview would also like to see the schoolhouse take on the function of demystifying the college environment for younger children. The college serves 6,500 students, primarily from northeast Bexar County as well as Comal and Guadalupe counties. It anticipates soliciting neighboring school districts to send their students to not only visit the schoolhouse, but also provide them the chance to experience the area’s closest community college.

“We want children to say ‘I’ve been to that old schoolhouse,’ and to become familiar with the (college) campus,” Trevino said.

Tower Committee of Olympia Hills.

“I’ve been in a lot of neighborhoods throughout my military career and they all have different entrances, but I’ve never seen one so majestic as that beautiful clock,” said Jim Douglas, a 22-year resident and committee member. “It really says something about the subdivision. I think it shows strength in the folks who live here.”

Agnew, the committee’s chairman, and OHA assistant manager Michelle Villarreal estimated the cost to repair the structure could run as high as $25,000.

They are awaiting bids and estimates from contractors. About $2,800 has been raised so far, and area residents are being asked to contribute.

“The pledge forms come in every OHA newsletter and people are turning them in, bit by bit,” Agnew said. “There is also a sign by the clock tower that tells people to call the clubhouse (659-6105) to donate.”

The donations are trickling in, but he remains optimistic, he added.

“There is no sense of panic, because the board hasn’t really said what they are going to do yet,” Agnew said. “I suspect that if they do decide to tear it down, you’ll see more grass-roots support. We do have a good relationship with the (OHA) board, they are cooperating with us and we are working with them.”

As developers finished work on the remaining subdivision lots last

15

salocallowdown.com

Area homeowners are mounting an effort to repair the clock tower situated at the entrance to the Olympia Hills subdivision. Photos by Joshua Michael.

spring, they transferred upkeep of the tower to OHA, Villarreal said.

“We don’t have the funds to take on the bids that we have seen so far, which range anywhere from $20,000 to $30,000,” she said. “We did take the scaffolding down, and the wooden arbor, because it was falling down. A lot of (contractors) have said the clock tower looks sturdy, but they don’t know what they will get when they get up there.”

Shortly after taking over maintenance, Villarreal said an article in the OHA’s newsletter explained the tower’s potential plight: The landmark faced being torn down if funds weren’t raised for its repair.

Residents soon came forward, telling Villarreal they would work to keep it.

“In this day and age, it seems more common that we scrap things and move on instead of taking a little bit more time and effort to preserve landmarks or heritage that really bond the neighborhood,” committee member JoAnn Duncan said. “I think the community has really rallied around that.”

Duncan said many residents had taken time to consider other options before deciding to embrace the clock tower as a sentimental symbol. Many Olympia Hills homeowners, as well as other longtime residents, have become strongly attached to the tower.

“Before I was a resident of the neighborhood, we lived in the area,” Duncan said. “As kids in the backseat of the car and traveling to church, you look through the window and you knew where you were – and that clock tower provided recognition.

“As a young girl, I was drawn to it and used it as a marker to home, even before I lived in the neighborhood. The landmark

meant a lot to me and to my two sisters.

Now, I live behind the clock tower that we looked at – it was a cool thing.”

Douglas, however, sees the tower as not only having sentimental value but also as a symbolic piece of architecture, as important to the local community as the Washington Monument has become to the country. He said restoring the tower is just as important as repairs now under way at the national monument, damaged in an earthquake two years ago.

“There are some people who say we shouldn’t spend the money to fix the clock tower, but a good example is the Washington Monument – people say we need to hang on to that,” he said.

“I look at (the clock tower) from a sense of community, as strength to our subdivision and a symbol that really means something to the majority of the people here at Olympia Hills.

“There’s a long road ahead to get this fixed, but we’re going to stick with it.”

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CHERTZ – Filling a community void and promoting healthy hearing has motivated audiologist Dr. Phallon Doss to open Doss Audiology & Hearing Center.

Her goals include educating the public about hearing preservation, and addressing the needs of all generations.

“When someone has a hearing loss, their health and well-being begins to deteriorate,” Doss said. “Hearing loss leads to social isolation and depression, among other things. People forget what birds chirping sounds like, (or) the voices of loved ones.

“When I can get them hearing again, they inevitably start to beam again – this is the rewarding part of what I do.”

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The hearing center offers everything from assessments to aids that include custom-made personal devices.

“To help a newborn baby hear her mother’s words for the first time is immeasurable,” she said.

Doss Audiology & Hearing Center’s range of care includes comprehensive diagnostic evaluations and advanced auditory response testing. Infants and toddlers can receive visual reinforcement auditory screenings using toys and games, while examinations for older children and adults are conducted through conventional methods.

In spite of being in business for

such a short time, Doss’ appointment books have steadily filled with clients.

She also takes part in community activities including a recent “Lunch and Learn” hearing seminar at the Schertz Area Senior Center, where she counseled more than 90 seniors.

“I have a lot of retired military servicemen and women in the Hearing Center,” she said. “There is an influx of noise-related hearing exposures with the gun ranges and weapons discharging.”

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Thai Spice restaurant offers sushi with a Texas twist at The Forum

by Gabriel Delgado

S

ELMA – The entrepreneurial spirit has long coursed through Pahl Shaw’s blood.

So when she decided to expand her current restaurant, Thai Spice, to include a sushi bar, the growing pains Shaw dreaded were extinguished by customers’ positive sentiments.

Raised by parents who ran a pub close to the gates of Randolph Air Force Base, one that sold fried rice, spring rolls and pepper steak, Shaw witnessed positive responses to those overseas menu items.

“I worked as a waitress at Scotty’s Pub, my parents’ restaurant, when I was in high school,” she said. “I learned to cook from my mom, as

well as how to run a business.

“Eventually, I opened up my own store, Chockdee (meaning good luck), a Thai grocery store in Universal City. I ran that until I went into a business partnership at San Antonio’s Thai House. Then, in 2001, I opened Thai Spice at The Forum.”

Thai Spice’s sushi menu includes 51 specialty items and features an eclectic mix of general Japanese dishes, some with a Texas flair.

"I spent 15 to 18 hours a day online researching menu items, countertops, contractors, restaurants layouts, sushi chefs and interiors designs," Shaw said.

The sushi chef is Joaquin Santiago.

Shaw said two of Thai Spice’s best

sellers are the Gyoza, a popular vegetable-filled hot pocket made fresh at the restaurant, and the rice-free House Roll, comprised of tuna, salmon, spicy crab, avocado, Tamago eggs and asparagus wrapped in cucumber, not seaweed.

Thai Spice’s Texas-twanged sushi flavorings include a spicy Texas Mix sauce and a Ponzu sauce made with grilled Serrano peppers.

“It’s a Texas taste of Japanese infusion,” Shaw said.

It’s open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5-10 p.m. on Fridays; noon until 10 p.m. on Saturdays; and noon to 9 p.m. on Sundays.

Sushi and traditional plates are featured at Thai Spice Restaurant in The Forum Shopping Center.

Photos by Joshua Michael.

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Live LOCAL From real estate trends and neighborhood listings to home improvement, we’ve got you covered.

Closed home sales rise in Northeast SA corridor July set record for SA area

by Travis e. poling

S

trong summer sales led the San Antonio residential real estate market into another record-setting July in houses sold and were strong along the Interstate 35 corridor in northeast neighborhoods.

July house sales in the San Antonio area were up 27 percent over July of last year to 2,430, according to an analysis of Multiple Listing Service data by the San Antonio Board of Realtors.

The average home sales price for July was $215,779, up 10 percent from last year, and the median rose 8 percent to $178,000.

“In the wake of high demand and

increased prices, the search for a home has gotten more competitive,” said Angela Shields, president and CEO of SABOR. SABOR Chairman Steven Gragg observed that summer is busy for buying and selling homes before the start of the school year.

“July had the most new listings and active listings in a single month we’ve seen all year,” Gragg said.

In the 78109 ZIP code, the median sales price in July rose 7.9 percent from the same month last year to $132,250, according to Real Estate Trends. Closed sales rose to 56 for the month, up from 48.

For the 78148 area, the median sales price was down 15.3 percent to 125,000 and closed sales in July rose to 22 from 18.

In the 78233 ZIP code, the median sales price in the area rose by 13.1 percent to $128,900, while closed sales were up by nearly 50 percent to 58 homes with new owners.

And in 78239, median sales rose by 17.9 percent to $120,250 and closed sales were up to 40 from 25 in July of 2012.

Real Estate LOCAL Trends ZIP Code Median sold price New listings Average days on market Closed sales Under contract Months supply of inventory

78109

78148

78233

78239

JULY-12

$122,608

$147,500

$114,000

$102,000

JULY-13

$132,250

$125,000

$128,900

$120,250

JULY-12

75

27

53

35

JULY-13

86

26

59

42

JULY-12

92

97

96

92

JULY-13

97

111

80

84

JULY-12

48

18

37

25

JULY-13

56

22

58

40

JULY-12

45

11

41

30

JULY-13

48

18

36

31

JULY-12

5.1

4.4

4.1

5.5

JULY-13

3.9

2.8

2.5

2.4

Source: San Antonio Board of Realtors: Texas Market Trends report The properties are new listings put on the market from Aug. 28 - Sept. 9. The properties may no longer be on the market by publication date or prices may have changed.

Local Community News assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions.

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