LOCAL: Bracken, Cibolo, Garden Ridge, Schertz & Selma, Texas September 2013

PLUS

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women in business

pg.14 Comal ISD

pg.05

voters to decide

$451 million bond

Measure would fund new schools, address growth

COMMUNITY NEWS bracken

Vol. 1, Issue 3

What's

INSIDE your community

pg.03 local commentary SUSAN YERKES

cibolo

garden ridge

Council recall, alcohol ban, bond issue face November decision

C

On Aug. 22, council members voted 6-1 to allow voters to decide whether council members Ron Pedde, Karen Hale, Larry Carlton and Mayor Pro Tem Steve Liparoto should keep their jobs until their terms expire in November 2014.

Ballot continues on pg. 05

pg. 08 Resources for Women to offer abortion alternatives Metrocom church members serving on board for new pregnancy-care center

pg.11 National Night Out unites Metrocom neighbors against crime Community events set for Oct. 1

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09/2013

Cibolo voters IBOLO – The beat goes on, as the controversy behind the city’s part in welcoming Walmart to town has led to placing the recall of four of seven City Council members and a ban on alcohol sales within 300 feet of churches and schools on the Nov. 5 ballot.

pg. 12 50 Shades of Art

Selma

Big ballot awaits by will wright

Chambers co-sponsor illustration of collaborative art efforts in Metrocom

schertz

pg.12 Tech startup

Extinguish LLC catching fire

Schertz-based company providing apps for firefighters

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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.

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

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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 nondiscrimination 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 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.

local commentary

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 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

'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

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.

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

"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," she said.

That’s a lot to think about.

What do you think?

Email comments to syerkes@ salocallowdown.com.

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SEPTEMBER 2013

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

SCHERTZ CITY COUNCIL – The Schertz

City Council will meet at 6 p.m. on Sept.

24, Oct. 1, Oct. 8 and Oct. 15 at Schertz Council Chambers, 1400 Schertz Parkway.

SELMA CITY COUNCIL – The Selma City Council will meet Oct. 10 at 6:30 p.m. at Selma City Hall, 9375 Corporate Drive.

CIBOLO CITY COUNCIL – The Cibolo City Council will meet Sept. 24 and Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. at Cibolo City Hall, 200 S. Main St.

SCHERTZFEST BBQ COOK-OFF – The city

of Schertz will celebrate SchertzFest 2013 on Sept. 20-21 at Pickrell Park, 703 Oak St. The family-fun event will feature live music, carnival rides and food. A highlight is the annual barbecue cook-off, which this year features a purse of $6,400. The grand-prize winner will take home $1,000 and a trophy. Sanctioned by the Texas Gulf Coast BBQ Cookers Association, spots will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Proceeds will benefit the Schertz Parks and Recreation Foundation. For more, call Sarah Gonzalez at 619-1015.

ALAMO CITY MILITARIA EXPO –

Military antiques and collectibles from a variety of dealers and individuals will be on sale during the event, which will be held 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 509 Schertz Parkway. Adult admission is $5 with 12 and under free. For more, call Chris at 843-6012 or John at 512-7317093; or visit www.acmemilexpo.com.

SCHERTZ CHAMBER EVENTS – The Schertz Chamber of Commerce has several events on tap for September and October. A Biz Ed class titled “Social Networking and Optimization:

Five Tricks You Need to Know,” will begin at 7:30 a.m. Sept. 25 at the Schertz Chamber Visitor Center at 1730 Schertz Parkway. Call to RSVP. The Chamber’s monthly luncheon will begin at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 15 at the Schertz Civic Center. A Chamber mixer will begin at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 17 at Schertz Parkway Physical Therapy Center at 392 Schertz Parkway. Each Tuesday and Thursday, “Get Fit with SCOC” is held from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Pickrell Park’s small pavilion, 703 Oak St. Schertz Chamber Toastmasters meet at Comfort Inn & Suites meeting room, 5571 Interstate 35 North in Selma, each Monday at 6:45 p.m.

For more, contact the chamber at 566-9000, or email admin@ schertzchamber.org.

CPS CUSTOMER CARE FAIR – City

Public Services will host a free educational Customer Care Fair from 5:30-8 p.m. Sept. 26 at Garden Ridge Community Center, 9500 Municipal Way. CPS Energy representatives will listen to concerns and questions, and address energy-efficiency programs, bill assistance, service reliability and the utility’s proposed 2014 rate increase.

For more, visit www.cpsenergy.com.

WELLNESS CLASS OFFERED – The Professional Center for Enhanced Performance is offering a community education class entitled “Chronic Pain and Health Difficulties: 10 Tips Toward Wellness,” at 9:30 a.m. Sept. 28 and Oct. 12 at 17305 Interstate 35 North, Suite 117.

Limit of 10 guests per lecture. To reserve a spot, call Cheryl Camarillo at 262-5056.

SCHERTZ POLICE ALUMNI RUMMAGE SALE – The Schertz Police Alumni

Association will hold a rummage sale fundraiser Oct. 12-13 at the Schertz Community Center, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Building 3. Volunteers are needed to pick up donated items to benefit needy citizens. For more, call Sue Boissonneault at 392-8692.

SCHERTZ ANNUAL FALL CLEANUP –

The city of Schertz annual Fall Cleanup for city residents only will run Oct. 5 to Oct. 20. Residents can drop off household and yard waste free of charge at the Bexar Waste collection site at 2221 FM 3009; a maximum of three truckloads or two trailer loads per household. For more, call the Schertz Public Works Department at 619-1800 or Bexar Waste at 566-5454.

SCHERTZ CHAMBER GOLF CLASSIC –

The Schertz Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic will be held Oct. 18 at Northcliffe Golf Course, with 50 percent of proceeds benefiting Distributive Education Clubs of America programs at Clemens and Steele high schools. For more, call 566-9000.

SCHERTZ-CIBOLO GENEALOGISTS WORKSHOP – The local group will

celebrate National Family History Month with a free Family History Workshop, which will be held 1-4 p.m. Oct. 20 at Schertz Public Library, 798 Schertz Parkway. For more, call 830-609-9006.

METROCOM CHAMBER ROTARY GOLF TOURNEY – The Randolph

Metrocom Chamber of Commerce will host the Randolph Metrocom Rotary Golf Tournament on Monday, Sept. 23 at Olympia Hills Golf & Conference Center, 12900 Mount 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 independent 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 titled “Mobility 2040.” Local events will be 6-8 p.m. Oct. 1 at the Guadalupe County Coliseum, 950 S. Austin St. in Seguin, and 6-8 p.m. Oct. 2 at the New Braunfels Civic/ Convention Center, 375 S. Castell Ave. For more, visit www.mobility2040.org.

GARDEN RIDGE LIONS FISH FRY – The

Garden Ridge Lions Club will host its 41st annual Fish Fry, Bar-B-Q and Auction, beginning at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 at Garden Ridge Community Center, 9500 Municipal Parkway. The fundraiser, benefiting Lions Club charitable causes will include live entertainment, silent and live auctions and two raffles. Dinner will be served from 3:30-7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults; $5 for children.

GARDEN RIDGE HOLIDAY MARKETPLACE – The Garden Ridge

Women’s Club will host its annual Holiday Marketplace from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12 at Garden Ridge Community Center, 9500 Municipal Parkway. More than 50 vendors will offer one-of-a-kind gifts, a silent auction and raffle for an original Knotty Knotters’ homemade quilt, and delicious food. All proceeds will be donated to local charities.

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Ballot continues from pg. 01

Cibolo council members grilled on when they first knew about Walmart

On Aug. 26, the council voted 4-3 to place the alcohol ban on the November ballot, which will also include a $2.8 million bond issue designed to upgrade two intersections and Fire Department facilities.

In all, November is going to be a decisive month for the city of 20,000, which is grappling with the issue of growth.

“It’s a not-in-my-backyard thing,” Carlton said in summing up the firestorm, which

local and state laws. Protests led to the recall petitions, certified on July 30.

The council postponed a decision on final plat approval on Sept. 10, to moving the decision until Sept. 16.

“They have no interest whatsoever in carrying out the will of the people,” said petition organizer Andre Larkins of the council. “These guys think they’re so much higher and better than us – they look at Cibolo as a corporation, and they’re the board of directors and we’re the employees.

“These guys have gotten so mixed up, that they think that we don’t matter.

But we’re not going to let them destroy the neighborhoods of Cibolo so the city of Cibolo can profit from it.”

Residents in subdivisions bordering the planned facility swarmed council meetings during August. On Aug. 19, residents asked the four council members targeted by the petition when they knew

Cibolo Mayor Jennifer Hartman confers with city council members Steve Liporato and Larry Carlton during a recent meeting. Photo by Joshua Michael.

began in July when Walmart announced plans to construct a 182,000-square-foot store on a 22-acre tract bordering Borgfeld Road, North Main Street and Cibolo Valley Drive.

Preliminary plat approval granted by the city’s Planning and Zoning Board was later approved by council members, who insisted they could do little but follow

that Walmart planned to come to town.

A full council was seated at City Hall as Mayor Jennifer Hartman read aloud the petition’s allegations against Pedde, Liparoto, Carlton and Hale. One by one, residents queried the four on the hot seat – as well as

Ballot continues on pg. 09

women in business

Women making more of a mark in business

by Bonny Osterhage

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 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 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.

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

E D IN AtE ILLAG C O L NFmV2252 E k C 1 BRA 1877

A special section prepared by the advertising department. 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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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. 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)

3. ASHLYNN ROSE SHABBY DÉCOR, ANTIQUE GIFTS AND APPAREL, 820

Main St. in Schertz, offers antiques, shabby-chic furniture, gifts and jewelry, with artisans on site. New clothing and custom-made items are also available.

Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Closed on Sundays and Mondays. For more, call 277-7586.

IN OTHER NEWS SCHERTZ POOL TALKS CONTINUE –

Claire’s Sweet Treats features cupcakes, above, and other sweet delights. Photo by Joshua Michael.

2. CLAIRE’S SWEET TREATS, 18408 FM 2252 (Nacogdoches Road), Suite 4, in Garden Ridge, is a bakery featuring custom-made cakes and breakfast treats.

Open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday. For more, call 3933580 or visit www.clairessweettreats. com. (See story on page 17)

The Schertz City Council and SchertzCibolo-Universal City Independent School District are considering entering into an interlocal agreement for the city’s proposed Aquatic Center.

A deal for the school district to contribute $1.65 million towards the natatorium was presented to both entities in August. In exchange for the contribution, the district would receive a 15-year, rent-free lease to the facility.

Executive Director Brian James said an agreement would be contingent on several factors, such as the type of natatorium to be constructed and the number of hours the district’s swimmers would use the facility.

The proposal was brought before City Council members on Aug. 13 and SCUCISD trustees on Aug. 15. During their respective meetings, both bodies opted to table the resolution until more information could be gathered.

“It’s a very broad framework for a deal,” James said. “We’re continuing to work on a deal. Both the council and the school district need to work out the specific terms, such as making sure the facility

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.

would meet the district’s needs, and also exactly how much they would need to use it over that 15-year period.”

In November 2010, Schertz voters approved $6.62 million for a natatorium, tentatively planned for the old Playscape site near the Schertz Senior Center. James said the city didn’t want to commit money towards

design plans until the city and SCUCISD had time to work out specifics.

“We’re working to give both groups more information, so the board members and city council members can sit down and work out more details,” James said.

DRIVERS TO LOSE FM 3009 EXIT –

Northbound drivers on Interstate 35

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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 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 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.

GUADALUPE COUNTY IN TOP 5 IN NATIONAL SURVEY – In a recent survey,

CNN/Money Magazine rated Guadalupe County, citing the economic growth of Cibolo, Schertz and Seguin, among the nation’s fastest-growing job markets.

Citing a 12.2 percent job growth from 2010 to 2012, the survey ranked the area fourth in the nation behind Columbia County, Ga., Rockwall County in Texas and Falls Church, Va. The magazine singled

out Guadalupe County for its businessfriendly atmosphere, home to Fortune 500 companies Amazon, Caterpillar and Sysco.

women in business

COMAL ISD VENDOR FAIR RAISES $1,500 – The Comal Independent

Women finding balance between work and home

School District’s Vendor Fair, held Aug. 15 at Smithson Valley Middle School, raised $1,500 for the Comal Education Foundation. Businesses aiding the effort included Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union, Sam’s Club, Horace Mann Insurance, Security Service Federal Credit Union and Anytime Fitness.

COMAL ISD ADOPTS STRATEGIC PLAN – The Comal Independent School District board of trustees approved a strategic plan during its Aug. 15 meeting. The plan includes four focus areas – culture and climate, teaching and learning, systems and structures, and leadership development – in the context of professional development.

As part of the plan, earlier this year the CISD board approved early-release days designed to provide teachers with common-planning time to enhance instruction. All students will be released 1 1/2 hours earlier on the following Wednesdays: Sept. 11 and 25; Oct. 9 and 23; Nov. 13, Dec. 11, and next year on Jan. 8, Feb. 12 and March 29.

COMAL ISD TRUSTEES RETIRE DEBT –

The Comal Independent School District board of trustees on Aug. 29 agreed to retire $5.3 million in outstanding debt early, which the district projects will save taxpayers $2.19 million in interest.

The defeasance resolution approved by the board is reflected in the district’s $130.4 million budget for 2013-14, which trustees also approved. The budget included a 2 percent pay raise for teachers, counselors, nurses, librarians and professional staffers, and a 3 percent increase for nonexempt, or hourly, employees.

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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.

But that's not always possible, especially since a woman — no matter how successful her career — is often still expected to be the primary caregiver, the glue that holds the family together.

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

In the case of Dr. Kay Morris, trained in obstetrics and gynecology and 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.”

Morris said she was fortunate her husband was a stay-at-home dad able to handle the daily schedules and activities. When the couple divorced, however, Morris had to hire full-time help with her boys during the day.

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

A special section prepared by the advertising department. spent time in her home pottery studio or attending art classes together.

“You have to make your time together count,” she said. “Just being in the same house isn’t enough. You have to be interacting and communicating.”

Even as the boys grew up and their demands on her time lessened, they still needed mom in other ways, even if it was just to serve as a listener or a sounding board.

“It isn’t easy to handle all of it, but you just juggle and do the best you can,” she said. "There are only 24 hours in a day.”

Claire Frnka, owner of Clarie’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."

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Facility slated to launch this winter, needs community help

by April Lynn Newell

S

CHERTZ – Church members across the Metrocom have united to establish Resources for Women, a care center designed to give mothers with unplanned pregnancies an alternative to abortion.

The project is still in the planning stages, but Dr. Kyle Cox, pastor of First Baptist Church of Schertz and the new organization’s chairman of the board, said he hopes the facility will open its doors sometime this winter.

“We (the San Antonio area) are the second largest city in Texas right now,” he said. “There is no doubt that there is a need for it.”

Cox’s church has long led the effort to establish the center, which will offer expectant mothers counseling, parenting classes and Bible studies. In July, Resources for Women formed a board of directors comprised of church members and community leaders from Schertz, Cibolo and Bulverde.

In February, Theresa Cathcart, who has served as a volunteer and staff member in several pregnancy care facilities during the past five years, approached community leaders with the idea of establishing a local facility for at-risk women.

Cathcart said her efforts were sparked by 2010 statistics, which indicated 187 abortions were performed in Guadalupe County, 5,800 abortions occurred in Bexar County, and approximately 80,000 pregnancies were terminated in Texas.

“We want to offer resources to women with low incomes and we plan to bring a godly presence to the community,” Cathcart said.

Cathcart said it would cost less than $15,000 to start the project, which has already received donated sonogram machines and training for volunteer nurses. In search of a home near Randolph Air Force Base, Resources for Women is projected to have an annual budget of about $125,000.

After opening, available services will include free pregnancy tests and ultrasound scans, with testing for

sexually transmitted infections and diseases offered at nominal fees. Cathcart said the organization is accepting diapers, gently used baby and maternity clothing, formula, high chairs and other necessities for distribution to future mothers.

Cibolo resident Kim Wadsack, a certified passenger-seat safety technician and board member of SafeKids.org, a national organization that educates parents on the need for children’s car seats, is a volunteer for Resources, which will provide those seats through SafeKids.

“We will order car seats and then we will offer a class once a week where they (parents) can come in and see a video that tells them of the importance of car safety,” she said. “Then, we (will) give them one car seat.”

Wadsack said she has worked in

judgmental, nor condemning,” he said, “but to minister to girls with needs, as well as the guys involved, in a Christ-like manner that would open the door for them to know God in a closer way and do what is right for them and their baby.”

Other board members and volunteers share that kind of passion. Bill Sanders, pastor of Converse First Baptist Church, said he has spent decades working with pregnancy care centers and support organizations. Though he isn’t serving on the Resources board, he said he plans to offer his services as its chaplain – and is urging others to get involved.

“The community should understand their resources, along with this opportunity to affect the lives of people (through) wise counsel,” said Sanders, who added that he has

First Baptist Church in Schertz is coordinating the effort to create Resources for Women, a pregnancy care center for expectant mothers. Top left, Pastor Kyle Cox, Chris Parker, Jeff Roman, front, Sherrie Senft, Kim Wadsack and steering committee chairwoman Theresa Cathcart. Photos by Joshua Michael.

pregnancy care centers for the past several years, and is glad she can now give back to her own community.

“I saw how a (pregnancy care) center could be so instrumental for women and men, and how much value there was in giving back to people,” she said. “When I heard about (Resources for Women), I was excited about being part of the board.”

Cox said he has learned, through his decade-long experience working with pregnancy care centers, that such programs not only serve young women with unplanned pregnancies, but also the men facing parenthood.

“Our aim is to be neither non-

counseled many women following their choice to abort their pregnancies.

“There are people who say to get an abortion because it is an inconvenience to be pregnant, but think about the thousands of other people wanting children who are not able to have them,” he said. “I think that is a viable thing for an organization to do.”

Cathcart said Resources for Women has officially incorporated as a non profit organization but is still awaiting taxexempt status from the Internal Revenue Service. Donations are being accepted.

For more, contact Cathcart at 8164302, or Cox at 658-3251.

9

salocallowdown.com

the other three – on a number of specifics, which basically produced the first public comments the elected leaders had made regarding their positions on Walmart.

Each said they first heard the concrete details of Walmart’s plans for the site in late June. And by then, they said it was all but too late for them to legally block the project.

Several neighbors insisted city officials knew about Walmart’s plans long before that, which council members denied.

“Walmart is smarter than us, they’re richer than us and they outmaneuvered us in the way they do several hundred times a year throughout the country,” Liparoto said. “It’s not because we’re bad, but because they have better-paid, higher-thinking people.”

Council members said they didn’t have time to outfox Walmart, which had swiftly and quietly filed all the documents necessary to gain quick preliminary plat approval by the city’s Planning and Zoning Board.

After that was granted in early July, the council had to follow suit. To change the zoning or invalidate the P&Z vote would’ve broken the law, officials said.

“The application came in its proper form, and we approved it,” Hale said. “Would I do it again? It’s the law, yes. The petition brings up several things on zoning that (would have) required me to break the law.”

Pedde explained why changes were made in the area’s zoning procedure during his term. He said the council rezoned the plat from industrial to C-3 commercial after a series of public hearings and meetings in 2009 and 2010. He said residents had every chance to protest then, but didn’t.

The council, as a whole, apologized for the recent series of events – and chose to have residents remember their overall accomplishments.

“Over the years this council has worked very well together. . . We have passionately, yet respectfully disagreed with each other but have accomplished a lot,” Liparoto said. “But I’ve said it before and will say it again – (Walmart) is the wrong size, wrong location. But we have to follow the law. . . Our population has grown over 800 percent in the last decade and we’ll continue to face these battles.”

For the first time in November, council members will be elected by voters within single-member districts. Incumbents Miguel Troncoso and Melvin Hicks will join two newcomers bidding for the District 2 seat, and Gabriel Castro faces a challenge in District 3. Hartman has hit term limits and can’t seek office again.

Hartman, who indicated the council was still working out details in a final infrastructure agreement with Walmart, said on Aug. 19 that nothing had been finalized.

Recall petition organizer Andre Larkins addresses Cibolo City Council members, top; a citizen takes his turn to speak during the meeting, below. Photos by Joshua Michael.

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SEPTEMBER 2013

LOCAL HEALTH

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

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 was awarded $1 million from the Susan G. Komen Foundation to research a new way to treat triple-negative breast cancers.

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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.

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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.

AUGUST CHARLES TREVINO II has

been named as development director for Bexar County Medical Society, an organization of about 4,400 physicians.

11

salocallowdown.com 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.

Night Out continues from pg. 01

Several gettogethers 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

“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 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.

UNIVERSAL CITY

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.

Night Out continues on pg. 15

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Startup continues from pg. 01

Local trio taps into untapped market

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.

“It could be very huge,” said 22-yearold 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 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

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 all through the Metrocom were featured during the “50 Shades of Blue” exhibition co-sponsored by the Randolph Metrocom Chamber of Commerce and 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 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

SEPTEMBER 2013

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. “I practically 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

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 two-dimensional 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

complicated and more expensive.

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

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.

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.

Schertz Civic Center’s events coordinator Mary Spence said the Schertz Chamber has been sponsoring artistic

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.

salocallowdown.com 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 self-sustaining,” 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.

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

13

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.

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.”

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.

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.”

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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 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 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 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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SEPTEMBER 2013

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District expecting 11,000 more students by 2023 by eric j. weilbacher

N

EW BRAUNFELS — As dirt continues to move on new construction in the Comal Independent School District, voters will be asked on Nov. 5 to approve a $451 million bond package to fund numerous improvements to existing schools and create as many as six new campuses.

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The Comal ISD board of trustees voted unanimously Aug. 26 to approve the bond package, which was developed during the summer by a planning committee comprised of parents, volunteers and concerned residents, as well as CISD Superintendent Andrew Kim and school board President David Drastata.

Because the district’s current student population of 19,000 is expected to rise to 30,000 by 2023, the panel concentrated on addressing long-term needs, with a special focus on CISD’s top areas for projected growth.

If approved, the bond will enable the district to add two new high schools, two new middle schools, and, depending on growth, two new elementary schools or a third middle school. It would also address land acquisitions, additional transportation needs, safety and security improvements, as well as technology and capital improvements.

Heavy growth is projected along the district’s southeastern boundary along Interstate 35, which includes Bracken and Garden Ridge, and extends west to Bulverde, and along U.S. 281, from Spring Branch into north San Antonio.

About 3,800 residential lots are being planned for the Garden Ridge and Bracken areas, said CISD Deputy Superintendent Kari Hutchison, who said another 1,670 lots are being proposed in the Bulverde-Spring Branch area.

“Enrollment growth will (put) pressure on middle schools (by adding) more than 1,300 additional students,” Hutchison said. She added the district is expecting 2,400 additional elementary school students in Garden Ridge alone.

Districtwide, Hutchison said more than 26,000 future lots have been platted since 2008, and new home starts are up 38 percent this year over last. Kim said

new residential starts alone haven’t led the district to expect a rise in enrollment.

“There is a ratio in terms of a price point that our demographer uses, based upon trends,” Kim said. “For instance, the apartments behind Creekside (a retail development in New Braunfels located within CISD) are high-dollar but do not produce many students. Developers are interested in letting us know because they are interested in bringing in families.”

Officials said under the bond, CISD’s debt service would add an additional 7 cents – for each $100 assessed property value that comprises the district’s tax rate – over the next five to seven years. It would equate to the owner of an average home in the district paying less than an extra $10 a month more in taxes.

Accumulating those tax pennies wouldn’t occur until at least two years after voters approve the bond, said officials, who added they are proposing the measure to stay abreast of growth – instead of addressing it later.

Over the past decade, CISD has fashioned its future developments based on the neighborhood school model, which is reflected in its newest elementary schools.

However, the district also wants to do the same for students living in its western boundaries, as many still face long bus trips to middle schools and high schools each day.

“Because I am close to that world (construction), I hear and see more than the typical taxpayer,” trustee Jason York said. “I would hate to put a student on a bus for an hour or more in our increasing traffic. We have to look at the safety of all our students and the changing nature of our district.”

15

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Night Out continues from pg. 11 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 is expects at least eight and up to 12 gatherings, which police and fire representatives will attend.

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 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.

SELMA

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.

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The CORE program – which stands for Community, Organization, Reciprocation and Education – are key factors in preparing the leaders of tomorrow, said Chamber President Maggie Titterington, who said she created the program to address community needs.

“Leadership CORE is designed to be a series of information-oriented forums, experiences and exposure to different facets of community, all of which are based on the belief that knowledge is a key element and prime motivator of leadership,” Titterington said. “We have support and participation in our classes from not only our local government leaders in Schertz, Selma and Cibolo, but from education, industry and non-profit organizations.”

The course included a mandatory oneday Saturday retreat and five single-day sessions. It also required attendance to at least one city Economic Development Corp. board meeting, one city council meeting and one Schertz-CiboloUniversal City Independent School District board meeting. Each visit was designed to provide students with valuable information about their community.

“Understanding how each component of our local government works is the key to unlocking future development, input and participation from these students,” Titterington said.

CORE students also visited leaders of local industries and businesses to learn more about daily operations, employee relations and management styles. SCUCISD Superintendent Greg Gibson led the education class on visits to area schools, while Northeast Lakeview College officials Dr. Eric Reno and Dr. Martha Trevino provided information on college operations.

“Our tag line at the Chamber is “Building a Better Tomorrow,” Titterington said, and I believe our CORE program does just that.”

Those seeking to apply for the Chamber’s 2014 CORE class should call 566-9000 or download applications at www.schertzchamber.org. Applications will be accepted through Oct. 31.

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Ceeko said 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.

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Hearing center tunes into patrons

by Gabriel Delgado

S

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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Claire’s Sweet Treats offering cakes, cupcakes and scones

by Gabriel Delgado

B

RACKEN – With ingredients meshing perfectly – a sprinkling of entrepreneurial spirit, a pinch of family ties and a heaping cup of baking love – Claire Frnka opened Claire’s Sweet Treats in Bracken.

Offering cupcakes, cakes and glutenfree options, Frnka’s business is one of the newest dessert storefronts in the area.

“I have always loved baking,” said Frnka, who graduated from the University of the Incarnate Word with a chemistry degree.

While she loves science, Frnka adores baking even more.

“My mom used to work out of her home, cooking cupcakes and cakes for friends and family,” Frnka added. “I followed in her

footsteps. I started cooking treats for birthdays, weddings and events, and it grew too big for my house.”

Frnka said her dedication has paid off with a loyal customer following, as well as a spike in patronage.

Although Claire’s Sweet Treats promotes a variety of baked goods, Frnka’s scones are already outshining her cakes and cupcakes.

“Our scones have really taken off lately,” she said of the delicacies, which are flavored in blueberry, cranberry and chocolate, pleasing the pallets of all comers.

A one-woman operation, Frnka does it all – from bookkeeping, to baking to marketing. She’s also civic-minded, as her business has donated money

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“We try to donate anything we have left at the end of the day, whether it be to assisted-living facilities or nursing homes,” she said. “We are also a member of the “Be Nice Club,” where we donate 10 percent of our profits to charity.”

Claire’s Sweet Treats' selections include lemon-topped cakes with lemon cream cheese, chocolate topped with peanut butter, banana topped with honey cinnamon frosting, vanilla cake topped with raspberry butter cream, and a host of others hard to top.

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Claire Frnka, above, shows off baked goods and frosted rolls, bottom, from Claire’s Sweet Treats, which recently opened in Bracken. Photos by Joshua Michael.

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18

SEPTEMBER 2013

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

Home stats stable in northeast corridor July record set for sales in SA area

PROPERTY LISTINGS zip code guide

by Travis e. poling

S

trong summer sales led the San Antonio residential realestate market into another record-setting July in houses sold and were stable 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. They also sold fairly quickly in an average of 71 days.

“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. “Sellers are receiving multiple bids on their homes and often homes are selling quickly.”

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. “These increases show how confident buyers are in the local housing economy and also the opportunities potential sellers have who are considering putting their homes on the market.”

In the 78108 ZIP code, the median sales price in July rose less than 1 percent from the same month last year to $183,650, according to data gathered from Texas Real Estate Trends. Closed sales were up 50 percent for the month to 60 houses.

For the 78132 area, the median sales price was up 4.8 percent to $349,875 and closed sales in July rose slightly to 27 houses.

Average days that it took to sell those houses were cut nearly in half to 70 days.

In the 78154 ZIP code, the median sales price in the area came up only slightly to $177,500, while closed sales were down to 51 houses compared to 61 last July.

And in 78266 area, median sales dipped 10.3 percent to $322,750 and closed sales were up by one to nine houses sold for the period.

Houses Purchased in July $200,000 to $500,000 Houses

29

78108, 78132, 78154, 78266

Street Address

List Price

SQ. FT.

Built

BR

FB

ZIP

560 Wayward Pass

$133,500

2,571

1996

4

2

78154

3500 Davenport

$134,900

1,560

1998

3

2

78154

411 Winburn Ave

$89,950

1,648

1952

3

2

78154

2825 Crusader Bend

$185,000

2,152

2006

3

2

78108

598 American Flag

$254,900

3,173

2006

5

3

78108

120 Flint Rd.

$253,115

2,083

2013

4

2

78108

3528 Marietta Ln

$260,000

2,891

1998

4

2

78154

2637 Fairwood Dr

$299,900

2,601

2006

3

2

78132

Real Estate LOCAL Trends ZIP Code Median sold price New listings Average days on market

under

$200,000 Houses

Closed sales Under contract Months supply of inventory

37%

58%

NOW OPEN ON SUNDAY $

Recent

99 Cell Phone Batteries

210-566-7702

Interstate All Battery Center | 8143 Agora Parkway, Suite 125 @ The Forum

78108

78132

78154

78266

JULY-12

$182,500

$334,000

$175,000

$359,950

JULY-13

$183,650

$349,875

$177,500

$322,750

JULY-12

73

35

53

21

JULY-13

82

56

71

14

JULY-12

128

133

120

160

JULY-13

89

70

88

136

JULY-12

40

25

61

8

JULY-13

60

27

51

9

JULY-12

55

39

57

5

JULY-13

49

28

55

6

JULY-12

6.4

8.8

2.7

8.4

JULY-13

3.9

8.7

3.3

5.1

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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