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Transcription

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Marrying For Love … Not Money!
By Attorney James N. Voeller
Have you ever wondered what might
happen to your estate if you died and
your spouse remarried?
e following is one of the most
tragic stories that I have heard in my
30 years as a lawyer.
Several years ago a couple, Don and
Judy, came into my office to discuss
their estate planning goals. When
I asked them what it was that was
motivating them to do their planning,
Don sadly shook his head and began
telling me the following story:
“Jim, I grew up as the only child of
my hard-working parents. My great
grandfather immigrated to South
Texas from Germany in the 1800’s.
roughout my childhood, and as a
young man, I worked alongside of my
father on our ranch. I can still hear him
saying to me with pride, “Someday this
will all be yours, son.”
It was a hard life, and money was
tight, but we always had enough. My parents taught me how to work
hard and they taught me to always be careful with money.
Life went on just fine through the years until one day, several years
ago, my mother got sick and died. Dad stayed on the ranch as long
as he could, but eventually he moved into an assisted living facility
nearby. While he was at the assisted living facility, my father met a
woman, Helen, to whom he grew very attached. Within no time my
dad started talking about getting married to Helen.
ere wasn’t anything that I could do about it. Dad married Helen
and seemed happy enough. About three months later, my father
became very ill. He died in his sleep, with Helen by his side.
A few days after the funeral, I found out that while he was at the
assisted living facility, my father signed a new will–leaving all of his
assets to his new wife, Helen. I immediately hired a lawyer to help me
try to unravel this mess.
Jim, I went to the probate court and tried to prove that my father
lacked capacity or that he signed his new will under duress – but
I lost. Meanwhile, during the litigation, Helen had a heart attack
and died. Helen’s will left everything to her two daughters. Helen’s
daughters now own the ranch that had been in my family for over
150 years. Oh, and by the way,” Don Said, “did I mention that the
ranch was located on one of the four corners of a major intersection
on Loop 1604? When I lost the ranch, it had already become a multimillion dollar commercial property!
We’re here today, because we don’t want anything like this nightmare
to happen to our kids when we die.”
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After expressing my sympathy to Don for his tragedy, I explained
to Judy and him that most of my clients have arranged their affairs
like my wife and I have arranged ours. I explained that when I die, my
half of our community property will be left in trust for my wife. She
will be the trustee and the beneficiary of the trust. She gets to use the
income that the trust produces and if she needs the principal, she can
use that too. But if my wife chooses to remarry she will lose her interest
in the trust unless she gets a prenuptial agreement with her new spouse.
e new spouse has to agree that he will never make a claim against
the trust assets that I leave for her – or against her assets. I don’t mind
if she gets remarried, I just want to make sure that her new spouse is
marrying for love–and not money!
When I explained this option to Don and Judy, they looked at
at’s what
ey had come into my office discouraged at what
had happened to them, but they left with a new confidence that their
children would never have to experience the type of tragedy they had
gone through.
If you would like to learn more about protecting your spouse and
children through thoughtful estate planning, call us at (210) 6513851 for a complimentary initial consultation.
The Voeller Law Firm
19311 FM 2252 San Antonio, TX 78266
Phone: (210) 651-3851 email: [email protected]
Online at: CommunityCircular.com
Chicken Breast Marinade
Juice of 2 medium size lemons (strain for no pulp or seeds)
Juice of 2 medium size oranges, Valencia preferred (strain for no pulp or seeds)
1
⁄4 cup of olive oil
1 garlic clove, smashed and chopped
1 teaspoon of fresh, cracked black pepper
1
⁄4 teaspoon of Mexican oregano
1
⁄2 teaspoon of meat tenderizer (make sure tenderizer has papian as ingredient)
W
ith holiday gatherings just around
the corner, delicious recipes take
center stage. Although roasted
turkey, ham, and veggie casseroles are triedand-true choices, surprise your guests this year
with a recipe by George Ojeda, Executive Chef
at Encanto Mexican Grill. “It’s a great dish for
the fall because it can be made on a cold winter
day to warm up and turkey breast can be used
instead of chicken breast,” said Chef George.
The creamy and spicy dish pairs well with white
rice and sautéed vegetables. If you’re out of time
or simply want to try it out before attempting
the recipe at home, dash into Encanto Mexican
Grill for a taste.
Directions:
1. Place 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast (about 6-7 oz each) in a large shallow pan.
2. Squeeze the juice from the lemon halves and oranges into a separate bowl, then
whisk in the oil, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper or place all ingredients in a blender
and blend for about 20 seconds
3. Pour this marinade over the chicken. Place the lemon halves in between the chicken
breasts, cover the pan tightly. Refrigerate 6 hours or overnight.
4. Grill the chicken, occasionally turning and brushing with any remaining marinade
until the juice runs clear or the inner temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Remove
from the grill and place on a plate and pour cream sauce (see recipe below) over
chicken breast.
Chipotle Cream Sauce Recipe
16 oz heavy whipping cream
1
⁄4 cup of white wine (Chardonnay or Pinot Gris)
1 tablespoon of shallot, finely minced (substitute white onion)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1
⁄4 teaspoon garlic, finely minced
3 oz of chipotle chiles in adobo sauce
8 oz chicken stock, warmed before adding
2 tablespoon of roux (see recipe below)
1
⁄4 teaspoon of white pepper
Kosher salt to taste
Directions:
1. In a medium sauce pan at medium high heat, add olive oil and simmer
pan (to coat entire pan with oil)
2. Add shallots and garlic. Sweat for about 2 minutes, and stir with a
spoon.
3. Deglaze pan with white wine and reduce by half (about 2-3 minutes)
4. Add cream and warm chicken stock. Bring to a light simmer.
5. Add chipotle peppers with adobo sauce
6. Simmer sauce on low heat for about 5 minutes
7. Add white pepper and salt, if needed.
8. Using a hand mixer, blend entire sauce until smooth. (If using a
blender instead, do not cover entire blender with cap, allow steam to
escape to prevent sauce from overflowing.)
9. Adjust seasoning or add more chile peppers, if more heat is desired (be
sure to blend again).
10. Thicken sauce with roux (see below).
Roux Recipe
2 tablespoons of butter
2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
Directions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com
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Place butter in a small sauté pan at medium high heat.
Melt butter until foamy.
Add flour and whisk until flour and butter are incorporated.
Set aside for later use.
contents
4 Marrying for Love...Not Money!
6 Holiday Recipe from Encanto Grill
Publishers:
Community Circular Magazines
a division of
9 Carolyn Tarver Insurance Opens in Alamo Heights
10 18th Annual Taste of the Heights
12 Camp Bullis: Get to Know Your Neighbor
16 San Antonio Family Helps Fight Terrorism
35 Finding the Right Personal Trainer
36 Flight to the North Pole
39 Buyer Beware: Choice Leather Furniture
40 Exhibit Celebrates UTSA’s First Football Season
43 Tradition or Roth IRA: Which One is Right for You?
45 Planning Ahead for Difficult Times
47 What is a Custom Gun?
48 New Braunfels Railroad Museum
51 Puzzles
Alamo Heights Magazine is a periodical published for the enjoyment of the greater Alamo
Heights area. The magazine is intended to cover entertaining and informative topics that
are of interest to the Alamo Heights area community. This publication is not affiliated
with the City of Alamo Heights or any other government agency and is supported by its
advertisers.
We want your feedback!
What do you think of the all-new Alamo Heights Magazine? As a reader, we want to hear
from you. If you have feedback on any of our articles, or the magazine itself, we want to
know about it. We encourage you to visit our web site at www.AlamoHeightsMagazine.
com and let us know what’s on your mind.
Graphic design
Jessica Combs
Michelle Fortenberry
Katrina Gelino
Jared Hawkinson
Lucy Hutchenson
Sales
Rachel Danley
Sheryl Hawkinson
Administrative
Jared Hawkinson
Albert Salazar
To advertise your product or services in
Alamo Heights Magazine, please contact
Rachel Danley at
210-348-3709 or by email at
[email protected]
Alamo Heights Magazine is published by Community
Circular Magazines, a subsidiary product of WhiteFrisbie Media. It is provided for the enjoyment and
education of its readership. The information presented
in this magazine is believed to be true at the time of
publishing. Community Circular Magazines does not
guarantee or warranty any of the services or products
produced by the companies represented herein.
If you have any feedback on this publication, please
contact us at 210-348-3709 or visit our web site at
www.AlamoHeightsMagazine.com
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V
eteran insurance agent Carolyn Tarver is proud to announce
the recent opening of her new FARMERS INSURANCE
AGENCY office in Alamo Heights. Carolyn has 30 years
of experience in the insurance industry and 20 of those years are
with FARMERS. She is very excited about moving here several years
ago. Carolyn has a daughter who graduated from A&M on a track
scholarship and a son who is an eighth grader at The Alamo Heights
Jr. High School. She loves the school system in Alamo Heights as
well as the small, tight knit community.
“I was born and raised on a farm and ranch outside of Stratford in
the Texas Panhandle, where the population is about 1,900,” Carolyn
said.
Growing up she had “hands on” in her families’ agriculture business
working cattle and the land. She describes herself as “agriculture
savvy” because when you go through hard times you learn the art of
diversification.
“This is one of the hardest years in history for farmers and ranchers.
In most all businesses, if you learn how to diversify, usually you will
survive the highs and lows that all businesses have through the years.
My Mother, brother and sister are still in the family business in
the Panhandle, and this year “diversity” was the key to survival for
them,” Carolyn said.
Carolyn graduated from Texas Tech University and after a short
stint at teaching school, she became a rural agent, cutting her teeth
on farm and ranch, crop and health insurance. Then in 2005,
Carolyn moved to San Antonio, where she accepted a FARMERS
agency in Seguin. She still maintains an office there along with the
one in Alamo Heights.
These days Carolyn handles all types of insurance including auto,
home, health and life, business, motorcycle, boat, RV, IRAs and
Medicare supplements. A favorite of hers is juvenile life insurance.
With the right policy, this great gift that parents and grandparents
can purchase is a good place to build cash value for college, a first
home or business!
“Your insurance is only as good as your agent. I believe people
need to be coached in buying insurance, more so than ever today.
In this day and age when coverage is offered online, people are in
danger of choosing a policy that they either don’t understand, don’t
need or isn’t the right fit for them,” Carolyn said.
The insurance market is in flux too. That’s why it’s never a good
idea to buy a policy and just shove it in a drawer. What was good in
the past year, might not be the best policy now or next year. People’s
lives and needs change with time. Your insurance coverage needs to
change with you. Carolyn works one-on-one with her customers,
helping them to cut where they need to cut without hurting them
in their exposure. Liability, for example is an area where people are
often at risk financially without knowing it.
“Sure you can go with the legal minimums on your auto policy,
for example, but if you are involved in an at-fault accident, the other
party will most certainly go after your assets, if your policy does not
have enough coverage for their damages”, Carolyn said
Educating women is another of Carolyn’s passions as she loves
helping women who have been through hard times (death of a
spouse, divorce or bankruptcy).
“Now that I’ve been through some of the trials of life myself, I
get great satisfaction in helping women (and men) who’ve suddenly
been thrust into making financial decisions on their own,” Carolyn
said.
One thing is for sure, navigating the markets these days can be
frightening for anyone. That’s why you need an agent with the know
how to help you make the right choices at the right time. Carolyn’s
new office is located at:
Carolyn Tarver Insurance
7225 Broadway
San Antonio, Tx 78209
210 804 2100
[email protected]
www.farmersagent.com/ctarver
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H
undreds of revelers enjoyed the cool evening breezes under the massive oak trees at
the Witte Museum recently, when the 18th Annual Taste of the Heights was held.
Sponsored by the Alamo Heights Chamber of Commerce and Mercedes Benz of San
Antonio, the event was held on Thursday, September 23 at the Witte Museum. The Taste
attracted more than 750 party-goers, interested in sampling and tasting all that the area had
to offer.
Over 50 food, beer, wine and specialty booths were on hand to provide samples for a wide
variety of tasty goodies from the Alamo Heights area and beyond. Restaurants such as Tre
Trattoria, Sushi Zushi, Lion & Rose, Paloma Blanca, La Hacienda de los Barrios, Al’s Gourmet
Nuts, Creative Chocolates, LUKE, LongHorn Steakhouse, Romos Cafe, La Fogata, Le Cake,
Amy’s Ice Cream….and many more were on hand to sample their menu specialties.
Beer was provided by HALO Distributing, and included Miller products, and specialty
brands such as Abita Beer, Leinenhagel’s, Blue Moon, New Belgium and Bard’s. Wines were
provided by Republic National Distributing Company, as well as Dry Comal Creek Vineyards
and Bending Branch Winery.
A new event was added to the festivities this year: the Taste Challenge Cook-Off, which
featured the best tacos offered by chosen participants. Romos Café’s fish tacos were chosen
the winners by a panel of celebrity judges, including representatives from television and print
media. A VIP Suite was well-attended, and featured delicacies and tasty delights from the
new JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort.
The event featured five live bands on five different stages, which provided a wide variety of
musical sounds for party guests. A Silent Auction rounded out the evening’s offerings, with
featured items donated by Chamber members and friends of the Alamo Heights Chamber of
Commerce. Mercedes Benz of San Antonio provided several new automobiles for guests to
admire, prominently displayed on the Witte grounds.
Volunteers for the event included the much-appreciated Baseline Bums, the service
organization of the San Antonio Spurs. The Bums have assisted with the Taste of the Heights
for several years now, and are an important part of the event’s success.
Sponsors of the 2011 event included: Mercedes Benz of San Antonio, Grande
Communications, JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort (VIP Suite), Christian
Brothers Automotive (Valet Parking), Run Wild Sports, Broadway Bank (Silent Auction),
Amegy Bank, Watermark Group, Creative Link, 550KTSA, and others, who helped make
the event possible.
A portion of the proceeds from the event went to the Children’s Bereavement Center of
South Texas, the Alamo Heights School Foundation and the Witte Museum.
Plans are already underway for the 19th Annual Taste of the Heights, which will be held in
September, 2012. For more information, please visit: www.tasteoftheheights.com.
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Jefferson Bank is here to meet
all your home loan needs.
This is personal to us.
For many years, Jefferson Bank has been committed to promoting homeownership in our community,
providing mortgages, home improvement and home equity loans, and special financing programs for
the citizens of Bexar and surrounding counties.
•Conventional Fixed
Rate Mortgages
•Home Improvement Loans
•Adjustable Rate Mortgages
•Construction Loans
•Home Equity Loans
•Portfolio Loans
•Federal Housing
Administration Loans (FHA)
•Veteran Administration
Loans (VA)
Whether you are buying a home, building or improving a home or refinancing a mortgage, you will
experience service at its finest. Our mortgage specialists have a wide range of competitive products
and can help you find the one that meets your special circumstances.
For more information, visit jeffersonbank.com
or call (210) 736-7700 today.
jeffersonbank.com
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M
ike and Rosa Reinert of Champion
Springs were always dog people.
For years their toy poodle and loveable
mutt completed their family. That was
until they opened their home and hearts
to a dog with a greater cause.
“I saw a story on the news about the puppies being bred at Lackland
and it intrigued me,” recalls Mike. “I thought it was a great way to give
back to this country and do my part in the fight against terrorism.”
Soon, the Reinerts became one of hundreds of families who are
playing a vital role in the Canine Breeding and Development Center’s
Puppy Program. They became foster parents to 10-week-old Quick,
an energetic, black Labrador Retriever who would call their Stone
Oak residence “home” for the next eight months.
“I am held in awe of all the volunteers who have done so much for
this program,” said Scott Thomas, CBDC program manager. “I can
never express strongly enough how the backbone of this program is
our volunteers, who are to me our heroes.”
Thomas runs the 10-year-old program out of Lackland Air Force
Base in San Antonio. A division of the Transportation Security
Administration, the program is part of a global effort to breed
working explosives detection dogs. Center officials are breeding
better detector dogs to work at airports, ferry
terminals and rail stations, while regular
citizens are performing a vital part
by serving as foster families
for the puppies until one year of age. In addition to protecting our
nation’s mass-transit systems, puppies bred and raised in the TSA
puppy program have gone on to provide security for Air Force One.
In order to keep program officials on task and constantly reminded
of the role these dogs play in our national security, each dog is named
after someone who lost their life in the 9/11 attacks or soldiers who
have paid the ultimate price in the fight against terrorism overseas.
Quick was named after Army Sgt. Marquees A. Quick, a 28-year-old
soldier from Alabama who was killed Aug. 19, 2006 in Ramadi, Iraq,
when his unit came under a grenade attack on a mission.
As “Puppywalkers,” the Reinerts main responsibility was to
socialize Quick and get him comfortable around people. From walks
in crowded parking lots to monthly trips to area car shows, Quick
quickly became accustomed to the different sights and sounds of the
traveling public; a skill that he would eventually put to use on the
job.
“We love going to car shows, so Quick would come with us,”
explained Mike. “It worked for us and fell right into what we liked to
do on the weekends. Just to be around bunches of people and loud
noises were perfect for him. He loved to run, so we’d take him on
playgrounds and near construction sites so he could learn to navigate
different terrain and different stimuli.”
Thomas says without the dedication and commitment of foster
families like the Reinerts the program would not be as successful.
“Many people think that dogs raised in a kennel environment
their entire lives would be more adept when they reach the right
age for training, but the opposite is the case,” said Thomas. “Our
Puppywalker families are exposing these puppies to sights, sounds
and scenarios across the city that we could never accomplish on a
weekly basis. A kennel environment is the same day after day, but a
family’s home environment is constantly changing from workday to
Dogs raised through the TSA program, like
Bosely, have gone on to provide security to
Air Force One and the Dali Lama.
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Quick is a TSA success who today keeps
travelers safe inspecting cargo and baggage for the New York Port Authority.
Puppy Dolan is the 500th dog bred through the program.
He is currently being raised by a San Antonio family.
Yellow-Dogs in the TSA program, like Uvanni, are recognizable
by their “uniforms.” These red vests let passers by know they
are working.
weekend, the school year to summer. It’s ideal.”
The process certainly worked for Quick. Once the Reinerts role
was complete, Quick entered training and today is working in New
Jersey for the New York Port Authority.
“I knew giving him up was part of the deal, and it was tough. It’s
a family member who you’ll teach, train, and send out in the world
to do good,” admitted Mike. “What I really appreciated was after he
left our home and graduated from the program, program officials
have kept in touch with us. We still get to know all the great things
Flag, one of the more than 500 dogs bred through
the TSA program, is trained to keep America’s
domestic traveling public safe.
Quick is doing on the job. We know, in some small way, we’re a part
of that success.”
The Reinerts enjoyed their experience with Quick so much that
they soon welcomed Noel into their home and lives as well.
“I’d do it again, because I whole-heartedly believe in what they are
doing,” added Mike. “I always believe that if one of these dogs, mine
or one in San Antonio, is able to save a life, that to me is what it’s all
about.”
If you are interested in learning more about the TSA Puppy
Program or want to be a volunteer Puppywalker, you can visit
www.tsa.gov and enter “Puppy Program,” or call 210-671-1624.
The program depends on volunteer families in San Antonio and
Austin, Texas to raise puppies from age ten weeks to 12 months,
when they can enter explosives detection training. During this time,
families are responsible for providing their pups with a well-rounded,
socialized and nurturing environment.
The program supplies food, equipment and medical care for the
puppies while in foster care. The pups are returned to the program
for one week each month for medical and behavioral evaluation.
The program provides feedback to the foster families on how the
puppy is developing. At approximately one year of age, the pups
are returned to the program to start their official training.
Potential foster families must have a secure fenced yard, a vehicle
in which the pup can be transported, no more than two other dogs
in the home, and the time to raise a very active puppy.
Due to the overwhelming generosity of the American public, the
program currently has a very lengthy waiting list to adopt a puppy.
However, if you would like to be added to the list please visit www.
tsa.gov and enter “Puppy Program.”
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Newt Gingrich
speaks about
Rediscovering
God
in America
at Cornerstone Church
Wr i t t e n by Tr av i s Wh i t e
P ho t o s by Pau l Wh a r t on
O
n Sunday, March 27th, Cornerstone Church
welcomed former Speaker of the US House of
Representatives, Newt Gingrich, in grand style.
Opening with several patriotic songs, the choir performed the
“Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “America The Beautiful,” and,
of course, our National Anthem- all to the delight of the more
than 2,000 people in attendance. The event was open to the
public and the conservative, presidential candidate was eager to
share his views with the audience.
Before Mr. Gingrich spoke, Cornerstone’s Senior Pastor John Hagee opened with his
own message and tribute to all branches of the American military titled ‘A Cry from
Valley Forge.’ In the recitation by Hagee, a solider from Valley Forge speaks to modernday Americans: “It is the soldier from Valley Forge to Afghanistan who fights for our
God-given rights. It is the soldier, not the minister, who has given us freedom of religion.
It is the soldier, not the reporter who has given us freedom of the press. It is the solider,
not the lawyer who has given us the right to a fair trial.”
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Pastor Hagee pointed out that during Gingrich’s tenure as Speaker
(1995-99) the Federal Budget was balanced, an accomplishment that
has not been repeated since his time in office.
The son of a 27-year career soldier, Mr. Gingrich opened his remarks
by saying he was touched by the tribute paid to the members of the
military. Gingrich pointed out that in the last line of the first stanza
of the National Anthem (“For the land of the free and home of the
brave.”) that he believes “it is not possible, as Americans, to be free if
we are not brave.” He stated that, “bravery can come in many forms,
not just fighting, but campaigning, and sometimes just standing up for
what you believe, no matter what the ‘political elites’ have told you...”
Gingrich continued, “It’s important for us to cultivate courage and the
boldness to believe in who we are and what we do.”
Mr. Gingrich presented a dramatic position: “I believe our entire
Judeo-Christian civilization is under siege on two fronts: radical
Islamics and secular atheists. Each of them is dedicated to a world
in which our Judeo-Christian traditions wouldn’t survive.” He
went on to say that political elites are trying to create “generational
amnesia;” resulting in “generations that have no idea what it means
to be an American.”
According to Gingrich, his childhood was spent relocating from
military bases all over the world during a time when a ‘balloon’ cloud
was a real possibility. His father was an infantryman in the Army for
27 years and his family was stationed all over Europe and the US. He
spoke of witnessing dramatic post World War I & II scenes in Europe
while growing up. This included one event in particular during his
freshmen year of high school when he visited the battlefield of Verdun
in Douaumont, France. Gingrich recounts: “[at the battlefield] they
have a huge building called the Ossuary and the basement is glassed in;
the bones of the 100,000+ men who had been blown apart in the field
are [entombed] there. As a freshman in high school, this [experience]
was really overpowering. By the summer of 1958, I was forced to collide
with the reality that countries can die and civilizations can disappear.
And that good leadership is crucial.”
According to Gingrich, after his time as Speaker he had planned on staying
out of public service. He enjoyed working on his books, movie projects and
just resting. However, according to Gingrich, what got him reengaged was
the 9th Circuit Court, “which ruled that saying ‘one nation under God’ in
the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools is unconstitutional.” Gingrich felt
moved to do something, “For some reason, this particular decision struck
me as so blindingly stupid and so profoundly un-American that in 2002, I
decided someone needed to talk about it, but not talk about it in an ideological
or theological way. They need to calmly talk about history.” This, Gingrich
said, was the inspiration for his book Rediscovering God in America. >>
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Gingrich continues with how he is a true believer in presenting facts
in his debates. Rediscovering God in America is a walking tour of
Washington DC in which the reader can see things with their own
eyes and not someone else’s distorted views.”
In one of his first examples, Gingrich cites the Declaration of
Independence and “the central statement in defining America:” that we
are “endowed by our creator with certain inalienable rights.” He points
out two competing philosophies: “first there’s the philosophy that power
comes from the government and that government defines who you are.
Then there are those who believe power comes from God.” Gingrich
believes this statement means that “sovereignty in America rests with
individual citizens- not the State and that, furthermore, power is
loaned to the government by the people.” According to Gingrich the
founding fathers believed that “a wise people could remain free, but a
foolish people would inevitably end up in a dictatorship.”
Another idea presented in Rediscovering God in America
is the Washington Monument, which is the tallest structure
in Washington, DC. Gingrich points out, “At the top of the
monument, the first thing the sun shines upon every morning is the
inscription ‘laus deo’ meaning ‘glory to God.’”
As a third example, Gingrich told the audience that in President
Lincoln’s 702 word, post-civil war inaugural address (March, 1865),
“Lincoln makes 14 references to God and there are two quotes from
the Bible. Now I ask you,” Gingrich continues, “How could you
teach a history class, whether it’s high school or college, not notice
in passing that in Lincoln’s greatest oration he references God 14
times and quotes the Bible twice? And we’re going to teach American
History as though we were secular?”
As a final example, Gingrich points out “The greatest liberal
Democratic President of the 20th Century, Franklin Delano
Roosevelt, described WW II as a war between ‘Pagan dictatorships
and our Christian civilization.’ When we landed at Normandy on
June 6, 1944 at 10pm the President went on national radio and led
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the Nation in a prayer for six and a half minutes.” Gingrich says
that he has a project each year to get the maximum number of radio
stations across the country to re-play this prayer.
Gingrich cited a recent Gallop poll where 80% of citizens said they
thought of America as an “exceptional country.” An on-the-spot sample
of his audience produced a roaring applause when Gingrich posed the
question “How many people here would agree that America is an exception
country?” Gingrich proposes a platform for an ‘exceptional America.’
In his provocative closing, Gingrich pointed out that in 1802
Thomas Jefferson passed the ‘Judicial Reform Act’ which abolished
18 out of 35 judgeships (over half the Federal judges disappeared).
“[James] Madison, [Thomas] Jefferson, and [Alexander] Hamilton all
said there is no such thing as judicial supremacy.” Gingrich continues,
“it is an absurdity to have three co-equal branches of government. And
in the Federalist papers, Hamilton writes that the weakest of the three
branches of government is the judiciary.”
Gingrich points out that starting in the late1950s the Earl
Warren court created a new model of judicial supremacy, “in which
the court tells the rest of us what to do.” According to Gingrich,
Hamilton proclaimed that such a situation, “would be an absurdity;
that would be an oligarchy of non-elected officials.”
Gingrich believes that if 80% of US citizens believe their county
is exceptional, then that belief should be organized into a movement
to get something done. “Perhaps as a modest start we could create a
modern day “Jefferson project,” and use the 9th Circuit Court for a
demonstration effect. And then maybe other judges would see that we
intend for them to judge within the American framework and work as
American judges understanding American history… it’s just a start.”
Gingrich reminded the audience in his closing that, “we will remain
free as long as we’re brave. That bravery will come from our churches
and synagogues and from everyday folks. It won’t come from the elites;
it won’t come from those who are currently in power. It will come from
average everyday folks who decide that ‘we have to be Americans.’”
23
You Don’t Have to Spend it All
on the Nursing Home!
by James N. Voeller
Recently, I met with three middle-age siblings who told me a story
similar to one that I have heard many, many times before.
“Mom’s in a nursing home and, in no time, her bank account will be
completely spent.” They asked me what will happen when her money is
all gone.
I changed the subject slightly and asked them to tell me about their
mother. “What kind of person is your mother? How long has she been
in the nursing home? What’s been important to her in life?”
In unison, their faces lit up as they animatedly told me about the
loving, little woman that they called “Mom.” What stood out to me
was their reflection on their mother’s spending habits, relating how she
lived frugally, spent less than her monthly Social Security check, and
always planned on leaving an inheritance to help her children. The kids
had encouraged her to travel and enjoy what she and their father had
accumulated, but she always had reasons not to spend.
Three years ago, Mom had a stroke. After attempting multiple other
alternatives, the family agreed that the small, local nursing home was
the best option for her care. Each day, when Mom had a visitor, she
mentioned how sad she was that her life savings was being spent to pay
for the nursing home.
After learning more, such as the monthly cost of the nursing home,
the amount of Mom’s remaining savings, and her monthly income, I
asked them a question: “Do you think that your mother would be happy
if more than half of her remaining savings could be preserved for her
children?”
“Wait a minute,” Brian, the oldest son, said. “The nursing home told
us that our mother can have no more than $2,000.00 left in savings
before Medicaid begins to pay for the cost of her care. We’ve already
spent almost $200,000.00. Are you saying that her life savings does not
have to be completely spent? I don’t care if I ever get a dime from my
mother, but I want her to be happy.”
Unfortunately, this exchange happens with regularity. Families rely
on misinformation and unnecessarily spend more than is required,
causing elderly parents to live with needless regret and remorse.
If you, or a loved one, are private-paying for nursing home care, make
sure you have all of the facts before the family’s life savings is spent. Visit
with a lawyer who can explain your real options. Don’t make decisions
without complete information.
In the example in this article, rather than see the family spend all of
the life savings that their parents had accumulated to pay for Mom’s
nursing home costs, over one-half of Mom’s remaining assets were
preserved.
Don’t make decisions in the dark. Know your options and plan
ahead so you are able to meet your long-term goals. This particular
family recently followed up with me and informed me that their mother
was finally experiencing some relief from worry and has been sleeping
better with the knowledge that she is going to be able to leave “a little
something” to her children and grandchildren—all because her children
visited with an elder law attorney and got the right advice.
Online
at:Online
24
Law Office of
James N. Voeller
Attorney At Law
19311 FM 2252
San Antonio, TX 78266
Phone: (210) 651-3851
25
g
n
i
t
i
c
x
E
Fun &
s
p
m
a
C
r
e
Summ
for Kids
Aquatic Science Adventure Camp
This fun camp for students who are interested in aquatic or marine sciences mixes education
and recreation. Activities during the week-long sessions include aquatic biology and water
chemistry, swimming, tubing, scuba/snorkeling, river rafting, glass-bottom boat ride, a trip
to SeaWorld and more.
Ages 9 to 15 • Web: www.eardc.txstate.edu • Ph. 512-245-2329
248 Freeman Aquatic Building, Texas State University
San Marcos, TX 78666
Artworks Art Studio for Children
During their summer camp, kids spend the day being an artist as they experiment with
mixed-media painting, collage, drawing, and sculpture. Learn a wide range of new skills and
experiment with mixed-media painting using watercolor, acrylics, collage materials, markers,
oil pastels, clay, wood, wire and more.
Ages: 1.5 to 14 • Web: www.artworksartstudio.com
Two locations are in San Antonio:
1840 Nacagdoches Rd., zip 78209, ph: 210-826-2787
7715 Mainland, Suite 103, zip 78250, ph. 210-256-2787
iD Tech Camps at Trinity University
These popular summer day and overnight camps are designed for beginner to advanced
learners, and average six students per instructor for customized instruction by highly trained
adult-only staff. They offer a variety of cutting edge summer camp courses for kids and
teens including video game design, Flash animation, programming, app development, video
editing, and more.
Ages: 7 to 12, 13 to 17 • Web: www.internalDrive.com • Ph: 888-709-8324
Trinity University, San Antonio, TX 78209
San Antonio Spurs Summer Basketball Camp
Learn skills, practice drills, and experience competitive thrills while becoming a better
basketball player with the pros in their weeklong summer basketball camps. The Spurs
Summer Basketball Camp strives to provide campers with an educational experience both on
and off the court.
Ages: 7 to 18 • Web: www.nba.com/spurs/fanzone/bbcamps_11.html • Ph: 210-444-5021
University of the Incarnate Word or Saint Mary’s Hall
San Antonio Zoo and Aquarium
At Zoo Camp Adventures, spend the week learning all about animals and nature with
age-appropriate games, stories, crafts and animal encounters. Zoo Camp Adventures offers
week-long camps concentrating on specific topics with creative learning experiences in a
positive, nurturing and fun environment.
Ages: 5 to 14 • Web: www.sazoo-aq.org • Ph: 210-734-7184, ext. 1101
3903 North St. Mary’s Street, San Antonio, TX 78212
SeaWorld San Antonio
Campers discover magnificent animals behind the scenes while they come face to face with
marine life. All camp sessions feature plenty of time for SeaWorld fun, so campers will
enjoy all of the spectacular shows, animal attractions and rides of SeaWorld San Antonio.
Grades 5 to 12 (career camps: grades 9 to college) • Web: www.seaworld.com/sanantonio
Ph: 800-700-7786 • 10500 SeaWorld Drive, San Antonio, TX 78251
Southwest School of Art & Craft
This school is a nationally recognized leader in arts education with classes and workshops
taught by outstanding local, regional and national artists in state-of-the-art facilities. Their
summer art camp for kids offers one- and two-week long classes, concentrating on a specific
media or subject in a positive, nurturing and fun environment.
Ages: 5 to 18 • Web: www.swschool.org • Ph: 210-224-1848
300 Augusta, San Antonio, TX 78205
Stone Oak Youth Theatre
Stone Oak Theatre (SOYT) is an educational theatre and performing arts experience for kids
and teens. This summer, young students may enroll in a “Camp Experience” – a three-week
course with three fun and unique classes each day that are geared towards their age group.
Ages: 7 to 12, 12 to 18 • Web: www.soyt.org • Ph: 210-481-2400
21518 Blanco Rd, Suite 101, San Antonio, TX 78260
Texas Ski Ranch
Camp TSR (Texas Ski Ranch) offers a fun, encouraging atmosphere for kids to pursue action
sports in a safe, supportive environment. During full-week camps and day camps, beginners
to advanced riders have a blast while sampling skate park and water sport activities with
TSR’s customized camp sessions.
Ages: 5 to 16 • Web: www.texasskiranch.com • Ph: 830-627-2843
6700 North IH 35, New Braunfels Texas 78130
Witte Museum
The museum’s summer camp, Adventure Club, hosts week-long day camps for kids. Their two
exciting summer camp programs are “Amazon Adventure” and “Expedition San Antonio River.”
Grades 1 to 2, 3 to 5• Web: www.wittemuseum.org • Ph: 210-357-1900
3801 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209
“Impaired Taste
Bud Syndrome”
By Sh ery l H aw k i ns on
The descriptions the “experts” use in defining a wine’s flavor can cause
many wine enthusiasts such as Bob Bowker of Cedar Park, to want to
simply throw in the towel. After hearing from Bob regarding his desire
to experience every flavor in his wine, he expressed his frustration: “I have
participated in numerous wine tastings in Napa and the surrounding areas of
California and no matter how hard I try to focus on the tastes that the ‘experts’
talk about I have difficulty in identifying them.”
Well, Bob, you are not alone. Many of us are unable to uncover those
specific hidden treasures in the wineglass we hold. I personally call this
“Impaired Taste Bud Syndrome”. You might hear the “experts” say, this
wine has a hint of cherries, chocolate and or some other flavor such as spiced
mocha, white pepper or citrus. However, if you have difficulty discovering
a specific flavor poised in your glass of wine, don’t be discouraged.
Each winery has established a label on the back of their wine bottle
that provides the consumer their own interpretation of their wine and the
flavorful treasures it holds. However, not all taste buds are created equal
and can not necessarily decipher each taste the same. For example, I may
love the scent of a specific perfume and drench myself in it, though the lady
standing next to me in the elevator might be gasping for fresh air. Taste is
an example of the same issue. I may be enjoying the chocolate flavor in a
specific wine while my husband tastes only the notes of earthy soil. Did I
say soil? I did!
Do you suffer from “Impaired Taste Bud Syndrome”? The inability to
distinguish specific flavors in a specific wine is more common then not.
Overcoming “ITBS” will allow you to experience and discover a wines
own significant character to the fullest.
Here are some suggestions to help you conquer your own “Impaired
Taste Bud Syndrome”:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Search for one specific flavor one sip at a time. Wines can be like a bouquet of
flowers and hold an array of scents (flavors). Focus on the first flavor that comes to mind. Once
you have accomplished your first flavor, move on to the next and so on.
Remember the importance of using four of your senses when experiencing a
wine. And document your findings in a notebook. Keep in mind that the sense of smell (aroma),
taste (complexity), sight (color) and even touch (body) are all personal conclusions.
Even your lifestyle can effect your taste buds. Ask yourself these questions: Do you
consume salty or sweet foods? Do you smoke? Do you drink plenty of water? By simply changing
your diet or your lifestyle you can change the outcome of what your taste buds respond to.
When enjoying a glass of wine with friends and family try to draw
comparisons to other things you’ve already tasted. Have specific foods available
during your tasting so you can easily compare.
Be aware of the changes the taste goes through as it fades on the tongue,
and how long that “finish” lasts.
Use your nose! Aroma is a great beginning to the end result. Swirl your wine in
your wineglass allowing the wine to release its true aroma. Drop your nose into the glass and
draw in the bouquet. Focus on one particular fragrance that is released from the wine.
Now friends, explore and discover the hidden riches in your bottled
treasure. Pop the cork and release the flavor! Go with it… but don’t
get caught up in the “experts” interpretation, instead search for that
specific flavor that tickles your own taste buds. More importantly,
enjoy one sip at a time. Cheers!
Please remember to drink responsibly. Do not drink and drive.
I look forward to hearing from you. Send your suggestions, trials
and errors to: [email protected] and feel free
to follow my blog at: corkscrewcorner.blogspot.com
27
By Susan Marx
All aboard! If you’re looking
for something out of the
ordinary to do this weekend
or want to visit the Austin
area, why not take a ride
back to a simpler time?
Grab the kids and spend the day touring the Texas Hill Country
on a genuine vintage passenger railroad line. Or take your husband,
girlfriend or a group of friends on one of their evening themed
trains and make it a night to remember. Either way you’re in for an
adventure you’ll not soon forget.
The Austin Steam Train Association (ASTA) is a non-profit
organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of the steam trains
by making them run again. Executive director Holly Doggett tells us
“the train appeals to a wide cross-section of people; military personnel,
children and others who’ve used the railroad in the past.” She also
explains that “ASTA was started by a group of railroad enthusiasts in
1992 when the Southern Pacific 786 steam engine (built in 1916 and
housed in Austin) needed a new home.” They moved the still running
786 to Cedar Park and have been restoring antique train cars in the
16-acre rail yard there ever since. The 786 steam engine is currently in
photo by Tom Williamson
The Austin Steam Train Association offers free
public tours of the train every other Thursday.
Alabama undergoing a complete overhaul. Meanwhile, a 1960 Alco
442 diesel pulls the train, which has its own bit of history. According
to engineer John Mandell, “this particular model locomotive is the
only one left in the United States still running.” A retired electrical
engineer, Mandell volunteers his time helping restore the 786
steam engine and gets the 442 ready for weekend trips. “I’ve been
working out here for about 8 or 9 years and mainly…I like to do the
mechanical stuff”, he says with a laugh.
Although steam trains are only used for recreational excursions
these days, they once roared through the wild west, churning out
clouds of steam and linking the outlying towns with urban centers.
In fact, the Giddings-Llano line (the track ASTA uses) was extended
out to Granite Mountain in 1885 for the express purpose of hauling
pink granite into Austin to build the capital building. Conductor
Steve Barry (who was a signalman on the Pennsylvania Railroad
and a history buff) says “the railroad was the only means of mass
transit after the stagecoaches stopped running. You can still see
the old stagecoach road winding its way out of Burnet, if you know
where to look. There were plans to run the line all the way up to the
Transcontinental Railroad but these were abandoned in the 1950s.”
The Giddings-Llano line transferred ownership a few times before
the city of Austin purchased the right-of-way in 1986 and later passed it
on to Capital Metro. The same track is still used today to haul freight in
and out of the city. In March 2010, Capital Metro started their Red Line
commuter service from Leander to downtown Austin. That’s one of the
reasons why the Austin Steam Train only runs on weekends and special
occasions. They share an increasingly busy track.
ASTA has passenger cars in three distinct classes. The first class
cars are top-of-the-line, climate-controlled touring cars with sleeping
compartments, galleys and private lounges. The excursion class cars are
climate-controlled but do not have berths, kitchens or an eating area,
while the coach class cars are the oldest passenger cars of the fleet. These
cars hail from the Pennsylvania Railroad. Though beautifully restored
and painted bluebonnet blue, these are the most utilitarian. They have
29
This 1920s coach car is one of six
identical cars that were all constructed
by the Pennsylvania Railroad.
bench seats and sliding glass windows for ventilation. Community
outreach coordinator Daniel Doggett explains that “the consist (i.e.,
the compliment of cars that make up a train) varies with each run but
typically includes at least two of each class plus a concessions car – this
is where people buy snacks and souvenirs and socialize.”
Whatever class you choose, you’ll be treated to an unforgettable
experience. A real vest-wearing, pocket-watch carrying conductor
walks the aisles and brakemen hop on and off to switch tracks and
couple and decouple the cars. They carry walkie-talkies these days
but still use hand, whistle and light signals to communicate – just
like they did way back when. The engineer is the only licensed crew
member right now but they are all trained and regulated by the
Federal Railroad Administration. Conductor Steve Barry says that
“by the end of 2011 all conductors in the U.S. will also be required
to carry a FRA license.” Even so, according to Doggett (whose job
is mainly all about coordinating the 100+ volunteers), “all the crew
members, including the conductor, are volunteers.”
Whenever you choose to ride, arrive early. All seats are reserved and
assigned and the train begins boarding 45 minutes before departure.
It leaves the station precisely on schedule so don’t be late! Once you’re
Plenty of lounge space and 5 private
compartments are available in this 1950
first class train car from Chicago.
Online at:Online
30
seated and the train starts rolling, a friendly car attendant gives
you the official welcome aboard. Then you’re free to roam the train.
Adventuresome folks stand in the vestibules watching the scenery whip
by the open windows. First class passengers enjoy complimentary coffee
and snacks. There are a few private rooms on these cars which can be
reserved by special request.
The train runs at a leisurely average speed of 30 mph so you can sit
back and enjoy the passing surroundings. When the trains first started
running up here, “cotton was a major industry until the dust bowl in
the 30s,” says Conductor Steve Barry. “You can still see some of the old
cotton merchant buildings in and around Bertram.” You may also want
to keep an eye out for Signal Hill, a rocky outcropping where local militia
set fires that could be seen as far as Austin, to warn of hostile Indians
in the area. Although you can’t see it from the train, Fort Croghan sits
atop Post Mountain, three miles south of Burnet on Hamilton Creek. It
was the third of four forts commissioned by the Federal government in
1849 to protect the frontier. Some of the first Texas Rangers lived there.
If you take the Hill Country Flyer you’ll stop in Burnet, a charming
old western town which was once home to legendary Confederate hero
Stovepipe Johnson and named after G. Burnet, the first provisional
president of the Republic of Texas. You’ll have a two-hour layover there
to eat, shop and walk around. One of the highlights of this trip is the
Wild West Show, a shoot-out dramatized by the Burnet Gunfighters
Association. “Sheriff” Tex Copsetta, president of the Association
is a retired peace officer and wears a felt 10-gallon hat and a vintage
peacemaker on his thigh as he moves from car to car with a swagger,
telling passengers about the show and inviting the ladies to volunteer
as saloon girls. It’s a fun experience and presents a perfect photo-op to
capture your nostalgic day in the Wild West.
The daytime flyers depart Cedar Park Station at 10 am most
weekends. The Hill Country Flyer goes 33 miles to Burnet, which is
a six-hour roundtrip including the lunch stop. So expect to spend most
of your day on that one. The Bertram Flyer travels 23 miles to Bertram
and includes a 15 minute stop at the 1912 depot before turning around.
This is a good one to take if your time is limited or if you have small
children. ASTA’s specialty trains include the Thomas the Tank Engine
and North Pole Flyer (both heavily attended annual events). The most
popular ride for adults is the Murder Train. These usually take place
on a Saturday night and depart the station at 7 pm. The Capital City
Mystery Players act out a murder mystery onboard as passengers enjoy a
box dinner, wine and beer.
The Austin Steam Train has become increasingly popular and now
“serves more than 30,000 guests a year,” according to Holly Doggett.
She advises passengers to “call ahead or go online for reservations because
many of the specialty rides sell out, sometimes months in advance.” The
Thomas the Tank Engine event is their most popular - an average of
14,000 people show up for it every year. You can also charter an entire
car and dress it up to suit your taste or rent the first class party room for
groups of ten or more.
To begin your journey out west, visit www.austinsteamtrain.org
for tickets and information or call (512) 477-8468.
The Austin Steam Train Association offices are located at:
401 East Whitestone Suite A-103 in Cedar Park, TX 78613.
photo by Kris Krieg
Riders enjoy games and snacks during their ride.
UPCOMING SPECIALTY FLYERS
Twilight Flyer: Train ride after dark!
Murder Mystery: Themed evening of dinner and
mystery.
Holiday Flyers: Special flyers run for most holidays.
Princess Flyer: Join princesses for tea, biscuits and
photos.
Day Out with Thomas: Ride with a full sized
Thomas the Tank Engine, meet characters and
enjoy storytelling and live music.
Visitors excitedly wait to board the train
for one of the popular weekend trips.
31
by James Peterson, DVM
1)
By far, the most common problem our pets face in warm
temperatures is heat stroke. Also known as heat stress or hyperpyrexia,
this is a real emergency for our dogs.
2)
Body temperatures can skyrocket to more than 106 degrees
Fahrenheit quickly. At 110 degrees, brain damage starts to occur.
3)
Dogs can’t dissipate heat by sweating like us…they must pant
to cool themselves. Often, they are simply unable to cool themselves
efficiently.
4)
Any pet can overheat on a warm day, but short faced breeds are
at a higher risk.
5) Never leave your pet unattended in a car during warm weather.
Not only can the car’s internal temperature climb past 110 degrees in
just an hour, it is now also a crime in many states and cities.
6)
Many summer time parties and holidays are celebrated with
fireworks. These loud noises can cause anxiety in pets. Some will even
try to escape, often injuring themselves in their panic.
Online
32 at:Online
7) Besides being lost, a scared pet is also at risk for being struck by
a car or being attacked by another, more aggressive animal.
8)
When running errands, leave your dog at home. Just a few
minutes in a hot car can spell disaster for your pet.
9)
If you find your pet collapsed in the yard, disoriented, or
panting excessively, move him immediately to a cooler environment.
Use cool water towels across the neck and belly along with fans to bring
his temperature down. Don’t use ice!
10)
Make immediate plans to transport your pet to the
veterinarian for assessment and life-saving treatments.
Dr. Peterson is a Veterinarian and owner of
Hill Country Animal Hospital and The Palms Pet Resort.
The Palms Pet Resort is vet owned,
always has a vet on call and certified
staff every day, around the clock.
For more information on your pets health, please go to
thepalmspetresort.com | hillcountryanimalhospital.com
33
1. Wakeboard without a boat
Grab your friends and head out to the cable lakes. TSR’s
cableway allows six riders at a time to circle the cable, holding
onto ropes attached high above. Beginners of all ages will love
the ease of learning on TSR’s “beginners only” two-tower cable
system and friendly coaching from experienced dock staff.
The Texas Ski Ranch is Central Texas’ action sports
paradise and whether you are looking to go
wakeboarding and waterskiing, or just interested
in a relaxing day on the beach, TSR has something
for you. With Summer just around the corner we’ve
created the ultimate check list of things to try at TSR!
2. Dine on the beach at Wahoo’s Fish Taco
Wahoo’s is TSR’s new bar and grill with unique flavors of
Mexico, Brazil and Asia combined with a Hawaiian northshore vibe. Whether you’ve worked up an appetite on the
lake or just want to head to the beach after a long day,
Wahoo’s is the perfect place to unwind with a cold drink
and great food. Not to mention, the restaurant overlooks
the lakes giving diners a bird’s eye view of all action and
beautiful South Texas sunsets.
3. Support local riders at Thursday Night
Showdowns
Thursday Night Showdowns are TSR’s competitive summer
wakeboarding series where local riders of all skill levels join
together for some family friendly competition. Grab your friends
and come out to support the local wakeboarding scene. From
beginner riders pushing their trick limits to international Pro’s
like two-time World Wakeboard Champion Tom Fooshee, every
evening promises to put on a good show.
4. Take a lesson from the Pros
What better way to learn how to wakeboard then from the
best? TSR has a full staff of expert boat drivers and coaches
who eat, drink and sleep wakeboarding. TSR’s coaches are
knowledgeable, friendly and eager to help riders of all skill
levels and ages.
5. Give your child a vacation
Camp TSR is the perfect getaway for any kid looking for a
week filled with action sports and fun. With overnight and day
sessions customized with rock climbing, skateboarding and
water sports, TSR is the perfect place for kids to learn to ride
and have fun in a safe and encouraging environment.
Online
34 at:Online
6. Host a beach bash
Looking to spice up your next fundraiser, company team
build, corporate event or private party? TSR has group rates,
packages and ideas to host a unique beach bash of any size.
With meeting rooms, catering from Wahoo’s, wakeboarding,
sand volleyball and more, TSR is sure to host an awesome,
one-of-a-kind party!
7. Wakeboard at NIGHT
Only at TSR can you wakeboard after the sun goes down. Public
lakes forbid skiing at night so TSR threw up some stadium lights
around the cable to provide a unique riding experience like
no other. Night riding is open to the public Thursday through
Saturday all Summer long!
8. Stop by the board shop
Drop into TSR’s Board Shop to check out the season’s hottest
trends. They’ve got everything from bikinis, board shorts,
sundresses and t-shirts to flip flops, sunglasses and watches.
They also have top of the line wakeboards, waterskis, life
jackets and more!
9. Challenge a friend to a rock climbing race
TSR has a great three-sided, 33 ft. rockwall inside the doors of
the facility! The best part... the wall is completely portable! TSR
will gladly bring it to any event to add a high standing amenity!
10. Check out tsr mastercraft
TSR is South Central Texas’ exclusive MasterCraft boat sales
center, private test lake and inboard service center. Stop by,
test drive the best and learn what the industry has to offer!
This is not your ordinary dealership; this group of seasoned
professionals knows what performance is all about and is here
to help you out!
www.TexasSkiRanch.com
New Braunfels, TX
830.627.2843
35
flight to the
Some Special Kids Visit Santa’s Workshop
By Scott Sparks
Now in its 27th year, this annual event includes kids from “0 to 14.” Each
year, up to 100 kids are chosen for this special adventure to visit Santa at his
workshop because each one is ill with cancer. Let’s pray not, but this may be
the last Christmas that some of these kids have outside of a hospital.
This annual event is made possible by an all-volunteer partnership between
the American Cancer Society, United Airlines, a private carrier, and the
Alamo Heights High School Interact Club with sponsorship from the Alamo
Heights Rotary Club. Local employees at the airport in San Antonio deserve
a special nod to make this “Flight to the North Pole” seem as real as possible.
The non-profit Partnership for Corporate Aviation Training plays an integral
role in organizing and planning the Flight to the North Pole.
Once everyone is onboard the plane, the windows shades are drawn shut and
the plane taxis around for about 20 minutes to simulate the “flight.” While en
route to the North Pole, the kids are entertained by clowns and told the story
about this magical plane. Upon arrival at Santa’s Workshop (the plane
actually stops inside the climate-controlled environment of a private carrier’s
hangar), the kids are greeted one-by-one by none other than Mrs. Clause
herself! Each child immediately receives a stuffed toy and an elf’s hat to wear.
The kids are free to explore this huge, sparkling, magical world of Santa’s
Workshop. There’s a 45-foot Christmas tree with presents galore underneath,
toys and dolls may come to life at any moment, holiday music fills the air,
n Saturday, December 3rd, nearly 100 excited kids will gather at
and everyone gets all the chicken nuggets, pizza slices and juice-boxes that
a United Airlines terminal at San Antonio International Airport for a
they want. All adult and high school volunteers are dressed in brightly colored
very special flight to the North Pole to visit Santa’s Workshop. Each child
may be accompanied to the airport by up to four people, but only one lucky festive costumes and each one is there to bring joy to these special children.
adult gets a boarding pass to accompany their child on this magical trip.
A local professional clown troop called the Jolly Joeys entertains the kids
with their antics, paints their faces, and creates balloon animals. Last year,
Batman and Raggedy Ann and Andy mingled among the kids, and this
year, they hope to add the Spurs’ Coyote to the cast of characters. They’re
also hoping to have an interactive Jack-in-the-Box this year that’s built by
airport mechanics.
Thanks to the San Antonio Airport Fire Department, the kids can explore “Big
Bertha,” a huge fire truck, and they can tour the spiffy equipment onboard and
the fire suits worn by during emergencies. A very long and sleek “funny car”
dragster is also expected to be on hand like it was last year, and with adult
supervision, the kids can play with remote-control airplanes.
Volunteers from radio station K-LOVE 91.3 play holiday music for the kids.
Last year, they spotted a 5-year-old boy in a cute cowboy outfit so they
played a country song for him. To everyone’s delight, this boy danced up a
storm and was joined at the end by a little girl. After the song ended, the
boy told the girl that he had non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and the girl told him
she had lymphoma. Kids being kids (but also poignantly reminding those
within earshot that this was a special occasion), the boy and girl bantered
for “bragging rights” about who was sickest.
Finally, a private jet called “The Nick 1” appears and the door slowly opens. It’s
Santa Clause!!! Santa welcomes and thanks each child for visiting his workshop.
After each child gets special attention and Santa must leave, Mrs. Clause
joins him inside The Nick 1 and the kids wave to wish them a good flight.
Students from Alamo Heights HS help
with the Flight to the North Pole.
Soon after, the kids board their “flight” home with their goodies in tow
and they re-join their family and friends at the terminal who’ve been
waiting for their return. What a story each child now has to share about
their great adventure to Santa’s Workshop in the North Pole!
If you want to donate funds
or volunteer for this event:
Call the San Antonio chapter of the American Cancer Society at
210-614-4212 and designate “Flight to the North Pole” for your
donation.
Or contact Connie Harrison, a volunteer (who is also Mrs. Clause
at this event but that’s a secret), at 210-345-5460 or email her
at [email protected].
r
brighten the day fo
The Jolly Joeys help
nding the event.
many children atte
37
38
39
T
he University of Texas at San
Antonio fi nally has a football team
to play on Saturdays this fall. Go
Roadrunners!!!
It all began in March 2009 when UTSA’s Athletic Director Lynn
Hickey, the only female AD in Texas to oversee both men’s and
women’s sports, hired Larry Coker as head football coach to guide
and develop the new program from scratch. Coker has impressive
credentials, having led the Miami Hurricanes to a national
football championship in 2001. After two years of preparation,
the Roadrunners kick off their inaugural football season against
Northeastern State (Oklahoma) at 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 3
at their home stadium, the Alamodome.
To celebrate this momentous occasion, the Institute of Texan
Cultures (ITC) opened “Football: The Exhibit” last May. This
traveling exhibit examines the science, mechanics and technology
behind the game and explores the history and cultural phenomenon
of football. “The physics and math at work in a game of football
are extraordinary,” said Lupita Barrerra, director of education and
interpretation at the museum. “But we’re not going to show you a
lot of equations on a blackboard. Football is a contact sport and this
is a contact exhibit.”
Organized by the Arkansas Museum of Discovery, “Football: The
Exhibit” is designed to be highly interactive, encouraging hands-on
participation by kids of all ages. The exhibit is comprised of nine
different zones, each one with a theme that addresses a different
aspect of football: History of the Game, The Forward Pass, In the
Open Field, On the Line of Scrimmage, The Kicking Game, Medical
Technology, Cheerleaders and Bands, and Football and Society.
The Institute of Texan Cultures is the museum of the University of Texas
at San Antonio and serves as the forum for the understanding and appreciation
of Texas and Texans through research, collections, exhibits, special events, and cultural celebrations. Affiliated
with the Smithsonian Institution and located at HemisFair Park, the museum features 45,000 square feet of
exhibit space and is family-friendly with many hands-on activities for kids.
Location: 801 E. Durango Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78205. On the UTSA HemisFair Park Campus and only a
short walk from the Alamo and the Riverwalk.
Regular hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday.
Admission: $8 for adults (ages 12-64); $7 for seniors (ages 65+); $6 for children (ages 3-11); free with
membership, UTSA or Alamo Colleges identification.
For more information: Call 210-458-2300 or visit TexanCultures.com.
Online
40 at: Online
Each zone features videos, artifacts, text, and hands-on activities.
Visitors are invited to have fun and learn while engaging in the
following activities and many more:
• Step into the passing cage to test your throwing skills.
• Race on a short track against the lights that move at the
speed of professional players.
• Squeeze the handle and compare the strength of your grip
to professional linemen.
• Use an arthroscope to examine the inside of a simulated
knee.
• Test your reaction time to sound and light cues to compare
with friends and family.
• Perform collision experiments on the momentum track.
• Test your balance on a balance board.
Beyond learning about the science and math underlying all of these
activities, the exhibit showcases the history of football, its traditions,
and America’s obsession with the sport.
Because “Football: The Exhibit” is a traveling show, it targets a
national audience instead of focusing on a particular region. That’s
why ITC designed a complementary exhibit to specifically take
a closer look at football culture in the Lone Star State from the
perspective of its residents.
ITC sent oral historians into the community to ask Texans one
simple question: “What does football mean to you?” Visitors to
the museum are invited to listen to their answers, to hear what
Texas football means to players, coaches, parents, cheerleaders, band
Moms, fans and many others at ITC’s complementary exhibit, “Texas
Football: In Their Words.” Their responses shed a light on how
football impacted their lives and influenced Texas culture.
A visitor to this section of the exhibit is greeted at the entrance by
a life-size cutout of none-other-than new Head Coach Larry Coker.
When you push his button, he says “I know the fan base here and the
interest in football in Texas is just off the charts!”
Rhett Rushing, an oral historian at ITC, says “Texans do football
better than anyone else on earth. No one on earth invests as much of
their spirit, energy, and even self worth into football like Texans.” He
says “Football defines us as dreamers, as hard workers, as the best we
can be. Football means everything in Texas.”
“Football: The Exhibit” remained open at the Institute of Texan
Cultures long enough for two home games to be played by the
Roadrunners at the Alamodome in early September. The exhibit
closed after September 13, but football at UT San Antonio has only
just begun.
Permanent Exhibits at the Institute
of Texan Cultures
The Back 40
This outdoor exhibit offers a hands-on learning experience
in a historic Texas setting. The museum’s living history
complex includes a one-room schoolhouse, a “dog trot” log
house, a barn, an army barracks, and an adobe house – all
typical of Texas in the mid to late 1800s. Dressed in period
clothing, knowledgeable instructors offer glimpses into the
day-to-day hardships and joys of 19th century Texans. To
reserve group tours, call (210) 458-2291
Leaving Home, Finding Home: Texas Families Remember
the Mexican Revolution
This exhibit explores the turmoil and social upheaval that
was set in motion by the Mexican Revolution of 1910 when
thousands of Mexicans fled their homeland to seek refuge in
Texas. This personal experience exhibit incorporates photos
and oral histories as told by Texans who share stories of
hardship and achievement that were passed-down to them
by their immigrant families who assimilated their Mexican
heritage into their new Texas home.
41
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An IRA is a personal savings plan that offers tax advantages for
setting aside money for retirement. You can set up different kinds of
IRAs with a variety of organizations such as a bank or other financial
institution, a mutual fund, or a life insurance company.
You may be able to deduct some or all of your contributions to
a traditional IRA. Amounts in your traditional IRA, including
earnings, generally are not taxed until distributed to you. They grow
on a tax-deferred basis. IRAs cannot be owned jointly. However, any
amounts remaining in your IRA upon your death can be paid to your
beneficiary(ies).
To contribute to a traditional IRA, you must be under age 70
½ at the end of the tax year. You and/or your spouse, if you file a
joint return, must have taxable compensation such as wages, salaries,
commissions, tips, bonuses, or net income from self-employment.
Distributions from a traditional IRA are fully or partially taxable in
the year of distribution. If you made only deductible contributions,
distributions are fully taxable. Distributions made prior to age 59 ½
may be subject to a 10% additional tax. You also may owe an excise
tax if you do not begin to withdraw minimum distributions by April
1st of the year after you reach age 70 ½.
A Roth IRA is also a personal savings plan but operates somewhat in
reverse compared to a traditional IRA. For instance, contributions to
a Roth IRA are not tax deductible, while contributions to a traditional
IRA may be deductible. However, while distributions (including
earnings) from a traditional IRA may be included in income, the
distributions (including earnings) from a Roth IRA are not included
in income. For both IRA types - traditional and Roth - earnings that
remain in the account are not taxed. A Roth IRA can be established at
the same types of financial institutions as a traditional IRA.
Tax advantages of an IRA:
1. Contributions you make to an IRA may be fully or partially
deductible, depending on your circumstances and which type
of IRA you have.
2. Generally, amounts in your IRA (including earnings and
gains) are not taxed until distributed.
Tax advantages of a Roth IRA:
1. Distributions are tax free if you meet the requirements for
distributions.
2. The account grows on a tax-deferred basis like a traditional
IRA.
3. There is no required minimum distribution at age 70½.
Talk to your advisor about your objectives and tax status to
determine whether a traditional IRA or Roth IRA is best for you!
Jimmy Tirres is a General Agent with Catholic Life Insurance in San Antonio. He has worked in the
financial service industry for thirty-seven years and can be contacted at (210) 829-0029.
43
44
Planning Ahead For Difficult Times
by Doris Dollar-Kuretich, Ameriprise Financial
Losing a loved one is a difficult experience and family finances may
not be the first thing on your mind. The weeks and months following
your loved one’s death will be very emotional, so understanding what
needs to be done immediately and what can wait until you are ready is
important. And who can you turn to? Make sure to follow your instincts
and contact someone you trust to help you through the difficult and
confusing decisions that lay ahead.
These basic guidelines can help you make sound choices during this
stressful period:
•
•
•
•
•
Don’t be pressured into quick decisions – very few major money
decisions need to be made immediately. Don’t cave in to pressure
to sell or give away your spouse’s possessions. Wait until you can
make clear‐headed decisions.
Assemble a team of good advisors – your funeral director or other
people who have lost someone close may be able to provide you
with valuable resources. Generally, you are looking for financial,
legal, and accounting advice.
Educate yourself – knowledge is power and don’t worry if you
need to ask for help.
Get organized – Develop a system for keeping financial records.
Initially you will need to gather documents such as the death
certificate, birth certificate, marriage certificate, and life
insurance policies to settle an estate. Set up files to keep track of
paperwork. Also, keep a phone and mail log to record important
calls and correspondence.
Be patient – Don’t rush yourself. Making the financial transition
is a process that takes time.
It is important to take care of yourself emotionally as well as physically.
When you are ready, you will also need to start planning for yourself
financially. To get started:
1. Determine where you stand right now: Calculate your current
net worth by adding up assets and subtracting liabilities.
2. Review your income and develop a budget: Using a worksheet,
make sure to include all income sources such as pensions, social
security and investments. Start tracking your expenses to make
sure they do not exceed your income.
3. Protect yourself: Don’t neglect insurance. Review all coverages
including homeowners’, auto, life, health and long‐term care
insurance. You may need to update and adjust your coverage.
4. Update your estate plan: Check your will and more importantly,
check your listed beneficiaries to make sure they are in line with
your wishes. Update powers of attorney, advance directives, and
trusts.
5. Look ahead to your future: Write down your goals. This may be
difficult, emotionally, but good financial planning is rooted in
goals, even though they may change.
If you have lost a spouse, my prayers are with you. I work with women
who have recently lost their husbands and are looking to build a trusting
relationship with a financial advisor. I am passionate about working
with widows because I know I have the patience it takes to guide them
through all the financial decisions they will need to make in planning
for the future.
With the death of a spouse comes a huge to do list. One of the most
rewarding client relationships I have ever had is with a woman who
had recently lost her husband and was so intimidated by her former
financial advisor that she couldn’t even talk to him. I was able to help
her accomplish the things she needed to do at her own pace. If there is
anything I can do to support you, especially with regard to financial
planning, call (210) 651‐1927.
“What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose. All that we love
deeply becomes part of us.” Helen Keller
This column is for informational purposes only. The information may not be
suitable for every situation and should not be relied on without the advice of
your tax, legal and/or financial advisors. Neither Ameriprise Financial nor its
financial advisors provide tax or legal advice. Consult with qualified tax and
legal advisors about your tax and legal situation. This column was prepared
by Ameriprise Financial.
Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available
through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Some
products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all clients.
© 2010 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.
Doris Dollar-Kuretich, CPA is a financial advisor with Ameriprise Financial located at 19311 FM 2252, Garden Ridge TX 78266.
For further information, or for an appointment please call (210) 651-1927 or email [email protected].
For additional information about Doris, please check out her website at www.ameripriseadvisors.com/doris.a.dollar-kuretich.
45
46
I have been lucky enough to hunt in some far flung corners of the
world, but I’m not a gun nut. Put a rifle in my hands, let me send a
few rounds down range to get it dialed in and I’m going hunting.
That’s what I’ve done on the Alaskan tundra, carrying a borrowed T/C
Encore in .300 Win. Mag, and in Africa with the PH’s .375 H&H of
dubious pedigree and cracked stock held together with a piece of bicycle
innertube. I’m not, or wasn’t, a person who really ever thought about
owning a custom gun.
Custom. The word alone conjures up images of fiddleback walnut
and a receiver cut by a third-generation engraver whose grandfather
came over on a boat sometime around the turn of the century. I suppose
those custom guns of my imagination were accurate, but in my mind
they were primarily works of art, brought out of the gun case only to be
passed around at cocktail parties.
I wasn’t about to own a gun like that, more for the gun’s sake
than mine. I tend to treat my stuff a little rougher than most, and I
don’t get invited to many cocktail parties. If I owned a custom rifle,
or a custom rifle like I imagined them to be, I’d be too scared to
take it in the woods for fear I’d scratch it.
Truth be told, I was more than a bit ignorant about what a custom
rifle should be, until I found myself on the phone with custom riflemaker Charlie Sisk. He asked me questions about what I like to hunt,
where I liked to hunt and how I like to hunt. He asked about my body
type and what I thought of recoil. (Not a big fan.)
Not long after that, I became the proud owner of a Sisk Point Five in
.308. Listening to Charlie’s advice, I closed my eyes, pulled the gun to
my shoulder and opened my eyes to find I was looking directly through
the scope. No bobbing and weaving trying to find the sight picture.
I sent a few rounds down range, off-hand, and managed to ding the
bowling pin a couple of times.
On the bench, it was even more impressive.The gun shot better than I
thought I was capable of shooting. And, it ain’t half bad looking. In fact,
at my next cocktail party, I just might pull it out of the safe and show it
off to all my friends.
A custom rifle can be synonymous with art, if accuracy is your idea
of beauty, accuracy that comes from fit and performance. Not unlike a
knife that feels like an extension of your hand or a car that’s built for both
speed and comfort. And, well, if it looks nice, you hit the trifecta.
47
New Braunfels Railroad Mu
Home to Train Modeling So
O
nce upon a time, the International Great Northern
Railroad (I&GN) built a railroad from Longview
through Palestine, Austin, San Marcos, New Braunfels, San
Antonio and south through Laredo. The year was 1880 and
rail travel was the only game in town if you wanted to go
anywhere or ship anything fast through the first part of the
20th century.
In the early years, the station agent at the train depot
tapped out messages in Morse code and transmitted them to
other depots along the line using the telegraph. These were
abbreviated notes that typed out the code and transmitted
them through a network of electric lines, the precursors to
land-based phone lines later used by Western Union.
New Braunfels Railroad Museum President David Albright
said “Telegraph messages were the first form of texting.” The railroad
telegraph was a party-line and everybody had their own code. It was
all about letting everyone along the line know where the trains were
and when they were supposed to go. Albright said, “The whole idea
was to keep the trains moving on time and to avoid collision.”
Online
48 at:Online
The existing New Braunfels Train Depot, built in
1907, was made of a new construction method utilizing
concrete blocks and served as an operating station until 1976,
just a few short years after Amtrak took over all passenger rail
travel in the U.S. There it sat, deteriorating visibly in the heart
of downtown as Missouri Pacific freight trains, often a
hundred cars long, ran by just a few feet from the building
vibrating its tall Victorian glass windows up to 30 times a day.
Then in 1986 the New Braunfels Historic Railroad
& Modelers Society made a deal with the city, who now
owns the real estate, to renovate the old building and
establish a museum. Since then, the New Braunfels depot
has been fully renovated and transformed into a repository of
restored full-size train cars. These include a cosmetically
restored steam engine, a box car, a bright red Mopac caboose
and a Pullman dining car that can be rented for parties,
dinners and meetings. The depot also houses artifacts,
memorabilia and several fully functioning model trains that
mimic life-sized rail yards and their switching systems.
By Susie Marx
useum
ociety
The New Braunfels Railroad Museum’s mission
statement emphasizes preservation, education and children’s
activities. Albright said Kids Run the Train is their most
outstanding O and S scale traveling module. With it, children
of all ages learn how the train works and how to operate the
throttle. They are then allowed to operate the model train
under the supervision of a master engineer. Certificates and
pocket cards are given to each new junior engineer.
One of the exhibits tells the fascinating story of how
the railroads became the time keepers of the nation. Albright
said that before 1883, everybody in the U.S. ran on ‘sun time’.
There were 53 recognized times in the U.S. when I&GN
started running in New Braunfels. This would never do.
49
Superintendents got together and asked Frank Allen
to figure out how to harmonize varying times
across the states into a system that would help the
trains run safely and on time.
Allen came up with the idea of the
Eastern, Central, Mountain and Pacific Time
zones. They were all officially adopted on Nov.
18, 1883. Each day at noon, Eastern Time, the
Naval Observatory in Washington D.C. sent the
correct time over the telegraph. Then in 1893,
following a catastrophic train crash involving a 4
second time delay, all watches were required to
keep accurate time within 30 seconds a week.
Everyone synchronized their watches daily
and all railroad employees were required
to carry a pocket watch, which was
inspected every month.
Albright said about 6,000
visitors sign the register every year
and another 2,000 come through
the museum during Wassailfest. In
the baggage room visitors see an
antique Sheffield Velocipede, a
3-wheel hand car that traveled the rails
with rowing motion and auxiliary foot
power. People used velocipedes to travel on
the tracks when they weren’t carrying trains
and railroad employees used them to inspect the
tracks. There you’ll also find photographs and diagrams of
armored trains, which came into existence after the Civil War
but weren’t used until WWI.
THE MUSEUM IS LOCATED AT
302 WEST SAN ANTONIO STREET
www.newbraunfelsrailroadmuseum.org
OR CALL US AT(830) 627-2447
Membership in the New Braunfels Historic railroad
and Modelers Society is open to all who are interested.
Meetings are held at the depot on the first and
second Thursdays of each month at 7:15 p.m. and is
open Thursday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission is free.
Online
50 at:Online
51
52

Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com

Transcription

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