5-27-162 - The Echo
Transcription
5-27-162 - The Echo
• Competitive rates • Multiple discount options • Exceptional, responsive claims service 24/7 • Rated A- (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company Home of Richard Clark Helotes TEXAS Marion Haby Insurance Agency [email protected] 14893 Bandera Rd Ste 4 www.habyinsurance.com Helotes, Tx 78023 210-695-5588 helotes leon valle y gre y forest northwest bexar count y leon springs alamo ranch THE AREA’S LEADING COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER SINCE 1961 are Afton Oaks*,Becker Ranch, Becker Ranch MHP, Elm Valley MHP, Hidden Oasis MHP, Jay Bar Ranch, Legend Oaks MHP (NISD), Pawel Village, Potranco Run, Redbird Ranch, Saddle Creek Estates, Silverleaf MHP, Stevens Ranch, Tamaron, The Park at Cimarron, Village at WestPointe West*, and Westoak Estates. O’Connor neighborhoods affected are Big Valley MHP, Country View Estates, Helotes Canyon, Helotes Springs Ranch, Mountain Springs Ranch (NISD), Oak Country, Retablo Ranch, Spring Creek Ranch, Timber Creek, Valentine Ranch, and Wildhorse Overlook. Taft neighborhoods include Bear Springs Ranch (NISD), Bricewood, Canyon Park Estates, Cobblestone, Country Oaks MHP, Cross Creek, Dancing Bear Ranch (NISD) Hills of Shaenfield, Junipers Edge, Kallison Ranch, Laura Heights, Paso Fino, Remuda Ranch, Shaenfield Place, Silver Canyon, Silver Oaks, Stillwater Ranch, Talise de Culebra, Valley Ranch, Waterford Park, Willdhorse at Tausch Farms, Wildhorse Vista, Wind Gate at Kallison Ranch*,Wind Gate Ranch. Harlan High School will only serve ninth, tenth, and eleven grade students. Then in 2018-2019 the school will handle a senior class. For more information or to determine the boundery for your student you may log onto the NISD website at www. nisdnet. Or log onto http://nisd. net/boundaries-and-buses. See map on page 3 The Echo remembers those who serve our country My Dearest Dad, I wanted to write you one last letter. I’ll leave it for you with the fiddle I made that you liked so much. The one that was supposed to go on the plaque that I never got around to make. I knew you would have to leave us one day Dad, and I knew that it was going to be hard. I just never expected it to be so painfully hard. After you died Dad, I was cleaning out your bedroom closet and I came across a shoe box that was filled with letters and cards I have given you through the years. I can’t believe you hung to on to them for so long! Just seeing them lying in that shoe box made me cry. They were tears of joy Honor continues on page 3 Supreme Court of Texas says NO to Lakewood Village leaves City of Helotes on the hook for $1.8 million dollars All eyes of Texas and the ears of City Halls were awaiting word from the Texas Supreme Court regarding building codes and building permit fees inside the Extra Territorial Jurisidiciton (ETJ) of a Type A General Law city. Today, the Supreme Court of Texas spoke. According to the opinion written by Justice Boyd Type A General Law municipalities do not have the authority to enforce its building codes and building permit fees inside the municipality’s ETJ. The issue came before the Texas Supreme Court when Lakewood Village appealed the 2 nd Court of Appeals ruling in the Lakewood Village vs Bizio court case. Bizio purchased a piece of property in the Lakewood Village ETJ intending to construct a home. Bizio started construction on the home then Lakewood Village notified him that he would have to pay permit fees to the City of Lakewood Village and the home would have to be inspected by the City of Lakewood Village. Bizio ignorned the request and the City of Lakewood Village placed a “cease and dissit” order on the property. Bizio sued in the district court asking for injuctive relief. The lower court ruled the City of Lakewood Village had the authority to charge the permit fees and to require inspection. Bizio appealed to the 2 nd Court of Appeals and the Appelate Court ruled in favor of Bizio and placed the City of Lakewood under a tempory injunction preventing the City of Lakewood from collecting fees or requiring inspections of the property. The City of Lakewood appealed the Appeal’s Court ruling to the Supreme Court of Texas. Today, the Supreme Court of Texas ruled “Type A muncipalities do not have the authority to enforce their building permit fees and building codes inside the muncipality’s ETJ. This decision directly impacts the City of Helotes. In 2013, after completing an ETJ swap with the City of San Antonio, the City of Helotes started charging building permit fees and required builders to comply to the building codes of the City of Helotes. In 2013 the first lawsuit was filed in the 131 District Court Continential Homes vs City of Helotes. On September 25, 2014 the Court ruled against the City of Helotes and required the City to repay $224,282.44 in building permit fees collected by the City of Helotes. Additionally the Court awarded $48,456.00 in attorney’s fees and $2,107.92 in litigation expenses. This amount was subject to a prejudgment interest of 5 percent. On June 15, 2015 the Court filed the final judgement upholding the previous amount but added the following in the event that the case is appealed to the Court of Appeals by the City $20,000 in attorney’s fees upon the date of the Judgement of Court of Appeals. The court attached a post judgment interest rate of 5 percent until the judgment is paid. The amount outstanding in the first case during Lawsuit continues on page 3 HELOTES ECHO READER’S POLL Considering Helotes City Council discussed almost all information regarding the lawsuits with the builders in executive session, Do you think Council should have asked Citizen input before deciding to participate in lawsuits risking millions of dollars in tax payer money? Northside adjusts the boundaries for Harlan High School The Northside School Board of Trustees met Tuesday night, May 24. The most important issue on the agenda for many at the meeting was the new attendance zone boundaries for Harlan High School. Harlan High School will open during the 2017-2018 school year and will be number eleven for stand alone high schools for NISD. School officials selected the area for Harlan High School to alleviate overcrowding at Brennan, Taft, and O’Connor High School. Last year, NISD capped Taft High School enrollment and would no longer allow Taft High School to accept new students. This cap will remain in place during the 2016-2017 school year. The Brennan neighborhoods affected by the change 75 cents per copy May 27- June 2, 2016 Vol. 54 No 31 Yes NO To vote log onto www.helotesecho.com or Facebook.com/jameshelotesecho 5560 N. Loop 1604 E San Antonio, Texas (210)-451-0352 www.golfcarsetc.com Why Go Anywhere Else? Anyone can provide advice. At Edward Jones, our goal is to provide advice and guidance tailored to your needs. That’s why we live and work in your community. When it comes to your financial needs and goals, we believe you deserve face-to-face attention. You talk, we listen, and we get to know you. Individual Retirement Accounts Mutual Funds Business Retirement Plans Retirement Plan Rollovers and Consolidation Annuities Education Savings Strategies Portfolio and Retirement Plan Reviews For more information or to schedule a complimentary financial review, call or stop by today. Robin A Fenn Financial Advisor . 12800 Bandera Rd Ste 102 Helotes, TX 78023 210-695-6825 MKT-1954D-A www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC The Echo •May 27- June 2, 2016 • 2 San Antonio and NO CONTRACTS!! Serving surrounding areas! With Spring Family Owned Organic Services Animal Trapping Mosquitos in full swing, and Summer right around the corner, stop the mosquito madness! We stop the biting and buzzing so you can get back outside! 210-695-8946 Quotes by phone Termites Scorpions Flea Ants Wasp Endorsed by Dave Ramsey Pediatric Dentist $20 OFF Rodent Trapping Lawn & Tree Program Dr. Sheila Hernandez-Dum any mosquito treatment service. Applepestcontrol.com 8202 North Loop 1604 | W. San Antonio, TX 78249 | Office: 210-694-2700 | Fax: 210-694-2708 **Locally Owned by Helotes Residents** We provide discounts for military, Teachers and Staff AVAILABLE ALL DAY & HOT-N-READY 4-8pm P 04 O 16 LO P N ER D TH N R N Tel: 210.695.4343 12682 FM 1560 Suite 104 (located across from CVS, next to municipal offices) LI IL W S LE R A H C Plus tax where applicable. Available at participating locations. ©2016 LCE, Inc. 53595 53595_al-5x6-Pizza Z_KTimk_4c.indd 1 Saturday 9 to 3 A O 210-372-9556 Hours: Monday-Friday 7 to 7 S LO AR D. O O DER M 12800 BANDERA RD. STE. 400 BAN A HELOTES W ® 3/9/16 11:01 AM Association MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND PRCA RODEOS May 27, 28, and 29, 2016 MANSFIELD PARK ARENA BANDERA, TEXAS GRAND ENTRY STARTS AT 7:30 P.M. Produced by RafterG Rodeo Entertainment by John Harrison NFR Champion Barrelman and Clown Gates Open at 5:30 p.m. Adults $12.00 Children 6-12 $6.00 5 and under Free Wrangler Stick Horse Races and Justin Mutton Bustin' sign up at 6:00 p.m. You can ride in the Grand Entry. Arrive no later than 6:30 p.m. at the Grand Entry Gate with your horse and proof of Coggins. You and a Guest get into the Rodeo for Free! Grand Entry Gate opens at 5:00 p.m. Bareback Riding Saddle Bronc Riding Bull Riding Calf Roping Steer Wrestling Team Roping Barrel Racing Mutton Bustin' Calf Scramble Stick Horse Race The Echo • May 27 -June 2, 2016 • 3 Honor continued from page 1 of course, but they stung no less. I don’t think I will ever find this letter in that box, but it wouldn’t surprise me. You always seemed to do what I thought impossible. I keep waiting for the tears to stop, and for the most part, they have. I’m left here with my broken heart and plenty of memories to last me the rest of my life. I thank God everyday for the many years you and I were able to spend together and how fortunate we both were that I was able to to care for you in the latter years. But it still feels like you left us too soon, as I had so much more I wanted to share with you. I wanted to tell you that if I ever made you feel bad with something I said or if I never said what you needed to hear, I’m sorry. It was never intensional. I wanted you know how proud I was to be your daughter. I wanted to thank you for being patient with me, and having faith in a daughter who didn’t always deserve it. I hope you can still feel the love that I have for you. I wanted to also thank you Dad for serving our country and making it a safer place to live. I salute you Dad. That day you died Dad I left the hospital with Jeff, and when I got home I took off in the Mustang you bought me, put in a Bluegras s CD and drove around for a couple hours listening to the music you loved. I could feel you with me, and even now years later I still you with me when I drive my Mustang. Life isn’t the same without you in it Dad. You always did things that made me feel appreciated. Some were small little gesters, while others were huge, like the Mustang. You made me feel like I was someone special with the things you said, and I knew those words were coming from your heart. I miss seeing you sitting at the kitchen table waiting for me to get out of bed, so we could have breakfast together. I miss your voice and I miss hearing your laughter. I Love You Dad Rest in Peace Your Loving Daughter Janice Currency Erie silence greets the rising sun. Wisps of smoke curl toward Heaven. Slowly the golden rays descend from the sun and touch the Earth. Each of the golden tips crawl along the ground and rest upon an unmoving heap. Grey bilious clouds roll along the horizon dipping low to the scorched and ravaged land. Tears from Heaven leak through the grey mousse until a steady stream pools among the fallen. These tears are the final testament to another round of currency. During the night innocent teenagers and men who had lived for less than a quarter of a century participated in the minting process. Each left their homes, their parents, their loved ones behind, and decided to travel to a foreign soil with the opportunity to find riches. These volunteers, these eager individuals quaked as danger marched forward, until their training—their sense of duty traveled through their blood stream with the sudden force of mercury. For the fortunate ones, they will leave the newest Mint to continue the battle until the last threat has been conquered and vanquished. For the less fortunate they become part of “currency”. This Mint is not located in Philadelphia, Carson City, or any civil town. This Mint is born in chaos, destruction, and violence. Ingredients for the currency is not the traditional paper, gold, silver, copper, or nickel. This currency is forged using gunpowder, shrapnel, small round ammunition, gunfire, hand-tohand combat, blood, pain, and death. There is no perfect recipe for the ingredients. The Minting process is not socialized, the machinery used in the creation leaves large rips, gashes, gouges, and a sense of obliteration in its wake. The Mint workers do not report from 8 to 5—guaranteed a lunch break and two other breaks during the day. Workers do not gather around the “water cooler” to discuss their children, their wives, their girlfriends, or their favorite sports teams. These workers are trained, they march, and they follow orders. They carve out a sense of security in a foxhole. They, like their counterparts in Denver or Philadelphia, gather over a coffee pot if lucky, if unlucky under a sky lit with exploding artillery. In this moment they discuss children, their wives, girlfriends, family, and missed opportunity. Before the golden rays of dawn can touch their “workplace” many will have become acquainted with the cold ebony arms of death. However, those who meet death do not miss opportunity. They create currency—a currency more valuable than gold, diamonds, or platinum. All countries around the globe trade this currency. This currency purchased the right for a group of settlers to address the God of their choice. This currency guaranteed the right for all citizens, regardless of birth or color, the opportunity to participate in government. This currency bought the freedom of the less enfranchised and promised an education to all. This currency continues to support a country to establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessing of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity. This currency, we do not carry in our pocket. Nor do we deposit this currency in the local bank. However, you can touch this currency. It is chiseled out of white marble. The name of the individual, the chief ingredient of this currency carved for all to remember. This white marble is deposited in 147 nationally important locations in the U.S.—not including the thousands of locations in local communities throughout the nation. Tomorrow, as your family gathers and the fire pits are lit and the food and drink served remember there are two forms of currency. The paper and coin type responsible for purchasing the feast before your family. The other hewed white marble—currency of opportunity. The currency most responsible for the family gathering. Please take a pause and travel to one of those locations, share a moment of silence as our nation contemplates the “minting process” of this most hallowed currency. Our wonderful family history military My husband Odie L. Dawson Jr. and myself, Henrietta “Penny” Dawson, are so, so proud of all our entire military family. May God bless and guide you in the right path to HOME! Out of our children: Airman First Class Daw- Honor continues on page 7 Established boundaries for Harlan High School. The school will open for the 2017-2018 school year. Lawsuit continued from page 1 the prejudgment interest phase was $381,833.82. Since the final judgement of the Court the award has grown to $739,121.18 plus $20,000 for the appeal to the Appelate Court. This amount will continue to grow at 5 percent interest until the judgment is paid in full. In 2014, The Texas Association of Builders and the Greater San Antonio Builders Association (Plaintiff) filed suit against The City of Helotes, Tome Schoolcraft, Rick Schroder, and Ernest Cruz (Defendants) claiming much of the same as Continental Homes. On August 27 of this year, the judge entered the final judgment against the Defendants and ruled for the plaintiff. One major difference in this judgment, fees paid in protest during the suit were not reimbursed to the builders. However, the court awarded attorneys’ fees and injunctive relief. Also the Court ordered an injunction against the City enforcing Chapter 18 of the City Code in the ETJ. The awarded attorneys’ fees include $96,494 for reasonable attorney’s fees through July 27, 2015; $5,000 for reasonable attorney’s fees to be incurred between July 27, 2015 and the entry of the final judgment in this litigation; $4,714.66 for reasonable expenses and costs incurred through July 27, 2015; and $75,000 in conditional attorney’s fees, expenses, and costs in the event of an appeal to the court of appeals. The City of Helotes appealed this case, and on April 29, 2016, appellants filed a motion to abate this appeal pending a determination in Town of Lakewood Village v. Bizios, which is currently pending before the Texas Supreme Court in cause number 15-0106. Appellee filed a response opposing the abatement. One or more of the issues pending in the appeal before this court are similar to the issues pending in the Bizios appeal. Because the Supreme Court’s resolution of the Bizios appeal may have an impact on the present cause, this court has determined that abating this appeal pending a decision by the Supreme Court will likely achieve the greatest judicial efficiency. Therefore, the motion to abate is GRANTED and the appeal is withdrawn from submission. For administrative purposes, this appeal will be treated as a closed case, unless and until appellant files a motion requesting its reinstatement following the Texas Supreme Court’s resolution of the issue(s) in Bizios. The total judgement outstanding in the 2014 case is $181,208.66 On September 23 in the 150 th District Court of Texas, Cause No. 2015CI-00543 Ashton Homebuilders, Pulte Homes, MHI Central Texas, and Weekly Homes vs. The City of Helotes summary judgment was heard by the court. The case was originally scheduled for jury trial on November 16. The presiding judge ruled in favor of the summary judgment and on November 16 entered the final judgment for the plaintiffs. The City of Helotes was ordered to repay building permitting, plan review, and inspection fees for Ashton Homes- $117,285.67; MHI Central Texas, LLC$36,701.66; Pulte Homes of Texas, L.P.- $249,013.59; and to Weekly Homes, LLC,-$177,362.05. In addition to the refund of fees the Court ordered the defendant to pay the Plaintiffs trail attorney’s fees in the amount of $43,303.33 and $1,818.70. The Court also ordered the defendant to pay 5 percent simple interest on the judgment until the amount is paid. Additionally, if the City of Helotes appealed the decision, the plaintiffs were awarded $20,000 at the time of the judgment from the Appeals Court. This case was appealed and the Court abated the appeal awaiting decision in Lakewood Village. The total judgement as Lawsuit continues on page 5 The Echo •May 27- June 2, 2016 • 4 News from Casa Helotes Casa Helotes will be at Helotes Market Days on Saturday, June 4th. Be sure to stop by our Turkey Leg Booth from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. even if it is just to say hello. We are grateful to have our seniors volunteering their time to support the Casa as it is for some a great way to give back. The AARP Driver Safety Class will be in the afternoon on Wednesday, June 15th, from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. This class is not for traffic dismissal but may be used toward insurance discounts. The fees are collected by AARP and are as follows: $15 for AARP Members and $20 for Non Members. Please bring your Nursing Home Compare Adds More Rankings --The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has added six more quality measurements to their online Nursing Home Compare program. The current online program lets consumers investigate and rank nursing homes in areas such as quality of care outcomes, staff, health inspections and more, using information that comes from the nursing homes and patients. The six new quality measures will not be self-reported by the nursing homes, but come from Medicare claims from AARP ID Card and Driver’s License. Our instructor is fantastic so you will be in for a treat! Please call or come by to sign up. If you are planning a luncheon, dinner, conference, party, or simply need a larger space to hold any type of event, keep the Casa in mind. Our website includes additional information about renting our facility. Casa Helotes is a nonprofit organization that is primarily supported by donations and fundraisers and in part by AACOG. There is no fee for membership and all of our classes and activities are free for our senior community to enjoy. We are actively seeking contributions hospitals. Here are the six measures: Short-stay patients (less than 100 days in the facility): 1) Patients who were discharged to the community. 2) Patients who visited the emergency room. 3) Patients who were readmitted to the hospital after being in the nursing home. 4) Patients who had improvements in function. Long-stay patients (more than 100 days in the facility): 5) Patients who had worsening ability to move independently. 6) Patients who were given anti-anxiety medication. The CMS program, started in 1998, has progressed and grown over the years, including the addition of sanctions against nursing from our community to meet and maintain the growing demand for our programs and services now and into the future. All contributions are tax deductible. Serving our seniors serves us all. The Casa is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and we’re located on Leslie Rd. across from O’Conner High School. We serve a congregate meal daily at noon. Please try to call by 10 a.m. the morning of to let us know if you will be joining us for lunch. Call us at (210) 695-8510 for more information or find us on the web at www.facebook.com/casahelotes and www.casahelotes. com. homes, inspection reports and ownership of the facilities. In 2008, it compiled the information into star ratings to make comparisons easier. Starting soon, the program also will collect data on staff turnover, staffing levels and types of staffing. The information has been gathered and will appear on the Nursing Home Compare website, but it will be a few months before it is translated into star ratings. To use the Nursing Home Compare website, go online to Medicare.gov and put Nursing Home Compare in the search box. Put your city and state in the location box, or your ZIP code, and click Search. To look at a particular nursing facility, put that name in the search box. (c) 2016 King Features Synd., Inc. TRIVIA TEST By Fifi Rodriguez --1. GEOGRAPHY: What is the easternmost state capital in the United States? 2. MUSIC: What country was the group ABBA from? 3. MOVIES: In what movie was the character of John McClane introduced? 4. LITERATURE: The line “Fools rush in where angels fear to tread” was written by which poet? 5. FOOD & DRINK: Where did the potato originate? 6. SCIENCE: Sunlight exposure on bare skin can help to form which vitamin? 7. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: How many minutes are in one degree of longitude or latitude? 8. ADVERTISEMENTS: What product’s advertising campaign declared that its consumption was “The Right Thing To Do”? 9. SPORTS: How many periods are in a National Hockey League game? 10. TELEVISION: What was the forerunner of PBS, the national public broadcasting service? EmErgEncy & critical carE Between Bandera rd. & CuleBra Northwest Bexar CouNty & surrouNdiNg areas all Night - 7 days DEborah riDDEr - Dvm Open Mon-Thurs • 6pM-8AM Fri 6pM unTil Mon 8AM 24 hours on holidAys visA-Mc-AMex-discover 684-2105 8734 Grisson Rd. Community Clubs and Organizations regular meetings REGULAR MEETINGS: call Edwin at 710-0786 Helotes City Council, each second and fourth Thursday at 7 p.m. at 12951 Bandera Rd. Girl Talk’s weekly meeting is every Wednesday during the school year, 6:30 p.m., at Shadrock Williams Masonry at 10047 Floore Drive. For more information, call Wendy Thiery at 210-872-1976. Helotes Planning and Zoning Commission, the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m., 12951 Bandera Rd. Helotes Economic Development Corporation, each third Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. at 12951 Bandera Rd. Leon Valley City Council meeting, each Second and Third Tuesday at 7 p.m., 6400 El Verde Rd. The Helotes Lions Club holds its regular meetings on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 7 p.m. at the club on Bandera Road near Scenic Loop. The Helotes Festival general membership meets the first Monday of each month at 7pm, at the Helotes Lion’s Club. Masonic Family – The Helotes Masonic Family is composed of four organizations and all meet at the Helotes Masonic Lodge at 11740 FM 1560S. The Helotes Masonic Lodge meets on the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. Adah Chapter 49 O.E.S. meets on the first and third Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 210-646-1429. The Helotes York Rite Chapter/Council meets on the second and fourth Wednesday at 7 p.m. The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, Helotes Assembly 377 meets on the first and third Wednesday. For information on any of these organizations, call 210-656-1429 Northwest San Antonio Al-Anon Family Group, meets every Wednesday at 7pm at Zion Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, located athe corner of Loop 1604 and Braun Rd. For more information, please The Northwest Senior Citizens Center at 6427 Evers Rd in Leon Valley holds its monthly luncheon and meeting at 11 a.m. every fourth Wednesday, Lunch is $5 or bring a covered dish. Center hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, call 210-522-9966. The Helotes Humane Society meets every fourth Tuesday of the month at 14398 Bandera Road, at 6:30 p.m. The Knights of Columbus Council 8306 meets the first Wednesday of the month at 7:00 pm in the Parish Hall at Our Lady of Guadulupe located at 13715 Riggs Rd., Helotes. For more information contact Don Rios at (830) 426-4121. The Historical Society of Helotes, founded in 1966, was incorporated in 2010 as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. The purpose of the HSH includes the discovery, preservation, and dissemination of knowledge about the history of Helotes, Texas, and the surrounding area. General meetings of the Society are held quarterly on the first Tuesday in February, May, September, and November at a time and place designated by the President. We welcome all individuals interested in the history of Helotes to attend general HSH meetings and to visit our booth at MarketPlace in Old Town Helotes the first Saturday of every month. Please visit our website: www. historicalsocietyofhelotes. org for more information. The Altar Society of Our Lady of Guadalupe meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 7pm in the Guadalupe Room at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church located at 13715 Riggs Road, Helotes. For more information please call Nancy Keffer at (210) 695-2675. The Elks Lodge of San Antonio/Helotes meets on the 1st & 3rd Tuesday @ 8 PM. We host an Open House/Burger Night @ 6PM for the public the first Wednesday of the month. We are located @ 15650 Market Hill, San Antonio (near La Cantera Mall). 210.697.3331, www. sanantonioelks.com South Texas Area Farm & Ranch 3rd Thursday of every month (except Feb) at 11:30 a.m. at Aggie Park, 6502 West Avenue, San Antonio, TX 78213 V.F.W. Post 7108 holds its General Meeting every second Monday of the month at 7pm. 8795 FM 1560 N San Antonio TX. For more information, call 210.688.9312 Leon Springs Business Association, holds regular monthly meetings, typically on the third Thursday of every month. This month’s gathering will take place on June 19th and will include an After Hours Mixer and Karaoke. 6:00 - 8:00 PM at Silver Fox. Check their website for contact information and to RSVP. Leon Springs Trail Foundation, holds regular monthly meetings, typically on the fourth Thursday of every month. Please contact Leon Springs Trail Foundation for time and location. Visit the Leon Springs Trail Foundation on facebook. The Leon Valley Historical Society board of directors meets the 3rd Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Leon Valley Public Library, 6425 Evers Road. Members and visitors are always welcome. Answers Answers 1. Augusta, Maine 2. Sweden 3. “Die Hard” 4. Alexander Pope 5. South America 6. Vitamin D (c) 2016 King Features Synd., Inc. 7. 60 8. Quaker Oats 9. Three 10. National Educational Television The Echo • May 27 - June 2, 2016 • 5 The Trump-Sanders Two-Step --The upshot of the Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump phenomena is that both parties are moving to the left. Sanders’ and Trump’s styles and affects are very different -- the rumpled, oddball lecturer in Socialism 101 vs. the boastful, power-tie-wearing business mogul -- but they have worked in tandem to ensure that the center of gravity in this fall’s presidential election will be further to the left than it has been in decades. By seizing the initiative in their race from the beginning to what looks like an increasingly bitter end, Bernie Sanders has made Hillary Clinton, the cautious inheritor of a family political legacy built on centrism, into the mouthpiece of a watered-down version of his left-wing populism. No matter how much Bernie Sanders hates the banks, Hillary Clinton despises them just as much (past paydays notwithstanding). In effect, Sanders and Trump have executed a squeeze play on the Madam Lawsuit continued from page 3 of today in the 2015 case is $844,404.75 in addition to the $20,000 for appealing the case. The total for all three cases is $1,804,734.59 and all but $181,208.66 will continue to grow at five percent until the judgments are paid. The City maintained they had not spent any of the building fees collected in the ETJ ; however; they have ignored repeated requests to identify the account that is holding the over $800,000 in reserve. According to sources close to City Council, the Secretary. Sanders pushed her to the left on trade and Social Security in the primary, when she disavowed the Trans-Pacific Partnership that she helped negotiate and embraced increasing Social Security benefits. She probably won’t be snapping back to the center on those issues in a general election because it would open her up to Sanders-like attacks from Donald Trump. If the grass-roots movement that Sanders has built will pressure Democrats all the way to the Philadelphia convention and beyond, Trump has arguably done more to pull the country’s politics portside. He has, for now, managed to do what the Democrats and the media have been attempting for most of the Obama era: to kill off the tea party as a national force. By dividing it, eclipsing it and making its animating concerns of limited government and constitutionalism into afterthoughts, Trump has neutered a heretofore potent vehicle against Big Government. With or without Sanders, the Democrats were going to drift in a more progressive direction. It was far from inevitable, though, that the Republican Party would de-emphasize its opposition to growth in the size of government. That is entirely the doing of Trump. The irony is that an era of Republican politics character- ized by insistence on doctrinal purity and anger at Beltway dealmaking is ending with Trump at the helm of the GOP. It’s a little like the agitation of the French Revolution, all aimed at achieving more liberte, egalite, fraternite, concluding in the rule of Napoleon Bonaparte. However ideologically indistinct Trump was during the primaries, he has gotten fuzzier since becoming the presumptive nominee. The lazy line on Donald Trump is that he’s a far-right populist. Not at all. He’s a centrist populist. The key to moving the GOP to the center wasn’t highminded scolding about its tone and unreasonableness, as Jon Huntsman, John Kasich and Jeb Bush all attempted, but an extremely combative tone and a few signature unreasonable positions. Once Trump established his reputation as a bomb-thrower, it didn’t matter that he was to the left of everyone else in the field. Between Sanders moving Clinton further from the center and Trump moving the GOP toward it, the socialist and the mogul have forced American politics to take a collective step to the left. City of Helotes will have to issue bonds to pay for the outstanding judgments. The City currently has bonds out to pay of the renovation of Old Town, however, they should be paid off before the end of this fiscal year. The City also has bonds out to pay for the Fire Station and Police Department. Just this last year the City issued $4 million in bonds to complete capital projects such as the Linear Creek Park in Old Town Helotes, the water and sewar line from Circle A to Scenic Loop Drive, a pedistrian bridge in Old Town, and other projects. Some Council members have expressed concern that if the City continues to amass more debt the triple A rating enjoyed by the City will be impacted. Just recently, the City of Helotes had to list the pending judgements as liabilities in the current audit report. City Adminstrator Rick Schroder was out of the office today, and Mayor Schoolcraft was unavailable for a comment. Like us on our Facebook page and stay in the know www.facebook.com/helotesecho Publisher James Lee Managing Editor John Rhodes PO Box 900 Helotes, Texas 78023 7205 Bandera Rd. San Antonio, Texas 78238 T: (210) 875-3148 F: E: [email protected] The Helotes Echo (USPS #01) is published weekly at 7205 Bandera Rd. San Antonio, Texas 78238. Single copy news stand price 75 cents. Layout Editor Lucy Butler Staff Writers James Lee Pat Turner Secilie N. Villareal Webmaster Your Elected Officials President US Representative District 20 Barack Obama Joaquin Castro The White House 212 Cannon House Office Building 1600 Pennsylvania Ave Washington, DC 20515 (512) 463-0646 US Representative District 23 Bexar County Judge Washington, DC 20500 www.whitehouse.gov/contact Vice President Will Hurd 17721 Rogers Ranch Road PKy St 120 Washington, DC 20501 State Senators [email protected] Carlos I. Uresti Columnists Nancy Smith Rob Phelps Cynthia Massey Kevin Barton U.S. Senator San Antonio TX 78232 Nelson Wolff Paul Elizondo Tower 210-335-2626 Josh Garza Executive Office Building 14607San Pedro, Ste. 180 101 W. Nueva 10th Floor Josh Garza Graphic Designer Lyle Larson San Antonio, TX 78258 Joe Biden 2530 SW Military Drive, Suite 103 San Antonio, TX 78224 San Antonio, TX 78205 Helotes Mayor Tom Schoolcraft (210) 932-2568 12951 Bandera Road 3133 General Hundnell Dr., Suite # 120 Donna Campbell 210-695-8877 Sports Photographer San Antonio, TX 78226 P.O. Box 12068, Capitol Station Julie Jumper Ed Garcia Phil Forister Miguel Esparza Roland Cervantes Phone: (210) 340-2885 Austin, TX 78711 Grey Forest Mayor U.S. Senator State Representatives 18502 Scenic Loop RD John Cornyn Philip Cortez 517 Hart Senate Office Bldg Room E2.812, Capitol Extension Washington, DC 20510 P.O. Box 2910 202-224-2934 Austin, TX 78768 www.cornyn.senate.gov (512) 463-0269 Secretary Nancy Martin DEADLINES Friday Noon For News Copy and Advertising Monday Noon For Classifieds (c) 2016 Bob Franken Distributed by King Features Synd. (c) 2016 by King Features Synd., Inc. Readers’ Forum Policy www.helotesecho.com up the ghost, a YUUUGE question is whether his millions of supporters will be too alienated to support Hillary Clinton’s crusade to deny Trump the keys to the White House. What an obnoxiously negative campaign this will be. It will make that “Daisy” ad look quaint. If you haven’t seen it before, call it up and watch. It should be pointed out that it was Lyndon Johnson, after his landslide victory over Goldwater, who used deceit to drag the United States into a full-blown war in Vietnam from which we never really recovered. We were left with a cynicism that cripples our country to this day. Certainly, campaigns have long concluded that politeness is for suckers, and so are ethics. Winning is everything, and selling out to the special financial interests is acceptable -- corrupt, but acceptable. As we enter the final dash for the presidency between Clinton and Trump, the bombardment will be brutal. The outcome is truly in doubt, but whoever gets elected will be taking over a country that is largely scorched earth. Rich Lowry is editor of the National Review. www.helotesecho.com The Helotes Echo welcomes letters to the editor on subjects of interest to its readers. Short letters are most likely to be chosen for publication, but the use of any material is at the discretion of the editor. Editing may be necessary for space and clarity or to avoid obscenity, libel or invasion of privacy, but ideas will not be altered. The editor tries to inform writers of reasons for changes or rejections, but this is a courtesy, not a right. We discourage so-called “open” letters to third parties. Upon request, editors may use psuedonyms or initials but only rarely and for compelling reasons. A signed letter carries more weight with readers. Letters do not necessarily reflect the editorial policies or beliefs of this newspaper. All letters must bear the handwritten signature of the writer (unless e-mailed) and include address and phone number for verification purposes (address and phone number will not be printed). Mail to P.O. box 900 or bring to 7205 Bandera Rd. San Antonio, Texas 78238 or e-mail us at <[email protected]>. Daisy Then and Now --I wonder if the Democrats’ plans against Donald Trump include reprising the “Daisy” ad. It was a major success in 1964 when Lyndon Johnson’s campaign released it in an effort to portray Republican nominee Barry Goldwater as a dangerous wild man. It simply featured a 3-yearold girl innocently counting flower petals and ended with a nuclear explosion, then a voice-over: “Vote for President Johnson on November 3rd; the stakes are too high for you to stay home.” The Democrats have made no bones about the fact they will hammer at Trump as an even wilder thing, one who has already blown up the rest of the Republican candidates with hateful rhetoric and insults. Come to think of it, the 1964 campaign was kind of tame compared with the nastiness we can expect this time around. The attacks against him they’ve already launched make the “Daisy” ad look like, uh, child’s play. (By the way, it had a huge impact, even though it ran only once. In this Internet era, nothing runs only once.) Of course, the Trump forces are already planning their own barrage, hammering at Hillary Clinton’s negatives. When the Clintonistas charge misogyny, the Trumpsters will dredge up Bill Clinton’s record with women. When the Clinton people hammer at The Donald’s inconsistencies and lies, his troops will storm right back by unloading on The Hillary’s reputation for dishonesty. It won’t be pretty, but it’s worked so far for Trump, who has taken the Republicans and turned them upside down, leaving party regulars in a pile. But his adopted party is not the only one with unity problems. Witness the Democrats’ recent melee in Las Vegas. Trump and Sanders both have tapped into the fury of those who are finally realizing that the system has ripped them off. That has particularly helped insulate Trump from the constant accusations that he’s way over his head. Millions of Americans are disgusted by the performance of those who present themselves as allknowing, but have only a world in shambles to show for it. Trump and Sanders both campaign, in their own ways, against the status quo. Assuming Sanders finally gives Founding Publisher Lucy Brown The Helotes Echo is published on Wednesdays and printed in Hondo, Texas. Any erroneous statement will be corrected if brought to the attention of the publisher. Helotes Publishing LLC, dba The Helotes Echo, will not be liable for errors in copy or in advertisements beyond the actual cost of space occupied by the error. The publisher reserves the right to reject any advertisement at any time. Ted Cruz San Antonio Office Helotes, TX 78023 Ron Reinhard Helotes, TX 78023 210-695-3261 Leon Valley Mayor Chris Riley 6400 El Verde Road Leon Valley, TX 78238 210-684-1391 The Echo May 27- June 2, 2016• 6 Community Calendar Storybook Houses—Botanical Gardens San Antonio March 5 - July 10, 2016 See kid-sized, family-friendly Storybook Houses in this spring exhibit opening March 5. A partnership with AIA San Antonio, this engaging playhouse exhibit is the fourth collaboration between the Garden and area architects and designers. Sponsored by Robert J. Kleberg, Jr. and Helen C. Kleberg Foundation, Gretchen Swanson Family Foundation, Inc, The USAA Foundation, Chipotle Mexican Grill, and Dickson-Allen Foundation. San Antonio Public Library cardholders enjoy $1 off admission. Grey Forest Grey Forest Community Education Organization is a non for profit educational organization free to all residents of grey forest. Grey Forest Community Education Organization is hosting a “Tree identification and care” presentation by Mark Kroeze with the Texas A&M Forest Service on Saturday, May 22nd at 10:00 am at the Grey Forest Community Clubhouse. Northside Thursday, June 2 a date most students have been anxiously awaiting. The end of school, no more books, no more teacher’s dirty looks. The summer break will start for students on Thursday, June 2 unless they have enrolled for summer school. As a reminder drivers, all school zones will be enforced during the summer so pay attention to signs and times. Helotes 4-H Building The Fourth Annual Memorial Day Car show will be held at the Helotes 4-H Activity Building. There will be over 100 entries competing in 33 categories. There will be a Mayor’s Cup along with other first place trophies awarded before the end of the day. Proceeds from the show will be given to the Wounded War club. This year, the Rotary Club from the Dominion is assisting with the hosting duties and next year will take over as the Organizer replacing Mr. Ken Felty. The Activity Center is located across from O’Connor High School off Leslie Drive. As Mr. Felty might say, “Don’t leave home without your umbrella.” Weekly Devotional Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, ‘Oh that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my border! May your hand be with me, and may you keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!’ God granted him that which he requested. 1 Chronicles 4:10 WEB Some people that I have met are too ashamed to ask God for anything. They feel that they have messed up so bad in life that they are lucky to be on the bus at all. Others tend to think that God is our great Santa Claus in heaven, or a well trained pet to command. Their life centers around themselves, instead of God. Neither view is correct and balance is one of the keys to a happy life. The enemy will try and get you out of balance in order to hinder your prayers. Either you do not pray at all, or you pray for the wrong thing, or with the wrong motive. James wrote: ‘You don’t have, because you don’t ask. You ask, and don’t receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it for your pleasures’ (James 4:3 WEB). There is nothing wrong with asking God to bless you, prosper you, and keep you safe. When you come to the Lord, your past is forgiven and you become a child of God with all the benefits and perks that entails. You are not a second class citizen in His family, and you get to sit at the table with everyone else. If anyone on earth has a right to ask God for something, you now do. Sister Bertha Betterthan-you, is actually not better than you. You are forgiven and can pray for the things that you need. Jesus told us to pray ‘give us today our daily bread.’ Ask God for the things that you need. When Jabez asked, God granted his request. Sure there needs to be balance, but what if Jabez had not prayed at all? Pray like Jabez. City of Helotes The City of Helotes will host the monthly Marketplace at Old Town Helotes on Saturday, June 4. The vendors will arrive and be open for business by 10am. There have been as many as 170 vendors. The vendors will start setting up their booths along Riggs Road and will travel down Old Bandera Road to Floore’s Country Store. There are food vendors, plants, crafts, art, and other hand made items as well as other gift ideas. If you are shopping for Father’s Day, then Marketplace may be the place for you. Vendors will close their booth spaces at 5pm and it lasts only one day. Northside Graduations will begin with the Reddix Center on Wednesday, June 1 at Paul Taylor Field House, Health Careers will graduate on Thursday, June 2 at Paul Taylor Field House. The remaining graduations will happen the following week at the Alamo Dome. The Echo will have a complete schedule and time frame on our website. Compass Church 12266 Bandera Road Building 2 Helotes, TX Worship Services 9:30 am 11:00 am 210 858 5852 Helotes Hills United Methodist Church 13222 Bandera Road ~ 695-3761 Knowing, Loving, Serving God Youth-6th-12th Grade Activity Night Sundays at 5:00 pm For more information see: Summer Hours Sunday School for all ages: 9:00 am Fellowship 10:00 am Worship with Children’s Church: 10:30 am HHUMC.COM The •Echo •May27 -June24, 2, 2016 2016 •• 97 The Echo March 18- March Soccer teams advance to the playoffs. Honor continued from page 3 Deceased Odie L. Jr.’s Uncle: PFC White, George- U.S. Armyson, Odie III- U.S. Airforce- Veteran-Deceased Penny’s Brothers: SGT. Veteran –Deceased SPC Dawson, Odie IV- U.S. Carvajal Joe, Jr.-U.S. ArmyWounded Veteran Army-Veteran-Returning During spring break the 12-3-1. Airman 3rd Class Carvajal. CPL. Dawson, Gene JacobJay will play on Thursday, NISD soccer teams wrapped Edward- U.S. Airforce-VeterU.S. Marines Veteran-Returnup their district season. Many March 24. The game will be an ing were playing a make up game played at East Central High Penny’s Uncles: PFC Stoltz SGT. that was Dawson, changed Timothy due to School stadium with a 7pm Frank-Veteran-Deceased DominicU.S. Army M.P.weather so most already knew kick-off. PFC John Stoltz-Veteran Active The Stevens Falcons will who they would be playing in Deceased PFC. Dawson, Neomi Miface the third place finisher the post season. PFC William Stoltz- VetchelleArmy-Veteran ClarkU.S. finished as the Dis- in District 28 6A King High eran Deceased Odie L Jr.’s Father: M/ trict 27 6A Champions. Jay School. King finished the seawould like to close this SGT Dawson, L. runSr.- sonI 7-11-1 and district with finished as the Oldie district letter with no truer words said U.S. Army 37 years-Veteranner-up, coming in at third, 5-4-1. The game will be held on Stevens. Brandeis secured the final play-off spot as the Thursday, March 24 at AC fourth place finisher in the Jones High School in Beeville. The kick-off is scheduled for district. Clark will play the fourth 8pm. The final game in the place finisher in District 28 your article regarding ferentplay thanoffany of the other action will be 6A.InThe Texans enter the con- boys the vegetation in Grey terms in versus the last of thecouple District test with an 8-8-2 recordForest, and a Brandeis my name was of included decades. The biggest things 6A champions Southwest district record 3-5-2. & my 28 time asClark president of the SLPC Dragons. that made The my Dragons time on finthe The Cougars amassed discussed. would appre- ished board the different was21-4-3 my young season and awas 16-2-1 record Ifor the season. ciateCougar’s you not only mentioning me district son, I took office when he was undefeated. The two losses without calling to confirm months myheld having The gameold, will&be on were to Boyd andme district rival four the information in ended the story lived in Grey Forest entire March 24 my at SouthJay. The Cougars dis-. Thursday, Furthermore, I have not been west life. High My focus was not the School. The on game trict with a record of 12-1. on The the SLPC Board in three starts trails, at or 8pm. the pool, or any other game will be played years���������������������� , so there was rea- one thing...I focused on the at Cabaniss Field in no Corpus son I should have been sin- people. If theBroncos people wanted The Lady finisheda Christi on Thursday, March gled-out or starts even at mentioned pool,2016 park,season trail, field, the the as theorDis24. Kick-off 8pm. in District the article.runner-up I am more than building cleaned or improved 27 6A champions. TheyI Jay trict a little upset mis- will triedface to facilitate that.District If they fourth place Mustangs willabout play the District representations published. wanted a class, a yardsale, or 6A Carroll Tigers on Thurs28 6A runner up East Central 28 I was notThe in Hornets office infinshed 2010. day, vacation Bible24. school we made March The Lady Hornets. Also, I did not issue a the cease & Broncos it happen. wanted to will Ihave homeus field the season 14-8-2 and disdesistcompetition until 2013.with When come together enjoy oneplay anas & they will trict 6-4.I did advantage, issue & desist to Laurie at other...& we DID. with We worked Farris Stadium a 6pm Thea cease Jay Mustangs finished Hawkins & with Madeline McClosHARD & in turn had parties the season a 17-6-4 re- start. key, it wasa not aboutrecord clearing The spectacular Lady Tigers than enter any the cord and district of more invasive plants, it was about that came before...or since. trespassing & vandalism on Our Halloween parties were privately owned property & the stuff of legend. It is sad taking action on SLPC proper- that my time on the board can ty without permission from the be painted in such a dark way SLPC Board & membership. when the board & I worked We actually did clear a num- hard to make it the BEST time ber of areas of invasive spe- the SLPC had ever known. cies…ironically, under the I think it is a shame that a direction of Laurie Hawkins nice little newspaper like the WITHOUT using pesticides. Echo would allow themselves Lastly, the we looked at all five to get mixed-up in issues like wells owned by the SLPC. All this. The issue is not about the wells were inspected & the me or the SLPC or really even pertinent wells were capped & just the City of Grey Forest, registered. Additionally, the it is far larger & boils down SLPC was able to secure an to - Laurie Hawkins has proumbrella of protection from moted the use of pesticides the State of Texas for the wells. to rid the area of invasive I find it pathetic that my time species. These plant species as president was painted as may make a mess, they may a time of despair & doom for back-up water ways…but the SLPC. Things were pret- they do NOT cause cancer. ty messy when I took office. The pesticides being used The property taxes had not in the Grey Forest area are been paid in eight years & glyphosate based...& that is there were about four active the real story. You will find constitutions. We took care of that glyphosate is incredibly some big business. I grant, dangerous & it has been used my terms were certainly dif- for the last eight years without that some lyrics of a famous song, compose for all soldiers and veterans everywhere, alive and deceased. This is their song! “I thank my lucky stars to be living here today, cause the flag still stands for contest with a 5-7-2 record freedom and they can’t take and district with 5-4-2. that away! And I’m proud to The Lady Broncos finished be an American where at least with a 17-2-1 record and 13-0 I know I’m free! And I won’t district season. The only two forget the man who died who Bronco losses were to Reagan gave that right to me!” Than and McArthur. you for giving me this opporO’Connor Lady Panthers tunity to share and talk about finished second in the district these brave son’s and daughand will play the Lady Musters! God Bless them All!. tangs from King on Thursday, March 24 at Cabaniss Field in Corpus Christi. The game is scheduled to start at 6pm. The Lady Panthers finished with a 13-5-3 record and only had one loss to the Lady Broncos in district. notification or permission. The Clark’s Lady Cougars will creeks thatCentral everyone purports play East Hornets on to care so much about, ones Thursday, March 24 atthe Souththat run through beautiful west High Schoolour with a 6pm community where the children start. swim play...they haveenter been The& Lady Cougars spraying carthe game with with aa «probably 10-4-2 record cinogenic» (according to the and 7-3-1 district. World Health The final playOrganization) off game for toxingirls that has to the willbeen be reported Brennan’s causeBears a litany of issues rangLady versus Southwest ing from autism to infertility. Lady Dragons. This game will Moreover, we Farris are on the edge of be held at Stadium the Edward›s Recharge Zone. with a 8pm start. Over peoplefinished depend Thea million Lady Bears on water area that the seasonfrom with the 14-4-4 record a handful of people, lead by and a 8-1-4 district record. Laurie & sanctioned The Hawkins Good Friday holiday by thescheduling City of Grey Forest , made the playoff have been poisoning the games a little difficult,for which better of a decade is why part all eight games without will be regard Thursday. for precautionary labels played or any notification to those dependent on private wells & Grey Forest water supply. We can all debate the merits of eradicating invasive species & creating biodiversity...not the issue. The real question is, what does it cost? Ok, so they may not dump drums of Rodeo in the creeks...is that a consolation? Not to me! I am not ok with these people giving even small doses of this endocrine disrupter to my son. Who, in there right mind, would treat a karst environment like ours with something that has such potential for devastation? Do you drink water in Helotes? If the answer is yes...you possibly got a sample. You drink water in San Antonio? If the answer is yes...you may have gotten a sample there too. Certainly, all of us in Grey Forest got a taste…whether we knew it or not. Letters to the Editor First, I want to thank this Board for bringing our attention to the creeks that flow through our community. For too long, we have neglected them and naively thought that they would remain constant. But through the years, debris has stacked up, water flow has deminished, and additional plant life has taken root. I hesitate to label any plant as a noxious invasive, for evolutionary biology teaches us that plants, animals, humans all migrate (“invade”) different areas through time. I have also found conflicting information as Drivers Wanted to which plants are labeled “invasive” and which “native” on different lists. AND only the Texas Dept. of Agriculture can designate what are noxious and invasive plants—NOT the volunteer organizations you cite with .org. So I look at plants in general, and view their behavior more as symptoms, not as the disease itself. Symptoms that demand a more thorough and holistic approach to get at the root (no pun intended) of the perceived problem. I often cross the creek behind the Grey Moss Inn when I am walking my Mandie Waldrop dogs, and it occurred to me the creek is free-flowing since the rains,with no cane or much vegetation growing there, as there is at the Menchaca bridge and beyond. Why is that I asked myself? Maybe sewerage being sent into the creeks somewhere further down? Maybe from the development that›s occurring all around us with its disturbed and sometimes moonscaped landscapes, is that putting additional “stuff” into the creeks, contributing to the issue of the proliferation of certain plants? Citizens dumping stuff over their fences into the creek areas? far less dilution than the What about the effects of calculated average. Dr. global warming? In the George Veni, National wake of that scientifically- Karst Institute, Carlsbad, proven phenomena, how N M can humans hope to return To illustrate this, Dr. to and sustain an environ- George Veni conducted a ment of the 19th century, dye transmissivity test which is what the Balcones some years ago in our TrinInvaders said they are try- ity Aquifer karst environing to do? Maybe we need ment. The injection site to think in terms of a well- was several miles outside thought out management 1604 along Hwy 281. Many plan for everything in and thought the dye would not near the creeks, not just travel far, but it actually for the so-called invasives? turned by miles away from And I do think we should the injection site in HollyNOT act hastily in using w o o d Park. any kind of chemicals in The label is the law of the our creeks to fix a per- land. Always read and folceived problem, before we low label instructions. really know what the prob- David Rodriguez -Extenlem is and have answered sion Horticulturist Texas and addressed some of the A&M AgriLife Extension questions I just mentioned. Service, Bexar County. Chemicals in our creeks in From the Rodeo Label, our karst Trinity Aquifer Dow AgroSciences {My topography and being in a d d e d comments} the Contributory Zone to 1. It is a violation of Fedthe Edwards Aquifer pose eral Law to use this prodfar too great a risk for our uct in a manner inconsisdrinking water, to act pre- tent with its labeling. c i p i t o u s l y . 2. Heavy rainfall or irrigaSo, to the issue at hand, tion���������������������� within 2 hours ������ of apchemicals in the creeks to plication may wash the apkill “invasives”. I’ve said plication off the folibefore that I think it is age. {And where would it imperative that t h e likely go--Into the creeks, citizenry have the time to into wells, into aquifers? educate itself on this issue This is karst, after all.} before any vote is taken by 3. To make aquatic applithe Board or the City cations around and within C o u n c i l . ½ mile of active potable And I must say I am im- water intakes, the water pressed at all the informa- intake must be turned off tion with varying view- for a minimum period of 48 points that has been turned hours after the applicaup by a number of citizens. t i o n . Let me share a few exerpts {Since there are still prifrom some of the informa- vate wells being used along tion I have gathered to the creeks, and are undate mainly from organiza- doubtedly creek-influenced tions and individuals who wells, will you be notifying are involved in water qual- those well owners of this ity i s s u e s : required r e g u l a t i o n ? Rodeo is glyphosate… just Water intakes via pipes like Round-up. ... The can be easily cut off, but label is most important. how can karst transmissivThe label, while not spe- ity be turned off?} cifically mentioning karst 4. Sensitive Areas: Apply aquifers, says not to use this PESTICIDE only when near Sensitive Areas, i.e., the potential for drift to near endangered spe- adjacent sensitive areas cies……… the whole Ed- (e.g. residential areas, bodwards Aquifer is an endan- ies of water, known habitat gered species... SAWS for threatened or endanwould advise (we can’t pro- gered species, non-target hibit) not to use glyphosate c r o p s is minimal. near creek beds that on or 5. Treatment of aquatic near the Recharge Zone. weeds can result in oxygen Mark Peterson, Conserva- depletion or loss due to detion Project Coordinator, composition of dead plants. San Antonio Water Sys- This oxygen loss can cause t e m . fish suffocation. Bexar County has not used From the SAFETY glyphosate since 2010. D A T A SHEET, Dow Andy Winters, Bexar Coun- A g r o s c i e n c e s LLC ty Public Works Director C o m p o s i t i o n / I n f o r m a t i o n ...Given the opportunity, I o n Ingredients: would recommend to try G l y p h o s a t e IPA and remove the plants salt - 53.75% physically. The fate and Isopropylamine - transport of herbicides and 5 . 8 % pesticides in karst is not BALANCE (i.e. Not availvery well studied.. Geary able) - 40.45% {So-called S c h i n d e l , propriety and won›t tell us Chief Technical Officer/Di- what is in the BALANCE} rector – Aquifer Science, No doubt what this Board Edwards Aquifer Authori- and the Balcones Invaders t y . are proposing to do is legal I think ...caution is wise. (if all prescriptions are fol... The big unknown with lowed according to the karst is that even if you label) and has been the calculate dilution to show prevailing method for that it would rapidly reach about the last 30 years or low or no impact concen- so, with many people and trations, karst aquifers organizations and governcan direct recharge and it›s ments having bought into contaminants to wells with this, believing without Legal Notice Public Hearing Notice If You are Looking for Immediate Work, We are Looking for Regional Drivers. Weekly Hometime! Detention Pay after 1 HR! No East Coast; Top Pay, Benefits; Monthly Bonuses & More! CDL-A, 6 mos Exp. Req’d EEOE/AAP 1-800-395-3331 ext. 4904 www.drive4marten.com Drivers CDL-A: Steady Year-Round Miles! Sign-On, Monthly & Annual Bonuses! Great Benefits Package! Long Haul US/Canada. 855-6457789 The City of Grey Forest, Board of Adjustment will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, June 6, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. at Grey Forest City Hall, 18502 Scenic Loop Road, Grey Forest, Texas, 78023 to consider an Application for Variance on the property located at 17922 Hilltop Drive, Grey Forest, Texas 78023. The property owner located at 17922 Hilltop Drive, Grey Forest, Texas 78023 with a Legal Description of: CB 5744 BLK 17 LOT 46 has requested variance approval for a building permit to replace an existing tool/garden shed. The Public Hearing will be held to consider variance approval as the request for a building permit does not meet the following requirements of Amendment to Zoning Ordinance No. 45B: Section 11, Setbacks, (11.01) Road Setbacks; the structure must be setback 25 feet from the edge of any public roadway or easement. Section 12, Building Materials and Appearance, (12.01) Exterior Wall Surface; exterior building wall surfaces for buildings greater than 144 square feet shall have the entire exterior wall surfaces covered with material such as wood, stone, masonry, stucco or materials that have the appearance of wood, stone, masonry, or stucco. This includes all new construction, remodeling, additions or accessory buildings. Cedar or any other type of wood shake/shingle siding are not allowed. question, the propaganda of billionare chemical corporations, that there is no way to contend with issues other than to use their “safe” chemicals. But, I guess you have to have lived as long as I have to learn that prevailing ideologies change over time, as more studies and information is made available. DDT showed that we should not accept a prevailing methodology without question. DDT, which by the way was sold as absolutely safe for many years and was the accepted practice of the day to address primarily the mosquito “invasives”. UNTIL, research done by a biologist by the name of Rachel Carson, in her seminal work, Silent Spring, published in 1962 documented DDTs devastating effects on the environment, that eventually led to its being banned in the US. But it is still being used in other countries. With the widespread use of chemicals today, maybe it›s time for another Silent Spring-like investigation to expose the effects that chemicals are having on all of us. Do we even test our water supplies for such substances? Well, Germany does, and what they have found recently is that herbicides are even showing by in German Beer, which they have been brewing for over 500 years under the Pure Water Law. The Balcones Invaders demonstrated r e c e n t l y how they will be spraying—into plant stems, but, nevertheless, still spraying—and repeatedly over time. When the GF Community Board was asked by a citizen whether they would be spraying only once, the chair replied that they would have to spray repeatedly IN PERPETUI T Y . The Creek Assessment done by the Balconer Invaders addressed only one issue of the creeks, the socalled “invasives”. I look at that report as a beginning, not as a final solut i o n . Why don›t we take the time as a community to do a thorough analysis of what›s happening in our creeks? Is there sewerage going into the creek? Illegal dumping? Taking out the debris—logs, etc. Impact of the dams? ETC. And, if the City can spend $25,000 to hire an engineer to tell us that we need to spend 7 million to have our roads “fixed”, surely we can spend an equal amount for a holistic creek analysis, especially since creeks in our karst environment directly affects our drinking water. Look at the Rodeo Label—in big letters is the word CAUTION. Irene Scharf Condo for Rent in College Station • AVAILABLE 2016 FALL SEMESTER OR SOONER • LOCATED ON FRATERNITY ROW W/ ACCESS TO TAMU BUS ROUTE $1,500 • 3 BEDROOM/2 BATHROOM a month • LIVING ROOM (PARTIALLY Serious Inquiries Only FURNISHED) Call Rick Johnson 210-889-0163 • BREAKFAST ROOM (TABLE INCLUDED) • FULL KITCHEN • PATIO AREA W/ BBQ PIT • PREFERABLY NO PETS The Echo •May 27 June 2, 2016• 8 Pet of the Week from Helotes Humane Society portable too! Joey is a cute 6 month old strikingly cute boy! He has an amazing steel gray colored coat. Very unusual. He is playful and energetic. He was transferred to Helotes Humane Society from the SA Chihuahua Res- Can Renter be Forced to Give Up His Pet? --DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I’m in a dilemma. I’ve had my dog for about five years. “Shera” stays with me in my apartment, one of six in a triple-decker house, and there have been no problems until now. Now, a new owner has bought the house and told me I cannot have a pet: I must either get rid of Shera or move out. What can I do? -- Desperate in Worcester, Massachusetts DEAR DESPERATE: I feel for you, and I hope I can give you some useful advice in this limited space. My first tip is to act fast, and the sooner the better. I recommend immediately contacting your state’s legal services or aid resource, if there is one, to discuss the problem. You also could find free or low-cost legal advice through the state’s bar asso- cue group because, well no, he’s not exactly a Chihuahua! Joey would make a great family dog for a bunch of kids or a fine companion for a couple or single person. He’s To find out more about Joey, please contact us at 210-218-0835 or email us at info@hhsanimals. org All animals that are adopted out by the Humane Society are microchipped and are current on their vaccinations. If you are interested in other animals beside Joey you may log onto the Helotes Humane Society website www. hhsanimals.org and can examine the pictures of those animals that are in foster homes. Also you may check at the Second Chances Thrift Store for animals that have been surrendered by Animal Control and are at the Store awaiting for their forever home. ciation or perhaps at a local university. Your local library can be a great resource, too -- you can get online for free, and the librarians can be very helpful. Renters have fairly extensive rights in most states. A new landlord usually cannot simply walk in and demand you get rid of your pet. The existing lease typically cannot be changed suddenly, either. And even if you don’t have a signed lease (some apartments are still “handshake” agreements) the landlord typically must still give reasonable notice of a change in the terms. You also might try offering your landlord a non-refundable pet deposit. These are sometimes required in rentals that accept pets. There’s much more information out there than I have room to write about here. But basically, you have more rights than you think. Stay calm, but immediately start contacting organizations that can help. Send your questions or pet care tips to ask@pawscorner. com. (c) 2016 King Features Synd., Inc. NOW HERE’S A TIP By JoAnn Derson --* Place a small stick-on hook on the back of the high chair to hang baby’s bibs from. This is a great way to make sure a bib or even a small washcloth is right where you need it at all times. * “Tape off a tile on the floor and give little kids a child-size broom. They can practice sweeping into the taped-off area.” -- W.I. in Arkansas * A large lidded cereal container makes a great water-tight trash can for the car. Line it with a bag and snap on the lid. When the pour spout is closed, even runny messes are contained. * Stick a paperclip on the end of your tape roll. Never look for the end again. Heartworms: Only you can prevent the spread Many dog owners have heard of heartworm disease but may not fully understand how the disease develops. Some owners may even question if an annual test for heartworm disease is necessary. Dr. Sonya Wesselowski, clinical assistant professor of cardiology at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, said testing for heartworm disease and administering regular monthly heartworm medication is crucial. “All dogs should be tested for heartworm disease every year at their annual wellness visit,” Wesselowski said. “Additionally, patients that have not previously been on heartworm prevention or those that have had a lapse in their heartworm prevention should be tested immediately, then again in six months, and annually thereafter.” To help dog owners understand why preventing heartworm disease is so important, Wesselowski explained how the disease develops. “Heartworm disease is caused by a long, thin worm known as Dirofilaria immitis,” she said. “Heartworms live within the heart, lungs, and blood vessels and can cause damage in these areas. This damage can lead to lung disease, elevated blood pressure inside the lungs, and even heart failure. In some cases, other organs in the body are affected as well.” “The first step in the heartworm lifecycle occurs when a mosquito bites an infected dog,” she continued. “The mosquito ingests the microscopic offspring of the adult heartworm known as microfilaria. These microfilaria then mature inside the mosquito over ten to 14 days and become infective larvae that can be deposited onto the skin of another animal when the mosquito bites again. The larvae enter their new host through the bite wound left by the mosquito and develop into adult heartworms in about six months. The adult heartworms can then live for five to seven years in the infected dog.” Signs of heartworm disease in dogs range from a mild cough and decreased exercise capacity to heart failure and the accumulation of ab- the adult heartworms. Strict exercise restriction and kennel confinement is essential throughout the entire course of treatment to reduce the risk of serious complications that can be associated with resolving the heartworm infection.” Wesselowski also stressed that the treatment of heart- dominal fluid. In severe cases, heartworms can cause caval syndrome, a rapidly progressing fatal disease that blocks blood flow within the heart. Caval syndrome causes symptoms such as labored breathing, collapse, and dark-colored urine. The thought of heartworms infecting Fido may sound like a nightmare. Thankfully, treatment is available. However, according to Wesselowski, resolution of a heartworm infection is not a quick and easy process. “If a dog tests positive for heartworms, the first step is to confirm the diagnosis with a followup test,” she said. “Once the diagnosis is confirmed, additional laboratory and imaging tests will help your veterinarian stage the severity of the disease and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Treatment involves multiple oral medications for at least one month, followed by a set of several injections to kill worm disease is expensive for pet owners and taxing for affected pets. The heartworms can also cause long-term damage to the heart and lungs that remains even after the heartworm infection is successfully resolved. This means that when it comes to heartworm disease, prevention is key. “Administration of regular monthly heartworm preventatives is crucial to prevent heartworm disease and to avoid the stress, expense, and potential complications that can be associated with heartworm treatment in our beloved family pets,” Wesselowski concluded. ### Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the Web atvetmed.tamu.edu/pet-talk. Suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@ cvm.tamu.edu. Helotes Humane Society announces 8th annual poster contest winners * “Frozen marshmallows actually make good kiddie ice packs. And they’re just what the doctor ordered. Loosely fill snack-size baggies with mini marshmallows. For minor bumps, I tell the kids, “Sit with this on your boo-boo. As soon as it’s feeling better, you can go play and eat the marshmallows for a snack.” It’s not surprising how quickly their hurts are healed.” -- W.I. in Ohio * Sprinkles make things like wholewheat pancakes or healthy smoothies seem more delicious. Add sprinkles and a smoothie seems more like a milkshake. Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803. (c) 2016 King Features Synd., Inc. The Helotes Humane Society held its eighth annual Be Kind to Animals Poster Contest the third week of April as part of the SPCA’s National Be Kind to Animals Campaign. This year’s theme was “Be Kind to Animals,” pets as well as other animals. The contest was open to students in grades K-5 in public and private schools in the greater Helotes area. There were over 130 entries. Twenty-four prizes were given, one in each grade level for First place, Second place, Third place and Honorable Mention. All winners were visited by squirming kittens so the children could provide names for them before their adoption. Each student received a certificate, a nice ribbon and a generous bag of goodies from local merchants like yourself. You can see below how excited the children about their prize bags. They really appreciated your donation of pencils, pens, dog bandanas, cat treats. cups, tennis balls, red HEB bags, activity sheets, glow sticks, and lego coupons, ribbons, as well as, your inspiration! We want to thank you for your support to our efforts to educate youngsters about responsible animal care. The winning posters can be seen in a slide show on our webpage at www.hhsanimals.org. Weather Whys: Answering Nature’s questions Q: Chicago is often called “the windy city.” Is it really the windiest city in the U.S.? A: The answer is no, says Brent McRoberts of Texas A&M University. “In fact, it’s not even close,” he explains. “Both the National Weather Service and National Climatic Data Center publish a list of the top ten windiest cities in the United States and Chicago is not among the leaders on those lists. Chicago’s label as the windiest city might refer to several stories. One is that the city’s streets run from east and west, causing the winds that come from Lake Michigan to blow briskly through the streets and these winds might be stronger than in surrounding areas. Another story says that the windy city label refers to Chicagoans who are apt to boast or brag about their hometown, or even the numerous rumors that tend to blow through the city.” Q: So what are the windiest cities in the U.S? A: Alaska can claim the top three, McRoberts says. “Those are St. Paul Island, averaging almost 17.5 miles per hour per day, Cold Bay (16.9) and Barter Island (13.2). Others are Dodge City, Kan. at 14 miles per hour, followed by Amarillo, Texas (13.5) and Rochester, Minn. (13.1) Chicago is considered average in terms of wind speed at 10.4 and it is topped by Boston at 12.5 and New York’s Kennedy Airport (12.2). Even Milwaukee (11.5) and Dallas-Fort Worth (10.7) have higher average wind speeds than Chicago. As far as an actual place in the U.S., the windiest spot by far is Mount Washington Observatory in New Hampshire, where the wind blows at an average speed of 35.1 miles per hour every day and where the highest wind speed ever recorded was set at 231 miles per hour on April 12, 1934.” The Echo •May 27- June 2, 2016 • 9 The Pharmacy Column: Opiods friend or foe? Part 3 Rob Phelps Just as your first psychology course often destroys long-held delusions, as we collect more data on the neuropsychopharmacological effects of narcotic use, a number of tenets we’ve held as practitioners over the years have been falling by the wayside. In the preface of the article in the New England Journal of Medicine written by FDA physicians, they remind the reader of their mission: ensuring that drugs used by the U.S. public are both effective and safe. But like so many things that look clear on paper, everything from nuance to reality enters into the milieu of opioid prescribing and use. There is a crisis of opioid misuse. There framework is being developed. Reviewing labeling and postmarketing surveillance requirements: Labeling requirements currently mandate detailed instructions, etc., and manufacturers must conduct ongoing safety surveillance and research studies; these measures may need reevaluation to assess their effectiveness. Prioritizing abuse-deterrent formulations and overdose treatments: A number of commercial dosage forms have formulations that deter abuse (often ruining the drug if the tablet is tampered with) have the potential to reduce abuse, and providing broader access to naloxone (an opioid antagonist that reverses effects of an overdose) may help to to lessen the harm posed by overdoses. Addressing the lack of nonopioid alternatives for pain management: Although non-opioid medications for chronic pain have been approved by FDA recently, more effective alternatives are needed, to include nonpharmacologic treatments. (I’d add: more research into holistic methods of pain control) Creating clear guidelines for opioid use: By providing a clear understanding of appropriate use and management of opioid use, current crises of misuse, abuse, and diversion of opioid analgesics may be more effectively lessened and managed. Managing pain in children: Using opioids in children with severe and chronic pain conditions requires special considerations, and information is needed for physicians to help them prescribe opioids in this population appro- priately and effectively. Also a consideration: protecting minors who lack appropriate decisionmaking capabilities. Developing a better evidence base: We’ve come a long way in recognizing pain as a symptom, some say it’s “the fifth vital sign.” The evidence base to guide the use of opiate medications, especially in long-term settings, however, is sorely lacking. The most important part of this whole process that FDA outlines in the eight bullets above is the continuous assessment and reassessment of findings as this continues. New policies will generate new evidence, new evidence will be implemented into current clinical practice, and current strategies will be evaluated in ited alternatives for chronic pain have produced an overreliance on opioids to treat conditions for which they may not be as effective as we would like them to be. Associated with this is increases in diversion, overdose, and addiction, along with all the consequences thereof. FDA’s estimates note that 30% of Americans have some form of acute or chronic pain, and about 40% of older adults experience chronic pain. In 2014, retail pharmacies in the U.S. dispensed 245 million prescriptions for opioid pain relievers: 65% for short-term therapy (less than 3 weeks), but 3-4% of the adult populations were pre- Pharmacy continues on page 11 JW Prestidge R.N. Therapeutic Massage Massage can help: • Neck and Shoulder Pain • • Hand/Wrist Pain Headaches • • Hip/Leg Pain Stress and tension SERVICE WITH EXPERIENCE & DEDICATION Located in office of Maria Jirka M.D. Office: 210-667-6754 5979 BABCOCK RD, SAN ANTONIO, TX, 78240 Petals and Paws, LLC “Love for all of your living things” • • • • the context of the new data that is generated. As time goes on, the authors believe, a coordinated effort among public and private partners will help them adapt strategies as the evidence base improves. The hope is also that the opioid crisis can be solved at the same time a national effort is put forth to prevent and control short-term and chronic pain. This FDA article makes a number of cogent point and observations, noting that chronic pain not caused by cancer is “among the most prevalent and debilitating medical conditions but also among the most controversial to manage.” A perfect storm of patients’ urgent needs, demonstrated effectiveness of opioids in treating acute pain, and lim- License #: MT011286 Opioid Use In Chronic Pain (Part 3): FDA Says, “Ooh, Ooh, Me Too?” Nope may also be a crisis, even more long-standing, of undertreating pain, but this has gotten better – or at least, more exposure – in the past 10 years or so. The authors of the FDA article remind us of the intense suffering caused by acute and chronic pain, along with the devastating results of misuse and abuse of medications for pain. Welcome to the sword of Damocles that is, has been, and will always be part and parcel of the use of medications to treat patients. In any given year, about one in three Americans will suffer from some sort of pain. About 10% of these will have chronic or persistent pain, so the scope of this is, as we know all too well, vast. While we are concerned with the abuse of opioids is problematic at the very least, with almost 19,000 overdose deaths from prescription opioids, FDA realizes that this must be balanced with the effects on patients of pain, especially that of a chronic nature. What is need, they believe, is a comprehensively review ongoing activities, reassessment strategies, and taking action when there is reason to do so. To bring to bear the resources and stakeholders on this issue, FDA has outlined their strategy as follows with a eight-point plan. Balancing indivisual need and societal risk: Patients need access to effective and safe medications to treat pain, but patients and society alike need some degree of protection from the effects of the abuse of opioids. Meeting the need for timely action: Evolving threats from the abuse of opioids require a flexible approach until a full policy Pet Tech CPR and First Aid Certified Caring for Pets needs Water indoor/outdoor plants Bring in your mail or newspaper Holly Templeton, Owner 210-259-5572 [email protected] **Affordable package deals available** For additional info you may contact JW @ 512-924-2147 The Echo •May 27- June 2, 2016•10 Wellman sparks Missions’ win over STAYING ALIVE Naturals Holmes’ playoff show going strong By Pat Turner Missions’ manager Phillip Wellman gave a little something extra during the series finale with Northwest Arkansas Thursday night at Wolff Stadium with another classic ejection performance. It wasn’t as memorable as the one Wellman displayed while managing the Mississippi Braves nine years ago where his antics can still be viewed on websites. Nor did his argument rank up there with the one displayed by Frisco manager Joe Mikulik’s show, which went viral after being tossed earlier this week. However, Wellman’s tirade in the sixth was strong enough to light a fire, because the Missions responded by setting up Nick Schulz’s RBI singles in the sixth and eighth innings for a 3-1victory. “That definitely puts a fire in you,” Schulz said. “Everyone was p ump ed up. It is good to have a manager who has your back.” Unfortunately for Wellman, the departure prevented him from seeing it live. At least he got to view an outing much to his liking on his office TV. “We played well to night,” Wellman said. “We got some guys on and moved them over. We got a two-out hit from Schulz that was nice. You win games by out executing. It was good to see. “That’s two in a row and we haven’t done that in a long time. Hopefully, we’ll get catapulted in the right direction and string a couple more together.” The excitement began with the score tied at 1-all in the sixth. Nelson Ward dropped a single into left. Jose Rondon, who gave the Missions an earlier 1-0 lead with a solo home run, sent a bunt in front of the plate and Northwest Arkansas catcher Cameron Gallagher fired the ball to second as Ward came sliding in. Umpire Nestor Ceja ruled Ward came in with an illegal slide, resulting in a double play, triggering a debate from Wellman, who was tossed immediately. During his exit, the Missions’ manager yanked second base from the dirt and carried it with him en route to the dugout before giving it a heave-ho. “I hope I fired (players) up,” Wellman said. “I don’t want to have to do it, certainly. I would rather them go out there every day and play with a little fire and energy. At the same time I am going to defend and protect.” What happened after Wellman left? Nick Torres lined a double to center and scored on Schulz’s bouncing two-out single past first to break a 1-1 tie. More excitement fol lowed. Following Bryce Morrow’s solid three-hit performance through six innings, reliever Rafael De Pa ula , who joined t he team from El Paso earlier in the day, began the seventh with a strikeout. However, Frank Schwindel’s infield hit and backto-back walks loaded the bases. De Paula then had a 3-0 count on Terrance Gore, but came back to strike out the batter, before fanning Jack Lopez. In the eighth, a diving catch by Torres in left field and a backhand snag by Ward at second, along with a strikeout from Kyle McGrath, helped the Missions maintain the lead. An insurance run followed in the eighth with a little more manufacturing. Ward drew his third walk of the game, went to second on a balk by Eric Stout, before Schulz singled him home. “I was just trying to get a pitch to hit,” Schulz said. “I was just trying not to chase pitches and do too much. I just told myself to relax and go from there. The run in the sixth was big. We definitely needed that. It put us ahead and then we got the insurance run.” Jason Jester closed out the game to record his seventh save in as many attempts. Wellman got to see Morrow’s outing live and that was pleasing. The Missions’ starter (1-6), who came into the contest with a 7.31 ERA, was on his mark, giving up one run in the process. Morrow, who struck out three and walked one, was in the zone consistently. Although the Missions committed two errors during his time on the mound, their clutch plays in the t hird p revent ed Nort h west Arkansas from tying the score. After starting the inning with an infield hit, Gore stole second and sped to third on Richard Valenzuela’s throwing error. However, the Missions’ catcher made up for the miscue. Lopez sent a fly to shallow center and Gore raced home. Center fielder Auston Bousfield fired the ball to Valenzuela, who tagged Gore a step away from crossing the plate. Northwest Arkansas, however, was successful on a sacrifice fly in the fourth to tie the game. However, Morrow finished the game by retiring eight in a row, before the fun began. “(Morrow) was outstanding,” Wellman said. “Unfortunately, we were in the clubhouse at the same time tonight, so I had a chance to tell him that this is an outing he needs to build on. That is the best I have seen him command the baseball. He was down in the zone. He was very impressive. “He kept them off balance. His slider and changeup were good. I think if he can repeat that, he’ll get better.” STAYING ALIVE Holmes’ playoff show going strong By Pat Turner Back in the 1970’s, John Travolta discoed to a popular hit called Staying Alive. It made the rounds for a while, before fading in the sunset like the entire disco craze. Now, a new version of Staying Alive has been created by the Holmes Huskies. This one doesn’t happen on a dance floor. It’s taking place on baseball fields and it’s become an instant hit. Since leaping into the playoffs after winning the District 27-6A championship, Holmes has stayed alive, while providing excitement in each round with come-from-behind victories, clutch pitching and standout defensive plays. Because of their clever way of staying alive, Holmes carries its show to the Class 6A Region IV best-ofthree series against Laredo United. The opener begins at 8:30 p.m. Friday in Laredo, but game two shifting to South San at 5 p.m. Saturday. A third game, if needed, follows. This past week saw Holmes turn in one of its more memorable performances in taking two-of-three from Corpus Christi King. After dropping a 3-1 opener in Friday’s contest at Corpus Christi, the Huskies bounced back for two 4-3 wins the following day at Wolff Stadium. It was a do-or-die situation for Holmes, meaning one more loss and its banner season was over. The Huskies found way to escape elimination in both contests. King put Holmes in a quick jam in game two with a pair of runs in the first inning. The Huskies came back with a run in the second when Zach De La Garza walked and eventually scored on Marion De Leon’s single. The Huskies tied the game in the third on Angel Medina’s runscoring triple, only to see the Mustangs move back in front in the fourth. The score stayed that way until Holmes pushed across the tying run in the seventh. Tyler Dick reached on an error and moved to second on Alex Lopez’s sacrifice bunt, before reaching third on Aaron Arevalos’ single. Medina then followed with single to plate Dick with the tying run. King appeared to be on its way to breaking through in the eighth after singles from Dillon Delgadillo and Anthony Handel, followed by a two-out walk, loaded the bases. Bland Chamberlain then lined a shot to left but Zach De La Garza’s diving catch ended the inning. Holmes struck for the winning run with serious clutch work in the bottom of the frame. After King got two quick outs, Omar Garza and Dick singled. Lopez was hit by a pitch before Arevalos ripped a single up the middle to force a third game. More heroics followed in game three as King pushed Holmes to the limit once again. Holmes gained a 2-0 lead in the first with Medina’s two-run single and added another in the fourth. In that inning, Garza and Dick opened with singles and Jonah Holladay bunted them into scoring position, before a throwing error led to a run. King took some of the wind out of the Huskies sails by tying the score with three runs in the fifth. Once again Holmes responded in positive fashion. In the bottom of the inning, De La Garza walked and eventually crossed the plate on an error. De La Garza, the loser in Friday’s game, added the finishing touch. The Holmes pitcher halted King’s rally in the fifth and then zipped through the final two innings to seal the deal. Hermann SonS YoutH Camp Hermann Sons Youth Camp is operated by Hermann Sons Life Insurance in Comfort and is open to life insurance policyholders ages 9-13. Hilltop Camp for Boys • Riverside Camp for Girls Protect the ones you love! Call today for information on life insurance for every member of the family! Greg R. Sterner - 210-363-0373 Veronica Trejo - 210-710-0932 Darlene Irwin - 210-392-2649 www.texashermannsons.org The Echo •May 27- June 2, 2016 • 11 ductal gray, thalamus, cingulate cortex, insula), pain-induced emotional responses (amygdala), respiratory drive (brain stem), and in brain reward regions (ventral tegmental area, nucleus accumbens) that provide profound input into how we perceive pleasure and well-being. Small wonder that opioids produce both analgesia and euphoria. While they activate analgesia and reward reions of the brain, they alsomediate a learned association between getting the drug and the physiological/perceptual effects of it – a type of Pavlovian conditioning response (the dog with the dinner bell). Over time, these conditioned responses become part of the desire (craving) for the effects of the drug, be it for analgesia or pleasure. Mild pain in those with chronic pain can trigger this association between pain and relief from the drug, manifested as an urge for relief. This conditioned urge for relief from even mild pain may lead to using these drugs before the next allowed dose, which in turn results to excess use. And creates the conundrum many of us have when a patient presents for an early fill or refill for their pain meds. Yes, it can get complicated... Also complicated? That fine Pharmacy continue from page 9 scribed longer-term opioids. The annual number of deaths from opioid overdoses now exceed the number of eaths from motor vehicle accidents. We didn’t eliminate driving to bring down the number of Americans injured on the highway, we made cars and highways safer. The same attention, it seems, will be brought upon this issue by FDA and other stakeholders. Two inconvenient facts remain, however: opioids are widely diverted and improperly used and have fueled the national epidemic of overdoses and addiction; and the major source of these diverted opioids is physician prescribing. This status quo is not an acceptable one. Many wonder how we actually got to this stage. Well, it starts with the brain. Opioids work primarily by binding to mu-opioid (there are others, all described by Greek letters, to include kappa and delta – beyond our scope here, however!) receptors in the body. So that it’s not Greek to everyone, a brief tour is in order. Where these are found is a veritable atlas of the brain: these are densely concentrated in brain regions regulating pain perception (periaque- ECHO line that gets fuzzy fast that separates tolerance, physical dependence, and addiction. Tolerance leads to a decrease in the effects of a given dose over time. Dependence just means a patient’s body has adapted to the presence of the drug in question. Stop taking it, abstinence symptoms develop. Addiction develops over months, but once it develops, it is separate and distinct, usually chronic, won’t just stop with discontinuation, and will be associated with repeated relapses. So what to do? That will be for the fourth (and final, I hope) installment of this series. As always, if you have any questions or comments on this or any other topic covered in the Echo, please contact me through this paper, Tweet me @RPh_elps, or ask your pharmacist. 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Let’s start with Valero-branded gasoline and diesel at all pumps as well as motor oil, transmission fluid, booster cables, bulbs and plastic gasoline containers.Need Valley Mart, at the center of Helotes, has been on Bandera Road some drinks? They’ve got beer, soda, bottled water and for the last 29 years. candy. Also cigarettes and ice. On the shelf is coolers to AlamoCityAutoRepairandTires.com NATURAL GAS THE MONEY SAVING ENERGY. Grey Forest Utilities... Real People Who Care Grey Forest Utilities • (210) 695-8781 PO Box 258 Helotes, Texas 78023 J & C’s Auto Service Complete Brake & A/C Service Welding & General Automotive Warranty on parts and labor F amily O wned & O perated O ver 30 y ears OF e xperience Benefits Of Dealing With Family-Owned And Operated Businesses ASE Certified Technicians Courteous Staff And A Clean Facility 2 Years/24,000 Miles Warranty On All Parts And Labor. Nationwide Warranty! 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Helotes, tX 78023 Valley Mart #7 15¢ Copies ~ ATM ~ Family Owned & Operated Now Pay At The Pump 24 Hours With Your Debit or Pulse Card State Of The Art Repair Equipment (210) 695-2255 monDay-friDay 8:00am - 5:30pm FREE DELIVERY TO HELOTES! contact us for information Sun-Thurs 6 am - 11 pm • Fri & Sat 6 am - Midnight 12998 Bandera Rd., Helotes 695-2567 Benefits that last a lifetime. ©2013 Kumon North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved. FREE PLACEMENT TESTING Kumon Math & Reading Centers: HELOTES SAN ANTONIO - DE ZAVALA 12910 Bandera Rd. Helotes, TX 78023 12770 Cimarron Path, Ste. 110 San Antonio, TX 78249 210.695.4454 210.558.3644 many varieties of wholegrain / specialty / sweet breads cookies • scones • muffins • pepperoni rolls tote those cold items around. Snacks include chips, sunflower seeds, all kinds of peanuts, jerky, and sausage. They have made-on-site sub sandwiches and pizza that you can get for lunch or supper. For breakfast, they have biscuits and breakfast pizzas. There’s fountain drinks, Alligator Ice, cappuccino, and Douwe Egberts coffee. The coffee is fresh with every cup and it is not instant coffee. Picnic supplies include charcoal. Other items include sandwiches in the cooler, lottery sales, newspapers, copies for 15 cents, and an ATM when you are a little short of cash.The store is located at Circle A Trail and Bandera Road. The open at 6 am every day and stay open until 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and they are open until midnight on Friday and Saturday. The address is 12998 Bandera Road, Helotes, and their phone number is 210-695-2567. Helotes Pizza Hut 12730 Bandera Rd. Helotes, Tx 78023 (210) 695-4570 ALL 3 ITEMS Daily Noon Buffet 4 $ .99 Mon-Fri 11:30-1:30 Available dine-in only at participating Pizza Hut® restaurants. Please mention coupon when ordering. Limit two buffet purchases per coupon. Not valid with other offers. Expires Oct 31, 2014. Days & times may vary. Code: YP ©1999 Pizza Hut, Inc. 1/20 cash redemption value. The Helotes Echo $ 20 Large Pizza 3 Toppings or Specialty 16 Wings 2 L. Soda Exp. 10-31-14 Available at 12730 Bandera Rd. and 7103 N. Loop 1604 W. Helotes FREE Estimates Collision Lifetime Warranty Center Carl Monaco’s 11634 Rainbow Ridge 695-9038 Wendy Gideon, MD Laura Tamayo, MD Shannon Bartell RN, CPNP (210) 372-0505 11085 Bandera Rd, Suite #102 San Antonio, TX 78250 also at a farmer’s market near 210.481.7849 greatharvestsatx.com 20079 Stone Oak Parkway, San Antonio TX 78260 Advertise in the Helotes & Leon Valley Area Spotlight and we’ll feature your company with a write-up and photo! Chec� u� ou� onlin� or o� Lik� u� faceboo� (210) 695-3613 www.helotesecho.com JUST FOUR PAWS GROOM & BOARD MIKE & JULIE ROSSMAN Professional Grooming & Boarding (210) 695-9035 FM 1560 @ Bandrea Road, across from CVS The Echo •May 27- June 2, 2016• 12 The Echo •May 27- June 2, 2016• 13 The Echo •Thursday, March 2015 •May 27- June 2, 26, 2016 • 14• 20 Medical Directory INTERNAL MEDICINE 12002 Bandera Rd, Suite 111 Helotes, Texas 78023 (210) 695-9002 PHONE CARLOS E. LICON, (210) 695-9044 FAX Board Certified Family Medicine / Se habla español. HelotesMed.com FREE Bone Dexa Screen Primary Care Exactly Se Habla Español Accepting Most Insurances Medicare Accepted WHERE YOU NEED IT WALK-INS & NEW PATIENTS WELCOME OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY MEDFIRST HAUSMAN 8230 N. Loop 1604 W., Ste. 218 Medicare Welcome San Antonio, TX 78249 $80 Value - Expires 12/31/13 CHECK YOUR BONE STRENGTH TODAY! Phone: (210) 453-1199 ALEJANDRO ARIZMENDI, MD Schedule your appointment Board Certified Internal Medicine, Geriatric Medicine, at Med1st.com Hospice & Palliative Care personal med clinic DENTISTS Your health, taken personally sarah kinard,dds Dr. Laura Houston, M.D. Family Medicine Accepting New Patients www.PersonalMedClinic.com 10103 W Loop 1604 N, Ste 101 San Antonio, Texas 78254 210-521-6328 ORTHODONTIST donna gottwald, dds 12740 bandera road helotes, tx 78023 | dgfamilydentistry.com Cosmetic Dentistry 210.695.1200 f a m i® l y d e n t i s t r y Invisalign Deborah Keepers, D.D.S. Kristine E. Hynes, D.D.S. Family Dentistry Caring, Gentle Staff. Children Always Welcome. 15876 Bandera Rd. 210-695-2888 Tooth Whitening C OWisdom SM ETIC DENTISTRY Teeth Teeth Whitening Implants Wisdom Teeth Crowns Root Bridges Canals Dentures Dentures Julie Cruz, D.D.S. Implants Crowns Bridges Veneers 11866 Bandera Road Helotes, TX 78023 Invisalign Veneers (210) 695-1105 ~ Phone (210) 695-1106 ~ Fax Root Canals Helotes Family Dentistry Dr. Jose Brigman, DDS 12415 Bandera Rd., Ste. 110 Helotes, TX 78023 OPTOMETRIST THE EYE CLINIC Tel: 210-372-9454 Celeste Acosta, O.D. www.HelotesFamilyDentistry.com Therapeutic Optometrist Optometric Glaucoma Specialist Full Service Eye Clinic • Contact Lenses • Eye Glasses PEDIATRICS Keith A. Blalock, D.D.S., M.S., P.A. Specialist in Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics www.bracesbyblalock.com 12340 Bandera Rd, Suite 102 Helotes, TX 78023 FAMILY MEDICINE NORTH HILLS FAMILY MEDICINE Schertz, Stone Oak & Westover Hills www.northhillsfamilymedicine.com WESTOVER HILLS 210.681.5747 11212 State Hwy 151, Bld 2, Ste 201 San Antonio, TX 78251 Wendy Gideon, MD Children’s Hospital Laura Tamayo, MD San Antonio Shannon Bartell RN, CPNP (210) 372-0505 Speciality Care Center now open 11085 Bandera Rd, Suite #102 La Cantera Center San Antonio, TX 78250 ACCEPTING Dr. Sheila Hernandez-Dum NEW PATIENTS! Pediatric Dentist ...and most private insurance plans! FIRST STEPS PEDIATRICS PLLC Bruce R. Lantry, M.D. NEWLY RELOCATED! SCHERTZ 210.481.6800 5000 Schertz Parkway, #600 Schertz, TX 78154 STONE OAK 210.481.6800 150 E. Sonterra, Ste 220 San Antonio, TX 78258 9910 W. Loop 1604 N, Suite 124 San Antonio, TX 78254 (at theLoop corner of1604 Braun and Loop 1604 behind Starbucks) TX 78249 | 8202 North | W. San Antonio, 210-692-0358 Office: 210-694-2700 |www.fspediatrics.com Fax: 210-694-2708 11864 Bandera Rd • Helotes, Tx 78023 • Bandera Trails Shopping Ctr. (210) 695-2222 for appointment • www.theeyeclinic-online.com Eye Werks Dr. Mark Delgado, O.D. Optometrist Our Office Has Moved To 10350 Bandera Rd. #130 Town & Country Shopping Cntr. Bandera Rd. & Old Prue Rd. 1 Mile inside Loop 1604 210.680.4107 Eyewerks.net Eyewerks Vision & Medical Eye Examination for Treatment Glasses, Contacts, Lasik Evaluations. Accepting: VSP, VCP, Eye Med, Avesis, Boon Chapman HEARING HEALTHCARE Family Owned & Operated Carlos Oliveira is an industry expert who has been providing hearing healthcare for over 20 years! If you or someone you love could benefit from a FREE hearing evaluation, call (210) 257-8341 today and receive: FREE Hearing Evaluation! FREE Video Otoscopy! Se Habla Español Carlos T. Oliveira, R.Ph., R.N. Hearing Instrument Specialist FREE Product Demonstration! 10350 Bandera Rd. Old Prue, Suite 300 San Antonio, Texas 78250 (Town and Country Offices) www.SanAntonioEars.com The Echo •May 27- June 2, 2016• 15 Grey Forest Open Studios Artist Profile Jackie Ranney was born and grew up in Boston, MA. will be participating in the 21st Annual Grey Forest Open Studios Show/ Sale to held Saturday, Oct. 8th fromnoon to 6 p.m. Jackie’s Mixed-Media paintings on panels will be on exhibit at 18207 Lakeshore Dr. in Grey Forest. ������������������� «The majesty of nature influences all of my work: I marvel at how intricate, intelligent and interwoven every ecosystem is, the deep wisdom in a wild creature›s eyes, the shifting mood of the day and the sensation of wind awhirl, all these glimpses of the remarkable spirit of nature inspire me to create.» Through my work, I hope to reconnect others to both the simple and astounding moments in our natural world. When asked what are your passions, interest and hobbies, Jackie explained, «all things of nature, exploring, hiking observing quietly, archaeology, fossil hunting , wood working and paining of course.» Ranney’s inspirations derived from nature, are animal intelligence, Moroccan motifs and ancient artifacts. She creates jewelry and constructs furniture Jackie has lived in Cyprus, Morocco, Paris and Dublin. Education: BA from American University of Paris concentration fine art and archaeology, Level 6 degree, in Fashion Design & Pattern Drafting, Sally noggin College, Dublin Community Service: Donates and works with organizations protecting nature, ecosystems, animals. For directions, maps, GFOS artists and history visit www.greyforestopenstudios.com San Antonio REALTORS® Helotes Area Specialists www.JadestoneSanAntonio.com 210-340-JADE 210-340-5233 85 NE Loop 410, Suite 220 San Antonio, TX 78216 Jadestone Real Estate was founded by Husband and Wife team Ryan and Ashley Hillyer Featured Property 15821 Canyonside $139,900 Just imagine sitting on the back patio of your custom dream home, enjoying the expansive Hill Country views. This 1.43 acre cul-de-sac lot located on a hilltop in prestigious Los Reyes Canyons in Helotes has everything you're looking for - privacy, exclusivity, and opportunity all with incredible vistas. Enjoy easy access to Bandera Rd and Loop 1604 with an abundance of shopping, restaurants and entertainment. A partially cleared site allows for easy building. Don't miss this chance to build your dream. Come visit and fall in love today! Call Ashley Hillyer 210-872-9100 Welcome to Jadestone Real Estate, where we treat our clients like family. Our skilled team carries over 30 years of combined experience in San Antonio real estate, with involvement in every aspect of the real estate market. Helping individuals and families find their perfect home is our passion. We also value the importance of improving the community through commercial estate ventures and in cooperation with the local governments. With expertise and experience ranging from first time home buyers and cooperate relocation to commercial real estate and investment properties, you will find that we can help you with all of your residential and commercial real estate needs. Our expansive coverage area for property listings also sets us a part as your leading REALTORS® in the greater San Antonio community. The Echo •May 27- June 2, 2016• 16 Amazing Communities. Oustanding Locations. 18931 Bandera Helotes, Texas 78023 Beautiful six acres overlooking Bandera Hwy!!!!!!!!!!! Rare find in Helotes.. Great building sites...bring your own Builder!!!!!!!! $165,000 17119 Terra Rosa Helotes, Texas 78023 Unique 3-bedroom-2-1/2 bath...Rock home w/Metal roof...Wood floors thru out first floor; Shutters thru-out; New A/C/Heat, Stainless steel appliances w/Granite countertops (2014). Beautiful painted walls by Interior Decorator; View Views!!!!!Watch Fiesta Texas Fireworks from the front deck!!! Lots of Privacy.... Sprinkler system & great yard This is a Must see....NOT LIKE ANOTHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! $349,000 121 Sping Valley Cove Boerne, Texas 78006 Awesome Canyon Views!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Beautiful & Unique Custom 4-Bedroom on 5.3 acres.......... Open plan with soaring ceilings and huge windows opens the home to the outdoors and the views of the Canyons!! Massive granite bar wraps around kitchen ...Massive deck serves as the entertainment spot!!! Home is like new with new roof, A/C. & new Landscaping..Game Room w/1/2 bath only room up.....This is a “Must See” for serene living... $555,000 Doris Young & Co. Realtors Helotes Homes and Lots 210-695-2861 14239 Old Bandera, Helotes, TX 78203 | www.dorisyoung.com