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Transcription

ALAMO HEIGHTS
M A G A Z I N E
www.AlamoHeightsMagazine.com
nba great slam dunks
education for sa kids
A former ah student’s
inspirational story
priest holmes foundation
empowers kids to succeed
local expert advice
Legal, Financial, Health &
Wellness advice plus more
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Daniel Ramirez, M.D., F.A.C.P. , Robert Jacobs, M.D., P.A.
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contents
6 The Eddie Moreno Story
16 So, Exactly What is Tree Sculpting?
18 WWII Veteran Shares Memories of Alamo Honor Flight #4
22 The Divorce Lawyer’s Guide to Staying Married
26 3 Ways to Update Your Outdoor Space
29 The Henry Family Venture
34 An Astronaut’s Cosmic Perspective
38 Alamo Drafthouse: Where the Audience Gets Into the Act
41 After the Great Fire: Bastrop Picks Up the Pieces
46 How to Achieve Wellness No Matter How Old You Are
47 John Paul Catholic H.S.: “We Are the Rock!”
48 Priest Holmes Foundation Empowers Kids to Achieve &
Succeed
54 Feel Like Being Risky? Then Let a Loved One Sign on Your Bank
Account!
58 NBA Great Slam Dunks Education for SA Children
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Publishers:
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Jessica Combs
Taylor Davis
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Jared Hawkinson
Faith Pena
Sales
Rachel Cloud
Sheryl Hawkinson
Administrative
Albert Salazar
To advertise your product or services in
Alamo Heights Magazine, please contact
our Sales Department at
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G a z e b o s
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M
ost of us have heard about Eddie Moreno’s
story, but if you haven’t, it’s a dramatic story
born of tragedy and forged by love and
courage unfolds. It’s the story of Eddie Moreno, a
former Alamo Heights High School (AHHS) senior
and basketball player who was shot in a road rage
incident on March 26, 2011 and was paralyzed from
the neck down. Eddie lives in a wheelchair now and
breathes with the help of a respirator. We wanted to
check in with Eddie and his family to see how things
have been going for the local teenager.
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While life goes on as usual around the Moreno
family, they have risen to meet the challenge that
lies before them in an extraordinary way. After
the shooting, AHHS team members and students
rallied around Eddie, offering moral support as he
lay helpless to even speak for five months due to a
shattered jaw. And during the eight months he was
in that hospital bed fighting for his life, they joined
hands with the community and raised enough money
to totally remodel and expand the Moreno home by
1,000 square feet so Eddie could return there to live
with his family.
Eddie, the oldest of four boys (his brothers names are Ryan,
Joseph and Jacob) returned home in January to a house that has
been customized to Eddie’s special needs. Eighteen months after the
incident all that’s left of the bullet hole is a fading pink circle on his
left cheek. Eddie is a handsome 19-year-old with curly black hair and
piercing blue eyes. He exhibits the calm and confidence of man much
older in years even though he knows the fight if far from over.
Eddie’s mom, Jennifer (a soft-spoken Christian who continues to
bear the unbearable with amazing strength and resiliency) said, “Eddie
has suffered from many bouts of pneumonia in the last year and that
sapped his strength.” But Eddie went to a rehab unit in Houston last
October. Eddie says that helped a lot. Then a friend told him about a
new gym in the area called Beyond the Chair.
Eddie said, “Right now I’m doing good. I just started going to a
gym to work out. It gives me tone and I enjoy it because I was an
athlete and used to work out all the time.” Eddie speaks in a kind of a
whisper and he still has trouble swallowing because one of the muscles
in his throat still isn’t opening up all that way, but what he has to say
is full of gratitude and hope.
Eddie’s attitude is what blows people away. Eddie has no feeling
from the neck down. The bullet pierced his spinal cord at the C2-C3
level cutting off his ability to move his limbs. Even his neck movements
are restricted. Eddie said that by going to the gym, “I hope to get
strengthened back up and regain some independence.” Right now he’s
totally dependent on his family and friends.
“My friends are what help me stay positive,” Eddie said. He was
very surprised by the generosity and caring of the community and
doing if I wasn’t in here,” Eddie said. He said he was grateful for all
the visitors that told him about what was going on out there because
it helped him know he could be a part of that again.
And there is real hope now that Eddie is going to Beyond the Chair
– a very special gym which just opened in 2012 and just happens
to be near the Moreno home. BTC is staffed by kinesiologists who
use neuromuscular training on people with debilitating diseases like
multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries. Eddie’s trainer and the
gym’s owner, Nito Blochlinger was trained at Project Walk in Carlsbad,
California in 2000. He has 20,000 hours of experience working with
spinal cord injuries and said he’s had good success helping people
regain their strength. With time, some of his clients are even able to
walk again.
“We take on clients that have been discharged from physical
therapy and occupational therapy. We use exercises, technologies and
modalities that are adapted to stimulate nerves and muscles below the
level of the injury,” Blochlinger said. In Eddie’s case “below the level of
injury” means all the nerves and muscles from the neck down. So his
recovery, if he is able to beat the odds and regain some mobility, will be
the result of long-term neuromuscular training and a lots and lots of
repetition. But this form of physical exercise is really critical to staying
healthy and avoiding secondary complications, like osteoporosis and
muscle atrophy that set in when a person is not ambulatory.
The doctors say Eddie will probably never feel anything below his
neck again, let alone walk but there is already some evidence Eddie
may indeed experience a measure of recovery beyond the grim medical
prognosis. Blochlinger said they get Eddie out of the chair and put
said, “You can’t just quit. It helps me to stay strong mentally. It’s a
blessing to have everyone offering their support.” Not a word in anger
or resentment is spoken and not even a hint of self-pity. Eddie has
all the earmarks of a champion. A clean, soothing energy permeates
the house. Jennifer said sometimes she’s tempted to think thoughts
about how she’d like to catch the person who did this to her son but
she just can’t go there. The Moreno’s say that they haven’t heard of any
new developments in Eddie’s case since four months after the incident
occurred.
Eddie’s faith has been a big part of his recovery too. “It’s hard to
be optimistic when you’re lying in a hospital room, when all you see
is four walls. You miss out on a lot. You think about what I could be
him through weight-bearing exercises with the help of standing
frames. They also give him gait training (he walks with the assistance
of the trainers and specially modified equipment.) Eddie also rides a
functional electrical stimulation bike, does core and balance work and
strength training.
“Eddie always has a positive attitude. He’s here to work out and
work out hard,” Blocklinger said and added that he could tell Eddie
is an athlete because he’s got that fire. In fact, even after only three
weeks of training at Beyond the Chair Eddie lost the spasticity that was
plaguing him in the neck and has regained more freedom of movement
there. Blochlinger said he can sometimes see Eddie’s muscles fire on
their own while they’re working with him. This is very encouraging.
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Blochlinger said he’s had C-level injuries walk again even
when the doctors have said it was impossible. Eddie knows he
only has an outside chance. He’s not deluding himself but he’s
definitely going for it.
Eddie works out at this gym two hours a day, twice a
week and clearly loves it. Blocklinger said Eddie is looking
at a marathon, not a sprint. The trainers at Beyond the Chair
assist clients like Eddie in something called nervous system
reorganization. When Eddie goes to the gym, even though
he can’t feel anything, he concentrates on the muscle they’re
working on and tries to work it as they put his body through
the motions. In-between visits to the gym Eddie stays active
too. Jennifer said, “Eddie likes to go out.” They shop at the
mall, attend games and go to movies.
Former AHHS basketball coach Charlie Boggess (who left
AHHS last year) stays in touch with Eddie. He said in the
spring of 2011 when Eddie was shot, his passion for the game
was obvious. He sat and watched every play when he wasn’t
on the court. Boggess described Eddie as “the ultimate team
player.” In fact, Boggess said, “A few days before the shooting
I walked by Eddie, who was sitting on the bench, and said,
“You know this stuff really well. Have you ever thought about
being a coach?” Eddie said, “That’s what I want to do.”
Eddie still enjoys watching basketball. He watched the U.S.
Olympic Team beat Australia and has studied video footage
of local basketball games with Coach Boggess since he was
injured. When asked what he most wants to do now Eddie
said, “I want to do more public speaking.” He has already
spoken at several functions, where he shares his story and offers
encouragement to others. Just meeting Eddie is enough to raise your
personal bar. Maybe that dream of being a coach will come true after
all. Virtually everyone who meets Eddie comes away with a victorious
mindset. This spring Eddie spoke at the Eddie Moreno 5K Walk/Run
(a fundraiser organized to help defray his on-going medical costs)
and offered his thoughts on how to overcome obstacles at a summer
meeting of More Than Champions.
Coach Boggess said, “Just before Eddie was shot, the AHHS
Basketball Team was 31 and 5. It was such an enjoyable season. It’s not
always like that.” He would know. Boggess taught English at AHHS
for 33 years and was head basketball coach there for four years. “That
team was just fun to be around. Eddie was a guy that lit up the room
with positive vibes.” He still is. After five months of only being able to
communicate by blinking his eyes due to the external fixator that held
his jaw together, Eddie’s first words to the media were, “Bring it on.”
Boggess said Eddie’s words literally brought him out of his chair. He
said he thought to himself, “That’s it. That a boy!” Boggess also had
high praise for Eddie’s mom. “Jennifer closed the door on thoughts
of revenge from the very first day. You just don’t have time to mess
with that stuff. Besides, Eddie would sense that kind of energy and it
would hurt him.” Boggess said before the shooting, “Eddie was the
kind of guy who never had a bad day. He was the spiritual leader of
the team. Everybody related to Eddie on and off the court and in the
classroom.” That is still true.
According to Boggess, the road rage incident was one of those
freaky things. Eddie and his cousins had gone out in the wee hours
of the morning, the weekend before the end of spring break, on a
hamburger run. All of a sudden a car came screaming down the road,
nearly colliding with them. The boys said something like “Hey, watch
out.” Some words were exchanged and the next thing they knew the
speeding car shot a round into the backseat, where Eddie was sitting.
Boggess said, “The SUV had tinted windows so there’s no way they
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could’ve known Eddie was back there.” San Antonio Police have made
no arrests in the case and say they have no suspects.
Life does go on and Eddie is making the most of it. In addition to
his will to work out and regain whatever movement he can, Eddie has
laid claim to a measure of privacy and independence with the Tobii
Eyegaze Computer. The Tobii uses state-of-the-art laser technology to
pinpoint eye movement, which it translates into the ability to write
with the computer. Eddie can text and receive texts from his friends,
post entries on Facebzook and even do homework assignments.
In spite of everything he’s been through, Eddie successfully graduated
from AHHS in 2011 and is attending San Antonio College this fall.
For those who’d like to support Eddie’s continuing medical needs and
recovery, there is a special account set up at Broadway Bank called The
Edward Moreno Jr. Trust. Although Eddie has private insurance and
is currently eligible for Medicaid Part B, when he turns 21 that picture
will change.
The special gym that’s helping Eddie regain his strength is private
pay so financial assistance is needed to keep him going there over
the months and years. Blochliner said Beyond the Chair is pending
nonprofit status, which will allow him to raise funds and give grants
to clients and would-be clients so they can attend the program and
stay enrolled in it. The Moreno family also welcomes fundraising ideas
for the future. They can be reached through Eddie’s Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/AHEddieMoreno
Contact Information:
Edward Moreno Jr. Trust
Broadway National Bank
402 Austin Highway
Alamo Heights, TX 78209
(800) 531-7650
* Donations may be made at
any Broadway Bank
Beyond the Chair
5310 Jackwood Drive
Suite 2
San Antonio, TX 78238
(210) 256-0700
[email protected]
9
•
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Extensive Photography Collection
Genealogy Records
Newspapers & Maps
Oral History Recordings
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13
Victor Patrón, recently embarked on the expansion of
his México-based company in San Antonio and Central
Texas. Founder and owner of Patron Improvements,
LLC, Patrón is proud to offer his years of knowledge
and skill in the construction industry to homeowners
and commercial property owners in Texas. With a
company philosophy and personal character founded on
dedication and excellence, Patrón is a tremendous asset
in his field.
As a native of the Mexican city, Mazatlán, Patrón began working
along side his father a civil engineer at age 13. “My father has been
building all his life,” Patrón said. “By 19 I was working with the
foremen of his projects and starting my own career.”
A few years after attaining his Batchelor’s Degree in Electronic
Systems Engineering from the highly accredited university, Tecnológico
de Monterrey, Patrón began a venture with a friend. Their company,
Protec, offered two specialty products to protect walls, ceilings and
floors. Reflexo® is a ceiling coating that prevents heat exchange, blocking
outside temperatures from penetrating inside. And Antigraffiti® is a
highly durable coating that offers permanent protection from graffiti,
grease and dirt by providing an easily cleanable surface. The company
grew rapidly and the products received raved reviews.
Patrón’s company expanded into large scale commercial construction
and maintenance for major retailers and city governments. His
business was contracted to provide an array of construction services
for 67 locations in northern México for the chain retailer: Elektra
in 2004. The contract with Elektra grew to over 130 locations in
2007 and covered building needs for flooring, remodeling and
painting among others. Additionally, Patrón acquired construction
contracts with many other companies and the commercial business
Victor Patrón (front middle) seen
with his team of employees and
several partners.
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14 at:
organization: Grupo Salinas, which operates businesses in many
retail sectors including banks, TV stations and financial markets. By
2008 the contracts included over 500 stores and covered over half of
México.
Patrón has been involved in sports all his life and has a passion for
triathlon; swimming, cycling and running, which are all performed
consecutively. Patrón began training with acclaimed coach Luis
Hernandez and trained among esteemed athletes such as Francisco
“Paco” Serrano, México’s top selected male triathlete in the 2008 Beijing
Olympics. Patrón was selected for the Sprint Triathlon World Cup in
Budapest, Hungary in 2010. Patrón intends to compete in México’s
Nationals in 2012 and qualify for the 2012 Triathlon World Cup.
Patrón’s group of businesses includes Protec, a México-based division
offering construction services in air conditioning, electrical, roofing,
custom signs, protective coatings and more. Artenet, which offers
decorative items, such as framed paintings, wallpaper, decorative
stickers and other custom design pieces; and Patron Improvements
LLC. The business philosophy is founded on dedication to working
with the best subcontractors in each field and utilizing an excellent
staff of partners and employees.
Patron Improvements LLC is well underway in helping Texas
business owners and homeowners with their construction needs.
Offering design services for remodeling and additions of all kinds
and services for new homeowners who want to personalize and
perfect their new homes are key services Patrón provides. “We are
here to serve our clients by taking care of all their construction needs
at a fair and competitive price,” Patrón said. “We are responsible for
all the needs of each client.” With the many challenges associated
with hiring multiple contractors for remodeling a home or business,
having an experienced builder is a tremendous asset.
For Patrón a comprehensive code of ethics is involved in everything
they do. “We go the extra mile to ensure that our client’s experience
is a pleasant one. Whatever it takes, we aim to do the best quality job
with the highest level of integrity of anyone in the industry.”
Patrón is building his local reputation with each new satisfied
client. “We are doing all the right things,” Patrón said. “At all costs
making our clients happy and in turn building a reputation that will
set us apart as our business grows here in Texas.”
Patron Improvements LLC is a member of the Greater San Antonio
Builders Association among other professional associations.
(210) 468-0322 • www.PatronUSA.com
Jefferson Bank is here to meet
all your home loan needs.
This is personal to us.
For many years, Jefferson Bank has been committed to promoting homeownership in our community,
providing mortgages, home improvement and home equity loans, and special financing programs for
the citizens of Bexar and surrounding counties.
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Whether you are buying a home, building or improving a home or refinancing a mortgage, you will
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and can help you find the one that meets your special circumstances.
For more information, visit jeffersonbank.com
or call (210) 736-7700 today.
jeffersonbank.com
Online at: CommunityCircular.com
15
SO, EXACTLY WHAT IS
TREE SCULPTING?
Robert Hager, Mark Lundy, Jacob West, John Worrell
V
isiting a new residential development with
lots of mature trees, an arborist made
acquaintance with one of the property owners.
The resident expressed his admiration for a tree
service whose distinctive work appeared at
several of the properties nearby. As a result of
their crew’s skill and artistry, passersby could
now view from the street the splendor of each
home through the “sculpted” trunks and scaffold
limbs that were stripped bare of their irksome
foliage. To accentuate the trees’ sculpture-like
appearance, each branch cut was masterfully
executed to be flush against the trunk or limb.
Foliage aloft had been left dense to provide shade
and that classic “look” that was so desirable.
The arborist offered that such practice was
actually not to industry standards and
harmful to trees. “But this was a family
business, and they’d been doing it this way
for three generations,” said the property
BEFORE
owner. “Then they’ve been doing it wrong
for three generations,” replied the arborist.
The above description of what is acceptable –
even desirable - tree pruning is tragically
common. Like mulch volcanoes, you see it
everywhere. Stripping trees this way is called
lions-tailing and results in poor branch taper,
poor wind load distribution, and higher risk of
branch failure. It also deprives the tree of foliage
it needs to make its food, so the tree will quickly
produce “water sprouts.” Some people see these
as proof that such pruning doesn’t hurt a tree
because the foliage grows right back. (Sounds
logical.) But these shoots signal the tree’s urgent
reaction to excessive wounding; they create
energy drain, and they form weak attachments
to the tree because they form from latent buds.
Flush cuts are also terrible practice. They
cut into the branch collar and injure stem
tissue. This increases the likelihood of decay.
IMPROPER
PROPER
A proper cut is outside the branch collar, but
not so far that a stub remains.
A qualified arborist is familiar with the
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
standards for tree pruning (and safety).
These cover types of pruning based on
specific goals, such as crown cleaning,
thinning, reduction, and vista pruning. The
standards recommend how much foliage one
should remove in a session, from where on the
tree to remove it, and other correct practices.
Any pruning cut is a wound, and mature trees
do not respond as well to wounding as younger
trees. A good arborist knows why and how to
execute these wounds to protect the tree’s
biological processes and structural integrity.
A tree is not yard art; it’s a complex, living
organism. That means a beautiful tree is a
healthy tree, and one that’s retained its dignity by
respectful treatment based on informed practice.
BARTLETT.
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JUST LIKE TREES, SHOULD BE
A BREATH OF FRESH AIR.
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expectations for over 100 years. No matter the size or scope of your
tree and shrub needs, our experts bring a rare mix of local service,
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And Bartlett adds value to your trees.
For the life of your trees.
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Hold your hand up if you remember the old advertising slogan, “If
Unique Is What You Seek”. It was used in TV and radio commercials
promoting a certain brand malt liquor - about 40 years ago! But
for today, If Unique IsWhat You Seek – let’s talk about how leather
furniture fit’s that request to a “T.”
Have you ever wondered why the leather on your sofa doesn’t
exactly match the sample you saw in the store?
This is a very common concern with better quality leather (called
“full top grain”) - but the fact is, it’s one of the true beauties of leather
furniture. Why, because the inherent beauty of leather is that each
hide has its own uniqueness.
They are as unique as a thumbprint or a snowflake. So, no one else
will have a sofa (or chair, or sectional, etc.) exactly like yours – think
about that a minute, how many other things can make that claim?
There are three major areas in leather where you can expect
unique variations – one is completely natural and the other two are a
combination of natural and chemical processes.
First the surface grain will vary. Unless the original cell structure
has been altered (like in lesser quality leather which has had artificial
graining embossed into the hide), there will be areas of tight, smooth
grain and areas of looser, more pebbled grain. Each hide carries
unique range marking, like healed scars, sores, bug and tick bites;
hides are also affected by their surrounding climate and their own
size and body structure. The finest hides come from Scandinavian
countries where, due to the cold climate, they are kept in a barn for a
large part of their lives; they also are generally larger animals than we
normally see in our South Texas pastures.
The leather sample swatches shown to you by a furniture retailer are
a “snapshot” of just one portion of one cow’s hide. So, it’s always wise
to know that variations are pretty much assured when choosing full,
top grain leather. These variations assure you of the hide’s authenticity.
This is a desirable characteristic; it separates high quality natural hides
from the lesser quality hides. These lesser quality hides must have
artificial corrections made to them – like buffing and sanding before
embossing in a grain pattern - in order for these hides to be acceptable
on furniture. Natural is better and natural means unique.
The same is true of the coloring of the hide. Leather is dyed by
either using topcoating pigment dyes (paint) or penetrating aniline
dyes (vegetable oils). Individual pigment dyes can vary as they are
mixed, but tanners and leather finishers also try to achieve more
natural effects by combining and/or layering two to three contrasting
colorations. Similar to a faux painting treatment, the artisan rubbing
the color will get a slightly different color each time. With the
penetrating aniline dyes, the color absorptions will be affected by
each hide’s cell structure. Creating a unique finish that will never be
duplicated exactly – like a snowflake.
The center of the hide is its backbone; it has been subjected
to the most sun, wind and temperature changes which make
it thicker and tougher – it will not absorb as much color. The
outer perimeter comes from the underside (belly) of the cow
which tends to be thinner, softer and stretchier which allows it to
absorb more color. The craftsmen working for quality makers of
leather furniture will balance the color variations throughout your
furniture for the most visually pleasing final product.
The final variation is the amount of “sheen” on your leather’s
surface. Sheen levels can vary due to the many processes that hides
undergo to achieve the final intended fashion look. A small viscosity
variation from the chemical supplier can be greatly magnified by
a heavier application. And each hide’s individual cell structure will
always create some variation – because they are as unique as your
fingerprint. Further a heavier surface grain will allow more of the
lacquer to adhere to the surface and reflect back the shine. You will
also notice that a leather’s sheen changes (the shine usually dulls
out) when you pull a leather swatch taut. This change is greatly
pronounced when the leather is upholstered. If a leather swatch has
been handled a lot at the retail store, then new leather furniture will
appear more shiny and pristine. Keep in mind that over the years
your leather furniture will soften and change, building up a rich
patina that can only be created over time and with use.
The sample leather swatches you see in your furniture store are the
best representation of how your furniture will look – but they are
never to be considered a “dead on” match for what will be produced
at the factory. And that’s good, “If Unique Is What You Seek”!
For additional information on leather and furniture, visit
our Leather Learning Center on our website at
www.choiceleatherfurniture.com. You’ll find many of our previously
published articles covering topics such as Leather Grading,
Furniture Construction, even a short quiz to test your leather
knowledge and more. Be sure and download a copy of our guide The
7 Things You Must Know Before Buying Leather – FREE!
17
A
nyone who has lived in New Braunfels for
any significant period of time has heard of
Wilbur Amacher. He moved to what was then
a relatively small town in 1958 and later served on
the city council and as mayor in 1979. Wilbur
was married to his wife Doris, whom he met in
school, for nearly 70 years when she passed in
early 2012. Like many of America’s “Greatest
Generation” he chose to bloom where he
was planted and continues to enrich the
city he has called home for 54 years.
At age 93, Amacher has a long list of
accomplishments on his circum vitae
including being a Charter and Life
member of the Evening Lions Club,
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a Life Member of the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce and a
member of the Chamber Blue Coats - where he was inducted into the
Chamber Hall of Honors.
Amacher recently added going on Alamo Honor Flight #4 to his list.
AHF is the San Antonio hub of the national Honor Flight Network
which honors our country’s veterans by flying them to Washington
D.C., free of charge, to visit the various war memorials there. There
are currently 111 Honor Flight Network hubs in 34 states. The main
website is http://www.honorflight.org
Amacher was drafted into the Army in 1941 and transferred to the
Army Air Corp.’s base in Biloxi, Mississippi in 1942. That’s where he
married Doris. Amacher was assigned to the finance office, where his
job was centered on paying for supplies and the more than 30,000
troops on Keesler Field. Once a month, he said, he and a whole gang
of MPs would go to the train station to collect $2 million in cash to
make payroll. Being a Finance Officer was as near to having a civilian
job as you could have and still be in the Military.
After being released from active duty in 1946, he worked as a Civil
Service Budget Officer for Air Training Command in Mississippi. In
1958 Air Training Command consolidated three sub-commands and
moved all members to Randolph Air Force Base, Texas.
Amacher described the Honor Flight trip as one of the most
memorable of his life. “There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t
think about my experience on the Alamo Honor Flight.” After being
selected, he attended an orientation at American Legion Post 2. A
few weeks later, Amacher said, they met again at the Legion Post on
Friday, Aug 12. They boarded a bus to the airport there and were
escorted by a motorcade of 72 members of the Patriot Guard Riders.
“Everywhere we went there were hundreds of people honoring us,”
Amacher said. When they landed at BWI Airport, fire trucks squirted
a halo of water over the plane. They stayed in private rooms at the
BWI Hilton and spent Saturday touring the war memorials. Their
first stop was the WW II Memorial, located at the National Mall
between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial.
Amacher said he was impressed by the size of the WW II
Memorial. 56 pillars (one for each of the 48 states and 8 territories)
surround a 246-foot lagoon with two 43-foot arches on either side
representing the Pacific and Atlantic theatres. Their next stop was the
Navy Memorial, followed by the Ford Theatre, the Korean, Lincoln
and Vietnam Memorials, the Air Force Memorial and the marine
(Iwo Jima) Memorial, ending up at Arlington Cemetery where they
witnessed the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown
Soldier.
That evening they enjoyed a banquet at their hotel with guest speaker
General Tom Jones. “He’s a guy you’re going to hear more about
in the future,” Amacher said. There were other dignitaries present,
including one of the original Tuskegee Airmen. They returned home
on Sunday where they were again greeted by hundreds of people at
the airport and an Honor Guard Ceremony.
Tracy Huff, President of the Alamo Honor Flight and a retired
Air Force E-8, said, “At the present time, Alamo Honor Flight is
only taking veterans of WWII.” AHF will take terminally-ill veterans
from other wars if they put in an application. In fact, putting in an
application online is the ONLY way to be considered for an honor
flight.
“After I retired I was looking for a way to give back,” Huff said.
He founded AHF in 2009 and got nonprofit status in 2010. Since
then AHF has executed 4 flights to Washington. The next flight is
scheduled for April 26, 27th and 28th – the weekend after the Cherry
Blossom Festival.
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19
T
he Enclave at Westpointe Village, New Braunfels’ first agerestricted, 55+, active adult community is enticing their 55
and better residents from all across the country with the
possibility of a new way of life. Leaving the fast-paced crowds of
the big city and the cookie cutter creations of the suburbs, retirees,
empty-nesters and the well-aged have found a respite in the low
maintenance, yet spectacularly, naturally landscaped lots exclusive to
the rolling hills of South Central Texas. In a city quick to maintain
its rich German heritage in its festivals, architecture and sense of
community, New Braunfels is a bundle of the best Texas has to offer,
combining old world charm with new world convenience. This
unique combination of old and new is coincidently very similar to
the city’s newest group of residents who are experts at combining the
wisdom of the tastefully-aged with the spunk of fresh enthusiasm,
making New Braunfels and any active adult an unbeatable pair.
If the allure of all that New Braunfels has to offer its residents, from
relaxing river views to exciting outdoor recreation, is not convincing
enough, the homes at the Enclave at Westpointe Village are sure to
make prospective buyers consider embarking on a new and exciting
adventure with expert builder Jimmy Jacobs Custom Homes behind
the reigns. A leader in the active adult market and a builder known
for its mastery of both quality and design, Jimmy Jacobs Custom
Homes has thoughtfully sculpted an 132 homesite, gated, custom
home community, complete with a community clubhouse, designed
to be a bustling center of activity for residents to cultivate new passions
and master old ones. Upon completion, the clubhouse will feature
an outdoor recreational pool, a state-of-the-art workout facility,
a catering kitchen, grand ballroom and several hobby and special
interest rooms to fit a variety of needs within the community.
Jimmy Jacobs Custom
Homes has designed
seven
beautiful
custom floor plans for
Westpointe
Village,
ranging from 1714
square feet to 2621
square feet, allowing the
empty-nester to downsize and the retirees to
dream big. Each plan
is thoughtfully crafted
to ensure that space is
used both appropriately
and
conservatively
allowing for sprawling,
open
layouts
that
lend themselves to
easy entertaining and
comfortable
living.
With raised ceilings
and oversized doorways
the homes feel grand without being grandiose. As with any custom
product, Jimmy Jacobs Custom Homes works tirelessly to customize
each home to the personal specifications of each buyer. Named Austin
Business Journal’s “Number One Custom Home Builder” the past two
years, Jimmy Jacobs Custom Homes pairs buyers with experienced
building professionals throughout each step of the process ensuring
an exquisitely designed and expertly built custom home.
Residents of Westpointe Village are aptly located within walking
distance of the Westpointe Village shopping center, which houses a
new HEB grocery store, an urgent care facility, several restaurants,
salons and other retailers. Just outside the gates of the neighborhood a
world of adventure awaits; exploring the sights and sounds of historic
New Braunfels, playing a round of golf or catching a friendly game
of tennis at one of the many local golf and tennis facilities, antiquing
with the girls and fishing with the boys, there is something for every
season of life. Tour the two model homes, recently completed, at
the Enclave at Westpointe Village and picture a life lived in New
Braunfels, nestled between the running rivers and the billowing hills
of the Texas Hill Country. The Enclave at Westpoint Village is located
at Oak Run Parkway and Independence Drive in New Braunfels. To
visit, travel South on IH35 towards New Braunfels. Take Exit 184,
toward Loop 337. Turn right onto TX-337. After 2.6 miles, turn left
onto Oak Run Parkway. The community’s entrance will be on the
left.
fels’ First 55+Active Adult Commu
n
u
a
r
B
w
e
N
nity
New Model Homes!
Oak
Run
Pk
THE ENCLAVE at
wy
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21
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Call Allegra for ideas that deliver.
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25
Ways to Update Your Outdoor Space
How to make your backyard the place to be this spring and summer
W
ith 300 days of sunshine each year,
San Antonio is ideal for enjoying the
great outdoors, and your own backyard can
be the best place for it. When your outdoor
living space is designed with your needs in
mind – whether that's an intimate yet stylish
patio area that's perfect for margaritas with a
few friends or a large outdoor living space
complete with a kitchen – you can have it
all, without ever leaving home.
Three popular backyard improvements this
year are patios, pergolas and outdoor kitchens,
according to Cesar Hernandez, owner of
Creative Concrete, a Helotes-based business
that specializes in decorative concrete and
outdoor living improvements.
Build a Patio With Pizzazz
When most people think about their back
yards, they envision a wood deck or a drab,
gray slab. But a concrete patio can be done in
so many colors, shapes and stone patterns
these days that you might not even recognize it
as concrete. Cesar says that many customers
want patios with natural flowing curves and
with colors that compliment their home. With
concrete, design possibilities are now endless.
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Plus, concrete is more durable than a
wooden deck. “The customer can reseal it
every five years, unlike wood, which has to
be stained and resealed every year,” Cesar
explains. Creative Concrete often gets
called to replace weather-beaten wooden
decks with concrete patios.
Add Shade With
a Pretty Pergola
The searing Texas heat makes shade a
necessity, and a pergola can be an attractive
and effective option. While you can choose a
wood pergola, it will need to be maintained.
“The trend is to go with maintenance-free
pergolas,” says Cesar. “There are aluminum
pergolas now that come with an embossed
wood texture and in different colors.”
For homeowners who want a pergola with
a natural look but don't want to maintain the
wood, Creative Concrete constructs the top out
of aluminum and the columns out of real stone.
Get Cooking With
an Outdoor Kitchen
If you want to take the heat out of the
kitchen and bring the party to your place, an
outdoor kitchen is the way to go. Cesar
recommends concrete counter tops because
they hold up well outside, and “They can be
poured to any shape, size or color, making
them one-of-a-kind for the customer.”
When adding an outdoor kitchen, you
must know what type of gas your home has –
grills use either propane or natural gas. Sometimes it is more affordable to go with a propane
tank under the grill, if you do not have an
existing stub out at the back of your house.
No matter the type of project you
choose, you should expect this type of
advice from your contractor. When homeowner Laura Pittman had Creative
Concrete replace an old flagstone pool
surround with a concrete patio, she was
impressed with the results, but almost
more so with the process.
“Cesar came out, listened to me about
what I needed and wanted, and spent a lot
of time figuring out how to get it done,”
she says. “Everyone else [I called out]
spent five minutes and came back with
ridiculous bids. Cesar spent an hour and a
half measuring and mapping things out. It
was really impressive working with him.”
27
If you’re a business owner, you probably devote the lion’s share of
your time and energy to your business. You might not even know
exactly how many hours you work each week. Surveys, such as one
commissioned by TB Bank in 2010, estimate nearly 50. But for some
entrepreneurs, the number is much higher than that.
“Taking the Business Health Check
will help you understand where
you really are right now”
When you’re putting in that kind of time, how do you ensure it’s
directed toward activities that move your company forward, putting
it in a better position for the future? And, if you feel like it’s too much
time – that you need better work-life balance – how do you achieve
this balance and build the business of your dreams at the same time?
The answers are very similar for most businesses, but do vary
depending on what stage they’re in, according to Max Kozlovsky,
An abundance of business content
and best practices are available
for anyone who looks.
a certified business coach with ActionCOACH who has worked in
marketing and business development for corporate heavy-hitters such
as Procter & Gamble and The Clorox Co.
To find the answers, though, you must look within. “The first step
is to be 100-percent clear about where you are, and where you want
to be,” Kozlovsky says. “Identify your strengths and weaknesses, and
then figure out where you can get better.”
He suggests you ask yourself some important
questions, including: Have I set goals and created
plans to achieve them? Did I evaluate the results
and improve my plans? How effective is my use
of time? Do we exceed clients’ expectations or
do we just get by? Do I have a “dream team”?
Would I rehire my team if I had the chance? Am
I building systems others can use so I can focus
on my company’s future?
An assessment such as the free one provided
at www.bizcoachsa.com will ask you these
questions and more. “Taking the Business
Health Check will help you understand where
you really are right now,” Kozlovsky says. “Then
you can download valuable resources to help
you improve in every area of your business.”
According to Kozlovsky, the only obstacle
to getting what you want is inaction. An
abundance of business content and best
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practices are available for anyone who looks –
and formulates a plan. “If you know what you
need to work on, it is relatively easy to create
a plan,” Kozlovsky says. But start small. “Too
many business owners have failed in the past
because their plans required too big of a leap.
Set realistic goals and then define an action plan
for just the next 90 days.”
Having a defined action plan will help you
focus on what’s most important. “Yes, you’re
going to spend a portion of your time fighting
fires at first. There are always situations that
have to be taken care of,” Kozlovsky explains.
But, he says, learning how to prevent those fires
from cropping up is half the trick.
The other half is being accountable for
taking the actions that will make a long-term
difference in your business. “Training your
team and learning to delegate are among the
most valuable activities you can do as a business
owner,” he says. “It will allow you to invest your
The other half is being accountable
for taking the actions that will
make a long-term difference in
your business.
time in leading and improving your business – not just maintaining
the status quo.”
The Henry
Family Venture
Pioneers in the Water Park World have
Humble Beginnings in New Braunfels
by Rachel Danley
The Henry Family
(Left to Right) - Jeff,
Bob, Billye, Jana
and Gary.
Nestled over 65 acres in the heart of New Braunfels stands
what many believe is the world’s greatest water park, the
third ever built. Situated along the tree-lined Comal River,
the park offers family fun to over one million guests a
year, who enjoy the beauty of the Texas Hill Country,
along with countless rides and attractions. Founded
and still owned by the Henry family, Schlitterbahn’s
amazing history begins 46 years ago with hard-working
entrepreneurs Bob Henry and his wife, Billye.
Oklahoma natives living in the Houston area, Bob and Billye,
decided to leave the large city where Bob, then 42, practiced as a
CPA and was in search of opportunities for self-employment. Billye
discovered Landa Resort in New Braunfels was available for sale
in a newspaper. The Henrys considered this resort, among other
locations, and decided to purchase the property in 1966. “Bob wanted
a community where he could raise his children in a small town and
fulfill his dream of self-employment,” his son, Jeff Henry, recalls.
With their three children, Gary, age 13, Jeff, age 11, and Jana,
age 9, Bob and Billye moved in immediately and began what would
be an ever- growing family production at Landa Resort. “It was
13 acres with 34 screened cabins, a swimming pool with a diving
board and slide; it was on the Comal River, which had not really
been developed,” Jeff said. “We all had jobs that we helped with. We
cooked in the kitchen, served breakfast, then cleaned the kitchen.
Afterwards we’d go out and start helping dad build buildings. He
had already begun framing and creating. Billye was the operator and
Bob was the builder,” Jeff says.
The Henrys built their first waterslide in 1967, a small tube chute
into the river. “Many, many years before any ‘water parks’ existed, we
were already in the water park business,” Jeff said. “We added a rope
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swing into the river. Our goal was to provide entertainment and rent
rooms.”
Jeff and his cousin, Phil, decided to take a road trip to Florida in
1976, where they discovered concrete waterslides and water-based
amusement parks officially titled “water parks”: Wet-n-Wild and
River Country of Walt Disney World, which had just opened. Jeff,
then age 20, eagerly phoned his parents back home. He asked them
to get on an airplane and come to Orlando where he’d take them on a
tour. In his conversation he said, “This is what we need to do in New
Braunfels with our property. And before you leave, you need to buy
the adjacent property next to ours.” Bob wasn’t sure if he could afford
it, but managed to purchase the property for around $64,000. When
Bob and Billye saw the parks in Orlando, they knew immediately
that was the right thing to do.
Then in 1976, Bob and Billye went on a trip with other New
Braunfels businesses to Germany. Bob made notes of German names
he viewed around the country. One of the resort employees, and
friend of Jana, Michelle Robinson, spoke German. She took Bob’s
very lengthy ten-word suggestion for the name of the planned water
park and formulated, “das Bad Schloess Schlitterbahn.” The fourword name includes German words for swimming pool and castle.
“Schlitter, is ‘to slip on ice,’ and Bahn is the ‘fast road’ or ‘highway,’”
Jeff said. “’Slippery Road’ became the abbreviated translation of the
Schlitterbahn name in 1976.”
Bob drew the original permit submission for city approval with
crayon, marker, and pencil. Construction plans included a castle,
slides, tube chutes, a pool, children’s areas, a stage with a dance area,
and a river walk that stretched along the Comal River. Each of these
was created by the Henry’s and most are still being enjoyed today.
Jeff, who had forgone college to continue working full time in
construction of the property, worked alongside his father to bring the
rides to reality. He recalls his experience in building the original tube
chute years earlier for Landa Resort. “It was a learning process for me.
I began at age 16, experimenting with tile, concrete, and the natural
SchlitterFirsts
SouRCE: SCHLiTTERBaHN.Com
SchlitterbahnWaterparkResorthasalonghistoryoffirsts,including:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Thefirstswim-uprefreshmentbarwasintroducedin1980.
Thefirstfamilywavepoolwithamaximumdepthoffourfeet
openedin1989.
Theworld’sfirstfantasy-themed,shallowchildren’swater
playground,PolywogPond,designedspecificallyforyoungchildren,
openedin1989.Todaytheparkhaseightwaterplaygrounds.
Thefirstprofessionalcompetitiononaman-madewavetookplace
in1992ontheBoogieBahnsurfride.
Theworld’sfirstuphillwatercoaster,DragonBlaster,createda
world-widebuzzin1994.Theparknowhasasix-storyversioncalled
MasterBlaster®thatopenedin1996.
ThefirstTorrentRiver®whichofferscustomizable,computercontrolledwavesalsoopenedin1996intheBlastenhoffsectionof
SchlitterbahnEast.
ThefirstUSATriathlon-sanctionedKids’Triathlonthattakesplacein
andaroundathemeparkoccurredin2004.
Jeff (Left) and Gary (Right) Henry on
Site at the Construction of the Treehaus
Lodges, part of Schlitterbahn’s Newest
Expansion, Tubenbach.
Fun SchlitterFacts
SouRCE: SCHLiTTERBaHN.Com
•
•
•
•
•
•
SchlitterbahnWesthas16,000blackinnertubestochoosefrom—inallsizes
andshapes.SchlitterbahnEastonlyusescoloredvinyltubesbecausethe
chlorinatedwatercausesblacktubestomakemarksonthewalls.
SchlitterbahnWaterparkhasbeenvoted“TheWorld’sBestWaterpark”for13
consecutiveyearsinapollofparkfansconductedbyAmusement Today.
Schlitterbahnguestsconsumeabout45,000turkeylegsand90,000
sausages-on-a-stickeachseason.Addthattoroughly10tonsofhamburgers,
22tonsofchickenstrips,and7milesoffoot-longcorndogs,andyoumay
wonderhowmanypacketsofketchup,mustardandmayonnaiseguestsneed:
1million!
Since1995,Schlitterbahnhasreignedasthenation’smostpopularseasonal
waterpark,onlytoppedinattendancebyyear-roundwaterparks.
Schlitterbahnpumps72-degreespringwaterfromtheComalRiverthrough
someoftheridesinthemainpark.Thewaterispumpedfromoneendofthe
park,circulatedthroughseveralridesinSchlitterbahnWest,andthenflows
backintotheComalRiver.
Thesix-storyMasterBlasteruphillwatercoasterwasvoted“TheWorld’sBest
WaterparkRide”forthe11thtimein2010.Itworksbyusingstate-of-theart
technologytoblastridersuphillonhigh-velocitystreamsofjettedwater.The
1,000-foot-longridetakesridersthroughsixuphillsectionsandfeaturesa
coaster-style36-degree,27-footdrop.
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photo by Travis White
Humble Beginnings: Drawn on 12/14/1978
by Bob Henry in marker and crayon, this was
the original plan submitted to the city of New
Braunfels, outlining the Henrys’ new water
park. Note the longer name “däs Bad Schloess
Schlitterbahn,” which was later shortened.
flow of the river. Dad would hammer in wooden stakes to mark the
route, and I’d start digging.”
“The inspiration came from natural rivers. The reality was that we
would be competing with free natural rivers that were fun,” Jeff said.
“It was hard for me to imagine we could create something that would
compete with the river.” The Henrys’ goal was to create a safe family
fun environment. “We immediately realized that we had a niche; we
could attract families. And we immediately realized that’s what we
wanted for customers; for mom and dad to bring the kids and enjoy
their time together.”
Construction would stop during the summer season and Jeff
would serve as general manager. Building projects would then
pick up again as they expanded each year before reopening in the
summer. Jeff helped with marketing by visiting hotels across the state,
and offering free tickets to hotel workers, hoping they would share
their experiences with guests. He became what he calls a concrete
expert and an ‘Applied Materials Technologist’: an expert in creative
construction. Jeff continued, “My purpose is to build beautiful, safe,
imaginative places for families.” This statement is exemplified to all
who enter the Schlitterbahn parks.
The business was founded as a family production. Siblings, Jana
(Henry) Faber and Gary Henry, also worked in the family business as
they grew up. Jana recalls, “I was the first lifeguard at the park. As the
park grew, I grew with it, and I’ve never worked for anyone else ever
since.” Jana worked in operations handling everything from food and
beverage to the life guarding and first aid departments, even receiving
her certification as an EMT. Jana also helped with construction, “I
remember helping build the White Water tube chute, welding in a
bathing suit, and helping lay shingles on the main building,” she said.
Jana received her degree in Fashion Merchandising from Texas
State University and continues to handle retail operations for three
of the parks across the state, as well as the Kansas location. She also
served as Head of Marketing for many years, which is now handled
by her husband, Rick Faber. Over the years Jana managed operations
until handing over this position to another lifelong employee of the
company, and current Chief Operating Officer, Terri Adams.
Gary Henry received his Master’s Degree in Accounting from The
University of Texas at Austin and currently serves as CEO, handling
among other things, the finances of the company. As his sister Jana
puts it, “We all work best in our own areas. We are all passionate
about our parts in the company.” Gary explains, “My job is to support
Jeff’s ideas, fund them, and make them run.”
Billye served as head of the resort, retiring just 10 years ago. She
and her husband Bob, now 84, still visit the park routinely.
The Schlitterbahn brand grew to include NBGS International,
a water park development and construction company, in the mid1980s. Jeff explains, “We had a phenomenal construction crew that
was available year round. Our core group of 100 employees would
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3
stay on during the summer season to build modular play equipment
for other parks.” The construction team was instrumental in
completing parks across the world including: China, South Africa,
Brazil, and Dubai. In 2005 the company stopped selling concepts
and shifted over to building parks owned and operated by the family
in the United States.
Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort in New Braunfels grew
dramatically in 1991, when the family acquired 25 acres of property
known as Camp Warnecke, now Schlitterbahn East. Construction
of Surfenburg began immediately in 1991 and Blastenhoff followed
in 1996.
Schlitterbahn is responsible for the patent of soft foam and
numerous other progressive water park technologies. According to
Jeff, he and his brother Gary were involved in the invention of the
FlowRider Boogie-Bahn, which was developed with Tom Lochtefeld,
a California surfer and business owner, and Dr. Frenzel, a German
Scientist. Jana remembers testing the surfing ride with tubes and
discovering it is best for boogie borders who ride the simulated wave.
Jeff added, “But I’m more of a tubing guy, not a surfer. We gave the
exclusive rights of the Boogie-Bahn technology to Tom Lochtefeld.
A few years later Tom returned the favor and traded his idea and
patent for the Master Blaster technology to us.” The Henrys now
hold the exclusive license for the Master Blaster technology which
allows tubers to ride uphill through uphill water coasters. The Master
Blaster ride has been rated the best water attraction almost every year
since its completion in Blastenhoff, and the technology is now used
in rides all over the world.
Schlitterbahn now operates parks in four locations, including the
original Schlitterbahn Waterpark in New Braunfels, Schlitterbahn
Galveston Island (an indoor park that remains open year-round
on weekends), Schlitterbahn Beach South Padre Island, and
Schlitterbahn Vacation Village in Kansas City, Kansas. Each park
includes imaginative water attractions the Henry Family is known
for. They are all owned and operated by the company and have that
special touch started by Bob and Billye over 45 years ago.
Terri Adams, COO, serves in operations of all four locations.
Terri started with the company at age 15, and she began working
full-time as a college student. “The Henrys have allowed me to be an
entrepreneur. We are always doing something new and constantly
doing things better,” she said. “Doing the right thing has always been
part of our core values.” Schlitterbahn employs over 2,000 teenagers
and adults in New Braunfels and diligently works to obtain the best
staff available. Local employment varies. In years and months with
fewer applicants or available employees, Schlitterbahn brings in
international workers from other countries.
Schlitterbahn currently holds three proposed sites for future parks,
They are: Corpus Christi, Texas; Cedar Park, Texas (in the Austin
area); and Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Construction is of a new park area in Schlitterbahn East of New
Braunfels was completed in the summer of 2011. The new area is
called Tubenbach, and includes the world’s longest tube chute,
The Falls, which stretches 3,600 feet and holds up to 1,500 riders.
The whitewater ride allows guests to enter through no-wait lines
and move though interconnected attractions along the Comal
River. The innovative ride utilizes a model created by Jeff, called
Transportainment™. Guests float the tube chute for entertainment
while also using the chute for transportation from one park to another.
Tubenbach also includes the Deluge Whirlpool River, a swift moving
artist
Rendering
of the New
Braunfels
Treehaus
Lodges,
which
opened in
2011.
pansion
The Blastenhoff ex
and
96
was opened in 19
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ve
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added a large
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photo by Tom Williamson
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interior photo of
a newly
constructed Treeh
aus Lodge.
canyon with wild waves that connects to The Falls and offers a neverending water ride. Other new attractions, Boogie Bay Hot Tub and
Jana (Henry) Faber,
Head of Retail operations.
Boogie Bay Kids’ Area: Butterfly Bayou also opened in 2011.
Treehaus lodging units were also added the New Braunfels Park
and are yet another brilliant creation. The Treehaus resort rooms are
interconnected by elevated walkways above the banks of the Comal
River on a combination of reclaimed trees and artificially-created
tree posts. Inside the Treehauses, the resort rooms are made of woodconstructed walls and ceilings. The breathtaking craftsmanship in the
spacious rooms can now be enjoyed by 12 to 14 guests in each Treehaus.
Jeff explains the many one-of-a-kind elements salvaged and
repurposed for used in the project, a process used since the beginning
of the park, “It’s an organic process. It’s the way we were raised. We
didn’t buy the newest materials; we used and re-used what we had.”
Boulders and trees were taken from other construction sites locally
and across the state. Pine trees of East Texas, live oak trees from the
Austin area, Brazilian hardwood reclaimed from a 1,000 foot bridge,
and 100-year-old fir taken from a ship and milled locally by Jeff are
all used in the Treehauses and walkways. Salvaged metal is also used
as a cover for the walkways.
Darren Hill, General Manager of Schlitterbahn, New Braunfels,
Darren Hill (left), Gm of
said, “We are excited to announce the largest expansion in nearly 15
Schlitterbahn New Braunfels,
years. Not only do we feel that this is the most exciting new collection
with Lifeguard Supervisor
of attractions to open in 2011 in Texas, but we are also honored to
and EmT, Juan Valdez.
introduce another world record-breaking ride for our guests.”
In addition, Schlitterbahn has announced the next great expansion to
take place: A year-round indoor waterpark hotel located on South Padre
Island. The new beachfront resort will include lodging in 221 rooms,
retail, restaurants, year-round indoor water attractions and special
access to the summertime Schlitterbahn Beach outdoor waterpark.
This unique project is a new concept for Schlitterbahn, but it draws
Jeff Henry Examining 100-yearoff of many existing concepts and company principles. For example, the
old Fir being used in the New
new park will include a retractable roof and indoor attractions, much
Treehaus Walkway.
like Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark. And it will be done
by reclaiming existing structures of what was previously Holiday Inn
Sunspree Resort.
“We are pleased to have the opportunity to develop our new upscale waterpark hotel
concept right here on South Padre Island,” explained Jeff Henry. “Our team has been
working on the creation and design of this world-class destination for more than two
years and we are excited to be announcing this project today. Without the support and
financial commitment of our partner, American National Insurance Company, and the
local government, the realization of this dream could not have become a reality.”
The project is a multimillion-dollar investment that is expected to bring hundreds
Terri adams (Far Right) is Schlitterbahn’s Coo and
of thousands of guests, provide several hundred new jobs and provide an economic
oversees all Four Parks. She has worked with the
boost to the whole region.
company since age 15. “The Henrys have allowed me to
Schlitterbahn New Braunfels also includes a Christmas Shop and Jana K’s Boutique,
be an entrepreneur,” says adams.“We are always doing
something new and constantly doing things better.”
located in a 150-year-old home near Schlitterbahn. The shop offers three floors of
beautifully adorned holiday-themed rooms and a women’s boutique with purses, jewelry
photos by Travis White
and clothing. Boutique items such as Yellow Box Shoes are also available in every gift shop.
Schlitterbahn is a gracious contributor of Communities in Schools, a New
Braunfels organization created to keep kids in school and also supports annual visits from Sunshine Kids, an organization for terminally-ill children
and their families. “We offer day trips and overnight visits for families. When they arrive, we have prepared rooms with goodies, and we provide all
meals so that they can enjoy a stress-free trip,” Jana shares. “Every department helps, and it’s a true blessing to work with these families.”
The Schlitterbahn legacy is also being passed down to the third generation of Henrys working in the business. Jeff “J.J.” Henry Jr. is currently
working as Family Representative for Schlitterbahn Kansas City Waterpark, Kansas. Jeff’s son-in-law Brandon Ridell was construction manager of
the new Tubenbach park edition. Michael Wilkinson works alongside his mother, Jana, with various projects, such as restoration of the historic home
now serving as the Christmas Shoppe. Gary’s grown children are also active in the family business. Daughter Tasha Blythin is working in the resort
while her sister Tara is an operations manager and her brother Will is a foods manager.
Jana Faber sums up a general feeling of the Henry Family, “We are blessed to be in New Braunfels and each of the communities we operate in. It’s
fun to work here and be in a business we can do for the rest of our lives.”
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5
An Astronaut’s
Cosmic
Perspective
By Susan Marx
D
id you ever dream of someday being
an astronaut? Thousands, and probably millions, of young men and
women dream that dream. That’s why
it’s a little surprising to learn that Retired
United States Air Force Colonel/former
NASA astronaut Tom Henricks says he
didn’t think that big at first. Tom was born
on July 5th nearly a decade before President John F. Kennedy’s speech in Texas
declaring the goal of landing a man on the
Moon.
Tom grew up on a farm in Ohio.
Even though astronauts John Glenn and
Neil Armstrong (the first man to set foot
on the moon in 1969) were fellow Ohioans, he was happy to be the first in his
family to get a college education. Tom says
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he always wanted to fly but he didn’t allow
himself to dream of being an astronaut.
Why? Because he didn’t think he could
ever join their ranks. That’s why Tom’s first
message to young people is to never limit
themselves.
You don’t know what you can
achieve until you try. Once you try, the
world starts to open up to you. Picture a
rocket on the launch pad, a machine so
heavy it takes enormous thrust just to get it
off the ground. An explosion of concentrated energy, however, explodes it out of
the known atmosphere and into what we
call “outer space” – a virtually limitless
frontier with countless worlds much larger
than the green/blue orb we call home.
Tom was pretty thrilled just to
finally being accepted. So the second
message Tom has for young people is, be
persistent. If at first you don’t succeed…
try again and keep trying. Tom’s initial
“failures” paid off because he didn’t stop at
the first disappointment. Eventually his
efforts taught him what it would take to
make the cut.
Only after Tom had attended the
USAF Test Pilot School at Edwards AFB
in California and worked as an F-16C test
pilot and Chief of the 57th Fighter Weapons Wing that NASA finally selected him
as a candidate. It was 1985. Tom says
becoming a test pilot made the difference.
A fighter pilot is trained for war, whereas a
test pilot tests the craft, the systems, and
the weapons and tactics. The test pilot is
objective was to deploy a Defense Support
Program (DSP) satellite. After 110 orbits
of Earth, they landed safely, Dec. 1, on the
lake bed at Edwards AFB. What was it
like?
“Being in space is a very visual
experience. It’s an adventure I wish everyone could have because you suddenly
realize Earth is pretty small. We went
around it every 90 minutes and gained a
perspective that we’re all just one human
race, sharing life on a spaceship called
Earth.”
In-between these mind-altering
adventures in space, Tom went on a blind
date at Barksdale AFB in Shreveport, LA.
Her name was Rebecca Grantham, a
fourth generation Texan and country
ifatfirst you don’t succeeD...
the middle-man between the operational
pilot and the engineers.
A mere handful of the Top Guns
from the Air Force and Navy are selected
out of hundreds who apply. Then, they get
to go through another 1-2 years of rigorous training before being awarded the title
of astronaut. As fate would have it, the
1986 Challenger Space Shuttle accident
happened just six months after Tom
arrived in Houston to train as an astronaut. The Challenger brought about a lot
of changes. For one thing, the Space
Shuttle was grounded for the next three
years. That slowed the flight rate and is
why Tom didn’t pilot a space shuttle
mission until 1991.
Tom’s first space mission was
aboard the Atlantis, which launched the
evening of Nov. 24, 1991. Their primary
try again and keep trying.
earn his bachelor of science in civil
engineering from the USAF Academy in
1974. But then he went on to complete his
pilot training at Craig Air Force Base in
Selma, Alabama and then his F-4 conversion training at Homestead AFB in
Miami, Florida. Now Tom had earned the
title of fighter pilot. Most people know
that it’s no small feat to earn your wings.
Tom flew the F-4 Phantom (a Vietnam era
jet) in fighter squadrons in England and
Iceland. Then, in 1980, the Air Force
reassigned him to Top Gun School at
Nellis AFB in Las Vegas, NV.
It was right around this time that
Tom first set his sights on becoming an
astronaut. He says that becoming a fighter
pilot is what gave him the confidence to go
for it. Even so, Tom applied to NASA four
times over a span of eight years before
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7
bluegrass singer/songwriter. Rebecca says
Tom asked her to dance and they’ve been
dancing ever since. Rebecca and Tom
married in 1993, between his second and
third NASA mission. She wrote a song
and titled her CD “Dance with Me”
based on the night they met.
“I spent Independence Day
1995 in space aboard the Space Shuttle
Discovery. To celebrate, we broadcast
patriotic songs over the radio to Mission
Control in Houston as we crossed over a
nearly cloudless U.S. The views were
spectacular. The painted deserts of the
Southwest, snow-covered peaks linking
Utah to Montana, all the Great Lakes in
one scene and the diverse terrain of Texas
transitioning to the Gulf Coast stretching
to Florida. Did I mention that I never
tired of looking out the window? But
traveling at 17,500 mph (5 miles a
second), we went coast to coast in just
three songs. My fondest musical memory
from space occurred the next day when
Rebecca was smuggled in to Mission
Control and sang me Happy Birthday.”
Rebecca was born in Dallas and
went to college in East Texas. She
recorded her first album in 1989. She
composes, plays acoustic guitar and sings
regularly with fellow country bluegrass
musicians Milo Deering (mandolin and
dobro) and Rocky Gribble (banjo and
guitar). Rebecca’s most recent album is
“Sunday Morning,” and represents a
return to her gospel roots. It’s not always
easy as an astronaut’s wife, Rebecca says,
because they don’t work normal
hours…sometimes they’re in the simulator until after midnight.
All told, Tom piloted two and
commanded two NASA Space Shuttle
missions before leaving government
service in 1997 to pursue a career in
business. But he also achieved quite a
record working with NASA engineers on
the ground. Looking back on his stellar
USAF and NASA careers, Tom doesn’t
single out any one thing as the high point.
“I loved it all.”
“One of the things you come
away with is how thin and fragile our
atmosphere is.” Tom believes everyone
should be looking for ways to reduce their
carbon footprint and use alternative
energy. So it’s not surprising that he’s
now involved with SKYOT, a business
that distributes Green Stuff a non-toxic
absorbent that soaks up hazardous liquids
like petroleum and acids. Green Stuff is
primarily used around drilling operations
but fire departments also use it to clean
up hazardous industrial spills.”
Tom worked in sales, marketing
and government business development at
The Timken Company and Textron Inc.
(Bell Helicopters) before becoming
president of Aviation Week, a McGrawHill company. His accomplishments at all
three companies are nothing short of
outstanding. With Tom, even the sky isn’t
the limit. In 2000, Tom established his
own firm; aptly called “Henricks Enterprises, Inc.” and helps executives and
corporations achieve peak performance to
drive their careers and companies into the
proverbial stratosphere.
About three years ago, Tom and
Rebecca bought property outside of
Blanco and have been building their
dream home on it. They’re currently live
in Dallas but hope to move into their new
place in the Spring. Tom says they’ve been
living in cities for seven years and are
looking forward to getting back to the
country and connecting with the
community. Besides, “then at night we
can see the stars.”
Once a pilot always a pilot.
While searching for the right place to
settle down, Tom flew them around in his
antique Stearman bi-plane, the kind with
an open cockpit. That way they could
really get the lay of the land. It’s hard to
say if Tom was always this way but he
likes to pull back as far as possible to get
the big picture. The day they closed on
the property was the first time they
actually drove out of the development.
Wouldn’t you know, they have a shared
runway.
Tom has been awarded the
Distinguished Flying Cross (among
others), flown 30 different types of
aircraft and logged more than 6,000
hours. He holds an FAA commercial pilot
rating, has completed 749 parachute
jumps and achieved a Master Parachutist
rating. Tom currently consults with
Corporate Aviation and Analysis, Inc.
(CAAP) the premier provider of consulting, strategic planning and transactional
services in business aviation.
One of the things you come away with is
how thin and fragile our atmosphere is.
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8
NEWLY AVAILABLE
Eyewear Lens Technology
by Drake McLean, President Dietz-McLean Optical
When picking out new glasses don’t let the excitement of selecting a
new frame distract you from the most important component of your
new eyewear, the lenses. In fact, many prescriptions and lenses are not
compatible with certain frames. Your optician can take you through the
various products to help you find the right lens and frame combination
for you.
New technologies have created optical possibilities that have not been
available until now.
Free Form Digital lenses, sometimes called high definition optics.
This design enhances vision by optimizing the optics in your prescription.
Customers with stronger powers will notice wider fields of view. Most
wearers will find sharper vision in all areas of the lens including the
extreme edges.
anti-reFlective lenses, sometimes considered a coating, is a process
that virtually removes all of the surface reflections on the lenses. This
results in better vision in all wearing situations especially during night
driving and computer work. These lenses also greatly improve cosmetics
allowing others to clearly see your eyes. This process makes your lenses
extremely scratch resistant and easy to clean.
moDern lens materials, there are many choices for your new lenses.
For the clearest vision possible choose trivex which has great impact and
scratch resistance with built in UV protection. A must for children and
active adults. Hi-Index lenses are super thin light weight lenses. They
reduce edge thickness and improve cosmetics. These are perfect for those
wanting a minimalist look.
PolarizeD anD Photochromic lenses, these two lenses are often
confused with one another. Polarized lenses are primarily used as
sunglasses and block glare off of the roadway, water, snow and other
reflective surfaces in the same manner a venetian blind reduces glare
while allowing you to see through the window. Photochromic lenses
darken and lighten as the light changes in your environment. These are
designed to be worn indoors and out. Due to the filter properties of car
windshields they will not maintain their darkened state in the car.
There are many other lens products and applications available to you.
Talk to your optician to find the best lens options for you!
Dietz-McLean Optical since 1938, with locations in
San Antonio, Boerne, Seguin and Temple. www.dmoptical.com
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Where the audience gets into the act!
B
eyond a place where you can toss back a brew and a bite to eat while
you watch a flick, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is also a place where you
can enjoy an interactive movie-going experience or even meet a celebrity.
“While we have all the new releases, we're known for the special
programming we've developed such as Quote Alongs and Sing Alongs.
These events set us apart from the traditional movie experience,” says
Brandon Arceneaux, owner and co-founder of Reel Dinner Partners, LLC,
the local company that owns and operates the three Alamo Drafthouse
locations in the San Antonio area at Westlakes, Park North and Stone Oak.
Arceneaux credits Liz Burt, Reel Dinner Partners' director of sales
and marketing, with the success of the special events program. She has been
with the company since it opened its first location in San Antonio more than
seven years ago. “Liz is in charge of making sure we understand the needs of
San Antonio.” For example, Alamo Drafthouse will soon start a series called
“Broadway Brunch” for theater enthusiasts. “We try to find groups of enthusiasts,” Burt says. “Then we pick their brains about what they want to see.”
One of the most popular special events is Free Family Fun day, which
is held two Saturdays each month at Stone Oak and features slightly older familyfriendly films that parents and kids can both enjoy. The best part? Admittance is
free and includes an interactive element such as stickers or candy for the kids.
Girlie Night is another crowd-pleaser. “We choose a film that 'screams'
women makes them 'ooh' and 'ah,'” Burt says. Girlie Night is meant for moms
and other busy women who need a little “me time” complete with cocktails.
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Alamo Drafthouse Sing Alongs allow movie-goers to pretend
they're alone in their cars or showers and belt out the soundtracks – alongside
everyone else in the theater. The lyrics are projected onto the screen karaokestyle. Quote Alongs are similar in that the movies' best lines are added as
subtitles so everyone can yell them out. Action Pack flicks mean arming the
crowd with props like inflatable swords, and Hecklevision allows theater-goers
to text their gibes to be shown on-screen during “hilariously horrible movies.”
“Every day is different, that's for sure,” Burt says. “One day I'm
running around picking up coconut bras, and another I'm escorting a celebrity.”
One such celebrity was writer/director Kevin Smith of “Clerks”
(you know, Jay and Silent Bob) fame, who Burt brought to the Stone Oak
location. The Smith event was so popular that he'll return as “Silent Bob”
along with “Jay” (Jason Mewes) to the Alamo Drafthouse in March.
If you have an idea for a special event at Alamo Drafthouse, Burt
and Arceneaux say their door (and their phone lines, email, Twitter and
Facebook) are always open for input from the community. “We'll do our
best to make those suggestions come to life on-screen,” Burt says.
Sneak a peek at upcoming special events at
Alamo Drafthouse's San Antonio locations
WWW.DRAFTHOUSE.COM/SAN_ANTONIO
39
Offering All the Elements of Innovative Outdoor Spaces!
S
helter, water, shade, fire, land or play – no matter what your need
may be, HOMEFIELD: The Outdoor Living Store provides the ideas
and products that enrich outdoor lifestyles. Homeowners who visit the
company's New Braunfels 50,000-square-foot showroom stroll through
sample settings or “vignettes” that provide inspiration for creating the
outdoor living spaces of their dreams.
For some, the ideal backyard features a rustic pergola to block the
Texas sun's harsh rays; others envision a Victorian-style gazebo surrounded by
lush landscaping. Water features and fountains complete the picture. For others,
the backyard is the ultimate entertainment space – the perfect backdrop for a full
outdoor kitchen, deck or a fire pit to gather around when night falls. And still
others want a traditional, family-friendly outdoor environment complete with a
trampoline, playhouse or play system for the kids.
Homeowners can get it all in one stop, thanks to HOMEFIELD.
“What we've created is an opportunity [for customers] to do everything from
buying innovative products to designing and building a complete outdoor
living area,” says Jason Ratliff, HOMEFIELD general manager. “With
HOMEFIELD, you can come to us and we'll help you build a backyard
concept, then we'll build it for you.”
HOMEFIELD carries innovative, top-of-the-line products such
as: Rainbow Play Systems, Springfree trampolines, Goalsetter basketball goals,
Tuff Shed storage buildings and garages, and Leland's cabins. It also offers
high-quality, private-label products ranging from pavilions and pergolas to
playhouses and gazebos that are made using Amish craftsmanship.
Although the most popular products in the past have been those in
the “play” category, shade structures are in great demand as well, given the hot
Texas summers. “The shade structure is the most important aspect of the
creation of the backyard,” Ratliff explains. “After you choose the shade
structure to best fit your backyard design, you can add complementary
products and elements such as landscaping, an outdoor kitchen or fire pit.”
With its focus on being homeowners' go-to place to design and
build an inviting outdoor space, HOMEFIELD seems poised to benefit from
a trend that, surprisingly, has resulted from a down economy. “People want to
spend more time in their backyards, entertain more and relax more,” Ratliff
says. “They're spending less money on vacations and more time at home. …
So they're spending money on two things in their houses: outdoor living and
remodeling to increase their investments.”
Homefield invites Central Texans to visit the showroom!
1975 IH-35 in New Braunfels. Or, sneak a peek at
www.homefieldliving.com
We provide the ideas and products that
enrich outdoor lifestyles!
™
Our showroom in New Braunfels makes
it easy for you to create the backyard that
will enrich your daily life.
HOMEFIELD has done the work for you by assembling a large
and growing range of unique outdoor living products you
won’t find anywhere else along with the areas finest contractors into a single 50,000 square foot outdoor
showroom. Come visit us and learn more
about what makes HOMEFIELD the leader
in innovative outdoor living. For decades the
team behind HOMEFIELD has continually
aimed to provide area families with the finest in outdoor living
products and services. Whether you want a full outdoor living
environment designed and installed or just one of our many
industry leading products you won’t find a better choice than
HOMEFIELD.
®
830-626-1971 • homefieldliving.com
Shade Structures
Modular
Pools • Grills • Outdoor Kitchens • Play Systems • Trampolines • Play Houses • Sheds • Garages • Cabins
LOGO•
PANTONE
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here a cozy cedar cabin on a ridge
once stood, only blackened earth and
a few scorched pine trees remain.
“Th ree stories were reduced to 18 inches
of ash,” says Amy Sanders of what was
once her family’s home just southeast of
Bastrop. “It’s astonishing how destructive
and powerful the fi re was. It cracked the
concrete in the foundation and liquefi ed
metals. Th ey said it was over 2,000 degrees
[Fahrenheit].”
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The home Sanders shared with her husband Brian and 4-year-old
daughter Brena Lynn was among 1,691 destroyed in the Bastrop-area
fires of 2011. Also leveled were 38 businesses, bringing the official
count of structures lost to 1,729, according to Bastrop County
Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Fisher. The fires took
the lives of two people.
The final tallies include the damage done by two noncontiguous
fires sparked by tree branches hitting power lines. The Bastrop County
Complex fire, which started Sept. 4, destroyed the lion’s share of the
34,068 total acres lost. The Union Chapel fire, which started Sept. 5,
accounts for 900 of those acres. Due to a perfect storm of conditions
– severe drought, extreme heat and high winds from Tropical Storm
Lee – it took 10 days to put out the smaller fire and 26 days to contain
the larger one (plus an additional six days to quash a flare-out).
When Amy Sanders left her home Sept.
4, she grabbed only essentials, thinking
her family would return home in a couple
of days max. “We didn’t see fire. All we
could see was smoke covering the sky, but
we knew we needed to leave,” she says.
Sanders says she threw on some different clothes, grabbed her
dog, cat, laptop and an overnight bag containing some toiletries
while her 4-year-old daughter, Brena Lynn, napped as she would
any ordinary Sunday afternoon.
Amy and her husband, Brian, loaded both their vehicles,
thinking they’d need them to get to work the next day – not
that they should remove them from the path of the fire. All went
smoothly, then the cat got loose.
“He was on high alert that something was wrong,” Sanders
says. “He ran into the forest.” Sadly, the family found his remains
when they returned to their home not two days, but nearly two
weeks, later.
They had been somewhat prepared for what else they found –
or didn’t find – having seen photos of their property taken by their
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Fighting the Fire
The gigantic firefighting effort took a collaborative effort that
included Bastrop County’s nine volunteer fire departments, those
from surrounding counties and across Texas, and even firefighting
personnel from 19 other states. “On our peak day, we had 633
firefighters, 500 utility workers and 200 law enforcement officers on
the job,” Fisher says. “They came from all over.”
Fisher is especially appreciative of the help from nearby communities.
“At one point, we had [firefighting help] from all of our surrounding
counties – Williamson, Travis, Hays, Caldwell, [Fayette and Lee],” he
says. “Those departments and our regional partners from the capital
area were the quickest to get here and the longest to stay.”
insurance agent. Their cedar cabin, once perched on
a ridge among some of the Bastrop area’s stately pine trees, was
gone.
After a dramatic departure and stressful limbo period, the
Sanders have now settled into a temporary home in Lockhart,
where Brian works and Brena Lynn attends school. “It’s difficult
in an apartment, but we’ll get there,” Sanders says. “We’re pretty
laid-back, and as Brian said, ‘If we get too emotional about it,
we’re way too attached to things.’ We have our memories and
we’re very thankful everyone got out OK. It could have been a
million times more traumatic.”
Setting Records
“We’re being told that this was the most costly and historic fire in
this state,” Fisher says. “Insurable losses are estimated at $325 million
[by the Insurance Council of Texas].”
That $325 million is nearly two-thirds of the total insured losses
from the dozens of wildfires across the state in 2011, which now
holds the title of “costliest year for wildfires.” In comparison, 2009 is
in a distant second place, with $115 million in insured losses.
But, as Fisher says, “That’s just property loss.” He says the cost of
fighting the fire is between $3 million and $4 million and that debris
removal will cost another $10 million to $12 million.
Coming Home
Removing debris and rehabilitating their property is among the
challenges facing the Sanders family, who had only enough time to
leave their home with their vehicles, a laptop, an overnight bag and
their lives.
“Our plan is to hold onto the land and try to restore it as best we
can so another family can come in and build,” Sanders says. “It’ll
probably take five years.” Before the fire, the Sanders were in the
process of moving closer to Brian’s employer and Brena Lynn’s school
(a roomful of packed boxes perished in the fire), so they’ve found a
temporary home in Lockhart.
But, the good news for Bastrop, according to City Manager Mike
Talbot, is that two-thirds of those displaced by the fires have said, via
an informal survey, that they plan to stay and rebuild.
“The experience strengthened the fiber of our community,” Talbot
says. “The outpouring of support, supplies, gifts and donations was
overwhelming. … People don’t want to leave here. This is their home
and they recognized that during the fire based on the outpouring of
support they received. This has been quite an experience, but I think
Bastrop is stronger for it.”
One obstacle the city of Bastrop does have is the perception that
the city itself was destroyed. “The majority of the damage was in the
county,” Talbot says. “Our historic homes are still here, our state park
was severely damaged but it’s up and operational, and our stores and
restaurants are open,” he says. “We’re here, we’re vibrant, and Bastrop
is a good place to visit and to live.”
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SAN ANTONIO’S
By Susan Marx
PremiereCustom Furrier
G
erardo Zavala was a mere boy when he was first introduced to the
wonderful world of fur and he loved working with furs right from the
start. He apprenticed for his uncle Javier Moncada, a furrier in Laredo, Texas,
while still attending high school. Then, after pleading with his parents, he
followed Javier to Anchorage, Alaska, when he moved there.
Gerardo landed a job working under two master furriers at the
Anchorage Fur Factory, where they are famous for making long coats and
parkas out of the thick timber wolf, beaver, fox and mink needed for the area.
Here, Gerardo’s level of experience grew while he learned new skills, such as
making his own patterns. His last decade in Alaska was spent at celebrity and
tourist destination David Green Master Furrier. In Alaska, Gerardo
explained, fur is more of a necessity because of the extreme and often sub-zero
temperatures. There’s nothing quite like the comfort and breathability of a
natural skin for staying warm in cold, wet weather.
After 17 years in the Alaskan fur trade, Gerardo moved to San
Antonio and soon found a job with the world-renowned fur designer Michael
Mouratidis at his salon and design studio in Monte Vista. During Gerardo’s time
there, the House of Mouratidis designed and created furs for Balenciaga Paris
and it was during this apprenticeship that Gerardo perfected his fur tailoring and
design skills while learning more of the ins and outs of the fur business.
Gerardo spent over 20 years at Mouratidis Furs before it closed in the
early 2000s. Soon after, Gerardo fulfilled his own dream and opened his own
salon and design studio in Alamo Heights. Years later, when an opportunity to
purchase his own building (which included a cold storage vault) came up,
Gerardo jumped at the opportunity and moved to 4434 Blanco Rd. Here he
offers multiple showrooms with a wide range of accessories, home décor, and
lightweight furs in natural mink, sheared mink, Swakara (South West
African Karakul), and Rex rabbit to name a few.
Of course, Gerardo still custom designs fur apparel. People come
to him with everything from a request to make a garment inspired by a photo
to remodeling an heirloom fur to creating a completely unique modern
design. When a client comes to him wishing for the fur they’ve seen
somewhere or envision in their imagination, he begins by first developing a
pattern based on what his client wants to create. Then, before the coat is
completed, Gerardo makes a canvas version of it and schedules a fitting.
Gerardo has been in the fur business now for more than 40 years.
He prides himself on taking personal care of each of his customers and on
offering his clients the convenience of his own professional cold storage vault.
Walk-ins are always welcome but for Gerardo’s personal, custom care you’ll
want to phone ahead to make an appointment.
45
In this world where information comes almost faster than it can be
digested, and with the proliferation of fad diets and exercise trends, it
can be difficult to know what you should really do to be fit and healthy.
So we asked someone whose job it is to know: personal trainer and
holistic fitness coach Patrick Murphy, owner of San Antonio-based
MISSIONpt!.
“There’s a lot of debate on what is good for you and what is not,”
Murphy says, “but one thing that is not debatable is the benefit of
exercise, good nutrition and rest. If you get all three, biologically
you’re going to be younger and live a more vital and fulfilled life.”
Murphy says there’s no real age minimum or maximum when it
comes to the importance of exercise. While young children typically
get plenty of physical activity on their own, parents should monitor
the activity levels of school-age children and set up activities so they
get one to two hours of exercise per day.
For people age 14 through their 40s, three to four hours per week
of a good fitness-based
activity is advised. To
be “good,” the activity
should make you “sweat
a little bit and huff and
puff and feel like you’re
actually
exercising,”
Murphy
explains.
Weightlifting, jogging,
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bicycling and swimming all qualify.
However, especially as people reach their 50s, no one-size-fits-all
approach works. “Fitness is a process of self-discovery,” Murphy says.
“What one person does to get healthy may not work for you; in fact,
it may not be recommended at all, based on your body’s needs and
your fitness level.” Murphy says many personal trainers offer free
fitness assessments through which you can learn about your body’s
imbalances and determine your body fat percentage, then move on to
goal setting and program design if you choose.
For a person of any age, exercise is just one part of a wellness
lifestyle. It must be accompanied by the right foods and the right
amount of rest. “America has a serious rest, nutrition and fitness
deficit,” Murphy says, “but living well is good for our families, our
communities, our country and ourselves, so we must take better care
of the beautiful gifts we have – our bodies and our lives.”
Visit www.personaltrainingsanantonio.com to get more valuable
tips from Murphy’s blog, where he shares information on wellness
topics ranging from exercise to to nutrition to weight loss.
T
here is a little known gem that resides along the bustling I-35
corridor that not only connects faith communities from San
Marcos to Schertz and Seguin to Bulverde, but provides all
families that lie within these boundaries an opportunity for the finest
in college preparatory Catholic education. This gem is John Paul II
Catholic High School. They call this place “The Rock.”
After opening in 2009 with 35 freshmen and 6 teachers, John Paul
II, an Archdiocesan school, has grown its enrollment to over 100
students and is accepting new applicants continuously. The idea for
the school was birthed by a group of parents who saw the need to
provide challenging Catholic education in a local setting for their
children in grades 9-12.
“There is a real chance for students to be involved and to shape the
school, the traditions, and the direction the school takes,” Andrew
Iliff, Principal of John Paul II Catholic High School said. “For a
school of any size or age and especially for a school our size and age,
we have a top-notch faculty. Students get real access to them.”
Students and parents are drawn to JPII for many reasons: location,
athletic and academic excellence, and a school founded in virtues.
“John Paul II provides its students with a faith-based and rigorous
education that focuses just as much on morality as academics,”
Amanda Rollert, Admissions and Marketing Director, said. “I
have two sons that made the transition from public school and are
privileged to attend John Paul II. They are as involved in sports and
schoolwork as ever.”
John Paul II offers its students something that you cannot always find
at other schools, and this reward runs far deeper than just academics.
“John Paul II offers an education that raises the bar. Students rise to
meet that bar and when they graduate from John Paul, they truly are
ready for college,” Rollert said. “Students have the ability to practice
and grow their faith and speak God’s name. Education and morality
are one here, not separate entities. If you want to nurture the whole
child, how can you do it without faith?”
That faith has lead to developing some great traditions at the
school.
“At the front of the school, we have a rock that all community
members are invited to touch as they enter and exit,” Iliff said. “This
is a reminder of our need to be the rock on which the church is built,
to support one another.”
Students at John Paul II receive the same athletic and social
opportunities as any public school. There are 13 athletic teams
including 11-man football, volleyball, cross country, swimming,
wrestling, girls/boys basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, track,
tennis, and golf. Students can participate in an equally long list of
clubs and organizations such as choir, drama, student government,
robotics, and band. Class sizes are kept small with 12-15 students per
class on average. “Parents are thrilled with the credentials of the staff.
We have 11 M.A.’s, 2 Ph.D.’s, 2 doctoral candidates, and 1 M.D.,”
Rollert said.
“Our teachers are here because they feel they are called to be here at
John Paul,” Rollert said. “Our school affords students the opportunity
to shine in an academic and extracurricular environment that they
might be lost or overlooked in at a larger school. Here, they find a
home. Here, they’re an integral part of our community.”
The close connections make the school more of a family than just
a place to attend class. Traditions are built and now the school is
starting to produce great results.
“A great example of this was our drama production last spring. It
was outstanding and incredible, and a real coming together of the
talents of our students,” Iliff said. “We have enormously talented
students, and they did wonderful things in that production. There
are many more of these –this year we had our first play-off teams, our
first state champion [in swimming], our first prom...,to be honest,
every Wednesday is that moment for me, at Mass with our students
and teachers.”
The students and faculty at John Paul II look forward to a fulfilling
future of academic and personal excellence. They
are confident in what they have to offer.
“We’re pioneers,” Rollert said. “Our students
are blazing a trail and leaving a legacy.”
For more information visit johnpaul2chs.org.
47
Everybody loves the story of the dark horse that
nobody counted on as a winner but when he gets
the chance he jumps ahead of the pack and wins
the race against all odds. At its heart, the underdog
tells the tale of the hardworking man or woman
of vision and character who refuses to accept the
obstacles thrown their way and surprises everyone
in triumph. Priest Holmes is one of those guys and
he’s carrying that message to everyone he meets.
If you’re a football fan, you’ve heard of NFL
running back Priest Holmes – one of the NFL’s best,
if not the best, running back of his era. Holmes
played pro ball for 11 years (from 1997-2007)
before retiring. Now that he has retired from the
most prestigious professional ball player’s fraternity
in America, Holmes is devoting his time to helping
youth in his hometown San Antonio and Kansas
City, Kansas find the strength and courage within
themselves to excel in all that they do.
In 2005, Holmes established the Priest
Holmes Foundation as a nonprofit 501 (c) 3
with the mission of encouraging, enhancing and
empowering youth to stay in school and be the best
they can be. To that end, PHf awards scholarships
every year to Bexar County high school seniors
who show the will to succeed. Scholarships are
based on a number of criteria, which you can
learn more about by visiting the website at www.
priestholmesfoundation.org and by clicking on the
scholarship application tutorial.
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“Whether it’s a gift for music, art, sports or caring for others, I
encourage kids to find that specific talent or encouraging words
spoken over them by a parent, teacher or family member and cling
to it; because no matter what the critics say, that ace-of-spades is
what will carry them through the tough times.”
Holmes, who now holds the distinguished title of all-pro
champion, says that his ace-of-spades is the ability to make people
miss. He explained that growing up he wasn’t the strongest or the
fastest athlete and yet he could always get away and make the play. A
family member pointed this out to him early on in life. Knowing he
had that unique skill and “owning it” is what made all the difference
for him.
When Holmes played for San Antonio’s John Marshall High
School in the early 90s he used that secret weapon and wound up
taking the team to the state championship. In fact, upon leaving
John Marshall High School he was awarded a scholarship to the
University of Texas at Austin where, as a Texas Longhorn, he was
named the team’s most valuable player in the 1994 Sun Bowl. He
also became the 25th member of the Legends of the Sun Bowl with
a record four touchdowns in that game.
In 1997, Holmes joined the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted
free agent and became the team’s first 1,000 yard rusher in 1998. In
2000, he went to the Super Bowl XXXV and won a ring when they
became the champions. In 2001, Holmes moved to the Kansas City
49
Chiefs where he set team records for career rushing attempts, career
rushing yards, career rushing touchdowns and total touchdowns. He
has since been inducted into the Texas Longhorns Hall of Honor in
Austin, Texas; Texas High School Hall of Fame in Waco, Texas; the
Missouri Sports Hall of Fame and most recently the San Antonio
Sports Hall of Fame.
In 2008, Holmes became a member of the NFLPA Former Players
Chapter in Houston and when he realized how many pro athletes
lived in his area, he spoke to the National Office in Washington
D.C. and was instrumental in founding the NFLPA Former Players
San Antonio – Austin Chapter in December 2010 – of which he is
now President. This organization supports former players as well as
their surrounding communities. In 2011, the Chapter awarded the
Professional Athletes Foundation scholarship to two (2) graduating
high school seniors. Holmes says he feels very fortunate to have been
blessed to overcome the obstacles that came his way. “I’ve had a
wonderful career and I enjoy encouraging those individuals who, like
I, have to endure some tests to make it.”
As an example, Holmes said that early in his career (spring training
after his triumphant game at the Sun Bowl) he tore his ACL. “An
ACL tear is mostly a psychological injury because your body can heal
but it really takes its toll when you’re unable to play for months. It’s
easy to start doubting yourself when you find yourself alone in the
training room with a bag of ice. You start worrying if you’ll ever play
again.”
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Holmes inspires mental toughness but he also believes in “work
before reward.” As a kid, Holmes says he went to spend the summer
with his grandfather in Detroit. His grandfather had a lawn service
business but Priest wasn’t allowed to touch the equipment. Instead,
he had to pick up the grass and do the odd jobs. He did this all
summer before he got paid $300. That’s another life episode that
stuck. Holmes said that’s the way it is in life and in the NFL too. You
work hard before you get any reward.
If all that weren’t enough, Holmes has been actively involved in
youth football camps since 1998. For 14 years he has hosted several
conditioning camps for kids between the ages of 5-18, boys and
girls alike. Approximately 300 kids turn out for these events to get
coaching in stretching, agility, competitive sportsmanship, teamwork
and to participate in photo-ops with current and former players.
This year, Holmes is hosting football camps at Judson ISD and
participating in a Sports International Camp at Northeast Independent
School District’s Lopez Middle School. Holmes is proud of his
achievements in the NFL but he seems equally proud to be able to
leverage his opportunities to assist others in the community.
The Priest Holmes Foundation provides scholarships with
the support of donations from the public and from his ongoing
fundraising and personal speaking engagements.
To learn more, visit www.priestholmesfoundation.org or call (210)
541-4642 .
Online
51
Online
at:Online
52
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Always wear a helmet, eye protection, and proper apparel. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Adhere to the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual.
Warning: ATVs can be hazardous to operate. For your safety: Always wear a helmet, eye protection, and protective clothing. Never carry a passenger. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Never ride on public roads or pavement. Avoid excessive speeds and stunt
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www.atvsafety.org. © 2012 Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.
53
FEEL LIKE BEING RISKY?
Then Let a Loved One Sign on Your Bank Account! … (The Danger Isn’t What You Think.)
By Attorney James N. Voeller
Several years ago, I met with a man named
Ray, whose financial advisor had suggested that
he should visit with me. The financial advisor
knew that we were able to provide peace of mind
for several of his other clients, and wanted to
help Ray in the same manner.
Ray’s story was fairly typical. His wife died
several years ago and he recently moved to San
Antonio in order to be close to his daughter, who
was his only child. He loved his daughter and
trusted her completely. He also enjoyed any opportunity to visit with his three grandchildren.
During our meeting, I reviewed Ray’s will and
powers of attorney. We talked about his desire to
avoid probate upon his death, and he told me
that he had that all figured out. He had decided
that he would own all of his financial accounts
with his daughter, jointly, with rights of survivorship. Ray knew that upon his death, all of his assets
would pass to his daughter as long as she gave the bank a
copy of his death certificate.
I explained to Ray that while the accounts would pass to
his daughter upon his death, there was a better, less risky
method to accomplish his goals. I told Ray the following
story to illustrate why joint accounts are a bad idea:
In the early 1990’s, Jill Goodacre, the famous model
from Boulder, Colorado, lost her bank account to her father’s creditors. Apparently, Ms. Goodacre put her father’s
name on her checking account so he could pay her bills
while she was traveling. Unfortunately, her father had a
large creditor who filed a lien on the account. The bank
paid the creditor $80,000.00 – out of Jill’s money. When
Jill added her father as a signer on the account, her father
legally became a co-owner of the account. He had a legal
right under Colorado law to withdraw the entire account,
and the creditor had the right to force a withdrawal. Not
only did Jill lose $80,000.00, but she was also deemed to
have made a taxable gift to her father at the moment that
the creditor withdrew money from the account!
After listening to the story, Ray stood up, put on his
hat, and said: “My daughter doesn’t have any creditors so
I’m not worried about that happening.” We said goodbye
to each other and I didn’t hear from him again – until
recently.
I’ll never forget the frantic call. “Jim, this is Ray. I need
help! My daughter is going through an ugly divorce and
54
her husband’s attorney is trying to make a claim on my
bank accounts! He’s claiming that one-half of all of my
accounts which are jointly titled with my daughter are
part of their community property. One of my banks has
frozen an account and I can’t access that money at all!”
Fortunately, we were able to assist Ray and he did not
lose any of his money to his ex-son-in-law. But, the entire stressful ordeal caused him to lose a lot of sleep. He
had to spend some of his money on attorney’s fees in order to keep what was already his.
After going through this ordeal, Ray was ready to listen to my suggestions. I explained that if he had a Living
Trust, he could have had his daughter as a cotrustee with
himself. As such, she still could have paid his bills from
the account, but his assets would never have become part
of his daughter’s divorce. Upon his death, the assets of his
living trust would become owned by his daughter, never
having to go through probate.
If you add someone else’s name to your account, you
may be inadvertently subjecting your account to that person’s creditors, divorces, or lawsuits. Bad things happen
to good people all the time. Make sure that you avoid this
risk and arrange your affairs so that you will never be surprised by an event that could have been avoided through
proper planning.
The Voeller Law Firm
19311 FM 2252 San Antonio, TX 78266
Phone: (210) 651-3851 www.voellerlaw.com
55
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W
hen Nitesh Jain and his wife Sonal Jain founded Quacito, a
business consulting and web development company in 2004, Jain
had one thing in mind: to help small to mid-size businesses become more
efficient. Accomplishing this would not only save the businesses’ money,
it would increase their overall value – something every business owner
desires.
“I consulted and implemented improvements in many fortune 500
companies for over a decade, but what gives me the most satisfaction is
making an impact on an individual business owner’s life,” Jain said. “I
consult business owners to ask themselves, ‘What’s a better way to do
what I’m doing, or how can I improve my processes and systems so I
don’t have to spend as much time doing them?’”
Jain designed Quacito to provide small to mid-size businesses
effective consulting and systems that allow them to compete with larger
corporations that invest millions in such services. With affordable prices
and the creative use of cutting edge technologies like the web and mobile
apps, Jain is changing the way many small businesses operate.
“Entrepreneurs that build and operate small to mid-size companies
are the ones driving our national economy,” Jain stated. “I want to
impact this community by giving them the tools they need to prosper
even during hard economic times. By bringing business consulting and
business process automation to small to midsize businesses, Quacito is
giving our clients the competitive edge they need to flourish. Our market
niche is to provide such effective services in an affordable price range.”
And with so many happy clients, it looks like Jain is doing just that.
With over 90 percent of his business deriving from customer referrals
and personal references, it appears that Quacito’s methods are making a
difference that everyone wants.
“Our passion is in our clients’ success,”
Jain exclaimed.
As with any product or service, Jain
acknowledges that there are skeptics,
but the results speak for themselves and
that is what he takes pride in.
“There are many types of clients,” Jain
explained. “There are the ones going
through growing pains, where they
have more business but are not able to
generate more profit from that business; or there are people looking to
sell their business in the next three to five years and are unsure of how to
maximize the value. As a process to create greater efficiency, we can take
the knowledge that a long term employee would develop and put it into
an automated process or system so the job will take much less time to
perform and allow a lower skilled employee to learn it quickly.”
There are three things Jain says Quacito focuses on: increasing
profitability, increasing your business’ overall value and giving CEOs and
business professionals more time for themselves.
Jain claims that the best part about working with Quacito business
consulting and business process Automation Company is that by turning
to automation, a business can increase its revenue without adding
additional expense. CEOs and key business professionals are busy people
and many times their quality of life may suffer. Process improvement
and automation allows them to take back control and balance their life
as they choose.
Online at:Online
57
NBA great David Robinson
Michele Gwynn - Contributing Writer • Photos By Travis White
S
San Antonio resident and
former center for the Spurs;
David Robinson has a vision for
educational excellence. That vision
began in September of 2001 when The
Carver Academy opened its doors to its
first 60 students. The Carver Academy
focused on inspiring and enforcing the
basic principles of leadership, discipline, initiative, and integrity with a
foundational focus on Judeo-Christian
teachings. The student body doubled
over the years, but a recessed economy
forced a need for change in order to
continue on its path. A search for a
charter school to take over began, and
through research, IDEA Public Schools
from the Rio Grande Valley was chosen.
TCA will open this fall as IDEA Carver;
no longer a private school, but an
open-enrollment public charter school.
As a Naval Academy graduate, Robinson places high value on education.
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“My three priorities when I first
started Carver was, number one,
aesthetically, to build something the
community could take pride in. It was
so close to where I used to play that I
really wanted to – it looked like it had
been twenty to thirty years since
anyone had made improvements in
that area. Number two was to educate
the kids; give them a top-notch prep
school education. I wanted to make
sure these kids were prepared for the
highest level of academics in high
school and in college. The third part
was to build character. Growing up in
the Virginia and D.C. area, I’d seen so
many kids that had been a part of that
gang life and all that other stuff that I
wanted these kids to have all the tools
to make good choices…make right
choices like “Why would I go home to
my wife?” or “Why would I do the
right thing?” Obviously it comes from
a ‘Christian values’ standpoint, but I
didn’t want the school to be a church.
I wanted it to be a place of education.
I wanted to be able to talk about scripture and plant those seeds; let them
know this is the foundation for you
that will never change. Everything else
in this world will change, but how you
look at your faith will never change.
The Bible is the strongest, most consistent book we have.”
Although IDEA Public Schools will
now run TCA, David Robinson will
remain actively involved on their San
Antonio board along with TCA Board
Member Harvey Najim. “A couple of
things prompted the need to go to a
charter public school” says Najim.
“It’s tough to grow it (TCA) when you
don’t get any funds back from the state
or federal government for a private
school. The total budget was far more
than TCA was bringing in through
private tuition. We had to raise about
one and half million dollars every year
just to break even. David wanted to
replicate the pillars established at The
Carver Academy in a big way. Since
the take over by IDEA, they’ve
received 392 applications for new students. They
can support 350 students.”
With so many applications above capacity,
IDEA held a lottery on March 13th to draw
names for the slots available. As for the
Christian-based aspects established at Carver,
those will be offered as optional services for new
students since public schools do not incorporate
religious teachings under state guidelines. Robinson has an endowment that will be used for the
spiritual growth of TCA students and their post
K-12 education. In addition, the Ewing-Halsell
Foundation has pledged a ten million dollar
grant to the IPS, and the Brackenridge Foundation awarded a one million grant.
Vanessa Barry, Senior Communications Manager for IDEA, shared “Including Carver Academy, we’re looking for a twenty school expansion in San Antonio over the next eight years.
The main difference between IPS and standard
public schools is that we’re a strict, rigorous
college prep school where we offer very few
electives that aren’t academically-based. Our
singular focus for kids from elementary to high
school is to get those kids to and through
college, free.”
Regarding the massive education budget cuts
in 2011, Robinson agrees they were hurtful. “In
some respects, it’s just like in the business world.
Those budget cuts will sometimes make you
- David Robinson
Online at: Online
59
rethink the way you do things; not
altogether bad. Yes, we lose some
jobs, and some things have to change,
but at the same time, a lot of things
need to change. As a state, we’re
fortunate to have support from
Walmart, Michael Dell, even Bill
Gates. They’ve put a lot of money
into San Antonio as well as Texas in
general. We just have to be smarter
about how we use our resources.”
Robinson’s vision continues on
now with help from IPS who offer
the means to provide focused individualized
education
to
San
Antonio’s students. “It’s still my
baby, but I won’t have that ‘hands on’
involvement anymore.” As a father
of three boys; two in high school and
one off to college for the first time,
Robinson shares his thoughts on
parental involvement in education.
“Ultimately, it’s our responsibility.
Whether you’re a parent who wants a
faith-based education, the responsibility is still (yours). It starts at
home; the work habits and how
parents enforce them, and what
(you) demand of your children.”
Robinson says if IDEA Carver and
IPS schools in San Antonio continue
to flourish, then IDEA Public
Schools will advance throughout
Texas continuing his vision as a
leader in excellence in education.
THE
CARVER
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Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com

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