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News and Information from the City of Bulverde and our Neighbors Volume 4 Issue 8 Âœ August 2017

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CITY OF BULVERDE ALL DEPARTMENTS

HTTP://BULVERDETX.GOV MAIN NUMBER 830-438-3612

KenCom Real Estate Services

METRO LINE 830-980-8832 FAX 830-438-4339 Bill Krawietz, MAYOR Gene Hartman, MAYOR PRO TEM

Yvonne Chapman, COUNCIL

Kirk Harrison, COUNCIL

Rob Hurst, COUNCIL

Ray Jeffrey, COUNCIL

David Payne, COUNCIL

COMAL COUNTY MAIN NUMBER 877-724-9475

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JUDGE 830-221-1105 COMMISSIONERS COURT 830-221-1100 JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, PCT 2 830-387-7600

ANIMAL CONTROL 830-608-2016

CONSTABLE, PCT 2 830-438-3117

Yvonne Chapman (210) 240-3148 At Your Service YvonneLChapman@yahoo.com

ROAD & BRIDGE 830-608-2090

SHERRIFFâ€™S OFFICE 830-885-4883

TAX OFFICE 830-387-7621

EMERGENCY SERVICES

(IN CASE OF EMERGENCY DIAL 911) NONEMERGENCY LINE 830-620-3400 BULVERDE SPRING BRANCH FIRE & EMS 830-228-4501 CENTRE FOR EMERGENCY HEALTH SCIENCES 830-228-4504

BSB CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 830-438-4285

BSB ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION 830-885-4331

BSB LIBRARY 830-438-4864

FRONT PORCH NEWS editor@bulverdetx.gov

Some of the content herein may be the copyrighted property of the City of Bulverde, the contributing authors, or our publisher's licensors. No article from this publication may be used, reproduced, transmitted or distributed with the exception that you may photocopy one copy thereof for your personal, noncommercial, home use only. Articles that appear in The Front Porch 1HZV GR QRW QHFHVVDULO\ UHĂ€ HFW WKH RIÂż FLDO SRVLWLRQ RI WKH &LW\ RI %XOYHUGH DQG WKHLU SXEOLFDWLRQ does not constitute an endorsement thereof. The appearance of any advertisement in The Front Porch News does not constitute an endorsement by the City of Bulverde. As a City publication, the Front Porch News strives to maintain objectivity and accuracy in all published content. The newsletter must remain neutral in the publication of content that may be FRQVLGHUHG FRQWURYHUVLDO ELDVHG RU LQĂ€ DPPDWRU\ ZLWKLQ WKH FRPPXQLW\ H J SROLWLFDO FRQWHQW or opinions, religious material, etc.). The newsletter differs from a newspaper in that opinion pieces are typically not included. Publication of contributing partner content is subject to review for applicability and appropriateness of a publicly funded communication initiative. The newsletter is produced in part through public funding, and is accordingly governed by the regulations set forth in Texas State Law.

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August 2017

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Mayor’s Point Bill Krawietz Mayor of Bulverde, TX As traffic increases, so does lost productivity and frustration. We are beginning to see the first signs to convert US 281 from a sea of red brake lights to a smooth flowing freeway. Survey crews are busy transferring points from engineering drawings to the ground with stakes. Other crews are relocating utilities, clearing the new right-of-way for road construction. So when can we expect to see improvements on State Hwy. 46? TXDOT says their design is being finalized. We can expect to see the required public meetings on the Environmental Impact Study sometime in November or December of this year. Once that is complete, the arduous process to acquire additional right-of-way will begin. The taking of private land for public purposes often is not a nice one. The City has worked closely with TXDOT to lessen the impact on landowners, especially in the built up sections of the new roadway. Instead of sloped shoulders and bar ditches there will be more urban design which utilizes retaining walls and curb and gutter drainage. This option greatly increases the cost of construction but it is the right thing to do. There will still be many properties negatively impacted, and I feel for those affected.

The entire scope of the project will run from Bulverde Road on the west to FM 3159 on the east. The project will consist of three phases. The first phase will be the most congested section from Far Hills on the west to Bentwood on the east. This section will utilize the urban design described above with three main lanes running in either direction separated by a raised median. It will look similar to the section of Hwy 46 in front of the HEB in New Braunfels at Loop 337. State law requires the local City and County governments to pay 10% of the acquisition cost of right-of-way. The City of Bulverde cost for phase one will be close to $788,000. Phase two on the east end is estimated at being around $314,000. Phase three will come in for around $324,000, making the total cost in the neighborhood of $1,426,000. This number would be much higher if over the years the City had not worked with developers to dedicate right-of-way. The City has a couple of options on when to pay its share. We can pay phase by phase or all at once, either upfront or after all the negotiations and condemnation proceedings have been completed. The above estimate is a fair market value estimate without any legal costs. It can be expected that several landowners will fight the acquisition fiercely. It is also a good bet that land values will also continue to rise. It is the City Manager’s and my opinion that we lock in our cost and make our payment as soon as possible, with a likely vote on the matter at the August Council meeting. The City of Bulverde relies heavily on sales tax to fund our operations. Unfortunately, most of the new sales-tax-generating (Continued on page 4)

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Comal County Corner

(Continued from page 3)

properties such as Walmart are outside of our original corporate boundaries. Even though Walmart agreed to voluntarily be annexed into the City of Bulverde to receive our exceptional police protection, we do not receive one cent of sales tax from them. Sales tax cannot exceed the State maximum of 8.25%. The State and County naturally get their share since they have been around the longest. The remaining 1.5% is available for local taxing entities. In our area, the Emergency Service Districts collect 1% on all unincorporated areas. The City of Bulverde collects 1% within the original City limits (City expansion cannot take any of the ESD’s share). The Library District collects .5% from both entities. Because mobility is a public safety issue, the City of Bulverde has reached out to the ESDs for possible sharing of sales tax only on properties such as Walmart that we have brought within our City limits. They have at least been willing to discuss the idea with us even though they have tight budgets as well. The City contends that if we hadn’t spent money on economic development, there would not be new revenue sources such as Walmart from which they could collect. Even though the City of Bulverde has a very low property tax rate and is landlocked on our sales tax, we are excellent financial health due to our fiscally conservative values. The City has foreseen this substantial ROW cost and has set aside reserves to cover the expense. That’s right—we can do this without passing a bond, going into debt, or raising taxes. Making the payment, however, will substantially diminish our reserves. Hopefully the ESD will consider making a one-time payment to ensure that their firetrucks and ambulances are not stuck in traffic. If they do, the City will have funds to continue expanding infrastructure and economic development efforts that will bring them future sales tax rewards. There is a proposed medical facility and new retail opportunities that will not happen without the City’s resources. I look it as growing the pie which we all share. Bill Krawietz Bulverde Mayor

By: Cheryl Fraser, Director of Public Health

Public Health News New Director This summer has seen some change come to the Comal County Office of Public Health, but our core mission of keeping county residents healthy remains the same. Gwen Mills, who led this office for more than a decade, retired in May, and the Commissioners Court hired me as her replacement. It’s been a whirlwind couple of months as I’ve gotten settled in this friendly and beautiful region of Texas. Back to School Immunizations The Public Health Office is committed to educating Comal County residents and helping you stay safe and healthy. A vital part of that commitment is providing back-to-school immunizations for kids. We are hosting a vaccination clinic from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, at our offices in the county’s Goodwin Annex, 1297 Church Hill Drive in New Braunfels. The clinic is part of the Texas Medical Association’s “Be Wise, Immunize” initiative, and they are helping fund it so we can keep prices low. If you can’t make it for the clinic, our office is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and we are available by appointment to administer vaccines. We also will extend our hours to 7 p.m. on Aug. 15, 17, 22 and 24. We tend to get busy as school gets closer, so the sooner you call 830-221-1150 to make an appointment, the better! You can also check our website for updates and late clinic details: www.co.comal.tx.us/Health.htm. We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, children’s Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP Community First, and eligible members of the Texas Vaccines for Children and Adult Safety Net programs.

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August 2017

I encourage all of our constituents to make sure they are registered in ImmTrac, the state’s immunization registry. Once enrolled, you can get a free copy of your immunization record from us, a registered medical provider or your school. Vaccines are the easiest way to make sure you and your children avoid contracting disease—and avoid passing it along to others who cannot be immunized for medical reasons, including infants. By working together, we can help keep Comal County healthy through the school year. I look forward to partnering with you in this effort!

SPONSORS WANTED FOR 2017 NATIONAL NIGHT OUT The Bulverde Police Department is looking for more businesses like these shown who may be interested in sponsoring events for Bulverdeâ€™s National Night Out 2017. Donations in 2016 from these great community partners made it possible to have our annual Host Appreciation event, which is held to thank the local citizens who volunteer to host NNO block parties in their neighborhood and for the business partners from the community. The Host Appreciation event is an opportunity to get together and share ideas, meet other block party hosts, distribute gift bags, share a meal, and meet all those who make National Night Out in Bulverde a huge success. This is a great venue to showcase your business while providing support for the community. A business sponsorship will get your business logo or name on all National Night Out banners that will be prominently displayed in the community, advertisement opportunities in host â€œgoodie bags,â€? and an invitation to the Host Appreciation event and National Night Out block parties. This year, we have teamed up with the Bulverde Spring Branch Chamber of Commerce to assist with recruiting six to eight local businesses to serve as our featured sponsors. Businesses interested in sponsoring this yearâ€™s National Night Out events can contact Rhonda Zunker at the Bulverde Spring Branch Chamber of Commerce at 830-438-4285 or Mary Bell at the Police Department at 830-438-3612.

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Comal ISD earns Healthy School District Award The American Heart Association and H-E-B were proud to present Comal ISD and ComalFit with the Healthy School District Award for the greater San Antonio area recently. Together, the American Heart Association and H-E-B congratulated Comal ISD and ComalFit for this achievement and awarded ComalFit $5,000 to spend on their wellness efforts. ComalFit is the district’s wellness program which includes both students, faculty and their family members. This competition was launched by H-E-B to support the programs that the American Heart Association has for student and staff wellness. Campuses participating in student wellness programs at the elementary and secondary levels earned points. In Comal ISD, all eighteen of its elementary campuses participated and three middle school campuses participated. Kerry Gain, Comal ISD’s Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Academics, and Micaeli Smith, Comal ISD’s Physical Education and Health Coordinator, played key roles in bringing the initiative to the district. “Congratulations to Micaeli Smith, Kerry Gain, campus Physical Education teachers and principals for being a big part of making this happen,” said Amy Newman, of the American Heart Association. Points were also earned by participating in two staffwellness objectives, the “Go Red Challenge,” which sent periodic messages to all staff regarding managing risk factors for heart disease, including weight, blood sugar, hypertension, cholesterol, smoking, nutrition and exercise; and for participating in “Check. Change. Control” a hypertension management program. More than 1,100 Comal ISD employees participated in these programs. “Because the district met and exceeded the participation goal, the campuses were allowed to keep the blood pressure cuffs so that staff members can continue to use them in the future,” said Newman. “We applaud Comal ISD’s Health Services Coordinator Courtney Nesloney, the campus nurses, and campus principals for supporting, cheering, and offering fun and creative incentives to make these programs so successful. Comal ISD truly is a healthy place to go to work and go to school because of the efforts of all of these individuals.” Page 6

August 2017

IN PHOTO: Micaeli Smith, Comal ISD’s Physical Education and Health Coordinator, and Amy Newman, of the American Heart Association, were recognized recently at a School Board meeting. The American Heart Association and H-E-B were proud to present Comal ISD and ComalFit with the Healthy School District Award for the greater San Antonio area.

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WELCOME HOME! After months of anticipation, a long-awaited day finally arrived for a local veteran Richard “Tony” Doyle and his family. On July 8, the organization Home for Our Troops presented the keys to a beautiful, specially adapted home to Tony and Melissa Doyle and their family in a ceremony draped in red, white, and blue. In February, the Front Porch News featured the story of Tony and his journey through his Army service, his life-changing injuries, his involvement in the Bulverde community, and his application and selection by the organization Homes for Our Troops to be the recipient of a custom-built home that will accommodate his needs as well as provide a nurturing home for his family. On this sunny July morning, the Doyles were escorted to their new home by the Bulverde Police Department and members of the Patriot Guard, where they were greeted by supporters, neighbors, and well-wishers, all waving American flags. The Color Guard of the Smithson Valley High School Navy JROTC presented the colors and the National Anthem was sung by Marie Mott. Several speakers, including Pastor Jon Stautzenburger, Texas State Senator Donna Campbell, Dr. Larry Sunn, Sergeant Major (ret.) Neil Ciotola, and Brigadier General (ret.) Tom Landwermeyer addressed the Doyles and the crowd to shed light on the needs of our country’s wounded warriors and our obligation as a grateful nation to provide them with the support and help they need to be successful in life after their military careers and life-changing injuries. Words of thanks and praise were given for Tony and his family, and for the organization Homes for Our Troops. The contractors, suppliers, and volunteers were all acknowledged and thanked for their contribution to the completion of the Doyles’ home. With the conclusion of the ceremony, the Doyles cut the red ribbon and were handed the keys to their new home. After allowing the Doyles a bit of time alone to tour their new home together, the doors were open to the crowd and everyone was welcome to come in for a look around. Welcome Home, Doyles! We’re so honored that you call Bulverde home!

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What Pet Owners Need to Know about the Dog Flu Megan Hughes, DVM There have been five recent confirmed cases of the dog flu, or canine influenza, in Texas. This article has information that pet owners need to know about the dog flu to prevent the infection in pets. The Spread of Canine Influenza Canine influenza, or the dog flu, is a highly contagious viral infection affecting dogs and cats. Influenza viruses belong to the family Othomyxoviridae. There have been two strains of canine influenza identified in the United States, H3N8 and H3N2. Influenza viruses are able to evolve and change and give rise to new strains that can infect different species. The H3N8 influenza was first identified in dogs in the United States in 2004 and the H3N2 influenza was first identified in dogs in the United States in 2015. Cats have also been infected with the canine influenza virus. There have not been any reports of humans becoming infected with canine influenza. In May of 2017, canine H3N2 influenza was diagnosed in dogs in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri, Louisiana, and Illinois. Canine Influenza Symptoms Canine influenza is transmitted through respiratory secretions from coughing, barking, and sneezing. It can also spread by indirect contact with the virus on objects such as dog bowls, or human hands. The virus can remain contagious in environments for 2 days. Symptoms will arise in dogs between 2 and 8 days after exposure in most cases. Most dogs exposed to canine influenza will become infected however up to 20% will not have any symptoms. Symptoms can include a cough, nasal discharge, sneezing, lethargy, eye discharge, fever, and loss of appetite. Secondary bacterial infections can cause further respiratory disease. Some dogs can be affected more severely and can develop pneumonia. Cats infected with canine influenza can also develop respiratory symptoms similar to dogs. The virus can be diagnosed by laboratory testing as well as the clinical signs. Treatment of Canine Influenza Treatment of canine influenza involves supportive care. Pets who are severely affected or immune compromised will often need to be hospitalized for more intensive care. Fluids are needed to support hydration and antibiotics are often needed to treat secondary bacterial infections. Antiinflammatory medication may be needed to reduce high fevers. Ten percent of reported dogs infected with canine influenza passed away. Pets who have been infected with canine influenza should be isolated from other pets for 4 weeks to prevent transmission. Page 8

August 2017

Prevention of Canine Influenza Vaccines are available for both the H3N8 and the H3N2 strains of canine influenza. Dogs who have more contact with other dogs including doggy daycare, dog parks, boarding, or traveling, are at higher risk for being exposed to canine influenza. You should discuss your dog’s risk level with us or your regular veterinarian to decide if vaccination is best for your dog. At Spring Branch Veterinary Hospital we carry the vaccine that covers both the H3N8 and the H3N2 canine influenza strains. Dogs who have not previously received the vaccine should be boostered in 3–4 weeks with a second vaccine. The vaccine is then recommended yearly depending on the risk. Dogs who do not come into contact with other dogs frequently are less likely to be exposed to the virus. There have been five recent canine influenza cases reported in Texas. Please call us at Spring Branch Veterinary Hospital if you would like more information or to discuss vaccinating your dog against this canine influenza virus. 830-438-7800.

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Meet Our “Monday Gal” Dianna Burke If you are visiting the Bulverde Spring Branch Activity Center on a Monday, chances are you will be greeted by Dianna Burke. Dianna is our “Monday Gal.” As soon as you walk through the front door, Dianna will greet you with a smile, ask how you are doing, and enlighten you on the events of the day. Dianna has been volunteering at the Activity Center for the past 12 years. She has volunteered in the kitchen, served on various committees, and helped organize special events. For the past 5 years, she has focused her attention at the front desk. Dianna and her husband Brian moved to San Antonio 12 years ago to retire. She came to the Activity Center looking for a Red Hat group. Instead, she found a group of people who would become her friends and help occupy her time playing games and getting involved with different social events. Before Dianna came to Bulverde, she was in hotel management where she was responsible for a three-meal restaurant, lobby bar, and sports bar. At one point, Dianna was named “Employee of the Year” for the Fairmont Hotel. While she was working, Dianna raised two daughters and a son who have blessed her with six grandchildren and one great grandchild. Her home now holds two dogs and a parrot. Mondays can be a little hectic and crazy—people coming in and out, and catching up on what happened over the weekend. There are messages galore, and through it all Dianna keeps smiling. We are so happy Dianna continues to volunteer at the Activity Center. Thank goodness she found us! For more information about the Bulverde Spring Branch Activity Center, call at 830-438-3111 or visit our website www.bsbac.com.

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Page 10 August 2017

Six Reasons to Celebrate! By Mary Hunt Celebrate? With all that’s going on in our economy, our nation—our world? Given the challenges of the day, you may be thinking that’s the last thing you’ll be doing now or anytime soon. If so, let me encourage you to think again. Now, of all times, we need to celebrate wherever and whenever possible.

Celebration is good for your health. The gratitude that wells up from the act of celebration has been studied scientifically for its health benefit. The results prove that gratitude is strongly linked to emotional and physical health. Just five minutes of gratitude can shift the nervous system toward a calmer state.

In their book, Why Good Things Happen to Good People, authors Stephen Post and Julie Neimark tell us that celebration is one of the most important ways that we express gratitude. Celebration is gratitude in action, and celebration—like rest, seat belts, and green leafy vegetables—is good for us!

Celebration creates a circle of love. When we rejoice in the presence and accomplishments of others, they feel uplifted. Research has shown that acts of gratitude encourage those around us, creating a circle of reciprocal love.

Celebration creates joy. Feeling down in the dumps? Celebrate something or someone. The gratitude you feel as a result of celebrating others, or creation in general, will help you to be less materialistic and therefore more easily satisfied with what life brings your way. It’s a fact that gratitude actually creates joy within our souls.

Celebration moves us from fear to faith. Studies show that the most grateful people have often been through difficult and challenging experiences. Individuals who have overcome adversity are more optimistic and grateful than the average person. Celebration shifts us from tired to inspired. Reminding ourselves of how good life really is, cultivates gratitude. Recent research shows that emotions work at lightning speed and often bypass reasoning. By cultivating gratitude, we encourage positive feelings that are almost instantaneous—feelings that are more powerful in their own way, than even positive thoughts. Celebration heals. According to a recent study on organ donations, the more gratitude a recipient of an organ feels, the faster that person’s recovery. There were 74 transplant recipients of either a heart, liver, lung, kidney, or pancreas who participated in the study. Those recipients who expressed gratitude—directly, or indirectly by journaling— felt physically better and functioned at a higher level than those who did not. Looking at the calendar, it’s easy to see natural reasons to celebrate—Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and the New Year. So pull out all the stops. Celebrate! But don’t let your celebrations end there. Look for every reason imaginable to celebrate: the first day of summer, last day of autumn, the first snowfall, the shortest day of the year, a child’s progress report, the 100th day of the school year, birthdays, anniversaries, significant milestones, important events. As you look at life through eyes of gratitude, you will discover many reasons to celebrate—no matter what’s going on in the world. Never miss an opportunity to celebrate. This column Six Reasons to Celebrate! is from Mary Hunt’s Everyday Cheapskate blog. The Front Porch News

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NEWS S.T.A.G.E., Inc. 38th Annual Awards & Entertainment The 38th Annual S.T.A.G.E., INC. Awards & Entertainment evening begins with snacks and fellowship at 6:00 P.M. on Sunday, August 13, at Krause House Theatre, 1300 Bulverde Road in Bulverde. Admission is free (open house), but everyone is encouraged to bring a covered dish to add to the buffet table. Serving begins at 6:30 P.M. Entertainment will be provided. Registration for Spring Theatre Arts Classes Registration for Youth Theatre Arts Classes will be held on Saturday, August 19 at 10 a.m. in the Eli Lilly & Company Foundation Classroom at Krause House Theatre. Registration forms and information can be found on our website stagebulverde.org. Cost is $100 per child (multiple child discounts available). Performance recitals will be announced at a later date. Beginning/Intermediate Classes are scheduled for 4:30 to 6:30 on Mondays. The Theater Theory and Musical Review classes are scheduled for 6:30 to 8:30 on Tuesdays.

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Auditions for The Savannah Sipping Society Director Julia Cammack will hold open auditions for the S.T.A.G.E., Inc. 2017– 2018 season production of The Savannah Sipping Society by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope & Jamie Wooten. Auditions will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, August 20, 2017 at Krause House Theatre, 1300 Bulverde Road in Bulverde. Performers are needed for the following roles: • Randa Covington: a perfectionist and workaholic. • Dot Haigler: faces starting a new life all alone following her husband’s demise. • Marlafaye Mosley: a good ol’ Texas gal, lost her tom-cattin’ husband. • Jinx Jenkins: a spunky ball of fire, offers her life coach services to these women Four unique Southern women - all needing to escape the sameness of their day-to-day routines - are drawn together by fate…and an impromptu Happy Hour! Scheduled show dates are Oct. 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22.

Please call S.T.A.G.E., Inc. office for more information concerning any of the listed events. Contact Persons are Mona Klein and Charlotte Miniard at (830) 438-2339. S.T.A.G.E. is located at the Krause House Theater, 1300 Bulverde Road, Bulverde, TX 78163.

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The Front Porch News

Page 13

TECHNOLOGY TO THE RESCUE Last month we shared information on the Vial of Life Project and how you can store critical medical information in this vial in the refrigerator at your home. The Vial of Life can speak for you when you are unable to do so. However, what happens when you’re away from your home and suffer a medical crisis? The answer is a new app called Vital ICE. Retrieving Important Contact Information In the past, our old-fashioned flip phones could store your In Case of Emergency (I.C.E.) contact person’s details. In 2005, Bob Brotchie began a campaign encouraging people to enter their I.C.E. details into their cell phones. Brotchie concluded that if first responders had a uniform system for searching within a mobile phone, it would make it easier for everyone. With the dramatic changes in cell phone technology, accessing your I.C.E. information has become nearly impossible. For security purposes, many mobile phone owners now lock their mobiles, requiring a passcode to be entered in order to access the device. This hinders the ability of first responders to access the I.C.E. phone list entry. Enter the Vital ICE App that allows the user to store his/her emergency contact information. Once key pieces of your information are added within the app, those details will appear on a banner on each side of your phone’s lock screen.

Feathers & Fedoras Did you know that in the 1920s it was fashionable to use nonsense terms, such as the bee's knees, to denote excellence? Flappers, feather boas, fedoras, and the Charleston were also hallmarks of the time. Would you like to be whisked back in time to this dazzling Roaring 20s era? Yes! Then plan on joining us on Saturday, October 21st for our BSB Fire & EMS Annual Gala, Feathers & Fedoras, at the brand new Hampton Inn. Our Gala Committee is hard at work to present an evening that promises to be the snake's hips! More information on our website: www.bsb911. com/2017-gala/

Other Lifesaving Features • Storage of medical/insurance cards, medication, allergies, medical history • Doctor appointment and daily medication reminders • Contact my Emergency Contact Group: With one push of a button, a contact group would instantly be notified that an emergency situation is in progress for a certain individual and they can notify emergency services. • First aid treatment protocol for sixteen common emergencies, providing assistance until emergency responders arrive. Comal County citizens are fortunate to have Doeppenschmidt Funeral Home making this potentially lifesaving app available to us at no charge as a way of showing their gratitude for allowing them to serve the community. All that is required by the user is downloading the app and entering the unique four-digit code at start-up. That code is 3434. When the unexpected happens, being prepared and having your personal information quickly and easily available can help to save a life.

Page 14 August 2017

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Distant Hero Making an Impact for Our Local Heroes

Yet, the gift to BSB Fire & EMS is only one of many. The Sinise Foundation is known throughout the country for its work for our nation’s defenders. One such program is R.I.S.E., Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment, which provides specially adapted smart homes, home modifications, mobility devices, and adapted vehicles to America’s most severely wounded heroes and their families.

There was a time, back in the 1970s, when firefighters and first responders were viewed as heroes and rarely encountered any violence being directed toward them, but in the 1980s, more and more reported cases of violence against firefighters and paramedics began surfacing. The instances of these attacks have only increased in recent years, underscoring a critical need for firefighters and paramedics to be equipped Once again, in our very own backyard, The Gary Sinise Foundation is making a tremendous impact with the completion with ballistic protection for their safety and well-being. of three smart homes. Bulverde Spring Branch Fire & EMS Enter Bulverde Spring Branch Fire attended the Home Awarding Ceremony for Staff Sergeant & EMS’s hero...The Gary Sinise Lucas Cifka on June 15th. Foundation. The Gary Sinise Foundation is recognizing and supporting America’s At an intensely emotional ceremony, firefighters, police, and EMTs through Sgt. Cifka shared in his own words its First Responders Outreach program. the thoughts flowing through his From the Foundation, “These men and women are mind when wounded on the battleindispensable to maintaining the safety of our communities. field. Reality sank in when he noBy providing equipment and training, the Foundation is ticed that the tourniquets were beensuring these heroes perform to the best of their abilities.” ing placed high up on his legs. Knowing that he was bleeding to death, he focused on his family, especially his, at the time, In our case, through the generosity of The Foundation, our three month old son. His story reached the innermost depths firefighters and paramedics were equipped with top of the of our souls, and as the lumps grew in our throats, we all realline ballistic vests. Our men and women will be able to more ized how deeply blessed we are to have Sgt. Cifka defending confidently perform their duties, but more importantly, their our country. loved ones will find comfort knowing that this added level of Losing both his legs, breaking multiple bones and suffering protection is now in place for their spouses. many other injuries, Sgt. Cifka has undergone over thirty surgeries. He strives to be able to walk again so he can play with his son, Wyatt, and perform everyday tasks. Lucas’ goal is to become a firearms instructor, as he has the experience needed and a big passion for teaching. The road to regaining Residential & Commercial his independence clearer now with a place he and his family can call home. Proudly Serving South Texas for over 10 Years!

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Page 15

Ribbon Cuttings

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Renewing Members All County Home Care & Hospice Animal Hospital of Smithson Valley Animal Rescue Connections Ay Chiwawa! Mexican Cafe Barbara’s Bookkeeping & Tax Service Sylvia G. Beatty Bill Miller Bar-B-Q - Catering Chicken Express Dawsons Doubles Everview Homes Expedient Mortgage - Chris Murray, RMLO #872100 Fossil Creek Pools Franklin Park TPC Pkwy Independent & Assisted Living, Memory Care Habitat for Safe Seniors Hampton Inn by Hilton In Covenant Cleaning Services Innovative Drywall, Inc James & Betty Herring - Team Herring Kindred at Home-Hospice M & P Underground LLC Master Care Landscaping Inc. Max’s Roadhouse McDonald’s Nihill Insurance Services LLC Phair Properties LLC RE/MAX GENESIS REALTORS - Teri & Doug McKenzie Security Service Federal Credit Union SJRC Texas Spring Branch Bulverde Family Lions Club Straight Edge Barbershop The Law Office of Jason M Rammel Western Sky Wedding & Event Venue Theodore (Ted) R. Wilcox

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Kathleen Banse Cuts the Ribbon on the Little Free Library The latest addition to the Bulverde Community Park is officially open, as of July 14, when Kathleen Banse and a crowd of supportive onlookers cut the ribbon on the new Little Free Library. The LFL was an idea spearheaded by Ms. Banse, and several organizations jumped on board to assist in having one installed locally. The City of Bulverde, the BSB Library, and the Spring Branch-Bulverde Lions Club all played a part in bringing this amenity to our Park. The concept of the LFL is to encourage reading and literacy throughout the community among people of all ages. The BSB Library has provided the initial stock for the LFL, but the idea is for folks in the community to both take books (for free) and leave books (in exchange) when they have finished them, thus making the LFL self-perpetuating. So the next time you take the kiddos to the Bulverde Community Park, you may help yourself to a book to read while the kids are playing in the splash pad. Bring it back when youâ€™re finished, or bring another one in exchange! There are books of all genres, including childrenâ€™s books, to enjoy.

THE SPRING BRANCH-BULVERDE LIONS CLUB & THE CITY OF BULVERDE PRESENT THE 3RD ANNUAL

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B/SB Area Chamber of Commerce Events Calendar August 16, 2017 Chamber Monthly Power Lunch Sponsored By: Security State Bank & Trust 12 Noonâ€“1:00 pm Location: Bulverde Spring Branch Activity Center Member Only Event August 29, 2017 Business Networking Mixer Hosted By: GVTC Communications 5:30 pmâ€“7:30 pm Location: GVTC Auditorium 36101 FM 3159, New Braunfels, TX Member Only Event October 7, 2017 Fall Chamber Market Day 10:00 amâ€“4:00 pm Location: 20475 Hwy 46 W, Spring Branch, TX Corner of Hwy 46 & Bulverde Crossing **For information on any of the above events, please see our website at bulverdespringbranchchamber.com or call the Chamber Office at (830) 438-4285

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Our church is locally governed. Bible study on the Beatitudes, Wednesdays, 1:30pm. Al-Anon meetings every Thursday at 7:00pm. We actively support Provisions Food Pantry in Bulverde, Inman Center in San Antonio and other outreach activities. Â· Homework Haven Tutoring, Tues.â€“Thur. after school. Contact Donna Lee, 210-723-5325 / www.HHTutoringServices.com for more information. âˆ™ Boy Scout Troop 548, Tuesday evenings. For more information about this troop contact Tom Pardue, 210-213-6993 / tpardue@gvtc.com. If you are looking for a place for your Scout Troop to meet contact Pastor Larry Garcia, 210-865-1081 / debhccc@gvtc.com 20845 TX-46 West, Spring Branch, TX. 78070 (Between Bulverde HEB and Spring Branch Middle School) Senior Pastor: Rev. Larry Garcia Æ” Associate Pastor: Rev. Janie Harrison Church office: 830-980-2019 Æ” Church office hours: M-Thur., 9:00AM-3:00PM

Website: www.trymychurch.com / Email: debhccc@gvtc.com The Front Porch News

Page 17

The Buzz Fall Tomato Basics By Dave Eastman August isn’t a month we want to think about working in the garden, but it is really the last chance to plant fall tomato transplants if you want to insure a complete harvest before the first frost. We are fortunate to have two distinct growing seasons for vegetables in central Texas. Large fruited tomato transplants begin to produce ripe fruit in about 75 to 90 days but continue to produce for 30 or more days. This adds up to as many as 120 days to harvest a full crop of table quality ripe tomatoes. We need to time our planting of tomato transplants according to records of first and last frost dates kept by Texas A&M (see link: http:// etweather.TAMU.edu/chill/). We want to count back from the first frost date 120 days to the date we need to plant our transplants. In 2008, the first frost was Oct 28th, and the following year it was late at Dec 4th. The average is mid-November as 2012, 2013, and 2014 were all coincidentally on Nov 13th. So for this reason I will use mid-November as the average first frost date and plant 120 days earlier in midJuly provided I can find the transplants of the recommended varieties and a few of my favorites. The two growing seasons are very different, as spring starts out cool then warms to finish in the heat of summer. The fall season starts in the heat of summer and gradually cools to the first frost. In spring we are free to plant any varieties we like as long as we plant on time. Fall is different as we are racing the calendar to the first frost. Recommended varieties for fall are determinate plants that have been developed to put their energy into fruit production earlier and stop growing the vine, while indeterminate plants continue to grow the vine and fruit production may be delayed, although the fruit may be larger and the plants grow longer. (Tip: you may want to plant a few indeterminate varieties in spring far away from where you will plant fall tomatoes so that you don’t have to remove them to plant your fall crop).

From the Garden While there are volumes of information on growing tomatoes, there is a concise guide to tomato gardening on the “Central Texas Gardener” website in the resources section “Get growing with tomatoes” by Trisha Shirey that covers the basics of home tomato gardening in a one page article. While no one agrees on recommended varieties, (I searched about 40 web links), the basics traits are similar; for that reason, I will only list my favorite fall tomatoes: Large fruited varieties: Celebrity, Tycoon, Phoenix, Solar Fire, Cherokee Purple Cherry: Juliet, Tami G Grape, Yellow Pear Paste: Roma, La Roma, Black Plum Fall gardening can be a rewarding experience if the best practices are followed for preparing the garden, timing of planting, crop selection, and the use of drip irrigation. Because of the heat, it is best to start early and work for short periods only in the early mornings when temperatures are not a threat to your health and the work doesn’t become a chore. Tomato transplants can go directly into the garden in the heat of summer in full sun as long as they receive adequate watering and are not allowed to dry out even for one day. Drip irritation is a must and it may be best to set the timer for two short cycles per day until the plants are established. Compost or mulched leaves applied around the plants help lower soil temperatures and maintain moisture. One of the hardest duties the fall gardener must do is to remove spring tomato plants that may still be producing a few tomatoes. They usually need to be removed to make room for the fall crop and to insure they don’t spread disease or pests to the new plants. I remove my plants in mid-July and fry the green tomatoes. Lastly, tomatoes are heavy feeders and require much more fertilizer that the average gardener may realize. Also, their roots may want to spread out farther than the area that is kept watered and moisture is available. I have uncovered roots spreading out 7 feet from the plant when I removed them from the garden. Happy fall gardening! If you or your business or SCHOOL would like to secure a plot (at no cost), please contact Joanne Hall at jothall@gvtc.com. Donations gladly accepted. Also, interested persons are invited to attend the Bulverde Community Garden Committee meeting on the second Monday of the month at 5:15pm at the Bulverde Spring Branch Activity Center.

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August Events at the BSB Library Adult & Teen 13+ Education–Soap Making Tuesday, August 1, 6:30pm–7:45pm Saturday, August 5, 3:00pm–4:15pm Learn how to make homemade soaps using a hot process. Receive instructions, recipes and samples to recreate soap making on your own. Registration is required. The Art of Storytelling for Adults & Teens 13+ Every Wednesday, 1:00pm–3:00pm Effi Brandenburg will lead us through the art of sharing our stories. We all long for meaningful relationships. In this age of technology we connect with many sound bites, yet we may be lonelier than ever. The art of deep conversations and sharing our stories is lost. Registration is required. This program will meet weekly throughout the year. Lunch & Learn–T-shirt Necklaces Wednesday, August 9, 12:00pm–1:30pm Bring your lunch and learn something new! Adults and teens are invited to bring some of your old t-shirts or use some of ours to make some fun and trendy necklaces out of the t-shirts. Learn to make your own t-shirt yarn and to finger weave a necklace. Don’t be surprised if you start making all sorts of things from these basic skills! Go home with a cute necklace and a fun new talent with great ideas of future projects! Registration is required and supplies may be limited. If it is full, please come anyway, there may be extra materials or people who don’t show up. For questions, email bethanie@bsblibrary.org. Adult & Teen 13+ Education–Leather Wrap Bracelets Tuesday, August 15, 6:30pm–7:45pm Saturday, August 19, 3:00pm–4:15pm Come make a leather wrap bracelet with beads. All materials supplied. Registration required.

Lunch & Learn–Rain Gardens Wednesday, August 23, 12:00pm–1:30pm Bring your lunch and learn something new! A rain garden is a landscape feature consisting of a shallow depression to collect storm water runoff from roofs, parking lots and other impervious surfaces. The main function of the rain garden is to retain and treat storm water instead of allowing the storm water to runoff the property carrying contaminates and eroding the soil. Planted with beautiful native and adapted plants, a rain garden becomes a water conserving garden as a storm water best management practice. Family Place Parent/Child Workshop Thursday, August 31, 2:00pm–3:00pm The Family Place Parent/Child Workshop is a five week workshop beginning Thursday, August 31, September 7, 14, 21, and 28. The workshop involves toddlers and their parents and caregivers, and allows them to learn how to play with their children in a manner that encourages literacy, sensory and motor development, as well as incorporation of healthy habits. Each session answer parents’ questions about the particular topic covered that week, features local professionals who serve as resources for parents, emphasizes the role of parents as the first teachers of their children, facilitates early intervention, and teaches strategies for healthy child development and early literacy. Registration (up to 15) is required.

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Page 19

Adult Cats For Adoption You’ve heard it over and over—it’s kitten season. And although we all want to see these little ones find their forever homes, let’s not forget that there are adult cats out there waiting to find a loving home. These cats may be the mamas of the kittens available; cats being rehomed because their owners have gotten sick, have died or are giving them up for other reasons; or cats that have been found wandering on the street or as the result of Trap-Neuter-Return projects. Why adopt an adult cat? They seem to know they’ve been rescued and will show their gratitude. You know what you’re getting as their personalities are well established, they’ve already reached their full growth, and you won’t have to litter train them. Adult cats also aren’t as mischievous as kittens and tend to be calmer in general. And by adopting an older cat, you’re still helping save two lives—the one you adopt and the one you are making room for in the shelter! Here are some of the adult cats Animal Rescue Connections has available: Hello, I’m Mittens. I had a happy life until my human Dad died and Mom had to move to senior living, where she couldn’t have a pet. I’m a polydactyl, with extra “thumbs” on my front and back feet and big, gorgeous green

eyes. I’m is very regal and independent, but if I choose you to be my person, I’ll make sure you feel honored. I need a quiet home where I can watch birds through the window and sit by you at your desk. I get along OK with other cats and tolerate well-behaved dogs. Hi. I’m Missy. I may be a petite little lady but my foster mommy often wonders how something so small can take up so much room in her heart. I don’t play and seek out attention like all those cute young’uns do. I don’t mind other cats as long as they leave me alone. I’m not fond of dogs or other loud noises and fast movements. I’d prefer to cuddle peacefully with an adult human while they read a book or watch TV. Hola, my name is Cinco. I came to my first foster parents as the Spurs were winning their 5th championship! If you look closely, you’ll see that I am black with a few silver hairs. The Spurs Coyote is jealous of my fur! I stayed with my first adoptive family for 3 years until their daughter just decided she didn’t want me anymore. It broke my heart. After that, I was nervous and didn’t want to trust anyone. But slowly I saw how understanding people can be. Now I have fun running around the house with the other cats and getting in some cuddle time with my new foster parents. I don’t really like to be picked up, and I will let you know when I need a break from being petted. Won’t you give me a second chance?

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BAHS Pet of the Month Gwen is a two year old female boxer mix who was found running on Smithson Valley Road with a doggie buddy. A concerned citizen picked them up, and brought them to BAHS for safety while we tried to find the owner or failing that, a new home. Neither dog had collar, tags or microchip. Posts were made on Comal County Lost and Found Dogs and other social media, calls were made, but no owner could be located. Gwen is a sweet medium sized dog, good on a leash and eager to find a new home. Gwen’s story is all too common among dogs who arrive at BAHS and other shelters—a pet who got out but without ID, didn’t make it home. Protect your own against this risk: tag and microchip your pets.

The Front Porch News

Page 21

Academic Calendar

Odds-n-Ends

Local Churches to Host Benefit Rummage Sales In early August, two local churches are hosting their annual benefit rummage sales, each of which supports church ministries and youth programs. There will be LOTS of bargains and treasures available at both locations! â€˘ Bulverde United Methodist Church Annual Rummage Sale, Friday & Saturday, August 4 & 5, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., 28300 U.S. Hwy 281 N., San Antonio, TX 78260 â€˘ St. Paul Lutheran Church Annual Youth Garage Sale, Saturday, August 5, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., 29797 U. S. Hwy 281 N., Bulverde, TX 78163

2017 - 2018 School Hours:

Elementary: 7:40 am - 3:00 pm

July 2017

Once again, the Bulverde Community Choir, featuring talented vocalists from several local churches, will provide entertainment that is both pleasing to the ear and uplifting to the spirit. You will recognize familiar, popular songs from Hollywood and Broadway, presented in a new light, to give you hope in todayâ€™s often negative world. Donâ€™t miss this opportunity to hear a message of hope and joy brought to you through the music of stage and screen. The performances are scheduled on August 18 & 19 @ 7:00 PM and August 20 @ 3:00 PM, at the Bulverde United Methodist Church, 28300 Hwy 281 N. Admission is free. For more information, please contact Vicki at 830 980 7745 or vicki@bulverdeumc.org.

September 2017

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August 15 to 28 August 29

4th of July Holiday

October 2017

Teacher Preparation & Planning First Day of School

September 4 September 29

November 2017

Labor Day: Student/Staff Holiday Fair Day: Student/Staff Holiday

December 2017

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W 1

S 7

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January 2018

February 2018

Holiday Break Student/Staff Holiday

March 2018

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January 3 January 15

December 21 to January 3

Thanksgiving Student/Staff Holiday

Early Release (Elementary Only)

The Promise of Hope A Joyful Concert of Songs from Stage and Screen

Secondary: 8:45 am - 4:10 pm

August 2017

Teacher Preparation & Planning MLK Day: Student/Staff Holiday

February 15 February 16 &19

April 2018

Teacher Preparation & Planning Mid-Winter Break: Student/Staff Holiday

March 12 to 16 March 30

May 2018

Spring Break: Student/Staff Holiday Good Friday: Student/Staff Holiday

June 2018

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May 18 May 28

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Key: New Teacher Orientation Teacher Preparation & Planning First Day of School 2 Hours Student Early Release Teacher/Staff Development 2 Hours Early Release: Parent/Teacher Conference (Elem Only) 2 Hours Early Release: Students & All Staff [ Beginning of 9 Week Grading Period ] End of 9 Week Grading Period

STAAR Testing

T TAKS Testing Student and Staff Holiday Bad Weather Make Up Day Last School Day Graduation

Communication Department; Board Approved: 2/23/17 Revised Date: 1/30/17

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H O S P I TA L + E R I N PAT I E N T C A R E L A B S + I M AG I N G

The Front Porch News

Page 23

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID SAN ANTONIO,TX PERMIT NO. 1568

Bulverde City Hall 30360 Cougar Bend Bulverde, Texas 78163

Time Dated

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Sunday

Monday

AUGUST 2017

NOTES: Bulverde City Council, Bulverde Planning & Zoning Commission, and Park & Rec Advisory Board meetings are held at %XOYHUGH &LW\ +DOO Cougar Bend)

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

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Day of Services & Back to School 2XWUHDFK D %XOY &RPP 3DUN

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Community Blood 'ULYH D %XOY Comm Park)

Sunday

SEPTEMBER 2017

Monday

Tuesday

Labor Day

Planning & Zoning S

SBB Family Lions S $FWLYLW\ &WU

Bulverde City Hall closed

17 (6' S 5RGHR 'U

25 POET Program S &LW\ +DOO

S.T.A.G.E. auditions

National Senior Citizens Day

Park & Rec Advisory %RDUG S

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for The Savannah Sipping Society S %XOY 5G

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Friday

Saturday

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SBB Family Lions S $FWLYLW\ &WU

Thursday

NOTES: Bulverde City Council,

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CISD Holiday

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Awards & Entertainment (YHQLQJ S (6' S Native Plant Soc. )0

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Comal County Fair Day

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CISD First Day of School

CISD Holiday P.O.E.T. Program S &LW\ +DOO

*Comal Trinity Groundwater Conservation District