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Helotes Gateway to the Texas Hill Country

Fall 2019

The Official Magazine of the City of Helotes

Friday Night Lights at Oâ€™Connor by Crystal Henry

Historic Helotes Cemeteries by Cynthia Leal Massey

Helotes Business Owner Proves Good Ethics is the Secret to Success By Dan R. Goddard

www.HelotesMagazine.com

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Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country â€“ Fall 2019

Howdy Helotes

n our last issue, I predicted that we would have a hot summer, and I was certainly right. Not that I’m claiming extraordinary meteorological forecasting skills because every summer in Helotes is hot, and, many of them, like this one, are dry, as well. But, hot temperatures aside, many of you enjoyed our summer community events despite the summer heat.

We kicked off our summer with the second of five Movie Night @ the Park events as we celebrated our 12th season of this popular family event. Movie Night is one of our most anticipated events each year, and we completed this season in September with a good crowd enjoying free hot dogs, door prizes, and an outstanding concert by the Helotes Area Community Band. One of the largest crowds we’ve ever had, estimated at 1,200 to 1,500 people, came out to celebrate with us at our eighth annual Independence Day Celebration on July 3. We gave away 1,000 hot dogs, individual apple pies, and Blue Bell ice cream cups. Two shuttles transported more than 800 people back and forth from the Walmart parking lot. The Helotes Area Community Band played a rousing concert packed with patriotic tunes, and visitors enjoyed food from a variety of food vendors, competed with horseshoes, and tried their hands at the washer toss. The evening closed with a spectacular 15-minute fireworks display that lit up the sky and thundered across the City! The hot temperatures did not keep the crowds away from our monthly MarketPlace @ Old Town Helotes, which is held on the first Saturday of each month. Live music, activities for children, and more than 230 arts and crafts booths, along with many food vendors serving a tantalizing variety of food, make the MarketPlace a great way to spend the day shopping and eating. As we slip into fall and cooler weather, mark your calendar for our annual Veterans Day Concert, where we will honor our veterans and active

By Mayor Tom Schoolcraft

duty military personnel. The Concert will feature our Helotes Area Community Band and starts at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 10, at the Helotes Fire Station. In December, the Band will host two Christmas Concerts and be highlighted at our Lighting of the Lights ceremony, along with choirs from Helotes, Kuentz, and Los Reyes Elementary Schools. Santa Clause will join us for hot chocolate and cookies, and he will visit with the kids to ensure he has their list of last-minute gift ideas. We will close out the year with our Cowboy Christmas Parade in Old Town Helotes. Check out the City website at visithelotes.com for the dates, times, and more information about all these upcoming events. The new pedestrian bridge in Old Town was installed on July 17 and, as planned, provides a much safer way for pedestrians to cross Helotes Creek by eliminating the need for pedestrians to compete with vehicles. The bridge is 130’-4” long and arrived from Minnesota early that morning on two separate trucks. Two large cranes off-loaded the bridge sections onto the existing vehicular bridge where the two halves were bolted together by the installation crew. It was an interesting process to watch, and the much-anticipated lifting of the bridge occurred late in the afternoon. We all breathed a sigh of relief as the bridge fit perfectly onto the abutments and anchor bolts that had been in place for several weeks. The next time you are in Old Town, stop and take a walk across the bridge. It’s a much needed and long-awaited amenity that adds to the character of Old Town Helotes. In May, voters approved a four-year extension of our Street Maintenance Sales Tax, which will allow us to continue improving all the streets in the City with new surface treatments and other necessary repairs. We just completed our second major street maintenance project by applying new surfaces to the streets in Helotes Park Estates that were not completed last year. We also improved the surfaces on Antonio Drive and Marin Hollow, as well as the removal and replacement of the asphalt surface on Iron Horse Way between F.M. 1560 and Antonio Drive. This surface treatment and asphalt replacement should extend the life of the streets and improve their ride quality. Here’s wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving, a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year! Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Fall 2019

Summer Fun in Helotes

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country â€“ Fall 2019

Inside This Issue

36 Cover photo courtesy of Daniel Ruelas.

Historic Helotes Cemeteries

Animals “R” Us: Helotes Humane Society

Howdy Helotes

Summer Fun in Helotes

Helotes Business Owner Proves Good Ethics is the Secret to Success

Helotes Cafe Culture

Couponing with Alma: From corporate career to YouTube influencer Helotes Map

Friday Night Lights at O’Connor A Heart for Service

Events

Volunteer Extraordinaire

4 6

City Receives StormReady Designation from the National Weather Service

Helotes Fire and EMS Receive Upgraded State of Texas Licensure Advertiser Index

30 Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Fall 2019

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FROM AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR

CYNTHIA LEAL MASSEY Learn about the history of our unique town in two thoroughly researched and fascinating accounts of a town populated by hardworking pioneers, renegade Indians, elusive bandits, stalwart lawmen, and impassioned citizens. Will Rogers Silver Medallion Award Winner for Western Nonfiction San Antonio Conservation Society Publication Award Winner AUTOGRAPHED COPIES AVAILABLE AT: Simply Yours Gifts & More 14357 Riggs Road Picoso’s Peanut Company 18620 Bandera Rd.

Also available from your favorite online booksellers. Visit www.cynthialealmassey.com for more information about the author and the books.

Helotes Gateway to the Texas Hill Country

Magazine Credits Publisher

Louis Doucette | Traveling Blender, LLC louis@travelingblender.com

Editor

Andrea Wazir | editor@helotesmagazine.com

Advertising Sales

Madeleine Justice | madeleine@travelingblender.com

Contributing Writers

Dan Goddard Crystal Henry Drew Henry Beth Graham Cynthia Leal Massey Bob McCullough Carole Miller Mayor Tom Schoolcraft Helotes City Staff Helotes Public Relations

Graphic Designer

Jennifer Nelson

Contributing Photographers

AL PLUMBING

Master Plumber Arnie Lopez

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Daniel Ruelas Dave Scepanski Jack Smith Tony Wazir Kathy Yaccino

Editorial Committee Members Ken Dempsey Louis Doucette Glenn Goolsby Madeleine Justice Cynthia Leal Massey Tom Schoolcraft Rick Schroder Andrea Wazir

Helotes City Council

Mayor Tom Schoolcraft Mayor Pro Tem Alex Blue Councilmember Jim Meadows Councilmember Cynthia Leal Massey Councilmember Paul Friedrichs Councilmember Bert Buys Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country magazine is published by Traveling Blender, LLC (Publisher) on behalf of the City of Helotes. Reproduction in any manner, in whole or in part, is prohibited without the express written consent of the City of Helotes. Editorial and advertising material contained herein does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the City of Helotes, elected and appointed officials, or its staff. Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country magazine, the Publisher, and the City of Helotes reserve the right to edit all material for clarity and space and assume no responsibility for accuracy, errors, or omissions. Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country magazine does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertisements or editorial, nor does the Publisher or the City of Helotes assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear in the magazine. Articles and photos are welcome and may be submitted to our office to be used in the magazine, subject to the discretion and review of the Publisher, Editor, or the City of Helotes. All submissions become the property of Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country magazine and the City of Helotes, and the submitter confirms that all submissions, including photography, is either the submitter’s own work or the writer / photographer has provided permission to the submitter to use the content within the magazine. All Real Estate advertising is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or an intention to make such a preference limitation or discrimination.” Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Fall 2019

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Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Fall 2019

HELOTES BUSINESS OWNER PROVES GOOD ETHICS IS THE SECRET TO SUCCESS By Dan R. Goddard

ander Automotive is a full-service, automotive repair and maintenance shop in Old Town Helotes that has been serving the area for nearly two decades. Known for consistent and friendly customer service, Mander Automotive works to take the stress out of car repair, including offering early-bird and night-owl drop-box service.

“The Helotes Historical Society genius, Cynthia Massey, taught me that history through her articles,” Mander says. “The names of the original operators are still familiar today – Bern Vinck, Ed Kempf, Sam Rosas, Sonny Algueseva, and Robert Biering started all of this. From where I sit, those who have come after have made them proud.”

“I started this business 35 years ago on Culebra Road by St. Mary’s University,” Bob Mander says. “I was a Northside ISD administrator at the time, and, though I loved the job, auto repair promised to be a better investment for my family. In December 1999, I purchased this shop from Sandy & Wally Baumann. My family and I live in Pipe Creek and wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Mander says the values he learned throughout his life still guide his business today.

Mander Automotive is housed in an old Sinclair filling station, originally highlighted in the July 1950 edition of the Helotes Herald.

“Business was good from the get-go because I learned early in life that, if you work hard and simply tell the truth, you’re going to do OK,” Mander says. “Like any business, good character is what it’s all about. We like to follow the Boy Scout oath and law as a guide to the way we do our daily tasks. It is a daily challenge to live up to these models of decency and good character. If you stop and think about it, the good ethics promoted by the Boy Scouts would do us all a lot of good, all the way up to the highest office in the land.” It all starts in the office with Kim and Sandi. They set the tone with their upbeat outlook on life. Ken, Tommy, and Alfredo have been with me the longest. Ed, Mariano, and Albert are newer additions. Chuck and Anthony keep the parts side of the business going. “My crew is second to none when it comes to a good work ethic and excellent character,” Mander says. “Warm, light-hearted, and friendly would be a good way to describe my office. My folks like what they are doing, and it’s a blessing for me and our customers. They treat customers like family because that is just what we do. This crew puts in long hours every day, and they’re proud of their work. They are naturals when it comes to being friendly, courteous, and kind. We just want the customers to get a good feeling from all of us and give them good service and prices, as well. I have customers who followed me from Culebra Road and have been with me for this entire 35-year journey.” Mander says it’s often his female customers that do the best job of pinpointing their car problems. “I am going to get in trouble for this, but, believe it or not, the ladies are the sharpest when it comes to

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Fall 2019

diagnosing issues,” Mander says. “They describe problems to the minutest detail and don’t hesitate to mimic the noise they hear. It can be hilarious! So, sir, if the lady in your life says there is something wrong, there probably is. I love that my customers trust me enough to focus on their issues and approach repairs in the most economical manner possible. From my perspective, I have an obligation to fix it right and as economically as possible.”

Believe me — they prove every day that they are up to the tasks for many years to come. It’s all going to be about automation and electronics in the future.”

The National Automotive Parts Association (NAPA) AutoCare Center provides a full range of automotive services, including lube and oil changes, engine repair, A/C, tune-ups, brakes, transmissions, and electrical systems. “We do everything you can think of related to auto repair,” Mander says. “We work on pretty much everything, with the exception of classic cars and some European vehicles that are tough to get parts for.” Certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), a team of highly trained and professional technicians work hard to get you back on the road as soon as possible.

But come what may, Mander says he has no plans for quitting.

Mander Automotive is a modern repair facility, using the latest computer hardware and software to diagnose your vehicle. “Keeping up with technology is a tough challenge for all my staff,” Mander says. “It means carving out time for evening classes to update our skill level and staying on top of the latest and greatest technology. It’s tough to be mentally awake during these evening classes because the workday, at times, can whip us pretty good.” With fully automated cars on the horizon, Mander says the auto repair business is undergoing rapid change, but there’s probably going to be continuing demand for trained auto repair professionals. “The future of this business is wide-open, and I am always looking for a good tech,” Mander says. “Believe it or not, they are hard to find. I am blessed to have the crew I have. The success of this business depends totally on the crew.

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Fall 2019

“I love what I’m doing,” Mander says. “My folks have figured that out already. I want to live to be 100, so I try to visit the gym regularly and ride my bike in the neighborhood three to five times a week. I’m not planning on retiring anytime soon. I am hoping to work at this till I am 80, so seven years to go!” “I want to leave you with one very important thought. If you want to learn more about our community and why our City leaders are so upbeat about the community, you need look no further than our lobby’s continued laughter and goodwill. If our community/ my customers are any indication of the future of our country, I would say we have it made.” Mander Automotive Service, located at 14297 Old Bandera Road, is open from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, call (210) 695-2255 or visit manderautomotiveservice. mechanicnet.com.

ic Helo r o t t s

CEMETERIES

By Cynthia Leal Massey

n the 19th century, people were often buried where they died, and many of these graves are unmarked and forgotten. There were also mass burials of victims of various pandemics, their places of burial now long gone. But, if a family put down roots in a rural area, land was set aside for a bona fide cemetery, usually on a hill or in an open field, and, often, with a few large trees shading the gravesites. Many early cemeteries were bounded by fences of stacked rock. Later, chain link fences became common. Entries ranged from simple chain link to expansive ironwork gates, complete with the cemetery name. While many families could not afford more than a wooden cross as a remembrance marker, many pioneer cemeteries had rock, concrete, and granite tombstones—some elaborate, some plain—all with some kind of story. As communities have grown and roads enlarged, many family cemeteries were removed—the bodies disinterred and reburied elsewhere. This occurred in the Helotes Settlement when Bandera Road was enlarged and Loop 1604 was constructed; several Helotes family burial sites were removed—Hernandez, Rivas, and Woller to name a few—with the remains reburied at other cemeteries in San Antonio. Nonetheless, several family cemeteries remain in our area; this article features nine of them. These historic cemeteries tell the story of Helotes’ early pioneers, and quite a story it is!

Ballscheit Cemetery This small family cemetery, located on the former Green Ranch, is adjacent to the south end of Zion Lutheran Cemetery #1 at 9944 Leslie Road. In addition to the individual graves (about 17), there are also markers for family pets. The cemetery is named for patriarch Julius Ballscheit (1851-1923), third husband of Augusta Specht Green Robinson Ballscheit (1848-1927). Augusta Specht was born in Fredericksburg. After her marriage

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Fall 2019

there to German-born John Green (Johann Gruen) on Dec. 28, 1868, the couple settled in Helotes on Green’s 100-acre ranch. They were married just five years before John’s untimely death at the hands of one of his privates while on an Indian scout on July 9, 1873. A memorial to Green (18401873), who was Julius and Augusta Ballscheit, first a sergeant circa 1916, with three of their in the Texas grandchildren. Two of them, Ranger Minute Augusta (standing in the back) Men, Company V, and Julius on his grandmother’s lap, are also buried in the Medina County, Ballscheit Family Cemetery. is situated behind the graves of Augusta and Julius. The memorial consists of a Texas Ranger cross and a limestone commemorative marker that was once part of a rock fence that encircled the original Green cemetery, no longer in existence. The full story of the Green family, the original cemetery, and the killing is chronicled in my book, Death of a Texas Ranger.

12 feet by 14 feet. The graveyard is located on the Seale Ranch, between Kyle Seale Parkway and Hausman Road, at Loop 1604 W. The cemetery can be accessed only by permission. Alexander (1824-1906) and his wife Elise Schmidt (1835-1904), the other two individuals buried at this cemetery, were early Helotes pioneers who married in Helotes in 1858. Alexander emigrated to Texas from Hungary in 1845. Elise came from Germany. Between 1857 and 1881, the Benkes accumulated 1,450 acres, much of it at today’s intersection of F.M. 1560/Hausman Rd. and Loop 1604 W., where they grew cotton. The couple had 16 children, 12 of whom grew to adulthood.

Bruhn Cemetery A lone tombstone in the small Bruhn Cemetery, nestled between two homes in the Hills of Shaenfield subdivision on Dublin Heights, stands as a stalwart reminder of our pioneer heritage and the determination of local history mavens to save a slice of our past. Although it is believed that there are at least three other burial sites at this cemetery, including patriarch Henry Bruhn and two small children, only the marker of Danish immigrant Christina Bruhn, nee Weyel, remains. Laid to rest in the family cemetery after her Dec. 5, 1905 death, Bruhn, according to the 1900 census, was the mother of 10 children, with nine still living at the time of her death. She married Henry in 1858 and they immigrated to Texas two years later.

A memorial to Augusta Ballsheit’s first husband, John Green, a Texas Ranger, sits behind her tombstone and that of her third husband, Julius, at the Ballscheit Family Cemetery.

Benko/Benke Cemetery The Benko/Benke Family Cemetery was designated as a Historic Texas Cemetery by the Texas Historical Commission in 2011. Established on the former ranch of Alexander Benko in 1885 after the death of his 18-year-old daughter Anna, the cemetery contains three graves in a fenced area that measures Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Fall 2019

The Bruhn Family Cemetery contains one tombstone, that of matriarch Christina Bruhn.

The Helotes Area German Heritage Association (HAGHA), a loose-knit group with concerns about historic preservation, spearheaded the effort to save the small cemetery in 2004. The group was successful in lobbying the developer to set aside the gravesite as a “park-cemetery” in the subdivision. The homeowner’s association was tasked to “maintain it in perpetuity.” The Bruhns were married in Denmark in about 1853. A year later, a son was born. After arriving in Texas, with a sojourn in San Antonio, the family moved to the town of Eagle Pass. They returned to Bexar County in the mid-1870s, moving to the Helotes area. After their return, the Bruhn children began marrying into local families. The cemetery is located on the former ranchland of Bruhn’s son-in-law, Gustav Wehmeyer. Because of the efforts of the HAGHA, a small family cemetery was saved, and, along with it, a slice of our area history.

Cepeda/Zepeda Cemetery This rural family cemetery contains about 40 graves, and it is located 7 miles northwest of Old Town Helotes in the Helotes Springs Ranch subdivision off Bandera Highway. Near a small lane on the right side of Helotes Springs Road, just past Cepeda Street, the cemetery was established in the 1880s with the burial of Helotes pioneer José de Jesús Zepeda (Sr.) (18241884). His grave consists of stacked field stones. The Zepeda family was one of the first, if not the first, to settle in the Helotes area, in what would become

The Zepeda Family Cemetery was established with the burial of Helotes pioneer José de Jesús Zepeda (Sr.) 18241884. His unmarked grave consists of stacked field stones.

known as the Zepeda Settlement. The Zepeda (also spelled Cepeda) family was a descendant of Victoriano Zepeda (1787-1834) and Maria Francisca Hernandez (1810-1851), who were from Mexico and moved to San Antonio in the early 19th century. Victoriano was the last county clerk for Bexar County prior to Texas Independence from Mexico. He died during the 1834 cholera epidemic and was buried in a mass grave at an unknown site in San Antonio. José de Jesús, called Jesús, was the eldest of the couple’s four children that survived infancy. In 1847, he received a land certificate for 320 acres from the Bexar County Board of Land Commissioners and, with that certificate, obtained land along Helotes Creek. He built a rock house and brought his bride, Juana Rodriguez (1824-1887), to live there. Their eldest son, José de Jesús (Jr.), was born on Oct. 25, 1849 in the little rock cabin in, what was then, the wilderness. He is believed to be the first person born in the Helotes Settlement. Another of the gravesites contains his remains. José Jr., also called Jesús, served as a private in the Texas Ranger Minute Men, Company V, Medina County, from 1872-1873. Zepeda died Sept. 20, 1931 and is buried next to his wife, Maria de Jesús (1858-1948).

Lee Cemetery Located on the former Lee Ranch, just east of the Grey Forest city limits, the Lee Cemetery can be reached via a gate (kept locked) at the end of Park Drive off Sherwood Trail. Located about half a mile from the gate entrance on a bluff overlooking Lee Creek, the cemetery has about 20 gravesites. The largest tombstone marks the graves of patriarch Shelly Lee (1828-1884) and his wife, Jesusa “Susie” Maria de la Garza Lee (1839-1887). The most poignant is a midsized obelisk with a carving of a hand with its index finger pointing to the sky. On the bottom of the monument is the inscription, Many Hopes Lie Burred [sic] Here, likely indicating the burial spots of three of their 15 children who died in infancy, two in 1881 and one in 1883. Shelly was from Tennessee, where he had worked as a tinsmith. He moved to San Antonio and married Jesusa in 1859. Three years later, he applied for a S. A. “Gus” Lee’ Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Fall 2019

Texas Land Grant of 160 acres that encompassed a piece of Hill Country property on the northeastern boundary of the Helotes Settlement, bordering today’s eastern city limits of Grey Forest. He built a cabin and moved his wife and two small children to the land to homestead. Lee continued in his tinsmith business, commuting 20 miles back and forth from San Antonio on the weekends. Jesusa operated the ranch and cared for their ever-growing family while her husband was away. Their eldest child, Shelly Augustine “Gus” Lee, was born in 1860 in San Antonio. He published a short memoir about his youth in Helotes in The Rising and Setting of the Lone Star Republic, a book edited by Mattie Jackson and published in 1926. He became a San Antonio police officer in the early 20th century. Lee, who died in 1927, and his wife, Frances “Fannie” Mae Jackson Lee (1860-1940), are also buried in this cemetery.

The inscription on S. A. “Gus” Lee’s gravestone at the Lee Family Cemetery reads: “Earth’s troubles now have ceased and Jesus called him to perfect peace.”

One of the most poignant tombstones at the Lee Family Cemetery is an obelisk dedicated to three of the Lee children who died in infancy. Inscription at the bottom: “Many hopes lie burred [sic] here.”

Madla Cemetery Located north of Helotes, off Scenic Loop Road, the cemetery is on property owned by the Madla family and permission to visit must be obtained from a family member. This is one of the larger family cemeteries in Helotes, with over 150 gravesites in a bucolic location near Chimenea Creek and a hilly countryside. Most of the burials include the descendants of the Madla pioneer family that established itself in the area in the 1880s; however, the site includes a few friends, neighbors, and employees of family members, as well. Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Fall 2019

The cemetery was established by Polish immigrant Mathias “Matthew” Madla (1821-1890) and his wife, Constantina Kral Madla (1825-1915), who arrived in Texas in 1855. Their double grave marker erected many years after their death’s states: “In memory of their grandchildren.” The Madlas had two children: Anita (18461926), who married Jose Torres (abt 1820 – died in the 1880s) and had 10 children; and Frank (18521922), who married Francisca Menchaca (1869-1932) and had 11children. They, and many of their descendants, are buried in this cemetery.

The Madla Family Cemetery, the largest of the nine cemeteries featured, was established in the 1890s when patriarch Mathias Madla passed away. His son Frank was one of Helotes’ community leaders during his lifetime, building and financing one of Helotes’ first schools.

Several legends are associated with the land upon which the cemetery is located. One is that it was part of an ancient Indian burial ground. Another is that in the early 19th century, Mexican soldiers hanged three men, probably horse thieves, from a large tree near the cemetery and buried their bodies beneath a clump of oak trees just outside the cemetery

Menchaca Cemetery This small cemetery, with about 14 gravesites, is located on Menchaca Road, less than half a mile from its intersection with Scenic Loop Road. After passing a house identified as Menchaca Ranch on the right, there is a dirt lane and then another house. The cemetery is located behind the house. Permission should be obtained from the occupants of the house before entering the cemetery.

The oldest burials, after 1890 and before 1900, are those of Helotes pioneers Francisco Menchaca (born in 1842 in Coahuila, Mexico) and his wife, Catarina Garza (born in 1852 in Coahuila); however, their burial spots are unknown. In 1884, Francisco built a house for his family, which eventually included 14 children; he homesteaded for the required length of time and, then in 1891, received a land grant of 160 acres. He farmed and acquired livestock. Catarina died during childbirth sometime after 1892. Their daughter, Francisca, married Frank Madla, so many Menchaca relatives and descendants are also buried in the Madla cemetery.

Morales Cemetery

Menchaca-Robles Cemetery

Seeing the outline of a body wrapped in a quilt, Morales nodded. The two men walked toward the back of the property to a field by a creek. They buried the woman, put some rocks over the grave, said a prayer, and then the man resumed his trek south.

The Menchaca-Robles family cemetery is located on the Robles Ranch on the north side of Babcock Road, less than half a mile from its intersection with Scenic Loop Road. Permission is needed from the Robles family to visit the cemetery. The land on which the cemetery is located was purchased in 1869 by Clemencia San Miguel, wife of Miguel Menchaca, the builder and owner of La Quinta de las Piedras (Miguel Menchaca House) on Scenic Loop Road. This late 1850s-era house was honored as a Texas Recorded Landmark in 1965. Menchaca lost the house after leaving it in the care of “friends” for a few years while he was in Mexico looking for a new wife. After he returned, new wife in tow, a fight for the house ensued, and he lost. In the meantime, Clemencia purchased the property on Babcock Road. Miguel (18111899) and his wife, Clemencia (1813?), along with their many Robles descendants, are buried in this small cemetery, which includes several unmarked graves of victims of the 1918-1919 flu pandemic. There are less than 20 grave markers and several unmarked graves.

The Menchaca-Robles Family Cemetery on Babcock Road has many unmarked graves of victims of the 1918-1919 flu pandemic.

In the late 1800s, a covered wagon pulled by oxen trudged along Bandera Road, then a narrow, rutted, dirt road; it stopped in front of a wood-frame shack about 7 miles northwest of Helotes crossing. The driver jumped off the wagon and approached Juan Andres and Rosa Morales, who were standing outside their small house. The man pointed to his wagon where the couple saw small children peering out of the covered buckboard. “Sir, I was wondering if we could bury my wife somewhere on your property. She took ill and died just a few hours ago.”

This was the beginning of the Morales family cemetery. Patriarch Juan Andres Morales (1831-1911), who was from Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico, arrived in Texas in 1864 with his wife, Rosa Rodriguez (1829-1905), five sons, and two daughters. He received a State of Texas grant for 160 acres in the Helotes Settlement. There are over 70 gravesites in this cemetery, with interesting old tombstones and many unmarked graves. Besides Juan Andres and his wife, many Morales descendants and some friends, acquaintances, and neighbors are buried here. The only remembrance of the stranger’s burial site is beneath a rangy cedar tree, upon which the family keeps a sprig of artificial flowers. One of the earliest burial markers is that of Victoria Morales, who died in 1888 of a fever at the age of 25. She was the wife of Lorenzo Morales (1860-1956), a prominent leader in the Helotes community, whose beautiful grave marker is the centerpiece of this historic cemetery.

Lorenzo Morales Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Fall 2019

Texas Cemetery Laws

Most of the laws regarding historic cemeteries are in Chapters 711-715 of the Texas Health and Safety Code, Title 13, Part 2, Chapter 22 of the Texas Administrative Code; and sections of the Penal Code. No State agencies, however, enforce cemetery laws; for that, one most go to county or municipal law enforcement agencies. The following are included in the Code:

The Morales Family Cemetery contains about 70 gravesites, with the tombstone of Helotes leader Lorenzo Morales as the centerpiece of this historic cemetery. The English translation of his Spanish inscription reads: “Because he lives in the hearts of those left behind, he is not gone. Merciful Jesus, grant him eternal rest. Remembrance of your children and grandchildren.”

Conclusion Cemeteries should be places of contemplation and reverence. However, they are often the sites of vandalism and chicanery, which is why property owners are leery of unknown visitors. Historic cemeteries, in particular, are at risk for vandalism. Destruction includes the illegal removal of human remains, damage from roaming livestock, encroaching development and construction, vandalism, and theft of grave goods and funerary objects. If you see someone vandalizing a cemetery or believe that items offered for sale are cemetery relics, contact local law enforcement authorities, such as your county sheriff or local police department. Cemeteries can also be saved from encroaching development if authorities are made aware of the situation. State laws exist to protect cemeteries from vandalism, theft, and desecration. Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Fall 2019

• Texas law dictates that any person who wishes to visit a cemetery or private burial ground with no public access shall have the right to reasonable ingress and egress over another person’s property to visit the cemetery during reasonable hours. [Texas Health & Safety Code §711.041]. The law also provides a process for negotiating a written agreement between the property owner(s) and those wishing access to a cemetery without public access that would be filed with and enforced by the Texas Funeral Service Commission. [Texas Administrative Code §205.2]. It is a Class C misdemeanor if a person interferes with another “person’s reasonable right to ingress and egress under Section 711.041.” • Section 711.007 regulates those cemeteries deemed to be a “nuisance”—those that are not maintained or are neglected. A county district attorney can enjoin the continuance of a cemetery if it is (1) maintained, located, or used in violation of this Chapter or Chapter 712; or (2) neglected so that it is offensive to the inhabitants of the surrounding section.

A NOTE TO READERS There is a “tombstone garden” on Bar D Trail in Helotes Park Estates. This garden contains several old tombstones purchased from monument companies. Although it appears to be a cemetery, no one is interred at this site. Some of the information in this article was gathered from Findagrave.com and the San Antonio Genealogical and Historical Society publication: Cemeteries of Bexar County, Texas, Vol. 2. An article on Helotes’ two historic church cemeteries— Helotes Catholic Cemetery and Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery—will be published in a future issue. 17

Helotes Cafe Culture

By: Drew Henry

afes are gathering places. You can sit back and relax with some coffee and good food, read the paper, or spend time with friends. And, it wouldn’t be Texas without breakfast tacos, right? We’re checking out a couple of Helotes staples that are perfect for weekday lunches or long Sunday breakfasts. Hope you’re hungry!

Bandera Road Cafe Our first stop is Bandera Road Cafe. This eatery feels like a traditional Texas diner, including wood paneling, historic newspaper clippings hanging on the walls, and a couple of regulars drinking coffee and catching up on local news with their server. You can tell this Cafe is rooted in Helotes. The owners, Claudia and her father Pete Pompa, have lived in Helotes since 1998. Claudia was a student of the first graduating class of O’Connor High School in 2000, and all of the children in her family have attended O’Connor since. The family and business are very involved in the Helotes community; they have sponsored numerous sports clubs, activities, and school functions, and they plan on getting more involved in 2020. The Pompa’s truly aim to serve, and their dedication comes across in their restaurant. She explains, “My family has always wanted to be in the foodservice industry. It was always an idea in the back of our minds. My dad, Pete, brought the idea to life.” Previously, the family would have

to drive to fulfill their Tex-Mex cravings. Now, they are serving Tex-Mex to their neighbors. On the menu you will find breakfast tacos, chilaquiles, and migas, as well as traditional Mexican and Texan dinner plates. Claudia’s all-time favorite dish is chilaquiles verdes. A combination of handmade tortilla chips cooked with eggs, chicken, pico de gallo, and topped with tomatillo sauce and white cheese, regulars gravitate toward this dish, as well as the migas and rotating daily specials. “You really can’t go wrong with any of our dishes. Everything is homemade and simply delicious,” Claudia explains. It doesn’t stop there! There are big plans for the future of Bandera Road Cafe. “We always offer daily specials, but we are working on new dishes that we haven’t offered before,” Claudia says. They are also planning to roll out 99-cent breakfast tacos, as well as high school specials that will consist of two breakfast tacos and a drink. Claudia says that they “are always trying to keep the menu interesting.” In anticipation

Bandera Road Cafe is located at 12510 Bandera Road. They are open Monday through Wednesday from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday through Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. of the holidays, they are working on obtaining their liquor license to compliment the dinner menu, and they are planning to roll out a selection of traditional holiday foods. So, head on over! They will save you a seat.

Coupon Alert! Bring in this article to receive a FREE appetizer with the purchase of a dinner entree.

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Fall 2019

Panther’s Country Cafe Our next stop is Panther’s Country Cafe, an homage to O’Connor High School and the Helotes community. Go Panthers! This Mexican eatery has a traditional feel, including an open kitchen. The namesake comes alive in the Cafe with papel picado, clippings from the high school paper, and some panther decor. Aaron Martinez opened the Cafe in 2018 with his partner in business and life, Mari Colmenero. Originally from Helotes, life would take Aaron on a journey before he returned to open his Cafe. In 2007, Aaron met Mari in Phoenix, Arizona, at her cafe that she owned and operated for over 10 years. It was there that they fell in love and dreamed of opening a place together. They returned to Texas in 2011 and opened their first restaurant. That dream, however, would be put on hold when Aaron was confronted with health issues. They closed their restaurant in 2012, but Aaron never gave up. “I prayed for six years, and fate finally led me back to Helotes.” Aaron continued, “It has always been my dream to come back home.”

When the perfect space became available, he knew it was time to reignite their dream. Now, they are both cooking up homemade recipes from scratch in the community that they love. “I couldn’t be happier. I am proud to be back in my hometown, creating a home away from home for our customers,” Aaron says. And, it does feel like home! With homemade tortillas and salsa that customers buy by the gallon, you know the food is fresh at this made-to-order Cafe. Panther’s serves breakfast tacos, traditional Mexican plates, salads, and burgers. The most popular are the signature puffy tacos, carne asada, and chicken fajita plates. If you are feeling more Tex than Mex, they also cook up a great chicken-fried steak. Aaron supports his community by offering a 10% military discount. He also supports O’Connor athletics and hosts nonprofits at his Cafe. They will be trick-ortreating this Halloween, as well! They offer 99-cent breakfast tacos until 9:30 a.m., lunch specials that include $6.99 burger combos, and the Cafe hosts movie nights for families on Fridays.

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Fall 2019

Panther’s Country Cafe is located at 9708 Business Parkway. They are open Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Looking for something extra? Tell them you want to order off the secret menu: Pozole (hominy with pork and tostadas or pan de torta) or Marisco (seafood specials, including shrimp and catfish). Are you hungry yet?

Coupon Alert! Bring in this article to receive 20% off your purchase. 19

Couponing with ALMA From corporate career to YouTube influencer By: Beth Graham

hen Helotes resident, Alma Townsend, started looking for ways to spend more time with her family and contribute to the household finances, she went online. As she explains, “I was working a corporate job making a good salary, but I wanted more freedom and flexibility to be available for my family.” At first, Alma sold items on eBay that she found at flea markets, rummage shops, and craft shows. Her early efforts met her share of the family’s expenses. Then, inspiration struck when Alma started using coupons to stretch her shopping dollars. A naturally organized person, she found that her skillset helped her save even more than she originally expected. Alma began adding rebates and other cost-saving techniques, and she learned that, with careful couponing she could purchase products for free and even make money on some of her purchases. Too good to keep to herself, she started her YouTube channel “Couponing with Alma” in February 2019. In only six months, her channel has grown to more than 14,000 subscribers and 1.5 million views a month! Alma posts one to

ALMA Townsend

two videos daily, sharing impressive bargains or going live to give her fans up-to-the-minute information on short-term deals that end quickly. Alma finds her coupons in the Sunday newspaper and through online apps from merchants and product brands. Apps also offer rebates and other goodies like gift cards. Combining coupon discounts with rebates multiplies the savings! Alma’s No. 1 tip—couponing requires organization and planning. She organizes coupons in a binder and cleans it out weekly. She also checks weekly advertising inserts to be sure she has the most recent coupons and to see what special deals— double coupons, rebates, or buy-one-get-ones—are available. She then checks store and rebate apps to see what deals might create synergy with her coupons. Her next tip—be ready to take advantage of really good deals when they happen, and stock up on items that you know you will need in the future, such as cleaning supplies or paper products. You might even try something new; if you don’t like it, then you didn’t spend that much anyway! Third, organize your living space so that you have a place to store your purchases. You can’t stock up if there’s no place to put what you bring home. Alma has a room where she keeps her goodies, but, if you can’t dedicate a whole room, consider reorganizing a closet or a set of shelves. Most important is to not overspend! Couponers can get so excited by bargains that they get into a “spend to save” mentality. Additionally, don’t buy something that you’re not sure you will use. Even if it’s a deal, it’s important to remember that the whole point is to save money.

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Fall 2019

Finally, Alma admits that “couponing might feel awkward at first, but there’s no reason for it. Remember that stores market to couponers with in-store coupons and couponing apps. They have marketing departments dedicated to coordinating product sales and promotions with newspaper coupon schedules. Stores do not lose money by accepting coupons, but rather, manufacturers reimburse them for the coupons’ value. Stores want coupon business!” Alma advises beginning couponers to start small. Pick a favorite store and then study and learn their couponing policy. “Get a couponing buddy and learn together,” Alma states. “You can also share the organizing and planning that way.” Remember, you can find all types of support and advice online, beginning with Alma’s YouTube channel. She also has a Facebook page that supports her YouTube subscribers and addresses issues shared by her followers. Being a YouTube star has its challenges. The behind-the-scenes work is intensive; from planning a shopping run to selecting photos and creating, editing, and posting videos, a video that only lasts a few minutes can take hours to put together! However, what she does is its own reward, Alma says. “Helping people, giving them my time, and seeing them help each other is just wonderful.” Her favorite benefit is donating the results of her savings to family, friends, and charities. She makes couponing gift baskets for nonprofit fundraisers and donates products to schools, churches, and other organizations. While she’s earning money on YouTube and saving money with coupons, Alma says giving back is the best of all!

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Fall 2019

Find Alma Online: YouTube “Couponing with Alma” channel: youtube.com/channel/UCDZVeEvKebo6X3CgVS84tPQ/featured Facebook: Subscribe on YouTube and then request admission on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/CouponingWIthAlma/ instagram.com/couponingwithalma/ CouponingWithAlma@gmail.com

Alma’s Suggested Rebate Apps: Ibotta: home.ibotta.com/ Checkout 51: checkout51.com/how-it-works SavingStar: savingstar.com/

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country â€“ Fall 2019

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HELOTES MAP

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Events Recurring Events Mon. – Fri. | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Casa Helotes Senior Citizens Center Congregate Meals & Activities 12070 Leslie Rd. | casahelotes.org Every Monday | 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Helotes Area Community Band Rehearsal | 14889 Old Bandera Rd. helotesareacommunityband.com Every Friday | 7 p.m. Helotes Lions Club Bingo | 14690 Bandera Rd. lionsclub.org 1st Monday | 7 p.m. Helotes Festival Association General Meeting | 14690 Bandera Rd. cornyval.org 3rd Monday | 7 p.m. Helotes Ag Booster Club General Meeting | 12132 Leslie Rd. helotes4h.org 1st Tuesday | 7 p.m. Planning & Zoning Commission Regular Meeting | 12951 Bandera Rd. visithelotes.com 1st Tues. (Feb., May, Sept. & Nov.) Historical Society of Helotes General Meeting | Location and Times Vary historicalsocietyofhelotes.org

1st Tuesday | 7 p.m. Helotes Lions Club General Meeting | 14690 Bandera Rd. lionsclubs.org

1st Thursday | TBA Garden Club General Meeting | Location Varies facebook.com/helotesgardenclub

1st & 3rd Tuesday (Aug. – June) | 6 p.m. Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPs) Group General Meeting | 13222 Bandera Rd. hhumc.com

2nd & 4th Thursday | 7 p.m. City Council Regular Meeting | 12951 Bandera Rd. visithelotes.com

4th Tuesday | 7 p.m. Helotes Humane Society Board Meeting | 10672 Shaenfield Rd. hhsanimals.org

3rd Thursday | 7 p.m. Helotes Masonic Lodge General Meeting | 11740 F.M. 1560 helotesmasonicfamily.org

1st Wednesday | 7 p.m. Knights of Columbus General Meeting | 13715 Riggs Rd. kofcknights.org

1st Saturday | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. MarketPlace @ Old Town Helotes Arts & Crafts Fair | 14391 Riggs Rd. helotesmarketplace.com

2nd Wednesday | 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Morning Mingle Helotes Chamber Event | Location Varies heloteschamber.com

2nd Saturday | 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Family Craft Night @ Congelato! Community Event | 14743 Old Bandera Rd. #6 congelatolifeissweet.com

2nd Wednesday | 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Ladies Night Out in Old Town Helotes The Bluffs at OTH | 14391 Riggs Rd.

3rd Saturday | 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Cars and Coffee Community Event | 14889 Old Bandera Rd. fbchelotes.org

3rd Wednesday | 7 p.m. Economic Development Corporation Regular Meeting | 12951 Bandera Rd. helotesedc.com

1st Sunday | 2 p.m. Helotes Lions Club Bingo | 14690 Bandera Rd. lionsclubs.org

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Fall 2019

October, November, and December Events Oct. 9, 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Morning Mingle Community Event | 14359 Old Bandera Rd. heloteschamber.com Oct. 9, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Ladies Night Out in Old Town Helotes Community Event | 14391 Riggs Rd. Oct. 11-12, Times Vary Bull Blow-Out & OLG Fall Festival Community Event | 12210 Leslie Rd. Oct. 12, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Family Craft Night @ Congelato! Community Event | 14743 Old Bandera Rd. #6 congelatolifeissweet.com Oct. 14 | City Offices Closed Columbus Day Oct. 17, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Chamber After Hours Community Event | 5815 Rim Pass heloteschamber.com Oct. 19, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Cars and Coffee Community Event | 14889 Old Bandera Rd. fbchelotes.org Oct. 19, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Casa Helotes Activity Center Golf “Fore” a Cause Tournament Community Event | 18632 Bandera Rd. casahelotes.org Nov. 2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Helotes MarketPlace @ OTH Arts & Crafts Fair | 14391 Riggs Rd. helotesmarketplace.com Nov. 2, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Helotes Gallery Wine’ding Up for the Holidays Community Event | 14391 Old Bandera Rd. helotesgallery.com Nov. 3, 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Helotes Lions Club Bingo | 14690 Bandera Rd. lionsclubs.org Nov. 5, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Historical Society of Helotes General Meeting | Location Varies historicalsocietyofhelotes.org Nov. 9, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. TX Public Works Association South Central Branch Chili Cook-Off Community Event | 14687 Old Bandera Rd. visithelotes.com

Nov. 9, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Helotes Area Chamber of Commerce Helotes 0.5K Challenge Community Event | 14391 Old Bandera Rd. heloteschamber.com Nov. 9, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Family Craft Night @ Congelato! Community Event | 14743 Old Bandera Rd. #6 congelatolifeissweet.com Nov. 10, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Helotes Area Community Band Veterans Day Concert | 12951 Bandera Rd. visithelotes.com Nov. 12, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Skywarn Spotter Training Community Event | 12951 Bandera Rd. visithelotes.com Nov. 13, 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Morning Mingle Community Event | 14359 Old Bandera Rd. heloteschamber.com Nov. 13, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Ladies Night Out in Old Town Helotes Community Event | 14391 Riggs Rd. Nov. 16, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Cars and Coffee Community Event | 14889 Old Bandera Rd. fbchelotes.org Nov. 27 – Nov. 29 | City Offices Closed Thanksgiving Break Dec. 1, 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Helotes Lions Club Bingo | 14690 Bandera Rd. lionsclubs.org Dec. 6, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Lighting of the Lights City Hall Public Event | 12951 Bandera Rd. visithelotes.com

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Fall 2019

Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The MarketPlace @ OTH Arts & Crafts Fair | 14391 Riggs Rd. helotesmarketplace.com Dec. 11, 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Morning Mingle Community Event | 14359 Old Bandera Rd. heloteschamber.com Dec. 11, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Ladies Night Out in Old Town Helotes Community Event | 14391 Riggs Rd. Dec. 14, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Family Craft Night @ Congelato! Community Event | 14743 Old Bandera Rd. #6 congelatolifeissweet.com Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Cowboy Christmas Parade City Parade | 14391 Riggs Rd. visithelotes.com Dec. 14, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Helotes Area Community Band Christmas Concert | 13200 Bandera Road visithelotes.com Dec. 16, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Helotes Area Community Band Christmas Concert | 6800 Tezel Rd. visithelotes.com Dec. 21, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Cars and Coffee Community Event | 14889 Old Bandera Rd. fbchelotes.org Dec. 24 – Dec. 26 | City Offices Closed Christmas Break Dec. 31 | City Offices Closed New Year’s Eve

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Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Fall 2019

Animals “R” Us: Helotes Humane Society

by Dan R. Goddard

All photographs courtesy of Kathy Yaccino.

edicated to placing unwanted animals from Helotes and the surrounding community into loving homes, the Helotes Humane Society formed in 2008 after Janice MacRossin, Executive Director, visited San Antonio Animal Care Services and became distressed by the sheer volume of homeless pets. “I went home and did some thinking and thought that the Helotes area could support an animal welfare group,” MacRossin says. “I called a meeting of likeminded individuals, and about 10 concerned citizens showed up. Everyone agreed to move forward, and, within a few months, we had incorporated and become an official nonprofit.” Last year, the Society took in a little over 1,000 animals, including about 500 strays picked up in Helotes, while achieving a 99% save rate. “We have dogs and cats for adoption, many of which were strays or pulled from high volume municipal shelters where they are more likely to be euthanized,” MacRossin says. “We work closely with Helotes Animal Control to find homes for the animals they pick up, as well.” Numbers vary by the time of year, but, typically, the Society has up to 200 animals in care at any given time; animals consist of a mix of dogs and

A Night for Rescues Fundraiser cats and, sometimes, even a bird, reptile, or “pocket pet.” Pocket pets are small, pocket-sized mammals, usually kept as household pets, such as sugar gliders and hedgehogs. In 2016, the Society purchased a two-acre lot off Shaenfield Road in Helotes’ Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ). “Our office and thrift shop are located there,” MacRossin says. “We also have a public dog park, which people are free to use during our business hours. Our dog park was built with a lot of blood, sweat, and tears from volunteers and Boy Scouts. We like to encourage people to bring their well-behaved dogs to play and burn off pent-up energy.” Second Chances Thrift Shop is a hidden gem on the northwest side. “Thanks to our wonderful donors, we have a great and interesting variety of items for sale that changes weekly,” MacRossin says. “We encourage everyone to come shop or donate. All proceeds benefit our mission.”

Thrift Store Volunteers - The “A” Team 30

The Humane Society’s primary mission is to promote the benevolent treatment of animals and provide humane animal education to the public. The Society engages with a variety of clients on Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Fall 2019

the phone and in their offices, as well as providing pet-care information at adoption and other community events. Information about the Society’s programs, services, and events can be found on the website at hhsanimals.org.

Currently, the Society is hosting low-cost microchip clinics once a month. For $10, they will microchip your pet and provide lifetime, free registration. Locations and times are posted on the Society’s website calendar.

“We try to give everyone the resources they need to be a responsible pet owner,” MacRossin says. “It might be spay and neuter resources, training or behavioral suggestions, or, in the case of children, kindness toward animals. We strongly believe that our children will be the next generation of caring and responsible pet owners.”

The Society hosts two main fundraising events each year. This year, the 3rd Annual “A Night for Rescues” will be held on Oct. 4 at Braun Hall, and the 11th Annual Jingle Paws 5K will be held on Dec. 14 at O.P. Schnabel Park.

The Society spays and neuters every animal that leaves its care. When funding is available, the Society provides free vouchers to families that cannot afford to spay and neuter their pets. “In the past, we operated a feral cat spay and neuter program,” MacRossin says. “Recently, we handed out 150 spay and neuter vouchers for free surgeries through a grant from the Moody Foundation. We hope to be able to offer more of these in the future if funding permits.”

“Our goal has always been to become an organization that has staying power and can continue to serve our community for many years,” MacRossin says. “To do that, we need the continuing support of everyone who cares about animals and their welfare to join us. Whether as a volunteer, a foster provider, a donor, or an adopter, everyone can do something to help. We are so grateful for the support we’ve been shown over the past 11 years. We want to continue to be a source of pride for Helotes and the surrounding area.”

Helotes Humane Society, 10675 Shaenfield Road, is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

Second Chances Thrift Shop is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays.

Eddie

Laramie

Melanie

For more information, call (210) 422-6242 or visit hhsanimals.org. Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Fall 2019

Volunteer Extraordinaire By Bob McCullough

axine Benke didn’t grow up in Helotes, but, for the past four decades, she’s exhibited a true passion for the community as a volunteer extraordinaire. “In 1978, I met the love of my life, my late husband Jim Benke,” she says. “Helotes was where he called home, and now I

call it my home. We settled just inside Loop 1604 on the same property where Jim grew up, the Alexander Benke estate.” She began life in Helotes as a wife and mother, but, previously, she was an independent businesswoman, relying on education and experience gained in her Rio Grande Valley hometown, La Feria. “I am a self-taught individual, relying on trial and error and learning from life’s experiences,” Benke explains. “I taught myself how to upholster furniture and refinish antiques. I also taught myself accounting principles and State of Texas accountancy regulations. I earned a commercial driver’s license (CDL) at age 24, drove a big rig, and actually kept my CDL until I was age 55.” Benke enjoyed pursuing her successful business interests and being her own boss. But, her husband urged her to get “a real job,” which led to a position as an office manager for a San Antonio company and, ultimately, resulted in a project administrator post for Lyda Construction. There, her first major project—the Energy Management Center that controls the delivery of natural gas and electricity in the CPS Energy system— taught her so much about planning, security, and teamwork with managers and engineers. She used that knowledge to play a part in many notable construction projects, including the Alamodome, Fiesta Texas, and St. Luke’s Hospital. She retired from Lyda in 2009; however, a longtime friend asked her to serve as a contract administrator for Crane Construction, a position she continues to fill on a part-time basis. Meanwhile, Benke compiled an impressive record of community service in Helotes. “It all began in 1978 at the Helotes Cornyval,” she fondly recalls. “I began working in the ticket office. In 1988, a group of 13 individuals, including my husband and I, purchased the grounds on Leslie Road where Cornyval is now celebrated. The brush was so thick you couldn’t hardly walk through the original 15 acres.”

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Fall 2019

Benke considers her association with Cornyval as one of her most rewarding ventures, mainly because of “the amazing volunteers giving freely of their time and working for the same goal.” She’s also proud of her longtime involvement as a Helotes Festival Association Director and as a key player in the annual Miss Helotes Scholarship Pageant. In recognition of her many years of service, she was named 2009 Grand Marshal of the Cornyval Parade.

“

“So many things about my life in Helotes give me great joy,” she says. “I’ve grown to love the great Helotes police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians like my own, knowing that when you need one of them for whatever reason, the person that shows up is one you know.”

The best and most beautiful things in the world can’t be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the Heart.

- Helen Keller

In addition, Benke’s community service includes Helotes’ Cowboy Christmas Parade, the Western Heritage Cowboy Church in Pipe Creek, the Wynstone Estates Homeowners’ Association, and the Order of the Eastern Star. She also spends as much time as possible with sons Jerry,

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Fall 2019

Her feelings about Helotes and her faith in its future can be summarized in a Helen Keller quote that Benke came across as part of a Lion’s Club initiative to help the visually-impaired: “The best and most beautiful things in the world can’t be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.”

“

Benke’s involvement with the Helotes Lions Club surpasses three decades. During that span, she and other Club members raised funds to purchase bulletproof vests for the Helotes Police Department and radio equipment for the Helotes Fire Department and Grey Forest Volunteer Fire Department. She currently serves as Vice President and helps with the Club’s Friday night and Sunday afternoon bingo fundraisers.

Randy, and Karl Hodges; their spouses; and six grandchildren.

Inspired by this wisdom, Benke says that “every organization I’ve been involved in has left footprints on my heart and in my mind. I have learned so much from so many wonderful people in this great town I call home.”

City Receives StormReady Designation from the

National Weather Service

By Carole Miller

id you know that 98% of all federally declared disasters are weather related? These events can occur with little-to-no advance warning, and they cause nearly 500 deaths and $15 billion in damage annually. But, the City of Helotes is being proactive, preparing plans, and securing resources to monitor weather impacts. Recently, Helotes was recognized by the National Weather Service (NWS) as a StormReady community; the first suburban city in Bexar County to achieve this designation! The NWS StormReady Program prepares communities before, during, and after a major weather event by strengthening local safety programs and working with community leaders and emergency managers. With this recognition, residents should take comfort knowing that the City is StormReady and armed with the best equipment to warn them in case of a disaster.

Ridin’ the storm out

Many StormReady areas have amazing success stories. To earn an NWS StormReady designation, Van Wert County in Ohio placed a series of warning alert systems in public locations, including the local movie theater. One afternoon, when the theater was filled with families watching “The Santa Clause 2,” alarms sounded. Thanks to the new warning system, more than 50 adults and children escaped a devastating tornado that, minutes later, tore off the building’s roof and tossed cars into the screen and front seats. Several days before Hurricane Michael made landfall in October 2018, StormReady Tallahassee, Florida, declared a state of emergency, issued evacuation

orders, and activated its Emergency Operations Center. The staff pushed warning messages out through its emergency notification system, made phone calls, sent text messages and emails, and even went door to door in the most vulnerable areas. As a result of these efforts, approximately 210 of the remaining 260 residents fled inland, limiting the city’s death toll to only four. And, before Hurricane Harvey devastated the Texas coast, the City of Corpus Christi activated its emergency operations plan and closed the nation’s fourth largest port, facilitating the timely evacuation of nearly every vessel and all nonessential employees. After the storm, the port reopened in a record six days with no fatalities.

Connecting the dots

To achieve the StormReady recognition by the National Weather Service, the City of Helotes had to satisfy a strict set of criteria based on Helotes’ current population, estimated to be 9,567 people.

The first requirement is a 24-hour warning point and on-site Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The Helotes Dispatch Center and EOC are located in the Police Department. A minimum of four different types of reception equipment are required to facilitate incoming extreme weather warnings and watches from the NWS. The City has six pieces of equipment, including weather radios and the ability to chat with the NWS. These tools assist the City in monitoring the weather and staying informed. The NWS also requires StormReady cities to have local weather and water monitoring equipment to keep track of severe weather throughout the area. Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Fall 2019

Helotes operates six pieces of equipment, including a rain gauge, river gauge, and an anemometer (wind gauge). The third StormReady requirement includes dissemination equipment, such as automatic flashers at low water crossings or sirens. Helotes operates and tests its outdoor warning siren every day at Noon. The final NWS requirement requires annual safety talks and exercises with the public and Staff. vents, like SkyWarn classes, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training and drills, Stop the Bleed and Until Help Arrives classes, a CPR Marathon, and many other information events, offer

citizens the opportunity to learn about emergency awareness and disaster safety. These classes, offered through the Helotes Dispatch Center, are free to the public and require no experience.

Storm troopers

Being StormReady enables the City of Helotes to be more prepared for anything from a damaging storm to a major disaster. To maintain its StormReady status, the City must maintain, add to, and/or upgrade related equipment as the population increases. Helotes will be re-evaluated every two years.

The Helotes Outdoor Warning Siren is activated during weather emergences as part of the City’s Emergency Management Plan. During an emergency, a steady siren blast of three to five minutes will be sounded, alerting residents to take shelter. The activation and duration of the emergency siren will be determined based on the following criteria: • Expected hail 1 inch or greater in diameter; • Severe Thunderstorm Warning alert from the National Weather Service with winds forecasted in excess of 60 miles per hour; or • Tornado Warning alert from the National Weather Service showing the City of Helotes in the tornado’s path.

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Fall 2019

friday night By: Crystal Henry

t 7 a.m. on Friday, the sun is just starting to rise over Helotes. The orange glow begins to bathe the City, and many high schoolers are pulling blankets over their heads attempting to salvage a few more minutes of precious sleep after a long week. Some students, however, arose before the sun in preparation for that evening’s festivities— Friday Night Lights—at O’Connor High School. Fall is the season of Panther Pride at O’Connor. It means football games, pep rallies, and competitions showcasing O’Connor extracurricular activities. O’Connor has a legendary football program with a winning history, but there would be no magic without the hard work and dedication of the cheer, dance, and band programs that help bring the stadium to life!

FOOTBALL Vikki Jennings is an O’Connor football mom who lives and breathes Panther Pride. With one son in freshman football and another on varsity, she knows the commitment required to be a part of such an incredible program. “It’s an amazing program with a tradition of hard work,” Jennings said. “And it starts with Coach Malesky.” James Malesky runs a tight ship, and his players know what is expected of them before they ever get to O’Connor High School. Malesky has relationships with coaches at feeder middle schools that follow O’Connor’s athletic code of conduct and strict regimen. The boys playing now grew up being ball boys at varsity games, all just waiting for their chance to wear the Panther jersey.

late,’” Jennings said. Responsibility and hard work are at the heart of Malesky’s program. The players are expected to be pillars of the community, and they have a strict code of conduct, including haircuts, earrings, and clothing. “Everyone is referred to as ‘yes sir’ and ‘yes ma’am.’” “They’re expected to sit in the front of the classroom and actively participate. No eating or playing around in class,” Jennings said. And Malesky checks with teachers on their progress. Everyone learns that their character is a reflection on the program, and everyone is expected to be a leader. As an athletic booster club vice president, one of the best parts of being on the football team is the community support, said Jennings. Helotes is a small-town, right on the edge of a major city, so they get the best of both worlds. They have big corporate sponsors, such as Raisin’ Canes and HEB, and they have grandmothers and local fans that bring them snacks, put signs in their yards, and show up at Walmart to wave goodbye to the team before football games. “It’s so humbling to know that perfect strangers are supporting your child,” Jennings said. The team has a reputation for winning, but it doesn’t come easy. This summer, the team hit the weight room every morning by 8 a.m., and they practiced in the stifling heat to condition themselves for the games. The athletic trainers are there even earlier and stay even later, and the team’s success depends

“Coach has a saying: ‘To be early is to be on time, and to be on time is to be

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Fall 2019

lights at O on their dedication and support. During the school year, players meet in classrooms to review film or have position meetings. Then, they’re back in the weight room during fourth period. After school, they practice in full pads in the blistering heat, and, on a typical game day, they suit up to play for a crowd of 5,000. Rival games sell out. When the day ends around 11:30 p.m., they know they’ve done their best to represent the program that they love. Jennings said she and her husband built their house in the O’Connor attendance area before they even had children, just so they could be a part of this program. And, beyond the pressure to win, the players are taught to uphold the longstanding reputation of excellence that has come to be expected from O’Connor’s football program. For more information about the O’Connor football program, follow O’Connor Panthers Booster Club on Facebook, @ocpantherfb on Twitter, and @OCathletics1819 on Instagram or visit OCathleticboosters. com.

CHEER The football program wouldn’t be nearly as exciting without the electric spirit surrounding it. While the football players are running plays during the summer, the cheerleaders are practicing two-adays to get ready for football season and competition. The squad is comprised of 24 cheerleaders—12 varsity and 12 junior varsity. Genisis Gillard is a varsity cocaptain this year; it’s her squad’s job to get people pumped, she said. Not only do the cheerleaders support the football, basketball, and soccer teams; they are also community ambassadors for Panther Pride. Cheerleaders attend parent meetings, help fundraise for the booster club, and they make sure that every student at O’Connor knows there’s someone rooting for them! One of Gillard’s favorite cheer initiatives is Mums for Friends. The homecoming mum game at O’Connor High School has risen to epic proportions over the years, but one cheerleader noticed that a lot of special needs students were being left out. The squad started Mums for Friends, which presents ALE students with homecoming mums during breakfast. They also host a big send-off for O’Connor’s Special Olympics team with a drumline and football players cheering them on. Outside of football season, cheerleaders prepare for nationals. In addition to attending practices, the squad raises funds by selling items, such as decals and yard signs, to help defray costs. At about

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Fall 2019

’C O N N O R 37

$4,000 per year to cheer, many cheerleaders work after-school jobs to help pay for their expenses. In the fall they’ll host a cheer clinic for aspiring cheerleaders from kindergarten through ninth grade. Students will learn a cheer and a dance to perform at the O’Connor versus Clark game on Oct. 25. Being an O’Connor cheerleader is an incredibly huge commitment. Cheerleaders spend six or more hours per day together, and the girls become very close. “You really get a sisterhood out of it,” Gillard said. The cheer squad starts game day mornings bright and early: first, the pep rally, and then the eighth period cheer. Spirit line starts as the football team walks out to their busses, and then the squad arrives at the stadium about an hour early to stretch, warm up, and practice tumbling and other stunts. At game time, they run out onto the field with the O’Connor fight song coursing through their veins, and they rally the crowd throughout the game. When cheerleaders leave the stadium at midnight, they only have six sweet hours before they’re back up again for an early morning practice. And, every single cheerleader is happy for the privilege. For more information about the O’Connor cheer squad or to sign up for clinics, follow the team on Twitter @CheerConnor.

DANCE At the other end of the spirit stick is the Goldusters dance team. Comprised of 42 girls and 1 guy, this flashy crew lights up Friday nights

with kick, jazz, and hip-hop routines. It’s a full-on production that takes hundreds of practice hours to pull off. Jamie Taylor, the mother of a senior Golduster, says the journey to dance team typically starts with a stint on the pep squad. O’Connor’s pep squad is the largest feeder for students aspiring to join the cheer and dance teams because it’s a great way to learn the ins and outs of the spirit organization as a freshman. Importantly, it also gives students the UIL credit they need to try out. Most of the students on the dance team have a dance background, and they were trained at one of the local studios in the Helotes–area; Chrissy’s Dance Academy, TJ’s Dance Factory, and Collective Dance Artistry all feed into the Goldusters. This year, the Goldusters are excited to welcome their new dance director, Amanda Nobles. Nobles comes from Cypress, and this summer she was hard at work prepping the team for football season. On game days, the Goldusters start around 7 a.m., and the team works through first period. They form a spirit line with the cheer squad and line up by the busses to pump up the football team as it loads up for the game. Then, at the game, they are up in the stands performing bleacher routines. The Goldusters collaborate with the cheer and pep squads, and they work closely with the band to choreograph routines. Of course, their shining moment is the halftime routine! During competition season in February, they double up on practices to prepare for at least three competitions. The biggest competition is at Texas State University, and, according to Taylor, they win grand champion every year. Taylor said the Goldusters are another O’Connor tradition that works to represent all that is good at the school. Like the cheerleaders, the dance team hosts a clinic in October for little dancers in kindergarten through eighth grade. The kids arrive in the morning and practice four to five hours to learn a routine. The kiddos perform their routine at the Nov. 1 football game each year. For more information about the Goldusters, follow the team on Twitter @ OC_DANCETEAM.

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Fall 2019

BAND Drum roll please! The 2019-2020 Panther Band recently announced this year’s theme—“More than Machine”—and it is guaranteed to light up the stadium. Watch, as machines come to life to the tune of carefully composed pieces that the Band has been working on for months. Jennifer Wall, Band mom and vice president of the Band booster club, said the performance will use gears, machines, and props feverishly built by Band parents to bring the performance to life. The Band will also get special shirts for the performance, which is something they’ve never done before. The Panther Band has been hard at work, and they kicked off the school year with a football game performance the first week of school. Wall said the Band accompanies the team to all football games, but fall is more than just football for the Band. September and October start UIL Band competitions, and the Band is ready to rock! During the fall, the marching Band practices mornings and afternoons. With about 385 students, the Panther Band is a big one, so they need volunteers to make it all work. “It takes a lot to move the Band from point A to point B,” Wall said. It takes 16 school busses and an 18-wheeler to be exact—and a whole crew of parent volunteers. The Band booster club also oversees fundraising efforts and organizing concession schedules. Together with the football booster club,

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Fall 2019

they sign up to work football games when O’Connor isn’t playing, and the kids get paid a few bucks an hour to help pay for Band fees. To operate this well-oiled machine, the Band groups volunteers into moving crews. They operate a cafe each day during practice to provide snacks, fruit, extra water, and Gatorade to the students practicing in extreme temperatures. The booster club also runs monthly fundraisers to offset costs, including selling O’Connor merchandise and hosting a tamale sale in December. One of the most popular fundraisers is the Panther Card—a discount card supported by local businesses that is good for two years. They also sell Battle of the Bands seats and Fiesta medals in the spring. The Panther Band is a family, and it hosts a variety of camaraderie-building activities throughout the year. Spirit Week, “meme day,” and “dress as your favorite director day” were hilarious hits, Wall said. “We’re always looking for ways to bring the students together,” she said. “We’re such a close-knit family. There’s just nothing like a Band family.” For more information about the Panther Band, follow them on Twitter @pantherband, Instagram @Ocpantherband, or visit their new website OCpantherband.com. As the bright lights of the stadium go out, think of the students who rose with the sun to ensure that the tradition of O’Connor excellence continues to shine under the Friday Night Lights.

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country â€“ Fall 2019

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Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Fall 2019

A Heart for Service By: Helotes Public Relations

sunny afternoon in Helotes with temperatures rising over 100 degrees, summer is in full effect, and it is hot! A local resident embarks on his normal bike ride through the City. This ride, however, will not be normal. The bicyclist collapses and emergence responders rush to his side.

individuals serve, and, after his first visit to a fire station as a young man, he was hooked! Furthermore, having a parent with a disability contributed to Eddie’s heart for service. The opportunity to help others is his favorite aspect of the profession that he has done for more than 25 years.

Thankfully, the quick actions of Helotes firefighters help stabilize the patient, and today, the collapsed cyclist has fully recovered from the health scare that sent him to the emergency room on that eventful day. He attributes much of his recovery to the quick aid rendered by Helotes first responders, including Eddie Haynes.

The veteran firefighter and paramedic started his career with the City of Helotes in 2007. He recalls the size of the City at that time, noting, “a two-man shift was responsible for responding to both the City and County emergencies.” For comparison, the present-day Helotes Fire Department (HFD) has a three rotating shifts

Growing up in Alabama, many of Eddie’s family members served in law enforcement or fire rescue operations. Eddie enjoyed watching these

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Fall 2019

of a minimum of five members each. All HFD first responders are required to be both firefighters and paramedics. “It is important to the City that the HFD team is highly qualified to handle emergencies. The dual credentials benefit everyone, especially the patients needing quick intervention,” shared Haynes. In 2018, Eddie Haynes became the first individual at the City of Helotes to hold the position solely dedicated to serving as Fire Marshal. In this role, he is responsible for enforcing City Code, reviews new development construction plans, conducts site inspections, and coordinates public education. He interacts with City staff and the Helotes building and health inspectors almost daily to ensure projects taking place in the community comply with the Fire Code. The main goal is safety. “As Fire Marshal, I work closely with other City departments to ensure that structures are safe and fire regulations have been satisfied. It’s all about safety, and I’m honored to take part in this process,” explains Haynes, “I live in this community. It’s my passion to help my fellow neighbors stay protected by enforcing safety measures outlined in the City’s Code.” The Helotes Fire Marshal and firefighters conduct ongoing outreach to educate the public about fire safety. This includes visiting senior centers and local schools. “With young children, it is important that they see a firefighter dressed in their safety gear and hear them speak through their mask. This helps children know what to expect during an actual emergency,” said Eddie. The suit and mask worn by firefighters can be intimidating, especially for a child who is already scared during an emergency. “Teaching children that we might look

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Fall 2019

and sound strange, but these people are coming to help, is rewarding.” Many youngsters will share the safety message they learned at school with their loved ones at home, so the education continues beyond the classroom. Outside of the Fire Department, you may find Eddie and his family camping, fishing, visiting the beach, or gardening. He has been married to his wife, a registered nurse, for 25 years. They are the proud parents of two daughters. Family is very important to Eddie. You’ll notice his face brighten when he proudly talks about his loved ones. “I cherish the time spent with my family! A career in fire service can be stressful, so spending time having fun with my family helps me recharge. It’s not only the firefighter who serves, but the family as well,” says Eddie. With long work hours and shifts away from home, the emotional support of a firefighter’s family makes a big difference. When Eddie was asked how he gets through the toughest days on the job, such as attending to a victim at a vehicle accident or witnessing someone lose all their personal possessions in a house fire, Eddie quickly responds, “your family—both your colleagues at the Department and the family members at home. Relationships help you push through the most difficult days.”

Helotes Fire and EMS Receive Upgraded State of Texas Licensure

he Helotes Fire (HFD) and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Department was recently audited by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). We are happy to report that the Department’s license was successfully renewed for another two years, and the Department’s license has been upgraded to “Advanced Life Support (ALS) with Mobile Intensive Care Unit (MICU) Capabilities.” What does this mean? Each responding ambulance will have a minimum of one paramedic and one emergency medical technician (EMT) on board. Furthermore, an ALS ambulance can provide several patient care services that a basic ambulance cannot, including:

• Intravenous (IV) treatments; • Advanced airway management; • Advanced cardiac monitoring and treatment; • Advanced medication administration; and • Many more life-saving advantages! MICU is a mobile emergency room designed and operated to stabilize patients en route to a hospital. A MICU designation requires two paramedics to be on the ambulance during its operation. In Helotes, 14 of the 17 full-time firefighters are State-certified paramedics! EMS operates the ambulance in ALS mode 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. MICU operations are achieved during approximately 90% of the operational periods. MICU is the highest treatment designation recognized by the State of Texas.

Helotes Fire Department Responds to its First Call 44

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Fall 2019

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Financial Institutions

Prestige Emergency Room (p.28) 210-504-4837 | PrestigeER.com

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Preschool

Primrose Schools (p.9) 210-372-1488 | primrosesonomaranch.com

Food

Auntie Anne’s (p.45) Wild Birds Unlimited (p.23) 210-375-3611 | westsanantonio.wbu.com 210-595-3222 | auntieannes.com

Clothing

Cheetalish (p.3) 210-710-9306 | cheetalish.com

Dance Venue/Event Hall Braun Hall (p.22) 210-688-9241 | braunhall.com

Dental Services

Helotes Gentle Family Dentistry (p.41) 210-695-2888 | drkeepers.com Kinard Family Dental (p.29) 210-695-1200 | kinarddental.com

Economic Development

Garage Doors

Real Estate/Realtor

Helotes Overhead Garage Doors (p.7) 210-695-8983 | helotesoverheaddoors.com

Home Builders

Janus Custom Homes (p.48) 210-695-9770 | janushomes.com

Legal Services

Kathleen Cassidy Goodman (p.29) 210-949-1000 | bexarlaw.com

Medical Services

Doris Young & Co. Realtors (p.2) 210-695-2861 | dorisyoung.com Re/Max Real Estate - Stevie Seitz (p.23) 210-382-2923 | stevieseitz1@gmail.com

Services

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Utilities

AHNEW Physical Therapy - Ann H. Newstead (p.22) Grey Forest Utilities (p.28) 210-833-8336 | ahnewphysicaltherapy.com 210-695-8781 | gfugas.com

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Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Fall 2019

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country â€“ Fall 2019