Helotes Summer 2019

Helotes Gateway to the Texas Hill Country

Summer 2019

The Official Magazine of the City of Helotes

When Everything You See Becomes a Planter:

Container Gardening and Xeriscaping

by Carole Miller

Take a Walk on the Historic Side: Old Town Helotes

by Cynthia Leal Massey

United Gymnastics: Bending over Backwards for the Family Business

By Crystal Henry

www.HelotesMagazine.com

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Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Summer 2019

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Summer 2019

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Howdy Helotes

t’s amazing how fast we blew through Spring and have now officially settled into, what looks to be, another hot Summer. Although Spring seemed short, it was very active, as we held some of our most popular community events. The Helotes Area Community Band kicked off the 2019 season with their annual Spring Concert at John Marshall High School. Our May and June Movie Nights @ the Park had good attendance, and everyone enjoyed the concerts by our Helotes Area Community Band, free hot dogs, other fare offered by food vendors, and, of course, the cartoons and movies. On June 8th, our 7th annual Jazz a’Round Old Town Helotes festival brought an estimated 1,500 jazz enthusiasts around the traffic circle in Old Town for an evening of good music by four well–known jazz bands. Our MarketPlace @ Old Town Helotes, held the first Saturday of each month throughout the year, has grown to an average of 230 vendors since its inception in 2008. It has become a premier shopping venue, bringing more than 1,000 visitors to Helotes to enjoy shopping at a wide variety of arts and crafts booths. A wonderful mixture of aromas fills the air around the food court area where shoppers can enjoy a big selection of food from a variety of vendors. These are just a few of our 26 different community events held each year, so be sure to check our website at visithelotes.com or visit our social media pages for more information on each of the events. All of our community events are free and planned to provide family fun and build community spirit. If you haven’t attended an event, check the schedule and join us!

It’s good to see that TxDOT is just about done with the intersection work at Loop 1604 and Bandera Road, and, as goofy as the overall project looks, it seems to be working by reducing congestion and waiting times in that area.

TxDOT is just

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By Mayor Tom Schoolcraft

starting construction on the enlargement of the culvert at Bandera Road and Cedar Trail. This is scheduled to be a six month project and, once completed, should reduce the potential of water going over Bandera Road in that area. Our Public Works Department is working jointly on this project by improving the low water crossing immediately downstream of the existing culvert. Our part of the work is outside of TxDOT’s rightof-way and was part of our agreement with TxDOT in order to have them upsize the culvert.

Another of our long-term goals—a pedestrian bridge in Old Town Helotes—will be completed this Summer.

For many years, bicyclists and pedestrians have had to ride or walk on the existing vehicular bridge, where they have had to compete for space with cars and trucks when crossing Helotes Creek to get from one end of Old Town to the other. The weathered steel bridge will be approximately 130 feet long by 10 feet wide and will be installed adjacent to the existing vehicular bridge.

The concrete piers and abutments that will support each end of the bridge have already been constructed.

The bridge is scheduled to be delivered in late July and will be delivered in two sections. Upon arrival, the bridge will be bolted together and then lifted on to the abutments using two large cranes. After installation, the concrete walking surface and connecting sidewalks will be poured to complete the project. We have completed many projects in the last 10 to 12 years, but this one will be one of the most exciting, beneficial, and useful ones for public safety, as well as for our local businesses in Old Town. Look for more details on our bridge project on our City’s website, social media pages, or in the bridge article elsewhere in this Magazine.

We should have several new retail centers under construction before the end of the year. If you are a Dunkin’ Donuts fan, you will be glad to hear that they are the first tenant to lease space in the new retail center now under construction adjacent to Walmart.

It’s a toss-up as to which other businesses will be coming to town, but we certainly welcome any new businesses and wish them success. Don’t forget to always Shop Helotes and support all of our business owners, whether they are new or have been serving our community and citizens for years.

Have a great Summer!

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Summer 2019

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Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Summer 2019

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Inside This Issue

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Howdy Helotes

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United Gymnastics: Bending over Backwards for the Family Business

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Take a Walk on the Historic Side: Old Town Helotes

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Hill Country Health: Helotes’ Own Practitioners Improve Quality of Life

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From Fires to Firearms: Firefighter’s Hobby Now a Successful Helotes Business

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Helotes Heroes at Your Service

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Bridging Old Town Helotes: A New Pedestrian Bridge Spans Helotes Creek

Helotes Map

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When Everything You See Becomes a Planter: Container Gardening and Xeriscaping

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Seitz Seeing

A Motley Crew of E-Tools for Citizens’ Toolkits

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Coupons

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Advertiser Index

Events

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Chrissy’s Dance Academy Voted Best Dance Studio In Helotes 10 Times!

Experience the magic of Chrissy’s Dance Academy

Photo by Martha Istueta 210-695-1511 (ages 2 and up) Summer Session starts July 1 • New Student Fall Registration August 10-11 & 17-18

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Summer 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 Cynthia Leal Massey Bob McCullough Carole Miller Mayor Tom Schoolcraft Helotes City Staff Helotes Public Relations

Graphic Designer

Jennifer Nelson

Contributing Photographers Dave Scepanski Jack Smith Tony Wazir

AL PLUMBING

Master Plumber Arnie Lopez

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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 toto make such aTexas preferenceHill limitation or discrimination.”

Helotes: Gateway the Country – Summer 2019

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UNITED GYMNASTICS Bending over Backwards for the Family Business

By Crystal Henry

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manda Rocha has been a competitive gymnast since she was a toddler. She was a star on the balance beam, but, even after an ankle injury took her out of the running for college scholarships, Amanda still coached gymnastics while she was studying at Texas State University. And, it was during that time that she met Paul.

Paul Rocha is from El Paso, and he didn’t show an interest in gymnastics until high school. He picked it up for a P.E. credit and thought it might be something fun to try. And, after falling in love with the sport, he, too, became a coach.

Amanda was coaching in Austin and Paul was coaching in San Antonio when they met at a competition. Soon, they started coaching together, and their mutual love of the sport blossomed into true love for each other. In 2004, they opened their first gym together, and United Gymnastics Academy was born.

“The first few years were stressful, but exciting,” Paul said.

Paul had a solid group of gymnasts he coached in the Helotes—area, but the building they originally opened was off 1604 and

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Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Summer 2019

Lockhill Selma—a bit outside of his radius. It was a small 5,000 square foot space, and it was a great starter gym. At night, after the gym was closed, Amanda and Paul would go out to the parking lot together and watch the fireworks bursting over Fiesta Texas. “We’d always say ‘They’re celebrating another day of us being in business,’” Amanda said.

Business was good, but Paul said he always knew he wanted to move back to Helotes.

It was a fast and furious first run. The couple got married in 2006, bought a house in 2007, and welcomed their first baby that same year. Then, in 2009, they got word that a space was opening up in Helotes, and the yoga-loving building owner was really excited to get someone in who would cater to children and families.

The new building was almost four times the size of their current gym; and Paul said they didn’t know if they’d be able to fill it with equipment. But, it didn’t take long before the United Gymnastics Academy was full of equipment and gymnasts on Leslie Road in Helotes.

The couple said working together and owning a family business isn’t without its challenges, but they wouldn’t have it any other way. All three of their children have grown up in the gym since they were just a few weeks old, and Amanda said having them close has been one of the greatest perks of owning her own business.

“When they were little, some of the moms would take turns holding my babies while I was out on the floor coaching,” she said.

“And, my kids have napped on probably every mat out here.”

Amanda said she hired Ciara, one of their competition coaches, the day before she gave birth to their second baby. “I was literally standing there pregnant with Cole, and I hired her on the spot,” Amanda said. “I told her I’m about to have Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Summer 2019

a baby, but you’ll be great and I’ll see you in a few weeks.” Ciara has now been coaching with them for 10 years.

The business has kept the family close, but Amanda said they were always careful to let their children know that gymnastics wasn’t a required activity.

All three Rocha kids have shown an interest in the sport at some point, but, while the two girls are still passionate gymnasts, their brother, Cole, has moved on to karate and baseball.

The competitive spirit runs deep in this family, and Cole is not only a pitcher on his baseball team, but he competes at Retro Sport Karate just around the corner from the gym. While Amanda is busy coaching, Paul runs Cole to practices, and they give equal merit to every extracurricular activity their children show an interest in.

Their oldest daughter, Lindsay, is 11, and she just finished in the top five in the State for Level 8.

Various skill requirements are needed to advance through women’s gymnastics levels in the USA Gymnastics Program. Lindsay is now working on Level 9, and she’s enrolled in the homeschool program at the gym. The United Academic Academy is a training opportunity for girls to work in the gym without the crowds that the after school programs and recreational classes bring. School is taught from 8 a.m. until noon, and then the girls train until 6 p.m.

Their teacher is Samantha Chavez, a former teacher for Northside Independent School District, who has

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been with the Academy for seven years. The program is by invitation only, and it’s limited to 12 girls at a time. They teach through eighth grade, and then most of the girls go on to O’Connor High School or finish up with online classes. It gives the girls a chance to train hard, but also spend time with their families in the evening or to try other sports if they’d like.

Since Lindsay has her evenings free, she started taking dance classes at Chrissy’s Dance Academy in Helotes. And, Chrissy’s daughter takes gymnastics classes at United. Amanda said, as a small-business owner, she knows how important it is to support other small locally— owned businesses in the area.

The Rocha’s youngest daughter, Addie, is 7, and she also goes to Chrissy’s. She’s a Level 4 competitive gymnast, and she recently told her mom her dream is to be a golfer! She and her brother go to Krueger Elementary, so Amanda is able to pick them up when she goes to get the other Krueger kids for United’s after school program.

Paul said, as a small business, there’s nothing outside of their job description. They clean the floors, take out trash and drive the after school vans. But, the word he’d use to describe owning a gym with his wife is “glorious.”

In July, United will celebrate 15 years in business, and Amanda said they’re planning an open house to celebrate. They currently serve around 600 gymnasts from ages 1 to 18, with after school programs, recreational classes, open gym times, birthday parties, parent’s night out, Summer, Winter and Spring camps, and, of course, their competition teams. They’ve had 30 TOPs (USA Gymnastics Talent Opportunity Program) National Qualifiers, 8 TOPs National team members, 15 Junior Olympic National Qualifiers, and more than 100 State and regional Junior Olympic Champions!

Amanda said they’re always busy, but they just take things week by week. She and Paul work together and balance each other out. He’s silly and goofy, and she tends to be a little more serious. But, they’re a perfect complement to one another. And, they’re happy to bend over backwards for the love of the sport that brought them together all those years ago.

For more information on classes or events at the Gym, check out unitedgymnastics.com.

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Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Summer 2019

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Each Primrose school is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose Schools® and Balanced Learning® are registered trademarks of Primrose School Franchising Company. ©2019 Primrose School Franchising Company. All rights reserved. See primroseschools.com for ‘fact’ source and curriculum detail.

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Take a Walk on the Historic Side: Old Town Helotes

By Cynthia Leal Massey All photographs courtesy of the Historical Society of Helotes.

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n a joint project with the City of Helotes, the Historical Society of Helotes recently published a historic walking tour map of Old Town.

The 0.3-mile walking tour features 11 historically-significant structures and a 12th nearby property—the Marnoch Homestead—located outside of the Old Town District.

The properties on the walking tour are at least 50 years old and have historical significance in Helotes history. The map gives a short description of each of the buildings; however, this article expands on the history to give readers a more in-depth look into the individuals who built them and their significance.

Historic Settlement The area in and around the Old Town Helotes Special District goes back more than 7,000 years when small bands of nomadic Indians migrated seasonally in search of food and grain. In the mid-1800s, Apaches, Comanches and Tonkawa tribes, disgruntled by European and Spanish immigration into the region, conducted raids and depredations well into the 1870s.

By the early 1880s, with the threat of Indian attack waning, settlement in the outlying regions of Bexar County became more prevalent, and so did the opportunity for commerce.

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Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Summer 2019

The town of Helotes, which was awarded a Historic Settlement designation by the Texas Historical Commission in 1992 (See stop #8 on the walking tour map), developed around a residence, general store, and blacksmith shop built by Arnold Gugger (1852-1928) in 1881, in what is now Old Town.

Arnold was the only son of Swiss immigrants Anton (1807-1881) and Marie (1819-1911) Gugger. Anton was a freighter and owner of a rock quarry, and he served as Justice of the Peace for the Helotes precinct from 1869-1876.

Arnold purchased 110 acres at the intersection of Helotes Creek and Bandera Road from Marnoch family heirs in late December 1880, and the following year commenced to establish a commercial district. The prime acreage was a natural rest stop for travelers. Cowboys driving cattle to and from Bandera stopped at Helotes crossing, often camping overnight before moving on.

Left: The Helotes General Store was built in 1881. This photo was taken circa 1970s.

For several years, the land between the Creek and what is now Elf Hardware was the place where peddlers from San Antonio came at regular intervals to sell their wares from wagons loaded with everything from pots and pans, dishes and utensils, cloth and sewing supplies, to pliers, nails, tools, and the ever–popular tonics and remedies.

Gugger Homestead and General Store In 1881, Gugger built the family homestead (#9) and erected a general store (#7) next door.

The blacksmith building was razed many years ago. The Gugger Homestead, a two-story stone structure with 18-inch thick limestone masonry walls—typical of much of the German vernacular architecture in the central and hill country regions of Texas—was awarded a Texas Historic Landmark designation in 2008. It originally had a stairway

Below: The Gugger Homestead was built in 1881. Otis Hileman, son of the home’s second owner, is in front of the house, circa 1914.

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Summer 2019

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to the second floor on the outside, but it was removed in the 1940s when an inside stairway was installed. In that era, in addition to being a family residence, the Gugger Homestead was the location of the Helotes Post Office from 1944 to 1953. The Helotes Bicycle Shop has occupied the building for more than 30 years.

The General Store, now housing professional offices, was also built with locally-quarried limestone. Gugger and his wife, Amalia Benke (1861-1921), were the proprietors of the store, a gathering place for local farmers and ranchers. When Gugger was appointed Postmaster in 1888, the General Store became the location of the Helotes Post Office and was a center of activity for that service until 1904, when Gugger resigned as Postmaster.

An annex on the north side of the building fronting Old Bandera Road was added in 1939 by then owners Phillip and Ruth Maltsberger. Ruth had become Postmistress in 1936, and the couple needed more room in the small General Store. They moved the Post Office to the annex.

When Ruth’s term ended in 1944, the Post Office was moved to the Gugger Homestead where her sister-inlaw, Blanche Maltsberger, took over as Postmistress. In 1953, the Post Office returned to the annex when Matilda Barham took over postal duties from 1953-1966. Today, the annex is home to Cheetahlish Gifts.

Another addition to the General Store occurred in the late 1970s when a military barrack was added to the back.

The Hickory Hut BBQ restaurant operated there from late 1979 until 2006. Today, it is home to B Daddy’s BBQ restaurant.

Hileman’s Boarding House & Dance Hall Wilbert “Bert” Hileman (1873-1956) purchased the Gugger property in 1908.

Hileman, a native of Nebraska, moved his wife and children into the Gugger Homestead and took over as proprietor of the General Store. In 1912-13, he added two more buildings: the Hileman Boarding House (#1) and a dance hall, Hileman’s Hall [&] Scenic Loop Pool Room (#4).

Today, the Hileman Boarding House is home to Helotes Café and Bakery on the first floor and a bed & breakfast on the second floor. Built originally in Victorian style, with wood siding and an L-shaped two-story porch, the façade was changed in the 1920s or 30s by second owners James and Kate Riggs. They removed the porches and installed the limestone rock façade that we see today. During the Hileman era, Bert’s mother-in-law ran the boarding house.

Hileman’s Hall, today’s Old Helotes Inn (an event and music venue), is the site of the first dance hall in Helotes. For a short while, from 1916 to 1918, the building served as the Helotes Mercantile, operated by Emil Gottschalck & Sons, during a time when cattle were still driven through town. From the 1920s through the 1950s, it returned to its roots, becoming the Helotes Inn Dance Hall, a popular dance and music venue.

Riggs Grocery Store, Gas Station and Carpentry Shop

Hileman’s Hall and Scenic Loop Pool Room, Helotes’ first dance hall, circa 1913.

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James Riggs (1879-1964), dubbed the first honorary mayor of Helotes because of his philanthropy and take-charge attitude, built the original Riggs Grocery Store (#2) between late 1920 and 1930 next to Hileman’s Boarding House, which became the Riggs’ residence. Riggs ran the store with his wife, Kate Niernberg Riggs (18791946). During the Depression, he and Kate often lent money and provided food to their customers for a mixture of barter and cash. The building, which today houses the Helotes Art Gallery, was also Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Summer 2019

The original Riggs Grocery Store building, erected in the late 1920s. In 1942, John T. Floore rented the building and redubbed it Floore Country Store. Photo by Woodrow Marrs, circa 1950.

the location of the original Floore Country Store, which John T. Floore leased from Riggs from 19421952.

In 1931, Riggs built a Garage and Gas Station (#5), today’s Old Town Depot Antiques, across the street from his new grocery store and leased it to Humble Oil and Refining Company for three years.

Next to the garage, he built a small cabin (#6) that he rented to a carpenter. Today, this cabin is an antique shop, Harvest Cottage.

Terry Residence Another of Riggs’ projects was the Terry Residence (#3), located behind the original Riggs’ Grocery Store. Riggs built the rock house in the early 1950s Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Summer 2019

for his nephew, Martin Terry (1920-2000), Terry’s wife, Uvalda (1922-2015), and their two sons, Marty and Timothy, for the convenience of living near the grocery store, which Terry took over after Floore ended his lease. Terry continued to run it as a Red & White Grocery store, part of a franchise from that era, for several years.

Floore Country Store John T. Floore (1898-1975), Helotes’ second “honorary mayor,” was a showman, entertainer and entrepreneur at heart. He saw all the activity at the Helotes Inn Dance Hall, which prompted him to purchase 17 acres across the street, next to the Gugger Homestead, in 1945. Floore continued to operate the original Floore Country Store across

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the street while he made plans to build his new dance hall. According to a San Antonio Express article dated September 14, 1952, John T. Floore formally opened the doors of the Floore Country Store Dance Hall and Kitchen (#10) on Saturday, September 13, 1952.

For almost seventy years, this eclectic venue, a Texas Historic Landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has brought many famous country artists to Helotes, and is considered the musical birthplace of Willie Nelson. Boots, cowboy hats, and western paraphernalia hang from the dance hall ceiling, and its walls are adorned with photographs of many of the famous bands and musicians that have played there. This building has been a dance hall and music venue continuously since it opened.

Barham Residences At the north end of Old Town, across Helotes Creek on the east side of Old Bandera Road, is the Ross Barham cottage (#11), built in 1925. Barham (1895-1983), an early entrepreneur, developer, and amateur archaeologist, built the flat roof rock cottage as a residence for himself and his wife Matilda (1894-1981). The cottage is reminiscent of the houses being built at the time at the Scenic Loop Playground, now the City of Grey Forest.

In 1939, Barham and his wife moved to another house in Helotes; they sold the cottage, and it has remained a residence ever since.

Up the road on the west side of the street—in the area known as The Shops at Old Town Helotes—is the Ross Barham House, built in 1950. Barham built this quaint rock house (#12), now the home of the Cracked Mug Coffee House, as a residence for one of his clients. On the side of the house is a fountain that he erected using several of his fossil and rock discoveries, some of them from Helotes Creek.

Marnoch Homestead The final building on the tour (#13) is the Marnoch Homestead, the oldest residence in Helotes and a Texas Historic Landmark. Located on Scenic Loop Road, a half-mile from its intersection with Bandera Road, the limestone two-story house was built in 1859.

The Homestead, a unique Anglo-American adopted Georgian–style box house with two halfoctagon bay towers, was built by San Antonio architect and builder John M. Fries. A home for Helotes’ founding family, it also served as an early school and a post office. Although Scottish surgeon Dr. George Frederick Marnoch (18021870) was the original owner, the house is most associated with his son, frontier naturalist Gabriel Wilson Marnoch (1836-1920), who discovered two amphibian and two reptile species in the limestone cliffs that predominate in the Helotes hills, including the Cliff Chirping Frog, Eleutherodactylus (Syrrhophus) marnockii, named after Marnoch. A founding member of the Scientific Society of San Antonio, Marnoch is also credited with discovering the Balcones Fault near Helotes in 1884.

He also served as Helotes Postmaster from 1904 to 1919.

The house, which is a private residence, is in excellent condition, and is worth the drive to see.

Hileman Boarding House, circa 1913.

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Cynthia Leal Massey is the author of several books on the history of Helotes. She is also president of the Historical Society of Helotes. For more information, visit www. cynthialealmassey.com or www.historicalsocietyofhelotes.org.

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Summer 2019

The Walking Tour Map Hard copies of the map are located in three receptacles in Old Town: one at the South end, one at the North end, and one in the center, across from the intersection of Old Bandera Road and Floore Drive.

You may also download the map from the Historical Society website at historicalsocietyofhelotes.org.

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Summer 2019

Call or visit our website to schedule an appointment or email us if you have any questions. We are here to help you and your family.

Inez King

Family Nurse Practitioner

Over her 30 years of nursing experience, Inez King has been in different health care settings including hospital, specialty care and home health. Serving in her local community for the last 15 years, she is trained in diagnosing and treating the entire family from infants to geriatrics. Her desire is to bring genuine care to the whole family with convenient and affordable options to our community.

12274 Bandera Rd.; Suite #108 (210) 839-1860 • healinghandsfamilycare.com 19

Hill Country Health Helotes’ Own Practitioners Improve Quality of Life By: Drew Henry

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ealth and wellness are alive in Old Town Helotes. One block from John T. Floore’s Country Store, Dr. Ann Newstead and Dr. Gabe Rodriguez have created a health haven for the local community. Offering physical therapy, yoga, and concierge medicine, they share the same vision and are giving the gift of well-being to the Texas Hill Country.

AHNew Physical Therapy is owned by Dr. Ann Newstead, P.T., D.P.T., Ph.D. She is a clinical specialist in Geriatric and Neurologic Physical Therapy and is certified as an Exercise Expert in Aging Adults and in Vestibular Rehabilitation. She has been serving her community as a physical therapist for over 40 years and is committed to providing quality care for all ages, from infants to the elderly. Her practice offers services in AHNew Physical Therapy - vestibular rehabilitation Dr. Ann Newstead to improve balance and dizziness, pre-rehabilitation and rehabilitation after surgery, and individualized physical therapy to improve strength and functional mobility. Comprehensive examinations and exercise programs and continuing education for practicing physical therapists are also provided.

She hosts other events throughout the year, such as Walk in the Park (gentle exercise at the Helotes Fitness Park), Otago Fall Prevention Workshops (balance and vertigo prevention), Coffee with Ann (various educational topics), as well as Yoga and Pilates classes. All workshops are free, and the first class of Yoga or Pilates is offered free to make it accessible to the community. You can find more about these free events on the website at ahnewphysicaltherapy.com/blog/.

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Dr. Newstead believes that physical therapy is more than just exercise or a means to an end, but rather, “it is a way of life, it is a way of being, it is a way of taking care of our mind, body, and spirit.”

She explains, “every movement counts” toward achieving good health and that “prevention is key.”

She teaches her patients to manage their own pain and exercise programs so that they can learn to take care of themselves outside of the office and keep moving! She opened her own clinic so that each of her patients could get the most individualized care possible. She aims to give back to her community through building relationships and encourages people of all ages to get active. “If we can start moving earlier in life, hopefully we can have a healthier lifestyle to improve our quality of life in later years,” she explains.

AHNew Physical Therapy is located at 14418 Old Bandera Road and is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (later by appointment) and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To schedule a free consultation or to learn more, you can reach Dr. Newstead at (210) 833-8336 or by email at AHNewPT@gmail.com.

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Summer 2019

Gabe Rodriguez, MD is the owner of a concierge medicine practice that offers general health and wellness services for clients of all ages, with a focus on preventative medical care. Dr. Rodriguez enjoys being readily available to his clients during their time of need. He offers personal home visits, in-office visits, assisted living facility visits, and telemedicine access services. He Dr. Gabe Rodriguez is a boardcertified emergency physician and believes that his clinical experience in emergency medicine is an invaluable resource to his clients. Overall, Dr. Rodriguez strives to make health care more accessible.

So, what is concierge medicine? Concierge medicine is direct and convenient health care with an annual membership fee that doesn’t have to go through insurance. The monthly fee covers an annual in–

office exam, plus unlimited “tech visits” via phone, text, email, or video with no copay. Most procedures are covered in membership, while some—like house visits—are available for an additional fee.

Memberships start at $80 per month and go up based on age bracket. There are even discounts for couples, families with children, the military, civil service providers, and NISD and UTSA employees.

He explains, “a program like this is great for people whose place of employment may not have health care benefits or people looking for more accessible and convenient care.”

Dr. Rodriguez explains that he developed his practice with a patient–centered model; he wanted his patients to have “access, convenience, and a relationship–based approach to medicine to maximize care.” He believes that health is the foundation of a well functioning community. He doesn’t stop there though. Dr. Rodriguez volunteers for South Texas USA boxing, where he works ringside providing care during matches. “It is a really family–friendly event, and I love taking my son to be a part of it,” he says. “Health really is in everything we do.”

Dr. Gabe Rodriguez’s practice is located at 14418 Old Bandera Road and is open by appointment only. To schedule an appointment or to learn more, you can reach him at (210) 538-2273 or by email at GabeRodriguezMD@yahoo.com.

Find them online!

AHNew Physical Therapy www.ahnewphysicaltherapy.com Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Summer 2019

Dr. Gabe Rodriguez www.gaberodriguezmd.com

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From Fires to Firearms: Firefighter’s Hobby Now a Successful Helotes Business

By Dan R. Goddard

J

ack Quipp, a Captain for the Helotes Fire Department, opened Helotes Tactical Firearms in 2013 inside Elf Hardware next to John T. Floore Country Store in Old Town Helotes.

“I have lived in and around Helotes my whole life,” Quipp says. “I have always liked shooting and working on firearms. I decided to open the store as a hobby and something to do on my days off from the Fire Station.”

Byron Faust, owner of Elf Hardware, already had burglar bars and an alarm system in place. Quipp added a camera system around the building, inside and out, and keeps his guns locked in a safe when he's closed. Security, he says, has not been an issue.

“Old Town Helotes is great,” Quipp says. “We fit in well. I sell everything.

Any kind of firearm, but my specialty is the tactical-style weapons and all the accessories for them. I also sell handguns and shot guns and provide different services for gun owners.”

Helotes Tactical Firearms offers minor gun repairs, firearm cleaning, and applying a polymer-ceramic finish, Cerakote, which provides abrasion and corrosion resistance. Quipp also provides transfer services for people who have bought weapons online. The internet marketplace for gun sales is highly regulated due to the Gun Control Act of 1968, which prevents sellers from mailing guns directly to unlicensed private parties. Helotes Tactical Firearms charges a small fee for providing this service, conducting a background check, and fulfilling other requirements. Quipp has a Federal Firearms License (FFL).

“We are part of a nationwide online store, so people can order online from us,” Quipp says. “There aren’t that many issues to deal with in selling guns online, mainly following the law and the rules of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.”

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Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Summer 2019

Federal law does not treat online gun sales differently from other gun sales—these sales are governed by the same laws governing other firearm transfers, including laws regarding interstate and “private party” gun sales. State and local restrictions may apply, as well. The Helotes Tactical Firearms website, helotestacticalfirearms.com, provides an up-to-the-minute news feed about new gun laws and other firearmsrelated issues, along with a full catalog of products from AR-15 rifles to Glock 9mm pistols.

When buying a firearm, Quipp says, customers should consider what size firearm, what caliber, and what they plan to use the weapon for— target practice, hunting, or self-defense?

“I have grown my business by being competitive on pricing and having good customer service,” Quipp says.

“I have also grown the business outside of Helotes.”

He has another store on IH-10 at Dominion Drive called 10 West Tactical. “I am in partnership with my cousin,” Quipp says. “And, I have a new store opening just outside of Bandera called Bandera County Tactical, which is located inside the Hill Country Outdoor Store. Between all three stores, we’ll have nine employees.”

Quipp, who studied fire science and firefighting at San Antonio College, says the gun shops are his plan for retirement.

hours on shift and 96 hours off, which is plenty of time off. I have good employees that can run the businesses without me. It does get hectic sometimes, but nothing I can’t handle. My plans for the future are to retire from the Fire Department so that I can spend my time shooting, hunting, and, mainly, fishing!”

Helotes Tactical Firearms, 14546 Old Bandera Road, is open 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. They are closed Sundays and Mondays.

For more information, call (210) 378-7400 or visit helotestacticalfirearms.com.

“It’s not hard to balance the time between the business and the Fire Department,” Quipp says. “We work 48

10 West Tactical is located at 22015 I-10, suite 105 in San Antonio. It is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and is closed on Sundays.

Learn more by calling them at (210) 370-3016 or visit their website at tenwesttactical.com.

Helotes Tactical Firearms

10 West Tactical Firearms

14546 Old Bandera Road Helotes, Texas (210) 378-7400 helotestacticalfirearms.com

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Summer 2019

22015 I-10, Suite 105 San Antonio, Texas (210) 370-3016 tenwesttactical.com

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HELOTES MAP

ADVERTISERS AHNEW Physical Therapy AL Plumbing Auntie Anne’s Blume Pediatric Dentistry Braun Hall

10483

Cheetalish Chrissy’s Dance Academy

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Congelato

14889 Old Bandera Rd.

Cynthia Leal Massey Doris Young & Co. REALTORS EZ Printing

Advertisers Located Off Map

Frost Bank HEALING HANDS

HAUSMAN RD

For a complete list of businesses in Helotes, visit shophelotes.com.

Helotes Gentle Family Dentistry CIRCLE N DR E

CIRCLE S DR

Healing Hands Family Care

Helotes Overhead Garage Doors Janus Custom Homes Kinard Family Dental Maid Affordable Pope’s Cleaners Prestige Emergency Room

CEDAR POINT

Primrose Schools Re/Max Real Estate - Stevie Seitz State Farm - Carlos H. Miranda

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HEALING HANDS

Vintage Reconstruction, Inc. Whimsical Annie’s Wild Birds Unlimited

25

When Everything You See Becomes a Planter: Container Gardening and Xeriscaping

by Carole Miller

H

ow does your garden grow when you have no garden? Trick question? No! If you love gardens but find yourself lawn-challenged, have no fear for container gardening and xeriscaping are here to save the day!

“As everyone knows, the soil in the Helotes–area is full of rocks, which makes gardening difficult for some folks,” explains Helotes Garden Club Vice President Sharon Pinnell. “Container gardening is the way to go for plants and some vegetables.”

And, who hasn’t struggled to provide enough water during a hot Texas summer drought? Cactus gardens, succulents, and all kinds of xeriscaping are a great alternative and have recently become very popular.

Contain Yourself

Pot-pouri

A thriller is a tall, upright, eye-catching plant. Put it right in the center of the pot. An example of a thriller is something like purple fountain grass.

Fillers are short, blooming plants like begonias or petunias. And spillers, such as ivy, sweet potato plant, or silver falls, trail gracefully down the container.

Think Inside the Box

The key to container gardening is to think of it as a “bouquet in a planter.” When you’re planting flowers in a container, just remember three words: thriller, filler, and spiller.

Gather up your most colorful and fun pots and arrange them in groups for color at your entryway, patio, or garden.

Be sure the plants you put together like the same amount of sun or shade and the same amount of water.

Planter boxes are great for growing vegetables and are available at your local feed or home improvement stores.

They are also perfect for growing herbs, tomatoes, okra, or any other vegetables that don’t require a lot of space. If you don’t have a lot of space for a garden, patio gardening is quite enjoyable. Plus, you can have fresh herbs and veggies right outside of your door all the time!

We Don’t Need No Irrigation

Xeriscaping is a style of landscape design requiring little or no watering and minimal maintenance. Some local, drought-tolerant plants include coleus, lemon grass, sedum (all types), mossy phlox, candytuft, bulbine, turkscap, shrimp plant (red or white), Mexican petunia, purple heart, bird of paradise, yucca, and aloe.

These plants love the South Texas sunshine and make anyone’s landscaping inviting and manageable.

Did you know?

The first American garden club was founded in 1891 in Athens, Georgia.

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Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Summer 2019

You Had Me at Helotes

If you want to take your gardening experience to a new level, the Helotes Garden Club is here. Everyone is welcome, regardless of experience level. The mission of the Garden Club is to meet other interested men and women and learn all phases of gardening and gardenrelated subjects. There are several Master Gardeners in the Helotes Garden Club, too!

Founded in 1967, the Club began meeting in members homes. Today, the Club meets the first Thursday of every month from September through May. Three times a year, meetings are held at the Lions Club or City Hall, and other months are spent exploring and learning about plants at various venues.

The Helotes Garden Club celebrates spring with an Annual Plant Sale, which includes a raffle benefiting scholarships for O’Connor High School Future Farmers of America (FFA) horticultural students and other civic organizations. The Club recently handed out three scholarships to O’Connor FFA students!

The Club also helps other local civic organizations; in the past, it assisted Casa Helotes Senior Center with funds for beautification, and Helotes Garden Club Master Gardener Bertha Farias recently designed the new butterfly garden at Helotes City Hall.

For more information on the Helotes Garden Club, visit its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/helotesgardenclub.

Grab a friend, plant, and shovel, and join the Helotes Garden Club. It just may turn your brown thumb green!

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Summer 2019

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Seitz Seeing

by Bob McCullough

All photographs courtesy of Stevie Seitz.

T

he sights and sites of Helotes continue to excite lifelong resident and civic leader Stevie Seitz.

Given her family’s deep roots in the community and her lengthy career in real estate, Seitz possesses broad knowledge of Helotes’ evolution from a wide spot in the road to a thriving City.

She can recall when Bandera Road was a two-lane highway through the heart of Old Town where “you could stand in the middle and drink a tall glass of tea without ever seeing a car.”

Seitz and her sister, Tracie, spent much of their childhoods exploring the woods around town and playing in Helotes Creek.

Later on, Seitz became interested in politics because it ran in the family.

Stevie’s parents, Bonnie & Dean Jones; Dean Jones campaign photo

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“Our mom was Bonnie Jones, and our stepdad–Dean Jones– was Constable of Bexar County Precinct 2 for 27 years until he retired,” she says. “John T. Floore’s Country Store kept a big 6-foot by 8-foot campaign sign hanging in the store year-round.

In one of my stepdad’s re-election campaigns, he took Helotes by a vote of 323 to 3. We never did discover who those three voters were!”

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Summer 2019

In 1973, Seitz and husband Leo acquired their own piece of Helotes. They continue to occupy the same land—The Model T Ranch on Riggs Road—that her grandparents, Steve and Lolis Stevens, bought in the 1940s. The property got its name from Steve’s hobby of restoring antique autos.

“Leo was a teacher/coach, and he wrestled professionally for extra money,” Seitz says. “In 1978, with four children—Kellye, Laurie, Sunny, and Leo John—we realized I needed to return to work. I chose real estate because I love helping people achieve their dreams, and I love the flexibility that being a realtor has to offer. I was still able to be a schoolroom mother, a Girl Scout leader, an assistant softball coach, and a community volunteer.”

Much to her dismay, Seitz learned that someone wanted to locate a flea market on Riggs Road across from Helotes Elementary School. “We were still in Bexar County’s jurisdiction back then, so we began strategizing on ways to block the sale of the land that also was so close to Girl Scout Camp Cookie,” she remembers. “So we took Girl Scouts in uniform and school students with us and stormed Commissioners Court, pleading for their help. The potential land buyer was most likely concerned about the reception he’d receive from those ‘crazy activist residents’ and backed out of the sale.”

This incident caused Seitz and other citizens to realize what little control they had over Helotes’ future. So, they formed an incorporation committee with the goal of creating a city and, ultimately, succeeded.

“As a new City, we definitely experienced growing pains in developing our own government,” says Seitz. “With no city hall, we rented a space in the Park Bluff office complex. Not only were meetings held there, but arrested offenders were handcuffed to chairs by our police officers until they could be transported to the County jail.”

In the early 1990s, Seitz and her neighbors realized that there was no way to stop the urbanization heading toward Helotes. “Our small-town, hill country way of life was of utmost importance to us, so we began writing ordinances regulating new construction, including signage, trees, lighting, number of floors, and the like,” she says.

“Then-Mayor Steve Hodges and the City Council established the Economic Development Committee to bring in businesses that would enhance our community.”

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Summer 2019

Camp Cookie

As Chairman of the new Committee, Seitz led a research effort that identified serious economic development deficiencies, such as not enough water and sewer lines. The wooden buildings in Old Town would have been particularly vulnerable had fire broken out.

“Our Economic Development Committee recognized that our City could never absorb the costs of improved infrastructure, so we began researching alternatives,” Seitz says. “We believed a sales tax–not a property tax–was our best option. The proceeds would apply only to projects that promoted economic development.

The City Council approved our bringing the sales tax to our voters, and our voters approved it.

Funds from the tax have brought not only water and sewer lines, but also, the beautification of Old Town.”

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Seitz believes Helotes is now more small-town friendly than ever. In the past dozen years, the City has created numerous family-focused events, such as MarketPlace @ Old Town Helotes, the Cornyval Parade, and Movie Night @ the Park.

These efforts led to Helotes being named by Bloomberg BusinessWeek as “The Best Small Town in Texas To Raise Kids.”

Back Row: Stevie, Sunny, and Kellye Front Row: Leo John IV, Leo, and Laurie

She also likes to tout “our own Police Department, Fire Department, EMS with two ambulances, and excellent schools.

Over the past 12 years, we’ve had no property tax increases, but we have had three consecutive years of tax decreases!”

From her front-row seat during the past five decades, Seitz has seen the sites and sights of a growing Helotes, and she can see even more good things on the horizon for “The Gateway to the Texas Hill Country.”

For 41 years, Stevie Seitz has been a Realtor with RE/ MAX North-San Antonio. She can be reached by email at stevieseitz1@gmail.com or by phone at (210) 382-2923.

Stevie’s grandparents, Steve & Lolis Stevens

IMPECCABLY MAINTAINED 4 BEDROOM PLUS STUDY! GOURMET KITCHEN WITH GREAT STORAGE AND COUNTERS! LARGE BEDROOMS, ONE WITH SITTING AREA! MASTER RETREAT FEATURES DRAMATIC WINDOWS, WHIRLPOOL TUB, HIS n HERS WALK-IN CLOSETS! BLT-IN DESKS! QUIET CUL-DE-SAC SETTING WITH DRIVEWAY APRON FOR EXTRA PARKING! CUSTOM DECK FOR ENTERTAINING AND JUST RELAXING! FULL SPRINKLER SYSTEM! CITY OF HELOTES FOR LOW TAXES, EXCELLENT SCHOOLS AND CITY SERVICES! Stevie Seitz, Realtor® stevieseitz1@gmail.com 210-382-2923

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Full-Time Realtor and Top Producer since 1978, specializing in Helotes and the Hill Country.

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Summer 2019

Helotes Overhead Garage Doors has been serving residents in Helotes, TX since 1985. As the “original” Helotes overhead door company in the area, you can count on us for reliable, quality, and honest garage door repair and service. Custom doors and gates are no problem. Our family-owned company always makes your family’s safety our top, and only priority. We treat every customer like they’re family!

Central Catholic High School

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2 10 - 6 95 - 8983 or visit us at

helotesoverheaddoors.com We are insured for your protection.

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Summer 2019

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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. helotesband.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.) | 12 p.m. | Historical Society of Helotes General Meeting | Location Varies historicalsocietyofhelotes.org

3rd Wednesday | 7 p.m.

Economic Development Corporation Regular Meeting | 12951 Bandera Rd. helotesedc.com

1st Tuesday | 7 p.m.

Helotes Lions Club General Meeting | 14690 Bandera Rd. lionsclubs.org

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

1st & 3rd Tuesday (Aug. – June) | 6 p.m. | Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPs) 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

4th Thursday | 6 p.m.

Puppy Hour @ Shops at Old Town Helotes Community Event | 14743 Old Bandera Rd. wine101tx.com

2nd Wednesday | 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Morning Mingle Helotes Chamber Event | Location Varies heloteschamber.com

3rd Friday | 6 p.m.

Movie Night @ the Park Community Event | 12951 Bandera Rd. visithelotes.com

2nd Wednesday | 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Ladies Night Out in Old Town Helotes The Bluffs at OTH | 14391 Riggs Rd.

1st Saturday | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

MarketPlace @ Old Town Helotes Arts & Crafts Fair | 14391 Riggs Rd. helotesmarketplace.com 2nd Saturday | 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Family Night Game Night Community Event | 14743 Old Bandera Rd. shopsatoldtown.com 3rd Saturday | 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Cars and Coffee Community Event | 14889 Old Bandera Rd. fbchelotes.org 3rd Saturday | 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Art & Jazz Night @ Shops at Old Town Helotes Community Event | 14743 Old Bandera Rd. shopsatoldtown.com 1st Sunday | 2 p.m.

Helotes Lions Club Bingo | 14690 Bandera Rd. lionsclubs.org

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Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Summer 2019

July, August, and September Events July 3-5, City Offices Closed Independence Day Break July 3, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks Community Event | 12951 Bandera Rd. visithelotes.com July 5, 7 p.m.

Helotes Lions Club Bingo | 14690 Bandera Rd. lionsclub.org July 6, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The MarketPlace @ Old Town Helotes Arts & Crafts Fair | 14391 Riggs Rd. helotesmarketplace.com

July 19, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Movie Night @ the Park Community Event | 12951 Bandera Rd. visithelotes.com

July 26, 7 p.m.

Helotes Lions Club Bingo | 14690 Bandera Rd. lionsclub.org

July 19, 7 p.m.

Helotes Lions Club Bingo | 14690 Bandera Rd. lionsclub.org

August 1, TBA Helotes Garden Club General Meeting | Location Varies facebook.com/helotesgardenclub

July 20, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Cars and Coffee Community Event | 14889 Old Bandera Rd. fbchelotes.org

August 2, 7 p.m.

Helotes Lions Club Bingo | 14690 Bandera Rd. lionsclub.org

July 12, 7 p.m.

Helotes Lions Club Bingo | 14690 Bandera Rd. lionsclub.org

July 20, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Art & Jazz Night @ Shops at Old Town Helotes Community Event | 14743 Old Bandera Rd. shopsatoldtown.com

August 3, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The MarketPlace @ Old Town Helotes Arts & Crafts Fair | 14391 Riggs Rd. helotesmarketplace.com

July 13, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Family Game Night Community Event | 14743 Old Bandera Rd. shopsatoldtown.com

July 25, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Puppy Hour @ Shops at Old Town Helotes Community Event | 14743 Old Bandera Rd. wine101tx.com

July 7, 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Helotes Lions Club Bingo | 14690 Bandera Rd. lionsclubs.org July 10, 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Morning Mingle Chamber Event | 12415 Bandera Rd. #102 heloteschamber.com July 10, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Ladies Night Out in Old Town Helotes Community Event | 14391 Riggs Rd.

August 4, 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Helotes Lions Club Bingo | 14690 Bandera Rd. lionsclubs.org August 6, 6 p.m.

Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPs) General Meeting | 13222 Bandera Rd. hhumc.com August 9, 7 p.m.

Helotes Lions Club Bingo | 14690 Bandera Rd. lionsclub.org August 10, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Family Game Night Community Event | 14743 Old Bandera Rd. shopsatoldtown.com August 14, 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Morning Mingle Chamber Event | 12415 Bandera Rd. #102 heloteschamber.com

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Summer 2019

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August 14, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Ladies Night Out in Old Town Helotes Community Event | 14391 Riggs Rd. August 15, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Dispatch Public Education Classes Community Event | 12951 Bandera Rd. visithelotes.com August 16, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Movie Night @ the Park Community Event | 12951 Bandera Rd. visithelotes.com August 16, 7 p.m.

Helotes Lions Club Bingo | 14690 Bandera Rd. lionsclub.org August 17, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Cars and Coffee Community Event | 14889 Old Bandera Rd. fbchelotes.org August 17, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Art & Jazz Night @ Shops at Old Town Helotes Community Event | 14743 Old Bandera Rd. shopsatoldtown.com August 20, 6 p.m.

Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPs) General Meeting | 13222 Bandera Rd. hhumc.com August 22, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Puppy Hour @ Shops at Old Town Helotes Community Event | 14743 Old Bandera Rd. wine101tx.com August 23, 7 p.m.

Helotes Lions Club Bingo | 14690 Bandera Rd. lionsclub.org August 30, 7 p.m.

Helotes Lions Club Bingo | 14690 Bandera Rd. lionsclub.org Sept. 1, 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Helotes Lions Club Bingo | 14690 Bandera Rd. lionsclubs.org Sept. 2, City Offices Closed Labor Day Sept. 3, 12 p.m.

Historical Society of Helotes General Meeting | 15060 Antonio Dr. historicalsocietyofhelotes.org

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Sept. 3, 6 p.m.

Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPs) General Meeting | 13222 Bandera Rd. hhumc.com

Sept. 17, 6 p.m.

Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPs) General Meeting | 13222 Bandera Rd. hhumc.com

Sept. 5, TBA Helotes Garden Club General Meeting | Location Varies facebook.com/helotesgardenclub

Sept. 20, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Movie Night @ the Park Community Event | 12951 Bandera Rd. visithelotes.com

Sept. 6, 7 p.m.

Helotes Lions Club Bingo | 14690 Bandera Rd. lionsclub.org

Sept. 20, 7 p.m.

Helotes Lions Club Bingo | 14690 Bandera Rd. lionsclub.org

Sept. 7, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The MarketPlace @ Old Town Helotes Arts & Crafts Fair | 14391 Riggs Rd. helotesmarketplace.com

Sept. 21, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Cars and Coffee Community Event | 14889 Old Bandera Rd. fbchelotes.org

Sept. 11, 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Morning Mingle Chamber Event | 12415 Bandera Rd. #102 heloteschamber.com

Sept. 21, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Art & Jazz Night @ Shops at Old Town Helotes Community Event | 14743 Old Bandera Rd. shopsatoldtown.com

Sept. 11, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Ladies Night Out in Old Town Helotes Community Event | 14391 Riggs Rd. Sept. 13, 7 p.m.

Helotes Lions Club Bingo | 14690 Bandera Rd. lionsclub.org Sept. 14, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Family Game Night Community Event | 14743 Old Bandera Rd. shopsatoldtown.com

Sept. 26, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Puppy Hour @ Shops at Old Town Helotes Community Event | 14743 Old Bandera Rd. wine101tx.com Sept. 27, 7 p.m.

Helotes Lions Club Bingo | 14690 Bandera Rd. lionsclub.org

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Summer 2019

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Summer 2019

35

By Helotes Public Relations

Y

ou know them as the men and women in blue who serve and protect the public 24 hours-per-day, 365 days a year. These first responders enforce laws and keep communities safe from harm. In the City of Helotes, police officers are uniquely embedded into the fabric of our community; each with the upmost integrity and even bigger hearts. The Helotes Police Department proudly serves each day.

One of those heroes is a familiar name to many in Helotes. Working for Helotes for nearly three decades, his quick wit, compassion for his comrades, and love for this community are clearly evident to all who know him. Helotes Police Chief Robert Hunley is a great example of what it means to serve and protect.

Hunley grew up in South Dallas and graduated from Kimball High School. He spent the first 10 years of his professional career with

36

Halliburton, working in the oil fields. When asked if he could have imagined himself becoming a police officer at that time, Hunley chuckled and emphatically shook his head. “It wasn’t what I envisioned, but I knew I wanted a career with more job security,” he said. At that time, layoffs from work in the oil business were common. Law enforcement fit Hunely’s skill set and offered the longevity he craved. His storied career began.

In 1991, Hunley accepted a police officer position with the City of Helotes. At that time, only three or four officers, including the supervisor, were on staff. This small team made up the first officers hired to protect the new City, which incorporated 10 years earlier. The team may have been small, but it was mighty! “We enjoyed our jobs. I especially liked being a night patrolman. When we came to work, we immediately wanted to get out there and find the bad guys,” Hunley recalled.

He worked many nights alongside Tony Burgess, another long–timer with the Helotes Police Department. Together, they gained the respect of Helotes citizens, who were still adjusting to having law enforcement in the City. “Citizens knew us personally. You couldn’t do anything in town without people knowing about it. They took care of us,” said Hunley. He remembers several founding families of Helotes inviting the officers over for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. Several even brought meals to them on-the-job! The community truly cared for its officers, and the outpouring of support was genuine and, sometimes, unexpected.

These relationships helped the Chief overcome challenges and supported him as he raised a family in the small, but growing, community of Helotes.

Working in law enforcement is not easy; there are long hours coupled with extended periods of high stress. At times, officers are exposed to the worst parts of humanity, yet, they are the first to arrive and the last to leave. The role is something that most people cannot fully comprehend. “Not everyone can Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Summer 2019

do this job. It’s dangerous, stressful, and can negatively impact your personal life,” explains Hunley. He knows the challenges firsthand. In 2007, the Chief was diagnosed with a blockage in his heart and, in 2009, he suffered a heart attack. Colleagues at the Helotes Fire Department responded quickly and are credited with stabilizing him. “A near–death experience changes your whole perspective on life.” Today, the father of three adult children says he enjoys the simple things. He likes working around the house or having friends over for a barbecue. He purposely takes time to stop and appreciate the goodness around him—a beautiful night at home with his loved ones.

Chief Hunley is fiercely protective of his officers. Knowing how hard they work and the inherent challenges of the job, he wants them to have the best. From high-quality training to top-notch equipment and competitive pay, his current priority is the team. “It’s not about me now, it’s about these officers. They carry the job with them all the time,” he said. “One of my main roles as Chief is to solve problems and get people what they need.”

Chief Hunley will be the first to tell you that Helotes Police Officers are outstanding men and women. They each have families. They are passionate about the law and doing the right thing. They are the first ones there when you are in need. They serve and protect the City with dignity and respect. They are true heroes at your service.

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Summer 2019

37

Dr. Carlen Palmer Blume

Board Certified Pediatric Dentist

• Birth through teens • Cosmetic options available • Laser for soft tissue surgical procedures • In-office oral, conscious sedation • Operating room services • Full-service pediatric dental office with an outstanding staff. sta Most Major Insurance Accepted. Se Habla Español.

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Carlos Miranda

“Your Good Neighbor Agent in Helotes” 210.695.2880 12415 Bandera Road Ste. 108 Helotes, TX 78023

We meet you where you are with our top-rated app, by answering the phone 24/7 and with bankers who actually want to make your life better.

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Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Summer 2019

39

Bridging Old Town Helotes: A New Pedestrian Bridge Spans Helotes Creek By: Mayor Tom Schoolcraft

F

or decades, bicyclists and pedestrians, including parents pushing strollers, have used extra caution when competing for space with vehicles on the Helotes Creek bridge on Old Bandera Road. That competition will end this Summer as the City is in the process of installing a steel pedestrian bridge adjacent to the existing vehicular bridge in Old Town Helotes. Once in place, the bridge will provide safe passage for people crossing Helotes Creek to get from one end of Old Town to the other.

This is a City project funded by the Helotes Economic Development Corporation. We have been waiting for nearly two years for final approval from the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) allowing us to install the bridge across Helotes Creek. The City received that approval earlier this year and has been working with our City Engineers, LNV, Inc., the contractor that will install the bridge, Hill Country Bridge, Inc., and the bridge fabricator, Wheeler Lumber, LLC, located in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.

The bridge will span approximately 130 feet and will be 10 feet wide with a “weathered steel” finish, giving it a rusty look a few months after installation. The deck, or walking surface, will be concrete, and the side rails will be 54 inches high with a handrail at 36 inches above the deck. Because of its length, the bridge will be shipped to us from Minnesota in two sections. Once on-site, Hill Country Bridge will bolt the bridge sections together and then lift it into place using two large cranes. All of the structural concrete work, including the piers and bridge abutments, has already been completed. Depending on what time of day the bridge arrives, our goal is to have it installed in one day!

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Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Summer 2019

When we confirm the delivery date, which should be during the last two weeks of July, we will post it on our website at helotes-tx.gov and on our social media pages so that you can join us while the bridge is lifted and installed. This is another first for Helotes and should prove to be an interesting, exciting, and historic event to watch!

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Summer 2019

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GET YOURS TODAY! Autographed copies of Cynthia Leal Massey’s books about Helotes can be purchased at Simply Yours Gifts & More in Old Town Helotes & Picoso’s Peanut Company

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Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Summer 2019

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Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Summer 2019

Location Located at 14239 Old Bandera Rd, in the Historic Old Town Loc of Helotes, one block from the famous dance hall, Floores Country Store.

To view our listings visit: dorisyoung.com

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A Motley Crew of E-Tools for Citizens’ Toolkits

W

hether you’re searching for current weather conditions or a lost pet, City of Helotes websites provide a variety of free tools to help you accomplish your goals. Some tools have been available to residents and the business community for years. Others are recent additions. We hope that you find these tools useful, easy to use, and effective. Enjoy!

Weather and Emergency Notifications

Municode

In April 2019, the City of Helotes Fire Department and Office of Emergency Management mounted a weather station on the Helotes Fire Station. The weather station provides up-to-the-minute data on rainfall, temperature, wind speed, barometric pressure, humidity, and the UV index. Station data is available online for both staff and the public. Visit helotes-tx.gov and click on the “Current Weather” icon in the upper right quadrant of the homepage. (Note: Historical rainfall data runs from April 2019 to current.)

The City publishes its Code of Ordinances on Municode, an online codification service provider.

Here, the community can read individual ordinances adopted by the Helotes City Council or it can search the entire Code of Ordinances for regulations applicable to any situation or concern. Visit helotes-tx.gov and click on the “Code of Ordinances” link in the upper left quadrant of the homepage.

The Office of Emergency Management encourages all Helotes residents and business owners to register with the Regional Emergency Alert Network, or REAN. During inclement weather or natural or manmade disasters, the City will utilize REAN to alert and provide directions to the community via telephone (landline and mobile), text, and/or email. REAN registration is self-elected, meaning that the community must register to receive alerts. Visit helotes-tx.gov and click on the “Emergency Notification Signup” link under “Notices” in the middle of the homepage.

SeeClickFix Helotes Implemented in early 2019, SeeClickFix offers the community a quick and easy way to report nonemergent problems to the City. Items, such as graffiti, maintenance requests, or parks and recreation issues, can be reported (including photos) to pertinent City Departments with just a few clicks. Citizens are able to track reports to determine when the City receives the request and when it is completed. Available online or as an Android/iOS compatible app, visit helotes-tx. gov and click on the “SeeClickFix” icon in the upper right quadrant of the homepage.

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Crime Statistics Ever witness a group of police officers or firefighters at a location and wonder what happened? CrimeReports provides the Helotes community with an online snapshot of geolocated violent and property crimes, quality-of-life issues, and 911 calls at the street, neighborhood, or community level. Available in map, satellite, and terrain views, CrimeReports catalogues 30+ incident types. Visit helotes-tx.gov and click on the “Crime Statistics” hot button in the middle of the homepage.

Lost and Found Pets Has your kitty or pooch flown the coop? Our Animal Control Officer posts all lost and found pets online at helotes-tx.gov / City Departments / “Lost and Found Pets.” Micro-chipped or tagged animals are returned promptly to their owners; unidentified animals are placed on the City’s website and housed at City facilities for approximately one (1) week. Those escapees requiring over-the-weekend or extended care are transferred to De Zavala – Shavano Veterinary Clinic, the Helotes Humane Society, and/or the San Antonio Humane Society.

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Summer 2019

Public Access Channel, YouTube, and Social Media The City of Helotes has engaged with the local community through cable, online, and social media platforms for a number of years. All City Council and Municipal committee meetings air live on Spectrum Channel 21, and video recordings of public meetings, special events, and other informational videos are posted online on the City’s YouTube channel (search “City of Helotes” in YouTube’s search window).

With an estimated population of 9,567 residents, Helotes’ social media engagement has increased exponentially. With over 20,500 followers across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Nextdoor, get social with us at: @helotes helotestx @City_of_Helotes Search “City of Helotes” in Nextdoor’s search window

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Summer 2019

Economic Development and Shop Helotes For those looking to start a new business or expand their current operations in Helotes, the Helotes Economic Development Corp. (EDC) recently revamped its online database of available commercial real estate (land or lease space) within the City. In addition to typical real estate information, such as asking prices or rental rates, the database features geographic information system (GIS) data to help prospective businesses understand surrounding demographics, labor force data, consumer expenditures, typical wages, and the competition!

Visit helotesedc.com and click on the “Available Property” tab at the top of the homepage.

For many years, the EDC has hosted shophelotes. com. Here, residents and visitors alike can scroll through a directory of current businesses in Helotes.

From dining to shopping to entertainment, the directory is all-inclusive and allows businesses to post content, such as menus, sales, or news, on their microsites. With maps to help customers find their way, shophelotes.com also features its own Facebook page @ShopHelotes. Look for website updates and enhancements over the next month!

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Advertiser Index Author

Financial Institutions

Cynthia Leal Massey (p.8) cynthialealmassey.com

Healing Hands Family Care (p.19) 210-839-1860 | healinghandsfamilycare.com

Frost Bank (p.38) 210-220-6371 | frostbank.com

Prestige Emergency Room (p.38) 210-504-4837 | PrestigeER.com

Food

Birds

Preschool

Auntie Anne’s (p.42) Wild Birds Unlimited (p.9) 210-375-3611 | westsanantonio.wbu.com 210-595-3222 | auntieannes.com

Clothing

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

Primrose Schools (p.13) 210-372-1488 | primrosesonomaranch.com

Congelato (p.42) 210-209-8151 | facebook.com/Congelatolifeissweet Printing Services

Garage Doors

Helotes Overhead Garage Doors (p.31) 210-695-8983 | helotesoverheaddoors.com

Dance

Chrissy’s Dance Academy (p.7) 210-695-1511 | chrissysdanceacademy.com Garden & Gifts

Dance Venue/Event Hall Braun Hall (p.39) 210-688-9241 | braunhall.com

Dental Services

Blume Pediatric Dentistry (p.38) 210-614-3334 | blumedentistry.com Helotes Gentle Family Dentistry (p.5) 210-695-2888 | drkeepers.com Kinard Family Dental (p.7) 210-695-1200 | kinarddental.com

Whimsical Annie’s (p.5) 210-560-2029 | whimsicalannies.com

EZ Printing (p.13) 210-240-8858 | ezprinting-tx.com

Real Estate/Realtor

Doris Young & Co. Realtors (p.43) 210-695-2861 | dorisyoung.com Re/Max Real Estate - Stevie Seitz (p.30) 210-382-2923 | stevieseitz1@gmail.com

Home Builders

Services

Insurance Agents

Maid Affordable (p.9) 210-372-9970 | maidaffordable.com

AL Plumbing (p.8) 210-269-6346 | al.plumbing

Janus Custom Homes (p.48) 210-695-9770 | janushomes.com State Farm - Carlos H. Miranda (p.38) 210-695-2880 | sfmiranda.com

Medical Services

AHNEW Physical Therapy - Ann H. Newstead (p.19) 210-833-8336 | ahnewphysicaltherapy.com

Pope’s Cleaners (p.39) 210-695-4343 | popecleaners.com Vintage Reconstruction, Inc. (p.13) 210-492-4171 | vintagetx.com

For information on advertising in the next issue of

Helotes Gateway to the Texas Hill Country

Please email: madeleine@travelingblender.com 46

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Summer 2019

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Summer 2019

47

www.JanusHomes.com