Helotes Winter 2019

Helotes Gateway to the Texas Hill Country

Winter 2019

Jazz a’Round Old Town Helotes 2019

by Dan Goddard

The History of the Kallison Ranch

by Cynthia Leal Massey

A Passion for Old-Fashioned

By Bob McCullough

www.HelotesMagazine.com

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Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Winter 2019

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Howdy Helotes

s we open the door to a new year in 2019, we can look back at a very productive 2018. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) successfully completed the new flood control bridge on F.M. 1560 at Saltillo Flat and the F.M. 1560 realignment project and reconfiguration of Bandera Road in the area of Circle A Trail. The goal of the F.M. 1560 realignment project was to alleviate the congestion in that area and shorten the wait times to access F.M. 1560 from Bandera Road, especially for the late afternoon traffic. As far as we can tell, both of these issues have seen vast improvement. Construction on the French Creek Tributary Flood Control Project, funded and contracted by Bexar County Flood Control, is progressing and is scheduled to be completed in early to mid 2019.

It looks like we will be living with road construction for a while. TxDOT started construction on the widening of Hausman Road from its intersection with Bandera Road to Loop 1604 in November 2018 and is scheduled to begin construction on the Cedar Trail Culvert upgrade and flood control project in June of this year. Both of these projects are scheduled to be completed in 2020. TxDOT has also started acquiring right of way and doing their required environmental studies for the widening of F.M. 1560 from Riggs Road to F.M. 471. This much needed improvement is scheduled to start in the next three to five years and will include taking out the existing bridge at Helotes Creek between Riggs Road and Iron Horse Way and replacing it with a longer structure to better handle the flow of water during heavier rain storms.

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By Mayor Tom Schoolcraft

Many new and upgraded culverts will be installed along the entire route to improve drainage and reduce the impact of high water in certain areas. Lastly, TxDOT is moving forward with their plans to reconfigure Bandera Road between Diamond K and the project underway at Loop 1604 so that, once completed, Bandera Road will look much like it does in the area around Circle A Trail. We should see work on that project begin in the next two to five years.

The City completed two of its own major construction projects in 2018. The water and sewer line project now provides service on the East side of Bandera Road from Circle A Trail to Scenic Loop Road.

This was a joint project by the City and the Helotes Economic Development Corporation to encourage development of the parcels of land along that side of Bandera Road. Another benefit of this project is the 16 new fire hydrants that give the Fire Department a much better chance to fight structure fires in any of the existing businesses along that stretch of Bandera Road. The second project was the resurfacing of many of our residential streets throughout the City, plus Scenic Loop and Leslie Roads. This was the single largest street improvement and maintenance project in our City’s history and was made possible by the revenues we received from the Street Maintenance Sales Tax. Links to information on all of the projects mentioned above can be found at www.helotes-tx.gov.

are completed. They range from small “Mom and Pop” businesses to larger franchises. The next time you are going out to shop for goods or services, be sure to “Shop Helotes” first and let our local merchants know you appreciate them opening their businesses in Helotes.

All of the construction, new businesses, and new homes being built in Helotes leave no doubt that we are growing and changing. Many of us who have lived here since before we incorporated in October 1981 have seen numerous changes through the years and remember our humble beginning as a City when money was tight and life was a lot slower. Whether you have been a resident for decades, a few years, or just moved here, if you’re like me, you wake up every morning with gratitude that you live in and call Helotes home. Through all of the growth and change, we have managed to maintain our uniqueness and strong sense of community. Helotes is truly a special place and we, as proud Helotians, have a very bright future ahead of us.

Here’s wishing you a Happy, Safe, and Prosperous New Year for 2019.

We saw new restaurants, gift shops, and service-oriented businesses open their doors in Helotes in 2018, with more to come this year as different retail centers Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Winter 2019

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Winter 2019

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Table of Contents Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country

Howdy Helotes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Jazz a’Round Old Town Helotes 2019 . . . . . 10 The History of the Kallison Ranch . . . . . . . 14 A Passion for Old-Fashioned . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Ready, Set, Print! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Helotes Area Schools Remembered . . . . . . 23 Find Your New Home at Bricewood in Helotes! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Map of Helotes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Community Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Tenured HR Manager Excels in Municipal Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Safety Whys®: Helotes’ Own Babysitter Training Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Great Harvest Bakery & Café . . . . . . . . . . 32 Advertiser Coupons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Advertiser Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

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Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Winter 2019

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Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Winter 2019

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Magazine Credits Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country

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

Editor Andrea Wazir | editor@helotesmagazine.com

Advertising Sales Janet Sandbach | janet@travelingblender.com

Contributing Writers Julie Catalano Dan Goddard Beth Graham Cynthia Leal Massey Bob McCullough Mayor Tom Schoolcraft Helotes City Staff

Graphic Designer Jennifer Nelson

Contributing Photographers Dave Scepanski Jack Smith Tony Wazir

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

Helotes City Council Mayor Tom Schoolcraft Mayor Pro Tem Cynthia Leal Massey Councilmember Alex Blue Councilmember Paul Friedrichs Councilmember Bert Buys Councilmember Jim Meadows 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.”

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Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Winter 2019

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 – Winter 2019

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Jazz a’Round Old Town Helotes 2019

By Dan R. Goddard

T

he swing of San Antonio jazz legend Jim Cullum, Latin rhythms of Austin’s Beto and the Fairlanes and the more contemporary sounds of the Adrian Ruiz Quintet promise a hot time at the 2019 Jazz a’Round Old Town Helotes festival.

Perhaps best known nationally for his longrunning public radio series, “Riverwalk Jazz,” Cullum reigned for many years at The Landing on the River Walk playing traditional New Orleansstyle jazz from the 1920s and swing jazz of the 1930s and 1940s. Cullum, who plays coronet, said his band has a repertoire of about 1,000 songs.

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“I like to mix jazz classics with more exotic instrumentals and some originals, but mostly we play swing,” Cullum said. “What we play depends on what’s going on. I like to see what kind of crowd we have. This is our first time playing the Helotes festival, so we’ll have to see what happens.”

Celebrating its sixth year, the free, family-friendly, open-air Jazz a’Round Old Town Helotes will be held from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

March 23rd at the traffic circle at Riggs and Old Bandera Roads. Find more details at www.visithelotes.com.

Besides live jazz, the festival features food

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Winter 2019

(roasted corn on the cob and kettle corn, of course), beverages, including beer and wine, and children’s activities like a bouncy slide. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and plan for the weather.

The Jim Cullum Jazz Band

performed at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Austin City Limits and at festivals and concerts across the United States and Latin America. Cullum toured Australia last year.

“Swing music still remains viable,” Cullum said. “A new generation has discovered swing dancing and that’s given it a burst of new energy.”

The Jim Cullum Jazz Band plays at the Trinity University Skyline Swing Dance, sponsored by KRTU Jazz 91.7 and the SA Swing Dance Society, on the first Saturday of each month at Trinity’s University Center. Cullum also plays regularly at the Sheraton Gunter Hotel’s Bar 414 in downtown San Antonio, Acadiana Café on the far West Side and the CookHouse off the St. Mary’s Strip.

Photograph by Robin Jerstad The Jim Cullum Jazz Band is the successor to the Happy Jazz Band, which Jim Jr. formed in 1962 with his father Jim Sr., who died in 1973. Cullum remembers growing up in a musical household whose guests included Jazz Hall of Fame member Jack Teagarden, the Texas-born trombonist who played with Tommy Dorsey, Paul Whiteman, and Louis Armstrong.

Beto and the Fairlanes also are making their first appearance at Jazz a’Round Old Town Helotes. Composer, arranger and pianist Robert “Beto” Skiles was born and raised in San Antonio. His father, B.D. “Dude” Skiles, was a well-respected jazz trumpeter and his mother, Hortense, was a classically trained concert pianist. He’s studied composition at North Texas State University and the University of Texas of Austin, but the Latin sounds he grew up with in San Antonio have had the most influence on his music.

“I think music should be fun and accessible or it’s just not worth doing,” Skiles said. “In my composing and arranging, I try to come up with something that will be musically challenging to play but that people will enjoy listening to as well. I hope people will get up and dance. I really enjoy playing live in front of an audience. I try for a kind of symbiosis with the audience, and we get back a lot of great energy and enthusiasm, which makes me feel quite privileged to do what I do.”

Beto and the Fairlanes have been playing and touring Texas for more than 40 years. They often show up for San Antonio’s Fiesta and have played the Rey Feo Ball and St. Mary’s University’s Oyster Bake. They’re members of the Austin Music Hall of Fame and the South Texas Music Walk of Fame in Corpus Christi.

“We really enjoy playing the small town jazz festivals like Helotes, Elgin and Brownsville because it’s often a chance to introduce people to this type of music,” Skiles said. “I think it’s important to the future of jazz to bring quality music to the people.”

Band manager Michael Mordecai said Beto and the Fairlanes thrive playing open-air festivals.

Beto and the Fairlanes

“I remember him around the house when I was a kid, which was just cool,” Cullum said. “So naturally he was a big influence.

San Antonio has always had an active jazz scene. I came to San Antonio in 1953, and I can remember sneaking in to hear jazz at Tucker’s on the East Side.”

Cullum’s ensemble is renowned worldwide for playing the classic jazz associated with Armstrong, King Oliver, Jelly Roll Morton and Bix Beiderbecke, plus music by great American composers such as Duke Ellington, Hoagy Carmichael, George Gershwin and Irving Berlin. The band has Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Winter 2019

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“This is what we were born to do,” Mordecai said. “We mix Latin jazz with Big Band swing. Robert is still very prolific. He’s been raising chickens, so he wrote a song for that called the ‘Chicken Train.’ It gives some new expressions to the soloists, who get to imitate a chicken’s squawk. He takes a real simple melody and adds complex harmonies and counterpoint. He’s a musical genius, but he’s also a bit of a clown.”

Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Texas at San Antonio and trumpeter/composer Adrian Ruiz and his quintet are returning to Jazz a’Round Old Town Helotes after opening the festival last year. Drawing from his most recent album, “Premiere: a Collection of Originals,” Ruiz said his music is

Adrian Ruiz 12

influenced by the Post-Bop of the 1960s Blue Note label and artists, such as Horace Silver, Chris Potter and Brad Mehldau.

“We have a more contemporary sound, and we like to play our originals,” Ruiz said. “I grew up on the South Side of San Antonio, so there is a definite Latin jazz and Tejano influence.

Helotes has a great sense of community, and last year’s festival was extremely well-attended. People seemed to come from all parts of San Antonio. We had a really cool, enthusiastic crowd so we’re looking forward to playing the festival this year.”

Editor’s note: Just announced! Jazz Daddies is scheduled to perform at the 2019 Jazz a’Round Old Town festival. Learn more about Jazz Daddies at www.jazzdaddies.com.

Jazz Daddies Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Winter 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.

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Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Winter 2019

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K

By Cynthia Leal Massey

allison Ranch was carved out of the Hoffmann Ranch, now the Government Canyon State Natural Area. At the time of Jacob Hoffmann’s death in 1903, Hoffmann and wife Caroline had accumulated 13,000 acres, and their ranch was the largest in the County. The land was parceled out and distributed among Hoffmann’s descendants. In 1910, Nathan Kallison purchased a 1,280-acre parcel for $4,840 from Jacob’s son Frank and a 403-acre tract that included the Hoffmann ranch headquarters building from Frank’s brother Charles for $12,118.50. Kallison paid a portion of the price in gold coin and borrowed the remainder from San Antonio bankers.

Nathan Kallison, a Ukrainian Jew, came to the United States in 1890, first settling in Chicago. He married Anna Letwin (1876-1959) in 1895, and they moved to San Antonio four years later, after the births of son Morris (1896-1966) and daughter Pauline (1899-1953). Joining the family after they settled in San Antonio were daughter Bertha “Tibe” (19021982) and son Perry (1903-1999).

The Kallison Ranch story is about an entrepreneur with vision and a strong work ethic that took him from the ownership of a small harness and saddle-making business to proprietorship of one of the largest general merchandise and ranching supply stores in South Texas. Located on South Flores Street across the street from the Bexar County Courthouse, Kallison’s became the place that South Texas ranchers and farmers headed to on their excursions into San Antonio.

When Kallison purchased the Hoffmann property, it was with the idea that the ranch would help his San Antonio store. The sign he erected above the ranch’s entrance said, “Established in 1910 for development of better farming and ranching.” A visionary, his ranch was the first to grow wheat and flax. In 1927, the Kallison Ranch had the largest wheat field in Bexar County; however, when prices dropped in the early 1930s, Kallison decided instead to grow feed crops for the ranch’s growing herd of Herefords, which became the

focal point of the ranch. Perry Kallison exhibited the ranch’s prized bulls in every major exposition in the country.

In keeping with his belief in helping others, Kallison offered his ranch as a “haven for homeless rural people who had lost their own land and livelihoods” during the Great Depression. According to his grandson, Nick Kotz, a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter, who wrote The Harness Maker’s Dream, Nathan Kallison and the Rise of South Texas, “as many as 20 displaced families and farmworkers” lived in tents on the Kallison Ranch during the 1930s.

Radio broadcasts became one of the most important forces in America during that time. Nathan’s son, Perry, believed that by promoting the family business he could also provide a public service to rural customers if his family sponsored a radio program. They agreed and “The Old Tradin’ Post” began broadcasting on KTSA. When the professional announcer, who was “inclined to the bottle,” was unable to put on the program because he was too drunk one morning, Perry took over, “affecting the Texas twang and lilting cadence of a longtime cowpoke or rancher.” He relayed market reports, cattle prices, and improvements in grass seeds. He announced social events, such as the Helotes Volunteer Firemen’s Barbeque, and told jokes. He became known as the “Ol’ Trader” and a celebrity.

All photos courtesy of John Koepke, Chief Interpreter and Trail Manager, Government Canyon State Natural Area.

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Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Winter 2019

To say that the radio show benefited the store would be an understatement, but the 7 a.m. broadcast also provided a service to isolated farmers.

San Geronimo rancher Gary Schott, whom author Kotz interviewed, recalled visiting the store with his father and brother in the 1950s: “The smell of leather would hit you as you came in the door...” The next morning, after their early chores were finished, the family gathered to hear the Ol’ Trader’s radio program. “Perry would announce, ‘Well, Howard Schott and those two boys of his were in the store yesterday,’ and hearing our names called made Daddy so happy.”

In 1944, patriarch Nathan passed away. Morris and Perry took over the family enterprises, expanding into home furnishings and appliances. Eldest daughter Pauline died of breast cancer in 1953 and matriarch Anna passed away in 1959. With the eldest son Morris’ death in 1966 and a distribution of the family’s assets to heirs, the death knell also fell on the Kallison store, which had begun losing money in the 1960s against competition with “big box” stores opening on the outskirts of town and a big residential movement toward suburbia.

For those interested in learning more about this fascinating family that was such an integral part of northwest Bexar County history, I recommend Kotz’s book, The Harness Maker’s Dream, Nathan Kallison and the Rise of South Texas.

Cynthia Leal Massey is the author of several books on the history of Helotes.

Perry Kallison on horseback at the ranch with Poled Hereford cattle. See first ranch house in the background, circa 1930s.

An out-of-business sale was held in April 1967, and Perry authorized a cattle auction for the ranch’s 400 Polled Hereford bulls, cows and calves the next month at the Union Stockyards.

Perry Kallison’s rural radio program ended in 1981 after 46 years. His sister Tibe died a year later. In 1999, Perry passed away at the age of 95. In 2002, heirs deeded 1,162 acres of the Kallison Ranch to be a part of Government Canyon State Natural Area (a combination gift and sale) and sold the remainder to a homebuilder.

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Winter 2019

Nathan Kallison with Bill Shomette–singer, songwriter, emcee and radio personality–and champion Kallison bull, circa 1930s.

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Kallison Ranch Structures There are four main structures on the Kallison Ranch Complex at Government Canyon.

Currently, none are accessible to the public, although the park hopes to enact a multiphase plan for interpretation and provide limited access for tours and special events.

The First House (c. 1920-30s)

A board-and-batten (box frame) house, also called “the headquarters” with three rooms, one bathroom, a kitchen, and a living room.

The Foreman’s House (c. 1920-30s)

Craftsman-style, wood-frame structure consisting of four rooms, with rooms added to the rear, and covered by a corrugated metal roof.

The Pole Barn (c. 1940s-50s)

An expansive equipment shed, framed with heavy timber posts and enclosed with corrugated steel. Near this barn are concrete water troughs. There was once a small stock pen and large corral by this barn, where Kallison’s prized registered Herefords were groomed and fed.

The First Ranch House, circa 1920s-30s.

Photo taken 2017.

The Rock House (c. 1940-50s)

A limestone rock, two-bedroom, twobath ranch-style house, with a fireplace of cut and stacked limestone and a hipped wood shingle roof that has since collapsed.

Rock House built by Perry Kallison, circa 1940s-50s.

Photo taken 2018.

Information on structures are from a paper written in 2015 by Beth Althaus Graham, Historical Architect, Historical Sites and Structures Program, State Parks Division, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TDPW), and John Koepke, Chief Interpreter and Trail Manager, Government Canyon, Historic Sites and Structures Program, State Parks Division, TPWD.

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Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Winter 2019

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Winter 2019

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A Passion for Old-Fashioned

By Bob McCullough

W

ho deserves credit for inventing the hamburger remains a hotly-contested topic, but there’s no debate at Bobby J’s Old-Fashioned Burgers as to who makes the best burgers in Helotes.

The casual, laid-back restaurant at 13247 Bandera Road stakes its claim of burger supremacy on San Antonio Express-News Critics’ Choice Awards, City’s Best Awards and positive feedback from legions of loyal patrons who’ve been dining at Bobby J’s for almost two decades. Bobby J’s is the creation of Bobby James Sfalos and wife, Beth Sfalos,

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who decided to pursue a totally different business venture in September 2000.

“Bob and I were in real estate and burned out, so we needed to try something new,” Beth says. “Since we already owned the building and land that Bobby J’s sits on, it was a no-brainer where to locate our burger business.”

From the beginning, the Sfaloses committed to making the best burger possible, so they ate in every burger joint in the area. They narrowed their favorites down to three and then came up with

ways to improve on those burgers. They also developed their “old-fashioned” concept as a burger with a flatter, wider patty instead of a thick patty.

It was a much-smaller and more-rural Helotes when Bobby J’s opened. “Nobody would deliver to us back then because Helotes was considered to be too far away from metropolitan San Antonio,” Beth recalls. “It took years before we could finally get regular deliveries from distributors. That forced us to have to go get supplies. Back then, Helotes had more mom-and-pop businesses, we had

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Winter 2019

no Chamber of Commerce and there certainly weren’t any super roads.”

But the growth of the area, the restaurant’s mouth-watering menu and a comfortable, homey atmosphere has contributed to Bobby J’s success as a mainstay of the Helotes culinary scene.

Popular menu items include Bobby J’s Piggy Burger, mushroom Swiss burger, avocado burger and Bavarian patty melt with grilled sauerkraut on Texas toast, says General Manager Jeremy Williams.

“We also have our Fiesta Mexicana burger that has refried beans, cheddar cheese, bacon and our homemade salsa. We offer several items for vegetarians, and we have excellent salads, like our chef’s delight that comes with grilled chicken breast, grilled onions and Swiss cheese.”

Williams believes that Bobby J’s “homemade food is good for your soul. We are a welcoming and familyfriendly atmosphere. We get to know our customers and their families. We’ll call you by name when you walk through the door, and, unless you decide to try something different, we’ll know your usual order by heart.”

Family dining predominates at Bobby J’s, but its pavilion out back beyond the restaurant can easily accommodate parties and celebrations, including birthdays, quinceañeras, rehearsal dinners and sports-team gatherings, to name a few. Bobby J’s also offers live musical entertainment on select evenings.

Bobby J’s recently paved its parking lot to add more spaces, and plans are in the works to expand the kitchen to take care of the growing numbers of diners. The restaurant operates seven days a week – 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Friday and Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. For more information, visit www.BobbyJsBurgers.com or call (210) 695-4941.

Beth finds it hard to believe that Bobby J’s is nearing its 20th anniversary. “We can’t thank enough all the wonderful people of Helotes who’ve shown us such love and support,” she says. “We look forward to continuing to be a pillar of the community. Helotes is a wonderful place to live and work, and we are very blessed to be part of it.”

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Winter 2019

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Ready, Set, Print!

By Julie Catalano

I

n a digital world where every personal or professional message seems to be transmitted via technology, there are still times when only the printed word will do. Meet three local businesses that accommodate your printing needs and so much more with a personal touch and strong sense of community.

EZ Printing 12540 Bandera Road, Suite 208 210.240.8858 ezprinting-tx.com

Celebrating three years at their Bandera Plaza location in February, sisters Elizabeth Mendez and Christina Morado knew it was time to take their home-based printing business elsewhere “when we needed a bigger space,” says Morado, co-owner and Marketing Manager. Today, EZ Printing, LLC is a “full service printing company specializing in corporate, promotional and team needs, offering personalized apparel, promotional merchandise, 3-D imaging, large format signs, prints, banners, and paper products, such as menus, flyers, business cards and more,” says Mendez, co-owner and Chief Financial Officer.

The company uses screen printing and embroidery, the latter for personalizing popular products like spirit apparel (polo shirts, caps, drawstring bags, etc.). Dress shirts and fishing shirts (for team competitions) are also in demand. Clients include schools, sports teams, and local businesses needing customization for work shirts and uniforms.

As a veteran reservist, who was called back to active duty, Morado understands the unique needs of the military community. She works with a number of military organizations and first responders, and she has a special soft spot for teacher organizations. “We try to help them out as much as we can.”

Staff consists of Mendez and Mercado and two full-time employees: Melissa, front desk and customer service point person, and Joshua, designer and Office Manager, who can also offer custom design services if needed. “It’s a small and busy crew, but we have a wonderful rhythm, and, if someone is out, we work to fill that gap,” Morado says. The staff also keeps customers in the loop the entire time when their order is being processed.

The company supports Toys for Tots, along with individual community events throughout the year. Being in Helotes, says Morado, “we’re all about family, so it’s no surprise that our kids love to try their hands at what we do. We are definitely looking forward to these kiddos taking over the biz someday.”

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Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Winter 2019

FedEx Office Print & Ship Center

Inside Helotes Walmart Supercenter 12550 Leslie Road 210.247.6100 https://local.FedEx.com/tx/helotes/office-0300 Opened in August 2018 inside Helotes’ Walmart Supercenter, the FedEx Office store brand was part of a move by FedEx to give customers access to shipping and printing under one roof.

The Helotes location is one of approximately 31 FedEx Office stores inside Texas Walmarts as of November 2018.

create custom designs and provide consultation on a wide array of design and print solutions,” says Haynes. The team also provides expertise on shipping and packaging.

Other services offered at the Helotes location include printing copies, scanning photos, or renting a computer with internet access. Travelers, especially, will appreciate the ability to have passport photos taken and then use a computer rental station to complete and print passport applications.

“This initiative between FedEx Office and Walmart builds on a shared goal of providing customers convenience and value, so they can save both time and money,” says Haynes.

“This adds to our larger print production network by offering a full suite of color printing, marketing, and sign and graphics products for pickup in store or by delivery via the FedEx transportation network,” says Jayson Haynes, managing director for FedEx Office. This includes digital printing, professional finishing, signs and banners, direct mail, and more.

They also offer FedEx Print Online, which Haynes calls “a convenient way to get printing done quickly and efficiently using a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone.” The online tool offers a variety of professional project templates that can be personalized and used to print documents, flyers, presentations, brochures, and more for business or personal use. The FedEx Office Mobile App can access Print & Go for customers on the move.

The FedEx Office Print & Ship Center inside Walmart is staffed by one to three team members trained to “help customers

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Winter 2019

21

UPS Store Helotes

11844 Bandera Road 210.695.9442 https://locations.theupsstore.com/ tx/helotes/11844-bandera-road Dennis Peak, owner, describes the independently-owned UPS Store at Bandera Trails Shopping Center this way: “In a large corporation, we would be the mail room, taking care of all the printing, faxing, laminating, mailing, and shipping. Basically, we try to do that for small business, including households, which are also small businesses.”

Opening in 1999, the printing business has seen many changes in that time, particularly with the ability for customers to print at home. “We try to concentrate on a professional product,” says Peak. “You can buy a little desktop printer for 100 bucks, but the ink is going to cost as much or maybe more.” Customers apparently find that out for themselves, as business cards are “probably what we do the most,” says Peak.

address instead of a post office box. It’s not a U.S. Post Office, but it is sanctioned by and registered with them.

They get involved with community events, such as helping children write letters to Santa at the Helotes MarketPlace and sponsoring at least one Movie Night at the Park, both in partnership with the City of Helotes. “Toys for Tots Literacy is a year-round initiative and our go-to charity,” says Peak.

Peak credits the good feedback he receives to his staff, specifically Manager Marlene and Assistant Manager Luis.

Customers can expect personal service and attention to detail from both. “They are the two most knowledgeable people and have been here for a while.”

They also provide printing services for everything from postcards to workbooks to banners. They’ve done restaurant menus, flyers for real estate agents, sales booklets, raffle tickets, direct mail for politicians, and more.

“We are primarily a service business—printing, packing, mailing, shipping, and notary service,” says Peak. A popular service is private mailboxes (PMB) for people who need a street

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Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Winter 2019

Helotes-Area Schools Remembered

I

n her new book, One Room, Schools and Schoolteachers in the Pioneer West, Gail L. Jenner, a former secondary and

English teacher, provides fond recollections of the West’s oneroom schoolhouses, including two area pioneer schools — the Helotes School and the Clifton School in San Geronimo.

ethnic and cultural groups who attended one-room schools, and teachers who faced hardships on the frontier, including blizzards, fires, sub-standard conditions, and teaching the three “Rs.”

One Room celebrates and investigates an American institution with stories of heroism, perseverance, and even humor. Illustrated with archival and private images of classrooms and students, it reflects the earnest striving and innocent hopes of pioneers forging communities. Learn about the men and women who settled the West, children from different

While few of the more than 200,000 one-room schools that once dotted the nation’s landscape still exist, the legacy of these pioneer schools is part of the nature and character of the West.

The book can be purchased at Simply Yours Gifts and More Boutique in Old Town Helotes or online through most book outlets.

AACOG’s CARE Program Provides Rides Home from Work in Emergency Situations Taking the bus, carpooling, cycling, or walking to and from work is good for the air, as well as your pocketbook. But, what do you do in an emergency when you need to get home in a hurry?

To promote greener commuting and reduce that concern, the Alamo Area Council of Governments’ (AACOG) Certified Auto Ride in an Emergency (CARE) Program offers those commuting by alternative means a reimbursement of up to $50 for a ride home from work when an emergency arises.

To receive a reimbursement up to four times per year, you must: 1) live and work within the eight-county greater San Antonio area; 2) carpool /vanpool, take the bus, bike, or walk to work at least three times per week; and 3) keep your commuting information current on NuRide.com, the online system AACOG uses to gather commuting statistics.

While it’s free for individuals to use, NuRide offers not only CARE Program reimbursements, but also rewards from more than 100 local businesses.

For more information about the CARE Program, contact: Lily Lowder Natural Resources Outreach Specialist (210) 227-7665 commutesolutions@aacog.com Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Winter 2019

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Find Your New Home at Bricewood in Helotes!

By Beth Gr aham

T

ucked into the Southwest corner of the City of Helotes is the new home development of Bricewood. Offering houses starting in the $200,000 range, Bricewood also provides a wide range of amenities. It’s located in the progressive Northside Independent School District, with access to three new schools: Fields Elementary, Folks Middle School, and Harlan High School. It’s less than 3 miles from the 8,600-acre Government Canyon State Natural Area, with 40 miles of hiking and biking trails (and, if you like an easier stroll, there are several green areas throughout the Subdivision itself). Within the development, residents will be able to take advantage of a sports court, tennis courts, a community pavilion, and a children’s playground. Shopping, restaurants, UTSA, and major highways are all within easy access.

Unlike developments that crowd residences so close that they may seem claustrophobic, Bricewood has an atmosphere of space and freedom. Sidewalks throughout invite residents to stroll the area and become acquainted with each other, while complete landscaping for each house gives Bricewood the feel of a long-established neighborhood. Developer New Leaf Homes has also worked with the City of Helotes to be sure that trees are being conserved in accordance with the local tree regulations.

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None of this happened by accident, says sales counselor Tina Nielsen. “We are not a production builder. We consult with our buyers to create individualized homes that they will want to live in.” Tina noted that there are extensive options for buyers to customize construction to fit their own needs and preferences.

In addition to the custom features a homeowner selects, all houses offer indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces, spacious bedrooms, multiple baths, walk-in closets, laundry rooms, enclosed garages, and either three- or four-sided brick construction, with steel and rebar foundations. With the growth of an aging population, New Leaf is planning ahead and making showers and doorways in their houses ADA-compliant.

Buyers can choose from either 45-foot or 50-foot lots and oneor two-story floor plans. Square footage ranges from 1,425 to 3,300. New Leaf Homes also offers buyer incentives, such as one free upgrade, a $2,500 credit for Design Center options, and $2,500 in closing costs and a title policy when using a preferred lender.

Bricewood is being built in three phases. Tina notes that Phase 1 is completely sold out, Phase 2 almost sold, and Phase 3, expected to be completed in 2019, is about 60 percent sold. “I advise anyone thinking about buying in this area to check us out very quickly,” she says.

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Winter 2019

Who are the residents moving into Bricewood? Tina says she sees mainly two specific groups: older adults whose children have moved away and who want to downsize their homes and young adults who grew up in Helotes and are starting their own families and households. Either way, they have previously lived in Helotes and want to stay in a community they love, even though their circumstances may be changing. Bricewood offers both Helotes long-timers and new residents the opportunity to enjoy living in a vibrant, welcoming neighborhood in a City that’s moving forward.

More information for prospective buyers: New Leaf Homes (800) 215-0568, Ext. 711 www.newleafhomes.com Tina Nielsen (210) 619-6831 tnielsen@newleafhomes.com Beverly Moretta (210) 306-1067 beverly@newleafhomes.com

Other Bricewood builders Bellaire Homes www.bellairehomes.net McGuyer Homebuilders, Inc. http://mhinc.com/ 16914 San Pedro Avenue San Antonio, Texas 78232 (210) 408-1205

Model home 11723 Bricewood Tip Helotes, Texas 78023

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Winter 2019

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HELOTES MAP ADVERTISERS AHNEW Physical Therapy Blume Pediatric Dentistry Braun Hall Cynthia Leal Massey Doris Young & Co. REALTORS EZ Printing

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Frost Bank 14889 Old Bandera Rd.

HEALING HANDS

Healing Hands Family Care Helotes Gentle Family Dentistry Helotes Overhead Garage Doors

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Janus Custom Homes

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Kinard Family Dental Maid Affordable Pope’s Cleaners Prestige Emergency Room Primrose Schools

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Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Winter 2019

For a complete list of businesses in Helotes visit www.shophelotes.com 27

Community Recurring Events

Mon. – Fri. | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Casa Helotes Senior Citizens Center Congregate Meals & Activities 12070 Leslie Rd. | casahelotes.com Every Monday | 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Helotes Area Community Band Rehearsal | Location Varies helotesband.com 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.

Helotes Planning & Zoning Comm.

Regular Meeting | 12951 Bandera Rd. visithelotes.com 1st Tuesday (Feb., May, Sept. & Nov.) Historical Society of Helotes General Meeting | Location Varies historicalsocietyofhelotes.org

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1st Tuesday | 7 p.m.

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

2nd & 4th Thursday | 7 p.m.

Helotes City Council Regular Meeting | 12951 Bandera Rd. visithelotes.com

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

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

3rd Thursday | 7 p.m.

Helotes Masonic Lodge General Meeting | 11740 F.M. 1560 helotesmasonicfamily.org

4th Tuesday | 7 p.m.

Helotes Humane Society Board Meeting | 10672 Shaenfield Rd. hhsanimals.org

4th Thursday | 6 p.m.

Puppy Hour Community Event | Shops at Old Town wine101tx.com

1st Wednesday | 7 p.m.

Knights of Columbus General Meeting | 13715 Riggs Rd. kofcknights.org

2nd Friday | 6 p.m.

Casa Helotes Senior Citizens Center Food Truck Friday | 12070 Leslie Rd. casahelotes.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 Wednesday | 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Morning Mingle 2nd Saturday | 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Helotes Chamber Event | Location Varies Family Game Night heloteschamber.com Community Event | 14743 Old Bandera Rd. 3rd Wednesday | 7 p.m.

Helotes Economic Development Corp.

Regular Meeting | 12951 Bandera Rd. helotesedc.com

1st Sunday | 2 p.m.

Helotes Lions Club Bingo | 14690 Bandera Rd.

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Winter 2019

Events January Events

February Events

March Events

Jan. 1 | City Offices Closed New Years Day

Feb. 2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The MarketPlace @ OTH Arts & Crafts Fair | 14391 Riggs Rd. helotesmarketplace.com

Mar. 2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The MarketPlace @ OTH Arts & Crafts Fair | 14391 Riggs Rd. helotesmarketplace.com

Feb. 2, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Helotes Area Chamber of Commerce Boots & Buckles Awards Dinner | 13715 F.M. 1560 N. heloteschamber.com

Mar. 3, 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

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

Jan. 5, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The MarketPlace @ OTH Arts & Crafts Fair | 14391 Riggs Rd. helotesmarketplace.com Jan. 6, 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Helotes Lions Club Bingo | 14690 Bandera Rd. lionsclubs.org Jan. 9, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

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

Feb. 3, 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

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

Feb. 5, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Jan. 9, 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Historical Society of Helotes Morning Mingle General Meeting | 15060 Antonio Drive Helotes Chamber Event | 11881 Bandera Rd. historicalsocietyofhelotes.org heloteschamber.com

Mar. 5, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

State of the City Helotes Chamber Event | TBA heloteschamber.com Mar. 8, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Casa Helotes Food Truck Friday Community Event | 12070 Leslie Rd. casahelotes.org Mar. 9, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Family Game Night Community Event | The Shops at Old Town info@shopsatoldtownhelotes.com

Jan. 11, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Casa Helotes Food Truck Friday Community Event | 12070 Leslie Rd. casahelotes.org

Feb. 8, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Casa Helotes Food Truck Friday Community Event | 12070 Leslie Rd. casahelotes.com

Jan. 12, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Family Game Night Community Event | The Shops at Old Town info@shopsatoldtownhelotes.com

Feb. 9, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Family Game Night Community Event | The Shops at Old Town Mar. 13, 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Morning Mingle info@shopsatoldtownhelotes.com Helotes Chamber Event | 11881 Bandera Rd. heloteschamber.com Feb. 13, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Ladies Night Out in Old Town Helotes Mar. 21, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Community Event | 14391 Riggs Rd. Fiesta Medal Bash Helotes Chamber Event | TBA Feb. 13, 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. heloteschamber.com Morning Mingle Helotes Chamber Event | 11881 Bandera Rd. Mar. 23, 7 p.m. to 11 p .m. heloteschamber.com Jazz a’Round Old Town Helotes Music Festival | 14391 Riggs Rd. Feb. 18 | City Offices Closed visithelotes.com President’s Day

Jan. 15, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Power Lunch Helotes Chamber Event | TBA heloteschamber.com Jan. 21 | City Offices Closed Martin Luther King Day Jan. 24, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Puppy Hour Community Event | Shops at Old Town wine101tx.com Jan. 25 to Jan. 27 | Times Vary Helotes Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Course Community Training | 12951 Bandera Rd. visithelotes.com

Mar. 13, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

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

Feb. 21 | 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Chamber after Hours Helotes Chamber Event | TBA heloteschamber.com

Mar. 28, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Puppy Hour Community Event | Shops at Old Town wine101tx.com

Feb. 28, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Puppy Hour Community Event | Shops at Old Town wine101tx.com

Mar. 30, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Los Reyes Elementary PTA Spring Carnival Community Event | 10785 Triana Pkwy. losreyespta.org

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Winter 2019

29

Tenured HR Manager Excels in Municipal Service

By Helotes Public Relations

T

here have been a handful of the same familiar faces on staff at Helotes City Hall over the last few decades. Over time, the buildings may have changed and the population in the City has spiked, but these Helotes staff members have remained loyal in their service. Judy Henckel is one of those diligent staff members, serving the residents of Helotes since 1990.

grew to a team of two with the addition of full-time Executive Secretary, April Newby. “I like the variety of working

and 7 Mayors. The art of being able to adapt has been instrumental to her longevity at the City.

“...we’re glad that she is one of those steady people always helping the City to be a great place to work and providing the best service possible to Helotes citizens.”

Judy’s first role with the City was as a part-time Court Clerk. In those days, City Hall was located in a shopping center off of Bandera Road next to the current Helotes Hills United Methodist Church. City Hall consisted of two offices in a single building. The front office housed the Court Clerk, City Secretary, and City Administrator. The back office was used as the City’s Council Chambers.

“At that time, there was no ‘super street’ and a lot less traffic,” explained Judy.

“Technology was limited, so residents had to visit the office to apply for permits or pay tickets. Business was very personable because people often had to communicate in person.” The small staff meant that each individual wore multiple hats – they all did a variety of tasks to help each other ensure that the City ran smoothly. “Back then, people couldn’t simply Google something; they had to pick up the phone.”

During her tenure, Judy has served as Court Clerk, Deputy City Secretary, and in her current role as Human Resource (HR) Manager. In 2017, the HR Department

30

in HR. Each day is always different. We handle issues on a case-by-case basis, as well as overseeing recruitment, onboarding, employee benefits, retirement, and more,” Judy said. Human Resources is very interesting; “you may have your day planned, but you never know what the day will hold.”

Last year, the Department started a project to digitize all records. The goal is to be paperless very soon.

This type of change reflects new technologies and methods for streamlining the Department’s work.

Judy takes the changes in stride.

Both Judy and her assistant attend training regularly, through the Texas Municipal League and other organizations, to stay up to date on changes affecting the HR profession. She has seen a lot of change over her career; working under the direction of the last 5 City Administrators

Judy is married and has two adult children; a son and a daughter. She is the proud grandmother of a grandson.

Outside of the office, she enjoys camping and fishing with her family – especially visiting local State parks. “We are fortunate to have many great outdoor spaces close to the Helotes-area for families to explore nature and take a break from technology,” she said.

“They call us (long tenured staff members) the dinosaurs because we’ve been around so long. A lot has changed, but some things always stay the same,” she says with a chuckle. We agree with Judy, and we’re glad that she is one of those steady people always helping the City to be a great place to work and providing the best service possible to Helotes citizens.

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Winter 2019

B

arbara Baldwin, Helotes resident and registered nurse, has coordinated Safety Whys®, a copyrighted Babysitter Training Program for youth ages 11-17, since 1989.

In association with the San Antonio Emergency Nurses Association (ENA), the not-for-profit Program establishes babysitting standards and instructs youth on quality child care. The instruction includes seven required topics dealing with various safety needs, role playing, and a few fun activities scattered throughout the day’s course. Participating youth can advance to Junior and Senior Assistants, and they are actively involved in community service, leadership activities, and networking opportunities.

In the early 2000s, Barbara sought the observance of a National Babysitter’s Day on the Saturday before Mother’s Day. After three years and 2,500 signatures from 45 different states, Barbara accomplished her goal with the assistance of U.S. Congressman Henry Bonilla on June 14, 2002.

Helotes’ Own Babysitter Training Program The first annual National Babysitter’s Day was Saturday, May 10th, 2003.

In 2014, Barbara got restless – she created a summer outreach program touching all 50 states over 7 years.

With a customized tour coach and Junior and Senior Assistants by her side, the outreach program seeks to launch new child care programs nationwide. With the mission of “Promoting Responsible Youth for Helping Kids,” the coach will travel to 14 states in 2019 and 2020.

For nominal franchise and student registration fees, the Safety Whys® Program Guide provides insights, checklists, and other information to successfully run the Program in other regions. Partnering with ENA nurses and Rotary Clubs, Safety Whys® initially works with the host person to select a training site, contact speakers, and coordinate the program. After their initial program, new leaders are asked to

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Winter 2019

host a minimum of one Safety Whys® Program annually. The San Antonio ENA oversees six courses per year.

The 19th annual Safety Whys® Adventure Conference will take place in Helotes on March 2, 2019. Participants will meet other Safety Whys® graduates from around the region, and they will receive leadership development training. Of course, the Conference will include fun activities – Harry Potter is this year’s theme! Barbara invites you to come share your babysitting experiences and enjoy networking with other with other Safety Whys® students in your area!

For additional information, please visit www.safetywhys.com.

Safety Whys® Goals • Balance spiritual, physical, and social needs • Engage youth 11-17 years of age • Enhance community and youth ministry in schools, hospitals, institutions, and organizations • Identify practical quality child care standards • Recognize safety hazards and appropriate interventions • Promote growth through maintaining a healthy environment • Provide systematic funding for ongoing scholarships 31

By Dan Goddard

B

aked goods and desserts are a major challenge for home cooks, but one of Helotes’ newest businesses, Great Harvest Bakery & Café, is giving new meaning to “made from scratch.”

“Customers can watch our bakers in the Mill Room milling freshly-harvested wheat berries into fresh whole wheat flour,” Abel Pena, owner, said. “The wheat berries we receive daily are shipped directly from an area known as the ‘Golden Triangle’ of wheat in the rich fertile soils of Montana. Not many bakeries make their own wheat from scratch.”

The Great Harvest Bread Company formed in the late 1970s, Pena said.

“Pete and Laura Wakeman, college students, set up a roadside stand and began baking fresh-ground whole grain

wheat bread,” Pena said.

“They opened the first Great Harvest Bread Company in Great Falls, Montana. The Great Harvest mission statement: ‘Be loose and have fun. Bake phenomenal bread. Run fast to help customers.

Create strong and exciting bakeries. Give generously to others.’”

“We are a local, familyowned bakery here in Helotes and highly subscribe to the company philosophy.

While Great Harvest Bakery & Café is a franchise, it is a ‘freedom franchise,’ which means we are not a cookie-cutter franchise. We have designed the bakery to be a perfect fit for Helotes.”

Great Harvest opened in December 2018 within the same shopping center as Bricks & Minifigs and Comet Cleaners near the intersection of Bandera Road and Cedar Trail. With breakfast sandwiches in the morning, there’s also an extensive sandwich, soup, and salad menu for lunch and dinner.

“Imagine walking into a ‘real’ bakery with the smell of baked breads, pastries, and other goodies in the air,” Pena said.

“We offer every customer free slices of bread. We are a ‘made- from-scratch’ bakery, which means our bakers are up super early preparing our daily breads.

Our Cinnamon Chip Bread and Pumpkin Breads are our most popular. Families love the Honey Whole Wheat and Dakota Breads. The Dakota Bread is our grainy bread, which contains sunflower and pumpkin seeds.

holiday treats. “We will be offering lots of pumpkin breads, white chocolate cherry bread, decadent cookies, tea cakes, and lots of holiday gift baskets and gift cards,” Pena said.

He did offer a few tips for home cooks preparing baked goods: “Be patient, while having a lot of fun making your favorite treats,” Pena said.

“You will make mistakes, but ‘roll’ with it, and try it again. Be in charge of your ‘dough main,’ and, if you need some inspiration, just remember the old Beatles song, ‘All you Knead is Love!’”

Great Harvest Bakery & Café, 12415 Bandera Road, Suite 102, is open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. The Café will be closed on Mondays. Call (210) 642-4448 or visit www.satx.greatharvestbread.com.

“In addition to our breads, we make a variety of sweets to include fresh granola, trail mixes, nine-grain cereal mixes, cornbread mixes, pancake mixes, harvest bars, lemon bars, cinnamon rolls, muffins, cupcakes, kolaches, brownies, berry cream cheese scones, biscotti, doggie treats, and cookies to name a few.” During the holidays, Pumpkin Logs are popular as are cookies and other

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Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Winter 2019

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Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Winter 2019

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Advertiser Index Author

Garden & Gifts

Preschool

Cynthia Leal Massey cynthialealmassey.com

Whimsical Annie’s 210-560-2029 | whimsicalannies.com

Primrose Schools 210-372-1488 | primrosesonomaranch.com

Dental Services

Home Builders

Printing Services

Blume Pediatric Dentistry 210-614-3334 | blumedentistry.com

Janus Custom Homes 210-695-9770 | janushomes.com

Helotes Gentle Family Dentistry 210-695-2888 | drkeepers.com

Insurance Agents

EZ Printing 210-240-8858 ezprinting-tx.com

Kinard Family Dental 210-695-1200 | kinarddental.com

Dance Venue/Event Hall Braun Hall 210-688-9241 | braunhall.com

Financial Institutions

UnitedHealthcare - Joni Reyna 210-422-5272 | myuhcagent.com/joni.reyna

Medical Services AHNEW Physical Therapy - Ann H. Newstead 210-833-8336 | ahnewphysicaltherapy.com

Frost Bank 210-220-6603 | frostbank.com

Healing Hands Family Care 210-839-1860 | healinghandsfamilycare.com

Garage Doors

Prestige Emergency Room 210-504-4837 | PrestigeER.com

Helotes Overhead Garage Doors 210-695-8983 | helotesoverheaddoors.com

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Real Estate & Realtor Services

State Farm - Carlos H. Miranda 210-695-2880 | sfmiranda.com

Re/Max Real Estate - Stevie Seitz 210-382-2923 | justcallstevie.com Doris Young & Co. Realtors 210-695-2861 | dorisyoung.com

Services Maid Affordable 210-372-9970 | maidaffordable.com Pope’s Cleaners 210-695-4343 | popecleaners.com

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Winter 2019

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Winter 2019

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www.JanusHomes.com