Helotes Spring 2017

Helotes Gateway to the Texas Hill Country

The Great Outdoors

by Rick Schroder

Helotes’ Historic Waterways

by Cynthia Leal Massey

Wineries in Old Town Helotes

by Claudia Alarcon

Cornyval

by Tom Schoolcraft

www.helotesmagazine.com

spring 2017

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Howdy Helotes

by Mayor Tom Schoolcraft

We are excited to bring you this inaugural issue of Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country. It will be a quarterly publication designed to bring you interesting articles about Helotes and the surrounding areas as well as news about the City in general, our upcoming activities and events, and stories about our citizens and businesses. Our editorial committee is a hard working group intent on making sure that as you finish reading each issue of the magazine, you will be anxious to have the next issue show up in your mailbox.

We have a lot to be grateful for when it comes to living and working in Helotes. It has been a very unique place to live and to raise our families since before its incorporation in late 1981. Like any other city, Helotes has had its various issues and growing pains throughout the years, but in every way, we have come through it all a much stronger community. We have a rich history and many wonderful traditions, many of which have been started during the last decade and will, hopefully, stay with us for decades to come.

My wife, Marsha, and I moved our family into our new home in Helotes 37 years ago. I have always said that once we have lived here for 40 years we might finally be considered “old timers.”

Invariably, though, I meet and talk to folks who have lived here, especially in Helotes Park Estates or Helotes Ranch Acres, much longer than 40 or 50 years. When presented with the opportunity, I sure do enjoy swapping stories with them. We have many families who have lived in Helotes, usually on ranches in the area around us, for multiple generations. Then we have the “rookies,” as some might call them. Those folks have just found Helotes or have lived here for less than two or three years. That’s what makes us so special!

This exciting mix of the old and new, young and old, and businesses coming and going is what makes us such a unique and vibrant community.

So, enjoy your Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country. Read the articles and get to know what’s going on in and around our great City. Take a look at the map and make a note of the merchants you would like to visit and, by all means, remember to shop Helotes at every opportunity. Pull out your calendar and mark down the wonderful events we have planned for the spring and summer, especially our Independence Day Celebration featuring a concert by the Helotes Area Community Band and a Fireworks Extravaganza. Be sure to plan to attend the Cornyval Parade, Cornyval and Rodeo, as well as our Movie Night at the Park series. All of our events and now, Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country, are building blocks we are using to build our spirit of community and to bring us together as Helotians.

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Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country

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Table of Contents

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country

Howdy Helotes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 The Great Outdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Helotes’ Historic Waterways . . . . . . . . . 14 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Map of Helotes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Wineries in Old Town Helotes . . . . . . . . 20 Wilson Landscape Nursery and Florist . . 22 Masterpiece Creator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Cornyval! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 City News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Historical Society of Helotes . . . . . . . . . 31 The Ides of March and Texas Natives . . . 32 Advertiser Coupons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Advertiser Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

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Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country

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Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country

7

Magazine Credits

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country

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

Advertising Sales

Carlos Miranda

Janet Sandbach | janet@travelingblender.com

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

AUTO • LIFE • HOME • FINANCIAL SERVICES

www.sfmiranda.com

Contributing Writers Claudia Alarcon Cynthia Leal Massey Bob McCullough Angela Rabke Tom Schoolcraft Rick Schroder Helotes City Staff Helotes Garden Club

Contributing Photographers Bob McCullough

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

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Helotes City Council

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Mayor Tom Schoolcraft Mayor Pro Tem Alex Blue Councilmember Ed Villanueva 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 official, 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.”

MEMBER FDIC

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Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country

The Great Outdoors

by Rick Schroder, Helotes City Administrator

It has been said that all roads lead to Helotes. From its famed beginnings as a stagecoach stop between Bandera and San Antonio to its honky-tonk roots where musicians, such as Elvis Presley and Willie Nelson, became legends, Helotes offers a tex-centric state of mind and activities to boot. Helotians, many of which reside on larger acreage home sites, have always enjoyed the outdoors, and many hidden gems promising the experience of the great outdoors are conveniently located within minutes of Helotes neighborhoods.

Named ‘the Best Small Town in Texas to Raise Kids’ in 2013

by Bloomberg BusinessWeek, Helotes is a vibrant community boasting a flourishing economy and a high quality of life.

Government Canyon State Natural Area

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Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country

Designed and managed by Mayor Schoolcraft, the Helotes Park System includes three distinct park areas within the corporate City limits. Many individuals have contributed their time and energy to the creation of our Park System, including local volunteers and organizations, City Councilmembers, and Staff. We thank them all!

The Helotes City Park Playground, is located within the City Hall grounds at 12951 Bandera Road and nestled between the police and fire stations. The playground features a variety of activities – from whirligigs and swings to spinning tea cups and climbing platforms – and promises an afternoon of activity and fun for kids and the young-at-heart.

Helotes City Park Playground

Mayor Schoolcraft selected the playground equipment and helped City Staff, City Councilmembers, and volunteers build the fence and install the equipment. Playground visitors can utilize the walking path around the playground’s perimeter, and a massive oak tree in the middle of the park provides ample shade during spring and summer months. There are plenty of benches and numerous picnic tables to accommodate family picnics or birthday parties. The kiddos will have a ball on the 10+ pieces of playground equipment, and those with special needs will enjoy the ADA-swing donated and built as an Eagle Scout project.

For those seeking a little competition, the Helotes Natural Area & Disc Golf Course provides the perfect opportunity for Helotians and visitors alike to have fun and get some exercise. The Helotes course is recognized by the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) and provides amateurs and experienced players alike the opportunity to hone their skills on a 9-hole disc golf course that offers many challenging natural obstacles. The course is well known in the area as a premier, mid-range course Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country

and the San Antonio Disc Golf Association has held several tournaments at the course.

Although challenging, the course has given up its share of aces (holes-in-one) through the years, including two to our own Council Member, Bert Buys. After extensive research, a perimeter fence, disc baskets, and concrete tee boxes were installed. The site has two covered pavilions, which were built as an Eagle Scout project, and picnic tables which have been used for many family birthday parties. If you do not have discs, be sure to check out a set with scorecards before you play! The park is open 7 days a week, but disc checkout is only available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday - Friday at City Hall.

Adjacent to the disc golf course is the newest addition to our park system, the Helotes Fitness Park. The park has been a work in progress and is expected to be completed this summer. When completed, 18 exercise stations will include sit-ups,

pull-ups, stretching, climbing, and many other challenging exercises. A new pavilion is planned for completion this spring and will be another Eagle Scout project. The Natural Area is located at the corner of F.M. 1560 and Parrigin Road.

All municipal parks are open Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday – Sunday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Park properties cannot be reserved, but they are available for special events and programs. Please contact the Development Services Department at www.visithelotes.com for additional information.

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Who needs an exotic getaway? Helotes Hill Country Zip Lines brings the excitement of aerial gymnastics to Helotes’ doorstep. Located at 18026 Frank Madla Road, Helotes Hill Country Zip Lines features 10 lines that range from 100 to 1000 feet long, and daring participants reach speeds up to 40 mph as they sail over the Texas Hill Country. Open daily, Helotes Hill Country Zip Lines requires advanced reservations, and each tour lasts about 2 hours. Visit www.heloteshillcountryziplines.com for more information.

Southwest of Helotes, Government Canyon State Natural Area is located at 12861 Galm Road and is open Friday – Monday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Home to famed dinosaur tracks, the park boasts 40 miles of hiking and biking trails and 12,000+ acres of spectacular Hill Country views and canyons. Designated

by Audubon Texas and BirdLife International as a significant birding area, patrons enjoy birding, geocaching, picnicking, camping, and ranger programs. The park is home to the endangered golden-cheeked warbler, as well.

Between April and June, join fellow explorers every 2nd and 3rd Saturday for guided tours of the Canyon. The Natural Area offers a children’s nature playscape, an all-weather 1.25 mile discovery trail, Lake-Flato designed visitor center and gift shop, a group picnic pavilion, and a gallery facility with interpretive panels, restrooms, and water fountains. Multiple picnic sites are located within easy walking distance of the visitor center.

Primitive campers can sleep under the stars at any one of the Park’s 25 walk-in campsites on Friday and Saturday nights.

Visit www.friendsofgc.org for additional information.

Sailing over the Texas Hill Country on a zip line

A short drive down Scenic Loop and Menchaca Roads, the late Senator Frank L. Madla Natural Area is located in Grey Forest. Overlooking the Madla Ranch, the park boasts hiking and jogging trails, a pavilion, and scenic overlooks. Future park improvements will include informational kiosks describing area fauna, flora, geology, and history.

Madla Park holds a rich history, with structures dating from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Originally settled in 1852 by the Beckmanns, the Madla site was purchased by the husband for his wife, Regina, who had grown homesick for her native home, Switzerland. In time, the property included a Swiss-inspired chalet cabin. Notably, in 1853, the Beckmann farm was the site of a Native American Indian raid, resulting in the deaths of the farm’s caretaker and his family. The Helotes area was once inhabited by Lipan Apache, Tonkawa, and Comanche Indians.

Madla Park is open every day from sunrise to sunset. Visit www.greyforest-tx.gov/madla-park for more information.

Named by Bloomberg Business Week the Best Small Town in Texas to Raise Kids, Helotes is surrounded by unique and interesting places to visit. From local parks and playgrounds to aerial zip lining, Helotes – the Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – provides numerous ways to enjoy the great outdoors this spring and summer. See you around!

Government Canyon State Natural Area

12

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country

Boutique filled with unique gifts, clothing, hand-crafted items and rustic farmhouse inspired home decor.

14743 Old Bandera Road, #13 Helotes, TX 78023 (210) 363-9113 www.mimidaemarket.com

FROM AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR

CYNTHIA LEAL MASSEY Learn about the history of our unique town in three 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

13

Helotes’ Historic Waterways

by Cynthia Leal Massey

Today, Helotes Creek is primarily dry, with isolated spring-fed pools along its creek bed. During rainy spells, it flows for weeks at a time. Part of the creek is a recharge zone for the Edwards Aquifer, while another is a contributing zone. It’s easy to see the fractured limestone on the creek bed at its intersection with Old Bandera Road in Old Town where rainwater seeps into the earth. Whether the creek has always been mostly dry is up for debate. Some Helotes old-timers recall a constant water supply, and it is hard to believe that the mid-19th century pioneers would settle by a dry creek.

It is most probable that the German and Mexican settlers that arrived in the 1850s found a flowing creek that had also provided sustenance to the original nomadic tribes that roamed the area.

Rising two miles north of Grey Forest in the Edwards Plateau, Helotes Creek runs south for twelve miles through the City of Helotes. A recharge zone near downtown Helotes, the creek ends near the junction of Loop 1604 and Farm Road 471, at its mouth on Culebra Creek. Several tributaries flow from Helotes Creek, including Chimenea Creek, Los Reyes Creek, and Lee Creek.

It is most probable that the German and Mexican settlers that arrived in the 1850s found a flowing creek that had also provided sustenance to the original nomadic tribes that roamed the area.

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Helotes Creek near its intersection at Bandera Road. Circa 1925. (Courtesy of Institute of Texan Cultures, Ellen Schultz Quillin Collection.)

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country

In Grey Forest, during the Depression, a dam was built on Helotes Creek through the Works Progress Administration (WPA) program, one of President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal plans.

The dam, given the name “Twelve-Foot,” created a large fishing pond. The pond and a smaller swimming pool in the creek lured vacationers to the Scenic Loop Playground (SLP) from the 1930s through the 1950s. Originally a recreation area for well-to-do families from San Antonio, Scenic Loop Playground, which received Texas Historic Landmark designation in 2007, became the town of Grey Forest in 1962.

Another recreation area was the Madla Ranch Campground on Chimenea Creek. Jesse Madla (1896-1971), with the help of his brothers, built a dam in the mid-1920s to create a swimming hole on his property. They also built a cabin, which was leased to a group of doctors to use as a weekend retreat. The tranquil setting between two mountains attracted several thousand visitors over the years, as well as family friends and guests. By 1947, Jesse was working at the Madla Ranch Campground full time and renting camping spots to daily visitors. The campground was especially popular on the weekends, Easter, and during the summer. The campgrounds closed to the public in January 1971 after Jesse’s death.

Los Reyes Creek and Lee Creek are minor tributaries that nonetheless evoke images of our pioneer past. Los Reyes is a Spanish phrase meaning “the kings.” Named by Hispanic settlers of the area, the inspiration for the name is unknown.

Three unidentified men stand on a dam built on Helotes Creek by WPA labor during the Depression. Circa 1930s. (Courtesy of the Historical Society of Helotes.)

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country

Lee Creek, in Grey Forest, was named for the Shelly Augustine Lee (1828-1884) family that settled in the area in the 1860s. According to descendants, the family settled there because of a permanent spring and a creek used for drinking and bathing. There was also a waterfall on the ranch.

In addition to recreational activities, Helotes Creek and its environs has been a laboratory for frontier naturalists. The most famous in these parts was Gabriel Wilson Marnoch (1838-1920), who discovered the Cliff Chirping Frog Eleutherodactylus marnockii on a limestone rock face along Helotes Creek.

Ross W. Barham (1895-1983), a Helotes building contractor and civic leader who moved to Helotes in the 1920s, was an amateur archaeologist and student of Native American lore. He spent much of his free time hiking along Helotes Creek and in the nearby hills searching for Native American Indian artifacts, many of which he donated to the University of Texas at Austin natural history museum. Two of Helotes’ caves along the side of a hill abutting Helotes Creek are named after him: Barham’s Cave No. 1 and No. 2.

Helotes Creek is a historic and mystical waterway. Its name comes from the Spanish word elote, which means stalk corn or corn on the cob. Although there is no definitive explanation for how the name originated, it is believed that Spanish explorers in the 18th century came upon cornfields along the creek and gave it the name.

Cynthia Leal Massey is the author of several books on the history of Helotes. Visit her website at www.cynthialealmassey.com.

Jesse Madla, wearing a sombrero, flanked on his left by wife Aurora and two unidentified relatives, operated Madla Ranch Campground on Chimenea Creek for more than thirty years. The rope in the water was used as a cable to pull the boat across the creek.

Circa 1932. (Courtesy of Juanita “Janie” Madla.)

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Calendar of Events Cornyval Parade

We are “51 & Fabulous!” Come celebrate the 51st Anniversary of the Cornyval Parade on Saturday, May 6th as it starts at 9:30 a.m. at Leslie Road and travels North on Bandera Road to Old Bandera Road and through Old Town Helotes. Parking is available along Bandera Road but you need to arrive early to claim your spot.

Bring your own chairs and be ready to catch candy and other goodies thrown to the crowd.

The Helotes Cornyval Festival is a four-day event celebrating all things Helotes. With live music, games, arts and crafts, delicious food, and a HFA PRCA Rodeo, you won’t want to go home! For information on the parade and Cornyval go to visithelotes.com or cornyval.org.

Jazz a’Round OTH If you like good jazz or just like to get out for an evening of free entertainment, you don’t want to miss our annual “Jazz a’Round OTH” event held around the traffic circle at the intersection of Old Bandera Road and Riggs Road in Old Town Helotes on June 10th. We are planning at least a dozen food trucks, and beer and wine booths will be on site.

No outside coolers will be permitted at this event. We have plenty of room but you will need to bring your own chairs.

For full information, go to visithelotes.com.

Independence Day Celebration

Movie Night at the Park

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Sit back, relax, and enjoy a great night of free family entertainment as we start our tenth season of Movie Night at the Park. Each movie night is held behind City Hall and offers an outdoor concert by our Helotes Area Community Band, free hot dogs while they last, food vendors, and activities for the kids until the movie starts. Our 2017 features are Disney’s Finding Dory, Pete’s Dragon, Moana, and the Jungle Book. The Secret Life of Pets in June is sure to make you smile! Movie nights are the third Friday of each month, May through September.

Come see and hear the sights and sounds of America’s founding at this annual event on July 1st starting at 6:00 p.m. behind City Hall Featuring a patriotic concert by the Helotes Area Community Band, re-enactors of the Civil and Revolutionary wars, and cannons, the evening provides food, fun, and enjoyment for all ages. We will be serving 1,000 free hotdogs, apple pie, and Blue Bell ice cream while supplies last. A variety of food and beverage vendors will be set up to serve you throughout the event.

Activities start around 6:30 p.m. but movie goers generally start arriving by 6:00 p.m. to pick their favorite spot for the night. Bring blankets, lawn chairs and your own cooler. Bring your own food and drinks or food and beverage vendors will be on site. Cartoons and movies start at dark.

The celebration closes with a fireworks extravaganza lighting up the night sky in Helotes. Parking is available at City Hall but fills up pretty fast so we will have two shuttle busses running between the Helotes Walmart parking lot and City Hall beginning at 5:00 p.m.

Details of the activities will be available at visithelotes.com.

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country

Recurring Events Monday – Friday | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Casa Helotes Senior Citizens Center 12070 Leslie Rd. | casahelotes.com Every Monday | 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Helotes Area Community Band Rehearsal First Baptist Church 14889 Old Bandera Rd. helotesareacommunityband.com 1st Monday | 7 p.m.

Helotes Festival Association Lions Club Bldg.

14690 Bandera Rd. | cornyval.org 3rd Monday | 7 p.m.

Helotes Ag Booster Club Helotes 4H Activity Center 12132 Leslie Rd. | helotes4h.org

1st Tuesday | 7 p.m.

Helotes Planning & Zoning Commission City Hall 12951 Bandera Rd. | visithelotes.com

3rd Wednesday | 7 p.m.

Helotes Economic Development Corp.

City Hall 12951 Bandera Rd. | visithelotes.com

1st & 3rd Tuesday | 7 p.m.

Helotes Lions Club 14690 Bandera Rd. | heloteslionsclub.org

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

Helotes City Council City Hall 12951 Bandera Rd. | visithelotes.com

4th Tuesday | 7 p.m.

Helotes Humane Society Board Meeting 10672 Shaenfield Rd | hhsanimals.org 1st Wednesday | 7 p.m.

Knights of Columbus Our Lady of Guadalupe Church 13715 Riggs Rd. | kofcknights.org 2nd Wednesday | Evening Ladies Night Out in Old Town Helotes The Bluffs at OTH | 14392 Riggs Rd.

3rd Thursday | 7 p.m.

Helotes Masonic Lodge 11740 FM 1560 | helotesmasonicfamily.org Every Friday & Sunday | 7 p.m. & 2 p.m.

Bingo | Helotes Lions Club 14690 Bandera Rd. | heloteslionsclub.org 3rd Saturday | 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Wine to Coffee Art Walk The Shops at OTH | 14743 Old Bandera Rd. poizenmonkey.com

Events April 1 | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The MarketPlace @ OTH Old Town Helotes | 14391 Riggs Rd. helotesmarketplace.com April 1 | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Helotes Garden Club Plant Sale & Raffle The Cracked Mug | 14743 Old Bandera Rd. facebook.com/helotesgardenclub April 1 | 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

April 2 | 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

SA Highland Games & Celtic Music Festival Helotes Festival Grounds 12210 Leslie Rd. | sahga.org April 2, 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Helotes Area Community Band Spring Concert John Marshall HS | 8000 Lobo Ln. helotesareacommunityband.com.

April 28 City Offices Closed - Battle of Flowers April 29 | 6:30 p.m.

Miss Helotes Pageant O’Connor HS Auditorium 12221 Leslie Rd. | cornyval.org May 2 | Noon – 2 p.m.

Historical Society of Helotes Meeting Speaker: William “Sandy” Sands SA Conservation Society Historic Farm & Ranch Committee Salt Grass Steakhouse | 11812 Bandera Rd. historicalsocietyofhelotes.org May 4 to May 7 Cornyval Festival Helotes Festival Grounds, 12210 Leslie Rd. | cornyval.org

May 9 | 6 p.m.

Helotes Area Chamber of Commerce Topgolf Tournament 5539 North Loop 1604 W heloteschamber.com May 19 | 6 p.m.

Movie Night at the Park and Helotes Area Community Band Concert Finding Dory City Hall | 12951 Bandera Rd. visithelotes.com May 29 | 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Operation Comfort Memorial Day Car Show 4-H Activity Center | 12132 Leslie Rd. operationcomfort.org May 29 City Offices Closed | Memorial Day

May 4 to May 6 HFA PRCA Rodeo Helotes Festival Grounds 12210 Leslie Rd. | cornyval.org

June 3 | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The MarketPlace @ OTH Old Town Helotes | 14391 Riggs Rd. helotesmarketplace.com

April 17 City Offices Closed - Easter

May 6 | 9:30 a.m.

Cornyval Parade Leslie Rd to Bandera Rd. to Old Bandera Rd visithelotes.com

April 22, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Any Baby Can Walk for Autism Helotes Festival Grounds 12210 Leslie Rd. | anybabycansa.org

May 6 | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The MarketPlace @ OTH Old Town Helotes | 14391 Riggs Rd. helotesmarketplace.com

June 16 | 6:30 p.m.

Movie Night at the Park and Helotes Area Community Band Concert The Secret Life of Pets City Hall | 12951 Bandera Rd. visithelotes.com

April 15, 10 a.m Community Easter Egg Hunt, sponsored by Helotes Hills United Methodist Church The Gardens at Old Town Helotes, 15060 Antonio Dr. | hhumc.com

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country

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Pipe’s Dreams. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12340 Bandera Rd. Sonic Drive-In. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12405 Bandera Rd. 3 Oolong Chinese Restaurant. . . . . . . . . . . 12411 Bandera Rd. 4 Rome’s Pizza & Yogi’s Frozen Yogurt. . . 12411 Bandera Rd. 5 Bricks and Minifigs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12415 Bandera Rd. #212 6 Babe’s Old Fashioned Food. . . . . . . . . . . . . 12415 Bandera Rd 7 Walmart & Subway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12550 Bandera Rd. 8 Starbucks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12577 Bandera Rd. 9 Marco’s Pizza & Pinot’s Palette. . . . . . . 9708 Business Pkwy 10 Taco Bell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9708 Business Pkwy 11 Tractor Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11946 Leslie Rd. 12 Slim Chickens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12530 Bandera Rd. 13 Bandera Road Cafe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12540 Bandera Rd. 14 Golden Chick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12550 Bandera Rd. 15 Bill Miller BBQ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12705 Bandera Rd. 16 AutoZone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12733 Bandera Rd. 17 Pizza Hut. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12730 Bandera Rd. 18 Little Caesars Pizza. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12800 Bandera Rd. 19 Dairy Queen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12902 Bandera Rd. 20 One Vapor Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12908 Bandera Rd. 21 PHO AN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12916 Bandera Rd. 22 Advance Auto Parts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12929 Bandera Rd. 23 Dollar Tree. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12928 Bandera Rd. 24 Grand Patron. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12932 Bandera Rd. 25 Finck’s Cigar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12950 Bandera Rd. 26 Subway. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12952 Bandera Rd. 27 Bad Dogz Beer & Bites. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12952 Bandera Rd. 28 CVS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12980 Bandera Rd. 29 Disc Golf Course / Fitness Park . . . . . . . 10505 Parrigin Rd. 30 Bobby J’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13247 Bandera Rd. 31 Europa Imports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13439 Bandera Rd. 32 Jupe Mills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14096 Bandera Rd. 33 City Public Parking Lot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14399 Riggs Rd. 34 Simply Yours Gifts & More . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14357 Riggs Rd. 35 Southern Gypsy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14359 Old Bandera Rd. 36 Country Elegance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14391 Old Bandera Rd. 37 Helotes Creek Winery. . . . . . . . . . . . . 14359 Old Bandera Rd. 38 Three Sisters Home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14391 Old Bandera Rd. 39 Old Town Depot Antiques. . . . . . . . . 14392 Old Bandera Rd. 40 City Public Parking Lot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14392 Bandera Rd. 41 Harvest Cottage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14398 Old Bandera Rd. 42 GG’s House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14433 Old Bandera Rd. 43 B-Daddy BBQ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14436 Old Bandera Rd. 44 Melanie’s Rusted Nail . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14436 Old Bandera Rd. 45 Helotes Bicycle Shop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14436 Old Bandera Rd. 46 John T. Floore’s Country Store. . . . . 14492 Old Bandera Rd. 47 Elf Hardware. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14546 Old Bandera Rd. 48 Helotes Tactical Firearms. . . . . . . . . . 14398 Old Bandera Rd. 49 Wilson Landscape Nursery & Florist . . 14650 Old Bandera Rd. 50 Helotes Country Club. . . . . . . . . . . . . 14687 Old Bandera Rd. 51 Wine 101. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14743 Old Bandera Rd. 52 The Cracked Mug. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14743 Old Bandera Rd. #1 53 Simply Raw Nutrition . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14743 Old Bandera Rd. 54 E’s Bees and Creations. . . . . . . . . . . . 14743 Old Bandera Rd. 55 Pete’s Place Spirits & More. . . . . . 14743 Old Bandera Rd. #9 56 MimiDae Market. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14743 Old Bandera Rd. 57 City Public Parking Lot. . . . . . . . . . . . 14889 Old Bandera Rd. 58 El Chaparral. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15103 Bandera Rd. 59 Helotes City Park & Playground . . . . . . . 12951 Bandera Rd.

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Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country

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Wineries in Old Town Helotes

by Claudia Alarcon

Charming Old Town Helotes has something for everyone, from cute antique stores to a celebrated music venue, funky old-school bars, and family-friendly activities. In recent years, this historic area has seen the arrival of two lovely spots on Old Bandera Road to enjoy locally handcrafted and international wines.

The first one is Helotes Creek Winery.

Pull up the gravel driveway and you’ll see a cozy stone cottage with rustic picnic tables where lively groups of friends enjoy locally-made wines by the glass or bottle.

Inside, classic bar tables and a tasting bar set the atmosphere. Originally, the winery was about 500 yards down the street in a small house, but when Colleen Miller purchased it in June 2016 she moved it to the current location. “I came across it, and decided to go inside and try some,” says Miller. “I loved it and started hanging around, met the owner, and subsequently started working there a few days a week while learning the business. The owner decided to sell, so I bought the winery, relocated it, and changed the entire business to make it my own.” The current location opened for business on August 19, 2016, with Colleen and husband Arlen pouring wine and chatting happily with visitors.

Although she enjoyed drinking it, Miller had never made wine. The previous owner showed her the ropes, and soon she was off to the races. Currently, she sources 16 types of grapes from a vendor which outsources to vineyards all over the globe.

She caters to those who prefer wines on the sweeter side, including a line of fruit-infused wines that have a dedicated following. She uses artificial fruit flavorings (“that way people with fruit allergies can also enjoy the wine!”) to create blends like blackberry merlot, blueberry Shiraz, and the best-selling strawberry Riesling. These wines should be served chilled, preferably poolside, and are perfect for crafting a refreshing sangria. Specially-flavored ports are usually available during the holiday season.

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Just down the street, Wine 101 is a rustic wine and tapas bar located north of the Helotes Creek. After serving as Chamber of Commerce President and City Councilman in the City of Leon Valley, chef/ owner Phillip Manea was ready to follow his passion for wine and cooking. In 2008, he opened the wine bar, with a second location in the city of Bulverde a few years later. “My parents are Romanian and Greek,” says Manea. “I was born in Romania, then moved to Greece and then to Canada. I moved from Canada to San Antonio in 1992 and have been here since.

The reason for the move was rather simple – the weather. I missed the Mediterranean climate, and soon found out that I loved everything about Texas. It fits my relaxed easy going personality.”

And so does Wine 101. The space has an open kitchen surrounded by a bar where customers can see the chef at work. Outside, the dog-friendly patio is a welcome place to enjoy tapas and a fine selection of vino under century-old oaks. Wine bottles from around the world are also available for retail. “I wanted to bring to the City of Helotes something different,” says Manea.

“While we are not your traditional three or four course restaurant, our customers have embraced the European tradition of small plates that pack intense flavor, are well thought out, and chosen for the appropriate wine pairing.”

Helotes Creek Winery

In recent years, Old Town Helotes has seen the arrival of two lovely spots on Old Bandera Road to enjoy locally handcrafted and international wines.

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country

Helotes Creek Winery

Wine 101

Simply Yours Gifts & More Your one stop shop for all your south Texas goodness.

We have a wide assortment of items for sale, including western decor, boots, candles, jewelry and much more.

14357 Riggs Rd (210) 695-6951 Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country

NEW CUSTOMER DISCOUNT 25% Off DC Garments Discounts for Students, Teachers & Staff, Police and Military Mon - Fri 7am – 7pm | Sat 9am – 3pm 210.695.4343 | popecleaners.com 12682 FM 1560 N, Ste 104 (across from CVS, next to city hall)

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Wilson Landscape Nursery and Florist

by Angela Rabke

Spring is such an intoxicating time in the Hill Country! Cooler weather makes it the perfect season to prepare our outdoor spaces for the remainder of spring and the upcoming summer months, and ambitious homeowners flock to nurseries to select plants and color for their home gardens, but it’s not always as easy as it seems.

Without expert advice and plant selection, even the most well-intentioned gardener can be disappointed. That’s why folks in Helotes and the surrounding Northwest San Antonio area have trusted Wilson Landscape Nursery and Florist for over 30 years. Located on Bandera Road, this family business has provided partnership and support for gardeners in the area through home consultations, installations, deliveries, and just plain old good advice. In addition to landscaping services, the family-run business has a nursery that specializes in well-adapted native Texas plants, a growing tree business, a full-service floral design shop, and a charming storefront with everything from antiques to unique succulent planters. The vibrant threshold is warm and welcoming, and is a promise that the owners are experts in both botany and design.

It seems as if the owners, Sherry and Glenn Wilson, are able to do just about everything when it comes to growing plants in the Hill Country. These locals know the particular challenges of landscaping in Texas, whether it’s hungry deer or blistering heat, and are experts in how to overcome those challenges, even for neglectful gardeners.

This husband and wife duo have combined a passion for plants, a dedication to their customers, and their natural creative talents to create an experience that goes well beyond picking out a few perennials for one’s flower beds. They each bring a different set of knowledge and passions to the job, creating a broad business model that allows them to do anything from teaching classes through the Northside Independent School District to addressing irrigation and drainage issues with a well-thought smart sprinkler installation.

Glenn particularly enjoys working with trees, and has a growing inventory of ornamental and shade trees that he’s cultivated and grown from seeds and acorns. Like trees, many plants do better in the ground as opposed to containers, and he is especially knowledgeable when it comes to landscaping placement, drainage and soil issues, and plant selection—ensuring that each customer is successful in their landscaping projects.

Sherry has applied her creativity and skills to floral design for 30 years, and works with both fresh and silk flowers. Her daughter now works with her in this area of the business, and their personalized approach and beautiful designs have made Wilson’s a top choice for Hill Country weddings, and seem especially perfect for outdoor celebrations. She also enjoys filling unique containers with perennials and colorful native plants to brighten up porches and outdoor living spaces. The nursery is well stocked with beautiful succulent containers that are created with antiques and a variety of these hardy plants, but the potential for home improvement doesn’t stop with flowers and plants. The store at Wilson’s is an inviting interior space, and is another refection of Sherry’s keen eye for design, with a delightful variety of charming antiques, floral home accents, art, gifts, and other décor.

The couple emphasizes that their priority is listening to customers, regardless of whether it’s a sweeping landscape installation project or a small floral delivery, and that philosophy is probably why Wilson’s has won the “People’s Choice” award for the last 7 years. It’s plain to see that customer service is still alive and well at Wilson’s.

To learn more about Wilson Landscape Nursery and Florist, including a comprehensive listing of Texas plants, visit www.wilsonlandscapenurseryandflorist.com. And be sure to visit Sherry’s floral website at www.wilsonsfloraldesign.com.

Photos courtesy of Wilson Landscape Nursery and Florist

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Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country

It seems as if the owners, Sherry and Glenn Wilson, are able to do just about everything when it comes to growing plants in the Hill Country.

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country

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Masterpiece Creator

by Bob McCullough

Photography by Bob McCullough

Linda Sioux Henley initially honed her artistic skills styling hair. Then she turned to decorating cakes. That led to a sculpting workshop in 1981 and a full-time career four years later as a masterpiece creator.

From her cozy studio in the heart of Helotes, Henley fashions bronzes that reside in galleries and collections worldwide. Closer to home, her Folklorico Dancer statue of a whirling lady with billowing skirt welcomes guests to Six Flags Fiesta Texas theme park in San Antonio, and a commission by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas – Texas Pioneer Woman – stands on the grounds of the Texas State Capitol in Austin.

Henley’s pursuit of primarily western art directly correlates to her upbringing. “Growing up in a professional rodeo family, we were cowboys and cowgirls,” she says, “so I wanted to stay true to my roots. Also, having a Cherokee great grandmother, I felt that must have had something to do with the western themes in my art.”

Her Native American heritage inspired her Sinapau, or “sacred fire,” stoneware depictions of Native American Indian culture in the American West. She also works in bronze sculpting and oil painting, but she says clay sculpting is her favorite.

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that you know and learn about.” Henley took that advice in sculpting Texas Pioneer Woman.

“I’m a direct descendant of the oldest man that died while defending the Alamo – Gordon C. Jennings,” she says. “When I was commissioned to sculpt Texas Pioneer Woman, I tried to imagine how my fourth great grandmother would have felt the very first time she stepped off her wagon in 1832 and planted her feet on Texas soil. Knowing the hardships she and her husband Gordon had to endure, she would have felt it was well worth the struggle for the baby, or the younger generation, she is holding in her arms. That generation would come to develop our great State of Texas.”

To achieve one of her earliest artistic triumphs, Henley had to become pleasantly persistent, making multiple attempts to contact the Opryland staff building the Fiesta Texas park in hopes they would incorporate one of her pieces. She eventually submitted 18 designs before her Folklorico Dancer found a home at the park’s entrance.

“Cake decorating and instructing how to decorate cakes got me into sculpting,” she says, “but I decided I wanted to create more-lasting art. I saw beautiful bronzes at the Cowboy Artists of America Museum in Kerrville and took sculpturing classes there before becoming a full-time sculptor.”

Another of Henley’s sure-to-be-eye-catching bronzes will be unveiled later this spring in Pecos, Texas. It’s a 13-foot-tall statue of mythical American cowboy Pecos Bill riding a tornado while grasping the head of an angry rattlesnake. Bill’s image came to life in clay so Henley could secure final approval from Pecos officials, so now it’s up to the Larry Stevens Foundry in Bulverde to preserve Bill in bronze and erect him in a yet-to-be-determined location in the West Texas town.

Her teacher at the museum, Fritz White, told her to “do something you know about. You’ve got to put as much feeling into the subject

One of Henley’s favorites that hasn’t yet made it into the public domain – perhaps best described as a sculpture collage – was Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country

fashioned as a tribute to the heroes of the 9-11 attack on America.

A bald eagle with an American flag in its beak soars majestically over policemen, firemen and children. Henley displays in her studio a smaller bronze version of the sculpture that would measure 17 feet tall and 10 feet wide in a public location.

Another work in progress involves a new design for the Humane Society that incorporates “lots of cats, dogs and parrots.” This is a somewhat different approach to the broncos and longhorns that frequent Henley’s sculptures, but she professes to be up for new challenges.

“Viewing things around me each day inspires me to design and create new sculptures,” she says. “Then I research particular subjects that interest me. Then I try to image the thoughts, feelings, emotions involved. Then I bring that story to life.”

“ Growing up in a professional rodeo family, we were cowboys and cowgirls, so I wanted to stay true to my roots. Also, having a Cherokee great grandmother, I felt that must have had something to do with the western themes in my art.”

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country

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by Tom Schoolcraft

The year is flitting by and the first quarter is already behind us! Summer, with all of it’s events, is just around the corner and our biggest annual event, Cornyval, is coming at us like a runaway locomotive. The Helotes Festival Association has been hard at work for several months using mostly volunteers to prepare for this 52nd celebration which will be held Thursday, May 4 through Sunday, May 7, 2017.

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Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country

Helotes comes from the Spanish word “elote�, which means stalk corn or corn-on-the-cob.

Over a period of many centuries, several Native American Indian tribes used the fertile land in and around the Helotes area to plant and raise their corn crops. They would come out of the Hill Country each year for the growing season and when the tribal medicine men would taste the corn and declare it to be ripe and ready to be eaten, the harvest would begin. At the end of the harvest, the Native American Indians would celebrate and feast before taking their harvested corn and return to their permanent camps in the hills. The first settlers in the Helotes area date back to the 1850s.

For many years, they had to fight the Native American Indians, sometimes each other, and put up with many other hardships to survive. But survive they did, and with their survival they placed Helotes onto the path that brings us to where we are today, a thriving and vibrant community we can with great pride call home.

new and first permanent local post office in Helotes. It was located in the building that is now Doris Young Realty in our Old Town District on Old Bandera Road. In 1967, Cornyval grew in size as the first Cornyval Parade and the first Miss Helotes scholarship pageant were added to the festivities, and the tradition took a firm hold in the history of Helotes.

The Lions Club of Helotes was instrumental in organizing the celebration until the Helotes Festival Association a ssumed the responsibility and expanded the Cornyval into a four day extravaganza.

Cornyval, a celebration stemming from the tradition of the corn harvest, has a rich history of its own dating back to 1966 when residents in the area came together to celebrate the opening of the

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country

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The Cornyval festival was held in Old Town Helotes through the 1980s until it was moved to its current location at the Helotes Festival Grounds on Leslie Road. Craft and food booths would line both sides of Old Bandera Road from the bridge at Helotes Creek to the area at the intersection with Riggs Road. Just as now, almost all of the booths were manned by local non-profit organizations, churches, and the Grey Forest and Helotes Area Volunteer Fire Departments.

The carnival was set up in the large field at the intersection of Old Bandera Road and Floore Drive. It had many of the same attractions as now and featured a ferris wheel, but on a much smaller scale. In the tradition of a true festival, it now includes many types of food, dancing, a wide variety of bands, arts and crafts, and different types of entertainment for all ages. The biggest attractions are the three night PRCA Rodeo featuring bull and bronc riding, the carnival including games and gentle rides for young children, and action packed rides including a large Ferris wheel for older kids and adults. Oh, and don’t forget to grab some of the traditional carnival snacks of popcorn, peanuts, and cotton candy.

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Cornyval weekend would not be complete without the Cornyval Parade on Saturday, May 6. This event is sponsored and administered by the City of Helotes and averages 80 to 100 entries including marching bands, floats, horseback riders, hotrods, decorated vehicles advertising businesses, and the Shriners with all of their fun and exciting vehicles and clowns. The parade will start at Leslie Road at 9:30 a.m. and travel north on Bandera Road past City Hall to Old Bandera Road in Old Town, and will end at Scenic Loop Road and Old Bandera Road. Some people park their vehicles along the parade route the night before, so come early on Saturday morning to pick your spot along Bandera Road or in Old Town to enjoy the parade.

Regardless of whether you have been to many or if you have never been to a Cornyval, don’t let this one pass by without venturing over to the festival grounds to enjoy some great food, libation, and entertainment. All of the information you will need to plan your visit can be found at www.cornyval.org. We look forward to seeing you there!

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country

Helotes Collision Center For All Your Auto Body & Paint Needs

(210) 695-9038 Carl & Patsy Monaco Owners

11634 Rainbow Ridge Helotes, TX 78023

helotescollisionctr@prodigy.net

NATIONAL SHOOTING COMPLEX OPEN PUBLIC Thursdays 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.

SHOOTING Saturdays 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

MEMBERS ONLY

Wednesdays 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Fridays 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

SPORTING CLAYS • TRAP • SKEET 5-STAND • BUNKER TRAP Corporate Events Charity Fundraisers Company Picnics Private Parties Non-Shooting Events

Royce Graff: 210-688-3371 x 113 rgraff@nssa-nsca.com Amber Schwarz: 210-688-3371 x 125 aschwarz@nssa-nsca.com

For amended days, check our online calendar at NationalShootingComplex.com MAIN OFFICE: 210-688-3371 • FAX: 210-688-9269 PRO SHOP: 210-688-2542 (after 5pm & Saturdays) 5931Roft Road • San Antonio, TX 78253

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country

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City News

by Helotes City Staff

2017 - A Year of Construction

Cedar Trail Culvert Enlargement Project

In 2008, the City formed partnerships with Bexar County, the San Antonio River Authority, and TxDOT to obtain funding, complete design, and ensure construction of utility, traffic improvements, and drainage and flood control projects within the City. Our continuing partnerships have been very productive and for those of us who have been involved in the planning, it’s exciting to know that 2017 will see all but one of these project started! All of the projects below, exclusive of the water and sewer project, which is a City project, have allowed us, through our strong partnerships with Bexar County and TxDOT, to leverage approximately $442,400.00 of required matching funds from Helotes into more than $25,000,000.00 of street and flood control projects to alleviate flooding and traffic congestion in the City. That’s what we call a pretty good return on our investment!

This is a flood control project approved by TxDOT that will upsize the existing culvert near the intersection of Cedar Trail and Bandera Road.

It is a result of our 2008 flood control study and our partnership with TxDOT and the San Antonio River Authority. The goal of the project is to reduce dangerous flooding events like the one in August, 2007 when cars were washed into the ditches on Bandera Road. The total estimated cost of this project is $1,300,000.00 and it has been programmed by TxDOT to start next year. No matching funds are required from the City. We were asked, however, to complete upstream and downstream profiles and modeling before the project was approved for funding.

French Creek Tributary Natural Waterway Conveyance Flood Control Project Helotes endured severe flooding in August, 2007, with at least two dozen homes sustaining water damage. We were included in the Bexar County disaster declaration submitted to the State so that homeowners would be able to secure low interest financing from FEMA for repairs. This project will increase the size of culverts on Circle S Drive in Evans Valley and at the intersection of Bar X Trail and Diamond K Trail in Helotes Park Estates. Additionally, this project will utilize natural channel design elements to make improvements to French Creek and associated tributaries and will remove 40 to 50 homes from the 100-year floodplain in the Cedar Springs, Evans Valley, and Helotes Park Estates Subdivisions. Construction started in February and is anticipated to take approximately one year. This project is estimated at $5,000,000.00 and is fully funded by the Bexar County Flood Control Program with no matching funds required from the City of Helotes.

F.M. 1560 Bridge Project The existing culvert between Alta Loma and Saltillo Flat is undersized and allows water to overflow F.M. 1560 causing the road to be closed during significant rain events. The new bridge will allow more water to flow under rather than over the road resulting in fewer road closures. When we submitted the project to the Bexar County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) it was not selected for funding. We decided to then meet with TxDOT to request funding directly from them and were successful in obtaining a commitment to build the bridge. The City entered into a formal agreement with TxDOT in September 2014 whereby TxDOT agreed to fund and construct the project. The total project construction cost is estimated at $2,700.000.00 and only required matchings funds of $300,000.00 from Helotes. TxDOT awarded the contract on January 5, 2017 and the anticipated construction start date is April or May, 2017.

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Bandera Rd. Water & Sewer Line Construction This project includes the installation of a 12” water main and an 8” sewer main between Circle A Trail and Scenic Loop Road on the North side of Bandera Road. The sewer main will consist of two gravity flow sections which will meet across Bandera Road from Floore Drive.

We will bore underneath Bandera Road and the sewer main will run down Floore Drive and tap into the existing sewer main under Old Bandera Road. The project is expected to go to bid in April or May with construction to start this summer. The estimated project cost is $3,060,000.00 which has been funded by the issuance of Certificates of Obligation authorized by the City Council in 2015.

Hausman Road Expansion Project TxDOT has already started to relocate all utilities and acquire rights-ofway along Hausman Road and is scheduled to begin the street construction this summer. This project will expand Hausman Rd. from Bandera Rd. to Loop 1604 into a thoroughfare with four traffic lanes, a left turn center turn lane, bike lanes, and concrete sidewalks. This $13,800,000.00 project required a total commitment of $16,420.00 from Helotes to help purchase right-of-way for the project within our city limits.

F.M. 1560 Realignment Project In 2012, the City submitted this proposed realignment project to the San Antonio-Bexar County Metropolitan Planning Organization for funding, and, in March 2013, received notice that approximately $1.3 million of federal funding had been awarded for the project with the balance of the funding coming from TxDOT. The project will reroute FM 1560 from its intersection with Riggs Road up the hill between Two Fat Guys and the Shell station to Bandera Road where a new signalized intersection will be constructed. Bandera Road will be reconfigured between Finck’s Cigar and Bobby J’s to allow right turns only and the crossover at Circle A will be eliminated. TxDOT anticipates significant improvement to the traffic flow with much less wait times for commuters in the area.

TxDOT has completed right of way acquisition for the project, and utility companies have completed relocating their lines at Riggs Road and along Bandera Road. We expect the contract to be awarded in April or May and construction to begin this summer. The total estimated construction cost is $5,000,000.00 with a required match of $126,000.00 from the City.

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country

Historical Society of Helotes

In 1966, residents interested in preserving Helotes’s history formed the Helotes Historical Society. The group, spearheaded by Helotes Echo founder and editor Lucy Perkins Brown (1916-1988) and Wanda Terry (1921-2005), co-owner of the Hickory Hut Restaurant, began compiling oral histories and notebooks of newspaper clippings and photographs, and held monthly meetings.

After Brown passed away, the Terry family offered use of a cottage next to their restaurant to the historical society, dedicating it as the Lucy Brown Memorial Library. The library closed in 2006 upon the sale of the restaurant.

Despite the lack of a permanent building, the historical society has continued to flourish with an enthusiastic group of volunteers. In 2010, the Society was incorporated in Texas as the Historical Society of Helotes (HSH) and achieved designation as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, funded by member dues and tax-deductible donations.

The Society’s educational mission involves the discovery, preservation, and dissemination of knowledge about the history of Helotes and the surrounding area. The Society is open to all individuals interested in promoting its mission.

Annual membership dues are $10 per person, $15 per family, and $25 per business.

Quarterly meetings are held on the first Tuesday of February, May, September, and November. These meetings feature guest speakers who give presentations on topics of historic interest. The HSH also sponsors a variety of special events, including trips to historic sites. Visit the Society’s Facebook page for up-to-date announcements of events.

For more information about the Society, visit www.historicalsocietyofhelotes.org, or email info@historicalsocietyofhelotes.org.

EARLY VOTING

SCHEDULE & LOCATION HELOTES CITY HALL 12951 Bandera Road

Monday, April 24 – Thursday, April 27 and Saturday, April 29 | 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Monday, May 1 – Tuesday, May 2 Extended Hours | 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

ELECTION DAY VOTING IS AT YOUR PRECINCT POLLING PLACE

Saturday, May 6 | 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

For the location of your precinct polling place visit www.helotes-tx.gov

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country

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The Ides of March and Texas Natives Contributed by The Helotes Garden Club

The month of March brings mailboxes full of seed and plant catalogs, designed to entice buyers with visions of colorful flowers, both annual and perennial. What most recipients don’t realize, however, is that these catalogs originate from places very different from Texas, in terms of temperature and soil types. It is estimated that 80% of the inventory being offered will wither and die within weeks of purchase and placement in a typical South Texas garden.

Plants like Azaleas, Dogwood, Gardenias and Forsythia simply cannot tolerate our warmer nights and alkaline soils. So, what to do? Best practices: observe what is thriving in your neighbor’s yard and duplicate. Visit the San Antonio Botanical Gardens and take notes. Patronize local nurseries and avoid big box stores notorious for stocking plants and trees that cannot thrive here. Even if one attempts to modify or enhance garden soil to accommodate more acid-loving plants, the simple act of watering will quickly undo the effort. Our water in South Texas is high in alkaline.

Trees to avoid – Pines, Maples, Southern Magnolia.

Trees that thrive here – Pecan, Live Oak, Chinquapin Oak, Monterrey Oak, Spanish or Red Oak. Thriving fruit-bearing trees – Most Fig varieties and Satsuma Tangerine.

The following plants and shrubs are tried and true success stories for the Helotes area: Blooming shrubs – Esperanza, Mexican Fire Bush, Duranta, Texas Mountain Laurel, Vitex, Cenizo.

To create a screen – Eleagnus or Yellow Jasmine.

For flushes of color in shady areas – Firespike, Coleus, Yellow Columbine, Impatiens.

Sun-loving annuals that thrive and multiply by seed – Zinnias, Cockscomb, Cosmos, Gallardia, Echinacea, and Ageratum.

If roses are your preference, avoid hybrid tea roses and opt for any of the antique types. Belinda’s Dream is trouble-free, and the pale pink blooms are fragrant and large. Mutabilis presents multi-hued blooms that range from cream to dark pink. This rose needs lots of space and full sun.

Appropriate blooming vines for this area include Cross Vine, Butterfly Vine, Pipe Vine, Clock Vine, Rangoon Creeper and Clematis.

If deer are a problem, plant Copper Canyon Daisy and Datura.

Deer avoid both.

With just a little bit of homework and exploration, anyone in Helotes can have a stunning floral display that benefits the bee and butterfly populations, conserves water, and enhances their home and neighborhood.

To learn more about The Helotes Garden Club visit facebook.com/helotesgardenclub.

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Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country

Advertiser Coupons

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country | Spring 2017

Simply Yours Gifts & More

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10 Pc Dark (leg & thigh), Family Mashed Potato, 10 Piece & Mashed Potato 2 Hot Yeast Rolls

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Carlos Miranda – Agent sfmiranda.com 12415 Bandera Road, Suite 108 – Helotes, Texas

Crazy Bread® With the purchase of any two pizzas 8-piece order • Crazy Sauce® extra

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OFFER EXPIRES 12/31/17

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Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country

APPLE PEST CONTROL

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APPLE PEST CONTROL • 210-695-8946

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Initial Home Pest Control Service Expires 6/30/17

Mosquito Treatment Service Expires 6/30/17

Fire Ant Exterior Service Expires 6/30/17

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

33

Advertiser Index

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country | Spring 2017

Attractions

Financial Institutions

Helotes Hill Country Zipline 210-834-1292 www.heloteshillcountryzipline.com

Frost Bank 210-220-6603 | www.frostbank.com

Author

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

Cynthia Leal Massey www.cynthialealmassey.com

Dining/Restaurants El Chaparral Restaurant 210-695-8302 | www.elchaparral.com Golden Chick 210-695-1800 | www.goldenchick.com Little Caesars of Helotes 210-372-9556 | www.littlecaesars.com

Event Center/Venue Gardens at Old Town Helotes 210-695-4777 | www.gardensatoldtown.com

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Home Builders

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

Services Apple Pest Control 210-695-8946 | www.applepestcontrol.com College Nannies, Sitters & Tutors 210-202-0303 | www.collegesitters.com

Helotes Collision Center 210-695-9038 Maid Affordable 210-372-9970 | www.maidaffordable.com Pope Cleaners 210-695-4343 | www.popecleaners.com

Shooting Range/Gun Club NSSA-NSCA 210-254-1510 | www.nssa-nsca.org

Shopping MimiDae Market, LLC 210-363-9113 | www.mimidaemarket.com Simply Yours Gifts & More 210-695-6951 www.facebook.com/Simply-Yours-Gifts-More

Curves 210-695-2275 | www.curveshelotes.com

Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country

A PREMIER HILL COUNTRY VENUE

Close to the city

MINUTES FROM THE CITY, in the gateway to the Hill Country, sits Gardens at Old Town Helotes. This six acre private estate accommodates up to 200 guests. The lush landscaping, walking trails, lighted paved patio and bridal suite are only some of the perks to this little piece of heaven.

We can’t wait to show you around.

15060 Antonio Dr., Helotes | 210.695.4777 | www.gardensatoldtown.com