Alamoheightsmagazine.Com 1 2 Online At: Alamoheightsmagazine.Com Online At: Alamoheightsmagazine.Com 3 Marrying for Love … Not Money! by Attorney James N

Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com 1 2 Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com 3 Marrying For Love … Not Money! By Attorney James N. Voeller

Have you ever wondered what might happen to your estate if you died and your spouse remarried? e following is one of the most tragic stories that I have heard in my 30 years as a lawyer. Several years ago a couple, Don and Judy, came into my o ce to discuss their estate planning goals. When I asked them what it was that was motivating them to do their planning, Don sadly shook his head and began telling me the following story: “Jim, I grew up as the only child of my hard-working parents. My great grandfather immigrated to South Texas from Germany in the 1800’s. roughout my childhood, and as a young man, I worked alongside of my father on our ranch. I can still hear him saying to me with pride, “Someday this will all be yours, son.” It was a hard life, and money was tight, but we always had enough. My parents taught me how to work After expressing my sympathy to Don for his tragedy, I explained hard and they taught me to always be careful with money. to Judy and him that most of my clients have arranged their a airs Life went on just fi ne through the years until one day, several years like my wife and I have arranged ours. I explained that when I die, my ago, my mother got sick and died. Dad stayed on the ranch as long half of our community property will be left in trust for my wife. She as he could, but eventually he moved into an assisted living facility will be the trustee and the benefi ciary of the trust. She gets to use the nearby. While he was at the assisted living facility, my father met a income that the trust produces and if she needs the principal, she can woman, Helen, to whom he grew very attached. Within no time my use that too. But if my wife chooses to remarry she will lose her interest dad started talking about getting married to Helen. in the trust unless she gets a prenuptial agreement with her new spouse. ere wasn’t anything that I could do about it. Dad married Helen e new spouse has to agree that he will never make a claim against and seemed happy enough. About three months later, my father the trust assets that I leave for her – or against her assets. I don’t mind became very ill. He died in his sleep, with Helen by his side. if she gets remarried, I just want to make sure that her new spouse is A few days after the funeral, I found out that while he was at the marrying for love–and not money! assisted living facility, my father signed a new will–leaving all of his When I explained this option to Don and Judy, they looked at assets to his new wife, Helen. I immediately hired a lawyer to help me at’s what try to unravel this mess. ey had come into my o ce discouraged at what Jim, I went to the probate court and tried to prove that my father had happened to them, but they left with a new confi dence that their lacked capacity or that he signed his new will under duress – but children would never have to experience the type of tragedy they had I lost. Meanwhile, during the litigation, Helen had a heart attack gone through. and died. Helen’s will left everything to her two daughters. Helen’s If you would like to learn more about protecting your spouse and daughters now own the ranch that had been in my family for over children through thoughtful estate planning, call us at (210) 651- 150 years. Oh, and by the way,” Don Said, “did I mention that the 3851 for a complimentary initial consultation. ranch was located on one of the four corners of a major intersection on Loop 1604? When I lost the ranch, it had already become a multi- The Voeller Law Firm million dollar commercial property! 19311 FM 2252 San Antonio, TX 78266 We’re here today, because we don’t want anything like this nightmare Phone: (210) 651-3851 email: [email protected] to happen to our kids when we die.”

4 Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com Online at: CommunityCircular.com Chicken Breast Marinade Juice of 2 medium size lemons (strain for no pulp or seeds) Juice of 2 medium size oranges, Valencia preferred (strain for no pulp or seeds) 1 ⁄4 cup of olive oil 1 garlic clove, smashed and chopped 1 teaspoon of fresh, cracked black pepper 1 ⁄4 teaspoon of Mexican oregano 1 ⁄2 teaspoon of meat tenderizer (make sure tenderizer has papian as ingredient)

Directions: ith holiday gatherings just around 1. Place 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast (about 6-7 oz each) in a large shallow pan. 2. Squeeze the juice from the lemon halves and oranges into a separate bowl, then the corner, delicious recipes take whisk in the oil, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper or place all ingredients in a blender center stage. Although roasted and blend for about 20 seconds turkey,W ham, and veggie casseroles are tried- 3. Pour this marinade over the chicken. Place the lemon halves in between the chicken and-true choices, surprise your guests this year breasts, cover the pan tightly. Refrigerate 6 hours or overnight. with a recipe by George Ojeda, Executive Chef 4. Grill the chicken, occasionally turning and brushing with any remaining marinade at Encanto Mexican Grill. “It’s a great dish for until the juice runs clear or the inner temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Remove from the grill and place on a plate and pour cream sauce (see recipe below) over the fall because it can be made on a cold winter chicken breast. day to warm up and turkey breast can be used instead of chicken breast,” said Chef George. Chipotle Cream Sauce Recipe 16 oz heavy whipping cream Th e creamy and spicy dish pairs well with white 1 ⁄4 cup of white wine (Chardonnay or Pinot Gris) rice and sautéed vegetables. If you’re out of time 1 tablespoon of shallot, fi nely minced (substitute white onion) or simply want to try it out before attempting 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 the recipe at home, dash into Encanto Mexican ⁄4 teaspoon garlic, fi nely minced Grill for a taste. 3 oz of chipotle chiles in adobo sauce 8 oz chicken stock, warmed before adding 2 tablespoon of roux (see recipe below) 1 ⁄4 teaspoon of white pepper Kosher salt to taste Directions: 1. In a medium sauce pan at medium high heat, add olive oil and simmer pan (to coat entire pan with oil) 2. Add shallots and garlic. Sweat for about 2 minutes, and stir with a spoon. 3. Deglaze pan with white wine and reduce by half (about 2-3 minutes) 4. Add cream and warm chicken stock. Bring to a light simmer. 5. Add chipotle peppers with adobo sauce 6. Simmer sauce on low heat for about 5 minutes 7. Add white pepper and salt, if needed. 8. Using a hand mixer, blend entire sauce until smooth. (If using a blender instead, do not cover entire blender with cap, allow steam to escape to prevent sauce from overfl owing.) 9. Adjust seasoning or add more chile peppers, if more heat is desired (be sure to blend again). 10. Th icken sauce with roux (see below). Roux Recipe 2 tablespoons of butter 2 tablespoons of all-purpose fl our

Directions: 1. Place butter in a small sauté pan at medium high heat. 2. Melt butter until foamy. 3. Add ﬂ our and whisk until ﬂ our and butter are incorporated. 4. Set aside for later use.

6Online at:Online CommunityCircular.com at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com Chicken Breast Marinade contents Juice of 2 medium size lemons (strain for no pulp or seeds) Publishers: Juice of 2 medium size oranges, Valencia preferred (strain for no pulp or seeds) 4 Marrying for Love...Not Money! Community Circular Magazines 1 ⁄4 cup of olive oil 6 Holiday Recipe from Encanto Grill a division of 1 garlic clove, smashed and chopped 1 teaspoon of fresh, cracked black pepper 9 Carolyn Tarver Insurance Opens in Alamo Heights 1 ⁄4 teaspoon of Mexican oregano 1 10 18th Annual Taste of the Heights ⁄2 teaspoon of meat tenderizer (make sure tenderizer has papian as ingredient) 12 Camp Bullis: Get to Know Your Neighbor Directions: 16 San Antonio Family Helps Fight Terrorism ith holiday gatherings just around 1. Place 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast (about 6-7 oz each) in a large shallow pan. Graphic design 2. Squeeze the juice from the lemon halves and oranges into a separate bowl, then Jessica Combs the corner, delicious recipes take 35 Finding the Right Personal Trainer whisk in the oil, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper or place all ingredients in a blender Michelle Fortenberry center stage. Although roasted and blend for about 20 seconds 36 Flight to the North Pole Katrina Gelino turkey,W ham, and veggie casseroles are tried- Jared Hawkinson 3. Pour this marinade over the chicken. Place the lemon halves in between the chicken and-true choices, surprise your guests this year breasts, cover the pan tightly. Refrigerate 6 hours or overnight. 39 Buyer Beware: Choice Leather Furniture Lucy Hutchenson with a recipe by George Ojeda, Executive Chef 4. Grill the chicken, occasionally turning and brushing with any remaining marinade 40 Exhibit Celebrates UTSA’s First Football Season Sales at Encanto Mexican Grill. “It’s a great dish for until the juice runs clear or the inner temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Remove from the grill and place on a plate and pour cream sauce (see recipe below) over 43 Tradition or Roth IRA: Which One is Right for You? Rachel Danley the fall because it can be made on a cold winter chicken breast. Sheryl Hawkinson day to warm up and turkey breast can be used 45 Planning Ahead for Diffi cult Times instead of chicken breast,” said Chef George. Chipotle Cream Sauce Recipe 47 What is a Custom Gun? Administrative 16 oz heavy whipping cream Jared Hawkinson Th e creamy and spicy dish pairs well with white 1 ⁄4 cup of white wine (Chardonnay or Pinot Gris) 48 New Braunfels Railroad Museum Albert Salazar rice and sautéed vegetables. If you’re out of time 1 tablespoon of shallot, fi nely minced (substitute white onion) or simply want to try it out before attempting 1 tablespoon olive oil 51 Puzzles To advertise your product or services in 1 the recipe at home, dash into Encanto Mexican ⁄4 teaspoon garlic, fi nely minced Alamo Heights Magazine, please contact Rachel Danley at Grill for a taste. 3 oz of chipotle chiles in adobo sauce Alamo Heights Magazine is a periodical published for the enjoyment of the greater Alamo 210-348-3709 or by email at 8 oz chicken stock, warmed before adding Heights area. Th e magazine is intended to cover entertaining and informative topics that 2 tablespoon of roux (see recipe below) [email protected] 1 are of interest to the Alamo Heights area community. Th is publication is not affi liated ⁄4 teaspoon of white pepper with the City of Alamo Heights or any other government agency and is supported by its Kosher salt to taste Alamo Heights Magazine is published by Community advertisers. Circular Magazines, a subsidiary product of White- Directions: Frisbie Media. It is provided for the enjoyment and 1. In a medium sauce pan at medium high heat, add olive oil and simmer We want your feedback! education of its readership. Th e information presented pan (to coat entire pan with oil) What do you think of the all-new Alamo Heights Magazine? As a reader, we want to hear in this magazine is believed to be true at the time of 2. Add shallots and garlic. Sweat for about 2 minutes, and stir with a from you. If you have feedback on any of our articles, or the magazine itself, we want to publishing. Community Circular Magazines does not guarantee or warranty any of the services or products spoon. know about it. We encourage you to visit our web site at www.AlamoHeightsMagazine. 3. Deglaze pan with white wine and reduce by half (about 2-3 minutes) produced by the companies represented herein. com and let us know what’s on your mind. 4. Add cream and warm chicken stock. Bring to a light simmer. 5. Add chipotle peppers with adobo sauce If you have any feedback on this publication, please contact us at 210-348-3709 or visit our web site at 6. Simmer sauce on low heat for about 5 minutes www.AlamoHeightsMagazine.com 7. Add white pepper and salt, if needed. 8. Using a hand mixer, blend entire sauce until smooth. (If using a blender instead, do not cover entire blender with cap, allow steam to escape to prevent sauce from overfl owing.) 9. Adjust seasoning or add more chile peppers, if more heat is desired (be sure to blend again). 10. Th icken sauce with roux (see below). Roux Recipe 2 tablespoons of butter 2 tablespoons of all-purpose fl our

Directions: 1. Place butter in a small sauté pan at medium high heat. 2. Melt butter until foamy. 3. Add ﬂ our and whisk until ﬂ our and butter are incorporated. 4. Set aside for later use.

Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com 7 8 Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com eteran insurance agent Carolyn Tarver is proud to announce Th e insurance market is in fl ux too. Th at’s why it’s never a good the recent opening of her new FARMERS INSURANCE idea to buy a policy and just shove it in a drawer. What was good in AGENCY offi ce in Alamo Heights. Carolyn has 30 years the past year, might not be the best policy now or next year. People’s Vof experience in the insurance industry and 20 of those years are lives and needs change with time. Your insurance coverage needs to with FARMERS. She is very excited about moving here several years change with you. Carolyn works one-on-one with her customers, ago. Carolyn has a daughter who graduated from A&M on a track helping them to cut where they need to cut without hurting them scholarship and a son who is an eighth grader at Th e Alamo Heights in their exposure. Liability, for example is an area where people are Jr. High School. She loves the school system in Alamo Heights as often at risk fi nancially without knowing it. well as the small, tight knit community. “Sure you can go with the legal minimums on your auto policy, “I was born and raised on a farm and ranch outside of Stratford in for example, but if you are involved in an at-fault accident, the other the Texas Panhandle, where the population is about 1,900,” Carolyn party will most certainly go after your assets, if your policy does not said. have enough coverage for their damages”, Carolyn said Growing up she had “hands on” in her families’ agriculture business Educating women is another of Carolyn’s passions as she loves working cattle and the land. She describes herself as “agriculture helping women who have been through hard times (death of a savvy” because when you go through hard times you learn the art of spouse, divorce or bankruptcy). diversifi cation. “Now that I’ve been through some of the trials of life myself, I “Th is is one of the hardest years in history for farmers and ranchers. get great satisfaction in helping women (and men) who’ve suddenly In most all businesses, if you learn how to diversify, usually you will been thrust into making fi nancial decisions on their own,” Carolyn survive the highs and lows that all businesses have through the years. said. My Mother, brother and sister are still in the family business in One thing is for sure, navigating the markets these days can be the Panhandle, and this year “diversity” was the key to survival for frightening for anyone. Th at’s why you need an agent with the know them,” Carolyn said. how to help you make the right choices at the right time. Carolyn’s Carolyn graduated from Texas Tech University and after a short new offi ce is located at: stint at teaching school, she became a rural agent, cutting her teeth on farm and ranch, crop and health insurance. Th en in 2005, Carolyn moved to San Antonio, where she accepted a FARMERS Carolyn Tarver Insurance agency in Seguin. She still maintains an offi ce there along with the 7225 Broadway one in Alamo Heights. San Antonio, Tx 78209 Th ese days Carolyn handles all types of insurance including auto, 210 804 2100 home, health and life, business, motorcycle, boat, RV, IRAs and [email protected] Medicare supplements. A favorite of hers is juvenile life insurance. www.farmersagent.com/ctarver With the right policy, this great gift that parents and grandparents can purchase is a good place to build cash value for college, a fi rst home or business! “Your insurance is only as good as your agent. I believe people need to be coached in buying insurance, more so than ever today. In this day and age when coverage is off ered online, people are in danger of choosing a policy that they either don’t understand, don’t need or isn’t the right fi t for them,” Carolyn said.

Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com 9 undreds of revelers enjoyed the cool evening breezes under the massive oak trees at the Witte Museum recently, when the 18th Annual Taste of the Heights was held. Sponsored by the Alamo Heights Chamber of Commerce and Mercedes Benz of San Antonio,H the event was held on Th ursday, September 23 at the Witte Museum. Th e Taste attracted more than 750 party-goers, interested in sampling and tasting all that the area had to off er. Over 50 food, beer, wine and specialty booths were on hand to provide samples for a wide variety of tasty goodies from the Alamo Heights area and beyond. Restaurants such as Tre Trattoria, Sushi Zushi, Lion & Rose, Paloma Blanca, La Hacienda de los Barrios, Al’s Gourmet Nuts, Creative Chocolates, LUKE, LongHorn Steakhouse, Romos Cafe, La Fogata, Le Cake, Amy’s Ice Cream….and many more were on hand to sample their menu specialties. Beer was provided by HALO Distributing, and included Miller products, and specialty brands such as Abita Beer, Leinenhagel’s, Blue Moon, New Belgium and Bard’s. Wines were provided by Republic National Distributing Company, as well as Dry Comal Creek Vineyards and Bending Branch Winery. A new event was added to the festivities this year: the Taste Challenge Cook-Off , which featured the best tacos off ered by chosen participants. Romos Café’s fi sh tacos were chosen the winners by a panel of celebrity judges, including representatives from television and print media. A VIP Suite was well-attended, and featured delicacies and tasty delights from the new JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort. Th e event featured fi ve live bands on fi ve diff erent stages, which provided a wide variety of musical sounds for party guests. A Silent Auction rounded out the evening’s off erings, with featured items donated by Chamber members and friends of the Alamo Heights Chamber of Commerce. Mercedes Benz of San Antonio provided several new automobiles for guests to admire, prominently displayed on the Witte grounds. Volunteers for the event included the much-appreciated Baseline Bums, the service organization of the San Antonio Spurs. Th e Bums have assisted with the Taste of the Heights for several years now, and are an important part of the event’s success. Sponsors of the 2011 event included: Mercedes Benz of San Antonio, Grande Communications, JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort (VIP Suite), Christian Brothers Automotive (Valet Parking), Run Wild Sports, Broadway Bank (Silent Auction), Amegy Bank, Watermark Group, Creative Link, 550KTSA, and others, who helped make the event possible. A portion of the proceeds from the event went to the Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas, the Alamo Heights School Foundation and the Witte Museum. Plans are already underway for the 19th Annual Taste of the Heights, which will be held in September, 2012. For more information, please visit: www.tasteoftheheights.com.

10 Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com 11 12Online at:Online CommunityCircular.com at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.comOnline at: CommunityCircular.com13 Jefferson Bank is here to meet all your home loan needs. This is personal to us.

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14Online at:Online CommunityCircular.com at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com Jefferson Bank is here to meet all your home loan needs. This is personal to us.

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Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com 15 Puppy Dolan is the 500th dog bred through the program. He is currently being raised by a San Antonio family.

ike and Rosa Reinert of Champion for the puppies until one year of age. In addition to protecting our nation’s mass-transit systems, puppies bred and raised in the TSA Springs were always dog people. puppy program have gone on to provide security for Air Force One. M In order to keep program offi cials on task and constantly reminded For years their toy poodle and loveable of the role these dogs play in our national security, each dog is named after someone who lost their life in the 9/11 attacks or soldiers who mutt completed their family. Th at was have paid the ultimate price in the fi ght against terrorism overseas. Yellow-Dogs in the TSA program, like Uvanni, are recognizable Quick was named after Army Sgt. Marquees A. Quick, a 28-year-old until they opened their home and hearts by their “uniforms.” These red vests let passers by know they soldier from Alabama who was killed Aug. 19, 2006 in Ramadi, Iraq, are working. to a dog with a greater cause. when his unit came under a grenade attack on a mission. As “Puppywalkers,” the Reinerts main responsibility was to “I saw a story on the news about the puppies being bred at Lackland socialize Quick and get him comfortable around people. From walks and it intrigued me,” recalls Mike. “I thought it was a great way to give in crowded parking lots to monthly trips to area car shows, Quick weekend, the school year to summer. It’s ideal.” Quick is doing on the job. We know, in some small way, we’re a part back to this country and do my part in the fi ght against terrorism.” quickly became accustomed to the diff erent sights and sounds of the Th e process certainly worked for Quick. Once the Reinerts role of that success.” Soon, the Reinerts became one of hundreds of families who are traveling public; a skill that he would eventually put to use on the was complete, Quick entered training and today is working in New Th e Reinerts enjoyed their experience with Quick so much that playing a vital role in the Canine Breeding and Development Center’s job. Jersey for the New York Port Authority. they soon welcomed Noel into their home and lives as well. Puppy Program. Th ey became foster parents to 10-week-old Quick, “We love going to car shows, so Quick would come with us,” “I knew giving him up was part of the deal, and it was tough. It’s “I’d do it again, because I whole-heartedly believe in what they are an energetic, black Labrador Retriever who would call their Stone explained Mike. “It worked for us and fell right into what we liked to a family member who you’ll teach, train, and send out in the world doing,” added Mike. “I always believe that if one of these dogs, mine Oak residence “home” for the next eight months. do on the weekends. Just to be around bunches of people and loud to do good,” admitted Mike. “What I really appreciated was after he or one in San Antonio, is able to save a life, that to me is what it’s all “I am held in awe of all the volunteers who have done so much for noises were perfect for him. He loved to run, so we’d take him on left our home and graduated from the program, program offi cials about.” this program,” said Scott Th omas, CBDC program manager. “I can playgrounds and near construction sites so he could learn to navigate have kept in touch with us. We still get to know all the great things never express strongly enough how the backbone of this program is diff erent terrain and diff erent stimuli.” our volunteers, who are to me our heroes.” Th omas says without the dedication and commitment of foster Th omas runs the 10-year-old program out of Lackland Air Force families like the Reinerts the program would not be as successful. Base in San Antonio. A division of the Transportation Security “Many people think that dogs raised in a kennel environment Flag, one of the more than 500 dogs bred through Administration, the program is part of a global eff ort to breed their entire lives would be more adept when they reach the right the TSA program, is trained to keep America’s If you are interested in learning more about the TSA Puppy working explosives detection dogs. Center offi cials are breeding age for training, but the opposite is the case,” said Th omas. “Our domestic traveling public safe. Program or want to be a volunteer Puppywalker, you can visit better detector dogs to work at airports, ferry Puppywalker families are exposing these puppies to sights, sounds www.tsa.gov and enter “Puppy Program,” or call 210-671-1624. terminals and rail stations, while regular and scenarios across the city that we could never accomplish on a The program depends on volunteer families in San Antonio and citizens are performing a vital part weekly basis. A kennel environment is the same day after day, but a Austin, Texas to raise puppies from age ten weeks to 12 months, by serving as foster families family’s home environment is constantly changing from workday to when they can enter explosives detection training. During this time, families are responsible for providing their pups with a well-rounded, socialized and nurturing environment. Dogs raised through the TSA program, like The program supplies food, equipment and medical care for the Bosely, have gone on to provide security to Quick is a TSA success who today keeps puppies while in foster care. The pups are returned to the program Air Force One and the Dali Lama. travelers safe inspecting cargo and bag- for one week each month for medical and behavioral evaluation. gage for the New York Port Authority. The program provides feedback to the foster families on how the puppy is developing. At approximately one year of age, the pups are returned to the program to start their offi cial training. Potential foster families must have a secure fenced yard, a vehicle in which the pup can be transported, no more than two other dogs in the home, and the time to raise a very active puppy. Due to the overwhelming generosity of the American public, the program currently has a very lengthy waiting list to adopt a puppy. However, if you would like to be added to the list please visit www. tsa.gov and enter “Puppy Program.”

16Online at:Online CommunityCircular.com at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com Puppy Dolan is the 500th dog bred through the program. He is currently being raised by a San Antonio family.

Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.comOnline at: CommunityCircular.com17

Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com 19 Newt Gingrich speaks about Rediscovering God in America at Cornerstone Church

Written by Travis White Photos by Paul Wharton

n Sunday, March 27th, Cornerstone Church welcomed former Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Newt Gingrich, in grand style. OpeningO with several patriotic songs, the choir performed the “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “America The Beautiful,” and, of course, our National Anthem- all to the delight of the more than 2,000 people in attendance. The event was open to the public and the conservative, presidential candidate was eager to share his views with the audience.

Before Mr. Gingrich spoke, Cornerstone’s Senior Pastor John Hagee opened with his own message and tribute to all branches of the American military titled ‘A Cry from Valley Forge.’ In the recitation by Hagee, a solider from Valley Forge speaks to modern- day Americans: “It is the soldier from Valley Forge to Afghanistan who fights for our God-given rights. It is the soldier, not the minister, who has given us freedom of religion. It is the soldier, not the reporter who has given us freedom of the press. It is the solider, not the lawyer who has given us the right to a fair trial.”

20Online at:Online CommunityCircular.com at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com Pastor Hagee pointed out that during Gingrich’s tenure as Speaker was a real possibility. His father was an infantryman in the Army for (1995-99) the Federal Budget was balanced, an accomplishment that 27 years and his family was stationed all over Europe and the US. He has not been repeated since his time in office. spoke of witnessing dramatic post World War I & II scenes in Europe The son of a 27-year career soldier, Mr. Gingrich opened his remarks while growing up. This included one event in particular during his by saying he was touched by the tribute paid to the members of the freshmen year of high school when he visited the battlefield of Verdun military. Gingrich pointed out that in the last line of the first stanza in Douaumont, France. Gingrich recounts: “[at the battlefield] they of the National Anthem (“For the land of the free and home of the have a huge building called the Ossuary and the basement is glassed in; brave.”) that he believes “it is not possible, as Americans, to be free if the bones of the 100,000+ men who had been blown apart in the field we are not brave.” He stated that, “bravery can come in many forms, are [entombed] there. As a freshman in high school, this [experience] not just fighting, but campaigning, and sometimes just standing up for was really overpowering. By the summer of 1958, I was forced to collide what you believe, no matter what the ‘political elites’ have told you...” with the reality that countries can die and civilizations can disappear. Gingrich continued, “It’s important for us to cultivate courage and the And that good leadership is crucial.” boldness to believe in who we are and what we do.” According to Gingrich, after his time as Speaker he had planned on staying Mr. Gingrich presented a dramatic position: “I believe our entire out of public service. He enjoyed working on his books, movie projects and Judeo-Christian civilization is under siege on two fronts: radical just resting. However, according to Gingrich, what got him reengaged was Islamics and secular atheists. Each of them is dedicated to a world the 9th Circuit Court, “which ruled that saying ‘one nation under God’ in in which our Judeo-Christian traditions wouldn’t survive.” He the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools is unconstitutional.” Gingrich felt went on to say that political elites are trying to create “generational moved to do something, “For some reason, this particular decision struck amnesia;” resulting in “generations that have no idea what it means me as so blindingly stupid and so profoundly un-American that in 2002, I to be an American.” decided someone needed to talk about it, but not talk about it in an ideological According to Gingrich, his childhood was spent relocating from or theological way. They need to calmly talk about history.” This, Gingrich military bases all over the world during a time when a ‘balloon’ cloud said, was the inspiration for his book Rediscovering God in America. >>

Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.comOnline at: CommunityCircular.com21 Gingrich continues with how he is a true believer in presenting facts the Nation in a prayer for six and a half minutes.” Gingrich says in his debates. Rediscovering God in America is a walking tour of that he has a project each year to get the maximum number of radio Washington DC in which the reader can see things with their own stations across the country to re-play this prayer. eyes and not someone else’s distorted views.” Gingrich cited a recent Gallop poll where 80% of citizens said they In one of his first examples, Gingrich cites the Declaration of thought of America as an “exceptional country.” An on-the-spot sample Independence and “the central statement in defining America:” that we of his audience produced a roaring applause when Gingrich posed the are “endowed by our creator with certain inalienable rights.” He points question “How many people here would agree that America is an exception out two competing philosophies: “first there’s the philosophy that power country?” Gingrich proposes a platform for an ‘exceptional America.’ comes from the government and that government defines who you are. In his provocative closing, Gingrich pointed out that in 1802 Then there are those who believe power comes from God.” Gingrich Thomas Jefferson passed the ‘Judicial Reform Act’ which abolished believes this statement means that “sovereignty in America rests with 18 out of 35 judgeships (over half the Federal judges disappeared). individual citizens- not the State and that, furthermore, power is “[James] Madison, [Thomas] Jefferson, and [Alexander] Hamilton all loaned to the government by the people.” According to Gingrich the said there is no such thing as judicial supremacy.” Gingrich continues, founding fathers believed that “a wise people could remain free, but a “it is an absurdity to have three co-equal branches of government. And foolish people would inevitably end up in a dictatorship.” in the Federalist papers, Hamilton writes that the weakest of the three Another idea presented in Rediscovering God in America branches of government is the judiciary.” is the Washington Monument, which is the tallest structure Gingrich points out that starting in the late1950s the Earl in Washington, DC. Gingrich points out, “At the top of the Warren court created a new model of judicial supremacy, “in which monument, the first thing the sun shines upon every morning is the the court tells the rest of us what to do.” According to Gingrich, inscription ‘laus deo’ meaning ‘glory to God.’” Hamilton proclaimed that such a situation, “would be an absurdity; As a third example, Gingrich told the audience that in President that would be an oligarchy of non-elected officials.” Lincoln’s 702 word, post-civil war inaugural address (March, 1865), Gingrich believes that if 80% of US citizens believe their county “Lincoln makes 14 references to God and there are two quotes from is exceptional, then that belief should be organized into a movement the Bible. Now I ask you,” Gingrich continues, “How could you to get something done. “Perhaps as a modest start we could create a teach a history class, whether it’s high school or college, not notice modern day “Jefferson project,” and use the 9th Circuit Court for a in passing that in Lincoln’s greatest oration he references God 14 demonstration effect. And then maybe other judges would see that we times and quotes the Bible twice? And we’re going to teach American intend for them to judge within the American framework and work as History as though we were secular?” American judges understanding American history… it’s just a start.” As a final example, Gingrich points out “The greatest liberal Gingrich reminded the audience in his closing that, “we will remain Democratic President of the 20th Century, Franklin Delano free as long as we’re brave. That bravery will come from our churches Roosevelt, described WW II as a war between ‘Pagan dictatorships and synagogues and from everyday folks. It won’t come from the elites; and our Christian civilization.’ When we landed at Normandy on it won’t come from those who are currently in power. It will come from June 6, 1944 at 10pm the President went on national radio and led average everyday folks who decide that ‘we have to be Americans.’”

22Online at:Online CommunityCircular.com at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com 23 You Don’t Have to Spend it All on the Nursing Home! by James N. Voeller

Recently, I met with three middle-age siblings who told me a story similar to one that I have heard many, many times before. “Mom’s in a nursing home and, in no time, her bank account will be completely spent.” They asked me what will happen when her money is all gone. I changed the subject slightly and asked them to tell me about their mother. “What kind of person is your mother? How long has she been in the nursing home? What’s been important to her in life?” In unison, their faces lit up as they animatedly told me about the loving, little woman that they called “Mom.” What stood out to me was their reflection on their mother’s spending habits, relating how she lived frugally, spent less than her monthly Social Security check, and always planned on leaving an inheritance to help her children. The kids had encouraged her to travel and enjoy what she and their father had accumulated, but she always had reasons not to spend. Three years ago, Mom had a stroke. After attempting multiple other alternatives, the family agreed that the small, local nursing home was the best option for her care. Each day, when Mom had a visitor, she mentioned how sad she was that her life savings was being spent to pay for the nursing home. After learning more, such as the monthly cost of the nursing home, the amount of Mom’s remaining savings, and her monthly income, I asked them a question: “Do you think that your mother would be happy if more than half of her remaining savings could be preserved for her children?” “Wait a minute,” Brian, the oldest son, said. “The nursing home told us that our mother can have no more than $2,000.00 left in savings before Medicaid begins to pay for the cost of her care. We’ve already spent almost $200,000.00. Are you saying that her life savings does not have to be completely spent? I don’t care if I ever get a dime from my mother, but I want her to be happy.” Unfortunately, this exchange happens with regularity. Families rely on misinformation and unnecessarily spend more than is required, causing elderly parents to live with needless regret and remorse. If you, or a loved one, are private-paying for nursing home care, make sure you have all of the facts before the family’s life savings is spent. Visit with a lawyer who can explain your real options. Don’t make decisions without complete information. In the example in this article, rather than see the family spend all of the life savings that their parents had accumulated to pay for Mom’s nursing home costs, over one-half of Mom’s remaining assets were Law Office of preserved. Don’t make decisions in the dark. Know your options and plan James N. Voeller ahead so you are able to meet your long-term goals. This particular Attorney At Law family recently followed up with me and informed me that their mother 19311 FM 2252 was finally experiencing some relief from worry and has been sleeping San Antonio, TX 78266 better with the knowledge that she is going to be able to leave “a little Phone: (210) 651-3851 something” to her children and grandchildren—all because her children visited with an elder law attorney and got the right advice.

24Online at:Online CommunityCircular.com at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com 25 San Antonio Spurs Summer Basketball Camp Learn skills, practice drills, and experience competitive thrills while becoming a better basketball player with the pros in their weeklong summer basketball camps. The Spurs Summer Basketball Camp strives to provide campers with an educational experience both on and off the court. Fun & Exciting Ages: 7 to 18 • Web: www.nba.com/spurs/fanzone/bbcamps_11.html • Ph: 210-444-5021 Summer Camps University of the Incarnate Word or Saint Mary’s Hall San Antonio Zoo and Aquarium At Zoo Camp Adventures, spend the week learning all about animals and nature with for Kids age-appropriate games, stories, crafts and animal encounters. Zoo Camp Adventures offers week-long camps concentrating on specific topics with creative learning experiences in a positive, nurturing and fun environment. Aquatic Science Adventure Camp This fun camp for students who are interested in aquatic or marine sciences mixes education Ages: 5 to 14 • Web: www.sazoo-aq.org • Ph: 210-734-7184, ext. 1101 and recreation. Activities during the week-long sessions include aquatic biology and water 3903 North St. Mary’s Street, San Antonio, TX 78212 chemistry, swimming, tubing, scuba/snorkeling, river rafting, glass-bottom boat ride, a trip to SeaWorld and more. SeaWorld San Antonio Campers discover magnificent animals behind the scenes while they come face to face with Ages 9 to 15 • Web: www.eardc.txstate.edu • Ph. 512-245-2329 marine life. All camp sessions feature plenty of time for SeaWorld fun, so campers will 248 Freeman Aquatic Building, Texas State University enjoy all of the spectacular shows, animal attractions and rides of SeaWorld San Antonio. San Marcos, TX 78666 Grades 5 to 12 (career camps: grades 9 to college) • Web: www.seaworld.com/sanantonio Artworks Art Studio for Children Ph: 800-700-7786 • 10500 SeaWorld Drive, San Antonio, TX 78251 During their summer camp, kids spend the day being an artist as they experiment with mixed-media painting, collage, drawing, and sculpture. Learn a wide range of new skills and Southwest School of Art & Craft experiment with mixed-media painting using watercolor, acrylics, collage materials, markers, This school is a nationally recognized leader in arts education with classes and workshops oil pastels, clay, wood, wire and more. taught by outstanding local, regional and national artists in state-of-the-art facilities. Their summer art camp for kids offers one- and two-week long classes, concentrating on a specific Ages: 1.5 to 14 • Web: www.artworksartstudio.com media or subject in a positive, nurturing and fun environment. Two locations are in San Antonio: 1840 Nacagdoches Rd., zip 78209, ph: 210-826-2787 Ages: 5 to 18 • Web: www.swschool.org • Ph: 210-224-1848 7715 Mainland, Suite 103, zip 78250, ph. 210-256-2787 300 Augusta, San Antonio, TX 78205 iD Tech Camps at Trinity University Stone Oak Youth Theatre These popular summer day and overnight camps are designed for beginner to advanced Stone Oak Theatre (SOYT) is an educational theatre and performing arts experience for kids learners, and average six students per instructor for customized instruction by highly trained and teens. This summer, young students may enroll in a “Camp Experience” – a three-week adult-only staff. They offer a variety of cutting edge summer camp courses for kids and course with three fun and unique classes each day that are geared towards their age group. teens including video game design, Flash animation, programming, app development, video editing, and more. Ages: 7 to 12, 12 to 18 • Web: www.soyt.org • Ph: 210-481-2400 21518 Blanco Rd, Suite 101, San Antonio, TX 78260 Ages: 7 to 12, 13 to 17 • Web: www.internalDrive.com • Ph: 888-709-8324 Trinity University, San Antonio, TX 78209 Texas Ski Ranch Camp TSR (Texas Ski Ranch) offers a fun, encouraging atmosphere for kids to pursue action sports in a safe, supportive environment. During full-week camps and day camps, beginners to advanced riders have a blast while sampling skate park and water sport activities with TSR’s customized camp sessions.

Ages: 5 to 16 • Web: www.texasskiranch.com • Ph: 830-627-2843 6700 North IH 35, New Braunfels Texas 78130

Witte Museum The museum’s summer camp, Adventure Club, hosts week-long day camps for kids. Their two exciting summer camp programs are “Amazon Adventure” and “Expedition San Antonio River.”

Grades 1 to 2, 3 to 5• Web: www.wittemuseum.org • Ph: 210-357-1900 3801 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209

Online at: CommunityCircular.com “Impaired Taste Bud Syndrome”

By Sheryl Hawkinson

The descriptions the “experts” use in defining a wine’s flavor can cause flavorful treasures it holds. However, not all taste buds are created equal many wine enthusiasts such as Bob Bowker of Cedar Park, to want to and can not necessarily decipher each taste the same. For example, I may simply throw in the towel. After hearing from Bob regarding his desire love the scent of a specific perfume and drench myself in it, though the lady to experience every flavor in his wine, he expressed his frustration: “I have standing next to me in the elevator might be gasping for fresh air. Taste is participated in numerous wine tastings in Napa and the surrounding areas of an example of the same issue. I may be enjoying the chocolate flavor in a California and no matter how hard I try to focus on the tastes that the ‘experts’ specific wine while my husband tastes only the notes of earthy soil. Did I talk about I have difficulty in identifying them.” say soil? I did! Well, Bob, you are not alone. Many of us are unable to uncover those Do you suffer from “Impaired Taste Bud Syndrome”? The inability to specific hidden treasures in the wineglass we hold. I personally call this distinguish specific flavors in a specific wine is more common then not. “Impaired Taste Bud Syndrome”. You might hear the “experts” say, this Overcoming “ITBS” will allow you to experience and discover a wines wine has a hint of cherries, chocolate and or some other flavor such as spiced own significant character to the fullest. mocha, white pepper or citrus. However, if you have difficulty discovering a specific flavor poised in your glass of wine, don’t be discouraged. Here are some suggestions to help you conquer your own “Impaired Each winery has established a label on the back of their wine bottle Taste Bud Syndrome”: that provides the consumer their own interpretation of their wine and the • Search for one specific flavor one sip at a time. Wines can be like a bouquet of flowers and hold an array of scents (flavors). Focus on the first flavor that comes to mind. Once you have accomplished your first flavor, move on to the next and so on. • Remember the importance of using four of your senses when experiencing a wine. And document your findings in a notebook. Keep in mind that the sense of smell (aroma), taste (complexity), sight (color) and even touch (body) are all personal conclusions. • Even your lifestyle can effect your taste buds. Ask yourself these questions: Do you consume salty or sweet foods? Do you smoke? Do you drink plenty of water? By simply changing your diet or your lifestyle you can change the outcome of what your taste buds respond to. • When enjoying a glass of wine with friends and family try to draw comparisons to other things you’ve already tasted. Have specific foods available during your tasting so you can easily compare. • Be aware of the changes the taste goes through as it fades on the tongue, and how long that “finish” lasts. • Use your nose! Aroma is a great beginning to the end result. Swirl your wine in your wineglass allowing the wine to release its true aroma. Drop your nose into the glass and draw in the bouquet. Focus on one particular fragrance that is released from the wine.

Now friends, explore and discover the hidden riches in your bottled treasure. Pop the cork and release the flavor! Go with it… but don’t get caught up in the “experts” interpretation, instead search for that specific flavor that tickles your own taste buds. More importantly, enjoy one sip at a time. Cheers!

Please remember to drink responsibly. Do not drink and drive. I look forward to hearing from you. Send your suggestions, trials and errors to: [email protected] and feel free to follow my blog at: corkscrewcorner.blogspot.com

Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.comOnline at: CommunityCircular.com27 By Susan Marx

Grab the kids and spend the day touring the Texas Hill Country All aboard! If you’re looking on a genuine vintage passenger railroad line. Or take your husband, girlfriend or a group of friends on one of their evening themed for something out of the trains and make it a night to remember. Either way you’re in for an adventure you’ll not soon forget. The Austin Steam Train Association (ASTA) is a non-profit ordinary to do this weekend organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of the steam trains by making them run again. Executive director Holly Doggett tells us or want to visit the Austin “the train appeals to a wide cross-section of people; military personnel, children and others who’ve used the railroad in the past.” She also area, why not take a ride explains that “ASTA was started by a group of railroad enthusiasts in 1992 when the Southern Pacific 786 steam engine (built in 1916 and housed in Austin) needed a new home.” They moved the still running back to a simpler time? 786 to Cedar Park and have been restoring antique train cars in the 16-acre rail yard there ever since. The 786 steam engine is currently in

Online at: CommunityCircular.com photo by T photo The Austin Steam Train Association offers free public tours of the train every other Thursday. om Williamson om om Williamson photo T by

Alabama undergoing a complete overhaul. Meanwhile, a 1960 Alco the old stagecoach road winding its way out of Burnet, if you know 442 diesel pulls the train, which has its own bit of history. According where to look. There were plans to run the line all the way up to the to engineer John Mandell, “this particular model locomotive is the Transcontinental Railroad but these were abandoned in the 1950s.” only one left in the United States still running.” A retired electrical The Giddings-Llano line transferred ownership a few times before engineer, Mandell volunteers his time helping restore the 786 the city of Austin purchased the right-of-way in 1986 and later passed it steam engine and gets the 442 ready for weekend trips. “I’ve been on to Capital Metro. The same track is still used today to haul freight in working out here for about 8 or 9 years and mainly…I like to do the and out of the city. In March 2010, Capital Metro started their Red Line mechanical stuff”, he says with a laugh. commuter service from Leander to downtown Austin. That’s one of the Although steam trains are only used for recreational excursions reasons why the Austin Steam Train only runs on weekends and special these days, they once roared through the wild west, churning out occasions. They share an increasingly busy track. clouds of steam and linking the outlying towns with urban centers. ASTA has passenger cars in three distinct classes. The first class In fact, the Giddings-Llano line (the track ASTA uses) was extended cars are top-of-the-line, climate-controlled touring cars with sleeping out to Granite Mountain in 1885 for the express purpose of hauling compartments, galleys and private lounges. The excursion class cars are pink granite into Austin to build the capital building. Conductor climate-controlled but do not have berths, kitchens or an eating area, Steve Barry (who was a signalman on the Pennsylvania Railroad while the coach class cars are the oldest passenger cars of the fleet. These and a history buff) says “the railroad was the only means of mass cars hail from the Pennsylvania Railroad. Though beautifully restored transit after the stagecoaches stopped running. You can still see and painted bluebonnet blue, these are the most utilitarian. They have

Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.comOnline at: CommunityCircular.com29 This 1920s coach car is one of six identical cars that were all constructed by the Pennsylvania Railroad.

photo by Tom Williamson

bench seats and sliding glass windows for ventilation. Community seated and the train starts rolling, a friendly car attendant gives outreach coordinator Daniel Doggett explains that “the consist (i.e., you the official welcome aboard. Then you’re free to roam the train. the compliment of cars that make up a train) varies with each run but Adventuresome folks stand in the vestibules watching the scenery whip typically includes at least two of each class plus a concessions car – this by the open windows. First class passengers enjoy complimentary coffee is where people buy snacks and souvenirs and socialize.” and snacks. There are a few private rooms on these cars which can be Whatever class you choose, you’ll be treated to an unforgettable reserved by special request. experience. A real vest-wearing, pocket-watch carrying conductor The train runs at a leisurely average speed of 30 mph so you can sit walks the aisles and brakemen hop on and off to switch tracks and back and enjoy the passing surroundings. When the trains first started couple and decouple the cars. They carry walkie-talkies these days running up here, “cotton was a major industry until the dust bowl in but still use hand, whistle and light signals to communicate – just the 30s,” says Conductor Steve Barry. “You can still see some of the old like they did way back when. The engineer is the only licensed crew cotton merchant buildings in and around Bertram.” You may also want member right now but they are all trained and regulated by the to keep an eye out for Signal Hill, a rocky outcropping where local militia Federal Railroad Administration. Conductor Steve Barry says that set fires that could be seen as far as Austin, to warn of hostile Indians “by the end of 2011 all conductors in the U.S. will also be required in the area. Although you can’t see it from the train, Fort Croghan sits to carry a FRA license.” Even so, according to Doggett (whose job atop Post Mountain, three miles south of Burnet on Hamilton Creek. It is mainly all about coordinating the 100+ volunteers), “all the crew was the third of four forts commissioned by the Federal government in members, including the conductor, are volunteers.” 1849 to protect the frontier. Some of the first Texas Rangers lived there. Whenever you choose to ride, arrive early. All seats are reserved and If you take the Hill Country Flyer you’ll stop in Burnet, a charming assigned and the train begins boarding 45 minutes before departure. old western town which was once home to legendary Confederate hero It leaves the station precisely on schedule so don’t be late! Once you’re Stovepipe Johnson and named after G. Burnet, the first provisional

Plenty of lounge space and 5 private compartments are available in this 1950 first class train car from Chicago.

photo by Tom Williamson

30Online at:Online CommunityCircular.com at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com president of the Republic of Texas. You’ll have a two-hour layover there Riders enjoy games and snacks during their ride. to eat, shop and walk around. One of the highlights of this trip is the Wild West Show, a shoot-out dramatized by the Burnet Gunfighters Association. “Sheriff” Tex Copsetta, president of the Association is a retired peace officer and wears a felt 10-gallon hat and a vintage peacemaker on his thigh as he moves from car to car with a swagger, telling passengers about the show and inviting the ladies to volunteer as saloon girls. It’s a fun experience and presents a perfect photo-op to capture your nostalgic day in the Wild West. The daytime flyers depart Cedar Park Station at 10 am most weekends. The Hill Country Flyer goes 33 miles to Burnet, which is a six-hour roundtrip including the lunch stop. So expect to spend most of your day on that one. The Bertram Flyer travels 23 miles to Bertram and includes a 15 minute stop at the 1912 depot before turning around. This is a good one to take if your time is limited or if you have small children. ASTA’s specialty trains include the Thomas the Tank Engine and North Pole Flyer (both heavily attended annual events). The most photo by Tom Williamson popular ride for adults is the Murder Train. These usually take place on a Saturday night and depart the station at 7 pm. The Capital City Mystery Players act out a murder mystery onboard as passengers enjoy a UPCOMING SPECIALTY FLYERS box dinner, wine and beer. The Austin Steam Train has become increasingly popular and now “serves more than 30,000 guests a year,” according to Holly Doggett. Twilight Flyer: Train ride after dark! She advises passengers to “call ahead or go online for reservations because Murder Mystery: Themed evening of dinner and many of the specialty rides sell out, sometimes months in advance.” The mystery. Thomas the Tank Engine event is their most popular - an average of Holiday Flyers: Special flyers run for most holidays. 14,000 people show up for it every year. You can also charter an entire car and dress it up to suit your taste or rent the first class party room for Princess Flyer: Join princesses for tea, biscuits and groups of ten or more. photos. Day Out with Thomas: Ride with a full sized To begin your journey out west, visit www.austinsteamtrain.org Thomas the Tank Engine, meet characters and for tickets and information or call (512) 477-8468. The Austin Steam Train Association offices are located at: enjoy storytelling and live music. 401 East Whitestone Suite A-103 in Cedar Park, TX 78613.

photo by Kris Krieg Visitors excitedly wait to board the train for one of the popular weekend trips.

Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.comOnline at: CommunityCircular.com31 by James Peterson, DVM

1) By far, the most common problem our pets face in warm 7) Besides being lost, a scared pet is also at risk for being struck by temperatures is heat stroke. Also known as heat stress or hyperpyrexia, a car or being attacked by another, more aggressive animal. this is a real emergency for our dogs. 8) When running errands, leave your dog at home. Just a few 2) Body temperatures can skyrocket to more than 106 degrees minutes in a hot car can spell disaster for your pet. Fahrenheit quickly. At 110 degrees, brain damage starts to occur. 9) If you find your pet collapsed in the yard, disoriented, or 3) Dogs can’t dissipate heat by sweating like us…they must pant panting excessively, move him immediately to a cooler environment. to cool themselves. Often, they are simply unable to cool themselves Use cool water towels across the neck and belly along with fans to bring efficiently. his temperature down. Don’t use ice!

4) Any pet can overheat on a warm day, but short faced breeds are 10) Make immediate plans to transport your pet to the at a higher risk. veterinarian for assessment and life-saving treatments.

Dr. Peterson is a Veterinarian and owner of Never leave your pet unattended in a car during warm weather. 5) Hill Country Animal Hospital and The Palms Pet Resort. Not only can the car’s internal temperature climb past 110 degrees in just an hour, it is now also a crime in many states and cities. The Palms Pet Resort is vet owned, always has a vet on call and certified 6) Many summer time parties and holidays are celebrated with fireworks. These loud noises can cause anxiety in pets. Some will even staff every day, around the clock. try to escape, often injuring themselves in their panic. For more information on your pets health, please go to thepalmspetresort.com | hillcountryanimalhospital.com

32Online at:Online CommunityCircular.com at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com 33 1. Wakeboard without a boat 6. Host a beach bash Grab your friends and head out to the cable lakes. TSR’s Looking to spice up your next fundraiser, company team cableway allows six riders at a time to circle the cable, holding build, corporate event or private party? TSR has group rates, onto ropes attached high above. Beginners of all ages will love packages and ideas to host a unique beach bash of any size. the ease of learning on TSR’s “beginners only” two-tower cable With meeting rooms, catering from Wahoo’s, wakeboarding, system and friendly coaching from experienced dock staff. sand volleyball and more, TSR is sure to host an awesome, one-of-a-kind party! 2. Dine on the beach at Wahoo’s Fish Taco Wahoo’s is TSR’s new bar and grill with unique flavors of 7. Wakeboard at NIGHT Mexico, Brazil and Asia combined with a Hawaiian north- Only at TSR can you wakeboard after the sun goes down. Public shore vibe. Whether you’ve worked up an appetite on the lakes forbid skiing at night so TSR threw up some stadium lights lake or just want to head to the beach after a long day, around the cable to provide a unique riding experience like Wahoo’s is the perfect place to unwind with a cold drink no other. Night riding is open to the public Thursday through and great food. Not to mention, the restaurant overlooks Saturday all Summer long! The Texas Ski Ranch is Central Texas’ action sports the lakes giving diners a bird’s eye view of all action and paradise and whether you are looking to go beautiful South Texas sunsets. 8. Stop by the board shop wakeboarding and waterskiing, or just interested Drop into TSR’s Board Shop to check out the season’s hottest in a relaxing day on the beach, TSR has something 3. Support local riders at Thursday Night trends. They’ve got everything from bikinis, board shorts, for you. With Summer just around the corner we’ve Showdowns sundresses and t-shirts to flip flops, sunglasses and watches. created the ultimate check list of things to try at TSR! Thursday Night Showdowns are TSR’s competitive summer They also have top of the line wakeboards, waterskis, life wakeboarding series where local riders of all skill levels join jackets and more! together for some family friendly competition. Grab your friends and come out to support the local wakeboarding scene. From 9. Challenge a friend to a rock climbing race beginner riders pushing their trick limits to international Pro’s TSR has a great three-sided, 33 ft. rockwall inside the doors of like two-time World Wakeboard Champion Tom Fooshee, every the facility! The best part... the wall is completely portable! TSR evening promises to put on a good show. will gladly bring it to any event to add a high standing amenity!

4. Take a lesson from the Pros 10. Check out tsr mastercraft What better way to learn how to wakeboard then from the TSR is South Central Texas’ exclusive MasterCraft boat sales best? TSR has a full staff of expert boat drivers and coaches center, private test lake and inboard service center. Stop by, who eat, drink and sleep wakeboarding. TSR’s coaches are test drive the best and learn what the industry has to offer! knowledgeable, friendly and eager to help riders of all skill This is not your ordinary dealership; this group of seasoned levels and ages. professionals knows what performance is all about and is here to help you out! 5. Give your child a vacation Camp TSR is the perfect getaway for any kid looking for a week filled with action sports and fun. With overnight and day www.TexasSkiRanch.com sessions customized with rock climbing, skateboarding and New Braunfels, TX water sports, TSR is the perfect place for kids to learn to ride 830.627.2843 and have fun in a safe and encouraging environment.

34Online at:Online CommunityCircular.com at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.comOnline at: CommunityCircular.com35 with their antics, paints their faces, and creates balloon animals. Last year, Batman and Raggedy Ann and Andy mingled among the kids, and this year, they hope to add the Spurs’ Coyote to the cast of characters. They’re also hoping to have an interactive Jack-in-the-Box this year that’s built by airport mechanics. Thanks to the San Antonio Airport Fire Department, the kids can explore “Big Bertha,” a huge re truck, and they can tour the spiy equipment onboard and flight to the

the re suits worn by during emergencies. A very long and sleek “funny car” Students from Alamo Heights HS help dragster is also expected to be on hand like it was last year, and with adult with the Flight to the North Pole. supervision, the kids can play with remote-control airplanes. Volunteers from radio station K-LOVE 91.3 play holiday music for the kids. Last year, they spotted a 5-year-old boy in a cute cowboy outt so they Soon after, the kids board their “ ight” home with their goodies in tow Some Special Kids Visit Santa’s Workshop and they re-join their family and friends at the terminal who’ve been By Scott Sparks played a country song for him. To everyone’s delight, this boy danced up a storm and was joined at the end by a little girl. After the song ended, the waiting for their return. What a story each child now has to share about their great adventure to Santa’s Workshop in the North Pole! Now in its 27th year, this annual event includes kids from “0 to 14.” Each boy told the girl that he had non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and the girl told him year, up to 100 kids are chosen for this special adventure to visit Santa at his she had lymphoma. Kids being kids (but also poignantly reminding those If you want to donate funds workshop because each one is ill with cancer. Let’s pray not, but this may be within earshot that this was a special occasion), the boy and girl bantered the last Christmas that some of these kids have outside of a hospital. for “bragging rights” about who was sickest. or volunteer for this event: This annual event is made possible by an all-volunteer partnership between Finally, a private jet called “The Nick 1” appears and the door slowly opens. It’s Call the San Antonio chapter of the American Cancer Society at the American Cancer Society, United Airlines, a private carrier, and the Santa Clause!!! Santa welcomes and thanks each child for visiting his workshop. 210-614-4212 and designate “Flight to the North Pole” for your Alamo Heights High School Interact Club with sponsorship from the Alamo donation. Heights Rotary Club. Local employees at the airport in San Antonio deserve After each child gets special attention and Santa must leave, Mrs. Clause joins him inside The Nick 1 and the kids wave to wish them a good ight. Or contact Connie Harrison, a volunteer (who is also Mrs. Clause a special nod to make this “Flight to the North Pole” seem as real as possible. at this event but that’s a secret), at 210-345-5460 or email her The non-prot Partnership for Corporate Aviation Training plays an integral at [email protected]. role in organizing and planning the Flight to the North Pole.

Once everyone is onboard the plane, the windows shades are drawn shut and the plane taxis around for about 20 minutes to simulate the “ ight.” While en route to the North Pole, the kids are entertained by clowns and told the story about this magical plane. Upon arrival at Santa’s Workshop (the plane actually stops inside the climate-controlled environment of a private carrier’s hangar), the kids are greeted one-by-one by none other than Mrs. Clause herself! Each child immediately receives a stued toy and an elf’s hat to wear. The kids are free to explore this huge, sparkling, magical world of Santa’s Workshop. There’s a 45-foot Christmas tree with presents galore underneath, n Saturday, December 3rd, nearly 100 excited kids will gather at toys and dolls may come to life at any moment, holiday music lls the air, a United Airlines terminal at San Antonio International Airport for a and everyone gets all the chicken nuggets, pizza slices and juice-boxes that very special ight to the North Pole to visit Santa’s Workshop. Each child they want. All adult and high school volunteers are dressed in brightly colored The Jolly Joeys help brighten the day for may be accompanied to the airport by up to four people, but only one lucky festive costumes and each one is there to bring joy to these special children. many children attending the event. adult gets a boarding pass to accompany their child on this magical trip. A local professional clown troop called the Jolly Joeys entertains the kids

Online at: CommunityCircular.com with their antics, paints their faces, and creates balloon animals. Last year, Batman and Raggedy Ann and Andy mingled among the kids, and this year, they hope to add the Spurs’ Coyote to the cast of characters. They’re also hoping to have an interactive Jack-in-the-Box this year that’s built by airport mechanics. Thanks to the San Antonio Airport Fire Department, the kids can explore “Big Bertha,” a huge re truck, and they can tour the spiy equipment onboard and flight to the

Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.comOnline at: CommunityCircular.com37 38 Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.comOnline at: CommunityCircular.com39 he University of Texas at San Antonio fi nally has a football team to play on Saturdays this fall. Go Roadrunners!!!T It all began in March 2009 when UTSA’s Athletic Director Lynn Each zone features videos, artifacts, text, and hands-on activities. their spirit, energy, and even self worth into football like Texans.” He Hickey, the only female AD in Texas to oversee both men’s and Visitors are invited to have fun and learn while engaging in the says “Football defi nes us as dreamers, as hard workers, as the best we women’s sports, hired Larry Coker as head football coach to guide following activities and many more: can be. Football means everything in Texas.” and develop the new program from scratch. Coker has impressive “Football: Th e Exhibit” remained open at the Institute of Texan credentials, having led the Miami Hurricanes to a national • Step into the passing cage to test your throwing skills. Cultures long enough for two home games to be played by the football championship in 2001. After two years of preparation, • Race on a short track against the lights that move at the Roadrunners at the Alamodome in early September. Th e exhibit the Roadrunners kick off their inaugural football season against speed of professional players. closed after September 13, but football at UT San Antonio has only Northeastern State (Oklahoma) at 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 3 • Squeeze the handle and compare the strength of your grip just begun. at their home stadium, the Alamodome. to professional linemen. To celebrate this momentous occasion, the Institute of Texan • Use an arthroscope to examine the inside of a simulated Cultures (ITC) opened “Football: Th e Exhibit” last May. Th is knee. traveling exhibit examines the science, mechanics and technology Permanent Exhibits at the Institute • Test your reaction time to sound and light cues to compare behind the game and explores the history and cultural phenomenon of Texan Cultures with friends and family. of football. “Th e physics and math at work in a game of football The Back 40 • Perform collision experiments on the momentum track. are extraordinary,” said Lupita Barrerra, director of education and • Test your balance on a balance board. This outdoor exhibit offers a hands-on learning experience interpretation at the museum. “But we’re not going to show you a in a historic Texas setting. The museum’s living history lot of equations on a blackboard. Football is a contact sport and this Beyond learning about the science and math underlying all of these complex includes a one-room schoolhouse, a “dog trot” log is a contact exhibit.” activities, the exhibit showcases the history of football, its traditions, Organized by the Arkansas Museum of Discovery, “Football: Th e house, a barn, an army barracks, and an adobe house – all and America’s obsession with the sport. Exhibit” is designed to be highly interactive, encouraging hands-on typical of Texas in the mid to late 1800s. Dressed in period Because “Football: Th e Exhibit” is a traveling show, it targets a participation by kids of all ages. Th e exhibit is comprised of nine clothing, knowledgeable instructors offer glimpses into the national audience instead of focusing on a particular region. Th at’s diff erent zones, each one with a theme that addresses a diff erent why ITC designed a complementary exhibit to specifi cally take day-to-day hardships and joys of 19th century Texans. To aspect of football: History of the Game, Th e Forward Pass, In the a closer look at football culture in the Lone Star State from the reserve group tours, call (210) 458-2291 Open Field, On the Line of Scrimmage, Th e Kicking Game, Medical perspective of its residents. Technology, Cheerleaders and Bands, and Football and Society. ITC sent oral historians into the community to ask Texans one Leaving Home, Finding Home: Texas Families Remember simple question: “What does football mean to you?” Visitors to the Mexican Revolution the museum are invited to listen to their answers, to hear what This exhibit explores the turmoil and social upheaval that The Institute of Texan Cultures is the museum of the University of Texas Texas football means to players, coaches, parents, cheerleaders, band at San Antonio and serves as the forum for the understanding and appreciation Moms, fans and many others at ITC’s complementary exhibit, “Texas was set in motion by the Mexican Revolution of 1910 when of Texas and Texans through research, collections, exhibits, special events, and cultural celebrations. Affi liated Football: In Th eir Words.” Th eir responses shed a light on how thousands of Mexicans fl ed their homeland to seek refuge in football impacted their lives and infl uenced Texas culture. with the Smithsonian Institution and located at HemisFair Park, the museum features 45,000 square feet of Texas. This personal experience exhibit incorporates photos A visitor to this section of the exhibit is greeted at the entrance by exhibit space and is family-friendly with many hands-on activities for kids. and oral histories as told by Texans who share stories of a life-size cutout of none-other-than new Head Coach Larry Coker. hardship and achievement that were passed-down to them Location: 801 E. Durango Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78205. On the UTSA HemisFair Park Campus and only a When you push his button, he says “I know the fan base here and the by their immigrant families who assimilated their Mexican short walk from the Alamo and the Riverwalk. interest in football in Texas is just off the charts!” heritage into their new Texas home. Regular hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Rhett Rushing, an oral historian at ITC, says “Texans do football better than anyone else on earth. No one on earth invests as much of Admission: $8 for adults (ages 12-64); $7 for seniors (ages 65+); $6 for children (ages 3-11); free with membership, UTSA or Alamo Colleges identifi cation. For more information: Call 210-458-2300 or visit TexanCultures.com.

Online40 at: OnlineCommunityCircular.com at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com he University of Texas at San Antonio fi nally has a football team to play on Saturdays this fall. Go Roadrunners!!!T It all began in March 2009 when UTSA’s Athletic Director Lynn Each zone features videos, artifacts, text, and hands-on activities. their spirit, energy, and even self worth into football like Texans.” He Hickey, the only female AD in Texas to oversee both men’s and Visitors are invited to have fun and learn while engaging in the says “Football defi nes us as dreamers, as hard workers, as the best we women’s sports, hired Larry Coker as head football coach to guide following activities and many more: can be. Football means everything in Texas.” and develop the new program from scratch. Coker has impressive “Football: Th e Exhibit” remained open at the Institute of Texan credentials, having led the Miami Hurricanes to a national • Step into the passing cage to test your throwing skills. Cultures long enough for two home games to be played by the football championship in 2001. After two years of preparation, • Race on a short track against the lights that move at the Roadrunners at the Alamodome in early September. Th e exhibit the Roadrunners kick off their inaugural football season against speed of professional players. closed after September 13, but football at UT San Antonio has only Northeastern State (Oklahoma) at 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 3 • Squeeze the handle and compare the strength of your grip just begun. at their home stadium, the Alamodome. to professional linemen. To celebrate this momentous occasion, the Institute of Texan • Use an arthroscope to examine the inside of a simulated Cultures (ITC) opened “Football: Th e Exhibit” last May. Th is knee. traveling exhibit examines the science, mechanics and technology Permanent Exhibits at the Institute • Test your reaction time to sound and light cues to compare behind the game and explores the history and cultural phenomenon of Texan Cultures with friends and family. of football. “Th e physics and math at work in a game of football The Back 40 • Perform collision experiments on the momentum track. are extraordinary,” said Lupita Barrerra, director of education and • Test your balance on a balance board. This outdoor exhibit offers a hands-on learning experience interpretation at the museum. “But we’re not going to show you a in a historic Texas setting. The museum’s living history lot of equations on a blackboard. Football is a contact sport and this Beyond learning about the science and math underlying all of these complex includes a one-room schoolhouse, a “dog trot” log is a contact exhibit.” activities, the exhibit showcases the history of football, its traditions, Organized by the Arkansas Museum of Discovery, “Football: Th e house, a barn, an army barracks, and an adobe house – all and America’s obsession with the sport. Exhibit” is designed to be highly interactive, encouraging hands-on typical of Texas in the mid to late 1800s. Dressed in period Because “Football: Th e Exhibit” is a traveling show, it targets a participation by kids of all ages. Th e exhibit is comprised of nine clothing, knowledgeable instructors offer glimpses into the national audience instead of focusing on a particular region. Th at’s diff erent zones, each one with a theme that addresses a diff erent why ITC designed a complementary exhibit to specifi cally take day-to-day hardships and joys of 19th century Texans. To aspect of football: History of the Game, Th e Forward Pass, In the a closer look at football culture in the Lone Star State from the reserve group tours, call (210) 458-2291 Open Field, On the Line of Scrimmage, Th e Kicking Game, Medical perspective of its residents. Technology, Cheerleaders and Bands, and Football and Society. ITC sent oral historians into the community to ask Texans one Leaving Home, Finding Home: Texas Families Remember simple question: “What does football mean to you?” Visitors to the Mexican Revolution the museum are invited to listen to their answers, to hear what This exhibit explores the turmoil and social upheaval that The Institute of Texan Cultures is the museum of the University of Texas Texas football means to players, coaches, parents, cheerleaders, band at San Antonio and serves as the forum for the understanding and appreciation Moms, fans and many others at ITC’s complementary exhibit, “Texas was set in motion by the Mexican Revolution of 1910 when of Texas and Texans through research, collections, exhibits, special events, and cultural celebrations. Affi liated Football: In Th eir Words.” Th eir responses shed a light on how thousands of Mexicans fl ed their homeland to seek refuge in football impacted their lives and infl uenced Texas culture. with the Smithsonian Institution and located at HemisFair Park, the museum features 45,000 square feet of Texas. This personal experience exhibit incorporates photos A visitor to this section of the exhibit is greeted at the entrance by exhibit space and is family-friendly with many hands-on activities for kids. and oral histories as told by Texans who share stories of a life-size cutout of none-other-than new Head Coach Larry Coker. hardship and achievement that were passed-down to them Location: 801 E. Durango Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78205. On the UTSA HemisFair Park Campus and only a When you push his button, he says “I know the fan base here and the by their immigrant families who assimilated their Mexican short walk from the Alamo and the Riverwalk. interest in football in Texas is just off the charts!” heritage into their new Texas home. Regular hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Rhett Rushing, an oral historian at ITC, says “Texans do football better than anyone else on earth. No one on earth invests as much of Admission: $8 for adults (ages 12-64); $7 for seniors (ages 65+); $6 for children (ages 3-11); free with membership, UTSA or Alamo Colleges identifi cation. For more information: Call 210-458-2300 or visit TexanCultures.com.

Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.comOnline at: CommunityCircular.com41 Getting measurable results?

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For a free consultation, contact: Allegra Marketing · Print · Mail 10443 Gulfdale #101, San Antonio, TX 78216 (210) 340-1841 • allegrasanantonio.com [email protected] MARKETING PRINT MAIL WEB MARKETING | EMAIL PROGRAMS | CROSS-MEDIA PROGRAMS PERSONALIZATION | LEAD & RETENTION PROGRAMS | QUALITY FULL-COLOR PRINTING | DIGITAL ON-DEMAND PRINTING | PROJECT CONSULTING & MANAGEMENT GRAPHIC DESIGN | MAILING SERVICES | TRADESHOW & EVENT SOLUTIONS | PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS DIRECT MAIL | VARIABLE DATA | ONLINE ORDERING | SERVICE TO YOUR FRONT DOOR An IRA is a personal savings plan that off ers tax advantages for IRA may be deductible. However, while distributions (including setting aside money for retirement. You can set up diff erent kinds of earnings) from a traditional IRA may be included in income, the IRAs with a variety of organizations such as a bank or other fi nancial distributions (including earnings) from a Roth IRA are not included institution, a mutual fund, or a life insurance company. in income. For both IRA types - traditional and Roth - earnings that You may be able to deduct some or all of your contributions to remain in the account are not taxed. A Roth IRA can be established at a traditional IRA. Amounts in your traditional IRA, including the same types of fi nancial institutions as a traditional IRA. earnings, generally are not taxed until distributed to you. Th ey grow on a tax-deferred basis. IRAs cannot be owned jointly. However, any Tax advantages of an IRA: amounts remaining in your IRA upon your death can be paid to your 1. Contributions you make to an IRA may be fully or partially benefi ciary(ies). deductible, depending on your circumstances and which type To contribute to a traditional IRA, you must be under age 70 of IRA you have. ½ at the end of the tax year. You and/or your spouse, if you fi le a 2. Generally, amounts in your IRA (including earnings and joint return, must have taxable compensation such as wages, salaries, gains) are not taxed until distributed. commissions, tips, bonuses, or net income from self-employment. Distributions from a traditional IRA are fully or partially taxable in Tax advantages of a Roth IRA: the year of distribution. If you made only deductible contributions, 1. Distributions are tax free if you meet the requirements for distributions are fully taxable. Distributions made prior to age 59 ½ distributions. may be subject to a 10% additional tax. You also may owe an excise 2. Th e account grows on a tax-deferred basis like a traditional tax if you do not begin to withdraw minimum distributions by April IRA. 1st of the year after you reach age 70 ½. 3. Th ere is no required minimum distribution at age 70½. A Roth IRA is also a personal savings plan but operates somewhat in reverse compared to a traditional IRA. For instance, contributions to Talk to your advisor about your objectives and tax status to a Roth IRA are not tax deductible, while contributions to a traditional determine whether a traditional IRA or Roth IRA is best for you!

Jimmy Tirres is a General Agent with Catholic Life Insurance in San Antonio. He has worked in the ﬁ nancial service industry for thirty-seven years and can be contacted at (210) 829-0029.

Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com 43 44 Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com Planning Ahead For Difficult Times by Doris Dollar-Kuretich, Ameriprise Financial

Losing a loved one is a difficult experience and family finances may security and investments. Start tracking your expenses to make not be the first thing on your mind. The weeks and months following sure they do not exceed your income. your loved one’s death will be very emotional, so understanding what 3. Protect yourself: Don’t neglect insurance. Review all coverages needs to be done immediately and what can wait until you are ready is including homeowners’, auto, life, health and long‐term care important. And who can you turn to? Make sure to follow your instincts insurance. You may need to update and adjust your coverage. and contact someone you trust to help you through the difficult and 4. Update your estate plan: Check your will and more importantly, confusing decisions that lay ahead. check your listed beneficiaries to make sure they are in line with These basic guidelines can help you make sound choices during this your wishes. Update powers of attorney, advance directives, and stressful period: trusts. 5. Look ahead to your future: Write down your goals. This may be • Don’t be pressured into quick decisions – very few major money difficult, emotionally, but good financial planning is rooted in decisions need to be made immediately. Don’t cave in to pressure goals, even though they may change. to sell or give away your spouse’s possessions. Wait until you can If you have lost a spouse, my prayers are with you. I work with women make clear‐headed decisions. who have recently lost their husbands and are looking to build a trusting • Assemble a team of good advisors – your funeral director or other relationship with a financial advisor. I am passionate about working people who have lost someone close may be able to provide you with widows because I know I have the patience it takes to guide them with valuable resources. Generally, you are looking for financial, through all the financial decisions they will need to make in planning legal, and accounting advice. for the future. • Educate yourself – knowledge is power and don’t worry if you With the death of a spouse comes a huge to do list. One of the most need to ask for help. rewarding client relationships I have ever had is with a woman who • Get organized – Develop a system for keeping financial records. had recently lost her husband and was so intimidated by her former Initially you will need to gather documents such as the death financial advisor that she couldn’t even talk to him. I was able to help certificate, birth certificate, marriage certificate, and life her accomplish the things she needed to do at her own pace. If there is insurance policies to settle an estate. Set up files to keep track of anything I can do to support you, especially with regard to financial paperwork. Also, keep a phone and mail log to record important planning, call (210) 651‐1927. calls and correspondence. “What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose. All that we love • Be patient – Don’t rush yourself. Making the financial transition deeply becomes part of us.” Helen Keller is a process that takes time. This column is for informational purposes only. The information may not be suitable for every situation and should not be relied on without the advice of It is important to take care of yourself emotionally as well as physically. your tax, legal and/or financial advisors. Neither Ameriprise Financial nor its When you are ready, you will also need to start planning for yourself financial advisors provide tax or legal advice. Consult with qualified tax and financially. To get started: legal advisors about your tax and legal situation. This column was prepared by Ameriprise Financial. 1. Determine where you stand right now: Calculate your current net worth by adding up assets and subtracting liabilities. Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available 2. Review your income and develop a budget: Using a worksheet, through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Some products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all clients. make sure to include all income sources such as pensions, social © 2010 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

Doris Dollar-Kuretich, CPA is a financial advisor with Ameriprise Financial located at 19311 FM 2252, Garden Ridge TX 78266. For further information, or for an appointment please call (210) 651-1927 or email [email protected].

For additional information about Doris, please check out her website at www.ameripriseadvisors.com/doris.a.dollar-kuretich.

Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com 45 46 Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com I have been lucky enough to hunt in some far flung corners of the Truth be told, I was more than a bit ignorant about what a custom world, but I’m not a gun nut. Put a rifle in my hands, let me send a rifle should be, until I found myself on the phone with custom rifle- few rounds down range to get it dialed in and I’m going hunting. maker Charlie Sisk. He asked me questions about what I like to hunt, That’s what I’ve done on the Alaskan tundra, carrying a borrowed T/C where I liked to hunt and how I like to hunt. He asked about my body Encore in .300 Win. Mag, and in Africa with the PH’s .375 H&H of type and what I thought of recoil. (Not a big fan.) dubious pedigree and cracked stock held together with a piece of bicycle Not long after that, I became the proud owner of a Sisk Point Five in innertube. I’m not, or wasn’t, a person who really ever thought about .308. Listening to Charlie’s advice, I closed my eyes, pulled the gun to owning a custom gun. my shoulder and opened my eyes to find I was looking directly through Custom. The word alone conjures up images of fiddleback walnut the scope. No bobbing and weaving trying to find the sight picture. and a receiver cut by a third-generation engraver whose grandfather I sent a few rounds down range, off-hand, and managed to ding the came over on a boat sometime around the turn of the century. I suppose bowling pin a couple of times. those custom guns of my imagination were accurate, but in my mind On the bench, it was even more impressive.The gun shot better than I they were primarily works of art, brought out of the gun case only to be thought I was capable of shooting. And, it ain’t half bad looking. In fact, passed around at cocktail parties. at my next cocktail party, I just might pull it out of the safe and show it I wasn’t about to own a gun like that, more for the gun’s sake off to all my friends. than mine. I tend to treat my stuff a little rougher than most, and I A custom rifle can be synonymous with art, if accuracy is your idea don’t get invited to many cocktail parties. If I owned a custom rifle, of beauty, accuracy that comes from fit and performance. Not unlike a or a custom rifle like I imagined them to be, I’d be too scared to knife that feels like an extension of your hand or a car that’s built for both take it in the woods for fear I’d scratch it. speed and comfort. And, well, if it looks nice, you hit the trifecta.

Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com 47 By Susie Marx New Braunfels Railroad Museum Home to Train Modeling Society

nce upon a time, the International Great Northern e existing New Braunfels Train Depot, built in O Railroad (I&GN) built a railroad from Longview 1907, was made of a new construction method utilizing through Palestine, Austin, San Marcos, New Braunfels, San concrete blocks and served as an operating station until 1976, Antonio and south through Laredo. e year was 1880 and just a few short years after Amtrak took over all passenger rail rail travel was the only game in town if you wanted to go travel in the U.S. ere it sat, deteriorating visibly in the heart anywhere or ship anything fast through the rst part of the of downtown as Missouri Pacic freight trains, often a 20th century. hundred cars long, ran by just a few feet from the building e New Braunfels Railroad Museum’s mission In the early years, the station agent at the train depot vibrating its tall Victorian glass windows up to 30 times a day. statement emphasizes preservation, education and children’s tapped out messages in Morse code and transmitted them to en in 1986 the New Braunfels Historic Railroad activities. Albright said Kids Run the Train is their most other depots along the line using the telegraph. ese were & Modelers Society made a deal with the city, who now outstanding O and S scale traveling module. With it, children abbreviated notes that typed out the code and transmitted owns the real estate, to renovate the old building and of all ages learn how the train works and how to operate the them through a network of electric lines, the precursors to establish a museum. Since then, the New Braunfels depot throttle. ey are then allowed to operate the model train land-based phone lines later used by Western Union. has been fully renovated and transformed into a repository of under the supervision of a master engineer. Certicates and New Braunfels Railroad Museum President David Albright restored full-size train cars. ese include a cosmetically pocket cards are given to each new junior engineer. said “Telegraph messages were the rst form of texting.” e railroad restored steam engine, a box car, a bright red Mopac caboose One of the exhibits tells the fascinating story of how telegraph was a party-line and everybody had their own code. It was and a Pullman dining car that can be rented for parties, the railroads became the time keepers of the nation. Albright all about letting everyone along the line know where the trains were dinners and meetings. e depot also houses artifacts, said that before 1883, everybody in the U.S. ran on ‘sun time’. and when they were supposed to go. Albright said, “ e whole idea memorabilia and several fully functioning model trains that ere were 53 recognized times in the U.S. when I&GN was to keep the trains moving on time and to avoid collision.” mimic life-sized rail yards and their switching systems. started running in New Braunfels. is would never do.

48Online at:Online CommunityCircular.com at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com By Susie Marx New Braunfels Railroad Museum Home to Train Modeling Society

Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.comOnline at: CommunityCircular.com49 Superintendents got together and asked Frank Allen to gure out how to harmonize varying times across the states into a system that would help the trains run safely and on time. Allen came up with the idea of the Eastern, Central, Mountain and Paci c Time zones. ey were all ocially adopted on Nov. 18, 1883. Each day at noon, Eastern Time, the Naval Observatory in Washington D.C. sent the correct time over the telegraph. en in 1893, following a catastrophic train crash involving a 4 second time delay, all watches were required to keep accurate time within 30 seconds a week. Everyone synchronized their watches daily and all railroad employees were required to carry a pocket watch, which was inspected every month. Albright said about 6,000 visitors sign the register every year and another 2,000 come through the museum during Wassailfest. In the baggage room visitors see an antique Sheeld Velocipede, a 3-wheel hand car that traveled the rails with rowing motion and auxiliary foot power. People used velocipedes to travel on the tracks when they weren’t carrying trains and railroad employees used them to inspect the tracks. ere you’ll also nd photographs and diagrams of armored trains, which came into existence after the Civil War but weren’t used until WWI.

THE MUSEUM IS LOCATED AT 302 WEST SAN ANTONIO STREET www.newbraunfelsrailroadmuseum.org OR CALL US AT(830) 627-2447 Membership in the New Braunfels Historic railroad and Modelers Society is open to all who are interested. Meetings are held at the depot on the rst and second ursdays of each month at 7:15 p.m. and is open ursday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.

50Online at:Online CommunityCircular.com at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com 51 52 Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com