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E. B ass e R d. From Left to Right: Daniel Ramirez Jr., M.D., Robert Ramirez, M.D., Daniel Ramirez, M.D., F.A.C.P. , Robert Jacobs, M.D., P.A. Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com 3 contents Publishers: 6 The Eddie Moreno Story Community Circular Magazines a division of 16 So, Exactly What is Tree Sculpting? 18 WWII Veteran Shares Memories of Alamo Honor Flight #4 22 The Divorce Lawyer’s Guide to Staying Married 26 3 Ways to Update Your Outdoor Space 29 The Henry Family Venture Graphic Design 34 An Astronaut’s Cosmic Perspective Kaysie Boomhower Harper Jessica Combs 38 Alamo Drafthouse: Where the Audience Gets Into the Act Taylor Davis 41 After the Great Fire: Bastrop Picks Up the Pieces Katrina Gelino Jared Hawkinson 46 How to Achieve Wellness No Matter How Old You Are Faith Pena 47 John Paul Catholic H.S.: “We Are the Rock!” Sales Rachel Cloud 48 Priest Holmes Foundation Empowers Kids to Achieve & Sheryl Hawkinson Succeed Administrative 54 Feel Like Being Risky? Then Let a Loved One Sign on Your Bank Albert Salazar Account! To advertise your product or services in 58 NBA Great Slam Dunks Education for SA Children Alamo Heights Magazine, please contact our Sales Department at 210-775-5277 or by email at [email protected]

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Online at:Online AlamoHeightsMagazine.com at: CommunityCircular.com5 Eddie, the oldest of four boys (his brothers names are Ryan, doing if I wasn’t in here,” Eddie said. He said he was grateful for all Joseph and Jacob) returned home in January to a house that has the visitors that told him about what was going on out there because been customized to Eddie’s special needs. Eighteen months after the it helped him know he could be a part of that again. incident all that’s left of the bullet hole is a fading pink circle on his And there is real hope now that Eddie is going to Beyond the Chair left cheek. Eddie is a handsome 19-year-old with curly black hair and – a very special gym which just opened in 2012 and just happens piercing blue eyes. He exhibits the calm and confi dence of man much to be near the Moreno home. BTC is staff ed by kinesiologists who older in years even though he knows the fi ght if far from over. use neuromuscular training on people with debilitating diseases like Eddie’s mom, Jennifer (a soft-spoken Christian who continues to multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries. Eddie’s trainer and the bear the unbearable with amazing strength and resiliency) said, “Eddie gym’s owner, Nito Blochlinger was trained at Project Walk in Carlsbad, has suff ered from many bouts of pneumonia in the last year and that California in 2000. He has 20,000 hours of experience working with sapped his strength.” But Eddie went to a rehab unit in Houston last spinal cord injuries and said he’s had good success helping people October. Eddie says that helped a lot. Th en a friend told him about a regain their strength. With time, some of his clients are even able to new gym in the area called Beyond the Chair. walk again. Eddie said, “Right now I’m doing good. I just started going to a “We take on clients that have been discharged from physical gym to work out. It gives me tone and I enjoy it because I was an therapy and occupational therapy. We use exercises, technologies and athlete and used to work out all the time.” Eddie speaks in a kind of a modalities that are adapted to stimulate nerves and muscles below the whisper and he still has trouble swallowing because one of the muscles level of the injury,” Blochlinger said. In Eddie’s case “below the level of in his throat still isn’t opening up all that way, but what he has to say injury” means all the nerves and muscles from the neck down. So his is full of gratitude and hope. recovery, if he is able to beat the odds and regain some mobility, will be Eddie’s attitude is what blows people away. Eddie has no feeling the result of long-term neuromuscular training and a lots and lots of from the neck down. Th e bullet pierced his spinal cord at the C2-C3 repetition. But this form of physical exercise is really critical to staying level cutting off his ability to move his limbs. Even his neck movements healthy and avoiding secondary complications, like osteoporosis and are restricted. Eddie said that by going to the gym, “I hope to get muscle atrophy that set in when a person is not ambulatory. strengthened back up and regain some independence.” Right now he’s Th e doctors say Eddie will probably never feel anything below his totally dependent on his family and friends. neck again, let alone walk but there is already some evidence Eddie “My friends are what help me stay positive,” Eddie said. He was may indeed experience a measure of recovery beyond the grim medical very surprised by the generosity and caring of the community and prognosis. Blochlinger said they get Eddie out of the chair and put

ost of us have heard about Eddie Moreno’s While life goes on as usual around the Moreno said, “You can’t just quit. It helps me to stay strong mentally. It’s a him through weight-bearing exercises with the help of standing story, but if you haven’t, it’s a dramatic story family, they have risen to meet the challenge that blessing to have everyone off ering their support.” Not a word in anger frames. Th ey also give him gait training (he walks with the assistance born of tragedy and forged by love and lies before them in an extraordinary way. After or resentment is spoken and not even a hint of self-pity. Eddie has of the trainers and specially modifi ed equipment.) Eddie also rides a M all the earmarks of a champion. A clean, soothing energy permeates functional electrical stimulation bike, does core and balance work and M all the earmarks of a champion. A clean, soothing energy permeates functional electrical stimulation bike, does core and balance work and courage unfolds. It’s the story of Eddie Moreno, a the shooting, AHHS team members and students former Alamo Heights High School (AHHS) senior rallied around Eddie, off ering moral support as he the house. Jennifer said sometimes she’s tempted to think thoughts strength training. and basketball player who was shot in a road rage lay helpless to even speak for fi ve months due to a about how she’d like to catch the person who did this to her son but “Eddie always has a positive attitude. He’s here to work out and incident on March 26, 2011 and was paralyzed from shattered jaw. And during the eight months he was she just can’t go there. Th e Moreno’s say that they haven’t heard of any work out hard,” Blocklinger said and added that he could tell Eddie the neck down. Eddie lives in a wheelchair now and in that hospital bed fi ghting for his life, they joined new developments in Eddie’s case since four months after the incident is an athlete because he’s got that fi re. In fact, even after only three breathes with the help of a respirator. We wanted to hands with the community and raised enough money occurred. weeks of training at Beyond the Chair Eddie lost the spasticity that was check in with Eddie and his family to see how things to totally remodel and expand the Moreno home by Eddie’s faith has been a big part of his recovery too. “It’s hard to plaguing him in the neck and has regained more freedom of movement have been going for the local teenager. 1,000 square feet so Eddie could return there to live be optimistic when you’re lying in a hospital room, when all you see there. Blochlinger said he can sometimes see Eddie’s muscles fi re on with his family. is four walls. You miss out on a lot. You think about what I could be their own while they’re working with him. Th is is very encouraging.

Online6 at:Online CommunityCircular.com at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com Online at: CommunityCircular.com Eddie, the oldest of four boys (his brothers names are Ryan, doing if I wasn’t in here,” Eddie said. He said he was grateful for all Joseph and Jacob) returned home in January to a house that has the visitors that told him about what was going on out there because been customized to Eddie’s special needs. Eighteen months after the it helped him know he could be a part of that again. incident all that’s left of the bullet hole is a fading pink circle on his And there is real hope now that Eddie is going to Beyond the Chair left cheek. Eddie is a handsome 19-year-old with curly black hair and – a very special gym which just opened in 2012 and just happens piercing blue eyes. He exhibits the calm and confi dence of man much to be near the Moreno home. BTC is staff ed by kinesiologists who older in years even though he knows the fi ght if far from over. use neuromuscular training on people with debilitating diseases like Eddie’s mom, Jennifer (a soft-spoken Christian who continues to multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries. Eddie’s trainer and the bear the unbearable with amazing strength and resiliency) said, “Eddie gym’s owner, Nito Blochlinger was trained at Project Walk in Carlsbad, has suff ered from many bouts of pneumonia in the last year and that California in 2000. He has 20,000 hours of experience working with sapped his strength.” But Eddie went to a rehab unit in Houston last spinal cord injuries and said he’s had good success helping people October. Eddie says that helped a lot. Th en a friend told him about a regain their strength. With time, some of his clients are even able to new gym in the area called Beyond the Chair. walk again. Eddie said, “Right now I’m doing good. I just started going to a “We take on clients that have been discharged from physical gym to work out. It gives me tone and I enjoy it because I was an therapy and occupational therapy. We use exercises, technologies and athlete and used to work out all the time.” Eddie speaks in a kind of a modalities that are adapted to stimulate nerves and muscles below the whisper and he still has trouble swallowing because one of the muscles level of the injury,” Blochlinger said. In Eddie’s case “below the level of in his throat still isn’t opening up all that way, but what he has to say injury” means all the nerves and muscles from the neck down. So his is full of gratitude and hope. recovery, if he is able to beat the odds and regain some mobility, will be Eddie’s attitude is what blows people away. Eddie has no feeling the result of long-term neuromuscular training and a lots and lots of from the neck down. Th e bullet pierced his spinal cord at the C2-C3 repetition. But this form of physical exercise is really critical to staying level cutting off his ability to move his limbs. Even his neck movements healthy and avoiding secondary complications, like osteoporosis and are restricted. Eddie said that by going to the gym, “I hope to get muscle atrophy that set in when a person is not ambulatory. strengthened back up and regain some independence.” Right now he’s Th e doctors say Eddie will probably never feel anything below his totally dependent on his family and friends. neck again, let alone walk but there is already some evidence Eddie “My friends are what help me stay positive,” Eddie said. He was may indeed experience a measure of recovery beyond the grim medical very surprised by the generosity and caring of the community and prognosis. Blochlinger said they get Eddie out of the chair and put

Online at: CommunityCircular.com Online at: OnlineAlamoHeightsMagazine.com at: CommunityCircular.com7 Blochlinger said he’s had C-level injuries walk again even when the doctors have said it was impossible. Eddie knows he All Leather Furniture is NOT Created Equal only has an outside chance. He’s not deluding himself but he’s defi nitely going for it. By Pat Sullivan, Owner of Choice Leather Furinture Eddie works out at this gym two hours a day, twice a week and clearly loves it. Blocklinger said Eddie is looking fter almost 4 decades in the furniture industry, I’ve seen many chang- leather. This is your highest quality hyde. Simi- Aniline leather is a hyde es – one of the most disturbing is the continual lowering of quality with additional treatment applied to the surface – in most cases to make it at a marathon, not a sprint. Th e trainers at Beyond the Chair A standards in all categories of home furnishings. While space doesn’t less porous and easier to care for, especially when used in a room with a lot assist clients like Eddie in something called nervous system permit addressing all categories in one article – we’ve got plenty of space to of activity. reorganization. When Eddie goes to the gym, even though focus on one segment that is near and dear to my heart – Leather Furniture. Nubuk (“N”) is the most fragile of all top grain leathers. The surface of he can’t feel anything, he concentrates on the muscle they’re First, let me say that there are plenty of makers of furniture that continue to the hyde has been brushed in such a manner that the hyde is cut leaving a working on and tries to work it as they put his body through manufacture quality products that will last for years and years and maintain suede (velvet) like feel. While more durable than true suede (the under side the motions. In-between visits to the gym Eddie stays active their beautiful showroom appearance. Unfortunately most furniture retail- of leather), Nubuk presents a real challenge to maintain. Its popularity has too. Jennifer said, “Eddie likes to go out.” Th ey shop at the ers today make their inventory decisions based more on lowest cost instead decreased so much over the last decade that most makers no longer offer it mall, attend games and go to movies. of highest quality (in case you were wondering why there’s so much Chinese as an option. So, while its “hand” is outstanding, it’s just too hard to care Former AHHS basketball coach Charlie Boggess (who left made furniture in stores today –that’s the reason). So, while there are quality for long term. AHHS last year) stays in touch with Eddie. He said in the products available – you have to look harder to find them these days. At Choice Leather Furniture all our products are made with hardwood spring of 2011 when Eddie was shot, his passion for the game Leather Furniture – like most products, is available in many price ranges frames – most are multilayer, furniture grade plywood that’s been kiln dried and as we’ve discussed the variation in price is a reflection of the quality of to prevent warping (too moist) or cracking (too dry). Most of our products was obvious. He sat and watched every play when he wasn’t the product. Corners can be cut in construction such as using nylon web- are made with tempered steel seat springs for outstanding support, comfort on the court. Boggess described Eddie as “the ultimate team bing for seating support (instead of tempered steel springs) or non- kiln and longevity. We offer all categories of leather and will work to match the player.” In fact, Boggess said, “A few days before the shooting dried frames or frames made using non or semi- hardwoods. With lower right type of leather to you and your lifestyle. Getting the right type of I walked by Eddie, who was sitting on the bench, and said, prices you can expect less comfort, shorter lifetime and poor value. leather for your lifestyle is the first step in making the right choice in leather “You know this stuff really well. Have you ever thought about For now, let’s talk about leather. First, please note – we’re talking about furniture. being a coach?” Eddie said, “Th at’s what I want to do.” real leather – NOT Bonded Leather or Blended Leather or Bi-Cast Leather Better quality furniture hasn’t disappeared – it’s just harder to find these Eddie still enjoys watching basketball. He watched the U.S. –these are leather in name ONLY (and using the word leather in their name days. You’ll find it at Choice Leather Furniture, San Antonio and South Olympic Team beat Australia and has studied video footage is illegal in some countries, but not here – unfortunately!) –please under- Texas’ Oldest and Largest Leather Furniture Store. of local basketball games with Coach Boggess since he was stand if you purchase any of these you are sitting on VINYL! And the top To learn more visit the Leather Learning Center on our website at www. injured. When asked what he most wants to do now Eddie layer of vinyl has a real bad habit of peeling off, leaving an unsightly piece choiceleatherfurniture.com. said, “I want to do more public speaking.” He has already could’ve known Eddie was back there.” San Antonio Police have made of furniture. spoken at several functions, where he shares his story and off ers no arrests in the case and say they have no suspects. Back to REAL leather – first understand that all leathers are not created equally. Leather can come from a variety of animals. Cowhide is prefer- encouragement to others. Just meeting Eddie is enough to raise your Life does go on and Eddie is making the most of it. In addition to able for upholstery leather because it has the most desirable appearance and personal bar. Maybe that dream of being a coach will come true after his will to work out and regain whatever movement he can, Eddie has texture (also referred to as the “hand”, meaning the softness to the touch of all. Virtually everyone who meets Eddie comes away with a victorious laid claim to a measure of privacy and independence with the Tobii leather). Other animal hides are stiffer and coarser grained and therefore mindset. Th is spring Eddie spoke at the Eddie Moreno 5K Walk/Run Eyegaze Computer. Th e Tobii uses state-of-the-art laser technology to are not a desirable upholstery material. Often, inferior leather will be made (a fundraiser organized to help defray his on-going medical costs) pinpoint eye movement, which it translates into the ability to write of stiffer leather such as water buffalo – common on some Chinese made and off ered his thoughts on how to overcome obstacles at a summer with the computer. Eddie can text and receive texts from his friends, leather furniture. meeting of More Th an Champions. post entries on Facebzook and even do homework assignments. Leather from cows still has a wide range of quality levels – “grades” as they Coach Boggess said, “Just before Eddie was shot, the AHHS In spite of everything he’s been through, Eddie successfully graduated are commonly referred to in pricing. The first thing a consumer needs to Basketball Team was 31 and 5. It was such an enjoyable season. It’s not from AHHS in 2011 and is attending San Antonio College this fall. understand is that there is NO standardization in grading – each manufac- always like that.” He would know. Boggess taught English at AHHS For those who’d like to support Eddie’s continuing medical needs and turer grades their leathers in a manner of their own choosing. One maker for 33 years and was head basketball coach there for four years. “Th at recovery, there is a special account set up at Broadway Bank called Th e may use names; another may use letters while a third uses numbers to iden- team was just fun to be around. Eddie was a guy that lit up the room Edward Moreno Jr. Trust. Although Eddie has private insurance and tify the grade of leather. Obviously it can be confusing. To help you better understand - Use the P. A. N. method to separate quali- with positive vibes.” He still is. After fi ve months of only being able to is currently eligible for Medicaid Part B, when he turns 21 that picture ties of leather (regardless how the maker or retailer “grades” the leather). All communicate by blinking his eyes due to the external fi xator that held will change. upholstery leather will fall into one of these three categories: his jaw together, Eddie’s fi rst words to the media were, “Bring it on.” Th e special gym that’s helping Eddie regain his strength is private P = Painted, Pigmented or Protected (all mean the same thing). Boggess said Eddie’s words literally brought him out of his chair. He pay so fi nancial assistance is needed to keep him going there over A = Aniline (used to dye better quality leathers) said he thought to himself, “Th at’s it. Th at a boy!” Boggess also had the months and years. Blochliner said Beyond the Chair is pending N = Nubuk (A suede like top grain leather) high praise for Eddie’s mom. “Jennifer closed the door on thoughts nonprofi t status, which will allow him to raise funds and give grants Leather that falls into the “P” category is the least expensive of all real of revenge from the very fi rst day. You just don’t have time to mess to clients and would-be clients so they can attend the program and leathers. In most cases its surface has been corrected by a light “buffing” with that stuff . Besides, Eddie would sense that kind of energy and it stay enrolled in it. Th e Moreno family also welcomes fundraising ideas (similar to sanding) to remove natural markings that are not acceptable on would hurt him.” Boggess said before the shooting, “Eddie was the for the future. Th ey can be reached through Eddie’s Facebook page at furniture (barbwire marks, brands, bug bites, etc.). kind of guy who never had a bad day. He was the spiritual leader of www.facebook.com/AHEddieMoreno Please note – some scaring and other markings (neck wrinkles are com- the team. Everybody related to Eddie on and off the court and in the mon) are not to be considered imperfections but should be viewed as beauty marks that add to the uniqueness of leather; this is more common on an “A” classroom.” Th at is still true. Contact Information: Edward Moreno Jr. Trust Beyond the Chair category leather. According to Boggess, the road rage incident was one of those After dying the “P” category leather, the leather is sprayed with a paint freaky things. Eddie and his cousins had gone out in the wee hours Broadway National Bank 5310 Jackwood Drive or pigment – this covers the remaining imperfections and puts a protective of the morning, the weekend before the end of spring break, on a 402 Austin Highway Suite 2 coating on the surface. It’s easier to take care of but you lose a lot of the hamburger run. All of a sudden a car came screaming down the road, Alamo Heights, TX 78209 San Antonio, TX 78238 “hand” (softness) you find with higher quality leather. nearly colliding with them. Th e boys said something like “Hey, watch (800) 531-7650 (210) 256-0700 Leather categorized with an “A” has not been painted. Aniline dyeing is out.” Some words were exchanged and the next thing they knew the * Donations may be made at [email protected] a process that opens the pores of the hide and allows a vegetable oil dye to speeding car shot a round into the backseat, where Eddie was sitting. any Broadway Bank permeate through the hyde. The dye is transparent so all the natural beauty Boggess said, “Th e SUV had tinted windows so there’s no way they marks remain visible. There are any number of additional surface processes that can be applied to the surface afterwards, such as hand antiquing the Online8 at:Online CommunityCircular.com at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com 9 Comal Taxidermy & Helluva Hunt Outfitters • Exhibits Rich in Local Artifacts (830) 620-1230 • Extensive Photography Collection Museum Quality • Genealogy Records Taxidermy: Excellent • Newspapers & Maps craftsmanship on • Oral History Recordings traditional mounts to highly custom pieces Estate Services: Buying and selling Worldwide Hunting Consultants: taxidermy to US ~ Africa ~ Canada ~ Argentina & more individuals, collectors Individual and Corporate Excursions and interior

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Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com 13 Victor Patrón, recently embarked on the expansion of his México-based company in San Antonio and Central Texas. Founder and owner of Patron Improvements, LLC, Patrón is proud to off er his years of knowledge and skill in the construction industry to homeowners and commercial property owners in Texas. With a company philosophy and personal character founded on dedication and excellence, Patrón is a tremendous asset organization: Grupo Salinas, which operates businesses in many in his fi eld. retail sectors including banks, TV stations and fi nancial markets. By As a native of the Mexican city, Mazatlán, Patrón began working 2008 the contracts included over 500 stores and covered over half of along side his father a civil engineer at age 13. “My father has been México. building all his life,” Patrón said. “By 19 I was working with the Patrón has been involved in sports all his life and has a passion for foremen of his projects and starting my own career.” triathlon; swimming, cycling and running, which are all performed A few years after attaining his Batchelor’s Degree in Electronic consecutively. Patrón began training with acclaimed coach Luis Systems Engineering from the highly accredited university, Tecnológico Hernandez and trained among esteemed athletes such as Francisco de Monterrey, Patrón began a venture with a friend. Th eir company, “Paco” Serrano, México’s top selected male triathlete in the 2008 Beijing Protec, off ered two specialty products to protect walls, ceilings and Olympics. Patrón was selected for the Sprint Triathlon World Cup in fl oors. Refl exo® is a ceiling coating that prevents heat exchange, blocking Budapest, Hungary in 2010. Patrón intends to compete in México’s outside temperatures from penetrating inside. And Antigraffi ti® is a Nationals in 2012 and qualify for the 2012 Triathlon World Cup. highly durable coating that off ers permanent protection from graffi ti, Patrón’s group of businesses includes Protec, a México-based division grease and dirt by providing an easily cleanable surface. Th e company off ering construction services in air conditioning, electrical, roofi ng, grew rapidly and the products received raved reviews. custom signs, protective coatings and more. Artenet, which off ers Patrón’s company expanded into large scale commercial construction decorative items, such as framed paintings, wallpaper, decorative and maintenance for major retailers and city governments. His stickers and other custom design pieces; and Patron Improvements business was contracted to provide an array of construction services LLC. Th e business philosophy is founded on dedication to working for 67 locations in northern México for the chain retailer: Elektra with the best subcontractors in each fi eld and utilizing an excellent in 2004. Th e contract with Elektra grew to over 130 locations in staff of partners and employees. 2007 and covered building needs for fl ooring, remodeling and Patron Improvements LLC is well underway in helping Texas painting among others. Additionally, Patrón acquired construction business owners and homeowners with their construction needs. contracts with many other companies and the commercial business Off ering design services for remodeling and additions of all kinds and services for new homeowners who want to personalize and perfect their new homes are key services Patrón provides. “We are here to serve our clients by taking care of all their construction needs at a fair and competitive price,” Patrón said. “We are responsible for all the needs of each client.” With the many challenges associated with hiring multiple contractors for remodeling a home or business, having an experienced builder is a tremendous asset. For Patrón a comprehensive code of ethics is involved in everything they do. “We go the extra mile to ensure that our client’s experience is a pleasant one. Whatever it takes, we aim to do the best quality job with the highest level of integrity of anyone in the industry.” Patrón is building his local reputation with each new satisfi ed client. “We are doing all the right things,” Patrón said. “At all costs making our clients happy and in turn building a reputation that will set us apart as our business grows here in Texas.” Patron Improvements LLC is a member of the Greater San Antonio Victor Patrón (front middle) seen Builders Association among other professional associations. with his team of employees and (210) 468-0322 • www.PatronUSA.com several partners.

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Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.comOnline at: CommunityCircular.com15 SO, EXACTLY WHAT IS TREE SCULPTING?

Robert Hager, Mark Lundy, Jacob West, John Worrell BEFORE IMPROPER PROPER

isiting a new residential development with owner. “ en they’ve been doing it wrong A proper cut is outside the branch collar, but Vlots of mature trees, an arborist made for three generations,” replied the arborist. not so far that a stub remains. acquaintance with one of the property owners. e above description of what is acceptable – A qualied arborist is familiar with the e resident expressed his admiration for a tree even desirable - tree pruning is tragically American National Standards Institute (ANSI) service whose distinctive work appeared at common. Like mulch volcanoes, you see it standards for tree pruning (and safety). several of the properties nearby. As a result of everywhere. Stripping trees this way is called ese cover types of pruning based on their crew’s skill and artistry, passersby could lions-tailing and results in poor branch taper, specic goals, such as crown cleaning, now view from the street the splendor of each poor wind load distribution, and higher risk of thinning, reduction, and vista pruning. e home through the “sculpted” trunks and scaold branch failure. It also deprives the tree of foliage standards recommend how much foliage one limbs that were stripped bare of their irksome it needs to make its food, so the tree will quickly should remove in a session, from where on the foliage. To accentuate the trees’ sculpture-like produce “water sprouts.” Some people see these tree to remove it, and other correct practices. appearance, each branch cut was masterfully as proof that such pruning doesn’t hurt a tree Any pruning cut is a wound, and mature trees executed to be ush against the trunk or limb. because the foliage grows right back. (Sounds do not respond as well to wounding as younger Foliage aloft had been left dense to provide shade logical.) But these shoots signal the tree’s urgent trees. A good arborist knows why and how to and that classic “look” that was so desirable. reaction to excessive wounding; they create execute these wounds to protect the tree’s e arborist oered that such practice was energy drain, and they form weak attachments biological processes and structural integrity. actually not to industry standards and to the tree because they form from latent buds. A tree is not yard art; it’s a complex, living harmful to trees. “But this was a family Flush cuts are also terrible practice. ey organism. at means a beautiful tree is a business, and they’d been doing it this way cut into the branch collar and injure stem healthy tree, and one that’s retained its dignity by for three generations,” said the property tissue. is increases the likelihood of decay. respectful treatment based on informed practice.

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16Online at:at:Online CommunityCircular.comCommunityCircular.com at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com Hold your hand up if you remember the old advertising slogan, “If size and body structure. Th e fi nest hides come from Scandinavian Unique Is What You Seek”. It was used in TV and radio commercials countries where, due to the cold climate, they are kept in a barn for a promoting a certain brand malt liquor - about 40 years ago! But large part of their lives; they also are generally larger animals than we for today, If Unique IsWhat You Seek – let’s talk about how leather normally see in our South Texas pastures. furniture fi t’s that request to a “T.” Th e leather sample swatches shown to you by a furniture retailer are Have you ever wondered why the leather on your sofa doesn’t a “snapshot” of just one portion of one cow’s hide. So, it’s always wise exactly match the sample you saw in the store? to know that variations are pretty much assured when choosing full, Th is is a very common concern with better quality leather (called top grain leather. Th ese variations assure you of the hide’s authenticity. “full top grain”) - but the fact is, it’s one of the true beauties of leather Th is is a desirable characteristic; it separates high quality natural hides furniture. Why, because the inherent beauty of leather is that each from the lesser quality hides. Th ese lesser quality hides must have hide has its own uniqueness. artifi cial corrections made to them – like buffi ng and sanding before Th ey are as unique as a thumbprint or a snowfl ake. So, no one else embossing in a grain pattern - in order for these hides to be acceptable will have a sofa (or chair, or sectional, etc.) exactly like yours – think on furniture. Natural is better and natural means unique. about that a minute, how many other things can make that claim? Th e same is true of the coloring of the hide. Leather is dyed by Th ere are three major areas in leather where you can expect either using topcoating pigment dyes (paint) or penetrating aniline unique variations – one is completely natural and the other two are a dyes (vegetable oils). Individual pigment dyes can vary as they are combination of natural and chemical processes. mixed, but tanners and leather fi nishers also try to achieve more First the surface grain will vary. Unless the original cell structure natural eff ects by combining and/or layering two to three contrasting has been altered (like in lesser quality leather which has had artifi cial colorations. Similar to a faux painting treatment, the artisan rubbing graining embossed into the hide), there will be areas of tight, smooth the color will get a slightly diff erent color each time. With the grain and areas of looser, more pebbled grain. Each hide carries penetrating aniline dyes, the color absorptions will be aff ected by unique range marking, like healed scars, sores, bug and tick bites; each hide’s cell structure. Creating a unique fi nish that will never be hides are also aff ected by their surrounding climate and their own duplicated exactly – like a snowfl ake. Th e center of the hide is its backbone; it has been subjected to the most sun, wind and temperature changes which make it thicker and tougher – it will not absorb as much color. Th e outer perimeter comes from the underside (belly) of the cow which tends to be thinner, softer and stretchier which allows it to absorb more color. Th e craftsmen working for quality makers of leather furniture will balance the color variations throughout your furniture for the most visually pleasing fi nal product. Th e fi nal variation is the amount of “sheen” on your leather’s surface. Sheen levels can vary due to the many processes that hides undergo to achieve the fi nal intended fashion look. A small viscosity variation from the chemical supplier can be greatly magnifi ed by a heavier application. And each hide’s individual cell structure will always create some variation – because they are as unique as your fi ngerprint. Further a heavier surface grain will allow more of the lacquer to adhere to the surface and refl ect back the shine. You will also notice that a leather’s sheen changes (the shine usually dulls out) when you pull a leather swatch taut. Th is change is greatly pronounced when the leather is upholstered. If a leather swatch has been handled a lot at the retail store, then new leather furniture will appear more shiny and pristine. Keep in mind that over the years your leather furniture will soften and change, building up a rich patina that can only be created over time and with use. Th e sample leather swatches you see in your furniture store are the best representation of how your furniture will look – but they are never to be considered a “dead on” match for what will be produced at the factory. And that’s good, “If Unique Is What You Seek”! For additional information on leather and furniture, visit our Leather Learning Center on our website at www.choiceleatherfurniture.com. You’ll fi nd many of our previously published articles covering topics such as Leather Grading, Furniture Construction, even a short quiz to test your leather knowledge and more. Be sure and download a copy of our guide Th e 7 Th ings You Must Know Before Buying Leather – FREE!

Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.comOnline at: CommunityCircular.com17 nyone who has lived in New Braunfels for a Life Member of the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce and a any signifi cant period of time has heard of member of the Chamber Blue Coats - where he was inducted into the Amacher described the Honor Flight trip as one of the most A Wilbur Amacher. He moved to what was then Chamber Hall of Honors. memorable of his life. “Th ere isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t a relatively small town in 1958 and later served on Amacher recently added going on Alamo Honor Flight #4 to his list. think about my experience on the Alamo Honor Flight.” After being the city council and as mayor in 1979. Wilbur AHF is the San Antonio hub of the national Honor Flight Network selected, he attended an orientation at American Legion Post 2. A was married to his wife Doris, whom he met in which honors our country’s veterans by fl ying them to Washington few weeks later, Amacher said, they met again at the Legion Post on Th at evening they enjoyed a banquet at their hotel with guest speaker school, for nearly 70 years when she passed in D.C., free of charge, to visit the various war memorials there. Th ere Friday, Aug 12. Th ey boarded a bus to the airport there and were General Tom Jones. “He’s a guy you’re going to hear more about early 2012. Like many of America’s “Greatest are currently 111 Honor Flight Network hubs in 34 states. Th e main escorted by a motorcade of 72 members of the Patriot Guard Riders. in the future,” Amacher said. Th ere were other dignitaries present, Generation” he chose to bloom where he website is http://www.honorfl ight.org “Everywhere we went there were hundreds of people honoring us,” including one of the original Tuskegee Airmen. Th ey returned home was planted and continues to enrich the Amacher was drafted into the Army in 1941 and transferred to the Amacher said. When they landed at BWI Airport, fi re trucks squirted on Sunday where they were again greeted by hundreds of people at city he has called home for 54 years. Army Air Corp.’s base in Biloxi, Mississippi in 1942. Th at’s where he a halo of water over the plane. Th ey stayed in private rooms at the the airport and an Honor Guard Ceremony. At age 93, Amacher has a long list of married Doris. Amacher was assigned to the fi nance offi ce, where his BWI Hilton and spent Saturday touring the war memorials. Th eir Tracy Huff , President of the Alamo Honor Flight and a retired accomplishments on his circum vitae job was centered on paying for supplies and the more than 30,000 fi rst stop was the WW II Memorial, located at the National Mall Air Force E-8, said, “At the present time, Alamo Honor Flight is including being a Charter and Life troops on Keesler Field. Once a month, he said, he and a whole gang between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. only taking veterans of WWII.” AHF will take terminally-ill veterans member of the Evening Lions Club, of MPs would go to the train station to collect $2 million in cash to Amacher said he was impressed by the size of the WW II from other wars if they put in an application. In fact, putting in an make payroll. Being a Finance Offi cer was as near to having a civilian Memorial. 56 pillars (one for each of the 48 states and 8 territories) application online is the ONLY way to be considered for an honor job as you could have and still be in the Military. surround a 246-foot lagoon with two 43-foot arches on either side fl ight. After being released from active duty in 1946, he worked as a Civil representing the Pacifi c and Atlantic theatres. Th eir next stop was the “After I retired I was looking for a way to give back,” Huff said. Service Budget Offi cer for Air Training Command in Mississippi. In Navy Memorial, followed by the Ford Th eatre, the Korean, Lincoln He founded AHF in 2009 and got nonprofi t status in 2010. Since 1958 Air Training Command consolidated three sub-commands and and Vietnam Memorials, the Air Force Memorial and the marine then AHF has executed 4 fl ights to Washington. Th e next fl ight is moved all members to Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. (Iwo Jima) Memorial, ending up at Arlington Cemetery where they scheduled for April 26, 27th and 28th – the weekend after the Cherry witnessed the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Blossom Festival. Soldier.

18Online at:at:Online CommunityCircular.comCommunityCircular.com at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com nyone who has lived in New Braunfels for a Life Member of the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce and a any signifi cant period of time has heard of member of the Chamber Blue Coats - where he was inducted into the Amacher described the Honor Flight trip as one of the most A Wilbur Amacher. He moved to what was then Chamber Hall of Honors. memorable of his life. “Th ere isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t a relatively small town in 1958 and later served on Amacher recently added going on Alamo Honor Flight #4 to his list. think about my experience on the Alamo Honor Flight.” After being the city council and as mayor in 1979. Wilbur AHF is the San Antonio hub of the national Honor Flight Network selected, he attended an orientation at American Legion Post 2. A was married to his wife Doris, whom he met in which honors our country’s veterans by fl ying them to Washington few weeks later, Amacher said, they met again at the Legion Post on Th at evening they enjoyed a banquet at their hotel with guest speaker school, for nearly 70 years when she passed in D.C., free of charge, to visit the various war memorials there. Th ere Friday, Aug 12. Th ey boarded a bus to the airport there and were General Tom Jones. “He’s a guy you’re going to hear more about early 2012. Like many of America’s “Greatest are currently 111 Honor Flight Network hubs in 34 states. Th e main escorted by a motorcade of 72 members of the Patriot Guard Riders. in the future,” Amacher said. Th ere were other dignitaries present, Generation” he chose to bloom where he website is http://www.honorfl ight.org “Everywhere we went there were hundreds of people honoring us,” including one of the original Tuskegee Airmen. Th ey returned home was planted and continues to enrich the Amacher was drafted into the Army in 1941 and transferred to the Amacher said. When they landed at BWI Airport, fi re trucks squirted on Sunday where they were again greeted by hundreds of people at city he has called home for 54 years. Army Air Corp.’s base in Biloxi, Mississippi in 1942. Th at’s where he a halo of water over the plane. Th ey stayed in private rooms at the the airport and an Honor Guard Ceremony. At age 93, Amacher has a long list of married Doris. Amacher was assigned to the fi nance offi ce, where his BWI Hilton and spent Saturday touring the war memorials. Th eir Tracy Huff , President of the Alamo Honor Flight and a retired accomplishments on his circum vitae job was centered on paying for supplies and the more than 30,000 fi rst stop was the WW II Memorial, located at the National Mall Air Force E-8, said, “At the present time, Alamo Honor Flight is including being a Charter and Life troops on Keesler Field. Once a month, he said, he and a whole gang between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. only taking veterans of WWII.” AHF will take terminally-ill veterans member of the Evening Lions Club, of MPs would go to the train station to collect $2 million in cash to Amacher said he was impressed by the size of the WW II from other wars if they put in an application. In fact, putting in an make payroll. Being a Finance Offi cer was as near to having a civilian Memorial. 56 pillars (one for each of the 48 states and 8 territories) application online is the ONLY way to be considered for an honor job as you could have and still be in the Military. surround a 246-foot lagoon with two 43-foot arches on either side fl ight. After being released from active duty in 1946, he worked as a Civil representing the Pacifi c and Atlantic theatres. Th eir next stop was the “After I retired I was looking for a way to give back,” Huff said. Service Budget Offi cer for Air Training Command in Mississippi. In Navy Memorial, followed by the Ford Th eatre, the Korean, Lincoln He founded AHF in 2009 and got nonprofi t status in 2010. Since 1958 Air Training Command consolidated three sub-commands and and Vietnam Memorials, the Air Force Memorial and the marine then AHF has executed 4 fl ights to Washington. Th e next fl ight is moved all members to Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. (Iwo Jima) Memorial, ending up at Arlington Cemetery where they scheduled for April 26, 27th and 28th – the weekend after the Cherry witnessed the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Blossom Festival. Soldier.

Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.comOnlineOnline at: at: CommunityCircular.com CommunityCircular.com19 he Enclave at Westpointe Village, New Braunfels’ fi rst age- the homes feel grand without being grandiose. As with any custom restricted, 55+, active adult community is enticing their 55 product, Jimmy Jacobs Custom Homes works tirelessly to customize T and better residents from all across the country with the each home to the personal specifi cations of each buyer. Named Austin possibility of a new way of life. Leaving the fast-paced crowds of Business Journal’s “Number One Custom Home Builder” the past two the big city and the cookie cutter creations of the suburbs, retirees, years, Jimmy Jacobs Custom Homes pairs buyers with experienced empty-nesters and the well-aged have found a respite in the low building professionals throughout each step of the process ensuring maintenance, yet spectacularly, naturally landscaped lots exclusive to an exquisitely designed and expertly built custom home. the rolling hills of South Central Texas. In a city quick to maintain Residents of Westpointe Village are aptly located within walking its rich German heritage in its festivals, architecture and sense of distance of the Westpointe Village shopping center, which houses a community, New Braunfels is a bundle of the best Texas has to off er, new HEB grocery store, an urgent care facility, several restaurants, combining old world charm with new world convenience. Th is salons and other retailers. Just outside the gates of the neighborhood a unique combination of old and new is coincidently very similar to world of adventure awaits; exploring the sights and sounds of historic the city’s newest group of residents who are experts at combining the New Braunfels, playing a round of golf or catching a friendly game wisdom of the tastefully-aged with the spunk of fresh enthusiasm, of tennis at one of the many local golf and tennis facilities, antiquing making New Braunfels and any active adult an unbeatable pair. with the girls and fi shing with the boys, there is something for every If the allure of all that New Braunfels has to off er its residents, from season of life. Tour the two model homes, recently completed, at relaxing river views to exciting outdoor recreation, is not convincing the Enclave at Westpointe Village and picture a life lived in New enough, the homes at the Enclave at Westpointe Village are sure to Braunfels, nestled between the running rivers and the billowing hills make prospective buyers consider embarking on a new and exciting of the Texas Hill Country. Th e Enclave at Westpoint Village is located adventure with expert builder Jimmy Jacobs Custom Homes behind at Oak Run Parkway and Independence Drive in New Braunfels. To the reigns. A leader in the active adult market and a builder known visit, travel South on IH35 towards New Braunfels. Take Exit 184, for its mastery of both quality and design, Jimmy Jacobs Custom toward Loop 337. Turn right onto TX-337. After 2.6 miles, turn left Homes has thoughtfully sculpted an 132 homesite, gated, custom onto Oak Run Parkway. Th e community’s entrance will be on the home community, complete with a community clubhouse, designed left. to be a bustling center of activity for residents to cultivate new passions and master old ones. Upon completion, the clubhouse will feature an outdoor recreational pool, a state-of-the-art workout facility, a catering kitchen, grand ballroom and several hobby and special interest rooms to fi t a variety of needs within the community. Jimmy Jacobs Custom Homes has designed seven beautiful custom fl oor plans for Westpointe Village, ranging from 1714 square feet to 2621 square feet, allowing the empty-nester to down- size and the retirees to dream big. Each plan is thoughtfully crafted to ensure that space is used both appropriately and conservatively allowing for sprawling, open layouts that lend themselves to easy entertaining and comfortable living. With raised ceilings and oversized doorways

Online at: CommunityCircular.com Braunfels’ First 55+Active Adult Com New munity

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Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com 21 Online22 at:at:Online CommunityCircular.comCommunityCircular.com at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com Online at: CommunityCircular.com Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.comOnlineOnline at: at: CommunityCircular.com CommunityCircular.com23 Getting measurable results?

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24Online at:Online CommunityCircular.com at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.comOnline at: CommunityCircular.com25 Ways to Update Your Outdoor Space How to make your backyard the place to be this spring and summer

ith 300 days of sunshine each year, Plus, concrete is more durable than a outdoor kitchen is the way to go. Cesar W San Antonio is ideal for enjoying the wooden deck. “ e customer can reseal it recommends concrete counter tops because great outdoors, and your own backyard can every ve years, unlike wood, which has to they hold up well outside, and “ ey can be be the best place for it. When your outdoor be stained and resealed every year,” Cesar poured to any shape, size or color, making living space is designed with your needs in explains. Creative Concrete often gets them one-of-a-kind for the customer.” mind – whether that's an intimate yet stylish called to replace weather-beaten wooden When adding an outdoor kitchen, you patio area that's perfect for margaritas with a decks with concrete patios. must know what type of gas your home has – few friends or a large outdoor living space Add Shade With grills use either propane or natural gas. Some- complete with a kitchen – you can have it times it is more aordable to go with a propane all, without ever leaving home. a Pretty Pergola tank under the grill, if you do not have an ree popular backyard improvements this e searing Texas heat makes shade a existing stub out at the back of your house. year are patios, pergolas and outdoor kitchens, necessity, and a pergola can be an attractive No matter the type of project you according to Cesar Hernandez, owner of and eective option. While you can choose a choose, you should expect this type of Creative Concrete, a Helotes-based business wood pergola, it will need to be maintained. advice from your contractor. When home- that specializes in decorative concrete and “ e trend is to go with maintenance-free owner Laura Pittman had Creative outdoor living improvements. pergolas,” says Cesar. “ ere are aluminum Concrete replace an old agstone pool Build a Patio With Pizzazz pergolas now that come with an embossed surround with a concrete patio, she was wood texture and in dierent colors.” impressed with the results, but almost When most people think about their back For homeowners who want a pergola with more so with the process. yards, they envision a wood deck or a drab, a natural look but don't want to maintain the “Cesar came out, listened to me about gray slab. But a concrete patio can be done in wood, Creative Concrete constructs the top out what I needed and wanted, and spent a lot so many colors, shapes and stone patterns of aluminum and the columns out of real stone. of time guring out how to get it done,” these days that you might not even recognize it she says. “Everyone else [I called out] as concrete. Cesar says that many customers Get Cooking With spent ve minutes and came back with want patios with natural owing curves and an Outdoor Kitchen ridiculous bids. Cesar spent an hour and a with colors that compliment their home. With If you want to take the heat out of the half measuring and mapping things out. It concrete, design possibilities are now endless. kitchen and bring the party to your place, an was really impressive working with him.”

26Online at:at:Online CommunityCircular.comCommunityCircular.com at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com Ways to Update Your Outdoor Space How to make your backyard the place to be this spring and summer

Online at: CommunityCircular.com Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com 27 If you’re a business owner, you probably devote the lion’s share of practices are available for anyone who looks – your time and energy to your business. You might not even know and formulates a plan. “If you know what you exactly how many hours you work each week. Surveys, such as one need to work on, it is relatively easy to create commissioned by TB Bank in 2010, estimate nearly 50. But for some a plan,” Kozlovsky says. But start small. “Too entrepreneurs, the number is much higher than that. many business owners have failed in the past because their plans required too big of a leap. Set realistic goals and then defi ne an action plan “Taking the Business Health Check for just the next 90 days.” will help you understand where Having a defi ned action plan will help you focus on what’s most important. “Yes, you’re you really are right now” going to spend a portion of your time fi ghting fi res at fi rst. Th ere are always situations that have to be taken care of,” Kozlovsky explains. When you’re putting in that kind of time, how do you ensure it’s But, he says, learning how to prevent those fi res directed toward activities that move your company forward, putting from cropping up is half the trick. it in a better position for the future? And, if you feel like it’s too much Th e other half is being accountable for time – that you need better work-life balance – how do you achieve taking the actions that will make a long-term this balance and build the business of your dreams at the same time? diff erence in your business. “Training your Th e answers are very similar for most businesses, but do vary team and learning to delegate are among the depending on what stage they’re in, according to Max Kozlovsky, most valuable activities you can do as a business owner,” he says. “It will allow you to invest your An abundance of business content and best practices are available The other half is being accountable for anyone who looks. for taking the actions that will make a long-term difference in a certifi ed business coach with ActionCOACH who has worked in marketing and business development for corporate heavy-hitters such your business. as Procter & Gamble and Th e Clorox Co. To fi nd the answers, though, you must look within. “Th e fi rst step is to be 100-percent clear about where you are, and where you want time in leading and improving your business – not just maintaining to be,” Kozlovsky says. “Identify your strengths and weaknesses, and the status quo.” then fi gure out where you can get better.” He suggests you ask yourself some important questions, including: Have I set goals and created plans to achieve them? Did I evaluate the results and improve my plans? How eff ective is my use of time? Do we exceed clients’ expectations or do we just get by? Do I have a “dream team”? Would I rehire my team if I had the chance? Am I building systems others can use so I can focus on my company’s future? An assessment such as the free one provided at www.bizcoachsa.com will ask you these questions and more. “Taking the Business Health Check will help you understand where you really are right now,” Kozlovsky says. “Th en you can download valuable resources to help you improve in every area of your business.” According to Kozlovsky, the only obstacle to getting what you want is inaction. An abundance of business content and best

Online at:at: CommunityCircular.comCommunityCircular.com The Henry Family Venture Pioneers in the Water Park World have Humble Beginnings in New Braunfels by Rachel Danley

Oklahoma natives living in the Houston area, Bob and Billye, decided to leave the large city where Bob, then 42, practiced as a CPA and was in search of opportunities for self-employment. Billye The Henry Family discovered Landa Resort in New Braunfels was available for sale (Left to Right) - Jeff, in a newspaper. The Henrys considered this resort, among other Bob, Billye, Jana locations, and decided to purchase the property in 1966. “Bob wanted and Gary. a community where he could raise his children in a small town and fulfill his dream of self-employment,” his son, Jeff Henry, recalls. With their three children, Gary, age 13, Jeff, age 11, and Jana, Nestled over 65 acres in the heart of New Braunfels stands age 9, Bob and Billye moved in immediately and began what would what many believe is the world’s greatest water park, the be an ever- growing family production at Landa Resort. “It was third ever built. Situated along the tree-lined Comal River, 13 acres with 34 screened cabins, a swimming pool with a diving board and slide; it was on the Comal River, which had not really the park offers family fun to over one million guests a been developed,” Jeff said. “We all had jobs that we helped with. We year, who enjoy the beauty of the Texas Hill Country, cooked in the kitchen, served breakfast, then cleaned the kitchen. Afterwards we’d go out and start helping dad build buildings. He along with countless rides and attractions. Founded had already begun framing and creating. Billye was the operator and and still owned by the Henry family, Schlitterbahn’s Bob was the builder,” Jeff says. The Henrys built their first waterslide in 1967, a small tube chute amazing history begins 46 years ago with hard-working into the river. “Many, many years before any ‘water parks’ existed, we entrepreneurs Bob Henry and his wife, Billye. were already in the water park business,” Jeff said. “We added a rope

Online Onlineat: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com at: OnlineCommunityCircular.com at: CommunityCircular.com291 swing into the river. Our goal was to provide entertainment and rent rooms.” Jeff and his cousin, Phil, decided to take a road trip to Florida in 1976, where they discovered concrete waterslides and water-based SchlitterFirsts amusement parks officially titled “water parks”: Wet-n-Wild and SouRCE: SCHLiTTERBaHN.Com River Country of Walt Disney World, which had just opened. Jeff, then age 20, eagerly phoned his parents back home. He asked them Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort has a long history of firsts, including: to get on an airplane and come to Orlando where he’d take them on a tour. In his conversation he said, “This is what we need to do in New • The first swim-up refreshment bar was introduced in 1980. Braunfels with our property. And before you leave, you need to buy • The first family wave pool with a maximum depth of four feet the adjacent property next to ours.” Bob wasn’t sure if he could afford opened in 1989. it, but managed to purchase the property for around $64,000. When • The world’s first fantasy-themed, shallow children’s water Bob and Billye saw the parks in Orlando, they knew immediately playground, Polywog Pond, designed specifically for young children, that was the right thing to do. opened in 1989. Today the park has eight water playgrounds. Then in 1976, Bob and Billye went on a trip with other New • The first professional competition on a man-made wave took place Braunfels businesses to Germany. Bob made notes of German names in 1992 on the Boogie Bahn surf ride. he viewed around the country. One of the resort employees, and • The world’s first uphill water coaster, Dragon Blaster, created a world-wide buzz in 1994. The park now has a six-story version called friend of Jana, Michelle Robinson, spoke German. She took Bob’s Master Blaster® that opened in 1996. very lengthy ten-word suggestion for the name of the planned water • The first Torrent River® which offers customizable, computer- park and formulated, “das Bad Schloess Schlitterbahn.” The four- controlled waves also opened in 1996 in the Blastenhoff section of word name includes German words for swimming pool and castle. Schlitterbahn East. “Schlitter, is ‘to slip on ice,’ and Bahn is the ‘fast road’ or ‘highway,’” • The first USA Triathlon-sanctioned Kids’ Triathlon that takes place in Jeff said. “’Slippery Road’ became the abbreviated translation of the and around a theme park occurred in 2004. Schlitterbahn name in 1976.” Bob drew the original permit submission for city approval with crayon, marker, and pencil. Construction plans included a castle, Humble Beginnings: Drawn on 12/14/1978 slides, tube chutes, a pool, children’s areas, a stage with a dance area, by Bob Henry in marker and crayon, this was and a river walk that stretched along the Comal River. Each of these the original plan submitted to the city of New was created by the Henry’s and most are still being enjoyed today. Braunfels, outlining the Henrys’ new water park. Note the longer name “däs Bad Schloess Jeff, who had forgone college to continue working full time in Jeff (Left) and Gary (Right) Henry on Schlitterbahn,” which was later shortened. construction of the property, worked alongside his father to bring the Site at the Construction of the Treehaus rides to reality. He recalls his experience in building the original tube Lodges, part of Schlitterbahn’s Newest chute years earlier for Landa Resort. “It was a learning process for me. Expansion, Tubenbach. I began at age 16, experimenting with tile, concrete, and the natural

Fun SchlitterFacts flow of the river. Dad would hammer in wooden stakes to mark the since.” Jana worked in operations handling everything from food and SouRCE: SCHLiTTERBaHN.Com route, and I’d start digging.” beverage to the life guarding and first aid departments, even receiving “The inspiration came from natural rivers. The reality was that we her certification as an EMT. Jana also helped with construction, “I • Schlitterbahn West has 16,000 black inner tubes to choose from—in all sizes would be competing with free natural rivers that were fun,” Jeff said. remember helping build the White Water tube chute, welding in a and shapes. Schlitterbahn East only uses colored vinyl tubes because the “It was hard for me to imagine we could create something that would bathing suit, and helping lay shingles on the main building,” she said. chlorinated water causes black tubes to make marks on the walls. compete with the river.” The Henrys’ goal was to create a safe family Jana received her degree in Fashion Merchandising from Texas • Schlitterbahn Waterpark has been voted “The World’s Best Waterpark” for 13 fun environment. “We immediately realized that we had a niche; we State University and continues to handle retail operations for three consecutive years in a poll of park fans conducted by Amusement Today. could attract families. And we immediately realized that’s what we of the parks across the state, as well as the Kansas location. She also • Schlitterbahn guests consume about 45,000 turkey legs and 90,000 wanted for customers; for mom and dad to bring the kids and enjoy served as Head of Marketing for many years, which is now handled sausages-on-a-stick each season. Add that to roughly 10 tons of hamburgers, their time together.” by her husband, Rick Faber. Over the years Jana managed operations 22 tons of chicken strips, and 7 miles of foot-long corn dogs, and you may Construction would stop during the summer season and Jeff until handing over this position to another lifelong employee of the wonder how many packets of ketchup, mustard and mayonnaise guests need: would serve as general manager. Building projects would then company, and current Chief Operating Officer, Terri Adams. 1 million! pick up again as they expanded each year before reopening in the Gary Henry received his Master’s Degree in Accounting from The • Since 1995, Schlitterbahn has reigned as the nation’s most popular seasonal summer. Jeff helped with marketing by visiting hotels across the state, University of Texas at Austin and currently serves as CEO, handling water park, only topped in attendance by year-round water parks. and offering free tickets to hotel workers, hoping they would share among other things, the finances of the company. As his sister Jana • Schlitterbahn pumps 72-degree spring water from the Comal River through their experiences with guests. He became what he calls a concrete puts it, “We all work best in our own areas. We are all passionate some of the rides in the main park. The water is pumped from one end of the expert and an ‘Applied Materials Technologist’: an expert in creative about our parts in the company.” Gary explains, “My job is to support park, circulated through several rides in Schlitterbahn West, and then flows construction. Jeff continued, “My purpose is to build beautiful, safe, Jeff’s ideas, fund them, and make them run.” back into the Comal River. imaginative places for families.” This statement is exemplified to all Billye served as head of the resort, retiring just 10 years ago. She • The six-story Master Blaster uphill water coaster was voted “The World’s Best who enter the Schlitterbahn parks. and her husband Bob, now 84, still visit the park routinely. Waterpark Ride” for the 11th time in 2010. It works by using state-of-the art The business was founded as a family production. Siblings, Jana The Schlitterbahn brand grew to include NBGS International, technology to blast riders uphill on high-velocity streams of jetted water. The photo by Travis White (Henry) Faber and Gary Henry, also worked in the family business as a water park development and construction company, in the mid- 1,000-foot-long ride takes riders through six uphill sections and features a they grew up. Jana recalls, “I was the first lifeguard at the park. As the 1980s. Jeff explains, “We had a phenomenal construction crew that coaster-style 36-degree, 27-foot drop. park grew, I grew with it, and I’ve never worked for anyone else ever was available year round. Our core group of 100 employees would

2Online at:at:Online CommunityCircular.comCommunityCircular.com at: CommunityCircular.com Online at: OnlineCommunityCircular.com at: CommunityCircular.com3 Humble Beginnings: Drawn on 12/14/1978 by Bob Henry in marker and crayon, this was the original plan submitted to the city of New Braunfels, outlining the Henrys’ new water park. Note the longer name “däs Bad Schloess Schlitterbahn,” which was later shortened.

flow of the river. Dad would hammer in wooden stakes to mark the since.” Jana worked in operations handling everything from food and route, and I’d start digging.” beverage to the life guarding and first aid departments, even receiving “The inspiration came from natural rivers. The reality was that we her certification as an EMT. Jana also helped with construction, “I would be competing with free natural rivers that were fun,” Jeff said. remember helping build the White Water tube chute, welding in a “It was hard for me to imagine we could create something that would bathing suit, and helping lay shingles on the main building,” she said. compete with the river.” The Henrys’ goal was to create a safe family Jana received her degree in Fashion Merchandising from Texas fun environment. “We immediately realized that we had a niche; we State University and continues to handle retail operations for three could attract families. And we immediately realized that’s what we of the parks across the state, as well as the Kansas location. She also wanted for customers; for mom and dad to bring the kids and enjoy served as Head of Marketing for many years, which is now handled their time together.” by her husband, Rick Faber. Over the years Jana managed operations Construction would stop during the summer season and Jeff until handing over this position to another lifelong employee of the would serve as general manager. Building projects would then company, and current Chief Operating Officer, Terri Adams. pick up again as they expanded each year before reopening in the Gary Henry received his Master’s Degree in Accounting from The summer. Jeff helped with marketing by visiting hotels across the state, University of Texas at Austin and currently serves as CEO, handling and offering free tickets to hotel workers, hoping they would share among other things, the finances of the company. As his sister Jana their experiences with guests. He became what he calls a concrete puts it, “We all work best in our own areas. We are all passionate expert and an ‘Applied Materials Technologist’: an expert in creative about our parts in the company.” Gary explains, “My job is to support construction. Jeff continued, “My purpose is to build beautiful, safe, Jeff’s ideas, fund them, and make them run.” imaginative places for families.” This statement is exemplified to all Billye served as head of the resort, retiring just 10 years ago. She who enter the Schlitterbahn parks. and her husband Bob, now 84, still visit the park routinely. The business was founded as a family production. Siblings, Jana The Schlitterbahn brand grew to include NBGS International, (Henry) Faber and Gary Henry, also worked in the family business as a water park development and construction company, in the mid- they grew up. Jana recalls, “I was the first lifeguard at the park. As the 1980s. Jeff explains, “We had a phenomenal construction crew that park grew, I grew with it, and I’ve never worked for anyone else ever was available year round. Our core group of 100 employees would

Online Onlineat: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com at:Online OnlineCommunityCircular.com at: at: CommunityCircular.com CommunityCircular.com313 stay on during the summer season to build modular play equipment Galveston Island (an indoor park that remains open year-round for other parks.” The construction team was instrumental in on weekends), Schlitterbahn Beach South Padre Island, and completing parks across the world including: China, South Africa, Schlitterbahn Vacation Village in Kansas City, Kansas. Each park Brazil, and Dubai. In 2005 the company stopped selling concepts includes imaginative water attractions the Henry Family is known and shifted over to building parks owned and operated by the family for. They are all owned and operated by the company and have that in the United States. special touch started by Bob and Billye over 45 years ago. Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort in New Braunfels grew Terri Adams, COO, serves in operations of all four locations. dramatically in 1991, when the family acquired 25 acres of property Terri started with the company at age 15, and she began working known as Camp Warnecke, now Schlitterbahn East. Construction full-time as a college student. “The Henrys have allowed me to be an of Surfenburg began immediately in 1991 and Blastenhoff followed entrepreneur. We are always doing something new and constantly in 1996. doing things better,” she said. “Doing the right thing has always been Schlitterbahn is responsible for the patent of soft foam and part of our core values.” Schlitterbahn employs over 2,000 teenagers numerous other progressive water park technologies. According to and adults in New Braunfels and diligently works to obtain the best Jeff, he and his brother Gary were involved in the invention of the staff available. Local employment varies. In years and months with FlowRider Boogie-Bahn, which was developed with Tom Lochtefeld, fewer applicants or available employees, Schlitterbahn brings in a California surfer and business owner, and Dr. Frenzel, a German international workers from other countries. Scientist. Jana remembers testing the surfing ride with tubes and Schlitterbahn currently holds three proposed sites for future parks, discovering it is best for boogie borders who ride the simulated wave. They are: Corpus Christi, Texas; Cedar Park, Texas (in the Austin Jeff added, “But I’m more of a tubing guy, not a surfer. We gave the area); and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. exclusive rights of the Boogie-Bahn technology to Tom Lochtefeld. Construction is of a new park area in Schlitterbahn East of New A few years later Tom returned the favor and traded his idea and Braunfels was completed in the summer of 2011. The new area is patent for the Master Blaster technology to us.” The Henrys now called Tubenbach, and includes the world’s longest tube chute, hold the exclusive license for the Master Blaster technology which The Falls, which stretches 3,600 feet and holds up to 1,500 riders. allows tubers to ride uphill through uphill water coasters. The Master The whitewater ride allows guests to enter through no-wait lines Blaster ride has been rated the best water attraction almost every year and move though interconnected attractions along the Comal since its completion in Blastenhoff, and the technology is now used River. The innovative ride utilizes a model created by Jeff, called in rides all over the world. Transportainment™. Guests float the tube chute for entertainment Schlitterbahn now operates parks in four locations, including the while also using the chute for transportation from one park to another. original Schlitterbahn Waterpark in New Braunfels, Schlitterbahn Tubenbach also includes the Deluge Whirlpool River, a swift moving

artist Rendering of the New Braunfels Treehaus Lodges, which opened in 2011.

interior photo of a newly The Blastenhoff expansion constructed Treehaus Lodge. was opened in 1996 and added a larger wave pool, a new uphill water coaster, and several other attractions.

photo by Tom Williamson

324Online at:at:Online CommunityCircular.comCommunityCircular.com at:at: CommunityCircular.comAlamoHeightsMagazine.com canyon with wild waves that connects to The Falls and offers a never- ending water ride. Other new attractions, Boogie Bay Hot Tub and Jana (Henry) Faber, Boogie Bay Kids’ Area: Butterfly Bayou also opened in 2011. Head of Retail operations. Treehaus lodging units were also added the New Braunfels Park and are yet another brilliant creation. The Treehaus resort rooms are interconnected by elevated walkways above the banks of the Comal River on a combination of reclaimed trees and artificially-created tree posts. Inside the Treehauses, the resort rooms are made of wood- constructed walls and ceilings. The breathtaking craftsmanship in the spacious rooms can now be enjoyed by 12 to 14 guests in each Treehaus. Jeff explains the many one-of-a-kind elements salvaged and repurposed for used in the project, a process used since the beginning of the park, “It’s an organic process. It’s the way we were raised. We didn’t buy the newest materials; we used and re-used what we had.” Boulders and trees were taken from other construction sites locally and across the state. Pine trees of East Texas, live oak trees from the Austin area, Brazilian hardwood reclaimed from a 1,000 foot bridge, and 100-year-old fir taken from a ship and milled locally by Jeff are all used in the Treehauses and walkways. Salvaged metal is also used as a cover for the walkways. Darren Hill, General Manager of Schlitterbahn, New Braunfels, said, “We are excited to announce the largest expansion in nearly 15 Darren Hill (left), Gm of years. Not only do we feel that this is the most exciting new collection Schlitterbahn New Braunfels, of attractions to open in 2011 in Texas, but we are also honored to with Lifeguard Supervisor and EmT, Juan Valdez. introduce another world record-breaking ride for our guests.” In addition, Schlitterbahn has announced the next great expansion to take place: A year-round indoor waterpark hotel located on South Padre Island. The new beachfront resort will include lodging in 221 rooms, retail, restaurants, year-round indoor water attractions and special access to the summertime Schlitterbahn Beach outdoor waterpark. This unique project is a new concept for Schlitterbahn, but it draws Jeff Henry Examining 100-year- off of many existing concepts and company principles. For example, the old Fir being used in the New new park will include a retractable roof and indoor attractions, much Treehaus Walkway. like Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark. And it will be done by reclaiming existing structures of what was previously Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort. “We are pleased to have the opportunity to develop our new upscale waterpark hotel concept right here on South Padre Island,” explained Jeff Henry. “Our team has been working on the creation and design of this world-class destination for more than two years and we are excited to be announcing this project today. Without the support and financial commitment of our partner, American National Insurance Company, and the local government, the realization of this dream could not have become a reality.” The project is a multimillion-dollar investment that is expected to bring hundreds Terri adams (Far Right) is Schlitterbahn’s Coo and of thousands of guests, provide several hundred new jobs and provide an economic oversees all Four Parks. She has worked with the boost to the whole region. company since age 15. “The Henrys have allowed me to Schlitterbahn New Braunfels also includes a Christmas Shop and Jana K’s Boutique, be an entrepreneur,” says adams. “We are always doing located in a 150-year-old home near Schlitterbahn. The shop offers three floors of something new and constantly doing things better.” beautifully adorned holiday-themed rooms and a women’s boutique with purses, jewelry and clothing. Boutique items such as Yellow Box Shoes are also available in every gift shop. photos by Travis White Schlitterbahn is a gracious contributor of Communities in Schools, a New Braunfels organization created to keep kids in school and also supports annual visits from Sunshine Kids, an organization for terminally-ill children and their families. “We offer day trips and overnight visits for families. When they arrive, we have prepared rooms with goodies, and we provide all meals so that they can enjoy a stress-free trip,” Jana shares. “Every department helps, and it’s a true blessing to work with these families.” The Schlitterbahn legacy is also being passed down to the third generation of Henrys working in the business. Jeff “J.J.” Henry Jr. is currently working as Family Representative for Schlitterbahn Kansas City Waterpark, Kansas. Jeff’s son-in-law Brandon Ridell was construction manager of the new Tubenbach park edition. Michael Wilkinson works alongside his mother, Jana, with various projects, such as restoration of the historic home now serving as the Christmas Shoppe. Gary’s grown children are also active in the family business. Daughter Tasha Blythin is working in the resort while her sister Tara is an operations manager and her brother Will is a foods manager. Jana Faber sums up a general feeling of the Henry Family, “We are blessed to be in New Braunfels and each of the communities we operate in. It’s fun to work here and be in a business we can do for the rest of our lives.”

Online Onlineat: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com at:Online OnlineCommunityCircular.com at: at: CommunityCircular.com CommunityCircular.com335 if try earn his bachelor of science in civil the middle-man between the operational bluegrass singer/songwriter. Rebecca says the ground. Looking back on his stellar engineering from the USAF Academy in pilot and the engineers. Tom asked her to dance and they’ve been USAF and NASA careers, Tom doesn’t 1974. But then he went on to complete his A mere handful of the Top Guns dancing ever since. Rebecca and Tom single out any one thing as the high point.

pilot training at Craig Air Force Base in from the Air Force and Navy are selected at married in 1993, between his second and “I loved it all.” Selma, Alabama and then his F-4 conver- out of hundreds who apply. en, they get third NASA mission. She wrote a song “One of the things you come sion training at Homestead AFB in to go through another 1-2 years of rigor- and titled her CD “Dance with Me” away with is how thin and fragile our Miami, Florida. Now Tom had earned the ous training before being awarded the title based on the night they met. atmosphere is.” Tom believes everyone title of ghter pilot. Most people know of astronaut. As fate would have it, the “I spent Independence Day should be looking for ways to reduce their

that it’s no small feat to earn your wings. 1986 Challenger Space Shuttle accident again and keep trying. 1995 in space aboard the Space Shuttle carbon footprint and use alternative Tom ew the F-4 Phantom (a Vietnam era happened just six months after Tom first Discovery. To celebrate, we broadcast energy. So it’s not surprising that he’s jet) in ghter squadrons in England and arrived in Houston to train as an astro- patriotic songs over the radio to Mission now involved with SKYOT, a business Iceland. en, in 1980, the Air Force naut. e Challenger brought about a lot Control in Houston as we crossed over a that distributes Green Stu a non-toxic reassigned him to Top Gun School at of changes. For one thing, the Space nearly cloudless U.S. e views were absorbent that soaks up hazardous liquids Nellis AFB in Las Vegas, NV. Shuttle was grounded for the next three spectacular. e painted deserts of the like petroleum and acids. Green Stu is It was right around this time that years. at slowed the ight rate and is Southwest, snow-covered peaks linking primarily used around drilling operations An Astronaut’s Tom rst set his sights on becoming an why Tom didn’t pilot a space shuttle Utah to Montana, all the Great Lakes in but re departments also use it to clean astronaut. He says that becoming a ghter mission until 1991. one scene and the diverse terrain of Texas up hazardous industrial spills.” pilot is what gave him the condence to go Tom’s rst space mission was transitioning to the Gulf Coast stretching Tom worked in sales, marketing for it. Even so, Tom applied to NASA four aboard the Atlantis, which launched the to Florida. Did I mention that I never and government business development at times over a span of eight years before evening of Nov. 24, 1991. eir primary tired of looking out the window? But e Timken Company and Textron Inc. you don’t succeeD... traveling at 17,500 mph (5 miles a (Bell Helicopters) before becoming Cosmic second), we went coast to coast in just president of Aviation Week, a McGraw- three songs. My fondest musical memory Hill company. His accomplishments at all from space occurred the next day when three companies are nothing short of Perspective Rebecca was smuggled in to Mission outstanding. With Tom, even the sky isn’t Control and sang me Happy Birthday.” the limit. In 2000, Tom established his an open cockpit. at way they could By Susan Marx Rebecca was born in Dallas and own rm; aptly called “Henricks Enter- really get the lay of the land. It’s hard to went to college in East Texas. She prises, Inc.” and helps executives and say if Tom was always this way but he recorded her rst album in 1989. She corporations achieve peak performance to likes to pull back as far as possible to get composes, plays acoustic guitar and sings drive their careers and companies into the the big picture. e day they closed on regularly with fellow country bluegrass proverbial stratosphere. the property was the rst time they musicians Milo Deering (mandolin and About three years ago, Tom and actually drove out of the development. dobro) and Rocky Gribble (banjo and Rebecca bought property outside of Wouldn’t you know, they have a shared guitar). Rebecca’s most recent album is Blanco and have been building their runway. “Sunday Morning,” and represents a dream home on it. ey’re currently live Tom has been awarded the return to her gospel roots. It’s not always in Dallas but hope to move into their new Distinguished Flying Cross (among easy as an astronaut’s wife, Rebecca says, place in the Spring. Tom says they’ve been others), own 30 dierent types of because they don’t work normal living in cities for seven years and are aircraft and logged more than 6,000 hours…sometimes they’re in the simula- looking forward to getting back to the hours. He holds an FAA commercial pilot tor until after midnight. country and connecting with the rating, has completed 749 parachute id you ever dream of someday being he always wanted to y but he didn’t allow nally being accepted. So the second objective was to deploy a Defense Support All told, Tom piloted two and community. Besides, “then at night we jumps and achieved a Master Parachutist an astronaut? ousands, and prob- himself to dream of being an astronaut. message Tom has for young people is, be Program (DSP) satellite. After 110 orbits commanded two NASA Space Shuttle can see the stars.” rating. Tom currently consults with ably millions, of young men and Why? Because he didn’t think he could persistent. If at rst you don’t succeed… of Earth, they landed safely, Dec. 1, on the missions before leaving government Once a pilot always a pilot. Corporate Aviation and Analysis, Inc. women dream that dream. at’s why ever join their ranks. at’s why Tom’s rst try again and keep trying. Tom’s initial lake bed at Edwards AFB. What was it D service in 1997 to pursue a career in While searching for the right place to (CAAP) the premier provider of consult- it’s a little surprising to learn that Retired message to young people is to never limit “failures” paid o because he didn’t stop at like? business. But he also achieved quite a settle down, Tom ew them around in his ing, strategic planning and transactional United States Air Force Colonel/former themselves. the rst disappointment. Eventually his “Being in space is a very visual record working with NASA engineers on antique Stearman bi-plane, the kind with services in business aviation. NASA astronaut Tom Henricks says he You don’t know what you can eorts taught him what it would take to experience. It’s an adventure I wish every- didn’t think that big at rst. Tom was born achieve until you try. Once you try, the make the cut. one could have because you suddenly on July 5th nearly a decade before Presi- world starts to open up to you. Picture a Only after Tom had attended the realize Earth is pretty small. We went dent John F. Kennedy’s speech in Texas rocket on the launch pad, a machine so USAF Test Pilot School at Edwards AFB around it every 90 minutes and gained a declaring the goal of landing a man on the heavy it takes enormous thrust just to get it in California and worked as an F-16C test perspective that we’re all just one human Moon. o the ground. An explosion of concen- pilot and Chief of the 57th Fighter Weap- race, sharing life on a spaceship called Tom grew up on a farm in Ohio. trated energy, however, explodes it out of ons Wing that NASA nally selected him Earth.” Even though astronauts John Glenn and the known atmosphere and into what we as a candidate. It was 1985. Tom says In-between these mind-altering Neil Armstrong (the rst man to set foot call “outer space” – a virtually limitless becoming a test pilot made the dierence. adventures in space, Tom went on a blind on the moon in 1969) were fellow Ohio- frontier with countless worlds much larger A ghter pilot is trained for war, whereas a date at Barksdale AFB in Shreveport, LA. ans, he was happy to be the rst in his than the green/blue orb we call home. test pilot tests the craft, the systems, and Her name was Rebecca Grantham, a family to get a college education. Tom says Tom was pretty thrilled just to the weapons and tactics. e test pilot is fourth generation Texan and country

346Online at:at:Online CommunityCircular.comCommunityCircular.com at:at: CommunityCircular.comAlamoHeightsMagazine.com Online at: OnlineCommunityCircular.com at: CommunityCircular.com7 if try earn his bachelor of science in civil the middle-man between the operational bluegrass singer/songwriter. Rebecca says the ground. Looking back on his stellar engineering from the USAF Academy in pilot and the engineers. Tom asked her to dance and they’ve been USAF and NASA careers, Tom doesn’t 1974. But then he went on to complete his A mere handful of the Top Guns dancing ever since. Rebecca and Tom single out any one thing as the high point.

Online Onlineat: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com at: OnlineCommunityCircular.com at: CommunityCircular.com357 earn his bachelor of science in civil the middle-man between the operational bluegrass singer/songwriter. Rebecca says the ground. Looking back on his stellar engineering from the USAF Academy in pilot and the engineers. Tom asked her to dance and they’ve been USAF and NASA careers, Tom doesn’t 1974. But then he went on to complete his A mere handful of the Top Guns dancing ever since. Rebecca and Tom single out any one thing as the high point. pilot training at Craig Air Force Base in from the Air Force and Navy are selected married in 1993, between his second and “I loved it all.” Selma, Alabama and then his F-4 conver- out of hundreds who apply. en, they get third NASA mission. She wrote a song “One of the things you come sion training at Homestead AFB in to go through another 1-2 years of rigor- and titled her CD “Dance with Me” away with is how thin and fragile our Miami, Florida. Now Tom had earned the ous training before being awarded the title based on the night they met. atmosphere is.” Tom believes everyone title of ghter pilot. Most people know of astronaut. As fate would have it, the “I spent Independence Day should be looking for ways to reduce their that it’s no small feat to earn your wings. 1986 Challenger Space Shuttle accident 1995 in space aboard the Space Shuttle carbon footprint and use alternative Tom ew the F-4 Phantom (a Vietnam era happened just six months after Tom Discovery. To celebrate, we broadcast energy. So it’s not surprising that he’s jet) in ghter squadrons in England and arrived in Houston to train as an astro- patriotic songs over the radio to Mission now involved with SKYOT, a business Iceland. en, in 1980, the Air Force naut. e Challenger brought about a lot Control in Houston as we crossed over a that distributes Green Stu a non-toxic reassigned him to Top Gun School at of changes. For one thing, the Space nearly cloudless U.S. e views were absorbent that soaks up hazardous liquids Nellis AFB in Las Vegas, NV. Shuttle was grounded for the next three spectacular. e painted deserts of the like petroleum and acids. Green Stu is It was right around this time that years. at slowed the ight rate and is Southwest, snow-covered peaks linking primarily used around drilling operations Tom rst set his sights on becoming an why Tom didn’t pilot a space shuttle Utah to Montana, all the Great Lakes in but re departments also use it to clean astronaut. He says that becoming a ghter mission until 1991. one scene and the diverse terrain of Texas up hazardous industrial spills.” pilot is what gave him the condence to go Tom’s rst space mission was transitioning to the Gulf Coast stretching Tom worked in sales, marketing for it. Even so, Tom applied to NASA four aboard the Atlantis, which launched the to Florida. Did I mention that I never and government business development at times over a span of eight years before evening of Nov. 24, 1991. eir primary tired of looking out the window? But e Timken Company and Textron Inc. traveling at 17,500 mph (5 miles a (Bell Helicopters) before becoming second), we went coast to coast in just president of Aviation Week, a McGraw- three songs. My fondest musical memory Hill company. His accomplishments at all from space occurred the next day when three companies are nothing short of Rebecca was smuggled in to Mission outstanding. With Tom, even the sky isn’t Control and sang me Happy Birthday.” the limit. In 2000, Tom established his an open cockpit. at way they could Rebecca was born in Dallas and own rm; aptly called “Henricks Enter- really get the lay of the land. It’s hard to went to college in East Texas. She prises, Inc.” and helps executives and say if Tom was always this way but he recorded her rst album in 1989. She corporations achieve peak performance to likes to pull back as far as possible to get composes, plays acoustic guitar and sings drive their careers and companies into the the big picture. e day they closed on regularly with fellow country bluegrass proverbial stratosphere. the property was the rst time they musicians Milo Deering (mandolin and About three years ago, Tom and actually drove out of the development. dobro) and Rocky Gribble (banjo and Rebecca bought property outside of Wouldn’t you know, they have a shared guitar). Rebecca’s most recent album is Blanco and have been building their runway. “Sunday Morning,” and represents a dream home on it. ey’re currently live Tom has been awarded the return to her gospel roots. It’s not always in Dallas but hope to move into their new Distinguished Flying Cross (among easy as an astronaut’s wife, Rebecca says, place in the Spring. Tom says they’ve been others), own 30 dierent types of because they don’t work normal living in cities for seven years and are aircraft and logged more than 6,000 hours…sometimes they’re in the simula- looking forward to getting back to the hours. He holds an FAA commercial pilot tor until after midnight. country and connecting with the rating, has completed 749 parachute id you ever dream of someday being he always wanted to y but he didn’t allow nally being accepted. So the second objective was to deploy a Defense Support All told, Tom piloted two and community. Besides, “then at night we jumps and achieved a Master Parachutist an astronaut? ousands, and prob- himself to dream of being an astronaut. message Tom has for young people is, be Program (DSP) satellite. After 110 orbits commanded two NASA Space Shuttle can see the stars.” rating. Tom currently consults with ably millions, of young men and Why? Because he didn’t think he could persistent. If at rst you don’t succeed… of Earth, they landed safely, Dec. 1, on the missions before leaving government Once a pilot always a pilot. Corporate Aviation and Analysis, Inc. women dream that dream. at’s why ever join their ranks. at’s why Tom’s rst try again and keep trying. Tom’s initial lake bed at Edwards AFB. What was it service in 1997 to pursue a career in While searching for the right place to (CAAP) the premier provider of consult- it’s a little surprising to learn that Retired message to young people is to never limit “failures” paid o because he didn’t stop at like? business. But he also achieved quite a settle down, Tom ew them around in his ing, strategic planning and transactional United States Air Force Colonel/former themselves. the rst disappointment. Eventually his “Being in space is a very visual record working with NASA engineers on antique Stearman bi-plane, the kind with services in business aviation. NASA astronaut Tom Henricks says he You don’t know what you can eorts taught him what it would take to experience. It’s an adventure I wish every- didn’t think that big at rst. Tom was born achieve until you try. Once you try, the make the cut. one could have because you suddenly on July 5th nearly a decade before Presi- world starts to open up to you. Picture a Only after Tom had attended the realize Earth is pretty small. We went dent John F. Kennedy’s speech in Texas rocket on the launch pad, a machine so USAF Test Pilot School at Edwards AFB around it every 90 minutes and gained a declaring the goal of landing a man on the heavy it takes enormous thrust just to get it in California and worked as an F-16C test perspective that we’re all just one human Moon. o the ground. An explosion of concen- pilot and Chief of the 57th Fighter Weap- race, sharing life on a spaceship called Tom grew up on a farm in Ohio. trated energy, however, explodes it out of ons Wing that NASA nally selected him Earth.” Even though astronauts John Glenn and the known atmosphere and into what we as a candidate. It was 1985. Tom says In-between these mind-altering One of the things you come away with is Neil Armstrong (the rst man to set foot call “outer space” – a virtually limitless becoming a test pilot made the dierence. adventures in space, Tom went on a blind on the moon in 1969) were fellow Ohio- frontier with countless worlds much larger A ghter pilot is trained for war, whereas a date at Barksdale AFB in Shreveport, LA. how thin and fragile our atmosphere is. ans, he was happy to be the rst in his than the green/blue orb we call home. test pilot tests the craft, the systems, and Her name was Rebecca Grantham, a family to get a college education. Tom says Tom was pretty thrilled just to the weapons and tactics. e test pilot is fourth generation Texan and country

368Online at:at:Online CommunityCircular.comCommunityCircular.com at:at: CommunityCircular.comAlamoHeightsMagazine.com NEWLY AVAILABLE Eyewear Lens Technology by Drake McLean, President Dietz-McLean Optical

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eyond a place where you can toss back a brew and a bite to eat while Alamo Drafthouse Sing Alongs allow movie-goers to pretend B you watch a ick, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is also a place where you they're alone in their cars or showers and belt out the soundtracks – alongside can enjoy an interactive movie-going experience or even meet a celebrity. everyone else in the theater. e lyrics are projected onto the screen karaoke- “While we have all the new releases, we're known for the special style. Quote Alongs are similar in that the movies' best lines are added as programming we've developed such as Quote Alongs and Sing Alongs. subtitles so everyone can yell them out. Action Pack icks mean arming the ese events set us apart from the traditional movie experience,” says crowd with props like in atable swords, and Hecklevision allows theater-goers Brandon Arceneaux, owner and co-founder of Reel Dinner Partners, LLC, to text their gibes to be shown on-screen during “hilariously horrible movies.” the local company that owns and operates the three Alamo Drafthouse “Every day is dierent, that's for sure,” Burt says. “One day I'm locations in the San Antonio area at Westlakes, Park North and Stone Oak. running around picking up coconut bras, and another I'm escorting a celebrity.” Arceneaux credits Liz Burt, Reel Dinner Partners' director of sales One such celebrity was writer/director Kevin Smith of “Clerks” and marketing, with the success of the special events program. She has been (you know, Jay and Silent Bob) fame, who Burt brought to the Stone Oak with the company since it opened its rst location in San Antonio more than location. e Smith event was so popular that he'll return as “Silent Bob” seven years ago. “Liz is in charge of making sure we understand the needs of along with “Jay” (Jason Mewes) to the Alamo Drafthouse in March. San Antonio.” For example, Alamo Drafthouse will soon start a series called If you have an idea for a special event at Alamo Drafthouse, Burt “Broadway Brunch” for theater enthusiasts. “We try to nd groups of enthusi- and Arceneaux say their door (and their phone lines, email, Twitter and asts,” Burt says. “en we pick their brains about what they want to see.” Facebook) are always open for input from the community. “We'll do our One of the most popular special events is Free Family Fun day, which best to make those suggestions come to life on-screen,” Burt says. is held two Saturdays each month at Stone Oak and features slightly older family- friendly lms that parents and kids can both enjoy. e best part? Admittance is free and includes an interactive element such as stickers or candy for the kids. Sne c ng p i vts Girlie Night is another crowd-pleaser. “We choose a lm that 'screams' Alm Dr h's S Ati lcis women makes them 'ooh' and 'ah,'” Burt says. Girlie Night is meant for moms and other busy women who need a little “me time” complete with cocktails. WWW.DRAFTHOUSE.COM/SAN_ANTONIO

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40Online at:Online CommunityCircular.com at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com here a cozy cedar cabin on a ridge once stood, only blackened earth and W a few scorched pine trees remain. “Th ree stories were reduced to 18 inches of ash,” says Amy Sanders of what was once her family’s home just southeast of Bastrop. “It’s astonishing how destructive and powerful the ﬁ re was. It cracked the concrete in the foundation and liqueﬁ ed metals. Th ey said it was over 2,000 degrees [Fahrenheit].”

Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.comOnlineOnline at: at: CommunityCircular.com CommunityCircular.com41 Th e home Sanders shared with her husband Brian and 4-year-old Fighting the Fire Setting Records daughter Brena Lynn was among 1,691 destroyed in the Bastrop-area “We’re being told that this was the most costly and historic fi re in probably take fi ve years.” Before the fi re, the Sanders were in the Th e gigantic fi refi ghting eff ort took a collaborative eff ort that fi res of 2011. Also leveled were 38 businesses, bringing the offi cial this state,” Fisher says. “Insurable losses are estimated at $325 million process of moving closer to Brian’s employer and Brena Lynn’s school included Bastrop County’s nine volunteer fi re departments, those count of structures lost to 1,729, according to Bastrop County [by the Insurance Council of Texas].” (a roomful of packed boxes perished in the fi re), so they’ve found a from surrounding counties and across Texas, and even fi refi ghting Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Fisher. Th e fi res took Th at $325 million is nearly two-thirds of the total insured losses temporary home in Lockhart. personnel from 19 other states. “On our peak day, we had 633 the lives of two people. from the dozens of wildfi res across the state in 2011, which now But, the good news for Bastrop, according to City Manager Mike fi refi ghters, 500 utility workers and 200 law enforcement offi cers on Th e fi nal tallies include the damage done by two noncontiguous holds the title of “costliest year for wildfi res.” In comparison, 2009 is Talbot, is that two-thirds of those displaced by the fi res have said, via the job,” Fisher says. “Th ey came from all over.” fi res sparked by tree branches hitting power lines. Th e Bastrop County in a distant second place, with $115 million in insured losses. an informal survey, that they plan to stay and rebuild. Fisher is especially appreciative of the help from nearby communities. Complex fi re, which started Sept. 4, destroyed the lion’s share of the But, as Fisher says, “Th at’s just property loss.” He says the cost of “Th e experience strengthened the fi ber of our community,” Talbot “At one point, we had [fi refi ghting help] from all of our surrounding 34,068 total acres lost. Th e Union Chapel fi re, which started Sept. 5, fi ghting the fi re is between $3 million and $4 million and that debris says. “Th e outpouring of support, supplies, gifts and donations was counties – Williamson, Travis, Hays, Caldwell, [Fayette and Lee],” he accounts for 900 of those acres. Due to a perfect storm of conditions removal will cost another $10 million to $12 million. overwhelming. … People don’t want to leave here. Th is is their home says. “Th ose departments and our regional partners from the capital – severe drought, extreme heat and high winds from Tropical Storm and they recognized that during the fi re based on the outpouring of area were the quickest to get here and the longest to stay.” Lee – it took 10 days to put out the smaller fi re and 26 days to contain support they received. Th is has been quite an experience, but I think the larger one (plus an additional six days to quash a fl are-out). Coming Home Bastrop is stronger for it.” Removing debris and rehabilitating their property is among the One obstacle the city of Bastrop does have is the perception that challenges facing the Sanders family, who had only enough time to the city itself was destroyed. “Th e majority of the damage was in the leave their home with their vehicles, a laptop, an overnight bag and county,” Talbot says. “Our historic homes are still here, our state park their lives. was severely damaged but it’s up and operational, and our stores and “Our plan is to hold onto the land and try to restore it as best we restaurants are open,” he says. “We’re here, we’re vibrant, and Bastrop can so another family can come in and build,” Sanders says. “It’ll is a good place to visit and to live.”

When Amy Sanders left her home Sept. 4, she grabbed only essentials, thinking her family would return home in a couple of days max. “We didn’t see fi re. All we could see was smoke covering the sky, but we knew we needed to leave,” she says. Sanders says she threw on some diff erent clothes, grabbed her dog, cat, laptop and an overnight bag containing some toiletries while her 4-year-old daughter, Brena Lynn, napped as she would insurance agent. Th eir cedar cabin, once perched on any ordinary Sunday afternoon. a ridge among some of the Bastrop area’s stately pine trees, was Amy and her husband, Brian, loaded both their vehicles, gone. thinking they’d need them to get to work the next day – not After a dramatic departure and stressful limbo period, the that they should remove them from the path of the fi re. All went Sanders have now settled into a temporary home in Lockhart, smoothly, then the cat got loose. where Brian works and Brena Lynn attends school. “It’s diffi cult “He was on high alert that something was wrong,” Sanders in an apartment, but we’ll get there,” Sanders says. “We’re pretty says. “He ran into the forest.” Sadly, the family found his remains laid-back, and as Brian said, ‘If we get too emotional about it, when they returned to their home not two days, but nearly two we’re way too attached to things.’ We have our memories and weeks, later. we’re very thankful everyone got out OK. It could have been a Th ey had been somewhat prepared for what else they found – million times more traumatic.” or didn’t fi nd – having seen photos of their property taken by their

Online42Online at: at: OnlineCommunityCircular.com CommunityCircular.com at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com Online at: CommunityCircular.com Th e home Sanders shared with her husband Brian and 4-year-old Fighting the Fire Setting Records daughter Brena Lynn was among 1,691 destroyed in the Bastrop-area “We’re being told that this was the most costly and historic fi re in probably take fi ve years.” Before the fi re, the Sanders were in the Th e gigantic fi refi ghting eff ort took a collaborative eff ort that fi res of 2011. Also leveled were 38 businesses, bringing the offi cial this state,” Fisher says. “Insurable losses are estimated at $325 million process of moving closer to Brian’s employer and Brena Lynn’s school included Bastrop County’s nine volunteer fi re departments, those count of structures lost to 1,729, according to Bastrop County [by the Insurance Council of Texas].” (a roomful of packed boxes perished in the fi re), so they’ve found a from surrounding counties and across Texas, and even fi refi ghting Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Fisher. Th e fi res took Th at $325 million is nearly two-thirds of the total insured losses temporary home in Lockhart. personnel from 19 other states. “On our peak day, we had 633 the lives of two people. from the dozens of wildfi res across the state in 2011, which now But, the good news for Bastrop, according to City Manager Mike fi refi ghters, 500 utility workers and 200 law enforcement offi cers on Th e fi nal tallies include the damage done by two noncontiguous holds the title of “costliest year for wildfi res.” In comparison, 2009 is Talbot, is that two-thirds of those displaced by the fi res have said, via the job,” Fisher says. “Th ey came from all over.” fi res sparked by tree branches hitting power lines. Th e Bastrop County in a distant second place, with $115 million in insured losses. an informal survey, that they plan to stay and rebuild. Fisher is especially appreciative of the help from nearby communities. Complex fi re, which started Sept. 4, destroyed the lion’s share of the But, as Fisher says, “Th at’s just property loss.” He says the cost of “Th e experience strengthened the fi ber of our community,” Talbot “At one point, we had [fi refi ghting help] from all of our surrounding 34,068 total acres lost. Th e Union Chapel fi re, which started Sept. 5, fi ghting the fi re is between $3 million and $4 million and that debris says. “Th e outpouring of support, supplies, gifts and donations was counties – Williamson, Travis, Hays, Caldwell, [Fayette and Lee],” he accounts for 900 of those acres. Due to a perfect storm of conditions removal will cost another $10 million to $12 million. overwhelming. … People don’t want to leave here. Th is is their home says. “Th ose departments and our regional partners from the capital – severe drought, extreme heat and high winds from Tropical Storm and they recognized that during the fi re based on the outpouring of area were the quickest to get here and the longest to stay.” Lee – it took 10 days to put out the smaller fi re and 26 days to contain support they received. Th is has been quite an experience, but I think the larger one (plus an additional six days to quash a fl are-out). Coming Home Bastrop is stronger for it.” Removing debris and rehabilitating their property is among the One obstacle the city of Bastrop does have is the perception that challenges facing the Sanders family, who had only enough time to the city itself was destroyed. “Th e majority of the damage was in the leave their home with their vehicles, a laptop, an overnight bag and county,” Talbot says. “Our historic homes are still here, our state park their lives. was severely damaged but it’s up and operational, and our stores and “Our plan is to hold onto the land and try to restore it as best we restaurants are open,” he says. “We’re here, we’re vibrant, and Bastrop can so another family can come in and build,” Sanders says. “It’ll is a good place to visit and to live.”

Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.comOnlineOnline at: at:CommunityCircular.com CommunityCircular.com43 Online at: CommunityCircular.com SAN ANTONIO’S By Susan Marx Premiere Custom Furrier

erardo Zavala was a mere boy when he was rst introduced to the G wonderful world of fur and he loved working with furs right from the start. He apprenticed for his uncle Javier Moncada, a furrier in Laredo, Texas, while still attending high school. en, after pleading with his parents, he followed Javier to Anchorage, Alaska, when he moved there. Gerardo landed a job working under two master furriers at the Anchorage Fur Factory, where they are famous for making long coats and purchase his own building (which included a cold storage vault) came up, parkas out of the thick timber wolf, beaver, fox and mink needed for the area. Gerardo jumped at the opportunity and moved to 4434 Blanco Rd. Here he Here, Gerardo’s level of experience grew while he learned new skills, such as o ers multiple showrooms with a wide range of accessories, home décor, and making his own patterns. His last decade in Alaska was spent at celebrity and lightweight furs in natural mink, sheared mink, Swakara (South West tourist destination David Green Master Furrier. In Alaska, Gerardo African Karakul), and Rex rabbit to name a few. explained, fur is more of a necessity because of the extreme and often sub-zero Of course, Gerardo still custom designs fur apparel. People come temperatures. ere’s nothing quite like the comfort and breathability of a to him with everything from a request to make a garment inspired by a photo natural skin for staying warm in cold, wet weather. to remodeling an heirloom fur to creating a completely unique modern After 17 years in the Alaskan fur trade, Gerardo moved to San design. When a client comes to him wishing for the fur they’ve seen Antonio and soon found a job with the world-renowned fur designer Michael somewhere or envision in their imagination, he begins by rst developing a Mouratidis at his salon and design studio in Monte Vista. During Gerardo’s time pattern based on what his client wants to create. en, before the coat is there, the House of Mouratidis designed and created furs for Balenciaga Paris completed, Gerardo makes a canvas version of it and schedules a tting. and it was during this apprenticeship that Gerardo perfected his fur tailoring and Gerardo has been in the fur business now for more than 40 years. design skills while learning more of the ins and outs of the fur business. He prides himself on taking personal care of each of his customers and on Gerardo spent over 20 years at Mouratidis Furs before it closed in the o ering his clients the convenience of his own professional cold storage vault. early 2000s. Soon after, Gerardo fullled his own dream and opened his own Walk-ins are always welcome but for Gerardo’s personal, custom care you’ll salon and design studio in Alamo Heights. Years later, when an opportunity to want to phone ahead to make an appointment.

Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.comOnline at: CommunityCircular.com45 In this world where information comes almost faster than it can be digested, and with the proliferation of fad diets and exercise trends, it can be diffi cult to know what you should really do to be fi t and healthy. So we asked someone whose job it is to know: personal trainer and holistic fi tness coach Patrick Murphy, owner of San Antonio-based MISSIONpt!. “Th ere’s a lot of debate on what is good for you and what is not,” Murphy says, “but one thing that is not debatable is the benefi t of bicycling and swimming all qualify. exercise, good nutrition and rest. If you get all three, biologically However, especially as people reach their 50s, no one-size-fi ts-all you’re going to be younger and live a more vital and fulfi lled life.” approach works. “Fitness is a process of self-discovery,” Murphy says. Murphy says there’s no real age minimum or maximum when it “What one person does to get healthy may not work for you; in fact, comes to the importance of exercise. While young children typically it may not be recommended at all, based on your body’s needs and get plenty of physical activity on their own, parents should monitor your fi tness level.” Murphy says many personal trainers off er free the activity levels of school-age children and set up activities so they fi tness assessments through which you can learn about your body’s get one to two hours of exercise per day. imbalances and determine your body fat percentage, then move on to For people age 14 through their 40s, three to four hours per week goal setting and program design if you choose. of a good fi tness-based For a person of any age, exercise is just one part of a wellness activity is advised. To lifestyle. It must be accompanied by the right foods and the right be “good,” the activity amount of rest. “America has a serious rest, nutrition and fi tness should make you “sweat defi cit,” Murphy says, “but living well is good for our families, our a little bit and huff and communities, our country and ourselves, so we must take better care puff and feel like you’re of the beautiful gifts we have – our bodies and our lives.” actually exercising,” Visit www.personaltrainingsanantonio.com to get more valuable Murphy explains. tips from Murphy’s blog, where he shares information on wellness Weightlifting, jogging, topics ranging from exercise to to nutrition to weight loss.

46Online at:Online CommunityCircular.com at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com here is a little known gem that resides along the bustling I-35 “At the front of the school, we have a rock that all community corridor that not only connects faith communities from San members are invited to touch as they enter and exit,” Iliff said. “Th is T Marcos to Schertz and Seguin to Bulverde, but provides all is a reminder of our need to be the rock on which the church is built, families that lie within these boundaries an opportunity for the fi nest to support one another.” in college preparatory Catholic education. Th is gem is John Paul II Students at John Paul II receive the same athletic and social Catholic High School. Th ey call this place “Th e Rock.” opportunities as any public school. Th ere are 13 athletic teams After opening in 2009 with 35 freshmen and 6 teachers, John Paul including 11-man football, volleyball, cross country, swimming, II, an Archdiocesan school, has grown its enrollment to over 100 wrestling, girls/boys basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, track, students and is accepting new applicants continuously. Th e idea for tennis, and golf. Students can participate in an equally long list of the school was birthed by a group of parents who saw the need to clubs and organizations such as choir, drama, student government, provide challenging Catholic education in a local setting for their robotics, and band. Class sizes are kept small with 12-15 students per children in grades 9-12. class on average. “Parents are thrilled with the credentials of the staff . “Th ere is a real chance for students to be involved and to shape the We have 11 M.A.’s, 2 Ph.D.’s, 2 doctoral candidates, and 1 M.D.,” school, the traditions, and the direction the school takes,” Andrew Rollert said. Iliff , Principal of John Paul II Catholic High School said. “For a “Our teachers are here because they feel they are called to be here at school of any size or age and especially for a school our size and age, John Paul,” Rollert said. “Our school aff ords students the opportunity we have a top-notch faculty. Students get real access to them.” to shine in an academic and extracurricular environment that they Students and parents are drawn to JPII for many reasons: location, might be lost or overlooked in at a larger school. Here, they fi nd a athletic and academic excellence, and a school founded in virtues. home. Here, they’re an integral part of our community.” “John Paul II provides its students with a faith-based and rigorous Th e close connections make the school more of a family than just education that focuses just as much on morality as academics,” a place to attend class. Traditions are built and now the school is Amanda Rollert, Admissions and Marketing Director, said. “I starting to produce great results. have two sons that made the transition from public school and are “A great example of this was our drama production last spring. It privileged to attend John Paul II. Th ey are as involved in sports and was outstanding and incredible, and a real coming together of the schoolwork as ever.” talents of our students,” Iliff said. “We have enormously talented John Paul II off ers its students something that you cannot always fi nd students, and they did wonderful things in that production. Th ere at other schools, and this reward runs far deeper than just academics. are many more of these –this year we had our fi rst play-off teams, our “John Paul II off ers an education that raises the bar. Students rise to fi rst state champion [in swimming], our fi rst prom...,to be honest, meet that bar and when they graduate from John Paul, they truly are every Wednesday is that moment for me, at Mass with our students ready for college,” Rollert said. “Students have the ability to practice and teachers.” and grow their faith and speak God’s name. Education and morality Th e students and faculty at John Paul II look forward to a fulfi lling are one here, not separate entities. If you want to nurture the whole future of academic and personal excellence. Th ey child, how can you do it without faith?” are confi dent in what they have to off er. Th at faith has lead to developing some great traditions at the “We’re pioneers,” Rollert said. “Our students school. are blazing a trail and leaving a legacy.” For more information visit johnpaul2chs.org.

Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.comOnline at: CommunityCircular.com47 Everybody loves the story of the dark horse that “Whether it’s a gift for music, art, sports or caring for others, I nobody counted on as a winner but when he gets encourage kids to fi nd that specifi c talent or encouraging words the chance he jumps ahead of the pack and wins spoken over them by a parent, teacher or family member and cling the race against all odds. At its heart, the underdog to it; because no matter what the critics say, that ace-of-spades is tells the tale of the hardworking man or woman what will carry them through the tough times.” of vision and character who refuses to accept the Holmes, who now holds the distinguished title of all-pro obstacles thrown their way and surprises everyone champion, says that his ace-of-spades is the ability to make people in triumph. Priest Holmes is one of those guys and miss. He explained that growing up he wasn’t the strongest or the he’s carrying that message to everyone he meets. fastest athlete and yet he could always get away and make the play. A If you’re a football fan, you’ve heard of NFL family member pointed this out to him early on in life. Knowing he running back Priest Holmes – one of the NFL’s best, had that unique skill and “owning it” is what made all the diff erence if not the best, running back of his era. Holmes for him. played pro ball for 11 years (from 1997-2007) When Holmes played for San Antonio’s John Marshall High before retiring. Now that he has retired from the School in the early 90s he used that secret weapon and wound up most prestigious professional ball player’s fraternity taking the team to the state championship. In fact, upon leaving in America, Holmes is devoting his time to helping John Marshall High School he was awarded a scholarship to the youth in his hometown San Antonio and Kansas University of Texas at Austin where, as a Texas Longhorn, he was City, Kansas fi nd the strength and courage within named the team’s most valuable player in the 1994 Sun Bowl. He themselves to excel in all that they do. also became the 25th member of the Legends of the Sun Bowl with In 2005, Holmes established the Priest a record four touchdowns in that game. Holmes Foundation as a nonprofi t 501 (c) 3 In 1997, Holmes joined the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted with the mission of encouraging, enhancing and free agent and became the team’s fi rst 1,000 yard rusher in 1998. In empowering youth to stay in school and be the best 2000, he went to the Super Bowl XXXV and won a ring when they they can be. To that end, PHf awards scholarships became the champions. In 2001, Holmes moved to the Kansas City every year to Bexar County high school seniors who show the will to succeed. Scholarships are based on a number of criteria, which you can learn more about by visiting the website at www. priestholmesfoundation.org and by clicking on the scholarship application tutorial.

48Online at:Online CommunityCircular.com at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com Everybody loves the story of the dark horse that “Whether it’s a gift for music, art, sports or caring for others, I nobody counted on as a winner but when he gets encourage kids to fi nd that specifi c talent or encouraging words the chance he jumps ahead of the pack and wins spoken over them by a parent, teacher or family member and cling the race against all odds. At its heart, the underdog to it; because no matter what the critics say, that ace-of-spades is tells the tale of the hardworking man or woman what will carry them through the tough times.” of vision and character who refuses to accept the Holmes, who now holds the distinguished title of all-pro obstacles thrown their way and surprises everyone champion, says that his ace-of-spades is the ability to make people in triumph. Priest Holmes is one of those guys and miss. He explained that growing up he wasn’t the strongest or the he’s carrying that message to everyone he meets. fastest athlete and yet he could always get away and make the play. A If you’re a football fan, you’ve heard of NFL family member pointed this out to him early on in life. Knowing he running back Priest Holmes – one of the NFL’s best, had that unique skill and “owning it” is what made all the diff erence if not the best, running back of his era. Holmes for him. played pro ball for 11 years (from 1997-2007) When Holmes played for San Antonio’s John Marshall High before retiring. Now that he has retired from the School in the early 90s he used that secret weapon and wound up most prestigious professional ball player’s fraternity taking the team to the state championship. In fact, upon leaving in America, Holmes is devoting his time to helping John Marshall High School he was awarded a scholarship to the youth in his hometown San Antonio and Kansas University of Texas at Austin where, as a Texas Longhorn, he was City, Kansas fi nd the strength and courage within named the team’s most valuable player in the 1994 Sun Bowl. He themselves to excel in all that they do. also became the 25th member of the Legends of the Sun Bowl with In 2005, Holmes established the Priest a record four touchdowns in that game. Holmes Foundation as a nonprofi t 501 (c) 3 In 1997, Holmes joined the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted with the mission of encouraging, enhancing and free agent and became the team’s fi rst 1,000 yard rusher in 1998. In empowering youth to stay in school and be the best 2000, he went to the Super Bowl XXXV and won a ring when they they can be. To that end, PHf awards scholarships became the champions. In 2001, Holmes moved to the Kansas City every year to Bexar County high school seniors who show the will to succeed. Scholarships are based on a number of criteria, which you can learn more about by visiting the website at www. priestholmesfoundation.org and by clicking on the scholarship application tutorial.

Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.comOnline at: CommunityCircular.com49 Chiefs where he set team records for career rushing attempts, career Holmes inspires mental toughness but he also believes in “work rushing yards, career rushing touchdowns and total touchdowns. He before reward.” As a kid, Holmes says he went to spend the summer has since been inducted into the Texas Longhorns Hall of Honor in with his grandfather in Detroit. His grandfather had a lawn service Austin, Texas; Texas High School Hall of Fame in Waco, Texas; the business but Priest wasn’t allowed to touch the equipment. Instead, Missouri Sports Hall of Fame and most recently the San Antonio he had to pick up the grass and do the odd jobs. He did this all Sports Hall of Fame. summer before he got paid $300. Th at’s another life episode that In 2008, Holmes became a member of the NFLPA Former Players stuck. Holmes said that’s the way it is in life and in the NFL too. You Chapter in Houston and when he realized how many pro athletes work hard before you get any reward. lived in his area, he spoke to the National Oﬃ ce in Washington If all that weren’t enough, Holmes has been actively involved in D.C. and was instrumental in founding the NFLPA Former Players youth football camps since 1998. For 14 years he has hosted several San Antonio – Austin Chapter in December 2010 – of which he is conditioning camps for kids between the ages of 5-18, boys and now President. Th is organization supports former players as well as girls alike. Approximately 300 kids turn out for these events to get their surrounding communities. In 2011, the Chapter awarded the coaching in stretching, agility, competitive sportsmanship, teamwork Professional Athletes Foundation scholarship to two (2) graduating and to participate in photo-ops with current and former players. high school seniors. Holmes says he feels very fortunate to have been Th is year, Holmes is hosting football camps at Judson ISD and blessed to overcome the obstacles that came his way. “I’ve had a participating in a Sports International Camp at Northeast Independent wonderful career and I enjoy encouraging those individuals who, like School District’s Lopez Middle School. Holmes is proud of his I, have to endure some tests to make it.” achievements in the NFL but he seems equally proud to be able to As an example, Holmes said that early in his career (spring training leverage his opportunities to assist others in the community. after his triumphant game at the Sun Bowl) he tore his ACL. “An Th e Priest Holmes Foundation provides scholarships with ACL tear is mostly a psychological injury because your body can heal the support of donations from the public and from his ongoing but it really takes its toll when you’re unable to play for months. It’s fundraising and personal speaking engagements. easy to start doubting yourself when you ﬁ nd yourself alone in the To learn more, visit www.priestholmesfoundation.org or call (210) training room with a bag of ice. You start worrying if you’ll ever play 541-4642 . again.”

50Online at:at:Online CommunityCircular.comCommunityCircular.com at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.comOnlineOnline at: at: CommunityCircular.com CommunityCircular.com51 52Online at:Online CommunityCircular.com at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com 2012 Vulcan® 900 Classic 2012 Brute Force® 300 – THE POWER TO WORK 2012 Mule™ 4010 Trans4x4® • 2012’s ATV of the year • Gasoline or diesel • Value priced • All purpose work horse • First-in-class liquid-cooled engine • Two & four seats available • CVT transmission with centrifugal clutch • Effortless handling • Superior towing capacity

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Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com 53 FEEL LIKE BEING RISKY? Then Let a Loved One Sign on Your Bank Account! … (The Danger Isn’t What You Think.) By Attorney James N. Voeller Several years ago, I met with a man named Ray, whose financial advisor had suggested that he should visit with me. The financial advisor knew that we were able to provide peace of mind for several of his other clients, and wanted to help Ray in the same manner. Ray’s story was fairly typical. His wife died several years ago and he recently moved to San Antonio in order to be close to his daughter, who was his only child. He loved his daughter and trusted her completely. He also enjoyed any opportunity to visit with his three grandchildren. During our meeting, I reviewed Ray’s will and powers of attorney. We talked about his desire to avoid probate upon his death, and he told me that he had that all figured out. He had decided that he would own all of his financial accounts with his daughter, jointly, with rights of survi- her husband’s attorney is trying to make a claim on my vorship. Ray knew that upon his death, all of his assets bank accounts! He’s claiming that one-half of all of my would pass to his daughter as long as she gave the bank a accounts which are jointly titled with my daughter are copy of his death certificate. part of their community property. One of my banks has I explained to Ray that while the accounts would pass to frozen an account and I can’t access that money at all!” his daughter upon his death, there was a better, less risky Fortunately, we were able to assist Ray and he did not method to accomplish his goals. I told Ray the following lose any of his money to his ex-son-in-law. But, the en- story to illustrate why joint accounts are a bad idea: tire stressful ordeal caused him to lose a lot of sleep. He In the early 1990’s, Jill Goodacre, the famous model had to spend some of his money on attorney’s fees in or- from Boulder, Colorado, lost her bank account to her fa- der to keep what was already his. ther’s creditors. Apparently, Ms. Goodacre put her father’s After going through this ordeal, Ray was ready to lis- name on her checking account so he could pay her bills ten to my suggestions. I explained that if he had a Living while she was traveling. Unfortunately, her father had a Trust, he could have had his daughter as a cotrustee with large creditor who filed a lien on the account. The bank himself. As such, she still could have paid his bills from paid the creditor $80,000.00 – out of Jill’s money. When the account, but his assets would never have become part Jill added her father as a signer on the account, her father of his daughter’s divorce. Upon his death, the assets of his legally became a co-owner of the account. He had a legal living trust would become owned by his daughter, never right under Colorado law to withdraw the entire account, having to go through probate. and the creditor had the right to force a withdrawal. Not If you add someone else’s name to your account, you only did Jill lose $80,000.00, but she was also deemed to may be inadvertently subjecting your account to that per- have made a taxable gift to her father at the moment that son’s creditors, divorces, or lawsuits. Bad things happen the creditor withdrew money from the account! to good people all the time. Make sure that you avoid this After listening to the story, Ray stood up, put on his risk and arrange your affairs so that you will never be sur- hat, and said: “My daughter doesn’t have any creditors so prised by an event that could have been avoided through I’m not worried about that happening.” We said goodbye proper planning. to each other and I didn’t hear from him again – until recently. The Voeller Law Firm I’ll never forget the frantic call. “Jim, this is Ray. I need 19311 FM 2252 San Antonio, TX 78266 help! My daughter is going through an ugly divorce and Phone: (210) 651-3851 www.voellerlaw.com

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56 Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com hen Nitesh Jain and his wife Sonal Jain founded Quacito, a diff erence that everyone wants. Wbusiness consulting and web development company in 2004, Jain “Our passion is in our clients’ success,” had one thing in mind: to help small to mid-size businesses become more Jain exclaimed. effi cient. Accomplishing this would not only save the businesses’ money, As with any product or service, Jain it would increase their overall value – something every business owner acknowledges that there are skeptics, desires. but the results speak for themselves and “I consulted and implemented improvements in many fortune 500 that is what he takes pride in. companies for over a decade, but what gives me the most satisfaction is “Th ere are many types of clients,” Jain making an impact on an individual business owner’s life,” Jain said. “I explained. “Th ere are the ones going consult business owners to ask themselves, ‘What’s a better way to do through growing pains, where they what I’m doing, or how can I improve my processes and systems so I have more business but are not able to don’t have to spend as much time doing them?’” generate more profi t from that business; or there are people looking to Jain designed Quacito to provide small to mid-size businesses sell their business in the next three to fi ve years and are unsure of how to eff ective consulting and systems that allow them to compete with larger maximize the value. As a process to create greater effi ciency, we can take corporations that invest millions in such services. With aff ordable prices the knowledge that a long term employee would develop and put it into and the creative use of cutting edge technologies like the web and mobile an automated process or system so the job will take much less time to apps, Jain is changing the way many small businesses operate. perform and allow a lower skilled employee to learn it quickly.” “Entrepreneurs that build and operate small to mid-size companies Th ere are three things Jain says Quacito focuses on: increasing are the ones driving our national economy,” Jain stated. “I want to profi tability, increasing your business’ overall value and giving CEOs and impact this community by giving them the tools they need to prosper business professionals more time for themselves. even during hard economic times. By bringing business consulting and Jain claims that the best part about working with Quacito business business process automation to small to midsize businesses, Quacito is consulting and business process Automation Company is that by turning giving our clients the competitive edge they need to fl ourish. Our market to automation, a business can increase its revenue without adding niche is to provide such eff ective services in an aff ordable price range.” additional expense. CEOs and key business professionals are busy people And with so many happy clients, it looks like Jain is doing just that. and many times their quality of life may suff er. Process improvement With over 90 percent of his business deriving from customer referrals and automation allows them to take back control and balance their life and personal references, it appears that Quacito’s methods are making a as they choose.

Online at:Online AlamoHeightsMagazine.com at: CommunityCircular.com57 received 392 applications for new students. ey Vanessa Barry, Senior Communications Man- rethink the way you do things; not can support 350 students.” ager for IDEA, shared “Including Carver Acad- altogether bad. Yes, we lose some With so many applications above capacity, emy, we’re looking for a twenty school expan- jobs, and some things have to change, IDEA held a lottery on March 13th to draw sion in San Antonio over the next eight years. but at the same time, a lot of things NBA great David Robinson names for the slots available. As for the e main dierence between IPS and standard need to change. As a state, we’re Christian-based aspects established at Carver, public schools is that we’re a strict, rigorous fortunate to have support from those will be oered as optional services for new college prep school where we oer very few Walmart, Michael Dell, even Bill students since public schools do not incorporate electives that aren’t academically-based. Our Gates. ey’ve put a lot of money religious teachings under state guidelines. Rob- singular focus for kids from elementary to high into San Antonio as well as Texas in inson has an endowment that will be used for the school is to get those kids to and through general. We just have to be smarter spiritual growth of TCA students and their post college, free.” about how we use our resources.” K-12 education. In addition, the Ewing-Halsell Regarding the massive education budget cuts Robinson’s vision continues on Foundation has pledged a ten million dollar in 2011, Robinson agrees they were hurtful. “In now with help from IPS who oer grant to the IPS, and the Brackenridge Founda- some respects, it’s just like in the business world. the means to provide focused indi- tion awarded a one million grant. ose budget cuts will sometimes make you vidualized education to San Antonio’s students. “It’s still my Michele Gwynn - Contributing Writer • Photos By Travis White baby, but I won’t have that ‘hands on’ involvement anymore.” As a father of three boys; two in high school and one o to college for the rst time, Robinson shares his thoughts on parental involvement in education. “Ultimately, it’s our responsibility. Whether you’re a parent who wants a faith-based education, the responsibility is still (yours). It starts at home; the work habits and how parents enforce them, and what (you) demand of your children.” Robinson says if IDEA Carver and “My three priorities when I rst I wanted to be able to talk about scrip- IPS schools in San Antonio continue started Carver was, number one, ture and plant those seeds; let them to ourish, then IDEA Public aesthetically, to build something the know this is the foundation for you Schools will advance throughout San Antonio resident and community could take pride in. It was that will never change. Everything else Texas continuing his vision as a former center for the Spurs; so close to where I used to play that I in this world will change, but how you leader in excellence in education. David Robinson has a vision for really wanted to – it looked like it had look at your faith will never change. Seducational excellence. at vision been twenty to thirty years since e Bible is the strongest, most consis- began in September of 2001 when e anyone had made improvements in tent book we have.” Carver Academy opened its doors to its that area. Number two was to educate Although IDEA Public Schools will rst 60 students. e Carver Academy the kids; give them a top-notch prep now run TCA, David Robinson will focused on inspiring and enforcing the school education. I wanted to make remain actively involved on their San basic principles of leadership, disci- sure these kids were prepared for the Antonio board along with TCA Board pline, initiative, and integrity with a highest level of academics in high Member Harvey Najim. “A couple of foundational focus on Judeo-Christian school and in college. e third part things prompted the need to go to a teachings. e student body doubled was to build character. Growing up in charter public school” says Najim. over the years, but a recessed economy the Virginia and D.C. area, I’d seen so “It’s tough to grow it (TCA) when you forced a need for change in order to many kids that had been a part of that don’t get any funds back from the state continue on its path. A search for a gang life and all that other stu that I or federal government for a private charter school to take over began, and wanted these kids to have all the tools school. e total budget was far more through research, IDEA Public Schools to make good choices…make right than TCA was bringing in through from the Rio Grande Valley was chosen. choices like “Why would I go home to private tuition. We had to raise about - David Robinson TCA will open this fall as IDEA Carver; my wife?” or “Why would I do the one and half million dollars every year no longer a private school, but an right thing?” Obviously it comes from just to break even. David wanted to open-enrollment public charter school. a ‘Christian values’ standpoint, but I replicate the pillars established at e As a Naval Academy graduate, Robin- didn’t want the school to be a church. Carver Academy in a big way. Since son places high value on education. I wanted it to be a place of education. the take over by IDEA, they’ve

Online58 at:Online CommunityCircular.com at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com received 392 applications for new students. ey Vanessa Barry, Senior Communications Man- rethink the way you do things; not can support 350 students.” ager for IDEA, shared “Including Carver Acad- altogether bad. Yes, we lose some With so many applications above capacity, emy, we’re looking for a twenty school expan- jobs, and some things have to change, IDEA held a lottery on March 13th to draw sion in San Antonio over the next eight years. but at the same time, a lot of things NBA great David Robinson names for the slots available. As for the e main dierence between IPS and standard need to change. As a state, we’re Christian-based aspects established at Carver, public schools is that we’re a strict, rigorous fortunate to have support from those will be oered as optional services for new college prep school where we oer very few Walmart, Michael Dell, even Bill students since public schools do not incorporate electives that aren’t academically-based. Our Gates. ey’ve put a lot of money religious teachings under state guidelines. Rob- singular focus for kids from elementary to high into San Antonio as well as Texas in inson has an endowment that will be used for the school is to get those kids to and through general. We just have to be smarter spiritual growth of TCA students and their post college, free.” about how we use our resources.” K-12 education. In addition, the Ewing-Halsell Regarding the massive education budget cuts Robinson’s vision continues on Foundation has pledged a ten million dollar in 2011, Robinson agrees they were hurtful. “In now with help from IPS who oer grant to the IPS, and the Brackenridge Founda- some respects, it’s just like in the business world. the means to provide focused indi- tion awarded a one million grant. ose budget cuts will sometimes make you vidualized education to San Antonio’s students. “It’s still my Michele Gwynn - Contributing Writer • Photos By Travis White baby, but I won’t have that ‘hands on’ involvement anymore.” As a father of three boys; two in high school and one o to college for the rst time, Robinson shares his thoughts on parental involvement in education. “Ultimately, it’s our responsibility. Whether you’re a parent who wants a faith-based education, the responsibility is still (yours). It starts at home; the work habits and how parents enforce them, and what (you) demand of your children.” Robinson says if IDEA Carver and “My three priorities when I rst I wanted to be able to talk about scrip- IPS schools in San Antonio continue started Carver was, number one, ture and plant those seeds; let them to ourish, then IDEA Public aesthetically, to build something the know this is the foundation for you Schools will advance throughout San Antonio resident and community could take pride in. It was that will never change. Everything else Texas continuing his vision as a former center for the Spurs; so close to where I used to play that I in this world will change, but how you leader in excellence in education. David Robinson has a vision for really wanted to – it looked like it had look at your faith will never change. Seducational excellence. at vision been twenty to thirty years since e Bible is the strongest, most consis- began in September of 2001 when e anyone had made improvements in tent book we have.” Carver Academy opened its doors to its that area. Number two was to educate Although IDEA Public Schools will rst 60 students. e Carver Academy the kids; give them a top-notch prep now run TCA, David Robinson will focused on inspiring and enforcing the school education. I wanted to make remain actively involved on their San basic principles of leadership, disci- sure these kids were prepared for the Antonio board along with TCA Board pline, initiative, and integrity with a highest level of academics in high Member Harvey Najim. “A couple of foundational focus on Judeo-Christian school and in college. e third part things prompted the need to go to a teachings. e student body doubled was to build character. Growing up in charter public school” says Najim. over the years, but a recessed economy the Virginia and D.C. area, I’d seen so “It’s tough to grow it (TCA) when you forced a need for change in order to many kids that had been a part of that don’t get any funds back from the state continue on its path. A search for a gang life and all that other stu that I or federal government for a private charter school to take over began, and wanted these kids to have all the tools school. e total budget was far more through research, IDEA Public Schools to make good choices…make right than TCA was bringing in through from the Rio Grande Valley was chosen. choices like “Why would I go home to private tuition. We had to raise about - David Robinson TCA will open this fall as IDEA Carver; my wife?” or “Why would I do the one and half million dollars every year no longer a private school, but an right thing?” Obviously it comes from just to break even. David wanted to open-enrollment public charter school. a ‘Christian values’ standpoint, but I replicate the pillars established at e As a Naval Academy graduate, Robin- didn’t want the school to be a church. Carver Academy in a big way. Since son places high value on education. I wanted it to be a place of education. the take over by IDEA, they’ve

Online at: OnlineAlamoHeightsMagazine.com at: CommunityCircular.com59 received 392 applications for new students. ey Vanessa Barry, Senior Communications Man- rethink the way you do things; not can support 350 students.” ager for IDEA, shared “Including Carver Acad- altogether bad. Yes, we lose some With so many applications above capacity, emy, we’re looking for a twenty school expan- jobs, and some things have to change, IDEA held a lottery on March 13th to draw sion in San Antonio over the next eight years. but at the same time, a lot of things names for the slots available. As for the e main dierence between IPS and standard need to change. As a state, we’re Christian-based aspects established at Carver, public schools is that we’re a strict, rigorous fortunate to have support from those will be oered as optional services for new college prep school where we oer very few Walmart, Michael Dell, even Bill students since public schools do not incorporate electives that aren’t academically-based. Our Gates. ey’ve put a lot of money religious teachings under state guidelines. Rob- singular focus for kids from elementary to high into San Antonio as well as Texas in inson has an endowment that will be used for the school is to get those kids to and through general. We just have to be smarter spiritual growth of TCA students and their post college, free.” about how we use our resources.” K-12 education. In addition, the Ewing-Halsell Regarding the massive education budget cuts Robinson’s vision continues on Foundation has pledged a ten million dollar in 2011, Robinson agrees they were hurtful. “In now with help from IPS who oer grant to the IPS, and the Brackenridge Founda- some respects, it’s just like in the business world. the means to provide focused indi- tion awarded a one million grant. ose budget cuts will sometimes make you vidualized education to San Antonio’s students. “It’s still my baby, but I won’t have that ‘hands on’ involvement anymore.” As a father of three boys; two in high school and one o to college for the rst time, Robinson shares his thoughts on parental involvement in education. “Ultimately, it’s our responsibility. Whether you’re a parent who wants a faith-based education, the responsibility is still (yours). It starts at home; the work habits and how parents enforce them, and what (you) demand of your children.” Robinson says if IDEA Carver and “My three priorities when I rst I wanted to be able to talk about scrip- IPS schools in San Antonio continue started Carver was, number one, ture and plant those seeds; let them to ourish, then IDEA Public aesthetically, to build something the know this is the foundation for you Schools will advance throughout San Antonio resident and community could take pride in. It was that will never change. Everything else Texas continuing his vision as a former center for the Spurs; so close to where I used to play that I in this world will change, but how you leader in excellence in education. David Robinson has a vision for really wanted to – it looked like it had look at your faith will never change. educational excellence. at vision been twenty to thirty years since e Bible is the strongest, most consis- began in September of 2001 when e anyone had made improvements in tent book we have.” THE Carver Academy opened its doors to its that area. Number two was to educate Although IDEA Public Schools will rst 60 students. e Carver Academy the kids; give them a top-notch prep now run TCA, David Robinson will CARVER focused on inspiring and enforcing the school education. I wanted to make remain actively involved on their San basic principles of leadership, disci- sure these kids were prepared for the Antonio board along with TCA Board pline, initiative, and integrity with a highest level of academics in high Member Harvey Najim. “A couple of foundational focus on Judeo-Christian school and in college. e third part things prompted the need to go to a teachings. e student body doubled was to build character. Growing up in charter public school” says Najim. over the years, but a recessed economy the Virginia and D.C. area, I’d seen so “It’s tough to grow it (TCA) when you forced a need for change in order to many kids that had been a part of that don’t get any funds back from the state continue on its path. A search for a gang life and all that other stu that I or federal government for a private charter school to take over began, and wanted these kids to have all the tools school. e total budget was far more through research, IDEA Public Schools to make good choices…make right than TCA was bringing in through from the Rio Grande Valley was chosen. choices like “Why would I go home to private tuition. We had to raise about TCA will open this fall as IDEA Carver; my wife?” or “Why would I do the one and half million dollars every year no longer a private school, but an right thing?” Obviously it comes from just to break even. David wanted to open-enrollment public charter school. a ‘Christian values’ standpoint, but I replicate the pillars established at e As a Naval Academy graduate, Robin- didn’t want the school to be a church. Carver Academy in a big way. Since son places high value on education. I wanted it to be a place of education. the take over by IDEA, they’ve

Online60 at:Online CommunityCircular.com at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com 61 62 Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com 63 64 Online at: AlamoHeightsMagazine.com