78209 September 2013

A Traditional Settingfor Family HeirloomsA Traditional Settingfor Family Heirlooms

Alamo Heights GarageShares 55 years of knowledgeAlamo Heights GarageShares 55 years of knowledge

The Flumes BalanceWork and Play

AHISD School News

Police Blotter

78209www.78209magazine.com September 2013

MAGA Z I N E

4 | september 2013

78209MAGA Z I N E

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www.78209magazine.com September 2013CONTENTSSeptember 2013

05 Local garage educates clients

07 Profile

14 AHISD School News

16 Police Blotter

17 Wine and Dine

10

ON THE COVER:Family heirlooms and art adorn this Lincoln Green home.

07 17

10 At Home

www.78209magazine.com | 5

You’re a woman alone, driving down the high-

way, when suddenly your tire blows. Would you

know what to do? How about if you suddenly see

smoke rising from under your hood? Would you

know the cause of it, or would you have to rely on

an auto technician who may — or may not — be

taking you for the proverbial ride?

When it comes to cars, most women (and even

several men) have come to rely so heavily on com-

puterized systems that few of us would know what

to do in case of an emergency. Nor would we be

able to tell when a mechanic was making unnec-

essary and costly recommendations for repairs.

“Our industry has a few bad apples that ruin

the perception of this business,” says Darla Pundt,

who, together with her husband, Gary, owns and

operates Alamo Heights Garage. This family busi-

ness boasts 55 years under its hood and strives not

only to repair and maintain vehicles, but also to

educate vehicle owners, especially women.

“It is important for women to know more

about their cars and make educated and informed

decisions,” explains Darla. That is why Alamo

Heights Garage offers twice yearly women’s auto

classes. Participants can view an informative

slideshow from AC Delco, and then it’s off to the

garage for an up-close look under the hood.

Women of all ages and from all walks of life have

attended the classes. From members of the San

Antonio Charity League to high school students,

what they have in common is the desire to feel

more confident behind the wheel.

“This class offers a thorough andbasic understanding of a vehicleand how it works,” says Darla, whoadds that the classes are open toanyone, not just women. “There isnot a lot of technical jargon.”

These classes are a prime example of the

Pundts’ commitment to going above and beyond

for their customers. It is a commitment that was

established with the original owners, John and

Lee Pundt, whose reputation for honesty and in-

tegrity has resulted in generations of devoted cus-

tomers who wouldn’t dream of trusting their

vehicles to anyone else.

“We try to explain to the customer everything

that we are doing to his or her vehicle,” says Gary,

who has been known to text photos to customers

of the work that is being done, or that needs to be

done. “It establishes trust,” he says. “Explaining

and visually showing the customer what you are

doing removes any suspicion and helps the cus-

tomer understand the procedure more clearly.”

Gary, who got his start in the family busi-

ness by sweeping floors, took over the daily re-

sponsibilities when his father passed away in

1986. He and his mother continued to run the

business until her retirement in 1997, at which

point Darla stepped in to work side by side with

her husband. Together, the Pundts strive to

maintain the level of excellence set forth by the

elder Pundts. Both Gary and Darla are active in

the Texas Independent Auto Association, with

Gary serving as president of the San Antonio

Alamo chapter from 1991 to 1994, as well as

serving two terms as president at the state level.

Additionally, the couple have held numerous po-

sitions on several auto boards, and Gary has as-

sisted in strengthening the curriculum for

up-and-coming technicians at his alma mater,

By BONNY OSTERHAGE Photos By CASEY HOWELL

78209FEATURE

Alamo Heights GarageOffers More than Just Alamo Heights GarageOffers More than Just

TuneupsThey offer valuable education.

6 | september 2013

St. Philip’s College. Helping to produce a gen-

eration of technicians that are properly trained

and skilled is something that the ASE Certified

Master Technician is passionate about.

“This is a difficult business to stay in from a

technical side,” he says, adding that it is manda-

tory for his employees to attend continuing edu-

cation classes. “Vehicles change yearly, and it is

too easy to fall behind.”

The Pundts have also enjoyed a long and ac-

tive relationship with the Alamo Heights Chamber

of Commerce. In fact, it was Gary and his father

who were responsible for the hanging, testing and

storing of the thousands of Christmas lights that

grace Broadway during the holiday season. “My

dad started that tradition, and he started dragging

me out of bed to help when I was 17,” laughs this

father of three boys.

While he may not have realized it then, Gary

was learning what it means to go above and be-

yond for customers and the community. He con-

tinues to practice and uphold his parents’

successful business model of offering a fair price

for good service and then standing behind it. It is

how he has retained the devoted long-term cus-

tomers of Alamo Heights Garage and built a fol-

lowing of new customers who appreciate his

straightforward and personal approach to cus-

tomer service.

78209 FEATURE

“You should know your mechanic,” Gary Pundt says, recallinghow customers still regale him with stories of doing business withhis father. “It’s like finding a physician you trust. When you find oneyou love, you stay with him.”


You know that old adage about what happens to people who areall work and no play? Well, that doesn’t apply to Alamo Heightsresidents Rick and Jennifer Flume. When it comes to balancingwork and play, this family has the bases covered.

If the Flume name sounds familiar, chances are it’s because ofbaseball or bankruptcy. One is the family’s livelihood; the otheris their passion. Attorney Rick Flume has been helping San Anto-nio residents who are experiencing financial trouble to obtain afresh start since 1999 through his firm, Flume and Associates.More than just offering his clients a way to start over, this San An-tonio native offers instruction and education on ways to makemore money and save more money to improve their chances of fu-ture financial success.

“Rick offers them ways to think differently than they havethought before,” says Jennifer, who handles the firm’s bookkeeping.“It’s an extra personal touch that he offers to try to make a differencein their lives.”

Rick and Jennifer, who celebrate 16 years of marriage thismonth, met on a blind date at a Spurs game.“We were set up byfriends, and we hit it off so well that we didn’t even watch the gamebecause we were so busy talking,” recalls the bubbly Jennifer, whomoved to San Antonio with her family at the age of 8.

Settling in Alamo Heights seemed a natural fit for the pair. Rickwas a graduate of Alamo Heights High School, and both he and Jen-nifer were attracted to the convenience and what Jennifer describesas the “close-knit, small-town feel of the community.”

“It’s like a city within a city,” Rick agrees.The Flumes do more than simply live in Alamo Heights; they

embrace it! Sons Hayden, 13, and Harrison, 11, have attendedAlamo Heights schools since their days at Howard Elementary. Astay-at-home mom, Jennifer has devoted countless hours and lotsof energy to volunteering at various school events and is an activemember of the Alamo Heights School Foundation Board, using herbackground as a CPA to help with the resource allocation, marketingand finance efforts of this fundraising organization.

“I love the concept that the funds raised go directly to theschools in the Alamo Heights District,” she says enthusiastically.“We are gaining recognition and getting more donations every year.”

In addition to doing what they can to support the Alamo Heightsschools, Jennifer and Rick both donate their time and talents to a

78209PROFILE

They know how to balance work and playFlume Family Has the Bases Covered

By BONNY OSTERHAGE Photos By CASEY HOWELL

8 | september 2013

78209 PROFILE

cause near and dear to their hearts: the Alamo Heights Little League. Both Flume sons cut their teethplaying Tee Ball in the league, and Rick and Jennifer both serve on the board. “We love the AlamoHeights Little League because not only does it give the kids an opportunity to compete, it teachesthem about good sportsmanship and how to work well with others,” says Rick. “It also allows themto meet other kids, which is helpful in a school district as large as this one.”

Rick, who has been on the AHLL board for three years, serves as treasurer, while Jennifer is incharge of the league uniforms. “He writes the checks, but I do all of the work,” laughs Jennifer.

Even when the boys aren’t playing, you can find the Flumes either cheering or working behindthe scenes at the ballpark. “This is a working board, and it’s a big-time commitment,” says Rick.“But we really enjoy it.”

During the summers, you can find the Flumes taking a break from their commitments to enjoyfamily time spent waterskiing, wakeboarding and simply hanging out at their home on Lake Dunlapin New Braunfels. It is here where the family unwinds and relaxes, playing games (Jennifer is anavid mahjong player) and entertaining friends.

“We just really enjoy spending time together here as a family,” says Jennifer. “The kids wouldmove to New Braunfels if we’d let them, but we are committed to staying in Alamo Heights.”


78209AT HOME

10 | september 2013

Gated Community KeepsHouse Hunter

John Hess' home in Lincoln Green is the repository for family heir-looms and art, above and opposite, with a neutral color palette fo-cusing attention on the possessions. The vintage wrought iron potrack in the kitchen was a find at a Parisian flea market.

By JOHN BLOODSWORTH Photos By AL RENDON

At Home


Jon Hess has a proclivity for finding the perfect home, or should that behomes. Since moving to San Antonio in 1984, he has lived in 24 dwellings inMonte Vista, Olmos Park, Terrell Hills and Alamo Heights and now is com-fortably settled into Lincoln Green.

“I bought this house on a lark,” says Hess, who has resided in his homefor 14 years. “It had no charm, but it was a well-built house.”

He brought in interior designer Lisa Menick, who assured her client thatthe transformation would please his traditional and refined aesthetic. The grandentry features a sweeping staircase that properly fits the scale of the home,stately and functional. It is a repository for the first of many exemplary col-lections of family heirlooms and fine art that fill the home with substance andwarmth.

Menick chose a neutral palette for public room walls with taupe andcreams but applied a skillful hand with the painting of molding and the livingroom fireplace surround in a black lacquer finish. It brings a subtle gentrifica-tion to the home not found in its mid-‘80s inception.

An English burled walnut liquor cabinet in a corner of the well-appointedliving room is anchored by an antique Oriental paneled screen with inlay of

jade. Family porcelain and silver pieces are displayed in both the living anddining rooms.

Commanding attention on an English buffet, a massive Nymphenburgporcelain vase sets the tone in the formal dining room. Flanked by a group ofmatching mahogany chairs, a Hepplewhite dining table is set for entertainingwith views of the Quarry Golf Course now visible through the addition of asunroom adjacent to the dining area.

“I added the room and a pool to take advantage of the proximity to themanicured grounds of the golf course, which backs up to my property,” saysHess. “And there is a constant breeze that comes across the course that is pleas-ant even on the hottest days.”

A granite-clad island in the kitchen plays host to informal meals and offerswork space for culinary preparations. A vintage French wrought iron pot rackbrought back from a Parisian flea market excursion to Clignancourt keepscookware orderly.

So far, Hess’s fervor for house hunting has been satiated with finding otherfamilies great places to live in 78209. As an agent with Phyllis Browning &Company, he still has a fondness for Alamo Heights cottages with curb appeal.

Traditional aesthetic a background for family heirlooms

12 | september 2013


ALAMO HEIGHTSCELEBRATES

Dr. Kaye and Sidney Wilkins, Marshall andShelly Harrell, Donna and Dr. Mark Gilger with Dr.Fernando Guerra get together to enjoy a special cel-ebration.

Mark Richter, Kristina Mistry, Veronika Kuestand Carol Karotkin enjoy the gathering at the Kuest’sRanch.

Albert Kuest and daughter, Juliana Connolly,greet guests at the Kuest Ranch party.

Got the skinny on ‘09?Call or email 78209 magazine and you andyour friends could be featured in our 0-NINELIVES section. (210) 826-5375 or [email protected].

14 | september 2013

A combined 76 high school freshmen from 22 San Anto-

nio and surrounding area high schools competed at the Na-

tional Hispanic Institute’s (NHI) Texas Great Debate on June

13-16 at Austin College in Sherman and July 25-29 at the

NHI’s Texas Ambassador Great Debate hosted at the Univer-

sity of Texas at Austin.

The teams were composed of 35 members for the 2013

Ambassador Great Debate and 41 for the Sherman Great De-

bate team, with over 25 high school volunteer staff; in total,

over 100 high school youth participated.

The Ambassador Great Debate Team placed first out of

seven other regions from around the state of Texas. Team

members competed in five categories ranging from oratory,

extemporaneous speaking, cross examination, mock trial and

the athenaeum challenge. The debate is structured as a

round robin tournament in which the team members with

the highest average advance to the finals through single

elimination rounds.

In addition to placing first overall, the 2013 team also

boasts first place in the state in mock trial (at both the Sher-

man and Ambassador Great Debates), second place in the

state in oratory and the athenaeum challenge as well as the

all-state award for oratory, which goes to the individual with

the highest average in their particular category. Twenty-

eight team members from the Ambassador Team and five

from the Sherman Team received bids to the National His-

panic Institute’s International Showcase, Celebración, sched-

uled for October 31-November 3, in San Antonio. NHI’s

Celebración four-day leadership experience anticipates over

1,000 bright young college-bound Latinos/as representing 17

cities and five Latin American countries.

The members of both the 2013 San Antonio Great Debate

teams will be recognized by the City of San Antonio in Sep-

tember as well as by their respective high schools to highlight

the great accomplishments they have brought to our city.

For over 32 years, the work of the National Hispanic In-

stitute has made leadership training its chief means of en-

gaging high school Latino youth with strong potential.

For over 23 years, the San Antonio Community Leadership

Council (SACLC), the San Antonio affiliate volunteer group

of the National Hispanic Institute, has promoted leadership

by examining the character, ethics, beliefs and morals of

high-achieving Latino youth, working to engage youth in the

global Latino community, reaching beyond the borders of

the United States and into México, Argentina, Panama and

Puerto Rico, to name a few.

ALAMO HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL PARTICIPANTS INCLUDED

Sol Zona, Alamo Heights High School Ambassador;

Ricky Tamez, Alamo Heights High School Sherman;

Genesis Rivera, Alamo Heights High School Ambassador;

Julian Perales, Alamo Heights High School Ambassador;

Melanie McDaniel, Alamo Heights High School Ambassador;

Ryan Castro, Alamo Heights High School Ambassador;

Taylor Torres, Alamo Heights High School Ambassador;

Lilliana Sosa, Alamo Heights High School Sherman.

PARTICIPATING SAN ANTONIO-AREA HIGH SCHOOLS INTHIS EXPERIENCE ARE LISTED BELOW:

1. Alamo Heights

2. Brackenridge

3. Brandeis

4. Brooks Academy of Science & Engineering

5. Central Catholic

6. Clark

7. Johnson

8. Highlands

9. Holy Cross

10. Incarnate Word

11. Judson

12. Lee STEM Academy

13. McCollum

14. Providence

15. Saint Mary's Hall

16. South San Antonio

17. St. Anthony's

18. Jefferson

19. Travis

20. Warren

21. Young Women’s Leadership Academy

22. Health Careers

For more information, visit: www.saclc-nhi.org orwww.nhi-net.org

2013 San Antonio Ambassador Great Debate Team Wins Championship


The unveiling allowed students the opportu-

nity to share their experiences during the two-

year project in which they worked to build a

rocket designed to reach an altitude of 100,000

feet at MACH (three times the speed of sound).

The students then packed their custom rocket

and traveled to the launch site in White Sands,

New Mexico.

On Tuesday, July 30, the AHHS Aeroscience

students launched their 22-foot rocket, named

Maverick II, into the skies over White Sands,

New Mexico! Stationed in a command center

similar to those used by NASA, students ran a

series of pre-launch tests with great success.

Reaching this first benchmark, proved to stu-

dents that the rocket was indeed ready to

launch. As they counted down to liftoff, the stu-

dents shared their pride and excitement. White

Sands officials called the students and their

rocket impressive, sharing that this was the first

time they had ever seen a rocket of this magni-

tude built by amateurs.

As the rocket lifted and launched, students

and staff cheered. As it lifted, the rocket some-

how made contact with the launch railing and

was damaged. Reports indicate the rocket

launched to 3,000 feet before crashing after the

sustained damage.

Even though the rocket did not make its goal

of 100,000 feet, the students called the launch a

success. They are already planning the redesign

for next year's rocket, still riding high on the en-

thusiasm and excitement of this experience.

Alamo Heights High School Aeroscience students unveil their high-altitude rocket on July 25, in front of the high school

Alcohol Violation 07/28/13100 blk. VanderhoevenOfficer initiated contact with 2 male sub-jects during late night hours. Officer dis-covered one of subjects under theinfluence of alcohol and under age 21.Subject released to parent.

Narcotics Violation 07/27/13600 blk. Austin Hwy.Driver stopped for traffic violation foundto have suspended driver’s license. Duringinventory of vehicle prior to impound-ment, marijuana and narcotics parapher-nalia found. Case will be filed with DistrictAttorney’s office at a later date.

Vehicle Burglary 07/27/135800 blk. BroadwayVehicle unlawfully entered by breakingside window giving access to iPad andother property items left in open viewwithin passenger compartment.

Burglary Apprehension 07/26/13200 blk. E OakviewOfficer on patrol observed vehicle parkedin alleyway behind house. Officer wasaware owner of house was away andupon investigation apprehended malesubject removing property from houseafter forcing entry through rear doorway.Subject transported to jail.

Vehicle Burglary 07/26/13200 blk. ViescaVehicle unlawfully entered by breakingside window giving access to laptop com-puter left in open view within passengercompartment.

Vehicle Burglary 07/25/13100 blk. CoronaTwo vehicles unlawfully entered by break-ing side window giving access to purses leftin open view in passenger compartment.Drivers were picking up children at daycare.

Possession Stolen Property 07/24/13100 blk. MontclairOfficer attempted to stop vehicle with al-tered license plate prowling residentialstreets. Passenger fled from vehicle drop-ping a flashlight, cell phone and metham-phetamines. Driver detained for furtherinvestigation, revealing several items re-cently stolen from other vehicle burglariesand tools commonly used for burglary.Driver booked into jail.

DWI / Enhanced 07/24/131300 blk. TownsendDriver of vehicle stopped at night for driv-ing without headlights found to be underthe influence of alcohol and impaired.Driver booked into jail on enhancedcharge of DWI due to having juvenile pas-senger at time of offense.

Wanted Person 07/23/135700 blk. N. New BraunfelsDriver of vehicle stopped for speedingfound to have active arrest warrant for“Trademark Counterfeiting.” During vehi-cle inventory officers discovered 20 pursesand wallets with counterfeit trademarks.Counterfeit items seized pending addi-tional charges. Driver transported to Mag-istrate’s office for warrant disposition.

Wanted Person 07/22/135400 blk. BroadwayDriver of vehicle stopped for speedingfound to have active arrest warrant for lar-ceny issued by El Paso County. Drivertaken into custody and transported toMagistrate’s office for disposition.

DUI – Minor 07/20/137200 blk. BroadwayVehicle stopped for driving with 2 flattires. Investigation revealed minor driverunder the influence of alcohol and in pos-session of marijuana. Driver taken intocustody and later released to parent, crim-inal charges pending.

Theft – Shoplifting 07/20/134800 blk. BroadwayMale subject detained by store personnelfor attempting to leave without paying foritems. Subject issued citation for misde-meanor theft and released.

Burglary 07/19/13600 blk. EvansOfficers responding to burglar alarm athome discovered broken window paneson back door. Bedroom had been rum-maged through and several items of valuereported missing by resident.

Public Intoxication 07/19/135200 blk. BroadwayOfficers located male subject lying in road-way passed out from alcohol intoxicationand summoned EMS to conduct medicalevaluation. Once cleared by EMS, subjectwas transported to detoxification facility.

Wanted Person 07/17/135900 blk. BroadwayTraffic stop revealed driver with suspendeddriver’s license and active warrant for As-sault/Family Violence issued by BexarCounty. Driver arrested and transported toMagistrate’s office for disposition.

Fraud 07/16/136000 blk. BroadwayMale subject attempted to pass counter-feit travelers checks at bank. Officer inves-tigation revealed subject to be victim offraud. Subject received travelers checksfrom unknown with instructions to cashchecks and electronically send a portion ofmoney back to sender.

16 | september 2013

ALAMO HEIGHTS POLICE DEPARTMENTCriminal InvestigationsDivision

6116 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209(210) 822-2164 FAX (210) 822-7111

POLICE BLOTTER


78209WINE & DINE

Cheesy Jane’s

By RON BECHTOL

If you had a model train set as a kid, you’ll be thrilled. If you didn’t haveone, you can bask in vicarious nostalgia. (This is mostly a guy thing, I know,but surely more than one girl has also fantasized over the miniature worldconjured by a hootin’ and puffin’ tin horse.)

There is, of course, more to Cheesy Jane’s than a miniature train circlingoverhead; there’s also the brightly colored space furnished with diner-stylechairs and booths and punctuated by nostalgic neon. And while we’re on anostalgic journey, there are the milkshakes — malt optional. In my modeltrain days there were three flavors: vanilla, strawberry and chocolate.Cheesy Jane’s trumps tradition by offering 25 varieties, among them Dream-sicle (itself nostalgic) and Mint Chocolate Chip Oreo. I can only testify tothe Dark Chocolate Espresso: It was excessive, and excessively good, andthere was something almost sinfully satisfying about refilling the classicglass with the portion that remained in the mixing tin.

Continuing down the nostalgia trail, I don’t recall there being “starters”in long-ago burger joints — though there were also neither nachos, chipsnor salsa in my neck of the woods. Cheesy Jane’s, however, offers somethingcalled Spicy Splinters, and they are worth breaking stride for. The “splinters”consist of onion parts that might have not made the cut for rings and slicesof jalapeño, all lightly dusted in cornmeal, fried and served with a ranchdressing that’s thankfully not thickened to a fare-thee-well. Recommended— especially if you’re contemplating standard fries, Sweetie Fries (yes,sweet potato) or Tater Tots (a personal fave) with your classic grilled burger.

Cheesy Jane’s burgers, whether served at the restaurant or from the col-orfully painted truck, have been satisfying in the past (the local favorite beanburger is also mine), so on this last occasion I felt the urge to step out of thezone and try something new. Voila! The Southwest Turkey Burger. Bewarned (or perhaps encouraged): “Southwest” is taken seriously. The slabof ground turkey is draped in an entire blistered (though not blistering) andpeeled chile, the cheese is pepper jack, and the bun is cheddar jalapeño. Oh,yes — there’s also South of the Border Mayo. And the result is remarkablyrestrained, especially as the turkey itself is low-key. Nostalgia has its place,but it occasionally does need to make way for tomorrow’s traditions.

18 | september 2013

78209VINTAGE VIEW

Ready for somefootball

Photo courtesy of Alamo Heights ISD

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78209 September 2013