From Our Mayor
Jay F. Feibelman
Another year, but they get better and better. There seems to be no end to the progress and innovative happenings within the city. Note, for example, in this issue of the newsletter, the new instant notification system. What a tremendous asset this will be. Also for the first time, the city has an administrative vehicle.

I thank all again for the wonderful support given during 2007 and wish all a very prosperous and Happy New Year!

Welcome to Garden Ridge
New Residents:
Those listed and families:

Bobby & Donnie Crisp
Joseph & Heather Estrada
John & Shirley Goeke
Paul & Michele Hoskins
Chris & Becky Houser
Claudia & Naudia Lee
Curtis Meade
Richard & Barbara Pena
Mauro & Teresa Santellanes
Robert & Maria Sweeney
Christopher Walker
Hank & Tammy Weinstein
Robert & Amy Wemyss

Note: Newcomers are identified by water service records. Consequently, not all names in the household will appear. Those not appearing are also welcomed!

Open House
Start the new year with
new and old friends

You are invited to join us for our Fourth Annual Open House:

Thursday, January 10, 2008
Time: 4 pm to 7 pm
Place: Hazel Oaks
19311 FM 2252
Garden Ridge, TX 78266

(210) 651-1927

Hosted by: James N Voeller, Attorney
Doris A. Dollar-Kuretich, Ameriprise Financial Advisor, Ivan A. K. Friend, Ameriprise Financial Advisor
John N. Bergren, CPA

News from the
Texas Forest Service
Oak Wilt Prevention this Winter
Prevention is the key to preventing Oak Wilt spread.

• Select Well seasoned firewood
• Safely store unknown sources of firewood
• Destroy diseased Red Oaks
• Avoid wounding oaks during vulnerable seasons (Feb—June)
• Paint all oak wounds including pruning cuts

Oak firewood is an important commodity to Texans, whether it is used for firing up the barbecue pit or for warming up the home on a cold winter day. By selecting well-seasoned, disease free firewood and following other disease prevention guidelines, homeowners are taking the correct steps to prevent a new oak wilt disease outbreak in their neighborhood. Please visit www.texas oakwilt.org for more information on this devastating tree disease.
Provided by: Jim Houser
Coordinator for Oak Wilt and Invasive Species
Texas Forest Service
Office: 512-339-4589
Cell: 979-229-7461
e-mail: jhouser@tfs.tamu.edu

Instant Notification System

Connect-CTY is an instant telephone notification system that the City of Garden Ridge will begin utilizing on January 16, 2008. The city will utilize this system to notify citizens about street closures, water main breaks, weather emergencies and any other information citizens need to be aware of. More information will be coming.

Library Footnotes
by Nancy Feibelman

War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. For those who refuse to help themselves but depend on others to fight for them; that is much uglier.

Freedom is not free nor is it to be given away. There is always someone who wants yours.. What will you do?

The United States is fortunate to say “No!” and be able to put boots on the ground, planes in the air and ships under and on the sea.

Do you know that when President Roosevelt asked the Congress to declare war upon Japan on December 8, 1941, there was one “No” vote? However, the request passed. Who was it? Look it up!

In November two books were donated and I completely enjoyed them.!

The New York Times Bestseller BEYOND GLORY *Medal Of Honor Heroes In Their Words* tells of the “Extraordinary Stories of Courage From World War II To Vietnam “ by Larry Smith.

Presented by the National Endowment For The Arts, OPERATION HOMECOMING reports the current war in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Home Front, in the words of U.S. Troops and their families. It gives eyewitness accounts, private journals, short stories, and other writings.. It is edited by Andrew Carroll, bestselling editor of WAR LETTERS.

HOW TO BE PREPARED FOR ANYTHING

On Thursday, Jan 31 from 7 to 8 pm, you are invited to Bracken United Methodist Church for a presentation by Carol Edgett, the Emergency Management Coordinator for Comal County called “How to be Prepared for Anything”.

We live in a very uncertain world, and we are all aware that natural and man-made emergencies and disasters can happen in a split second. Do you know the best way to prepare? What things are of highest priority? Do your children know what to do? What about your parents? After it happens it is too late. Please join us to learn:

How to Be Prepared for Anything
Thursday, Jan 31, 2008 7 — 8:00 PM
Bracken UMC Fellowship Hall
20377 FM 2252

Open to the community, call 830-606-6717 to sign up
Childcare provided with reservation.

GARAGE SALE
The Garden Ridge Women’s Club Annual Citywide Garage Sale will be Saturday, March 15, 2008, from 8 AM to 12:00 Noon at the Garden Ridge Community Center. It’s not too early to plan! Rent a table and sell your under-loved items, shop for more treasures, or both! Member reservation for tables will be accepted beginning Wednesday, January 9th. Non-member reservations will be accepted beginning Saturday, February 9th.

Member costs:
(Inside table $25; outside table $30)
Non-member costs:
(Inside table $35; outside table $40)

There is no admission fee.
For more information or questions:
Peggy Campbell 651-6065
Catherine Schiller 651-6103

Important Numbers

City Hall 210-651-6632
Lost Pet 210-651-6831
Police Department 210-651-6441

COOKING CLASS
HEB and GRWC
The Garden Ridge Women’s Club HEB Central Market cooking class will be January 24, 2008, from
11:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Cost to members is $30 per person; cost to nonmembers is $35 per person. Not only do you get to watch talented chefs prepare a delicious meal that you get to eat, but you also learn how to prepare each item and obtain many cooking tips throughout the class. This event fills up quickly and seating is limited to the first 30 people who send in their money. Send your check payable to GRWC to:
Diana Schonhoff
13014 Tonne Dr. E
New Braunfels, TX 78132
For more information or questions, call Diana Schonhoff (830) 609-2972 or Peggy Campbell (210) 651-6065

QUARRY COMMISSION
On December 10, the Quarry Commission held its monthly meeting.

The Vibra Tech representative reviewed the blasting analysis data from November. He reported there were 14 blasts, with a peak PPV reading on Nov 16 of .335 at the Warden residence. The peak air (db) readings were 120.0db on Nov 5 at the Warden residence and on Nov 13 at the Michell residence. Four blasts were on the 50 foot face in the “notch” area near Trophy Oaks, 5 blasts were on the west wall, 3 blasts were on the floor, 1 blast was on the south wall, and 1 blast was in the West Texas Aggregate pit.

The Nov 29th blast, near the clay fault line that runs through Trophy Oaks, was noted as being very strong by some attendees.

Many of the blast readings were in the lower frequencies, but blast frequency readings were somewhat higher than in October. The Quarry representative will continue working with blasters to change explosive timing in an effort to increase frequencies.

According to the Quarry representative another 10 to 15 blasts are required to complete work in the “notch” area near Trophy Oaks. He also said it would take 6 to 9 months to complete all blasting near Trophy Oaks. Blasting will then proceed to the north.

Two citizen complaint forms were filed and Quarry commission members will contact them for further information.

Citizens interested in having Quarry blasts monitored at their residence should contact a member of the Quarry Commission. Citizens are also invited to attend the next Quarry Commission meeting on Jan 14, 2008
at 7pm.

Coming Events
Go to the Calendar.

Significant City Council
Actions in November

Grapevine Deadline
The deadline for articles/notices for the GRAPEVINE February issue is
January 15th!