From Our Mayor
Jay F. Feibelman
It’s finally happened! We continue to settle in our new facility and marvel at how well the construction turned out. By value engineering, we scaled back the initial bid cost by approximately $500,000 and still got what we needed and wanted. If the construction were bid out today, the cost would easily amount to $750,000 to $1 million more due to increased material and construction costs. Please remember that this facility was built at NO increase to your city tax rate, which remains at a low 0.23246 per $100 evaluation. If that figure is Greek to you, check the tax rates for the surrounding cities on the internet.

Please join us on Friday, February 9th far a Grand Opening and Open House from 2pm. until 6 pm.

As always, thanks for your continued support. Happy Valentines Day!

Welcome to Garden Ridge
New Residents:

Jerry & Janice Farmer
Tony & Kathy Imondi
Don & Betty Poe
Andrew & Andree Ranft
John and Jerry Richardson
Randall & Lori Russell
William & Susan Soeth
Marilyn Stair
Marvin & Fortuna Vardeman

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

Bible Lessons for Youth
February 23 — 25, 2007
Come join middle and senior high school youth from around San Antonio, February 23 - 25, 2007 for a weekend of Bible lessons and classes focusing on Tough Choices facing today’s youth. Using the Bible as the foundation, youth in grades 6 through 12 will learn ways to make good decisions as they face peer pressure, relationships and other issues as they strive to live as Christians. For more information, call 210-710-5497. All classes and lessons will be held at the Garden Ridge Church of Christ building at 19881 FM 2252.

Prom Items Wanted
Cleaning out your closets for the New Year? If you have any slightly used prom or bridesmaid dresses and accessories, please consider donating them to the Roy Mass Children’s Shelter for their High School Girls. Prom season is coming soon — what a fabulous gift for these girls who have had such painful young lives! Please bring the dresses (have them dry cleaned first, if needed) to the City Library Monday thru Saturday 10 am to noon during February. Pam Camosy will take them to the shelter. Let's share our good fortune!

Thanks from Dody Olesen

Thank you to over 125 friends, either at Ed’s service or those who sent cards. Only in Garden Ridge would anyone feel such friendship! I’m never leaving! Dody Oleson

Safety Reminder:
Garage Doors. A reminder to keep garage doors down and secured when not in the immediate area. Garage thefts are classified as a crime of opportunity. Remember, out of sight, out of mind.

Invitation to Open House
All Garden Ridge area residents are cordially invited to an Open House celebrating the Grand Opening of the
City of Garden Ridge City Hall, Police Department, Library, and Public Works Facility.

Friday, February 9, 2007
2 pm. until 6pm
Light refreshments

9400 Municipal Parkway Garden Ridge, Texas

Filings for City Election
February 12 - March 12, 2007
The General Election for the City of Garden Ridge will be held on May 12, 2007. City Council, Places 2, 3 and 6 (Mayor) will be up for election for a 2 year term. Individuals interested in filing for a place on the ballot can do so beginning February 12 through March 12, 2007 at City Hall during regular business hours 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. March 19th is the last day to file for a write-in
candidacy.

Significant Dates from Past
5 Feb — US Constitution Anniversary
12 Feb — Lincoln’s Birthday, 1809
22 Feb — Washington’s Birthday, 1732

Library Footnotes
By Nancy Feibelman
Our New library is up and running with over 10,000 volumes, a large selection of video and audio tapes, and a lovely, revamped children’s section. Come see us Monday through Saturday from 10 am until Noon and Thursday from 6:30 pm to 8 pm. Don’t forget the Grand Opening on Friday February 9th from 2 pm until 6 pm. We are looking to expand hours of the facility in the future and, in that regard, would like your input. Please cut off and return the questionnaire below in your water bill or directly to the library or City Hall.

Don't Feed Pets These FoodsAlcoholic Beverages
Avocado
Chocolate (all forms)
Coffee (all forms)
Fatty foods
Macadamia Nuts
Moldy or spoiled foods
Onions, onion powder
Raisins and grapes
Salt
Yeast dough
Garlic
Products sweetened with xylitol
Poison Control said as few as 7 raisins or grapes could be toxic.
Reprinted from a Humane Society bulletin

Pet Registration
If you did not register your pets in January, please do so as soon as possible! This is required by city ordinance, costs $5.00 and requires proof of a rabies vaccination.
To complete the form online go to:
Pet Registration Form.

Thanks for Coats
Thanks to all who supported the “donate coat” event in December for the homeless co-sponsored by Garden Ridge and Grumpy’s Mexican Café. The drive was a huge success and the items were distributed by Grumpy in January.
Thank You

Police Academy Alumni
Fundraiser Coming Soon
The Garden Ridge Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association— Dedicated to enhancing relations between our community and the Garden Ridge Police Department — is also involved in fundraising to support the Garden Ridge Police Department. In the next few days you will find literature about our organization and a voluntary request for a donation on your doorstep/front door. This literature will explain what we do and how you can help. Please feel free to find out more about your community organization the “GRCPAAA”.

Garden Ridge Women's Club
Come and enjoy upcoming GRWC activities. Join the Garden Ridge Women’s Club Now.
Call Tanya Haddad at 651-9241 for more information.

Citywide Garage Sale
March 17th
Start cleaning those closets! The citywide garage sale, sponsored by the Garden Ridge Womens Club is fast approaching. The date is March 17. Each year it gets bigger and better, so start planning now. Member reservations will begin on February 10th. For more information contact Juli Betz at 651-3406.
Back by popular demand!! The GRWC is already planning the Christmas Gala for 2007. Mark your calendars for December 8, 2007. Don’t miss the excellent entertainment, food and fun with friends. Look for more information in upcoming Grapevines for our Second Annual Event.

Coming Events (see the calendar)

Significant City Council
Actions in January

Western Sunday and Cowboy Breakfast
Come join Triumphant Lutheran Church, 21315 Bat Cave Road, Garden Ridge, for Country Western Services and a free Cowboy Breakfast Sunday morning, February 11th at 8:3 am 11am. Wear your boots and jeans or other cowboy/cowgirl outfit. The Cowboy Breakfast featuring biscuits and gravy will be served between services beginning at approximately 9:45am. Pony rides and petting zoo for the kids. Free nursery available. For additional information, call 651-9090. Y’all Come!

Solicitation in the City
Solicitors are required to obtain a permit prior to any solicitation within the city limits. In the event you encounter a solicitor, ask the solicitor to produce the permit for inspection. If a permit cannot be produced, remind the solicitor that a permit is required to solicit within the city limits. Excuse yourself and notify the Police Department immediately. Please remember most solicitors do not know about the permit requirement.

Grapevine Deadline
The deadline for articles/notices for the GRAPEVINE is normally the 18th of the previous month. Please have all submissions for the March Grapevine in by February 16 due to the short month.

Library Survey
Complete the online form and mail it to us or bring it to the Library. You may also cut out the survey in the paper copy of the Grapevine and bring it to the Library.

Discharge of Firearms in Garden Ridge Prohibited
There have been recent reports of those firing bb-guns or pellet guns at wild life in the city. The discharge of any firearms in the city is strictly prohibited within the city limits and can result in a citation