Downtown Residents Association

THE DOWNTOWNER February 2009

Feb 25, 2009

February 2009

Message from the President

As we witness change occur in our national politics, changes will occur in our own current DRA Officer status. I regret that I cannot serve a second term as your president and I encourage any DRA member that is inspired to lead our organization consider serving either on our Board or as President. Serving as your president is truly a rewarding and educational experience. My last two years have been filled with many opportunities to meet and interact with a variety of political officials, other local neighborhood associations and of course, the warm and wonderful members of the DRA.

I have an opportunity to pursue a venture that will occupy much of my free time (in addition to my fulltime job and my part-time job) and I know I will not have the time needed to dedicate to the DRA. Certainly, I would serve again as President, should the opportunity come about again, but for now, I need to dedicate my efforts elsewhere.

Rose Bonny is serving as the Chair of the Nomination Committee. If you are interested in serving or have a suggestion to nominate another DRA member, please contact her at roseoftexas@satx.rr.com.

It's Rodeo time in San Antonio! I hope you enjoyed the cattle drive down Houston Street at the Houston Street Fair and support local scholarships that benefit our students as a direct result of funds raised through the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo.

We have a special treat for our February meeting. Come out and meet Fred Preston and be one of the first in the city to get an autographed copy of his new book, Historic Doors of San Antonio. He will be out and about in the media soon promoting his book, but we will be one of the first groups to share in his excitement. This is an incredible book of his photography of famous, familiar and fabulous doors in and around downtown and Monte Vista. Our meeting will be at 6 PM, Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at The Cool Caf?© (in the Havana Hotel) 123 Auditorium Circle. Bring your cash or checks and support Fred!
Cathey Meyer, President
226-1878
catheymeyer@aol.com

DRA Business

FOR SALE - DRA Polo Shirts

Polo Shirts with DRA logo displayed prominently on the front (upper left side).

Sizes M to 2XL $10.00
Call John Bonny at 932-8137


FOR SALE - DRA Mug

Mug with DRA logo.
$5.00

Call John Bonny at 932-8137
Announcements

February DRA Meeting
Tuesday, February 17, at 6 PM
The Cool Cafe
123 Auditorium Circle (in the Havana Hotel)


ACTIVE MEMBERS WANTED: You DO NOT have to be a DRA Board member to have a voice in DRA. We need help with our meeting planning committee and membership committee. Please consider donating a couple of hours a month to help us grow and discover wonderful downtown locations to host our meetings. Contact Cathey at catheymeyer@aol.com or 226-1878 to serve your DRA!

DID YOU KNOW?

If you submit your photo(s) to our editor, John Bonny, (email: park3850@satx.rr.com) we will gladly share your activities with our members!

If you see trouble on the Riverwalk, you can call the Park Police (207-8590) or the SAPD Bike Patrol (207-7764).

The Downtown Blog
Ben Olivo, Entertainment Editor of My San Antonio, a feature of the Express-News, has a downtown blog at: http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/downtown



Announcing a new publication -
by Dr. Frederic R. Preston


Showcasing the elegance and diversity of San Antonio's historical architecture, the book features over 180 color photographs of beautiful doorways shot downtown, at the church missions, and throughout the King William and Monte Vista Historic Districts.
Available at:
The Twig Book Shop
San Antonio Museum of Art Gift Shop
On Main Off Main, Cards & Gifts
www.SchifferBook.com
www.Amazon.com

Remember Fred will be at the February 17 DRA meeting. Come out and meet Fred Preston and be one of the first in the city to get an autographed copy of his new book, Historic Doors of San Antonio. He will be out and about in the media soon promoting his book, but we will be one of the first groups to share in his excitement. This is an incredible book of his photography of famous, familiar and fabulous doors in and around downtown and Monte Vista.
Price of the book is $19.99 plus tax ($1.65) = total price of $21.64.

New Members

Welcome to Our Association

Barbara Gilmartin of La Cascada
Paul & Dolores Celdon of Fair Oaks Ranch
Teresa & Greg Johnson of La Cascada
Max Porterfield of Refugio
Angela Rinehart of Vidorra
Bob & Leslie Rockey of La Cascada

Recent Events

ZOCOLOCOS

ZOCOLOCOS was a huge hit at the Crockett Hotel's Ernie's Bar on January 19th. Yes, even on a holiday, we had over 90 live/work/play downtowners gather for a little socialization. Thank you to Ernie's Bar for the great event space. Watch the March DRA Newsletter for the ZOCOLOCO'S March 16th gathering.

Upcoming Events


SOUTHWEST SCHOOL of ART & CRAFT
2009 FREE PUBLIC EXHIBITIONS
All exhibitions are free and open to the public Mon-Sat, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: 300 Augusta in downtown San Antonio, Texas 78205
The Russell Hill Rogers Galleries, located on the Navarro Campus are also open Sun 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

2009 SPECIAL EVENTS / PUBLIC PROGRAMS
Artist Talk - Friday February 6 at 1 p.m.
Susie Ganch: Bits and Pieces
Ganch, from Richmond VA, will lecture and show images of her metal work. Ellison Lecture Hall, Navarro Campus
Artist Talk - Friday February 20 at 7 p.m.
Michael Sherrill: A Conversation
Sherrill will show images of his ceramic work and discuss his influences. Ellison Lecture Hall, Navarro Campus

Workshop - Saturday March 14 between 12 and 4 p.m.
Magic Lanterns - Open to ages 10 and above, this workshop offers a contemporary take on the historical use of shadow puppets. Create your own shadow puppet around the theme of "monsters" and participate in a group showing of projected puppet images. Russell Hill Rogers Lecture Hall, Navarro Campus

For information, other exhibits and classes call 210-224-1848 or visit www.swschool.org


Aldaco's has it's own Energy Relief Effort with Complimentary Shuttle Service in the downtown area. That's right, they will come pick you or your group up for lunch and or dinner and then drop you back off at the office. You save gas by carpooling with coworkers for lunch. Their driver is standing by so please give them a call @ 210.222.0561. Menu choices vary daily. Please visit their website at www.aldacos.net to view their lunch and dinner menus. They are open from 11am-10pm Monday - Thursday, 11 AM - 10 PM, Fridays and Saturdays, 11 AM -11 PM, and closed Sundays. Available for private parties any day of the week and including breakfast meetings. Please give them a call to see how they can accommodate your needs. 210.222.0561
NOTE: 10% off your meal anytime you show your DRA membership card!!




Check out the fresh vegetables, fruits and other treats at the Friday Morning Farmers Market on Main Plaza this spring. They are on winter break.


For more information visit http://www.downtownsa.org/ (this web site is being changed and my not be available)
More Downtown Events and Issues Resources

There is a lot of pertinent information to downtown living in the following newsletters published. Explore the links to their newsletters:




Downtown Operations Newsletter




San Antonio.gov

The City of San Antonio's Housing and Neighborhood Services Department is excited to introduce a brand-new graffiti initiative for 2009! We are looking for active neighborhood leaders who are tired of seeing graffiti and want to take charge of their community!
Should you have any questions on this program, you can contact Melissa Guedea at Melissa.Guedea@sanantonio.gov or Lisa M. McKenzie at Lisa.McKenzie@sanantonio.gov
More information, and an application can be found at: www.sanantonio.gov/graffiti.


You're invited to an important Metropolitan Planning Organization workshop
The Metropolitan Planning Organization is holding a series of workshops as part of the process to update the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) for 2035. They need your input because the MTP will provide the framework for selecting transit projects for funding over the next 25 years. Priorities will also be discussed regarding roadway, rideshare, bicycle and pedestrian improvements.
Here is a perfect opportunity to get your voice heard on the direction we should take in the future.
For more information on the workshops go to www.mtp2035.org.

Volunteers needed for the 2009 Luminaria - March 14, 2009
San Antonio's United Arts Fund is organizing a volunteer corps for Luminaria, Arts Night in San Antonio on Saturday, March 14, 2009. If you would like to be a part of this year's Luminaria, you can register to volunteer to help with this premiere event. Over 100,000 people enjoyed the talents of artists, musicians, actors, and everything in between during the 2008 event. This year it will be even bigger and better, and we could use your help in making it happen.
Providing information and helping artists are just a few of the areas where your help is needed. To sign up, go to the web site, www.luminariasa.org, click on volunteer, and fill out the easy registration form. Exact times and areas of responsibility are clearly laid out so you can choose just when and where you would like to work. If you have specific questions you can call 210-569-6954.

Houston Street Fair & Market
Saturday, February 28th on Houston Street from 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm. Theme for February is San Antonio History. For details call 207-7258 or visit www.houstonstreetfairandmarket.com


Tuesday Musical Club, Inc
Zephyr Trio - Tuesday, March 3, 2009 at 2 p.m.
Laurel Heights United Methodist Church (Belknap and Woodlawn Sts.)
The Zephyr Trio's probing musicality and intelligence captivates listeners and resonates in the hearts of music lovers worldwide. Each member - flutist Lady Jeanne Galway, pianist Jonathan Feldman and cellist Darrett Adkins - enjoys a distinguished and varied musical life, with an impressive list of personal achievements. The group draws upon their varied chamber music and solo backgrounds to create compelling duo/trio programs. The Zephyr Trio repertoire includes the works of Haydn, Damase, Francaix, Villa-Lobos, Debussy, Ravel, Weber and Martinu. The chamber music group has been performing together since 2000, and regularly tours around the United States and Europe. The Washington Post described the Zephyr Trio as "...commanding and confident...with notable vitality and freshness."
Sponsored by Fernande Brake Estate and Mattie-Jennie Fund.
For further information, visit www.satmc.org
Downtown Alliance

Downtown Alliance URBAN RENAISSANCE LUNCHEON
Please join us on Monday, February 23, 2009 for a presentation by an industry expert who has consulted on several successful street trolley projects around the country. The presentation will cover the rationale for why a system like this should be considered, and the economics behind this type of initiative. There is no question that attendees to this luncheon will gain a better understanding about these types of transit systems and how they can stimulate new long-term development.
Make your reservations today for this informative presentation and discussion.
February 23, 2009 - Noon
Hyatt Regency
Call: 210-2251569 to reserve your seat or table today!
FAIR FOCUS 2009

Sponsorships Sought, Applications Online, Key Volunteer Positions
KING WILLIAM FAIR DAY 2009 IS SATURDAY, APRIL 25
See www.kwfair.org/volunteers/index.htm for more information.
NEW: Sponsorship Connections Sought
Do you work for or have connections to a company that would be interested in becoming an official sponsor of the King William Fair?

Sponsorships help defray the cost of producing the Fair and also help make it one of the most affordable Fiesta?® San Antonio events. With an estimated 50,000 attendees, the Fair is a prime way to show San Antonio that you believe in our mission to support the arts, education, and community improvements with family fun in the state's first residential historic district!

A variety of sponsorship opportunities are available. Please contact the Fair office at kwfair@sbcglobal.net or 271-FAIR for more details. Thank you!

UPDATED: Fair 2009 Applications Online
The Fair is looking for creative artisans, entertaining performers, delicious food, fun parade entries, and engaging kid's activities! Applications for the Fair are available online. See www.kwfair.org/vendors/index.htm for more information.

The application deadlines are:
Art & Craft - January 28
Entertainment - February 25
Food - February 25
Parade - March 4
Kids Kingdom - March 16

UPDATED: Fun & Energetic People Needed for Key Volunteer Positions
Your time and talents are needed for the Fair. You don't have to be a KW resident, but you do have to share the Fiesta?® San Antonio spirit! A variety of volunteer jobs are available, including the following key volunteer positions:
Stage Managers - oversee Fair Day lineup for one of our performance areas
Veterans Parade Entry Liaison - coordinate veterans entry and ride a Segway in the Parade
Kids Parade Entry Driver - drive flatbed truck/trailer for neighborhood kids entry in the Parade
Valero Volunteer Booth Liaison - coordinate volunteer check-in for our largest group of volunteers
First Aid Manager - ensure that our First Aid teams have everything necessary to provide swift and safe assistance to those in need
Most key volunteer positions require some preparation time before the Fair and some, but not all, of your time on Fair Day. Contact the Fair office at kwfair@sbcglobal.net or 271-FAIR for more details and to volunteer. Thank you!

"If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough."
-Mario Andretti

Sincerely,
John Bonny
Downtown Residents Association
Table of Contents:
Message from the President
DRA Business
New Members
Recent Events
Upcoming Events
Dates and Times

DRA Meeting
2/17 6 PM

SSAC Exibits
Various Dates

Luminaria Volunteers - 3/14

Houston Street Fair & Market
2/28 - 12-6 PM

Tuesday Musical
3/3 2 PM

Urban Renaissance Luncheon
2/23 - Noon

Lunch Bunch
2/26 - Noon

Events are listed in the order they appear in the newletter. See the item for more details.


Join the Lunch Bunch for a tasty meal and meet your neighbors.

The Lunch Bunch will meet Thursday, 26 Feb at 12 noon at The City Club, 222 E. Houston St.(on the third floor of the Majestic Building).
Need an immediate update on downtown activities?

Go to: www.visitsanantonio.com and/or find out what is happening with the Downtown Alliance at www.downtownsa.org.
New downtown organization: The San Antonio River North Improvement Alliance.
Meetings are the 3rd Thursday of each month. Membership is
$10 annually.
Contact Harper Huddleston at harperm@harperhuddlestoninc.com or call 821-4001 x. 303.
CONTACT
CATHEY MEYER
226-1878
or
catheymeyer@aol.com
to volunteer for the DRA committes.
Officers and
Board Members
President:
Cathey Meyer
226-1878
catheymeyer@aol.com

Vice President:
Vacant

Secretary:
Joanna Foster
212-7279
jfoster19@satx.rr.com

Treasurer:
Fred Preston
375-6692
frederick.preston@sunysb.edu

Board Members:
Joan Korte
225-6783
korte@satx.rr.com

Kay Kutchins
228-0094
kaykutchins@att.net

Sandra Willis
512-663-3174
willissg@aol.com

Robert Potts
883-5223
Rpotts@dixonwater.org

Tony Cantu
394-1148
CENTURYV8@aol.com

Tom DeBrooke
H: 225-5866
C: 487-0666
Tom@CredibilitySharing.com
Joanne Stawicki
382-7885
js@toolboxstudios.com

John Bonny
932-8137
park3850@satx.rr.com

Rose Bonny
932-8137
roseoftexas@satx.rr.com


The purposes of the
Downtown Residents Association is to perpetuate the social well-being of the residents living in downtown San Antonio; to preserve, protect and develop the downtown area; to provide a quality environment for living and enjoying the multi-cultural heritage of downtown San Antonio-past, present
and future.


If you have news or events that you'd like to share with your fellow downtowners, please send them to me at my email address below.


Sincerely,
Cathey Meyer,
President
226-1878
catheymeyer@aol.com
Forward email


Downtown Residents Association | 222 E. Houston St | Suite 600 | San Antonio | TX | 78205