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Many of our members recently participated inlocal precinct and county conventions. The

Comal County convention was held this pastSaturday at the Brauntex Theatre and Bar-W was

well represented by serving as voting delegates and on severalcommittees including nominations, resolutions, rules, andcredentialing.

There is still more to come. The Republican Party ofTexas State Convention will be held this year in downtown SanAntonio. Committee meetings are scheduled to occur betweenJune 11-13. The Convention is June 14-16.

Delegates at the Comal County convention nominatedand elected the county’s available 85 delegates and almost 50alternates to go to the state convention. Bar-W members areagain filling many of the slots and will be involved in helpingdecide the future direction of the Republican party in Texas.

Attending the state convention provides an incredibleopportunity to see and hear our state elected officials and otherspecial guests speak. Attendees can also register to attend avariety of events such as the Grassroots Club Breakfast, RPTGala Banquet and/or the convention’s own “Night in Old SanAntonio.”

There’s still room for many more Bar-W members toparticipate in the state convention – even if not going as avoting delegate or alternate. Yes, that’s right –VOLUNTEERS are needed!! And the tasks for which thesevolunteers can choose will run the gamut from registration andcheck-in, working at caucus meetings, serving as guides, andmore. Have a college student that will be home during thesummer or a high school senior? They are needed to work aspages with specific tasks being assigned to this select group.A great learning experience one should take advantage of, if atall possible.

Check out the RPT’s website for more information andregistration www.texasgop.org/state-convention-2018/. And join me and your fellow Bar-W members in ourcontinued efforts to Keep Texas Red!

Political ads are paid for by the candidates or their committees and DONOT constitute an endorsement by the Bulverde Area RepublicanWomen. Political advertising paid for by the Bulverde Area RepublicanWomen – PAC Not endorsed by any candidate or candidate’s committee.

« Legislative Update, page 3

« Chaplain’s Chat, page 4

« March Meeting | Vulcan Quarry, page 5

« Literacy Project, page 8

« Women’s Fitness, page 9

Photos from our March meeting, pages 6-7

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Geri B. Ray, President

Vacant, 1st Vice President, Programs

Linda K. Harlan, 2nd Vice President, Membership

Diane L. Moore, 3rd Vice President, CampaignActivities/Volunteers

Dr. Sheila K. McHenry, Recording/Corresponding Secretary

Gloria O. Hawkins, PAC Treasurer

Vacant, Chaplain

Terry Rogers, Parliamentarian

Kaci Sisk, Immediate Past President

COMMITTEE CHAIR COMMITTEE CHAIR

Achievement Awards Diane L. Moore Literacy Fran Carlson

Boutique Patricia Avery Military Liaison Virginia Donnelly

Caring for America Diane M. Zornow Newsletter OPEN

Community Presence Initiative Linda L. Bartle Publicity Sally Jane Driscoll

Directory Linda K. Harlan Senior Americans Virginia Donnelly

Fundraising Terry Rogers Teenage Rep. Liaison Sandy Hancock

Historian OPEN Telephone Vicki Panzer

Hospitality Chair Susan Shapiro Website Caryn Maus

Legislative Kaci Sisk Women’s Fitness Jan Tilley

2018 Committee ChairmenPlease contact the Committee Chairman if you would like to serve on their Committee

Bar-W Officers“Freedom is never more than onegeneration away from extinction. Wedidn’t pass it on to our children in thebloodstream. It must be fought for,protected, and handed on for them to dothe same, or one day we will spend oursunset years telling our children and ourchildren’s children what it was once likein the United States where men were free.”

Ronald ReaganAddress to the Annual Meeting of thePhoenix Chamber of CommerceMarch 30, 1967

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General Meetings (All Mondays) Board MeetingsMay 14th May 10th

June 11th June 5th

July « Summer Social TBD July 5th

August 13th August 9th

September 10th September 6th

October 8th October 3rd

November 26th « Guest Dinner Night November 8th

December 8th« Christmas Party No Meeting

NOTE: All General Meetings GVTC Auditorium @ 6:00 p.m.(unless otherwise announced)

Upcoming Meetings

Linda BartleGeri Becker

Audrey CheatumJen CrownoverMary DockerySally Driscoll

Diana FergusonHelen Jonsson

Marilyn ManfordSharon Hall Monge

Diane MooreCindy Payne

Geri RayKaci Sisk

Diane Zornow

Randy BeckerChris Byrd

Mark CheatumKen DockeryJim FergusonKurt Geiwitz

Tex HallBob Hieronymus

Dean JonssonGreg MongeKeith Schuler

Lindy Sisk

Report from the Comal County ConventionBy Kaci Sisk, Legislative Chair

The Saturday morning was chilly, an early start meant the day promised to be long, andthe primary season had worn people down, but county Republicans turned out to participate inthe Comal County Republican Party County Convention!

The Convention, held March 24th at the Brauntex Theatre in New Braunfels, wasattended by delegates who were elected at their Precinct Conventions on March 10th. Thesedelegates showed up to stand up, be counted, and to make a difference.

Bar-W was heavily represented at the Convention as delegates, working volunteers,committee members, and all did what Bar-W is so good at: engage in our community andpolitics for our future. Thank you to all who participated!

Of thirty-three Resolutions submitted from the Precincts and day of the Convention,thirteen were presented to the Convention Delegates. Eight Resolutions were approved by theDelegates to be submitted to the Republican Party of Texas State Convention in June.

85 Delegates and 47 Alternates were elected to the State Convention. I’m proud to reportthat many Bar-W Primary Members and Associates were elected as delegates or alternates!

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Who Are You Asking?Gwen Smith

Recently, we had a plumber come to our house toinstall a new kitchen sink. While he worked, he and myhusband chatted away. Eventually Brad casuallymentioned that we had an issue with the water pressure inour downstairs powder room. Once the kitchen sink wasfully installed, the plumber asked to see the bathroomsink. Within 30 seconds he not only identified our four-year-old problem, but he fixed it! In 30 seconds!

It was a simple filter problem. Our filter had beenclogged. For four years. He unscrewed the tip of ourfaucet and rinsed out the filter, then put it back in place.Problem solved. The water flows perfectly now.

The sink is the same sink, the faucet is the same faucet, but now it works great because wefinally asked the right person about our problem! The plumber knows all about sinks and he knewjust what needed to be done.

It really doesn’t take a genius to figure out where the God-connection to all of this is heading,right? We need to take our problems to the One with the answers. We need to ask God first. I messup on this all the time! I look to other people for help with my problems instead of first asking God.Don’t we all do this? We go to our friends, we ask our husbands, and often we ask Google! All ofwhich can be good and valid sources for knowledge and direction. It is very easy, however, to go tothe phone before we go to the throne, isn’t it? We run to people with good intentions who possesslimited knowledge and subjective opinions.If you and I are looking for answers, direction, or wisdom – we need to go to God first. God givesguidance in everything that we inquire of Him. He is the source of all wisdom, all knowledge, allunderstanding… all that we need.

“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs2:6)

“Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.” (Isaiah 55:6)The plumber had the know-how to fix my sink. He’s a sink expert! God is all knowing and is

the One we need for the answers we seek. He’s the life expert! Imagine what our lives would looklike if we always asked God for help first. We could avoid so many troubles and gain great vision,clarity, and direction. It’s for a good reason that we are told to “pray continually.” (1 Thessalonians5:17-18)

Dear Lord, please lead me in your wisdom, knowledge and understanding today. Direct mychoices, my behaviors, and my heart. Forgive me for the times when I look to others or to myselfwhen I should be looking to You. In Jesus’ Name,Amen.

Who else are you calling on first? Consider why.

REPRINT and excerpted with permission from Girlfriends in Godwww.Girlfriendsingod.com

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The GVTC Auditorium was filled with Bar-W members and community friends on the evening of March 12th forthe Bar-W meeting about the quarry proposed for a 1,500-acre former ranch surrounded by residential subdivisionsat the corner of Highway 46 and FM 3009.

The new owner of the property, Vulcan Materials, did not accept the invitation to speak, but provided handouts. Theevening focused on a panel including Texas Rep. Kyle Biedermann, Comal County Commissioners Donna Ecclestonand Scott Haag, and Bulverde City Councilman/former Mayor Ray Jeffrey. Sabrina Houser-Amaya represented thecommunity group Friends of Dry Comal Creek, which opposes the quarry.

After Friends of Dry Comal Creek presented a detailed slide show and brief talks about the possible adverse effectsof the quarry on health, property values, and other potential issues, the panel answered written questions providedby the audience. The questions included:● Are developers and realtors of the new subdivisions along Highway 46 telling potential home buyers about the

probability of having the quarry as a neighbor?● Will the land be restored after the quarry has finished mining?● What government agencies have jurisdiction over the quarry area? How can we influence these agencies?● Would the quarry pay higher than normal taxes to offset damage to Hwy 46 and 3009 by their heavy trucks?● Why does a corporation from another state have more rights than someone who already lives here?● Is there any process or path that could stop the quarry, or are we just exercising our right to free speech by

protesting it?● Is TCEQ the only state authority involved in issuing a permit for quarrying? No federal agency?● In regard to air quality control, isn't there a local air monitoring station?● How will this impact Natural Bridge Caverns, the Edwards Aquifer, and our water supply? Has any study been

done to determine the environmental impact?● Is it rumor or fact that a railroad track might be built to transport materials from the quarry? (This was done in

Medina County after private property was condemned to build the rail line.)● How can we get the governor involved?● Would you sponsor a bill in the Texas Legislature about future quarry installations, including air, water, truck

traffic, seismic monitoring? (Directed to Rep. Biedermann)● What will the future be like if vested and established citizens cannot have a say in what happens in and around

their neighborhoods?● There are many veterans in our area. Has consideration been given to the effect of blasting on PTSD?● What does Comal County gain from this quarry?

The panel could offer no clear cut answers. Unincorporated areas of Comal County have no political institution thatregulates land use and the county itself has no authority to establish such regulations. The Commissioners have nopower to do it and all that Rep. Biedermann could do is present written ideas of citizens to the legislature.

Councilman Jeffrey then spoke on the advantages that Bulverde has gained by incorporating as a city. Areas havebeen set aside for certain types of development while other areas will retain their existing use, and as CouncilmanJeffrey said, now that Bulverde is in charge of its own destiny, there will never be a quarry in Bulverde.

The establishment of new political entities would be a step toward directing the massive growth that Comal isexperiencing. Incorporation brings its own challenges, but it enables residents to govern themselves and offers thempower over their future.

Comal is the second fastest growing county in America. Our political institutions need to grow as well.

For more information, see:Vulcan Materials Co./Comal Quarry at http://vulcancomalquarry.com/#thequarryFriends of Dry Comal Creek at https://www.stop3009vulcanquarry.com/news/

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Asparagus Caprese Salad

Ingredients 1 pound asparagus spears 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, minced 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced 1 tablespoon lemon zest 1 clove garlic, minced 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 2 teaspoons lemon juice 1 cup heirloom cherry tomatoes, halved 8 ounces mozzarella balls Salt and ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions1. Remove tough ends of asparagus spears. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add asparagus and

cook for 3-4 minutes.2. While asparagus is cooking, combine basil, parsley, lemon zest, and garlic in a small bowl. Add

olive oil and lemon juice whisking until well blended; set aside.3. Drain asparagus and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process; pat dry with a paper towel.

Cut spears into thirds and place in bowl; add tomatoes and mozzarella balls.4. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper to taste, if desired. Drizzle asparagus mixture with olive oil

mixture. Toss gently and serve.

Jan Tilley, Women's Fitness

Think About Where Your Food Came From…

We live in a time where we don't actually have tohunt and gather to be able to eat, and most peopledon't grow all their own food, so it's easy to becomedisconnected with the process. All we have to do isvisit a grocery store to have access to foods thatcome from all around the world. Eating actuallyoffers us an opportunity to connect with the naturalworld and to other people and cultures.

Next time you sit down for a meal, pause and take amoment to think about where the food on your plateis from, how it got to you, and all the work andresources that went into planting, harvesting,transporting and preparing it. Fostering a connectionwith our food in such a way can help us to reconnectwith the food system, and bring awareness tosustainability and the health of our food and planet.