More than 100 residents of the Pipe Creek and Lakehills area gathered at the Pipe Creek Dance Hall and General Store Aug. 18 for the inaugural meeting of the Pipe Creek Community Association.
Steering committee members Caren Easterling, Dr. Bruce Martin, Dr. Carolyn Walker, Paul Canales, Ruben Perales, Michael Easterling, Sandy Wenk, Kim Barrow and Esmeralda Castillo were present.
The program featured committee members speaking on the four focus areas of the new organization.
Caren Easterling opened the meeting with a welcome and introductions, emphasizing that the group is open to anyone interested in the Pipe Creek area. No membership fees or dues are being charged.
Several local officials and community leaders attended, including American Legion Post 157 First Vice Commander Susan Junker, Bandera County Commissioner Troy Konvicka, Lakehills Community Center Director Kelly Beedle, Bandera County Republican Party Chair Denise Gober, members of the Pipe Creek and Castle Lake Ranch fire departments and longtime resident Jan Turner.
Martin spoke about historical preservation in Pipe Creek and surrounding areas. In 2011, he renovated the Pipe Creek Dance Hall and GeneralStoreatthecornerof Texas Highway 16 and Highway 1283. The site now hosts communityevents,weddings, concerts and dances.
He said other heritage sites in the Pipe Creek area could also be reclaimed and preserved.
Next, Perales, owner of Monte Alteza wine garden and tapas bar, spoke about San Antonio’s expansion into Pipe Creek.
He listed new businesses opening nearby and emphasized theimportanceofcommunity growth as a focus for the association. He encouraged residents to get involved with the business group within the organization.
Martin later spoke about community events. The dance hall and general store have hosted Market Days, concerts and dances. He said he would like to see two annual festivals in Pipe Creek. During a Q-and-A session, one question concerned a Halloween event for local youth.
Mike Easterling closed the program by discussing managing development and governance. He raised concerns about growth expected from the opening of the Kronkoski Natural Area, a 3,000acre site being developed a few miles down State Highway 46.
Easterling said the natural area would bring growth and business to the region and stressed that a strong community association will be needed to guide that growth positively.
Caren Easterling ended the program by calling on attendees to join the organization. Membership forms were included in information packets distributed to participants. She also encouraged attendees to sign up for one of the four committees.
After drawings for prizes, Walker collected audience questions, followed by an informal discussion.
Upcomingmeetingsinclude:
• Community Events Committee: Sept. 10 at the Pipe Creek Dance Hall and General Store.
• Manage Development and Governance Committee: Sept. 11 at the Pipe Creek Dance Hall and General Store.
• Business Association Committee: Sept. 15 at Monte Alteza Wine Garden and Tapas Bar.
• Historical Preservation Committee: Oct. 20 at the Pipe Creek Dance Hall and General Store. For more information, visit the Pipe Creek Community Association on Facebook or call 210-365-6067 or 210-365-7369.
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