Smithson Valley-The Bulverde/Spring Branch Library receives a big financial boost to ensure the success of the multi-million dollar venture. On May 16, 2008, GVTC and The GVTC Foundation donated a total of $75,000 to the library. $50,000 comes from GVTC, and $25,000 from The GVTC Foundation. The contribution is the biggest yet toward the library’s capital campaign. “This donation will be a big help to equip the library with shelving, tables, chairs and other necessities,” says Scott Watson, president, Bulverde Rural Library District. “We appreciate GVTC’s leadership and hope their example will encourage others to do the same.”

The stunning $7.8 million dollar facility opened at its new 131 Bulverde Crossing, location in Bulverde on May 1, 2008. The building sits atop a hill overlooking the scenic landscape of Bulverde. The 18,000 square foot library includes room for books, computers, reading areas, meeting rooms and administrative offices.

This donation is part of an initiative by GVTC and The GVTC Foundation to support libraries in its service areas. GVTC and The GVTC Foundation have committed more than $175,000 thus far to area libraries.

The GVTC Foundation board members with the Bulverde Texans

Smithson Valley-It’s first and goal for the Bulverde Youth Football Association. The group received a $300 donation from The GVTC Foundation to help with operating expenses for the upcoming season. More than 280 kids participated in BYFA last year through tackle and flag football, as well as cheerleading. More than 60 adults volunteered as coaches and other mentors.

BYFA organizers say their group is more than touchdowns, tackles and cheers. Organizers say the youngsters learn many attributes including the benefits of team work and pride in community. It’s also fun! The GVTC Foundation is proud to support this effort and wishes BYFA a successful upcoming season. www.bulverdefootball.org

L-R: Fire Chief Doug Meckel, John Ellis, The GVTC Foundation, Mark Mattick, Boerne Fire Marshal

Boerne-The Boerne Volunteer Fire department gets some help to douse rising operating expenses. On Tuesday, June 10, 2008, The GVTC Foundation presented the fire department a check for $500. The donation is part of an initiative by The GVTC Foundation to support volunteer fire departments in the GVTC service area.

Many fire departments are struggling to pay for skyrocketing fuel prices and newly implemented state mandated inspection requirements. Fire Chief Doug Meckel says The GVTC Foundation will help offset those costs.

The Boerne Volunteer Fire Department uses 13 fire trucks to cover 250 square miles of territory. The department is supported by 2 full time and 8 part-time employees along with 25 volunteers.

Boerne-An organization known as a positive place for kids gets a contribution to help with its mission. The Boys and Girls Club of the Texas Hill Country received $500 from The GVTC Foundation on Tuesday, June 10, 2008. The money will go to support the many activities its Boerne facility provides. The kids will enjoy field trips, swimming and spending time at the Cibolo Nature Center. More than 300 kids are participating in this summer’s program. The Boerne Boys and Girls Club is at the Kendall County Fairgrounds and open from 7:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The Boys and Girls Club states its purpose is to instill hope and opportunity by providing a safe place to learn. The motto of the Boerne unit is to “Serve those who need us the most.” Executive Director Jenny Smith says she’s grateful to The GVTC Foundation for the donation and to the Kendall County Fairgrounds for the use of facilities. The Texas Hill Country chapter of the Boys and Girls Club also operates units in Fredericksburg and Comfort. To learn more about the organization visit www.bgcatxhc.org.

Smithson Valley-The GVTC Foundation invests thousands of dollars in local students to help them with their college education. The foundation awarded a total of $26,000 in scholarships to twenty-six graduating students from fourteen area high schools. Each student received $1000 from The GVTC Foundation to use for their college tuition.

To qualify, the student and parent(s)/guardian must reside in the GVTC telephone service area and must have GVTC telephone service. Principals and or school counselors at each high school selected the students for the award. Pictured below are eleven students from Smithson Valley who are GVTC Foundation scholarship recipients.

Smithson Valley H.S. GVTC Foundation Scholarship Recipients: (L-R: Michelle Bolduc, Alexis Rodriguez, John Whitehead, Cody Renken, Matthew Genovese, Cain Sconiers, Christopher Johnson, David Organ, Matthew Oliva, Meghan Marshall, Jaime Nunez)

The GVTC Foundation congratulates the scholarship recipients on their recent high school graduation wish them the best in college.

L-R: Margaret Brumley, Heather Swindall, Charlie Ivy, B.F.D. Fire Chief, John Ellis, The GVTC Foundation, Les Austin, The GVTC Foundation, Richard Weber, Denise Goval, Amber Fey

The Bulverde Fire Department received a boost from The GVTC Foundation to help the department meet a new safety requirement.  By June 24, 2008, all fire fighting gear must be inspected and certified by the state. Individual fire departments are responsible for covering the expense of the certification.  The costs are believed to be at least $250 per suit. 

B.F.D. has been holding a series of fundraisers to pay for the certifications and to purchase a second set of back up fire fighting gear.  The GVTC Foundation helped out by presenting a $500 check to the department on April 25, 2008.  “A smaller donation was requested from The GVTC Foundation and we were thrilled when a board member called and said the amount was being doubled,” says Charlie Ivy, Chief, Bulverde Fire Department.  “The Bulverde Fire Department really appreciates how The GVTC Foundation responded to our need,” adds Chief Ivy.

For more details on how you can help the Bulverde Fire Department’s gear compliance call 830.980.3883.