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Harmony School Of Science-San Antonio Parent Honored With 2025 Heroes for Children AwardCavender Auto Group Recognized For Partnership With AR151BAFSubmitted by Megan Parrishor more than a decade, YselaGonzalez has been a proudHarmony Public Schools parent — and now her years of dedication are being honored statewide. Gonzalez, a parent at Harmony School of Science-San Antonio, has been named a 2025 Heroes for Children Award recipient by the Texas State Board of Education. She is one of only 15 Texans selected for this prestigious honor, which recognizes outstanding school volunteers who make a lasting impact on public education. She will be recognized during a special ceremony in Austin on Sept. 12.“In the short time that our campus has been open this school year, Ms. Gonzalez has already made a tremendous impact. She is the kind of parent every school dreams of,” said Principal Nuray Tunca. “Her service and generosity reflect the heart of our schoolcommunity.”Gonzalez is widely admired forher volunteerism, event support and commitment to students and families across Harmony campuses. Over the years, she has helped launch and guide Girl Scout troops, coached robotics and volleyball teams, and organized fundraisers that raised nearly $250,000. She has also played a vital role in Harmony’s annual advocacy day at the Texas Capitol, known as Harmony on the Hill, and has supported numerous school events.Established in 1994, the Heroes for Children Award celebrates exceptional volunteers who give their time, energy and support to Texas schools and students. Gonzalez’s recognition highlights the deep impact one parent’s service can have on a community.JBy Staffoey Rodriguez, General Manager of Cavender Buick GMC West was presented a plaque for their supportof hosting the third quarter of the Alamo Ranch/151 Business Association (AR151BA) Business Coffee Connections.Cavender Auto Group is proud of its continued partnership with the AR151BA, reinforcing a shared commitment to economic development, business growth, and community engagement in West San Antonio.This collaborative relationship has allowed Cavender Auto Group to connect with fellow local business leaders, support neighborhood initiatives, and take part in events that drive meaningful change in the area. As a long-standing member of the San Antonio business community, Cavender sees its partnership with AR151BA as a natural extension of its mission to serve not only its customers—but also the communities in which it operates.“We believe strong businesses help build strong communities,” said a spokesperson for Cavender Auto Group. “Alamo Ranch 151/ Business Association has created a network where ideas, innovation, and collaboration thrive. We’re honored to be part of that and to contribute in ways thatGina Barbera, Director, of AR151BA and Joey Rodriguez, General Manager of Cavender Buick GMC Westmake a real difference.”Through shared marketing initiatives,volunteer efforts, and event sponsorships, Cavender Auto Group and AR151BA have built a foundation of trust and mutual support. Together, they’re helping shape a brighter, more connected future for the West San Antonio business corridor.For more information about Cavender Auto Group’s community involvement, visit www.cavenderautogroup.com or www. cavenderbuickgmcwest.com18,360 books. This project earned them First Place in Book Distribution among 36 clubs in Altrusa District Nine and a nomination as an Outstanding Partner by Northside ISD.Monthly meetings are held on the second Tuesday at 5:30 PM at Torchy’sTacos in Stone Oak. New members and community partners are always welcome to join the cause.For more information, visit: https://altrusadistrictnine.org/page/north- san-antonioAltrusa International – Empowering San Antonio Through LiteracyIs Tipping in Our Culture ‘Out of Control’?BRy Lou Dugganadio host and financial adviser Dave Ramsey has been vocal about what he sees as tippingabuse, especially the rise of guilt-driven or forced tipping in situations where it traditionally wasn’t expected.Ramsey is not alone in his assessment. Nearly nine in ten Americans agree that tipping has “gotten out of control,” and seven in ten reports being asked to tip in more places than five years ago. Nationwide full-service restaurants see an average tip of 19.4 percent, while Texans tip about 18.7 percent on average— figures that are back to or even above pre-pandemic levels. In addition, 83 percent of consumers believe automatic service charges should be banned.Nearly three in five consumers feel businesses are using tips to replace employer responsibility for fair wages while shifting the burden onto customers. Locally, waiters and waitresses report that major chain restaurants pay as little as $2.16 per hour. They use digital payment systems, powered by AI and machine learning, to make tipping prompts unavoidable. Point- of-sale screens now default to suggestedSBy Sally Kalosince its founding in March 2019, the North San Antonio chapter of Altrusa International—a 501(c)(4)nonprofit with over 100 years of service in Texas—has united 27 dedicated women in a mission to uplift families through literacy and education. Their guiding belief is simple yet powerful: reading opens doors to opportunity.Driven by this mission, the group has made significant strides in addressing literacy challenges faced by local students. From tutoring children affected by post-COVID learning loss to organizingbook giveaways that inspire at-home reading, Altrusa volunteers are deeply committed to making a difference. Their impact includes the installation of six Free Little Libraries at elementary schools, volunteering in school clothing and food closets, and awarding seven scholarships to Alamo Colleges students. To date, they’ve contributed more than 3,800 volunteer hours.One of their most notable accomplishments came in 2025, when the club spearheaded a citywide effort to fill 116 Little Free Libraries with an astounding10www.heloteshighlights.comtip percentages, often optimized by AI to maximize gratuities. Such technology now tracks hundreds of variables— time of day, menu items ordered, even weather— to display dynamic tip options tailored to each transaction. This tech-driven ubiquity shifts tipping from a genuine “thank you” to an expected act.Criteria for Meaningful TippingA good tipping criterion is to reservegratuities for service that genuinely exceeds baseline expectations. Evaluate performance across five core dimensions and match your tip percentage or flat amount to the level of excellence provided: 1. Attentiveness. Did the server anticipate needs, refill drinks proactively, and check in at just the right moments?2. Timeliness. Was the service prompt, order accuracy high, and your time respected?3. Personalization. Did they remember your preferences, offer tailored recommendations, or add thoughtful flourishes?4. Problem-Solving. Did they manage mistakes gracefully, propose alternatives, and go the extra mile to fix issues?Tipping - continued on page 11 October 2025