www.78209magazine.com
MARCH 2018
78209 209 78 MAGAZINE
Meet the Vaughans: A Legacy of Love
Montreal Crunch with SA Flair: Boss Bagel
Corie Properties Selling ‘09 Real Estate
Community Leader Vickie Siluk-Aguilar
Contents 78209 MAGAZINE | MARCH 2018
14 Business Profile
Corie Properties builds dreams for others; as well as, for this budding entrepreneur.
16 Profile
George and Claire Vaughan share a story of their love for each other and 78209.
24 Home
Enjoy distinctly San Antonio elegance in a stunning home for 78209.
Publisher J. MICHAEL GAFFNEY Editor PAMELA LUTRELL Copy Editor KATHRYN COCKE Contributors ERNIE ALTGELT, ROBYN BARNES, IRIS GONZALEZ, RON AARON EISENBERG, LESLIE FOLEY, EDMOND ORTIZ, AL RENDON, DAVID TERAN, MARTIN WADDY Graphic Design TAMARA HOOKS, MARIA JENICEK Social Media RALEIGH HART Advertising Sales CINDY JENNINGS, PATRICIA MCGRATH Administration & Customer Service NANCY A. GAFFNEY, RALEIGH HART
DEPARTMENTS 10
Trending in ‘09
18
Home
30
School News
12 26 38 40 48
The Scoop
Neighborhood News
Pets - Ask Roxie In the Loop
Community Calendar
49
Community Leader
56
Wine & Dine
52 58 60 62
64 65 66
Restaurant Guide Church Directory Outside ‘09
Arts & Entertainment Calendar Police Blotter
On The Market Vintage View
6 | March 2018
Printed By Shweiki Media, San Antonio, TX For Advertising information: (210) 826-5375 email: info@78209magazine.com
Published by
8603 Botts Lane, San Antonio, TX 78217 FAX 210-826-2856 www.pixelworkscorporation.com
78209 MAGAZINE is published monthly by PixelWorks Corporation (Publisher). Reproduction in any manner in whole or part is prohibited without the express written consent of the Publisher. Material contained herein does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher or its staff. 78209 MAGAZINE reserves the right to edit all materials for clarity and space and assumes no responsibility for accuracy, errors or omissions. 78209 MAGAZINE does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertisements or editorial, nor does the Publisher assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. Articles and photographs are welcome and may be submitted to our offices to be used subject to the discretion and review of the Publisher. All real estate advertising is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Printed in the U.S.A. Copyright ©2015 Pixelworks Corporation.
Editor’s Letter
78209 MAGAZINE
Dear Readers,
Can you feel the excitement? March brings spring break and March Madness to San Antonio this year, and it seems the entire city is walking with a “spring” in its steps. So, let’s join the celebration here in 78209 with our neighbors, George and Claire Vaughan, and our business feature, Corie Properties. We also hope you will take time to meet the new president of the Alamo Heights Chamber of Commerce, Vickie Siluk-Aguilar. Of course, we think a perfect place to enjoy our magazine is at Boss Bagel with a delicious, unique bagel and a cup of steaming coffee. This month, I venture out to find signs of spring at our local businesses. As always, we encourage you to SHOP 78209 and support those businesses in our wonderful area of the city. Keep the excitement going during spring break, and remember there are museums and parks just around the corner for some educational fun. This month I venture out for Pamela’s Picks to find signs of spring in our shops It is an exciting time of year. Let’s enjoy each moment.
Contributors
ERNIE ALTGELT Writer
Part-time: Administrator, adman, Bud-man, BSer, cattleman, cook, cartoonist, chauffer, old car enthusiast, farmer, fine artist, fisherman, family historian, fixer, gardener, gofer, golfer, grouch, gourmand, handyman, hard worker, humorist, hunter, musical instrumentalist, journalist, landlord, lap swimmer, lazy bum, photographer, student, songster, teacher, yes-man and yardman. Full-time: Husband, father, grandfather and… ‘09er.
Keep Smiling, Pamela
PAMELA LUTRELL Editor
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR / SUBSCRIPTIONS / FOLLOW US To contact Editor: email pamela@78209magazine.com To view us online: visit 78209magazine.com To Subscribe - $15.95 (one year) Conact us at: 8603 Botts Lane, San Antonio, Texas 78217 or (210) 826-5375 Follow us on Facebook Instagram and Twitter
8 | March 2018
DAVID TERAN Photographer
David Teran is a free-lance photographer that loves making beautifully unique portraits of people. He enjoys eating tacos, mountain biking, and playing chess. Since picking up his first camera 10 years ago, he has been blessed to collaborate with numerous Latin Grammy Christian artists. When he is not writing about himself in the third person, David can usually be found in a state-of-the-art darkroom printing negatives made with his 40-year-old Hasselblad camera. David has been fortunate to spend significant time on personal projects, to travel, and to work with an awesome team of people.
Trending in ‘09
78209 MAGAZINE
CONTENT BEYOND THE PAGE
78209magazine.com
On Our Cover
Check out stories about the extraordinary community of ‘09. In every issue we profile a notable ‘09er, a local business, and feature a dining review and the inspired decor and design of a beautiful home. Check out happenings in Neighborhood News, School and Sports News, Inside the Loop, and Outside ‘09.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID TERAN Enjoy the beauty of Spring nearby at the new Botanical Gardens.
Catch Us On Social Media For These Trending Stories.
Stay Connected Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
/78209magazine
Patio Time
Of course, patio dining and activities are trending throughout 78209. Send a picture from your favorite place for outside fun.
Contemporary Art Month Celebrate the beauty at the McNay Art Museum with special activities all month.
Spring Break
From March 12-16, there are so many ways to enjoy the wonder of Spring Break. Let us know your favorite places to be with the kids.
@78209magazine @78209magazine
#onlyin'09 Did You Know ?
Play Ball!
Wether it is baseball, softball, or Little League, ‘09-ers love their sports. Tweet us the scores and highlights.
10 | March 2018
Butterflies
They are everywhere from our yards to the San Antonio Zoo. We would love to have your pictures for Instagram.
Dip Powder
Have you tried this new way to look your best? Dip Powder nails are said to last longer and have healthier benefits than gel. Let us know your favorite colors!
You can get your copy of 78209 Magazine at over 100 locations in Alamo Heights, Oak Park and Terrell Hills, including HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market stores.
The Scoop 78209 MAGAZINE
NEW AND NOTEWORTHY IN ‘09
BY RON AARON EISENBERG
He Adds the Names to The Barn Door’s Rooftop Birthday Sign
The sign atop The Barn Door Restaurant, 8400 N. New Braunfels Ave., has passed along birthday and anniversary greetings to San Antonians since the early 1960s. For the past two years, it’s been busser Tim Mendoza, 61, who climbs to the roof almost daily to put names on the sign. He climbs through a small trap door to reach the sign. Why Mendoza? He says, “They generally take the new guys up there. When the board is pretty full some nights, it is a real challenge getting everyone’s name on the sign. I usually climb up there just before 5 o’clock to try to beat customers into the restaurant, which opens at 5 p.m. “To me the most interesting part of the job is helping folks in their 90s celebrate their birthdays. The older, the better,” he laughs. “We’d been hoping for someone 100 or so. And I recently got to add ‘Mary’ to the board. She was celebrating her 101st birthday!” The Barn Door’s owner, Randy Stokes, told 78209 Magazine, “In all the years I’ve owned the restaurant, Tim has taken the most pride in what he does. He is meticulous about spacing names on the board, and he can spell, which, as you can imagine, is very important for that job.”
cense. The bar has been a fixture at 8134 Broadway St. for more than two decades. It has also been the subject of numerous complaints to SAPD, citing noise, fights and other disturbances. John Brenneman, who lives across Flamingo from the bar, told 78209 Magazine he had tried to work with Rebar management the last time their license came up for renewal. “They made all kinds of promises,” he said, “but once the license was renewed, they ignored the commitments they’d made, and it was business as usual.” So with Rebar’s license up for renewal again, Brenneman circulated a petition in the neighborhood seeking support to oppose the renewal. Thirty-five residents signed it. “I just figured it was time to get serious about the problems,” he said. As a result of TABC’s action, the Frost Bank Trust that owns the property is reportedly considering ending its lease agreement with Greg Bickerstaff. Bickerstaff and Lee Beekly had jointly operated the bar for a number of years. But Beekly told 78209 Magazine, “I sold my interest in Rebar to Bickerstaff. I’m out of there.” Beekly continues to operate Taco Garage at 8403 Broadway St. In addition to Rebar, he previously had operated Revolution at 8123 Broadway. Revolution morphed into Leon’s before Beekly moved on. Sam Garcia turned Leon’s into Liquid Therapy but quickly changed the name to Broadway Icehouse. The issue over Rebar’s license will go before a judge in the near future, according to TABC. Brenneman promises to be at that hearing.
Salon and Bakery May Be Closing on W. Sunset – Large Lots Coming on Market
Rebar May Lose Liquor License, Lease
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) recently voted to protest renewal of Rebar’s liquor li12 | March 2018
The owner of two large properties at 202 and 210 W. Sunset has notified tenants the property is for sale. Madison Salon is at 202 W. Sunset. Meemo’s Bakery is at 210 W. Sunset. Robert Snell, representing Seward Madison Brooke Trust, apparently has decided it was time to move on and sell the properties, which are appraised at nearly
$1,200,000 by the Bexar County Appraisal District. Several tenants told 78209 Magazine that Snell has been a wonderful landlord. As one tenant said, “He didn’t have to keep the businesses open for the past 10-plus years, but he did, and we are so grateful to him and his family for doing so.” While there is no word yet on interested purchasers, developers have been eager to acquire land along W. Sunset. And there’s every reason to believe 202 and 210 W. Sunset will sell in the near future.
Granma’s Kitchen
For those who may have noticed, the Cupcake Couture is gone. In its place at 4710 Broadway is Granma’s Kitchen, which is owned and operated by Jana Valencia. Grandma’s features cupcakes, fudge, cakes, cookies, macaroons and more. Valencia says, “I learned to bake by default. It started with making fudge that I sold at a flea market in Canton, Texas. People started loving my fudge. I was making it in my kitchen at home. But the demand for my fudge quickly outgrew the space I had to bake at home. I needed a place of my own, and fortunately that’s when Cupcake Couture was closing. I just took over the space.” She says, “Baking is a great way to relieve stress. And it makes me feel great to see someone enjoy taking a bite of something I’ve made.” Valencia grew up in Palestine, Texas, and moved to San
Antonio in 2005, working as a retail store manager at Rooms to Go on Blanco Road. “I fell in love with San Antonio, but was looking to get out of the retail furniture business,” she says. And thus Granma’s Kitchen was born. Her best-selling treats are the unicorn cupcakes. “We sell a lot of unicorns. And, of course, it should come as no surprise, our chocolate flavors are our biggest sellers,” she says. When asked where the name came from, she replies, “That’s easy – my grandchildren. They love coming to Granma’s Kitchen.”
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Business Profile
78209 MAGAZINE
‘09 ENTREPRENEURS AND PROFESSIONALS
CORIE PROPERTIES
Where Residential Real Estate Is Concerned, ’09 Is “Sold” BY ERNIE ALTGELT PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARTIN WADDY
The vast majority of what comprises 78209 is residential. Yep, while there is the ZIP’s flourishing commercial aspect, most of what’s here are, quite simply, “homes.” And nice ones at that! This is a great place to live, and because of its attractiveness (in appearance, amenities and ambience), people are constantly moving in, or about, seeking their own little piece of it. But once here, how do they find and then, of equal importance, acquire that ideal ’09 abode? Well, thanks to the area’s own Corie Fuhrmann Boldt Hutt (an AH grad), obtaining a dream house in the neighborhood can be pretty easy. Her well-grounded brokerage, Corie Properties, couples buyers and/or sellers with an incredible cadre of experienced, uber-achieving agents empowered by the latest technology, all focused on one thing — perfectly “matching people to places”— then making the process of procurement from the initial listing to the closing an extremely positive experience. Wow! And has it worked? You 14 | March 2018
bet, because where residential real estate is concerned, 78209 is definitely “sold” on Corie Properties! Founded in 2011 by the company’s namesake — whose family, the Fuhrmanns, have been long-term Terrell Hills and Alamo Heights residents — and her good friend Margaret Barnes, Corie Properties represents the culmination of the young entrepreneur’s years working in real estate for other firms, learning the trade, meeting people, developing relationships and enjoying the interactions that successfully moving property entailed. As she admits, “I love this business, which is basically being able to help people and I am a helper!” And with that sentiment in mind, as well as having the encouragement of others (clients and co-workers), that was why she decided seven years ago to become independent, establishing Corie Properties with a focus primarily on 78209 but also including Olmos Park, Monte Vista, downtown San Antonio, the Woodlawn area and even up the
Corie Properties™ , couples buyers and sellers with experienced agents focused on one thing — perfectly“matching people to places” 281 corridor into the Hill Country. Due to her past personal experience, however, Corie decided to structure her company differently. Realizing how difficult and financially challenging this profession could be for those new to the real estate biz, where customarily a new agent who signs on with a brokerage is assessed monthly “fees” covering various support services, she sought a more supportive, nurturing approach. Since almost all of the income traditionally derived is commission-based, until a “newbie” makes his or her first sale, it can be tough getting started. Recognizing this, Corie established her business as a “no fee” agency with almost all of the expenses (especially the extensive marketing of the property) being paid by the agency. After a sale is concluded, the agent (new or veteran) receives, as Corie attests, “a higher-than-industry-normal commission split along with a small ‘expense’ deduction totaling just a few hundred dollars.” This novel slant, while fostering internal appreciation and enthusiasm (not to mention recruitment), has proven to be a hit with Corie’s loyal, dedicated, growing and very productive staff that now numbers an impressive and diverse 25, most of whom also live in and are very familiar with the ’09 area. Also, as a positive and important upshot of the elimination of these extraneous financial burdens, the agent can now focus more on serving the client’s needs and less on brokerage obligations — a very good thing if you’re her customer. But to an individual or commercial enterprise wishing to sell or buy residential property, it’s the results rather than an agent’s well-being that count. Since inception, Corie Properties has successfully concluded many hundreds of transactions working for private home sellers, buyers, investors, developers and others, all needing the expertise required to be successful in today’s very competitive market. And to ensure the continuation of the same, just like Corie’s innovative approach with her co-workers, she also has incorporated the technological marketing savvy and capability required in these modern times to succeed in residential real estate. As a UT-Austin business and marketing degree-holder, Corie believes in staying on the cutting edge to ensure that her clients’ properties enjoy a front and center exposure to potential buyers.
Corie Fuhrmann, an Alamo Heights grad, in front of one of her agency’s many local listings.
Likewise, those looking to purchase are also facilitated by the technologies she employs. Social media remain paramount, but her company’s website is also extremely interactive, allowing visitors to select by area, price, size and other categories. She also offers a free, downloadable app that further enhances one’s search. No matter the medium, a capable staffer constantly updates the extensive listing information, keeping everything remarkably current. But as Corie reassures, “These high-tech communication outlets are only tools. The human element – my hard-working agents – will always be the most essential part of the equation.” And to that end, team Corie continues to excel. So if you’re an excited newcomer looking to buy or an oldline AH resident wishing to downsize or whatever your situation, Corie Properties can make sure that everything happily comes together. That’s just what “helping others in need of a home” is all about, and that’s why Corie does it. Check out her listings, look for her yard signs, and you’ll see why 78209 truly is “sold” on Corie Properties. And that’s a deal!
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Profile
78209 MAGAZINE
THE PEOPLE THAT MAKE ‘09 SPECIAL
CLAIRE AND GEORGE VAUGHAN
A happy marriage, a familial merger BY ERNIE ALTGELT PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARTIN WADDY
In such an old homogenous society as exists in greater 78209 (and South Texas, for that matter), it’s almost impossi16 | March 2018
ble for families’ paths not to cross, coincide and combine over its sustained history. Folks come here, and for a great many, stay here – often, for a long, long time. The result is an inevitable intertwining of bloodlines as couples unite and become one through wedlock, establishing links that join not only the joyful pair but also their many friends, neighbors and extended relations, all to each other. And nowhere has this connectivity been more ideally in evidence than through the matrimonial matching of Claire Cartwright, daughter of a legendary Texas ranching clan, and George C. Vaughan, son of equally deeply rooted pioneering stock. While both are extraordinary in their own right due to their impressive individual pedigrees, as husband and wife, their remarkable reach across the community and beyond seems even more expansive, positively touching so many of us. Yep, thanks to this very happy marriage — or perhaps it might be better to call it a familial merger — if you’re not an actual cousin of George and Claire, you probably still feel like one because for these two, kinship is a natural. Now, let’s step back a few years and get acquainted. Claire was born in San Antonio to Lon Cartwright and his beloved bride, Leigh. But home was tiny Dinero, Texas, near Three Rivers, on the sprawling Twin Oaks Ranch where, the always outdoorsy young lady learned to love hunting, wildlife, domesticated cattle, bird dogs, the open range and life as a naturalist. The family had been raising cattle on that land since 1914, and as Claire attests, “Growing up on a ranch seemed about as normal as it gets.” However, the Alamo City was never far away. Claire attended Saint Mary’s Hall as a boarding student, and in typical Claire fashion, made many lasting friendships still strong today. She later attended and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin, where more bonding ensued.
“Living in the ’09 area has been a great fit for our family.”
George’s forbearer (the original George C. Vaughan) came to the Hill Country in 1883 from Vermont, seeking a warmer climate and opportunity. Blessed with a substantial amount of business acumen, he soon found himself in the lumber trade. Enjoying success, he decided in 1893 to move south to the “big city” with his wife, children and his growing company, and the Vaughans have been here ever since. His company recently celebrated its 125th birthday. George’s parents, Curtis, Jr. (company president by this time) and the ever-youthful Phyllis, built their family homestead in Terrell Hills in 1951, and that’s where George and his three siblings spent their active youth. After elementary school, George, as a seventh-grader, went to TMI, then located at its original location in Alamo Heights. Like Claire, George also formed school friendships that remain to this day. FYI: He was his class salutatorian. Then, like his father before him, George graduated from Harvard before returning home to assume a position within the family business. As he smilingly recalls, “Working anywhere else was never an option!” Socially, both were always extremely active, and it was at a crowded debutante party held at the Vaughan house where the pair first briefly met, followed by an arranged blind date sometime later – but no sparks yet! What eventually put the twosome’s relationship on a romantic footing came after a goose hunt that each participated in individually. As Claire remembers, “At that event I was further charmed by George’s kindness, wit and even a little irreverence. I knew this guy was special and a good shot to boot.” George was also smitten (Claire too was pretty good with a shotgun, and who could resist that?), and steady dating followed, culminating in their well attended 1982 wedding in Beeville. The festive reception was held at the Cartwrights’ gaily accommodating Twin Oaks Ranch. Afterward, the newlyweds settled in ’09, soon producing two outstanding sons. And the two have happily remained in the ZIP ever since. Today, after 35 years of wedded bliss, George and Claire are still as inseparable as they were when new sweethearts (their Cotulla ranch is appropriately named Los Novios, reflecting their close relationship). And to all who know them, this ongo-
Claire and George at their wedding in 1982.
ing compatibility is a source of inspiration but not a surprise – even if their personalities do differ a bit. What does amaze, however, is how connected through their extensive familial and societal correlations these two are. As they admit, “With our large, regionally and generationally anchored families, we don’t have to look far to spot a relative.” And that’s so true. With their ties to some of the area’s most respected and venerable families, meeting someone who isn’t a relation seems unusual. Whether a Cartwright or a Vaughan, through past marriages (mergers), these two can claim lineages that read like a who’s who of 78209 and South Texas society with names like Steves, Mabe, Gladney, Zerbee, Leteer, Irvin, Bishop, Walker, Weed, Herff, Lucas, Foster, Meyer, Sealy and many others. And even beyond an actual blood relationship, because of their overall inclusiveness – spurred by their warmth, consideration and kindness, not to mention an invitation to one of their regularly scheduled not-to-be-missed get-togethers (they are both excellent hosts) – the rest of us can almost claim a family connection too. Yep, for Claire and George, a sense of kinship really is a natural. Look back far enough, and you too, good ‘09er, are probably related as well. Hello, cousin! www.78209magazine.com | 17
Home
NEW ORLEANS MANOR ARCHITECTURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN
A Five-Year Labor of Love
BY ROBYN BARNES
PHOTOGRAPHY BY AL RENDON
Terrell Hills is full of homes with good bones and outdated floorplans, at least by today’s standards. It’s not unusual to see a home in this ZIP code undergo complete renovation. The homeowner in this two-story red brick manor is an experienced home makeover artist who revels in moving walls, raising ceilings and freeing cloistered spaces. “I could see the possibilities when I bought the house, but I knew it was going to be a lot of work,” the homeowner says. “Some of the rooms were odd sizes, and there was the strangest long hall that was a waste of space. During construction, the decorating began. After five years of hard work, I finally have the home I love.” She’s quick to credit Cheri Stith of Feathers, Fluff and Flings as an inspiration for her in fluffing houses. “I move walls but struggle with fluffing homes,” she says. Her endeavor resulted in a 5,200-square-foot home perfect for entertaining family and friends. All the materials in the house are dog friendly, important to a woman who raises Yorkshire terriers. Significant also is the fact that all the surfaces are easy to clean and the landscape is low maintenance.“There’s not a blade of grass to mow on the property,” she says. “A good pair of clippers gets the job done.”
FRENCH FOYER
The heavy front doors are handmade by A & G Woodworking, handsomely detailed with glass and wrought iron accents. 18 | March 2018
Immediately apparent in the foyer is the homeowner’s preference for deep moldings around entrances, floors and ceilings, a theme carried throughout the house. “I like to encase entries and frame rooms with deep molding because it lends a sense of elegance and finish to the space,” she says. A sparkling chandelier hangs from the foyer’s ceiling, highlighting the detail in the wrought iron handrail. The intricate design is a product of Oscar’s Custom Iron Works. Wooden stair steps and brick floor combine for a comfortable New Orleans welcome. The formal living room is at the right of the foyer. The European custom stone fireplace is the room’s centerpiece. A
painting by renowned local artist Bettie Ward hangs above it. “I love color, and Bettie’s work is all about color,” the homeowner says. The bronze tones in the painting pick up the same colors in the ornate fireplace screen and antique chandelier. Two fringed custom-made sofas face off over a mirrored table. They rest on an Oriental carpet, one of several in the house, purchased with help from Sherrie Sanderson at Sanderson Antiques. To the left of the entry is a large carved bookcase containing pieces from the homeowner’s extensive French majolica collection. Majolica ceramics have their roots in the 13th century and are highly collectible.
An unusual pair of paintings flanks the dining room entry. Quartz and amethyst crystals are carefully adhered to painted canvas, creating a three-dimensional combination of sculpture and pigment. Sherrie Sanderson helped locate the artworks, which resonate with the homeowner because of her interest in geodes and minerals. The dining room was originally a cramped space before the homeowner raised the ceilings, installed deep crown molding and built a pass-through buffet with Taj Mahal quartzite countertops. The dining table was custom-made with a handpainted surface. “Sherrie Sanderson had the vision for this fabulous iron www.78209magazine.com | 19
Home
table,” the homeowner says. “She commissioned local artist Fabien Lainez to paint the tabletop. I love the colors and the intricacy of the design.” The chairs accompanying the table came from a Round Top auction. Between the tall windows is a French buffet with an antique marble top. Over the buffet is a colorful artwork by Brook Rosser, another painter favored by the homeowner. “I love this painting because it is bright and happy,” she comments. “Looking at it makes me smile.” Carved wooden bookcases on either
side of the dining room hold more of the homeowner’s majolica collection. The blue hue at the back of the bookcases picks up the tones in the table top.
INDOOR, OUTDOOR LIVING
Beyond the dining room is a sun room. “Originally this was an outside porch that was unused,” the homeowner says. “I enclosed the porch, installing a separate air conditioning unit and electronic back doors that slide open with a remote. French doors were installed to separate the kitchen and family room
from this area. I kept the exterior brick walls, added a fireplace and a big-screen TV. The remodeling and the informal wicker furniture give us a nice casual place to gather. Because the sliding doors are made of glass, we can enjoy the outdoor view whether the weather is nice or not.” The backyard received its own renovation. She remodeled the pool and spa and added a bar and two seating areas for dining or conversation. She also updated the pool bath. The ground cover is verdant; the flowers are beautiful. “I love flowers,” she says. “I keep flowers in planters around the pool all year long. They add life and color to my living spaces.”
BRICK BY BRICK
In the foyer, the homeowners preference for deep moldings around entrances, floors and ceilings is evident. The ornate chandelier and wrought iron handrail are reminiscent of New Orleans.
20 | March 2018
In the original floorplan, a study was placed to the left of the foyer. The homeowner needed a fourth bedroom, so she closed off the study space, moved a door and created a bedroom with a full bath. “I painstakingly saved every single brick we removed from the floor during this renovation because I wanted the final floor to be made completely of the original brick. It was a challenge, but we did it,” she says. At the same time, she created beautiful utility and powder rooms out of what had been a massive walk-in closet in the master suite. “That closet was ridiculous,” she says. “For me it was a big waste of space because I didn’t need that kind of storage. What I needed were easily accessible utility and powder rooms. I always build pretty utility rooms because I spend so much time in them. In this case, I installed the same cabinetry and marble countertop as in the kitchen. Who says a functional room can’t be beautiful?” she asks. The powder room has Oriental wallpaper printed with an unusual assortment of monkeys, leopards, tigers and kimonoed men. The lavatory was a special order; in it, the homeowner installed an amber-colored etched sink with special lighting on the underside. An ornate golden French mirror completes the luxurious chamber. The kitchen is a chef’s delight. Light from recessed fixtures glints off the custom-made copper vent hood mounted over an island surfaced in leathered
granite. A Wolf six-burner range and hidden microwave are built into the island, along with a bevy of built-in drawers for pots and pans. The perimeter of the kitchen is lined with custom-made carved and distressed European cabinetry. “I favor heavily distressed cabinets because if they ever get a nick, it won’t ruin their appearance. It will look like it belongs there,” she says. The family room, beside the kitchen and the sunroom, has multiple windows providing a beautiful view of the pool and spa. Furnished with a moss-colored sectional sofa and swivel chairs, it’s the place to gather by the fire and watch programs on the big-screen television. The fireplace is made from hand-carved stone. An iron and glass table holds a large amethyst geode, unusual because of its size. A large colorful painting by Brook Rosser is mounted on the opposite wall. “I raised the ceilings in the kitchen and the family room,” the homeowner says. “In the process, I discovered the support beams in the family room had to be left where they were. I painted them a lighter color to complement the walls. The lighter colors also make the room seem larger.” She recalls that in the original floorplan, a huge Left: The formal living room boasts a custom European stone fireplace as the room’s centerpiece. Above the fireplace is a painting by local artist Bettie Ward.
Below: In the dining room there is a large bookcase that holds the owner’s extensive collection of French majolica. The tabletop is hand-painted by local artist Fabien Lainez.
www.78209magazine.com | 21
Home fireplace occupied the far corner of the room. “It was in such an odd place, away from the seating area. How could anyone have enjoyed it?” It was removed and replaced with windows for ambient light.
HOMEOWNER HIDEAWAY The master suite is accessed through a small alcove off the family room. In its original format, the room was small, with a low ceiling. During the remodeling, the far wall was pushed back and the ceiling raised to a pitch. The carved and painted bed with four posts was sourced in an antique shop. “I am very detail-oriented,” the homeowner says. “The bedposts were flat on top, and that really bothered me. I found a craftsman who extended the height of the posts and added finials so the bed was more in proportion to the room.” From the bed, the view through French doors is of the pool and colorful foliage in the flowerpots. Large louvers can be lowered for privacy. She reconfigured the master bath, beginning with the large walk-in closet at the back of the space. Built-in dresser drawers and rods hung at various heights easily accommodate wardrobe requirements. The oversized shower features glass walls and a pebble floor. Beside it is a
Above: The bed in the master bedroom was found at an antique shop, and custom finials were later added. From the bed, the view is through French doors that overlook the pool . Left: The powder room has Oriental printed wallpaper with an assortment of monkeys, leopards and tigers, an amber-colored etched sink and ornate French mirror.
soaking tub, framed by gold linen wallpaper on three walls and lit with an antique chandelier. Across the way is a double vanity with quartz countertop. A large sheet mirror runs the width of the vanity; three gold sconces are mounted on the mirror. Like the powder room, the sinks in the master bath are etched glass with under lighting.
BASEMENT BONANZA
Unlike most San Antonio houses, this one has a large basement. The previous owner installed mirrors on one wall, and the homeowner left them in place. She installed orange shag carpet — a nod to her University of Texas at Austin alma mater— and a big sectional. There’s a big-screen television mounted on the opposite wall, along with cabinets and a small sink. Three closets at the far end of the room provide ample storage. “This is a great room and a safe place for my grandchildren to play,” she says. “The surfaces are stain-free materials, so we don’t worry about spills. “This house means everything to me,” the homeowner continues. “It represents family and friends. When I started this project, I wanted to create an environment that is beautiful and comfortable for the people I love.” It appears she has succeeded. 22 | March 2018
www.78209magazine.com | 23
Pamela’s Picks
78209 MAGAZINE
SPRING COLORS 2018
SHOPPING IN ‘09 BY PAMELA LUTRELL
ON TREND THIS SEASON
VIBRANT
In San Antonio, the more vibrant colors, the better. Find these beautiful bags at Penny Lane Boutique, 5928 Broadway.
24 | March 2018
SAFFRON
Various shades of yellow are all in, as in this printed pant designed by Project Runway designer, Anthony Ryan. Find his boutique, Colour+Blinde, on Broadway across from Incarnate Word University.
PINK
INDIGO
Pink is everywhere and in all shades. It is combined here with pearls on a fun bag found at Stein Mart in the Shops of Lincoln Heights.
A deep dark saturated blue is the story of this beautiful dress created by Texas’ own, Elaine Turner and found at Elaine Turner, 5928 Broadway.
RED
PURPLE
Ladies in red will be standouts with this Vera Bradley bag from Sparkles, 6350 N. New Braunfels.
Another color which will be all over, and is the story of this look at Chico’s in the Alamo Quarry Market.
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Neighborhood News NEWS FOR THE 78209 AREA INCLUDING THE COMMUNITIES OF ALAMO HEIGHTS, TERRELL HILLS, LINCOLN HEIGHTS, TERRELL HEIGHTS, NORTHWOOD ESTATES AND OAK PARK. BY EDMOND ORTIZ
Botanical Garden is On The “Grow”
Some students from Lamar Elementary School came to the San Antonio Botanical Garden on Jan. 23 to help break ground on the final round of expansion, renovations and new construction. When it came time to turn over dirt with their small shovels, the children kept digging. And digging. And digging. The students’ enthusiasm in being part of the ceremony mirrored the excitement that Botanical Garden officials and supporters have about “Grow. Plants, People, Possibilities,” a $40 million, months-long capital campaign. “Grow…” involves a new event and education center, an administration facility, an event lawn plus changes and improvements to the Sullivan carriage house. The latter includes converting the house’s first floor into Rosella at the Garden, the newest full-service location for Rosella Coffee Co. Some of the expansion will help the Botanical Garden to become more multipurpose and reach further out into different segments of the community. The education and event facility is a 9,000-square-foot structure designed to accommodate a variety of functions, from seminars and educator training, to exhibits, public activities and even private and corporate gatherings. Capital campaign chairman Jeff Rochelle said the edu26 | March 2018
These renderings show different views of the event lawn and inside the education and event center. - Courtesy/San Antonio Botanical Garden
Lamar Elementary students help to break ground on the final phase of expansion at the San Antonio Botanical Garden on Jan. 23.
cation and special events center will encourage visitors “to expand their knowledge about the importance of plants, while the revenue opportunities produced by the facility will help support our programs and growth well into the future.” The central lawn will be a space for the performing arts,
exhibits, picnics and special events. An oval pathway around the lawn will connect the existing and new garden destinations. The new 3,000-square-foot administration building, garden officials said, will help to meet the needs for increased managerial efficiency that accompanies the garden’s physical and programming growth. The structure will be located on what has been undeveloped land northwest of the Sullivan house. A meandering garden-like path will lead visitors from the current entry plaza to the new facility. The 122-year-old carriage house underwent a massive renovation in 1995. Prior to this expansion campaign, the Sullivan house had been the garden’s main entrance, housing staff, the gift shop and plant sales and the Carriage House Bistro. Now, the house is partially the site for a new Rosella location, featuring a coffee bar, full bar and dining areas inside and outside. “I think you’ll be really excited by the transformation that takes place there,” Rochelle said of the Sullivan house. This March, the Botanical Garden is also celebrating the opening of the Family Adventure Garden, another product of the “Grow” campaign. Guests will get to journey through 2.5 acres of nature play and learning space, which features 15 themed galleries that represent the various South Texas regions. A ribbon-cutting was to take place at 9 a.m. March 3, with the Botanical Garden opening to the public at 10. Xavier Urrutia, San Antonio Parks and Recreation director, said with the expansion the Botanical Garden has become an even bigger local destination, where more people have more opportunities to enjoy
and learn about nature. The garden has more than 150,000 visitors yearly. “That’s what parks do, they draw people and create community,” Urrutia said. He added that the garden is a big part of the Broadway corridor, which has seen transformations in local cultural and recreational institutions such as The DoSeum and the Witte Museum. More transformation is on the way, with planned improvements to Brackenridge Park, and to Broadway itself. “Think about how Broadway was just five years ago compared to
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Neighborhood News
The Argyle expansion will include a new outdoor sitting area and accessory structure.
Alamo Heights Approves Argyle Expansion
The Alamo Heights City Council on Dec. 11 approved plans to expand The Argyle. Officials with the historic member/guest dining club are enlarging the facility by building an outdoor sitting area and accessory structure. Officials also successfully asked the city to abandon a portion of Argyle Avenue to accommodate the expansion plan.
DoSeum Taps New CEO
Daniel Menelly took over as chief executive officer of The DoSeum on Feb.1, succeeding Julie Huls. He is an experienced science educator and nonprofit management expert with a background in Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) education in both formal and informal learning Daniel Menelly environments. Menelly comes to The DoSeum from the Rochester Museum and Science Center (RMSC), where he served as president and chief science officer. “While our search took some unexpected time, Dan is definitely worth the wait,” said Suzanne Goudge, DoSeum board president, in a news release. “Dan will be such an asset to our local community as well as the State of Texas.” Menelly said he found out about The DoSeum during his policy training as an Einstein Fellow at the National Science 28 | March 2018
Foundation. “During my fellowship, I became very interested in the potential to combine and merge models of museum and classroom learning, to inspire and to build on student interest in science, technology, engineering and math, and to keep these learners engaged into their futures,” he said in the release. “I have long admired The DoSeum's model conceptually, and I consider San Antonio a very exciting setting for informal learning in all its forms,” he said. Huls served as interim CEO from September 2016. “We are so grateful to Julie for leading The DoSeum while we conducted the search,” Goudge said. “Julie enabled us to take our time with our search, and we consider ourselves extremely lucky to have had such a capable leader guide us during this interim period.”
Heights Backs Basin Cleanup Agreement
The Alamo Heights City Council on Dec. 11 approved their city partnering with San Antonio in a joint cleanup of the Olmos Basin. The two cities are working with Border Construction Services to remove trash, brush and invasive species from 6.2 acres of properties along the basin. The target area is between Basse Road and Corona at Jones Maltsberger. San Antonio last cleaned the area between 15 and 20 years ago. The newest round of cleaning will take up to six weeks and was slated to begin in late January. According to the new interlocal agreement, no heritage tree will be removed unless it is dying or diseased. The two cities also pledged, by agreement, to conduct more frequent cleanups in the basin.
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78209 MAGAZINE
Schools THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS OF ‘09
78209 FROM ACADEMICS TO ATHLETICS ... SCHOOL SPIRIT TO AWARDS OF MERIT, WE HAVE IT COVERED.
30 | March 2018
Culinary Health Education for Families, CHEF, is excited to work with Alamo Heights ISD to pilot the CHEF program at Cambridge Elementary and at Alamo Heights High School. Funded by a generous grant from the Goldsbury Foundation, CHEF teaches basic nutrition and practical cooking skills to children and families across San Antonio. Since the program began just 12 months ago, CHEF has taught over 6,000 classes in its community teaching kitchens located at the Children’s Hospital of San Antonio, the San Antonio Botanical Gardens, The Mays Family Boys and Girls Club and the Mays Family YMCA. This pilot marks CHEF’s first foray into San Antonio schools. Ultimately, the vision of CHEF is to be a presence in every school district in the city. Cambridge will be the first elementary school to pilot the CHEF program. Teacher Beth Murguia and her team of 10 Cambridge Elementary Mayor’s Fitness Council Student Ambassadors participated in a half-day CHEF training at the San Antonio Botanical Garden, where students learned how to make delicious meals from ingredients they picked straight from the garden. Murguia also attended an additional daylong training to become a Certified CHEF Instructor. Murguia and her team of Student Ambassadors will bring the CHEF program to all 800 students at Cambridge Elementary, teaching the basics of nutrition and cooking as critical to lifelong health and wellness. Every Cambridge student will participate in a total of eight CHEF classes, preparing and tasting foods that are delicious, nutritious and affordable. A team of CHEF Certified Nutrition Educators from the San Antonio Food Bank will assist Murguia and her team throughout the pilot. Cambridge will also host a CHEF event for parents and teachers sometime during this semester . CHEF began working with Alamo Heights High School in mid 2007, bringing resources from long-time CHEF partner, The Culinary Institute of America (CIA), to assist the district in designing its bond-funded new teaching kitchen. In Addition, Alamo Heights High School Food Science Teacher, Emily Rangel, completed the training required to become a CHEFcertified instructor and began offering the CHEF program to all five of her food science classes in February of this year. This pilot initiative will assist CHEF in determining its impact on the knowledge, confidence and behavior of participants and will identify ways to strengthen the program to ensure the greatest and most positive impact on students in the future. Like Cambridge, Alamo Heights High School will offer a CHEF event for parents and teachers, introducing the broader Alamo Heights community to CHEF-approved recipes, cooking techniques and basic nutrition tenets.
CHEF in Alamo Heights
Kielburger (center) shares a photo with SMH students and faculty members.
Author and Activist Inspires Saint Mary’s Hall Students
On January 26, Saint Mary’s Hall welcomed human rights activist Craig Kielburger to speak to Upper School students about empowerment and responsibility within the context of addressing global poverty. Kielburger’s charitable organization, ME to WE, partnered with a SMH student-service trip to Tanzania last June. While on the trip, students learned about the ME to WE sustainable development model as they worked on a school-building project in a Maasai community. Students were so inspired by their Tanzania experience, they took the opportunity to invite Kielburger to speak, tour the SMH campus, and have lunch with the AP Euro students. In preparation for his visit, Upper School students held several events to create awareness on campus for global issues, including: • A water walk simulation so the Upper School community could experience the challenges Maasai women face in accessing clean water on a daily basis. • The Tanzania team partnered with the UNICEF club to sell Rafiki bracelets with proceeds going towards female artisans in Tanzania and Kenya. Craig’s organization provides a holistic development model called WE Villages, helping to lift more than one million people out of poverty in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Craig has received 15 honorary doctorates and degrees for his work in the fields of education and human rights. He is a New York Times bestselling author who has published 12 books, as well as a nationally syndicated columnist. Craig has received The Order of Canada, the Nelson Mandela Freedom Medal, and the World Children’s Prize. His work has been featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show, 60 Minutes, and the BBC. To continue this humanitarian effort, SMH is planning a service trip to Tanzania in June 2019. A hallmark of Saint Mary's Hall is providing students with educational experiences they simply cannot get anywhere else. A shining example is the many distinguished speakers, like Kielburger, who inspire SMH students.
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Schools
Above and Left: Each month KSAT’s SA Live and Go Public’s Cool Schools features a district and the cool things their schools are doing around a theme. Alamo Heights students in the choir, on the Spurs Dance team and from the Theater Arts Club shared the spotlight.
By Ashley Castro - an Alamo Heights High School Journalism Student The college center is an important resource at the high school and is open to all grade levels. The center has many college, military and job resources and reading materials for students to use. “It’s never too soon or too late to think about college admissions because we have over 100 colleges that visit our campus every year,” College Counselor Paul Harris said. “We are here to help all students, no matter where they are in the college admissions process.” The college center offers many opportunities for students to discuss various college issues, including scholarships, financial aid, college campus visits along with obtaining information about Naviance. Naviance Family Connection allows all high school students and their families to research colleges, create plans for the future and even get involved in the planning and advising process. It also provides up-to-date information for AHHS students. Using Naviance students can build a resume, manage timelines and complete online surveys for making decisions about colleges and careers. When researching colleges, students can compare their GPA, test scores and other statistics to previous students who have been admitted to certain schools in the past. It also allows students to research careers
College Center Offers Help to All Students
Alamo Heights High School Makes the List of Cool Schools
Alamo Heights High School students, parents and alumni took to social media to select one of their favorite Extra-Curricular Clubs/Organizations during KSAT’s Cool Schools segment, in partnership with Go Public. Voting between the AHHS Choir, AHHS Spurs Dance Team and AHHS Theater Arts program was tight, with votes coming in from around the world: Mexico, United Kingdom, Turkey, Costa Rica, Brazil, Bolivia, Spain, Israel, India, and South Korea. Most of the votes outside of Texas came from California, Illinois, Pennsylvania and Colorado, with 40 states being represented. The winner? The Alamo Heights High School Theater Arts program! They shared the spotlight with their friends in the competition, the Choir and Dance Team, during their feature on KSAT’s SA LIVE television program. See the segment on KSAT.com. 32 | March 2018
and plan for the future by taking career assessment and creating goals and to-do lists to better prepare students for accomplishments later in life. “The Naviance Program is an excellent tool for students and even their parents,” senior Jack Ran said. “It’s especially helpful for the upperclassmen who need assistance with getting the necessary documents for college applications.” The college center allows freshmen and sophomores to explore their resources and maximize their availability to those resources. They can also use the center’s calendar to see when certain colleges are visiting campus. “The college center has helped me a lot because they help me discover colleges that I didn’t know about,” sophomore Jayne Burrhus said. “It also helped me start thinking about where I want to go after high school.” Juniors are welcome to continue their college search during the lunch period. In November, academic counselors meet one-on-one with the junior students and parents to discuss their high school transcripts and the pre-college admission process. Additionally in the spring, the junior class will begin their Junior English College Project. “The college center is great because we don’t have to travel far to visit colleges,” junior Erika Kellog said. “Using the center is so helpful especially since I am interested in many colleges in different states.” For seniors, the college center is especially important. The students have the freedom to go throughout the school day to talk with counselors about the college admission process and any other questions they may have. “The college center has been very helpful in my search for the right school,” senior Anisah Valdez said. “Everyone is always very friendly and helpful.” The center also offers field trips to college campuses and many pre-college opportinities for students in all grades. The pre-college camps are designed for students to get a feel of staying in a dorm, the college lifestyle and getting the chance to work with different people from many different backgrounds. “I feel that the opportunities the college center offers are very useful,” freshman Grace Carter said. “It really calms me down knowing that I will be prepared to take the big jump from high school to college step-by-step using thecenter. Along with all these amazing things the college center offers, there is also information about college fairs, scholarships and financial aid opportunities. Every year, the center hosts two big college fairs where hundreds of schools from across the country set up booths for the students to come and learn about their respective school. The high school offers many scholarships in the areas of music, sports, academics and even clubs. For seniors, the staff of the college center helps with the process of applying for financial aid even appealing for more funds to help with tuition. Overall, the college center has much to offer all students and the staff is always readily available. “The college center puts the needs of the students before anything else making the interaction with the staff more personal,” junior Cate Pressgrove said. “The staff also helps get students through high school and into amazing colleges by helping the student focus on their future.” www.78209magazine.com | 33
Schools
MacArthur High School Electrical Students Put Skills To The Test For A Good Cause
Forty of MacArthur High School’s Electrical Systems Technology (EST) Technical Apprentice program students basked in the opportunity to give back. For the 10th year in a row, North East ISD students volunteered in the community in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio, an organization that partners with hard-working families to become homeowners. On Jan. 24, the students, with the guidance of instructors and mentors, took the electrical knowledge they have learned in the classroom and applied it to a real-world application by installing the electrical wiring in two houses. “We all started as sweepers and we feel insignificant, but really we are playing a big part in helping these families that appreciate having a home. It’s a thing that we take for granted. 34 | March 2018
For the 10th year in a row, forty MacArthur High School students from the Electrical Systems Apprentice program volunteered with Habitat For Humanity.
Once you get to the senior level, you can really contribute, and it feels good when you actually do it,” said MacArthur senior Samuel Diaz, as he discussed his growth in the project after being a part of it all four years of his academic career. “What we really have to do is supervise the other ones because we have juniors and sophomores that are licensed to actually work. As a senior, it’s about keeping them working and supervising them.” It has become a tradition for EST students to work with the Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio project. The dynamic learning experience is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for these students, and they truly look forward to it every school year.
St. Luke’s Episcopal students solve real world problems like food safety, recycling and energy by building robots using LEGO Mindstorms technology. SLES robotics team, (the Enginerds) took home the Judge’s Award.
St. Luke’s Episcopal School –Winner in First Lego League Competition
As part of a well-designed curriculum, students are often given opportunities to compete in varying fields of study. On Jan 20th, the First Lego League Competition was held at Central Catholic High School. The St. Luke’s Episcopal School robotics team (The Enginerds) participated in the competition and brought home the Judge’s Award. FIRST LEGO League (FLL) is an international competition organized by FIRST for elementary and middle school students (ages 9–14 in the United States and Canada, 9–16 elsewhere). Each year in August, FIRST LEGO League introduces a scientific and real-world challenge for teams to focus and research on. FIRST stands for "For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology" and was founded in 1989 by inventor Dean Kamen. Guided by adult coaches, FIRST LEGO League teams research a real-world problem such as food safety, recycling, energy, etc., and are challenged to develop a solution. They also must design, build and program a robot using LEGO MINDSTORMS® technology, then compete on a table-top playing field. The SLES team was led by Suzanne Parker, the school’s science specialist. www.78209magazine.com | 35
Schools
IWHS Robotics Teams Excel in Competition receive highest scores of the season.
Incarnate Word High School Robotics Teams Excel in Competition Shambots Receive Highest Scores of The Season.
Incarnate Word High School Shambots Robotics Teams saw great success when they competed last Saturday, January 27 in the First Tech Challenge (FTC) Hill Country and North San Antonio League Championship. IWHS hosted the event with 18 teams participating in competition. IWHS team 8627 received the Inspire Award, for best overall team based on field performance and all judged categories, while IWHS team, 5714, received 3rd place in the same category. Both teams also joined forces in competition and took home the Winning Alliance Award for field competition. All Inspire Award winners and Winning Alliance winners receive bids to Regionals. The First Alamo Championship will take place on February 16-17 at Vandergift High School in Austin. Shambots meet 3-4 times a week to prepare for completion. IWHS is proud to offer this opportunity to the teams comprised of 20 young ladies interested in science and engineering. 36 | March 2018
AH Junior School students in a production of The Wizard of Oz
Yellow-Brick Road Leads to Alamo Heights Junior School
Fine Arts students at Alamo Heights Junior School invited guests to follow the yellow-brick road that lead to the stage and their production of the Wizard of Oz. Staged in late January, this musical theater classic was beautifully performed by junior school students, showcasing their unique talents and beautiful voices. The show was a collaborative effort between the choir and theater programs at AHJS, under the direction of Shelly Bynum, Taralea Buentello, and Rachel Holliday.
Above: Incarnate Word Senior, Isabel Contreras, signs with Denison University as their newest women’s basketball recruit.
A Shamrock Signs to Play Basketball for Denison University
Incarnate Word High School Senior, Isabel Contreras, signed with Denison University as their newest women’s basketball recruit. Contreras, a member of the IWHS varsity team since her freshman year, received All District Honors three years in a row and earned a spot on the 2017 Texas Academic AllState Team. Contreras’ dedication to athletics is framed by her equal dedication to academics and community involvement. During her freshman year, she was awarded the United States Presidential Community award for contributing over 100 hours of community service. She is a member of the IWHS Honor Roll, President of the French Club and an Eco-Ambassador for the Willie Velasquez Institute, which is an organization that aims to improve the level of political and economic participation in Latino and other underrepresented communities. Contreras was awarded the Presidential Scholarship in the amount of $130,000 over the next four years. This Fall, she will journey to her new home at Denison University in Granville, OH where she will pursue her dream of becoming a sports analyst and continue to make her IWHS family proud. www.78209magazine.com | 37
78209 MAGAZINE
Ask Roxie
ADVICE FOR PET OWNERS FROM AN ‘09 PET
TRAVELING WITH YOUR PET By ERNIE ALTGELT
Almost all dogs (and amazingly, even some cats) love road trips. Need proof? Just throw open the car door and watch Fido eagerly leap right in. Yep, traveling in a car with your beloved canine companion (or monkey, bird or snake for that matter) can be fun, but is it safe? Unfortunately, not always. So read on, Mr. and Mrs. Pet Owner, and discover a few of the simple, yet effective ways you can enhance and ensure the well-being of you and your lap buddy while cruising the neighborhood or the open highways. Because as you learn more, being on the road together can be a hoot, but like many things we’re gaga about, showing a little restraint can be a good idea too. Wag, wag, wag. The following are some broad tips gleaned from a number of excellent sources, and for the most part, all are pretty easy to implement:
38 | March 2018
• This is a biggie – whenever you and your furry friend are in a moving car, make sure you’re both strapped in. A seat belt for you is legally mandatory, and a similar restraint should be for your dog. Keep the animal harnessed, leashed or belted in the back seat (like you would a child) at all times. If you have to stop suddenly, your Great Dane won’t become a missile destined to crash-land on your unsuspecting head, hurting both of you. Most pet stores sell these adjustable, affordable restraints that can be easily connected to the rear seat belts. • If you’ve got a cat, bird or small dog, use a cage when traveling to safely confine the animal. As before, you don’t want to be distracted by a freaked-out feline tearing through your car’s interior. Be sure, however, to belt in or otherwise secure the cage or carrier to the car’s interior. • Some SUVs and wagons can be equipped (factory or otherwise) with rear compartment barricades and padding – something to consider if your pet is a regular roadie on your extensive travels. • And while your dog might enjoy hanging its head out the window (even when properly restrained), think twice about this. Injuries from flying debris, especially to eyes, are common. Poke his head back in, and roll up the window. Why risk it? • Lastly, on that road trip, when a stop is called for, don’t leave your animal unattended in the car – especially when it’s hot. Too many bad things can happen — like heat stress, separation anxiety and plain old discomfort. You wouldn’t do this to your child, would you? Extend the same consideration to all members of your family, two- and four-footed.
Roxie’s Real Christmas story
The day after Christmas last year, Roxie and her human “parents” were returning from a family gathering in Fort Worth. As always when traveling, the small French bulldog was in the rear seat area cozily nestled among her special pillows and blankets but otherwise unrestrained. During a stop at an intersection north of Waco, the unexpected happened when another car rammed the vehicle Roxie was in, sending the animal careening into the back of the front seat. Shortly after, it became obvious that Roxie had injured her hip and required medical treatment, which she received in San Antonio from her trusted physician, Dr. Pat Richardson, at the Broadway Oaks Animal Hospital. When queried about mitigating the extent of the injury by using a restraint, Roxie’s favorite vet offers, “Security and safety when traveling with your pet are very important. While Roxie’s involvement in a mild fender-bender caused lameness for several days after the incident and required pain medication, she’s well again. Animals travel so much with us these days that their chances of being involved in a car accident have increased. Harnesses and car seats for dogs and pet beds with restraints for cats can easily be found online and at most pet stores. As with children, our pets rely on us for their safety when traveling. It is always more prudent to prevent traumatic injuries than deal with them after an accident.” Arf, arf! www.78209magazine.com | 39
In The Loop 78209 MAGAZINE
‘09 SOCIETY AND EVENTS
BY LESLIE FOLEY
2018 Symphony Ball –Meet the Belles!
The 48th annual Symphony Ball will be held Saturday, March 24, in the beautiful Stars at Night Ballroom in the San Antonio Convention Center. The Ball coincides with San Antonio's Tricentennial celebration. Journey El Camino Real de Tejas — the Kings Highway or Royal Road of Texas - which put San Antonio on the Texas map due to our famous river. The Belle program has continued to flourish despite the ongoing uncertainty of the San Antonio Symphony. The San Antonio Symphony League has consistently been the thirdlargest fundraiser for the Symphony. It is a separate organization (501C3), and its bylaws indicate that if the Symphony is not presently operating, there exists the flexibility to donate proceeds raised to another local symphony group. The intent of this program is to inspire, educate and involve our San Antonio youth and community in support of our local music and art. For over 40 years, the Symphony League has proudly presented young ladies who are the children or grandchildren of members at a formal Symphony Ball. The Belle program allows for the introduction of these young people to the community and also recognizes the generosity of those 40 | March 2018
Above: The Symphony League Senior Belle Tea at the home of Joy Fuhrmann with grandmothers, mothers and daughters.
who have traditionally supported the League as volunteers or donors. During their freshman, sophomore and junior years of high school, Belles earn volunteer service hours through various Symphony and League events. The Belles
At the tea trays of handmade cookies by Josie Cothren with Morsels by Josie featured the San Antonio Symphony logo, music staff and notes, violins, harps and cellos.
Debbie Behnke, Joy Fuhrmann, Ball Chair Toni Riester-Wood and Jill Burk
are presented during their senior year of high school. Parents, grandparents, legal guardians or sponsors who are active members of the Symphony League are encouraged to submit girls' names. The Symphony Belle program was begun in 1972 by Margaret King Stanley, then president of the Women's Committee of the San Antonio Symphony (now the Symphony League). She envisioned the Belle program, culminating each year in a gala presentation now known as the Symphony Ball, as a way to build long-lasting support for the orchestra. The Ball is one of the city's most anticipated events and has brought prestige and important funding to the Symphony. Over one million dollars have been raised, and the program continues to be a success, attracting new patrons and interest in the orchestra, year after year. At the same time, since its inception it has served to introduce the daughters of many of San Antonio's families. Ball chairs are Toni and Craig Wood, and Belle chairs are Allison and Josh Zeller. This year’s presentees are as follows: Mary Moore Bauer Claire Catharine Benson Kyndall Taylor Brown Alicia Louise Brusenhan Kendall Caroline Chapman-Ryan Madeleine Cate Davis Faith Lynn Flume Scarlett Elizabeth Gransee Erin Elizabeth Greehey Andrea Victoria Gutierrez Peyton Elizabeth Hardy Hayden Reese Hayes Madeline Isla Holdsworth Elizabeth Olive Kampmann Emily Grace Liljenwall Auburn Cherie Lucas Annie Bailey Lynd Hannah Elizabeth May
Merian Brooke Mueller Shelton Lane Northington Martha Lilly O'Neill Madeline Gates Register Elise Nicole Rubiola Natalie Marie Gabriele Scheifele Elizabeth Bradley Smith Bailey Hays Spear Lauren Elizabeth Stafford Margaret Cotton Stell Saaren Dolly Thorn Natalie Anne Velez Analiese Elanie Wagner Emmerie Holland Welmaker Campbell Jane Woods The spring Senior Belle festivities began with a lovely tea hosted by Junior Belle parents Joy Fuhrmann, Jill Burk and Debbie Behnke. The tea honored each of the Senior Belles, their mothers and several grandmothers. The SASL president, Maureen Hillman, attended, and Paul Overstreet of Overstreet Photography was on hand to photograph each of the Belles for their formal Ball program portraits. He also captured a number of candid family photos and the Senior tea hosts with the 2018 Ball chair. Trays of delicate, intricately handmade cookies by Josie Cothren with Morsels by Josie featured the SASL logo, music staff and notes, violins, harps and cellos. Beautiful and delicious!
Spring Flowers
It’s the season to select your plants at the annual plant sale March 16-17 at the San Antonio Garden Center. Local garden clubs will be selling, along with the Garden Center. There is also a spring program on March 7: Arranging Texas Cut Flowers with Gretchen O’Neil. Lewis Fisher will present Preserving San Antonio on April 4. Visit the website for times and further information: Sanantoniogardencenter.org.
Texas to Table
Right next door, at the San Antonio Botanical Garden, purchase tickets to Texas to Table, March 19, at the gardens. Diners will enjoy the farm-to-table culinary experience that honors the bounty of locally sourced foods. Dinner is limited to the first 100 guests, but don’t fret if you find the event is a sellout. Plan to attend the foodie cinema in the culinary garden for a perfect date night March 16, 6-9 p.m., and enjoy the movie, Eat Pray Love. Sample recipes paired with wines displayed in or inspired by the movie before screening. You will find two fun dining choices, tickets and information at www.sabot.org. www.78209magazine.com | 41
In the Loop
Art from the collection of Harriet and Dr. Harmon Kelley will be on display at the McNay.
McNay Presents 100 years of African-American Art
The McNay Art Museum announced four groundbreaking African-American art exhibitions opening this Spring. Something to Say: The McNay Presents 100 Years of African American Art; 30 Americans: Rubell Family Collection; and Haiti’s Revolution in Art: Jacob Lawrence’s Toussaint L’Ouverture Series opened Feb. 8 and will continue through May 6. 4 Texans: The Next Chapter opened March 1 and continues through May 6. Pioneering collectors Harriet and Dr. Harmon Kelley of San Antonio paved the way for this historic moment. Something to Say illustrates the Kelley collection’s impact on our cultural heritage by juxtaposing works from their renowned holdings with loans from the burgeoning African-American collections of Guillermo Nicolas and Jim Foster, John and Freda Facey and the McNay. The exhibition presents more than 50 paintings, sculptures, works on paper and photographs by a wide range of 20thand 21st-century artists.
Let’s Rodeo Ball
The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo welcomed three extraordinary members to the 2018 Hall of Fame on Jan. 18. Laurie Miller, Dr. Keith Markey and the late Hadley Barrett were recognized for their support in helping the organization grow and succeed through their commitment and dedication to the mission. A few days later, at the Let’s Rodeo Ball chaired by Rita Stich and vice chair Ward Richter, the honorees were announced to the 2,000-plus crowd. Jerry King of KKYX and Roy Holley, TALK ABOUT TEXAS, introduced Randy Carroll of KJ97, who sang the national anthem followed by the S.A.L. E. executive committee, including board chair Joe Soules, president Cody Davenport, James “Fully” Clingman, Mark Colaw, Fred R. “Rusty” Collier, Jr., Pat Frost, Tina Altgelt Haynes, Joe Hutchison, Nancy Loeffler, Clint Swindall, Ronnie Urbanczyk, Randy Vaclavik and executive director and CEO Keith Martin. Glitzed-up Ball attendees in their finest Western wear enjoyed live music by Clint Taft, the Buck Wild Band, Neal McCoy and Clay Walker. 42 | March 2018
2018 Bexar County Medical Society president Sheldon G. Gross, MD, with his wife, Gigi.
The Bexar County Medical Society and the Bexar County Medical Society Alliance installed Dr. Sheldon G. Gross as the new president of the medical society and Jennifer Shepherd as BCMS Alliance president. CEO Stephen C. Fitzer welcomed guests, followed by the invocation by Rabbi Jeffrey Abraham. A few attendees included Lorie Boies, Dr. Jayesh “Jay” Shah, Dr. Leah H. Jacobson, Dr. Fernando and Beverly Guerra, Dr. John Edwards, Dr. David Shulman and Gigi Gross.
2018 Joint Installation of Officers
Gus Owens Stephens Foundation Luncheon
Susan Naylor asked me to join her at the second annual Gus Owen Stephens Foundation Luncheon to hear Dr. Justin Baker, chief of the Division of Quality of Life and Palliative Care at St. Jude, as well as the medical director of Quality of Life for All (QOLA) Service – the St. Jude palliative care team. Dr. Baker’s interests include end-of-life decision making, integrating palliative care into the ongoing care of children with cancer as well as patient-reported outcomes, and pain and symptom control in the context of pediatric oncology care. Architects at Marmon Mok are constructing rooms for patients and families who will be utilizing these services on the seventh floor of Children’s Hospital of San Antonio. Parents Scott and Elizabeth Stephens addressed the need and challenge to raise 2 million dollars for the Foundation. As the luncheon ended, guests, including Peggy Walker, Beth Plummer, Bert Pfiester, Kelley Frost, Nancy Avellar, Day Smith, Dr. Mark Gilger, Dina McIlhenny, Marise McDermott and Natalee Newell, who recently sold Café Dijon to Laura Fritze, purchased centerpieces stuffed with soft animals and made donations to the Foundation.
Miss Rodeo Texas Tianti Carter and emcee Ursula Pari with models for the Julian Gold fashion show.
Cowgirls Live Forever honoree Bonnie Korbell with her husband, John.
Cowgirls Live Forever
As I mentioned last month, Bonnie Korbell was honored at the 13th annual Cowgirls Live Forever Scholarship Luncheon and Fashion Show with Julian Gold-inspired Western wear. Chairs and advisors Sara Stumberg Walker, Heather Haynes, Kim Johnson, Margye Northington, Whitney Schones, Alice Welder, Jimmie Ruth Evans, Olive Anne Kleberg and Nancy Brown Loeffler oversaw the packed luncheon filled with attendees wearing their finest Western glitz and glam. Ursula Pari emceed, and Miss Rodeo Texas, Tianti Carter, dazzled in her “pretty in pink.”
Jessica & Jan Elliott
San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame
The Briscoe Western Art Museum announced the induction of its 2017 board chair, Jessica Erin Elliott, to the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame in the Ranching and Agriculture category. Elliott, a fifth-generation rancher, architectural designer and Western art advocate, was selected as a 2018 inductee for her exceptional leadership, significant contributions and commitment to the advancement of women in ranching and agriculture. The nominees will be officially inducted into the Hall of Fame at a gala on March 24. www.78209magazine.com | 43
In the Loop PlainCapital Bank Rodeo Breakfast in Alamo Heights
Friends and customers put on their western attire and joined in the fun on Feb 16, for the 4th Annual Rodeo Breakfast at PlainsCapital Bank in Alamo Heights. Everyone enjoyed the food trucks and live music to begin their day and celebrate rodeo season.
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In the Loop
Save The Date! March 8
Margaret Atwood Reading
Margaret Atwood, Canada's most renowned novelist and poet, will present a free public reading and question & answer session at 7 p.m. in the Laurie Auditorium at Trinity University. A ticketed luncheon featuring Atwood will take place in the Mays Family Center at the Witte Museum at 11:30 a.m.. Tickets start at $100. www.geminiink.org March 16
The San Antonio Garden Plant Show and Sale
THE SAN ANTONIO GARDEN CENTER
Local garden clubs along with the garden center will be selling plants. www.sanantoniogardencenter.org March 16
Foodie Cinema
THE SAN ANTONO BOTANICAL GARDEN
Enjoy watching the movie Eat, Pray, Love in the garden while sampling recipes and wines inspired by the movie. www.sabot.org March 19
Texas To Table
March 23
ThriveWell Cancer Foundation’s 2018 Annual Luncheon THE WITTE MUSEUM
The luncheon will be at noon in the Mays Family Center at the Witte Museum. Contact Thrivewell.org for tickets. March 24
San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame THE OMNI
This event is scheduled at the Omni under the leadership of President Virginia Van Cleave. Get details at sawomenshalloffame.org. March 24
The San Antonio Symphony Ball
THE SAN ANTONIO CONVENTION CENTER
This year’s event will take place at the Stars at Night Ballroom in the San Antonio Convention Center. Toni Riester-Wood, Ph.D., is the 2018 Ball chair. and the Belle chair is Allison Zeller. For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.sasleague.org/2018-saslbelles-and-ball-information. March 24
THE SAN ANTONO BOTANICAL GARDEN
Junior League of San Antonio's 6th Annual VIVA SA Race
March 22
Support the Junior league for a family-friendly event: a 5k, 5k competitive walk, or 10K benefitting JLSA's community partners. The races take place at Hemisfair Park. Pre-race festivities begin at 8 a.m., and the race kickoff is at 9 a.m.. Participants will receive medals and Tech T’s with registration. www.JLSA.org
Diners will enjoy a farm-to-table culinary experience that honors the bounty of locally sourced foods. www.sabot.org
The DoSeum’s Wild, Young, and Three Party THE DOSEUM
Can you remember how it felt to be Young, Wild, and Three? Join us at this party for young-at-heart grownups only celebrating the DoSeum’s third anniversary. This birthday celebration will be chaired by Lauren Kate and Peter J. Holt with co-chairs Corinna and J.B. Richter. Contact the DoSeum for details: 210212-4454.
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HEMISFAIR PARK
March 29
The Fur Ball
THE WITTE MUSEUM
This year’s event will take place at the Witte. Joan Bailey is chairing. This fun-not-formal evening will
include live and silent auctions, fine dining and fellowship in the company of other animal lovers. www.furballsa.com April 12
15th Annual Le Brunch Des Chapeaux THE ARGYLE
This event benefits autism and will be held at The Argyle. Join them and be sure to wear a fabulous hat.And do wear your most fabulous hat! www.acn-sa.ejoinme.org/lebrunch2018 April 16 - 22
Valero Texas Open
156 of the world's top golfers will take on the AT&T Oaks Course at TPC San Antonio and compete for their share of the $6.2 million purse. For a complete schedule of events visit www.valerotexasopen.com April 19 - 29
Fiesta
Now it the time to reserve seats, sign up to volunteer and plan your party! www.Fiesta-sa.org. April 18
The Cutting Edge Fiesta Fashion Show MCCOMBS CENTER, ROSENBERG SKY ROOM, 6PM
The UIW’s “Cutting Edge” Fashion Show displays the latest fashion created and presented by UIW Fashion design students. The collections include garments students have illustrated, designed and constructed in a year-long fashion capstone course. Proceeds benefit student scholarships in UIW’s Fashion Management Program. April 20
32nd Annual Alamo Heights Night UNIVERSITY OF THE INCARNATE WORD 5:30PM - 11:30PM
The 32nd Annual Alamo Heights Night activities will highlight food from some of San Antonio’s leading restaurants and caterers as well as a live fireworks show and activities for kids of all ages! April 28
Fiesta Pooch Parade
ALAMO HEIGHTS SWIMMING POOL, 7:45AM - 11AM
Therapy Animals of San Antonio presents its 20th Annual Fiesta® Pooch Parade and canine costume contest. www.78209magazine.com | 47
Community Calendar MEETINGS FOR 78209 COMMUNITIES
March 5 ALAMO HEIGHTS PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MEETING 5:30pm 6116 Broadway St. San Antonio, TX 78209 March 6 ALAMO HEIGHTS LIONS CLUB MEETING 7pm La Fonda of Alamo Heights 8633 Crownhill San Antonio, TX 78209 March 6 ALAMO HEIGHTS ROTARY MEETING 12pm The Petroleum Club on the 7th Floor 8620 N. New Braunfels San Antonio, TX 78217 ahrotary.org March 7 ALAMO HEIGHTS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LUNCHEON 11:30am Meet & Greet 12pm Guest Speaker Paesano’s Lincoln Heights 555 E. Basse Rd. San Antonio, TX 78209 alamoheightschamber.org March 7 ALAMO HEIGHTS BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT 5:30–8pm 6116 Broadway St. San Antonio, TX 78209 alamoheightstx.gov March 12 ALAMO HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL MEETING 5:30–9pm 6116 Broadway St. San Antonio, TX 78209 alamoheightstx.gov Meeting is open to the public. March 12 TERRELL HILLS CITY COUNCIL MEETING 5-6pm 5100 N. New Braunfels San Antonio, TX 78209 terrell-hill.com Meeting is open to the public. March 13 ALAMO HEIGHTS ROTARY MEETING 12pm The Petroleum Club on the 7th Floor 8620 N. New Braunfels San Antonio, TX 78217 ahrotary.org March 20 ALAMO HEIGHTS ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD 5:30-8pm 6116 Broadway St. San Antonio, TX 78209 alamoheightstx.gov Meeting is open to the public.
48 | March 2018
March 20 ALAMO HEIGHTS ROTARY MEETING 12pm The Petroleum Club on the 7th Floor 8620 N. New Braunfels San Antonio, TX 78217 ahrotary.org March 20 ALAMO HEIGHTS LIONS CLUB MEETING 7pm La Fonda of Alamo Heights 8633 Crownhill San Antonio, TX 78209 March 26 ALAMO HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL MEETING 5:30–9pm 6116 Broadway St. San Antonio, TX 78209 alamoheightstx.gov Meeting is open to the public. March 27 ALAMO HEIGHTS ROTARY MEETING 12pm The Petroleum Club on the 7th Floor 8620 N. New Braunfels San Antonio, TX 78217 ahrotary.org
IMPORTANT NUMBERS:
City of Alamo Heights: Fire/EMS (Non-Emergency) 210-824-1281 Police (Non-Emergency) 210-822-3321 Police Administration Office 210-822-6433 Taxes 210-882-1503 Water 210-882-1507 Court Clerk 210-882-1501 Public Works (includes solid waste, brush, recycling, streets, etc.) 210-882-1518 Planning and Development Services (permits and inspections) 210-826-0516 City of Terrell Hills: City Administration Offices 210-824-7401 Non-Emergency Dispatch (Police/EMS/Fire) 210-824-1009
Community Leader DEDICATED TO PUBLIC SERVICE
VICKI SILUK - AGUILAR
Beating Shyness Was Her Biggest Challenge By RON AARON EISENBERG
Vicki Siluk-Aguilar describes herself as “really boring.” Indeed, she told 78209 Magazine, “I am one of the most boring people you will ever meet.” But spend more than five minutes with her and you discover she is the exact opposite of boring. Vicki, the newly elected president of the Alamo Heights Chamber of Commerce, is one of those folks whose smile is infectious. It begins at the corners of her mouth and quickly spreads across her face. When she smiles, it’s hard not to smile with her. So it comes as a surprise to learn that she was incredibly shy as a child. The shyness, she explains, was the result of her family moving every three years. Her dad, Leonard Michael Siluk, was a Senior Chief Petty Officer in the Navy. And although he never went to
sea, the family was stationed overseas a good bit of the time. They traveled the world. Where dad went, Vicki went. As she recalls, “We were in Iwakuni and Okinawa, Japan, Alaska and Hawaii, California, Virginia and Naval Station Great Lakes Illinois and elsewhere. I was born in Williamsburg, Virginia, in 1958. But as I was growing up, we moved so often it was difficult to make friends. I don’t remember much about Williamsburg, for example. What I do remember about my childhood is we moved a lot.” Vicki graduated from Menchville High School in Newport News, Virginia. The City of Newport News is a key player in the maritime history of the United States. The bustling shipyard has been active since the late 1880s. It still produces nuclear sub-
marines, aircraft carriers and more. “I remember not wanting to be the center of anything,” she says. But that began to change as she embraced a professional life in financial management and banking. “I knew I had to become more outgoing if I was going to climb the professional ladder. Being in the spotlight is not in my comfort zone, but overcoming that was an important goal.” Vicki and her family moved to San Antonio in 1977, to be close to relatives. She attended the University of Texas at San Antonio. “I think we had just three buildings back then,” she recalls. Her first position in finance was with the old Alamo Savings. From there she went to Texas Commerce Bank and ultimately Broadway Bank, where she currently serves as Financial Center manager for the Alamo Heights branch on Austin Highway. She’s the boss. David Moore, business development officer of Stewart Title in Alamo Heights and past board president for the Alamo Heights Chamber, calls Vicki an invaluable member of the Chamber www.78209magazine.com | 49
board. “She was an outstanding help for me when I was president last year,” he says. “She helped make sure the Taste of the Heights went smoothly, for example. She is hard-working, organized, and honest. Vicki is there to help anyone who needs help.” Moore says Vicki told him she was slightly concerned about being a public speaker at the luncheon each month, because she is basically very shy. “I offered to step in if she ever needed help. But to be honest, that’s not been necessary,” he told 78209 Magazine. He said Vicki’s goal is to grow the Chamber in 2018. Says Vicki, “We have around 75 paying members. I’d like to see that number grow to more than 100.” Moore thinks she will be able to make that happen. “Many of us have talked about increasing membership,” he says. “But I think Vicki is the first of our presidents to systematically try to do so. She laid out the goal at her first monthly board meeting. She told us she felt very strongly we needed to get many more people involved. We needed to expand membership.”
Moore, who’s been a board member for more than four years, says, “I was so appreciative of her helping me last year. That’s why I am around this year to help her. It’s why I stayed on the board.” Another Alamo Heights Chamber board member, who asked to remain anonymous, told 78209 Magazine, “I love Vicki. She is funny, witty, not to mention smart. Vicki gets down to business. She is detail-oriented. Knows what needs to be done and sets up a plan to make it happen. And she follows through with her ideas. “She has also mastered a problem many of us in leadership face — she knows to ask for help when she needs it and surrounds herself with people that can help get the job done.” As for growing the Chamber’s membership, this board member says Vicki’s approach makes sense, explaining, “She wants to build the membership of the Chamber by providing members with ‘more’ value to joining and participating in our activities.” Vicki is quick to praise the people on the Chamber board. “They make me feel
so comfortable, I am able to do the job. Part of my responsibility as president is to be sure we support the community and give back and to make it possible for members to grow their businesses,” she says. The Chamber includes the cities of Terrell Hills, Olmos Park and Alamo Heights. Vicki would like to see much more participation from city elected and appointed leaders. She believes the Chamber offers a wonderful opportunity to network, to shape ideas and to help forge relationships between the private and public sectors. When she’s not doing bank or Chamber business, Vicki is very much focused on family: “We travel as a family. We take vacations together, trips together. It’s how I grew up, and it is how my daughter, Lauren, is growing up. My husband, Gilbert, is comfortable with that too. He’s fine with travel, but I don’t think you’d ever get him to leave Texas, to move to another state.” Vicki and Gilbert married on June 25, 1992. For a woman who describes herself as really “boring,” it turns out Vicki SilukAguilar is anything but.
Helping Local Businesses and our Region Prosper. Serving the “Tri-City” area of Alamo Heights, Olmos Park and the surrounding areas. The chamber hosts monthly luncheons on the first Wednesday of each month in a private room at Paesano’s (on Basse) in Lincoln Heights at 11:30. Every month a featured Guest Speaker begins promptly at noon.
Register at our website: alamoheightschamber.org.
The Alamo Heights Chamber of Commerce 50 | March 2018
www.78209magazine.com | 51
Where To Dine In ‘09
THE RESTAURANT GUIDE
KEY
$ Most Entrees under $10 $$ Most entrees $10 - $20 $$$ Most entrees over $20
Brunch Reservations Suggested Patio Live Entertainment
AMERICAN 20NINE
Executive chef Jerry Toomey prepares eclectic wine country cuisine and suggests flavorful wine pairings. The menu selections include duck, salmon, pork and steak. 255 E. Basse, #940 798-9463 www.20ninewine.com $$
410 DINER
A ‘50s-themed diner serving homemade soups, fresh catfish, shrimp, prime steaks, pork chops and chicken. 8315 Broadway 822-6246 www.410diner.com $
ANNE MARIE’S BISTRO
Located in the historic Sullivan Carriage House (circa 1896) at the entrance to the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Chef David Gates prepares delicious fresh soups, salads, quiche and sandwiches along with daily specials. 555 Funston Place 826-5800 www.carriagehousebistro.com Sat-Sun Brunch $
BIRD BAKERY
A delightful bakery and small bistro that serves sandwiches, quiche, croissants, pies, cupcakes, cookies, brownies and dessert bars. 5912 Broadway 804-2473 www.birdbakery.com $
BEST BET
EZ’S BRICK OVEN AND GRILL
You cannot go wrong with this signature dish, Oven-Roasted Rosemary Chicken. It is served with fresh steamed veggies, rice and fresh baked focaccia bread.
BROADWAY 50/50
Vintage-themed diner serving fun appetizers, like the Chuck Norris Kickers (chicken and jalapeños wrapped in bacon) and Totchos (Tater Tot Nachos), burgers, BLT’s, Cuban sandwiches and more. 5050 Broadway 826-0069 www.broadway5050.com $
CAFE DIJON
Delicious, locallysourced, seasonal and organic food with a French flair. Eat in or take out our pastries, frittatas, open-faced sandwiches, fresh salads, and enjoy our curated coffee, beer and wine selections. Patio, Pet-Friendly 555 East Basse 822-2665 www.cafedijonsa.com $$
CAPPY’S
Lunch, dinner and brunch - Cappy’s is fine dining in the heart of ‘09, serving prime steaks, prime rib, rack of lamb and seafood. 5011 Broadway 828-9669 www.cappysrestaurant.com $$$ Brunch
CAPPYCCINO’S BISTRO
Casual dining in a bistro setting. High-quality hamburgers, pizzas, sandwiches and salads are offered for lunch and dinner. 5003 Broadway 828-6860 www.cappyccinos.com $
MAGIC TIME MACHINE
San Antonio theme restaurant where staff dresses up as cartoon characters, super heroes, movie stars and pop heroes. 902 N.E. Loop 410 828-1470 www.magictimemachine.com $
MAMA'S CAFE
A family-friendly atmosphere with burgers, shakes and root beer floats. For adults they serve creative cocktails and large-portioned dinners that include baby-back ribs, fried shrimp, meatloaf and chicken-fried steak. 2442 Nacogdoches 826-8303 www.mamasrestaurants.com $
MAX’S WINE DIVE
CORNER BAKERY CAFE
Gourmet American fare paired with amazing wines. Fried chicken with Champagne...why not? 340 E. Basse Rd 444-9547 www.maxswinedive.com $
EZ’s
Nosh offers great wines, craft brews and small plates that are big on taste. A place to relax and indulge in some really great food. 1133 Austin Highway 826-6674 www.noshsa.com $
Hand-crafted sandwiches, salads, soups, pastas, and desserts, baby bundt cakes, pies and cakes. 255 E. Basse, #100 441-4553 wwwcornerbakerycafe.com $ Burgers, oak-fired brick oven pizzas, rosemary roasted chicken and award-winning salads, all served in a fun ‘50s-themed atmosphere. 6498 N. New Braunfels 828-1111 $
GOOD TIME CHARLIE’S
Good Time Charley's has been around since 1979 and soon became a San Antonio landmark restaurant popular with the local college students and faculty. They serve Texas home-style favorites including catfish, steaks and a chicken-fried steak many claim is the “Best In Texas.” They are also known as a favorite Happy Hour spot with lots of drink specials that include generous pitchers of ice-cold beer. 2922 Broadway 828-5392 www.gtcsatx.com $
J. ALEXANDER’S
A contemporary American restaurant, known for its wood-fired cuisine. The menu features a wide selection of classics including prime rib, steak, seafood and rotating specials like Seafood Czarina, Tuscan Steak, Grilled Fish with Mango Papaya Salsa and Chicken Milanese. 255 E. Basse, #1300 824-0275 www.jalexanders.com $$ -$$$
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JIM’S RESTAURANT
24-hour diner serving all-day breakfast. They offer hearty choices like steak and eggs, omelets and Tex-Mex huevos rancheros. A comprehensive lunch and dinner menu, too, that includes all the standards — salads, sandwiches and burgers plus nostalgic favorites like patty melts and liver and onions. 4108 Broadway 828-5120 8427 Broadway 826-7001 www.jimsrestaurants.com $
NOSH
LUBY’S
Cafeteria-style restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. They offer several entrees daily that often include salmon, talapia, fried chicken, chicken-fried steak, grilled liver and onions, roast turkey breast, roast chicken and rib-eye steaks. The entrees are accompanied by hearty Southern side dishes like fried okra, mac and cheese, black -eyed peas and mashed potatoes. 8511 Tesoro Drive 930-3227 www.lubys.com $
SALATA
A new concept in soups, salads and wraps. You create your own by choosing from dozens of fresh ingredients including several types of lettuces, chopped onions, radishes, cucumbers, peppers, cabbage, black and red beans, bean sprouts, peas, broccoli and more. There are over 50 different toppings. Then choose from one of their 10 house dressings made with all-natural ingredients. Add fresh lean protein, including baked chicken, salmon or shrimp. 250 E. Basse Rd 462-1466 www.salata.com $
SILO ELEVATED CUISINE
Silo is listed as one of OpenTable's Top American Restaurants and rated as one of Zagat’s Top Local Picks. They offer New American fare in a casual, yet elegant atmosphere. They offer a small plate menu, and there is also a prix fixe dinner option available. Signature dishes incude Chilean Sea Bass, Honey Soy Glazed Atlantic Salmon, Mussels and Linguine and ChickenFried Oysters. 1133 Austin Highway 824-8686 www.siloelevatedcusine.com $$
HANZO
An Asian gastropub serving innovative cocktails and appetizers. 7701 Broadway, Suite 124 210-826-1488 www.hanzobar.com
KOI KAWA
STONE WERKS
A Japanese restaurant and sushi bar featuring lots of specialty rolls and dishes with complex and interesting flavors. 4051 Broadway 805-8111 www.facebook.com/pages/koikawa $-$$
TIGER WINGS
Thai food and sushi by chef Mmonrat “Mon” Shirley in a beautiful and tranquil atmosphere with tables that overlook a peaceful outdoor garden and fountain. 4901 Broadway 822-3253 www.monsthai.com $-$$
Good food and a hip atmosphere. Over 40 beers on tap, a full bar and lots of big-screen TVs. The outside patio is a popular happy hour spot. Broadway at Basse 823-3508 www.stonewerks.com $-$$ Patio A variety of chicken wings with lots of exotic flavors like tamarind, Sriracha, garlic pepper , curry and Tom Yum. The wings are available for take-out or you can dine in - and they deliver. In addition to the wings they also offer fried vegan tofu, edamame and sticky rice. A unique concept. 8210 Broadway 829-5000 www.tigerwings.com $
TWIN SISTERS BAKERY AND CAFE
Healthy food using local ingredients. Coffees and espressos; quiche, pastries, sandwiches, soups and salads. Live music on Friday nights. 6322 N. New Braunfels 822-0761 www.twinsistersbakeryandcafe.com $ Live Entertainment
WD DELI
Located in a quaint two story house on Broadway, WD Deli serves lunch only, specializing in scratch-made deli standards. They make several soups daily and have Jersey-style deli sandwhiches including pastrami, liverwurst, italian panini, egg salad, tuna salad, roast beef and reubens. They also have a large selection of entrée salads. Be sure to save some room for dessert as they have some really innovative ones, including lemon ooey gooey bars, butterscotch and black salt cookies and an orange dreamsicle cake. 3123 Broadway 828-2322 www.wddeli.com $ patio
ZEDRIC’S
Chef-prepared healthy pre-packaged meals to go. Meals are low-calorie and can be low-carb, Paleo or gluten-free. 5231 Broadway 824-6000 www.zedrics.com $
ASIAN
BOK CHOY
Vegan and vegetarian Pan-Asian food. Delcious appetizers include fried rice, spring rolls and cheese rangoons. Entrees include vibrantly flavored favorites like Hunan Beef, General TSO’s Chik-n, Beef and Broccoli, and steaming bowls of pho. 5130 Broadway 437-2200 www.eatbokchoy.com $ Patio
FORMOSA GARDEN
Tranquil atmosphere, serving sushi, Chinese and Japanese cuisine. A Japanese hibachi-style grill experience is available Wednesday through Sunday during dinner, offering certified Black Angus beef. Reservations are preferred for the hibachi, but walk-ins are still welcomed. 1011 NE Loop 410 828-9988 www.formosasa.com $ $ Patio
MON THAI BISTRO
ORIENTAL BISTRO
New Oriental eatery in the same location as an old favorite. Offering traditional menu with some new specials. 8338 Broadway St. 210-973-7798
OSAKA JAPANESE STEAK AND SUSHI
Japanese steak and sushi with hibachi tables where chefs cook and perform for audiences. 4902 Broadway 822-0300 www.osakasteaknsushi.com $-$$ Reservations suggested
PIRANHA KILLER SUSHI
Sushi, Japanese and Pacific Rim cuisine in a lively environment located in the Quarry Market. Up-tempo music with a large bar and lots of creative appetizers and sushi rolls. 260 E. Basse, #101 822-1088 www.piranhakillersushi.com $$
P. F. CHANG’S
Located in the Quarry Market, offering sushi, dim sum, wok classics, noodle dishes and cocktails. 255 E. Basse, #1200 507-1000 www.pfchangs.com $$
SUSHI ZUSHI
Traditional Japanese and Latin American influences fused into modern, healthy rolls, rice and noodle dishes. 999 E. Basse 826-8500 www.sushizushi.com $$
SNOW’S VIETNAM
Vietnamese cuisine with light soups and spring rolls and phenomenal steaming bowls of pho. 3244 Broadway 892-7461 $$
TONG’S THAI
Beautiful Thai restaurant with tranquil outdoor patio with koi pond. Traditional Thai food, along with Chinese dishes and sushi. 1146 Austin Highway 829-7345 www.tongsthai.com $$ Patio
BARBECUE
BUN ‘N’ BARREL
1960s-era landmark serving BBQ, burgers, brisket and milkshakes in casual digs with iconic neon signage. 1150 Austin Highway 828-2829 www.bunnbarrel.com $
L&L HAWAIIAN BARBECUE
Authentic Hawaiian-style barbecue. A fusion of Asian and American cuisine that includes fresh seafood, Lau Lau (pork steamed in taro leaves), savory Kalua pork, chicken and beef, all served the Aloha way with rice. 1302 Austin Hwy 474-6699 www.hawaiianbarbecue.com $
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THE BARBECUE STATION
Authentic wood-smoked barbecue brisket, ribs, sausage and chicken. 1610 N.E. Loop 410 824-9191 www.barbecuestation.com $ - $$
THE SMOKE SHACK
Brisket, pulled pork, sausage, turkey, ribs and chicken plus delicious sides like Smoke Shack Mac, and spicy creamed corn. 3714 Broadway 829-8448 www.smokeshacksa.com $
EUROPEAN
COMMONWEALTH COFFEEHOUSE AND BAKERY
Coffee, latte, cappuccino, espresso plus artisanal French pastries, savory croissants, sandwiches, soups, salads, crepes and more. 118 Davis Court 560-2955 www.commonwealthcoffeehouse.com $ patio
CRUMPETS
European cusine by chef Francois Maeder featuring fresh seafood, pasta, beef and chicken. Restaurant has a large patio surrounded by oak trees, decorative ponds and waterfalls. 3920 Harry Wurzbach 821-5454 www.crumpetssa.com $$-$$$ patio
FREDERICK’S
BURGER FI
Gourmet burgers and hot dogs made from all natural, never-frozen meat. Vegetarian burgers are available too, plus sides like hand-cut fresh fries, crispy onion rings and frozen custard. 1907 Nacogdoches Road 858-4052 www.burgerfi.com $
CHEESY JANE’S
Burgers, sliders, sandwiches, salads and sides plus shakes in many flavors. 4200 Broadway 826-0800 www.cheesyjanes.com $
CHESTER’S HAMBURGERS
Rustic casual environment with lots of beers on tap and a genuinely great hamburger. 1006 N.E. Loop 410 805-8600 $
MEXICAN/LATIN ADELANTE
Serving what they refer to as health-Mex. All natural light and fresh dishes with plenty of vegan and vegetarian choices. 21 Brees Blvd. 822-7681 www.adelanterestaurant.com $
BETO’S
French fusion cusine prepared by chef Frederick Costa. A wonderful culinary experience with dishes that feature flounder, roasted duck, escargot and more. 7701 Broadway 828-9050 www.frederickssa.com $$ - $$$
A unique combination of Mexican street food and Latin American soul food. The fish tacos were voted best fish taco in San Antonio. 8142 Broadway 930-9393 www.betosaltmex.com $
A beer garden and popular happy hour destination with hearty food. Offerings include German schnitzel, a chicken-fried rib-eye and brisket nachos. 7310 Jones Maltsberger 290-8066 quarryhofbrau.com $
Very authentic regional Mexican tacos. Offerings include cilantro chicken, carnitas Michoacan style, carne guisada, picadillo and shrimp tacos and many more. 5231 Broadway 218-5466 www.chelas-tacos.com $
HOFBRAU & BEER GARDEN
LA MADELEINE
A quaint French country cafe serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with a reustic interior stone fireplaces and quiet nooks where you can relax. Sip on a delicious cup of tea, enjoy buttery croissants, ouse-made pastries,French onion soup, beef bourguignon or chicken cordon bleu pasta. 4820 Broadway 829-7291 www.lamadeleine.com $-$$
THE WINCHESTER PUB
An English style pub with a Texas twist offering a large selection of craft cocktails, 18 beers on tap, wine & champagne, and a full menu for breakfast, brunch, lunch & dinner featuring fish & chips, cheese curds, French toast, brisket grilled cheese sandwiches, Scotch eggs, and a hearty burger. The atmosphere is cozy with a large wooden bar, dart boards, and lots of large screen tv’s showcasing your favorite sports teams. They also specialize in Soccer Saturdays showing games from European leagues. 5148 Broadway 210-721-7762 www.thewinchesterpub.com $-$$
GREEK
PAPOULI’S GRILL
Authentic Greek food with gyros, plus so much more. They have an extensive array of delicious tapas including hummus, dolmas (stuffed grape leaves), falafel patties, kalamata olives and fried calamari. They have large and satisfying salads including a traditional Greek, the Greco Roman, the Mediterranean and Caprese. Additionally they offer fresh fish and shrimp dishes grilled rosemary lemon chicken, vegetarian moussaka, pastichio (Greek lasagna) and their signature Papouli’s Feast that includes a choice of 4 meats, pita bread, Greek salad, puff pastries and more. 255 E. Basse, #384 804-1118 www.papoulis.com $
54 | March 2018
HAMBURGERS
CHELA’S TACOS
EL MACHITO
Chef Johnny Hernandez prepares select mesquite-grilled meats over an open fire in the traditional style of the carne asada of northern Mexico. 7300 Jones Maltsberger 314-3971 www.chefjohnnyhernandez.com $$
LA FONDA
Casual dining in a relaxed setting, serving contemporary Mexican cuisine, thoughtfully executed. Open for lunch and dinner with a brunch on Sunday. 8633 Crownhill Blvd. 824-4231 www.lafondaah.com $$ Sun Brunch
PALOMA BLANCA
Dishes from the coastal regions of Mexico. Signature dishes include grilled snapper, ceviche, pozole, handmade flautas and tacos al pastor. 5800 Broadway 822-6151 www.palomablanca.net $$
PICANTE GRILL
Upscale, chef-prepared gourmet Mexican food with recipes based on the cuisine of the Mexican interior. 3810 Broadway 822-3797 www.picantegrill.com $$
SOLUNA COCINA MEXICANA
Trendy upscale Mexican restaurant with a lively happy hour, impressive margaritas, Tex -Mex favorites and a colorful patio. 7959 Broadway 930-8070 www.calvillosmexicanfood.com patio $$-$$$
CHESTER’S HAMBURGERS
Rustic casual environment with lots of beers on tap and a genuinely great hamburger. 1006 N.E. Loop 410 805-8600 $
FRONTIER BURGER
A San Antonio staple famous for charcoal grilled hamburgers with a special blend of spices and seasonings and bakery-fresh buns. They are also known for their ever-popular thin, crispy onion rings, hand-dipped ice cream milkshakes and handmade fruit pies. In addition, they offer crispy and charcoal broiled chicken sandwiches, chicken wraps and a kid’s menu. 838 N.E. Loop 410 932-8040 $
LONGHORN CAFE
Casual, family-friendly burger joint with wood picnic tables, a playground for the kids, great appetizers, salads and sides. 1003 Rittiman at Harry Wurzbach 822-7272 www.thelonghorncafe.com $ Patio
ORDER UP
GRIMALDI’S PIZZA
Casual, Brooklyn-based pizzeria chain serving brick-oven pizzas and calzones. 330 E. Basse, #101 832-8288 www.grimaldispizzeria.com $$
JULIAN’S PIZZERIA
A warm family-friendly environment serving pizza and italian staples like spaghetti and meatballs, baked rigatoni and lasagna. 6462 N. New Braunfels www.julianspizzeria.com $$
VOLARE GOURMET PIZZA
An intimate, family-friendly restaurant serving New York-style thin-crust pizza and other Italian standards. 5054 Broadway 828-3354 www.volarepizza.com $ - $$
SOUTHWESTERN CANYON CAFE
A healthy take on your standard burger, fries and shakes with gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options. 999 E. Basse 824-9600 www.orderup-sa.com $
Creative dishes influenced by the American Southwest. Bison meatloaf, grilled lemon salmon, baja shrimp pasta and fajitas 255 E. Basse, #600 821-3738 www.canyoncafe.com $$
ITALIAN
STEAKS
Homemade soups, fresh salads, hand-tossed pizzas and strombolis along with favorites like eggplant parmigiana and spaghetti with homemade meatballs. 1017 Austin Highway 822-2300 www.ceronispurplegarlic.com $$
Family-owned steakhouse with Western-style decor, serving perfectly grilled steaks, delicious seafood and desserts. Rib-eyes, porterhouse and New York strip steaks, plus Chateaubriand, rack of lamb, Gulf Coast oysters and fresh salmon. They have a full bar and frequently offer fine live entertainment. 8400 N. New Braunfels 824-0116 www.thebarndoorrestaurant.com Live Entertainment $$ - $$$
CERRONI’S PURPLE GARLIC
PAESANOS
An upscale landmark Italian restaurant with a large menu of classic and contemporary Italian dishes and an extensive wine list. 555 E. Basse 828-5191 www.paesanositalianrestaurant.com $$ - $$$
PIATTI
Market-inspired, rustic Italian cuisine in a warm and welcoming environment. 255 E. Basse, #500 832-0300 www.piatti.com $$
SORRENTO
Specializing in traditional Italian cuisine withantipasti, seafood and pasta dishes. 5146 Broadway 824-0055 www.sorrentopizzeria.com $$
TRE TRATTORIA
Tuscan-inspired Italian fare featuring housemade fresh pasta, antipasti, salumi, signature cast-iron pizzas and simply prepared entrees. The wine list features each region in Italy and offers quartino and bottle service. 4003 Broadway 805-0333 www.tretrattoria.com $$- $$$
PIZZA
BRAZA BRAVA
Pizzas made in Neapolitan style in a wood -fired brick oven. 7959 Broadway 320-2100 $$
CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN
Fresh and light California-inspired salads, soups, flatbreads and pizzas. 255 E. Basse 424-2014 www.cpk.com $$
FLORIO’S PIZZA
Delicious authentic New York-style pizza. 7701 Broadway 805-8646 www.floriospizza.com $ - $$
THE BARN DOOR
FLEMING’S STEAKHOUSE
High-end steakhouse serving prime aged beef, pork chops, North Atlantic lobster tails, Alaskan king crab legs, Chilean sea bass and other seafood specialties. 255 E. Basse, #200 824-9463 www.flemingssteakhouse.com $$$
RUTH'S CHRIS
Upscale steakhouse that serves prime rib-eye, New York strip and fiIet mignon steaks on sizzling plates. They also feature delicious lamb chops, shrimp, lobster, crabcakes and chicken entrees and generous desserts. 7720 Jones Maltsberger 821-5051 www.ruthschris.com $$$
TREATS & DESSERTS COOKIE CAB
Fresh baked warm cookies delivered to your door. Choose from favorites like chocolate chip, peanut butter, oatmeal raisin, sugar, and snickerdoodle. 1832 NacadochesRoad 210.848.9920 www.cookiecab.com
LA PANADERíA
Artisan bakery that bakes several varieties of fresh bread and pastries daily. They have a large, airy dining area and serve gourmet coffee, soup and sandwiches. 8305 Broadway 375-6746 www.lapanaderia.com $
MENCHIE’S
Non-fat, low-fat yogurts with fun toppings you add yourself. 999 E. Basse, Suite 177 824-1104 www.menchies.com $
NOTHING BUNDT CAKES
Delicious bundt cakes in flavors like lemon, carrot and white chocolate raspberry adorned with thick cream cheese frosting and decorated for any occasion. 5164 Broadway 233-8430 www.nothingbundtcakes.com $$
www.78209magazine.com | 55
Wine & Dine 78209 MAGAZINE
AN INSIDER’S GUIDE TO DINING & DRINKING IN ‘09
BOSS BAGEL Like A Boss, They Do It Right By IRIS GONZALEZ
Co-owners Christie and Brannon Soileau thought opening over Labor Day weekend in 2017 would mean a soft opening for BOSS Bagel, expecting most people would be on vacation. Instead the couple were busy tending to many customers lining up to try San Antonio’s newest specialty bagel shop in Alamo Heights, located in the Sunset Ridge Shopping Center. Their sweet, dense bagels have been a hit since opening day. All of BOSS’s bagels are hand-rolled before they’re boiled in sweetened water, just like they are in New York, and baked in a wood-fire oven, as shops prepare them in Montreal. The difference between a Montreal-style and a New Yorkstyle bagel comes down to the bagel’s texture. Montreal-style bagels have more crunch with a tenderer center than their New York counterparts. The couple went one step further in customizing their bagels by using an ingredient commonly found in San Anto-
56 | March 2018
nio. “Instead of the traditional honey to sweeten the boiling water, we use agave,” Christie said. “That also makes our bagels vegan and uniquely San Antonian.” Brannon Soileau is a veteran chef who recently retired as an instructor with the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in San Antonio. He and Christie moved to San Antonio from New York, where Brannon taught at the Hyde Park campus of the CIA. Chef Soileau not only rolls the bagels by hand, he bakes them in a wood-burning Wood Stone-brand oven, roasting the bagels on cedar planks for added flavor. BOSS is one of only five wood-fired bagel restaurants in the country. “I burn oak logs in our oven,” chef Solieau said. “We found her in Connecticut and had her shipped here by truck. I say ‘her’ because I’ve named her Rosemary.” BOSS Bagel offers the bagels by themselves, with
schmears and as sandwiches. Schmear comes from the Yiddish word “to smear.” In modern usage it means anything that can be spread, such as cream cheese spread upon a bagel. BOSS Bagel offers an enticing selection of 10 flavored schmears with something for everyone. There’s roasted poblano pepper, raspberry, cinnamon honey, blueberry, plus different types of tofu schmears. From birthday cake to loaded baked potato schmear, there is a flavored spread to match your mood and choice of bagel. There are at least 16 varieties of bagels to choose from, all made daily, with the traditional bagel crust and fresh, chewy interior ready for sandwich fillings like smoked trout, country ham, even buffalo wing sauced chicken. Almost all the bagels are vegan except for the egg-based and bacon-studded ones. In addition to making all the bagels and schmears, chef Soileau prepares in-house the restaurant’s braised corned beef, cures and smokes the salmon and trout and sells slices of cured salmon gravlax for customers to take home. The Soileaus met while attending the CIA at Hyde Park and married a couple of years after they graduated in 1991. The couple traveled the world working in various hotels and restaurants before opening their first fine dining establishment in Lafayette, Indiana. BOSS is their first bagel shop and their first restaurant in San Antonio. BOSS Bagel serves breakfast and lunch. Sandwiches are priced from $5.95 to $10.50 for the Slammin’ Salmon, a sesame bagel piled with house-cured salmon or gravlax,
shaved red onions, sliced tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs and lemon dill schmear. Bagels are priced at $1.95 for one, $19 for a baker’s dozen and $50 for an office- or family-friendly box of 18 with 3 pounds of schmear. If you’re watching your carbs and have little will power, try their pint-sized bagel—it’s their half-sized bagel. For those sensitive to gluten, there’s a gluten-free bagel as well. “We get many students who come and request different options,” Christie said. “In response we’ve added new sandwiches like the buffalo chicken bagel sandwich and a Mexican Scramble bagel with scrambled eggs, chorizo, pico de gallo and cheese.” The menu includes soups, with a new one featured every week. The "cream of greens” is made with roasted asparagus, spinach and leeks in a cream base. Texas-roasted coffee brewed pour-over style or in flavorful espresso shots brewed using a manual-pull espresso machine is available to help with any hazy after-effects from a blissful post-bagel binge. BOSS Bagel — the name is an acronym for “bagels on Southern soil” — is open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. “Come in on the weekends to enjoy freshly baked, traditionally made Bavarian pretzels; they are as big as a plate,” chef Soileau said. “But come early, as they sell out fast. If you call, we’ll reserve some for you.” Boss Bagel, 6458 N. New Braunfels Ave, 210-504-4888, BossBagel.com. www.78209magazine.com | 57
Church Directory PLACES OF WORSHIP
ALAMO HEIGHTS BAPTIST CHURCH 6501 Broadway St. San Antonio, TX 78209 210-824-9539 Services: Sunday 10:45am and Wednesday 6:15pm praise and prayer ALAMO HEIGHTS CHRISTIAN CHURCH 6435 N. New Braunfels Ave. San Antonio, TX 78209 210-828-5728 alamoheightscc.org Services: Sunday: 10:50am-12pm ALAMO HEIGHTS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 6201 Broadway St. San Antonio, TX 78209 210-824-0271 alamoheightspres.com Services: Sunday 8:30am and 11am ALAMO HEIGHTS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 825 E. Basse Road San Antonio, TX 78209 210-826-3215 ahumc.org Services: Sunday 8:30am, 9:30am and 11am CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH 6720 Broadway St. San Antonio, TX 78209 210-822-3394 clcah.org Services: Sunday 8:30am and 10:30am
FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST SCIENTIST 5927 Broadway St. San Antonio, TX 78209 210-822-8870 (no website) Services: Wednesday 12-1pm and Sunday 10:30-11:30am MOUNT CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH 308 Mt. Calvary Drive San Antonio, TX 78209 210-824-8748 mtcsa.org Services: Sunday 8:30am and 11am
NORTHWOOD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 518 Pike Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209 Services: Sunday mornings at 11 am ST. ANTHONY DE PADUA CATHOLIC CHURCH 102 Lorenz Road San Antonio, TX 78209 210-824-1743 stanthonydepadua.org Services: Saturday mass 5pm Sunday mass 7:30am, 9am; 10:30am, 12 noon Daily mass 9am Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday SAINT DAVID'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH AND SCHOOL 1300 Wiltshire Ave. San Antonio, TX 78209 saintdavids.net Services: Sundays at 8& 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays at 7:30 a.m. ST. LUKE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 11 Saint Luke’s Lane San Antonio, Texas 78209 210-828-6425 slecsa.org Services: Sunday 8am, 9am, 11am. 6pm Wednesday eucharist at 8am during the school year ST. PETER PRINCE OF THE APOSTLES CHURCH 111 Barilla Place San Antonio, TX 78209 210-822-3367 stpeterprinceoftheapostles.org Services: Mass Saturday 5:30pm, Sunday 9am, 11am and 5:30pm; Tuesday and Thursday 7am; Wednesday 5:30pm; Friday 8:15am ST. PIUS X CATHOLIC CHURCH 3303 Urban Crest Drive San Antonio, TX 78209 210-824-0139 stpiusxsa.org Services: Saturday 8am, 5pm; Sunday 8am, 10:15am, 12:10pm, 5:30pm Monday-Friday at various times
For more information visit www.SanAntonioChurches.com. 58 | March 2018
78209 MAGAZINE
News ( By LESLIE FOLEY )
Enjoy food and entertainment on the lawn of the Park at Pearl during “Baskets and Blankets”.
3rd Annual “Baskets & Blankets” At the Park At Pearl Benefits Eva’s Heroes.
New Year, New Preschool: Brighton Center Hosts Community Open House in Monte Vista
On Saturday, Jan 20, Brighton Center, hosted a free open house event at their Monte Vista – Lullwood campus, 265 E Lullwood Ave, to showcase their nationally accredited preschool curriculum and services. Families in the community were invited to tour the campus, learn more about the variety of services being offered and enjoyed family-friendly activities including an inclusionthemed story time with Miss Anastasia and cookie decorating with Bird Bakery. “Identifying a preschool that meets your child’s needs is incremental to their development and education career because 90 percent of a child’s brain capacity develops by age 5,” Brighton Center CEO Kim Jefferies said. “With the myriad of options out there, the process of finding the right preschool in the new year can be stressful. We welcome all families in the community to stop by our Monte Vista campus to get a first-hand look at how Brighton provides a nurturing environment in your own backyard.” At Brighton Center’s two campuses, in northeast San Antonio and Monte Vista, children with and without disabilities or delays are provided with a nationally accredited preschool curriculum that advances the development of every child while promoting learning in an inclusive environment. 60 | March 2018
Bring a blanket and your family and friends to enjoy food and music during a community picnic, “Baskets & Blankets,” benefitting Eva’s Heroes from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 31 at Pearl Park located at Pearl, 312 Pearl Parkway, 78215. The picnic offers meal baskets from some of San Antonio’s more popular restaurants, including: The Bread Box, Cured, Green Vegetarian Cuisine, Luce Ristorante e Enoteca, Pam’s Patio Kitchen, SeaWorld, Southerleigh, Tribeca, and more. Visit www.evasheroes.org/baskets-andblankets for updates of participating restaurants. You can also visit www.atpearl.com. Baskets & Blankets offers three tiers of picnic meals that can be purchased in advance online with a limited number of meals available for purchase onsite: Kids Meals for two $20; Deluxe Meals for two $50; and White Glove Service and Meals for two $150. In addition to dining al fresco, attendees will enjoy musical entertainment by pianist and bandleader Doc Watkins of Jazz, TX. He will perform the last set. Children can participate in a variety of kid’s games. Also, Easter eggs containing fun and exciting prizes will be placed in each basket. Children can have their picture taken with the Easter Bunny for a $10 donation. Eva's Heroes was co-founded by actress Eva Longoria Baston and Board President Christiane Perkins-Garcia in 2006. It is dedicated to enriching the lives of teens and young adults with intellectual special needs. For more info, call (210) 694-9090. Be there live as the NCAA Men’s Final Four returns to the Alamo City after 10 years. March 31-April 2nd at the Alamodome. Volunteers are needed too, check it out and purchase tickets available at several locations and websites.
ARTS San Antonio
A Tribute to Benny Goodman is set for March 2nd at Charline McCombs Empire Theatre, 7:30m p.m. Celebrate the best jazz tunes of this era presented by seven of the finest young musicians in London. Or take in Cameron Carpenter’s Organ Virtuoso, March 24th at the same theatre and enjoy the approach with a twist to the regular organ music. 210-2262891 or check artssa.org for tickets.
Night of Artists
Don’t mind waking up early on March 17th, for the 8:00 a.m. for the 5K Wine and Beer Run held at the Shops at La Cantera. Who wouldn’t run if you know tasty treats with wine and beer are your reward!
Saddle up for a ticket to the Briscoe Western Art Museum for the annual Night of Artists. Join fellow western artists and art enthusiasts for opening weekend March 23 & 24th. Opening weekend includes live auction, awards entertainment, cuisine and the first opportunity to purchase artwork by 75 of the country’s top Western artists. Yee Haw, now visit www.briscoemuseum.org for tickets, time and more information. Public exhibition and sale-March 25th-May 6th. And remember, the Briscoe is open for free every Tuesday, 4:00-9:00 p.m.
Party At the San Antonio Museum of Art
And Over at Hemisfair….
Runners at the Culinaria 5K Wine & Beer Run.
Culinaria’s 5K Wine & Beer Run
Second Fridays at SAMA: cocktails, music, tours, art and more from 6:00-8:00 p.m. March 9th: Heads and Tales. Enjoy live music, gallery tours inspired by the Museum's collection at 5:30, 6:15, and 7:15 p.m. (space is limited), specialty cocktails by The Esquire Tavern (cash bar) and art making! Art Party is a collaboration between the San Antonio Museum of Art and KRTU Jazz 91.7. www.samuseum.org for details
San Antonio Flavor 2018
San Antonio Museum of Art is the place to be on March 22nd 7:00 p.m. to sample bites from 30+ local restaurants in various cuisines, to enjoy craft beer, wine, signature cocktails and a live Culinary Showdown, starring four top San Antonio chefs and celebs. Live music, beats by SoundCream, Contemporary Art Month art installations, and more. Don’t miss this tasty happening; a limited amount of tickets will be sold. Event benefits Culinaria 501c3
Asian Festival
You have heard that 2018 is the year of the dog? Journey over to the Institute of Texan Cultures’ Asian Festival for a day of music, Asian dances, fashion, crafts, and cuisine on February 17th , 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Plenty of vendors will tempt your taste buds with dishes such as chicken tikka masala.
Have a colorful day!
Try the color vibe5K run! You will see nothing but bright color swirling around Retama Park racetrack on March March 24th. Proceeds will support the Animal Defense League of Texas. Oh what a colorful, fun-filled day you will have as you race around being blasted by color.
Con Safos Cocina Y Cantina: A family friendly bar with food located in downtown San Antonio inside the heart of Hemisfair/Yanaguana Garden opened in mid-January along with CommonWealth Coffeehouse & Bakery. f you haven’t kept it, there is plenty to see and participate in at the Hemisfair these days.
Bud Light St. Patrick’s Day Festival
This event started in 1968 and has been organized as a joint project by the San Antonio River Walk Association and the Harp & Shamrock Society of Texas ever since. Green beer will be sold at the Arneson River Theatre along with Irish and other ethnic foods. Festival entertainment includes a family-friendly interactive activity called Passport to Ireland. Other festival activities include face-painting, henna artistry, caricatures, Irish food, photo booth, Irish novelty items for sale and officially-licensed River Walk merchandise. And don’t miss Dyeing of the River Walk Green (transformed into the River Shannon) happening both Friday and Saturday at 1:00 p.m. Event hours: Friday, March 17, 2:009:00 PM and Saturday March 18, Noon-9:00 PM at La Villita. www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com/events/murphys-st.patricks-day-river-parade-festival
St. Patrick’s Day Artisan Show
Enjoy a stroll along the picturesque River Walk, (Extension of the River Walk, near the Chamber of Commerce) Visit with artisans who are anxious to share information about their craft. March 16th -18th 11:00-11:00. www.78209magazine.com | 61
78209 MAGAZINE
Calendar DON’T MISS THESE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EVENTS
Alamo Heights Night
Spring Break Free Family Days at the McNay
Contemporary Art Month Month of March
This month-long celebration of contemporary arts features more than 400 exhibitions and involves more than 50 venues, including galleries, museums, neighborhoods and studios. Support your local 78209 museums!
www.contemporaryartmonth.com
Maker Workshops Every Friday
THE DOSEUM 3 – 4PM Located in Innovation Station, Maker Workshops are drop-in programs that are open to all guests ages 6-11. The workshop programs are aligned to Maker-Centered Learning, looking closely, exploring
complexity and finding opportunity.
Tour the exhibits to learn more about Texas history and see historical artifacts.
H-E-B Family Free Night
Every Sunday
www.thedoseum.org 1st & 3rd Tuesday THE DOSEUM 6:30 – 8:30PM Enjoy free admission to the DoSeum every month on the first and third Tuesdays courtesy of H.E.B. Explore all the museum has to offer. Arrive early, as free admission is limited to the first 1,500 guests.
www.thedoseum.org
Free Knowledge Tuesdays Every Tuesday
WITTE MUSEUM 3 – 8PM Every Tuesday admission to the museum is free.
( EDITOR’S PICK )
www.wittemuseum.org
Alamo Heights Farmers Market
225 E BASSE RD 9AM – 1PM Free and open to the public. Alamo Heights Farmers Market will feature vendors with farm-fresh selections including fresh produce, grass fed/grass finished beef, lamb, goat and wild hog meats, chicken, eggs, kombucha, pecans, honey, gourmet coffee, lemonade and many more exciting products.
this year's Monarch Fest. This is a two-day festival celebrating all things monarchs, milkweed and migration! Receive free milkweed seeds, participate in fun games and crafts, and learn how you can help end the extinction of the monarch butterfly. Fun for the whole family. This event is free with zoo admission.
www.sazoo.org
Monarch Fest
ArtFull Wednesday: Food for Thought: American Pie March 7
MCNAY ART MUSEUM 12– 1PM Join the McNay for American Pie! Taste-test food and drink related to art on view.
www.mcnayart.org
Conversation and Brunch: Collecting March 11
March 4-5
SAN ANTONIO ZOO Mark your calendars for
Spring Break at the Garden
The Alamo Heights Farmers Market
March 10 – 18
SAN ANTONIO BOTANICAL GARDEN 8AM – 5PM Explore the new Family Adventure Garden! Be ready to spend all day playing in the kid-friendly nature spot. You may get wet and messy, so an extra set of clothes and shoes that can get wet is recommended.
www.sabot.org
62 | March 2018
African-American Art
THE MCNAY 2 – 3PM Join the McNay for a late brunch and lively conversation with San Antonio collectors Harriet and Harmon Kelley, who have spent the last 30 years building a nationally recognized collection of AfricanAmerican Art. www.mcnayart.org
Spring Break Free Family Days Community at Play March 13
THE MCNAY 2 – 4PM Jump into three days of fun and play at the McNay! Art activities, free family tours, lawn games, and a special performance take place inside and outside the museum, drawing inspiration from work by African-American artists on view.
www.mcnayart.org
An Irish Dinner: For St. Patrick’s Day March 16
CENTRAL MARKET
COOKING SCHOOL 6:30 – 9PM Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by learning to make these dishes that feature flavors and ingredients from the Emerald Isle like Lamb Chops with Guinness Pan Sauce, Colcannon and Bread Pudding with Irish Whiskey Sauce.
www.centralmarket.com
Dog Days: Tails & Kites March 17 – 18
SAN ANTONIO BOTANICAL GARDEN 8AM – 5PM Bring your dog to the Garden and enjoy hands-on activities!
www.sabot.org
Dinner in the Wild March 21
WITTE MUSEUM 6:30 – 9:30PM Celebrate Dinner in the Wild curated by the Witte Museum and Boiler House – a culinary and content experience never before done in San Antonio. This exclusive evening of finedining brings together top
Dinner In The Wild at the Witte local chefs and Witte Museum curators under the stars for a seated, multi-course feast. Guests will interact with chefs and Witte curators to explore Texas’ diverse, exceptional food culture and how land stewardship plays a key part in the past, present, and future of the foods we love.
www.wittemuseum.org
MARCH SPOTLIGHT
A Conference on the Tricentennial March 23 – 24
WITTE MUSEUM In honor of San Antonio’s Tricentennial Celebration the Witte Museum is proud to host a Speakers Conference. The two-day conference will examine the three centuries of San Antonio history.
www.wittemuseum.org
The Cutting Edge Fiesta Fashion Show April 18
THE MCCOMBS CENTER 847 E. HILDEBRAND 6PM University of The Incarnate Word fashion students show their collections. The garments have bee illustrated, designed and constructed in a year-long capstone course. Students learn every aspect of planning a professional
runway show. Benefits from the show provide UIW students scholarships. Admission is $75 - $150
www.cuttingedgesa.com
Alamo Heights Night April 20
THE UNIVERSITY OF THE INCARNATE WORD CAMPUS 5:30 - 11:30PM The 32nd annual Alamo Heights Night activities will include food booths from some of San Antonio’s leading restaurants, live entertainment on multiple stages, a fireworks show, carnival midway, and kid’s activities like laser tag, rock climbing, rides, slides and face painting.
www.alamoheightsnight.org
Couples Cook: Paella Party March 23
CENTRAL MARKET COOKING SCHOOL 6:30 – 9PM Create authentic Spanish paella at home after you’ve perfected your techniques by working with our expert. Learn about regional variations and how to make a meal of it as you create Chorizo and Pork Paella, Seafood Paella and Traditional Spanish Flan.
www.centralmarket.com
The Cutting Edge Fiesta Fashion Show www.78209magazine.com | 63
Police Blotter ALAMO HEIGHTS POLICE DEPARTMENT
AHPD
CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION
6116 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 822-2164 FAX (210) 822-7111
02/03/18 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF: GRAFFITI 5000 blk. Broadway Graffiti was painted on the side of an unoccupied business.
issued by Bexar County for prostitution; further investigation discovered the driver had five active municipal court warrants issued by Alamo Heights for outstanding traffic violations.
02/03/18 IDENTITY THEFT 700 blk. Evans A person's identity was used to re-route monthly social security checks and an attempt to cash forged checks.
02/15/18 ILLEGAL DUMPING 50 Alamo Heights Blvd. A contractor was observed dumping a large amount of construction debris behind the baseball fields; a citation was issued and the contractor removed all the debris.
02/05/18 WANTED PERSON 300 blk. Austin Hwy. A driver stopped for a traffic violation had never been issued a driver's license; further investigation discovered the driver had two active arrest warrants issued by Bexar County for a parole violation and assault/family violence, 2nd offense
Glorifying God and sharing the teachings of Jesus Christ we build a community of hope and wholeness through worship education, service and fellowship.
Celebrating 102 years in Alamo Heights
02/07/18 NARCOTICS VIOLATION 100 blk. Elizabeth A driver stopped for a traffic violation was found in possession of marijuana. 02/07/18 WANTED PERSON 5200 blk. N New Braunfels A driver stopped for running a red light had never been issued a driver's license; further investigation discovered the driver had an active arrest warrant issued by Tom Green County for bond revocation. 02/08/18 PUBLIC INTOXICATION 5200 blk. Broadway An intoxicated subject creating a disturbance at a bus stop was transported to Haven for Hope.
ALAMO HEIGHTS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 6201 Broadway, San Antonio, Texas 78209 Senior Pastor: Rev Dr. Richard Knott. Jr. (210) 824-0271 www.alamoheightspres.com
Come Worship with Us Two worship services at 8:30am and 11:00am
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02/08/18 DISORDERLY CONDUCT, LANGUAGE 200 blk. W. Ellwood A resident asked a female subject to clean her dog's waste from his yard; the female subject cursed at the resident and threw a bag of dog feces at him. 02/15/18 THEFT 200 blk. Canyon An exterior camera stolen. 02/15/18 WANTED PERSON 6200 blk. Broadway A driver stopped for a traffic violation was found to have an active warrant
02/15/18 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF 4900 blk. Broadway Graffiti painted on the side of a building. 02/16/18 THEFT 5900 blk. Broadway A wallet was stolen from a purse. 02/18/18 VEHICLE BURGLARY 100 blk. Alamo Heights Blvd. An unattended vehicle was forcibly entered and miscellaneous property left in open view was stolen. 02/19/18 THEFT, VEHICLE 4900 blk. Broadway A delivery van being unloaded was stolen when employees were away from the vehicle; the keys were left in the ignition at the time of the theft; the vehicle was later recovered in San Antonio. 02/20/18 VEHICLE BURGLARY 200 blk. Viesca An iPhone was stolen from an unlocked and unattended vehicle. 02/20/18 HARASSMENT 300 blk. Joliet An Ex-girlfriend reported being harassed by repeated phone calls, text messages and on social media platforms. 02/24/18 ASSAULT, BODILY INJURY 5000 blk. Broadway A patron was punched in the mouth while attempting to break up an argument; four suspects fled on foot in multiple directions.
On The Market
REAL ESTATE
78209 HOME SALES
The following are home sales for Alamo Heights ISD and North East ISD in ZIP code 78209 for Janaury 2018. Source: San Antonio Board of REALTORS® Total Sales- 27 Average Price- $528,132 Median Price- $435,000 Days On The Market- 122
78209 in Alamo Heights ISD: Total Sales- 17 Average Price- $668,218 Median Price- $507,000 Days On The Market- 167
78209 in North East ISD: Total Sales- 9 Average Price- $268,278 Median Price- $260,000 Days On The Market- 44
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Vintage View 78209 MAGAZINE
A LOOK BACK
1920 The indoor swimming pool at Texas Military Institute, located at 800 College Blvd, served generations of TMI students until the school moved in 1989.
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