JANUARY 2019
LIVE WITH INTENTION DEBBIE PEREZ
AREA ART EVENTS JANUARY GETAWAYS GOOD READS AND MORE!
Mission Statement: At The Atonement Academy, we strive for Excellence in the physical, the intellectual, and the spiritual virtues through a challenging course of classical Catholic education. National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Catholic Education Honor Roll – Only School in Texas to receive the award for commitment to the principles of Catholic identity in education. (Cardinal Newman Society) College Acceptance Rate – A full 100% of our Graduates are accepted into 4-year colleges! Financial Aid: $540,000 institutional money given in the 2017-2018 school year.
15415 Red Robin Road San Antonio, TX 78255
(210) 343-2443 w w w. A t o n e me n tOn l i n e .c o m Now Enrolling Pre-K – 12th grade
Students Attend Daily Mass – Only Catholic School in San Antonio Ranked #1 “Best Catholic School in San Antonio” on Niche.com Students Clubs: Robotics, Prolife, Drama, Booster, Student Council, Debate, Chess and many more. Music Awards: 14 Members in the TMEA High school All-Region Choir & 14 Members in the TMEA Middle School All-Region Choir.
CONTENTS THE DOMINION MAGAZINE |
JANUARY 2019
LIVE WITH INTENTION
COVER 34
WELCOME 10
FITNESS 44
THE CLUB
Good Reads 46
Calendar 12 Message From The Manager 13 Club Happenings 14
The Ragged Edge of Night
22
Staff Profile 48
SUPPER CLUB 18
CITY PROFILE 50 West Texas
COMMUNITY GROUPS 22
HOME TOUR 54
Dominion Women's Forum 24 TENNIS 28
50
Golf 30 Start the New Year With A Long-Term Vision
Serenity In January
Area Events 68
The Dominion Gives 42 disABILITYsa
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GETAWAYS 64 ART Events 66
FINANCIAL 42
6
GIRL ABOUT TOWN 62
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JANUARY 2019 | VOLUME 6 ISSUE 1
PUBLISHED By SMV Texas Design Group, LLC 930 E. Blanco, Ste. 200, Boerne, TX 78006 210-507-5250
Welcome TO
the Dominion Magazine Dear DOMINION Reader,
SMV TEXAS DESIGN GROUP, LLC CEO/PRESIDENT Benjamin D. Schooley ben@smvtexas.com
Well, you survived another year! Congratulations! As we all turn the corner into 2019, it’s always a great time to review the past year and set goals for the coming year. Our cover story, Debbie Perez, is the personification of this concept as she has lived a life of perseverance as well as determination toward the future. As for the staff and I that work on the publication, I hope that we can review a year of new friendships with many new residents, meeting some amazing folks that become our cover stories, and the everstrengthening relationships with our many treasured advertisers. Also, the tireless work that the Country Club Staff puts into each issue is always endlessly appreciated! Looking forward into 2019, I hope that we continue to engage the entire community and provide it with the information and profiles that not only educate, but entertain. We are the only locally owned publication that covers the Dominion community, so we are vested in producing the best publication that we can produce – for you – the residents of the Dominion! To do that, we are always seeking new ways to find the inspirations for what makes this magazine so unique: THE PEOPLE! If you have a suggestion, a tip, or a lead on a great story about someone or something related to the Dominion, don’t be shy! Send us an email or give us a call – we’d love to start a conversation with you about your “tip” and turn it into something compelling for the rest of the community to enjoy. So maybe that’s something I’d “wish” for in 2019: for even more of you to participate in the creation of this magazine WITH us! As always, thank you so much for reading – without you, this magazine doesn’t exist. We hope that you just had a most blessed Holiday Season, and that your 2019 is all that you hoped it could be.
OPERATIONS MANAGER Andrea Forshee andrea@smvtexas.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Benjamin Weber ben.weber@smvtexas.com THE DOMINION HOA OFFICE 20 Dominion Drive San Antonio, Texas 78257 (210) 698-1232 | www.dominionhoa.com THE DOMINION COUNTRY CLUB 1 Dominion Drive San Antonio, Texas 78257 (210) 698-3364 | www.the-dominion.com
The Dominion Magazine is published by Schooley Media Ventures in Boerne, TX. The Dominion Magazine and Schooley Media Ventures are
Sincerely,
not responsible for any inaccuracies, erroneous information, or typographical errors contained in this publication submitted by advertisers. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Dominion and/or Schooley Media Ventures.
BEN SCHOOLEY, PUBLISHER The Dominion Magazine
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Copyright 2017 Schooley Media Ventures, 428 English Oaks, Boerne, TX 78006
JANUARY
Every Tuesday
Every Wednesday
Every Thursday
EVERY FRIDAY
Every saturday
Every sunday
Burger Night in the Grille 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Delicious, cooked to order and just $5! Treat the family, invite friends! RSVP to 210-698-3364
Wine Down Wednesdays 1/2 Price Bottle Specials! 6:00 p.m.– 9:00 p.m. Wednesdays just got a lot better! Enjoy the bottles for HALF OFF! Champagne Sparkling wine Chardonnay White Wines Merlot & More
Chef Special Dining Night 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Enjoy a different and very delicious meal every Thursday, carefully selected and prepared by Executive Chef Jay Nash! A specialty half price appetizer is offered every Thursday as well! Enjoy!
Prime Rib Buffet 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Join us at the Club for our ever-popular Prime Rib Buffet! Featuring succulent meats with all the garnishing sides.
Tennis- Saturday Morning Workout 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. All levels, men & women. Guaranteed to hit a thousand balls. Loud music and lots of fun!
Tennis- SUNDAY Workout 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Open to all levels. Contact Coach Dan at dan@the-dominion. com
Tuesday Night TENNIS 105 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Open to all levels, limit 10. Email Coach Rajah rajah@the-dominion. com or call the tennis shop to sign up 210698-2288
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Thursday Night TENNIS 105 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Open to all levels, limit 10. Email Coach Rajah rajah@the-dominion. com or call the tennis shop to sign up 210698-2288
MESSAGE FROM THE MANAGER
Dear Country Club Members, Happy New Year and May You All Have a Prosperous 2019! Sometimes it feels like another year has passed by so, so quickly that it is hard to catch your breath. And that is exactly the way 2018 passed by for me - and for the Club. We’ve welcomed new senior staff members - Jamie Christianson in the Golf Club, Jessica Worthey in Fitness, and our newest member of the team, Erin Burrows, our new Membership Director. As we leap forward into another year, I look forward to seeing each of you here at the Club, on the golf course or tennis court, or swimming with your kids on a random summer day. I am impressed with the people focusing on their strength in the fitness center (and so many of you are just now discovering how good Jessica and her team are!). We’ve also had a stellar year for increasing our overall membership numbers, and we know this is a benefit from all of the hard work we put in over the last couple of years to improve so many things — from the beautiful Clubhouse improvements, to new golf carts, more dining options, and additional activities for our members of all ages, interests, and abilities. This Club is a place for everyone to feel welcomed, to feel at home, and know you are a part of a wonderful extended family. THANK YOU ALL FOR A GREAT YEAR, AND HERE’S TO ANOTHER IN 2019. Sincerely, Stephen Phillips General Manager – Dominion Country Club
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CLUB HAPPENINGS
BRUNCH WITH SANTA
GLOW PUTTING AND S’MORES OUTDOORS This event was a huge hit for kids and grown-ups, too!
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CLUB HAPPENINGS
THANKSGIVING AT T H E C L U B
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CLUB HAPPENINGS
ELF LOUISE CHARIT Y EVENT 16
JANUARY 2019
CLUB HAPPENINGS
WOMEN'S FORUM HOLIDAY BAZAAR
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SOCIAL GROUP by Carole Minton, Dominion Resident
SUPPER CLUB CHRISTMAS 2018
Each year the first week of December a group of members of the Club get together with their friends to start the holiday season. This year our hostesses Cindy Schneid and Kathy Hairston wanted to recall early America with a Colonial Williamsburg theme which conjures a vision of a simple Christmas of good food, family, friends and a gift of music. To set the mood, Virginia Kane played Christmas music on the piano and an authentic and historical poem was read, its author lost in time. “Christmas is come, hang on the pot, Let spits turn ‘round and ovens be hot; Beef, pork, and poultry now provide, To feast thy neighbors at this tide; Then wash all down with good wine and beer, And so with mirth conclude the Year,” The Chefs and kitchen staff prepared a phenomenal meal surrounding the theme with Cherry Glazed Ham, Roast Duck Breast with Chanterelle Mushroom Dressing, and Pomegranate Orange Glazed Salmon with Dried Fruit Wild Rice followed by Chef Judy’s wonderful desserts. The evening closed with thanks to all and a group sing of “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” accompanied by Virginia Kane on piano.
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Serving the local Dominion & Leon Springs communities Striving to be your attorney, when and where you need him
HERE TO
S E RV E estate planning probate real-estate
Matthew J. McDonough is your local Leon Springs attorney for estate planning, probate, and realestate matters. Located at the Dominion Ridge Shopping Center, Mr. McDonough provides the trust, knowledge, and dedication of quality legal services without the hassle of downtown travel. As a long-term Leon Springs resident and alumni of TMI, the Episcopal School of Texas, he prides himself on serving his community and being especially available to residents of that area. Check out his blog, “Life in Leon Springs�, located on his website, for articles on local politics, history, and recreation in the I-10 West/Leon Springs region.
MATTHEW J. McDONOUGH ATTORNEY AT LAW 22211 W. Interstate 10, Suite 1206 San Antonio, Texas, 78257 T: (210) 854-4899 F: (830) 282-6835 m.mcdonough@mjmlawsatx.com www.mjmlawsatx.com
EZ Park Valet considers integrity to be the backbone in the success of our company. By taking the time to carefully discuss and consider every specific detail with you, EZ Park Valet can ensure you receive all the essential elements needed to create an event to soon not forget. Our well-trained and knowledgeable staff, dedication to professionalism, and superior customer service, guarantees that every event will be a hassle-free, smooth experience. At EZ Park Valet providing exceptional service to each and every individual is our priority. We take the time to greet and treat every guest as if they were the star of the show. EZ Park Valet places an emphasis on opening and closing every guest’s door, running to every car upon retrieval, and providing assistance to guests with luggage or gifts, all with a friendly smile. EZ Park Valet understands that first impressions are essential, that is why we strive to create hospitable, helpful, and enjoyable first and last impressions for each one of your guests. EZ Park is locally owned and for over 25 years we have serviced clients all around Texas. Private events are one of our specialties as we have plenty of experience in creating the greatest parking layouts that are safe, organized and accommodating for you and your guests. We exceed client's expectations and come highly recommended from some of the best organizations in town such as the City of San Antonio, TEAMability, Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, Charity Ball Association, The Battle of the Flowers Association, Security Service Event Center, Witte Museum, McNay Art Museum, Eva’s Heroes and the Children’s Hospital of San Antonio. Not only will our clients confirm our teams’ excellent customer service, but we also have the best competitive rates. We would be thrilled to work you in bringing great satisfaction to your events.
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On July 12, 2012, EZ Park was granted with the amazing opportunity to provide valet parking services for President Barack Obama. The President came to visit the home of San Antonio Attorney Mikal Watts. The President’s stay was over three hours participating in a private, $35,800-a-plate fundraiser at the Dominion residence. United States Secret Service had great confidence in choosing EZ Park as their valet parking service provider. EZ Park is experienced, qualified and certified to manage and operate any valet parking service in San Antonio Texas.
NEIGHBORHOOD HAPPENINGS
DOMINION COMMUNIT Y GROUPS
APRON SOCIETY The mission of the Apron Society is to provide help when a neighbor is in need. Many residents live here with no family around to help with difficult times. If you or a neighbor is in need for reasons such as illness, accident, family death; a notice is sent out to the Apron Society member list. Those members who are able to provide help then respond. Since its inception in 2004, the Apron Society has provided services such as meals, transportation, pet care, and visitations. All Dominion residents are welcome to join the Apron Society and we hope you will consider doing so. For more information, contact Carole Minton at 210-698-1127 or email at: caroleminton@satx.rr.com DOMINION ANIMAL ADVOCATES GROUP The Dominion Animal Advocates Group (DAAG) is a volunteer group which works with Dominion Security, The Dominion Homeowners Association and Dominion residents to provide help with lost and abandoned pets and feral cats. DAAG also provides information and assistance with wildlife concerns. DAAG is dedicated to helping at-risk animals in The Dominion so they can have the best chance of a safe, happy and healthy life. For further information or to join DAAG, contact Louan LeDoux at 210-8548055or ledouxlou@me.com , Lyn Hicks at 210-219-9772 or lynhicks1117@gmail.com, or Susan Shaked at 210-744-1200
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HILL COUNTRY WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY The Women’s Bible Study started over twenty-five years ago when a small group of women got together to study and discuss scripture and share prayer. The group is open to all women and meets every Wednesday (not during summer months), 12:30-2:00 pm in a very informal setting. The meetings are held at The Dominion Country Club.
MEN’S BIBLE STUDY For the past twelve years, an interdenominational group of men have met on Thursday mornings to study and discuss scripture and select writings on the Christian faith. The meetings are held in a very informal setting in the piano bar at The Dominion Country Club. For additional information contact Jay Lewallen at 210-698-1129
Contact Kathlin Jauregui for additional information at 210-872-3014, 210-6981881 or kshj1115@aol.com. Please come for a visit!
THE DOMINION RUNNING GROUP The Dominion Running Group hosts 5K/10K runs throughout the year. The Turkey Chase is an annual event held Thanksgiving Day at 8am. If you are interested in forming a weekly running group or have any questions regarding running in The Dominion, call The Dominion HOA at 210-698-1232
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T h e D o m i n i o n -M a g a z i n e . c o m
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DOMINION WOMEN'S FORUM by Lynette Aleman
MEET YOUR DOMINION WOMEN'S FORUM BOARD MEMBERS Over the next few months I would like to introduce you to the Dominion Women’s Forum Board Members by introducing two of the ladies at a time. The purpose of The Dominion Women’s Forum is to promote friendship among its members. Each of the ladies on the board volunteer their time and energy to coordinate and plan events for the Women’s Forum. This month we are focusing on Rose Monday, Corresponding Secretary and Barb Burger, Gala Director.
ROSE MONDAY Rose Monday, a native Californian, moved to San Antonio 18 years ago when her husband John was transferred through SBC. She was hired in 2001 as the UTSA Head Men’s and Women’s Cross-Country Coach and Assistant Men’s and Women's Track & Field Coach. In 2007, she left UTSA to have more family time and continue her coaching with only a handful of Professional Track Athletes. She also serves as the USA Track and Field National Chair of the Women’s Track and Field Committee. As an athlete, Rose competed internationally in the 800 and 1,500 meter distances and competed in three USA Olympic Trials. She has been appointed to eleven International Coaching Staffs including the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games Team USA as an Assistant Coach - Women Distance. Rose and John have two children. Mary Rose (25) graduated from Ronald Reagan High School and Texas A&M Engineering School and has a great job in Dallas. Jack (23) graduated from Boerne Champion HS and US Military Academy at West Point and now is a Lieutenant stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas. "We decided to downsize when John retired from 38 years with AT&T and moved from Cordillera Ranch to the Dominion last February to be closer to the I-10 Corridor.” Rose enjoys the DWF for the wonderful friendships she has made throughout the neighborhood. “I love the diversity of the amazing successful women I have met, with so many different professional backgrounds. I also love how dressed up the women get. It forces me to get out of track and field clothes".
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BARB BURGER Barb Burger has lived in San Antonio all of her life and has lived in the Dominion for five years. She and her husband, Bruce, consider it a blessing to live in such a beautiful neighborhood and especially treasure the friends they have made over the past five years. Barb is a registered interior designer and the focus of her design firm, Studio Domaine, has been in residential design for the past 32 years. She also opened a second business, Joli Boutique, eight years ago. During the summer of 2017, Barb moved both businesses from San Antonio to Main Street in Boerne. Her design concentration now is Cordillera Ranch and the Hill Country. Joli Boutique is one of several fabulous stores in the heart of the Hill Country Mile in Boerne. In 2014-2015, Barb served on the Women’s Forum Board for the first time as Activities Director. In 2016-2017, she was the Gala Chairperson. And this year, Barb will be coordinating the Gala again. According to Barb, joining the Women’s Forum has allowed her to really make friends and reserve some special moments for fun and relaxation. “When you have the responsibility of two businesses, sometimes it seems impossible to find time for spending valuable moments with friends. The Women’s Forum is a constant reminder to me how important it is to appreciate the simple moments of enjoying time with other ladies. I am humbled by the amazing generosity of the ladies in the Forum, and I count my blessings that I can be a part of this great organization.”
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DOMINION WOMEN'S FORUM by Ashley DeVane, Dominion Resident
CAVENDER AUDI DOMINION WOMEN'S FORUM GATHERING What a great holiday event! Cavender Dominion Audi hosted The Dominion Women’s Forum for a festive celebration of friends and neighbors in December. While The Rick Cavender Band entertained, wine and other beverages were enjoyed and tasty appetizers catered by Palenque Grill at La Cantera were nibbled. Serving Prime beef fajitas and quesadillas, bean empanadas, chicken flautas and an unexpected favorite of mine, Elotes Botaneros. This side dish, which you can find on Palenque Grill’s appetizer menu, is combination of sweet corn, their secret version of spicy mayo and crumbled queso fresco. The restaurant offers catering of any size and does a great job offering top notch, authentic Mexican Cuisine with a little bit extra for those of us that love our Tex-Mex. I will have to say, the vehicles Cavender Audi had displayed for the evening on the showroom floor were spectacular! The sexy, stylish and fast white R8 Coupe is my new dream car… no doubt the reason why it has been in so many recent action films! I’ve never personally owned an Audi but they have a superb inventory for all buyers and now located in this new beautiful facility just across IH10 from The Dominion… definitely worth a visit. On behalf of The Dominion Women’s Forum, a big thank you goes out to The Cavender Auto Group for hosting this fun holiday event. Cheers to us all for a prosperous 2019!
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TENNIS by Julian Lopez
CONTEMPLATE THIS TENNIS STAR!
Everyone loves winning and, when we win, our job is finished. We did it! We showed up, we played, and we conquered! Arguably, the most controversial question that can be asked of someone after pulling out the big W is: Did you play anyone who was good? While that may seem like the question to start a fist fight, it really isn’t. The reasons we win are wide and varied. We could have played really well and our hapless opponent may have had the worst day ever. Now turn that around and ask that question to yourself when you lose. You may find the answer is reciprocal. The truth is that winning isn’t up to us. But you can shape the odds in your favor more often than not. It has much more to do with how we deal with our honest answers regarding our wins as well as our losses. If you’re not afraid to ask yourself the hard questions, then start with this one first: Was my opponent better than me? Or was he simply better than me today? If the answer was yes to either question then go to the next one. Why was he better than 28
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me today? If you are to make progress from this point on you have to be honest with yourself. Avoid classifying the whole match as “I sucked.” There is real data in the match you just played, and it has nothing to do with the tennis gods, bad luck or, my personal favorite, “the dude played out of his mind.” When I sit down to chart a match, I can really get technical, but 99% of the time it isn’t necessary. Mostly, I just divide the paper in half with errors on one side and winners on the other side. The secrets of the match are revealed there in black and white --someone made more errors. So far, I have yet to see a sheet of paper in which the winner’s side contains more errors than the loser’s side. “Coach,” you say, “What do you mean? I shouldn’t go for winners?” Well, not exactly. What I am saying is that your need to finish a point with a winner is a handicap. Let me illustrate.
I coached two very talented tennis players. One was 17 and the other was 13. I made them play a set with the rules that the 17-year-old would be penalized every time she smacked a winner. I was met with protests of rolling eyes and a lot of heavy breaths. However, the set was played and the 13-year-old came away victorious. Of course, at that point, the 17-year-old was contemplating hiring a new coach. When I interviewed both the girls after the set, the older girl had to admit that her strategy relied heavily on power. I like to call it the “captain cave man syndrome,” big on power, short on brains. The main problem for the older girl was she wasn’t relying on the big organ between her ears. The younger girl said she had learned early on in the set that the older girl didn’t like to keep more than five balls in a row in the same direction, so she was prepared for the change and responded well ahead of the ball. The older girl said she had become frustrated with this because the younger girl always seemed to be ahead of the next shot. This broke down the older girl’s consistency because it formed a wedge into her mind and then her emotions. She described this as a feeling of hopelessness and asked what was the point of that completely useless exercise. “Control” was my only answer. Control is power. Without control in a tennis match you are handicapped. On your bad days, when the winners aren’t landing, what do you do? If you are a good tennis player you turn to your consistency and look for your opponent’s weakness. Once you find one, work it over and over until the opponent gives up. Here is an exercise. Practice with a friend and tell him or her to try to win the point no matter what while you just try to find a way to defend the court and keep the ball alive. This will help you to find other ways to win and improve your defense at the same time. Remember, it’s okay to lose this way in practice because, in the long run, you’ll find there is more than one way to win.
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GOLF
by Jeff Wilson
NEW BIG BERTHA IRONS AND HYBRIDS TO BE RELEASED IN JANUARY
The Big Bertha name has been closely associated with innovation, distance, and forgiveness seemingly forever, or at least since the original and “Great,” models came out in the 90s. These days, Callaway places the Big Bertha name on the company’s easiest-to-hit max game improvement models as evidenced by the new irons and hybrids. Both new models are aimed at players looking for maximum launch, trajectory, distance, and forgiveness in an easy-toswing package. If you’re a high handicapper who needs the most help you can get or a mid handicapper that’s lost some swing speed or just wants a friendlier option, both new Big Bertha clubs, which are available at retail on January 18, 2019, are worthy options. IRONS Building on the 2016 Big Bertha OS irons, the newest model features Callaway’s “suspended energy core,” technology that’s 30
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designed to greatly enhance sound and feel at impact while also improving launch and overall distance. The key to the impressive benefits is a MIM’d (metal injection molded) tungsten weight that’s encased in the same urethane microsphere material used in the hugely successful Rogue irons. Suspending the weight allows for a deeper CG location for improved launch while also making a thinner clubface with 360 Face Cup possible for more face flex, ball speed, and distance. Other features of the new Big Bertha irons (available in 4-SW) include a durable, smoked PVD finish, Lamkin Z5 Genesis grips, and choice of new Recoil ESx, Recoil ZT9, and KBS Max 90 stock shafts. HYBRIDS Big Bertha hybrids are all about easy, highlaunch and distance, and the technologies used to build the clubs reflect the goal nicely. Callaway’s Jailbreak Technology, which features internal bars that create
a stiffer clubhead, promotes more face flex, COR, and ball speed. In addition, an extremely thin Carpenter steel clubface and Callaway’s Hyper Speed Face Cup design increase ball speeds across a larger area of the face, not only yielding longer shots on solid strikes but also on those hit away from the sweet spot. The new Big Bertha hybrids are also the first to feature both Jailbreak and an adjustable hosel that allows for customized launch angles and spin rates. The newly designed adjustable hosel system is notable in that it weighs the same as a standard glued hosel, saving approximately 13g that can be redistributed to more useful areas of the clubhead. The Big Bertha hybrids are available in 18°, 21°, 24°, 27°, 30°, and 33° lofts with choice of Recoil ESx and Recoil ZT9 graphite shafts. Prices are $1199 (steel) and $1299 (graphite) for a set of irons. While the hybrids will cost $270 (graphite) for each club.
CLUB DINING
Special Event TUSCAN WINE SCHOOL January 18th
The Wine Tasting Event will be feature: 13 Tuscan products to taste Learning why certain foods are paired with wines.
WINE SCHOOL Learn how wine is made in Tuscany, how the soil, the climate and the history makes Tuscan wine one of the best in the world. PRODUCTS YOU WILL TASTE DURING THE EVENT: Brunello di Montalcino D.O.C.G. Terrestre Super Tuscan IGT Bartolomeo Super Tuscan IGT Baldassarre Super Tuscan IGT Cavaliere Super Tuscan IGT Chianti D.O.C.G. Chianti Classico D.O.C.G. Vernaccia of San Gimignano D.O.C.G. Extra Virgin Olive Oil Truffle Olive Oil Pepper Olive Oil Balsamic Vinegar Old Selected VinBeato Dessert Wine
CONTACT THE CLUB TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT!
SIMPLY DIVINE Jewelry with a Texas attitude
325 South Main Street, Boerne, TX 78006 • 830-249-7393 www.thegreenbull.com
Boutique & Gifts 322 South Main DaisyPearlBoutique.com •
-1349
830-331 Street • Boerne, Texas •
LIVE WITH INTENTION DEBBIE PEREZ
By Brian Kenneth Swain, Dominion Resident
If it seems like every time you drive on the highways of San Antonio lately there are more and more cars around you, that’s not just your imagination. Recent statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau confirm that seven of the fastest growing cities in the U.S. are in Texas. And San Antonio tops the growth list for the state, with more than 24,200 new residents having come here in the past year alone. So, how best to make sense of the growing popularity of the Alamo City, where the city has come from, and where it’s headed in the coming years? Well, turns out one of our neighbors right here in the Dominion is Deborah Perez, a professional statistician and Ph.D. in Applied Demography, just the person to fill us in on what the future holds in store for Texas and for San Antonio. But before we dive into the numbers, a bit about Debbie and how she came to be the expert she is on all things demography.
Debbie was born on San Antonio’s northeast side and grew up there with her parents and two sisters (she is the youngest of the three). Her mother (from Pearsall) and father (from Natalia) owned a successful janitorial service that served local businesses during the week and nightclubs on weekends, and Debbie recalls going out with her mom on jobs. By the time she was just finishing up her freshman year of high school, her parents sold the business and moved with Debbie to Floresville (her older sisters had left home by then), where they opened a convenience store called Squeak’s. Her parents operated this store, with plenty of help from Debbie
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in the early going, for another twenty or so years before retiring and moving back to Natalia, near where they had originally met at a local dance. It’s a family with interesting historical roots, with one distant grandparent having played in Pancho Villa’s band and an uncle having made tequila for the renowned Mexican general (who, as it happens, shares a birthday with Debbie!). Ever independent and enthusiastic to get on with life, Debbie completed high school a year early and left for the University of Texas in Austin where she pursued a Bachelors degree in Business Management.
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“My parents did a great job of making each of their daughters feel special,” she says. “They were terrifically busy with the business, though, but they were always supportive of our academic pursuits and continually reminded us that a great education is something no one can ever take from you.” Though her parents had only elementary school educations, they were, through their hard work and business success, able to put Debbie through college and her Master’s program. The family was so dedicated to work that they seldom vacationed, opting instead for the annual weekend on the Guadalupe River, picnicking and swimming. “By early in high school, I knew I was going to go to college. It was just a question of where. In the end, the UT decision was an easy one, though,” Debbie recalls. “My oldest sister went there and my parents had always been Longhorn fans, particularly when it came to football.” Recently relocated from the small-town life of Floresville, Debbie relished the campus life at UT, the breadth and depth of a huge college campus with its arts, music, and culture, and she seized on the opportunity to begin discovering who she was and what she wanted to do with the rest of her life. She was randomly paired with her freshman roommate and the two remain best friends to this day. She recalls many similarities between the two young women, including the fact that both left for college entirely on their own, with parents entrusting car keys and a bank account to make the journey to Austin alone.
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As part of her business curriculum she was required to take marketing classes, and it was here that she received her first exposure to the field of demography. She recalls being captivated by it from the start, an auspicious beginning to what would become her professional passion in life. Upon graduation in 1982, the economy in Texas was in very bad shape and jobs were scarce. After working for a year as a branch manager for a savings and loan, she decided the time was ripe to pursue a graduate degree and learn more about the forces driving the economy, a decision that led to her earning her Master’s in Economics at St. Mary’s University. Debbie married shortly after completing her Master’s and had two daughters (who now have degrees of their own from UT, UVA, and Northwestern Oklahoma State). Following grad school, Debbie worked for ten years at USAA before transitioning to UTSA as a budget director. While she was there, the school approved the creation of a Ph.D. program in Applied Demography, the details of which she vividly recalls coming across her desk one day. It was a life changing moment and she immediately began looking into the program, discussing it at length with the program creator, Steve Murdock, a mentor with whom Debbie would later go on to co-author two books on demographics. Long story short, she was accepted into the program, put all of her available financial resources into paying for it, and, four and a half years later, in 2010, emerged with a Ph.D. in Applied Demography.
While pursuing her Ph.D., Debbie worked for the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, during which time she also interned with the U.S. Census Bureau in Washington D.C. Following her thesis defense, she returned to Washington D.C. to take a position with the Department of Homeland Security as a program analyst managing a financial portfolio within the DHS organization. While there, she received an invitation from Steve Murdock to join his team at Rice University as a Research Scientist. It was during this period that Debbie co-authored a pair of demography books with Murdock: Changing Texas: Implications of Addressing or Ignoring the Texas Challenge (2014) and Population Change in the United States: Socioeconomic Challenges and Opportunities in the TwentyFirst Century (2015), both of which titles have proven very influential with policy makers at the state and national level. A few data analytical insights are included throughout this piece to provide a flavor for the sorts of work demographers do and to give a sense for what lies ahead here in San Antonio. Following her stint at Rice, Debbie returned to D.C. where she took a position with the Department of Health and Human Services as a statistician working on the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, responsible for delivery of the TANF Report to Congress. Eventually, for personal and professional reasons, Debbie found her way back to San Antonio about a year and a half ago. She says she still loves the northern Virginia area and will likely return there someday to retire, but the opportunity here was just too good to pass
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up. She is back with USAA once again and applying all of her statistics and data expertise in a forecasting project there. Thinking back on her life and how she got to where she is today, Debbie recalls always wanting to do something substantive with her life, something that spoke to having a good mind while also making a difference in society. That was why economics and demography spoke to her, i.e., these were academic pursuits that helped to explain why the world works the way that it does. But what do you do for recreation when you need to take a break and step away from the numbers and the analysis? For Debbie, that includes any number of pastimes, including community service, traveling, hiking, gardening, and skiing, or just hanging out at home walking her dog Rock. She has volunteered with the City of San Antonio Boards and Advisory Commission and worked with the school board for her daughter’s school. She first got seriously involved with hiking while living in Virginia, and she’s now a hike leader for one of the largest clubs in the country. In addition to biking San Antonio’s own mission trails, she organizes hikes for large groups, with destinations that have included even portions of the famed Appalachian Trail. She has hiked in other parts of the world too, including Iceland and Machu Picchu, Peru. She has also visited Paris and Cuba (including swimming in the Bay of Pigs) and indulged her love of skiing in Colorado. She looks forward to visiting Japan in the near future, as well as getting back to Virginia to visit friends. During our recent political season, Debbie opened her home for several networking and debate watching parties (which is how we first met). As for how she came to reside in The Dominion, she says that when she first returned to the area in 2016, she looked in numerous areas, but found that the garden-home style suited her lifestyle without being too labor intensive. She also really liked the floor plan of her home. Asked to summarize her life to this point, Debbie says, “The adversity in my life has motivated me to up my game all along the way. As a petite Hispanic female, I think people are surprised when they learn about me and what I’ve been able to accomplish—surprised, but in a good way.” So yes, there’s no question Texas is a fast-growing state—no place more so than right here in San Antonio. But you don’t need to look far to understand why: mild weather, reasonable cost of living, friendly people and culture, and the sort of boundless opportunity that allowed a young girl from a modest family to grow from helping her parents clean offices and run a convenience store to obtaining a Doctorate and working for some of the most renowned companies and governmental organizations in the country. It’s a winning combination, even if it does mean a few more cars in the way on your morning commute.
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FINANCIAL by Darby Ivins
START THE NEW YEAR WITH A LONG-TERM VISION
Have you ever asked yourself how much money you may need when you retire, or, better yet, how could you prolong your liquid assets after retirement? Of course you have! Whether someone is initiating their savings plan or they have already built up their retirement account, we will explain why someone should still be invested in the stock market over the long term, even in a postretirement stage. In the long run, stocks outperform all other investments. As Benjamin Graham stated in his book, The Intelligent Investor, “Investing isn’t about beating others at their game. It’s about controlling yourself at your own game.” Essentially, what he suggested is that the prudent investor is wise because he has the behavioral discipline to withstand the short-term “noise” of market volatility and maintain their focus on long-term growth. Martin Capital Advisors, LLP, conducted a study reviewing data on returns of stocks, bonds, T-bills, and inflation from 1926 to 2017. The report showed the S&P 500 (Standard & Poor's 500, the marketcapitalization-weighted index of the 500 largest U.S. publicly traded companies) had a total return of 735,083.9%. Consequently, if an investor had placed $100,000 in the S&P 500 in 1926, that $100,000 today would be $735,183,900 as of December 31, 2017. Now, let’s look at how treasury bonds performed 40
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over the same time frame. The 20-year US Treasury bond achieved a cumulative return of 14,174.0%. If an investor had placed $100,000 in 20-year US Treasury bonds in 1926, their investment today would be worth $14,274,000. Isn’t that an impressive difference? Now, look at the inflation adjusted chart* of the long-term performance of stocks, bonds, T-bills, and inflation from 1926 to 2017. It is eye opening to see how common stocks have outperformed bonds over the years. Of course, no one can predict stock market returns in the short-term, but as historical data shows, the better investment is in a portfolio weighted more towards equities than fixed-income in the long-term. According to a US Department of Health and Human Services study conducted in December 2017, the new average life expectancy for Americans is 78.7 years. While many investors use their current age to determine their investment horizon, most investors who are at or above the average life expectancy still want to leave an estate for their families. Which means that they really have an unlimited investment horizon. As you ring in the new year and bombard yourself with a variety of different resolutions, re-evaluating your risk tolerance
and increasing your investment portfolio’s exposure to common stocks should be a consideration for improving your investment performance in the long run. Past performance does not guarantee future returns.
Darby Ivins is the communications director and a partner at Martin Capital Advisors, LLP, a registered investment advisor based in San Antonio. The firm’s investment portfolios for more than twenty-five years have often been ranked at or near the top of all diversified investment strategies. Darby is a financial planning professional, a San Antonio native, member of the Rotary Club of SA and a registered yoga instructor. She can be contacted at darby@martincapital.com or through the firm’s website, www.martincapital.com.
THE DOMINION GIVES by Melanie Cawthon
disABILITYsa
The mission of disABILITYsa is to educate, advance, and engage individuals with disabilities by sharing information, creating opportunities, and strengthening organizations that serve them. disABILITYsa connects people with all types of disabilities and their families to information about local resources, programs and opportunities that promote independence and inclusion where they live, work and play. disABILITYsa was founded in 2007 by three passionate women who came to the realization that there was not a platform for service organizations from all the sectors to come together to create more comprehensive access to resources within the community for children and adults living with disabilities. Working together, with about 20 other organizations on a planning team, the first AccessAbility fest was born. This festival brought together organizations and businesses offering information, programs, opportunities, and products for individuals with cognitive, physical, and
sensory disabilities all in one place. From that point, disABILITYsa existed under the umbrellas of various nonprofit organizations for the next 10 years until incorporating as an independent 501(c)3 in October, 2016 with a vision to make San Antonio the #1 community where people with disabilities want to live work and play. Under the leadership of co-founder, Melanie Cawthon, disABILITYsa’s programs educate, advance, and engage individuals with disabilities by sharing information, creating opportunities, and strengthening the organizations that serve them. These programs include disABILITYsa.org, AccessAbility fest, Fiesta Especial®, Conversation 360°, Creative Services benefiting over 7,000 children and adults in the local community each year. The work of disABILITYsa would not be possible without the donations, volunteer service, and donated talents from individuals in the community who understand the value of connecting people with all types of disabilities and their families to information about local resources, programs and opportunities that promote independence and inclusion.
There will be three (3) prize winners for the March, 2018 disABILITYsa Raffle
Tuesday, January 29th, 2019 5:30pm - 8:00pm Brick at the Blue Star Arts Complex 108 Blue Star | San Antonio, TX 78204 General Admission Tickets ~ $35/person General admission for one person. Supporter Admission Tickets ~ $100/person General admission for one person. Includes one drink ticket, one raffle ticket, and a 2019 Fiesta Especial Medal. RAFFLE TICKETS ~ One Raffle Ticket - $25 or Five Pack of Raffle Tickets - $100 42
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VIP & SPONSORSHIP LEVELS Haute Couture Sponsor Level ~ $2,500: This sponsorship level includes admission for yourself and nine guests. You and your guests will receive a swag bag, drink ticket, and $50 in auction bucks to get your bidding started. Your sponsorship includes a reserved VIP lounge area which will feature a special dessert platter. You or your business will receive prominent logo recognition on signage, in the event program and on the disABILITYsa website. In Vogue Sponsor Level ~ $1,500: This sponsorship level includes admission for yourself and seven guests. You and your
disABILITYsa is hosting its 2nd Annual Purse-u-ability Auction & Art Sale… pursuing opportunities for individuals with disabilities. This special event will take place on Tuesday, January 29th, 2019 from 5:30pm – 8pm at the BRICK at the Blue Star Arts Complex. A variety of purses from Couture, Novelty, “Purses of Interest” (donated by some notable women in the San Antonio community), and “Packed Purses” will be available for auction and unique works by local artist will be available for sale. Games and activities will fill the room with laughter and cheer accompanied by the Soft Jazz tunes of the Soul Funk Band. Heavy hors d'Oeuvres will be available for a delightful noshing experience along with the merriment of a cash bar. Admission is $35/person or $100 at the supporter level. Sponsorship opportunities are also available at the $600, $1,500, and $2,500 levels. Donations of purses and other inkind items are welcomed. Proceeds from the Purse-u-ability Auction & Art Sale go to support the programs and services of disABILITYsa which are offered to the community of individuals with disabilities at little to no cost. Individuals who are unable to attend are welcome to participate in our pre-auction, followed by absentee bidding or by purchasing tickets for the raffle which features chance to win a Wine Class for 20, Kendra Scott Color Bar Party for 5, or our Dinner for Two packages.
guests will receive a drink ticket and $25 in auction bucks to get your bidding started. Relax the night away with two reserved cocktail tables for four. You or your business will receive logo recognition on signage, in the event program and on the disABILITYsa website. Trendsetter Sponsor Level ~ $600: This sponsorship level includes admission for yourself and three guests. You and your guests will receive a drink ticket and will relax the night away at your reserved cocktail table for four. You or your business will receive name recognition on signage, in the event program and on the disABILITYsa website: www.disabilitysa.org/purse-uability-auction
FITNESS by Jessica Worthey
START YOUR NEW YEAR OFF RIGHT WITH PERSONAL TRAINING AT THE DOMINION FITNESS CENTER
With more than 6 trainers to choose from, we offer personal training in weight/strength training, yoga/stretching and Pilates. So often the main reason we don’t begin, or continue, a training program is because we do not have a work-out partner, someone to hold us accountable, someone waiting to meet us at the gym and to sweat alongside us. Sometimes, this is where a personal trainer can make a meaningful difference! Making a commitment to improve your health, alongside your own personal trainer, will bring increased energy levels, flexibility and demonstrable strength increase. Regular exercise has been proven time and again to be the number one factor in a healthier, longer life. We stand ready to assist you! The process is very simple - After our health analysis and screening, your trainer will develop a personal plan, just for you, to meet your individual needs. It’s easy to do! Just call the Fitness Center or email JWorthey@ dggclubs.com for more details.
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GOOD READS
by Marlene Neslund, Dominion Resident
THE RAGGED EDGE OF NIGHT Saint Josefsheim. This was a residential school for disabled and developmentally delayed children. They were taken by the T4 Program, which was one of extermination of the imperfect, “Life unworthy of life.” It was one of the darkest deeds of Adolf Hitler. Anton confesses, “When the gun was pointed at my chest, I chose my own life over theirs. I saved myself instead of the innocents.” When reflecting on his teaching at Saint Josefsheim, Anton speaks of the power of music. “The children were the most unfortunate innocents God ever made. They were not whole but they were capable of learning music, which is a kind of magic, a miracle. It can reach into a person’s mind, even his soul, and touch places words never can.”
In THE RAGGED EDGE OF NIGHT, the author Olivia Hawker gives evidence of her vivid writing. Her first paragraph draws a powerfully sad scene. “Stuttgart is slowly falling, it’s gray inwards exposed, blocks of cement cracked like bones, and the bowels of shops and houses ripped open, spilling into the streets. Dust, like ash, hazes the air.” It is a picture of a war torn city. This historical romance starts in 1942, Germany. The main character, Anton Starzmann, is an ex-friar. After the disbandment of his religious order, he was conscripted into the Wehrmacht where he marched to Riga and completed one paratrooper’s jump. He soon left the military with a back injury as an excuse. Anton travels to a small German village to answer a newspaper ad placed by an impoverished widow. Elizabeth is resolute, accepting and has inexhaustible love for her three children - Albert the older and thoughtful son, Paul the middle boy, and Maria, a rambunctious and lively little girl. Elizabeth and Anton marry in the village church, Saint Kolumban, and start their life in a platonic union. It is in taking care of this little family that Anton seeks solace and redemption. He is broken with grief and guilt over failing to protect children torn from the friars at 46
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This theme of the power of music runs throughout the novel. When the German soldiers made the long march to Riga, they often sang. “They held to the music, clinging to it with chapped and trembling hands - like a guide it pulled them through the cold and dark.” Later, when Anton forms a band with the village children, he claims, “When you play music, when you put an instrumenting to your lips or merge your hands with ivory, the act transforms. It makes you a conduit between heaven and earth.” Anton soon forms an easy friendship with Father Emil, the parish priest. Anton plays the church organ on Sundays. “Music eases every pain we don’t know we carry. It banishes the fear that is as commonplace now that we have grown inured to its shadow and chill.” It is through Father Emil that Anton fights back by joining the resistance. He carries messages to neighboring villages under the guise of teaching private music lessons. The question of how the intense evil of the Reich gathered power and control over Germany is also brought up throughout the story. Father Emil states that to maintain righteousness, “You must be guided by integrity, mercy and justice. You must let love carry all your decisions, all your words.” Later Elizabeth asks Anton, “We can’t go back in time when we might have stopped this all; we let that chance pass. What will God think
when we stand before His judgement?” At the end of Part 1, Anton suppresses his despair with hope that evil will end and “light bleeds into the world again.” The story moves on to April 1944. Anton and Elizabeth confess their love for one another and they begin living as a real married couple. But this devoted husband struggles with the conflict between protecting his family and working with the resistance. These two commitments are “two edifices in his heart, each built from the same stone.” In Part 5, the importance of the church bells is elucidated. They have the “full bronze throat of joy and sorrow.” The Nazis want to confiscate them, melt them down and make much needed ammunition. This evolves into the climax of the action when Anton and Father Emil dismantle the bells and hide them in a farm field. These beautiful ancient bells symbolize the hope of the German villagers that life will return to the way it was before. “And this is the world we will make again, in love’s lasting image.” A high note is reached in the ending. When news of Hitler’s death arrives, the village rejoices. They all help unearth the bells, the children’s band plays gleefully and Elizabeth shares the happiness of her pregnancy with Anton. This story of an unlikely wartime romance is one of resistance and redemption. The author Olivia Hawker states, “Beyond night’s edge, there is light.” This book is based on a true family story. Josef Anton Starzmann was the author’s husband’s grandfather. After the restoration of the bells to the church tower, the real Anton wrote a song cerebrating the town’s music and history. It is still performs annually by Saint Kolumban’s choir in remembrance of Anton and the bells he saved. THE RAGGED EDGE OF NIGHT is a best seller in the field of action and adventure literary fiction and merits 4 1/2 stars out of 5. Olivia Hawker’s next novel, ONE FOR THE BLACKBIRD, ONE FOR THE CROW, released October 2019, is also based on a true story.
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S TA F F P R O F I L E by Peggy Schooley
COURTNEY WILSON
When you first walk into the Dominion Country Club, you immediately find a warm welcome from Courtney Wilson, who represents the Club in a way no one else could.
family is also blessed with a really big “furry family,” too! We’ve lived in Boerne for almost 9 years. It is a great little town…that’s not so little anymore!”
“I’m nothing special,” Courtney said when I asked her to let me write about her. I disagree because she is one of those VERY special people that makes everyone else’s lives so much easier, and never wants anything in return.
She shared some about her favorite hobby “I LOVE to travel! I have been lucky enough to visit some spectacular places over the years and I still have so many places I want to visit. We go skiing in the winter and head to the beach whenever we can in the warmer months. I also really enjoy cooking for my family and typically do every night.”
How did you come to be working at the Club? “I can’t believe it, but year has already passed since I joined the Club. As my kids were getting older, I felt like it was the right time to find a full time job. I mentioned to a church friend that I was looking, and almost immediately she told me about a job opening at The Dominion! I met with Stephen Philips shortly afterwards — and it was a perfect fit!” Please share a little of your family and background? “I was raised by my sweet grandparents in Alamo Heights, and I attended Texas State University. My husband, Keith, and I have two children, Tyler is 18 and was recently accepted to Texas A&M University (Gig ‘Em!) and our daughter, Tenley, is 14 and attending Boerne High School. I am extremely proud of them. Our
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I asked her to share something that made her job hard, and she couldn’t think of anything off hand. “I absolutely LOVE the Club. Hands down, though, my favorite part of working here are the Members! They are all such amazing people and I am truly happy to see them, talk to them, help them. Every single day! They are like extended family to me. Of course, the team here is great and I am very excited to see what the future holds! What about a little known fact you’d like to share? “I grew up competing in hunter/ jumper and dressage horse shows. I don’t currently have a horse, but I’ve owned one for most of my life!”
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CITY PROFILE by Ben Schooley
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Welcome To WEST TEXAS
Simply put, if you have not ventured to the far West Texas/Big Bend region of Texas, then to say you are missing out would be an understatement. There is no other area in Texas with the landscape of West Texas and it is truly jaw-dropping and awe-inspiring. Songs have been written about the area and countless paintings have been created as people sat in the desert and looked up at the vistas that fill the skylines. Beyond that, West Texas is an eclectic collection of towns that feature interesting characters (somebody told me once “People only move to West Texas to find something or lose something.�) and some surprisingly good cuisine. Summer traveling to West Texas is mostly discouraged as the temps can soar to brutal heights, though evenings are tolerable year round. So plan a trip this spring and experience one of the most beautiful places in Texas, and even on Earth.
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MARFA
Marfa was founded in the early 1880s as a railroad water stop. The town was named "Marfa" at the suggestion of the wife of a railroad executive. Although some historians have hypothesized that the name came from a character in the Fyodor Dostoevsky novel The Brothers Karamazov, etymologist Barry Popik found that Marfa was actually named after Marfa Strogoff, a character in the Jules Verne novel Michael Strogoff. The town grew quickly during the 1920s. Marfa is also known as a cultural center for contemporary artists and artisans, which began in the early ‘70s. Since then, the art community has exploded with several galleries, exhibitions, murals, and festivals surrounding the art scene. LODGING Arcon Inn Located in the High Lonesome, Chihuahuan Desert of West Texas, in the town of Marfa, the Arcon Inn Bed and Breakfast is housed in a 19th century, two story, Victorian adobe. There are three lovely rooms in the main house decorated with international and American antiques: the beautiful London room, the handsome Madrid room, and the cozy Paris room. DINING Mando’s Restaurant and Bar You can't argue with a family-owned restaurant that's stayed in business for half a century by serving hearty portions of downhome food at reasonable prices—especially on days or at times when other Marfa restaurants are closed.
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ALPINE
You’re in Far West Texas, but far from stranded. Alpine is a living, breathing oasis in the desert where you’ll find the perfect spot for an afternoon coffee break, plenty of unique shopping, movies, dining, nightlife and hotels and guest houses where to rest your head for tomorrow’s journeys. This is the bustling town at the center of everything Big Bend. LODGING The Holland Hotel Built in 1928 by JR Holland, a local rancher, this architectural masterpiece was designed by acclaimed architect Henry Trost. The hotel changed hands many times over the years, even becoming an office building for a time. More recent owners began the process of restoring it to its original grandeur. In 2012, the Holland Hotel was acquired by Greenwich Hospitality who continues the process of the ongoing restoration, refurbishing many of the hotel’s beautiful spaces and adding the Century Bar and Grill. DINING Reata Restaurant Reata Alpine remains a true destination restaurant. Loyal diners, guests at the famed Gage hotel and wedding parties from Marathon come from miles away to enjoy their sophisticated cowboy cooking cuisine.
TERLINGUA
Perhaps the best-kept secret about the Big Bend is the view from the porch in Terlingua Ghost Town. Most afternoons you can see the Santa Fe de Los Pinos mountain range over 80 miles south in Mexico, and of course such local landmarks as the Chisos Mountains and Mule Ears peaks. Visitors will also find a trading company/gift shop, art galleries, unique lodging options, restaurants, and bars. Terlingua was a mining town around the turn of the century and was the site of the first famous championship chili cook off in 1967, that today draws over 10,000 “chili heads” from all over the world on the first Saturday every November. LODGING Buzzard’s Roost Tipis The Buzzard’s Roost Tipis are located just across the street from the Terlingua Ghost Town and just minutes from Big Bend National Park. Each tipi features, queen or full sized bed and linens, mini refrigerator,coffee station, and fire pit. Enjoy your privacy, quiet nights under the milky way and the breathtaking sunrise over the Chisos! DINING Starlight Theatre Starlight Theatre serves a great mix of Texas and Mexican cuisine with full bar and frequent live entertainment. The Starlight is the center of the local community around Terlingua and is a mecca for live music, musicians, and movie stars.
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This breathtaking 7,189 sq.ft. residence sits on 2.89 acres of land and claims one of the most remarkable home sites in the city. With unrivaled panoramic views of the hill country, every window has a view. The main gate opens to an expansive oversized motor court with parking and extreme privacy all around.
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Floor to ceiling windows complete with electric shades accentuate the hill country and city light views from this sleek and elegant living room with a magnificent fire place with gas logs as the center of attention.
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Formal dinning room features floor to ceiling windows and beautiful ceiling treatment.
Magnificent master suite provides a personal retreat complete with a sprawling spa like master bath replete with a large soaking tub and picture window that capture the hill country views, dual showroom closets with detailed storage, workout room and a private balcony overlooking the stunning pool terrace.
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Rich Mahogany surrounds the formal library, complete with a murphy bed, walk in closet and en suite bathroom that features distinctive finishes could be converted into a fifth bedroom.  Other features include an oversized utility room, three car garage with epoxy floors, maids quarters and acreage to build a guest house. 58
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A staggering chef’s kitchen with natural materials for counters and backsplash, oversized kitchen island, walk-in panty and panoramic windows to the pool terrace.
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The outdoor entertaining spaces surrounding the heated pool with a relaxing waterfall are inviting with a large outdoor corridor, outdoor fireplace, and small grassy areas. This is truly a gem where one can enjoy stunning area views.
SANDRA DE LA GARZA, RealtorŽ 210.464.5010 • 210.698.3100 kuperrealty.com sandra.delagarza@sothebysrealty.com
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GIRL ABOU T TOWN by Lynette Aleman, Dominion Resident
T R IO R E S TAU R AN T
I try to eat pretty healthy throughout the year but every January I look at new ways and new places to try to add to my options. I recently tried is TRIO located in the Medical Center at 8620 Fredericksburg Rd San Antonio Tx, 78240. TRIO is dubbed as a Chef Driven Fast Casual Mediterranean Food and I will tell you why. Started by Anise El Hayani, a Dominion Resident, Anise was inspired by his travels to Turkey and the variety of healthy street food he encountered and savored. He was also impressed to learn that in Turkey the Donner Kabab outsells McDonald burgers across the board. Impressed with flavors, Anise decided to start his own version of the Mediterranean street food here in San Antonio. Everything is made from scratch and customers can see everything that is being made with the open 62
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kitchen setup. He also wanted to make the options easy of the customer. The concept is a one price build your own meal. The menu is chef driven in that he has hand selected each item, each ingredient and each flavor. He has menu standards and an experimental option I will tell you more about but first let me explain how the entrees work. First you pick a base whether you select a pita pocket, laffa wrap, brown or white rice bowl, salad, street fries bowl you can’t go wrong. Next you pick a protein with selections such as steak, al pastor, chicken, gyro, falafull or spicy falafull. Then you choose your toppings which are extensive and a sauce. With the calories listed up front, you can get as healthy or as naughty as your palate demands.
Anise also fell in love with the cuisine of Monterrey during a recent trip and has added fusions to his menu to include the cuisine of the area such as al pastor and habanero falafull. Once a month he also offers an experimental option on the menu that runs for 30 days to test a new recipe and get customer feedback. If positive feedback is given the item will be added to the menu. An example of a recent experimental offering is the buffalo falafull. With three locations, TRIO in the Forum opened in September 2017 followed by the location at Highway 151 in March and in October the Medical Center location was opened. The Forum location offers a full bar menu while the Highway 151 locations offer wine and Texas craft beer. The Medical Center location offers a full coffee and tea bar with options such as coffee, cold brew and nitro tea on tap as well as expresso, cappuccinos and lattes. Now if you have not tried a nitro tea, I recommend it. They use similar techniques used to make Guinness beer and the result is a frothy almost milky (sans dairy) finish. They also have a full bakery if you have a sweet craving. TRIO also offers catering for a minimum of 10 people with only a 24-hour notice required. The price ranges from $9.95 to $10.95 for catering options and is presented in the same build your own manner as if you were dining in the restaurant. Anise is also excited about 2019! In the coming year he will begin to open TRIO as a franchise. You can email contact@ triomodernmed.com for more information. Also check out their website and Facebook pages: www.eattrio.com, www.facebook. com/triostreetfoods. T h e D o m i n i o n -M a g a z i n e . c o m
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G E TAWAY S by Ben Schooley
SER EN IT Y I N JAN UA RY
As we all wrap up the holidays and the hustle and bustle that are included, many of us probably figure just flopping down on the couch after all the family leaves as the best form of “vacation”. After all, the holidays can be a stressful and tiring season of time. However, for this issue, we wanted to encourage you to instead pick a new destination for the time after the holidays
and to make great use of this season. After all, as you’ll see below, January can actually be a great travel or getaway month because so few people are doing much of either. Places that are normally packed can actually be quite vacant and it can make for a most memorable (and refreshing) season.
FRIO RIVER Sure, you think of tubing the river and splashing in the water when you think of the Frio, but the Frio River is rarely more beautiful than in the cold of winter. No, you won’t be taking a dip, but leisurely strolling the river beneath majestic Cypress trees, with your lover on your arm and without another soul in sight – well, it’s refreshing. The entire Frio River area clears out during January and lodging is very affordable. So pack heavy, make a campfire, and make a memory under the moon beside a trickling river.
TEXAS COAST Much in the same vein as the Frio River, not many people are hitting up the beaches in the winter. Sure, they have their places booked on the coast for July, but January typically makes the little coastal towns of Rockport and Port Aransas pretty sparse. What better time to spend a couple of evenings walking along the beach in the cool night air without another soul around? Again, lodging is very affordable, and there are several local events that typically attract the locals. Enjoy some great dining, some quiet star-filled nights, and smell the salt air.
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SAN ANTONIO ZOO Another destination that you don’t really associate with visiting in the winter, but again, you’ll practically have the place to yourself. Taking this time to visit the zoo, even if you’ve been 100 times, is quite enjoyable. No crowds, no blistering heat, and the animals behave differently in the cold. Pick a brisk, sunny day and make a day of it!
VINTAGE RAILROAD WINE TOUR Grapevine, Texas hosts a really fun adventure you might want to take in January: their Vintage Railroad Wine Tour. Leaving on Saturdays and Sundays, this 5 hour adventure takes you to several of the local vineyards via train (how cool is that?), you taste some of the finest wines, and they play smooth jazz music on the train to get you in the sipping mood!
HIKING For the more adventurous and outdoorsoriented among us, hiking in January can be a real treat. Our climate makes hiking during the warmer months very tiring and intense, but in the cooler months, it can be simply enjoyable. From Enchanted Rock to Lost Maples, January makes for a great time to slowly meander the trails and take in the sights and beauty of our area…without anyone else around!
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January 1 - January 26 January 1 - March 31 “Reclaimed" Featuring 25 monochromatic works from the Linda Pace Foundation’s permanent collection, this exhibition represents some of the most important female artists of our day. Thematically, “Reclaimed” is concerned with “the notion of ‘reclaiming’ what’s ours, from our lands and governments to our physical bodies and basic human rights.” As such, it fits perfectly (if slyly) into the context of cultural/historical interrogation that the Tricentennial has, in the best of cases, helped foster. Organized by local artist Kelly O’Connor (Head of Collections & Communications at the Linda Pace Foundation), “Reclaimed” brings together works by Lara Schnitger, Laura Aguilar, Dorothy Cross, Judy Dater, Annette Messager, Lorraine O’Grady, Robyn O’Neil, Tracey Rose, Kiki Smith and the late Linda Pace herself. Wednesdays-Saturdays, 12:00p.m.-5:00p.m. Free Studio at Ruby City 111 Camp St. South Flores Arts District
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San Antonio 1860s-1990s: A Photographic Chronology Assembled by senior photo curator Tom Shelton, this exhibit highlights the UTSA Special Collections, which includes historic photographs from San Antonio history. The Institute of Texan Cultures exhibit will feature over 300 images from the UTSA Archives Special Collections. Institute of Texan Cultures Mondays-Saturdays, 9:00a.m.-5:00p.m. Sundays, 12:00p.m.-5:00p.m. 801 E César Chávez Blvd. San Antonio (210) 458-2300
January 4
First Friday Art Walk Fredericksburg Participating fine art galleries will remain open until 8:00p.m. so that visitors can have time to visit the various events and exhibits planned throughout the day and enjoy local refreshments. A fantastic way to see the finest in regional, national & international art in a beautiful Texas Hill Country setting. Just look for the galleries flying the Art Walk Flag! Participating fine art galleries in Fredericksburg (830) 997-6523
January 5
Art and Vino Painting Class “Night Sky” in Fredericksburg Are you looking for an easy way to explore your creative side and have a fun night out with friends? Art and Vino is the answer! The fun part is you can bring and enjoy your favorite bottle of wine or beverage during the class. Come alone or invite your friends. Paint, canvas, and brushes are provided, as is experienced local artists and teachers who can lead you step by step through the process of recreating the featured artwork. At the end of the evening, you’ll have a oneof-a-kind creation and a new-found talent you’ll want to explore. The featured artwork on January 5 is “Night Sky” and will be available for viewing online. 5:00p.m.-7:00p.m. $45 per person. Reserve your spot online a www.theyellowdoorstudio.com 810 N. Llano (830) 992-3016
January 12
Second Saturday Art Beat Does the Love of Art Make Your Heart Beat Faster? Boerne shops and art galleries are teaming up to bring you a heart-racing fine art experience. Take a walk on the art side every second Saturday of the month from 4:00p.m.-8:00p.m.. Look for the flashy banners displayed throughout Boerne. 100 N. Main Street Various Locations in Boerne Boerne, TX 78006 (210) 954-6659 Free and Open to the Public
January 19
Concert in the Cave- Neo Camerata A concert in the Cave Without A Name is a musical experience unlike any other. Immerse yourself in the natural acoustics of the Queen's Throne Room! Neo Camerata returns to nature's acoustically acclaimed Throne Room for a performance of "A Journey of Mind and Emotion,” presented by the talented trio of Mark Landson (violin), John Landefeld (cello), and Mikhail (Misha) Berestnev (keyboard). Learn more about the performers/program on the Cave Without A Name website! 7:00pm $30 in advance, $35 at the door 325 Kreutzberg Road Cave Without A Name Boerne, TX 78006 (830) 537-4212
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Through January 6
Through January 6
Through January 6
Through January 31
“Color of Confusion” The piece features three video works by renowned Paris-based artist, Sylvie Blocher, that address issues of cultural identity and representation through community collaboration. Invited by curator David S. Rubin to create community-oriented, socially-engaged work, exploring themes relevant to the people of San Antonio, Blocher completed “Alamo,” “Skintone,” and “Color” following research in 2013 and video production in 2014. “Color of Confusion” is the U.S. premiere of all three videos. Blue Star Contemporary, 116 Blue Star. 210- 2276960; bluestarcontemporary.org
“Gesamtkunstwerk” This installation featuring Jesse Amado reflects the artist’s varied experiences while in residency at Künsterhaus Bethanian as a Blue Star Contemporary Berlin Resident artist. The word gesamtkunstwerk is a German term describing a total work of art that synthesizes many different modes, things, ideas, images, and styles, very much like Berlin itself—from the cobble- stones on the sidewalks, the clothes worn by the populace, the multiple walls adorned with graffiti, to the top floor at the Ka De Ve department store laden with foodstuffs. With the style of Dutch Renaissance paintings in mind; Amado proceeded to collect a tableau of objects and images to symbolize his Berlin experiences. Blue Star Contempo- rary, 116 Blue Star. 210-227-6960; bluestarcontemporary.org
Through January 6
“Unearthed: Desenterrado” Adriana Corral’s “Unearthed: Desenterrado” illustrates the complex history between the United States and Mexico. The billboard image erected on Blue Star Contemporary’s roof depicts a white flag embroidered with an illustration of a Mexican golden eagle and an American bald eagle with claws engaged, each emblematic of their respective nation’s patriotism. The 60-foot by 40-foot flag was originally part of an outdoor, site-specific artwork, located on the historic grounds of the Rio Vista Farm in Socorro, Texas. Blue Star Contemporary, 116 Blue Star. 210-2276960; bluestarcontemporary.org
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Monarchs: Brown and Native Artists in the Path of the Butterfly This exhibition takes the migration path of the Monarch butterfly as a geographic range and a metaphor. Apart from the name of the butterfly, the word “monarchs” has another meaning: Monarch signals an acknowledged ruler that is the head of a state or nation, and with that rule, the in- dependence and freedom to rule; sovereignty. Artists in the exhibition take up this idea to present the perspectives of people native to the Americas. Blue Star Contemporary, 116 Blue Star. 210-227- 6960; bluestarcontemporary. org
“War Stories: New Braunfels in World War I” Presented as part of the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of America’s role in WWI. New Braunfels’ uniquely German character compelled its citizens to respond with fervor once America was at war with Germany. On view in the exhibit are artifacts from the Sophienburg’s rich collections— posters, photographs, uniforms, and other
historical objects to showcase events, individuals, and ideology from 1914 to 1919—as well as touch on the lasting impact of The Great War on America and on this German community. Sophienburg Museum & Archives, 401 W. Coll St. 830-629-1572; sophienburg.com
January 11-13
San Antonio Area Vintage Guitar and Instrument Show Buy, sell, and trade guitars and other string instruments during the 10th annual event. New Braunfels Civic Center, 375 S. Castell Ave. 830-221-4011; jukejoint.com/ saguitarshow.htm
January 20
Piano Recital by Viktor Valkov “Lion of the Keyboard,” the compelling pianist Viktor Valkov returns to the Camerata San Antonio stage in a solo recital including music by Debussy, Schoenberg, Nenov, Bartok, and Prokofiev. University of the Incarnate Word, 4301 Broadway. 210-4929519; cameratasa.org
January 25
The Kingston Trio in Concert The American folk and pop music group helped launch the folk revival of the ’50s and ’60s and still ranks in the all-time lists of many of Bill- board’s cumulative charts. Their hit re- cording of “Tom Dooley” sold more than 3 million copies as a single. Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre, 290 W. San Antonio St. 830-627-0808; brauntex.org
January 29
Ruby City: A Living Legacy Lecture This event is a program with Sir David Adjaye, in honor of the completion of the new contemporary art center, designed by the award-winning architect. Adjaye discusses the creative process behind Ruby City, his first architectural project in Texas, as well as his collaboration with the late artist and philanthropist Linda Pace, whose drawings inspired his designs and material palette. Trinity University, 1 Trinity Place. 210-383- 9180; rubycity.org
January 19
Let’s Rodeo Ball This upscale party features top entertainment, great food, dancing, and fun for not just fans of rodeo but for all of San Antonio. This ball is a major fundraising event for the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Scholarship Fund. Joe and Harry Freeman Coliseum, 3201 E. Houston St. 210-225-5851; sarodeo.com
January 25-26
Barbecue Cookoff and Festival The San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Barbecue Cookoff is a championship event sanctioned by the International Barbeque Cookers Association and features some of the world’s best competitive barbecue teams, live music, family activities, a barbecue trade show, a kids’ cookoff, shopping, and much more. Proceeds from this event benefit the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Scholarship Fund. The San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo on the Salado, 1723 Creekview Drive. 210-225-5851; sarodeo.com T h e D o m i n i o n -M a g a z i n e . c o m
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COME SEE US IN THE NEW YEAR FOR YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS
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THE DOMINION MAGAZINE 930 E. Blanco Rd., Suite 200 Boerne, TX 78006