Dominion Magazine - September 2018 by Ben Schooley

SEPTEMBER 2018

GETTING IT DONE IN EIGHT Councilman Manny Pelaez

THE DOMINION GIVES LET SUNSHINE POWER YOUR HOME RESTAURANT REVIEW AND MORE!

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CONTENTS THE DOMINION MAGAZINE |

SEPTEMBER 2018

GETTING IT DONE IN EIGHT

Social Group 42

WELCOME 10

Supper Club

THE CLUB

Calendar 12 Message From The Manager 13 Club Happenings 14

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

Business Profile 24

Clock Dance

Benefitting the Community 46 Resident Follow-up 48 Doug Moe: Living the Fast-Break Life

Dominion Women's Forum 20 Drought Doesn't Have to Equal Demise

Good Reads 44

Let Sunshine Power Your Home

Events Calendar 18 Getting involved with your community 19

In THE Garden 22

COVER 28

HOME TOUR 52

Community Interest 60 San Antonio Zoo

Special Point of View

GOLF 62

Staff Profile 36

Restaurant Review 64 Signature

The Dominion Gives 38

Girl About Town 66

DaisyCares

Fitness 40 6

SEPTEMBER 2018

Jazz Alive

September Area Events 68

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SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOLUME 5 ISSUE 9

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, If there’s one thing that we can all agree upon, it’s that we currently live in one of the fastest growing areas of the country. Many of you, like myself, moved here when the entire area was nothing but cow pastures and oak trees, and there was very little between DeZavala Road and Boerne. However, these past 10 years have brought us unprecedented growth in the form of a freeway system that seems to be perpetually under construction and countless new businesses, developments, and new residential housing seemingly spreading in every direction. All of this makes the subject of our cover story even more important: Manny Pelaez, Councilman for our District 8. We hope that you enjoy his conversation on the challenges of representing such a fast-changing district, how he tries to listen to residents and their concerns, and how the future for the area is fast changing. In addition to our cover story, this issue is chock full of some great information about what’s going on at the Dominion Country Club, how our ongoing drought is impacting our area, and even some great features about local businesses doing some great work! I always close out these short letters with a call for input and feedback, and this one is no different: WE LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! Story idea? Want to write? Suggestion? If so, we want to hear about it. We try to keep our “ears to the ground” but hey, there’s a lot of stuff going on in such a vibrant community and we are always looking for more info! Drop us a note via the contact info to the right, and we’ll get back with you!

SMV TEXAS DESIGN GROUP, LLC CEO/PRESIDENT Benjamin D. Schooley ben@smvtexas.com OPERATIONS MANAGER Peggy Schooley peggy@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

Thank you for reading, and we hope that you have a wonderful fall season and enjoy the (hopefully) cooler temperatures. Sincerely, The Dominion Magazine is published by Schooley Media Ventures in Boerne, TX. The Dominion Magazine and Schooley Media Ventures are

JULY 2018

ION | JULY

THE DOMIN

BEN SCHOOLEY, PUBLISHER The Dominion Magazine

not responsible for any inaccuracies, erroneous information, or typographical errors contained in

2018

this publication submitted by advertisers. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinions of

E OF SERVIC IN THE HING MORE T Br ow n E M SO ce Cr ea ge

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4TH OF

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VOLUM 7

SEPTEMBER 2018

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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

SEPTEMBER 2018

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 Members, I want to thank everyone who took the time to participate in our recent Member Survey. In August we will be reviewing the final results with our Board of Governors and various Club Committees, and will send out a recap to the Membership. However, in the meantime, I am pleased to share that based upon your feedback to date, we've expanded our calendar of events to provide more social activities for you and your families to enjoy. While detailed information will be provided later this week, additional family activities include a "Princess Tea Party", "Family Game Day" featuring a mobile gaming truck, "Lego Day", "Paint and Play Pottery Day", our new "Science Saturday", as well as another evening of "S'mores Out Doors" with a fun family putting contest! We're also pleased to be offering a special "Trivia Night" for the adults, a "Havana Night at the Pool", "Sushi & Sake", a "Rose Wine Dinner", "Tequila Tasting", "Sinatra Night", a "Murder Mystery Dinner", and in October we'll host what should be a fun-filled evening of "Dueling Pianos"! Of course, golf remains a priority at our Club, and with the support of Tony Miller, and the help of our new Head Golf Professional, Jamie Christianson, we've also added some great new golf events for the entire family, including a "Par 3 Scramble", a weekly "Putting Challenge" on Thursday evenings, and for all the adults, there will now be a Skins Game every Friday afternoon. Additionally, as many of you have shared, Tony's direct involvement at The Dominion has allowed us to once again enjoy the excellent golf conditions that we've long been accustomed too. With a complete bunker renovation scheduled for the coming year, and the recent investment in over $650,000 for new Golf Course Maintenance Equipment, I'm excited about our golfing future! However, what makes The Dominion special is our people. I want to thank all of you who have nominated your fellow Members to serve on our new Committees and on our Board of Governors. As I have shared, we are committed to ensuring that we have a more representative Board of Governors, and Committees that provide ongoing feedback, direction and ensure strong two-way communication. We will be meeting with the various candidates over the next few weeks, with a formal announcement welcoming our new Committee and Board Members due out in September. And while you, our Members, are the most important part of Club, we are also proud of our staff. From our newest employees, like our Head Golf Professional, Jamie, to our tenured stalwarts, like our Director of Tennis and Athletics, Barry Mills, and our Membership Director, Kelly Thompson, we have a dedicated group of Department Heads. We also have some exceptionally strong key members of our line staff, like Jimmy in the Grille, and everyone's favorite bartender, Jose. With our current team, combined with the ongoing addition of new activities due to your feedback, and of course the dramatic improvements to our clubhouse last year, including not only the renovation of our dining room, as well as the addition of a true bar, and also our new fitness center, I am extremely excited about our future. As we continue our efforts to improve your experience, it is important that we follow our practice of implementing an annual Dues Increase. These increases allow us to keep up with rising labor, health and insurance costs, as well as numerous additional expenses that our industry faces. As always, we try to keep increases to a minimum by running The Dominion Country Club in a very cost-effective manner while continuing to improve the Club's people, operations, and services. This year's increase, which again, will be minimal, is reflected in your August statement which will be sent out tomorrow, August 1st. In closing, on behalf of our entire team, I want to thank each of you, our Members, for your ongoing support, and for making The Dominion Country Club so special. Sincerely, Stephen T. Phillips General Manager

T h e D o m i n i o n -M a g a z i n e . c o m

CLUB HAPPENINGS

MIGHTY MUSCLES SUMMER CAMP COMES TO A CLOSE!

SEPTEMBER 2018

T h e D o m i n i o n -M a g a z i n e . c o m

CLUB HAPPENINGS

S'mores on the practice green

Head golf pro Jamie Christianson and The Club General Manager Stephen Phillips hand out popsicles to members on a hot day.

SEPTEMBER 2018

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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

HOA UPCOMING SOCIAL EVENTS CALENDAR **LABOR DAY CLOSE THE POOL PARTY Pool at The Dominion Country Club Monday, September 3, 2018 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Charges apply RSVP Required to 210-698-3364

FOOD TRUCK NIGHT & MOVIE IN THE PARK

NEW RESIDENT PATIO PARTY

BONFIRE

The Dominion Country Club Thursday, October 11, 2018 From 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The Pecan Grove Sunday, November 18, 2018 From 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

MUSIC & WINE

TEXAS TOUGH TURKEY CHASE KIDS’ ½ MILE FUN-RUN 5K/10K WALK/RUN

The Lakes Friday, October 19, 2018 From 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

DOGGIE HOWL O’WEEN PARTY

Duxbury Park Saturday, September 22, 2018 Food Trucks from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Movie starts at 8:00 p.m.

Duxbury Park Saturday, October 27, 2018 From 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

Duxbury Park Saturday, October 27, 2018 Starts at 5:30 p.m.

Neighborhood Parties Tuesday, October 2, 2018 (Times vary by neighborhood)

SEPTEMBER 2018

TRUNK OR TREAT HALLOWEEN PARTY

Starts at HOA Parking Lot Thursday, November 22, 2018 Starts at 8:00 a.m.

Dominion Residents (Non-Club Members) invited to select Dominion Country Club Events

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

GET INVOLVED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

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. Did you see the new fountains at the front entrance? Beautiful!

Check out a few of the groups that are active in the Dominion Community, if you are interested in being a part of any of these groups, please see the contact info listed:

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 210-8548055 or ledouxlou@me.com, Lyn Hicks at 210-219-9772 or lynhicks1117@gmail.com, or Susan Shaked at 210-744-1200

HILL COUNTRY WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY The Women’s Bible Study started over twenty-five years ago when a small group

Contact Kathlin Jauregui for additional information at 210-872-3014, 210-698-1881 or kshj1115@aol.com. Please come for a visit!

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

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 8:00 am. 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

T h e D o m i n i o n -M a g a z i n e . c o m

DOMINION WOMEN'S FORUM by Norma Nichols-Reed, Dominion Resident

NEWS FROM THE DOMINION WOMEN'S FORUM 2018-2019 Board Members

DWF PROGRAMS 2018-2019 September 7, 2018 Let’s get acquainted & reacquainted while listening to familiar piano tunes October 5, 2018 Julian Gold Fashion Show November 2, 2018 Vietnam to America Mai Le Vu A heartwarming story told by a first generation American born Vietnamese descendant December 7, 2018 Holiday Bazaar

We are looking forward to a very exciting year in the Dominion’s Women’s Forum in 2018-2019! Our members have really stepped up to the plate to put a full Board in place to plan the year’s activities. The second Board meeting has already been held and plans are being implemented for an exciting year that we are sure ALL members will enjoy. The fall program includes the September 7, 2018 luncheon, “Let’s Get Acquainted and Reacquainted” with a pianist to entertain the members for the kickoff for the year. A very important date is October 5, 2018 — the date of our hugely popular annual JULIAN GOLD FASHION SHOW will be held at The Dominion, beginning at 11:30 a.m. For tickets or information, please contact receptionist@thedominion.com

SEPTEMBER 2018

We will close out the month with our “Boos and Brews” event on October 26, 2018. Did you know that each month offers another event that allows us all to continue to build on our new and existing friendships? This is a good time for you to update your calendar with a “SAVE THE DATE”! April 13, 2019 is when our amazing GALA is scheduled. We already have the popular Oh So Good Band booked and the whole night will be full of fun, friends, and food. Please join us! Finally — have you been thinking of trying the Women’s Forum out, but just haven’t done it yet? Here’s the perfect time to do it - Please contact our Membership Chairperson, Jean Rose, at kaiyrose@att. net. If it is easier for you, membership information is also available at the front desk at the Dominion Country Club.

January 4, 2019 Preparing for a healthy New Year Dr. Suzanne Dabbous A presentation by a board-certified radiologist regarding the new 3-D mammography February 1, 2019 They Still have our Hearts Lassoed A Tribute to Past Presidents March 1, 2019 Luck of the Irish St. Pat’s 3rd Annual Bartender Competition April 5, 2019 Order in the Court Chief Justice Sandee Bryan Marion Chief Justice of the Fourth Court of Appeals and Chair of the Texas Council of Chief Justices May 3, 2019 High Tea and High Style Informal Modeling by Jolie’s

IN THE GARDEN

by Mark A. Peterson Conservation Project Coordinator for San Antonio Water System (Courtesy of San Antonio Water System)

DROUGHT DOESN'T HAVE TO EQUAL DEMISE properly or planted in very limited soils are the ones that die or don’t perform to expectations. There are a few things you can do to help minimize plant damage and mortality • Use native species — they know how to survive periodic droughts. • Plant appropriately using wide holes and establish plants with the correct amount of consistent water. • Add compost to turf and beds — organic matter increases the water-holding capacity of soil. • Water moderately but consistently in spring and fall if normal rainfall fails to materialize. Watering isn’t necessary in the winter when landscapes are dormant, unless we're experiencing a particularly dry period. In this case, water according to plant type. • Seasonal color – once or twice a week depending on the weather. • Lawns – once every four weeks • Trees and shrubs – once every 45 days Even better, try my holiday method. Choose one holiday each month and water that day.

Drought is a regular occurrence during our South Texas summer. But with a little preventive care, you can help minimize plant damage and mortality.

Although we’ve had some recent droughts, most plant mortality occurs after several years of below normal spring and fall precipitation.

In the decades that I've lived in South Texas, I've learned several things about drought: it reoccurs often, plants rebound and a little preventive care goes a long way.

Most grasses — even St. Augustine grass — rebound with the advent of normal precipitation. As for trees and shrubs, those that have not been planted or established

SEPTEMBER 2018

ABOUT OUR EXPERT MARK PETERSON Mark A. Peterson is a conservation project coordinator for San Antonio Water System. With over 30 years of experience as an urban forester and arborist, Mark is probably the only person you know who actually prunes trees for fun. When not expounding on the benefits of trees and limited lawns, you’re likely to find him hiking San Antonio’s wilderness parks or expounding on the virtues of geography and history to his friends.

BUSINESS PROFILE by Ben Schooley

SPECIAL POINT OF VIEW, LLC

What began as a hobby for enthusiasts, drone pilots have become far more mainstream in the past decade as technology and the capabilities of drones continues to expand. In fact, by 2024, the “aerial imaging market” is predicted to be a $4bn per year industry.

certification course. “In order to charge a fee, you have to be certified as a commercial pilot of a drone. I completed their training program that was about flying the drones and some of the legalities we must follow, but also had some great information about business formation and operation.”

Like many, Dominion’s own Jeff Lewis found himself with some down time and began to enjoy the flight of his new drone hobby. However, as time went on, he found it to be a rewarding business that is growing rapidly and is taking him in all new directions.

Utilizing two different drones, one being a smaller collapsible drone, and one being a much larger one used primarily for commercial uses and ranch videography, Lewis’ company has grown quickly. While FAA guidelines stipulate that he has a maximum altitude of 400’ and must remain line of sight with the drone, Lewis has become adept at the drone’s capability and has flown distances exceeding three and a half miles.

Retired since 2004, the insurance executive has lived in the Dominion for years, and has historically led an extremely active life, including playing golf at the Country Club on average 6 days per week. However, he found himself sidelined with a serious shoulder injury for 8 months and began looking at ways to fill his time. Lewis explains, “I was doing my thing and playing golf and enjoying life. When I got hurt, I started horsing around with drones. I really enjoyed it and found it to be a really fun little hobby. From there, via the relationships I had with people in the Dominion, some of the realtors began asking me about it and whether I could shoot video and photos of their houses. From there, it just took off.” Special Point of View, LLC was born. However, because he would be charging money for his services, Lewis had to go through a

SEPTEMBER 2018

An extremely active resident of the Dominion community, Lewis used his relationships to launch his company, and it has paid off. He continues, “Based on my 5 years as an HOA Board member, where I was Chairman for 2 of those years, as well as a Country Club Board Member for 10 years, also as Chairman for 2 of those years...I developed relationships with many realtors and developers because of our interactions, so I’ve had a very good ability to reach out to people and sign up clients.” As he’s gotten busier, so have the requests of his clients. Many of the real estate based projects began to request interior

photography services, so Jeff got to work. “Clients were quickly requesting interior photography. So I went and took a couple of classes on photography, bought a full Nikon series camera, and am now doing full interior residential photography. The photo editing software has also been a large learning curve, but I’m truly enjoying it and I know that my clients are appreciative that they can handle all of their videography and photography needs with one phone call.” His clients have appreciated it so much that Lewis is getting busy…real busy. “There’s going to come a point where it’s busier than I want it to be, and at that point, I’ll have to hire another pilot and make this a serious business. Right now it’s enough to fill in my leisure time, but if it got more hectic, I’d have to increase my capability. I’ll have some decisions to make, but these are sure nice problems to have.” www.specialpointofview.com Special Point of View, LLC 210.618.2664

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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SEPTEMBER 2018

GETTING IT DONE IN EIGHT (FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT) by Brian Kenneth Swain, Dominion Resident

At one point in our conversation I asked Manny Pelaez to talk about the personal characteristics he believes account for the success in his legal and political career. “Most guys have hobbies—fishing, football, ranch work. I enjoy reading budgets and meeting minutes.” As unusual as that response sounds, it nicely encapsulates the complex individual who has represented the Eighth District (in which The Dominion is located) on San Antonio’s City Council since June of last year. However, understanding why this response makes sense requires a bit of context, which he was more than happy to provide during the rest of our discussion. Manuel (Manny) Pelaez came to San Antonio in 1992, following an itinerant childhood that included being born in Chicago and spending portions of his adolescence in Tucson; Bogota, Colombia; and El Paso, the latter of which is home to The Radford School, Manny’s alma mater (his graduating class comprised just eighteen people). The stint in Colombia was part of his parents’ ceaseless commitment to a quality education, in this case to perfect their children’s Spanish skills. Being the child of immigrant parents (Marta and Raul) is a totally different experience than that experienced by families who have lived here for generations. Manny’s parents learned to assimilate to American norms at varying paces, his mother somewhat more quickly than his father. She worked hard to rid herself of an accent, his father, a Bolivian, not so much. He describes his

SEPTEMBER 2018

parents as having been “broken in” by him to life in the U.S. And while some of the events and everyday activities of American life—celebrating the fourth of July, riding a bicycle to school—took a good bit of getting used to, other events—like witnessing their first hailstorm or being driven to a medical patient’s home on a snowmobile—had more to do with living farther north than with American culture per se. But it was all new for the parents. “My dad,” Manny recalls, “was the first Bolivian, as far as I know, to have a snowplow on the front of his truck!” That cultural difference accounts also for the lack of extracurricular activities in the Pelaez kids’ adolescent education. Manny recalls once asking about joining the school baseball team. “If you have time for sports, then that’s more time you could be studying,” was the terse unflinching reply. Numerous events, both within and outside of the family, were formative in the young Manny’s life. Some in particular seemed to foreshadow the political direction that his life has taken in recent years. He recalls the family driving to Lincoln, IL to take part in a visit by then President Reagan. He vividly remembers the president’s limo (the “beast”) driving by and remains convinced to this day that Reagan waved at him from

T h e D o m i n i o n -M a g a z i n e . c o m

inside. He was intrigued from that moment with learning what presidents actually do, and he even recalls once aspiring to the position. He spent a lot of time studying Reagan’s career, and he remembers, in particular, a trip to Washington D.C. to visit his congressman. He recalls the politician getting down on one knee and thanking the young Manny for coming to visit, exhorting him to return home and tell all his friends that he was here in the capital working for them as best he could. Manny never forgot that moment, and to this day he still feels like a little boy whenever he walks into the capital building. But his favorite president of all is LBJ, a man who got things like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 done by leveraging his influence. He remains impressed by the ability of a simple schoolteacher from the heart of Texas to rise to the highest office in the land and to use that position to try to make peoples’ lives better. The family moved to San Antonio so that Manny could attend Trinity University, where he majored in Communications. This choice of degree caused some initial waves at the family dinner table, as all three of the Pelaez children had been raised with the express goal of becoming doctors. When Manny announced, midway through his undergraduate program, that he was going to become an attorney, the news was met with something less than enthusiasm, particularly by his father, a radiologist. Manny is the eldest of three Pelaez siblings, and in the end none of the three chose to go into medicine. His brother owns an art gallery in Austin and his sister is an attorney here in San Antonio. It should be noted that Manny did give the medical thing a fair try, taking classes in biology and chemistry. But these were not at all to his liking, as by this point he’d discovered that he had a knack for the abstract, so much so that he knew well before the halfway point of his undergraduate studies that he was headed for law school, which he promptly did immediately upon graduating from Trinity, traveling all of seven miles down the road to St. Mary’s Law School, where he found the legal curriculum every bit as rewarding as he had imagined it. By the spring of 2000 he was the proud owner of a JD degree and excited to discover what comes next.

SEPTEMBER 2018

However, at this point we need to pause for a moment and rewind. Because that announcement back in 1994—the one about NOT becoming a doctor despite his parents’ fervent wishes, the one that would take his father, in particular, so many years to wrap his head around—was by no means the only time the young Manny would raise eyebrows in the Pelaez household. In fact, two years before the shocking career announcement, within just days of starting his undergraduate program at Trinity, Manny had returned home to share the news that scarcely had he set foot on the college campus when he had met the woman he was going to marry. It’s unclear whether this was news only to his parents, or perhaps also to Diana, the future Mrs. Pelaez. But Manny had by now demonstrated a strong penchant for achieving the goals he set for himself, and starting a family would prove to be no different, though it did require, in his words, “eight years of vigorous pursuit” before the couple were finally married in 2001, shortly after his graduation from law school. And they were married right here in District Eight, at the Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, now almost seventeen years ago. Today they have two children, Max (12) and Sophia (10), the latter currently learning Mandarin, the former studying Latin and proud of his ability to name all fifty states. Even as an adult, there have been more than a few aspects of Manny’s life in which serendipity has played a big part. One of these was his first professional position after graduation from law school. His mother Marta, a clinical psychologist, has been involved in domestic violence work for many years, including serving most recently as CEO of the San Antonio battered women’s shelter. Which is how he became legal council for the shelter immediately upon graduation (the term “volun-told” was used at one point). He remains active with this organization to the present day. “One in four women in Texas has a domestic violence story to tell. In San Antonio it’s more like one in three. Most never make a case though, either because they’re afraid or because they don’t know how.”

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We talked a good bit about what it was about the law and then politics that attracted him. He says that early on he dreamt of the law as a pathway to international legal work and a chance to travel the world. Only later, as the realities of law school began to take hold, he decided he would need to modify his expectations somewhat. He cites a quote from former president Bill Clinton: “The true test of your success in this world is whether or not the situation of the person you’re interacting with is better than when you first met.” And that, he says, has been his goal as an attorney and as a politician. Manny’s first serious legal opportunity arose shortly after law school when he got a call from Congressman Charlie Gonzalez asking what he knew about Toyota (not much), could he speak Spanish? (yes), and was he willing to travel? (sure…where to?). Turned out Toyota was looking into starting up a new manufacturing plant in San Antonio, and they wanted their very first hire to be an attorney who could handle all the property acquisition, zoning and land use requirements, as well as the other myriad legal issues that go with starting up a large commercial facility. After eighteen months in Kentucky learning about the company and its operations, the newly minted attorney returned home and became instrumental in getting the facility up and running that today employs something like 4,000 San Antonians. It was a rapid education in the real world of corporate law, and a great opportunity to become familiar with the many politicians and organizations that make things happen in our city (a chance to “see how the sausage is made in the world of public policy”). At the same time, he learned a valuable lesson about the impact of large development projects, i.e., that not everyone emerges a winner. In the case of the Toyota project, many local homeowners were priced out of their homes because of sharp tax and valuation increases. Witnessing this aspect of the experience has made Pelaez ever sensitive to the potential downsides of economic development programs. He was subsequently able to apply these lessons to leadership positions with Brooks City Base and VIA. On the one hand, he learned the power of government to partner

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with private industry to spur innovation, while at the same time remaining cognizant of the impacts these innovations can have on people living in the real world—whether that’s needing bus availability to get to a doctor’s appointment or obtaining a new job to replace the one lost as part of an unexpected base closure. And though things have worked out splendidly for the company and the city in the years since then, Manny recalls his earliest days with Toyota, “wondering each morning if today would be the day they discover that I don’t know what I’m talking about.” In June of last year, Pelaez was elected to the San Antonio City Council as representative of District 8, a position previously occupied by now-mayor Ron Nirenberg. Manny says that running for public office is the most difficult thing he’s ever done in his life. “People think politics is just about kissing babies and shaking hands. But you have to get up to speed very quickly on a lot of important subjects—subjects that affect peoples’ lives. And you have to not be afraid to say from time to time ‘I don’t know,’ so long as you follow that up with ‘But I’ll find out.’” One of his goals for serving in political office is to demonstrate to his children what leadership looks like. He regards Max and Sophia as his two primary policy consultants. “So,” I asked, “have they ever changed your mind about something? How you were going to vote on an issue?” It didn’t take him long to come up with an example of a time when they did just that. “I was going to vote NO on a recent issue known as ‘Tobacco 21.’ I initially felt that one more regulation for local business was a bad thing, that it would be just another obstacle to business success. Also, my sense was that San Antonio is such a porous city that underage people would simply find alternative ways to purchase tobacco products anyway, regardless of any new laws. It took my kids to remind me that smoking is a horrible practice that harms and kills thousands of people every year. If you’re selling cigarettes, you’re not doing a good

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thing. They changed my mind—and my vote.” And because no conversation with the councilman on Dominion property would be complete without mentioning the Tejas Trail overhaul, we eventually made our way around to that satisfying topic. “Within minutes of being elected last year and beginning to talk with constituents here in The Dominion, I started hearing about this horrible road called Tejas Trail. Too narrow, too overgrown, too many potholes. I finally went out and drove it for myself, and, sure enough, it was a train wreck of a road.” So Pelaez made it his personal mission to prioritize repairs of the thoroughfare that connects The Dominion’s back gate with Camp Bullis Road. He recalls the challenge of explaining to City Manager Sheryl Sculley why such a small unknown road was worthy of a high spot on the city’s repair program. But get repaired it did, following which the new councilman visited Texas Military Institute and asked what they thought of the newly restored road. “Somebody got it fixed!” came the enthusiastic reply. “Now our parents don’t curse so much about the road any more.” So not only does Manny get to take credit for fixing Tejas Trail, he also enjoys being at least somewhat responsible for the significant reduction in bad language kids hear from their parents. But what does a city councilman do in his downtime, when he’s not championing the repair of rural roads or crawling through underground sewer tunnels to make sure the city’s money is being spent wisely? Manny is an avid birdwatcher and photographer, and he has in recent months taken to constructing multi-unit birdhouses from repurposed wine crates (because what other kind of birdhouses would a fiscally-minded politician build?) He also does a bit of kayak fishing from time to time, and he is a big fan of traveling to Spain, which he has done numerous times. And because he never really completely stops working, he spends a good portion of these visits working on economic development opportunities between San Antonio and Spain, including playing an integral role in the recent visit to San Antonio of the King and Queen of Spain. And the inevitable bucket list question? It’s mainly about the city and his family. He wants San Antonio to be the city that others look to for how things get done, whether that’s adaptive reuse of buildings, water policy, or just overall good

governance. He wants the city to be known not just for The Alamo, The Riverwalk, and margueritas, but also for curing cancer and redefining how housing and traffic get managed effectively. With more than 150 people a day relocating to the Alamo City, these are goals that will serve our city well for a very long time to come. His parents bought a house in The Dominion back in 1992, shortly after Manny entered college, and they have been here ever since. He regards The Dominion as an oasis with a sense of community that he hasn’t experienced anyplace else. “The second you cross over the threshold it feels different. The Dominion has maintained that charm, despite being located on one of the busiest highways in the country. We have not suffered from what a lot of other gated communities have. There are plenty of events that help bring the community together. And the residents share many common values—spending time with and supporting neighbors, protecting the natural environment, etc. Having grown up here, what I miss most when I’m away is our unwavering sense of community.” As we neared the end of our conversation, I offered the councilman an opportunity to sum up his views on where the city of San Antonio and the country are headed and how he sees his role in that future. “There’s a strange wind blowing through American politics and civics, where rough and cold and sharp and prickly are seen as values. I find that San Antonio is filled with people who don’t see that as a sustainable model for our community in the long term. It’s what I love most about this city, and it’s the thing that’s worth fighting the hardest to protect. The character of San Antonio is why people come here. The things residents say about our city are NOT what they say about other cities. We’re at a fork in the road where we’ll either continue to grow and strive for bigger/ better/faster at the expense of character, or we’ll grow but we’ll do it led and informed by character. I’m fighting for the latter.” “Looking back at the trajectory of my life, I recall the old aphorism that eventually we all become our parents. My life is a continuation of what they started. They saw it as their responsibility to help others. I was expected to do what I’m doing now, maybe not in the doctor vs. lawyer sense, but in the far bigger sense of simply being responsible for the people around me, in whatever capacity I’m called upon to serve.”

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S TA F F P R O F I L E by Peggy Schooley

MA JOR R AUL HERNANDEZ ON THE JOB TO BENEFIT OUR COMMUNITY

Several years ago, when this Magazine was still new to the neighborhood, we had the opportunity to profile Major Raul Hernandez — and when we recently learned that his 30th anniversary with The Dominion community was coming close, we knew it was time to visit him again. “Back in 1988, I was a truck driver. Unfortunately, I was injured and was working my way through rehab. My supervisor and I had been looking for a role for me that would require less physical strain, something ‘lighter,’ and so I was sent to interview with Total Security. I knew absolutely nothing about security, what it encompassed nor what it required. I spent some time with the then-Chief talking about the role — and he hired me on the spot! I’ve been here ever since, through a total of six other security firms!” Major Hernandez laughed as he shared “I had my birthday on September 17, and I started work here on September 29 (one day after my interview!). Best birthday present EVER!” “One of my favorite things about this job is the sense of family…not only within the security team, but with so, so many of the residents, too. When I first started, I really worked at reaching out to people, to handle

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quickly and professionally any problems or issues they might have — with a smile! Some of those early residents are still here, and now we are like old friends. I knew them as ‘young marrieds’ or parents with little ones, and now, in some cases, they are grandparents. I love nothing more than when one of the now-grown children will stop and tell me how “my parents always like it when you are here!” Responding to my question about his favorite part of his job, he laughed and told me “Every day is a good day! I’m one of those people lucky enough to say ‘I love having “another day at the office!’” You may not know that Major Hernandez is one of six children, but most of his family, including two of his siblings, have passed away. “I still miss them, and always will. But I’ve learned that you have to go forward every single day.” I am always happily amazed at the ‘hidden lives’ of the people we see and work with every single day. Major Hernandez is no different! He is an avid conjunto/tejano dancer, having learned the steps when he was a young man. “I always LOVE going to weddings and debuts because of the great music and the great dancing! I LOVE dancing!”

“I’m also a casino fan. I will go to any casino at any time. Mostly I just donate money to them (chuckles) — I’m not there because I’m such a gambler, but more because I’m just certain that it is like winning the LOTTO. Somebody’s got to win and maybe it’s my turn!” He laughed and said “Well, at least that’s what I tell myself.” He has been to the close casinos - Coushatta and Eagle Pass, but also to Vegas, Reno, and all the places in between. And. of course, like any good Texan, he is an avid Spurs and Cowboys fan. He told me “I’m curious about what will happen with Kuwai, as are most Spurs fans,” and that one of his favorite memories was going to the Cowboys’ new stadium in Dallas to watch a matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles. “The game went into OT, and we won. I also had tickets that allowed me and my friend to stand at the tunnel where the players come out. It was so thrilling to be on the field and to be a part of all of that excitement!” My last question to him? What else do you do to get yourself in trouble? After a moment’s hesitation and a small, enigmatic smile, he said “No comment.”

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THE DOMINION GIVES by Maria Alvarado

DAISYCARES Established in 2009, DaisyCares is a nonprofit organization that takes a unique approach to pet overpopulation and animal neglect by providing pet food, veterinary care, and animal welfare education. DaisyCares understands that during difficult times, families need the love and company of their pet more than ever. Through Pet Food and Veterinary Care Programs, DaisyCares helps people keep their pets healthy and nourished. Additionally, DaisyCares has taken on the fight against animal cruelty by providing animal welfare education to children through Project Kindness and to adults through PAWedu. On September 11th 2018, DaisyCares will be hosting our 3rd Annual Leashes for Life. This event will involve a special tribute to the working dogs that risk their lives daily to make our world safer. DaisyCares needs your support to make our program, tribute, silent auction, and dinner a success. There are many ways to be a part of our celebration! You can choose to: • Sponsor our event • Purchase a ticket and join us at our event ($50 ticket) • Offer an in-kind donation • Donate items to our silent auction • Spread the word! • A combination of any of these However you choose to give, your support will allow pet owners in San Antonio to provide a safe and more loving home for their furry family members.

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FITNESS

GROUP FITNESS SCHEDULE MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Interval Weight Training Theisson 6:15 a.m.

Cycle Circuit 30/30 Terie 9:30 a.m.

Zumba Andrea 8:00 a.m.

Strength & Balance Jess 8:00 a.m.

Restorative Yoga Jess 8:00 a.m.

Yoga Fundamentals Monica 10:45 a.m.

Men’s Flexibility Jess 8:00 a.m. *fee

Small Group Pilates Marsha 8:45 a.m. *Fee

Rhythm Ride Cycle Marsha 9:45 a.m.

Power Yoga Jess 12:00 p.m.

Core Fusion Jess 11:00 a.m.

Boot Camp Theisson 6:00 p.m.

Core Fusion Julie 9:30 a.m. Yoga Flow Monica 10:30 a.m.

Cycle Express Terie 9:30 a.m. *45 min.

Bike & Burn Julie 9:30 a.m. *75 min.

Core & Strength Marsha 10:00 a.m.

Yoga Flow Jess 10:30 a.m.

WELCOME JESSICA WORTHEY E-RYT 200 hr Yoga Instructor as the new Fitness Director at The Dominion Country Club!

Jess has been teaching yoga, core and strength classes at Dominion since it opened. She has a true passion for teaching and helping others meet their fitness goals . She was a special education teacher for 11 years in Northside before taking in a fitness life full time. Jess is inspired by seeing others give their all-in class and work hard to live your best life! Jess lives in San Antonio with her two precious boys Wyatt and Colt. She is an active mom and spends her free time on football and baseball fields. Jess teaches LifePower Yoga at Lifetime Fitness as well. She received her certification to lead and guide other deeper into their practice so they can become a certified Yoga Teacher. This 200 hour certification program is a life changing experience. She gives her all to her students. Jess looks forward to seeing you on your mat soon! Jess looks forward to continuing the amazing classes, personal training and small groups sessions Dominion Fitness Center has to offer. Stop by the club and see her smiling face or feel free to reach out to Jess anytime! JWorthey@dggclubs.com.

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SOCIAL GROUP by Carole Minton, Dominion Resident

SUPPER CLUB Supper Club is a large, fun dinner club within The Dominion Country Club. All members are welcome to participate. Non-members can come a first time to see if they enjoy it. If so, they can then join the Club and enjoy the treat every month. The 20th Season begins on Wednesday, September 5, 2018, at 6 pm. There will be a terrific introduction to the entire season's cuisine with a sampling of the great food from all the seasons menus. So get ready to celebrate the food and fun from all around the United States and from Persia. October 3, 2018, will focus on Witches, Witches Everywhere November 7, 2018, will take us to Plymouth Pilgrams' Thanksgiving . December 5, 2018, will find us in Colonial Williamsburg for a Christmas in the colonies early in America. No Supper Club in January 2019. We will kick off the New Year of 2019 on February 6, 2019, with food and dance from ancient Persia. Mardi Gras, Louisiana Style, will open in The Dominion on March 6, 2019. On April 3rd, 2019, We will then travel to Southwestern United States for a celebration of southwestern cuisine. Our season will come to a close on May 1st with the running of the Kentucky Derby, Texas style. Cocktails are at 6 pm with dinner served at 7 pm. To make sure you are able to attend these wonderful evenings, be sure to call the Reservation Line at the Club and make a reservation for Supper Club.

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GOOD READS

by Marlene Neslund, Dominion Resident

CLOCK DANCE grief - not that first piercing stab, but the steady, persistent ache of it, the absence that feels like a presence.” Part II brings the reader to 2017. Willa lives in Tucson, Arizona, with her second husband, Peter Brendan. Peter is a semi-retired lawyer, somewhat overbearing and controlling. (For a sweet, smart and attractive woman, Willa lacks good choices in men!) Willa graciously agrees to fly to Baltimore - our author’s favorite city - to help her older son’s exgirlfriend Denise. She has been shot and has a 9 year old daughter who needs tending. The story now gets really interesting and moves at a good pace. Willa is in her early 60’s and doesn’t have any close family ties. Her two sons and only sister are distant. She feels unneeded and unappreciated. This all changes when she stays with Denise and Cheryl. As days go by and Peter gets restless in Baltimore and returns to Arizona, Willa feels more fulfilled than she has in ages. The modest Baltimore neighborhood boasts of a menagerie of characters; some broken, some healing, but all filled with concern and love. Plus, there is an adorable dog, Airplane, in the picture. Tyler develops the relationship between Willa and Cheryl beautifully. When Willa first meets the girl, “She had a pudgy face and a keg-shipped tummy… Willa had imagined someone a bit thinner and cuter.” In the end of the novel, “she reminded Willa of those little girls in Victorian valentines - her cheeks touched delicately with pink, her upper lip a curly Cupid’s bow. She really was a beautiful child, Willa thought.” Love alters one’s perspective. At 76 years of age, Anne Tyler has given us another fine novel - her 22nd work. CLOCK DANCE is once again a saga centered on family and relationships. When the novel begins, the heroine, Willa Drake, is an 11 year old Pennsylvanian school girl. The year is 1967. The reader is introduced to her small family consisting of a younger sister Elaine, a soft spoken, mild-mannered father and a highly emotional and sometimes abusive mother. The next stage of Willa’s life jumps ahead a full decade to 1977. She is a language student 44

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at Kinney College in northern Illinois. We meet Derek MacIntyre, her handsome, somewhat wealthy boyfriend. She is in love and bringing him home to meet her family. Derek, for all his positive qualities, is not totally likable. Willa is, “sometimes put off by his single-minded interest in sports. He had a bit of a temper and twice got into a shoving match with guys at football games.” This temper ultimately leads to Derek’s premature death and Willa’s early widowhood. Here Anne Tyler deals with her familiar theme of loss. “Now she settled into the dailiness of

CLOCK DANCE is an enjoyable, easy read less than 300 pages with lots of good dialogue. (However, if you are looking for the excellence found in THE ACCIDENTAL TOURIST or in Tyler’s Pulitzer Prize-winning BREATHING LESSONS, you will be disappointed.) Anne Tyler is working on her 23rd book. She says, “What happens is six months go by after I finish a book, and I start to go out of my mind. I have no hobbies, I don’t garden, I hate to travel.” Lucky for us!

BENEFITTING THE COMMUNITY by Lauren Murley

LET THE SUNSHINE POWER YOUR HOME With the abundance of sunshine, recordbreaking triple digit temperatures and the advances in solar cell technology and energy storage, making the solar energy lifestyle choice is now easier than ever. Whether you want to reduce your carbon footprint, take better control of your energy usage or add value to your home, BEC is the energy expert you can trust for your important investment. BEC Solar, a subsidiary of BEC, will design the right solution for your needs.

HISTORY OF SOLAR POWER Solar power technology has come a long way since 1876 when William Grylls Adams and Richard Evans Day discovered that selenium creates electricity when exposed to sunlight. In 1883, Charles Fritts produced the first solar cells made from selenium wafers and created the world’s first rooftop solar array in New York. Solar cells are nowadays made using silicon and credited to Daryl Chapin, Calvin Fuller and Gerald Pearson at Bell Labs in 1954. Since then, solar panels have been used to power satellites, heat water at the White House during the Carter administration and NASA’s Opportunity rover uses it to get around on Mars.

HOW A SOLAR SYSTEM WORKS When the sun shines on solar panels, the solar cells absorb the energy and create direct current (DC) electricity. The electricity goes into a solar inverter that converts the DC to alternating current (AC) electricity. Your home uses the AC current for power and any power you do not use is either stored in a battery or sold to the grid. The San Antonio area gets more than 220 days of sunshine during the year. That’s a lot of untapped potential power for your home. Others have taken notice of the endless sunshine. The San Antonio area is already home to nine utility community solar farms.

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BENEFITS OF SOLAR

SWITCHING TO SOLAR

Solar power is environmentally friendly, reliable and offers the self-sustainability many customers seek. The recordbreaking heatwave in July put strain on the Texas power grid. Although there were no reliability issues, more peak usage is expected, and solar system owners can help lighten the load or even sell their excess power to the grid.

BEC Solar engineers will conduct an on-site visit that will include a site assessment and energy analysis. They will then design the solar system, do the necessary permitting, install the system and then proceed with utility interconnection. A 5-kilowatt system takes an average of one week to complete.

Unlike fossil fuels, solar energy is a technology, not a fuel, and consumers can expect continuous improvements. Investing in solar energy will improve energy efficiency and reduce monthly energy costs.

ENERGY STORAGE BEC Solar is one of four Tesla Powerwall Certified Installers in Texas. Powerwall can store surplus solar energy during daylight hours and use that energy later when the sun is not shining, thus increasing selfconsumption of solar power generation.

In addition to lower utility bills, solar can offer financial advantages. Studies show that the installation of a solar system can increase the value of your home by up to 20 percent. The Texas property tax code allows an exemption of 100 percent of the appraised property value increase arising from the installation or construction of a solar array.

It’s also useful in load shifting. Powerwall can charge during low rate periods when demand for electricity is lower and discharge during more expensive rate periods when electricity demand is higher.

BEC SOLAR—YOUR ENERGY EXPERTS

FINANCING IS AVAILABLE

BEC Solar is a subsidiary of Bandera Electric Cooperative, a member-owned electric utility. BEC Solar offers a high quality, lowcost alternative to current solar system designs. When you purchase a BEC Solar system, you can expect a quality product and you are guaranteed top-notch support. BEC Solar offers two types of photovoltaic (PV) arrays—rooftop and ground mounted— for both residential and commercial customers. BEC Solar designs come with a 25-year linear performance warranty to panel purchases, 10-year inverter manufacturer warranty and a 1-year installation warranty. BEC Solar also offers professional solar panel maintenance and cleaning services to ensure the system is always producing efficiently.

Tesla Powerwalls also function as back-up power in the event of a grid outage.

BEC Solar has partnered with Sungage Financial, Inc. (Sungage) to offer solar system financing options. BEC Solar customers have access to a range of solar financing options to meet the different needs of many homeowners. They offer 5-, 10-, 15-, and 20-year financing products with no money down. Homeowners can also finance roofs and batteries through Sungage. The streamlined process involves just one application and one loan closing process making owning a quality product from your trusted advisors within reach. For more information, contact BEC Solar at www.BanderaElectric.com/solar

T h e D o m i n i o n -M a g a z i n e . c o m

R ES I D EN T F O LLOW- U P by Brian Kenneth Swain, Dominion Resident

LIVING THE FAST-BREAK LIFE

A few months ago we did a piece in these pages about the life and achievements of former Spurs head coach Doug Moe and his wife Jane. Well, apparently the members of the National Basketball Coaches Association are readers of The Dominion magazine, because only a few weeks ago they voted to recognize Doug with the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award, which was presented to him in Oakland during Game 2 of the NBA Final Series between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers. It’s a terrific and much deserved honor in recognition of Doug’s contributions to the game in general and, in particular, to his impact on the pace and style with which the game is played today. So, I asked, how were you notified of this auspicious award? “I was sitting in my car at La Cantera Mall, listening to the radio, waiting on Jane to do some shopping inside, when my cell phone rang and it was (Dallas Mavericks head coach and NBCA President) Rick Carlisle calling to tell me the good news. It was only a couple of weeks before the award ceremony. We had no clue at all.”

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In a nice bit of circular history, Oracle Arena, the Oakland stadium where Doug received his award, was a venue in which he had actually played back in the 1968-69 season. When Doug first broke into coaching, first with the Spurs, then later with the Denver Nuggets, the game was very much about controlled pace and well-structured plays. Instead, Doug opted for speed, fast breaks, and rarely holding onto the ball for more than a second or two, all techniques designed to keep the opposition guessing and, more often than not, simply out of breath. That, in turn, resulted in Doug’s teams getting off a lot more shot attempts, so that even if their shooting percentage wasn’t as high as their opponents’, the final score was frequently higher. “Nobody knew what the hell we were doing. Other coaches were diagramming our plays on the blackboard, and we weren’t running any.” It was a style of play based on instinct, agility, and spontaneity, one that took a while for new players to grow accustomed to, and definitely one that was difficult to describe

to other coaches and the sports media. But it got the job done, and it earned Doug a lifetime coaching record of 628-529 (.543) in four seasons with the Spurs, ten with the Nuggets, and one with the Philadelphia 76’ers. And that heightened level of spontaneity and enthusiasm wasn’t limited to the players on the court. Doug was well known for yelling at players from the sidelines, once getting excited enough to even throw a cup of water at a ref over an unappreciated call, a reaction that got him a small fine. But hey, it was a game built on enthusiasm! Next on the schedule for Doug is a quick trip to Vegas for a fantasy football draft (he’s a huge fantasy football and baseball guy), followed by a trip back to North Carolina for a reunion with other UNC lettermen. “In the 1970’s and 80’s, Doug Moe established a pace-and-space game that was decades ahead of its time,” says Carlisle. “Congratulations to a true visionary on this special recognition of innovation and accomplishment.”

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LUXURY VIEWS 52

SEPTEMBER 2018

Glorious plantings, fountains and courtyard gates announce a warm welcome for this fabulous Kenigstein/Braswell custom estate. In the highly desirable area, Crescent at The Dominion, 12 Crescent Bluff awaits. A rare opportunity to privately purchase in this elevated premier location with only luxury homes, views, security and consummate privacy is presented.

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Gorgeous marble and solid Hickory floors usher one through custom details including 4 wood burning fireplaces, custom silk window coverings, Fine Art chandeliers with hand cut stone walls with wide brick arches embellishing the great room surrounded by banks of glass. Terraces invite you to enjoy the outdoor living from the lovely Master Bedroom, the beautiful Formal Library and the masterful Great Room with beamed ceilings, all boasting fireplaces. Enjoy grilling under a covered patio with fireplace during any season while enjoying the pool and spa surrounded by a stone privacy wall and lush plantings. Culinary enthusiasts will delight in an open granite island kitchen with Wolf range and under counter wine fridge. Formal dining is separated and lends itself to entertaining either the coziest gathering or the most elaborate of parties. The over-sized pantry and utility area are easily accessed and may serve as a laundry room, pet spa or craft room. Just outside, a profuse vegetable garden allow for "farm to table" cooking.

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The generous Master retreat with fireplace is up with elevator or stairwell access. Crema de Marfil Marble covers the counters in the exquisite bath offering a large steam shower, jetted tub and dual closets. Copper guttering around the home is strategically placed and brick and flagstone comprise the driveway and walkways. On just over a 1/2 acre, maintenance is minimal. For information or to schedule a showing of 12 Crescent Bluff contact Debra Janes at 210-573-4040 or debra@debrajanes.com. www.DebraJanesLuxury.com

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COMMUNITY INTEREST

SAN ANTONIO ZOO The zoo will be open from 9:00a.m. – 6:00p.m. Zoo Boo is included with standard zoo admission and free for zoo members. Kids Zoo Ball October 19 | 6 – 9:30 p.m. Treat your future conservationist to a magical evening at San Antonio Zoo during the first annual Kids Zoo Ball. This whimsical evening is just like the big kid version of our traditional Zoo Ball, but for the biggest zoo lovers with the greatest of imaginations – kids! Let’s teach the next generation how to properly party with a purpose. This FUNdraising event includes live entertainment, a seated dinner, and is black tie optional for both grown ups and kids. Purchase tickets to this fairy tale evening before time runs out! www.sazoo.org/zooball/ kidsball Have you seen what the San Antonio Zoo has been up to lately? Check out the list of upcoming events! San Antonio Zoo® is a great place to create unique family memories while learning all about animals, nature, and conservation. As a 105-year-old zoo, it still maintains a charm like no other. Fall in love with the zoo and create your own family moments during these exciting fall events. 34th “Animal” Zoo Run Relay September 14 | 6 p.m. Gather your tribe and join us for this truly unique fundraising relay run at San Antonio Zoo. This 8-mile run allows you to create a 4-member team with each person running 2-miles. Pick your pack, lace up your running shoes, and run like wildlife depends on it! Register online at www.sazoo.org.

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Kids Zoo Run Presented by H-E-B September 15 | 8:30 a.m. Intended for little runners, this fun-run is a great way for kiddos to see the zoo at a quick pace! Runners ages 1 to 11 can chose from the ¼-mile route or the ½-mile route. A parent is welcome to join their little runner for this memorable jaunt in the zoo. Register online at www.sazoo.org. Zoo Boo! September 22 – October 28 Daytime, Saturdays and Sundays Bring the entire family to enjoy this non-spooky Halloween celebration, Zoo Boo! Held Saturdays and Sundays, the zoo will be decked out with Halloween fun complete with trick-or-treat stations, a fun hay maze, pumpkin painting, dance parties, and plenty of games. Families can even enjoy a ride on the Zoo Boo Express, our themed train ride through Brackenridge Park! Little ghouls and goblins are encouraged to wear their best costume for a chance to be in a costume contest.

Whataburger Zoo Lights November 16 – December 31 Daily, Noon – 9 p.m. Merry and bright and a wild night! The zoo decks the halls with jaw-dropping light displays and fills the park with Christmas time activities and cheer including a choreographed light show, s’mores, ice skating, camel rides, and of course, Santa! The best way to get the most out of Zoo Lights is with a Zoo Lights Fun Night Ticket. This includes admission, a train ride, a carousel ride, and popcorn. Zoo Lights is included with zoo membership.

2007 Alum of TMI, The Episcopal School of Texas 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 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

GOLF

TITLEIST FITTING

Titleist Fitting Day Thursday September 6th. Contact The Golf shop for fitting times. Be fit for the fasted woods on Tour by Titleist Representatives. Michael Kim becomes the first player to post a victory with the new Titleist TS2 driver by running away with the PGA Tour John Deere Classic in recordsetting fashion. For the tournament, Kim averaged five yards more off the tee (294.8) and was nearly 30 percentage points (82.14%)

higher in Driving Accuracy compared to his 2017-18 season averages. TS Fairways Join The Family Building on the fast start for the new TS Drivers, our team continues the Tour seeding and validation process with the new TS2 and TS3 Fairway Metals at the Quicken Loans National. Performance validation for the new TS Drivers and Fairway Metals will ramp up over the coming weeks across the worldwide professional tours, so be sure to stay up to speed with our results.

GOLF FITNESS TRAINING This specialized TPI Golf Training Program is designed to help the golfer: gain distance, increase range of motion, balance & mobility, improve strength & overall fitness and prevent back injuries. Each Program is customized to the individuality of the golfer. We start with a comprehensive assessment to measure range of motion, balance, flexibility, and strength. From these results we start building a program that focuses on bringing harmony between balance, flexibility, strength, coordination, endurance, and injury prevention. Monday, September 10th 6:00 p.m. $35 to attend. Sign up in the Fitness Center. Contact Monica with questions, 210-698-4805

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WE WANT TO HEAR ABOUT IT.

If you or someone you know has a good, interesting, or unique story we’d like to know about it. If it’s something you and other residents might like to know more about contact us at The Dominion Magazine. We’d love to hear from you.

210.507.5250 | peggy@smvtexas.com

R E S TA U R A N T R E V I E W by Ashley DeVane, Dominion Resident

SIGNAT URE BRUNCH AT ITS BEST

I am always looking for a lively, classy brunch spot and in North San Antonio they can be difficult to find. But I‘ve succeeded! Chef and Restauranteur Andrew Weissman has it down as an art. Not only is Signature open for “Signature” hour 5 days per week and dinner 6 days per week, but also for a contemporary interpretation of traditional Sunday Brunch. The revamped vintage building has a rustic yet refined charm. With antique furnishings, an open kitchen, swanky bar and lovely terrace, it sits overlooking the fourth tee box at La Cantera’s Resort Golf Course. Signature’s portions are perfectly sized and will leave your taste buds completely fulfilled. The presentation of every menu item is carefully and beautifully crafted. Service at Signature is truly professional with their knowledgeable and attentive staff, who work hard to make certain your dining experience is exceptional. Offering seasonal fare with French and Texas inspirations, Signature’s brunch cuisine is the most creative and flavorsome I have found in our area — and essentially San Antonio to this day. Last Sunday I ordered baked eggs served on top of creamed spinach with bacon and a slightly spicy green sauce that was the perfect blend of flavors and texture. We also ordered the Wild Mushroom and Cheese Omelet served with bacon, wheat toast with house made blueberry jam and large pieces of crispy hash brown potatoes. Third we had a Classic New England Lobster Roll with Kettle Chips. You would think you were in The Hamptons eating fresh caught lobster… perfectly cut into chunks and tossed in a light dressing! For dessert we opted to go on the lighter side and had the assortment

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of seasonal fruit sorbets and the smooth “Bananas Foster” Martini. Other popular brunch entrées include Classic Steak and Eggs with Applewood-smoked bacon, their Signature Breakfast Burger, Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes with warm maple syrup, Seared Sea Scallops with braised fennel & vegetables and much more! They also offer an assortment of fresh squeezed juices, coffees, brunch cocktail menu, full bar and extensive wine list. Signature has drawn national attention rated Texas’#1 Restaurant in Southern Living Magazine and is a 2018 Wine Spectator Award Winner. I highly recommend reservations several days in advance. This is one brunch locale for special occasions or if you simply want to make an average Sunday outstanding! Hours Signature Hour Tuesday – Friday 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Dinner Tuesday – Saturday 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Sunday Brunch 10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Sunday Dinner 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Phone 210-247-0176 www.destinationhotels.com/signaturerestaurant 16401 La Cantera Pkwy San Antonio, TX 78256

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GIRL ABOUT TOWN by Lynette Aleman, Dominion Resident

JAZZ ALIVE It's September in San Antonio. While other cities are enjoying the start of Fall San Antonioans are still basking sun. A fun event this month is Jazz Alive. This event is celebrating its 35th Anniversary this year and will take place September 21st to 22nd at Travis Park. This year’s lineup includes the following: MAJESTIC THEATER MAIN STAGE Friday, September 21st, 2018 5:00 – 6:30pm Billy Ray Sheppard 7:00 – 8:30 pm Toro Flores with Zarabande 9:00 – 10:30 pm Sammy Miller and The Congregation Saturday, September 22nd,2018 10:00 – 11:00 am Yoga in the Park 2:00 – 3:00 pm Jim Cullum Happy Jazz Band 3:30 – 4:30 pm Audra Menconi Quintet 5:00 – 6:30 pm Lee Ritenour, Grammy Winner and 19 times Grammy Nominated Jazz Guitarist 7:00 – 8:30 pm US Air Force Dimensions in Blue with Bob Reynolds (of the John Mayer Band) 9:00 – 10:30 Jazzmeia Horn, Grammy Nominated Jazz Vocalist

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PAPER TIGER STAGE Friday, September 21st, 2018 4:45 – 5:00 pm Brandeis HS Jazz Band Performance (AMC Painted Piano) 6:30 – 6:55 pm KRTU DJ Chris Galvan 8:30 – 8:55 pm Tony Romero’s The Spiders Jazz Quintet 10:30 – 1:00 – Tony Romero’s The Spiders Jazz Quintet Saturday, September 22nd,2018 11:00a – 12:30 pm KRTU | Pop Up Brunch 12:40 – 12:55 pm McNair Middle School Jazz Band 1:00 – 1:55 pm Alamo Heights HS Jazz Band 3:00 – 3:25 pm KRTU DJ Chris Galvan 4:30 – 4:55 pm KRTU DJ Chris Galvan 6:30 – 6:55 pm Tony Romero’s The Spiders Jazz Quintet 8:30 – 8:55 pm Tony Romero’s The Spiders Jazz Quintet There is also a free yoga in the park courtesy of Southtown Yoga starting from 10 to 11 am on Saturday to stretch you out with the mellow jazz sounds of KRTU’s DJ JJ Lopez, followed by a Pop Tart Brunch at the Bakery Lorraine booth. Bakery Lorraine will be there selling hot and iced coffee and mimosas as well as their home-made pop tarts (with the

macaroon crumbles on top), mini cinnamon rolls, blueberry pie donuts, sweet bread pudding and Quiche Lorraine. The event is free and open to the public so feel free to bring a chair or picnic blanket to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds. If VIP is your style, there are also packages available starting at the $250 range which include VIP hosted bar, access to VIP seating and access to air-conditioned private restrooms and on Saturday also includes VIP dining experience and access to the After Party. The St. Anthony Hotel which is across the street from the festival will also host a Crafter’s Union “Wine Down” After Party at their rooftop bar from 10pm to 1 am with music by San Antonio’s Jazz Crooner Kevin Slavin if you are still in the mood to be festive after the festivities. For more details you can also visit their website at www.saparksfoundation.org/event/jazzsa-live/ and for the VIP treatment please go to www.eventbrite.com/e/35th-annualjazzsalive-reserved-table-for-eight-8tickets-46071226278

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SEP TEMBER 2018 AREA EVENTS

September 1 - 3

SPECIAL EXHIBITION: “ANDY WARHOL: COWBOYS AND INDIANS” Includes the 10 original works of the set combined with additional color proof prints— and prints of other Western icons painted by the father of Pop Art in America. Free with museum admission. Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W. Market St. briscoemuseum. org 210-299-4499

September 1 - 3

SPECIAL EXHIBITION: “BILLY SCHENCK AND THE ROOTS OF WESTERN POP ART” The companion exhibition to the Briscoe’s summer Warhol show, this exhibition highlights the work of Billy Schenck, an artist that arose from Warhol’s orbit to inspire the Western Pop movement for more than 50 years. Free with museum admission. Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W. Market St. briscoemuseum.org 210-299-4499

September 4 & 11

FESTIVAL DE ARTE Celebrating the San Antonio Museum of Art's special exhibition of "Spain," special events each Tuesday evening include flamenco lessons, poetry readings, live music, films, wine tastings, and more.

September 5 - 9

WORLD HERITAGE FESTIVAL This event is an annual collaboration to celebrate and promote San Antonio Missions, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The festival includes a picnic, bike ride, 5K, and 10K.

September 15

4X5 PHOTO FEST 2018 4x5 Photo Fest consists of a full day of inspiring photography keynotes & workshops geared towards professional photographers, enthusiasts, and the creative class. Whether you're a freelancer, seasoned professional, intern, emerging photographer or business owner looking to connect with photographers, 4x5 Photo Fest is an experience you don't wanna miss out on. Admission to 4x5 Photo Fest is free and open to the public.

September 1 - 3 Labor Day Artisan Show Vendors display and sell beautiful handmade merchandise along the San Antonio River Walk. Artisans are different for each show but usually include pottery, textiles, jewelry, woodwork, paintings, beadwork, and more.

September 1 -30

“PORTRAITS OF COURAGE: A COMMANDER IN CHIEF’S TRIBUTE TO AMERICA’S WARRIORS” Growing out of President George W. Bush’s personal commitment and the ongoing work of the Bush Institute’s Military Service Initiative, this traveling exhibit brings together 66 fullcolor portraits and a four-panel mural painted by President Bush of 98 service members and veterans who have served the nation with honor since 9/11, and whom the President has come to know personally since leaving office. The Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway St. wittemuseum.org

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September 15

LEANN RIMES IN CONCERT Globally, Rimes has sold more than 44 million units, won two Grammy Awards, 12 Billboard Music Awards, two World Music Awards, three Academy of Country Music Awards, one Country Music Association Award, and one Dove Award. She is currently traveling the nation on her “Love is Love Tour” and has only one stop here in Texas. The Roundup Music Venue Boerne, Texas

September 15 - 16

OLD GRUENE MARKET DAYS This monthly event (except January) has been held for more than 30 years and features more than 100 artisans offering handmade items made by the vendors themselves. Free parking, admission, and live entertainment.

September 19

ARTS SAN ANTONIO PRESENTS FRED HERSCH, JAZZ PIANIST IN CONCERT Fred Hersch is a pervasively influential creative force who has shaped the music’s course over more than three decades as an improviser, composer, educator, bandleader, collaborator and recording artist. Ruth Taylor Recital Hall, Trinity University

September 25 - 27

DRIFT & DINE Experience a night to remember as you slowly drift and dine along the San Antonio River Walk. Relax in good company with music to hear, a sunset to watch, and food to savor. Go with the flow. Savor the flavor! Twelve beautifully decorated dinner boats carrying 16 fashionably dressed passengers each will float along the river making seven restaurant stops during their journey.

September 28 - 29

ARTS SAN ANTONIO PRESENTS BALLET FOLKLORICO OF MEXICO Globally significant Ballet Folklórico of Mexico returns to join our celebration of San Antonio’s Tricentennial. Dancer, choreographer and historian Amalia Hernandez's 76-member Ballet Folklórico gloriously and authentically brings to life the stirring music, swirling dance and beautiful costumes of Mexico, from primitive pre-Colombian rites to the sweeping choreography of the Regency, Colonial, Revolutionary and Modern eras. Lila Cockrell Theatre

September 29 - 30

FIA WORLD RALLYCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP The FIA World Rallycross Championship presented by Monster Energy will welcome the world’s leading rallycross drivers for Round 10 of the 12-event season, marking the first time the premier World RX Championship has taken place on American soil. Multi-Grammy winning rapper Ludacris will perform on Saturday. Circuit of the Americas 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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