The Dominion Magazine - November 2016

NOVEMBER 2016

MARLO AND BRET MULLINS PURSUE THEIR HAPPINESS IN THE DOMINION.

PRESENTATION IS KEY

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CONTENTS THE DOMINION MAGAZINE | THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE DOMINION HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION

NOVEMBER 2016

Marlo and Bret Mullins pursue their happiness in The Dominion.

WELCOME 12

tennis 48 Family time

THE CLUB

CALENDAR 14 CLUB HAPPENINGS 16 HOA HAPPENINGS 20

HOA 24

health 52 Expert Advice

58

Business profile 56 Aldaco’s Mexican Cuisine

CLUB DINING 28

Dominion Dines 58 Cypress Grille

board of directors 32

home tour 60

Get to know Gary Cram

club renovation 34

54 60

San ANtonio Spurs 36 Rebuilding for the New Millennium

Dream Home 65 St. Jude’s Fundraiser

Introducing Heidi

Lt. James L. Turner, Jr.

Events and 2016 Senior Club Championship

Contemporary Comfort

Kanine Korner 66

Staff Profile 44 GOLF 46

COVER 38

Pet of the Month 68

70

travel 70

The Gem That is Sardinia

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Elegant Ranch Designs at Affordable Prices

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830.755.6355 • 210.535.3070

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NOVEMBER 2016 | VOLUME 3 ISSUE 11

PUBLISHED By SMV Texas Design Group, LLC 930 E. Blanco, Ste. 200, Boerne, TX 78006 210-507-5250

Welcome TO

the Dominion Magazine Dear Reader,

We held several well attended events during the past month. Our food truck event, which was held on September 17th, was attended by as many as 200 to 250 residents. National Night Out, an event meant to increase awareness of police programs and efforts in San Antonio, was also well attended. Our Dominion community had as many as 10 different groups each gathering in their local neighborhoods to learn of these efforts. These 10 different groups ranged from 20 people to as many as 100.

A Dominion tradition, the annual Bonfire, will be held on November 20th in the Pecan Grove.

Our annual Bonfire dates back to the late 1980’s and has evolved into a large gathering of residents who set aside the Sunday before Thanksgiving, months in advance, for this specific event. The annual Bonfire, sponsored by The Dominion Homeowners Association and The Country Club, has grown tremendously over the past few years. This event offers a unique opportunity and perspective for our youth in that by attending they are able to experience the sense of community we have developed here in The Dominion. Any child, attending this event, year after year, will remember this event with fond memories for years to come. I encourage you to make this an annual tradition with your family.

Speaking of the annual Bonfire, we are pleased that the Bret Mullins Band will perform for us again at the annual Bonfire. This will be Bret’s third year to perform. Bret is an American Country singer and songwriter and is well known for his traditional country music and sound. Not by coincidence, Bret and his wife Marlo, who are Dominion residents, are also our feature story this month. We hope you enjoy our feature article as well as attend the annual Bonfire and listen to the Bret Mullins Band.

For those athletically inclined and in town, our Turkey Chase 5K/10K walk/run happens on Thanksgiving morning. If in town, please be sure to sign up for the race or come out and cheer the others on. I will be cheering. Once home from your walk/run, please Google “Thanksgiving” and refresh your memory as to its history, origin and our heritage.

Wishing you a phenomenal start to the holiday season!

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

The Dominion Magazine is published by Schooley Media Ventures in Boerne, TX. The Dominion Magazine and Schooley Media Ventures are

THE DOMINION | AUGUST

N |JULY

THE DOMINIO

James D. Berg, Chairman Dominion Homeowners Association JULY 2016

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

2016

2016

this publication submitted by advertisers. Opinions AUGUST 2016

DOMINION

ASSOCIATION

ION

ERS ASSOCIAT HOMEOWN

OF THE DOMINION HOMEOWNERS

ION OF THE

PUBLICAT

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION

THE OFFICIAL

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expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinions of

FOr Advertising opportunities call 210-507-5250

The Dominion and/or Schooley Media Ventures.

Copyright 2014 Schooley Media Ventures, 930 E. Blanco, Ste. 200, Boerne, TX 78006

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NOVEMBER

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Supper Club Military Appreciation Event 6:00 p.m. Cocktails, 7:00 p.m. Program and Dinner The TMI Color Guard opens the ceremony and Command Sergeant Major Hu Rhodes U.S. Army, Retired, is tonight’s speaker. Do not miss this Dominion Member-favorite event! $25.95 per person. Please RSVP to 210-698-3364

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Women’s Forum Luncheon 11:30 a.m.

Texas National Parks Program. The Honorable Mary Bomar, Director of the National Park Service, Retired, introduces our speaker, Russ Whitlock, Superintendent LBJ National Historical Park. $19.50 per person. Please RSVP to 210-698-3364

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Family Tennis Clinic 3:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.

This fun family event is not just tennis! We will have a hilarious tandem obstacle course and of course some tennis followed by a piñata and pizza. This is a must for family fun.

9-10

LADIES ECLECTIC GOLF TOURNAMENT 9:00 a.m. Shotgun Start This is a 2 Day Tournament where you will be able to better your score on the second day on a hole by hole basis. Both days are added to obtain one 18-hole score. If you are able to play only one day, that score will count for your total.

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Camera Club 8:00 a.m.

Camera Club will teach you all things Camera - the basics, the intermediate and always the interesting! A different speaker joins us each week, and light refreshments are served.

The cost is $10 per class and reservations are required to 210-698-3364.

History Club 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Keep your mind sharp and engaged and attend History Club! No charge but reservations are required.

Please RSVP to 210-698-3364

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Turkey Shoot Scramble 9:00 a.m. Shotgun Start 4 Person Scramble

21-23

Junior Thanksgiving Tennis Camp and Tournament 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

This camp is for all of your children from 4 to 17 years old no matter what level they may play. Monday and Tuesday will be the camp with instruction and match play and Wednesday will be the tournament beginning at 1:00 p.m. We are very flexible to your schedules as you may attend all 3 days or just 1. Call Daniel or the Shop to register or with any further questions.

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Thanksgiving Day Buffet 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Delicious, traditional and bountiful!

All your favorites can be found, along with fabulous holiday desserts! Please call 210-698-3364 to RSVP.

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Birthday Happy Hour 6:00 p.m. -8:00 p.m.

Celebrate our Birthday Babies with complimentary hors d’oeuvres, Happy Hour priced cocktails & a cake large enough to share!

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Annual Member Holiday Social 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Let’s get together in the season of merry and bright and kick off the holidays! Enjoy our gift to you - a festive evening of lavish hors d’oeuvres and the cocktails of your choice, amongst your fellow-Members. RSVP Not Required

December 2

Annual Dominion Women’s Forum Holiday Bazaar 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

The Dominion Women’s Forum would like to cordially invite all Forum members as well as our HOA friends and their guests to this year’s “Sip and Shop with Santa” Holiday Bazaar.

Admission cost is only $19.95. That includes food stations, fabulous passed hors d’oeuvres and fifty top vendors from all over Texas! They will be selling everything from Christmas décor and furs to the latest fashions and jewelry.

Kindly RSVP to 210-698-3364 or receptionist@the-dominion.com

Every Tuesday

Every Wednesday

Every Thursday

Every Friday

Every saturday

The Dominion Rotary Club 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

This international service group meets at The Dominion every Tuesday.

Seafood Night in the Grille 6:00 p.m.– 9:00 p.m.

Enjoy delicious and fresh seafood, always including an action station every 1st, 2nd and 3rd Wednesday of the month. $23.95 per person. One complimentary glass of red or white wine with each buffet purchased!

Enjoy! Please RSVP to 210-698-3364 or receptionist@thedominion.com

Thursday Night 105 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Open to all levels, limit 10. Email Coach Dave dknaszak@thedominion.com or call the tennis shop to sign up 210-698-2288

Friday Night Happy Hour 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Kick off the weekend with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and happy hour priced cocktails with your fellow Dominion Members and Guests!

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!

Burger Night in the Grille & cabana 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 Tuesday Night 105 7:00 p.m. -8:30 p.m.

Open to all levels, limit 10. Email Coach Dave dknaszak@thedominion.com or call the tennis shop to sign up 210-698-2288

Prime Rib Night in the Grille 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Delicious and bountiful includes baked potato, hearth rolls, and a crisp garden salad. $23.95 per person RSVP to 210-698-3364

Every sunday Tennis- SUNDAY Workout 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Open to all levels.

Contact Coach Dan at dan@the-dominion.com family night dining Until 8:00 p.m.

Comfort food and free for kids 12 and under.

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THE

DOMINION CountryClub Happenings Women’s Forum Annual Julian Gold Fashion Show!

Beautiful people, the latest fashions, and an exquisite lunch - a REAL ladies day out! Join the Forum to attend these FUN events! A special thank you to Jan Joachim, Janet Key, Ana Holbrook, Lisa Harthan, Veronica Belvis, Lynette Aleman, Victoria Johnson, Wynona Mowrey, and Barbara Haley for being this year’s models.

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COUPON REQUIRED

COUPON REQUIRED

LORD OUR BLESS DAILY BREAD John 3:16

CALL FOR DELIVERY 210-474-0959

22211 W INTERSTATE 10., SAN ANTONIO (In the Dominion Ridge shopping center) SUNDAY – WEDNESDAY : 11 AM – 9 PM | THURSDAY – SATURDAY : 11 AM – 10 PM

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H OA Happenings N A T ION A L NI G H T OU T What a great turnout we had at the TEN National Night Out events on Tuesday October 4! It was a great evening of meeting neighbors, sharing a meal, and enjoying the beautiful weather. We hope to have every neighborhood represented next year. Remember that NNO in Texas is held the first Tuesday in October and can be a grand event with lots of Residents or a small, intimate gathering of neighbors on your street.

Big THANK YOU to all Neighborhood Outreach Committee Reps who planned and executed these great events!

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NE W RESIDEN T P A R T Y The Neighborhood Outreach Committee organized a great welcome event for new residents who have moved in over the last 6 months. The Dominion Country Club provided a delicious spread of hors d’oeurves and the kids had a great time getting their faces painted and getting balloons from the balloon artist.

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UPCOMING HOA EVENTS Landscape Committee Meeting Thursday, November 3 at 8:00 a.m.

Neighborhood Outreach Committee Meeting Tuesday, November 8 at 8:30 a.m. at the Dominion Country Club

Development Committee Meeting Wednesday, November 9 at 7:30 a.m.

Finance Committee Meeting Thursday, November 10 at 1:00 p.m.

DOMINION ANNUAL BONFIRE November 20 5:00-8:00 PM Pecan Grove

It’s that time of year again! The Dominion annual Bonfire is scheduled, weather permitting, for Sunday, November 20 from 5pm-8pm at the Pecan Grove. This event is a great opportunity to see old friends and meet new neighbors.

Similar to years past, the Neighborhood Outreach Committee has much in store for you: • Delicious food provided by The Dominion Country Club • Music by our very own Dominion resident, Bret Mullins and his fantastic Band • Inflatable slides and face painting for the kids • Cotton candy, popcorn, a petting zoo, pony rides, and much more!

Every year our attendance grows, so we’re hoping you’ll join us for this wonderful Dominion tradition.

Please bear in mind that this event is for Dominion Residents only.

Due to the nature of the event, and the fact that The Dominion Country Club provides food, we ask that you not invite guests to this event.

Security Committee Meeting Tuesday, November 15 at 9:00 a.m.

Board of Directors Meeting Wednesday, November 16 at 4:00 p.m.

Architectural Control Committee Meetings Thursday, November 3rd, 10th, 17th at 4:30 p.m.

TEXAS TOUGH TURKEY CHASE

Thanksgiving Morning We’re raising the bar this year. Join us Thanksgiving morning for a race to remember. The kiddos will kick off the race about 8:00 a.m. with a ½ mile fun run. Then the 5k and 10k racers will hit the road.

The course qualifies as a race for the Texas Tough series, but do not be discouraged, walkers are still welcome! Bring the kids, the dogs, aunts, uncles, neighbors, and participate. Even if you don’t race, come out and cheer on the racers! To register for the Texas Tough Turkey Chase, go to www.theturkeychase.com.

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PRIVATE IN HOME TRAINING CUSTOM DESIGNED WORKOUTS PERSONALIZED MEAL PLANS PORTABLE EQUIPMENT PROVIDED ALL FITNESS LEVELS Taylor Boehm Founder Mobile Fitness Lab Dominion Resident

Taylor is an ideal trainer. His fitness knowledge is through the roof. He is also able to answer any and all of my questions at anytime, which goes a long way. By using fun and challenging workouts, motivation is never an issue with Taylor.

- Jonathan Heape

Taylor makes workouts interesting, engaging and effective for both adults and kids (our 10 year old son has enjoyed them too)!

- Swann Van Delden

210-960-7475 | Mobilefitnesslab.com

Club Dining

Enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal

To-Go

When hosting family and friends over the holidays, allow our culinary team to expertly package all the traditional holiday favorites from our kitchen to your home!

Wow your Guests with delicious smoked turkey, mashed potatoes, turkey gravy, traditional sage dressing, green bean casserole, glazed sweet potatoes, cranberry relish and sauce and assorted hearth rolls.

The holidays are for spending time with friends and family – leave the cooking to us!

To place your Holiday To-Go Order, please call Franck Mannechez at 210-698-4802.

Turkey Feast for 10 People $250.00++ Whole Turkey (22lb. average) __ BONED____ WHOLE __ HOT______ COLD Mashed Potatoes, Turkey Gravy, Glazed Sweet Potatoes, Green bean Casserole, Traditional Sage Dressing, Cranberry Relish, Cranberry Sauce, Assorted Hearth Rolls Choice of 3 pies: __ Pecan __ Pumpkin __ Apple __ Sweet Potato

PRICES: A LA CARTE Prime Rib (whole approx. 12 lbs.) - $450.00 Prime Rib, Half - $275.00 Turkey Only - (22 lbs.) - $150.00

ADDITIONAL SIDES MAY BE ORDERED (feeds 8-10 people) __ Mashed Potatoes - $20.00 __ Traditional Dressing - $25.00 __ Turkey Gravy - $22.00 __ Cranberry Relish - $18.00 __ Cranberry Sauce - $18.00 __ Glazed Yams - $20.00 __ Green Bean Casserole - $22.00 __ 1 Doz. Assorted Hearth Rolls - $20.00 __ Pumpkin Pie - 17.00 __ Pecan Pie - $19.00 __ Apple Pie - $19.00 __ Sweet Potato Pie - $17.00

Member Name

Member #

Member Signature Deadline to place orders is Friday, November 18, 2pm PICKUP: Wednesday, Nov 23rd, 2pm-6pm or Thursday, Nov 24th, 8am-10am 28

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ELAINE KUETHER / INDEPENDENT PERSONAL STYLIST / 210 294-2511 ELAINE.KUETHER@JHILBURNPARTNER.COM ELAINEKUETHER.JHILBURN.COM

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LET US HOST YOUR 2016 HOLIDAY PARTY!

Two private party rooms at both locations. Call today to book your event!

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Board of Directors Profile

GARY CRAM

by Peggy Schooley

Gar y Cram jo in ed Th e Dom i n i on Homeowners Association Board of Directors this last Spring, 2016. He is a general board member and a member of the Landscape Committee.

Gary was raised in Des Moines, Iowa, and received his Bachelor of Business Administration from Oklahoma Wesleyan University in Bartlesville. When Kim and Gary, who were best friends in college, reconnected and married, they moved from The Gardens to The Cottage Estates, so the Crams are already on their second Dominion home. He and his wife, Kim, have busy lives as parents to Gary’s three sons who are all graduates of Clark High School, and Kim’s two daughters and two grandchildren living in Houston.

Gary came to San Antonio and started his own business - Cram Roofing, a national commercial roofing contractor, 30 years ago on November 15, 1986. Most of those years were spent living in Shavano Park, and then a shorter stint in a downtown condominium.

Gary ultimately began a search for a home in The Dominion, and it didn’t take long for him to know that the right place for him was right here.

As a Board member, Gary states, “I really enjoy working with the Board and our staff – their professionalism is outstanding.” What he finds the most challenging part of being a Board member is “meeting the many needs and desires of my community’s members.” As many Board members have encouraged, Gary joins in by reminding us all to “let the staff and your Board know what you like, don’t like, what you need, and what you desire! Without the community’s active participation, the job is just that much harder!”

On the personal side, Gary enjoys outdoor activities – hunting, fishing, exercise – and “learning to play golf with my wife, Kim!” And, as time allows, he hopes to spend even more time traveling. Thank you, Gary, for your dedication to our community.

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Club Renovation

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

NEW BAR AND FITNESS CENTER

Exciting changes are in the works here at The Dominion Country Club.

Walls are coming down, and dust is flying! Be sure to look out for updates through email and The Club’s Facebook page.

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San Antonio Spurs

Coming of Age: The Spurs and the Dominion - An Enduring Connection - part 2 of an ongoing series

by Brian Kenneth Swain, dominion resident

Rebuilding for the New Millennium When we left the Spurs at the conclusion of last month’s installment, it was mid-1989. The team was just coming to grips with the worst four years in its history, finishing the ’88–’89 season with a grim 21–61 record, and the entire preceding four-year period (Fall 1985 – Spring 1989) at 115–213. But a wise man once said that it’s darkest just before the dawn, and dawn finally came for the Spurs when U.S. Naval Academy standout David Robinson decided to sign with the team. He had been drafted two years earlier, but held to his twoyear commitment to the Navy. Because of that two-year delay and the poor results achieved by the team during the period, there was concern about whether or not the standout center would even sign with the Spurs. But in the end, Robinson honored his commitment to San Antonio, just as he had honored his military service commitment, joining the team in the summer of 1989. To complete the transition, new head coach Larry Brown had arrived at the start of the preceding season following a successful stint at the University of Kansas, where he led the Jayhawks to the 1988 national championship. These changes, along with the signing of Sean Elliott and Terry Cummings, resulted in one of the most dramatic performance turnarounds in NBA history. The Spurs climbed from last place to first, and finished that season with a 36

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56–26 record. David Robinson—soon-to-be Dominion resident and namesake of ‘Admiral’s Way’—was unanimously named ’89-’90 Rookie of the Year.

With the dawn of the 1990’s, the team seemed to be back on track. But it would prove to be a tumultuous decade. In 1993, San Antonio residents suffered a brief scare with the threatened move of the Spurs to Florida. However, the team was successfully purchased from Red McCombs by an investor group headed by Peter Holt—just in time to move to their new digs at the recently completed Alamodome. With the Spurs now safely ensconced in San Antonio for the long term, the future looked bright. Instead, the turmoil was just getting warmed up. Numerous coaching changes ensued (Tarkanian [20 games], Hughes [1 game], Lucas, and Hill).

Fan favorite Sean Elliott was traded away and then back again. And defensive star Dennis Rodman arrived, only to prove unable to assimilate into the team’s culture or build a working relationship with Robinson and other Spurs players. He promptly left for the Bulls, but during his brief stint in San Antonio, fans frequently watched bemused as he sat on the sidelines near the basket and removed his shoes during games.

The ’96-’97 season was unmatched for the fever pitch of activity on the team, as well as

for the team’s poor results (20-62). Robinson and Elliott were both injured, Dominique Wilkins was signed (though he was nearing the end of his professional career), and new coach Gregg Popovich joined the team. But the most promising consequence of that dismal season was the Spurs owning another first-round draft pick, an opportunity they leveraged to the fullest by signing Wake Forest All American Tim Duncan, who, paired with David Robinson, would go on to make their mark in the NBA as the famed “Twin Towers.” The chemistry between Duncan and Robinson was immediate and overwhelming, with the team beating its own bestturnaround-ever record from ’89-’90 with a 56-26 performance. Nine years later, after a strike-shortened ’98-’99 season, the team finally won its first NBA championship against the New York Knicks.

As the new millennium dawned, the team once more found itself on the precipice of great change, with the completion of their new home at the AT&T Center, and the announced retirement of David Robinson at the start of the ’02-’03 season.

Next month, we’ll explore the team’s successes of the past fifteen years and engage in a bit of speculation as to their prospects for the future in the Alamo City.

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by Brian Kenneth Swain, dominion resident photography by ben weber What do you get when you cross a good ole’ boy from Grand Prairie, Texas with a dedicated and energetic realtor from Englishtown, New Jersey, throw in a healthy dose of musical talent and passion, and season with just a bit of serendipity? What you get is Bret and Marlo Mullins, Dominion Residents and keepers of the country music flame here in San Antonio. Marlo is an agent with Keller Williams Portfolio Real Estate. Bret is founder and front man for the Bret Mullins Band, a country band voted Best in San Antonio in 2014.

Before getting into all that, we need to back up a bit and pay a visit to that small Texas town where Bret was born and raised. Grand Prairie sits squarely between Dallas and Fort Worth, and it’s where Bret grew up in the country lifestyle of hunting, fishing, competing in rodeos, and, most importantly for this story, listening to country/western standards like Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Johnny Cash. That central Texas upbringing, set to a soundtrack of acoustic and steel guitar, created a passion for the sound that now energizes

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Bret and the fans who dance and/or listen to his frequent local (and, increasingly international) performances.

But Bret did not grow up singing and writing music. Well, except there was that one time: “Bret was eight years old.” Marlo takes up the story. “He got this idea for a show, and he went around the neighborhood selling tickets for a quarter apiece. When the crowd showed up later that evening, Bret came to the frightening realization that the only song he knew was “Smokin’ in the Boy’s Room” and only the first line of that. And so that’s what he sang—over and over …” … until the underwhelmed crowd dispersed (none presumably having the nerve to request a refund of their ticket price). It was an inauspicious beginning to what would turn out to be a lifelong passion for performing, and almost certainly the first public performance by a voice that David Ryan, host of the podcast ‘Southbound I35’, describes as “a very strong, distinctive voice, but with a certain familiarity.” In fact, the only other experience Bret had with show business was a childhood stint as an actor in commercials, having done several for 7 Eleven. With a degree in agricultural business from Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas, a career in professional music was about as far from expected as a fellow can get.

His career got going in earnest on his first date with Marlo, now nearly a decade ago.

Bret describes it as a bit of a fluke. It was a talent show, being put on as part of a charity fundraiser. A friend called Bret and said he’d play guitar if Bret would agree to sing, which he did. That night there was a guy in the audience who was putting on another fundraiser and he asked Bret if he would sing.

From there, it was off to the races because Bret turned out to be pretty good at it. Even more importantly, he realized that singing on stage just felt right. And the more he did it, the better it felt. Now, years later, Bret has a fiveman band (vocals, lead/steel guitars, drums, bass) that plays all over Texas, with two CDs to his credit: Good Place to be From (2012) and Long Live a Country Song (2016). In addition to supplying the albums’ powerful vocals, Bret also plays guitar and has, in recent days, begun writing new material for the band, a collection of seasoned and talented musicians that Bret counts himself blessed to have the privilege of working with.

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here in San Antonio, and that is a story in itself. As it happens, recording studios sell gift cards for recording time, just the same as the gift cards for books, flowers, or anything else you might care to give as a gift. And that’s precisely what Marlo did for Bret a few years back. Watching as his passion for music and performing developed in their early years together, she eventually contacted Michael Morales at Studio M in San Antonio and asked about buying recording time as a gift for her husband. Morales actually does quite a lot of this sort of thing, facilitating recordings for would-be stars with more ambition than talent, who end up making recordings for their families or for posterity.

But when Michael heard Bret, it was a very different story. So different, in fact, that Michael began to take a much more active role in working with Bret musically and helping to drive his success.

Now—two CDs and countless performances later—Bret, always passionate about the music, has embraced it as a full-time pursuit, signing with Bobby Flores of RD Music Productions as agent, publicist, and all-around advocate.

The Bret Mullins Band recently performed in France to packed houses and throngs of zealous fans who, to Bret’s surprise, knew his music and were excited about singing along, despite knowing no English. Bret looks forward to more international opportunities and to growing his worldwide fan base.

The folks, now living in Lake Whitney, remain somewhat shocked at the direction Bret’s life has taken, particularly based on his decidedly unmusical upbringing. But perhaps no more shocked than Bret himself, who, on more than one occasion, has stood on the stage in mid-performance wondering just what on earth he is doing up there and whether he’s actually good enough to be performing for the crowds who regularly listen to (or, more frequently, dance to) his music. He describes it as a spiritual experience, and a difficult one to believe, when looked at from a distance.

Does he have a long-term goal? An aspiration for this journey?

“I’d love to sing with George Strait,” he says. “I can’t explain to you how that guy moves an audience, but there’s no denying that he does it with each and every performance. I’ve always been blown away by his talent. You can feel the energy of the crowd when he’s on stage.”

Of course, Bret has no shortage of energy himself. Ask anyone who’s been to one of his shows. Most artists carry with them elements of the people they most respect and admire,

and Bret is no exception. He’s been compared to not only Strait, but also Alan Jackson and even Waylon. But Bret’s goal is to make it danceable while also nurturing and refining his own unique sound. And while Bret also likes to keep it fun—for himself, his fellow band members, and for the audience—he’s not a big storyteller like Lyle Lovett or Robert Earl Keen. It’s mainly about the music and letting the songs tell the stories. And he’s not looking for that big record contract that we hear so much about in the music world.

“I think I’d feel like I was an employee—like I was owned—and that’s not what this is about.

I like the control. I’m an introvert at heart, but when I’m up on that stage, I just feel comfortable. I never want to lose that.”

The traveling and performing is a decided lifestyle challenge though. To maintain his health and his onstage skills, Bret works regularly with a voice coach while continuing to refine his guitar playing and songwriting skills (he was well into his forties before ever even picking up a guitar). He’s on a paleo diet and has been a regular CrossFit participant for nearly two years. The band plays three or four nights a week, so it’s a busy schedule, but a rewarding one. Marlo, who’s living this waking dream with Bret, notes the challenges of the travel.

“It’s a cyclical thing. He puts out a CD, goes out and does a bunch of touring, then comes home exhausted and flops down on the couch swearing he’s never going to do that again. But, sure enough, a few months go by, and he’s right back in the studio, starting it all over again.”

Anything bad ever happen on stage?

“I’ve been really lucky so far,” he says.

“A little bit of feedback here and there, maybe a forgotten lyric or two, but nothing catastrophic. If something like that does happen, you just kind of run with it—have fun!”

How about new challenges along the way?

“There’s always going to be a new challenge.

Songwriting is certainly one these days. For me it starts with a hook—maybe just a single line—and the rest kind of flows from there. A lyric will pop into my head and I’ll just hear it as it’s coming together. Once I have something decent, I’ll send it to the guys in the band and they’ll put together arrangements. It’s pretty amazing. Those guys just see music, almost like it’s colors.”

And what would Bret be doing if he wasn’t making his way in the music world? He owns a sign company (Prestige Sign Group), and he notes the creativity required of that role as well. He and Marlo are both very involved

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THE BRET MULLINS BAND WILL BE PERFORMING AT THE DOMINION ANNUAL BONFIRE NOVEMBER 20TH FROM 5:00-8:00 PM PECAN GROVE

with community service projects, including performing for fundraisers and working at area prisons with inmates and mentoring area young people. Marlo also founded Covers for Love, a San Antonio-based charity that distributes blankets to homes fostering children, which by 2014 had reached over 10,300 recipients.

As for their life in The Dominion, Bret and Marlo love the area and the people. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that several of their family members happen to live here as well. Marlo’s parents and sister live here, as well as an aunt, uncle, and her sister’s fatherin-law. She also has a brother who lived here until a few months ago. Before coming to The Dominion last year, the couple was living in an eleventh-floor condo in downtown San Antonio, but last summer they decided the time had come to get a bit more out in the country. Since coming here, they’ve gotten to know a lot of people and have found them open and loving. Bret has performed at the November bonfire event and they’ve taken other opportunities to meet as many neighbors as they can.

So, any regrets for Bret as a result of this whirlwind journey?

“I’m not much into regrets or second-guessing what I might have done differently. It’s all upside at this point. Each new experience is just icing on the cake. It’s flowing along at a pretty good clip and I’m going to keep riding it as long as I can … Maybe I wish I’d started playing guitar a little younger.”

And what would he like folks to know about him?

“It’s made me aware that it’s never too late to find and pursue your passion. It’s not going to go away. It’s something we’re born with, and the closer we come to fulfilling that passion, the happier we’ll be. At this point, I see no limits to where this can go.”

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w w w. j i m b o l e s c o n s t . c o m

210.710.6441

Staff Profile

Lt. James L. Turner, Jr. “LT” by Peggy Schooley As you enter The Dominion community, each of you, at one time or another, have had the pleasure of being processed by the folks at the security gates. If, as you departed, your officer waved, smiled and said “God bless you!”…you probably just met Lt. Turner.

He joined G4S, the organization that provides all the wonderful security to our community, about 8 years ago.

It was serendipity – sitting and waiting for an interview, Lt. Turner was approached by two men who asked him about his background.

They offered him a role, and he never DID finish that other interview! During his 8 years, he stated “I’ve performed virtually every role there is here. I’ve supervised, I’ve done patrol, and right now I’m processing cars at the gates.” It is a role he has relished for all these years, and he told me “the favorite thing about this role is meeting everyone. Not only do I meet them, but we become friends and know one another. The hardest part? Knowing and caring about someone in the community and hearing they’ve passed away.” Those are words from the heart of a man who cares.

In addition to his work with The Dominion, Lt. Turner is also a minister of Resurrection Church on the NE side of San Antonio. This congregation is affiliated with the Church of the Living God, International. He and his wife are talented gospel singers, and he plays the keyboard. On top of that, he writes his own lyrics. He said he has a few favorites, and he enjoys it when his children use those lyrics at special family occasions.

Hailing originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Lt. Turner spent more than 20 years in the military as a Specialist – Aircraft Electrician. His assignments included Spain, Turkey, Italy, Amsterdam and many other locales. As a Specialist, he was called to many locations where he would work for 30 days and return to his base in Texas. He enjoyed all of it, with the exception of being away from his family – and his three children; two sons and a daughter. Now he also spends time with his 2 grandsons and a granddaughter.

The next time you pass through the gates, give that “God Bless!” right back to a warm and kind man who keeps our safety in the front of his mind. Thank you for your service, Lt. Turner. God bless you!

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Dominion Golf

UPCOMING GOLF EVENTS DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME ENDS On November 6th, remember to set your clocks Back 1 hour! If you go to bed at 10pm, set your clock to 9pm!

NOVEMBER GOLF UPDATES

by Kyle O’Brien, pga director of golf at the dominion country club Every Member of the family will have the opportunity to participate in fun-filled instruction geared toward the new and novice golfer!

RSVP Today in the Golf Pro Shop 210-698-1146

TUESDAY

The Futures - 5:00 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.

Introduction to all aspects of the game, will include etiquette and rules. Join us for Burger Night after play!

THURSDAY

Girls, Giggles & GOLF - 8:15 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

A special time for just the ladies to have a fun time learning about golf followed by a 9 or 18 holes of golf for ladies play day!

LADIES ECLECTIC GOLF TOURNAMENT Wednesday & Thursday November 9th & 10th 9:00am Shotgun Start This is a 2 Day Tournament where you will be able to better your score on the second day on a hole by hole basis. Both days are added to obtain one 18-hole score. If you are able to play only one day, that score will count for your total.

Turkey Shoot Scramble Saturday, November 19th 9:00am Shotgun Start 4 Person Scramble

Thanksgiving Day Golf course will be open for regular member play, please have all golf carts in by 2:00pm!

FRIDAY

TGIF - 5:00 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.

Join us for some casual private instruction and additional FUN events on the driving range or practice green!

SATURDAY

Walk the Line - 10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

Join us on the Practice Range or Putting Green for tips on every aspect of your game.

Girls, Giggles and Golf - 11:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

A special time for just the ladies to have a FUN time learning about golf!

Upcoming Events!

Get Ready!

Mark your calendars for our Annual Holiday RAFFLE! You know that each year brings some great raffle items, so be on the lookout for more information in the very near future!

The Futures - 1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.

For our Junior Golfers! Introduction to all aspects of the game, will include etiquette and rules.

SUNDAY

Family Fun Day - 3:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.

Fun golf instruction for the entire family! Tee times will be available on the course after the clinic.

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Also, don’t forget the “Twelve Days of Christmas!” Specials abound in the Pro Shop during December, so keep an eye out for details. This is a great way to fill that certain golfer’s stocking!

2016 Men’s

Senior Club Championship This year’s Champion is Mr. Craig Carson

This year’s Men’s Senior Club Championship was a battle to the end with 6 contestants playing hard to see who would become the overall champion. In the end, Mr. Craig Carson survived and was the eventual winner. Also, congratulations to Michael Schroeder for making a Hole in One on Hole #15 on day one of the championship.

SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP FLIGHT 2016 Sr. Club Champion Craig Carson 152 T2nd Place Kevin Steingart Larry Miller 159

SENIOR NET FLIGHT 1st Place Michael Schroeder 145 T2nd Place Randy Tillery Charles Brightwell 147

SUPER SENIOR FLIGHT 1st Place J.M. Paine 143 2nd Place Dan Mitchell 150 Thank you to all participants in this year’s Men’s Senior Club Championship and we are looking forward to next year.

3rd Place Dr. Bob Lee 162

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Dominion Tennis

FAMILY tennis

by Barry Mills, DOMINION TENNIS DIRECTOR

This time of year’s weather is always my favorite. While everyone north of us is starting to feel the whisper of winter’s chill we are still playing lots of tennis in our shorts and skirts. I love it!

November is the true beginning of the holiday season and we make every effort to make our courts and shop look its festive best. Cindy, our shop merchandizer, is busy preparing some great shopping opportunities for all our members. We just received new shipments of Under Armor Tennis wear for men and many Under Armour Logoed options for children. We also have new lines from Tail Activewear and Adidas and we will be introducing Asics tennis shoes soon.

Our events this month are for everyone.

Starting on Sunday November 6th we will host a Parent Child Event. It’s not just tennis!

We will have a hilarious tandem obstacle course and of course some tennis followed by a piñata and pizza. This is a must for family fun.

On Saturday, November 12th Dave Knaszak will be hosting an afternoon of “105” competition. Teams of 4 will compete in some friendly competition while enjoying great Dominion Hot Dogs with cold beer and chilled white wine. “105” is a high action game allowing players of different levels to play together. You will laugh, win and lose a few points and get an amazing work out. Call Dave or the shop with any questions. (This event is only available to our members and their guests) On Monday through Wednesday of Thanksgiving week, we will host a Junior Thanksgiving Camp and Tournament. The camp is for all of your children from 4 yrs. to 17 no matter what level they may play.

Monday and Tuesday from 1-3pm will be the camp with instruction and match play and Wednesday will be the tournament beginning at 1pm. We are very flexible to your schedules as you may attend all 3 days or just 1. Call Daniel or the Shop to register or with any further questions.

Every December, the Dominion hosts a ladies tennis event to benefit the “Elf Louise

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Project”. This is The “Elf’s” 15th year at The Dominion! Over these years we have raised funds for Elf Louise but more importantly Christmas gifts for those children in town who would not ordinarily receive anything.

Conservatively, in these last 15 years we have delivered over 2,000 gifts for distribution in San Antonio. “Elf” is, and has been, important to me as I have always involved my children in the process. To see them begin to, and then fully understand the meaning of giving is awe inspiring. I invite all the local pros from all the clubs to teach all the participants in an All Star clinic followed by some fun doubles and a fantastic luncheon. If you do not play tennis or cannot attend I welcome you to just bring in any unwrapped gift or check donation (To the Elf Louise Project) and leave it under the tree in December. Please call me if you have any questions at all.

All of our USTA league play, Tuesday night league, and 105 workouts will continue as scheduled through November. Please Like us at Dominion’s Facebook page or log on to our website, www.the-dominion.com to keep up with all of the latest tennis news for all of our programs.

Ladies and Gents, please call me if you have any questions regarding any of our programs or just walk into the shop and say hello. I’d love to meet you and tell you more about our programs.

A lifestyle boutique for health, happiness and comfort!

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LUNAMORESSENTIALS,LLC

WWW.LUNAMORESSENTIALS.COM

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L AW F I R M THIS THANKSGIVING WE ARE THANKFUL FOR YOU

Absolutely incredible job done by Shawn Lovorn on both cases that I’ve had to go through. As professional as it gets! Any time someone I know needs serious help in a legal matter, I’ll be sending them here. My last trial went through expeditiously and with clear expertise, leading to a full dismissal! If you have any questions, they’re always answered; provided reminders of court dates and new discoveries on the case are quickly brought to your attention.

Hopefully I’ll never have to deal with the law again, but if I do, I’m coming here, and I suggest you do too!

-Carter G. I’m very fortunate to have asked Lovorn & Ogle to represent me in my case. I would like to thank him again for his outstanding effort. Professional and experienced, they worked above and beyond on my behalf, and I cannot express how happy I am with the outcome. I highly recommend Lovorn & Ogle to anyone who may need their assistance.

-Casey C. Thank you so much for everything you’ve done, I greatly appreciate how genuine and caring you’ve been. It has meant a great deal to me, thank you!

-Johnny C. Let me again say thank you for your outstanding effort in working my case. I am grateful that I was fortunate enough to have retained your services.

The agreement you negotiated and the overall outcome were better than expected and very satisfactory.

-Kevin S. Lovorn & Ogle did a wonderful job representing our son. We found them to be honest, responsive and committed. We highly recommend them.

-Wayne C.

I appreciate Lovorn & Ogle’s knowledge, experience and professionalism in matters of concern and would find it a pleasure recommending Lovorn & Ogle to others.

-Joe C. The Lovorn & Ogle Law Firm is the most proficient, experienced and knowledgeable group of attorneys in their field. They knew ALL of the relevant laws with extreme depth and worked diligently and personably with me to understand all of the aspects. As well, they were very thorough and efficient with my case, the court system and all of the “ins and outs” to provide a favorable outcome.

Can’t thank them enough – They went the distance! – 5 Stars!

-Brian G. Shawn and his legal team took the time to listen, explain and re-assure my family that our legal issue was well in hand. His efficiency in resolving our problem put my wife and I at ease knowing that his capable hands would guide the final outcome. We are extremely pleased with the efficiency and professional ethics his team displayed throughout the process. Shawn is a consummate professional and a tremendous asset to the legal community. Very well done!!

-Christopher C. I was arrested in Kendall County in Feb. 2014. I was lucky enough to have hired Shawn Lovorn to represent me. Shawn went above and beyond for me and was able to get me a deferred adjudication on my case. Shawn is a dedicated and huge advocate for his clients. He listens to your side and does the very best for you. I highly recommend that if you have any problems that require the use of an attorney that you hire Shawn Lovorn. I will always be grateful for his outstanding job on my case.

-Mark M.

Robert Ogle has been such a friend to me and my sister; while being my attorney as well. He has been there for us in seeing what really matters, regardless of the situations going on in our lives.

Always conducting himself in a very professional manner. Has been truly a friend, comfort and blessing.

-Ray B. My family and I have been blessed to know Bob Ogle and his wonderful, Christian family for about twenty-five years. I have been a small business owner in the Boerne area since 1989, and Bob has helped me immensely with legal counseling and action many times. Through good times and bad, Bob has always been right there at my side to ensure my interests were protected. He is, and has always been, very professional, effective, courteous, affordable, quickly available, and an unyielding attorney who consistently helps me achieve my goals. I regard Bob as a great asset to my business; and one who plays an even greater role as one of my most treasured friends.

Personally, I consider myself very blessed to call him my friend, and as a businessman, I know I would be lost without Bob Ogle.

-Lee C. Bob Ogle is not only a passionate attorney but also a caring individual who shows true concern for his clients. Mr. Ogle exudes both professionalism and a sincere personality that was much appreciated throughout the process.

-Lauren H.

507 E. Blanco Rd. Boerne, TX 830-331-2772

Expert Advice Here to Help: Top 7 Trainer FAQs

by Taylor Boehm, certified personal trainer, founder of Mobile Fitness Lab, and Dominion resident

My path to a personal training career began with my own interest in getting into better shape. Wanting to be well versed and knowledgeable as a professional, I studied textbooks on sports medicine before I even started the official certification process. I came to this job wanting to know more, and now, my clients are the ones with all the questions. Here are a few of the things I’m asked most frequently (plus a little insight into some of the biggest misconceptions about health).

NU TRITION What should I have for a healthier breakfast?

Can I still go out to eat?

Most people are probably used to eating carb-heavy breakfasts, focused on things like cereal, toast, pastries, pancakes, and bagels.

Bagels especially are a carb nightmare: They’re very dense and also just the base for sugary cream cheeses and other problematic toppings.

It’s important to concentrate your meal on protein. Eggs, egg whites, turkey, and salmon are all great options. Serve any of those with almond milk, Greek yogurt and fruit, or avocados, which are a good source of healthy fat. If you enjoy having coffee in the morning, go ahead. Caffeine is a scientifically proven fat burner, and is best to have first thing before you start your day’s activities.

Of course you can. You don’t have to give up your social life just because you’re watching what you eat. Whether it’s date night or you’re going out with friends, remember these tips: Look up the menu ahead of time so you know what to expect Order something that’s focused on protein instead of carbs (like steak and greens vs. pasta with shrimp) Beware of salads! Most restaurants serve them in huge portions, pile on the ingredients, and cover them in creamy dressings, causing some to be well over 1,000 calories.

Avoid the bread basket (and chips and queso, too). You’ll fill up on simple carbs before you even get to your meal.

If you want to have a drink, stay away from margaritas, beers, and sweet cocktails. Have a glass of white wine instead.

How do I beat hunger and fend off cravings?

People are terrified of being hungry, but it’s going to be okay! Most of the time, you’ll just have to tough it out, but a few easy changes can help you keep your cravings down and your hunger pangs away: Increase the amount of meals you eat in a day from three to five.

Smaller, more frequent meals mean you’ll spend less time feeling hungry throughout the day.

Eat slow-burning foods like proteins and healthy fats. These take longer to digest so you’ll feel satisfied longer. Green veggies are the best, so feel free to have unlimited spinach, bell peppers, asparagus, and Brussels sprouts.

Drink as much water as possible. Not only is thirst often mistaken for hunger, but drinking water also keeps you hydrated so your body won’t feel the need to retain water.

If you’re struggling to make it from lunch to dinner, be ready with a healthy snack. Opt for dill pickles (no calories), a few raw almonds (high in protein and healthy fat), or some beef jerky (totally carb-free).

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EXERCISE I have an injury. Can I still train?

This question is a very common one. Issues like a bad knee or shoulder, or even chronic back pain shouldn’t stop you from reaching your goals. Low impact is the way to go: Activities like swimming, biking, rowing, and walking won’t further aggravate an injury.

I’m out of shape. How do I get started?

If it’s been a long time since the last time you were active, it’s important to start slow. Begin by taking walks. When you’re ready for more, move up to low-intensity cardio like jogging or biking. Working out with resistance bands is another great idea. I use them regularly with my clients. They’re safe, affordable, and perfect for beginners since they’re so easy to set up and use at home.

Is it possible to lift weights without getting too muscular?

Definitely. You need muscles for everyday strength, and to prevent muscle atrophy as you get older. You don’t want to end up with a hunched-over back or walking with a cane.

If you’re following a low-calorie diet (eating less than the amount you’re burning), you’ll continue to lose weight. In fact, strengthening your muscles can maximize weight loss since muscle tissue burns more calories per day than fat.

There are so many fitness programs out there. What’s the most effective workout?

When giving your best effort, almost all fitness programs work, but steer clear of abs-focused routines (abs are small muscles, and burn the least amount of calories). Invite your friends to do Pilates or take a spin class together, or try some exercises you read about in a magazine or even saw on The Biggest Loser. The most important thing to remember is to find something that you really enjoy and be consistent.

Taylor Boehm Mobile Fitness Lab 210-960-7475 mobilefitnesslab.com

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SIMPLY DIVINE Jewelry with a Texas attitude

325 South Main Street, Boerne, TX 78006 • 830-249-7393 www.thegreenbull.com

Daisy Pearl Find Your Style

Boutique & Gifts DaisyPearlBoutique.com 322 South Main Street Boerne, Texas 830-331-1349

Business Profile

Aldaco’s Mexican Cuisine

by BEN SCHOOLEY

Dominion Resident Mixer Party November 3 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Free food and happy hour prices

Aldaco’s Mexican Cuisine has fast become a staple for Dominion residents looking for a quick location to visit for a nice evening of great dining and wonderful drinks. An anchor in the Dominion Ridge retail development, the restaurant has garnered a reputation for authentic Mexican cuisine delivered in an upscale environment. Kassie DeVane, Director of Marketing for Aldaco’s, sat down with us for a few minutes to tell us more about the restaurant, its history, and its future.

She begins, “Blanca Aldaco opened the restaurant in 1989 at its original Commerce Street location. The restaurant quickly grew to be a local favorite and in 1999, Aldaco moved to the historic Sunset Station. In March of 2008, Aldaco’s opened its doors in the Stone Oak area, fulfilling a dream of operating a restaurant in the north side of San Antonio.

After having so much success with the Stone Oak location over the last 8 years, Aldaco’s decided to expand even more and open its doors at its newest location at The Dominion Ridge. A native to Guadalajara Mexico, Blanca’s name has become synonymous with authentic Mexican cuisine. Her contributions have elevated the taste and style of the city’s cuisine offerings and have helped to bring national recognition to San Antonio as the undisputed capital of Mexican food.”

As the I-10 corridor was quickly recognized as one of the fastest growing areas in metro

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San Antonio, the Aldacos were soon looking around the area for a future home for the next restaurant. “When Aldaco’s decided to open its location in Stone Oak back in 2008, the Stone Oak area was growing immensely.

Blanca saw the opportunity and knew that it would be a great place to settle down roots for her restaurant. Her vision came to life and Aldaco’s Stone Oak is now one of the most popular restaurants in the Stone Oak area. She has the same vision for the Dominion location. The IH10 area has grown a vast amount in the last several years and is only continuing to grow. The location at Dominion Ridge was the perfect place to open up a 3rd restaurant. The goal is for the restaurant to grow from here on out and be the destination location for locals to come and enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine. “ With a new business in a new area of town, the Aldacos were unsure what to expect.

However, they quickly saw that the locals embraced them and the future was to be bright. “The growth of this area has been prominent in bringing in more and more customers. There are so many residences being built in the area that the more people move out here, the more business we see.

With any new business, it takes time and patience to see it grow, but once that happens it is a great sight to see. We see many familiar faces weekly at our restaurant that have

become some of our “regulars.” We have also formed many great relationships with local businesses. One of our largest successes with this location has been meetings that local businesses host here. Our private dining areas are perfect for not only parties and celebrations, but for private meetings as well.

Both of our private dining rooms seat up to 50 people and have projectors that people use for meetings, watching sports games, or for slideshows that they create for their birthday parties and other celebrations.”

That support has come heavily from the Dominion residents, and the Aldacos are very aware that they owe much of their success to this wonderful community. “The Dominion has played a large part in our success! As soon as you exit the neighborhood, Aldaco’s is one of the first places you see. From the moment we opened our doors, we have had many Dominion residents come to our restaurant and we continue to see their faces today. The Dominion is one of the largest residential areas in the city and without the continued support from the residents and Club members, we would not be where we are today.”

Aldaco’s Mexican Cuisine 22211 Interstate 10 Frontage Rd., San Antonio, TX 78257 (210) 698-9700

The Hill Country defines tranquility and beauty, but when you long for new and different adventures, one place in urban San Antonio is unforgettable…

The Broadway.

Dwell in concierge style with downtown skyline views complimented by floor to ceiling glass window walls overlooking the premier San Antonio Country Club greens and fairways.

The Gotham floor plan offering sleek and contemporary high end finishes awaits you in #1101. It is complete with 2 oversized balconies taking full advantage of the southeastern exposure. Almost 1900 square feet with luxe Miele appliances, gas cooking & Sub Zero refrigerator/ freezer. Gorgeous Quartz countertops and serving bar glisten and add luxury. The Master suite is glamorous and the Guest suite will turn visitors into neighbors. The superb quality and easy living is definitely something to brag about.

Lock and leave while you travel the globe or make it your full time residence. Call me to experience The Broadway where amenities abound and everyone lives ‘Life at the Top”.

Debra Janes • 210-573-4040 • Debra@DebraJanes.com • DebraJanes.com

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Cypress Grille

BY LISA ARCURI

Certain Restaurants have that special “something” that keeps you going back year after year. You know, the kind of restaurant that you are always guaranteed a great meal.

The kind of place that no matter when you go, whether for lunch with a friend, (I always get the roasted chicken salad) dinner with your sweetie, a family celebration, or just a Wednesday night glass of wine, you know it will be a fabulous time!

That special something is exactly what Cypress Grille has. Celebrating their tenth anniversary this fall, husband and wife team, Tom and Shanda Stevens, along with their partner Paul Thompson are continuing to provide their brand of “special” to Boerne and beyond.

But how and why have they been so successful for so long?

Maybe it is Chef Tom Steven’s (who was classically trained at the Culinary Institute of America), commitment to traditional techniques. Chef Tom says: “Teaching and staying true to classic techniques, is the foundation for creating food that matters.

It connects the chef to the many great chefs that have come before us.”

Maybe it is their dedication to providing the best products available. Cypress Grille makes everything in house from scratch. I mean breads, sauces, and desserts you name it, they make it in house.

Maybe it is the fact that they ship in fresh seafood daily from Hawaii. Their signature Grilled Mahi Mahi over homemade lobster ravioli, creamed corn, crispy Vidalia onions and basil pesto is one example of a fresh fish flown in daily. More on this later….

Or maybe, just maybe it’s good karma. The Cypress Grille is dedicated to our military community, and opens every Thanksgiving

Day solely for the purpose of serving new Air Force basic trainees. This feast reflects every facet of what Cypress Grille stands for – fresh ingredients lovingly made from scratch into an entire Thanksgiving Day Feast. 2016 will be Cypress Grille’s 9th annual “Honor the Airmen Thanksgiving Feast “. By all accounts this event is an incredibly moving and emotional day for those who serve, and those who are served!

Whatever the reason Cypress Grille continues to be successful, and you always end up going back, I have some recommendations for your next visit.

First of all, you need to know that on Wednesday all bottles of wine are 40% off.

That’s important when you want to chill out with some friends and enjoy some wine for a major discount!! Specializing in California wines, from Co-proprietor Paul Thompson’s time in California, Cypress Grille has some beauties to choose from, like the Provenance Sauvignon Blanc from Rutherford Estates.

This delicious, light and crisp varietal goes well with many of the appetizers on the menu. The Daily Composed Cheese Plate, which is chef selected, and comes with some lovely handmade flatbreads is a treat and just perfect with this wine.

Also delightful to start is the Blackened Bacon Wrapped Scallops over Cauliflower and Parmesan puree. This delicate concoction is not on the regular menu, so you may have to ask for it, but it’s worth the “ask”.

Next for the entrées. Try the Beef Tenderloin Medallions. Served with buttered leeks, it also pairs well with the Tomato Provencal on the sides menu. Speaking of pairing, try the Sterling Cabernet Sauvignon.

This hearty wine stands up well to the beef and yet has a smooth finish.

Another great pairing to the wine, I’m always thinking of the wine first, is the Grilled Lamb Chops. These fabulous Lamb Pops are a special, and are sourced from Windy Hill Farms. They are served over sautéed mushrooms, braised goat neck, and a red eye gravy, and are so yummy, that you might forget to dive into the crispy grit cakes. But don’t forget to dive into those grit cakes. They are my new obsession, and I’m already planning to ask for them next time I’m there.

One last entrée that I’d like to recommend is the aforementioned Mahi Mahi. It is by far their signature dish. Expertly grilled, and served over superbly delicate little parcels of lobster wrapped in homemade pasta. It’s magnificent!

And then there’s dessert. A few little gems are: The Crème Brule, the Pecan Walnut Tart, and the Chocolate Molten Cake! Once again all made from scratch, and always delicious!

So whatever gets you back to Cypress Grille next time, even if it’s simply to pat them on the back for providing those young service men and women Thanksgiving Dinner, you won’t be disappointed!

Cypress Grille • 170 S. Main St. • Boerne cypressgrilleboerne.com • (830) 248-1353 Lisa Arcuri is a native of Long Island New York, and most recently moved to Texas in July of 2014 from the Boston Massachusetts area. Lisa has been cooking her whole life with her mother and grandmothers.

Lisa has over twenty years’ experience in food service, catering and as a personal chef. Lisa, her husband John, and their sons, John Philip II and Gregory, live in The Dominion.

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Home Tour

CONTEMPORARY comfort

BY PEGGY SCHOOLEY :: PHOTOGRAPHY BY BEN WEBER

As I drove by The Dominion over the last year or so, I’ve been intrigued by the beautiful piece of architectural achievement raising from a hilltop. A gorgeous, stark white, angular, modern, contemporary piece of art. The Londrie home – open, minimalist (translated as uncluttered, freeing you to think and quietly move through your life), demonstrating a strong sense of personality.

It is as amazing up close as it is from IH 10.

MaryEllen Londrie and her sons, Zach and Cody, along with Manu, the Spurs-fan maltipoo, recently completed their home and settled in - just in time to host Mike Hollaway’s St. Jude’s Home Giveway fund raiser. I’ll tell 60

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you more about that in a moment. Because, first – the home.

As you approach, using a driveway carved deeply out of the surrounding caliche hill, the first thing you notice is a beautiful metal sculpture rising from the driveway. As MaryEllen explains, “I wanted a sculptural piece molded by scripture, and by my experiences. I asked the talented folks at San Marcos Iron Works, owner Marco Soto particularly, to hear my vision and to make it come to life in metal.”

Using two particular scriptures, Isaiah 61:3 where those who mourn are bestowed a crown of beauty instead of ashes; and

Ecclesiastes 4:12 “a cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (representing MaryEllen, Zach and Cody) the artists demonstrated that man through salvation is moved from broken, rusty iron to beautiful, red, shining flames.

At night, the sculpture also gleams with real flames dancing from the apex. What a way to come into your home – with thanksgiving and praise for the blessings you’ve been given.

This home was built by Mike Hollaway, with Oscar Flores creating the architecture. It has been a three-year endeavor of love, and the statistics of the effort and attention to detail are almost mind-boggling. From the start, when more than 4200 18-wheel truckloads

MaryEllen Londrie

of caliche and rock was hauled off, to more than 20 tons of structural steel, 10,000 pounds of windows, 5,000 pounds of doors, and ultimately more than 5 miles of wiring, the home is filled with one of a kind features from front door to back door. MaryEllen’s perspective on the driveway was “It had to be big enough for a fire truck to maneuver through and up it. In the end, it took all the Aggie’s in the world to make that happen! But they did it!”

Through it all, what could have been intimidating or overpowering, is instead warm and inviting. The scale of the rooms and the furniture within it matches in a calming

manner. MaryEllen touches each room with objects that showcase her family’s love for one another, reflects on the experiences they’ve shared, and are great conversationstarters! The beautiful, expansive views to the southwest are truly magnificent – demonstrating God’s blessings through each day to the Londrie family. The home is decorated in quiet grays and blues, with accents of black and white. MaryEllen says “I enjoyed working with Mike’s entire team from Rene Guerrero, owner of ETECH Integration, to Michael Morris, the most fabulous interior designer in the world!”

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Dream Home

St. Jude’s

Building A Future Foundation MaryEllen and her family’s involvement in St. Jude Hospital’s fund raising activities is just a small effort on their part to share the blessing of this home with others and to make a difference in the world. Mike Hollaway has led the effort to build a house for this Foundation in each of the last three years. The profits go, in their entirety, to the St. Jude’s Hospital organization. Mike is given a very short period of time to get the job done, so the Londrie home, and others, went on hold while the “give away” house was built. He passes along the appreciation: “We have had great response from all of our vendors and sub-contractors that work on all of our Mike Hollaway Custom Homes. This year our largest contributor is Keith Zars Pools, which built a beautiful custom pool.

This is the first St. Jude home to ever have a pool. I would like to thank everyone that has participated in this process.”

This year’s home is in Cresta Bella at 20207 Bella Glade. This home came to life through a concerted effort amongst the entire building community in San Antonio. All of the trades, such as electricians, plumbers, and concrete, were involved, with some donating time and labor, and others donating materials as well.

MaryEllen was very pleased to announce that the St. Jude’s fund raiser/open house held in late September garnered more than $19k for the St. Jude effort. According to Mike “this $19k is an addition to the $1.9m raised over the last three years, with approximately $950k expected from the Cresta Bella home.

This money is all being used by St. Jude’s Hospital to care for – and work toward a cure for – kids with childhood cancers.”

Mike states “We are still in need of donations to complete this house!”

Donations can be made to Building A Future Foundation via mail to 2511 N Loop 1604 W, Ste 200, San Antonio, Texas 78258 or if you prefer, call 210-490-0069 and speak to Kathi.

All donations are TAX DEDUCTIBLE and can be made via check and/or credit card. A tax receipt can be mailed or emailed to donors.

The drawing for this home giveaway is November 17th. It is done at Fox Television Studio, and by the Comptroller at the television studio. It will occur at 10 PM and the winner notified.

If you want a chance at the house yourself, tickets can be purchased online at www.dreamhome.stjude.org/san-antonio or you may purchase them physically at the house at 20207 Bella Glade after October 17th.

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KANINE KORNER WITH HEIDI

Hello and welcome to Kanine Korner. My name is Heidi and I am a 3 year old Golden Retriever. I have lived in the Dominion most of my life.

Some of you might be familiar with my writing from various magazines.

My critically acclaimed piece, Chipped Or Not To Be Chipped, and my most recent pawitzer prize winning piece, Electronic Fencing-Keeping Us In Or Keeping Us Out. My new column, which will debut next month, will feature some of our local characters on four legs and occasionally 2. The column will provide up-close and personal information. The interview will be accompanied by a photo along with a short answer interview.

What was the name of the last book you really sunk their teeth into?

Snausages, are they really Vegan?

How many Humans do you currently live with?

Do you have a human peeves?

Guilty Pleasures?

On my walks around the Dominion I have gotten to know some of you and look forward to interviewing more of you. Whether its fur or hair, paws or claws, pure breed or a rescue- all animals are important to me.

This is Heidi for Kanine Korner….’Til next time…. Woof and a Wag

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217 & 219 Whitworth Rd • Boerne, tx $515,000

107 Bentwood $245,000

2 home property on 5 acres in Boerne ISD. (219 Whitworth) - Charming 3 bedroom 2 bath home, 2021 sq ft, 2-2 car garages, fenced, electric gate, amazing views. (217 Whitworth) - 3 bedrooms 2 baths 1240 sq ft. fireplace, separate fence & gate. MLS# 1187533

Cute 2 bed, 2.5 bath townhouse across from Boerne High School.

Features include large bedrooms, walk in closet, dining room, vaulted ceilings, fireplace, and a converted garage that could be used as a den or 3rd bedroom. Walking distance from shopping and walking trails.

MLS# 1202017

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PET OF THE MONTH

By Louan Ledoux, DAAG PRESIDENT

Who doesn’t want a sweet, loving, happy kitty in their house?? This is Sammy and he wants to join your family for a life full of warm purrs and silliness! Sammy was rescued from the street when he was only about three weeks old. An amazing foster family took on the challenge of bottle feeding this sweet baby, and he’s ready to come to you now!

If Sammy has your family’s name written on him - contact DAAG at (210) 854-8055 or Daagadoptions@gmail.com.

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Dominion Travels

THE GEM THAT IS SARDINIA

by SANDRA MARQUEZ, dominion resident Have you ever looked through travel books and just been struck by a vision that you could not get out of your mind? That is how it was with me and Sardinia. There was something about the color and clarity of the water, set against the white beaches and dramatic landscapes, that left me dreaming about a visit. When my partner, Jeff, and I began to plan a European trip, Sardinia came to mind and we could not have made a better choice.

One of the most geographically ancient bodies of land in Europe, Sardinia is the second-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, just to the west of the Italian mainland, directly below the French island of Corsica. The coast is over 1100 miles long, and is one of Europe’s most spectacular. Although known for its fabulous beaches, the island is mainly a mountainous region, which makes for dramatic scenery, especially when driving along the coastline.

Most people know Sardinia from its most famous area, Costa Smeralda, or Emerald Coast. Nestled in the northeast corner of the island, it was designed and developed by the Aga Khan in the 1960’s, and is well known as a playground for the very rich and famous. We were stunned not only by the raw beauty of the area and the water, but equally by the numbers and sizes of the yachts in the harbors, such as the area’s central city, Porto Cervo. With over eighty gorgeous bays, coves, and beaches in the area, it is not hard to spot amazing boats. Given the area’s clientele, the shopping in this area is stellar and we had great fun window shopping!

Once out of the Costa Smeralda area, though, you begin to see the real Sardinia - just as spectacular, but more about nature and beauty rather than glitz. Nature has blessed this land, and within less than a day you can drive through majestic mountain regions, forests of cork trees, valleys of wine grape vineyards and livestock, granite faced hills, overlooks to the azure beaches, colorful stucco villages clinging to the hillsides, stretches of white dunes. Almost everywhere, outside of the highest peaks, you pass

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beautiful prickly pear cactus, cascading over walls and fences, climbing hills. Interestingly, though, you also notice frequent rock towers connecting you to Sardinia’s past.

These rock towers are “nuraghis”, and the landscape has more than 7000 of them dotting Sardinia. From about 1500 BC, villages from the Nuragic civilization were built around these towers. There are conflicting opinions about the use of these towers (sentries, storage, housing for the leaders, etc.), but they are amazingly well built and ubiquitous in the landscape. There are other relics from Sardinia’s past including Phoenician, Roman, and Spanish ruins, but the nuraghis are singularly Sardinian.

We did do more than just drive around, admire the scenery, and visit beaches, though! The food and wine is wonderful. Being an island, seafood is the star, including mussels, cuttlefish, tuna, lobster, prawns, octopus - the choices are endless. They are also famous for their porceddu, spit-roasted pig, for amazing local cheeses, and an addictive crispy flat bread, pane carasau. It is part of Italy, though, and there are plenty of divine pizzas, savory proscuitto, and pastas, although they often stuff pasta with local ricotta and mint, a delicious combination. Italian wines are readily available, but mostly served are their Sardinian wines, which we both found to be light, crisp, and delicious.

Our last few days on this magnificent tour were spent doing what I feel was the most quintessential Sardinian experience: we rented a little boat and toured along a part of the eastern coastline, and we anchored by gorgeous little beaches we found. The crystal clear blue water, the rocky cliffs hiding the little white beaches, the blue skies and sunshine made me feel like we had really placed ourselves right in those travel photos that had inspired this trip. Glorious!

Sardinia has three airports and can be reached from several European cities as well as by ferry from the mainland of Italy.

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AT DOMINION Brought to you by Alizon McBride

Broker, ARCCAA Inc.

Luxurious Offices and Business Event Center Located in the Dominion Planned Unit Development

D Club Existing Building

17,000 sq. ft. approximately Well know firms currently leasing

Courtyard

Phase II Project

Development entails two additional buildings 12,624 sq. ft. approximately

8 Dominion Dr | San Antonio, TX 78257 For more information or office space availability call us at 210-507-7070 or visit www.dclubsa.com

Residential / Commercial / Property Management

2941 Mossrock, Suite 207, San Antonio, TX 78230 / Office: 210-507-7070 / Fax: 210-507-7016 / email: info@arccaa.com / www.arccaa.com

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The Dominion Homeowners Association 20 Dominion Drive San Antonio, TX 78257

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID FULTON, MO PERMIT #38