April 2020 253 Lifestyle

ISSUE NO. 16

APRIL 2020

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

ON A MISSION TO SERVE

Q&A WITH SOUNDBRIDGE DENTAL DR. CHIARINA IREGUI AND DR. KARLA BLOOMQUIST OF SOUNDBRIDGE DENTAL ARTS AND SLEEP THERAPY 253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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SOLD MLS 1564760 Gig Harbor Waterfront Listing Broker: Jeff Krause

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MLS 1568414 Gig Harbor Listing Broker: Jeff Krause

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MARKETING WASHINGTON DIRECTOR Cassie Riendeau | 360.798.3061 cassie@like-media.com MARKETING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Nicole Seefried | 253.225.7820 nicole@like-media.com MARKETING & SALES ASSISTANT Morgan Selenius | 360.865.6511 morgan@like-media.com

EDITORIAL EDITOR IN CHIEF Jillian Chandler | jillian@like-media.com STAFF WRITERS Colin Anderson | colin@like-media.com Abigail Thorpe | abigail@like-media.com

DESIGN CREATIVE DIRECTOR | Maddie Horton LEAD GRAPHIC DESIGNER | Darbey Russo GRAPHIC DESIGNER | Kennedy Pew DIGITAL CREATIVE DIRECTOR | Whitney Lebsock

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252 Lifestyle Magazine is published monthly and distributed freely throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. 253 Lifestyle Magazine is not responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. 253 Lifestyle Magazine is produced and published by Like Media, and no part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without the permission of the publisher.

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PUBLIS HER’S

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Steve Russo Executive Director

A Healthy, Happy community WE ARE IN THE MIDST OF UNCHARTED WATERS AS A COUNTRY, and as our nation’s leaders and leaders from around the world work together around the clock to contain the COVID-19 outbreak, we are all struggling with uncertainty and worry. Many of us either own, run or work for small business, and we know what it takes every day to keep the doors open. Most importantly, we all know that it is our own passion, hard work and dedication to our craft that really drives us to be the best we can be. Our reward at the end of the day is our ability to take care of not only our families but others as well. In our small community that we call home, our businesses not only provide excellent service and quality products, we also contribute to the well-being of our town in a multitude of ways. Many of us donate time, money and resources to the local nonprofits and organizations that help take care of many people in need. There is a lot that takes place behind the scenes, and without the help of local businesses, these needs simply cannot be met.

Here at Like Media and 253 Lifestyle Magazine, our mission is to positively impact the communities we serve. We do this by providing local resources that serve as a platform for many nonprofits, organizations, and groups.

Whether it is our stories, local events calendars, social media channels, local websites or e-newsletters, our goal is to tell the stories that most likely would never be told. Our goal is not only to build community awareness but to put names and faces behind the causes and to tell the stories the way

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WRESTLING: A STORY OF HOPE AND PEACE

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Q&A WITH DR. KARLA BLOOMQUIST AND DR. CHIARINA IREGUI

they were intended to be told. And all of this is made possible, again, by the businesses that partner with us each and every month.

In these uncertain times as the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread not only sickness but fear among our fellow men and women both young and old, remember it is our local businesses that will need your support now more than ever because, without them, we all will suffer a great loss as this pandemic subsides. Keep in mind, it is the love and compassion that we share that makes those in the community proud to call the 253 home.

As we enter a new season of spring with warmer weather on its way, we are still promised that the sun will continue to shine down on our faces, the joyful giggles and laughter from children playing outside will continue to echo throughout the streets and that April will be a time of renewal and hope as we look forward to spending time with our families celebrating Easter and the resurrection of our Lord. This, my friends, more than ever, makes this a special time of renewal and hope for us all.

Be conscious of your actions to ensure the best protection for all, stay positive and keep the faith alive. It is the love and compassion that we share for the common man that binds us together in this place we all call home!

May blessings abound this Easter season, and health and happiness to you and your loved ones.

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DRESSING FOR COLD WEATHER IN SPRING

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Stop and smell

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INSI DE 18

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60 HOME About The Cover ON OUR APRIL COVER OF 253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE, you will find Dr. Karla Bloomquist and Dr. Chiarina Iregui of SoundBridge Dental Arts and Sleep Therapy— winner of the “Best of the South Sound” award several years in a row. Read more about these two women and how they go above and beyond to serve the community in this month’s Q&A on page 30.

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What’s The Best Choice? Decoding interior paint finish options

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Tips and informational articles about living a healthy, active lifestyle

FEATURED

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TRENDING

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What You Should Know When Remodeling: Tips for a smooth process, start to finish

Wrestling: A Story of Hope and Peace: North Idaho natives Larry and Shelly Steckman on a mission to serve

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

A Vast Impact: Cultural center keeps diverse heritage thriving

Q&A

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Dr. Karla Bloomquist and Dr. Chiarina Iregui of SoundBridge Dental Arts and Sleep Therapy

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Home

what’s the best choice?

DECODING INTERIOR PAINT FINISH OPTIONS

BY NIKKI LUTTMANN, INTERIOR DESIGNER

P

aints today come in a whole range of colors and finishes. While choosing a color can be difficult and even agonizing, choosing the correct finish for your application shouldn’t be.

The rule of thumb used to be gloss for trim, satin for living spaces and semi-gloss for bathrooms and kitchens.

Please don’t do this! The new paint finishes are mainly water-based acrylics and have been developed to be very, very durable, even in low-luster finishes.

While high-gloss paint can certainly be used for trim, it can also be used for a wide variety of techniques, including “lacquering,” which entails layering a rich-pigmented oil-based paint to achieve a glossy, polished, jewel-like finish.

While this sounds impressive, it is certainly not for everyone, and something that high gloss accomplishes very well is highlighting every little flaw in the drywall or woodwork. This technique is best left to professional painters and requires perfect smooth-finish drywall and doors without dings of any kind. Glossy paint is very unforgiving, and I seldom recommend it, even for trim work.

Instead, I recommend a semi-gloss or even satin finish for trim and millwork. The smooth finishes of these paints do a great job of repelling dust and grime and can be easily wiped down, but they are not so glossy as to call attention to little flaws or nicks that most of us have lived with on our doors or baseboards.

As far as using satin or semi-gloss on bathroom and kitchen walls, don’t do it. These finishes can look cheap and are hard to touch up. It is far better to use a more matte paint that touches up easily than to use something with a high sheen to it.

The thought is that the glossier the paint, the more waterproof it is, but this is no longer the case. Any paint you use today is going to have a level of water protection, as most are synthetic latex paints, otherwise known as acrylic. In essence, we are coating our walls in thin layers of plastic. Now, does shinier plastic protect better from moisture than matte plastic?

Not really.

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Does that mean you should go with the flattest of the flat paints? Something with no sheen at all? I wouldn’t recommend going that direction either.

Flat paints can show imperfections in another way—their light-absorbing surfaces show any change in color or texture. In addition, they are particularly susceptible to fingerprints, grease, or cracks of any kind.

My recommendation when choosing paint is to stay away from the extremes. For walls and ceilings, choose a matte paint, something with a light sheen that is still washable. This will be your most flattering— and most forgiving—surface. It bounces just enough light around to be beautiful, while still being durable enough for most interiors. These finishes can be called matte, eggshell or sometimes velvet, depending on the brand. Ask the paint specialist for the finish they would consider their “washable matte.” They will know how to help you.

For trim and millwork, choose a satin or semi-gloss finish. This will be easier to care for and look good in the long term. It also contrasts nicely with a more matte wall paint.

Always keep a bit of each paint on hand for touch-ups (I like to keep mine in labeled mason jars under the sink), and don’t be afraid to wipe down your trim regularly with a mild abrasive-free cleaner. Usually a little dish soap and water will do the trick. This will keep your new coat of paint looking great well into the future.

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Trending WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW WHEN REMODELING Tips for a smooth process, start to finish

By Abigail Thorpe

T

he arrival of spring has us Marie Kondoing our closets and deep cleaning our kitchens, but being able to see the back of our closet or how aged that grout really is has us thinking about more than decluttering. Warm weather means it’s time for those updates you put off last year—or just a fun excuse to finally add some personal touches to the spaces you spend the most time in. Whether it’s to update an existing home, remodel a new purchase that needs some updates or prepare a home for resale, remodeling some part of our space is something most homeowners have had to face at one time or another.

With any home improvement project, it can be daunting to know where to start, what to focus on and when to call in the professionals. Here are some tips to keep you on track and help make the process a bit smoother.

Budget. Naturally budget is a main concern when it comes to remodeling your home.

Under budget or set your expectations too high, and you can end up with a halffinished project and no money left. Ask any contractor, and they’ll tell you a project always costs more than you expect and takes longer to finish. Plan on spending more than you expect, and you won’t be caught

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If you’re planning on selling the home in the future, make sure major updates focus on areas of the home that buyers notice first. “It’s no question that the kitchen often sells the house.” unawares mid project. Carefully allocate money to each stage of the project, and never start a remodel before creating the budget. This way you can plan the stages of the process, starting with what’s most important to you, and working on each stage of the project as you’re financially able.

Set expectations/go in stages. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will your dream home be. Start with a space that you spend the most time in, that is the most important to you to update, and prepare the work in stages from there. If you have the budget, it may be cost effective to schedule multiple things at once, so you’re not having subs return, but make sure you can complete the project if you start it.

“Kitchen upgrades will make a difference in your lifestyle, as this is usually the room where folks spend more time,” advises Jackie Suarez, a real estate agent with Century 21 in Sandpoint, Idaho. “More efficient HVAC and water heater upgrades should save you money over time.”

electrical, plumbing and any heating or air conditioning updates require a licensed professional and inspection, so don’t try to tackle these on your own.

Some demolition, countertop removal, painting, etc. can be self done, but when it comes to key updates or something you don’t feel comfortable with, it’s always best to consult a professional.

Keep resale front of mind. “Making a home ‘market-ready’ is very important. It gives the seller an advantage over other homes that buyers may perceive as requiring more of their time and resources than they are willing to spend,” suggests Suarez.

Professional or DIY? You might be the king or queen of DIY, but there are certain things you just shouldn’t touch. “For buyers, the first thing to remember is to have the home inspected by a professional inspector or trusted contractor during the inspection contingency period,” says Suarez. “This will usually identify any hidden costs or surprises.”

If you’re planning on selling the home in the future, make sure major updates focus on areas of the home that buyers notice first. “It’s no question that the kitchen often sells the house,” says Brooke Stebbins, project coordinator for Monarch Marble & Granite. “People spend a lot of time in their kitchens, and it’s most often the focal point of family gatherings. An inviting kitchen is a sound investment in resale value as well as quality of life, in addition to catching prospective buyers’ eyes.

It is a lot easier to tackle a bathroom remodel, so a buyer may be more willing to overlook an outdated master suite, for instance, if they love the kitchen.”

A priority is making sure a home is structurally sound—something a contractor or inspector can help with. Outside of the structural,

Be careful making updates that are very specific to your personal style if you are looking to sell. Stick with updates that are fairly neutral and

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on trend. Quartz and granite are popular options for countertops, advises Stebbins, as both are durable and fairly versatile. “Consider hard-surface flooring instead of wall-to-wall carpet, as area rugs are easier to replace,” adds Suarez.

Make your money count. Key updates can make a major difference, without requiring extensive work. “Replacing your countertops can have an amazing transforming effect on the space, it may not even feel like the same room when you’re done,” says Stebbins. While the countertops are most obvious in the kitchen, this goes for the bathrooms as well. New vanity tops can update a bathroom without the need to replace the vanity.

“Paint is typically the highest return for the investment, as it makes an immediate impression, followed by updates in cabinet hardware and light fixtures, bath mirrors, and if possible, flooring and countertops,” advises Suarez.

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Personal touches. If you are planning to resell and still want to add personal touches to your space, paint, hardware and light fixtures are easy to replace, so feel free to add some style-specific flair. “Most of all, get good professional advice, enjoy the process and make it your own,” says Suarez.

Curb appeal. Interior is important, but it’s important to consider how your home looks from the street, particularly for resale. “Remember exterior paint, yard maintenance and sprucing up plantings will entice buyers to come through the front door,” says Suarez.

Just remember, prioritize what is most central to your lifestyle or the resale of the home, budget out accordingly and stay flexible! Everything is not going to go to plan, but sometimes great outcomes come from the unexpected.

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Tacoma A VAST IMPACT CULTURAL CENTER KEEPS DIVERSE HERITAGE THRIVING

By Colin Anderson | Photos Courtesy of Asia Pacific Cultural Center

T

hough established for nearly 25 years, the Asia Pacific Cultural Center (APCC) in Tacoma continues to surprise not only those who walk through the center’s doors but the thousands of community members impacted by its work each year.

“Most people are surprised to learn there are 47 nations represented by the Asia and Pacific Island umbrella,” explained Faaluaina (Lua) Pritchard, executive director of Asia Pacific Cultural Center. Lua has been leading the center for 10 years and was a founding member when it formed in 1996. Nations represented include obvious ones like Japan, China and Korea, but also Mongolia, Okinawa and Indonesia. Pacific Island nations such as Hawaii and the Philippines are commonly thought of, but also New Zealand and Guam are included in the organization’s focus and membership.

The APCC was established with an aim to bridge generational and cultural differences through art, culture, education and business. Each country represented brings with it a rich and diverse cultural backdrop, providing enhanced experiences for the thousands of annual visitors who take advantage of the activities provided by the APCC. “The APCC mission not only includes the bridging of generations and cultures but also the enhancements of community life in the Pacific Northwest through job creation and economic development,” said Lua. This is accomplished through APCC activities, community outreach programs, project management initiatives, business development opportunities and direct local and international partnerships. APCC serves far more than 100,000 people every year throughout the State of Washington.

There are over 100 languages and more than 55 cultures teaching about their history, arts, crafts, people, languages, stories, dance, music and more. Art is a large focus of Asia Pacific Cultural

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Center, where it is always on display. Each month, an artist and their work are featured and celebrated. The public is invited to view the art whenever the center is open.

In 2020 one specific mission of the APCC was to make sure its members and their communities were counted and fairly represented in the U.S. Census.

APCC educated, reminded and encouraged the community throughout the year until April 1, 2020, when Census Day was observed nationwide.

Helping its members overcome language barriers or intimidation they feel from American systems is a vital part of the APCC’s mission. “By providing people that look like them and speak their language, the APCC can work with community citizens on things like the Census to ensure accuracy,” explained Lua. Asia Pacific Cultural Center also provides assistance with housing and basic needs as well as help with immigration and naturalization paperwork.

Members act as liaisons to government agencies for those starting new businesses and build educational programs in school systems. The APCC often provides transportation as well. In 2019, more than 300,000 people were served across Washington state through in-person or electronic and phone interactions.

The creation of many youth programs is something Lua and others at APCC say brings them a great sense of pride and accomplishment.

Working in five school districts including Franklin Pierce, Clover Park, Bethel, Fife and Tacoma, the APCC implements THE APCC WAS free after-school programs and a youth intervention ESTABLISHED WITH AN AIM program called PLOT (Promised Leaders of TO BRIDGE GENERATIONAL Tomorrow). The PLOT youth program engages AND CULTURAL and supports low-income Asian and Pacific Islander DIFFERENCES THROUGH youth in Pierce County who are at risk of dropping out or failing out of high ART, CULTURE, EDUCATION school. “We help them to overcome barriers such AND BUSINESS. as gangs, violence, drugs or alcohol, behavior problems and other issues so that they stay in school and graduate,” said Lua. The program involves after-school tutoring and leadership group, as well as opportunities in summer learning and jobs, civic and volunteerism, case management, and college and career guidance. The program is currently implemented in 11 schools, and there are 197 kids in the 2020 program.

With such a wide impact across many programs and events, support of the organization can be as simple as joining and paying membership dues, but simply attending an event and learning more about the diverse cultures is equally important. Volunteer opportunities are abundant at the center. With a capital campaign underway to raise funds to build a new world-class facility, financial donations and monetary sponsorships are necessary. A key component of APCC plans will be the campaign to build a home facility with the capacity to reach out and attract over 300,000 visitors annually. The plan is already underway with the goal of opening the doors to the new facility in 2025. Asia Pacific Cultural Center will need its friends, families, supporters and all those who are interested to come together in partnership to help make this dream a reality.

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Those who have not had a chance to experience the center can easily take part in one of the more popular events. Taste of Asia is held the first Saturday of each month. Visitors get to learn about and sample food prepared by a local expert from the featured country of the month. With nearly 50 cultures represented at the center, each month brings incredible unique flavors you might not easily be able to find.

Upcoming Taste of Asia participants: May 2 - Korea, presented by Patsy O’ Connell June 6 - Thailand, presented by Thai Community July 4 - Independence Day - Holiday Break August 1 - Okinawa, presented by Mia Slattum September 5 - Guam, presented by Imahe Representative October 3 - Philippines, presented by Al Cosio November 7 - Mongolia, presented by Oyuna Sanjaa and Otgon Yondon December 5 - Samoa, presented by Ala Talo Additional annual events include days of celebration such as Korean Day and Thailand Day. There are APCC sponsored car shows, youth fitness day, a traditional Polynesian Luau, and Samoa cultural week and celebration held annually at the Tacoma Dome. As with all large-scale events in Washington, dates and locations could be altered, so it is best to visit AsiaPacificCulturalCenter.org or find them on Facebook for the latest information regarding all upcoming events.

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Q&A

Q&A

DR. KARLA BLOOMQUIST AND DR. CHIARINA IREGUI SOUNDBRIDGE DENTAL ARTS AND SLEEP THERAPY

BY RACHEL KELLY | PHOTOS COURTESY OF SOUNDBRIDGE DENTAL ARTS

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We help our patients achieve whole-health happiness.

Dentistry & Sleep Therapy 253.857.4114 | 2727 Hollycroft St. Suite 280 West | Gig Harbor, WA | www.soundbridgedentalarts.com

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“C

ommitted to a higher standard” is and has always been the quote that epitomizes what Soundbridge Dental Arts strives for. Dr. Karla Bloomquist and Dr. Chiarina Iregui stop long enough to discuss just how this standard plays out in their everyday care, highlighting the importance of boutique dental services in the wider world of health care.

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BY SAMANTHA ELISE TILLMAN 253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Q. Soundbridge Dental Arts has won the “Best of the South Sound” award several years in a row. Why do you think you’ve been awarded this distinction?

A. That award was given to us by our supportive community members and loyal patients. We like to think that it’s because the people that come here feel cared for and listened to. We emphasize health and wellness as our primary goal, even going so far as to pursue continuing levels of education to see that goal met.

Q. Even after all these years in the community, serving in dentistry, you state the importance of “staying ahead of the curve.” Would you say then that you are still actively learning?

A. Constantly. Always, always, always. We both believe in not going stagnant. We do this by continuing our education, coinciding the latest technologies with our studies and adjusting our practice according to new knowledge. We are always bouncing ideas off each other, taking each other’s opinions into account. We like to be absolutely sure that we are bringing the right information and solutions to all of our patients.

Q. You seem to have a very comprehensive view of dentistry; you believe that systemic health issues are often seen in the mouth. How does this interactive viewpoint play out in your community interactions?

A. With an emphasis on the fact that we are dentists, and that we do not treat the whole body, we often see systemic health issues played out in the mouth. To treat these issues, we have connections throughout the community. We refer our patients to others when we recognize an underlying issue that is affecting their mouth.

We’re just not interested in care that doesn’t provide real solutions; we will not treat a patient if we are not convinced that we can provide them with the best of care. Both of us like to consider our approach to our patients as comprehensive.

Yes, we know that they see us for dental care primarily, but we want our patients to know that we truly enjoy the whole picture.

Q. Your approach to dentistry seems unique.

Dr. Bloomquist has a master’s degree in health

and wellness, and Dr. Iregui has diplomate status from the Academy of Sleep Medicine.

You go above and beyond in your level of care. How did you go about developing this approach?

A. When we met, we started to philosophize about how to incorporate whole comprehensive care into our practice. Dr. Iregui became particularly interested in sleep apnea therapy because of how closely it is tied to chronic disease. An oral appliance can be so effective in bringing about life change! Together, we make a great collaborative team. By allocating longer appointments, we are capable of listening to the needs of the patient. We then have access to a network of providers that can help with supportive and comprehensive care, ultimately resulting in better general health. Patients’ oral health is obviously our focus, but we don’t have blinders on when it comes to treatment. Simply put, we just care about people. That’s why we entered into this field in the first place.

Q. You mention the importance of your staff.

How do you facilitate an environment where the staff are capable of providing a high level of attentive care?

A. It starts with us. We treat each other with respect and are always willing to listen to the input of the other. We’ve learned that we’re much better as a team. That being said, we could not do what we do if we did not have our support team working with us. We do our best to spend a lot of time working with the larger SoundBridge team; this assures that we all cohesively work toward the same goal. Care starts on the phone and ideally ends with completed treatment needs.

Everything in between is a team effort! When we look to hire someone, it is with the expectation that they are a team player. We think this really

shows in our overall care, whether a patient is having general dentistry done or an oral appliance for sleep apnea.

Q. What’s your favorite part of doing what you do?

A. Definitely the relationships. We have heard people say, “I feel cared for here.” That’s what we set out to do.

Q. What impact does SoundBridge have on the Greater Gig Harbor community?

A. Aside from being a premier source for health care, we are continuously finding ways to be involved in the Gig Harbor community. We have had representation on the Board of the Gig Harbor History Museum, are members of the Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce, and participate in large community events like the Maritime Gig Festival. We have been supporters of the Gig Harbor Film Festival, Communities in Schools, and the Career and Pathway Expo with the Peninsula School District.

We have also provided care for the underprivileged on the mobile dental unit.

It’s also our goal to educate the Gig Harbor community in regard to oral health and its connection to overall wellness. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, we are actively doing this by posting educational write-ups and videos on social media. We are also contacting our patients with self-care videos, reading resources, stressrelief activities and exercise challenges. We don’t want anyone to lack resources during this time.

253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE 33

Health B LU E L I G H T W H AT I T I S , I T S E F F E C T S , A N D H O W T O P R O T E C T Y O U R S E L F AND YOUR SKIN

BY KRISTIN CARLSON, MEDICAL ESTHETICIAN

W

hat is blue light, and why is it bad? Blue light is a color in the visible light spectrum. It has one of the shortest wavelengths in the light spectrum, resulting in the highest amount of energy. In its natural form, blue light comes from the sun and helps regulate the body’s circadian rhythm—the natural sleep and wake cycles.

It also boosts alertness, heightens reaction times, elevates moods and promotes an overall feeling of well-being. Blue light in its artificial form comes from digital screens (TVs, computers, laptops, smartphones and tablets), electronic devices, and fluorescent and LED lighting. Prolonged exposure to blue light in this form causes eye strain, headaches, physical and mental fatigue.

Over time, exposure to the blue end of the light spectrum can cause long-term damage to your eyes and to your skin. The natural filters in our eyes are not capable of providing enough protection against blue light rays in any form. Prolonged exposure to blue light may cause retinal damage and contribute to age-related macular degeneration—and in some cases, vision loss.

While blue light in small amounts can help elevate your mood, increase alertness and regulate sleep patterns, chronic exposure to blue light, specifically at night, can have the opposite effect, lowering the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep, by disrupting the circadian rhythm and negatively affecting your mood.

It is common knowledge: UV light can cause damage to the skin.

Because of its shorter wavelength, blue light penetrates deeper than UV light. Long-term blue light exposure can cause skin damage, including discoloration, inflammation and weakening of the skin’s surface, which causes collagen and elastin to break down, resulting in fine lines, wrinkles and sagging.

How to protect yourself?

• Wear an SPF rich in antioxidants, vitamin C and/or iron oxide.

Unfortunately, not all sunscreens block blue light, so read the labels before you buy.

blue light in small amounts can help elevate your mood, increase alertness and regulate sleep patterns 34 253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE 35

• Stylish eyewear is in! Purchase a pair of blue light blockers for the time you spend in front of any screen. There are some great inexpensive options out there.

• Also, invest in screen protectors with blue light blocking technology for all your screens, including your desktop computer and cellular device.

• Use the settings on your smartphone to shift the colors of your display to “night mode.” This emits warmer tones with longer wavelengths, causing less strain on the eyes at night when the body is more susceptible to blue light effects.

• Limit your screen time in the evening. Resist the urge to scroll social media when you crawl into bed at night. Instead, opt for a book or magazine to help you settle down for a good night’s rest.

For most of us, avoiding screen time is next to impossible, but we can take simple steps to ensure we are taking care of the long-term health of our eyes, skin and overall well-being. And don’t forget about your kiddos! Their young minds and bodies are still developing and need protection too.

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Health I S YO U R D E N TA L I N S U R A N C E P U T T I N G YO U R N E E D S F I R S T ?

What you need to know when it comes to the coverage of your dental care ARTICLE COURTESY OF SOUNDBRIDGE DENTAL ARTS AND SLEEP THERAPY

H

ere at SoundBridge Center for Dental Arts and Dental Sleep Apnea Therapy, we want our patients to be keenly aware of their insurance benefits. Insurance is an important factor in our patients’ care. In our practice, we utilize dental insurance if you are having any type of dental treatment completed by Dr. Bloomquist and medical insurance if you are seeing Dr. Iregui for an oral sleep apnea appliance. In this two-part series, we address some of the most common insurance-related questions we are asked—and the answers.

How are insurances chosen through my employer?

Companies select which insurance to utilize based on what the premiums are and the benefits inclusive to that plan. Due to harsh economic times and rising health-care costs, it has become increasingly difficult for employers to pay premiums for the best available coverage for their employees. Therefore, oftentimes, the plan selected by your employer has limited coverage.

What does being an “in-network” provider mean?

Being an “in-network” provider means that your dental office has agreed to a significantly reduced fee schedule in order to participate with your insurance company. While it does benefit you as a patient as far as what your out-of-pocket costs are with your provider, it also means that your provider isn’t being reimbursed for the true value of their work. Quality over quantity.

Do insurances dictate what is covered?

benefits for you, the patient. Let’s say your hygienist recommends three cleanings per year rather than two; however, your insurance will only cover two per year. Are you going to go with your hygienist’s recommendation, or are you going to allow your insurance to dictate your health-care needs? Most commonly we see patients select the latter option, and it leads to increased needs down the road.

Why aren’t certain services a covered benefit on my plan?

We hear this question a lot. Insurance companies do not offer coverage for what they deem to be elective services; items such as tooth whitening, restorations for cosmetic purposes, nitrous oxide, and even bite guards and sports guards. Regardless of the money that you and/or your employer contribute to the plan, insurance companies have their own limitations, so it is important before agreeing to an insurance plan that you do your research and read through the fine print of the contract.

What if I don’t have dental insurance?

This is exciting news! Unless you have an employer that is paying for your dental insurance, it often isn’t worth the expense of monthly premiums, plus deductibles and copays for your own individual dental insurance plan. We’ve found that some of our patients were paying more annually for their dental insurance than they would have been for routine care out of pocket! This inspired us to offer an in-office program for patients without dental insurance as a way to help offset costs for keeping up on their regular care. Just call our team and ask about our Wellness Program!

Insurance companies write policies and include a lot of fine print that helps them contain their own costs, rather than maximizing the

oftentimes, the plan selected by your employer has limited coverage 38 253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE 39

Wrestling: A Story of

Hope and Peace

NORTH IDAHO NATIVES LARRY AND SHELLY STECKMAN ON A MISSION TO SERVE

BY ABIGAIL THORPE

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Feature

253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE 41

I

t was the late 1970s. Larry Steckman was a wrestler for Bonners Ferry High School, and his to-be wife, Shelly Barton, was a wrestling cheerleader at the same school. Seventy miles away, family friend Conrad Garner was wrestling for rival Lakeland High School in Rathdrum, Idaho.

It was the beginning of a lifelong love of wrestling for both men—and also the seed for something bigger. Larry, Shelly and Conrad would all go on to use wrestling as a means to create positive change in communities, both locally and internationally: Garner as the wrestling coach for Bonners Ferry High School, the Steckmans working with the US Wrestling Foundation’s Wrestling for Peace, and beyond.

As Larry and Conrad competed in North Idaho, wrestler Dan Russell was in Southern Idaho working for another state wrestling championship. He would go on to be a world-class wrestler and coach, dear friend of Larry and Shelly, and a driving force behind their ultimate life work and vision.

“We are so very proud of the work of men like Conrad Garner and Dan Russell in helping to shape the minds of the future leaders of our communities and world,” says Larry. “I never knew then that God would use wrestling and these relationships to give me a vision for sharing the love God has shown so generously to me.

“This story is really about relationships, faith, hope and love,” shares Larry. In the early 2000s, he and Shelly met Dan, who was living with his wife Joy and kids in Battleground, Washington. The two connected over their shared love of wrestling, and their desire to utilize the sport as a vehicle for spreading the message of love throughout the world.

Larry and Shelly purchased a fuel testing laboratory called FOI Laboratories, which tests fuel for various reasons, and serves ASTM, EPA, Amazon, airports, various municipalities, hospitals and the military.

Their hope was to use the profits from the company to help fund philanthropic and faith-sharing efforts in developing countries—a dream that would be realized beyond their expectations.

Soon after, the couple founded a project called Hope for Her in conjunction with a Ugandan NGO called Hope for Restoration Initiative founded by Robert and Pam Kiggundu. The mission of Hope for Her was to help sexually exploited and abused women in Uganda gain employment manufacturing reusable sanitary

“THIS STORY IS REALLY ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS, FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE.”

42 253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Courtesy of The National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution

LARGEST AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM IN NORTH AMERICA americascarmuseum.org 253.779.8490

253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE 43

Wrestling for Peace is built on the foundation that wrestling is a universal struggle in that everyone is dealing with some trial. pads in a safe workplace, provide free sanitary pads to those in need, and promote environmentally friendly manufacturing and sanitary practices.

“Many young women (high school age and younger) prostitute themselves for the price of a pad,” explains Larry. “While our work was very under the radar, something very special was happening.

You could tangibly feel the tremendous love coming from the women and girls receiving the pads.”

“In the beginning, it wasn’t easy,” he remembers. “There wasn’t enough material or pads or money—in fact, we sometimes still don’t have enough due to the overwhelming need.” Larry was discussing the challenges of the sanitary pad design as well as quality control with new friend and supporter Dan, when Dan provided a solution: an award-winning retired nurse who was an avid seamstress and was struggling with feeling needed after retirement. She helped them design a stitching pattern, pad design and production method that would result in the current production of almost 8,000 pads a month. The nonprofit now distributes in Ugandan high schools, Entebbe, and on the various islands on Lake Victoria.

During this time, Dan was serving as a coach and ambassador with USA Wrestling. The Steckmans were still passionate about using wrestling to share a message of love and giving, and partnered with Dan to find a way to serve. “We spent many hours discussing how to utilize wrestling as a vehicle in our message of love,” recalls Larry. “One of our next steps in faith was a chaplain program to serve alongside the world of Olympic and world-class wrestlers traveling with the team.”

This program would serve as the beginning of Dan and Joy Russell’s vision for Wrestling for Peace—a nonprofit organization with the US Wrestling Foundation that provides support to various communities throughout the world through leadership development, sports diplomacy, medical aid, emergency response, prefabricated buildings, outreach, and wrestling gear and equipment donations. “These seeds of faith continue to grow deep and produce fruit today,” says Larry.

Wrestling for Peace is built on the foundation that wrestling is a universal struggle in that everyone is dealing with some trial. The program “embraces this universal struggle to help communities in need.” Ambassadors for the program use wrestling as a sport to help transcend borders and cultures in an effort to bring humanitarian aid to those most in need.

Dan and Larry traveled together to Algeria and the Sahara Desert as ambassadors in the beginning stages of Wrestling for Peace. While spreading the message of love and providing medicine to the Sahrawi Tribe—a four-decade refugee community—they met Austin Landes, founder of the nonprofit Make it Rain, who ultimately became a medicine partner of Wrestling for Peace and partners with Hope for Her. “We have merged our work, and I currently serve on their Board of Directors,” says Larry.

Make it Rain is an organization consisting of a collection of individuals whose sole focus is utilizing their networking skills and abilities to help others. They focus on providing medicine, medical clinics and other aid initiatives to regions in the Sahrawi Democratic Republic, Uganda, Zambia and Mexico. It was the perfect pairing for 44 253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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the Steckmans, Hope for Her and Wrestling for Peace, and a great way to unite efforts and connections in a desire to serve the underserved.

The Steckmans continued their work with Hope for Her and Hope for Restoration Initiative, partnering with Make it Rain, while also working as ambassadors for Wrestling for Peace. All shared the same mission of providing hope, love and aid to communities in need. “The next act of faith was to let go and let God be in charge,” says Larry. The support they needed would come in a major way not long after.

“I don’t remember the day, but Austin called me and said, ‘The First Lady of Zambia wants to talk about the pads ... when can we go?’” recalls Larry. “Now it’s one thing to do some traveling and field work with a school or the Red Cross; it’s another thing entirely to be vetted by a government’s First Lady. ... There was absolutely no reason for me—a rough around the edges guy—to be discussing pads with the First Lady of Zambia, but I did it and we are very close friends to this day. The pad project touched her heart in a very special way.”

This meeting with the First Lady of Zambia marked the 46 253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

beginning of incredible opportunity and impact for Make it Rain, Hope for Restoration Initiative and Wrestling for Peace. Last season, Hope for Her delivered 1,000 sanitary pads and through the First Lady’s Foundation created educational training for girls in the school system to manufacture and produce sanitary pads. In partnership with each other, the nonprofits were able to deliver medicine that impacted over 60,000 men, women and children, says Larry, and they have developed and approved designs for medical outpost clinics in rural areas in partnership with Virginia Tech and AutoDesk. These outposts will provide access to much needed medicine and hygienic medical aid in regions that currently suffer from a lack of resources.

“It’s no secret that wrestling builds toughness,” write Austin and Julie Landes in a recent Wrestling for Peace update of their work. “Some of the toughest people we’ve met live in remote areas of the world, battling harsh climates, debilitating disease, intense conditions, limited job opportunities and desperately lacking resources. Our hope is that through these initiatives and those of the USA Wrestling for Peace Program, we can increase the amount of lives impacted. Wrestlers are made for overcoming obstacles and life’s toughest challenges, and we’re looking

“ WRESTLERS

ARE MADE FOR OVERCOMING OBSTACLES AND LIFE’S TOUGHEST CHALLENGES, AND WE’RE LOOKING FORWARD TO OUR CONTINUED EFFORTS TOGETHER.

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GOD’S “AGAIN, FAVOR IN

PLAY

forward to our continued efforts together.”

The Steckmans have seen many doors open as they continue to follow their calling and passion for reaching those in need.

The First Lady of Zambia is not the only influential figure in Africa to show interest in the work the Steckmans, Landes and Russells are doing. “We have invitations this year to meet two other first ladies and possibly a king and a prince,” shares Larry. “Again, God’s favor in play.”

Despite their many travels, Larry and Shelly choose to make the Pacific Northwest their home base, and although they now live in Vancouver, Washington, they are still very connected to their hometown of Bonners Ferry, Idaho. “We find great pleasure in hearing the many stories of love that come from our hometown, stories like Conrad’s and Dan’s,” says Larry.

Dan, Conrad and Larry still support and encourage the wrestling program back in Idaho, and in particular Bonners Ferry, sharing a passion for the common bond they share, the sport that has taken them from wrestling on the mats, to fighting for peace and prosperity for those in need.

“We love finding ways to give back to our community however we can,” says Larry. “There are many great unselfish relationship stories that the residents of Bonners Ferry are constantly making anew. You don’t have to look very hard to find what the hard-working people of Bonners Ferry are involved in.”

Larry and Shelly still look to North Idaho and Bonners Ferry’s spirit of giving and community as an early formative part of their desire to extend their message of peace and love beyond the borders of the U.S. “The Pacific Northwest and beyond have amazing stories of service and love,” adds Larry. “If you peel back the love, you will more than likely find a wrestler’s heart beating somewhere in the fight.”

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253 ART&

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April 2020

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HOME

ENTERTAINMENT

AWAITS

BY JILLIAN CHANDLER

April

ALL MONTH LONG Spring is always a joyful time of year for the community, as the sun shines brighter and the days become warmer and longer. This is the time of year for many of those much-anticipated events the community has been waiting for—since last year—to once again take place.

loved ones, but with the busyness and stresses of everyday life, it can be hard to find the time. As the COVID-19 virus continues to spread (as of press time), endangering our local communities and our way of life, it is important to take this opportunity to spend this valuable time in a positive way.

This month would have marked the 87th annual Daffodil Parade, the Washington State Spring Fair, the 110th Tacoma Community House Luncheon, community spring egg hunts, the Tacoma Guitar Festival, Reels and Wheels Dinner and Auction, The Michelob Ultra Tacoma City Marathon and so much more. But due to the current situation facing the entire world, all has been put on hold, with some events canceled until next year.

From board games and movie nights to preparing home-cooked meals with your significant other, children or roommates, embrace what you have and make the most of it! When is the last time you played charades or Win, Lose or Draw? How about reading a book aloud to the entire household, or having one of the kids read to the family? Learn a new recipe and get everyone involved in planning and preparing a meal together. Dim the light, turn the music on, and have your own dance party (or maybe you do this already?). Have races in the yard, work in your garden. Enjoy the things you rarely have the time for.

But if you can look at the bright side, now is the time to reflect and find new ways to find enjoyment—without leaving the comfort of your own home.

Many of us find ourselves wishing we had more time to spend with our

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It’s not where you are but who you are with, and any time spent together is a time to be cherished. Entertainment and fun await, but it’s up to you to make it happen.

12 FOR MO RE E VENTS, VISI T 253LIFESTYLEMAGAZINE.COM.

CELEBRATE WITH FAMILY / April

08

22

ARBOR DAY APRIL 08 Many states observe Arbor Day on different dates throughout the year based on best tree planting times in their area. In Washington state, Arbor Day is always celebrated on the second Wednesday of April. J. Sterling Morton founded Arbor Day back in 1972 with a simple idea—to set aside a special day dedicated for tree planting. And today, that idea is more important than ever. Trees provide the very necessities of life itself: Trees clean our air, protect our drinking water, create healthy communities and feed the human soul. The Arbor Day Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit conservation and education organization, is dedicated to inspiring people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. Call your local nursery to find the perfect tree for your family to plant in your yard this Arbor Day. Visit ArborDay.org for more information.

EASTER APRIL 12 This year, all of us will most likely be spending the day a bit differently than years past. As many of us celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ by attending church services, where the choir and church congregation fill the building with song, this year the celebration may be at home. But don’t be discouraged.

Thanks to technology, the family can still dress in their Sunday best and gather around the TV to take in a church service of their liking. And though larger gatherings of friends and family are discouraged, spend the day with your close loved ones at home, with an Easter egg hunt in the yard, followed by a meal spent together in the comfort of your own home. Make this the most memorable Easter celebration that you and your children will remember with fondness for years to come.

EARTH DAY April 22 2020 marks the 50th year that Earth Day has been celebrated nationally. The theme for this year’s Earth Day is Climate Action. Though at this time the community is not encouraged to participate in large gatherings, you can still do a small part in taking care of our planet. Take a walk in your neighborhood with the kids, and pick up any trash you come across. Make yourselves more aware of the products you are disposing of at home, separating the recyclable items from the trash. Work together to make a list on what positive changes you can all make in your daily lives to positively impact our environment. The first Earth Day is credited with launching the modern environmental movement and is now recognized as the planet’s largest civic event. Read more about Earth Day at EarthDay.org.

SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS ONLINE! Want your event to appear on the largest event site in the Northwest? Submit your events to us online at Events.DirectoryNorthwest.com 24/7, 365 days a year!

253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE 53

IN SPRING

DRESSING FOR COLD WEATHER

Tips to keep you both fashionable and warm

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S

pring in the Pacific Northwest is a beautiful combination of cool mornings and blooming flowers.

It makes us want to dress in those cute frilly dresses and pastels, but up here the spring still brings days below 50 degrees. If you have been lucky enough to visit a Tulip Festival, then you know how gorgeous the pastelcolored tulips are. The rows and rows of color make such a beautiful background for photos. When we visited last April, I wanted to wear a dress so badly but, unfortunately, it was a chilly 40 degrees, and with the wind chill it felt like 30. Here are a few ideas on how to dress for spring when it is still cold outside.

Craving to bring out your skirts? Bring out those cute skirts and short dresses to pair with over-the-knee boots.

It may be too cold to let your toes free, so taller boots can provide some more warmth on your legs while wearing spring clothing. Skirts pair well with sweaters too. There are plenty of pastel-colored sweaters out there to choose from.

Instead of wearing it down, completely tuck in the sweater to your skirt or just do the “French tuck” (also known as “front tuck”). The French tuck is a new trend where you tuck in just the very front section of your top. It makes it so you can see the details of the bottoms you are wearing and gives a slimming look.

Wanting to wear that cute tank top you bought? Tank tops and sleeveless shirts pair really well with lightweight jackets. Now I don’t mean a puffer coat. I’m talking about a

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Sometimes our springs are chilly and wet, but it doesn't mean you can't dress like it's a beautiful day.

jean jacket, blazer or draped jacket. Find a neutral color or lighter shade jacket so your outfit looks bright and airy for spring. Drape front jackets add a fun layered look to a tank top. Most of the time draped front jackets are made of suede or leather. They add a dressier touch to your outfit versus more casual with cardigans. Speaking of cardigans, a bright striped or bold-colored cardigan would also add a bit of color to your outfit.

Two words: colored denim. You don’t have to go crazy here; I’m not talking about neon pink jeans.

Get a pair of white denim or even a pastel color like sage green or mauve pink. Colored denim brings a pop of color to your outfit. You can grab a pretty floral top to match the color of your jeans or pair with any neutral-colored top you already have in your closet—neutral colored being solid tans, whites and light grays.

Have you tried the new bralette trend? Bralettes are a new trendy item to pair under v-neck and low-scooping or open-back tops, only these bras are actually meant to be seen. Most are lace and have pretty detail so they pop under the top you are wearing. Many bralettes feature straps that are crisscross, choker or halter to add more details to your outfit. Bralettes are also a great option to add under an off-the-shoulder top. Pick out a brightcolored bralette to sport underneath a solid basic T-shirt.

Sometimes our springs are chilly and wet, but it doesn’t mean you can’t dress like it’s a beautiful day. After all, this year was the first in many that Punxsutawney Phil (The Groundhog) predicted an early spring, so let’s get ready for it!

Clothing provideded by Liv & Rory Boutique Photos by Anne Marie’s Photography

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Eat & Drink

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MANCHEGO AND CHORIZO EGG BAKE Recipe Courtesy of Stephanie Lynn Gertrude Brown Yield: 1 - 9”x13” Casserole Pan

INGREDIENTS: 2 tbsp. melted butter 2 cups hash brown potatoes, cubed or shredded 1 lb. chorizo sausage 1 cup manchego cheese, grated 1 cup asparagus, chopped 1 cup bell peppers, chopped 1 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. black pepper 10 whole eggs 1 ½ cups whole milk ½ tsp. smoked paprika ¼ cup cilantro, chopped

METHOD: • To get things started, preheat your oven to 350°F. • While the oven is heating up, prepare your 9”x13” baking dish by brushing with melted butter, and add the hash browns in an even layer across the bottom of the dish.

• In a large sauté pan, cook the chorizo over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain excess oil from the pan, and let it cool down.

• While the chorizo is chilling in time out, go ahead and use the same pan to sauté the bell peppers and asparagus. Less dishes is always the way to go!

• You can now sprinkle the chorizo and veggies in an even layer over the hash browns. Add the manchego and cilantro; just sprinkle them liberally across all the goodies. It will all get nicely mixed in when we add the eggs!

• Next you will need to whisk the whole eggs in a mixing bowl to get them evenly combined, then add the milk, salt, pepper and paprika and mix thoroughly.

• Pour the egg mixture slowly over your lovely layers in the pan and allow to soak down between all the pieces. You can give the pan a little jiggle to speed this process along. If some bits are not completely covered, that’s OK, as it will add some color and texture to the top of your egg bake.

• Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, or until golden brown and set. You can test it by inserting a knife into the center; if it comes out clean, it will be good to go.

• Serve immediately alongside all your other favorite brunch treats!

TO SERVE: Tips and tricks: You can substitute other veggies you have on hand, like spinach, broccoli or onions. This dish can also be prepared the night before; just cover the dish and remove from the refrigerator 20 to 30 minutes before baking.

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Destination: San Antonio A BLEND OF CULTURES MAKES FOR AN INTERESTING DESTINATION

BY MARGUERITE CLEVELAND

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Travel

S

an Antonio is blooming with spring blossoms as the winter chill dissipates. Enjoy alfresco dining along the San Antonio Riverwalk, bike to historic missions or explore Texas Hill Country in this mild season. Viva is the city’s bus and trolley service which has three distinct routes to take you to the most visited sites and attractions at a very economical rate for a day pass.

Where to Stay Make the most of your stay by splitting your visit into two sections. For the first half stay in the Texas Hill Country at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country. This fabulous resort has so many activities and dining venues, you won’t need to leave the grounds. Avid golfers will appreciate the onsite 18-hole course while those looking for a more relaxed experience can Zen out at the Windflower Spa. Kids of all ages will love the landscaped lazy river that looks like you are floating down a stone-strewn stream past waterfalls. Throw in a waterslide and a Flowrider where you can surf, and it is a complete waterpark. The grounds are lovely with plenty of shady trees and a nature trail.

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“

An adventurous way to explore the missions is by bike along the River Walk’s Mission Reach, an 8-mile recreational trail with the missions about 2 ½ miles apart.

For the second half of your stay, move downtown to the historic Hotel Gibbs, which is so close to the sites you can see the Alamo from your hotel window.

The Gibbs is a charming boutique hotel located in the heart of Downtown San Antonio with “The Alamo” just one block down and in sight of the hotel. The hotel has kept all the historic details and is a comfortable place to stay while exploring the downtown area. It is within walking distance of all the major sights including the Riverwalk. Rates include breakfast in the morning and a taco bar in the evening in the Taproom 1909, which offers a nice selection of beer and wine.

Where to Eat The question should be where not to eat, as the rich culinary heritage of San Antonio will make it difficult to choose. In 2017, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated San Antonio a Creative City of Gastronomy. It is the second city in the U.S. to earn this honor—and the first in Texas. It is not a surprise with the cultural influences of Mexican, Spanish, German and French that make for a truly unique culinary experience.

Start at Pearl, located just north of Downtown San Antonio and set on a former brewery that was built in 1883 and continued operating until 2001. The prestigious Culinary Institute of America established its third campus here and offers culinary instruction not only for professionals but for food and wine lovers as well. Consider taking a class on local cuisine. Make sure to visit the restaurant, Savor, for a truly unique experience. Enjoy a three- or four-course gourmet meal for less than $50. Your dinner is prepared and served by senior CIA students under the supervision of the professional faculty. Watch these

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rising culinary stars hone their craft. Pearl has a variety of shops and restaurants as well as a food hall and weekly farmers market. Well worth a visit.

Culinaria, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit promotes locally sourced food and wine experiences in San Antonio. Their website offers a variety of food trails which will take you all over the area. Although not on their curated lists of food trails, the Chef Trail is a neat way to find a great place to eat. Who would know better than a local chef? These are the places they go when not cooking their own food.

The Taco Trail will take you to authentic Mexican food, each stop providing a unique experience with delicious handcrafted tacos.

What to Do San Antonio has a rich history enmeshed in modern amenities. There are so many things to do from exploring the remarkable Spanish Missions to riding an electric boat along the iconic Riverwalk.

Plan to spend a day at SeaWorld and Aquatica, both located less than 1 mile from the Hyatt Regency Hill Country, an official partner hotel. You can book a package online which includes accommodations and tickets to the parks, and you can tailor other add-ons like animal encounters or meals. Some of the animal encounters are surprisingly reasonable in cost, or you can go all out and book a Beluga Whale Swim Experience. A must do is purchasing fish to feed the sea lions. These guys are so funny with their antics to capture your attention so you will toss them a fish. Insider Tip: For just a few dollars more, you can upgrade to up-close parking, an amenity you will appreciate at the end of the day.

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PHOTO BY MARGUERITE CLEVELAND

PHOTO BY MARGUERITE CLEVELAND

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PHOTO BY MARGUERITE CLEVELAND

The five Spanish colonial missions of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park and the Alamo are a UNESCO world heritage site. Established in the 18th century by Spanish priests, the five missions are the largest concentration of Spanish colonial missions in North America. An adventurous way to explore the missions is by bike along the River Walk’s Mission Reach, an 8-mile recreational trail with the missions about 2 ½ miles apart. San Antonio has a well-run bike share program with docking stations at the missions. You can bike the whole route and at the end hop on a VIVA bus on the Mission Route, which stops at all the missions and will bring you back downtown at a stop in front of the Alamo. VIVA is part of the VIA Metropolitan Transit and offers visitors an inexpensive way to tour the area. A day pass is less than $3.

If you only have time for one, make it Mission San Jose y San Miguel de Aguayo, which celebrates its tricentennial in 2020. It is known as the “Queen of the Missions” and is the largest. It also has the main visitors’ center for the missions with a small museum and a movie about the missions offered throughout the

day. The grounds of Mission San Jose are lovely, making for a nice stroll as you explore the mission.

No trip to San Antonio is complete without a visit to the famed River Walk. The 15-mile urban waterway flows through the downtown area just below street level. It includes downtown with attractions like the Alamo. Further out, visit the river’s Museum Reach, where you can access the Pearl mentioned earlier.

There is shopping and restaurants and museums all along the route. The best way to see it is by taking a Go Rio Narrated River Cruise, which points out the highlights as well as the history of this area. The boats are all electric, making for an eco-friendly quiet ride. Although not the fastest way to get around, Go Rio also offers a River Shuttle with multiple stops along the river walk and goes out to the Museum Reach.

A visit to San Antonio offers all the possibilities of a big city while imparting a unique historical and cultural experience like no other city in the United States.

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