NHOME Texas Magazine Mar/Apr 2014

NH ME TEXAS

LUXURY LIVING

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DESIGNS

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HOME IDEAS

BRINGING VISIONS

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R E A L E S TAT E

to life

ANTHONY & SYLVAN POOLS

WHAT’S #TRENDING

OUTDOOR LIVING 2014



Baby Boomers

GET BACK TO THE BASICS 

{

ON THE MOVE

Zars & Rogers REALTORS SAN ANTONIO STAYCATIONS:

MARCH //APRIL 2014

SPRING BREAK EDITION MARCH//APRIL 2014 NHOME /

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SETTING THE STANDARD FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE.

THE 2014 MOTOR TREND CAR OF THE YEAR速 The all-new 2014 Cadillac CTS sets the standard in luxury, just as Ken Batchelor has set the standard in luxury customer service for over three decades.

Experience the Ken Batchelor Difference for yourself today.

OBSESSED WITH SERVICE FOR OVER 30 YEARS

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KenBatchelor.com

“Custom home building is an art.

I strive to create exclusive designs and features, integrating quality materials and craftsmanship to build a home that reflects your personality and lifestyle needs.”

- Mike Hollaway President

Unparalleled Knowledge and Expertise

Established in 1992, Mike Hollaway Custom Homes has received expansive recognition with some of the most prestigious awards in custom home building for exceptional craftsmanship and design innovation. With more than 30 years of industry knowledge and expertise, Mike Hollaway holds the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) designations of Graduate Master Builder (GMB) and Certified Green Professional (CGP). Awards of distinction include: 1998 Distinguished Single-Family Builder of the Year, 2008 Builder of the Year and numerous Texas Star Awards, Summit Awards and The Greater San Antonio Builders Association (GSABA) Parade of Homes Awards, including People’s Choice, and Realtor’s Choice Awards.

Mike Hollaway, President www.mikehollaway.com 2511 N. Loop 1604 W., Suite 200 San Antonio, Texas 78258 210.490.0069 MARCH//APRIL 2014 NHOME /

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NEW DATE!

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march //april 2014 TEXAS NHOME MAGAZINE

OUTDOOR LIVING // Anthony & Sylvan Pools With their focus on building pools for life and always making customer satisfaction the No. 1 priority, it's easy to see why the choice for San Antonio families is still going strong after nearly 70 years.

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features

30 OUTDOOR LIVING What's New?

Landscape architect Christopher Greer weighs in on what's trending in outdoor living in 2014 and offers some expert advice on how to start incorporating these trends into your outdoor space.

48 REAL ESTATE

Realtor Profile: Zars & Rogers REALTORS On the move to help you move, Patricia Zars and Lane Rogers continue to focus on relationships, community involvement and philanthropy after more than 12 successful years in real estate.

64 GREAT ESCAPES

Spring Break Staycations You don't have to travel far and wide to enjoy an excellent spring break. From spas and hotels to museums and more, the Alamo City has the ultimate staycation for you to relax and regroup.

70 ACTIVE ADULT LIVING

Back to the Basics for Baby Boomers Using the tried-and-true dynamic duo of diet and exercise, today's senior citizens are getting back to the basics and enjoying healthier lifestyles.

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30

in this issue

48

NHOME staff

ART DIRECTOR Elisa Giordano

70 Dine

Real Estate

18 Something Special

52 A Great Start

Outdoor Living

Arts & Culture

34 Let Loose 38 Enhance Your Lifestyle

Functional Design 40 Viva Fiesta!

Green 44 Whatta Way to Live!

56 Western Sophistication 58 Celebrating Texas Talent

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Erin O’Brien

Finance 66 Redesigned for Success

Community Inspiration 72 The Perpetual Gift 78 Community Magic

Events 81 Cooking for the Best 82 Spring into the Season

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Chinyere Okoro

IN EVERY ISSUE

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY:

JASON ROBERTS

BUILDER: ANTHONY & SYLVAN POOLS

07 On the Cover 08 A Note From the Publisher 12 Contributors 14 Advisory Board 88 Letters to the Publisher

INTERN

Miriam Guajardo Resendez

2014 Course of the Year

Awarded by the National Golf Course Owners Association

This is living. Pure and simple.

www.CordilleraRanch.com | 888-66-RANCH Golf Club • River Club • Social Club • Spa & Athletic Club Tennis & Swim Club • Rod & Gun Club • Equestrian Club

Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course

#1 ranked golf course in a residential community – The Dallas Morning News 2013 Rankings

Spacious and private homesites from the low $100s to $500s+ Custom homes and lock-&-leave villas from the $500s+ Located just north of San Antonio

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{ ON THE COVER {

// PHOTOGRAPHY: JASON ROBERTS

A Little About Anthony & Sylvan Pools: For nearly 70 years, ANTHONY & SYLVAN has designed and built quality swimming pools for 370,000 families across the nation. What sets our family-owned, national company with local experts apart is an unwavering commitment to you – we take the time to listen to what you want, then craft the perfect pool and back it up with a lifetime warranty. Our promise to you is simple: We will build the pool of your dreams with the highest level of professionalism, service and workmanship. So let’s get started. Anthony & Sylvan Pools: BUILT FOR LIFE.

STUART NEIDUS

Chief Executive Officer Anthony & Sylvan Pools

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a note from the publisher

H

ow quickly the year is moving! I can’t believe it’s already spring. In Texas, that means warmer weather, and I think we can all agree that that makes it very inviting for us to enjoy the space outside of our home. This is the best time to get your outdoor living space in order and upgrade it by adding that new pool, deck or outdoor kitchen you have often talked about.

Spring flowers are starting to bloom, so it is the prime season to beautify your landscape and tend to your garden needs. A well-manicured landscape and garden greatly contribute to curbside appeal, which is key to attracting potential buyers for those who are selling a house.

At NHOME, we have spoken to many experts in the outdoor business, and we are excited to share their great products, services and tips in this issue. On our cover, we are proud to showcase a pool company with a rich history of building high-quality pools for more than 70 years. Anthony & Sylvan Pools is known for turning backyard dreams into reality and offering great customer satisfacPROUD MEMBER OF: tion. The article about them is very enlightening as to why they have been so successful in their area.

We also hope you enjoy our other engaging articles on spring dining, green living, community inspiration, curbside presentation and finance. Our featured realtors in this issue are Patricia Zars and Lane Rogers of Zars & Rogers REALTORS. Read and learn more about what makes this awesome duo a great real estate team.

As you get ready to maximize your outdoor living space and prepare your home for spectacular, Texas-style luxury living in the great outdoors, we hope the articles in this issue will be informative and interesting.

And as always, NHOME strives to showcase the best in all areas, so feel free to email us and let us know what you would like to read more about. Our aim is to please. Thank you for your support!

Adaku Okoro, publisher adaku@nhometx.com

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PARADISE IS A PARADISE IS A POOL AWAY POOL AWAY

Anthony&&Sylvan Sylvan Pools Pools are Anthony are built builtfor forlife. life. ®®

Imagine yourdream dreampool. pool.Imagine Imagine itit surrounded surrounded by Imagine your by friends friends and andfamily familyforfor endless hoursofoffun. fun.Now, Now,imagine imagine that that pool pool lasting endless hours lasting for for decades. decades.For Fornearly nearly years,Anthony Anthony&&Sylvan Sylvan® has has built built gorgeous, gorgeous, quality 70 70 years, quality pools poolsfor forfamilies families ®

yours.No Nomatter matterwhat whatyou you desire, desire, our our local, justjust likelike yours. local, licensed licenseddesigners designersand and builders work with you step-by-step to create the pool of your dreams.

builders work with you step-by-step to create the pool of your dreams.

Family fun that lasts a lifetime and a lifetime of fantastic memories –

Family fun that lasts a lifetime and a lifetime of fantastic memories – ® that’s Anthony & Sylvan Pools. Built for life. ®

that’s Anthony & Sylvan Pools. Built for life.

AnthonySylvanSA.com

AnthonySylvanSA.com

Built forfor lifelife Built

877.424.5192

877.424.5192

MARCH//APRIL 2014 NHOME /

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NH ME TEXAS

MARCH // APRIL 2014

Austin | Dallas | Fort Worth | Houston | San Antonio | Online

PUBLISHER

Adaku Okoro

Providing Award-Winning Real Estate Education For

ART DIRECTOR

30 YEARS

Elisa Giordano

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Erin O’Brien

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Chinyere Okoro

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Comfort Chevannes Angela Clack Gabriel Diego Delgado Tony Fama Christopher Greer Rita Zenzen Heck Christian Reed-Ogba Paula Christine Schuler Kim Young Patricia Zars

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Real Estate

Loan Origination

Home Inspection

Appraisal

Sarah Brooke Lyons Jason Roberts

INTERN

Miriam Guajardo Resendez Champions School of Real Estate ® has enjoyed serving the Texas Real Estate industry for over 30 years. Providing high quality classroom and online instruction for Real Estate, Loan Originator, Appraiser and Inspector Professionals. With seven locations, classes 7 days a week, evening and weekend schedules, Now is the Time to...

Choose to be a Champion!

Austin/Round Rock Dallas North Fort Worth Houston North

512-244-3545 972-867-4100 214-687-0000 281-893-4484

Houston Galleria Houston West San Antonio Toll Free

713-629-4543 281-496-7386 210-349-7600 800-284-1525

ChampionsSchool.com Join us at facebook.com/ChampionsSchool Open to the Public; TREC #0005,

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Lone Star College Tomball Provider #0123

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www.nhometx.com For advertising information, please call 210.568.9688 or email info@nhometx.com.

For editorial comments and suggestions, please email info@nhometx.com.

TO REACH US: 5600 Broadway Ave. San Antonio, Texas 78209 Phone: 210.568.9688 Copyright © by NHOME Texas Magazine. All rights reserved.

Reproduction without the expressed written permission of the publisher is prohibited.

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contributors

PAULA CHRISTINE SCHULER Licensed since 2006, Paula Christine Schuler works with Red Door Realty of Keller Williams as a tech and transaction manager.

In addition, she studies journalism and interns as an opinion editor with The Ranger, an independent student newspaper serving San Antonio College. She also has a background in vocal work, including concert soloist, various chorals, public speaking and voiceover training.

GABRIEL DIEGO DELGADO Gabriel Diego Delgado is an art consultant at J.R. Mooney Galleries of Fine Art. He has spent almost a decade in nonprofit art management, serving as a curator of exhibitions at the Station Museum of Contemporary Art; the project manager of research and development at the Museo Alameda (a Smithsonian affiliate); the community outreach/ communications director for an art and education nonprofit; and a working professional artist. He is a freelance curator and arts reviewer for several publications.

His artwork has been shown in Arco 2012 (Madrid, Spain), New York, New York and MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) D.C., as well as numerous galleries and venues.

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KIM YOUNG

TONY FAMA

PATRICIA ZARS

Kim Young, a native Texan, is a broker/associate with BH&G RE Bradfield Properties who has been assisting luxury buyers and sellers in the San Antonio and Hill Country areas since 1999.

She is a third-year recipient of the coveted Five Star Professional Award for customer service and a past recipient of the Platinum Top 50 award. She is a mother of four, including twin daughters who recently turned 21. In addition to her real estate career, she is an author and co-author of the Creating Machine series, and she writes for various publications and websites.

Tony Fama is managing editor and host of 50PlusPrime, and a former investigative reporter at NBC, Detroit, and ABC, TampaSt. Petersburg. Fama is also a former weekday anchor at ABC, San Antonio, Texas.

Coming from a family of entrepreneurs and business owners, it was a natural progression for Patricia Zars to dive right into the family swimming pool business after completing her B.A. in Business Marketing. In summer 2003, armed with her entrepreneurial spirit, her degree and a lot of drive, she decided to pursue a career in real estate, the field her husband, Lane Rogers, already worked in. Zars has also completed the extensive broker's licensing requirements and obtained her broker's license on Feb. 1, 2012.

CHRISTIAN REED-OGBA

RITA ZENZEN HECK

CHRISTOPHER GREER

ANGELA CLACK

Christian Reed-Ogba launched her boutique PR firm, BethanyEast PR, alongside her husband, Uchennaya, in late 2012 after relocating from Detroit. Since then, she has garnered much recognition in the social media marketing and nonprofit public relations sectors of the city’s increasing small business sector. Reed-Ogba is devoted to increasing connectivity between entrepreneurs, local community influencers and their audiences. As a publicist, she has worked with a number of nonprofits, new technology and hospitality brands, and she takes time to write freelance for area blogs and editorials.

In her hometown of Chicago, Rita Zenzen Heck was a newspaper and magazine editor and TV copywriter. She currently lives in San Antonio and volunteers with the Majestic Theatre, the San Antonio Sports Association, the San Antonio Conservation Society, the San Antonio Council for International Visitors and the San Antonio Downtown Residents Association. Heck has worked for Stars and Stripes, Overseas Weekly and Made In Europe magazine, as well as in advertising and PR, before opening her own Creative Overflow. She added The Green Connection in 1995, also producing green building showcases and her own green building and education magazine and events. Since 1995, she has hosted and produced The Green Connection television show on digital cable channel 20, which airs Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.

Christopher Greer’s father, Terry Greer, is a design engineer who says, “as far back as I can remember, there was always a set of blueprints rolled up in a secluded corner somewhere in the house, along with a square, compass and a scale atop a work-filled desk.” So you could say design runs in the family! Fresh out of school, Christopher Greer went to work for a large commercial design/build firm. His work today reflects that experience.

“I’ll always be an architect first,” Greer says. “I approach projects with an artistic design mindset, and somehow I naturally see a finished product the moment I step foot into a space. My designs are always about form and function. It’s a trait I picked up from my father. I want people to enjoy the spaces we build for years and years.”

COMFORT CHEVANNES Comfort Chevannes is a tax and business consultant with more than 16 years of experience. She is a professor of accounting and tax and the host of the “Small Business Financial” radio show, and she has been in Texas for five years. Her goal is to bring more small business owners to success.

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Few people will confess a love of eating, but Angela Clack lists eating among her hobbies. She believes life is best experienced in the enjoyment of great food with family and friends. Her tastes range from casual street foods to exotic selections and fine dining. Clack enjoys traveling and uses it as an excuse to immerse herself in the local cuisine and culture. Raised on highly seasoned traditional Southern fare, she seeks out authentic food and dining experiences and documents her discoveries for other food lovers.

DESIGN, BUILD & RENOVATIONS

The perfect way to celebrate success!

7902 Calle Rialto, Suite 200 San Antonio Texas 78257 www.ckccustomhomes.com

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advisory board

PEGGY ZETTNER

MIKE HOLLAWAY

BELINDA VELA-REYNA

A realtor and real estate business owner since 1991, Denise Graves started the Graves Group in 2003 with the vision to offer extraordinary service to her clients, both locally and globally. The Graves Group has been in the Top 25 Real Estate Teams (SABJ) since 2005 and continues to set the standard for real estate in San Antonio and the Hill Country. With her 20-plus years of real estate experience in the area and her business mantra of “high tech, high touch,” Graves makes her properties stand out and keeps clients coming back.

San Antonio native Peggy Zettner has been in the wholesale interior design industry for more than 21 years. As president of Interior Trade Cartel Inc. (ITC) for the past 17-plus years, she has seen many changes in the local interior design market. And business has never been better. Zettner has always felt there was a need to bring more design product to the trade in San Antonio.

ITC currently represents more than 100 lines of product. ITC is an ASID industry partner, and it is very involved in the community. As a wife, mother, daughter, sister and aunt, Zettner stays pretty busy. She loves entertaining family and friends, and her newest passion has been getting involved personally in the community. Her two biggest passions are CASA and Wounded Warriors.

Mike Hollaway enjoys a well-earned reputation as one of the San Antonio area’s most prestigious builders of fine custom homes since 1992. One of his many well-earned awards was the 2008 Builder of the Year. He is a past president of the Greater San Antonio Builders Association; he holds graduate master builder (GMB) and certified green professional (CGP) designations from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB); and he is a voting director of the Texas Association of Builders and the NAHB. Hollaway currently builds throughout San Antonio, as far north as Austin and Horseshoe Bay and as far south as the Eagle Ford Shale. Some of his community involvement includes being a past member of Rey Feo court, and he is honored to have been chosen to build the 2013 St. Jude’s Dream Home.

Belinda Vela-Reyna is originally from Corpus Christi, Texas. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a Master of Science degree in Educational Guidance and Counseling from Texas A&M University Corpus Christi.

She retired from an 11-year career as a U.S. probation officer for the Western District of Texas San Antonio Division to stay home with her two beautiful daughters, Alexandria and Mia. She also has two amazing stepchildren, Danielle and John, and a wonderful husband. She has always had a passion for design, and she recently enjoyed renovating her new home with the help of Trent Hultgren.

BARRY DENTON

EDNA DE SARO

EASTON CRAFTS

KRISTAL POWELL

As the director of real estate sales at Cordillera Ranch, Barry Denton is dedicated to creating an environment where people work together to consistently exceed goals. Prior to joining Cordillera Ranch, he worked for Bluegreen Communities, starting as a sales consultant in 2000 and ultimately becoming the South Texas regional sales director in 2009. Denton also has a background in teaching and in the golf business, and he remains a member of the Professional Golfers’ Association of America. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, he has been a licensed real estate agent since 1991 and a licensed broker since 2005.

Edna De Saro is the senior vice president of Lone Star National Bank.

As marketing director of one of the fastest growing banks in Texas, De Saro is involved in the development and implementation of all strategic marketing objectives that include corporate branding, public relations and market positioning.

Easton Crafts is the CEO of Directions Equity LLC. He has been in the mortgage industry since 1995, and in that time, he has closed thousands of loan transactions of all types, including Conventional, FHA, VA, Texas Vet, USDA, Jumbo and Construction Loans.

He co-founded Directions Equity in 2007, along with his business partner Marc Spitzer, and together they have helped the company increase production more than 20 percent per year since its inception. Easton holds a degree in business administration with a concentration in real estate finance and mortgage lending. He is a member of the Texas Association of Mortgage Professionals and the San Antonio North Chamber.

Kristal Powell is the cofounder of CKC Custom Homes who serves as the driving force behind the beauty and elegance that is evident in the company’s finished homes. She uses a hands-on approach, personally assisting clients in the selection of paint, tile, cabinets and all aspects of design. Much of CKC’s success can be attributed to Powell’s passion for perfecting the unique style of CKC Custom Homes.

Nelson Enochs

DENISE GRAVES

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S PE C IA L ADVERTIS ING S ECTI ON

DI NE NHOME

IALSZLO/BIGSTOCK.COM

GIVE YOUR KITCHEN A BREAK TONIGHT AND DINE WITH US

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advisory board (cont'd) Frederick Costa continues to write his love sonnets in fine cuisine and wine and the latest creation is not only a new look for Frederick’s Restaurant — complete with a fresh menu featuring his latest French and Asian favorites offering a variety of tastes to try.

DALE PONDER Dale Ponder is the owner and operator of Cozy Outdoor Escapes, an outdoor living retail center focusing on customer service and high-end equipment. His career started in the electrical trades, where he held various positions in a large, nonunion shop in San Antonio, where he was raised.

He later entered the international market, project managing the construction of drug interdiction radar sites throughout South and Central America and owning and operating a telecommunication construction service company in Caracas, Venezuela. Ponder left the business in 2010 to pursue his passion for the outdoor living retail sector. He developed a business plan, and Cozy Outdoor Escapes opened to the public in March 2011.

REV. DR. CLAUDETTE COPELAND

Try our new Happy Hour appetizers and drink specials at our New Bar at the Broadway location!

To make reservations call #210.885.3782

www.frederickssa.com M O N D AY T H R O U G H F R I D AY: 11:30 a.m. — 2:00 p.m. lunch 5:30 p.m. — 10:00 p.m. dinner S AT U R D AY: 5:30 p.m. — 10:00 p.m. dinner

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Rev. Dr. Claudette Copeland has served in a variety of ministry settings, including the Hospital Chaplaincy and the Mission Field (in Haiti, South Africa, West Africa and East Africa), and is a former member of the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education. Copeland is a founding co-convener of the Women in Ministry Training Conference, serving aspiring and active women ministers in all seasons of their journey. She is married to the Bishop David Michael Copeland. She serves with her husband as executive pastor of the New Creation Christian Fellowship Church, a thriving nondenominational church in Windcrest, Texas, just outside San Antonio. Copeland also has a passion and appreciation for beautiful homes and exquisite décor.

GABRIEL DIEGO DELGADO Gabriel Diego Delgado is an art consultant at J.R. Mooney Galleries of Fine Art. He has spent almost a decade in nonprofit art management, serving as a curator of exhibitions at the Station Museum of Contemporary Art; the project manager of research and development at the Museo Alameda (a Smithsonian affiliate); the community outreach/ communications director for an art and education nonprofit; and a working professional artist. He is a freelance curator and arts reviewer for several publications. His artwork has been shown in Arco 2012 (Madrid, Spain), New York, New York and MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) D.C., as well as numerous galleries and venues.

TRISH NAJIM As a realtor and certified luxury home marketing specialist, Trish Najim prides herself in providing her clients a service to best assist them with their real estate needs regardless of whether they are sellers or buyers. Najim is with Keller Williams Realty Luxury International in San Antonio, and she is also a certified staging consultant and an interior design consultant. With her design background, she is able to work with buyers to visualize themselves in the home of their dreams, and to help sellers make their homes appealing to buyers.

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// dine //

Something Special ENJOY THE WIDE VARIETY OF FRESH SPRING DINING OPTIONS SAN ANTONIO OFFERS VISITORS AND LOCALS ALIKE. // BY: ANGELA CLACK

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Zulu chips and oysters will be available.

Thankfully, the calories from these treats won’t count because we’ll be walking them off (wink) as we eat. I can’t wait.

Fiesta will draw a number of tourists to San Antonio, and locals will also venture downtown and to other hot spots to get in on the celebrating. While Fiesta highlights primarily Mexican cuisine, visitors and locals alike will find a wide selection of sit-down dining options this spring.

Mexican cuisine

»

Among several great new destinations in the historic Pearl Brewery, La Gloria is

the vision of chef and San Antonian Johnny Hernandez. His concept highlights the rustic street food of Mexico with a menu of value-priced selections, including ceviches, beef, chicken, pork and fish tacos and Mexican pizza. There’s even a glossary to help diners decipher the choices.

»

Aldaco’s in beautiful Stone Oak has one of the city’s best views to round out an extraordinary dining experience. Go for brunch on weekends and sip a mimosa while you enjoy their chilaquiles.

» Featuring home-style Mexican and

FOODBYTES/BIGSTOCK.COM

TRUTH BE TOLD, I’ve eaten my fair share of foods on a stick. Who hasn’t? They’re fun and mobile. You can walk and chew and drink. Thankfully, spring is the beginning of festival season in South Texas. We have a number of celebrations ahead of us, including the Poteet Strawberry Festival and the Luling Watermelon Thump.

The biggest and best of all is San Antonio’s Fiesta celebration, where we’ll have an opportunity to sample an array of casual midway creations and some amazing cuisine at NIOSA, Taste Of New Orleans, Taste of the Northside and Fiesta Oyster Bake. Favorites like funnel cakes,

Tex Mex dishes first presented by the family’s beloved founder, the late Viola Barrios, Los Barrios and the Barrios family of restaurants are San Antonio favorites. Ms. Barrios’ legacy continues in the restaurants’ charming family atmospheres featuring the comforting cuisine diners have come to expect from this close-knit family’s kitchens.

»

San Antonians and tourists alike love Mi Tierra. It is a destination restaurant that boasts that it never closes. The landmark restaurant, located downtown, features an extensive menu of traditional comfort foods for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A delight to diners since 1941, the restaurant offers an amazing display of pastries and sweets in its famous bakery.

Italian cuisine

»

Be prepared to wait for a table during peak dining hours at Il Sogno Osteria at the Pearl Brewery. The wait will be well worth it once you’ve sampled the cuisine. Twice nominated for James Beard Best Chef honors, Chef Andrew Weissman has created a new favorite spot for diners looking for a taste of Florence.

»

TAIGA/BIGSTOCK.COM

Chef and owner Doug Horn is drawing crowds and national acclaim to his recently expanded restaurant, Dough. Diners get a taste of Naples from an oven brought in from Italy. Doug and Lori Horns’ commitment to replicate the great cuisine of Southern Italy is apparent in the restaurant’s selection of artfully crafted pizzas,

WHILE FIESTA HIGHLIGHTS PRIMARILY MEXICAN CUISINE, YOU WILL FIND A SIT-DOWN DINING OPTIONS THIS SPRING.

wide selection OF

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DELUXE MEXICAN DINNER

»

Piatti has become a draw for locals and tourists seeking a high-energy dining experience.

With two locations in the city, the newest restaurant includes a straightforward menu of panini, pizza and pasta at the picturesque Resort at Eilan.

Seafood

» Diners at Pappadeaux have their pick of

gumbos and other Cajun fare, including an alligator appetizer choice and even frog legs. Entrees include the usual fried favorites and combinations like their shrimp creole and grits. Their massive desserts are best shared. Split the sweet potato pecan pie with a friend after you’ve enjoyed the infamous swamp thing – a frozen must for tourists.

» Make the drive to McAdoo’s Seafood

Company in historic New Braunfels. It’s too late to sample their crawfish tamales (a holiday favorite), but you’ll be delighted with the broad menu of fried and grilled seafood, not to mention their amazing bloody mary bar. Choose your vodka and then top off your beverage with a selection of pickled veggies, cheeses and even bacon.

Two of my favorites

» I like MAX’s Wine Dive for their selection

of great wines and imaginative cuisine. Nacho Mama’s Oysters are a quirky take on nachos with crispy fried oysters atop wonton chips. This is great food, elegantly presented and served until midnight on weekends in the Quarry Market area.

MAX’s transforms the hot dog into a haute dog.

Their fried chicken is well worth the extra 15 minutes at dinner, and the wings are a delight served with a giant pancake at breakfast.

» Godai Sushi Bar & Japanese Restau-

rant has enjoyed years of critical acclaim as San Antonio’s best sushi thanks to chef and food artist Goro. Still among the best in town, Godai continues to delight with favorites such as the lobster and scallop tower – a beautiful pile of amazing seafood drizzled with a hint of truffle oil. Two of my favorite rolls on their sushi menu are the A&M topped with shredded crab and the Pokémon roll with deep-fried crawfish tails.

Spring is almost here. It’s time to get outdoors and celebrate. Eat something fun on a midway somewhere. Then sit down at a restaurant you’ve never visited before and enjoy something special. ■

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LA GLORIA http:// chefjohnnyhernandez. com/lagloria

ALDACO’S http://aldacosstoneoak.com

LOS BARRIOS http://losbarrios1.com

MI TIERRA http://www. mitierracafe.com

IL SOGNO OSTERIA http://atpearl.com/ food/restaurants/ il_sogno_osteria

DOUGH http://www. doughpizzeria.com

PIATTI http://www.piatti.com/ eilan

PAPPADEAUX http://pappadeaux. com/location/24

MCADOO’S SEAFOOD COMPANY http://www.mcadoos. com

MAX’S WINE DIVE www.maxswinedive. com/san-antonioeast-basse-rd

GODAI SUSHI BAR & JAPANESE RESTAURANT www.godaisushi.com

SHIPPEE/BIGSTOCK.COM

MI TIERRA

the burrata bar and the selection of fine Italian wines.

mitierracafe.com

210 225-1262

lamargarita.com

210 227-7140

In true fiesta spirit, Mi Tierra CafĂŠ and Bakery never closes, serving up art and culture along with its famous Tex-Mex dishes 24 hours a day.

La Margarita originated sizzling fajitas.

Two patios offer a friendly spot for dining al fresco and people watching.

Pico de Gallo’s vibrant atmosphere makes any meal a celebration. The restaurante is a favorite for its authentic home-style dishes.

Mariachi Bar is an exciting venue for live music, a festive place to celebrate the colorful tradition of Mariachi music at Mi Tierra in Market Square.

picodegallo.com

210 225-6060

mariachibar.com

210 225-1262

We welcome all major credit cards

Like Us On Facebook!

MARCH//APRIL 2014 NHOME /

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SAN ANTONIO

T W O L O C AT I O N S I N S A N A N T O N I O !

Mid-Week Power Lunches & Weekend Brunch. Happy Hour & Dinner Nightly.

Full Service Off-Site Catering. On-Site Banquets & Events.

Alamo Quarry Market 255 E. Basse Road, Suite 500 210.832.0300 Éilan Located on the Piazza 17101 La Cantera Parkway 210.251.3542 piatti.com | #piattiristo | facebook.com/piattirestaurant 24

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t he

bar

a t

boh

a n a n

’ s.

A New Bar With An Old Tradition.

An elegantly appointed Old World bar where cordial

Like the great old bars of the past, we dispense classic

bartenders practice their venerable art behind a

cocktails, exotic beverages and good cheer in a

46-foot bar of reverently polished cherrywood. The

civilized setting. Join us for drinks and hors d’oeuvres,

cheerful clinking of glasses punctuates the rich notes

then come upstairs to Bohanan’s Prime Steaks and

of the baby grand piano.

Seafood for the best steak you’ve ever had.

(210) 472 - 2 2 0 2

# 221 East Houston Street San Antonio, Texas

www . boh a n a ns . com

A !R C H / / A P R I L 2 0 1 4 N H O M E / C e l e b r a t e w i t h u s — t h e b a r i s o p eMn

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// OUTDOOR LIVING //

Above Beyond and

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/ NHOME MARCH//APRIL 2014

ANTHONY & SYLVAN POOLS:

THE CHOICE FOR SAN ANTONIO FAMILIES // SPECIAL TO NHOME // PHOTOGRAPHY: JASON ROBERTS

MARCH//APRIL 2014 NHOME /

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THE ANTHONY & SYLVAN CULTURE IS FOUNDED ON THE CONCEPT THAT CUSTOMER SATISFACTION IS ALWAYS THE PRIORITY.

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YEARS OF HAPPY, SWIMMING FAMILIES Whether it’s the east, the west or the rolling hills of Central Texas, families have chosen Anthony & Sylvan Pools for nearly 70 years. As a national company with local design experts, Anthony & Sylvan has crafted some of the most beautiful, quality custom pools in Boerne, Cibolo, Garden Ridge, Helotes and Schertz, as well as all across San Antonio.

POOLS BUILT FOR LIFE No matter what type or size of pool you desire, Anthony & Sylvan pools are meant to last a lifetime. Over decades of experience, they’ve developed, honed and used rigorous inspection standards to ensure your pool is built right and on time. They even offer a lifetime structural warranty, backed by the strength and stability that come from almost 70 years in the business.

THEY LISTEN The Anthony & Sylvan culture is founded on the concept that customer satisfaction is always the priority. They take the time to listen to the customer’s wants, which in turn, helps them determine the customer’s needs. Time and time again, customers are incredibly satisfied with the product, the personal service and a relentless commitment to satisfaction years after the pool is finished.

A-PLUS RATING FROM THE BBB Satisfied customers are just the beginning of the rave reviews. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has given Anthony & Sylvan an A-plus rating.

Google has five stars, and Consumer Affairs has recognized the company for outstanding ratings.

BUILDERS AT THE TOP OF THEIR FIELD When you choose Anthony & Sylvan to build your pool, you won’t find strangers just digging up your backyard. You’ll have onsite trained and experienced project and construction managers who live in Central Texas and MARCH//APRIL 2014 NHOME /

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will see the project through every phase. And you’ll have licensed and insured professional builders who share the same passion for pools as you have for finally owning one. Their skilled and expert craftsmen have thorough experience in designing and building pools in all types of environments, terrains and climates.

Plus, unlike some builders, their local locations are all company-owned, so you can trust that Anthony & Sylvan’s high standards are consistent throughout every department and every project.

DESIGNERS WHO BRING YOUR VISION TO LIFE Each pool or spa is crafted to be a beautiful, relaxing getaway right in your backyard. From cascading waterfalls to LED lights, Anthony & Sylvan will make your exact vision come true.

Their highly trained design consultants, all of whom are licensed and insured, will listen to what you want and provide you with amazing 3-D renderings to help visualize every detail. You are able to see precisely how your design will fit in your space – your pool comes to life before your eyes. And once your design is complete, they do everything they can to make sure you get the best pool products at the best prices.

GREAT COMMUNICATION IS THE CORNERSTONE Building a pool can be one of the biggest decisions you make for your home. And it’s a big transformation for your backyard. That’s why Anthony & Sylvan puts you in control throughout the entire process.

You’ll have your own local team who will get to know you and thoroughly discuss your ideal pool. You can depend on them to be open and proactive, and to communicate with you on every phase. Any questions you have will quickly be answered.

THE RIGHT CHOICE What’s more, Anthony & Sylvan offers the strength and stability of a national company staffed by experts who live right here in Central Texas, which means you can depend on them for years to come. In fact, after your pool is built, the company continues to stay in touch and request your feedback through customer satisfaction surveys.

Nearly 50 percent of all Anthony & Sylvan business comes from satisfied customer referrals – because going above and beyond is simply the culture of the company. When summer is coming, Anthony & Sylvan is the right choice for your backyard paradise. ■

For more information on Anthony & Sylvan Pools, visit www.anthonysylvan.com.

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50 PERCENT

NEARLY OF ALL ANTHONY & SYLVAN BUSINESS COMES FROM SATISFIED CUSTOMER REFERRALS.

MARCH//APRIL 2014 NHOME /

31

// OUTDOOR LIVING //

What’s New?

// BY: CHRISTOPHER GREER

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/ NHOME MARCH//APRIL 2014

Popular design choices for outdoor living can be a bit overwhelming and cause frustration for the average person at home. Thinking of a new project outside, but a little unsure where to start? Curious about what’s new? Before you overload your iPhone with hundreds of photos from numerous websites, I’ve taken a little time to create a short list of the most popular trends in outdoor living from a landscape architect’s perspective.

OUTDOOR MEDIA AND AUTOMATED CONTROLS Let’s just face it: People are like water – we all take the path of least resistance. Why get the old boom box out of the closet from college and plug in your phone with a cord when it’s so easy to have a wholehouse stereo? There are a variety of ways for the average listener or any audiophile to play all of their music on a Mac or Android device throughout the entire house and backyard and control it with their phone.

NOSNIBOR137/BIGSTOCK.COM

LOOKING TO PARTAKE IN THE FUN OF OUTDOOR LIVING? HERE’S A SHORT LIST OF WHAT’S TRENDING IN OUTDOOR DESIGN FROM A LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT’S PERSPECTIVE TO HELP YOU GET STARTED.

Over recent years, it has become more and more affordable to control your home with a single device. Automated control doesn’t end with your music; you can also control temperature, security, electronics, lighting and more – through a single device.

Outdoor media (television and music) is becoming more popular and can also be implemented with your home automation when designing.

PDB1/BIGSTOCK.COM

OUTDOOR LIVING ROOMS

OVER RECENT YEARS, IT HAS BECOME MORE AND MORE AFFORDABLE TO CONTROL YOUR HOME WITH A SINGLE DEVICE.

A trend that began a few years ago continues to inspire homeowners to think beyond terraces and decks. These spaces have more of the feeling and function of an indoor room: better furnishings, fire pits, curtains, custom lighting, televisions and audio systems. Some spaces are even designed as courtyards for greater privacy for a spa or relaxation.

Helping blur the line between interior and exterior, many people are choosing to bring in glass doors that open (accordion style or stacked sliding) the entire span of the exterior wall itself, making the transition from inside to out seamless. Also growing popular, especially in a secluded yard spaces, is the outdoor shower.

KITCHENS AND VEGETABLE GARDENS Interest continues to grow in healthy eating and outdoor food preparation of all kinds. Outdoor kitchens can be as simple as patio grills or as elaborate as fully built-in cooking stations, coupled with sinks, undercounter storage, beer taps, wine fridges, pizza ovens, refrigerators and solid-surface

countertops. With a kitchen in place, many homeowners even enjoy planting vegetable gardens, involving the entire family in the fun of outdoor life and healthy eating.

LANDSCAPING After years of not being able to water freely in South Texas, less grass and waterthirsty plants throughout both the front yard and the backyard are becoming more and more popular. If you really think about it, do you need all that yard space?

Imagine more bedding areas that have a mixture of patterned stone, mulch and gravels. Implement plants that won’t require you to spend your evening watering by hand or to sneak around SEAL Team 7 in the middle of the night to run your irrigation system.

(FYI: Prior to your next clandestine mission this spring, you know those annoying water police? Yeah, they monitor neighborhoods at night. Imagine this: They even have gate codes for the rich and famous!)

With so many options for the home today, it can be difficult to figure out options for any style of living. Try choosing a full-service design/build company (like John’s Landscaping) that can take your thoughts, wants and needs and then create a personal amalgamation of all photos you downloaded, pinned and shared on social media sites. Whatever the trend is, remember: This is as much art as it is science … so have fun with it! ■

For more information, visit John’s Landscaping online at www.johnlandscaping. com.

MARCH//APRIL 2014 NHOME /

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“Experience Living - Outdoors.”

We are located off the Southbound Frontage Rd. Btwn Bitters & Nakoma

SPRING is here!

Time for grilling, lounging and overall enjoyment of your outdoor escape!

All grills we carry are made in the USA and of the highest quality.

The Smoker by Primo is available & ready for you to take home today!

Come by our showroom & check out all we have to offer!

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210-276-0734

www.cozyoutdoorescapes.com

/ NHOME MARCH//APRIL 2014

MILE HIGH YARDWORKS Design • Maintenance • Irrigation • Sprinkler

830.626.3455

MileHighYardworks.com Please like our Facebook page “Mile High Yard Works” for exclusive deals and updates.

MILE HIGH YARD WORKS is your home for South Texas Lawn Care. It is our goal to provide you with the best selection of plants, fertilizers, and emergent that you will need to keep your yard in the best condition. The following tips for preparing your yard and garden for spring will give you an outdoor living environment that you will enjoy all summer. » Make sure all your lawn equipment is ready for summer activities.

» Top dress your lawn with manure compost.

» Check your irrigation system. Mile High Yard Works will run a full analysis on your irrigation system.

» For a greener, fuller lawn, apply a good fertilizer for your type of sod. Ask an expert at Schulz Nursery Marion to get you familiar with the perfect fertilizer for your yard.

» Use a pre-emergent to keep summer weeds at bay. We recommend the following products Amaze and XL, available at Schulz Nursery Marion.

it is the more water your new plants will need.

» Plant your plants before it starts to get too warm. Remember the warmer

» Thinking about saving water? Mile High Yard Works can install an automatic drip irrigation system for your entire property.

Drip irrigation is allowed through stages 1, 2, and 3 of watering restrictions in most municipalities. Keep your yard and landscape alive and beautiful this summer with drip irrigation.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Live music by The Judy and Chris Band on

MARCH 8TH, 2014

100 West Huebinger // Marion, Texas 78124

830.914.2384

Schulz Nursery Marion has been a local treasure since 1958. Great plants and great costumer service is the cornerstone of our organization. We have fresh rose plants are arriving February thru April. There are over 500 plants to choose from and numerous varieties of Modern and Antique roses.

Schulz Nursery Marion is also offering a wide variety of vegetable plants including numerous varieties of tomatoes, beans, squash, onions, broccoli, jalapenos, bell peppers, and more. Stop by the vegetable house to start your spring garden. Stop by the vegetable green houses to see what’s growing.

Did you know CPS Energy is offering a $50 REBATE on 5 gallon or larger trees, up to 5 trees per address? The 2013-14 Green Shade Tree Rebate program runs October 1, 2013 through April 30, 2014. Rebates are awarded on a first come, first serve bases and are available until funds are exhausted.

Tree species on the approved tree list are available at Schulz Nursery. Come by for more information.

Please like our Facebook page “Schulz Nursery in Marion” for exclusive deals and updates.

MARCH//APRIL 2014 NHOME /

35

// OUTDOOR LIVING //

IT’S SPRING – THE PERFECT TIME TO

EMBRACE THE GREAT OUTDOORS BY

ENHANCING YOUR OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE. // BY: KIM YOUNG

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/ NHOME MARCH//APRIL 2014

THERE ARE VERY FEW THINGS come spring that feel better than digging your hands into warm, sun-baked soil. “It’s time to put your pruning shears away and get your garden ready for spring planting – add compost and fertilizers for beautiful healthy plants,” said Caitlin Wylie, Schulz Nursery customer consultant. “While you’re here, check out our many dazzling rose varieties perfect to plant right now.”

I’ve always wanted a garden, but the

best I’ve ever had the time or energy for is a pot (clay pot, silly) garden. My friend, Debbie Thomas, president of Hill Country Nursery & Landscaping, is a wealth of information in all things green and growing. “When preparing the garden for planting,” she advised, “it is best to till under the dirt.”

And I think she mentioned that it’s good to start tilling the ground in early February – but that’s the part that definitely does not spell F-U-N in my

NINAMALYNA/BIGSTOCK.COM

Let Loose

“A CREATIVE PLAYGROUND IS ONLY HALF A CREATIVE SPACE; IT’S ALSO A

creative attitude.” book. So I called Tommy with Mile High Yard Works, who told me, “It’s time for homeowners to start up their lawnmowers again.”

He had some good advice: “Set the blade of the mower to the highest possible notch; this way, you are only removing the top third of the grass. Leaving it a little taller places less stress on the grass, promotes better root development, shades the ground, which prevents the soil from drying out as fast, and combats the development of weeds.”

But back to the fun stuff – Thomas gave me a list of herbs and veggies you might be interested in growing:

ONIONS: These can be put in the ground in January or the first part of February.

SWEET AND HOT PEPPERS, TOMATOES AND SQUASH: Plant these after the last freeze (usually in mid-March). If there’s a late freeze, cover them and they should be fine.

VIKTAR MALYSHCHYTS/BIGSTOCK.COM YELLEK/BIGSTOCK.COM

Some other spring favorites:

GREEN BEANS CUCUMBERS CANTALOUPE OKRA EGGPLANT All of these prefer warmer temperatures and do best when planted in April.

And if you have a green thumb and want to share your bounty with those of us who are “gardening challenged,” please give us a holler.

Not into gardening? Then maybe you’re the muscular carpenter type who would like to build me a deck, because I’m not talented in that area, either. Building a

deck is a great way to add another living space to your home. You’ll need a hammer, a drill, a circular saw and the wood, of course. You should probably call planning and zoning or your HOA to see if you need a permit – or call a professional like Fine Patio Design.

If you have a deck or plans to build one, you’ll want outdoor furniture, a manly grill and maybe a fireplace for ambience. Again, call a professional. There are several in San Antonio – Cozy Outdoor Escapes and San Antonio Patio Décor and Accessories can fix you right up.

Do you have kids (I have an empty nest, praise the Lord)? If so, you might be in need of a playscape. How elaborate are you thinking? Though most playscapes have the basics included, they are only limited by your imagination and pocketbook. Jay Beckwith, known as one of the “fathers of the modern playground,” wrote, “A creative playground is only half a creative space; it’s also a creative attitude.”

And it’s almost pool weather – I could use a tan. I’m sure you can find the name of a good swimming pool company for design and installation within the pages of this issue.

When spring fever kicks in and your mind focuses on the great outdoors, think garden, landscaping, deck, patio furniture, playscape and swimming pool. Do it yourself or call a professional.

If your great outdoors has outgrown or overgrown your imagination, call me. I’m a real estate professional, and together, we’ll find the right house for you so you can let your spring fever loose. ■

For more information, contact Kim Young at kimyoungrealtor@gmail.com.

MARCH//APRIL 2014 NHOME /

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➻ Pergolas ➻ Pavilions ➻ Arbors ➻ Decks ➻ Outdoor Kitchens ➻ Patio Covers

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Building and servicing pools since 1987

When Only The Best Will Do!

210.732.5202

www.SanchezPoolsInc.com 38

/ NHOME MARCH//APRIL 2014

A Sanchez Pool custom design can provide whatever you can dream up, with superior quality, integrity and unrivaled safety features. We can also build you a beautiful backyard Patio Cabana.

Sanchez Pools is licensed, insured and bonded. Sanchez Pools is also a member of the Better Business Bureau, and a Hayward select pool builder.

John’s Landscaping

Quality Innovation / Custom Design

Commercial / Residential / Landscape Lighting Flagstone & Masonry / Sprinkler Systems Lic 3715 4187 Stahl Rd. • San Antonio, TX 78217 • 210.320.2722

J O H N L A N D S C A P I N G . C O M MARCH//APRIL 2014 NHOME /

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// OUTDOOR LIVING //

Enhance Your Lifestyle THE EQUINOX LOUVERED ROOF: MUCH MORE THAN JUST A PATIO COVER // BY: KIM YOUNG

T

here are few places better than San Antonio for year-round outdoor living. And now, rain or shine, you can take control of your outdoor enjoyment with an Equinox Louvered Roof. Equinox is relatively new to San Antonio, according to owner Mark Tang. It’s a solar-powered and motorized patio cover with many uses at the touch of a button.

“A roof cover gives more function to an outdoor space, but an Equinox, with its ver-

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satility and easy open and close, enhances your lifestyle,” he explained. “It’s not just a patio cover. An Equinox Louvered Roof turns a seldom-used area into the favorite room of the house to be loved on and lived in with friends and family.”

Tang understands the value of outdoor living. Many of his customers are baby boomers moving into or living in their last home, and they quickly admit that installing the Equinox Louvered Roof was the best thing they did.

It comes in a good selection of colors and can be used over patios, courtyards, outdoor kitchens, spas and pools. The Equinox system accommodates any architectural style or roof pitch. It can also be freestanding.

Rain or shine, the new Equinox Louvered Roof™ system creates an outdoor living space that allows you to take control of when “The addition of Equinox louvers and how you enjoy the outdoors. The Equinox Louvered Roof™ system is a versatile, solar-powered, and motorized adjustable turned our backyard into our little parapatio cover that combines style and function to create or enhance your outdoor living space. dise we use almost year-round,” said Al Molinar, a repeat customer. “Prior to the louvers, the intense San Antonio sun made it difficult to enjoy our patio and outdoorAvailable in white and sandstone colors, the Equinox Louvered Roof™system kitchen. With the louvers, we control theenhances outdoor living areas, such as patios, courtyards, outdoor kitchens, amount of sunshine we want and need swimming pools, spas, and much more. Virtually any material and finish can be applied to achieve your desired look and feel for your outdoor living space including, but not limited in our entertainment areas. The remote to, aluminum, steel, wood, stucco, and paint. control makes it easy to open the louvers in the evening so that we can enjoy the moonlight. I’ve recommended the louvers to my friends and family. Mark Tang and Equinox are friendly, and their work qualThe Equinox Louvered Roof™ system is versatile enough to accommodate any ity is superb.” ■

“THE EQUINOX EQUINOX LOUVERED ROOF LOUVERS TURNED OUR BACKYARD INTO A LITTLE PARADISE WE USE ALMOST YEAR-ROUND.” STYLE

FUNCTION

architectural style, such as existing structures with gable or pitched roofs, bay windows, doors, or an angled roof or walls. The Equinox Louvered Roof™ system can also be engineered to be free-standing.

For more information or to schedule your

free consultation and design, contact With a touch of the button, louvers can be positioned anywhere within their 160-degree Mark Tang at 210-548-3015. range of motion for the exact amount of protection or ventilation desired. Also, the solar-

powered battery pack eliminates the environmental and personal finance impact because it does not require any additional energy.

ADJUSTABLE ROOFS Open or Close with the Touch of a Button.

CALL TODAY

FREE

for a Consultation and Design 210.548.3015 Closed for Shade or Rain

Open for Ventilation or Sun

Make sure to follow us on: • Adjustable • Solar Powered • Maintenance Free • 10 Year Warranty • Rain Proof

Opens to let the light in, or closed to keep summer sun and rain out. The roofing system can be positioned by remote control to any angle. Structures can be free standing or attached to your home and are ideal for courtyards, entry ways, outdoor kitchens, patio and spa areas.

www.equinoxtexas.com MARCH//APRIL 2014 NHOME /

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// functional design //

HOW TO GIVE YOUR HOME A FUN FIESTA MAKEOVER THAT WILL ALSO SET THE PERFECT TONE FOR SPRING IN SOUTHWEST TEXAS // BY: KIM YOUNG

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/ NHOME MARCH//APRIL 2014

GINAELLEN/BIGSTOCK.COM, ACIK/BIGSTOCK.COM

Viva Fiesta!

It’s that time of year again:

time to get your home décor Fiesta ready! (If you’re new to the area, one of the oldest Fiesta events, the Battle of Flowers Parade, started in 1891 in front of the Alamo to honor those who fought in the battle of the Alamo.)

With 11 days of Fiesta events all over San Antonio, there’s no excuse for you not to invite your friends and family into your home to join in the festivities. Decorating for Fiesta can be easily accomplished with a splash of color and a Fiesta wreath on the front door.

“At the Rustic Gallery, we love colors and everything at the store is about colors,” explain owners Ricky and Elizabeth Vasquez, “from our exotic kilim rugs from the tribal regions of

style with Texas ranch flair. According to Joseph Parker, “We pride ourselves in offering a different perspective and a variety of choices when furnishing your home.”

THE BEDROOM If there is a princess in the house, forget the pea – she’ll be dreaming of sugarplum fairies with all of the spring changes you can make in her room. You’ll put a smile on her face with bright and colorful bedding, matching bathroom towels, rugs, curtains and fresh paint.

For that Fiesta feel, string vivid ribbons and decorate them with Fiesta medals. And don’t forget to frame and hang your favorite Fiesta poster on the wall.

DECORATING FOR FIESTA CAN BE EASILY ACCOMPLISHED WITH A SPLASH OF COLOR AND A FIESTA WREATH ON THE FRONT DOOR. Iran and Afghanistan, to our tooled turquoise, yellow, red and green benches and chairs, to our mesquite wood dining tables with coral or copper inlay, to magnificent paintings of Mexican scenes like women swirling in their colorful rodeo outfits or charismatic portraits of indigenous people.”

If your home needs a major makeover, perhaps it’s time to donate your college furniture and invest in the good stuff. Classic or eclectic, rustic or folk art – the furniture choices and styles are endless.

The Rustic Gallery on 1604 in the Vineyard features eclectic custom design furniture pieces and accessories for home, ranch or office.

THE POWDER BATH Although the powder bath may seem like the least important place for a makeover, decorating the powder bath can be the most fun. Pull out that plain prefab cabinet and go shopping for something unique. An antique washstand or a folk art cabinet will add architectural style.

Selections for plumbing fixtures and sink bowls are almost endless. Top it all off with a decorative mirror and voilà!

This year, embrace your inner decorator. Viva Fiesta 2014! ■

THE KITCHEN Pull out the Fiesta ware. With 15 different colors available, it’s sure to brighten up any kitchen. Combinations are abundant when matching with placemats, napkins and napkin rings.

New dishtowels, window curtains and floor mats can also give your kitchen that spring/Fiesta feel.

DRASKOVIC/BIGSTOCK.COM

THE FAMILY ROOM Spring is the time to let the light shine in. Replace those dark, heavy curtains with something light and airy. Empty the fireplace of wood and replace it with a Fiesta floral arrangement and large candles.

If you have tile, wood or low-pile flooring, update it with colorful rugs. Throw pillows are also a fast and easy way to change the look of any room. And an accent piece such as a rustic bench or colorful folk art end table could make a world of difference in a bland room.

Agave Ranch Furniture & Accessories offers handcrafted oneof-a-kind designs at affordable prices. Their collections of eyecatching conversation pieces have the perfect blend of Hacienda MARCH//APRIL 2014 NHOME /

43

Trish Najim

NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY AND SELL A HOME! CALL ME TODAY! Check out my website www.TrishNajim.com Trish Najim REALTOR®, CLHMS

Call or Text 210.213.2531

GOT DESIGN SKILLS? ADVERTISE YOUR SERVICE IN OUR NEW FUNCTIONAL DESIGN SECTION.

tnajim@kw.com “

CONTACT 10 Dominion Dr. San Antonio, TX 78257

44

Each Keller Williams is independently owned and operated. / NHOME MARCH//APRIL 2014

ADAKU OKORO

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45

// green //

Whatta Way to Live!

CAREFREE OUTDOOR LIVING WITH FOUR CREATIVE SAN

ANTONIANS WHO HAVE A PASSION FOR CONSERVATION

// BY: RITA ZENZEN HECK

F

“INDOOR VERTICAL GARDENS ADD A TOUCH OF THE OUTDOORS INSIDE AND REQUIRE LITTLE CARE AND MAINTENANCE.”

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/ NHOME MARCH//APRIL 2014

our creative San Antonians who are passionate about preserving the environment have found alternatives to sprawling green lawns and super-expensive outdoor kitchens and entertainment centers. They have combined their conservation passion with awesome outdoor living spaces.

Landscape designer/xeriscape specialist Brian Hough tossed aside his lucrative international business career to design environment-friendly outdoor spaces for clients. Ireland transplant Jane McDaniel and her Scottish husband, Robert, integrated their hobbies and recreational loves into their own backyard.

Garrett Moench opened Green With Envy, which offers complete environment-friendly landscape design and maintenance, specializing in living green walls. And designer Gerald Wilson chose the high life with his oversized downtown penthouse terrace. All four have considered easy or no maintenance to add to the relaxed enjoyment of their special outdoor living spaces.

BRIAN HOUGH After earning his MBA and working in international business, Brian Hough observed the water-guzzling, high-maintenance landscapes around town and decided to make a difference. As the founding board member of Gardening Volunteers of South Texas, he pursued his idea of designing landscapes that not only respected the environment, but provided a truly peaceful atmosphere, for which he has

won multiple awards and local and national recognition.

“People can spend more time enjoying their outdoor living space instead of becoming a slave to mowing, pruning and high maintenance,” Hough noted. “And they can integrate their own special interests and hobbies into the plan, as well.”

Little or no grass, permeable ground cover paths and driveways and xeriscape plants are the nucleus of Hough’s landscape design approach. Drip irrigation, El Toro Zoysia grass, earth-friendly decomposed granite pathways and raised vegetable and/or herb gardens are key elements in Hough’s designs, which are customized to suit individual preferences.

“One client wanted a year-round outdoor space that included a comfortable seating area around a wood-burning fireplace in one section of the yard with a koi pond and multiple meditation spots along the way,” Hough said.

“Another wanted to combine her love of herbs and gardening with a relaxing hot tub. I try to make their dreams come true.”

JANE AND ROBERT MCDANIEL Relocating to San Antonio in 1994, Jane McDaniel was a journalist in Ireland and Germany, creating gardens and telling stories wherever she went. “Adapting to San Antonio’s hot/dry climate was a challenge at first, no Irish cottage gardens here, but we found a cozy ranch-style house on nearly a quarteracre near North Star Mall, which allowed us

JEAN AND SID DUKE WANTED IT ALL, SO BRIAN HOUGH DESIGNED A SERIES OF OUTDOOR SPACES, INCLUDING AN AREA WITH AN HERB GARDEN, TREES, SHRUBS AND A HOT TUB TO ENJOY THE SCENERY.

to create our own paradise,” she said with a smile.

Sprawling decks punctuate the backyard interspersed with herb, vegetable and flower gardens. A dance deck provides outdoor space for the couple’s favorite recreation: dancing. “We love dancing by moonlight,” McDaniel said, “and when it’s a bit cloudy, we have soft solar-powered lighting to brighten the space.”

After replacing two thirds of the front yard’s St. Augustine grass, including the easement with mulched flowerbeds, she is currently planning to revamp the remaining 259 square feet into a drought-tolerant rose and herb plot. “It cuts down on watering needs and makes for a much more interesting landscape,” she noted.

Having cultivated her avid storytelling in Europe, McDaniel is a member of both the local and national Storytellers Guilds.

She has designed stories to help children

cope with possible violent situations using drama and elementary school storytelling programs, and she recently initiated a program for Alzheimer’s patients.

“Using the time-slips method – awareness that Alzheimer’s patients live in the present, not the past – we use photographs to make up stories that illustrate what is happening in the pictures,” she said. “They love it.”

When it comes to gardening, McDaniel believes in “survival of the fittest,” and she plans her outdoor gardens accordingly.

GARRETT MOENCH Starting with a lawn maintenance service, Garrett Moench became more con-

“PEOPLE CAN SPEND MORE TIME ENJOYING THEIR OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE INSTEAD OF BECOMING A SLAVE TO HIGH MAINTENANCE.” cerned about the environmental aspects of outdoor spaces and looked for new ways to create green spaces and conserve waMARCH//APRIL 2014 NHOME /

47

and partial west side views,” he said. “Who could resist that?”

A sales/design associate of N House Design & Build, Wilson managed to fit most of his favorite things in the apartment, but he concentrated on the outdoor space.

Potted banana trees, herbs for cooking and colorful flowers and plants surround the barbecue and lounging areas.

“It’s amazing – everything I could ever want in one place,” Wilson smiled. “I like to cook, and now I have my own herb supply, a room with an awesome view … the perfect place to live.”

To highlight his penthouse terrace, Wilson has outlined it with twinkling lights, which can be spotted from a distance with fluttering banana leaves in the shadows.

Whatta way to live! ■

JANE AND ROBERT MCDANIEL SPOTTED DECKS THROUGHOUT THEIR LANDSCAPE, INCLUDING ONE DEDICATED TO “DANCING

BY MOONLIGHT.” ter. The result: Green With Envy, which is focused on living wall vertical gardening.

Inspired by the French botanist/author who has transformed concrete walls into lush vertical gardens, Moench is currently working on his biggest project: an 11-by40-foot wall on the rooftop lounge of the downtown Austin Marriott. “This project has been a challenge, but also very satisfying,” he said. “The vertical garden will have a built-in drip and water collection system and feature a wide variety of succulents and colorful plants.”

Perfect for small patios, especially apartment-sized, Moench creates a backing of recycled coconut, which has 10 4-by-4-inch pockets for inserting plants at a 45-degree angle and then attaching with a frame with eyelets can be hung either inside or out. The units are priced from $80 to $160 depending upon the plants selected.

“Indoor vertical gardens are becoming popular,” Moench said, “and add a touch of the outdoors inside requiring little care and maintenance.”

GERALD WILSON Outdoors lover Gerald Wilson, a former

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New York City man, wanted an environment-friendly urban apartment with lots of outdoor space, which is not easy to find in downtown San Antonio. Sacrificing indoor for outdoor space, Wilson settled on a 12th-floor unit at the Vistana Lofts

on Santa Rosa, a LEED-certified building designed by Michael Imber.

“The apartment was smaller than I wanted, just over 700 square feet, but it had a 400-square-foot terrace with unobstructed 270-degree views of downtown, south side

Creative Overflow/The Green Connection is located at 201 Barrera in San Antonio, Texas. For more information, contact Rita Zenzen Heck at 210-212-8031 or visit www.heckuvalife.com.

SHORT OF LAND SPACE? CONSIDER A VERTICAL GARDEN FOR YOUR PATIO AREA AS DESIGNED AND INSTALLED BY GARRETT MOENCH.

Pinnacle

Denise Graves Winner of the 2014

Award

Number One Top-Selling real estate professional at Phyllis Browning Company with sales production of more than $42 million in 2013

“We’ve been mastering the fine art of luxury real estate marketing since 1994, specializing in fine properties in the Hill Country. We’re backed by the experience and knowledge of Phyllis Browning Company – the most trusted name in South Texas luxury real estate for 25 years – and we look forward to helping you with all your real estate needs.”

– Denise and Bill Graves

The Graves Group The art of fine residential real estate

Denise Graves, Realtor®, CLMS, CRS, ABR, GRI I Office: 830-331-9898 I Cell: 210-260-2176 MI A Rwww.thegravesgroup.com CH//APRIL 2014 NHOME / 4 9

// real estate //

REALTOR PROFILE

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MAKING THINGS

HAPPEN

PATRICIA ZARS AND LANE ROGERS ARE ON THE MOVE – AND THEY’RE READY TO HELP YOU MAKE YOUR NEXT MOVE. // SPECIAL TO NHOME // PHOTOGRAPHY: JASON ROBERTS

P

atricia Zars and Lane Rogers are the proud owners of Zars & Rogers REALTORS. This power couple has spent nearly the past 18 years building a relationship together and more than 12 years building a successful real estate business with relationships as the key ingredient.

It all started in high school back in 1996 when these two first caught each other’s eye. It didn’t take long before they were serious about each other and serious about making things happen. Living in Alabama at the time, Zars and Rogers attended Auburn University together. However, it wasn’t long before Zars was itching to move back home to San Antonio. Having been in Alabama his whole life, Rogers was ready to make the move with her, and they were both ready for bigger and better things. So in 2000, they packed up and headed to the land of opportunity: Texas.

Once back in the Lone Star State, it was pretty natural for Zars to jump right into the pool business with her family. Her grandfather, Leif Zars, established Gary Pools back in 1954, and her father, Gary, and her uncle, Keith, were also running their own very successful pool companies in San Antonio. It just made sense for her to join in and put her business marketing degree to good use.

Having studied business finance, with a desire for unlimited earning potential, as well as no desire to have a “boss,” Rogers decided to start a career in real estate. He knew that in real estate, “you get out of it

what you put into it,” and he was willing to put in a lot. After getting his license in 2002, he spent two years studying and getting hands-on experience so he could get his broker’s license as soon as possible.

During that time, as he started getting more involved in the San Antonio real estate community, he suggested to Zars that she consider getting into the business. He knew she would love the interaction and the opportunity to build and grow lasting relationships. Plus, it could still work handand-hand with the family's pool businesses.

Trusting her husband (they married in April 2003), she left the family business and accepted a position in new home sales in July 2003.

In 2004, Rogers earned his broker’s license and left the world of franchise real estate companies to work as an independent broker. As an agent and broker, he has earned the following designations and certifications: • Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) • At Home With Diversity (AHWD) • Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (CRB) • Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)

• Graduate REALTOR Institute (GRI) • e-PRO • Resort & Second-Home Property Specialist (RSPS) • Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource Certification (SFR) • Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) The real estate market was thriving, and they were loving it. While still in new home sales, Zars got her real estate license in 2008. This allowed her to be more involved with some of Rogers’ transactions. The ultimate goal pretty quickly was in clear sight: They would start their own real estate company together. But the timing needed to be just right.

Finally, with more than eight years of experience under her belt, as well as tons of great relationships that had been created over those years, Zars decided in May 2011 to make the move to general real estate and join Rogers, and they established Zars & Rogers REALTORS. In February 2012, Zars also earned her broker’s license.

From the get-go, Zars and Rogers wanted Zars & Rogers REALTORS to be unique.

Relationships, community involvement and philanthropy would be the cornerstones of

RELATIONSHIPS, COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND PHILANTHROPY ARE THE CORNERSTONES OF ZARS & ROGERS REALTORS. MARCH//APRIL 2014 NHOME /

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Kim Young Has been working with luxury home buyers and sellers achieving their real estate goals in the San Antonio/ Hill Country market since 1999.

Call her today!

KimYoung Broker/Associate Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Bradfield Properties

210.240.1883

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Kim Young is a third year recipient of the Five Star Professional Award as seen in Texas Monthly / NHOME MARCH//APRIL 2014

FROM THE GET-GO, ZARS AND ROGERS WANTED THEIR BUSINESS TO BE UNIQUE. their business. They didn’t simply want to provide real estate services; they wanted to be considered trusted advisors and community resources. They wanted not just to know the market and how to buy and sell in it, but also to know what was happening in and around it.

This brings us to where they are today: They have developed Zars & Rogers REALTORS into a company that provides residential and commercial real estate services, including selling property, buying new and pre-owned properties, leasing homes, apartments, office and retail and property

management. They are also 2014 Platinum Top 50 REALTORS of San Antonio finalists.

They currently have 10 additional agents working in their company, all who share their passion and drive to make things happen. They are active in the community and actively growing as a company. They are on the move and ready to help you make your next move. ■

For more information on Zars & Rogers REALTORS, email info@zarsandrogers. com.

PATRICIA ZARS has been nominated and is currently running for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) Woman of the Year 2014. The LLS is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and to improve the quality of life for patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services.

The Woman of the Year campaign runs from March 20 through May 31.

Please visit www.facebook.com/patriciazarslls to stay up-to-date on the progress of Zars’ campaign, campaign events and ways you can help and donate.

Television Show

Premiering January 25th Then every Saturday afternoon at 1:30 pm on

HOSTED BY:

Virginia Tovar Yamin A weekly 30-minute TV show featuring multi-million dollar luxurious homes that are FOR SALE by some of the TOP SELLING REALTORS in and around the San Antonio, Boerne, and Fredricksburg areas.

You’ll also hear from a variety of experts in the upscale home industry offering TIPS, IDEAS, and TRENDS on:     

Home Interior Design Pools  Art  Tile & Stone Elegant Accessories Furniture  Automobiles And so much more!

www.luxurioushomeliving.com For more information on how to be on the show, contact 210.683.3711 MARCH//APRIL 2014 NHOME /

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// real estate // “You can’t judge a book by its cover,” this is exactly what happens the majority of the time. Searching for a home really is a

A Great Start CURBSIDE PRESENTATION: YOUR CHANCE AT MAKING – OR BREAKING – THE FIRST-TIME IMPRESSION

// BY: PATRICIA ZARS

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WE’VE ALL HEARD the old saying, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” Studies have shown that in the first few milliseconds of our observing something, we not only unconsciously comprehend what it is, but decide whether or not we like it.

When it comes to real estate, curb appeal – a property’s overall appearance from the street – is more than likely the aspect of your home that will get to make the first impression. Potential buyers will do their initial drive-by, whether online or in person, to narrow down the best prospects and quickly eliminate undesirable options. Based on the home’s curb appeal, or exterior attractiveness, they will very likely make assumptions about the home’s overall condition.

While we have also heard the saying,

process of elimination. Poor curb appeal could easily lead to a home being eliminated before potential buyers even get a chance to see inside.

This means that no matter how perfect the layout is, how great the interior features are or how well-staged a home is, it may never make the list of showings simply because the curbside presentation isn’t up to par.

We all know we are supposed to de-clutter the insides of our homes before putting them on the market. De-cluttering is just as important when it comes to the outside – and quite often, this important step in preparing your home for sale gets forgotten or overlooked.

Put away the garden hoses, the sprinklers, the yard tools and even the unnecessary nick-knacks – not everyone appreciates the yard gnome. A good pressure wash or some fresh paint can really add a lot of life to a home. And of course, a well-manicured lawn and spruced-up landscaping really go a long way. Seasonal flowers are a great way to add a pop of color, and fresh mulch does wonders – this is easy to do and well worth the minimal cost.

Your home’s exterior should demonstrate a pride of ownership. It should inspire curiosity and entice prospective buyers to want to see what’s inside. Better curb appeal will make your home stand out and set it apart from the other homes on the market. By paying close attention to what buyers will see first, you not only add to the chance of getting them inside to see what your home has to offer, but you also add to the home’s value in the buyer’s mind – and you quite possibly add to the bottom line, too.

Curb appeal is where people start when they’re looking to buy, so it’s wise to make curb appeal the first place you start when you start preparing your home to sell. ■

MARIANA PAVLICH/BIGSTOCK.COM

YOUR HOME’S EXTERIOR SHOULD DEMONSTRATE A PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP.

THIS FAMILY’S RELOCATION to Kentucky is the reason this 4/3.5 custom on large cul-de-sac lot is available. Over 3900 SF of space, pool, outdoor kitchen with 2 grilling units, firepit, kitchen with Wolf cooktop, large living area, study and excellent storage, priced at $649,000

GERMAN REPRODUCTION home

by Richard Laughlin on 28 acres with views into downtown Fredericksburg.

3228 SF of living space in main home with the Hill Country flare you will appreciate and Laughlin homes have won so many awards for; plus guest quarters over the garage. Excellent landscaping, this is the package you have been waiting for. $968,000

When location, luxury and quality are important to you, then you should consider this energy efficient ICF home on 22+ acres just outside the Fredericksburg city limits. 3200+ SF, 3/2.5 with room to expand the upstairs, custom details, pool, garden areas and horse friendly soils with Ag exemption. $1,190,000

116 E. Austin | Fredericksburg, TX 78624 Office: 830-990-8708 | Cell: 830-456-6327 | Fax: 830-990-8906 www.remax-fbgtx.com

Dennis Kusenberger GRI, CRS, Broker/Owner RE/MAX Town & Country | dennisk@kusey.com Each office independently owned and operated.

MARCH//APRIL 2014 NHOME /

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// arts & culture //

Western Sophistication THE BRISCOE WESTERN ART MUSEUM PRESENTS “NIGHT OF ARTISTS,” ONE OF THE MOST COVETED AND SIGNATORY WESTERN ART EXHIBITIONS IN THE UNITED STATES. // BY: GABRIEL DIEGO DELGADO

T

he Briscoe Western Art Museum’s mission is to preserve and interpret the art, history and culture of the American West through engaging exhibitions, educational programs and public events reflective of the region’s rich traditions and shared heritage. And they do this with the help of the annual “Night of Artists” exhibition (March 30 through April 27).

In its 13th year, the “Night of Artists” exhibition at the Briscoe Western Art Museum spotlights the nation’s top Western artists in the museum’s Jack Guenther Pavilion. With more than 60 artists, the Briscoe will bring together a wide array of contemporary Western art in the midst of San Antonio’s own Contemporary Art

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Month. Landscapes, wildlife, cowboys, Native Americans and various other Westernthemed images have made this one of the most coveted and signatory Western art exhibitions in the United States.

“The Briscoe Museum’s ‘Night of Artists’ art sale and exhibition represents one of the region’s leading contemporary Western art shows,” said Dr. Steven M. Karr, executive director. “We are pleased and excited to invite both Western art collectors and San Antonio’s many visitors to view this impressive compilation of works created by many of today’s top Western artists.”

Newly opened in October 2013, the Briscoe Western Art Museum has been diligently adding to its repertoire of Western

THE ARTWORK IN THE

“NIGHT OF ARTISTS”

EXHIBITION IS OF AN ELEVATED ARTISTIC CALIBER.

art inside and out. With grandiose sculptures at street level, as well as at the San Antonio Riverwalk entrance, the Briscoe’s first impression is notable. Now, couple that with an exhibition surpassing a decade of Western sophistication, and you cannot help but know the artwork in the exhibition is of an elevated artistic caliber. “‘Night of Artists’ is the largest fundraiser for the Briscoe museum with proceeds benefiting the institution,” noted Yadhira Lozano, head of communications, in the museum’s press release. “The exhibition coincides with San Antonio’s largest annual cultural event, Fiesta, bringing more than 250,000 visitors to the Alamo City each year.”

Also each year, the Briscoe Legacy Award is given to an artist whose body of work has left a lasting impact on the

Art Museum, among many other galleries and invitationals throughout Texas.

On the other hand, Keathley’s altering aesthetic and mastered skill set has anchored his stature in the national art community. Keathley has evolved from his nostalgic country time renditions of long-forgotten farm lives, to a prolific assortment of Texas landscapes, to paintings that are able to capture a timeless era of scenic engagements, often involving heroic and stoic cowboys and war-painted Native Americans.

Keathley was previously awarded the Patrons’ Choice Award for his “Native Sun” painting in last year’s “Night of Artists” at the Briscoe Western Art Museum during the inaugural year of the newly renovated building.

This year, Cavin is presenting a new

Her territory or a gaze of curiosity … you want to risk it? Keathley gives us that option in “Miss Texas.” The full and lush landscape that surrounds this majestic beast is widespread with bluebonnets, cactus and live oaks – all signature Texas. The curving skylines and rolling mountainsides give us an almost infinite epiphany of grandiose eloquence of his cherished Lone Star State.

Wisps of clouds act as inviting heavens, filling the space above the horizon.

The longhorn, in all her regal girth, positions herself in a stoic and solitary stance, finding warmth, comfort and contentment in the fading light. Keathley’s rays cast soft shadows along the spotted coat, giving linear exaggerations to the prominent head adornments. A true specimen of Texas pride, “Miss Texas” captures all that is Texas – a nostalgic collective memory in

THE BRISCOE’S MISSION IS TO PRESERVE AND INTERPRET THE ART, HISTORY AND CULTURE OF THE AMERICAN WEST. Western art world. This year’s recipient is sculptor Sandy Scott of Wyoming. Previous winners include Bill Owen, Martin Grelle, Howard Terpning, Clark Hulings, G. Harvey, Kent Ullberg and Ken Carlson. Other awards for the exhibition include Artists’ Choice, Committee’s Choice and Patrons’ Choice.

Not only are there notable national artists in this exhibition, but many local talents, as well, including two San Antonians: Cliff Cavin and Mark Keathley. Cavin is a regionally celebrated impressionistic landscape painter – a colorist whose lingering light firmaments and shadowy plains, deserts and woodlands have secured his legacy in the Southern United States.

Cavin touts several distinguished museum exhibitions, including showings at the Dallas Heritage Museum, the C. M. Russell Museum and the Briscoe Western

series of landscapes and wildlife in an aesthetic of simplistic interpretations. “Morning Light,” a small 12” by 24” oil painting, is a dynamic horizontal of Ghost Ranch, N.M. Buttery filters cloud the foreground; our eyes squint from the sun’s haze. The mountains in “Morning Light” create a strata of earth-tone plateaus, mimicking the parallel denominations that break up the composition of the piece. Vertical shadows play a juxtaposing alignment, filling the landscape with cavernous angles within the topography and brush.

Keathley’s artwork submissions for “Night of Artists” range from longhorns, bluebonnets and menacing wild hogs to imposing Native Americans and nocturnal Pony Express interpretations. One of his significant paintings for this year’s exhibition is “Miss Texas,” an 18” by 24” oil painting of a Texas longhorn.

the hearts and minds of those who choose to remember.

Be sure to check out other nationally respected contemporary painters and sculptors in this year’s “Night of Artists” such as Scott, Ullberg, John Coleman, T. D. Kelsey, Logan Maxwell Hagege, Doug Hyde, Billy Schenck and Kim Wiggins. ■

Cliff Cavin and Mark Keathley are represented by J.R. Mooney Galleries of Fine Art. To view more of their work, visit www.jrmooneygalleries.com. The “Night of Artists” art sale is a ticketed event. To reserve tickets, call 210-299-4499. And the Briscoe Western Art Museum is located at 210 W. Market St. in San Antonio, Texas.

For hours and a schedule of events, go to www.briscoemuseum.org.

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// arts & culture //

Celebrating Texas Talent

MARCH IN SAN ANTONIO LAUNCHES THE 28TH ANNUAL CONTEMPORARY ART MONTH WITH AREA POP-UPS, GALLERIES AND MUSEUMS. // SPECIAL TO NHOME

T

wo decades of Contemporary Art Month (CAM) recognition in San Antonio has had a colorful backdrop of change, evolution, growth and maturity, from the 1986 conception to a 2003 institutional independency, to the recent 2010 July/March month flip and finally, the 2012 induction of the “Perennial” exhibition and CAMx (artist exchange program). A devoted online presence and a dedicated events calendar listing not only educate the public on dates and times of varied openings, events and happenings, but double as financial drive generating revenue to the umbrella CAM nonprofit overseeing the month-long art festivities.

The CAM website proudly presents Leslie Moody Castro as the curator for the 2014 CAM “Perennial” exhibition and CAMx, creating an artistic partnership with Mexico City, which is concentrating their efforts with three main events: the CAM Kickoff Party (Thursday, March 6); CAMx (Friday, March 14, at the Warehouse behind the Monterey); and the CAM “Perennial” exhibition (Friday, March 21, at the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center).

In addition to these signature openings, artists throughout San Antonio will be showcasing work in a wide variety of ventures from gallery art exhibitions and various spontaneous art happenings to non-traditional pop-up spaces – all collectively supporting the same mission of showcasing the contemporary arts community of Texas.

With a preemptive and unofficial kick off

by Bihl Haus Gallery and their On/Off Fredericksburg Road Studio Tours, more than 72

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OVER THE PAST TWO DECADES, CONTEMPORARY ART MONTH HAS HAD A COLORFUL BACKDROP OF CHANGE, EVOLUTION AND GROWTH.

artists in the Art Deco area of San Antonio opened their studio doors on Feb. 22 and 23 to allow patrons a firsthand look at the unique experience of an artists’ studio environments – an intimate moment that can forge new relations, build clients and uncover emerging talents.

Bihl Haus followed up this venture with a solo exhibition of San Antonio artist Albert Alverez at the Main Gallery at 2803 Fredericksburg Road for an official CAM event.

Not-to-be-missed exhibitions include some established galleries, as well as fly-by-night pop-up spaces. R Gallery, co-owned by Smithsonian artist Alex Rubio, will spotlight an exhibition called “Nueva Generación,” consisting of an all-female roster – giving voice to the emerging talents of the Blue Star Contemporary Art Museum’s Mosaic program.

Mercury Projects, under the direction of San Antonio artist Antonia Richardson, will be hosting the “Color of Blind” exhibition, a showing of textured artworks commissioned to be touched by the visually impaired, coupled with an artist residency open house.

Sala Diaz will grab for viewers’ attention with an all-star art cast and a curatorial superstar in “Happy Homemakers: The Pleasures and Perils of Domestic Life,” featuring artists Melanie Crader, Francesca Fuchs, Rachel Hecker, Mick Johnson, Jim Nolan, Stan Shellabarger, Dutes Miller and Jenny Schlief, and curated by the renowned Toby Kamps of the Menil Collection, Houston. Plazmo Contemporary, co-run by post pop-punk San Antonio artist Louie Chavez, will be hosting a solo exhibition by Jessica Garcia titled “Practice Makes Perfect.”

SAY Sí, a year-round, long-term, nonprofit multidisciplinary after-school arts program, will be showcasing their annual “Small Scale Work for a Larger Cause” exhibition and auction that includes more than 100 local artists, while combining four event dates that include preview and award night, the 20th anniversary celebration of the institution and the coveted art auction.

One unique pop-up art exhibition, a spotlight of artists at a non-traditional art gallery space that is not to be overlooked, is titled “Lines.” A group exhibition featuring the artworks of James Saldivar, Rebecca Coffey, David S. Rubin, Louis Vega Trevino and Gabriel Diego Delgado, “Lines” includes a spectacular art squad that includes San Antonio artists who are also museum curators, gallery directors, board members and prominent and regionally recognized talents. “Lines” pops up at 1910 Fredericksburg Road next to Saldivar’s studio and the signature Woodlawn Theatre in the Art Deco District.

Saldivar, the founder of 2nd Sight Studios, explains the concept behind the exhibition: “Line is one of the fundamental artistic gestures that we all begin to explore as soon as we can begin to hold a pencil, a crayon, a marker, etc. The urge to make a mark utilizing line is a primordial urge to record time and space, to develop motor skills, to recite or pray. However, the controlling and understanding of line can only be achieved through weight, technique and practice. Each artist in ‘Lines,’ the

exhibition, uses line in a different way, whether through formal applications for shading and volume, organic renditions that seem subconscious, repetitive insistences for formulated patterns, mixed abstract gestures and purposeful outlining proportions.”

Highlights from “Lines” include several key players in the San Antonio art community. The quasi-scientific circle drawings of Ruben, San AntoMARCH//APRIL 2014 NHOME /

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CONTEMPORARY ART MONTH EXHIBITIONS IN SAN ANTONIO Three Walls Pop-Up Gallery The Warehouse 1119 S. St. Mary’s San Antonio, Texas 78210

R Gallery 110 E. Lachapelle San Antonio, Texas 78204 210-793-8899

High Wire Arts 326 W. Josephine St. San Antonio, Texas 78212 210-827-7652

Manuel Rocha Iturbide Solo Exhibition

“Nueva Generación” Group Show

Robert Wilkens, Liu Qing and Cody Stewart Group Show

Southwest School of Art 300 Augusta St. San Antonio, Texas 78205 210-224-1848

Mercury Projects 538 Roosevelt San Antonio, Texas 78210 210-478-9133

SAY Sí 1518 S. Alamo St. San Antonio, Texas 78204 210-212-8666

Tracy Lynch Solo Exhibition

“The Color of Blind” Exhibition Open Studios for Resident Artists Group Show

“Small Scale Work for a Larger Cause” Exhibition & Auction Group Show

Sala Diaz 517 Stieren San Antonio, Texas 78210 972-900-0047

2nd Sight Studios 1910 Fredericksburg Road San Antonio, Texas 78201 210-849-0369

“Happy Homemakers: The Pleasures and Perils of Domestic Life” Melanie Crader, Francesca Fuchs, Rachel Hecker, Mick Johnson, Jim Nolan, Stan Shellabarger, Dutes Miller and Jenny Schlief Group Show Curated by Toby Kamps (Menil Collection, Houston)

“Lines” Gabriel Diego Delgado, James Saldivar, Louis Vega Trevino, David S. Ruben and Rebecca Coffey Group Show

3rd Space Art Gallery (Inside Gallista Gallery) 1913 S. Flores St. San Antonio, Texas 78204 210-212-8606 “The Right Place” Kim Bishop Solo Exhibition

Bihl Haus Gallery 2803 Fredericksburg Road San Antonio, Texas 78201 210-383-9723 Albert Alverez Solo Exhibition

Blue Star Contemporary Art Museum 116 Blue Star San Antonio, Texas 78204 210-227-6960 Rosane Volchan O'Conor in the Main Gallery Claire Watson in the Middle Gallery Paul Rodriguez in the Project Space Mira Natyshyn in Gallery 4

Grindstone Gallery and Studio 111 Lone Star Blvd.

San Antonio, Texas 78204 210-275-5087 Open Studio and Demonstrations by Resident Artists

Plazmo Contemporary 1101 West Woodlawn San Antonio, Texas 78201 210-837-0561 Jessica Garcia Solo Exhibition

nio artist and Brown Foundation curator of contemporary art at San Antonio Museum of Art, project a subconscious or automatic technique of circles – swarming clusters of organic matter, cellular manifestations or galactic entities spiraling into infinite expansiveness with a colorful twist.

Saldivar, who is also a curator/board member for the Contemporary Art and Literature Organization’s (CALO’s) Una Noche de La Gloria, demonstrates his controlled chaos in a new series of drip paintings. Microscopic worlds of gravitationally forced

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Lady Base Lady Base Gallery (Inside Gallista Gallery) 1913 S. Flores St. San Antonio, Texas 78204 210-212-8606 “SHORT STORIES” KimBishop, Giovanna Carrola, Chris Castillo, Jenni Cutrer, Celeste DeLuna, Dani Dickson, Jenelle Esparza, Audrya Flores, Anel Flores, Josh T. Franco, Suzy Gonzalez, Antonio Lopez III, Shannon Gowen, Genevieve Rodriguez, Andrew Leo Stansbury, Fabiola Torralba, Rosalynn Warren and Claudia Zapata Group Show

viscosity, the drips become a language of lines, reading like sheets of music and voicing the deliberate marks and actions made by the artist. ■ For more information on On/Off Fredericksburg Road Studio Tours, go to www.onandofffred.org. CAM events and listings are available at www.contemporaryartmonth.com. And more information on 2nd Sight Studios is available at www. jamessaldivar.com.

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WATERPARK

NIGHTLIFE

BIRDING

RELAXING SURFING SCENIC BEACHES

SANDCASTLES

JET SKIING KITEBOARDING

SAILING

HORSEBACK RIDING 64

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SCUBA DIVING

ECOTOURISM

FISHING

retreat. relax. rejuvenate.

Experience refined relaxation close to home at the Mokara Hotel & Spa, the most highly acclaimed hotel in San Antonio. As the city’s only Forbes four-star hotel, Mokara has appeared on Condé Nast Traveler’s “Gold List” for five consecutive years and was named one of Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best Hotels” for 2010.

Reserve the Rejuvenation Spa Package and enjoy luxurious accommodations on the River Walk with breakfast each morning, plus a $150 spa credit at the award-winning Mokara Spa and complimentary valet parking, from $369.

©2014 Mokara Hotels & Spas

866-605-1212 210-396-5800 mokarasanantonio.com MARCH//APRIL 2014 NHOME / 6 5

// great escapes //

Relax and Regroup THIS SPRING BREAK, TREAT YOURSELF TO ONE (OR MORE) OF THE MANY URBAN SPRING STAYCATIONS THE ALAMO CITY HAS TO OFFER. // BY: CHRISTIAN REED-OGBA

SAN ANTONIO’S MUSEUMS ARE PULLING OUT ALL THE STOPS THIS SPRING BREAK.

WHO SAID SPRING BREAK is just for college coeds? Taking a mid-year break can refresh any corporate decision maker or entry-level hopeful. For the college student, anxious for graduation and tired of their rambunctious classmates, spring break can bring many options to relax and regroup. And San Antonio has the perfect selection of cozy, cool and quaint venues that will put mere guided tours and party-drunken beaches to shame.

Delight to a degree Finals are fast approaching, homesickness has waned and your job search can be compared to finding the thread for the needle, lost in the communal haystack. That’s nothing a good Swedish or hot stone massage, endless watermelon agua fresca and a fresh

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Get back to giving back For years, spring break has been about relaxing, blowing off steam and regaining your bearings, but in recent years, students and young professionals have been using

ÉILAN HOTEL RESORT AND SPA

new hairstyle can’t fix. The Mokara Hotels & Spas, located in downtown San Antonio, is an oasis. The attentive staff members anticipate their guests’ every move and make for an enlightening and relaxing experience.

There is no shortage of rooftop pools

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among San Antonio’s collection of resort hotels. A favorite among many includes the Westin Riverwalk, with its views of the Riverwalk, the Tower of Americas and perfect sunsets and sunrises. It has ample seating and both an adjourning bar and a gym. Voted one of the top downtown hotels among corporate travelers and families, the Westin Riverwalk even boasts a four-star restaurant, Zocca Cuisine d’Italia, where renowned chef, Jeff Foresman, creates a stunning Sunday brunch buffet complete with local and international favorites.

the time to take account of their place in growing communities. Programs like Alternative Spring Break and SA2020 provide breakers with experiences in charity fundraising, youth mentoring and community service.

MOKARA HOTELS & SPAS

MOKARA HOTELS & SPAS

Sip and see So you’re not too old for the monthly Mural Bike Tour hosted by San Anto Cultural Arts, but you may be beyond putting in work to see beautiful, original art. San Antonio’s museums are pulling out all the stops during spring break. For starters, the San Antonio Museum of Art is hosting a rare showing of Andy Warhol collectibles. Commissioned in 1977 by Richard Weisman, “The Athletes” features screen-printed portraits of the likes of O. J. Simpson, Dorothy Hamill, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Muhammad Ali. Up the street and around the corner, the Witte Museum is featuring a historical

collection of artifacts and photographs depicting Mexico’s last empire. “Maximilian and Carlota: Last Empire in Mexico” is hosted in conjunction with the Trinity University Press scholar preview.

Urban oasis Retreating to the calming countryside is ideal for any vacation. But a 14-hour flight will add stress to an otherwise de-stressing getaway, so

why bother? Consider the Éilan Hotel Resort and Spa, which has an architectural aesthetic reminiscent of an Italian village. The expansive grounds house an Olympic-sized indoor swimming pool, a gym and a number of fine dining restaurants and shops. Just minutes away from The Shops at La Cantera, the Éilan Hotel Resort and Spa also gives guests great savings on a full selection of spa services. ■

MOKARA HOTELS & SPAS www.mokarahotels.com

SAN ANTO CULTURAL ARTS www.sananto.org

THE WESTIN RIVERWALK www.westinriverwalksanantonio.com

SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF ART www.samuseum.org

ALTERNATIVE SPRING BREAK www.utdallas.edu/springbreak

THE WITTE MUSEUM www.wittemuseum.org

SA2020 www.sa2020.org

ÉILAN HOTEL RESORT AND SPA www.eilanhotel.com

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// finance //

Redesigned for Success PROFITABILITY. It’s what every business owner wants – that’s why business owners go into business. Making money is what impels people to spend 60 hours a week away from the people they love, with the hopes of providing a comfortable life for their families and leaving a legacy for their children. Every entrepreneur desires the freedom to chart their own course doing something they love and make money doing it.

THE KEY IS TO OPERATE FROM A PLACE OF WISDOM.

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// BY: COMFORT CHEVANNES

But how to be a successful business owner is not a class you can take in college. In fact, most successful business owners have gotten to their place of achievement the old-fashioned way: working hard. The process probably involved frustration, challenges, deals gone bad, trial and error, decision regrets, depleted savings, tearful nights, fasting and prayer and sadly, even broken relationships. That’s the side people seldom talk about. What’s also not spoken of is the uncertainties of whether all the right things are being done, and if so, why is the business still struggling.

Imagine operating your business with confi-

CHAGIN/BIGSTOCK.COM

THE SEVEN-STEP MAKEOVER FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

dence, where you are no longer wondering what to do to attain success or how to achieve it – and the best part is that you are consistently profitable and growing. Now that would be truly fabulous – a breath of fresh air and an inspiration. Many business owners have transformed their enterprise by redesigning their business for success with time-tested principles that are essential to the growth of any business. The key is to operate from a place of wisdom. While every business owner’s vision and goals are different and each industry has its own unique operating standards, every business owner still wants peace of mind – to be recessionproof and profitable.

Here are seven things you can start with to put your business on the path to success, as noted on “Small Business Financial,” a radio program on Talk 1370 that educates small business owners and gives them a platform to talk about their products, services and events. (The seven recommendations are listed in no particular order.)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Opening Doors to the American Dream

Develop a financial plan. Include in your plan three to five additional ways you can bring in more income this year.

Make sure your current business structure is the right one, as it will determine how you and your business will be taxed.

Make a performance adjustment. Start doing the right things to get the right results, and stay positive with right thinking.

Implement an efficient operating process that includes a contingency plan to minimize the impact of glitches.

Build relationships with your business banker, CPA, attorney and insurance agent. Think of them as your business partners.

Keep your books current and organized, and review your financial statements monthly. This is a great way to monitor costs and plan your budget for the next month.

Know what taxes you are responsible for, and pay them on time to avoid issues with the federal and state taxing authorities. ■

For more information, visit www.smallbusinesstexas.com or contact Comfort Chevannes, MST, at 210-459-4041.

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// active adult living //

Back to the Basics BABY BOOMERS: LIVING

HEALTHIER LIFESTYLES WITH DIET AND WORKOUT

// BY: TONY FAMA

HOWARD FEINBERG was 57 when he had a heart attack. He thought he was in pretty good shape – “but I didn’t eat well,” he said. “In fact, I ate horribly. People who used to work with me … used to know that we had a closet that was chock full of chocolate and pretzels and all this stuff. And we work in a high-stress environment, and a lot of us ate our stress. We’d walk to that closet a dozen times a day; I was the worst culprit.”

Sandy Roberts is a dietitian with some simple advice: “getting back to just basics. Are we eating fruits and vegetables, which are such an important part of our diet? Are we getting two and three servings of fruit a day?

Are we getting – wow – five to nine

servings of vegetables that we need every day?”

Feinberg has followed that advice, and it’s helped him shed 80 pounds in a year-and-a-half. “So, no-fat yogurts.

Fish. Chicken. Tofu. Nothing processed. Nothing fried. All cooked well,” he said. “That’s the first thing.

Second thing was fresh vegetables and fruits. Again, that could be cooked – that’s fine. But no sauces.

No bread crumbs. No nothing.

Absolutely no cake, no ice cream, no desserts. Zero. Zip.” But diet is just one important part of a two-part approach to a healthier lifestyle. According to Ernie Bernhard, a physical trainer, for older Americans looking to improve their health, diet and exercise must be part of the same program. “What the baby boomer needs to do is go ahead and start walking and doing the bike nice and slowly. That will get you there – and the proper diet,” he said. “And the way to do it? It’s a package deal.

The diet has to be there in conjunction with the exercise.”

For Feinberg, there’s no turning back. “If I could give anybody advice, first of all, don’t wait for the heart attack.” ■

Howard Feinberg’s story was featured on 50PlusPrime, a TV news magazine for baby boomers that is broadcasted every Sunday at 6:30 a.m. on WOAI TV 4, San Antonio.

Visit www.50plusprime.com for more information.

DIET IS JUST ONE IMPORTANT PART OF A TWO-PART APPROACH TO A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE. 72

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MARCH//APRIL 2014 NHOME /

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// community inspiration //

“

IT IS A BLESSING TO BE A BLESSING TO SOMEBODY ELSE.” 74

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Perpetual THE

GIF T

CARLA WALKER AND RENEE “JOY” MCGHEE SHARE THEIR AMAZING, LIFE-CHANGING STORY OF LIVING DONOR TRANSPLANTATION. // BY: PAULA CHRISTINE SCHULER // PHOTOGRAPHY: JASON ROBERTS

FOUR HOURS, THREE TIMES A WEEK. No, that was not going to be her story. If she had to go on dialysis, she would rather just go – say goodbye. Then during a checkup with her doctor, he sent her to the emergency room with no explanation.

He knew. It would be easier to get her on dialysis if she was already in the hospital when she learned about it; otherwise, she may never go.

That evening, Carla Walker was so distraught that her nurses called her doctor of seven years, Dr. Alan Merin. At 9 p.m., he came to her side to hold her hand for her first session, during which a machine was given access to her vein through a special port that had been installed in her body. Emotional and in tears, Walker asked Merin, “I am controlled by this machine?”

That traumatic evening was in early 2013, and Walker was in renal failure. For the next nine months, she shared the openarea dialysis clinic with many other patients. Clinic patients attend appointed time slots, four hours, three times weekly. Privacy, it seems, is not a luxury dialysis patients enjoy; however, it may be best that they don’t. The life-and-death situation of dialysis draws them close to other patients, and they become a kind of support group for each other. Even when language barriers get in the way, patients share their stories and lab results through eye contact, gestures and the aura generated by experiences with raw dependence, vulnerability and mortality.

»

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W

RENEE “JOY” MCGHEE; DR. FRANCIS WRIGHT JR., DIRECTOR OF THE

ABDOMINAL ORGAN TRANSPLANT PROGRAM AT THE METHODIST SPECIALTY & TRANSPLANT HOSPITAL; AND CARLA WALKER

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alker said each patient acquires a set of comforts kept at the clinic for their appointments: special blankets gifted by family, pillows and good reads.

Her mother gave her a lovely mink-looking blanket and a special bag. These comforted her through the cold clinic temperatures and stress. She said hope arrives in the stories of good lab results after someone finally follows the diet. It helps to share their life stories, kids’ birthdays, etc. Stress enters with nurses flying to rescue a clinic-mate’s drop in blood pressure. Pain moves through the clinic souls as a patient’s legs cramp in agony; friends hurt alongside and nurses heal.

Walker didn’t ask for a donor. She couldn’t ask for such a huge gift. But her friend, Claudia Coleman’s, quest commenced immediately. Coleman volunteered first. In spite of being a perfect match, testing also revealed diabetes. Walker said Coleman told her she didn’t know if she should be excited to be a donor and learn she had diabetes or if she should be mad. Disqualified, Coleman searched for another donor for her friend. Three more failed to qualify.

Finding a donor is hard. Walker said, “Everybody is terrified – scared to be a donor, scared of what they might find out about their own body.”

She said the doctor told her the only problem about her needing a kidney was that she is African American and they just don’t donate kidneys.

Minorities think they cannot give up something because they are used to having higher rates of diabetes and such. He told her they do not realize they can live a perfectly normal life with one kidney.

Instead, potential donors generally ask, “Why would we need only one if God gave us two?”

A light-skinned African American, Renee “Joy” McGhee, said she was calling her friend weekly to check on her. “Then one day it dawned on me to see if I was a match. I never thought about it,” she said. “I make sure my organ card is signed if I pass away, but never considered being a live donor or being educated about it.” Walker and McGhee had connected through their community service roles on a school board.

McGhee said Walker got discouraged when the fourth donor learned of diabetes and was disqualified. She said Walker was just really struggling. “I was trying to encourage her. I was having financial issues and challenges. Sometimes I wondered if I had the right words.” Walker remembers McGhee calling her every week. It wasn’t long after other donors were disqualified that McGhee called with her own offer.

“She called me almost in tears,” Walker said. “Joy is a single parent with her own business and four kids. Two kids have kids. Two are in college. She is a PTA president at a school her kids don’t attend – our alma mater, Sam Houston. She is a big community worker. Joy has somewhere to go almost every night. She is president of her neighborhood association.”

Walker asked McGhee, “Are you sure this is what you want to do?” Both women said that McGhee answered, “I already prayed over it. God spoke to me. Nothing is going to change my mind.”

In Walker’s non-dialysis life, she worked as a parent liaison for School of Excellence. She did a lot of community work, too. She met McGhee while serving on the school board for School of Excellence. McGhee didn’t realize her colleague was in renal failure until Walker had been on dialysis a few months. When she learned about it, she began to call her more often to check on her. McGhee describes Walker as having a real passion and heart for making things happen for the students and the school. She kept in touch with Walker after Walker’s time on the board was done because they both shared a passion for community service.

McGhee walks by faith as she serves family and community.

Her conviction remained firm as she went through tests and screenings, visited a social worker and had a psychological profile, EKG and MRI done. She said everything was OK except her weight. She had to lose 25 pounds to be a donor.

There were three shots and her medical insurance had to line up, as well. The hardest part was scheduling time off work. Donation is a whole package: the kidney, plus personal time off and any financial or social consequences. McGhee’s commitments reached far and wide into family, church and community. Coordination came hard.

The surprise of her journey came in people’s attitudes toward her choice. As an adjunct professor for Alamo Colleges, she said she even had a student stop her class and ask, “Are you sure? You are giving part of your body. It doesn’t make sense.” She said this was the common response she received when people learned what she intended to do.

After months of delays, Walker had not heard from McGhee for three weeks. She assumed the worst: McGhee had backed out.

Instead, she got the call. Her donor had finally found a full week in her schedule to allow for surgery and recovery.

McGhee described the preoperative gathering of family and friends as jubilant. On Dec. 18, mothers, children and church members as good as blood family gathered to hug and pray.

McGhee never doubted her choice.

Living has been different since the day life and freedom

WALKER AIMS TO CONTINUE COMMUNITY SERVICE WITH A NEW ANGLE: EDUCATING

SAN ANTONIO ABOUT LIVING DONOR TRANSPLANTS.

RENEE “JOY” MCGHEE; CARLA WALKER; AND DR. ALAN J. MERIN, NEPHROLOGIST

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“

passed from one soul to another in the hands of the expert staff at Methodist. It has been better. Both Walker and McGhee shared that their lives are richer, more connected and deeper, and their faith is fuller and more abundant than ever.

On day one after surgery, Walker said she couldn’t believe how refreshed she felt – like a brand-new person. That was when she realized she had been really sick. “I was up out of bed and telling friends, ‘I can do the cupid slide!’” she said. It was the best feeling she ever had. Her doctors said that these are the kinds of transplants they love to do. The kidney started working immediately.

Spiritually, it has changed her. She said she realizes just how awesome God is. Miracles do happen, she said, adding that she did not have negative thoughts about transplants, dialysis and diabetes, but looked at it like it was a curse. “There was something I must have done

The public praise McGee has received for her donation has been uncomfortable. She describes herself as enjoying her privacy.

She ran for the school board and knows there is a time to be out front, but she does not really enjoy it. She said it is hard on her, but she does it because it is needed for her to serve. She shares her donation story to encourage others to consider life with one kidney as an opportunity to give and empower another to keep on living and giving.

She does not see her donation as a single gift, but as many gifts to many people – a gift that continues because Walker continues to give to her own family, school, community and church.

“It is a blessing to be a blessing to somebody else,” she said. “They can go on and help others, too. It is a perpetual gift. I try to share that with my students. I tell my students their life is a brightly gleaming

IT WAS LIKE GOD SHOWED ME I WAS NEVER PUNISHED – I WAS SPECIAL.” in my past; I was being punished,” she said. “It was like God showed me I was never punished – I was special. It is like if you are going through cancer or something, it makes you special – draws you closer to him.”

She took off her glasses and blotted her sudden tears with a napkin at Jim’s Restaurant. With her mother sitting next to her, she said, “I wouldn’t do any of it any differently.

I am so thankful to have gone through it. All I want to do is ensure people it is going to be OK. I questioned God, ‘why me?’”

Walker declares herself second mom to McGhee’s daughter and has volunteered to babysit. Walker’s friends declare her to be glowing. The doctors document amazing results. Antioch Baptist Church testifies of God’s miraculous goodness.

McGhee returned to work the following Monday, just as she planned. Her life, her ongoing service to her students, her family, her neighborhoods and God remain anchored in faith. She has more family support than ever, and more family since both sides of the transaction have opened their arms to each other.

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treasure. When they share it with others, it makes the world a brighter place.”

When asked how she feels about what she has done, McGhee recalled a turning point when she was 16 or 17. She said she was crying and told God she wanted to end it all. Then she heard him say, “Do you feel this pain you are in? Do you want others to feel this? Get up and make people’s lives better.” So she got up.

Walker dreams of achieving many new goals. With her future stretched out in front of her, she aims to continue community service with a new angle: educating San Antonio about living donor transplants. She wants people to know how possible it is for donors to continue to live a normal life after they give a normal life to someone else. ■

San Antonio is the nation’s leader in kidney transplants. Carla Walker reported people coming from Asia and Europe to receive transplants in this city. For more information on living donor kidney transplants, visit www.texastransplant.org.

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// community inspiration //

Community Magic IN THE ALAMO CITY, ENTREPRENEURS STILL BELIEVE “IT TAKES A VILLAGE.” // BY: CHRISTIAN REED-OGBA // PHOTOGRAPHY: SARAH BROOKE LYONS

THERE IS SOMETHING about the team-

“I WANTED THE PROJECT TO END WITH A BANG! AND I WANTED IT TO CHANGE A LIFE.”

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work aspect of San Antonio entrepreneurs – something that can’t be explained by experts in strategy and process management. It’s the magic of the community that is growing here.

Take, for instance, Macy Duke, a seemingly regular, happy and active 5-year-old who loves her mother and three siblings and attends school, but sadly, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2012. To draw up support and to keep family members informed on little Macy’s treatments, her mother launched a Facebook fan page – Macy’s Messengers – where she constantly posts thank-you notes to supporters, updates on Macy’s care and words of inspiration for anyone else finding themselves fighting from the inside out.

The page caught the eye of San Antonio photographer Sarah Brooke Lyons, who also attends church with the Duke family.

Lyons was preparing to wrap her “1,005 Faces” project, where she, for one year, set out to take 1,005 individual portraits of San Antonio residents in an effort to show just how diverse the city has become.

“I wanted the project to end with a bang!” she says. “Of course, we had touched 1,005 people, and it was DreamWeek, so there was going to be a big party.

But personally, I wanted it to change a life.”

As the coveted 1,005th photo was quickly approaching, the entrepreneur and single mother came up with the idea to auction off the coveted spot on eBay – and donate all of the proceeds to Macy Duke and her long list of necessary treatments.

But it was what happened next that launched this auction into a giving spree.

Having taken my very own “1,005 Faces” photo months ago, I invited a few friends to one of the last shoots, meeting up with Lyons and others at the Friendly Spot in Southtown, San Antonio. One guest was Armando Montelongo, a top executive for local businessmen, a real estate investor and a star of A&E’s “Flip This House.”

Word got through the grapevine quickly, a bidding war ensued and by midnight, the coveted last photo had been bought by Montelongo for a whopping $2,225 – well beyond the expected $1,000 Lyons had hoped to raise for Macy.

Montelongo went on to take the now renowned last photo live on “Great Day SA,” then surprised Lyons, and Macy, with an additional check for $1,005 – that’s $1 for each of the portraits that were taken. It’s a deed that was followed by anonymous donations to Macy in the same amount – putting an entirely new spin on the proverb, “it takes a village.”

When entrepreneurs in San Antonio come together for a worthy cause, everything is possible. ■

YES, we’ve built an even better website!

We’re excited to announce the brand-new NHOME Texas website is officially up and running!

Visit www.nhometx.com for up-to-date articles in your favorite sections, photos, events and more!

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TABITHA KING 210.414.4255 82

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// events //

Cooking for the Best THE GSABA SABPAC PRE-RODEO CHILI COOK-OFF RAISES FUNDS TO HELP SUPPORT POLITICAL CANDIDATES WHO ARE PRO-HOUSING AND PRO-BUSINESS. TEAMS COMPETE FOR BEST CHILI AND BEST BOOTH, AND THERE ARE AWARDS FOR BEST BUILDER CHILI AND PEOPLE’S CHOICE. // PHOTOGRAPHY: JASON ROBERTS

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// events //

Spring Into the Season CELEBRATE THE COMING OF WARMER WEATHER AT ANY OR ALL OF THESE EXCITING EVENTS GOING ON IN THE ALAMO CITY.

MARCH 1 – 29 Spring Jazz at the Falls Concerts 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at The Shops at La Cantera Many known jazz performers will take the stage and entertain

visitors at the mall. These performances include local favorites and national artists. Bring your lawn chairs. For more information, please visit www.theshopsatlacantera. com.

MARCH 6 CAM Kick-Off 6 to 9 p.m. at Blue Star Contemporary Art Museum Come check out the newest exhibitions. Artists include Rosane Volchan O’Conor, Claire Watson and Paul Rodriguez, just to name a few. There will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by music, complimentary beverages and mouth-watering food. For more information, please visit www.bluestarart.org or call 210-227-6960.

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MARCH 7 Alpha Home Doorways of Home Luncheon 11:30 a.m. at the Omni Hotel Speaker George “Iceman” Gervin, an NBA Hall of Famer and former Spur who won three consecutive NBA-scoring titles, will speak about a 20-year road of recovery after overcoming drug addiction. For more information, please visit www. alphahome.org or call 210-735-3822.

MARCH 7 Art History 101 5:30 p.m. at the San Antonio Museum of Art The San Antonio Museum of Art presents a nine-part lecture series by Professor Annie Labatt about great masterworks of Western art. For more information, please visit www.samuseum.org or call 210978-8100.

MARCH 12 – 30 “Wicked” The Majestic Theatre Returning to San Antonio after three years, “Wicked” is a San Antonio favorite that will sell out as usual. This is a Tony award-winning musical that Entertainment Weekly crowned “Musical of the Decade.”

For more information, please visit www. majesticempire.com.

ROUTE 66 PHOTOGRAPHY/BIGSTOCK.COM

MARCH 18 Sculptor and Olympian Peter Schiffin 7 p.m. at Northwest Vista College Northwest Vista College will host acclaimed sculptor and Olympian Peter Schiffin, whose large-scale sculptures in bronze are displayed in private and public commissions from coast to coast, including an art exhibit at the 2012 London Olympics. For more information, please visit www.alamo.edu/nvc or call 210-4864527.

MARCH 20 North Star Gives 6 to 8 p.m. at North Star Mall This is a celebration of women who are making a philanthropic contribution or providing services to impact the San

Antonio community. The women go above and beyond and set examples of what volunteerism is all about.

For more information, please visit www.northstarmall.com.

MARCH 21 “Raisin’ Cane – A Harlem Renaissance Odyssey” The Carver Community Center Jasmine Guy will wow the audience with this look at the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s. It will be an evening full of music, dance, acting and culture. For more information, please visit www.thecarver. org.

further the organization’s mission to bring people and animals together for healing.

For more information, please visit www. therapyanimalssa.org or call 210-6146734.

MARCH 29 Family Health and Wellness Fair 10 a.m. at the Hardy Oak Medical Pavilion The Institute for Women’s Health and Northeast Pediatric Associates will present “Watch Your Health Bloom,” which is focused on helping women, children and families learn how to live healthy lives in every area. For more information, please visit www.ifwh.org.

MAY 3 Beaux Arts Ball ZaZa Gardens The American Institute of Architects (AIA) San Antonio will hold its most important annual fundraiser. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, please visit www.aiasa.org.

MAY 21 APRIL 10 – 27 Fiesta San Antonio 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 2611 Broadway Thrills and chills will fill the air at one of the best carnivals in the land. For more information, please visit www.fiesta-sa. org or call 210-227-5191.

APRIL 22 – 25 NIOSA La Villita Come explore authentic food and live entertainment at the one and only Night in Old San Antonio. This event will be held downtown at the historic little village of La Villita. For more information, please visit www.niosa.org or call 210-226-5188.

APRIL 26 Fiesta Pooch Parade Alamo Heights Swimming Pool Therapy Animals of San Antonio presents the Fiesta Pooch Parade, which will help

Red Dot 2014 7 to 11 p.m. at Blue Star Contemporary Art Museum The Red Dot is San Antonio’s most highly anticipated art sale of year, providing the opportunity to purchase contemporary artwork selected by collectors from around the state and to support San Antonio’s premier contemporary art institution. For more information, please visit www.bluestarart.org or call 210227-6960.

JUNE 21 – 29 Parade of Homes The Dominion Whether you are in the market for a new home or just looking to get some great ideas from San Antonio’s leading green builders, Parade of Homes is the place to be. For more information, please visit www.sanantoniobuilders.net or call 210696-3800.

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DEAR ADAKU:

AT NHOME MAGAZINE, WE ARE PROUD TO SHARE SOME POSITIVE FEEDBACK AND PERSONAL STORIES CONTRIBUTED BY OUR VALUED CLIENTS, READERS AND FRIENDS.

DEAR ADAKU:

I have a client in Missouri named Julie Durand (a former San Antonian) who saw both of our articles online before I even did! She called to congratulate us on the write-ups, and she inquired as to the cost of one of the chairs that we featured from Hancock and Moore. Thanks!

Nan Krigbaum Interior Trade Cartel

DEAR ADAKU:

Writing this story – hearing Carla and Joy speak of their personal journey through their living donor kidney transplant – inspired and educated me. I, too, had said in days past that I would never go on dialysis if something ever hap-

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pened. That has changed.

Living donation also seems a more real possibility for my own life. Such a gift is not a one-time gift.

Priceless beyond a single immeasurable price, Joy’s gift to Carla impacts a whole community of school children, parents, neighbors, the Martin Luther King and DreamWeek events, as well as the continued legacy and heritage of East Side civil rights activism. What a blessing it is to have met them and heard their hearts, and to know them. I call them friends and look forward to sharing in their life ongoing.

Paula C. Schuler Leticia Sanders Red Door Realty of San Antonio Keller Williams

/ NHOME MARCH//APRIL 2014

Wyndy Foster Sales Coordinator Mid America Mortgage

DEAR ADAKU:

NHOME is a great publication catering to anyone in San Antonio who is interested in professional home advice or designers’ insight for a new project, making it the go-to publication for anything residential. I’m an avid reader, business advertiser and writing contributor for NHOME and can’t say enough good things about this periodical or its affable staff.

Christopher Greer Vice President/Designer John’s Landscaping

EKOSTSOV/BIGSTOCK.COM

Letters to the Publisher

NHOME magazine is a great resource! I truly appreciate this magazine as a way to keep up with what is new and happening in real estate and learn more about other great businesses and services here in San Antonio. I love the way NHOME serves as a classy stage for realtors, lenders and other business owners to showcase what they have to offer. Each page is appealing and exciting to read. I love NHOME magazine!

Model Homes now open

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Award Winner

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Iron: • Doors • Wine Cellars • Railings • Balconies • Gates • Fencing • Light Fixtures Installation: • New Construction • Remodeling Tile: • Travertine • Marble

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/ NHOME MARCH//APRIL 2014