INSIDE
Medical guide pg.10 Bringing you the most recent news and latest trends in health care
Converse
Vol. 2, Issue 1
What's
INSIDE your community
Sportsplex to open soon in Universal City pg 08
live oak
universal city
COMMUNITY NEWS
windcrest
07/2014
LIVE OAK GEARS UP FOR BUSINESS, IMPROVEMENTS pg. 03 New hotel, convention center coming to town
Vacant land on Loop 1604 will be site of 38,000-square-foot facility
pg. 12 BUY LOCAL
UNDER THE SEA CHILDREN’S DENTISTRY
Assisting those who served country pg 09
After the Battle Support Center in Windcrest serves veterans’ needs
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coupons INSIDE Discover the city through LOCAL deals from restaurants, retailers and services in your community, and save money while you do it! PG. 15
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Pediatric dental care in a fun-filled environment
pg 14 Thriller writer thriving in Schertz Psychotherapist’s career as novelist reaping awards
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From the editor wwright@salocallowdown.com
President Harold J. Lees Publisher Gregg Rosenfield
TxDOT projects set to continue
Assoc. Publisher Rick Upton
ow that the Texas Department of Transportation’s $24 million Interstate 35 project is winding down, the agency is focusing on other road improvements sure to affect Metrocom drivers.
Editorial Executive Editor Thomas Edwards Managing Editor Will Wright News Staff Collette Orquiz and Bain Serna Contributing Writers Rose Mary Budge, J.E. Jordan, Miranda Koerner, Arthur Schechter and Wynton Thomason ART Creative Director Florence Edwards Advertising Design Pete Morales Contributing Photographer Joshua Michael Advertising Account Managers Ken Bennett, Dawn Radick and Joe Rieras Controller Keith Sanders
Start saving with Rebates from CPS Energy. Annita received a big rebate for replacing two AC units. Get your energy reducing, money saving rebate today at cpsenergysavers.com.
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READER SERVICE Mailing Address 4204 Gardendale Ste. 201 SA, TX 78229 Fax Phone (210) 338.8842 (210) 616.9677 Advertising Inquiries rupton@salocallowdown.com Story Ideas tips@salocallowdown.com Website www.salocallowdown.com LOCAL Community News publications Zone 1: 78204, 78205, 78209, 78210, 78212, 78215 Zone 2: 78213, 78230, 78231, 78248, 78249 Zone 3: 78216, 78232, 78247 Zone 5: 78108, 78132, 78154, 78266 Zone 6: 78258, 78259, 78260, 78261 Reproduction in whole or in part without our permission is prohibited, 2014 Helen Publishing, LLC and Local Community News, LLC, all rights reserved. For advertising, customer service or editorial, please call us at 210-338-8842 or write to us at: Local Community News 4204 Gardendale Ste. 201 San Antonio, TX 78229
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6/20/14 11:22 AM
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There are ongoing projects in Comal County – at FM 306, Loop 337 and Seguin Avenue in New Braunfels, and expanding both lanes of U.S. 281 north of Spring Branch. TxDOT spokesman Josh Donat said the I-35 project should be “totally complete” by the end of July, as Dan Williams Co. crews are focusing on finishing the south-to-north FM 3009 turnaround lane and both FM 1518 turnarounds. “We’re getting to the part where we’ll just be doing punch-list items here and there,” Donat said, adding nightly lane closures should continue until the end of the month while workers complete tasks closer to the I-35/Loop 1604 interchange. Donat said expanding a small section of 337 just west of the Rueckle Road/I-35 overpass should finish “somewhere around the end of August or early September,” paving the way for possible completion of the overpass in early October, sooner than anticipated. Also in New Braunfels, the expansion of Seguin Avenue just west of I-35 should be finished by month’s end, with work on railroad overpasses west of I-35 on FM 306 slated to wrap sometime early next year. Also in the works is a plan to deal with increased traffic resulting from the 250acre Singing Hills mixed-use development at 281 and Texas 46 in Bulverde. TxDOT held a public meeting in Spring Branch July 9 to discuss ideas, one of which would create a superstreet function to restrict left turns in that area, Donat said. So, as some TxDOT projects finish, others will be taking their place – which is the price that comes with progress in the Metrocom.
Will Wright Managing Editor facebook.com/salocalcommunitynews
3
salocallowdown.com LIVE OAK continues from pg. 01
Lookout Road improvements set by will wright
L
IVE OAK – It’s been a busy few weeks in Live Oak, where officials are planning for three bond projects approved by voters in May, as well as celebrating a recent deal that will add a new hotel and convention center. “We’ve got lots of things going on,” said Jordan Matney, the city’s manager of economic and community development. The city also will soon begin work on extensions of Oak Terrace Drive and a reconstruction of Lookout Road between Toepperwein Road and Loop 1604. Assistant City Manager Scott Wayman said officials are working on a timeline to implement three bond propositions okayed at the polls May 10 – citywide street improvements ($8.76 million), an expansion of Toepperwein near Judson Road ($1.15 million), and
additional walking trails and ballpark lighting at Live Oak Park ($700,000). “We’re working on how the whole process will play out,” he said. “I think they’re all going to go simultaneously … we’re going to try to get them going as soon as we can.” In early June, San Antonio-based Phoenix Hospitality Group finalized a deal to construct the 139-room Hilton Garden Inn, which will also include a convention and banquet center, on a site close to the city’s old Live Oak Civic Center on Pat Booker Road. The old center was demolished in January. “It’s a big deal for Live Oak and everyone in the region,” said Ed McClure, CEO of McClure Hagee Management, a branch of PHG. “We’ve been in discussions with the city for about 18 months.” He added: “We had a vision of creating a full-service hotel and meeting facility in that area, and it will create a big impact for the region. We’re excited about it. We believe it will be a big benefit for everyone involved.” McClure said the hotel will include a 14,000-square-foot conference center that can accommodate up to 800 people. The center will include a banquet hall, kitchen and several meeting rooms. Construction could start this
fall, depending on the completion of environmental and traffic studies. “There are a lot of important details left to work through, but I’d like to say (it will begin in) October,” McClure said. “Of course, we’d like to see it begin a little earlier.” Wayman said the deal will rebate a portion of the city’s hotel occupancy tax money back to the developers in exchange for the city’s use of the hotel’s conference center. “Our existing HOT revenue is about $270,000 per year,” Wayman said. “The (new hotel’s) HOT taxes will provide nearly as much revenue as we’re getting now from our three existing hotels combined.” Wayman said developers will receive increased HOT rebates until
the total reaches $7 million. “By the 10th year, we have that total projected at $370,000,” he added. “It will be a huge revenue generator for that region.” At the old Civic Center site in the 8000 block of Pat Booker, REATA Assets, Investments and Development – which purchased the site from the city in 2013 – confirmed it has signed deals with Burger King, McAlister’s Deli and 54th Street Grill for three of five available plats. “I would expect all three will soon begin construction and be complete later this year or early next year,” said Brent Conlin, REATA Assets managing partner. Conlin said Randolph Brooks Federal
LIVE OAK continues on pg. 07
We had a vision of creating a full-service hotel and meeting facility in that area [...] We’re excited about it. We believe it will be a big benefit for everyone involved. ED MCCLURE, CEO OF MCCLURE HAGEE MANAGEMENT
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Happening LOCAL
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JUDSON INDEPENDENT JULY SCHOOL DISTRICT’s Adult 26 and Community Education Department is holding a Super Saturday Event, featuring food and arts and crafts vendors plus other displays and activities, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Building B at the Judson Middle School Campus, 9695 Schaefer Road in Converse. Proceeds will benefit the district’s community education programs. For more, call 619-0426.
NORTHEAST LAKEVIEW COLLEGE will hold the second in a series of Community Listening Sessions to gain input from elected officials, community and business leaders and economic-development representatives on current and anticipated educational and workforce-training needs in the area.
JULY 31
TALK
FOOD
The first meeting was June 26 at the Schertz Civic Center. The second will be at 4 p.m. in the Live Oak City Council Chambers, 8001 Shin Oak Drive. More sessions will be held in the late summer and early fall. College officials said the invitation-only events are designed to allow Northeast Lakeview College to anticipate and develop future academic programs and workforce training to meet the demands of the area. UNIVERSAL CITY PUBLIC JULY LIBRARY, 100 Northview Drive, - Aug will host the following events in July and August. For more, call 659-7048: “Basic Internet Use,” free seminars on navigating the Internet will be held 1011 a.m. July 19 and Aug. 16. Adults must accompany children under 12. Contact the library for registration details.
A free afternoon movie will begin at noon Aug. 9. Bring a lunch or snack; call the library to find out which movie will be featured. Senior Social Days are held 2-4 p.m. each Monday. Book Club for Adults will meet at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 20. A list of reading selections can be found at www.universalcitytexas.com/ bookclub. The library reserves seven copies of each book for members, distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Each Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friends of the Universal City Library hosts a used-book sale at their bookstore behind the library. It features a wide selection of books, nominally priced by the inch. On Aug. 6, the group will host a charity auction for painted chairs slated to go to local businesses, and will do the same in a silent auction from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sept. 6. TRI-COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, formerly the Randolph Metrocom Chamber of Commerce, holds the following events each month: The Chamber’s B2B Breakfasts take place on the first Friday of each month, with luncheons held on the second Tuesday of each month at Bluebonnet Palace, 17630 Lookout Road in Selma. Lunch & Learn
JULY - AUG
events are held on the third Thursdays of each month, and mixers held on the fourth Thursday each month. For more, including sites and times, call 658-8322 or visit www.metrocomchamber.org. RANDOLPH METROCOM ROTARY CLUB meets Mondays at noon at the Olympia Hills Golf and Conference Center, 12900 Mount Olympus Drive in Universal City. For more, visit www.randolphmetrocomrotary.org.
JULY - Aug
CONVERSE LIBRARY CHILDREN’S STORY TIMES are held 10:30-11:30 a.m. each Wednesday at the Converse Public Library, 601 S. Seguin St. The free event gives toddlers an early start to literacy through book readings, music, and arts and crafts. Parents are urged to arrive on time; children must be supervised. For more, call 659-4160.
EACH MONTH
UNIVERSAL CITY’S FREE MOVIES IN THE PARK series continues with “Despicable Me 2,” on July 21 at Universal City Park, 305
THIS SUMMER
Happening continues on pg. 05
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salocallowdown.com HAPPENING continues from pg. 04
LOCAL LOWDOWN
North Blvd. Activities for the kids begin at 7 p.m. with movies starting at sunset. Other films are scheduled Aug. 2 and Aug. 16. Guests may bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks; some concessions will be available for purchase. For more, including activity details and movie schedules, visit www. universalcitytexas.com or call 619-0721.
Take a quick look at what’s new in the community from opening and closings to news tidbits.
ONGOING FIGHTING HUNGER TexasMobilePack and Feed My Starving Children are seeking volunteers to help pack 4 million meals for hungry children overseas during a six-day event Sept. 25-30. For more, visit texasmobilepack.org. and www.fmsc.org.
ON THE HORIZON LIVE OAK POLICE DEPARTMENT is registering neighborhoods and residential groups for block parties in conjunction with National Night Out observances. Call 945-1700.
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Submitting events: Email all the details along with your contact information two months in advance to tips@salocallowdown.com.
Open and Opening Soon 1. UNDER THE SEA CHILDREN’S DENTISTRY, 8340 FM 78, Suite 8 in
Converse, offers pediatric dental care for ages 6 months through 18 years old in a fun environment with back-to-school specials. Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more, call 305-5770 or visit www. undertheseadental.com. (Story on page 12)
2. WILLIAMS CONFECTIONERY CRAFTS, 12107 Toepperwein Road, Suite 5A in Live Oak, serves a variety of bakery items and home-cooked meals in an expanded dining area. Menu items include pastries, breads and cakes; also, fried chicken, roast beef, sandwiches and side items. Open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. For more, call 967-5200. (Story on page 13)
3. EAST COAST WINGS & GRILL, 8251 Agora Parkway, Suite 101 in Selma, in The Forum at Olympia Parkway shopping
center, offers chicken wings and other tasty items inside a new 3,100-square-foot facility. The restaurant debuted on June 18 and is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more, call 2512834 or visit www.eastcoastwings.com.
IN OTHER NEWS THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION has launched a pilot program to test a variable speed-limit system, which includes a site on Loop 1604 in north San Antonio. Modifying speed limits may improve safety, and could serve as a forerunner for other state roadways. Using sensors and electronic signage, maximum speed is altered to fit road conditions, traffic congestion, construction and weather. “We know other states have benefited from variable speed-limit systems and we would like to mirror that success here in Texas in an
effort to reduce crashes,” TxDOT Executive Director Joe Weber said. “This advanced technology has been shown to lessen stop-and-go driving and help reduce rearend collisions as drivers approach slower moving traffic.” TxDOT began adjusting speed limits along westbound 1604 between U.S. 281 and Interstate 10 on June 25. Varying speed limits, posted on portable signs, are automatically reduced in small increments to gradually lessen the speed of approaching traffic congested areas. TxDOT said the tests would be measured after at least three months, and a decision made whether to expand the technology. IN A VERY LOW TURNOUT, voters in the Alamo Community College District chose two newcomers for ACCD board seats in the June 21 runoff elections, which saw only 1.41 percent of the electorate go to the polls. Albert Herrera bested Lorena Pulido for the South Side District 4 position held by Marcelo Casillas. In North Side’s District 8, challenger Clint Kingsbery toppled incumbent Gary Beitzel. In the May 10 general election, District 9 incumbent Jim Rindfuss defeated challenger Felix Grieder.
LOWDOWN continues on pg. 06
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across-the-board general pay raise for eligible teachers and librarians; a 3 percent salary hike for professional/ administrative staffers; and a 4 percent pay increase for classified employees. The district will spend more than $9 million providing raises, officials said. “There is no doubt that our employees deserve this pay increase,” Gottardy said. “We must continue to recruit and retain the most highly qualified staff in order to sustain the district’s tradition of excellence. Our employees are the reason our students are so successful.” NEISD, with close to 70,000 students, is the secondlargest school district in San Antonio.
NORTHEAST METHODIST HOSPITAL, 12412 Judson Road in Live Oak, was recently honored with an “A” grade in a semiannual 2014 update to the Hospital Safety Score, which rates how well hospitals protect patients from accidents, errors, injuries and infections. Administered by The Leapfrog Group, the independent industry watchdog evaluated hospitals nationwide. “Our ‘A’ score represents our staff ’s diligence in making safety a top priority in patient care,” said Jack Martin, Northeast Methodist’s chief of staff. “As patients take a more active role in selecting where to receive health care, it has never been more important to focus on hospital safety and transparency.” To find safety tips for patients and local hospital scores, visit the Hospital Safety Score website at www.hospitalsafetyscore.org. NORTH EAST INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT TRUSTEES approved pay raises for NEISD workers, effective for the 201415 school year during the board’s June 16 meeting. School board members followed the recommendation of Superintendent Brian Gottardy by approving the following
East Coast Wings & Grill dishes up a variety of chicken wings and other delights at its new location in Selma. Photo by Josh Michael
measures: Increasing salaries for teachers and librarians with up to five years of experience to $49,288 per year; a $1,604
Live Oak Allergy & Asthma Clinic Raiqua S. Arastu, MD Adrian G. Letz, MD & Lisa Whelchel, FNP-C
THROUGH BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF SOUTH TEXAS, Roosevelt High School students paired with their mentors from Rackspace to celebrate their graduation from the school on June 6. The pupils, part of the InspireU workplace-mentoring program, were matched with advisers while they were seventh-graders at Ed White Middle School, and their meetings continued through lunches with their mentors throughout high school. Each received certificates of congratulations from U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo
and state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio. The North East Independent School District said Big Brothers Big Sisters, which launched the InspireU program in 2008, partnered more than 700 students and volunteers this year in the San Antonio area. MORGAN’S WONDERLAND WILL HONOR SPECIAL-NEEDS VOLUNTEERS, setting an Aug. 1 deadline for candidacies for its 2014 Walk of Fame. Saluting those who have championed programs for San Antonio’s special-needs community, volunteers will be recognized during a “Free to Soar Gala” on Sept. 19, with their names added to a Walk and Roll Path, which encircles an eight-acre lake at the theme park. A committee comprising members from Morgan’s Wonderland, The Gordon Hartman Family Foundation and advisers to both organizations, will review nominations of not more than two typewritten pages submitted to WalkofFame@MorgansWonderland. com. Instructions are available at the park’s website, www.MorgansWonderland. com. Sponsorship information and other details about the gala are available from Becky Thomas at 493-2811. For more, call 495-5888 or toll-free at 877-495-5888.
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salocallowdown.com LIVE OAK continues from pg. 03
Center site was, and be easier (access) to municipal offices and the college without having to get on the highway.” A three-quarter stretch of Lookout Road between Toepperwein and 1604 will soon benefit from a $1.278 million facelift. Money approved by the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization will pay for most of the project. A rebate by CPS Energy and a contribution by the city’s Economic Development Corp. will comprise Live Oak’s $255,794 share, Wayman said.
Credit Union acquired a fourth plat earlier this year and has already relocated its ATM there. He said REATA still owns a plat just under an acre at the site. “We are negotiating with a national retail restaurant chain to do a build-tosuit operation there for a 1,800-squarefoot facility,” Conlin said, declining to identify the prospective buyer. “But we’ve really been excited about how everything on the project has come together.” According to him, “If it were not for the city’s pro-development mentality, this deal wouldn’t have come together as quickly or as nicely as it has.” Live Oak is also going ahead with expansions of Oak Terrace and Lookout. Matney said the $140,000 extension of Oak Terrace, which runs perpendicular to Shin Oak Drive, will connect to Village Oak Drive and provide easier access to Northeast Lakeview College. “The road for years has ended in a cul-de-sac,” Wayman said. “We will extend it to allow people exiting off Loop 1604 who miss Shin Oak the ability to double around. It will nice for anyone going to the college to go where the old Civic
If it were not for the city’s pro-development mentality, this deal wouldn’t have come together as quickly or as nicely as it has. BRENT CONLIN, REATA ASSETS MANAGING PARTNER
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OPEN SOON continues from pg. 01
New sports complex promises to be ‘eco-friendly’ by J.E. JORDAN
U
NIVERSAL CITY – In less than a year, a $3.4 million state-of-the art multipurpose gymnasium will rise on what is now vacant land on Loop 1604 near FM 78.
Alamo City All-Stars Sportsplex, a 38,000-square-foot facility, will house four regulation-size basketball courts, which can convert to eight standard volleyball courts or one Futsal court – indoor soccer with five-member teams competing on a hard surface with floor markings for the penalty area, center line and sidelines. The sports complex, to be built and financed by Alamo City All-Stars Inc., will attract youth teams from far and wide for tournaments during the weekends, said Randy Luensmann, the city’s public works director. Featuring a large number of courts is an important feature, as they
bring in teams seeking to compete in tournaments, Luensmann said. “Those tournaments create revenue for the city,” added Kim Turner, the city’s director of development services. “No tournament is complete without hotel stays. Also, weekly team practices and tournament play will likely have a significant impact on food and beverage sales for Universal City establishments,” Turner said. “Understanding the economic impact of this facility for the surrounding businesses, the Universal City economic development board awarded a $350,000 incentive (to the project’s developers).” Turner said the sports complex will have six full-time and 90 part-time staff members. When it isn’t used for tournaments, the gymnasium should remain busy with area teams renting courts for practices. The gymnasium will be constructed on property owned by builder and developer Todd Burek, who also owns a portion of Alamo City All-Stars Inc. According to Turner, the cost of construction for the complex is $3.4 million. Alamo City All-Stars Inc., a nonprofit owned and operated by Tom and Grace Brown, is an affiliate of the National Travel Basketball Association. Tom Brown, an NTBA state director, and his wife signed
the financing agreement June 18. Eleven years ago, 25-year Army veteran Brown and his wife retired in the San Antonio area to raise their three children. The Browns have been involved in hosting basketball tournaments for nearly two decades, operating as Alamo City All-Stars since 2007. Their nonprofit grew out of a basketball program for disadvantaged youth in Houston. “Universal City picked us first,” Brown said. “My wife and I own commercial property on Judson Road, where we had originally completed plans to construct the project on our property, which we had purchased about five years ago.” When they were within a month of closing, the Browns were approached by Universal City officials who learned of plans for the sports complex and wanted it for their own community. “We met with the city government there and figured out it was going to be a win-win. We thought it was a better deal to go ... where there were better road deals,” Brown said. The facility will be close to Interstate 35 and Interstate 10, with FM 78 and other secondary roads providing convenient access to the 3.3acre site, which will feature adequate parking. Luensmann echoed Turner’s hopes for the future of youth athletics in Universal City. He said city officials have wanted to
build a sports complex for quite a while, working on a master plan to create a gathering point in the area to attract teams. “It will be great for our community and for the Northeast Side of town. Hopefully, this is the start of bringing in more youth sports, which will generate more economic development. We’re excited to have this in our city,” he said. Luensmann said the Public Works Department already reviewed the plans and could begin construction once financing is complete – possibly by the end of July. Brown said he and an architect collaborated on a state-of-the-art design, which will “have the least impact on the environment.” A “solar band” will let in natural light to lessen dependence on electricity. “We’re using eco-friendly building materials and lighting,” he said, adding the heating and cooling system will use a combination of natural gas and electric power. “We’re eager to be part of the Universal City community after discovering how fastgrowing the community has been over the past, short five years,” Brown said. “We’ve had the benefit of seeing some of their plans for the next few years, and we’re very excited about the direction the city is going.”
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CHCS assists vets facing mental health, legal issues by BAIN SERNA
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INDCREST – The After the Battle Support Center has opened as a one-stop shop to help military veterans heal their past, face their present and empower their future. The ATBSC, which officially debuted May 22, provides and coordinates support services for service members and their families, said retired Air Force Lt. Col. Lionel Harris, a 30-year veteran and now director of operations at ATBSC. Harris and his wife, Rosalind, are among the founders and leaders of ATBSC. It is part of The Inspiration Center, 8930 Fourwinds Drive, Suite 103. “The Inspiration Center is a true faithbased nonprofit organization at its core
serving all who walk through our doors,” Lionel Harris said. “The Inspiration Center is host to the After the Battle Support Center, which is a collaborative effort with the Center for Health Care Services.” The Inspiration Center — which aims to help civilians, current and former military — has programs offering “improved life application, social and job skills for families by working in partnership with parents, school, socialservice agencies and churches.” ATBSC is the branch of The Inspiration Center focusing on veterans’ needs, such as reconnecting and reintegrating to civilian life, employment, mental-health services, receiving valuable information specific to veteran services and more. “San Antonio is the second largest concentration of military members and families; it seemed prudent that we have and offer support resources for them within close proximity of Joint Base San Antonio,” Harris said. ATBSC, offering free counseling and services on both a scheduled and walkin basis for veterans, provides financial counseling, housing assistance, employment opportunities, career/job guidance and other aid. It also helps veterans deal
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after their discharge or retirement. “Because I am a military spouse and served with my husband for the same 30 years that he did, I understand from a family perspective how important it is to make sure that they receive resources, as well as the military member,” she said. ATBSC works in cooperation with the Center for Health Care Services as part of its outreach program. The San Antonio-based CHCS supports veterans in areas such as legal issues and peerto-peer counseling, according to Valerie Sullivan, a 21-year retired Air Force veteran complementing ATBSC and CHCS as Veterans Treatment Court case manager for Bexar County Court-At-Law No. 6. Sullivan said CHCS has a commitment to serve those who have served their country. The CHCS offers programs for veterans concerning mentalhealth and legal issues, via projects such as the Military Veteran Peer Network and the Texas Veteran Jail Diversion and Trauma Recovery. Hours for The Inspiration Center are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and After the Battle Support Center is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
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Dr. Bernard Rust, who has been practicing dentistry for more than 40 years, said technology is improving patient comfort and procedures each day. “We have seen amazing advances in technology in the dental field. Computers have enabled dentists to make the patient experience more comfortable and much quicker,” said Rust, whose practice is at 13341 U.S. 281 North at Bitters Road. “Computer-guided implant placement and CT cone beam X-rays take the guesswork out of implant placement. Cadcam technology has given us the ability to take
precise impressions with a digital scanner.” He added, “These impressions are much more accurate and there is no more messy impression material. This is a wonderful thing, especially for patients with a strong gag reflex.” Digital dentistry has also made advances with the use of the VELscope, a hand-held device used for a more sophisticated level of oral examination. However, it is not a replacement for a regular oral exam, said dentist Ibis Clyde of Bella Smiles Family Dentistry, 19298 Stone Oak Parkway, Suite 1105. A VELscope screens for malignancies in the mouth such as oral venereal diseases and oral cancer, and helps dentists see unhealthy tissue indiscernible to the naked eye in an oral exam. The VELscope emits ultraviolet light bathing the patient’s mouth as a digital camera takes photos.
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acceptance and popularity,” Cuevas said. Nowadays, there’s a type of yoga to suit almost anyone’s needs, and Jeni Spring, owner of Heeling Sole, just may provide the easiest-to-do version of all. It’s called Ashi-Thai or “yoga for lazy people,” and she said the therapist does the stretching work while the client reaps the fitness benefits. Spring’s specialty is Ashiatsu barefoot massage, a sort of surfing motion performed by the therapist’s feet on the patient’s back that, she said, can cover a larger area than a hand massage and reach deeper into body tissues. However, not all holistic practitioners are legitimate, she warned. Move into any new or unfamiliar therapy with caution, she advised. Thoroughly research the methods. Inquire about the practitioner’s training. Look for a license. Such steps can ensure safety and guard against quackery. Spring also believes more must be done to educate the public and the conventional medical community. For more information about holistic medicine, visit the American Holistic Health Association website, www.ahha.org, the American Holistic Medical Association website, www.holisticmedicine.org, and the website of the Holistic Chamber of Commerce, www.holisticchamberofcommerce.com.
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Health Center for 20-plus years, also believes in medical cooperation. She said physicians and surgeons have been very accepting of chiropractic medicine’s value, readily referring patients her way. Krost of Integrative Healing, which offers a variety of methods including massage, lymphatic drainage, aromatherapy and reflexology, isn’t as convinced about holistic medicine’s acceptance, while conceding attitudes may be shifting and physicians gradually becoming more comfortable with the field. Although the word “alternative” is often used as a synonym for holistic practices, these groups emphasize that it’s really a misnomer. They explain that holistic is an unchanging, timeless idea, while alternative is a medical category constantly in flux, as today’s alternative may be tomorrow’s mainstream. Yoga is an apt illustration, according to Kristal Cuevas, owner of Southtown Yoga Loft. She noted nobody bats an eye these days if you say you’re into yoga. It has smoothly segued from far-out to cool and trendy. “We’ve got an athlete’s yoga class, a prenatal class and a fun, family yoga class going on at the Loft, and I think such down-to-earth sounding things at studios have contributed to yoga’s
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Under the Sea Children’s Dentistry in Converse encourages kids to learn the benefits of good dental hygiene. Photos by Josh Michael
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ONVERSE – The folks at Under the Sea Children’s Dentistry want to make a child’s trip to their office as fun as an oceangoing adventure or a day at the beach. The pediatric dental-care clinic — located at 8340 FM 78, Suite 8 — uses an aquatic theme to create a fun-filled environment for patients 6 months to 18 years old. The staff wants youngsters to ride a wave of healthy, lifelong dental habits, such as learning the correct way to brush and floss teeth. These lessons are delivered in a classroom-style setting featuring oceanfloor murals and notable characters from Disney movies such as “The Little Mermaid” and “Finding Nemo.”
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Owners Dr. Natascha Arismendi and Rafael Hernandez, a husband-and-wife team originally from Venezuela, said their venture is Converse’s first pediatric dentistry. July finds Arismendi, an 18-year pediatric dental specialist, finishing her duties at El Dorado Children’s Dentistry and transitioning to Under the Sea, according to her husband. Hernandez, a veteran of the tech industry and employed by Hewlett-Packard for many years, is the office manager and has overseen operations for Under the Sea from the ground up. The owners say they are planning back-to-school specials as their clientele
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EAT LOCAL Learn about the newest neighborhood places for breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks
Heavenly treats at Williams Confectionery Crafts by wynton thomason
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IVE OAK – Williams Confectionery Crafts, known for its pastries and other homemade dishes, embodies the heart and soul of owner Joyce Williams. It is located at 12107 Toepperwein Road, Suite 5A.
Owner Joyce Williams (left) and daughter Andrea have drawn raves for the food and pastries featured at Williams Confectionery Crafts in Live Oak. Photos by Josh Michael
Williams, a retired educator from the Rio Grande Valley, dreamed of owning a bakery, but believed it would only happen if “God intended for it to.” After relocating to the San Antonio area following her 2002 retirement, Williams joined New Creation Christian Fellowship in Windcrest, where her tasty treats soon became staples at religious events. It wasn’t long before word of Williams’ church desserts spread like gospel. She and daughter Andrea opened a bakery in 2005. Williams’ initial menu of popular home-cooked French pastries, lemon
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bars and buttermilk chess pies, soon bolstered by full-blown entrees and meal packages, drew rave reviews. The roast beef – topped with red onions, bell peppers, provolone cheese and mayonnaise – has garnered critical acclaim, along with other weekday specials. On Thursdays, diners can choose gravysmothered pork chops on rice, served with a pineapple casserole, greens and cornbread. Southern soul food and Tex-Mex dishes also showcase the versatility of Williams’ culinary talents. Breakfast, served all day with a variety of omelets, biscuits and gravy, is also very popular among customers, she said. Williams treats diners as though they are family, she said. “Everyone who comes here gets a taste of my heart, and a taste of my home,” she said. Williams Confectionery Crafts, which also offers catering services for special occasions, is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
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WRITER continues from pg. 01
‘Twisted’ tale is drawn from career experiences by MIRANDA KOERNER
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CHERTZ – For most authors, the scariest part of writing is “killing their darlings,” an industry term referring to characters put in harm’s way who find themselves on paths that might even lead to death. Schertz resident Marjorie Brody has no problem subjecting her conjured creations to those unpleasant situations, because she knows it serves a higher purpose: To tell stories that need telling. Brody’s first novel, “Twisted,” is a young adult psychological thriller focusing on Sarah, a teenager raped at a dance, and Judith, another young woman who’s Sarah’s unlikely confidant. The plot led the Texas Association of Authors to recently name “Twisted” as its Best Book for Young Adult Fiction.
Retired psychotherapist Marjorie Brody has woven her career experiences into her novels, including the award-winning “Twisted.” Photo by Josh Michael
“The story of ‘Twisted’ is that things aren’t always what they seem,” Brody said. “My story doesn’t really have a genre. It has a teenaged protagonist, but was written for adults. I was interested in going deep into that character and found myself labeled as a psychological-thriller writer.” Considering Brody’s background, it makes sense. In 2007, she retired from a career as a psychotherapist to focus on full-time writing. Although Brody said she loved the challenge
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of working with clients experiencing traumatic events such as rape and abuse, she felt it was time to explore another calling. Psychotherapists, often confused with psychiatrists, treat families or clients by extracting and sharing their thoughts and emotions to get them to adapt to coping behaviors. Brody’s main character in “Twisted,” Sarah, is a composite of several past clients. In the first chapter, Sarah is violently assaulted by a group of boys from her high school. “One in four women are raped every year and I wanted to give a voice to it,” Brody said. “I worked with a lot of clients like my protagonist. My (background) is a wonderful tool (in which) to develop characters and dive into the psychological depths of people. I have a lot more control over my characters than I did with my clients.” Friend and fellow author Kay Kendall met Brody during an International Thriller Writers event years ago. Kendall said Brody is the complete opposite of someone with the ability to delve into the deep, dark recesses of the mind. “She’s got a reputation for handling cases no one else would touch,” Kendall said of Brody.
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Brody often confers with friend and psychiatrist Helen Pankowsky to confirm the psychological reactions of her characters are medically realistic. Once a month the two have lunch and discuss professional matters, as Pankowsky’s psychiatry practice also focuses on providing options through psychotherapy. Brody said she relishes the fluidity of her new creative career, which allows more moments with family. She spends quality time with her husband and grandchildren, while savoring the quiet she needs to collect and blend the flow of words she hears into her writings. “If I change one word it can throw off the rhythm of a paragraph,” Brody lamented. “Although I have control of my characters, the more I write, the more they lead me. I may have to change direction on where I am going (but) it’s exciting when characters come alive on the page.” Fellow author Debra Winegarten believes Brody’s precision has been worth it. “Her work is compelling,” Winegarten said. “She’s a good storyteller.” For more, visit Brody’s website at www.marjoriespages.com. “Twisted” can be purchased at Amazon.com and at Barnes & Noble bookstores.
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