LOCAL: Alamo Heights, Monte Vista, Olmos Park, Downtown, King William, Terrell Hills, December 2015

Volunteers in AHISD reach out to students in need

PG. 05 LOCAL COMMENTARY SUSAN YERKES Holidays bring plenty of good reads about San Antonio, Alamo and Texas

PG.19

Angel Program offers a helping hand when ends don’t always meet

PG.06 EDITORIAL

Moving San Antonio municipal elections to November could increase participation

DOWNTOWN LIVIN’ PG.23

Museum Reach getting another 218 apartments and townhomes in new 2017 projects

COMMUNITY NEWS

PAGE 13 VOL. 4, ISSUE 6

LOCAL SOCIETY

ALAMO HEIGHTS

KING WILLIAM

on the scene of the latest parties

MONTE VISTA

OLMOS PARK

TERRELL HILLS

DEC. 7, 2015 - JAN. 4, 2016.

Low Vision Reading Room for kids debuts downtown Central Library opens space stocked with Braille and largeprint books, read-alongs and CDs for kids who are sight-impaired

PG.21

BUY LOCAL PG. 25 THE PIPE

CORNER

King William shop offers smokes, wine and fine art

PG. 24 ENERGYX

FITNESS

Training center offers rowing regimen for fitness

Donations sought for playground honoring deceased tot PG.15

Northwood PTA says Dylan Michael Vaughan Toddler Playground needs major upgrades

EAT LOCAL PG. 27 VIVA VILLA

TAQUERIA

Cortez family of Mi Tierra debuts downtown taco stop

PG. 26 OLD MAIN

ASSOC.

Monte Vista gets a late-night, upscale pub

Ensuring Success From One Generation To The Next

Earl Mike Molak Region Chairman PlainsCapital Bank

Roy Chism President The Chism Co.

Ryan Chism

Logan Chism

For three generations the Chism Company has been a premier manufacturer of custom awnings and canopies. Headquartered in San Antonio, the Chism Company serves customers throughout Texas and the U.S. From generation to generation, PlainsCapital Bank is committed to the success of our customers and the businesses they have worked hard to build. Many of our valued customers are now the children of those who established their business relationship with PlainsCapital.

Ask any of our customers about their experience with us. Find out for yourself why PlainsCapital Bank has become one of Texas’ largest community banks.

210.804.7603

PlainsCapital.com

c

2015 PlainsCapital Bank

Equal Housing Lender Member FDIC

24/7 Emergency Care in the Heart of Downtown

All major insurance accepted by hospital. Physicians are independent practitioners and active members of Nix Health medical staff.

4

DEC. 7, 2015 - JAN. 4, 2016

FROM THE EDITOR tedwards@localcommunitynews.com

President Harold J. Lees Publisher Gregg Rosenfield Assoc. Publisher Rick Upton EDITORIAL Executive Editor Thomas Edwards News Staff Collette Orquiz, Bain Serna and Will Wright Contributing Writers Olivier J. Bourgoin, Rose Mary Budge, Joyce Hotchkiss, Carole Miller, Edmond Ortiz, Eileen Pace, Travis E. Poling and Susan Yerkes ART Creative Director Florence D. Edwards Contributing Photographer Neven Jones and Rudy B. Ornelas

Steel House Lofts Condominiums 1401 S. Flores Street

Move downtown while it’s still affordable!

Steel House Lofts is an artistic re-imagining of the historic Peden Iron & Steel Building in San Antonio’s revitalized Southtown corridor.

Historic Spaces | Modern Living For sale from $179,000 to $575,000

ADVERTISING Advertising Director Jaselle Luna Zone Manager Kelly Jean Garza Account Manager Diana Zinsmeister Controller Keith Sanders READER SERVICE Mailing Address 4204 Gardendale St., Ste. 201 SA, TX 78229 Fax Phone (210) 616.9677 (210) 338.8842 Advertising Inquiries jluna@localcommunitynews.com Story Ideas: tips@localcommunitynews.com Website: www.salocallowdown.com LOCAL Community News publications Zone 2: 78213, 78230, 78231, 78248, 78249 Zone 3: 78216, 78232, 78247 Zone 4/5: 78109, 78148, 78233, 78239 78108, 78132, 78154, 78266 Zone 6: 78258, 78259, 78260, 78261 Zone 7: 78015, 78023, 78255, 78256, 78257

Ann Van Pelt & Partners

For advertising, customer service or editorial, please call us at 210-338-8842 or write to us at: Local Community News 4204 Gardendale St., Ste. 201 San Antonio, TX 78229

steelhouselofts@phyllisbrowning.com

Reproduction in whole or in part without our permission is prohibited, 2015 Helen Publishing LLC and Local Community News LLC, all rights reserved.

Lisa D. Grove & Lisa Shackelford D (210) 239-1424

w w w. p h y l l i s b r ow n i n g . c o m

Season for peace

O

ne of my fondest memories about growing up at Fort Sam Houston is the weekday, lateafternoon observance that included a short burst of solemn music and the simulated firing of cannons.

No matter what you were doing, if you were outside and heard the music you stopped and turned in the direction of the flag flying over the MacArthur Parade Field, close to Beach Pavilion.

Army brats like me and adult civilians stood at attention to honor the Stars and Stripes, but if you wore a uniform or BDUs like my dad, you saluted.

Even if you were in a car or on a bike, you braked, got out or got off, and paid your respects to Old Glory.

The cannon fire always followed.

I loved everything about that tradition.

Participating in the daily ritual made me feel patriotic toward my country and proud of the job my father and his fellow soldiers carried out to keep America safe.

Growing up on military reservations, I often heard the term “peacekeepers.”

Now it may surprise some of you to think that men and women who wage war are called peacekeepers. But as my dad always reminded me, soldiers are the last people who want a war, and the first ones to pray for peace.

This time of year we're going to hear a lot about peace on Earth. This is a wonderful sentiment. But as folks mouth the words and sing the songs, and thoughts of presents and candy canes dance in some heads, let’s not forget the warriors stationed here and abroad safeguarding us so that we can enjoy these glad tidings.

Remember the peacekeepers.

Bless them, bless you and may all enjoy a safe holiday.

THOMAS EDWARDS EXECUTIVE EDITOR

ON THE COVER: A low-vision reading room in the Central Library, 600 Soledad St., funded by a donation from the Semmes Family and San Antonio Public Library foundations, gives sight-challenged children an opportunity to enjoy books through the Braille alphabet and other means. Pictured is Zephyr Castro, 3. See the story on page 21. Photo

by Rudy B. Ornelas

5

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

LOCAL COMMENTARY

The gift of reading, San Antonio style

by SUSAN YERKES

W

hen I think of holiday

gifts, my thoughts turn to books. Blame my upbringing — I grew up in a bookstore. When we moved to San Antonio in the 1960s, my parents opened H. R. Higgins Books, named after my stepfather.

(It later became The Twig.)

I love to read, and I had permission to take most books home and peruse them, as long as they came back spotless.

(Even today, a peanut butter and jelly stain on a book page sends me into a momentary panic.) For years after my folks sold the shop I couldn’t walk into

a good bookstore without buying half a dozen titles. And despite occasional Amazon buying binges, I still feel fiercely loyal to independent bookstores, where the proprietors read voraciously and recommend skillfully.

In fact, I’d like to give all my readers the gift of a book this Christmas. But since that’s not in the budget, I’ll settle for recommending a few San Antonioflavored books I’ve enjoyed this year.

“San Antonio’s Spanish Missions: A Portrait,” by Lewis Fisher, with beautiful photos by Mike Osborne and a foreword by the Rev. David Garcia, celebrates the beautifully preserved missions, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Another of Fisher’s books, “American Venice: The Epic Story of San Antonio’s River,” tells the history of the River Walk in photographs and text. “San Antonio: The Saga” is another magnificent tome full of images from the fantastic sound-and-light show in Main Plaza.

With big changes coming for the Alamo, Paul Walker’s “Remember the Alamo: Texians, Tejanos and Mexicans Tell their Stories” brings a new perspective to the mission’s tale.

There’s also the new biography by Ron J. Jackson Jr. and Lee Spencer White, “Joe, The Slave Who Became an Alamo

Legend.” And rock star Phil Collins’ “The Alamo and Beyond: A Collector’s Journey” is a sumptuous book on the Briton’s huge collection of Alamo artifacts, which he subsequently donated to the state. It features many of the historical pieces that will someday be on display in an Alamo museum downtown.

Classic film fans will enjoy “Not Thinkin’…Just Rememberin’…The Making of John Wayne’s ‘The Alamo.’”

Paula Allen’s fascinating “San Antonio Then and Now” pairs stories of the city with past and present photographs. Most recent of all is “San Antonio: Our Story of 150 Years in the Alamo City,” from Trinity University Press – a big, impressive coffee-table book with a sesquicentennial’s worth of stories and pictures.

Foodies will love restaurateur Cappy Lawton’s “Enchiladas: Aztec to Tex-Mex” or “San Antonio Beer,” an account of the city’s brewing biz from the 19th century to today by LOCAL Community News contributor Travis E. Poling and Jeremy Banas.

Sandra Cisneros’ new memoir “A House of My Own” is high on my hot list of fiction books. Jan Jarboe Russell’s “The Train to Crystal City” is an important, eye-opening account of the long-secret internment camp in Crystal City, where

thousands of Japanese and German families were imprisoned during World War II. Cynthia Leal Massey’s “Death of a Texas Ranger: A True Story of Murder and Vengeance on the Texas Frontier” is a great Wild West read.

Bryce Milligan’s Wings Press is a San Antonio treasure, and you’ll find some great books on the website wingspress.com. Notables are the new anthology of Texas women’s work, “Her Texas: Story, Image, Poem & and Song”; poet Naomi Shihab Nye’s new offering “Famous”; and Joe Holley’s rollicking story “The Purse Bearer: A Novel of Love, Lust and Texas Politics.”

Also new is a book that brought back many memories for me: Mary Carolyn Hollers George’s “Rosengren’s Books: An Oasis for Mind and Spirit.” The beloved downtown bookstore was my parents’ biggest competitor.

And finally, here’s a great tip for all readers – a free app called OverDrive that gives you access to e-books, audio books and more from hundreds of libraries, including the San Antonio Public Library. In return, the best gift you could give me is to recommend the books you have enjoyed this year.

Happy holidays, and read on! syerkes@localcommunitynews.com

See Your Next Adventure...

More Clearly!!!

Focal Point Vision BeyondLasik

Maverick|Lehmann|San Martin|Burkhart

2520 Broadway

4775 Hamilton Wolfe, Bldg 2

• Cataract Surgery • Corneal Specialist • Lasik/PRK • Vision ICL

Call Today 210-614-3600 www.FocalPointVision.com

6

DEC. 7, 2015 - JAN. 4, 2016

OUR TURN Views and opinions about your community

Move city elections to November

V

oter participation in local elections continues to drop, but District 8 Councilman Ron Nirenberg has an idea to stop the decline that is worth supporting — move the balloting from May to November.

Nirenberg touts the example of Austin, which saw a 40 percent rise in electorate turnout when municipal elections switched from the spring to mid-fall, to coincide with state and national balloting.

Another advantage to changing election dates is the savings passed on to taxpayers by combining one election season managed by the Bexar County Elections Department.

Analysts know that more voters turn out during a countrywide contest, such as the one to select a president, so why not build on that momentum by adding municipal

balloting? If not, voter apathy could worsen, with participation continuing to fall.

During the key race for San Antonio mayor in May, in which 14 candidates sought the position, only 14 percent of registered voters even showed up at the polls.

When fewer voters cast ballots, then special-interest groups and those with very narrow agendas control the balloting and the ultimate fate of a city.

Nirenberg’s idea deserves consideration.

So far, most of his colleagues on City Council have not exactly given the notion a ringing endorsement. Mayor Ivy Taylor even worries that partisanship could enter the local races if they are held the same time as state and national contests.

Truthfully, local elections for City Council rarely have split along party lines and have a lot more to do with money, demographics, neighborhoods and geography.

Plenty of cities in the area already hold November elections with nary a whiff of partisanship or problems — Converse, Cibolo and Windcrest come to mind.

This idea has merit and could boost local democracy. Contact your San Antonio council member and let them know you support moving the elections to November.

-The Local Community News editorial board includes Harry Lees, Gregg Rosenfield and Thomas Edwards.

Twin Sisters Bakery and Cafe

L O C A L . F RES H . H EALT H Y. FAM ILY OWNED AND O P E RAT ED S I NC E 1981

Offering Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Open Mon.-Fri. 7am-9pm

7 Days per Week Saturday 7am-2pm Sunday Breakfast Only 9am-2pm

6322 North New Braunfels Ave., San Antonio, TX 78209 www.twinsistersbakeryandcafe.com

210 .8 2 2 .0 7 6 1

7

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM email madrigaldinnerahhs@gmail.com.

HAPPENING LOCAL

Plan your month with our calendar of upcoming events in the community.

HAPPENING KEY

OUR GUIDE TO YOUR MONTH

FITNESS

ART

FORD HOLIDAY BOAT DEC. 20 CAROLING From 6:15 to 8:15 p.m., singers on five barges will perform Christmas carols along a 2 ½-mile stretch of the downtown River Walk. The scores of groups participating are from schools, churches, civic choral organizations and businesses.

THROUGH

SAISD The San Antonio School District 7, 14 Independent board has its monthly A Meeting on Dec. 7 and the B Meeting on Dec. 14.

The sessions take place at the David G. Burnett Center, 406 Barrera St., at 5:30 p.m. To see each meeting’s agenda, go to www.saisd.net and click on the Board tab.

DECEMBER

DECEMBER

8

MONTE VISTA The Monte Vista Historical Association board meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the

601LCN

BEGINNERS BIRD WALK The San Antonio Audubon 12 Society outing begins at 8 a.m. at the Judson Nature Trails start point, 246 Viesca St. in Alamo Heights.

It will be led by Georgina Schwartz.

Nonmembers are welcome and binoculars can be provided. The walk is held the second Saturday of the month.

DECEMBER

TALK

OUTDOOR

MUSIC

FOOD

Landa Branch Library annex, 233 Bushnell Ave. For more, call 737-8212 or go to http:// www.montevistahistorical-sa.com/.

MADRIGAL DINNER The Heights High School 11, 12 Alamo choir hosts this annual event for a “magical evening” with caroling and “delicious food” at 6900 Broadway, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. both days. The auditorium will be transformed into a medieval castle, replete with lords and ladies, jesters and town criers. Appetizers include fruit, cheese, rustic breads and wassail (sans alcohol); a first course of tomato soup; entrees are beef bourguignon, roasted garlic mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus; and figgy pudding for dessert. A vegetarian option is available. Suggested age for children in attendance is 10 and up. Tickets are $25 per person, but sales end Dec. 8. For more,

DECEMBER

BRING IN THIS COUPON FOR AN EXTRA $10 BONUS!

CHRISTMAS AT VILLA FINALE Villa Finale Museum & Gardens 12 is dishing up holiday sparkle topped with 1920s-vintage Christmas cheer. From noon to 4 p.m., $5 tours of the house will feature a huge tree inspired by former owner Walter Mathis as well as his glass ornaments, Santa collection and German music boxes. From 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., it’s “A Cat’s Meow Christmas,” starting with seasonal beverages and ‘20s sweets. Then the San Antonio Brass Orchestra will perform favorite tunes from the ’20s as well as holiday music. Tickets cost $15; a combo ticket for the tour and concert is $18. For tickets, call 223-9800.

Villa Finale is at 401 King William St.

DECEMBER

FULL-SERVICE NATURAL PARENTING BOUTIQUE IN ALAMO HEIGHTS • CLOTH DIAPERS • BABYWEARING • BREASTFEEDING

HAPPENING continues on pg. 08

6104 Broadway 210-320-1404

www.gobabygoshop.com gobabygoshop

SUPERHEROES WANTEd

New donors only. Not valid in conjunction with any other referral fees or bonuses.

Give and get back more!

Earn up to $370 this month & $120 this week!

Donate life saving plasma. You have the power to save lives!

Schedule an appointment at biotestplasma.com Biotest Plasma Center • 618 NW Loop 410, Suite 101 • San Antonio, Texas 78216 (210) 224-1749 BiotestPlasmaCenterSanAntonio

601_SH_9_758x5_7_4cMW.indd 1

@BPCSanAntonio

6/19/15 2:11 PM

8

In The Heart of King William

HAPPENING continues from pg. 09 WINTER ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW 11-13 Vendors will offer handmade items for sale from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. all three days. They’ll be set up along the River Walk Extension near Rivercenter Mall and the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.

DECEMBER

Facials • Microdermabrasion Micro-current • Peels • Waxing • Airbrush Tanning

• •

Holiday Season Stressing You Out? Skin Looking a Bit Dull?

Allow DermaLily to Pamper You & Create a Relaxing Stress Free Environment Utilizing Aromatherapy!

Treatments Are Customized Per Clients Skin Concerns

20 % Off Holiday Gift Certificates (expires 12/24/15)

210-444-0234 724 S Alamo St Unit 1 www.dermalily.com

Mon.-Fri. 12-7p & Sat. 12-5p Check out our reviews from satisfied clients on

TERRELL HILLS The City Council meets 14 at 5 p.m. at City Hall, 5100 N. New Braunfels Ave.

DECEMBER

NUTCRACKER SWEETS The annual fundraiser for the 14 Battered Women and Children’s Shelter will offer an array of treats – savory as well as sweet – at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Noted chefs, including many from top restaurants around town, will create the bits of culinary bliss. There will be live jazz, ballet and a silent auction, too. Tickets cost $50 for adults and $25 for teens 13-17; there’s no charge for kids 12 and younger. Buy tickets through a link at nutcrackersweetssa. org, where you’ll also find a list of the chefs and the treats they’ll be serving.

DECEMBER

DEC. 7, 2015 - JAN. 4, 2016 ALAMO HEIGHTS The Council meets at 14, 28 City 5:30 p.m. both days at the municipal complex, 6116 Broadway.

DECEMBER

NEISD TRUSTEES North East Independent School 14 District trustees are scheduled to meet at 5:30 p.m. in the NEISD board room, 8961 Tesoro Drive.

DECEMBER

SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS, CAMP 153 Hood’s 15 Texas Brigade, Camp 153, meets at 7 p.m. at Grady’s Bar-B-Q, 6510 San Pedro Ave. Members and guests are welcome to eat beginning at 6 p.m.; no reservations are required. The Camp meets the third Tuesday of each month. For more, visit www.hoodstexasbde.com.

DECEMBER

DECEMBER

17

SAN ANTONIO CIVIL WAR ROUND TABLE 17 The group meets the third Thursday of each month at Grady’s Bar-B-Q, 6510 San Pedro Ave., for a 6 p.m. dinner and 7 p.m. meeting. Those interested in Civil War history are invited to share stories and ideas. No reservations are required. For more, contact Nancy Hodges at lyndz76@yahoo.com or Daniel Snell at surveyking@satx.rr.com.

DECEMBER

OLMOS PARK The City Council meets at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 120 W. El Prado Drive.

AHISD The Alamo Heights Independent School District 17 board meets at 7 p.m. at the Central Office, 7101 Broadway.

DECEMBER

LOCAL IS WHERE YOU ARE LOCAL IS WHAT WE DO

THE NUTCRACKER Ballet International and 18-20 Mejia the San Antonio Metropolitan Ballet will stage the holiday classic, which will be choreographed and directed by Paul Mejia, once a principal dancer under George Balanchine at the New York City Ballet. Noted Russian dancers will take the principal roles and students at San Antonio Metropolitan Classical Ballet will portray the children. Performances, which take place at the Lila Cockrell Theatre, are at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19 and 2 p.m. Dec. 20. Tickets range from $29 to $110 and are available at Ticketmaster. com, ArtsSA.org or by calling Arts San Antonio at 226-2891. The theater is at 610 E. Market St. in the Convention Center.

DECEMBER

HAPPENING continues on pg. 09

EASY, EFFICIENT, EFFECTIVE! The holidays are even better when you feel healthy and strong. Try Koko today and see how you have more energy, better sleep, and just feel great to tackle the holiday season.

Hear what Koko FitClub Alamo Heights members are saying about our club, our staff, and our members:

“After a couple months of coming to Koko on a REGULAR basis (i.e. 4-5 times/week), I’ve dropped my BMI by 3 full points!! The Fuel diet helped me with getting proper nutrition and the Koko coaches are always there to help remind me of the proper form to use on the equipment. I’m slimming down toward a healthy weight...my husband is so proud too!!” Skinny girl in a fat body

“I worked out at a large gym for more than 20 years.

Lost motivation and have taken a 4 year break. Tried the 30 day trial and have now joined Koko. Really enjoy the small, intimate setting.” Jean

“I joined a few weeks ago but I’m already loving it.

Superior to other fitness clubs in every way! Great equipment and friendly, helpful staff. Thanks Koko!” Richard

“I’m happy to come to Koko because it is a small gym with special trainers that are always willing to help me. It is so clean and all the people that come in are all nice. I feel like it is a five-star hotel!”

Nancy

But don’t take their word for it, come see it for yourself! We believe that Koko has the answer for you, and want to give you 30 days of complete fitness and coaching for $30. Come see what makes Koko FitClub so different from other gyms. Get started and change your life today.

Yours in good health, Leslie and Jason Edwards 999 E. Basse Rd. Suite 184, Next to Torchy’s Tacos

210-776-7773 www.KokoFitClub.com

Try us for 30 days for $30!

9

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM HAPPENING continues from pg. 08 HO, HO, HO – SCHOOL’S OUT Campuses at the Alamo Heights and North East independent school districts will be closed for Christmas break.

DEC. 17 - JAN. 1

LIBRARIES CLOSED All San Antonio Public Library sites 24-27 will be closed Dec. 24-27 as well as New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

DECEMBER

FREE ADMISSION AT SAMA The San Antonio Museum of 26 Art, 200 W. Jones Ave., continues its holiday tradition of a free community day with no admission from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum is housed in the historic Lone Star Brewery on the Museum Reach of the River Walk. For more, call 978-8100 or visit www.samuseum.org.

DECEMBER

POP-UP ON PEARL JANUARY This monthly market, a 2 collaboration of the IAMA Coffee Shop and Mujeres Mercado, offers musical performances plus vendors selling jewelry, home accessories and more made by local female artisans. It runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in front of the coffee shop, 1627 Broadway at Pearl Parkway.

ALAMO HEIGHTS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The Chamber 6 holds luncheon meetings the first Wednesday of the month in a private room at Paesanos Lincoln Heights, 555 E. Basse Road.

Guests are asked to arrive by 11:30 a.m. for a meet and greet; the guest speaker is featured at noon. The cost is $20 for members, $25 for nonmembers. For more, call 822-7027 or go to http://alamoheightschamber.org/.

Toasty Toes

JANUARY

NUTRITION DISCUSSION Live With Nature, a nutrition/ 7 discussion group, meets from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at EcoCentro, 1802 N. Main Ave. The group’s sessions look at nutrition’s role in dealing with health challenges.

They take place the first Thursday of the month, are free and open to the public, and may include health tips, recipes and plant exchanges. For more, call 492-4620.

JANUARY

Whole Earth Provision Co. Quarry Market at 255 East Basse • 210-829-8888

Snuggly Sleepwear & Robes

WholeEarthProvision.com

Angel Luis Velez Mejias 2108 N. Main, San Antonio,TX Antonio, TX 78212 angelvelez37@icloud.com

Over 35 years of experience

Monte Vista’s Best Kept Secret For

Hair

AUDUBON SOCIETY MEETING The monthly meeting of the San 7 Antonio Audubon Society starts at 7 p.m. at The First Tee, 915 E. Mulberry Ave. For more, call 308-6788 or go to saaudubon.org.

Serving Men & Women Color • Roller Sets •Cuts Perms • Styles • Blowouts Waxing • Highlights • Relaxers

SUBMITTING EVENTS: Email all

Add A Little Sparkle For The Holidays With A Color Change or Restyle

JANUARY

the details along with your contact information two months in advance to tips@salocallowdown.com.

Call Today To Schedule Your Appointment | 210-267-8916

if back pain is even a small part of your life,

we’re a big part of the solution

Up to 400-lb. weight limit

The Hale Zero Gravity Recliner by Relax The Back®

Lifeform® Ultimate Executive Chair

Teeter Hang Ups® Contour® L5 Inversion Table

Sogno DreamWave™ Massage Chair

Free Delivery San Antonio Central The Quarry 255 E. Basse Road. 210.822.1228 Mon - Fri: 10 am - 7 pm Sat: 10 am - 6 pm Sun: 12 pm - 5 pm

www.relaxtheback.com

10

DEC. 7, 2015 - JAN. 4, 2016

LOCAL LOWDOWN Take a quick look at what’s new in the community from opening and closings to news tidbits.

Open and Opening Soon 1. THE PIPE CORNER, 727 S. Alamo St.,

Granada Homes Introduces…

Suite 200, is a Southtown tobacco and smoke shop offering fine cigars, as well as an art gallery with wine, wine tastings and even beer. Hours are noon to 10:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, noon to midnight Friday and Saturday and closed Sunday and Monday. For more, call 263-9729 or visit facebook.com/ thepipecorner1. (See story on page 25)

(on Premises)

2. ENERGYXFITNESS, 5162 Broadway,

G r a n a da H o m e s

Retirement Community on the Beautiful San Antonio Riverwalk with ALL BILLS PAID

Efficiencies & One Bedrooms starting at $335 a month • Courtesy patrol provided for building • Fire detector system and emergency alert system in each apartment • On-site service coordinator to assist with supportive services to enhance standard of living • Chapel, game room, TV room, library, thrift shop, ballroom, laundry room, garden patio & restaurant • Lunch program available Monday – Friday • Socials – Birthday parties, bingo, bake & rummage sales, blood pressure & blood sugar checks and more • Government rental assistance available

Riverwalk Salon

Men & Women Haircuts, Hair Color, Manicures, Shellac, Solar Nails, Spa Pedicures, Eyelashes and Waxing

w w w. g r a n a da h o m e s . n e t

Mon-Sat 10a-6p, 210-227-4743

G r a n a da H o m e s 31 1 s o u t H s t. m a r y ’ s s t. s a n a n to n i o , t X 7 8 2 0 5

210-225-2645

is billed as San Antonio’s first rowing studio and offers a variety of fitness classes including Power Row, Shockwave, row and flow and yoga. For more, call 608-4241 or visit www.energyxfitness.com or facebook. com/EnergyX-Fitness. (See story on page 24)

3. THE OLD MAIN ASSOC., 2512 N. Main

Ave., is a new “neighborhood tavern-style bar offering craft and classic cocktails, beer, wine and fare that some have dubbed

Address of local business Name of local business

‘San Antonio Soul Food,’” according to a company statement. The pub is located in the Monte Vista Historic District. Hours are 5 p.m. to midnight Monday through Friday, 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday, which includes brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more, call 562-3440 or visit facebook.com/ theoldmainassoc/. (See story on page 26)

4. VIVA VILLA TAQUERIA, 905 Dolorosa

St. in Market Square, is touted as an authentic Mexican restaurant introducing a new taco-eating cultura from the interior of Mexico. Hours are 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, and 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Sunday. For more, call 987-8482or visit vivavillatacos.com or Facebook.com/ vivavillasa. (See story on page 27)

LOWDOWN continues on pg. 11

Your Local One Stop Shop For the Passionate Pet Owner

MONEY IS

HIRING

2518 N. Main Ave.

IN

ALAMO HEIGHTS

From Big Dogs to Exotic Pets our Knowledgeable Staff Can Help With

Holistic Food Choices • Apparel • Exotic Pet Supplies • In Store Pet Adoptions • Furniture

COMPETITIVE, EXCITING & FUN CULTURE

Sip some wine, make some art, Give a gift that’s from the heart Deck the Halls with

Salary Plus Commission • Benefits • Opportunity for Growth

•

SEND YOUR RESUME TO:

210-320-2020 • Tues.-Sat. 10am-7:30pm; Sun. 1:00pm-7:30pm

Paint. Drink. Have Fun.

Jaselle Luna - Advertising Director jluna@salocallowdown.com or call: 210-338-8842

11

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

They Say...Once You Go Ashiatsu,

You Don’t Go Back To Normal Massage!

Experience San Antonio’s Favorite 90 Minute Massage

Give the Gift of A Deeper Than Deep Tissue Barefoot Massage from Heeling Sole

Students with the Garner Middle School National Junior Honor Society lined Harry Wurzbach Road holding large U.S. flags to show respect for past and present military members on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. Commuters driving by honked and cheered the pupils. Later that morning, the school held three ceremonies to honor the armed services, with a performance by the school orchestra and readings from the theater arts department.

Courtesy photo

LOWDOWN continues from pg. 10 IN OTHER NEWS

STAGE ONE WATER RESTRICTIONS IN ALAMO HEIGHTS have been lifted for now. City officials, however, are reminding residents the city has year-round water regulations that allow “automatic or manual irrigation systems … any day of the week but only before 10 a.m. and after 8 p.m.,” as well as “hand watering with a handheld hose, soaker hose, drip irrigation system or bucket … any time during the day.” Also, residents are reminded that

sprinkler systems must be equipped with a sensor to prevent them from turning on during rains, according to officials.

FIVE HISTORIC HOMES IN THE KING WILLIAM HISTORIC DISTRICT received needed repairs and revitalization on Oct 3, preservationists said. The city’s Office of Historic Preservation and over 30 volunteers from the University of Texas at San Antonio’s College of Architecture, as well as San Antonio College, came to

LOWDOWN continues on pg. 12

HAVE A VERY MERRY FEAST Voted Best Massage in San Antonio, 4 Years In A Row!

Chill Out & Shape Up For the Holidays

1864 Nacogdoches 78209 in Carousel Court 210-560-1992 • HeelingSole.com

Fine Meats • Catering Casseroles & Prepared Meals 6002 BROADWAY • SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78209 P: 210 820 3838 VISIT US AT WWW.COOPERSMEATMARKET.COM

At Sunset Ridge Shopping Center Now Accepting New Patients!!!

Dr. Jeremy C. Jones, MD • Interventional Pain Specialist • Harvard Fellowship Trained • Board Certified in Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine

Call today for pain relief!

210-320-2563 6406 N. New Braunfels Ave San Antonio, TX 78209 www.lotussp.com

12

DEC. 7, 2015 - JAN. 4, 2016

LOWDOWN continues from pg. 11 the district with their paintbrushes and power tools to work on the homes as part of the semiannual Students Together Achieving Revitalization program. The five residences are located in different parts of the neighborhood, and “many of these homes have been passed down through generations and hold great sentimental value to the current owners,” an official said.

CITY AND FEDERAL OFFICIALS HAILED THE DEVELOPMENT OF ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS RESIDENCES south of downtown during the groundbreaking Nov. 6 for the new Sunglo Urban Homes and Lotus Urban Homes green living community.

According to a press release, Lotus Urban Homes, located at 1603 S. Presa St., will be a 17-unit housing development on the site of a former hotel and bar. Sunglo Urban Homes, 1519 S. Presa, will be a 10-unit development. The property was formerly a Citgo gas station. Both development sites will be certified by Build San Antonio Green. Completion of the developments is expected at the end of 2016. “Sunglo Urban Homes and Lotus Urban Homes will provide significant economic benefit by addressing reinvestment and infill development priorities,” said District 1

Councilman Roberto C. Treviño. The city will provide more than $500,000 in incentives to the Sunglo Urban Homes development project, according to officials.

And the Lotus Urban Homes project is eligible for more than $100,000 in incentives in the form of city and SAWS fee waivers.

HONORING THE VICTIMS OF THE RECENT TERRORIST ATTACKS in Paris, District 1 Councilman Robert Treviño and other leaders joined hundreds in Main Plaza downtown for a vigil Nov. 15 to remember those who were wounded or killed. Spurs players Tony Parker and Boris Diaw, both of whom are French nationals, also attended.

TEXAS SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE JOE STRAUS, R-SAN ANTONIO, has filed for re-election as the representative of District 121, which covers northern San Antonio, Alamo Heights, Terrell Hills and Olmos Park. Straus, a fifth-generation Texan and graduate of Alamo Heights High School, was elected to the House in 2005 and speaker in 2009. He and his wife, Julie, live in San Antonio and have two daughters.

STATE SEN. JOSÉ MENÉNDEZ, D-SAN ANTONIO, HOSTED HIS FIRST COMMUNITY GATHERING for District 26 constituents, who braved rainy conditions to attend the Oct. 24

THE TEX HILL

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

event at San Antonio College’s Loftin Student Center Fiesta Room. The town-hall meeting was designed to elicit input from residents to shape district priorities in the next legislative session. “My legislative agenda is shaped by conversations I have at H-E-B, neighborhood associations and community gatherings like these,” Menéndez said. “Saturday’s event was so important because it allowed us to hear the concerns of our neighborhoods and how we can work together to strengthen them.”

The meeting also featured representatives from service agencies such as CPS Energy and San Antonio Water System, which provided additional information and helped answer questions from residents.

Menéndez said he plans to host similar events for constituents in the district, which includes parts of central San Antonio, Converse, Live Oak and all of Windcrest.

THE PASEO DEL RIO ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECENTLY selected Maggie Thompson as the new executive director of the nonprofit. Thompson is the eighth executive director in the association’s 47 years and started Nov. 23. According to a spokeswoman, Thompson is “a seasoned professional in both the nonprofit and for-profit world (and) has a strong background with the city of San Antonio, membership-based organizations as well

as large budgets and long-range planning.”

The association promotes, protects and preserves the River Walk and organizes 26 annual events ranging from craft shows to the Ford Holiday River Parade.

ST. LUKE’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL HAS BEEN NAMED AS A SILVER & BLACK GIVE BACK 2015-16 Team Up Challenge semifinalist.

The school received $2,500 in seed money to begin a service learning project. Students from several grades will shop, prepare and deliver weekend snack bags to children in an after-school program run by Good Samaritan Community Services on the West Side. Semifinalists were selected based on proposals submitted for endeavors to improve their communities. The project is led

by Director of Student Life Robin Davenport and eighth graders Sydney Murray and Caroline Hale. “We decided to help kids who may not have enough to eat at home,” Sydney said. “Children shouldn’t have to worry about when they will have their next meal.” The challenge, sponsored by San Antonio sports franchises including the Spurs, gives seed money to 20 semifinalists from area school districts to perform a service project, and five champions selected later from their ranks will receive $20,000 to continue the initiative.

LOWDOWN continues on pg. 14

Get rolling with your holiday shopping!

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS October 1, 2015–January 5, 2016

Whole Earth Provision Co.

The Tex Hill Scholarship Program provides tuition, fees, textbooks and uniforms to two fifth grade boys who will attend San Antonio Academy during their 6th, 7th and 8th grade years.

Quarry Market at 255 East Basse • 210-829-8888 WholeEarthProvision.com

NOW OPEN

sa-academy.org 210.733.7331

• PoweRow • Shockwave

San Antonio Academy admits students of all race, color, and national or ethnic origin.

Accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest. Member of the National Association of Independent Schools.

BE HONEST. BE KIND. BE THE BEST YOU CAN BE.

®

• Row & Flow • Yoga Classes

Come Try Us Your First Class is FREE The Most Efficient & Effective Full Body Workout!

RESOLVE TO ROW IN 2016 January 2nd 10k Relay OR 5k Individual Row Race more info online or give us a call

5162 Broadway Street • Visit our website for full descriptions & to register for classes EnergyXFitness.com • 210-608-4241

13

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

LOCAL SOCIETY

THE CHRYSANTHEMUM BALL

First time for everything in fashion, food, philanthropy

AnaPaula Watson, Helen Eversberg and Jane Gleason

Betsy Baker, Susan Hausser and Ginny Way

Randy and Michele Cadwallader

THE WITTE GAME DINNER

by CAROLE MILLER

E

verything old was new again this season with honored traditions giving way to changing times, places and new beginnings.

The Chrysanthemum Ball, the undisputed queen of San Antonio society events, moved from La Villita and was held at the San Antonio Country Club for the first time. This most exclusive gathering of the social season was thrown by the Charity Ball Association to celebrate les grandes dames raising more than $1 million for children’s charities in Bexar County.

Association founder and past President Dela White was honored in the program and in prayer. She was loved and admired by everyone who knew her. White’s beautiful spirit inspired so many people for many

years and she will be greatly missed.

The Witte Game Dinner, always a trailblazing event, was held for the first time in Brackenridge Park and set some new standards — it raised a record $666,343 and hosted its all-time largest crowd of 1,700 guests.

The city of San Antonio was recognized as the 2015 Game Dinner honoree, Ginny and Randy Cadwallader served as the chairs, KENS 5 morning news anchor Barry Davis was emcee, Rick Shaw was the best auctioneer in the West and The Bellamy Brothers rounded out the evening with a rousing country-music concert.

The shining star of the night, undoubtedly, was the delicious array of wild game cuisine by the RK Group. The fare included delicious dishes such as paella, venison enchiladas, handmade gorditas, desserts as far as the eye could

David and Zabrina Rabozo, Eileen Teves, Skyj, Shelley Miester and Allen Lansing

Todd Brockwell and Jonathan Gravell

Wayne Christian and Hannah Watson

SA FASHION AWARDS

Lari Nelson, Burgundy andt Tawana Timberlake

Ursula Pari and Eliot Garza

see and everyone’s perennial favorite— the fried quail with cream gravy.

The first annual San Antonio Fashion Awards took place at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. The red carpet, glamorous, avant-garde happening, sponsored by StyleLushTV, San Antonio’s online fashion network, acknowledged those individuals

Xitlalt Xalazar, Michael Quintanilla, Anna Monette and Semon Tam

in the Alamo City who help push forward the local style industry. Backed by SA2020, the awards benefitted the Zero Limits Foundation, a local nonprofit that empowers young adults to achieve their full potential as they pursue careers in the creative field.

Happy holidays to all.

For more, visit facebook.com/onlinein09.

Discover The Fountain Of Youth For Denture Wearers

Look 10-20 Years Younger

Discover the diff fference with The New Fountain of Youth Dentures. You can look 10 - 20 years younger with a tighter fitting, more beautiful looking denture. We can lessen wrinkles and reduce deep lines on your face while creating a beautiful smile.

Custom designed to the highest neuromuscular standards, The Denture Fountain of Youth™ is unlike any other denture you may have heard of or run across on the market.

Remove or soften the “sunken in” look that develops over time.

Lessen wrinkles and “turkey necks”!

Retrains the muscles in your head and mouth resulting in stronger support and a more attractive profile.

If you have worn or needed a denture but were reluctant to get the same old thing, you are in luck. The fountain of youth has come to town. Ask about getting The Denture Fountain of Youth™!

Can be Implant Supported where indicated.

Eat the food you love!

Calll TODAY! 210-4 499-4 4746 www.SanAntonioDentureSolutions.com m

San Antonio Denture Solutions Dr. Joseph J. Perry D.D.S. 13341 San Pedro Ave. San Antonio,TX 78216 DrPerry@SanAntonioDentureSolutions.com

A Family Practice Focused on Comfortable, Comprehensive Dental Care

® The Clear Alternative to Braces

Six Month Smiles® S h o r t Te r m O r t h o S y s t e m

Cosmetics, Invisalign, 6 Month Smiles, Braces, Implants, Crown and Bridge, Sedation, Root Canals Evening & Saturday Appointments Available

$

19

New Patient Exam and X-rays $204 value

Special offers cannot be combined with insurance due to insurance regulations

$ Call Us Today 210.804.2212 www.allsmilesdentalcenter.com.

7720 Jones Maltsberger Road Suite 105, San Antonio, TX 78216

500 off

Invisalign or Implant

Special offers cannot be combined with insurance due to insurance regulations

14 LOWDOWN continues from pg. 12 NO TALL TALE HERE — SAINT MARY’S HALL STUDENT DIXON SAMPSON wowed judges as “best youth liar” at the 28th annual George West Storyfest Nov. 7 in George West. Competing against three other youth contestants in the festival’s Texas State Youth Liars’ Contest, Dixon’s story included pumpkin pie raining from the sky, a boy getting stuck on a 50-foot tower of ice and working with NASA. During the past seven years, 13 Saint Mary’s Hall students have won the National Youth Storytelling Torchbearer. Dixon will be competing later this school year for the chance to become a 2016-17 Torchbearer and act as “Storytelling Ambassador” by presenting his stories across the nation.

STARBUCKS EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND CFO SCOTT MAW participated in a recent question-and-answer session with the Saint Mary’s Hall Student Investment Group. Educators said the session provided a unique opportunity for students to ask questions about one of the most well-known companies in the United States. Near the conclusion of the gathering, Maw told students, “Find something you like to do, work hard at it, and good things will happen.”

LOCAL LIVE MUSIC KEY: Alamo City Music Hall, 1305 E. Houston St., alamocitymusichall.com Charline McCombs Empire Theatre, 226 N. St. Mary’s St., 226-5700 Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St., 226-5700 Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersa@gmail.com Sam's Burger Joint, 300 E. Grayson St., 223-2830 The Korova, 107 E. Martin St., 226-5070 12/7 Indiemerch Tour: The Black Dahlia Murder, Goatwhore, Iron Reagan, Entheos, Artificial Brain, 6 p.m., Alamo City Music Hall, $18 12/9 White Reaper, VOID OF DEVICES, Junkie, Loafer, 8 p.m., Paper Tiger, $7 12/10 Comfort & Joy: Jim Brickman, 7:30 p.m., Charline McCombs Empire Theatre, $32.50/$52.50 12/11 Deicide, Season of Suffering, 7 p.m., The Korova, $20/$25

///////////// ADVERTORIAL /////////////

A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

Heeling Sole is not only San Antonio’s favorite deep tissue massage, it’s also a training site cultivating new and upcoming barefoot massage therapists. We are proud to be the only massage clinic in the nation that provides manual therapy and massage “solely” from our feet, and as one of only 12 training locations in the world for this specialty technique we are happy to call Alamo Heights our home! Our new Internship program allows trained Barefoot Massage Therapists the opportunity to practice on the public while working on gaining experience. These “pedi-wans” are already licensed massage therapists and have already completed level(s) of Ashiatsu and Ashi-Thai training at Heeling Sole, but they aren’t ready to be set loose to the world just yet... our interns are figuring out the finer details of this technique and completing their Certification by practicing until they get it perfect.

We currently have 2 interns, with more on the way, and they need bodies to practice on: WE’D LIKE TO WORK ON YOU! You’ll be required to provide feedback and answer questions during the massage, and complete a feedback form after the session. Sessions are only available in 90 minute increments, until the intern is proficient with the material to offer shorter, 60 minute, sessions down the road.

You will be helping to accelerate these Barefoot Massage Therapists to that level of excellence quickly, while saving on your bodywork in the meantime. You may find the next up-and-coming Sasquatch in the internship program: come and try out a newbie, help them get their feet up to par!

Appointments are available by reservation only – call us to schedule your massage with an intern, or a Certified Sasquatch staff therapist who is fluent and intuitive in the work!

A 90 minute session with an Intern is $96 A 90 minute session with a Certified and experienced Heeling Sole staff member any day of the week (we call ourselves Sasquatches!) is $120.

A 90 minute session with the Jedi Master, Jeni Spring, is $135. (But you’ll have to see a Sasquatch first before seeing Jeni.)

12/12-13 Dead Kennedys, 7 p.m./3 p.m., The Korova, $20/$25 12/12 Christmas Rocks Extravaganza!: The Brian Setzer Orchestra, 8 p.m., Majestic Theatre, $39.50/$79.50 12/12 TwoTen Empire: Deer Vibes, Youth Orchestra of San Antonio, Brandon Cunningham, 8 p.m., Charline McCombs Empire Theatre, $10 12/14 Swing Nite: The Hot Texas Swing Band, 7 p.m., Sam’s Burger Joint, $10

1864 Nacogdoches Road, Alamo Heights, Tx, 78209 in Carousel Court 210-560-1992 www.HeelingSole.com

15

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM NORTHWOOD continues from pg. 01

Recreational area at school has become community gathering place

by BAIN SERNA

A

playground built to honor a toddler after his untimely death is falling into disrepair two decades later, and community groups are seeking help to improve and repair the site at Northwood Elementary School.

Because private funds were used to construct the playground on the campus, which is accessible to the public afterhours, the North East Independent School District can’t pay for the renovations. Organizers said they are short about $4,000 of the $32,000 total.

“It has come under some disrepair and it definitely needs to be upgraded,” said Brett Beyer,

Seeing God In New Ways

by Les Hollon, PhD Senior Pastor at Trinity Baptist Church

J.B. Phillip’s classic, “Your God Is Too Small,” was first published in 1961. I remember reading it years later when I was a teenager. After preaching one night of a weekend revival, I was then asked to preach a week long revival, to be held two month’s later. It was challenge enough to put together one sermon, but eight?! I had a lot to learn - fast.

The seemingly overwhelming task brought me to my knees and kept me there. The more I learned, the more I realized there was more for me to learn. Phillip’s book, now a

The Dylan Michael Vaughan Toddler Playground at Northwood Elementary School, named for a 2-year-old struck and killed by a vehicle in front of his home more than 20 years ago, is falling into disrepair. The PTA, the child's parents and others have banded together to raise funds to renovate the play area, which has become a local fixture. Photo by Rudy B. Ornelas

president of the Northwood PTA. The playground was named after 2-year-old Dylan Michael Vaughan, the son of David and Berti Vaughan, who died after being hit by a passing car in front of the family home April 27, 1995.

Exactly a year later the playground, which was constructed specifically for small children through kindergarten age, was opened at the school, 519 Pike Road.

The rubber-tile flooring of the

Dylan Michael Vaughan Toddler Playground has peeled and become worn out, and the remaining equipment has deteriorated after much use.

“Everyone here at Northwood, all the moms and dads, have been taking their kids to this playground,” Beyer said. “It is unique in that it is for a younger agegroup area, more for toddlers through kindergarten. As a community, that’s where many take their babies and toddlers because

it is very safe. It’s a great meeting place, and it’s got great shade and trees.”

In fact, the playground is an essential part of the community, Beyer said.

The PTA, the Vaughans and other community members have mounted a major effort to secure funding for the enhancements, and NEISD officials have indicated they will also donate to the cause.

“Because the playground was originally paid for and put in by the PTA and not district money, it is the PTA’s responsibility to maintain it and take care of it,” Beyer said.

The PTA has raised funds through its annual Green Back night, in which the Vaughans have been helpful in sharing their story to raise awareness of the playground’s needs. Also, Northwood Principal June Sharrer has been instrumental in supporting and promoting the fundraising, according to Beyer.

Planned upgrades include a colorful soft rubber surface on the ground estimated at $18,000, toddler-friendly playground equipment to replace the worn equipment, and other amenities.

“Our goal was to raise about $32,000

NORTHWOOD continues on pg. 16

classic, revealed to me a pathway by which this learning could best happen. Let God be God in the awareness that I can never fully understand all there is to know about God. God is ALWAYS MORE than I can know or imagine. And faith grows by not limiting God to my meager human abilities.

For instance, our name, TRINITY, acknowledges our awareness of God’s bigness. God is so powerful, so wonderful that one name can’t fully describe God. God comes to us as Creator, Christ, and Spirit. During this holy-day season, let faith grow you into the height, depth, and breadth of God’s fullness.

Blessings,

Pastor Les

Sundays

9am - Bible Study for all ages 10:15am - Blended Worship 10:45 - Contemporary Worship @ TriPoint | 3233 N. St. Mary’s

319 E. Mulberry Ave, 78212 | (210) 733-6201 24-hr Prayer line: (210) 738-PRAY

www.trinitybaptist.org

Advent Concert Series Keyboards, Choirs and Carols

Sunday, December 6, 5pm in the sanctuary - Chorale, Orchestra, Music Makers, Young Mucisians and Trinity Singers

Rodrigo Rodriguez Christmas Concert - Sunday, December 13,

7pm in the sanctuary - Rodrigo Rodriguez, guitar, Non-semble, and instrumentalists

The Many Moods of Christmas Sunday, December 20, 3pm featuring the Heart of Texas Concert Band and the Dianne Brumley Chorale

Winter Wonderland

Saturday, December 5, 10am at TriPoint. There is a 100% chance

of snow! Bring your children, grandchildren, and friends to enjoy family breakfast, Christmas activity booths, Sing-A-Longs, and photos with Santa! Tickets are $5. Call 738-7764 to buy yours today!

Christmas Eve Service

Wednesday, December 24, 5pm at our Mulberry Campus. As the Trinity faith family comes together on Christmas Eve, we rediscover the magic of the season. Join us for seasonal music, communion, and a heart touching devotional message.

For more information, visit: www.trinitybaptist.org/christmas

16 NORTHWOOD continues from pg. 15

A Great-hearted education is within reach.

CLASSICAL EDUCATION. REVOLUTIONARY SCHOOLS.™

Great Hearts Academies offers a tuition-free,

classical, liberal arts education serving grades K-12 with two San Antonio campus locations.

The 2016-17 school year marks our third academic year in San Antonio. With our Great Hearts Monte Vista campus in the heart of San Antonio, and our Great Hearts Northern Oaks campus just

inside 1604, we’re proud to provide an excellent, tuition-free Great Hearts public education to families across San Antonio. We are committed to offering a well-rounded, K-12 education set in an environment where all scholars will flourish.

And through it all, we instill a love of learning and virtue in our students.

Open House for Great Hearts Monte Vista & Northern Oaks: Dec 3, 2015 Open Enrollment: November 30 – December 14, 2015 To apply or for additional information, please visit GreatHeartsTX.org

For more information call 210.888.9485. Great Hearts Monte Vista 211 Belknap Place San Antonio, TX 78212

for the renovation and we are within $4,000 of that goal,” said David Vaughan, Dylan’s father. “We hope to start the renovation January of next year.”

The Vaughans see the playground as more than just a recreational area; it is also a symbol of healing and hope for future generations.

“About 90 percent of marriages do not survive the death of a young son or daughter,” David Vaughan said. “Berti had the idea to build the playground for toddlers Dylan’s age shortly after his death. It gave us something very positive to work on that first year and helped us to be among the 10 percent able to preserve our union.

I can’t begin to tell you what this playground means to us. It also helped our son and daughter and this entire community grieve in a good way.”

Vaughan noted that Dylan’s playground is also part of a designated neighborhood park, and that no other elementary school in San Antonio has a play facility designed for the toddler age group.

“We are amazed and pleased at how many families with very young toddlers use the playground,” he said.

“We are also amazed at how many from outside Northwood travel to use this playground. It is truly a gem.”

The memories of their son are still vivid, and still precious.

“Dylan was already showing signs of being physically gifted like his siblings,” said Berti Vaughan. “He ran like the wind and could already throw balls with precision. We would have been taken for an extraordinary ride as we had with his siblings. He was a beautiful boy.”

The Vaughans continue to express gratitude and appreciation to the community, which they praised for being responsive and helpful in preserving both Dylan’s namesake playground and his memory.

“The Northwood and Alamo Heights community opened their hearts to us when he died,” his mother said.

“I will never forget the outpouring of caring and generosity from these lovely communities. They are still responding to our fundraising efforts. I would like for Dylan to be remembered as the wonderful promise of life we all see in toddlers. And that in his name there is a place toddlers from our community can go to have fun and engage in their own promise.”

To help with a donation, call 865-7357, email brett_kathryn@ yahoo.com or visit www.gofundme. com/ezofr4. Checks can be made out to the Northwood PTA or dropped off at the school.

17

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

BEHIND EVERY PROJECT IS A

Alamo Heights revamps treepreservation rules

Schnabel’s Hardware Since 1942

by EDMOND ORTIZ

Much M re in tore This

A

LAMO HEIGHTS — Officials have modified the city’s tree preservation ordinance to help make it easier for homeowners facing the dilemma of removing heritage trees.

The city of Alamo Heights is making it easier for property owners to remove and replace significant or heritage trees. Photo by Edmond Ortiz

The City Council voted unanimously Oct. 26 to amend the ordinance, including a reduction in some fees.

“Lots of trees surround us. Some cities don’t have tree ordinances. Ours is a lot like San Antonio’s tree ordinance,” said Mayor Louis Cooper. “I’d say we’ve probably saved lots and lots of trees over the years in Alamo Heights.”

In a Sept. 14 public hearing, Jason Lutz, community development services director, said it has been a challenge for property owners to cut down an unwanted tree. The

owners have to find some other place on their land to deposit it pending removal.

Previously, the city required for the removal of a heritage tree — usually a larger or older tree — to be mitigated by the planting of additional trees on the property or off-site on a one-to-one ratio, and with a $125 permit fee.

Property owners with trees not classified as a heritage tree were charged $25 with no requirement of mitigation.

Additionally, the city until recently had not allowed the applicant to pay

Complimentary Exam NEW CLIENTS ONLY (COMPLIMENTARY EXAM FOR ONE PET PER HOUSEHOLD)

a fee in place of planting trees.

Lutz told the council the ordinance requirements have resulted more in a random distribution of trees, rather than contributing toward the city’s overall desire for community beautification.

“In the old policy, if you wanted to cut down a tree, you’d have to replace it on your property, but some of the lots aren’t suited for the tree, be it by its size or type,” Cooper said. He was citing the lot size, foundation

PRESERVATION continues on pg. 18

Holiday Season!

Count on Schnabel’s, a community tradition for almost 75 years, to bring you some shopping fun as well as service second-to-none this holiday season.

Leisurely explore our vintage store for gifts galore - tools and gadgets for the do-it-yourselfer...classic toys such as Radio Flyer wagons, Slinkys and wooden yo-yos for girls and boys...seasonal décor both indoor and outdoor... and all the essentials like batteries and Edison lights to make your celebration bright.

Why fight the crowds at big-box stores or at the mall? Have a ball shopping at Schnabel’s, a fascinating and historic True Value hardware store with so much more!

We also do Lamp Repair, Screen Repair and Knife/Tool Sharpening.

Come see why we are the Best!

FREE Assembly...

Where else can you get that!

VITALPET NORTHWOOD ANIMAL HOSPITAL 1634 NORTH EAST LOOP 410, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78209 | (210) 828-1406

Quality medicine in a caring family environment TM

www.vitalpet.com

Schnabel’s is located at 4337 McCullough Ave.

210-826-4412

Open 7 Days a Week!

Mon.-Sat. 8:30am - 5:30pm Sunday 11am - 5pm

open sundays!

18

DEC. 7, 2015 - JAN. 4, 2016

PRESERVATION continues from pg. 17

9ft and 11ft Ceilings W/D in ALL Units Granite Countertops Ceiling Fans Resilient Wood Flooring Stainless Steel Appliances Walk-in Closets Large Fitness Center Controlled Access Gates Elevators Resort-style Pools

upscale amenities without the upscale price

WE’VE MADE THE ORDINANCE MORE USER-FRIENDLY AND MADE IT MORE REALISTIC.

3819 Harry Wurzbach . San Antonio, Texas . 78209 210.824.3500 . info@urbancrestapts.com www.urbancrestapts.com

LOUIS COOPER, ALAMO HEIGHTS MAYOR

1.9% for 48 Months

APR FINANCING AVAILABLE ON SELECT MODELS*

Up to 33 MPG HWY

Or Lease

Model GFA. OPT 01

2016 Forester 2.5i

Sale Price

and sidewalk as challenging factors.

Such beautification, Cooper has said, includes careful preservation of the variety of trees in Alamo Heights. In council discussions, Cooper pressed for the amended ordinance to include tree height as a factor in the overall effort to preserve the city’s tree canopy.

Lutz also told the council that most property owners having trouble with the old tree mitigation requirements had instead expressed a wish to pay a fee in order to accomplish their project.

Councilman Fred Prassel told his colleagues that fees in the tree preservation ordinance, before the council amended it, seemed high and perhaps discouraged some property owners.

Cooper said the city’s Community Development Services Office and an arborist can be available to work more closely with a property owner who faces the possibility of having to cut down a tree.

“For example, let’s say three oak trees are growing together as a clump on your lot. You, the homeowner, want to cut down two of them,” Cooper said. “An arborist would make a recommendation, but (the city) also has authority to weigh in. Common sense will weigh in.”

Making options and fees more flexible in the tree ordinance, Cooper said, should encourage a property owner to give tree mitigation greater consideration.

“We think it’s very important to have a tree, but make it more understandable for what a homeowner thinks is in his or her best interests,” the mayor said. “We’ve made the ordinance more user-friendly and made it more realistic for the homeowner to remove a tree and make the replacement easier.”

Cooper also said nobody could deny the beauty of a small city filled with trees, surrounded by San Antonio’s growing, modern urban environment.

“I think our tree canopy is one of the reasons why people enjoy living here,” he added.

$22,080 $199

PER MO. 36 MOS. $2,089 TOTAL DUE

MSRP $23,885, NP DISCOUNT $1,805. $199/MO 36 MOS. FIRST PYMT + $1,890 DOWN DUE AT SIGNING. 10K MILES/YR, $0 SECURITY DEPOSIT. / MODEL GFA. OPT 01 /STK#FG409528

SUBARU (Located at San Pedro)

SUBARU AT DOMINION

9807 San Pedro

21415 IH10 West

210.308.0200

210.816.8000

NPSUBARU.com

NPSUBARUDOMINION.com

Vehicle Art For Illustration Purposes Only. $17 per $1000 financed with approved credit. *Financing offers on select models. Offer expires 10/31/2015. Subject to vehicle insurance and availability.

got traffic tickets?

Let the adventures begin – layer by layer!

• • • •

Criminal Defense Misdemeanors and Felonies DWI Drug Cases

Consultations always FREE! Call me to discuss your case today.

Whole Earth Provision Co. Quarry Market at 255 East Basse • 210-829-8888

WholeEarthProvision.com

Law Office of John E. Rodriguez

210-227-7979 1304 S. Laredo St. Suite 2, San Antonio, TX 78204

19

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM ANGEL continues from pg. 01

Community continues to share generosity, cofounder says

by BAIN SERNA

A

LAMO HEIGHTS — The season of giving never stops at Alamo Heights High School thanks to the Angel Program, which has taken flight to help when students and their families are in need, officials say.

Although the Alamo Heights Independent School District is regarded as property rich, about 23 percent of the nearly 5,000 students enrolled are on a free or reducedprice lunch program, as well as living at or below the poverty line. The Angel Program is now being used across the district.

“I grew up with many financial and emotional hardships, so the needs recognized by our district kids resonated in

1624401 ressSend g_LCN1

75” x 5.7” 4c

The Angel Program, which started at Alamo Heights High School and has spread to the rest of the district, helps students and families in need. Coordinators with the program include Chrissy Fitch (left), the AHHS Parent Teacher Student Organization liaison, and Dawn Hedgepeth, a student support counselor and licensed clinical social worker. Photo by Rudy B. Ornelas

a big, big way for me,” said Carrie Conner, a former district parent who started the program in 2008 with Alamo Heights Junior School counselor Lisa Lucas.

The goal remains to reach out to high school students and their families who are experiencing financial hardships, while keeping everything confidential.

“Every request (in the Angel Program) is met with donations received at light speed and always more than requested,” Conner said.

The high school has two social workers who inform Lucas about a student’s needs without revealing the name, officials said.

“I’ve been here 14 years and over the years

WE’VE BEEN DOING THIS FOR SEVEN YEARS AND IT’S BEEN AMAZING, AND NOW THE OTHER CAMPUSES HAVE STARTED IT. ALL THE CAMPUSES HAVE AN ANGELS PROGRAM IN THE ALAMO HEIGHTS DISTRICT. CARRIE CONNER, PROGRAM CO-FOUNDER I’ve known that there are a lot of families that wanted to give, that could give and had good resources for giving,” Lucas said. “We’ve been doing this for seven years and it’s been amazing, and now the other campuses have started it. All the campuses have an Angel

ANGEL continues on pg. 20

ExpressSend® service

Proud to serve your needs when sending money to Mexico

$5

Fees as low as with an eligible Wells Fargo account* • Conveniently send money directly from your eligible Wells Fargo checking account with the ExpressSend service and pay fees as low as $5 depending on destination.* • Send money to Mexico and 12 other countries throughout Latin America and Asia.

• Visit your local Wells Fargo store to sign up for the ExpressSend service. The economical, convenient and dependable way to send money home.®

Celebrating 20 years of service to Mexico.

Talk to a banker, visit wellsfargo.com/expresssend or call 1-800-556-0605 for more information.

*The ExpressSend service requires an eligible Wells Fargo checking or savings account as the funding source. Customers will pay a $5 fee for sending money to Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Dominican Republic, Colombia, Philippines, a $7 fee for sending money to El Salvador, Nicaragua, Ecuador, and Peru, a $9 fee for sending money to Vietnam and China. Customers sending money to India will pay a $5 fee for transfers up to $500 and a $0 fee on transfer amounts over $500. Talk to a banker for more details. © 2015 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. ECG-1624401 In addition to the transfer fee, Wells Fargo makes money on the conversion of U.S. dollars to foreign currency.

Crumpets Restaurant & Bakery 3920 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209 Phone: 210-821-5600 • Fax: 210-821-5624 www.crumpetsa.com

Make Your Holiday Reservations Now

New Year’s Eve 5 Course Menu Available

FLAIR RESTAURANT 6462 N. New Braunfels Ave. 78209 • 210-977-0193

Our Gift Cards make great gifts!!

Closed Monday (Available for private events) Tues-Sat: 11a-10p Sun: 11a-6p

Visit us online to see our Holiday Catering menu www.flairrestaurantsa.com

20

ANGEL continues from pg. 19 Program in the Alamo Heights district.”

According to Lucas, an email is sent to community members who have voluntarily signed up to receive notices letting them know when a student needs help. At the high school, about 140 people have volunteered to work with the program, including the two social workers, a Parent Teacher Student Organization liaison, 135 parents and some faculty members.

“Whoever is available to help with that need responds accordingly,” said Chrissy Fitch, the PTSO liaison. “Typically four to five people help with any given need.

In addition, at Christmas time, the social workers meet with students at the high school that they know would especially be blessed by a Christmas gift.”

The social workers then compile a wish list for these students. Members of the program — dubbed The Angels — have an opportunity to purchase a gift.

“Typically 40 to 50 students are served this way,” Fitch said. “We need to be aware that there are needs in our community; our fellow school families go through times of difficulty and crisis and we need each other, we need to care about each other.

We need to bear each other’s burdens. The Angel Program is one way that we can do

DEC. 7, 2015 - JAN. 4, 2016 that in the Alamo Heights community.”

Assistance can include H-E-B gift cards for grocery needs, providing beds and bedding, helping a student pay for a dentist or doctor visit, donating a used computer, gift cards to help a student who is the first in the family to go to college buy dorm items, helping with an electric bill, providing Wal-Mart cards to purchase basic clothing needs, donating gently used coats or other clothing, and more.

Fitch said the community has risen to the challenge of helping the less fortunate.

“We are part of a very caring community that desires to help these students,” she said.

“It is so encouraging to see people eager to respond to my emails and to help, even though they don’t know the student and will never know how their contribution blessed that student. The Angel Program also provides a venue in which we can look beyond ourselves to the needs of those around us.”

She added, “Our students can only be successful learners when they know they have a safe place to have their emotional burdens cared about, as well.”

According to Lucas, the beauty of the Angel Program lies in the generosity of the community and the gratitude of the recipients.

“It’s a great satisfaction to see that we have such giving families,” she said. “Even though they have great wealth, they want to share that, and that’s beautiful to me.”

SAN ANTONIO DESIGN STUDIO - NOW OPEN! QUARRY VILLAGE - 280 E. Basse Road, Suite 103, San Antonio,TX 78209

Create your own c ustom piece at ou Design r Studio !

210.829.1991

GARAGE ENTRYWAY WALL BED MEDIA CENTER KITCHEN OFFICE BATH CRAFT PANTRY

Stunning Hill Country Views 16922 Turin Ridge 78255 in Sonoma Mesa Stunning residence with hill country views. Incredible gourmet kitchen with gorgeous granite opens to den with hand scraped wood floors, brick “Oven” look fireplace and hearth.

Enjoy breakfast and master bedroom views of the beautiful hills from big open windows. Two bedrooms and a study down. Three more bedrooms, two baths, game room and media room upstairs. One upstairs BR has private bath. High vaulted ceilings upstairs and down. Incredible detail in this gorgeous home inside gated community.

$444,444

Randy Rice, Realtor

ALHS, GRI, ABR Keller Williams Legacy Group Call Irma at 415-3478 for information. www.randyrealtor.com

21

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM LOW VISION continues from pg. 01

In the photo to the left, grandmother Sylvia Trevino (center) watches over Oscar and Vincent Trevino (left) during a recent visit to the Low Vision Reading Room at the Central Library.

Relatives and teachers are being encouraged to bring kids to the new room (far left), which helps sightchallenged children enjoy hundreds of books. Photos by Rudy B. Ornelas

Space hailed as new door into the world of books

by SUSAN YERKES

W

eston Wright loves to read. At 11, he figures he has already devoured about 600 books. Now, thanks to a new, specialized reading room for children with impaired eyesight at the Central Library, he’s planning to read even more.

What makes his story special is that Weston has been blind since birth. In October, he was one of the speakers at the opening of a new Low Vision Reading Room for children at the Central Library of the San Antonio Public Library system, 600 Soledad St. “I’ve been reading Braille since I was about 18 months old,” Weston told the crowd assembled at the opening

ceremony in October. “It has really helped me. So I’m really excited about this (the new reading room)—it’s going to help unlock the door of imagination for a lot of blind children like me.”

Tucked into a quiet corner near the children’s section on the third floor of the library, the Low Vision Reading Room is stocked with hundreds of Braille

Now Open

Vintage-Industrial-Antiques Th The h Furnitu ture u You Want to Bu uy But Don't Know Kn n Where To Fin nd Interi rior i Designer fro frrom Spain Deco-Project Man nager

and large-print books for children and read-alongs (books paired with CDs) in English and Spanish. Many were recently purchased with a grant from the Semmes Foundation. The San Antonio Public Library Foundation also provided financial support. There is also a magnifying monitor, and an audio listening station.

Fancifully shaped sculptures and tactile wall-mounted pieces provided by The Color of Blind, an exhibit and a San Antonio arts organization, liven up the area for both the sighted and sightless.

“People often don’t think of the library as a place for people who have difficulty

Do

wish

reading, but we have collections both for adults and children,” said library Public Services Administrator Joel Banglian, who coordinated the creation of the new area.

“We’re really trying to get the word out about this to families, and to teachers who have low-vision children in their classes.”

Adult Braille books are kept in a separate section of the downtown library and at Mission Branch Library, and can be sent to any branch library or loaned out through the books by mail program.

The demand for audio resources

LOW VISION continues on pg. 22

you to age in place?

Could you benefit from personal care to: Be Safe and Happy, Keep your household clean, And stay in your own home!

PRIDE has personal care attendants that can help you remain in the comfortable and familiar surroundings of your own home.

Pride’s services can assist you with the following activities of daily living - so you may age in place.

“BECAUSE WE CARE, WE SERVE WITH PRIDE” • Meal Preparation • Feeding • Transferring • Bathing • Ambulation and Exercise • Toileting • Dressing • Grooming • Routine Hair and Skin Care • Assistance with normally self-administered medications

Along with PRIVATE CARE, we accept MEDICAID OUR MISSION - Advocate for independence by providing home health services that improve the quality of life and overall well being of the individuals we proudly serve.

514 W. Hildebrand Ave San Antonio, TX 78212

210.997.0771

unikvintagefurniture.com unikwarehouse@gmail.com Find Us On

PRIDE PHC SERVICES, INC.

for more information about the programs availabble, please contact us at:

210-949-1303 (Office) or 800-334-5157 210-949-1966 (Fax) 12500 San Pedro, Ste. 315 San Antonio, Texas 78216 Info@pridephcservices.com

www.pridephcservices.com Licensed by the Texas HCSSA

22 LOW VISION continues from pg. 21 for the blind community is growing, Banglian said, and many audio titles can be downloaded from the library’s website at mysapl.org. But San Antonio still has a strong Braille readership.

“Children need access to these materials,” he added, “and this is a great opportunity for us to reach out and say ‘yes’ to the low-vision community.”

A few years ago, the San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind, which has been empowering blind and visually impaired people for 80 years, opened a Blind Children’s Center with state-of-theart equipment, a playroom, Braille and large-print books, computers and more.

“The children’s program has been our dream forever,” said Nancy Lipton, Lighthouse public affairs director. “We have already served 700 or more children.

It’s so important that parents have places to bring even the youngest children to learn, so that when they start school they can be on the level of sighted children.”

Lighthouse Rehabilitation Director Vince Boyd provided technical training and tips for the public library staff on some of the technology in the Low Vision Reading Room, and the Lighthouse Choir sang at the opening ceremony.

The Reading Room is another great new resource for visually impaired children and families, Lipton said.

“Lots of students are given magnifiers, Braille readers or assistive technology in school, but they can’t take them home.

We have them at the Lighthouse, but we’re not open evenings or weekends.

The library’s new room gives people more access, more independence,” she added.

Weston’s family has worked with the Lighthouse since he was 3. Now a fifthgrader at La Vernia Intermediate School, he is in gifted and talented classes.

“Weston does everything other children do,” said Christina Wright, his mother.

“But when we first found out he was blind, we were not given any direction about where to go, or how to connect to other families,” she added. “That’s a real challenge in a world geared to the sighted. Now Weston and I work very hard at community awareness. We want to reach families with kids with low vision or who are completely blind, to let them know there are places to go.

The library’s low-vision room is the first one in San Antonio besides the Lighthouse, so it’s really important.”

A few weeks after the Low Vision Reading Room debuted, Weston was busy putting together some Braille books he has at home that he has already read. He plans to donate them to the library’s collection, so other children can enjoy them.

“I’m looking forward to reading more in the future,” Weston said.

23

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM DOWNTOWN continues from pg. 01

Developers want to lure more residents to central San Antonio

by TRAVIS E. POLING

T

wo new residential projects along the Museum Reach of the San Antonio River are underway and bringing the city a step closer to adding more than 5,000 living units to downtown by 2020.

Dallas-based Alamo Manhattan, after years of pursuing a project that didn’t come to fruition in Alamo Heights, has landed on a small tract in the bend of San Antonio River North at 111 W. Jones Ave., across the street from the San Antonio Museum of Art for a 191-unit complex with a restaurant on the first floor.

And nearby, a two-minute walk from the hot Pearl brewery development and also on River North, is the beginning of the SOJO Crossing townhome project with 27 units for sale to those looking for an urban setting, but with the amenities of small fenced yards and enclosed parking.

The Alamo Manhattan project is slated for summer 2017 with construction by HarveyCleary, a Texas company; its recent notable projects include the Hotel Emma at The Pearl and Tesoro’s corporate headquarters.

“We knew we wanted to be in San Antonio for a while and we’re really picky on sites,” said Wade Johns, co-founder and vice president of Alamo Manhattan.

The company had initially planned its first foray into the area with a high-profile project at the so-called “gateway” to Alamo Heights at Austin Highway and Broadway, but vocal community members argued it wasn’t a good

SAN ANTONIO, TX

fit and the project was scrapped in early 2014.

“Alamo Heights’ residents still have different visions for their community,” Johns said. While the company isn’t pursuing anything in Alamo Heights specifically now, he thinks there will be something “the community will support and get excited about in the future.”

Meanwhile, the River North area of San Antonio is all about development, and both zoning and incentives are in place for the kinds of projects Alamo Manhattan has done in several major cities, including four in uptown Dallas.

The site will give river views from most of the units in the six-story, wedge-shaped building. Residents and visitors also will have a rooftop terrace.

Underground parking completes the picture for the high-density urban development on a lot a third the size of what more traditional developments would need with surface parking.

Studio apartments are 530 square feet; two-bedroom units are 1,270 square feet.

The city of San Antonio put up $4.4 million worth of incentives aimed at encouraging more housing to bring people downtown to live and work. Bexar County also kicked in $500,000 in tax incentives for the $40 million development.

At a news conference for the groundbreaking of the project, Mayor Ivy Taylor said, “We are building the kind of city where more people want to live in the 21st century: environmentally friendly, adjacent to great public amenities like the River Walk and with convenient commercial space built in.”

In keeping with that theme, shortly after the announcement of the Alamo Manhattan project, another Center City Housing Incentive Program-backed project broke ground at 818 E. Myrtle St. SOJO Crossing will be completed in spring 2017. The townhomes will have enclosed garages and fenced green space ideal for those who want some of amenities of home ownership, but in the center of the city. Unlike most projects developing along south Broadway, these

“Turning Customers into friends - One at a time.”

will be purchased units instead of rentals.

They will be up to 2,200 square feet and range from $400,000 to $600,000.

Each townhome is three stories with a garage for two cars, a balcony with city views and an optional rooftop patio.

“There are a lot of people living here now, but they’re renting,” said Frank Pakuszewski, a principal in SOJO Urban Development LLC, which is developing SOJO Crossing with the well-established Montreal-based residential developer Prėvel.

The location is on the other side of the river from The Pearl, with a two-minute walk to new Hotel Emma and another one or two-minute walk to numerous amenities including restaurants, bars, coffee and shops.

“We’re not in real estate, we’re in placemaking,” Pakuszewski said. He added Pearl and the San Antonio River are still at the cultural hub for the area, but each new place becomes a part of that.

The target market for SOJO is people who might be selling larger houses in the more suburban areas of the city, young professionals and young families with one thing in common: “They want the energy (of living in the center city) and there’s a lot of energy down here,” Pakuszewski said.

San Antonio’s center city reinvestment fund pitched in $1 million as an incentive for the developers to bring more housing to the area.

In a written statement from the city after the Nov. 18 groundbreaking, District 1 City Councilman Roberto C. Trevino said, “This, along with other nearby development projects and great public amenities, like the River Walk, is quickly making this area one of the most vibrant urban neighborhoods in San Antonio.”

As part of the city’s SA2020 goals put in place in 2011 by then-Mayor Julian Castro,

WE’RE NOT IN REAL ESTATE, WE’RE IN PLACE-MAKING FRANK PAKUSZEWSKI, SOJO URBAN DEVELOPMENT

Begin Your Journey With Us! Everyone's journey is different, whether it is excelling in the classroom, playing sports, finding expression through the arts, or creating lasting friendships.

www.dnautosales.com

We invite you to attend one of our Lower School previews:

Check out our website to see our inventory and CARFAX reports

January 8, 2016, 7:45am - 10am February 5, 2016, 7:45am - 10am

ONSITE FINANCING

8333 Broadway | San Antonio, Texas 78209 | (210) 882-8544

the city has created incentives through a tax increment reinvestment zone to bring the number of residential units in the center city from Southtown to Lower Broadway from 3,300 to 8,300 or more by 2020.

Halfway through that timeline, about 3,900 new units have been built or are in the pipeline, said Tony Piazzi, senior vice president of business development for Centro San Antonio, which focuses on the promotion and improvement of downtown.

“We’re well on our way to meeting or exceeding our goal,” Piazzi said. There already was a lot of development happening to the north and south of downtown, but the incentives offered by the city are helping move that activity closer to the center, especially along the river’s Museum Reach and what is now being called the Broadway Cultural Corridor, he said.

“You’re seeing the first fruits of those incentives,” Piazzi said.

Pat DiGiovanni, CEO of Centro San Antonio, said existing housing in the urban core has a 90 percent or better occupancy rate and some recently opened developments have a waiting list to get in.

The growth core for the area, at 7 percent a year, is the highest in San Antonio.

“People want to live in the inner city; they want the urban lifestyle. It’s a simpler, but interactive, lifestyle,” DiGiovanni said.

The master plan for River North housing development, which includes the Museum Reach, calls for 8,000 units, he said. When fully developed, it will have more than 16,000 people living in a square mile; that would give it the highest population density in the city, which now averages about 3,500 residents per square mile, DiGiovanni said. He called it a tipping point, when retailers and services will start to flock to the urban center to reach those people.

To RSVP, contact our Office of Admission at (210) 483-9234 or admission@smhall.org. www.smhall.org

Saint Mary's Hall is a private, coeducational, college preparatory school and admits students of any race, color, sex, religion, or national/ethnic origin.

24

DEC. 7, 2015 - JAN. 4, 2016

BUY LOCAL Learn more about newest purveyors of goods and services in your area

Row, row, row your way to fitness

by EILEEN PACE

I

f you didn’t attend an Ivy League school or make a run at the Olympics, you might have only observed rowing as a sport.

Now, a new fitness studio in San Antonio is dedicated to bringing rowing to more people – not for competition, but for getting in shape.

“Rowing is kind of the new craze in fitness,” said Alison Smith, owner of EnergyXFitness, 5162 Broadway. “Rowing is amazing because it’s a full-body workout.

You use 60 percent legs, 20 percent core and 20 percent of your arms and upper body to do one stroke motion.”

Smith said high-intensity rowing can burn up to 600 calories an hour.

After graduating from Texas State University with a master’s degree in kinesiology, Smith moved to San Antonio with her husband and opened the studio this year.

“It’s sort of like cycling when you go into cycle class,” Smith said. “The instructor takes you through different drills on the cycle bike. We do that same thing on the rower.”

Smith said her business is the first studio in the Alamo City focused primarily on rowing for fitness.

“There are some other places in town that include the rower in a circuit class,” she said. “But ours is a singular rowing class.”

Sessions include IndoRow, about 45 minutes on the rower; Shockwave, a teamoriented, circuit-training session where rowers set the pace; and Power Row class.

“Power Row class is our signature workout. It’s where you do a rowing

Danny Galvan, coach and manager at EnergyXFitness, teaches a Power Row class to a group of women on Nov. 21. Photo by Collette Orquiz

segment, then do a little resistance training and hop back on your rower and then round it out with the ‘finisher,’” she said.

A row and flow class is 30 minutes of rowing and 30 minutes of yoga.

Smith said rowing might be new to many, but it’s a regimen most can handle.

“It takes about five times to feel right.

But, we do have clients that come in the first time and they’re a natural,” she said.

EnergyXFitness follows a class schedule Monday through Saturday, available on

the website. Smith’s goal is to open the center full time for personal workouts.

Classes at the drop-in rate are $20, but clients may purchase a training block at discounted rates.

ENERGYXFITNESS 5162 Broadway For more, call 608-4241 or visit www.energyxfitness.com or facebook.com/EnergyX-Fitness

PLUMBING OR HVAC PROBLEM? WE CAN FIX IT! WE ARE READY TO HANDLE ANY REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT.

$

49

OFF

Off Any plumbing HVAC repair Cannot be combined with any other offer.

Limit 1 coupon per customer.

Expires January 15, 2016

$

89

Drain Line Special (For the First Hour)

**CLOGGED LAV SINK** • **CLOGGED KITCHEN SINK** CLOGGED TOILETS • CLOGGED WASHING MACHINE DRAIN LINE • BATH TUB/SHOWER BACKING UP ** MAIN SEWER LINE** PRICE GOOD ONLY DURING NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS • MONDAY - FRIDAY ONLY • 8AM - 4PM ***PRICE GOOD ONLY WITH A CLEAN OUT ON SITE*** ****PRICE CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER****

Cannot be combined with any other offer. Limit 1 coupon per customer.

Expires January 15, 2016

4601 McCullough Ave. San Antonio, TX 78212

210-429-9313

Family Healthcare with Madison Square Medical Building 311 Camden, Suite 601 l 78215 Monday-Friday: 9 am to 8 pm

Services Offered: Family Medicine l Pediatrics l Senior Care

233- 7000 l 4all4life.org Call or request an appointment online!

Most Private Insurances, Medicaid/CHIP, and Medicare Accepted.

Adjustable fees for the uninsured also available Visit our website for other locations in SA

Hablamos Español

25

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

Erik Rosales, owner of The Pipe Corner, loves bringing his dog Big to work (far left), where he sells cigars, pipes, wine, champagne and beer (left).

Far-left photo by Neven Jones, other photos by Collette Orquiz

BUY LOCAL Learn more about newest purveyors of goods and services in your area

Southtown tobacco store promises smokes, wine and fine art

by ROSE MARY BUDGE

G

oing from a gas-station proprietor to a purveyor of fine wines, cigars and pipes—hey, that’s a big career change in anybody’s book.

But for San Antonio entrepreneur Erik Rosales, the move also is the realization of a lifelong dream.

“I always wanted this kind of business — a place with ambiance where customers could enjoy a bottle of wine and a smoke surrounded by amazing artwork,” he said.

His dream came true with the recent opening of The Pipe Corner in

Perhaps the best part of the owner’s business concept is his emphasis on local art.

“We want to give community talent a boost whenever we can,” he said.

Art openings and sales will be regular features. And if your wallet’s thin, savor this: There’ll be a free wine tasting every First Friday.

Hours are noon to 10:30 p.m.

Tuesday through Thursday, noon to midnight Friday and Saturday, and closed Sunday and Monday.

the historic heart of Southtown. The opening went well, he noted. Even better, business so far is good.

The shop is nestled in a buildingtop setting at 727 S. Alamo St. Smoking enthusiasts can climb an ornate iron staircase to peruse wares, then puff away on the patio after purchasing collectible pipes or luxury cigar brands such as Montecristo and Arturo Fuente. For the wine fancier, there’s an ever-changing list of imported labels plus local offerings from the Becker and Messina wineries.

Beer also is sold.

A patio food cart carrying hot dogs promises to be a major attraction. Plans also include opening similar shops, specifically in Mexico where Rosales was born and has familial ties.

THE PIPE CORNER 727 S. Alamo St. For more, call 263-9729 or visit facebook.com/thepipecorner1

Bringing a New Twist on American Cuisine

Our mission is about life!

in Olmos Park

Host Your Holiday Parties in One of Our Spacious Private Rooms

The Village at Incarnate Word Senior Living Community

Booking a Holiday Party?

Mention LOCAL and receive a special discount on our middle party room.

210-822-0100

226 E Olmos Dr, San Antonio, TX 78212 get Bud Save Money

D FINEW N OB J Pay Bills

Make 2016 Your Year

NOW HIRING Media Sales Representatives

Join a culture with vision and fantastic growth opportunities Benefits • Competitive Salary • Commissions • Bonuses • Paid Vacation • Paid Insurance e Perks • Work in your com mmunity • Say goodbye to your cube and hello to your office

Take a Trip

Responsibilities: Service and grow accoun nts within an assigned geographic territory within San Antonio along with community in nvolvement.

Send cover letter and resume to:

kgarza@localcommunitynews.com -210-338-8842

• Independent Retirement Living • Assisted Living • Memory Care • Extended Nursing Care • In-Home Care & Concierge Services

The Village at Incarnate Word would like to wish Everyone a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!

Call 829-7561, ext. 114 for more information.

4707 Broadway St. | San Antonio, TX 78209

www.iwretire.org

Call us today for a FREE consultation or to learn more about how we can help.

License #’s 000777 (AL-A) 101505 (AL-B), 100473 (ALZ), 011872 (HCSSA)

26

DEC. 7, 2015 - JAN. 4, 2016 The Old Main Assoc. in the Monte Vista Historic District features a variety of unique eats including Shorty's Short Rib with lentils (far left) and the Concha Burger (left) with duros —fried, flour wagon wheels.

Photos by Collette Orquiz

EAT LOCAL Learn about the newest neighborhood places for breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks

Neighborhood pub steps it up in Monte Vista

by OLIVIER J. BOURGOIN

J

aret Peña’s creative engine has been running above the red line for the past couple of years. Humming along on all cylinders, the young entrepreneur opened The Old Main Assoc. a couple of months ago in the Monte Vista Historic District.

Being one of the top mixologists in town, Peña is quick to remind anyone that although the food menu is impressive, this is a bar as well as a restaurant.

The Old Main Assoc. is at 2512 N. Main Ave. (between Woodlawn and Mistletoe avenues).

The menu, designed by chef Lorenzo Morales, the former sous chef of the defunct Arcade Midtown Kitchen, is already on the map for its Concha Burger, a beef patty served on a Mexican seashell-shaped pan dulce sweetbread that comes with melted cheddar, onions and a hint of pecan aioli on top and garnished with duros (round pasta, crisp and drizzled with Valentina hot sauce).

Tongues are also wagging about the chicharrones fries with chunks of pork cracklings topped with melted queso fresco in a chorizo gravy. Some of the other

menu items include short ribs, squash and mushroom enchiladas and a steak ranchero.

Not your typical bar or pub food, but reasonably priced.

“There are very few places in town where you can get a steak at 11 p.m.,” Peña said. “Everything on the menu is moving fairly well, but you’ve got to try our house-made fideo. We start with a charred tomatoes base and it’s really amazing.”

The 1,200-square-foot space, which was once home to Beat Street Bistro, employs 10 people. It also features a 750-square-foot outdoor patio with a cool

mural and seating for about 70 patrons.

The Sunday brunch menu includes pan de huevo French toast and steak and eggs ranchero.

Hours are 5 p.m. to midnight Monday through Friday, 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday, with brunch 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

THE OLD MAIN ASSOC. 2512 N. Main Ave. For more, call 562-3440 or visit facebook.com/theoldmainassoc/

QUENEDIT DANCE THEATRE SAN ANtONIO

Picante Grill

The Nutcracker

Beyond the Border

Artistic Directors: Catalina Garza & Ernesto Quenedit

3810 Broadway San Antonio, Texas 78209

210.822.3797

we are on SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 7:30 PM SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2:00 PM Special Appearance By Students of Escuela Superior de Musica y Danza Monterrey, Mexico

Lila Cockrell Theater Ticketmaster & Alamodome Box Office www.queneditdance.org

instagram.com/localcommunitynews

27

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

EAT LOCAL Learn about the newest neighborhood places for breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks

Cortez family does it again with new downtown taco destination

by OLIVIER J. BOURGOIN

T

o say the Cortez family knows something about the restaurant business would be an understatement.

In fact, some of their eateries have become legendary fixtures of the local culinary landscape — Mi Tierra and La Margarita, anyone? — and are nearly synonymous with downtown Mexican dining and Market Square.

The Cortez Family Group also owns Pico de Gallo on the near-West Side.

Now they’ve done it again with the addition of Viva Villa Taqueria at 905 Dolorosa St., a 3,000-square-foot-space located in the Concho Street building

one block west of La Margarita.

Members of the family said they opened the new eatery to take advantage of downtown’s changing demographics, including the growth of an urban population moving to central San Antonio.

“This is our first quick-service restaurant,” said Cariño Cortez, who is in charge of Viva Villa. “As you know, our other restaurants are full-service and we wanted to open one that focused on quick service with more offices around and more walkability — but not just any type of food. We wanted the right type of food that could be served very quickly but also a place where people could linger on for a while if they wanted to.”

The business’ logo advertises

Great coverage since 1928 MICHAEL “MIKEY” GONZALES 210-889-2956

www.farmersagent.com/mgonzales2 270 N LOOP 1604 E STE 205 SAN ANTONIO, TX 78232 Proud Sponsor of the ALAMO HEIGHTS MULES.

Cariño Cortez (left) is the manager of Viva Villa Taqueria, the newest restaurant for the Cortez family, which features tacos (above) and authentic Mexican street food with craft beer on draft and lots of different frozen beverages. Left photo by Collette Orquiz, right photo courtesy

“Revolutionary Tacos.”

Opened Oct. 23, the new restaurant — which specializes in tacos and authentic Mexican street food — employs a staff of 15.

In a recent telephone interview, manager Gilbert De La Paz said some of the most popular items on the menu are the mini-tacos al pastor and the ribeye with chile pasillas, which is served in a traditional cast iron pan with seared queso panela and homemade corn tortillas.

“We’re also the only place in town to serve Big Red Soft-Serve ice cream. We sent a serving of it to Vice President Joe Biden when he was in town,” said De La Paz.

The manager's favorite dish is the cochinita pibil, a recipe from the Yucatán made with pork cooked in banana leaves.

“It’s made in the traditional way and it’s very authentic,” De La Paz added.

Hours are 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, and 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday.

VIVA VILLA TAQUERIA 905 Dolorosa St. For more, call 987-8482 or visit www.vivavillatacos.com or facebook.com/vivavillasa/

WE SUPPORT LOCAL. $1 FRIES

WITH PURCHASE OF BURGER + DRINK.

*Coupon required at time of purchase.

BUY - SELL TRADE GUNS! Veteran Owned and Operated OEF/OIF

• Tactical Firearms, Training, Accessories, and Equipment • Quality Firearms by Professionals with the Experience you are looking for!

www.bullitproofarms.com

http://store.bullitproofarms.com

17305 IH-35 N, Ste. 101 Schertz, TX 78154

4 miles North of The Forum

512-826-9612 210-767-3822

1907 NACOGDOCHES RD SAN ANTONIO, TX 78209

*REGULAR FRIES ONLY. VALID AT THIS LOCATION ONLY. COUPON REQUIRED AT TIME OF PURCHASE. LIMIT ONE COUPON PER CUSTOMER. NOT TO BE USED WITH ANY OTHER COUPONS OR OFFERS. OFFER NOT VALID WITH GIFT CARD PURCHASE. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. STATE SALES TAX APPLICABLE. CASH VALUE 1/100¢. OFFER EXPIRES 12.31.15

*****ECR WSS Postal Customer

Prsrt Std US Postage Paid Permit 6450 San Antonio TX

COMMUNITY NEWS

4204 GARDENDALE STE. 201 SAN ANTONIO, TX 78229