LOCAL: Stone Oak, Encino Park, Far North, 78258, 78259, 78260, 78261 November 2015

Area annexation update

BUY LOCAL

FIRST CHOICE

PG.16

Doubt prompts city to delay public hearings

EMERGENCY ROOM

PG.26

SPRING CHINESE CUISINE & PHO

PG.25

Aroundthe-clock care at Stone Oak medical facility

New restaurant sets tone for future expansion

COMMUNITY NEWS VOL. 2, ISSUE 6

EAT LOCAL

STONE OAK

ENCINO PARK

FAR NORTH

78258 78259 78260 78261

OCT. 26 - NOV. 30, 2015

INSIDE YOUR COMMUNITY

PG.22 Reagan drama

teacher uses stage to train students for life

Humanities prepare young people for varied careers, director says

FOR FAITH AND COUNTRY PG.18

Veteran jogs in Stone Oak with flag, cross to honor Armed Forces, first responders and God

PG.23 New luxury

apartments coming to Stone Oak at 281/1604

Teaching fire prevention PG.20 Safety Awareness for Everyone neighborhood

program offered by Bexar-Bulverde VFD

2

OCT. 26 - NOV. 30, 2015

FROM THE EDITOR wwright@localcommunitynews.com

President Harold J. Lees Publisher Gregg Rosenfield Assoc. Publisher Rick Upton EDITORIAL Executive Editor Thomas Edwards Managing Editor Will Wright News Staff Collette Orquiz and Bain Serna Contributing Writers Olivier J. Bourgoin, Kate Hunger, Emeline Lakrout, Eric Moreno, Travis E. Poling, Ruben Renteria, Arthur Schechter and Susan Yerkes ART Creative Director Florence D. Edwards Contributing Photographers Rudy B. Ornelas and Leland A. Outz ADVERTISING Advertising Director Jaselle Luna Account Manager Amber Montemayor Controller Keith Sanders READER SERVICE Mailing Address 4204 Gardendale St., Ste. 201, SA, TX 78229 Phone Fax (210) 338.8842 (210) 616.9677 Advertising Inquiries jluna@localcommunitynews.com Story Ideas: tips@salocallowdown.com Website: www.salocallowdown.com LOCAL Community News publications Zone 1: 78204, 78205, 78209, 78210, 78212, 78215 Zone 2: 78213, 78230, 78231, 78248, 78249 Zone 3: 78216, 78232, 78247 Zone 4/5: 78109, 78148, 78233, 78239, 78108, 78132, 78154, 78266 Zone 7: 78015, 78023, 78255, 78256, 78257 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 Reproduction in whole or in part without our permission is prohibited, 2015 Helen Publishing LLC and Local Community News LLC, all rights reserved.

Power at the polls

V

oters won’t help chart the nation’s future until next year, but on Nov. 3, local decisions on county and school district bond proposals, as well as state propositions, could immediately affect their lives.

North East Independent School District’s $499.95 million bond proposal will satisfy facilities improvements and Comal County constituents will decide whether to spend $76 million for a new jail and Sheriff ’s Office improvements.

Texas voters will weigh seven proposed amendments, most notably Proposition 7, which allocates to local projects portions of the state’s general and motor-vehicle sales taxes – which are projected to generate $2.5 billion to $3 billion beginning in 2018.

Passage of Proposition 7 could lead to $300 million in local funding for roads and make building toll lanes on U.S. 281 and Interstate 10 unnecessary.

If approved, the funding will be earmarked instead for constructing and maintaining current thoroughfares, land acquisitions for future roads and paying off existing bond projects.

Several area agencies and officials are supporting the measure, which locally would help expand an 8-mile stretch of 281 from Loop 1604 north to Borgfeld Road.

Such backing hinges on approval of Proposition 7, which would add millions more to money generated through Proposition 1, another roads-funding mechanism agreed to by Texas voters last year.

Polling locations and sample ballots are available online at Bexar and Comal counties’ elections sites.

Early voting began Oct. 19 and concludes Oct. 30.

WILL WRIGHT MANAGING EDITOR

ON THE COVER: Rod Eubanks, an Air Force

veteran, jogs through Stone Oak five days a week carrying a U.S. flag and a cross to honor service members, first responders and his faith. He wants to rekindle a sense of respect for American traditions.

See story on page 18. Photo by Leland A. Outz

FALL

FESTIVAL

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6 12PM-6PM

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7 8AM-8PM

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8 12PM-6PM

22610 US Hwy 281 N, San Antonio, TX | Facebook.com/VillageatStoneOak | 210.481.5688 |

4

OCT. 26 - NOV. 30, 2015

LOCAL COMMENTARY

Thanks and giving in a time of strife

by SUSAN YERKES

E

ach November we commemorate Thanksgiving — this country’s longest-running holiday. Back in 1621, the story goes, a bedraggled group of British colonists who arrived here on the Mayflower celebrated their first harvest with friendly natives.

Although 1789 saw a Thanksgiving proclamation delivered by George Washington, it wasn’t until the Civil War when another president, Abraham Lincoln, established an official nationwide observance on the fourth Thursday of the month so Americans could pray to

“heal the wounds of the nation.”

This Thanksgiving, such a prayer is still lamentably appropriate.

Mass shootings, worldwide strife, political polarization and all the issues dominating daily headlines remind us many wounds are far from healed.

Thanksgiving is still very much in order. In fact, scientific research has recently proven that giving thanks and helping others are healing actions in their own right.

Cultivating what some call an “attitude of gratitude” has shown to make you happier and healthier. A 2014 study in the journal Emotion, published by the American Psychological Association, indicated that saying a simple “thank you” or writing a note of thanks helps people build stronger, more positive relationships. Folks who describe themselves as frequently grateful for their blessings report fewer aches and pains, and tend to take greater care of their bodies.

Gratitude reduces depression, loneliness and feelings of isolation, and improves sleep. Just before bedtime, make a list of what you’re grateful for, suggested Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being. Research also indicates promoting gratitude

improves self-esteem, strengthens immunity and lowers blood pressure.

It’s hard to maintain negative emotions when thinking positively. As a U.S. citizen, I know even my worst days are better than the best days of many across the planet – the homeless, the hungry, the physically and emotionally traumatized, and so much more.

As a South Texan, I’m thankful I won’t have to shovel snow to move my car on Thanksgiving Day. I’m grateful to live in a city with such a colorful, diverse and friendly culture, and to have made many fantastic friends here. I am also pleased the city is building more and better greenways for hiking, biking and enjoying the outdoors, and that the weather is great for fun in our parks this time of year. I appreciate the Tex-Mex food, and plentiful food, period. I’m really grateful that Wurzbach Parkway is finished. And the list goes on. When you start listing positives, thanks come easy.

As for the giving, recent research demonstrates generosity is good for body and soul. Those who donate time or money to help others consistently report happier sensations. This “pro-

social spending,” or contributing to charities or organizations you feel good about, produces many of the same physical and emotional benefits that gratitude sparks, and often leads to a “pay-it-forward” point of view.

This Thanksgiving, locals have many opportunities to help others.

You could volunteer for the 35th annual Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner, for instance. Each year, some 4,000 volunteers plan and prepare holiday meals for 25,000 guests in the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.

Christian Senior Services is always looking for help with its Thanksgiving Meals on Wheels deliveries to the homebound. The San Antonio Food Bank plans a big Holiday Turkey Round Up just before Thanksgiving.

Through Operation Home Cooking, area families bring some 5,000 military men and women stationed here into their residences for the traditional feast.

From big organized opportunities for giving to small personal acts of charity, there are a thousand ways to say “thank you” and to give of yourself. This year, I’m grateful to all who keep the spirit alive.

HOW DO YOU GIVE THANKS? CONTACT SYERKES@LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.

DENNIS JEWELRY CO.

m o t s u C r u o Y JEWELERS

for LIFE.

• Exceptional Service • Certified Diamonds & Pearl Restringing • Full Service Repairs

Visit Our Show Room to View our Holiday Collection The Dennis family has provided San Antonio and surrounding communities with legendary customer service and craftsmanship for over 70 years.

Bring us your vision. We’ll bring it to life!

1 4 7 0 1 S A N P E D R O, S A N A N T O N IO T X 7 8 2 3 2 - 2 1 0 . 4 9 9 . 1 2 1 2 • W W W. D E N N I SJ EW E L RY. C OM

5

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

OUR TURN Views and opinions about your community

Good coaching teaches life lessons

W

hatever happened to good sportsmanship — and for that matter, accountability and responsibility?

One has to wonder after recent highprofile accounts of young players, and even coaches, showcasing behavior that went beyond just a flag on the field. Their actions instead highlighted a culture emphasizing winning at all costs — no matter what.

One episode that received nationwide attention chronicled the gridiron assault on a referee blindsided by two Jay High School varsity football players during a game against Marble Falls.

The teammates later claimed they only followed a coach’s instructions when they tackled the unsuspecting official.

In another case, a recent television broadcast revealed a coach yelling at his preadolescent football players

to maul their opponents.

Let’s face it — losing is a part of sports; and it’s an inescapable fact of life. We can’t all be winners.

Each of us is going to fail at one time or another, whether it’s during an athletic contest or in business, school, family, love or finances.

The best sports programs inspire players to win, but not at the cost of their souls.

Good coaches teach athletes that how you play the game is still important, and the best instructors know how you react when you lose says something about true character and the full measure of a person.

Young athletes — and people in general — must learn to own their mistakes and not blame others. Accountability applies not just to sports; it also is the bedrock of most social interaction, from work to home, faith and nearly everything else.

There is nothing silly or ridiculous about learning to lose gracefully and accepting responsibility for a blunder.

These are essential lessons, which should be taught on the gridiron, in the gym and in the locker room, because they remain important for the rest of life.

A Clean Mouth is a Happy Mouth!

Join our Happy Mouth Wellness Club for a 20% discount on dental cleaning.

Membership includes:

Annual Dental Cleaning • Annual Blood Work Full Mouth X-Ray • Oral Exam *Excludes extractions and relevant medications

Dr. Oby Okafor

20210 Stone Oak Pkwy, Suite 301 San Antonio, TX 78258 210-257-8496 www.LiliVeterinaryHospital.com

$10 Off Exam/Office Visit for new patients at Lili Veterinary Hospital.

Call TODAY!

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

210-257-8496

Walk-In Injury Clinic Open Saturdays & Evenings!

Sprains and Strains

Back and Neck Pain Work Injuries

Sports & Recreational Injuries

STONE OAK AREA

NO URGENT CARE or ER COPAY Shorter Wait Time than the ER X-ray and Casting Onsite Cash Rate Discounts

Stoneterra Medical Building 150 Sonterra Blvd., Suite 300 San Antonio, TX 78258 Hours: MON-FRI 11:30am-7:30pm

QUARRY AREA The Orthopaedic Institute 400 Concord Plaza Dr., Suite 300 San Antonio, TX 78216

(210) 804-5424

Hours MON-FRI 11:30am-7:30pm SATURDAY 9am-1pm

NEW LOCATION IN STONE OAK

6

OCT. 26 - NOV. 30, 2015

HAPPENING LOCAL

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

OUR GUIDE TO YOUR MONTH

HAPPENING KEY

FITNESS

PAPERCRAFTING AND SCRAPBOOK CLUB Visit the Parman Branch Library, 20735 Wilderness Oak Road, from 1-6 p.m. the fourth Saturday every month for an afternoon of paper therapy. Begin with a demonstration of a technique, layout idea or project, and then have the opportunity to work on your own paper projects such as cardmaking or scrapbooking. All levels of expertise are welcome. Registration is required. For more, call 207-2703.

OCT. 24, NOV. 28

JAVA WITH JOE District 9 Councilman Joe Krier will meet with the public at his field office, 16500 U.S. 281 North, Suite 290 (at Thousand Oaks Drive). Resident appointments, in 15-minute intervals, are 10-11 a.m. For more information and to reserve a block of time, email district9@

OCT. 28, NOV. 11

or contact us by phone at 210.967.3432

1624401 essSend g_LCN1

75” x 5.7” 4c

ART

TALK

OUTDOOR

MUSIC

sanantonio.gov or call 207-0955.

DISTRICT 9 NEIGHBORHOOD ALLIANCE Meetings are held the fourth Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. in Stone Oak Methodist Hospital, classroom No. 1, 1139 E. Sonterra Blvd. The hospital is just off U.S. 281 North. For more, call Art Downey, alliance president, at 497-8873.

OCT. 28

BOO! Explore the Parman Branch Library, 20735 Wilderness Oak Road, from 6-8 p.m. at your own risk for the fourth annual Halloween Carnival & Spooky Walk. Come in costume, or as you are, but either way, walk the haunted trail – if you dare. For more, call 207-2703.

OCT. 29

HAPPENING continues on pg. 07

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.

FOOD

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.

7

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM at Heroes Stadium, 4799 Thousand Oaks Drive. For a review of the schools’ previous 2015 games, visit www.neisd.net/athletics.

HAPPENING continues from pg. 06 SPN HAPPY HOUR The Single Professionals Network will host a happy hour starting at 4:30 p.m. on the patio at La Hacienda de los Barrios, 18747 Redland Road. SPN, a friendship group for single, mature adults, hosts events and outings several times a month; for more, go to www.spn-sa.org.

OCT. 30

HALLOWEEN SPIRIT North Central Christian Church, 1300 Evans Road, hosts its second annual Pumpkin Patch 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday. Enjoy the beautiful setting, take pictures and play a game of pumpkin tic-tac-toe. Admission is free. For more, call 481-3083.

THROUGH OCT. 31

DANCE CLINIC From 7-11 a.m., Reagan High School, 19000 Ronald Reagan Drive, hosts a dance clinic for kindergartners through ninth-graders. The school’s dance and drill-team members will teach moves to be performed at the varsity football game later in the day. For more, including registration forms, visit https://www. facebook.com/ReaganDanceClinic.

OCT. 31

40 Conquering Cancer Years of

KNOW A GREAT EDUCATOR? Nominations are now open online for the 2016 H-E-B Excellence in Education Award. Recognized Texas teachers, school districts, earlychildhood facilities or school boards could win cash prizes ranging from $5,000 to $100,000. Candidates are being accepted at www.heb.com/education.

THROUGH NOV. 1

IS HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL OVER ALREADY? Time flies as Reagan and Johnson conclude their varsity regular-season schedules. The Rattlers finish with a 2 p.m. home contest Oct. 31 versus Lee at Comalander Stadium, 12002 Jones Maltsberger Road. One day earlier at the same site, the Jaguars host Churchill at 7:30 p.m., and then end Nov. 5 battling MacArthur in a 7 p.m. away affair

OCT./NOV.

ENCINO PARK OVER 50 CLUB For folks a half-century old, come to the Encino Park Community Center, 1923 Encino Rio St., at 11:30 a.m. the first and third Tuesday of the month for fun activities including

NOV. 3, 17

HAPPENING continues on pg. 08

THE Answer for Cancer

ACADEMIC SKILLS/SAT & ACT Prep/Subject Tutoring

The Cancer Therapy & Research Center lives right here in San Antonio. For four decades our team of experts has pursued one mission – conquering cancer.

We’ll help your child build confidence, boost grades and improve study skills so you can look forward to the next report card.

Here’s how Huntington can help: • An academic evaluation identifies problem areas • Programs are tailored to address each student’s needs • Highly trained tutors work individually with students • Huntington helps improve skills, confidence and grades To find out more about Huntington Academic Skills / SAT & ACT Prep / Subject Tutoring, CALL NOW!

SAVE 50 $

*

CTRC’s oncologists, surgeons, radiologists and many others work in collaboration to review each diagnosis and make decisions as a team - for every patient.

If you or a loved one is facing cancer, let CTRC be the answer.

Call (210) 450-1000 www.CTRC.net

1 800 CAN LEARN • HuntingtonHelps.com 10003 NW Military Hwy #1103 (210) 558-0636

CTRC has a world-class team of physicians focused on helping you and your loved ones find their answer for cancer.

19141 Stone Oak Parkway (210) 494-5858

8

OCT. 26 - NOV. 30, 2015

HAPPENING continues from pg. 07

confirm dates and times, call 407-0533.

contact Dyan Montesclaros at 481-7890.

tours, dinner gatherings and events. For more, call Dyan Montesclaros at 481-7890.

GUYS NIGHT OUT Cornerstone Church’s Bythel Hagee Life Center, 18755 Stone Oak Parkway, hosts a male-bonding event at 6:30 p.m. Chow down on a dinner fit for a man while enjoying Christian fellowship. Tickets are available after Sunday service or at the Special Events office. For more, call 499-1669, ext. 5.

PARMAN MARKET FAIR Stop by the Parman Branch Library, 20735 Wilderness Oak Road, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a fun, new tradition benefiting the Friends of the Parman Library. Just in time for the holidays, the fair will showcase handmade items and unique services by local vendors. For more, contact Marisa DeBow at 207-2703.

ART EXHIBIT The works of cartoonist Mike Fisher are currently on display at the Parman Branch Library, 20735 Wilderness Oak Road. Fisher’s creations have appeared in magazines and videos. For more, call Tim Johnson at 207-2703.

THROUGH NOV. 6

SONTERRA HOLIDAY BAZAAR NOV. The Club at Sonterra Women’s 6 Association holds its 22nd annual Holiday Bazaar from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Club at Sonterra, 901 E. Sonterra Blvd. There is no admission to the event, which is open to the public.

More than 35 vendors offering wares from antiques to toys will take part. SWA is both a social and a charitable organization, with a portion of its budget dedicated to selected community endeavors.

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING Trustees of the North East Independent School District regularly meet the second Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the boardroom at 8961 Tesoro Drive. To

NOV. 9

itcloudforbusiness.com

NOV. 9

GOING VIRAL The Parman Branch Library, 20735 Wilderness Oak Road, will host a lecture from 6:30-7:30 p.m. by Dr. Hans Heidner in Meeting Room A. The physician with the South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases will explain how scientists are taking advantage of viruses’ unique properties in developing new methods of cancer treatment, gene therapy, vaccine development and antibiotics. For more, contact Tim Johnson at 207-2703.

NOV. 10

ENCINO PARK GAME DAY NOV. Come to the Encino Park 12 Community Center, 1923 Encino Rio St., at 1:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of every month for various game-related activities. Non-Encino Park residents are welcome, too. For more,

NOV. 14

CHRISTMAS IS COMING Visit the Alfazar Shrine Auditorium, 901 N. Loop 1604 West, from 6-9:30 p.m. for the Festival of Lights Gala - A Celebration of Stars benefiting Family Service Association. While enjoying dinner, music and a holiday setting, oooh and aaah at the small forest of decorated Christmas trees to be auctioned off. For more and ticket costs, call Kathy Glascock at 299-2400.

NOV 17

GOBBLE, GOBBLE — SCHOOL’S OUT Classes are on hiatus for the Thanksgiving holiday in the North East and Comal independent school districts.

NOV. 23-27

HAPPENING continues on pg. 10

h t i w s e d i r carriage

SANTA

NOV. 27-28 // DEC. 5-6 // DEC. 12-13 // DEC. 19-20 BOARD THE CARRIAGE ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF ASPEN LEAF YOGURT FROM 1PM-5PM

22610 US Hwy 281 N, San Antonio, TX | Facebook.com/VillageatStoneOak | 210.481.5688 |

TEXAS VET & VA HOME LOANS www.texas-vet-loans.com • Ranked Number One Texas Vet Loan Officer in Texas 7 years in a row • All active duty military and Veterans last 7 years in a row • Borrow up to $417,000 (NO Down Payyment) • VA 30% disabled? Get extra 1/2% offf rate • Want to build on your lot?

No Application Fee!

Patrick Fitzzgerald

Residential Mortgage Loan Officer, Military Loan Specialist NMLS #218508 (210) 215-4400 Office • (210) 862-6296 Mobile 14100 San Pedro Avenue, Ste., 210, San Antonio, TX 78232

“It doesn’t cost a penny to talk, soo call me right now and I will be happy to answer yoour questions”!

• Ranked Number One Texas Vet Loan Officer in Texas last 7 years in a row • *Per Texas Veterans Land Board

10

OCT. 26 - NOV. 30, 2015

HAPPENING continues from pg. 08 DOG-EARED BOOKS Come to the Encino Branch Library, 2515 E. Evans Road, every Wednesday (except Veterans Day, Nov. 11) from 3-4 p.m. and read to a dog.

Bring your favorite animal story or choose one off the shelves. Even children who aren’t reading yet can come and narrate a story from one of the library’s wordless books. Recommended for ages 3 and up. For more, call 207-9250.

WEEKLY

SHAPING UP FOR A NEW YOU While the Parman Branch WEEKLY Library, 20735 Wilderness Oak Road, is usually a place to exercise your mind, on Mondays come by at 10 a.m. and exercise your body. An instructor from the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department will lead a class in low-impact circuit training. Exercises will focus on agility and flexibility, resulting in a great workout. For more, call 207-2703.

CHECK THIS OUT Whether you’re just learning or a grand master, the Parman Pawn Stars invites you to play chess.

Kindergartners to high school seniors are welcome. The group meets every

Sunday at the Parman Branch Library, 20735 Wilderness Oak Road, from 2-4 p.m. For more, call 207-2703.

TEEN TIME Every Tuesday, from 6-8 p.m. the Parman Branch Library, 20735 Wilderness Oak Road, hosts a potpourri of activities for teenagers, 13-18. Everything from board games to crafting to cooking may be on the potluck agenda. Have fun, chill out and make new friends. For more, call 207-2703.

WEEKLY

JOIN THE FITNESS KICK Come to the Encino Branch Library, 2515 E. Evans Road, 4 p.m. or 4:30 p.m. on Mondays, to exercise your body. Learn martial arts from a third-degree black-belt instructor. This program teaches basics while improving strength, flexibility, conditioning and balance. Coordinated by Fitness in the Park, sessions are free and families are encouraged to participate together.

The 30-minute class is limited to 30 attendees. For more, call 207-9250.

WEEKLY

WEEKLY

2014. This Information is accurate as of the day of posting, but is subject to change without notice..

This is not an offer of extension of credit or a commitment to lend. www.NMLSconsumeraccess.org

www.texas-vet-loans.com • pfitzgerald@guildmortgage.net

WEEKLY

SO, YOU THINK YOU CAN SEW For an afternoon of advice and conversation leaving you

HAPPENING continues on pg. 11

LONE STAR CAR WASH

Get in, Get washed, Get home

Fro om Sta art To Finish, It’s On nly T ree Minuttes...

Cleeanest, greeenestt annd quieteest caar wash in San Anttonio. Ou ur Expresss wash is so quiet, even the kid ds approvee!

Newlly add ded top of the line 3 minute e express wash h with Seve erall Carwash h Pack kag ges to choose frrom.

Unlimited Wash Club....

Veteran’s Day Special

November 11th - FREE Carwash for all Military (active and retired) and ALL First Responders. All day 8am-8pm. Please bring Valid ID

50% OFF

Unlimited Wash Club Monthly Pass

Starting at $10 a month w/ discount. 1st Month 50% off normal price. Enter "50% off" at time of purchase.

New members only.

19220 Blanco Road (located on the corner of Blanco and Huebner) www.lonestarcarwashsanantonio.com • 210-618-5181

Expires 11/30/15.

Wassh yo ourr caar wheneever and d ho owevver often n yo ou want in our Expresss Wash h and pay only one feee per month h! No morre diigging g fo or yo our walleet when n it'ss you ur turn to pay. Sticckers are convenientlly pllacced to yo our windsshield d, alllow win ng easyy acceess. Montth to Month Subscriiptio on

11

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM HAPPENING continues from pg. 10

ELSEWHERE IN SAN ANTONIO

in stitches, the Encino Branch Library, 2515 E. Evans Road, hosts experienced needle enthusiasts Wednesdays from 12:30-3 p.m. (except Veterans Day, Nov. 11). The “Encino Hand Bees” are a closeknit group of adults and seniors. If you’re sew-inclined and seek more, call 207-9250.

WHO DOESN’T LIKE A PARADE? Come to the River Walk from 7-9 p.m. for the 2015 Ford Holiday River Parade with 26 illuminated floats along a 4-mile route. Former San Antonio mayor and White House Cabinet member, Julián Castro, will be the grand marshal.

Avoid parking issues by using VIA Park & Rides. The 34th annual parade’s cost ranges from free to $40. For more and to purchase tickets, visit www.

TheSanAntonioRiverWalk.com.

NEVER TOO OLD TO LEARN Kids don’t have to be the only ones headed to class. The North East Independent School District Community Education department presents a multitude of enriching programs for adults, including mastering new languages and much more. Many classes are taught at NEISD classrooms or the district’s Community Learning Center, 8750 Tesoro Drive. For more, visit https://communityed.neisd.net or call Carrie Smith, NEISD Community Education Coordinator, at 401-0140.

ONGOING

GOODWILL PICKUPS Goodwill Industries offers donation pickup services for large amounts of clothing, household items and furniture at Bexar County residences. For more, call 271-8881 or fill out pickup forms available at www. goodwillsa.org/home-pickup-services.

ONGOING

Excellence ER Stone Oak

NOV. 27

CHILDREN’S FITNESS Kids can be part of the Humana Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon & ½ Marathon race-weekend excitement. Subway Kids Rock San Antonio powered by San Antonio Sports is a noncompetitive, 1-mile event, 9:30 a.m. at SeaWorld San Antonio, 10500 Sea World Drive, open to kindergarteners through seventh-graders. For more, visit http://runrockroll.com.

DEC. 5

SUBMITTING EVENTS: Email all

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

No Wait Emergency Room Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to handle any emergency, large or small.

• Customized Treatment • Private Room Equipped w/HD TVs & Modern Decor • Fully Staffed Emergency Center • Board Certified Physicians & Nurses • 24 Hours a Day / 7 Days a Week

NO WAIT TIME • Observation Room • EKG

Love

Your Smile!

Dentures in one day. Guaranteed 10% less.

• Trauma Rooms • Full Radiology Department, CT Scans, Digital X-Ray, Ultra Sounds • Specialty On Call Service

Full Replacement * Dentures* STARTING AT

395

$

PER SET Comes With Warranty Expires in 90 Days

Extractions* STARTING AT

49

$

PER TOOTH With Purchase of Dentures Expires in 90 Days

Free Exam & X-Ray*

100

$

VALUE With This Coupon Expires in 90 Days

Dental Implants*

1,400

$

PER IMPLANT *Restoration Not Included Expires in 90 Days

Schertz/ NE NE San San Antonio Antonio Schertz/ TerryDuong, Lee, DDS · Andrea DDS Jake DMD • TerryBlythe, Lee, DDS 6051 F.M. F.M. 3009 3009 Suite Suite 250 250 6051 Schertz, TX TX 78154 78154 Schertz, Thomas ThomasJohn JohnKennedy Kennedyof ofTexas, Texas,DDS, DDS,PLLC PLLC··General GeneralDentistry Dentistry

210-599-8700 210-599-8700

schertzdentures.com schertzdentures.com

Locationsin inArkansas, Arkansas,Louisiana, Louisiana,Missouri, Missouri,Oklahoma Oklahomaand andTexas Texas Locations

• Certified Full-Service Laboratory

210-714-0701

19298 Stone Oak Parkway www.ExcellenceER.com

12

OCT. 26 - NOV. 30, 2015

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. FIRST CHOICE EMERGENCY ROOM,

EXCELLENT PHYSICIANS See your Primary Care Physician at every visit

EXPERIENCE

C O M P LETE H E ALT HCAR E

AFFILIATED SPECIALISTS So you don’t have to search

CONVENIENT SERVICES & LOCATIONS Labs, Tests, Transportation, Health & Wellness Activities, and more

WITH MCCI MEDICAL CENTERS LOCATIONS IN

1.855.450.6224

Call Claudia to schedule a private tour of your nearest location.

We can also send you an information package with all our services.

For more info visit us on the web at —

keeping you healthy

2. SPRING CHINESE CUISINE & PHO, 3830

N. Loop 1604 East, Suite 101, at the site of the former Tiger Pop restaurant, serves a mixture of Chinese dishes and Vietnamese pho. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more, call 714-7206 or visit www.eatspring.com. (See story on page 26)

SAN ANTONIO AND CORPUS CHRISTI

CALL US TODAY

23511 Hardy Oak Blvd., recently opened near Wilderness Oak Road, offering emergency-room medical services, 24 hours daily. For more, call 451-8340 or visit the San Antonio location link at www.fcer.com. (See story on page 25)

www.mccigroup.com

3. L-TACO MEXICAN CAFE, 19202 Stone

Oak Parkway, Suite 103, is the brainchild of “a bunch of friends from Mexico (who) have always fallen for genuine Mexican food … that was cooked by our mothers and grandmothers,” according to a release.

The partners are “committed to (serving)

Address of local business Name of local business

real Mexican food at affordable prices with exquisite flavors.” Hours are 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. For more, call 495-8226 or visit www.l-taco.com.

4. SMART BARRE, 427 N. Loop 1604 West, Suite 206, opened Sept. 28 as a “premiere fitness boutique for women specializing in barre — a fusion of Pilates, ballet and yoga,” said co-owner Mallory Moorman.

There are two other studios, in Alamo Heights and Alon Town Centre. Hours for the 1604 location vary, so check the website for details. For more, call 4627252 or visit www.smartbarrebody.com or facebook.com/smartbarresanantonio.

IN OTHER NEWS

RESIDENTS FLOODED RECENT MEETINGS sponsored by the San Antonio Water System

LOWDOWN continues on pg. 14

Is your Heater Ready for Winter?

AGEE’S

EXCLUSIVE TOTAL

© 2013, Mediagistic, Inc. - 45801

SYSTEM REJUVENATION

For a limited time, get our precision tune up and professional cleaning at a special price.

Our certified, professional factory trained technicians will perform 24 individual cleanings, evaluations and adjustments to put your system in factory fresh condition.

NOW ONLY

49

$

It’s smart to properly maintain your system to keep it running as efficiently and reliably as possible. Don’t be fooled by other offers - no one does it better than Agee’s, and no one backs it better!

NORMALLY

$

99

306 W Byrd Blvd.

Universal City, TX 78148

210-658-6708 www.ageesac.com YOUR SATISFACTION’S GUARANTEED, WHEN YOU CALL AGEE’S

Limited Time Only New Customers Only TACL A5758C Licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. P.O. Box 12157 • Austin, TX 78711 • 1-800-803-9202 • 1-512-463-6599

OPENING SOON!

Planet Fitness 281 & Evans!

Sign up now on site!

club brand in the United States,

Planet

Fitness

is

known for a lot of things –

1 DOWN. $10 A MONTH.

$

OFFER EXPIRES FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015

our absurdly low prices, our Lunk™ Alarm, and most of all perhaps, for our Judgement Free Zone® philosophy, which means members can relax, get in shape, and have fun without

OPEN

24/7

being subjected to the hardcore, look-at-me attitude that exists in too many gyms.

20760 US Highway 281 North San Antonio, TX 78258

281

Eva ns

(Off Evans Road)

(210) 455-6835

281

POST

*Home Club only. Billed monthly to a checking account. Subject to $29 annual membership fee. With a $1 One Time Start Up Fee. Includes T-shirt. Must be at least 18 years old, or 13 with parent/guardian. Incentives offered for enrolling in other memberships. Participating locations only. Planet Fitness facilities are independently owned and operated. ©Planet Fitness

FREE Implant Consultation

99

Exam, X-rays and Cleaning Call for Details.

New Patients Only.

Expires end of November.

Stone O

E Sonterra B lvd

ak Pkwy

1604

OFFICE

Encino R io

Missing Teeth or Loose Dentures?

$

Rd.

H DEPOME OT

As the most innovative health

GRAND OPENING SPECIAL RATE

BEFORE

AFTER

Dr. Woods Woolwine 155 E. Sonterra Blvd., Suite 205

210-341-3222

www.sonterradentalcare.com

Implants with Sedation starting at

1495

$

Call for Details

14

OCT. 26 - NOV. 30, 2015

LOWDOWN continues from pg. 12

Apparel • Accessories • Shoes

30% off Shoes

Expires: 11/30/15 *Regular priced shoes only.

Must present offer at the time of purchase

Located in The Village of Stone Oak 22806 US Hwy 281 N. Unit 105 San Antonio, TX 78258

210-462-1993 Stay Social @wovenboutique Woven Boutique

to float questions and concerns about recent spikes in their water bills. SAWS’ “Rapid Response” events paired customers with agency staffers Oct. 1 at Encino Branch Library, and Oct. 3 at the city’s Tobin and Cody branch libraries. District 9 Councilman Joe Krier and District 10 Councilman Mike Gallagher, who grilled SAWS President and CEO Robert Puente during the Sept. 24 City Council meeting, came away assured SAWS is taking the right steps in investigating complaints and changing its future meter-reading and billing procedures. “Mr. Puente provided an explanation as to why many residents experienced such high bills and outlined a corrective action plan on preventing these billing issues going forward,” Gallagher said, pledging support for SAWS’ decision to hire additional meter readers and improve its overall billing process. “(SAWS) is promising to implement new strategies to prevent this from happening again.” Krier introduced a measure stipulating that SAWS officials keep the council updated on customer satisfaction at least twice a year. “While we welcome SAWS’ triage efforts, we need to ensure that its customers, including seniors living on fixed incomes, are not subjected to this kind of billing failure in

the future,” he said. Meanwhile, SAWS is proposing rate increases beginning next year, and five open-house meetings on those hikes were slated through Oct. 26.

WORK CONTINUES ON THE HARDY OAK BOULEVARD EXTENSION PROJECT, said District 9 Councilman Joe Krier.

Upcoming construction includes street crews adding grading base material, asphalt supplied after the curbs are installed and grading completed, traffic-signal work and boring at the Hardy Oak and Knights Cross Drive intersection, a concrete curb and gutter for Hardy Oak, and trenching and boring for utility conduits to power CPS Energy’s streetlights on Hardy Oak. A bond issue approved by voters in May 2012 funds the $8.8 million project, which will extend Hardy Oak from Stone Oak Parkway to Knights Cross to help improve traffic flow and safety, officials said.

JOHNSON HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PLAYERS stuffed a pickup full of breakfast food and canned goods – containing more than 200 boxes of cereal and totaling more than 350 pounds of edibles – collected during a recent food drive that supported Daily Bread Ministries’ Tackle Hunger program. The ministry provides food and other goods to families in need across San

Antonio and the surrounding area. Johnson’s event was held in conjunction with the football team’s annual football intrasquad scrimmage and hot dog cookout. “We were able to give the children we serve a great breakfast on the all-important first week of school,” said Sarah Matteson, the ministry’s community outreach manager. “What a tremendous impact this has on our ministry families.”

MEREDITH QI LEE, A JOHNSON HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE, was one of six San Antonio-area students receiving $4,000 scholarships from Tesoro, which awarded $200,000 to 50 children of employees and retirees for their academic accomplishments. Lee is the daughter of David Lee, who is employed at Tesoro’s Corp. San Antonio headquarters. She is enrolled at the University of Alabama, majoring in chemical engineering.

NORTH EAST INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT recently acquired Time Warner Cable Park, a 56-acre sports complex at 12001 Wetmore Road, just north of Wurzbach Parkway. City Council approved a long-term lease agreement with NEISD, which eventually will purchase the facility for $3.2 million. The

LOWDOWN continues on pg. 15

YOU DON’T HAVE TO WAIT TO UPDATE YOUR HOME! Quality Service. Quality Products. Quality Craftsmanship.

Siding & Windows Plus Free Radiant Barrier

With Purchase Of 1000 sq. ft. Of Liberty Elite Siding Or With The Purchase Of 10 Or More Generations Replacement Windows.

Family Owned & Operated

Building Happiness For E Over 30 Years IN HOM ION TAT L U S N O As Seen On ABC C Extreme Makeover

FREE

www.libertybuilders.net

San Antonio Siding & Window Expert • Window Replacement • Room Additions • Patio Covers • Carports • Door Replacement • Sunrooms • Attic Insulation • Gutter Replacement • Screened Porches • Radiant Barrier

210-960-9691

301 S. Seguin Converse, TX 78109

REAL. LOCAL. SAVINGS. See how much you could save on car insurance today.

J.R. WIlliams | 210-658-6268 | 3126 Pat Booker Road | Universal City

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. Homeowners coverage is written through non-affiliated insurance companies and is secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Inc. Boat and PWC coverages are written through Seaworthy Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and through other non-affiliated insurance companies, and are secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency. Motorcycle and ATV coverages are underwritten by GEICO Indemnity Company. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. GEICO Gecko image © 1999-2014. © 2014 GEICO.

15

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM LOWDOWN continues from pg. 12 Sportsplex includes six softball fields, a swimming pool, sand volleyball courts, a pavilion, restroom facilities, concession stands and playgrounds. “This is such a great opportunity for our students, parents and the NEISD community. It’s a smart investment in the district’s future,” said Superintendent Brian Gottardy.

NEISD trustees approved the transaction Sept. 21, and if district voters approve the 2015 bond on Nov. 3, NEISD will implement additional improvements to the facility, district officials said.

THE ELECTORATE IN THE NORTH EAST INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT heads to the polls Nov. 3 to decide on a $499,950,000 bond issue for districtwide improvements. NEISD officials said the money will go to renovating, upgrading and enhancing facilities at older campuses.

Most of the bond is designated for campus improvements ($225.8 million), with the rest slated for extracurricular programs ($89.8 million); technology upgrades ($72.4 million); district operations ($60 million); safety and security ($20 million); bond program management ($17 million); and a bond contingency program ($15 million).

NEISD voters approved $449 million,

$498 million and $399 million packages in 2003, 2007 and 2011, respectively.

Early voting extends through Oct. 30.

COMAL INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT’S 2015 Bond Advisory Committee met for the first time Sept. 29, and will meet quarterly until bond projects, approved by voters in May, are completed. Committee members, comprised of civic leaders and school officials, discussed construction of two new middle schools in Garden Ridge and Kinder Ranch, both projected to open in 2018, improvement projects slated for existing high school campuses and safety and security upgrades at all district campuses.

The committee has future sessions scheduled in November, and in March and June 2016.

THE COMAL COUNTY JUVENILE PROBATION DEPARTMENT received a $75,000 state grant for a new intervention center aimed at preventing truancy. The New Braunfels Intervention Center will provide tutoring, homework assistance, cognitive and life-skill training, individual therapy, and parental training for children, ages 12-17, and their families. The eveningreporting facility, located in the city’s Head Start offices at 2386 W. San Antonio St., across from Lone Star Elementary School, is expected to open in January.

Serving Austin, San Antonio, Boerne, Bulverde, Corpus Christi, Spring Branch, Helotes and All Surrounding Areas!

Your San Antonio / Austin & Corpus Christi Pest Specialist Since 1985 • Commercial and Multi-Family Specialists • Apartment Communities – Military Bases – School Districts • Food Processing – Distribution Manufacturing • National Theme Parks – State & Federal Government Offices • Bed Bug Treatments Roaches • Ants • Fleas • Spiders • Termites Scorpions • Wasps • Mice • Rats

Protect your investments against TERMITES with our advanced control & monitoring program

• 24-Hour Emergency Service Reliable On-Time service • EcoSMART Technologies • Live Animal Trapping (Relocated to Wildlife Rescue) • Bee Removal & Control Visit us at

www.WorldwidePest.com Se Habla Español

Call Now for a FREE Estimate!

210-734-0000 or 512-476-2847

16

OCT. 26 - NOV. 30, 2015

ANNEXATION continues from pg. 01

U.S. 281 hearings begin in January

by WILL WRIGHT

D

espite a seemingly endless tug-of-war over whether to add more land to San Antonio, for now the city is still pursuing limited-purpose annexation for five areas — including the affluent region north of Stone Oak to the Comal County line.

Not to say the debate — or the fight to stop the city from carrying out what some consider a “land grab” — is settled, but in addition to Mayor Ivy Taylor, now District 9 Councilman Joe Krier has expressed reservations with plans to add the territories, including more than 12 square miles along the U.S. 281 corridor north of Loop 1604.

Krier said city officials have been short on answers about annexation, such as how fire and police services will be provided.

“Until we make a good-faith effort to

PROPOSED AREAS FOR ANNEXATION BY SAN ANTONIO FIRST CONSIDERATION n Far North Side — Stone Oak n I-10 corridor northwest of 1604 n Eastern Bexar County between I-35 and I-10 SECOND WAVE n Far West Side — Alamo Ranch n I-10 corridor U.S. 90/1604

clearly communicate the city’s case to the areas we’re considering for annexation — by making real preparations to provide services or working constructively on a plan to gradually bring them into the city of San Antonio — I cannot get behind this effort,’’ Krier said in a prepared statement.

Public opposition is growing, too, even as a public hearing on the 281 expansion has been delayed until January.

Michael Soulek, one of the leaders of a movement to squelch any action north of Stone Oak, said annexation is tantamount to “taxation without representation.”

Do you have numbness or tingling in your hands or fingers?

The five areas are in the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction. If annexation goes through, the 70-square-mile tract could add 120,000 residents and bump the Alamo City to sixth largest in the U.S. Meanwhile, many residents say they moved to these places to escape city life and taxes.

North Bexar County residents opposed to the undertaking thought they won a reprieve when Taylor on Sept. 17 proposed annexing preferred commercial corridors in the areas, rather than the larger chunks.

However, Taylor backed down days later after city staffers told the council the loss of residential revenue would cloud the entire picture.

Three areas – Stone Oak, the Interstate 10 West corridor northwest of 1604, and between I-35 and I-10 on the county’s eastern end – are the first being considered for annexation.

Two others, Alamo Ranch on the far West Side, and the I-10 corridor near U.S. 90 and 1604, will follow.

For now, the issue remains unsettled.

Public hearings scheduled for November and December are delayed until early 2016, further extending the city’s timetable. Annexation hearings on 281 will be Jan. 13, Jan. 20 and before the

City Council’s final vote on Feb. 11.

“It will be our chance for them to hear our message,” said Soulek, of Canyon Springs. “We want to flood City Hall with people in opposition to the city’s plan.”

During the summer, area residents and elected representatives met with city officials to resolve differences.

District 8 Councilman Ron Nirenberg also called for public hearings about I-10 annexation, responding to public worries about maintaing services.

John Dugan, city planning director, said commercial and residential revenues from the five areas could total $412 million over the next 20 years. Millions would be lost in limiting annexation to commercial corridors, $35 million alone in the Stone Oak, Alamo Ranch and east I-10 areas.

City staffers maintain annexation will preserve the city’s regional economic vitality, enhance public health and safety, guide standards for residential and commercial development, add needed services and give residents an active voice in city affairs.

Residents say they’re fine with the current quality of services provided through Bexar County and neighborhood homeowners associations, adding

ANNEXATION continues on pg. 17

Complimentary Exam

You may have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or some other hand problem that can get worse and cause permanent nerve damage.

NEW CLIENTS ONLY

EHI Surgeons are fellowship trained specialists. Our comprehensive treatment programs use the most technically advanced and proven treatment technologies.

No stitches • Minimal scarring • Less pain Quicker recovery time •

•

Will Mathewson, MD

Kyle A. Herron, MD

Office located in Stone Oak Remington Oaks Building 525 Oak Centre Dr., Suite 440 San Antonio, TX 78258

(COMPLIMENTARY EXAM FOR ONE PET PER HOUSEHOLD)

Call Today to Schedule Your Consultation

WWW.VITALPET.COM

(210) 920-7757 www.helpmyhands.com

Like us on facebook.com/ehihealthcare

TM

VITALPET STONE OAK VETERINARY CLINIC (210) 545-6446

17

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

they’d ultimately pay more for city resources they neither want nor need.

Stone Oak’s growth and affluence make it the most attractive annexation target. Bexar County Precinct 3 Commissioner Kevin Wolff said it could wind up paying the bill to add the others, such as the dilapidated Camelot II neighborhood in the area under consideration in far northeast Bexar County.

Soulek led hundreds of Stone Oak residents in a Sept. 25 gathering to solidify local support against annexation.

t s Gif cate le b rtifi a Ce ail Av

“Our surveys indicated 90 percent of the people here chose to move here to be outside of the city – and not be a part of city government,” he said.

“The city’s desire to set guidelines here runs counter to what we want.”

Alamo Ranch residents also spoke out during the Oct. 7 council meeting.

“They are strongly moving in the same direction as we are,” Soulek added. “What you’re seeing is a city that doesn’t want to listen to their future

ANNEXATION continues on pg. 24

Leave the Cleaning to Us! All Cleaning Pros Complete Our Green Clean Certified® Training Program Uniforms & Branded cars Bonded & Insured Thorough Background Checks For All Staff Every Cleaning Inspected For Quality Your Satisfaction Is Guaranteed

99

Let me help protect you before mayhem strikes.

From a tree branch falling on your car during a windstorm to a GPS that sends you the wrong way down a one-way, mayhem can strike anytime. So get an Allstate Agent like me who knows how to help you make sure you’re protected. Don’t wait—call me today!

Joseph Borkowski josephb@allstate.com

210-497-0006

210-497-0006

22100 Bulverde Rd., #112 San Antonio

2339 E. Evans Rd., #102 San Antonio

Priority Cleaning 1.5 hours Cleaning Some restrictions apply.

Not valid with any other offers.

Please call for details. Expires 12/31/2015.

210-679-6928

Stop by, call me, or e-mail me to see how much you can save.

Subject to terms, conditions and availability. Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Co. © 2013 Allstate Insurance Co.

sanantonio.maidbrigade.com

Same Great Care.

Elizabeth Arno Shivone, M.D., New Location!

Personalized Family Care Dr. Jennefer Carl Sutton and Dr. Dora Salinas Garcia

Dr. Dora Salinas Garcia and Dr. Jennefer Carl Sutton, are pleased to announce the new location of CHRISTUS Family Medicine - Shavano Park.

Dr. Garcia received her training at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston and CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Family Medicine Residency Program. Dr. Sutton received her training at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, and Georgetown University. Both are Board Certified in family medicine.

Welcoming new patients of all ages.

Appointments available Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m. to Noon and 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Many major insurance plans are accepted.

Call 844.CPG.DOCS to schedule your appointment.

4118 Pond Hill Rd. Suite 202 • Shavano Park, TX 78231 christushealth.org/shavanopark

125584

ANNEXATION continues from pg. 16

18

Confidence Starts with a Smile!

Save time and limit school absences!

• Conveniently located near Lopez Middle School and Hardy Oak Elementary • Just down the street from Barbara Bush Middle School and Tuscany Heights Elementary School • Lowest and Safest Digital Imaging • Hospital Grade Sterilization • Invisalign for Adults Oak Tree Orthodontics is dedicated to providing the finest quality orthodontic treatment in a friendly, enjoyable and caring environment.

23522 Wilderness Oak Suite 109 San Antonio,TX 78258 Call today to schedule your complimentary consultation

www.oaktreeortho.com • 210-774-4144

NOW HIRING

Bus Drivers! ❱ Part Time Hours, Split Shift, Min. 25 Hours Per Week Addittional Optional Hours Available ❱ 5 Paid d Holidayys ❱ Benefi fits - Medical/ fi Denta al/Vision/ Life & More ❱ TRS Retirement Savings Plan ❱ 100% % of Bus Fleet is Air Con nditioned ❱ Paid Training Provided ❱ Year-Round Driving/ Supplemental Duty tyy Opporttunities ❱ Addittional $12.50/Week for Perfecct Attendance Incentive

STARTING PAY $12.28/HOUR

OCT. 26 - NOV. 30, 2015

JOGGER continues from pg. 01

Journey promotes respect for Old Glory

by EMELINE LAKROUT

C

arrying a U.S. flag and a metal cross, five days a week Rod Eubanks runs 10 miles through bustling Stone Oak, leading many passersby and motorists to wonder about the mission behind the man.

Not surprisingly, there’s more to the trek than a desire to exercise. He started his current weekly 50-mile routine in April.

“First and foremost, I am running for Jesus as he leads my steps to bring back the faith in this country,” Eubanks said. “I also do it in support of our veterans, law enforcement and first responders; they are the ones that keep us safe and protect us 24/7.”

An Air Force veteran, Eubanks was initially inspired to exercise by an Ohio friend.

“I gave him a hard time as he was slacking on his running, so then

Technology in Dentistry

As a gentler alternative to drill dentistry, in most cases the Waterlase iPlusTM can perform many traditional dental procedures with no shots, no drill, and virtually no pain. It uses laser energy and water to provide gentler, more precise treatment that conserves healthy tooth, and minimizes pain and discomfort.

Laser technology allows us to perform many traditional dental procedures and more: • Dental cavities removal

GREAT BENEFITS

North East Independent School District Apply at www.NEISD.net or Call 210-356-9229 for more information

he challenged me to run 93.3 miles in August 2014, and anything over that he would donate $5 per mile to CancerFree KIDS,” Eubanks said.

After he met the goal, Eubanks stopped running on the road for a few months to focus on his fourth marathon later in the year. Then, in April, he began jogging again and flew the American flag on his rounds.

“I did it because there was so much disrespect within America concerning the flag, veterans and law enforcement/ first responders,” he said. “I then decided to carry the cross, as I felt that we as Americans have deviated away from God.”

JOGGER continues on pg. 19

The Latest Laser We are excited to introduce the most advanced technology in laser dentistry: the WaterLase iPlus 2.0TM and the Biolase Epic X.

5 PAID HOLIDAYS

Passersby and motorists in Stone Oak the last few months have seen Rod Eubanks jogging with a U.S. flag and a metal cross, which he says is part of his mission to restore respect for Old Glory and to honor his Christian beliefs. Photo by Leland A. Outz

• Gum tissue procedures • Apthous ulcers treatments • Tongue or lip tie releases • Biopsies • Pain therapy • Teeth whitening

WaterLase iPlus The gentleness of the laser-based treatment system may help nervous young patients experience increased levels of comfort while undergoing common dental procedures. Laser gum therapy is becoming more common, as patients tend to prefer its gentleness and accuracy over more aggressive methods.

BioLase Epic X The Biolase Epic X is the newest diode laser. We can use it for soft tissue (gums) procedures, teeth whitening and even pain therapy! It allows for precision procedures such as frenectomies, gum recontouring, biopsies, removing harmful bacteria in the gums, or removing gum tissue overgrowth in a much gentler manner.

Dr. Castillo is very excited to be one of the pioneers in bringing this revolutionary technology to the city of San Antonio.

Manuel Castillo, DDS

Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry 210-510-2862 • Hablamos Español • www.happypedident.com

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM JOGGER continues from pg. 18 Eubanks emphasizes he runs for others, not himself.

“It’s not about me, and I don’t want it to be about me. It’s about reaching our younger generation and showing respect and appreciation of our veterans, first responders, law-enforcement officers and Jesus, as they are our protectors who deserve all the glory,” he said.

Sherry Reddick, who also believes in recognizing first responders and has done several service projects for Fire Station 46 on Evans Road, once spoke to Eubanks during one of his jogs.

“I think it’s admirable,” she said.

“My feelings are that we don’t do enough to support our flag and what the first colonies meant and the freedoms that this America has.”

Reddick believes Eubanks’ message about religion is a positive testament to America’s diversity.

“I think that’s his personal choice,” she said. “I think that’s what America’s all about. We should be able to have freedom of faith or no faith.”

Eubanks’ liberties also allow him to display the Stars and Stripes in a patriotic manner, she added.

“So in America, he has the right to run

19

THE TEX HILL the street with a cross and with a flag,” she said. “He may not be of someone else’s faith or of their belief system. That’s what America’s about — we’re one of the last free democracies on the face of the Earth, and so for us to have that privilege is one we should not take lightly.”

The runner also takes seriously his vow to honor first responders, and he has even visited Fire Station No. 46.

Alex Ibarra, a fire engineer and apparatus operator at the station, considers it an honor to be recognized by a veteran. Eubanks is not the only neighbor who has shown kindness to the first responders, he added.

“In this area in particular, it’s incredible,” Ibarra said. “The doorbell will ring at any given time, random times, people will just drop off a dessert. We get a lot of dessert here. People are all very gracious when we’re around, and we appreciate that.”

Eubanks knows freedom comes at a dear price, and his only aim is to be a good influence.

“My goal is simply to put a smile on people’s faces and encourage our young people to respect the American flag and acknowledge how grateful we are to live in this country,” Eubanks said. Interested in following Eubanks?

Visit http://www.rodeubanks.com.

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS October 1, 2015–January 5, 2016

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.

sa-academy.org 210.733.7331 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.

®

20

OCT. 26 - NOV. 30, 2015

FIRE PREVENTION continues from pg. 01

Firefighters want to get residents more involved

by RUBEN RENTERIA

W

hen it comes to fire safety, the BexarBulverde Volunteer Fire Department is focusing on preventing emergencies just as much as reacting to them, thanks to a recent community outreach program.

The Safety Awareness for Everyone neighborhood program provides an educational pre-emptive strike in the 47-square-mile area of far north Bexar County served by the department, as well as teaching property owners how to better protect buildings and homes.

“You’re doing it because you want to help people,” said Sean Weaver, Bexar-Bulverde’s community liaison.

He coordinates the S.A.F.E. program at the department, which is made up of a

Sean Weaver is the community liaison for the Bexar-Bulverde Volunteer Fire Department and director of the Safety Awareness for Everyone neighborhood program. Photo by Rudy B. Ornelas

mixture of volunteer and paid firefighters.

The idea for the program began in 2014, after BBVFD Assistant Chief Greg Woodruff returned from a conference in Frisco, a city with a top ranking for homeand business-insurance rates, or ISO. An ISO is based on the effectiveness of public-safety agencies’ response to emergencies and education. When fire departments receive a favorable ISO rating, the cost of insurance for

homeowners and companies decreases.

The S.A.F.E. community outreach program calls for increased relations with the public to maximize fire-prevention efforts.

BBVFD takes advantage of every opportunity to educate the surrounding communities, John F. Kirk said.

“They are always ready, willing and able to attend an event,” said the neighborhood leader, who serves on the

Timberwood Park community board as an Emergency Services District No. 3 fire commissioner and assistant treasurer.

Firefighters give station tours, offer fire truck visits with home-safety surveys, and host neighborhood events. Also, Weaver speaks to homeowners associations and accepts requests for fire-safety information.

“We can teach the kids and help the parents prevent issues before they happen,” Weaver said.

The firefighters will also visit birthday gatherings, business events and block parties — anything to get the word out about preventing disasters. The first responders also inform Scouts regarding fire preparedness in the wilderness and instruct retired seniors how to prevent slips and falls.

At the end of the year, each neighborhood’s participation is tallied and the community with the most fireprevention events wins a recognition award from the department.

Weaver also collaborates with HOA representatives on a community board appointed by Bexar County Precinct 3 Commissioner Kevin Wolff.

When Weaver and other firefighters convene with residents at annual homeowners meetings, safety tips regarding

FIRE PREVENTION continues on pg. 21

USE OR LOSE YOUR INSURANCE BENEFITS BEFORE YEAR END!

You Deserve A Spa Dental Experience

RENEE T. DUNLAP, OD JACLYN L. HUTCHINS, OD

No Dental Insurance?

21019 US Hwy 281 N. • San Antonio, TX 78258

“Bella Wellness Club”

210.490.EYES (3937) • stoneoaktso.com

$300 annually per person includes

Dr. Ibis Vanessa Molina Clyde • Complimentary massage chairs, aromatherapy neck pillows, warm blankets, paraffin hand treatment and warm scented facial towels while undergoing dental treatment • All inclusive dental office for all your dental needs.

• Most Insurance Accepted • 0% interest payment plans available • Over 19 years of Dental Experience • State-of-the-art Dental Equipment

Call Today!

210-247-5162 Se Habla Español

($776 value) • 2 Routine Cleanings (excludes periodontal treatment - no gum disease) • All Necessary Diagnostic X-rays • 2 Comprehensive Exams • Ortho Consultation • 2 Fluoride Treatments • Oral Cancer Screening • 30% off all your restorative needs (payment at time of service) • 10% off Cosmetic Dentistry

TEETH WHITENING

Package $69

Regularly $199

Includes a set of bleaching trays and 2 tubes of bleaching gel.

With exam, cleaning and necessary x-rays.

Mention this ad. Expires 12/31/15. Call for offer details.

19298 Stone Oak Parkway, Ste 1105, San Antonio TX 78258

www.bellasmiles4all.com

Since 1936

Swedish Style Pizza

*Present this ad for

15% off

$3.99

Lunch Special Monday - Saturday 11am 11am - 4pm 4pm

www.royalpizzasaantonio.com www.royalpizzasaantonio.com

Call 210-399-2220 for to go orders or for delivery 210-607-9413

4415 De 4415 De Zavala Zavala Rd. R d.

San Antonio, TX 78249 210-399-2220

Order online: www.diningdeliveryondemand.com M-Th 11-9, Fri 11-10, Sat 12-10, Sun 4-9 *dose not apply to Lunch Special

21 FIRE PREVENTION continues from pg. 20

Sundays

8:30 - Traditional Worship 9:45 - Bible Study 11:00 - Contemporary Worship

Pastor: Steve Graves 12615 San Pedro San Antonio, TX ShearerHills.org 210-545-2300

seasonal fires are covered. The spring and summer discussions usually revolve around lightning strikes; the winter encounters detail the perils of portable heaters and candles; and the fall sessions involve safety during special holidays such as Halloween.

“We are trying to get people motivated,” Weaver said.

BBVFD has two locations — 1126 E. Borgfeld Drive and 23103 Bulverde Road, staffed by 120 members. All firefighters complete an emergency medical technician course and receive basic certification as part of their training.

Both stations are staffed 24 hours a day.

The department is financed through an emergency-services district tax.

Based on the tax revenue BBVFD receives, they do a good job of administering the funding, Kirk said.

“I’ve seen the progress they’ve made,” Kirk said. “They have managed the money given to them very well.”

To contact the department or make arrangements to participate in the S.A.F.E. neighborhood program, call 272-0353 or 830-980-4733; or email communityrelations@bexarbulverdevfd. org. A brochure is available at www.bexarbulverdevfd.org.

Walk-In Injury Clinic Offers Urgent Care Access Without the Extra Charge The San Antonio Orthopaedic Group (TSAOG) has opened a second location for its OrthoNow WalkIn Injury Clinic in the Stone Oak area. With hours from 11:30am until 7:30pm Monday through Friday, the clinic is open to anyone with an urgent musculoskeletal need (from acute muscle pain, sprains and strains to sports injuries, fractures, and minor dislocations).

OrthoNow treats children and adults and has onsite digital x-ray and casting services available. Best of all, OrthoNow

bills to your insurance as a specialty office visit, NOT an urgent care or emergency room visit, saving you money. Most insurances are accepted but, for those patients who may be out-ofnetwork or uninsured, TSAOG also offers discounted cash rates.

150 E Sonterra Blvd., Ste 300 San Antonio, TX 78258 (in the 3 story building behind the CVS Pharmacy at the corner of Stone Oak and Sonterra) 210-804-5424 www.tsaog.com/orthonow

QUENEDIT DANCE THEATRE SAN ANTHONIO Artistic Directors: Catalina Garza & Ernesto Quenedit

The Nutcracker

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

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

22

OCT. 26 - NOV. 30, 2015

REAGAN continues from pg. 01

Students have gone on to varied careers

by KATE HUNGER

S

ince her Reagan High School teaching career began in 2000, Director of Theater Gloria Robinson has dramatically earned the admiration of students, parents and peers with what they describe as unwavering commitment to preparing pupils not only for the arts, but also for life.

“The most impressive thing about Gloria is that yes, she wants to develop her students as actors, she wants them to have an appreciation of literature and be great communicators, but each of her students knows she cares about them genuinely and unselfishly as individuals,” said Diana Schumacher, North East Independent School District executive director of fine arts.

Caring isn’t something she limits

to her schoolchildren, Schumacher said, explaining how Robinson invites residents of a local retirement community to attend performances and ensures they receive special seating.

“She is just a very generous spirit and makes people comfortable about themselves,” Schumacher said.

Raised in Lebanon, Tennessee, Robinson earned her bachelor’s degree from Baylor University and Belmont University, and master’s in theater from Southwest Texas State University, now Texas State University. She has been teaching theater — and more — for 38 years.

“I find theater in everything I have taught,” Robinson said, including English, speech, debate, interpretation, creative writing and critical-thinking skills.

Just days before her department’s recent debut performance of “Hamlet” with a cast of 33 and more than 40 technicians, Robinson discussed how a production’s success depends on the group, not an individual.

“My theory as a teacher and an artist is that all of the parts are equally important, and you don’t have a good actor without a good tech behind them or vice versa,” Robinson said.

The educator said students must also work hard in class if they’re going to

participate in extracurricular activities.

Parent Lisa Dausin credits Robinson with motivating her daughter to improve her grades from B’s to A’s.

“If a teacher can have that kind of impact on a student, I think that says a lot about the teacher,” Dausin said.

Robinson crafts her lesson plans to sharpen skills and foster discipline benefiting pupils far beyond the stage.

“A lot of times we in America think you’ve got to be a businessman or a doctor,” Robinson said. “I think there are a lot of roles out there in the humanities and I have found as I have taught that theater and the arts are really good at teaching a lot of things that enhance the rest of the education process.”

Robinson has been honored with numerous awards, including induction in 2005 to the National Forensics League Hall of Fame for teaching and coaching.

However, more significant to Robinson is feedback expressing how she helped students thrive in their chosen field.

“One thing that really means the most is when my students come back and tell me that they were very well prepared for college,” she said.

One of Robinson’s former Reagan stars, Malloree Hill, graduated in 2009 and studied acting at the University

of Northern Colorado on a theater scholarship. The last two years, she’s lived and worked in New York City and is part of an Oct. 23-Nov. 1 off-Broadway production of “The Trojan Women.”

“She knows what needs to be taught and what is valuable,” Hill said. “That goes beyond theater skills. That goes to interpersonal skills, life skills — how to be a good person, how to interact with people.”

Helping students discover their own path and the right college is a top priority for Robinson, who endeavors to assist students land scholarships.

“I always try to tell them that going to college and losing your mind is not wise,” she said. “Not every school is right for every student.”

Colleges and universities from Texas and beyond will attend an annual regional audition day Nov. 23 on Reagan’s campus, 19000 Ronald Reagan Drive. Robinson’s reputation continues to be a big draw, said Schumacher, the event organizer.

Senior Maddy Weber, involved in Reagan theater productions since her freshman year, has applied to the theater-education program at the University of Evansville.

“I actually want to go into being a theater teacher because of (Robinson),” said Weber, who served as assistant stage manager for “Hamlet.”

Life [re]defined Join us Sundays at 9am 10:30am 12pm

NOT ALL HANDYMAN SERVICES ARE THE SAME. Only Mr. Handyman has Certified Home Technicians.

1270 NORTH LOOP 1604 E SAN ANTONIO, TX 78232

281

1604 04 E

NO PERFECT PEOPLE ALLOWED

NORTHROCKSA.COM

Trailcre

st St

N Loop 16

When your home needs maintenance or repairs don’t take chances, call a professional… call Mr. Handyman!

www.mrhandyman.com Mr. Handyman is a member of the Service Brands International family.

$25 OFF

This coupon is valid for $25 worth of services provided by Mr. Handyman.

Expires: February 28, 2016 Only one coupon use per customer address

210-526-3880

23

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM APARTMENTS continues from pg. 01

SA’s economy more resilient than most

by TRAVIS E. POLING

A

thirst for luxury and a shorter commute without a big mortgage for young San Antonio professionals is prompting developer Oden Hughes LLC to launch its third apartment complex on the far North Side.

The Austin company’s Agora Palms 312-unit development is now undergoing ground work and scheduled to open in the Stone Oak area in mid-2016. The Class A multifamily community — an industry term for newer, high-end properties —will be northwest of the North Loop 1604 and U.S. 281 intersection.

Oden Hughes already has made a major investment in San Antonio with two additional projects and more forthcoming, a company executive said.

The firm’s Landmark Grandview at Interstate 10 and Loop 1604 will launch

their first 356 of 950 units by the end of October. Oden Hughes sold its first Alamo City development, the 350-unit Platinum Shavano Oaks, in May. “You’re seeing a lot of Class A product of all shapes and sizes in San Antonio,” said Mac McElwrath, managing director at Oden Hughes. With occupancy rates topping 90 percent, he said the trend should continue.

It’s especially true in far north San Antonio, where major corporations offer some of the best employment for blossoming, upwardly mobile workers.

“With the regional job and population growth in San Antonio, young professional – especially millennials – are going into Class A multifamily,” McElwrath said.

They aren’t ready to purchase pricey houses, but desire suitability and luxury in the same areas those homes are found.

“There are hubs around 1604/281, downtown and I-10 and 1604 where you can live, work and play. People are looking for convenience in their commute,” he said.

Both Agora Palms and Landmark Grandview fit the bill with major businesses such as Tesoro Corp. in a 122-acre master-planned development by the apartments in Stone Oak, and NuStar Energy L.P., Medtronic, Acelity

APARTMENTS continues on pg. 27

Modern Dentistry With A Compassionate Touch • Dental Emergencies Seen Same Day • Family Owned and Operated • We accept all major insurance plans

New Patient Special $ 29.00

to make your dreams

a reality You deserve a special moving company.

Make it easy on yourself and call the experts. www.edcmovingsystems.com

4810 Eisenhauer, Suite 140 San Antonio, TX 78218

TxDMV # 005344018C

Keep your summer body all year long. Experience the

“ORANGE EFFECT.” • 2x the results in half the time with affordable group training • Heart rate based interval training • A work out backed by science • Burn up to 500 - 1200 calories in a 60 min session • Members can lose up to 8 lbs a week

• Se Habla Español

Complimentary Consultations on Dental Implants

We’re the final step ...

Dr. H.T. Green Limited time offer. Call now to make your appointment.

$50 off

Any Emergency Service

FREE Class valued at

$25.00

*Bring in this ad

Month to Month ntract Memberships. No Co

11/30/15

210-802-4348

Complete Dental Exam & X-Rays ($185 Value) Expires 11/30/15

210-281-5115

www.brightsmilesa.com

523 Med Court St. 106 San Antonio, TX 78258

Located off of Stone Oak Parkway, just South of Huebner Rd.

427 N. LOOP 1604 WEST, SUITE 106, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78232 Next to Trader Joe’s www.orangetheoryfitness.com/sonterra-village

Connect With Us!

24 ANNEXATION continues from pg. 17 voters. We see them trying to take our resources to solve their problems.”

Annexed residents won’t pay city taxes until limited annexation becomes final in three years. Until then, the city will be responsible for assistance such as waste disposal and police and fire protection.

In an Oct. 5 letter to Taylor, District 122 state Rep. Lyle Larson said the city’s plan lacks a funding mechanism to provide additional amenities for annexed residents while maintaining current service levels in all areas of the city.

“A dilution of services will occur in the inner city because demand for services would greatly increase in the newly annexed areas,” said Larson, a Republican and a former councilman and county commissioner.

“An additional 164 police officers and 141 firefighters would be needed immediately after annexation is complete to serve these areas.”

Larson’s letter was co-signed by District 25 state Sen. Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels, and District 117 state Rep. Rick Galindo, R-San Antonio. All three attended the Sept. 25 rally.

The San Antonio Police Officers Association is against city annexation plans, which it claimed would increase demands on an already short-staffed department. Police Chief William McManus countered, saying staffing adjustments would meet needs throughout the city.

Some critics suggest the city is aggressively going forward for fear state lawmakers during the next session will approve allowing residents to vote whether they want to join a city.

Staffers are recommending council abandon a plan to annex six additional areas, including another Stone Oak community further north on 281.

Larson and Galindo sponsored measures to curb municipalities’ ETJ powers – and annexation rights – during the last legislative session, which narrowly failed.

Larson vows to reintroduce a similar bill when the Legislature returns in 2017.

Though some council members appear split on annexation, District 10 Councilman Mike Gallagher still supports its basic premise.

“Through annexation we decide our fate and, in turn, are able to plan for public safety and other quality-of-life issues,” Gallagher said. “The bottom line for me is that we must not relinquish annexation as a tool for deciding the best patterns of growth for our community.”

Krier said more information is needed from city staff.

"I generally support the concept of orderly, thoughtful annexation," he said. "However, I am not satisfied with the (city's Department of Planning and Community Development's) handling of this annexation proposal so far."

25

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

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

Stone Oak facility offers 24-hour medical help

by ERIC MORENO

A

neighborhood medical service offering care 24 hours a day in Stone Oak has this prescription for patients — “Real ER. Real Fast,” according to representatives with First Choice Emergency Room.

The clinic, which opened about a year ago at 23511 Hardy Oak Blvd., is part of the largest network of independent, freestanding emergency rooms in the United States, a spokesman said.

“First Choice Emergency Room is revolutionizing the delivery of emergency medical care by providing a neighborhood alternative for emergency medical services,” said Warren White, vice president of

marketing for Adeptus Health, the holding company for First Choice. “First Choice Emergency Room received the prestigious Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Award in both 2013 and 2014 for exceeding the 95th percentile in patient satisfaction nationwide.”

First Choice offers patients a wide array of services, according to the company. Medical personnel at First Choice handle chest and abdominal pains, head injuries, sports injuries, broken bones and respiratory distress.

“Different from urgent-care facilities, all First Choice Emergency Room facilities are open 24 hours, seven days per week, and staffed exclusively with board-certified physicians and emergencytrained registered nurses,” White said.

The clinic offers electrocardiograms and other diagnostic services.

“The facilities are equipped with a full

First Choice Emergency Room in Stone Oak is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, staffed by boardcertified physicians and emergency-trained nurses. They handle a variety of ailments from chest and abdominal pain, head wounds and sports injuries to broken bones and respiratory distress. Photo by Collette Orquiz

radiology suite, including CT scanner, digital X-ray, ultrasound, as well as onsite laboratories certified by the Clinical Laboratory Improvements Amendments and accredited by the Commission on Office (Laboratory) Accreditation,” White added.

FIRST CHOICE EMERGENCY ROOM 23511 Hardy Oak Blvd.

For more, call 451-8340 www.fcer.com

FLOORING

Cook the Best Bird You’ve Ever Had...

Outdoors!

210-239-9172

Come See Our Line of Outdoor Grilling Equipment...

Gobble, Gobble!

Hardwood • Laminate • Carpet • Tile • Sand & Refinish 5” Handscraped Wood Floors Installed*

5.49

$

$2.99

FREE

Installed

*Includes wood, glue & basic labor.

Expires 12/31/15

Outdoor Kitchen Equipment • BBQ Grills & Smokers • Patio & Fireplace

13x13 or 18x18

Includes: Tile & Basic Labor *See store for details Expires 12/31/15

0%

Your one source for ALL Your Outdoor Kitchen Needs!

TILE Special

Financing Available w.a.c.*

In-Home Estimate

We can bring the showroom to you!

Call today for Appointment

Winner of the 2014 Super Service Award

F R E E Furniture Moving & F R E E Floor Cleaning Kit With Purchase *

*

210-239-9172 Visit Our Showroom At:

Laminate

4519 North Loop 1604W

San Antonio, TX 78257

Mon. – Sat. 10am-6pm; Sunday 12pm-4pm

210-437-2999

Starting at $2.99sf Installed *see store for details

Carpet

Starting at $1.99sf Installed *see store for details

Bath & Shower Remodels Available

26610 US Hwy 281 N San Antonio, TX 78260 Mon. - Sat. 10am - 5pm

www.SAFlooringPerfections.com

26

OCT. 26 - NOV. 30, 2015

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

North Side Asian restaurant sets stage for expansion

by OLIVIER J. BOURGOIN

S

pring Chinese Cuisine & Pho offers the culinary fare of two ancient cultures — China and Vietnam — while prepping for future expansion.

“My parents used to have a restaurant in Saigon,” said partner Duy Nguyen. “I spent a lot of time there as a child. I’m using some of my grandmother’s recipes, and I think she would be happy.”

The eatery at 3830 N. Loop 1604 East, Suite 101, which debuted in midJune, is housed in the former Tiger Pop, another Asian-themed food locale.

Partners Nguyen and Nick Nguyen — no relation — have collaborated to create a local chain-to-be, with

ambitions to launch 20 San Antonio-area restaurants over the next several years.

A second is slated for 20079 Stone Oak Parkway at Hardy Oak Boulevard.

Duy Nguyen also owns another establishment, the Beijing House on O’Connor Road.

“I moved here from Vietnam when I was 17,” the entrepreneur said. “First, I spent time in Baltimore for a couple of years before moving to Louisiana — Baton Rouge.

When I was living there, I visited San Antonio with some friends and I liked it.”

After relocating to the Alamo City, Nguyen worked four years at Panda Express.

He also prepared food at H-E-B while taking business-management classes at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Some of his Chinese menu items include pork-dumpling appetizers, Kung Pao chicken and sesame chicken. Shrimp,

Spring Chinese Cuisine & Pho offers dishes from both China and Vietnam, such as tofu with vegetables (above), and Boba tea drinks to pair with meals. Courtesy photo

beef and pork staples are served, too.

If craving Vietnamese, try several different beef-noodle soup offerings of pho (pronounced “fuh”) such as shrimp, vegetable and meatball.

Thirsty? Slurp a Boba drink, which is a tapioca and tea-based jelly-bubble liquid made with fresh fruits and vegetables including lychee, coconut, taro, avocado, mango, peach, strawberry,

honeydew, cantaloupe and pineapple.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Friday and Saturday and closed Sunday.

SPRING CHINESE CUISINE & PHO 3830 N. Loop 1604 East, Suite 101 For more, call 714-7206 www.eatspring.com

PLAYER’S CLUB 49.95 a month

$

Upgrade to Player’s Club Platinum for $59.95

Visit us at 19141 Stone Oak Pkway Sa, Tx 78258 P: 210.490.2011

• • • • •

Unlimited Range Balls Free Afternoon Greens Fees: $19.95 Access Fee USGA Handicap Service 2 Draft Beers with Each Paid Round Member Preferred Pricing on All Golf Shop Merchandise • Free Instructional Clinics Sign Up Today & Receive 1 Sleeve Pro V1 Golf Balls

- Valid until November 15, only 1 coupon per table (minimun order of $20, not valid with other coupons)

210-545-5300 | www.silverhorngolfclub.com 13-0095

27

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM APARTMENTS continues from pg. 23 (formerly KCI), Valero Energy Corp. and USAA a short drive away. The University of Texas at San Antonio main campus also draws residents, as do good jobs at the South Texas Medical Center and the Stone Oak Medical Center area.

Retail, entertainment and restaurants nearby to Agora Palms are important to people willing to pay the $897 to $2,024 a month for the garden-style apartments of one to three bedrooms, ranging in size from 587 to 1,700 square feet.

Amenities at the 18-acre, 12-building complex will include a movie theater, dog park with a canine-washing station, a resort-style pool and an around-the-clock fitness center.

Debra Janes, a luxury Realtor with the KW San Antonio Portfolio Real Estate division of Keller Williams, said besides younger professionals moving into multifamily housing in spots they’d one day like to be homeowners, so are empty nesters and older residents.

The last two groups are selling their 6,000- or 7,000-square-foot houses and looking for something with luxury and amenities without the upkeep. “There is an outcry for garden homes across the far North Side,� Janes said, but

some are opting for high-end apartments after selling their houses, sometimes while waiting for single-family garden homes to come on the market.

Oden Hughes’ McElwrath said the developer is looking to build more Class A apartments in downtown and on the far North Side in the future. “We continue to have a vested interest in greater San Antonio,� McElwrath said.

Thanks to the building boom, “land and construction costs are increasing, which makes it more difficult to find the right site for us, but they are there,� he added.

McElwrath said San Antonio’s diverse economy ripens the market for more multifamily housing developments, even with job loss brought to town by drops in oil-field operations and service companies using San Antonio as a base for the Eagle Ford Shale. Crude oil prices nose-dived late last year to less than $50 a barrel and have yet to recover. “That risk (building multifamily residential developments with oil prices down) isn’t anywhere near as much as it would be in Houston,� McElwrath said. “The significant military, medical, university and construction presence, and the diversity of the economy, makes San Antonio so much more resilient.�

At Piedmont Mortgage we know that purchasing /!+' '() ! (! ) ( ! +( # ) *0 / '( ! ." ' !+' !- ' ) ( !- !()( ' ) ( ', , ) / -!''/ !' ! +( ! #

! /!+&' ) ' ) !' - ! , ! ) !') # +' ( ', ( ' ) "' " ' )! -!-

Piedmont Mortgage Offers: ) !"/ ! /!+' ." ' credit report 1( !+) !+' $ ! !( !()(% program () ' " ' ) "'! + )( ) ( )+' !' ) + "'! + ) 1 1 ! , & USDA

Contact Piedmont Mortgage today, 210-216-5567 or visit www.piedmontmtg.com for more information.

PiedmontMtg NMLS 138473

ATLANTA | SAN ANTONIO

MLO 1173147

Our mission is about life!

The Village at Incarnate Word Senior Living Community • Independent Retirement Living • Assisted Living • Memory Care • Extended Nursing Care • In-Home Care & Concierge Services

Please join Family and Friends for our

We are here for all your family medical needs!

Come get your flu vaccine so we can help you Stay Healthy This Flu Season!

Accepting New Patients, Same Day Appointments!

Annual

Thanksgivingg Mass & Open House H SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2015 Mass: 1:00 p.m. - Chapel of the Incarnate Word Open House: 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. The Village at Incarnate Word

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

4707 Broadway St. | San Antonio, TX 78209

www.iwretire.org

Prisiliano Salas Jr.,MD

Board Certified in Family Medicine

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)

Rolando Perez Jr.,MD

Board Certified in Family Medicine

210-534-2566 • www.alonfamilyhealth.com Located at the Alon Shopping Center 11503 NW Military Hwy, Ste. 111, San Antonio,TX 78231

Mon-Tue-Thur-Fri: 8:00AM - 5 PM • Wed: 8:00AM - 1PM • Sat-Sun: Closed

*****ECR WSS Postal Customer

Prsrt Std US Postage Paid Permit 6450 San Antonio TX

principleauto DEALERSHIP A

COMMUNITY NEWS

4204 GARDENDALE STE. 201 SAN ANTONIO, TX 78229

8434 Airport Blvd.

San Antonio, TX 78216 MINIofsanantonio.com *See Dealer for details.