LOCAL: I-10 Corridor, Leon Springs, Fair Oaks Ranch, The Dominion, Sonoma Ranch October 2015

PREMIERE EDITION NOW COMING TO YOUR MAILBOX EVERY MONTH!

PG.14 UT Medicine growing north Projected health care center from UTHSCSA planned between Leon Springs and Fair Oaks Ranch

HEALTH & WELLNESS

DEALING WITH ALZHEIMER’S PG.18 COMMUNITY NEWS I-10 CORRIDOR

VOL. 1, ISSUE 1

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LEON SPRINGS FAIR OAKS RANCH THE DOMINION 78015 78023 78255 78256 78257

Think

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Breast-cancer awareness a lifesaver OCT. 12 - NOV. 16, 2015

INSIDE YOUR COMMUNITY

COUNTRY GOODNESS PG.15 The Farmers Market

at the Cibolo offers more than just produce

RUN THE GAUNTLET

I-10 Building Boom

PG.16 Kendall

Elementary students raise money to help their school

BUY LOCAL

PG.22 ROBERT GRAHAM

EAT LOCAL

PG.23 LA GLORIA

Apparel store comes to The Shops at La Cantera

Cooking up Mexican street food

PG.11 Development follows population, wealth, housing

SCHOOLS REPORT

NISD, BISD meet state standards PG.17 Several campuses earn

distinctions in TEA assessment

4

We are local.

We are luxury.

FROM THE EDITOR tedwards@localcommunitynews.com

President Harold J. Lees Publisher Gregg Rosenfield

What’s your luxury?

TM

Assoc. Publisher Rick Upton EDITORIAL Executive Editor Thomas Edwards News Staff Collette Orquiz, Bain Serna and Will Wright Contributing Writers Olivier J. Bourgoin, Ron Aaron Eisenberg, Neven Jones, Carole Miller, Eric Moreno, Edmond Ortiz, Travis E. Poling, Arthur Schechter Lucille Sims Thomas and Susan Yerkes ART Creative Director Florence D. Edwards Contributing Photographer Rudy B. Ornelas ADVERTISING Advertising Director Jaselle Luna Zone Manager Marc Olson Account Manager Justin Giles Controller Keith Sanders READER SERVICE Mailing Address 4204 Gardendale St., Ste. 201 SA, TX 78229 Phone Fax (210) 338.8842 (210) 616.9677

Let us help you buy or sell your luxury property.

Locally, nationally or globally.

Advertising Inquiries jluna@localcommunitynews.com Story Ideas: tips@localcommunitynews.com Website: www.salocallowdown.com

Denise Graves

Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist

The

Graves Group What’s your luxury? www.thegravesgroup.com 830-331-9898 I 210-408-4053

OCT. 12 - NOV. 16, 2015

TM

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 6: 78258, 78259, 78260, 78261 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.

A big welcome to our new readers

W

ith great pleasure, I’d like to welcome our new readers to the LOCAL Community News family of quality publications.

This month, LOCAL debuts its newspaper serving the diverse communities north of Loop 1604 along the Interstate 10 West corridor. The launch of our latest publication marks another milestone for our 3-year-old media company.

During that short time, a vision to offer free, monthly, hyperlocal news content to readers in targeted zones through direct mail has grown from two initial newspapers to six, boasting a press run of more than 200,000 copies.

The readers holding this initial publication are going to learn what fellow residents across the greater north San Antonio area already know — LOCAL delivers in-depth coverage of neighborhood news, ranging from new restaurants and businesses to school activities and government.

I hope folks in ZIP codes 78015, 78023, 78255, 78256 and 78257 will find LOCAL as informative and enjoyable as established audiences from Shavano Park and Alamo Heights to Stone Oak, Cibolo and Garden Ridge.

In addition to great news articles in each issue, other standard items include commentary from veteran journalist Susan Yerkes, the Happening LOCAL calendar, synopsis of major stories and business items in LOCAL Lowdown, and features about emerging dining spots and services under the EAT and BUY sections.

I look forward to hearing your suggestions and comments. In addition, please send your calendar items. Because of our production schedule, those are needed two months in advance, if possible.

As always, I invite our readers to contact us at tips@localcommunitynews.com.

THOMAS EDWARDS EXECUTIVE EDITOR

ON THE COVER: The Interstate 10 West corridor north of Loop 1604 to Boerne is growing at a rapid rate, attracting merchants and development because of upscale demographics and quality of life. See story on page 11. Photos by Rudy B. Ornelas

5

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

LOCAL COMMENTARY

Is Texas going to pot?

by SUSAN YERKES

S

hould marijuana be legal in Texas?

People all over town are talking — seniors speculating whether medical marijuana would ease their glaucoma or arthritis; cancer patients asking similar questions; and even veterans wondering about relief from post-traumatic stress disorder.

I’ve been surprised how many of my politically conservative friends favor legalizing marijuana, and some law-enforcement officers privately express the same thought.

In 2012, more than 72,000 people were arrested on marijuana charges in Texas –

98 percent for possession, mostly small amounts. Thousands of young people have lost their college scholarships as a result.

In 2014, more than 17,000 Texans were placed on adult community supervision, and another 1,300-plus were jailed for marijuana possession. According to the Legislative Budget Board, Texans could save about $230 million during the next five years if the state legalized marijuana instead of jailing people. That money could be spent on more effective drugeducation or treatment programs.

There’s increasing agreement legalizing marijuana would weaken the drug cartels and reduce violence associated with the narcotics trade.

Under government regulation, much of the money now going to drug dealers would instead flow back to taxpayers. In 2014, Colorado collected $76 million in taxes and fees for newly legalized pot.

Just a few years ago, the possibility that marijuana would be legalized in Texas seemed pretty remote. Not anymore.

Medical marijuana is permitted in 23 states, and in the past couple of years, Alaska, Colorado, Oregon, Washington state and the District of Columbia have legalized its sale and possession for recreational use, in addition to medical.

Several other states appear to be moving

in the same direction as public opinion starts to shift. In 2013, a Texas Public Policy Foundation poll showed 61 percent of Texans favored reducing penalties for minor possession of marijuana, and 58 percent supported legal sales in stores, which could be taxed and regulated.

During the last legislative session, more bills changing state laws on marijuana made it out of committee than ever before. Gov. Greg Abbott actually signed the state’s first law allowing limited use of medical marijuana in the form of CBD oil, a cannabis extract. Advocates say the measure won’t help many folks.

But, who knows? It may be a “gateway bill” that leads to more liberal policies.

There are drawbacks and dangers involved with any recreational drug, but criminalizing marijuana seems increasingly unjustifiable.

This past session, a bill to change marijuana possession to a civil offense, and another (authored by a Republican) to completely legalize it, made it out of committee.

Folks who favor legalization now speculate it could happen in Texas by 2020. Don’t hold your breath, but I believe it’s more than a political pipe dream.

What do you think?

Meanwhile, switching topics for the moment to the World Heritage Site designation for San Antonio’s Spanish missions, longtime San Antonio Conservation Society leader Nancy Avellar noted several more players who helped nail the bid, including its executive director, Bruce MacDougal, and key volunteers Virginia Nicholas and Paula Piper; from Las Compadres de San Antonio, Executive Director Susan Chandoha and advisory board member Paul Ringenbach; historian Felix Almaráz; and Susan Snow, National Park Service archaeologist for the missions and coordinator of the World Heritage team.

A communitywide celebration of World Heritage is set for Oct. 16-18. For more, visit www.missionsofsanantonio.org.

Email syerkes@ localcommunitynews.com.

[...] CRIMINALIZING MARIJUANA SEEMS INCREASINGLY UNJUSTIFIABLE. OPHTHALMOLOGY ASSOCIATES OF SAN ANTONIO... is pleased to announce the association of Dr. Mark J. Trevino and Dr. Cooper M. Clark.

Ophthalmology Associates of San Antonio (OASA) has been serving the medical and surgical eye care needs of the community since the early 1970’s with Dr. Thomas F. Hogan, Dr. Joe R. McFarlane, Jr., and Dr. David M. Hunter. Doctors Arlo C. Terry, Robert P. Green, Jr., and John A. Campagna joined the practice over the subsequent years.

Offices were opened in outlying communities for the convenience of our patients. Our services include state of the art cataract surgery and lens implantation, sub-specialty cornea (Dr. Terry), sub-specialty glaucoma (Dr. Campagna), and sub-specialty retina (Dr. Clark). Dr. Green and Dr. Trevino also perform oculoplastic procedures.

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our loyal patients. The entire staff is looking forward to serving you and all of your eye care needs. For new appointments: 210-223-5561

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OUR TURN Views and opinions about your community

Alamo Plaza must also reflect heritage

T

he designation of the Alamo and four other Spanish colonial missions as UNESCO World Heritage sites will do wonders for San Antonio’s global image, but it is just as important to keep up the momentum to redevelop Alamo Plaza.

By making the plaza a world-class site, the Alamo can maintain its status as one of Texas’ top tourist destinations, resulting in positive economic growth not just for San Antonio, but also the region in terms of travel dollars.

While the other buildings are culturally significant, it is the Alamo that stands as a worldwide symbol, not just of San Antonio, but Texas and the United States.

Mayor Ivy Taylor has announced the formulation of a master plan to enhance both the Alamo and surrounding Alamo Plaza. The new plans could help tidy up

OCT. 12 - NOV. 16, 2015 the area and increase connectivity for the River Walk and new developments at Hemisfair. This is great news.

State leaders are helping lead the charge.

Just weeks ago, state Land Commissioner George P. Bush chaired the first meeting of a revived Alamo Endowment Board. He said the nonprofit would become a fundraising juggernaut to preserve the Alamo.

This summer, District 26 state Sen. Jose Menéndez joined Gov. Greg Abbott in signing House Bill 2968, also known as “The Alamo Bill,” into law. The legislation contained a $32 million appropriation ensuring the Alamo’s preservation.

The appropriation is the largest in the Alamo’s history as a museum site, which for years was shepherded by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas until reverting to the Texas General Land Office.

The bill will help develop the Alamo complex into a first-rate attraction.

All of San Antonio’s missions are important, but the Alamo is the crown jewel. Alamo Plaza, which is often visitors’ first introduction to the Shrine of Texas Liberty, should get the polish it deserves.

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

7

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

HAPPENING LOCAL

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

OUR GUIDE TO YOUR MONTH

HAPPENING KEY

FITNESS

ART

I’M ALL EARS The music lineup at John T. Floore Country Store, 14492 Old Bandera Road in Helotes, includes John Baumann, Sunny Sweeney and the Josh Abbott Band. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $15 to $400. For more, visit www.liveatfloores.com.

OUTDOOR

MUSIC

FOOD

Inspiration Garden at The Farmers Market at the Cibolo, 33 Herff Road in Boerne, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. hosts a tutorial by garden guru Keith Amelung.

The expert will share tips, products and fertilizer recipes to give your garden a much-needed seasonal kick in the grass.

Amelung returns Nov. 14 to discuss winter greens. There’s no cost, but donations are accepted. For more, call 830-249-4616 or contact Ben Eldredge at ben@cibolo.org.

OCT. 16

FRIDAY FRIGHT Attention OCT. college students. Six Flags 16, 23 & 30 Fiesta Texas, 17000 Interstate 10 West, presents College Fright Nights, where admission will only be $30.99 plus tax. The coed discount includes all sorts of Halloween shenanigans.

Tickets must be purchased in advance.

For more details, call Elle Chard at 6975448 or email LChard@sftp.com.

OCT. 17

TALK

MUSIC AND FUN FOR A CAUSE Josabi’s, 17200 Texas 16 North (Bandera Road) in Helotes, from 1-7 p.m. hosts Bikers Against Child Abuse sponsored by Empowering Women of San Antonio. Admission to the fundraiser at the live music and event center is $15 with $10 vehicle parking ($5 for motorcycles).

OCT. 17

SO, YOU THINK YOU CAN SOW Autumn is here, an important fertilizing time for gardeners.

FRESH. NEW.

different.

HAPPENING continues on pg. 08

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OCT. 12 - NOV. 16, 2015

HAPPENING continues from pg. 07 Come and enjoy bands, food and drinks, while combating violence. For details, call 372-9100 or visit josabis.com.

NO PLACE LIKE HOME The Parade of Homes at The Bluffs at the Dominion, organized by the Greater San Antonio Builders Association, provides an opportunity to see what area builders are up to, and get ideas for your own abode. For more on the tour and various features with exact event times and addresses, call 6963800 or visit www.sanantoniobuilders.net.

THROUGH OCT. 18

BISD The third Monday of every month, the Boerne Independent School District board regularly meets in the Administration Building at 123 W. Johns Road. A closed session begins at 5 p.m., with an open-to-the-public forum at 6:30 p.m. For more, call 830-357-2000.

OCT. 19

HOW BRAVE ARE YOU? Does a crunchy grasshopper taco sound yummy? Edible insects will be on the menu from 10-11 a.m. at Herff Farm, 33 Herff Road in Boerne.

Bug fans say they are not only tasty, but also nutritious. Cost is free. For more,

OCT. 24

call 830-249-4616 or contact Stephanie Colvard at Stephanie@cibolo.org.

DON’T BE SCARED The date may OCT. be one week before Halloween, 24 but come 4-7 p.m. to the Heath Public Library, 451 N. Main St. in Boerne, to commemorate Boerne Boo! The celebration features a costume contest, a bounce house, a balloon sculptor, mule rides, face painting, arts and crafts, plus much more.

For details, visit www.ciboerne.tx.us.

DON’T TRY TO WORM YOUR WAY OUT OF ATTENDING A composting and harvesting session using worms will be held from 10-11 a.m. at Inspiration Garden at The Farmers Market at the Cibolo, 33 Herff Road in Boerne. Master gardener Shanna Ciano, who has been using the wigglers for years, will demonstrate. There’s no cost, but donations are accepted. For more, call 830-249-4616 or contact Ben Eldredge at ben@cibolo.org.

OCT. 24

NISD The fourth Tuesday of each month, the Northside Independent School District board regularly meets at 7 p.m. in the boardroom at 5900 Evers Road.

For more, visit www.nisd.net.

OCT. 27

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IS HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL OVER ALREADY? TMI-The Episcopal School of Texas closes out its varsity regular-season campaign with a 7:30 p.m. home game at 20955 W. Tejas Trail against Austin’s Eastside Memorial.

For the entire Panther 2015 schedule and results, visit www.maxpreps.com.

NOV. 6

A GARDENER’S JOB IS NEVER DONE There’s always something happening in the garden and November is no exception. Come to Inspiration Garden at The Farmers Market at the Cibolo, 33 Herff Road in Boerne, 10:3011:30 a.m. for free advice. Ginny Frederick and other experts will provide instruction in planting, composting, seeding, pruning and mulching. For more, call 830-249-4616 or contact Ben Eldredge at ben@cibolo.org.

NOV. 7

WATCH THE BIRDIE A 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. four-part series hosted by the Cibolo Nature Center & Farm, 140 City Park Road in Boerne, is a birdwatcher must. Come to the auditorium for a workshop and then go on field trips to see birds in their natural habitat. Limited to 20 attendees, Jan Wrede, Patsy Inglet and Anne Adams will teach the interactive classes. Don’t forget your binoculars. Registration fee

NOV. 7,14 21 & DEC. 5

is $100. For more, call 830-249-4616 or contact Ben Eldredge at ben@cibolo.org.

RESTORATION AGRICULTURE DESIGN WORKSHOP This three-day seminar from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the auditorium at the Cibolo Nature Center & Farm, 140 City Park Road in Boerne, will guide you through drought conditions affecting Texas’ landscape.

Farmer and author Mark Shepard, who has more than 19 years of perennial agriculture experience, will instruct. Cost is $325, which includes lunch. Register online by Oct. 23. For more, call 830-249-4616 or contact Ben Eldredge at ben@cibolo.org.

NOV. 12-14

HAGGARD IN TOWN Legendary musician Merle Haggard will appear at John T. Floore Country Store, 14492 Old Bandera Road in Helotes. Doors open at 7 p.m.; set begins at 8:15 p.m. with Wayne “The Train” Hancock. Tickets range from $40 to $500.

For more, visit www.liveatfloores.com.

NOV. 13

GIVING THANKS FOR WEINERS Herff Farm at 33 Herff Road in Boerne, hosts a yummy event from 10-11 a.m. Food and fun is on

NOV. 14

HAPPENING continues on pg. 09

The Next Step “Living at Adante has been an easy transition for us, and moving was far less traumatic than we feared. We soon discovered that we had far more friends here than we had in our 35-year neighborhood. We love the ambiance, our neighbors, the associates, the friendly atmosphere, the food and the activities.” ~ Jimmy, resident since 2013 Our pet-friendly, 26-acre community offers month-to-month living with no entry fee for our spacious cottage homes, and independent living, assisted living and memory care apartments.

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM HAPPENING continues from pg. 08 the menu at the fifth annual Kid’s Club Hot Dog Thanksgiving. Besides roasting frankfurters, s’mores and making autumn wreaths are on the agenda. A suggested donation of $5 would be appreciated.

For more, call 830-249-4616 or contact Stephanie Colvard at Stephanie@cibolo.org.

BOERNE MARKET DAYS Located in the heart of the historical district on Main Plaza (100 N. Main St.), this two-day event takes place one or two weekends every month beginning at 10 a.m. Enjoy the outdoor setting while browsing the wares of vendors, artists and craftsmen, in addition to listening to Texas homegrown music. For more, call 844-8193 or visit www.boernemarketdays.com.

NOV. 14-15, 27-28

DO YOU HAVE A LITTLE EXPLORER? Tuesdays from 10-11 a.m. the Cibolo Nature Center & Farm’s Visitor Center, 140 City Park Road in Boerne, hosts preschoolers.

Young adventurers will sing songs, make crafts, play games, explore the outdoors and listen to stories, including a special appearance by Mother Nature on Oct. 20, when she talks about spiders. For more,

WEEKLY

call 830-249-4616 or contact Stephanie Colvard at Stephanie@cibolo.org.

YOGA FOR NATURE LOVERS Come to the Cibolo Nature Center & Farm, 140 City Park Road in Boerne, from 6-7:15 p.m. every Monday for outdoor exercise. Meet at the Visitor Center where an instructor from The Yoga House welcomes beginners and advanced practitioners. Cost is $10 per class. For more, call 830-2494616 or visit nature@cibolo.org.

WEEKLY

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CHILDREN’S FITNESS Kids can be part of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon & ½ Marathon race-weekend excitement. Run in Kids Rock San Antonio powered by San Antonio Sports, a noncompetitive, 1-mile event, 9:30 a.m. at SeaWorld San Antonio, 10500 Sea World Drive, open to kindergarteners through seventhgraders. For more, call 311-1255 or visit http://kidsrock.competitor.com.

DEC. 5

SUBMITTING EVENTS: Email all

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

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OCT. 12 - NOV. 16, 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. ROBERT GRAHAM, 15900 La Cantera Parkway, is a New York-based clothing chain debuting in The Shops at La Cantera and specializing in bold and eclectic fashion apparel for men and women. Robert Graham has 14 U.S. retail stores and nine outlet sites, including Dallas and Houston. For more, visit www.robertgraham.us. (See story on page 22) 2. LA GLORIA AT DOMINION CROSSING,

21819 Interstate 10 West, serves the same Mexican street food from the interior of Mexico as the original in the Pearl downtown, and boasts an outdoor bar and dog-friendly patio. Too, the latest location offers retail space and private-dinner hosting.

Chef Johnny Hernandez, owner of La Gloria, recently opened in mid-September because of demand. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.

For more, call 265-3315 or visit www.

LaGloria.com. (See story on page 23)

Address of local business Name of local business

3. KINEMATIC BREWING CO., 635 Texas 46 East, Suite 207 in Boerne, opened Aug. 22 and started fall hours Sept. 18 for its taproom. The small brewery has a tasting room/bottle shop “where like-minded beer enthusiasts can relax and sample some of the unique regional beers that we have to offer,” according to its website. “We want nothing more than to have a place in which we can promote a convivial atmosphere where people can come together and share our passion for brewing beer.” The minibrewery doesn’t offer a full menu, but it does have snacks, and at some point, possibly a food truck when the taproom is open.

Taproom hours are 5-9 p.m. Friday and noon to 6 p.m. Saturday. For more, visit http://www.kinematicbrewingco.com/ or Facebook.com/kinematicbrewingco.

4. POTBELLY SANDWICH SHOP, 17711

Interstate 10 West, Suite 107, is a national restaurant planning a debut in The Rim

shopping center at an unspecified date this fall, according to the company website. The eatery is billed as a “retro-style counter-serve chain known for made-to-order toasted sandwiches, salads and baked goods.” Also on the menu: breakfast, chili and more. Other Texas locations include Houston, Dallas, Austin and San Marcos. Founded in 1977, there are 300 corporate-owned stores. Hours will be 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. For more, call 424-1401 or visit www.potbelly.com.

5. COSTA PACIFICA, 23535 Interstate 10

West in the Leon Springs area, is eyeing an October debut for the second location of this Mexican-seafood restaurant, which will be in a shopping area just south of Boerne Stage Road. According to the company website, the restaurant creates the kind of vibe diners might feel if they are visiting Puerta Vallarta or Mazatlan.

The first restaurant is at 434 N. Loop 1604 West. For more, visit costapacificausa.com.

IN OTHER NEWS

THE NORTHSIDE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT board recently adopted a $1.2 billion budget for fiscal year 2015-16, with no increase in property-tax rates for the fifth consecutive year, officials said. The ratio remains at $1.38 per $100 valuation, officials said. The district’s enrollment

is expected to reach a record 105,000 students, educators said; NISD also opened its 75th elementary school, Boldt, at the start of the academic year Aug. 24.

TRUSTEES FROM THE NORTHSIDE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT have approved athletic and career/ technology upgrades to Clark High School, according to a news release.

STAGE 1 WATER USE SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED YEAR-ROUND under normal conditions, said District 8 Councilman Ron Nirenberg after filing a memo urging fellow City Hall leaders to support the initiative during one of the state’s worst droughts in decades. Stage 1 water rules limiting irrigation or sprinkler systems currently trigger when the 10-day rolling average of the Edwards Aquifer level drops to 660 feet above mean sea level at a monitoring well. The restrictions cap sprinkler use or soaker hoses to once a week before 11 a.m. or after 7 p.m. “The cheapest, most available water is the water we do not use,” Nirenberg said. “As (San Antonio Water System) pursues an ‘all-of-the-above’ approach to long-term water security that includes aquifer storage and recovery

LOWDOWN continues on pg. 11

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM LOWDOWN continues from pg. 10 and regional water sourcing, a continued commitment to conservation must continue to play a central role.” The City Council will consider a new SAWS rate structure this fall.

REPUBLIC SERVICES STARTED ACCEPTING GLASS for recycling Oct. 1 in Fair Oaks Ranch, according to a City Hall posting.

Officials said the initiative is part of an ongoing program, with no extra cost.

WORK IS ABOUT 22 PERCENT COMPLETE ON A STRETCH OF INTERSTATE 10 WEST from Dominion Drive to Boerne Stage Road near Leon Springs, according to state highway officials. The project includes a new westbound access road and turnaround, and will convert the access to one way, representatives said. Construction is expected to finish by the fourth quarter of 2016. According to the Texas Department of Transportation website, “The average daily traffic of 79,000 vehicles in the Leon Springs area of I-10 West is lower than in many sections of highway near San Antonio, but crash rates in this area are almost double the statewide average. The danger concentrates on the frontage roads, where 186 crashes occurred during 2006-2011. The proposed improvements to I-10 from Dominion Drive

to Ralph Fair Road will improve safety. The result is an anticipated crash reduction of at least 43 percent, making the roadway safer for millions of travelers.” The project, where planning started in 2013, costs about $19.5 million and is being done in two phases.

THE BOERNE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT reports a 5.5 percent increase in the 2015-16 academic year’s attendance, with more than 400 new schoolchildren entering the district this fall. According to the BISD website, “As of Sept. 4, the district had 7,865 students enrolled. In the same time period for 2014, district enrollment was 7,449; in 2013, the early enrollment figure was 7,220 students.”

Superintendent David Stelmazewski said Boerne ISD is prepared for the influx, thanks to a successful May 2013 bond.

“As Boerne, Fair Oaks Ranch and the surrounding neighborhoods continue to be popular destinations for young families, enrollment growth in Boerne ISD is going to be with us,” he said. “The good news continues to be that the district has a plan to manage growth.” In addition, moving sixth-grade classes to the two middle schools went very smoothly, Stelmazewski said, creating more space at Boerne ISD’s five elementary campuses to accommodate increased attendance.

I-10 CORRIDOR continues from pg. 01

Realtor calls area ‘wealth corridor’ of San Antonio

by TRAVIS E.POLING

N

ot so long ago, a drive on Interstate 10 from North Loop 1604 to Boerne was almost bucolic, once you passed an active quarry on one side of the freeway and the resort and amusement park in an abandoned quarry on the opposite side.

The once-dusty pit is now The Rim, a development containing corporate headquarters, an ever-increasing slate of retail and restaurants with apartments rising skyward. On the other side of the highway, developments continue at La Cantera on the tourism, retail, office and residential fronts next door to Six Flags Fiesta Texas.

The boom now continues without a break from The Dominion and Ralph

Fair Road, through Leon Springs, up through the Fair Oaks Ranch area and into Kendall County.

“The area is on fire,” said Charlie Aycock, who specializes in retail development and leasing in the San Antonio area for Dorado Development Co. “I can’t even count how many developments there are.”

Those already underway include an 18,000-square-foot retail and office complex on the northwest corner of Camp Bullis Road and I-10, several office buildings near Camp Bullis, another 45,000 square feet of office space being built on speculation just south of Camp Bullis and another phase of retail development at La Cantera by USAA Real Estate Co., according to Aycock.

For years, retail and service business growth was patchy from 1604 to Boerne, despite population increases, Aycock said.

Now, with another outbreak of single and multifamily housing in the corridor, businesses are jumping in quickly.

“It’s underserved right now, but it’s catching up,” Aycock said. “From a retail standpoint, the sales are there.”

The Rim, he said, is still a major draw, including for Boerne residents making a 20-mile trip to shop, dine and enjoy entertainment options.

I-10 CORRIDOR continues on pg. 12

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OCT. 12 - NOV. 16, 2015

I-10 CORRIDOR continues from pg. 11 “Everybody seems to want to go in around The Rim” and any development near it gets more requests for restaurant sites than are available, Aycock said.

Among the anticipated eateries near The Dominion are new locations for Mexican and Italian fare with Johnny Hernandez’s La Gloria and Piatti, respectively. Starbucks is building next to a popular burger place.

Even though it’s fairly well-established, more than a dozen new stores and restaurants just opened, or will be, at The Rim. Nine of the 14 listed on the shopping center’s website are food- and drink-related including a new home for the Lion & Rose British Restaurant & Pub, upscale bowling alley Bowl & Barrel, craft-beer bar Brass Tap and Mash’d.

Other shops include Sun & Ski, Buy Buy Baby and four salons of various kinds.

Less than two years into its development, the Dominion Ridge shopping center was fully occupied and bookended by two Italian restaurants. Rialto Village, also in its second year, has found leasing success including numerous small businesses and a Walgreens.

Luxury-car dealerships also abound in the corridor’s heart, including several North Park showrooms.

The area around Fair Oaks Ranch is fairly exploding with growth, according to real estate experts. Desirable demographics and housing starts are luring more upscale businesses to shopping areas. Photo by Rudy B. Ornelas

Values for raw land, especially with the I-10 frontage, are selling at a premium thanks to the building boom.

The asking price for a 2.84-acre property on the northwest corner of Stonewall Bend and I-10 West is $1.25 million. Key selling points besides good interstate access are its proximity to major retailers such as H-E-B, which can drive high traffic, and its locale immediately across from the entrance to The Dominion Country Club.

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Demographics for the entire area are a dream for retailers, service businesses and professional enterprises. Average household income within five miles of The Dominion is $105,487, according to commercial real estate brokerage firm Henry S. Miller, which represents the property for sale at Stonewall.

Household income within a mile of The Dominion entrance is $156,579, Henry S. Miller reports.

Aycock observed even after H-E-B’s store

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expansion at Boerne Stage Road and a new Walmart, interest in additional grocer options continues.

“There’s a lot of grocery tenants looking out there,” Aycock said. “I could see a Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s or something similar going in.”

That would be welcome news for the people of Fair Oaks Ranch, said interim City Administrator Marcus Jahns.

While Fair Oaks Ranch is fastgrowing, commercial space is limited and the City Council is likely to be choosy about incoming businesses, Jahns said.

The small city is adding about 150 houses a year and its 8,000 denizens are expected to swell to as much as 12,000 by 2020.

“They don’t want to see a lot of high-density development,” but are open to upscale growth, Jahns said. “We’ve had some people approaching us about high-end commercial development.

It’s a high-income community and the kind of development that’s happening here is aimed at high income.”

Jahns said the city would welcome quality restaurants, supermarkets such as Whole Foods and boutique shops.

“There’s no doubt that this is the wealth corridor of San Antonio,”

I-10 CORRIDOR continues on pg. 13

13

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

District 8 budget could alleviate some I-10 congestion

by EDMOND ORTIZ

N

ow that San Antonio has adopted a city budget for 2016, District 8 residents can look forward to area roadway improvements, including work that might make the Interstate 10 commute for far North Side residents a little easier.

More residents are moving to the far North Side and using Interstate 10 West to travel to and from their homes, prompting an influx of new development and projections for rapid population growth. Photo by Rudy B. Ornelas

I-10 CORRIDOR continues from pg. 12 said Debra Janes, a luxury Realtor with the KW San Antonio Portfolio Real Estate division of Keller Williams.

In addition to working years in The Dominion and surrounding area, Janes also sells in the new Cresta Bella development, which so far has seen houses built for up to $1.5 million from a half-dozen custom builders.

“It’s absolutely location, location, location for that subdivision,” Janes said.

It also is taking a blueprint from recent high-end homebuilders by eschewing Hill Country limestone and variations on Mediterranean and Tuscan motifs, in favor of more contemporary styling.

The upper end of the I-10 wealth corridor in Kendall County before Boerne also is thriving, because property taxes are significantly lower than Bexar County, Janes said. A $500,000 homeowner there could save as much as $6,250 in property taxes each year versus a comparable match across the Bexar

boundary, depending on exact location.

Housing of all sorts is in the works. One of the nation’s largest residential builders, KB Home, announced in July it was developing 253 lots in the I-10 corridor off Ralph Fair Road starting at $240,000.

Denton Communities is mounting residential properties in Fair Oaks Ranch.

Too, Jahns said Scott Felder Homes hopes to build there and nearby, while debuting its Las Brisas at Esperanza development in early 2016 just north of Fair Oaks Ranch in Boerne.

Besides numerous subdivisions, area watchers cite at least six luxury-apartment projects nearly completed or underway.

Those include the 320-unit Grand at The Dominion from Embrey Development in Leon Springs and Enclave at Dominion next to Ellison Elementary School.

Why the residential and retail explosion?

“A lot of smart people come here from all over the place who are very savvy to what San Antonio has to offer that other metropolitan areas don’t,” Janes said.

Chief among the upgrades are $2 million in matching funds to enhance Wurzbach Road, including figuring how to loosen up traffic congestion at key intersections on either side of Interstate 10 West.

Thousands of residents who live north of Loop 1604 take the I-10 corridor to and from work each day in San Antonio, including the South Texas Medical Center and USAA. “We are working with businesses all along the corridor to identify intersections where bottlenecking is occurring and determining ways to alleviate that traffic,” District 8 Councilman Ron Nirenberg said. “Yes, the area is a traffic nightmare.”

Officials have spent months conducting a comprehensive analysis of the Wurzbach corridor. The longawaited western portion of Wurzbach Parkway has finally opened to the public, completing a road project that started on the drawing boards four decades ago.

Wurzbach Parkway now links Interstate 35 on the east to Northwest Military Highway on the west, where it becomes residential arterial lanes — Wurzbach Road — that lead to I-10 and into the Medical Center.

Nirenberg said alleviating traffic

congestion along Wurzbach is important because the road is a major thoroughfare in and out of the medical complex.

On a normal weekday rush hour, one can find traffic backed up at several stoplights on Wurzbach on each side of I-10. The problem has been compounded by the recent expansion work on I-10 through the area, which also slows traffic.

Nirenberg said the opening of a Medical Drive bridge running beneath Fredericksburg Road helps emergency traffic into and out of the Medical Center.

However, improving traffic flow for residents and businesses is vital to the area’s economic health, he added.

“The Wurzbach corridor has been made a regional priority in the (Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization’s) long-range plans. I’m glad to see that,” Nirenberg said. “My hope from that is we focus on the I-10/Wurzbach interchange. The worst traffic is where (Wurzbach) Parkway immediately ends.”

Nirenberg has lauded the city’s efforts to revise its five-year Infrastructure Management Program, or IMP, which identifies and recommends infrastructure priorities to the council.

The new budget allocates $86.58 million for the IMP. Additionally, the 2016 Fiscal Year budget continues the Neighborhood Access and Mobility Program, appropriating $200,000 to each of the 10 council districts yearly for projects identified by the respective council member.

These projects are relatively minor, ranging from traffic-calming methods to sidewalk repairs.

“We’ve developed a set of projects, really ‘lower-hanging-fruit’ improvements, that can make a difference in the area in the long run,” Nirenberg said.

Nirenberg added he would like regional transportation officials to consider using contraflow along Wurzbach during peak hours.

Contraflow is a temporary arrangement where traffic is transferred from its usual lane to the opposite lane.

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FAIR OAKS continues from pg. 01

Center will attract more doctors

by SUSAN YERKES

T

he far North Side is growing fast, and UT Medicine, the clinical practice of the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, is expanding too, branching out with a new facility along the Interstate 10 corridor.

This fall, university officials plan to break ground on a $20 million ambulatory multi-specialty facility near I-10 West between Leon Springs and Fair Oaks Ranch, with an estimated opening date as early as spring 2017.

The 18,000-square-foot building will house exam rooms, conference rooms and physicians’ offices, plus a full-service imaging center with MRI, CT scan and X-ray machines.

The emerging structure is the next tier in a plan to expand and diversify

UT Medicine’s services in the San Antonio area, according to Executive Director Dr. Carlos Rosende.

Located about 13 miles from the school’s Medical Arts & Research Center, or MARC, UT Medicine’s primary outpatient practice site, the embryonic quarters will bring services to a rapidly burgeoning community.

“At the MARC we have been attracting patients from as far north as Boerne and beyond, and west of the city, so we have been planning for an ambulatory center along I-10 West. It’s an area where the population is growing, but the concentration of physicians in the area is not as high,” Rosende said.

Since patients from this region mostly come to the MARC’s primary care doctors and specialists in urology and orthopedics, the new center initially will be staffed to meet those requirements, he said.

It will also encompass orthopedicrehab facilities and a state-of-the art imaging center, to fill a current local need.

The MARC, opened in 2009 on the medical school’s main campus, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, is the central site for UT Medicine’s 700 or so physicians.

UT Medicine also has three smaller extensions — a primary care clinic

on Medical Drive, a geriatric health center in the Medical Center’s Christus Santa Rosa complex, and a primary care unit with some specialties at Westover Hills, Rosende said.

The far North Side locale is the next logical step, said Dr. Francisco González-Scarano, dean of the school of medicine and vice president for medical affairs at UTHSCSA. “The new center will be an outpatient venue for people in the area who need primary care medicine, high-end radiology, routine X-ray, urology, orthopedics and rehab for orthopedic injuries. It is not an urgent care or emergency clinic. It’s an extension of where we are now at the MARC,” he said.

In the past few years, UT Medicine’s practice at the MARC has grown to more than 250,000 patient visits per year, González-Scarano said. To accommodate growth, the top two floors, currently used as offices, will be converted to more clinical roles to meet increasing demand. (The university has acquired another building, the Medical Centre Plaza at Fredericksburg and Wurzbach roads, to provide additional office space).

The main medical fields at the

budding site are not set in stone, he said.

“We’ll be looking at patient demand, and as we notice increases in other specialties we can provide additional services. We also have some space there that allows us the possibility to expand in the future,” he said.

“We’re very excited about this new center,” González-Scarano added. “This is such a growing community in San Antonio and Bexar County; it’s really great to be in such a burgeoning place.”

While there’s no doubt that UTHSCSA folks are thrilled about the latest expansion, there is some doubt about what they’re going to call it.

They know it will be “UT Medicine – Something.” They’re not sure what the suffix will be.

“The problem,” Rosende said, “is that we want the name to indicate where we are located, and we have found that in this area of the far North Side folks in one place don’t necessarily identify with other nearby areas. We ran a survey asking our faculty and patients whether to use Boerne, Leon Springs, Fair Oaks and so on in the name, and most chose either Leon Springs or Fair Oaks. We want this site to be easily recognized as local to all of them.

Now we’re considering a contest to come up with a name that fits the location.”

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Engel Farms is just one of the many vendors selling fresh produce at the The Farmers Market at the Cibolo, featuring watermelons to zucchini. Photo by Collette Orquiz

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by LUCILLE SIMS THOMAS

B

OERNE — Nestled among huge oak trees providing plenty of shade, The Farmers Market at the Cibolo is the only one in Texas located on the grounds of a historic 1850s pioneer farm.

Herff Farm, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is still in operation with plenty to offer visitors.

The site is at 33 Herff Road.

With an average of 15-20 vendors, mostly from the surrounding Hill Country, the market offers a wide variety of wares and fares including fruits and vegetables, fresh-cut flowers, baked goods, jellies, hot sauces, salsas and meats, plus original arts and crafts. There’s also live music each week.

While rich in history, the marketplace and Herff Farm continue to grow and look ahead to remain viable attractions in the Boerne area.

“One of the really unique things about this farmers market is that it’s on an actual farm. They’ve been working on this farm for a really long time,” said Camilla Calk, spokeswoman for the Cibolo Nature Center & Farm, which is partnered with the farm and adjacent to it. “There are plans to put in a permaculture orchard and they’ve already started building a 1-acre teaching garden, which will support all kinds of sustainability, horticulture and agricultureteaching programs for kids and adults,” The market is family and dog friendly,

with visitors encouraged to bring both children and four-legged friends. A booth offering educational activities keeps youngsters busy while parents shop.

For those yearning to grow their own produce, the nature center offers adult gardening workshops every weekend and also a junior Master Gardener program for tykes. Numerous festivals are annually held at the nature center and farm.

Ty Wolosin has been the market’s main protein vendor for more than a year selling goat, lamb, chicken, quail, beef, pork and occasionally eggs from chicken, quail and ducks. The Boerne resident encourages guests to make a daylong visit to the area.

“I tell people from San Antonio to come shop the market and then come check out Boerne,” Wolosin said.

Joan O’Brien with Vision Quest Farms has been selling preserves, bakery products and organic goat’s milk soap at the market for three years and said she loves its idyllic location. She is a vendor elsewhere, but considers this her home turf.

“We love the beautiful setting with the big oak trees, and all the other vendors are wonderful. We all try to support each other,” O’Brien said.

The Cibolo Nature Center & Farm attracts more than 100,000 visitors a year and focuses on education, research, entertainment and outdoor activities, while trying to encourage people to maintain the land, water and wildlife. Admission to all the grounds is free, with the park and trails open daily from dawn to dusk.

“The Farmers Market at the Cibolo should definitely be in everyone’s Saturday plans,” said Brittany Spengler, whose family has been selling assorted varieties of artisan-style homemade breads, scones and cookies on the premises since May.

FARMERS continues on pg. 21

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OCT. 12 - NOV. 16, 2015 GAUNTLET continues from pg. 01

Corporate sponsorships being sought

by ERIC MORENO

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OERNE — The PTO at Kendall Elementary School has taken an ancient test of one’s mettle known as “running the gauntlet” and turned it into a challenge to raise at least $40,000 for the campus.

Funds from this year's 'Run the Gauntlet' at Kendall Elementary School Oct. 30 will go toward the purchase of tablets and laptops, sponsors say. Images from past celebrations show fun activities such as a bounce house (top) and even a visit from the school mascot, a noble knight (bottom, left). Courtesy photos/Kendall Elementary School PTO

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In centuries past, running the gauntlet meant a mad dash between two lines of soldiers striking the runner, or an obstacle course to measure the endurance of a noble knight, but today the PTO has turned that practice into a charitable cause.

“Fundraising in general is not new to Kendall Elementary or any other school in the district,” said Trisha Doucette, Kendall Elementary PTO president. “Since Boerne (Independent School District) is a ‘Robin Hood’ district, where a large portion of our tax revenue is returned to the state and redistributed among other districts, it is imperative for organizations like our school PTOs, booster clubs and the Boerne Education Foundation to contribute fundraising dollars for anything beyond the district’s normal operating budget such as technology, teacher training and basic classroom materials.”

This year’s Run the Gauntlet is 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Oct. 30 at the campus, 141 Old San Antonio Road. According to a website for the PTO, organizers hope to raise at least $40,000 for classroom materials, technology and training.

In 2009, the PTO started the event to accumulate extra school revenue.

This full day of physical and social activity for students, teachers, parents and community members features a wide range of activities from a pep rally to a fun run/walk to an inflatable obstacle course (the titular gauntlet).

Each grade begins with a warm-up hosted by David Brown of World Karate, and during the day, up to 700 participants will get on the track to run the gauntlet.

Water, sports-drink stations and snack stations called “Gauntlet

Grub” also are offered.

The funds generated by the activities benefit school programs including Accelerated Readers, subscriptions to computer software programs, teaching materials and fitness activities.

“In past years, we have funded a complete library makeover that was designed for all grade levels to get the most from their library time, and digital graphics equipment for teachers to create visuals specifically designed for the curriculum to excite and motivate their students,” Doucette said.

“This year, we plan to purchase tablets and laptops in an effort to meet our (technology goal) at Kendall Elementary.”

Similar to a walkathon, donations are based on the number of laps trekked, which the schoolchildren personally track. Those with the highest number of completed laps and donations collected in each class win a prize. There is also a grand prize for the most money generated overall.

“The (day’s) activities are designed so that every child no matter their age or physical capabilities can participate in most or all of the day’s events,” said Meghan Briskey, Kendall Elementary PTO vice president of fundraising.

The event also benefits from “parents’ donations of food for snacks throughout the day, and dollars from corporate sponsors, small businesses and individuals. And finally, since this is our only fundraiser for the year, parents donate money to support their kids and the cause,” Briskey added.

Prior to commencing the fundraising, students learn exactly how Run the Gauntlet will help their school.

There also is an added component of fun.

Each year, when goals are met, members of the administrative staff submit themselves to the whims of the students. In the past, these have included cream pies thrown at school officials to having them taped to a wall.

“Staff appreciation is very important to us as well, with small gestures presented throughout the year to show our thanks and to help teachers purchase classroom materials that they so often pay for themselves,” Doucette said. “(This year, we) are also soliciting donations from larger corporations in an effort to increase our sponsorship dollars, and we have revised our sponsorship packages to give more visible recognition to businesses throughout the year to increase their return on marketing dollars spent. Sponsorship dollars play a major part in reaching our fundraising goals.”

For more, call 830-357-4600 or visit www.kespto.org/run-the-gauntlet.

FUNDRAISING IN GENERAL IS NOT NEW TO KENDALL ELEMENTARY. TRISHA DOUCETTE, KENDALL ELEMENTARY PTO PRESIDENT

17

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM STANDARDS continues from pg. 01

Career-path programs growing

by WILL WRIGHT

T

he Northside and Boerne independent school districts met state standards this past academic year, according to assessments released by the Texas Education Agency in August.

Several individual institutions merited distinctions by the TEA, which monitored 8,646 public schools’ 2014-15 academic performance.

However, area districts are closely focused on principles outlined in House Bill 5, passed by the Legislature and signed into law in 2013, officials said.

The measure substantially enhanced curriculum and graduation requirements and reformed TEA’s assessment and accountability regulations.

The law called for less reliance on state-mandated tests and appraisals while requiring public school districts

to improve “career-path” readiness programs for university-bound students, and create vocational curriculum for those shunning college.

While proud of their district’s TEA assessments, NISD officials said their focus remains on enhancing career-path programs for students.

“House Bill 5 is an exciting change for our students, their families and our school staff,” NISD Superintendent Brian Woods said. “Essentially the law allows a student to better focus on their areas of strength and earn a rigorous diploma regardless of their interests.”

College-bound students seek endorsements in several academic areas – such as arts/humanities, business/industry, multidisciplinary, public service, and science, technology, engineering and math — or STEM programs – to enhance their chances of pursuing higher-education degrees.

“In order to allow our students to maximize the courses they can take and the endorsements they can earn, we have expanded programming at many of our high schools,” Woods said. “We have also added guidance staff and other resources so our students and their parents can be well informed in the choices they make.”

In an online posting about BISD’s rankings, Superintendent David

Stelmazewski noted the importance of ensuring students’ needs is met without taking a cookie-cutter approach.

“These ratings are not the only measure of the successes and achievements of our students,” he said in a news post at www. boerne-isd.net, “but they are another indicator of the district’s success and validation that we are moving together in the right direction to fulfill our mission – that of educating the children of our community and preparing them for a future of success.”

TEA’s latest report cards for overall district and individual school performance were based on an indexed point system judging four categories: student achievement, student progress, closing performance gaps and postsecondary readiness.

Reviews relied primarily on State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness testing, data indicating student improvement in various subjects – especially among minority and low-income children, and school districts creating career-path programs.

Preliminary assessments, issued Aug. 6, will be final after TEA reviews appeals by school districts in November.

Ten area school districts passed, garnering “Met Standard” ratings for overall performance. Of 296 local schools, 273 received “Met Standard” designations.

However, each district graded well above state standards based on overall academic performance, student participation and graduation rates, and meeting federal benchmarks.

Randolph Field ISD met all 37 of its requirements for a perfect mark. It was followed by NEISD and New Braunfels ISD (both 96 percent); Fort Sam Houston ISD (95 percent); Comal ISD (94 percent); Alamo Heights ISD (93 percent); Northside ISD (91 percent); Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD (90 percent); Judson ISD (88 percent); and Boerne ISD (84 percent).

In addition, dozens of schools earned distinction designations in English language arts/reading; math; science; social studies; student progress; closing performance gaps; and postsecondary readiness.

High schools and middle schools were graded on achieving seven standards, five for elementary schools.

Among BISD institutions, five accumulated campus-distinction designations in specific areas of measurement, according to officials.

Boerne Middle School North received five commendations while Champion High School garnered two. Boerne High School, Boerne Middle School South and Fabra Elementary School each achieved one designation.

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Many of these resources offer residential care. Others can deliver home-health aid and support for caregivers, with an army of neurologists and other medical specialists accessible to diagnose and establish a treatment plan for patients and their families.

Alzheimer’s disease — a progressive condition that eradicates memory and other critical mental functions — is a killer.

Indeed, it is the fifth-leading cause of death for those over the age of 65, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Today, there are more than 5 million Alzheimer’s sufferers in the U.S. By 2050, nearly 14 million Americans 65 or older could be affected, unless science finds new approaches to prevent or cure the outbreak.

At Arden Courts, 15290 Huebner Road, residential care is offered to patients struggling with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

Call 408-9100 for information.

Executive Director Peggy McCarter has been with Arden Courts’ memorycare community for 10 years.

“If we can’t help … we’ll refer them to someone who can,” she said. “We find that sometimes just coming in and talking to us helps people understand they are not alone — that they have options — and even if they cannot afford to place their loved one with us, there (are) other avenues they can explore. Part of our mission is to educate the community about dementia.”

If you are worried about a loved one’s memory loss, or even yourself, Barbara Conley, marketing director for Arden Courts, added, “It is important to get a full medical workup as soon as possible, because it may not be dementia causing the memory loss.”

Conley said, “Prescription-drug interactions are a frequent cause of dementia-like symptoms. Plus, other conditions can cause memory loss and mimic dementia.”

The Alzheimer’s Association lists symptoms or behaviors in a loved one that could be a cause for concern:

ALZHEIMER'S continues on pg. 19

19 ALZHEIMER'S continues from pg. 18 n Memory loss disrupting daily life n Challenges in planning or solving problems n Confusion with time or place n Difficulty with language or reading n Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, work n Changes in mood and personality n Misplacing items and losing the ability to retrace steps If these or other issues are present, Conley recommends talking with your doctor soon and seeing a neurologist — a doctor who treats disorders affecting the brain, spinal cord and nerves.

Neurologists can do screening tests to determine the presence of Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.

While there are no cures, experts agree early diagnosis can lead to treatments, which may slow the disorder. Plus, the Alzheimer’s Association-San Antonio & South Texas

Chapter suggests quick detection allows the patient to participate in decisionmaking regarding care, transportation, living options, and financial and legal matters while they are still competent.

Early diagnosis also enables the patient to take part in building the right care team and social-support network, critical for maintaining quality of life for as long as possible.

A number of area residential facilities have memory-care units for Alzheimer’s patients. Picking the right one is challenging.

At Legacy at Forest Ridge, 5001 Schertz Parkway in Schertz, 305-5713, Community Relations Director Cyndi Pressler tells caregivers to raise several questions when choosing a unit: n What is the staff-to-resident ratio? n How many hours of training do staffers receive annually? n Are there secure outside areas for patients? n What’s a typical day like in a unit?

n What’s the cost and coverage; what do you get for your money?

Other area memory units include Franklin Park in Alamo Heights, 829-5955; Sonterra, 4041444; and Stone Oak, 483-9999.

To find the optimum one, Arden Courts’ Conley recommends talking to friends and neighbors.

“Frankly, they are your best source of information on residential facilities that may be best for you,” she said.

However, residential facilities can be quite expensive – upwards of $5,000 to $6,000 or more per month. That's a cost many families simply cannot afford, and Medicare doesn’t cover residential programs.

There are other options including in-home health care.

Most people hope to age safely and comfortably in their own homes. Golden Heart Senior Care, in Universal City, can help. The company enables caregivers and dementia patients to safely stay in their

own residence for as long as possible.

For information, call 679-1888.

For families in which an Alzheimer’s patient is engaging in challenging behaviors or threatening suicide, Imelda Sanchez, director of medical and surgical services at Christus Santa Rosa Hospital, dealing with geriatric protocol, may be able to help with psychiatric treatment.

The hospital’s Acute Care of the Elderly Center can be reached at 428-6734.

Handling Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia is daunting. Reaching out for assistance can ease the burden and is a must for caregivers. The Alzheimer’s Association-San Antonio, 822-6449, should be one of the first places custodians can call for help and information. The organization’s website is at alz.org/sanantonio.

Its 24-hour Helpline is 800-272-3900.

Meanwhile, research continues on finding more effective treatments, and perhaps, some day, a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.

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Think Pink!

“Starting in 2003, the incidence of breast cancer started dropping, but now it has plateaued and we’re starting to see an increase,” Kaklamani said.

However, she noted, fewer of those diagnosed are dying of the disease, yet it’s still second only to lung cancer as the most lethal cancer among women.

About 40,000 women die of breast cancer every year nationwide.

Presently, the majority of breast cancers can be treated with a lumpectomy, rather than the more radical mastectomy, and chemotherapy, radiation and endocrine therapy or a combination. With lessinvasive procedures and new medications to help relieve the dreaded nausea, which sometimes accompanies therapy, most patients can lead relatively normal lives while undergoing treatment.

As a breast-cancer genetics specialist, Kaklamani said today females with susceptible family histories are usually tested for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which indicate a greater likelihood for breast-cancer development. Yet, only about 5 percent of new diagnoses test positive for those genes, she said.

Dr. Evangeline Ramos-Gonzales has been with the Institute for Women’s Health, the largest OB-GYN group in San Antonio, since 1998. Ramos-Gonzales said she always recommends extra precautions for anyone with an immediate family member who battled breast cancer.

“In those cases, we suggest the woman have her first screening mammogram about 10 years earlier than the relative who had the disease,” she said. “As far as genetic analysis for BRCA genes, if only one family member in multiple generations has had breast cancer, it’s less likely the gene will be present.”

“We recommend a screening mammogram for any patients over 40 as part of their well-woman exam,” Ramos-Gonzales added.

The doctor said younger clients usually don’t get automatic mammogram orders, unless they experience problems such as breast pain, a breast mass or abnormal results from routine self-examination.

“In that case, no matter what age, the patient would have a diagnostic mammogram,” Ramos-Gonzalez said.

“That’s a different level of mammogram, where the radiologist does magnification views, compression views and sometimes ultrasound. Over the last decade or so, we’ve seen the technology for mammograms improved a lot.”

As a diagnostic radiologist with South Texas Radiology Imaging Center, Justin Boatsman has been on the front lines of some of the biggest changes.

“Fifteen or 20 years ago, when

someone was diagnosed with breast cancer, you didn’t know how it would go. Nowadays, you expect a cure for the majority of patients,” the physician said. “The key is detecting it early.

The earlier you find a tumor, and the smaller it is, the better your chances and the more tolerable treatment options you have, in general. “ In recent years, Boatsman said, new tools have helped detect more and smaller breast tumors. One is digital breast tomosynthesis, or DBT — basically, a 3-D mammogram, which helps radiologists get clearer X-ray images, especially in women with denser breast tissue. More and more labs are acquiring the machines.

Currently, STRIC has seven DBTs – one at each of the company’s four “Boutique Mammography Centers” and three others at general clinics citywide.

Not all insurance plans cover 3-D mammograms, but Medicare does for women older than 65, Boatsman said.

“The 3-D mammogram is not a magic bullet,” he added. “Probably the most effective tool is to add ultrasound as a complementary test. When you add the two together, it’s powerful; but the basic screening mammogram is still a very good, very effective tool.”

The most important thing women can do to protect themselves, Boatsman said, is simply to be vigilant.

“If I have one piece of advice, it is this: Get screened regularly. No matter how good our tests are, they don’t work if you don’t come in,” he said.

in MA plans for Bexar County.

“People get lots of stuff in the mail including information on seminars and letters from their current plan.”

Sandoval cautions consumers not to register for something they are unsure about because they will be locked in for a year after the December cutoff date.

“If you don’t understand, give us a call,” she added. “We can help you make an educated decision.”

Her company can be reached at 888-265-4612.

In 2015, 16.8 million people are enrolled in MA plans.

Nationally, United Healthcare leads all insurers with 20 percent while Humana is close behind at 19 percent. Blue Cross Blue Shield takes bronze amassing 13 percent, followed by Kaiser Permanente and Aetna at 8 and 7 percent, respectively. Cigna and Anthem come in at 3 percent each.

Other companies, representing 27 percent, round out the marketplace pie.

Meanwhile, United Healthcare owns the largest slice in Bexar County.

There has been talk of the purchase of Cigna and Aetna by Humana, as well

as Aetna being acquired by United Healthcare. Yet, Aetna recently attempted a takeover of Humana.

Throw in Anthem’s attempt to woo Cigna, reportedly scorned, and all this action makes quite the free-for-all.

Industry observers worry if any of these maneuvers or attainments are successful, the arena could become less competitive.

“The market will sort out whether these acquisitions are good for insurers and their shareholders. The larger question for government to assess is whether a proposed merger is in the public interest,” said Kaiser Family Foundation President and CEO Drew Altman.

According to a recent analysis by The Commonwealth Fund, among the 100 counties with the greatest number of Medicare beneficiaries, 81 percent have little to no competition.

“The idea is if there are more insurers, they’ll fight for customers by lowering premiums and improving quality. For that to happen, however, we need to have enough insurers in a given market — and this study shows that, overwhelmingly, that isn’t the

case,” said Stuart Guterman, senior scholar in residence at AcademyHealth and co-author of the study.

The report used the HerfindahlHirschman Index, or HHI, a standard measure used by the Department of Justice Antitrust Division and the Federal Trade Commission to calculate market concentration.

According to the index, nonconcentrated markets have an HHI below 1,500, a moderately concentrated HHI falls between 1,500 and 2,500, and a high-concentration market has an HHI of more than 2,500.

Out of the 100 counties with the largest number of Medicare beneficiaries, according to the study, there is only one non-concentrated market in the country in Riverside, California.

Bexar County is one of the 81 markets analyzed to produce an HHI of more than 2,500, indicating room for competition.

So, study up and be vigilant while navigating these waters of supply and demand, health care officials said. They also advise seeking assistance from a professional when you have any questions.

New treatments for breast cancer offer hope

by SUSAN YERKES

O

ctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, when the familiar pink-ribbon symbols crop up everywhere. Yet breast-cancer awareness is important year-round, health care officials say.

Next to skin cancer, it’s the most commonly diagnosed cancer for females. In 2013, the American Cancer Society estimated about 220,000 new cases in U.S. women.

Men can also develop the disease, but far fewer do – the same year, there were just 2,200 detections, a 100-to-1 ratio.

Today, about one out of 12 females will develop invasive breast cancer in her lifetime, according to Dr. Virginia Kaklamani, a professor of medicine in the division of hematology/oncology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and leader of the Breast Cancer Program at the Cancer Therapy & Research Center.

Officials urge education about Medicare Advantage plans

by CAROLE MILLER

W

ith enrollment for a Medicare Advantage plan ending Dec. 7, it’s best for consumers to become educated when deciding which insurer to choose, as all of the data can be overwhelming, one expert advises.

Private health plans for Medicare benefits are known as Medicare Advantage plans. There are a plethora to choose from, accompanied by an overload of information in a short period of time.

“This can be very confusing,” said Veronica Sandoval of Golden Outlook Insurance Services, which specializes

21

A hen wows some children during a class on chickens, part of a fall program Sept. 26 at The Farmers Market at the Cibolo at Herff Farm.

In addition to fresh produce, jams and baked goods, shoppers can find organic whipped body butters (pictured), salves and more by Lavanderia at The Farmers Market at the Cibolo. Photos by Collette Orquiz

FARMERS continues from pg. 15 Spengler said the kids’ activities keep her children “actively engaged and learning about nature and the Earth.”

First opened on Earth Day 1990, the Cibolo Nature Center sits along the banks of Cibolo Creek. The organization depends on thousands of volunteers and public donations to succeed in its mission of preserving the area’s natural heritage for future generations.

The original homestead on Herff Farm is being restored and, according to the nature center’s website, there are plans to turn the farm into an outdoor classroom to teach old-school skills such as gardening, composting, beekeeping and rainwater harvesting. The farm will eventually become part of Boerne’s public trail system.

The farmers market is open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays from March through December. For more and to view the full calendar of events, visit cibolo.org.

22

OCT. 12 - NOV. 16, 2015

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

Robert Graham coming to The Shops at La Cantera

by OLIVIER J. BOURGOIN

R

obert Graham, a retail fashion outlet featuring the American Eclectic design, is debuting in The Shops at La Cantera.

Robert Graham, an apparel store putting down roots in The Shops at La Cantera, is known for its bright colors and contrasting patterns. Courtesy photo

With stores in Dallas and Houston, there are now more than two dozen Robert Graham shops in the country, with two more underway including the one in San Antonio at 15900 La Cantera Parkway.

Originally specializing in men’s clothing, and introducing women’s apparel in 2011, the company name derives from cofounders Robert Stock, a fashion stylist who once worked with Ralph Lauren, and textile designer Graham Fowler.

“With The Shops at La Cantera’s stunning aesthetic, and being close to

two gorgeous golf courses, we could not be more thrilled to be opening our fifth Robert Graham store in Texas where demand for the brand’s lifestyle collection is very high,” CEO Michael Buckley said.

“The city attracts people from all over.”

He added, “We are also eager to continue to expand the number of freestanding Robert Graham stores across the U.S.” Based out of New York, Robert Graham opened its flagship store in 2010 on Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice, California, launching a brand known for bright colors and contrasting patterns.

In a company statement, co-chairman Stock, who partnered with Fowler in 2001, said, “The design of the new store features a vintage look and feel, designed to be harmonious with the saturated color palette intrinsic to the brand, and handsewn velvet and silk curtains discovered across the world that have been created

exclusively for Robert Graham.”

Travel is a Robert Graham inspiration, so “the new store will also feature the brand’s iconic patchwork sofa, created with sari fabric from India, a chair made entirely of roughly 300 shirts from past collections, and tables constructed out of vintage automobile hoods as well as with airplane pedals from a rare Douglas C-133 aircraft — tying into the brand’s affinity for vintage cars,” the statement added.

Built on a heritage of “quality, style and the idea of living a more colorful life,” the first Robert Graham shirt sold at Fred Segal’s in Los Angeles.

ROBERT GRAHAM 15900 La Cantera Parkway For more, visit www.robertgraham.us

THE NEW STORE WILL ALSO FEATURE THE BRAND’S ICONIC PATCHWORK SOFA, CREATED WITH SARI FABRIC FROM INDIA. COMPANY STATEMENT

Jennifer Santrock e-Pro, REALTOR® 24200 IH-10 West, Ste. 101 San Antonio, Texas 78257 C (210) 602-6999 O (210) 698-4700 x 1716 jsantrock@phyllisbrowning.com www.phyllisbrowning.com

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

New La Gloria expands on the original concept

by NEVEN JONES

T

he new La Gloria at Dominion Crossing, 21819 Interstate 10 West, serves the same Mexican street food from the interior of Mexico as its predecessor in the Pearl downtown, along with an outdoor bar and dog-friendly patio.

However, the new restaurant offers extras — a retail store and space to host private dinners.

La Gloria owner and chef Johnny Hernandez opened his fourth restaurant on Sept. 16 due to demand.

A La Gloria table can be a two-hour wait on Saturday nights downtown, so he wanted to add more room at

his latest eatery, Hernandez said.

“We certainly felt that San Antonio would support another restaurant,” he added.

When La Gloria at Pearl first launched, it offered specials such as carne asada, whole-roasted chicken and spit-roasted trompo al pastor on weekends.

However, Hernandez stopped serving these dishes because the place was too busy and its cooking area too small. Now, at Dominion Crossing, the specialties are reborn.

“There are things that a lot of people will not remember that were on the menu that we are now being able to kind of go back to,” he said.

The new digs sit on a 2-acre site with a larger kitchen and plenty of elbowroom.

The retail store, opening soon, will feature nonperishable products made by artisans Hernandez worked with previously

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La Gloria features street foods from Mexico such as the coctel a la campechana or Mexican-seafood cocktail (left), traditional tlayuda or Mexican pizza (bottom), and a cochinita pibil panucho, or a corn tortilla stuffed with refried beans and topped with marinated pork (top). Photos by Collette Orquiz

and will sport a tequila- and mescal-tasting counter and rustic, stone-ground truffles made from imported Mexican cacao.

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