Dr. Marianne Pinkston
Medical Editor
Dr. Wendy Askew
Medical Editor
CEO/Publisher
SAMonthly@gmail.com
Office: 210-733-3477
Direct: 210-215-3403
S.A.M.M. 333 W. Olmos Drive #117 San Antonio, Tx. 78212
Assistant Editor: JR Fisher
Business Editor: Steven James
Senior Managing Editor: Lorena Monroe
Senior Marketing Editor: Karen Grace
Graphics Editor: Juan Lemus
Photographer: Matt Roberts
Senior Writer: Crystal Sepulveda
Fashion Editor: Lari Nelson
Legal Editor: Philip A. Perez
Food/Wine & Lifestyle Editor: Bequi Perez
Hair Stylist Editor: Cynthia Garza
Travel & Features Editor: Jeanne Albrecht, Jessica Serna
Business Editors: Howie Nestel, Brooklynn Chandler Willy, Peter Beshay
Music/Politics Editor: Desiree Serna Martinez
Dance Editor: Jackleen Rios
Fitness Editors: Skie Molinar, Sarah Lucero, Lisa Scharf, Leo Paul
Real Estate/Home Editors: Angela Brooks, Lucy Hereca, Liz Garza, Tiffany Carew Alvarez
Medical/Health Editors: Dr. Marianne Pinkston, Dr. Sherry Wehner, Dr. Ana Potthast, Dr. Wendy Askew, Patricia Romero
Car/Auto Lifestyle Editor: Brian Hutchinson
Contributing Editors: Ursula Pari, Leslie Komet Ausburn, Rudy Arispe
Copy Editor: Angie Lozano
LIz Garza
Home Editor Bequi Perez
Food Wine Lifestyle Editor Brian Hutchinson
Auto Car Lifestyle Editor Brooklynn Chandler
Willy
Business Editor Patricia Romero
Health Editor
Dr. Ana Potthast
Medical Editor
Howie Nestel
Business Editor
Angela Pownall
Real Estate Editor
Leslie Komet Ausburn
Contributing Editor Juan Lemus
Graphics Editor
For anyone going through the manic highs and lows of a job hunt, this story is for you. If you’ve ever hit “Apply” following a tedious, impersonal and corporately cold application exercise on Indeed, LinkedIn or Glassdoor … followed by digital tumbleweeds rolling across your inbox, one woman understands your pain.
Jennifer Delgado, President and CEO of San Antonio’s Stability Staffing and Consulting is doing what she can to make the process more personal, humane and empathetic.
“My job is to help people. We help them gain employment and make sure people don't lose hope. Whether it be for the deployment of an Emergency Disaster or stable longterm employment, we make it a point to help everyone.
There are so many opportunities out there and so much potential in each person, I feel there's a heartbeat behind every resumé. If we feel there is a great match, we connect that heartbeat to a great job,” said Delgado.
Delgado insists the jumble of organized text, bullet points and business babble on a resume is so much more than a document. Rather than prose in paragraphs, she sees potential and emphasizes their skills. She prefers to focus on the outcome of a life-changing connection that Stability Staffing and Consulting can make.
“When I speak to our employees, we talk about the wonderful feeling of having a new job and how thankful they are. That feeling drives me and my staff. It’s a beautiful
connection. My focus is always on the person rather than just their resume. It doesn't make me any better. It just makes me different, and I find that people appreciate that. I listen. My staff listens. We listen to what they're looking for. My staff and I help people gain hope through jobs. To me, there is not a more important focus out there when it comes to employment,” said Delgado.
What makes her focus more meaningful, is her connection to San Antonio. She believes every job connection she makes creates hope in her backyard and that makes her business even more meaningful.
“I am from San Antonio. I went to school in San Antonio and was raised on the west side of San Antonio. I was at Ballet Folklorico Dancer and a young Mariachi singer. I was even featured on President Reagan’s campaign brochures as a Mariachi singer. I understand and embrace my culture as a
Latina and the beauty of this community. It’s all part of who I am … a small business owner, Latina and a woman in business. They are all elements you don’t normally see in a CEO, and that’s why it’s so important to use my business to service my community. I'm giving back in a way that’s separate from charity, I’m giving hope and with hard work, it’s translating into stability in employment. I believe in that process so much, it’s in the title of my company, Stability Staffing and Consulting,” said Delgado.
I didn’t want to die … saying I didn’t try.
When it comes to matching people with jobs, Delgado is part business leader, cheerleader and constant optimist. She sees opportunities rather than obstacles for clients and she’s quick to admit that’s part of her previous focus, as a corporate recruiter.
While doing that job, back in 2010 she came to the realization she could recruit and place people on her own. The thought was exciting but filled with fear, doubts and nervous next steps.
How would she do it?
Could she run her own business?
Would it work?
The answers took time, risk and hard work but were guided by one poignant thought.
“I didn’t want to die … saying I didn’t try,” said Delgado.
Regret is a painful and powerful emotion, but in this case … avoiding it proved all the motivation she needed.
“In 2012, I decided to take that risk and I left the safety of my employer to pursue being a full-time business owner. I didn’t know if I was going to be able to pay myself, but I was willing to take that risk. I took a huge leap of faith and worked out of my home. I started with 16 employees and walked into a bank, opened my first checking account not knowing what to expect. I tapped into my own personal savings account so that I could pay my employees. It was scary but it was a start,” said Delgado.
From humble beginnings, this small business began to pick up momentum and with it, clients.
It began with the City of San Antonio, The State of Texas and other corporate businesses seeking employees and Delgado delivered. The city she calls home added over 20 departments to her growing list of clients. Delgado has added numerous federal agencies to her roster as well - the Department of Defense.
The needs began to build, as did Stability Staffing and Consulting’s reputation.
“Amazing opportunities came out in 2015, and that is when the business grew more than 550% and we made it on INC Magazine’s 5000 list. We were categorized as one of the fastest-growing companies in America. We accomplished that, two years in a row,” said Delgado.
From a mere 16 employees, the company now boasts hundreds of placements per year. The kinds of jobs filled include emergency disaster healthcare workers, public health professionals, finance specialists, administrative assistants, and many others.
The awards and recognition grew as well, with the company achieving recognition including a second INC Magazine 5000 award, 2018 SBA Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year and San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 2018 Small Business of the Year.
In 2020, however, the company’s growth took on a different dimension. While matching good people with good jobs was always the priority, the placement of essential
workers and deploying emergency medical staff played a role in the survival of friends, family and neighbors.
“As soon as Governor Abbott declared the pandemic an emergency, Stability Staffing was activated, and we deployed epidemiologists, nurses, physicians and other support staff. We deployed RNs and LVNs to nursing homes to help the elderly community infected with COVID-19. 2020 was a scary time but I was so focused on the needs of others, I didn’t let fear impact my business. I let it challenge me for 10 seconds. I only asked myself one time, what am I going to do? I'm a small business, what can I do? The answer was, plenty … my team and I focused on supplying essential workers to the City of San Antonio and the State of Texas during
the pandemic. I’m proud of what we did to help people survive and help Stability Staffing and Consulting survive. Stability Staffing tripled during the pandemic and we're still deploying people in the aftermath, said Delgado.
Stability Staffing and Consulting is one of the few vendors selected by the State of Texas to provide staff in the state of emergency. The flexibility, speed and urgency in meeting disaster staff demands, helped healthcare outcomes and helped the business succeed.
While eventually vaccinated and boosted, Delgado was diagnosed with COVID twice during that period. Like many others, she worked from home and at times did so while sick. She couldn’t afford to let her staff and clients down. Doing so could mean life or death early in the Pandemic.
“I believe what kept me going was the fact that I knew people still needed me. They were relying on me, and just because I was sick, it was not their fault. I needed to keep going so that they could have their jobs and their future,” said Delgado.
Her commitment to others and her city during this time played a role in Mayor Ron Nirenberg selecting her to be part of the City of San Antonio's COVID-19 Economic Transition Team.
From her home office, Delgado’s smile beams brightly as she begins talking about becoming a grandmother for a second time.
“I love being a President and a CEO but being a mother and a grandmother is the best job I’ve ever had. I love it, I’m a mother of three beautiful daughters and now I have two gorgeous granddaughters. I would like them to learn how to stay focused, work hard and earn it. The fight is tough, but you must stay hungry and go after your goals. Always remember something worth having doesn’t come easy,” said Delgado.
She wants the generations of her family to know and see first-hand that a woman can humbly do it all. She credits her husband’s support as a foundation for her success during her journey as a CEO.
“I would love for my children to continue life with a leadership mentality with the same strong support I have so they can achieve their goals and dreams. Whether I’m supporting my daughter at a volleyball game, advising my other daughter on furthering her education or being deployed for an emergency disaster, the most fulfilling job I have is being a mother,” said Delgado.
With another beaming smile she adds, so far, it’s working … as she proudly mentions one of her daughters being an employee of hers for several years.
But early in life, all those smiles and successes seemed like an unachievable dream for Delgado. She recalls the potentially crippling fear, anxiety and life-changing responsibility of early motherhood.
“I was a teen mother. I have empathy and understand what the teen parent community goes through because I'm part of that statistic … but I’m also an example of how you can overcome challenges and be successful. Being a teen parent should not hold anyone back from greatness, because I'm proof it can be done,” said Delgado.
As a result, Delgado works with charitable organizations around San Antonio to help young mothers going through the obstacles she went through. Sometimes it’s as simple as assisting with monetary and food donations but Delgado emphasizes the mental and emotional support needed.
“As a bilingual businesswoman, being able to give back and
doing this where I grew up allows me to come full circle in my community. It’s beautiful and rewarding and it’s in line with my business mission … to give hope. Hope is so powerful in life and in business,” said Delgado.
noun the various branches of creative activity, such as painting, music, literature, and dance.
I am an abstract artist working with various mediums and different types of techniques. Shape and color are the main characters of my work, which I push and blend together to exaggerate, or minimize, forms and to express my artistic self. My paintings teeter on the edge of sculpture and my sculptures are mostly painted.
I am inspired by nature and both, the micro and macro, cosmos. Sometimes my shapes may resemble a particular form, but my intention is not to capture nor replicate an existing image or narrative. Rather, I'm
looking for universal beauty in an unseen and novel perspective, and telling a different interpretation of,
perhaps, a known story. The sensations you get when you remember any special moment or melody; this
feeling of déjà vu is what I strive to achieve and wish to resonate with my audience. I paint with acrylic on custom-sized organic shaped frames made in my studio. I create sculptures from different materials, such as wood, resin, or bronze. I like to do light suspended installations. It is also important for me to work in a virtual space, so I can translate my physical art into digital
forms, such as augmented realities, or animated
NFTs. My sources of inspiration for my work are inexhaustible.
Jan Kaláb Short BioJan Kaláb was born in 1978 in Czechoslovakia and is one of the country’s most notable contemporary artists’ today.
His creative roots are based in graffiti, street art, and mu-
rals and he is widely recognized within the founding pioneers of the Prague scene. Since then, Jan’s work has evolved to paintings, sculptures, and 3-D graffiti, and he has exhibited in high profile galleries around the world, including New York, Miami, London, Paris, Shanghai, and Rio de Janeiro. Jan’s work consistently explores new techniques and structures. Through geometrizing morphology, precise acrylic painting, and layered surfaces - he embarks on an analysis of space within a classic ideology, however, redirects the known into the unknown; into a new dimension. With an everlasting commitment, joy of playful discovery, and infinite possibilities, Jan Kaláb’s work is free and vaste. He lives and creates in Prague.
Jan KalábBorn in 1978 in Prague, Czechoslovakia, Jan Kaláb is one of the country’s most notable contemporary artists’ today. A founding pioneer of the Prague underground graffiti, and street art scene, formerly known as Cakes, and with his crew, The DSK - together they animated city streets, and spent many sleepless nights in train yards, and perhaps, a few nights too in police stations.
www.maximuscommunications.com
Following those glory days, Jan’s work has evolved to 3-D graffiti, light suspended installations, animated
NFTs, paintings, and sculptures. His paintings teeter on the edge of sculpture and his sculptures are mostly painted. All the while, shape and color are the main characters of his work, which he pushes and blends together to exaggerate, or minimize, forms. Sometimes Jan’s work may resemble a particular shape, but it is never his intention to capture, nor replicate an existing
image or narrative. Rather, he seeks universal beauty in an unseen and novel perspective, and redirects the known into the unknown; into a new dimension. The
sensations of déjà vu, like when remembering a special moment or melody; this is the ultimate feeling, Jan strives to achieve and wishes to resonate with his audience.
A Masters graduate from the Academy of Fine Arts of
Prague in 2006, Jan had his first solo exhibition shortly thereafter in 2008 at the acclaimed Trafo Gallery, an exclusive art space notorious for showing only outstanding artists with limited shows of six per year. Since then, Jan has exhibited in high profile galleries around the world, including New York, Miami, London, Paris, Shanghai, and Rio de Janeiro.
Renowned Photographer Lynn Gilbert Shares “How a Portrait Became Iconic”
During Presentation in San Antonio
New York City-based photographer and author Lynn Gilbert, 85, presented “How a Portrait Became Iconic” recently at the Roosevelt Library, where she spoke about her
process of photographing Louise Nevelson, considered one of the greatest artists of the 20th century.
On view in the gallery at the Roosevelt Library is Gilbert’s exhibit “Women,” featuring portraits of Louise Nevelson, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Julia Child, Billie Jean King, and Alice Neel.
In 1976, when Gilbert photographed Nevelson, she was an unknown children’s photographer, commissioned by Arne Glimcher, founder of the PACE Galleries. In 2022, nearly 50 years later Glimcher said, “Nevelson has been photographed by everyone, but this is the one portrait that captures her both as a person and as an artist.” Gilbert’s
portrait of Nevelson, recognized as timeless, became the face of the 2022 Venice Biennale according to Art News. “The hour and a half that I spent photographing her and the additional hour or so we spent talking shaped my life,” Gilbert recalled.
Nevelson was the inspiration for Gilbert’s book “Particular Passions: Talks with Women Who Have Shaped Our Times” published in 1981. Women in the book include Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Julia Child, Billie Jean King, Barbara Walters Grace Murray Hopper and 43 other women. The book was described by The Washington Post in 2018
as “revolutionary for shedding light on the accomplishments of women … In the mid-70s the internet did not exist.” An historic period in American history is illuminated in Gilbert’s book with photographs and text of the women in their own words, who shaped the American landscape and opened doors for women around the world. Gilbert has devoted her craft to photograph areas of society that have not been photographed before. She spent
almost 10 years traveling throughout Turkey to document the interiors of the traditional homes, an important part of Turkish cultural heritage. Gilbert captured portraits of the people who lived in these homes and villages along the Silk Road.
At 85 years young, Gilbert has no plans to slow down. The last few years she has documented a world-renowned
garden in New York. She is also working on three documentary projects.
Gilbert is a documentary photographer and storyteller who has recorded areas of society that have not been recorded before. Gilbert's work has appeared in countless books, on book covers, newspapers, magazines, film, and business reports including the MOMA, the British Museum, Netflix and National Geographic, among others.
Her portraits are widely collected including in the National Portrait Gallery, the NY Historical Society, Vassar, Yale, as well as the Richard and Ellen Sandor Family Collection, considered one of the finest private art collections in the world.
In addition to “Particular Passions,” her mid-1970s collection, “A Time Capsule of NYC ‘70s Kids,” portrays the unique individuality of children from more than 100 New York families of differing socioeconomic backgrounds. She also documented the interiors of the traditional houses in Turkey for almost a decade. Some of the work appears in her book “The Silk Road: Then and Now.” This work has been exhibited numerous times and appeared in Turkish editorials in all media.
For more information, visit https://www.lynn-gilbert.com/ Instagram and Facebook: @lynngilbertphoto LinkedIn: lynngilbertphotography
Dance Editor
Dance Director of The Jewel of Art Dance Studio
1909 Fredericksburg Rd. San Antonio, Tx 78201
Studio: 210-878-4089
Cell: 210-639-3756
Jackleen RiosAmunet Leola Almanza, born in San Antonio, TX
July 28, 2013. She began her dancing journey with Ms. Jackleen Rios at the Jewel of Art Dance Studio in 2019. She started out in Combo II which was a combination of ballet and jazz. She quickly fell in love with dancing and instantly felt this was her calling. She then decided to take it up a notch and enrolled in the Beginner Hip Hop class. It was when she started this class she started to really flourish in her dance training and had so many opportunities to dance around San Antonio for many performances. For about a year she toured as a look a like Clueless ac-
tress, as she fully committed to Miss Dionne’s character creating a full microbraid look. This character she portrayed then lit a fire to challenge herself even further. She then had the opportunity to perform at the Ever After Fashion Show, Princess Fest, Fiesta Market Square, The Tobin Center, the Scottish Rite Theatre and many more. She was on a roll however, unfortunately as of late March 2023, she indeed faced a very severe, life-threatening challenge. Amunet’s mother and family noticed she wasn't herself, experiencing Irregular sleeping patterns, dehydration, fatigue, and weight-loss.
Worries held high awaiting results, conclusion was Type 1 diabetes. Amunet had it in her heart she would be okay, all she had worried about was, "Can I still dance?" She wears her monitor proudly, and has been incredibly brave. She continues to be a role model for her entire family. After 1 month, she begged for another challenge. As of fall 2023 she has been accepted and placed into advanced placement classes such as hip hop and modern contemporary. These classes will push and continue to challenge her as a dancer. As always she is ready to turn up the heat and leave it all on the dance floor!
noun The art of arranging sounds in time so as to produce a continuous, unified, and evocative composition, as through melody, harmony, rhythm, and timbre.
Badu and Special Guest yasiin bey Celebrate the Essence of Hip Hop During the 50th Anniversary the Genre
Erykah Badu, Grammy™ award-winning singer-songwriter and performance artist, launched her nationwide “Unfollow Me” Tour in San Antonio, TX AT&T Center. Badu made good on her promise to take on a sonic and sensory journey as the show features fan favorite music and a spectacular light show, amid a surrealistic setting. The show is a celebration of art, culture, light, love with the entire arena activating from the force.
"You can expect us to become one living breathing organism,” said Badu when asked what fans can expect. “You'll receive my sincerest, purest love. I love what I do and I love doing it for you," she added.
The tour, which aligns with the 50th anniversary of hip hop, pairs the ultimate B-girl with Rapper yasiin bey* (maintain lower case spelling), one of hip-hop's most contemplative and perceptive performers. Both Badu and yasiin celebrate the moral, social, and spiritual principles that inform and inspire hip hop ways of being.
The concerts, held predominantly in arenas, are produced by Outback Presents. The tour runs through 25 cities including: Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, New York and Dallas through July 23, 2023 A.D.
TICKETS:
Tickets available at www.unfollowmetour.com
Erykah Badu is a powerful creative force who transcends music, film, and fashion. She is renowned for her songwriting, singing, and production skills as well as for her capacity to heal, promote female wellness, challenge oppressive structures, and uphold the values of her Afrocen-
tric and Black Feminist roots. To fans and followers who may look to her as a leader and a source of inspiration, both in music and in the market, she says, "Don’t follow me; chart your own path."
Acclaimed singer/songwriter Joey McIntyre is thrilled to announce he’s heading out on tour this summer for the Solo Joe Tour: a series of intimate concerts celebrating his iconic career in pop music and Broadway. Fans will have the opportunity to get up-close and personal in this soul-baring new show that will have the New Kids on the Block superstar singing some of his favorite songs from his nearly 40-year-long career, plus much more.
Usnavi is a bodega owner who longs to go back to his native Dominican Republic. In the meantime, he spends his time in a small neighborhood in Washington Heights pining after Vanessa, a beautiful lady working at the beauty salon and looking after Abuela Claudia, the elderly Cuban lady living next door who raised him, among many others. One day, Usnavi's childhood friend Nina comes back from college with a secret, and Abuela Claudia wins the lottery.
A mixture of drums and hand percussion will be available for your use, however, feel free to bring your own percussion instruments to join in the fun.
Jorge Ochoa, OTR is an occupational therapist and group drumming facilitator in San Antonio, TX. He is the founder of TamboRhythms, a company dedicated to promoting FUNctional living through rhythmic expression regardless of age or previous musical experience.
Rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather, this wellness event will take place indoors.
Witness the iconic soft rock duo Air Supply as they take the stage at The Tobin Center on July 23. With their powerful harmonies and timeless hits like "All Out of Love" and "Making Love Out of Nothing At All," you'll be transported back in time for an unforgettable night of nostalgia.
This is a not-to-be-missed concert event for fans of classic rock and unforgettable melodies. Get ready for an evening filled with love, music, and memories with Air Supply.
For Benise, music has always been a journey…from his humble beginnings as a street performer, to performing around the world.“I wanted to push the boundaries of traditional Nuevo Flamenco/Spanish guitar while combining the elements of dance and theater. This show is a celebration of Music, Love, and Life,” comments the composer, virtuoso guitarist and creative force behind 'fuego!'
YOU, GOD'S MUSIC SHOWCASE - A Nationwide Christian Singing Competition, headlined by the NEWSBOYS!
You, God's Music Showcase is a Nationwide Christian Singing Competition, featuring LIVE performances by Five Finalists, that competed from hundreds of contestants that auditioned from USA, Canada & UK. The Showcase Finalists will be voted by the public and by three Christian award winning artists, as judges: Jordan Feliz, Blanca and Jordan Smith (Winner of The Voice Season 9).
The Showcase Finals will be a LIVE Recording with performances from JASON CRABB, JORDAN FELIZ, BLANCA, JORDAN SMITH, and headlined by the sensational Christian rock band, the NEWSBOYS. Come see who wins the Showcase, where the winner and their charitable organization will receive a Cash Prize, and a superb Recording Artist Package to the winner! You, God's Music is a celebrative event designed to bring together individuals, families and communities, to celebrate faith in Jesus Christ through the unifying power of Music.
Rarely is an artist capable of touching the hearts and souls of people of all ages, cultures, and diverse musical backgrounds as BENISE (pronounced Buh-nes-say).In 2022, Gary Mullen & The Works will be celebrating the 20th Anniversary of their world-renowned One Night Of Queen live concert performance.
Gary Mullen & The Works (featuring Gary Mullen on vocals, David Brockett on guitar, Billy Moffat on bass, Malcolm Gentles on keyboards and Jon Halliwell on drums) will have you dancing in the aisles during their 2-hour show, while the band pays tribute to the stage theatrics, showmanship, and music of Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame inductees: Queen.
In 2000, Gary Mullen won the Granada TV programme “Stars in Their Eyes” with his performance as Queen’s lead singer: Freddie Mercury. Mullen’s embodiment of Freddie Mercury resulted in him gaining 864,838 votes in the show’s Live Grand Final. The number of fans who voted for Mullen was more than double that of the runner-up, thus setting an all-time record for votes in the history of the programme.
SYLVIA MILO’S award-winning THE OTHER MOZART is the true, untold story of Nannerl Mozart, the sister of Amadeus - a prodigy, keyboard virtuoso, and composer, who performed throughout Europe with her brother to equal acclaim, but her work and her story faded away, lost to history.
Described by the New York Times as “strikingly beautiful”, the one-woman drama is set in and on a magnificent 18-foot dress, created to fill and spill over the entire stage. THE OTHER MOZART is based on facts, stories, and lines pulled directly from the Mozart family's humorous and heartbreaking letters.
With the opulent beauty of the dress and hair design, the sweet smell of perfume, and the clouds of dusting powder rising from the stage, THE OTHER MOZART is a multi-sensual experience that transports the audience into a world of outsized beauty and delight – but also of overwhelming restrictions and prejudice where, finally, this other Mozart tells her story.
noun the condition of being physically fit and healthy noun the state of being free from illness or injury
For many people, summer coming along is a reminder that we have vacations and trips awaiting us. But for many people, this doesn’t simply mark the transition from work to the beach, it marks the beginning of an end of an era. Around this time, many parents are celebrating their children graduating and moving out of the house as they go off to college, the military, or the workforce.
Often times, couples are having to adjust to empty-nester syndrome, or having to adjust to relearning each other. Many have set aside their own wants and needs for years for the sake of raising their children, and now that they are gone, they are left standing there thinking “What now?”
Many couples experience issues with adjusting to the focus shifting from their children to themselves as a unit again, and
for some, it can prove difficult. For some, retirement is on the horizon, and this can also prove difficult.
Adjustment issues can be difficult to navigate during this time period. Often, people experience adjustment disorder.
Adjustment disorder is “a group of symptoms, such as stress, feeling sad or hopeless, and physical symptoms that can occur after you go through a stressful life event.
The symptoms occur because you are having a hard time coping. Your reaction is stronger than expected for the type of event that occurred.(medlineplus.gov)”
These issues can include:
Death of a loved one
Divorce or problems with a relationship
General life changes
Illness or other health issues in yourself or a loved one
Moving to a different home or a different city
Unexpected catastrophes
Worries about money
Family problems or conflict
School problems
Sexuality issues
*Medlineplus.gov
Any of these events can cause people to have a difficult time trying to function. Per the Mayo Clinic (mayoclinic.org), symptoms can include:
Feeling sad, hopeless or not enjoying things you used to enjoy
Frequent crying
Worrying or feeling anxious, nervous, jittery or stressed out
Trouble sleeping
Lack of appetite
Difficulty concentrating
Feeling overwhelmed
Difficulty functioning in daily activities
Withdrawing from social supports
Avoiding important things such as going to work or paying bills
Symptoms typically last no longer than 6 months as people tend to find ways to cope with their situations. However, when these symptoms become prolonged more than 6 months or increase in intensity, it is important to seek therapeutic or psychiatric help. Cognitive behavioral therapy is just one of many effective treatments for people who have issues adjusting to significant life changes. Medication management is also an option for symptoms that are more intense.
The important thing is to remember that these feelings are temporary. People are resilient and usually find a way to adapt to their circumstances. It is important to view some of these life changes as not defeat or the end of something, but as a temporary situation or the beginning of an opportunity. Many people will discover themselves in the process and will learn or pick up something new. But whatever you do, be kind to yourself.
Now that Fiesta is over for 2023, it’s time for school to be out!! Summer quickly approaches, and 127 days to football season! I have many young children, teens, and college-age kids coming in for their summer and fall sports physicals. Football and band practices, baseball, soccer, and just playing on the beaches and at the lake, spending time with family instead of a classroom… it’s time to enjoy! And it reminds me to share with all the readers that South Texas can be hot and humid. We sometimes underestimate how much the sun can drain our bodies of the liquids it needs to keep going.
Many kids ask me if sodas or energy drinks, and electrolyte drinks are as good as water or if these drinks “count” as water. After all, these drinks have water in them, correct?
The answer is no. Many teens are relying on energy drinks and caffeine for the boost it gives in energy and mood, and it comes with a price. Caffeine works as a diuretic, meaning it pulls water out of the body, not allowing water into the body. Caffeine can lead to dehydration, so many
drinks don’t look brown as we correlate the brown color of fluids to be caffeinated. Caffeine drinks can be clear or colored. Many drink labels do not prominently advertise their ingredients and amounts of ingredients simply because labels might affect their sales.
Also, consider that many energy and electrolyte drinks contain sugar, preservatives, food dyes and are high in calories leading to weight gain and diabetes.
We as a society are addicted to sugar and sugar-free sweeteners that are not good for us.
Good old-fashioned water is the ticket to excellent rehydration, but many do not like plain water. People will buy flavored waters and run into the same issues as above. Water cleans your organs and tissues and helps supply the energy needed for all your activities and the body to function normally.
For you adults, alcohol has the same diuretic effect and can be high calorie and not to mention impair judgment when you have had enough.
How much water should you drink?
About 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day for men
About 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day for women*
Children ages 1-3 years need approximately 4 cups of beverages per day, including water or milk. This increases for older kids to around 5 cups for 4-8 year-olds and 7-8 cups for older children.**
Add more for increased exercise and activities outside.
What are the symptoms of heat stroke?
Symptoms of heat stroke include:
Confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech
Loss of consciousness (coma)
Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating
Seizures
Very high body temperature
Fatal if treatment delayed***
Call 911, and don’t hesitate! If you see someone acting confused or clumsy, or if you see someone collapse sud-
denly. Call 911 immediately!
To discuss the different kinds of water to choose from etc. is too large of a topic for this article but my best advice is to drink!
Happy Summer, all! Be safe!
Marianne Pinkston, MD
Drpbetterlife.com
Podcast•YouTube•Radio
210-698-7825 Clinic, San Antonio
*Mayo Clinic
**American Academy of Pediatrics
***cdc.org
Leo Paul
Fitness Editor
The health benefits of sunlight at MedNatura we give you our recommendations to recover your health and well-being
- Improves sleep
The body creates a hormone called melatonin that is critical in helping you sleep. Because the body starts producing it when it's dark, it usually starts to feel sleepy two hours after the sun goes down, which is one of the reasons our body stays awake naturally later in the summer. Research indicates that an hour of natural light in the morning will help you sleep better. Sunlight regulates the circadian rhythm by telling the body when to increase or decrease melatonin levels. Therefore, the more exposure to daylight, the better the body will produce melatonin when it's time to go to sleep.
Melatonin also reduces stress reactivity and being outdoors will help the body regulate melatonin naturally, which can help reduce stress level. Plus, because you often do physical activities when you're outdoors (walking, playing, etc.), that extra exercise also helps you reduce stress.
- Keeps bones strong
One of the best (and easiest) ways to get vitamin D is to be outdoors. The body produces vitamin D when exposed to sunlight; About 15 minutes in the sun a day is enough if you have fair skin. And since vitamin D helps your body maintain calcium and prevents bones from becoming brittle, thin, or misshapen, sunbathing may be just what your
doctor ordered.
- Helps maintain weight
Going outdoors for 30 minutes between 8 a.m. and noon has been linked to weight loss. Of course, there could be other factors to this, but there seems to be a connection between sunlight in the early morning hours and weight loss.
- Strengthens the immune system
Vitamin D is also critical to your immune system, and with constant exposure to sunlight, it can help strengthen it. A healthy immune system can help reduce the risk of disease, infections, some cancers, and mortality after surgeries.
- Fights depression
It's not just an idea; There's a scientific reason why sunbathing improves your mood. Sunlight increases the body's level of serotonin, which is a mood-enhancing chemical that helps you stay calm and focused. Increased exposure to natural light can help relieve symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, a change in mood that typically occurs in the fall and winter months, when there are fewer hours of sunlight.
- Can give you a longer life
A study that followed 30,000 Swedish women revealed that those who spent more time in the sun lived six months to two years longer than those who had less sun exposure. More research needs to be done in this area, but it's something scientists are still investigating.
Welcome!
Every summer is a time of transition and celebration. Summer marks the end of spring. It is a time to celebrate graduations, travel plans, and focus on outdoor activities with friends, while trying to beat the South Texas heat. Despite it being a time of celebrations for most of us, not everyone is joyful.
It is also a time to focus on Mental Health. With the numbers of people affected with mental health disorders growing in all age demographics, it’s more important than ever to be aware that many people we interact with every day may be struggling with mental health disorders. Studies estimate that over 20% of the United States population has a mental health condition. Depression and anxiety are the most common. Among young people aged 18-25 years of age, the prevalence of mental health illness is 33%. Rates of depression and anxiety doubled during the pandemic and have not decreased to their pre-pandemic levels. Given the turmoil in the country, it is more likely that these rates will continue to increase.
Mental health disorders are historically under-reported to physicians, and when they are reported, they tend to be under-treated. The primary mental health condition is usually just the tip of the iceberg. When mental health conditions go untreated, it is the rule, more than the exception, for patients to develop other conditions that are physical manifestations of ongoing mental stress. Insomnia, high blood pressure, pain, autoimmune conditions, and many other conditions may develop due to prolonged, untreated mental health conditions.
Prescription medications and various forms of counseling are the gold standard treatments from a conventional medicine
perspective and offer many patients significant relief. Lifestyle adjustments and alternative therapies are showing tremendous promise for helping patients, and in some cases, curing certain conditions. For those of us who would like to avoid prescription drugs, there are some easy, free interventions that can help, as well.
Regular cardiovascular exercise, 30 minutes for three or more days per week has equal effcacy at controlling mild to moderate depression, as do SSRI medications. That has been shown in many studies over and over again. Dietary changes, including more plants and fewer refined carbohydrates and simple sugars, have a positive impact on overall health through improved nutritional support and better health and diversity of our microbiome that largely controls neurotransmitter production and supports better mood health and less inflammation. Gratitude journaling has profoundly beneficial effects on depression and even chronic pain (done correctly). Look up Shawn Achor, Harvard University, happiness-researcher’s explanation of how and why this works. Medical cannabis can be incredibly beneficial for anxiety. While not causing impairment, it is currently legally available for patients with PTSD (and other conditions) in Texas. Meditation and prayer are other favorite interventions for mood health that can be profoundly helpful and therapeutic for mental health and many of its conditions. I know most patients are skeptical, but meditations’ power to change people’s lives is well supported by scientific research.
The world today is a more stressful place than ever before, but help is available, in white coats and little orange bottles, but also, in many unexpected places.
In good health,
Dr. Wendy Askew, MD
nounThe prevailing style or custom, as in dress or behavior, something such as a garment, that is in the current mode: The style characteristic of the social elite
-Amethyst
Whether you select this genuine amethyst gemstone based on color or your birthday month, you’ll love this colorful solid gold bracelet for everyday.
-Amethyst Birthstone Necklace
A modern heirloom. Introducing our take on a traditional style. Whether you wear yours or a loved one’s, a birthstone necklace is an easy way to add color and meaning to your look. This birthstone necklace features a 14k gold chain and diamond detail and makes for a perfect, personal gift.
-Classic
Whether you select this genuine amethyst gemstone based on color or your birthday month, you’ll love this colorful solid gold stud earring for everyday.
For more information on gorjana and its San Antonio store at The Shops at La Cantera, please visit:
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The Shops at La Cantera
15900 La Cantera Pkwy
Newport Bracelet Amethyst Studs
Hey Y'all! I'm Sydney Allen, a 7th generation rancher from a small South Texas town called Smiley. I mean really small, we don't even have a stoplight or a store, besides the Dollar General that moved in about two years ago. Yes, there are absolutely more cows than people. Sounds generic for Texas, I know, but believe me generic stops there.
To say I live a unique life would only be touching the tip of the iceberg. I do everything from running a working guest and cattle ranch, to acting, modeling, setting up events, keeping up with my nieces, and running a successful Bar and Grill. An average day for me can be anything from pulling calves and palpating, to having a live performance at the Running M, hosting company from all walks of life, or attending a red carpet movie premiere. I attended college before kindergarden, had the job of international hostess down pat by 1st grade, rode horses before walking, and was an accurate shot before I was an accurate writer. Since everyone in my town has known each other for generations, I was lucky enough to be allowed to have my friends come and go as we pleased as long as they helped work.
This created one of the ultimate educational playgrounds anyone could imagine. By age 7 my father turned us loose with my own vehicle and the understanding I was completely responsible for everyone. We would run like wild Indians exploring and making up games as we went. One day we were Indiana Jones on an adventure and the next our last names changed to Bond as we set out on a top secret mission. When we had to work we would all come together to get the job done, or divide and conquer to make sure an entire group was entertained while we took them trail riding until they couldn't stand it any longer and asked to go home. We learned so much during those rides! Each one was a class all on its own as we learned about our guests, where they came from, and what it was like where they lived. Twice a year our big cattle and guest event, roundup, would take place. This was almost always our busiest times of year. Local cowboys would come out with their dogs and the guests would help them round cattle from all over the ranch. Once the cows were penned they would brand, vaccinate, castrate, sort, and pair. Then guests would accompany the cowboys to the auction to watch the cows sell. Those roundups were legendary, and
still talked about today.
My childhood was full of wonder, adventure, learning, fun, and anything else anyone could ask for. My father is a firm believer in education and adventure. Two of his favorite things to do are tell tall tales and make people laugh. During the summer breaks Dad would arrange for us to visit our foreign friends we had made through the guest ranch. We would stay with them in their country and they would teach us first hand about their culture and country. We would live alongside them, much as they had lived alongside
us, and then become immersed in their way of life. It was truly amazing. I got to see the inside of British Parliament, paragliding off the Swiss Alps with far away Princes, and experience Russia as very few others get to. I have been blessed without a doubt.
However, for as much fun as I had there was an equal amount of responsibility and expectation placed on my shoulders. I was not only responsible for groups of people over twice my age and the lives of our many animals since early childhood, but also for the future of my family's legacy. I come from a long line of success stories.
My mother coded security software for our country and my father has done everything from being a chemist, to fighting in a war, working for the CIA, teaching, and operating the Lazy F International Guest Ranch. You can point to almost anyone in my family tree and learn about how amazing they were and how they contributed to our family, community, state, and country. We aren't just proud of Texas history, my family is sprinkled throughout it. From the famous outlaw John Wesley Hardin and my namesake Algernon Sidney Billings who started our ranch, to my grandmother who was the first female cheerleader at the
University of Texas.
I had always planned to take over the ranch when the time was right, and I wanted to add my personal success to the legacy. I thought my first contribution would take the form of a world renown actress and branching out from there. Life, and Covid, had other plans though. I played on a few TV shows that came out to the ranch over the years and that was fun, but I truly wanted to really get out there. After college I decided to hit the ground running and refuse to take no as an answer. My plan was to get my headshots made and then send it along with my resume
to every agency that had an opening. The first photographer I called sent me to Al Zavala, who introduced me to Lari Nelson and the rest is history. I joined The Agency and started talking to talent agents. Everything was going great, until Covid.
I was about to sign with a major agency out of L.A, but I was unable to due to the pandemic. I was very disheartened and decided to put my acting dreams on hold for a second in order to focus my energy on my 2nd life goal. Building my empire. I started rather unexpectedly by join-
ing the food industry. The Running M Bar and Grill came up for sale right on the corner of confederate square in the middle of the birth place of Texas, Gonzales. It has been a local favorite for over a decade and I was no stranger to its doors. It seemed like a great opportunity to invest my community and also a place I love. So, I took it. I purchased the Running M Bar and Grill and started making improvements. I knew nothing about owning a restaurant and have been learning everyday. Thus far, the Running M has been climbing in success.
The building next to the Running M, which is twice the size, came up for sale and I seized the opportunity. The current plan is to expand a little while adding on. By the time everything is finished the Running M Bar and Grill will be a destination and an even bigger point of pride for Gonzales, Texas. The changes I've implemented into each of my businesses has done nothing but driven us towards success and I don't intend to stop there. In fact, I'm just gaining my stride. I have yet to give up on my acting dreams. I've merely changed tactics and am now using a more out-of-the-box approach. After all, I've never really
fit the mold. I started asking myself, “If I currently can't star in a movie produced by someone else, why not make my own?”
I'm ready to show the world who Sydney Allen is, and what I am capable of. I have an amazing support group of friends and family who love and help me whenever they can, and determination in my blood. As I grow and learn, my dreams and goals grow with me. I fully intend to succeed and leave my mark. So watch out world, here I come and defeat will never be an option.
noun
any nutritious substance that people or animals eat or drink or that plants absorb in order to maintain life and grow
noun an alcoholic drink made from fermented grape juice
This past month was filled with many celebrations and activities, from graduations, birthdays, festivals and more that it was hard to contain my excitement for impending events. I wanted to try something different and really dive into the whole experience and culture of a particular event and that is how I landed at Finck Cigars in Helotes. I am not a cigar aficionado, but my husband enjoys the whole process of going to the cigar shop, perusing the
new shipments, making his purchase, and enjoying his cigar in the backyard after grilling a nice steak and sipping on some red wine. Yes, it is very specific and from what I come to learn, the art of cigars is indeed that, an art form. The history, how the individual families grew cigar brands from nothing to a now dynasty is incredible. But what you don’t hear about is the cigar shop. That place or some would call a Mecca holding all the cigars from different sizes, tobaccos, essence, and embel-
lishments; and that place is called Finck Cigars.
This is where my journey begins. I had been informed that a world-renowned cigar brand (Fuente Cigars and their owner Carlito Fuente) would be visiting Finck Cigars in Helotes. I was intrigued and of course, made my way out to the Meet and Greet event. Upon arriving, guests are met to the live band Havana Soul, savory smells of Cuban food truck Mi Corazon International and even a mouthwatering complimentary drink booth making mojitos with Dos Maderas rum. First impressions are vital for any event and Finck Cigars knocked it out of the park.
As we walked in, we were met by the owner’s daughter Emily Finck, who graciously showed us around and allowed us a sneak peak of the amenities and even the chance to talk to the owner and her father, Bill Finck Jr to get some background on the event and his relationship to Carlito Fuente. It is amazing to think that both men are successful in the world of cigars and even more fascinating that both men grew up together. Both have legacy businesses started by their grandfathers and both men grew up learning the business and even spending time together through their adolescence. This event infact was planned in a short amount of time with a call from Carlito to Bill saying, I will be in town in a
month, let’s do an event; and what an event it was.
Coming from a non-cigar smoker, the aromas, the camaraderie, ambiance, and just welcoming atmosphere made me want to learn more about this world. Both Bill Finck and Carlito Fuente were not only humble, but welcoming. Bill gave me a moment to talk with Carlito which was great to see what a nice person he was. Not only Carlito, but Bill, Emily and everyone at Finck were so welcoming and ready to share the cigar experience with their customers which many have become their friends. So, what’s next? I will be following the great love story of
two dogs Coco Chanel and El Rey. They are not just any dogs; they are the famous dog models. They just celebrated their engagement for their upcoming nuptials to take place on August 26th at Comanche Park, which is also National Dog Day! I will be following the events that lead into the impending event, which will be led by Judge Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez. Other participants in this affair will be Constable Kat Brown, Judge Ronnie Rangel and Bexar County Clerk Lucy Adame-Clark. Yours truly will also have a role in this exciting event!
Ingredients
2 pt. lemon sorbet
4 cups refrigerated lemonade
2 cups frozen blueberries
(such as Wyman's)
Fresh basil leaves
Lemon wheels
Ingredients
3 teaspoons grenadine
2 tablespoons fresh Key lime juice
(from 2 Key limes)
3 ounces light rum
1/2 cup crushed ice
Key lime slices, for garnish
4 medium-size fresh peaches (about 1 ½ lb. total), pitted and coarsely chopped
½ cup (4 oz.) tequila
¼ cup (2 oz.) orange liqueur (such as Triple Sec)
1 tablespoon agave nectar or honey
1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (from 3 limes), divided 2 ½ cups ice cubes
¼ cup chili-lime seasoning (such as Tajín)
4 cups peeled, cored, and cubed fresh pineapple (from 1 [3 lb.] pineapple)
1 liter coconut-flavored seltzer
water
1 cup (8 oz.) white rum
Garnish: pineapple leaves and pineapple wedges
3 ounces blanco tequila, such as Espolon or Casamigos (about 2 shots)
1 ½ ounces fresh lime juice (about 1 shot)
Topo Chico, chilled Fresh lime wedge for garnish
Shaved ice
5 ounces light rum
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 2 limes)
4 teaspoons granulated sugar
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Orange slices, fresh mint sprigs, and lime zest strips, for garnish
Ingredients
2 tablespoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon grapefruit zest, plus 3/4 cup fresh juice (from 2 grapefruits), divided
6 tablespoons (3 oz.) gin
1/2 cup ice
1 grapefruit slice
2 (12-oz.) bottles ginger beer
4 1/2 cups unsweetened tea
3/4 cup (6 oz.) bourbon
1/3 cup Simple Syrup
1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from 2 limes)
Garnish: thinly sliced lime
Ingredients
1/2 cup (4 ounces) vodka
2 cups lemon-lime soft drink (from 1 [2-liter] bottle), chilled
1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice (from 1 [10-ounce] jar cherries), plus maraschino cherries with stems for garnish
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 1 lime)
1 tablespoon simple syrup
Lime wheels
1 bottle Rosé
1/2 cup St. Germain (elderflower liquor)
1 cup fresh watermelon juice Zest of 2 limes
1 bottle Rosé Champagne (chilled)
Fresh mint, lime wheels, and sliced watermelon for garnish
This harvest class is part of Kuhlman’s Vina Vita University wine education series.
Kuhlman Cellars will host the Vina Vita University winemaking class Grape Expectations on Sunday, July 23, 2023 from 11 am – 1:30 pm. In this entertaining and interactive class, wine enthusiasts will learn all about harvest planning and grape maturation. Students will collect their own grape sample from the vineyard to test and taste in the cellar and then enjoy a special Estate wine tasting. Weather-appropriate clothing and walking shoes are recommended for this class.
During this class, students will:
Learn about Harvest Planning and Grape Maturation Processes / Testing
Walk into the Estate vineyard and learn how to sample grapes
Test their grape sample for sugar and taste
Compare their samples with others in the class to discover sampling variation and uncertainty
Enjoy an exclusive Estate wine tasting, including a 4 year (2019-2022) Estate Red wine tasting to see how the wine changes through the years. The unreleased 2021 and 2022 vintages will be tasted from the barrel. Plus, the 2020 Es-
tate Mourvèdre will be tasted next to the 2020 Estate Red.
The class is led by Kuhlman Cellars Vineyard Manager, Michael Maynard. Tickets are $45 per person or $25 for Vina Vita Wine Club Members (Vina Vita Members get special pricing for up to 4 attendees total). Limited seating is available. To purchase tickets, click here.
Vina Vita University is Kuhlman Cellars’ wine educational series, which helps wine enthusiasts gain an understanding of the rich and complex topic that is wine and winemaking through fun, interactive classes. For more information on upcoming events, visit https://www.visit.kuhlmancellars. com/vina-vita-university.
Texas winery Kuhlman Cellars is passionate about exceptional wine and food pairings. Lifelong wine lovers Chris and Jennifer Cobb founded Kuhlman Cellars to produce terroir-driven wines of the highest quality and to share their love of the “wine life” with the community. The award-winning boutique winery is located on the famed Hwy 290 Wine Trail between Fredericksburg and Johnson City and offers tours, tastings, educational wine seminars, delicious bistro items, and more at its picturesque Estate vineyard. For more information, visit www.kuhlmancellars.com.
Connect with Kuhlman Cellars Facebook Twitter Instagram
3rd Generation Family-Owned Restaurant Serves Up Authentic Tex Mex and More
Las Cazuelas Mexican Restaurant, a staple on San Antonio’s Southside, is celebrating a major milestone: its 25th anniversary. The restaurant, founded by family patriarch, Ramiro Valadez Sr. and his wife (and culinary inspiration), Teresa, began in 1997 as a sort of hobby for Ramiro after he retired; he wanted a small place where he could serve great food and visit with friends and family members who lived nearby. But the secret of this special Mexican restaurant quickly spread and now 25 years and several expansions later, Las Cazuelas is thriving. Their clientele includes families who’ve long frequented their popular breakfast and lunch hours, as well as newcomers to the area and businessmen and women who work or live downtown or on the Southside and have a great appreciation for made-from-scratch everything starting with the tortillas and beyond.
Today, the sons and grandchildren of Ramiro and Teresa
now operate the restaurant with plans for young members of the 4th generation to follow one day, to carry on the family tradition of fresh, house-made dishes from grandmother’s secret recipes.
Most of the recipes were Teresa’s family recipes handed down to her from generation to generation. A few new offerings now also grace the menu, as the Valadez family listens to requests from their loyal following. Regardless of the recipes’ origins, traditional Tex Mex is the order of the day. Breakfast, served all day beginning at 7 a.m., includes a wide array of breakfast tacos with combinations of bean, cheese, egg, potato, or chorizo and more, and popular breakfast items like Chilaquiles, Barbacoa and Huevos Rancheros available for dine-in or to go. Lunch is served daily beginning at 11 a.m. In the mood for Enchiladas en Mole, Menudo, Puffy Tacos, or Cilantro Cream Enchiladas? Teresa’s family recipes are good mouth-watering. The restaurant also offers hamburgers and steak, so diners have options even when they’re looking for a little something different. And, Las Cazuelas re-
cently added alcoholic beverages to their menu, including a range of beer and frozen lime and strawberry margaritas. (Be sure to ask for the 25th anniversary commemorative margarita mug, while supplies last!)
The restaurant has grown significantly over the past 25 years, expanding three times and adding a large party room that seats up to 50 people for celebrations and get-togethers. They recently added a drive-through window that has become a popular “fast” option for people on the go. The restaurant’s drive-through-only specials like .89 cent bean and cheese tacos.
The Valadez family's work ethic has contributed to the restaurant's success. Vanessa Valadez shared that her grandfather's principle was that “hard work pays off”, and his work ethic has been passed down and embraced through the generations. And that includes the restaurant’s loyal staff; some of whom have worked for the Valadez
family nearly since Ramiro’s dream of starting a small restaurant began. The grande dame is the restaurant’s cook, Chavela, who has been a part of the Las Cazuelas family for 25 years; and close behind, Marisol who has loyally served Las Cazuelas guests for 24 years. They have enjoyed watching generations of young customers grow up and bring in their own families to dine.
Las Cazuelas welcomes San Antonians to come visit! They’re located at 645 Chalmers Avenue in San Antonio (Phone 210.932.1785) and are open from 7am to 2pm Monday through Friday, and from 7am to 3pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Once you dine there, you’ll see why Las Cazuelas has become a staple of the Southside San Antonio community and a popular place to enjoy delicious Mexican cuisine seven days a week.
We're Paleteria San Antonio, a husband-and-wife team making beautiful ice pops, ice cream and more. We believe in using real ingredients and responsible practices to make wholesome treats for all ages.
We change our flavors regularly and seasonally, so stop by often to see what's new!
The new, tropical, and tart Passion Fruit SCOOOT! Energy Infusion, available for summer, combines Passion Fruit flavor with SCOOOT Energy! Tropical, Scooter’s Coffee exclusive, proprietary energy drink that offers great flavor and a powerful jolt of energy.
“Scooter’s Coffee strives to make customers smile, and we are delighted to offer fun, innovative drinks to keep the smiles going all day long,” said Mel Maryott, Director of Brand Strategy.
In addition, for the first time, Scooter’s Coffee is now offering SCOOOT! Energy Tropical in cans for purchase in-store. Cans of sugar-free
SCOOOT! Energy Tropical also are available. Customers can give SCOOOT! Energy a try by ordering a fresh, crisp SCOOOT! Energy Infusion or Vertigo Smoothie™. In addition to Passion Fruit, SCOOOT! Energy Infusions are available in fresh, fruity flavors, including Prickly Pear, Raspberry, Blue Raspberry, and Coconut. Vertigo Smoothies come in Strawberry, Strawberry Banana, Wild Berry, Mango, and Peach.
Make Scooter’s Coffee part of your summer celebration by visiting a location near you. For more info, visit scooterscoffee.com, facebook.com/ scooterscoffee
noun A residence. The physical structure within which one lives; An environment offering security and happiness. A valued place of origin.
Purchasing a home in 2023 can involve different strategies than purchasing a home in the last few years. The housing market has taken a turn, interest rates have risen, and home appreciation has slowed. Sellers don’t have as much the upper hand in transactions, like they have previously. Buyers can negotiate a little more on price, and repairs. Although, there is still a shortage of home inventory today, which still allows sellers somewhat of an edge in negotiating.
Regardless of the state of the real estate market, there are a few things that buyers need to know concerning the home-buying process. This process will undoubtedly be the most exciting, and possibly scary, thing one will ever experience. Buying a home is a life-changing event, so its important to know the course of action required, to ensure a smooth transaction.
A lender can steer you in the right direction, based on your credit score, and DTI (debt-to-income ratio), to determine what kind of loan you qualify for. And what kind of loan you qualify for determines what kind of down payment you will need. A lot of new homebuyers will be surprised to learn that you may not need to have 20% of the pur-
chase price, down payments can be as low as 3.5%, or some loans require no down payment at all. Speaking with a lender can actually give you a piece of mind and develop a plan of action.
The purchase price and down payment aren’t quite the only expenses involved with purchasing a home. Other expenses such as homeowners’ association fees, and home maintenance costs need to be factored in to your monthly budget, to avoid surprises down the road.
Make sure you make an informed decision, and consult with several real estate agents, to find one that is a fit for you and your needs. Also, finding an agent that is familiar with the areas you are looking for is beneficial. In addition, an informed agent can let you know if your budget is realistic or not, based on the features you request when looking for a home.
4.
Inform your real estate agent of the requirements you have in the house you are looking for. That way the agent can set up a search that includes your criteria, making it easier for you to narrow down the homes, and then your agent can set up showings to go see them in person.
5.
After you’ve selected your dream home, and are ready to
submit an offer, this is where your agent steps in. He/she will make a competitive offer packet, including your offer price, proof of funds, preapproval letter, and any terms and contingencies.
6.
The purpose of a home inspection is to provide an overall picture of the property’s condition, as well as any mechanical or structural issues it may have. Depending on the findings of this inspection, you will be equipped with the knowledge to either ask the seller for repairs, or even back out of the purchase.
7.
You have only a preapproval up to this point, although throughout this homebuying process, your lender has been working behind the scenes to move things along smoothly,
with your home closing date in mind. Keep in mind that under no circumstances are you to make any big purchases or do anything that would jeopardize getting that final loan approval.
8.
A final walkthrough is your chance to view the property one last time, before the home becomes yours. It is also a time to make sure any repairs that you negotiated with the seller have been completed.
9. Close on Your House
Once all contingencies and repairs are addressed, and you are satisfied, the loan has been finally approved, and “clear to close”, you are ready to meet at the closing table. Once all the paperwork has been signed, you receive the keys, and the home becomes yours. Congratulations!
Angela Pownall
7 Bedrooms
7 Baths
5694 Sq. Ft.
Price is 2,495,000
Built in 2005
The most spectacular Texas Hill Country home in the coveted Stone Oak neighborhood is now on the market.
This gorgeous estate presents elegant curb appeal, a fabulous setting, and sophisticated details. All three coalesce to create a stunning residence you and your loved ones will never want to leave. Located within the nationally acclaimed Ronald Reagan High School and North East Independent School District boundaries. Close to shopping, restaurants, entertainment, hospitals and more.
Legendary Realty 587697
As a loan officer, there are few things more satisfying than helping people with their mortgage loans. The process of buying a home can be both exciting and stressful, and it is a privilege to be able to play a role in helping someone achieve their dream of homeownership.
One of the main joys of being a loan officer is the opportunity to build relationships with clients. From the initial consultation to the closing of the loan, there are many opportunities to connect with clients and provide guidance and support throughout the process. This often involves getting to know clients on a personal level, learning about their goals and aspirations, and helping them navigate any
challenges that may arise.
Another aspect of the joy of helping people with mortgage loans is the sense of accomplishment that comes from successfully completing a transaction. The mortgage process can be complex, and there are many moving parts that need to come together for the loan to be approved and funded. As a loan officer, it is immensely satisfying to see all of the hard work and effort pay off when the client finally gets the keys to their new home.
Moreover, being a loan officer allows you to make a positive impact on people's lives. For many people, owning
Liz Garza Home Editor
a home is a major milestone and a symbol of financial stability and security. By helping clients secure the financing they need to purchase a home, loan officers are helping to create a sense of stability and security that can have a ripple effect on their lives and the lives of their families for years to come.
Lastly, the joy of helping people with mortgage loans is not just limited to the clients themselves. It also extends to the broader community. Homeownership has a range of benefits, including increased social cohesion, improved health outcomes, and stronger local economies. By facili-
tating homeownership, loan officers are contributing to the well-being of the communities they serve.
Being a loan officer is a challenging and rewarding profession, and the joy of helping people with mortgage loans is one of the greatest rewards of all. From building relationships with clients to making a positive impact on their lives and the broader community, there are many reasons to find fulfillment in this line of work. As a loan officer, you have the opportunity to help people achieve their dreams, and that is a privilege that should not be taken for granted.
Tiffany Alvarez Real Estate Editor
The San Antonio luxury real estate market is currently experiencing a surge in demand due to an influx of people moving from other states. This increased demand has resulted in rising sales and property values for premium properties in desirable neighborhoods.
If you are looking to buy or sell a luxury home in San Antonio, it is important to work with an experienced real estate professional who has in-depth knowledge of the local market. As your agent, I can provide you with up-todate information on current market conditions, connect you with qualified buyers or sellers, and negotiate on your
behalf to ensure that you receive the best possible outcome.
Whether you are looking to purchase your dream luxury home or sell your current property, please don't hesitate to contact me for help. I am committed to helping you achieve your real estate goals in San Antonio's hot luxury housing market.
Tiffany Carew-Alvarez Realtor New Home Specialists
noun a person's regular occupation, profession, or trade the practice of making one's living by engaging in commerce
President/CEO
t: (210)-530-1292
e: Brooklynn@TexasFinancialAdvisory.com
w: TexasFinancialAdvisory.com
20650 Stone Oak Parkway, Ste 100 San Antonio, TX 78258
Navigating joint finances can be a tricky task, but it's an important one for any couple. Whether married or in a long-term relationship, managing your finances together can help you achieve financial goals and develop a solid foundation for your future. Here's how to successfully navigate joint finances:
Start With An Open And Honest Conversation
The first step in managing joint finances is to have an open and honest conversation about your financial situation with your partner. Discuss your income, expenses, debts, and financial goals. Be honest about any economic challenges or concerns you may have. This will help you create a budget and financial plan that works for both of you.
A joint budget is crucial for managing joint finances. Create a budget considering your income, expenses, and financial goals. Be sure to include all of your monthly expenses, such as rent/mortgage payments, bills, groceries, and entertainment expenses. This will help you track your spending, avoid overspending, and save money for your
financial goals.
When it comes to joint finances, it's essential to decide whether you want to have joint accounts, individual accounts, or a combination of both. Joint accounts can be a good option for paying shared expenses, while individual accounts can give each partner more financial confidence. Discuss this with your partner and decide what works best for your situation.
Setting financial goals together can help you achieve a shared vision for your future. Whether you want to save for a down payment on a house, pay off debt, or start a retirement fund, having a clear goal is essential. Create a plan to achieve these goals and track your progress together.
Communication is vital when it comes to managing joint finances. Schedule regular check-ins to review your budget, discuss any financial challenges or concerns, and make necessary adjustments to your financial plan. This
will help you stay on track and avoid any surprises.
Transparency is essential when managing joint finances. Be sure to discuss any large purchases with your partner before making them. This will help you avoid any misunderstandings or conflicts down the road.
If you're struggling to manage your joint finances, don't be afraid to seek professional help. A financial advisor can guide budgeting, debt management, and savings strategies that can help you achieve your financial goals. Managing joint finances requires open communication, honesty, and a willingness to work together toward a shared vision for your future. Creating a joint budget, setting financial goals, and communicating regularly can build a strong foundation for your financial future. Feel free to seek professional help if needed, and remember to be transparent about your spending. With these tips, you can navigate joint finances successfully and build a strong financial future together.
Investment advisory services offered through Queen B Advisors, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor, which does business as Texas Financial Advisory. Insurance products, tax preparation services, and estate planning services are offered through Texas Insurance Advisory, LLC, Texas Tax Advisory, LLC and Texas Estate Advisory, LLC, respectively, all of which also do business as Texas Financial Advisory. Insurance products, tax preparation, and estate planning are offered separate from investment advisory services. Queen B Advisors does not offer tax or legal advice.
by advancing the causes of those less fortunate.
by Howie NestelTransitioning from one path in life to another can be daunting and challenging. However, it can also be rewarding and fulfilling. This has been the case over the past few years as I have moved away from commanding multiple businesses and journeyed toward a calling to serve nonprofits. Business is what I get paid to do, but philanthropy is what I was made to do.
As the owner of Sharkmatic Advertising, I have spent decades helping businesses grow and expand their reach through marketing and branding. Although I find this work to be rewarding in its own right, in the early years of my career, I felt as though something was missing. So, I began to use my entrepreneurial skills and marketing expertise to make a difference in a more meaningful way
It wasn't until I began volunteering with various nonprofit organizations helping children dealing with cancer, battered women, the homeless, and people with disabilities that I realized my true passion. Working with these organizations allowed me to leverage my network and use my marketing skills to help people and make a profound and positive impact in the community.
My gradual transformation from businessman doing occasional community service to philanthropist who happens to own an ad agency is a process that still continues to this day. I sold 3 of my companies, began by taking on more non-profit projects, and am shifting my focus to even more community service projects.
Winston Churchill said it best; "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." Today, I couldn't be happier with my decision to follow the calling of service. Through my company, I am able to make a good living and use my marketing expertise to make a real difference in the world. That is a reward that can not be measured in dollars or cents.
Business Editor
Howie Nestel
When you hear Erin Albrecht, president and owner of J&R Tile, talk about her star employee/VP/Director of Installation and Training Triniti Vigil, the list of platitudes and certifications goes on and on. And for good reason! Here are just a few of the dozens of accolades Triniti has earned:
• The National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) named Triniti the NTCA Tile Setter Craftsperson of the Year in commercial market segments.
• He helped J&R Tile earn its NTCA 5 Star Contractor
Certification in 2007
• He developed and operates the Department of Labor
Approved Apprenticeship Program for Tile Installers (the only one in Texas)
• He manages all qualified labor, and aspects of quality control for Commercial and Residential installations with ANSI/TCNA Standards
• he oversees J&R’s Tile Installer Journeyman Certification with the Department of Labor
• he is a Ceramic Tile Education Foundation Regional
Evaluator for Texas and southwest U.S. for the Certified Tile Installer exam; also a CTEF instructor
• he is an Advanced Certified Installer for Large Format Tile, Substrate Preparation, Shower Receptors, Thin Porcelain Tile, Mud Floors and Mud Walls; Also certifications in Wedi; Schluter, Stonepeak Plane F.A.C.T.; Ardex Academy for Moisture Remediation, Waterproofing, Adhesives, Grouts; Dekton; and Esub Project Management
The list goes on: he is also a CTEF Regional Evaluator, not to mention a walking, talking TCNA handbook—all evidence why Triniti is the “go to guy” for everyone at J&R Tile, especially for the complicated, high-end commercial projects.
Perhaps the most impressive credential he holds is that he is certifiably a great guy who takes the time to mentor and teach anyone that asks. One person he has mentored since birth is his son Miguel, who now works with him at J&R as a Journeyman Tile Installer. Al-
brecht says Miguel is going to be a fabulous craftsman and leader, just like his dad.
Outside of J&R Tile, Triniti’s community service efforts are unique and far-reaching. Currently, he serves as a volunteer coordinator working with the non-profit Westside San Antonio Chamber of Commerce where he has developed improvements in the neighborhoods with a lower socioeconomic demographic. He also volunteers to speak to our local community at Lanier H.S.
& Construction Careers H.S. about a career in tile. “Through many changes at J&R Tile through the years, Triniti has made a difference at our business, exemplified the core values, and has positively impacted the people of our community, as well as having a presence in the tile community nationally. It is no surprise he was named NTCA Craftsperson of the Year looking at his skills, knowledge, willingness to help others and dedication to our community,” Albrecht brags.
noun complete trust or confidence in someone or something noun a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen noun an organization set up to provide help and raise money for those in need
Claritycon2023 Children's Mental Health Summit to occur July 20-21, 2023
CEUs and CNEs offered
Human trafficking. Adolescent Sexuality in Age of Technology. Juvenile Justice System. Ethics. Eating Disorders and Diet Culture. Autism and Aggression. Responding with CARE (Child Assistance, Remediation, and Evaluation). Refusal to Attending School. Domestic Violence. Trauma Informed Care. PTSD. Medication Management. Nutrition’s impact on mental health. Immigrant Youth.
Wow. A conference that addresses these and other topics that seem to be ripped from headlines couldn’t be more needed.
And that is exactly what Clarity Child Guidance Center is offering with Claritycon, its annual children's mental health summit that provides professional education and CEUs/CNEs to 250+ educators, therapists, nurses physi-
cians, social workers, childcare workers and community members from the region.
Claritycon2023 will occur July 20-21 at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa in San Antonio.
Admission is $300/pp and includes:
• 12 hours of professional development (CEUs and CNEs available) with presentations by 40+ renowned experts
o Continuing education certificates to nurses for the first time
• Breakfast and lunch keynote presentations
• 4 meals plus snacks, including breakfast and lunch keynote addresses
• Conference syllabus
• Exhibitors from agencies offering services/programs including community resources, therapy resources, school/ tutoring assistance
Free admission to Friday’s celebratory luncheon with keynote speaker David Ambroz, Head of External Affairs & Community Engagement at Amazon and Barack Obama’s “American Champion of Change.” David will share his personal story of resilience as he navigated a parent with mental illness, homelessness, and the foster care system. His recent book, A Place Called Home, is available for purchase as well.
• Exhibitors from agencies offering services/programs including community resources, therapy resources, school/ tutoring assistance
Online registration is open now; for additional information, please email events@claritycgc.org or call 210-6160300.
Founded in 1886, Clarity Child Guidance Center is the only nonprofit in South Texas providing a continuum of mental health services for children ages 3-17 and their families to manage mental health conditions ranging from depression and anxiety to suicidal ideation, bipolar disorder and/or schizophrenia. Clarity CGC offers a stand-
alone mental health hospital and specialized inpatient/ outpatient treatment for children, with the region's largest concentration of child and adolescent psychiatrists.
Clarity serves all children in need of care, regardless of their family’s ability to pay. Clarity CGC accepts most insurance, and accommodates families by billing them on a sliding scale based on their income.
Those wanting more information about Clarity Child Guidance Center can visit www.claritycgc.org or contact 210-616-0300 or info@claritycgc.org. Those wanting to donate can visit www.claritycgc.org/give-now/.
(lê¹gel)
adjective Of, relating to, or concerned with law: Authorized by or based on law: Established by law; In conformity with or permitted by law
Historic One Ten Broadway
110 Broadway
Suite 490
San Antonio, Texas 78205
Phone. 210-222-0910
Fax. 210-223-9708
Email. pperez@philipperezlaw.com
Web. www.philipperezlaw.com
When we are involved in an accident due to another party’s negligence, it’s no picnic. We are often dealing with several issues that we may not have considered. Am I hurt? How badly am I hurt? How will I get a replacement vehicle? Will the party at fault pay for this? What is all this worth? How quickly can this get resolved? It can disrupt your whole life. For many people, just dealing with the day to day stresses of life (without an accident disrupting it) are challenging enough. When an accident occurs, it can make a tough situation even worse. In the middle of all this we can forget an important part of our personal injury claim - lost wages.
If the other party is at fault, it may be possible to recover your lost income as part of the claim. This is true whether you used sick time, comp time, vacation time or you simply just missed work and didn’t get paid. The good part about this, if there is one, is that your missed wages can be fairly easy to prove. The other party’s insurance company or defense attorney is almost certainly going to request proof
of your missed income. This can include pay stubs or tax returns. For people that are self employed, it can be a little more challenging. In this situation I advise clients to provide a detailed breakdown of their missed work and what the value of it is.
On this note, make sure to keep a log of every hour of your missed work as the result of the accident. Missed work due to the accident itself, time dealing with the insurance company, hospital visits, follow up treatment, therapy, any potential surgeries and recovery periods, time dealing with the rental car people, any auto body shop, getting prescriptions. All this is potentially fair game as long as it can be backed up with verifiable proof that work was missed.
Sometimes people actually lose their job as the result of an accident. Make sure to keep track of this as well. The insurance company (and potentially a jury if there is a trial) is going to want to know exactly what you were making before
the accident, proof that it caused you to lose you job, how long it took you to get a new job, and if your new job was the same wage as the old one.
Also, depending on your situation. You may be able to make a claim for lost earning capacity. This can be more challenging to prove, so make sure to consult with an attorney about this possiblity.
Accidents due to the fault of another can be very unpleasant and life disrupting. Once you get everything under control, make sure to consider a lost wages claim, and collect enough proof needed to potentially recover this from the party at fault. As always, do your best to avoid an accident in the first place, but if this just isn’t possible, make sure to consult with an experienced attorney to help navigate you through this challenging time and attempt to recover everything you deserve.
Verb To go from one placeto another, as in om a trip: jpurney. To be transitional, move or pass.
As the weather warms up, it’s time to hit the water! San Antonio and the surrounding areas have so many options, so start your summer list now. Grab some friends and head to nearby waters to splash around. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking for an adrenaline rush or just looking for a way to cool off on a hot summer day, we’ve got you covered.
One of the most popular water parks near San Antonio is Schlitterbahn. This massive park features over 40 attractions, including water coasters, lazy rivers, and wave
pools. It also has a unique river system that allows visitors to float around the park in inner tubes. Schlitterbahn is perfect for families with children of all ages, and there are plenty of food and drink options available throughout the park so you can spend the whole day.
If you’re looking for something more natural, grab your swimsuit, a float, or a kayak. There are plenty of natural water areas where you can cool off, and even take a picnic. Some are more crowded than others, and the popular ones fill up fast, so get there early. A few great places
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include the Blanco State Park, the Comal River in nearby New Braunfels, and Guadalupe River State Park, about an hour outside of San Antonio.
For those looking for a more laid-back experience, the JW Marriott Hill Country has a beautiful waterpark and without the theme-park crowds. Relax and float in the lazy river or lounge in one of the park’s many pool areas, and enjoy the waterslide. We love the beautiful grounds, the amazing amenities, and the nine acres of pools and slides, especially to cool off in the Texas heat. You can even buy
a Resort Pass for the day and gain access to the luxurious resort pools and even spas at hotels like the JW Marriott, Hyatt Regency, or La Cantera.
There’s a water park for everyone. From the heart-pumping slides at Schlitterbahn to the relaxing atmosphere at the Marriott Hill Country, there is no shortage of fun to be had at these parks and pools. So grab your sunscreen and get ready for a day of splashing around in the Texas sun!
Verb To guide, control, propel, or direct or press onward forcibly, Carried along, or be transported.
Vault Auto Services
www.vaultautoservices.com
210-438-2501 ( direct )
This matching-numbers 1967 Buick GS 400 convertible is 1 of 2,140 GS 400 convertibles produced and was the recipient of a full body-off restoration and mechanical rebuild. Power comes from a 400ci V8 paired with a 3-speed automatic transmission, and features include a “Star Wars air cleaner”.
The rust-free, original body was professionally repainted Burgundy Metallic, the bumpers were re-chromed, and a
new light burgundy canvas convertible top with window was installed. The weather stripping, door sills, windshield, and window seals were also replaced.
Factory 14” Rallye wheels are wrapped in BFGoodrich Radial T/A raised-white-letter tires. Braking is handled by power-assisted front discs, and the car has factory power steering.
The interior is trimmed in new black vinyl with matching black dash, door panels, and carpet protected by embroidered floor mats up front. A center console with chrome trim splits the center of the cabin, and the spare tire and jack equipment are housed in the matte black trunk.
Instrumentation is framed by a 3-spoke steering wheel and consists of a 120-mph speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and an analog clock.
The matching-numbers 400ci V8 was rebuilt by the team
at VAULT and was factory-rated at 340-hp and 440 lb-ft of torque when new.
This car calls “The VAULT” its home. VAULT is San Antonio’s premier climate and humidity controlled classic and exotic motorcar storage. VAULT was born out of a private automobile collection needing a more suitable home. As this facility was being planned, it became apparent that there was a need for high-end, climate-and humidity controlled car storage across south Texas, where many
luxury and performance vehicles were not being stored or maintained in conditions befitting their provenance.
VAULT soon blossomed in to a state-of-the-art facility offering a full staff and line of concierge services. VAULT offers an extensive list of concierge services including maintenance, professional detailing, XPEL paint protection, restoration, aftermarket accessories, and award winning concourse preparation.
Our mission is to supply professional staffing to our clients with qualified personnel to support the diverse workforce. Our unique knowledge to successfully recruit and retain temporary, temp-to-hire and direct hire personnel attract a wide spectrum of professionals. Providing career opportunities to the highest caliber of all specialties throughout the United States.
