Saw janfeb2018 issuu

Erika Prosper Nirenberg COMMUNITY LEADER, PROFESSIONAL, FIRST LADY OF SA

SPECIAL SECTIONS American Heart Association Private School Open Houses 2018 Beauty Book SAWOMAN.COM

US $3.95

Meet Today’s Grandma FROM ROCK N’ ROLL TO SKATEBOARDS WOMEN IN BUSINESS:

BANKING

table of contents

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018

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51

10

Contributors

12

Trending

14

What’s New

24

At Home

40

Fashion

49

SA Woman Connect

61

Business Woman Spotlight

62

Women on the Move

64

SA 2020

68

Hill Country Woman

70

Active Living

74

Health

76

Sustainable Gardening

80

Mommy Matters

100

Artbeat

102

Entertainment Calendar

104

Coffee to Cocktails

108

Dining

110

Guys to Know

113

Weddings

SPECIAL SECTIONS

66 16 PROFILE Erika Prosper Nirenberg is First Lady of San Antonio, a community servant, professional woman and so much more.

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20 GAME CHANGERS Meet six women who are changing the game and breaking old stereotypes about “Grandma".

51 WOMEN IN BUSINESS Learn the keys to success for five banking professionals and how they positively impact our community.

31

Beauty Book

43

Private Schools Open House

83

GoRed for Women in 2018

66 ROLE MODEL Erin Clementson is a San Antonio native, leader in her family business, and active wife and mother. Meet this vibrant, involved businesswoman.

from the editor

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018

Pamela Lutrell, Editor San Antonio Woman

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PUBLISHER J. Michael Gaffney EDITOR Pamela Lutrell COPY EDITOR Kathryn Cocke FASHION & BEAUTY EDITOR Aquila Mendez-Valdez ARTS EDITOR Jasmina Wellinghoff CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Scott Austin, Robyn Barnes, Molly Cox, Iris Gonzalez, Pamela Lutrell, Pamela Miller, Jennifer O’Neill, Dawn Robinette PHOTOGRAPHY Janet Rogers, Al Rendon, David Teran

dear readers, 2018 has begun with so much excitement for San Antonio. Among many positive headlines, we enter into our Tricentennial year, and National Geographic named our city as a must-visit place this year. It is time for all of us to be thankful for our community and make resolutions to learn more about the history and the people.

As always, we will introduce you to local women you need to know, such as Erika Prosper Nirenberg. Yes, she stands alongside our mayor, Ron, as first lady of the city, but is also the powerhouse leader of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the director of customer insights for H-E-B. Her smile is captivating and her intelligence inspiring.

In Game Changers, we introduce six women changing old stereotypes about today’s grandmothers. These women are involved in family, community, professions, and good health practices. And none of them answers to the name “grandma.”

These are just a few of many profile stories found in this issue amidst our support for the American Heart Association Go Red Campaign and a new feature called The 2018 Beauty Book, with ways to look and feel your confident best.

We hope you are ready for a fun year around here. So….

Keep Smiling, Pamela

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GRAPHIC DESIGN Tamara Hooks, Maria Jenicek ONLINE MEDIA Raleigh Hart, Social Media BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING Susan Deitiker, Cindy Jennings ADMINISTRATION & CUSTOMER SERVICE Nancy A. Gaffney, Raleigh Hart PRINTING Shweiki Media, San Antonio, Texas EDITOR EMERITUS Beverly Purcell-Guerra FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION call (210) 826-5375 email: info@sawoman.com

PUBLISHED BY

8603 Botts Lane, San Antonio, TX 78217 210-826-5375 www.pixelworkscorporation.com

San Antonio Woman is published bimonthly by PixelWorks Corporation (Publisher). Reproduction in any manner in whole or part is prohibited without the express written consent of the Publisher. Material contained herein does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher or its staff. San Antonio Woman reserves the right to edit all materials for clarity and space and assumes no responsibility for accuracy, errors or omissions. San Antonio Woman does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertisements or editorial, nor does the Publisher assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. Articles and photographs are welcome and may be submitted to our offices to be used subject to the discretion and review of the Publisher. All real estate advertising is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Printed in the U.S.A.

contributors

Jennifer O’Neill As a stay-at-home mom, Jennifer O’Neill tries to juggle the tricky terrain of parenthood with occasional, freelance writing projects. Prior to taking a pause in her career and while living away from her beloved Texas, she worked in grant and technical writing just outside of Tucson and Chicago. She is a born introvert, but loves how easily writing allows her to share about herself or the people and places of her hometown San Antonio and the surrounding Hill Country area where she resides.

david teran David Teran is a free-lance photographer that loves making beautifully unique portraits of people. He enjoys eating tacos, mountain biking, and playing chess.

Since picking up his first camera 10 years ago, he has been blessed to collaborate with numerous Latin Grammy Christian artists. When he is not writing about himself in the third person, David can usually be found in a state-of-the-art darkroom printing negatives made with his 40-year-old Hasselblad camera.

David has been fortunate to spend significant time on personal projects, to travel, and to work with an awesome team of people.

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trending

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018

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SAWOMAN.COM

stay connected

Check out the stories and the extraordinary women making it all happen in the current issue of

/SanAntonioWoman We reach nearly 30,000 people and engage nearly 3,000 on our posts each week. And we are currently liked by almost 12,000 people.

SAN ANTONIO WOMAN. And if you miss an issue, our website features profiles published throughout our 15-year history —

on the cover

that's more than 90 issues!

As San Antonio’s first lady, Erika Prosper Nirenberg is inspiring others through her community service, work in HEB Management, as President of the SA Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and as a wife and mother.

catch us on the web and through our social media for these and other trending stories

@SanAntonioWoman Over 10,200 people follow us. Do you?

@SanAntonioWoman We just reached close to 10,500 followers.

Photography by David Teran

SAWomanConnect.com is a resource for connecting professional women from all over San Antonio. For more information, please call 210-826-5375.

no diets

coffee shops

wow

That’s right... diets are out and eating clean is in. Farm fresh foods are trending for those changing to a clean palette.

Throw out the processed foods and come on board.

San Antonio is exploding with fun local coffee shops literally around every corner.

Support the local shops and Tweet us your favorites.

Women of all ages have become Women on Weights.

Strength training is the way to stay healthy and strong.

Check it out at your local gym.

SAN ANTONIO WOMAN wants to inspire you. Sharing events and stories of local women via social media.

cedar fever

booties

artisan jewelry

Predicted to be the worst season ever, cedar fever is a time to crawl into bed with hot chocolate and a cookie... and of course, follow your doctor’s directions.

With a warm fall and winter, San Antonio ladies are sporting more and more booties over tall boots.

Instagram your favorite pair.

In 2018 we will see more and more artisan designers and jewelry makers.

Let us know where you find your favorites.

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did you know?

We distribute 30,000 copies of SAN ANTONIO WOMAN to nearly 500 locations throughout San Antonio and surrounding areas and to subscribers in 244 cities throughout the U.S.

whats new

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018

THE EMERGENCY CLINIC

The Emergency Clinic and the Quick Clinic at the Pearl is now open for business.

The new location is at 2015 Broadway St. The Emergency Clinic is a 24- hour fullservice emergency room staffed with experienced emergency physicians and supporting staff and offers a full complement of testing and treatment modalities necessary to treat all major and minor needs of the community.

The Quick Clinic, located right next door will be open Monday-Friday from 10am - 6pm. The Quick Clinic offers medical assessment and treatment for minor medical issues, including prescription refills, minor illnesses, flu vaccines, sports physicals and quick medical ailments.

For all questions call 210 961-4118 or visit our website at theemergencyclinic.com.

ST MARY’S HALL

As with every exceptional school, the core foundation of Saint Mary’s Hall (SMH) is its teachers. No school exceeds the quality of its faculty and SMH recognizes the essential role that teachers play in the school’s community and in the lives of students. Each year, SMH honors four deserving faculty members for their outstanding contributions to the school.

Based on nominations submitted by faculty, staff, students, parents, and school administration, the Master Teacher Award annually honors one faculty member from each of the three divisions (Lower, Middle, and Upper School) and one “at-large” faculty member. Since 2002, teachers who have distinguished themselves through exemplary service to the Saint Mary’s Hall community and through extraordinary instruction have been awarded $10,000 each along with the title of Master Teacher.

The distinction of Master Teacher shows a faculty member’s true passion for the students, community, and mission of Saint Mary’s Hall.

At the annual Founders’ Day event in November, SMH surprised the following extraordinary educators with the Master Teacher Award in appreciation of their contributions to the school: • Upper School Spanish Teacher Elsa Tonone De Sala • Middle School Latin Teacher Raoul Nicoll • Lower School Music Teacher Liz Troutwine • Middle School Science Teacher and Marrs & Verna McLean Master Chair in Science Mary Poarch These teachers were selected by the community because of the positive and indelible impact they have had on students and the school, overall.

The mission of Saint Mary’s Hall is to prepare students for success in college and fulfillment in life; SMH’s teachers serve as an integral part of accomplishing this very mission. To learn more, visit www.smhall.org.

FRANKLIN PARK ALAMO HEIGHTS GRAND OPENING

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Aubra and Susan Franklin have opened a new location of Franklin Park in Alamo Heights at 230 Sunset Road. The residences officially opened with an elaborate grand opening gala on November 16 which drew a crowd of over 200 attendees. From classical guitar in the valet waiting area… to ice sculptures…to sparkling champagne and finally to the Franklin Family Red Velvet Cake Recipe included in the catering, every detail was exquisite. The Franklins were joined by over 200 attendees which included Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff, Keven Wolff, Chief Justice Sandee Bryan Marion, Tom Stephenson, Xitlalt Herrera- Salazar, and Rosemary Kowalski, who all came to celebrate the beautiful new senior living facility now open.

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profile

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ERIKA PROSPER NIRENBERG

Erika is honored to be serving as first lady of San Antonio alongside her husband, Mayor Ron Nirenberg. But both believe their primary roles are as parents to their son, Jonah.

A Leader in Her Own Right

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By Jasmina Wellinghoff

Photography by David Teran

s the 2018 chairwoman of the San Anof life situations. The curriculum will focus on others. Logistics, sustainability and timelines tonio Hispanic Chamber of Comskills such as problem solving, learning are discussed in a friendly atmosphere. Prosper merce (SAHCC), Erika Prosper through failure, courage to step out of one’s emphasizes that her initiative will be the first Nirenberg is focusing on a vision that’s very comfort zone, adaptability, resourcefulness, such entrepreneurial program that “teaches close to her heart: “to ensure that every child curiosity and empathy. parents to teach their children,” and that everyfeels they have a future here in San Antonio.”

For Prosper, this is indeed a crucial step one would have access to the curriculum free Those are the words she uses to open a toward lifting people out of poverty and of charge. Master teachers will be recruited meeting at Port San Antonio, where she has hopelessness. from community organizations to train parassembled a group of ents. “This will be the potential partners and SAHCC’s gift to San Anto“So many families and children think that the future is hopeless. donors who may help nio,” she concludes.

There are many parents who don’t see how their children turn her vision into reThough she is passionate ality. In concrete about developing future leadcan be more than what they are. This curriculum can be the terms, the idea transers, the Hispanic Chamber’s building block to something more. If we introduce these lates into developing a Chairmanship isn’t Prosper concepts early, we can make a real difference.” curriculum that parNirenberg’s only public platents can use to teach form these days. Since her their K-5 kids basic entrepreneurial skills.

Present at the meeting are executives from husband, Ron Nirenberg, was elected mayor, That doesn’t mean necessarily teaching them Wells Fargo, Nationwide Insurance, Santikos she has been thrust into the role of San Antohow to start businesses. Both Prosper and Entertainment, and the Admiral Capital nio’s first lady, something she is still getting VentureLab founder Cristal Glangchai — Group, the last one represented by none other used to. “I am indebted to the citizens of San whose organization will be in charge of develthan the former Spurs star David Robinson.

Antonio for putting us in this position. It’s an oping the new curriculum — explain that an Also present are Ramiro Cavazos, the SAHCC honor to be part of something larger than yourentrepreneurial mindset is useful in all sorts president; Annette Ibanez of H-E-B, and a few self. To be given that opportunity is no light january/february 2018 | 17

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As first lady, she will continue to advocate for literacy and, in fact, was asked by her husband to help with the Mayor’s Book Club program. Her first move was to decentralize it, so that each council member — not just the mayor — can choose a theme and each branch library can participate in selecting reading material related to the chosen themes. “Literacy has always been important to me,” she says. “As a child, I was the first in my family to read and write in English, and I helped my parents pay bills, write letters if necessary to get services, etc. I read to Jonah (her son) since he was in the womb. Literacy is the most powerful thing you can give a child or an adult.“

profile

Hard Work is Nothing New To Her

tended to teach Hispanic women how to run for political office or engage with community boards and commissions. Not all employers are that generous. As a result, contemporary professional women put a lot of pressure on them-

Born in the Rio Grande Valley, as a young girl, our first lady spent summers and many weekends working in the fields with her migrant worker parents, digging onions out of the ground. At night, her mom had a second job working as a cook at a drive-in, and the family, including young Erika, usually helped with the cleanup at the end of her shift. It was hard work by any standard. “I can’t imagine my poor son doing something like that, but I did it from age 5 on,” she says matter-of-factly.

“It was normal. Just part of life.” Since her parents often traveled to where the agricultural jobs were at the moment, Prosper Nirenberg was raised by her beloved grandmother, Abundia, now 95, who instilled in the young girl a love for her culture.

Life changed at 15 when a school counselor approached her stepfather to request that Prosper Nirenberg, who was a good student, be allowed to finish the school year before heading for the fields. Soon after, she was able to get different summer jobs and a different home life, too. Following a moment of hesitation, Prosper Nirenberg confides that at 17 she was placed in foster care with a loving couple, Jonah and Pat Gray, who eventually adopted her when she was 23. She refers to the

selves trying to be perfect at everything, notes Prosper Nirenberg, but they need to learn to start changing the culture. “It’s our job to make it happen from inside out. I am a big believer in leadership from the ground up,” she observes emphatically. “Change happens from the ground up.”

Grays as her “parents,” recalling how their home was a safe place to return to during her college years and crediting them for teaching her the importance of generosity and community service. Ties with her biological mother are strong again today, but at the time “she made some bad choices that affected my

As the Director of Customer Insights for H-E-B, Erika Prosper Nirenberg “brings the customer’s voice to the table.” matter,” says Prosper, who has been a working woman throughout her life. Growing up, she always knew that she would be a working mother, she explains, but ending up as a mayor’s wife never crossed her mind, she adds, laughing.

And she is still a working mother. As the Director of Customer Insights for H-E-B, Prosper Nirenberg leads a team of 12 associates who gather and analyze input from customers to help guide the company’s product and community involvement strategies. Her job is “to bring the customer’s voice to the table.” She praises H-E-B for valuing families and understanding that employees have responsibilities outside of work. The company also supported her while she worked on helping the Latina Leadership Institute at SAHCC, a program in18 | sawoman.com

“Literacy is the most powerful thing you can give a child or an adult.”

childhood,” says Prosper Nirenberg.

The Grays encouraged her to pursue higher education, and the determined young woman did so indeed, first at the University of Texas in Austin and later at the University of Pennsylvania’s Annenberg School of Communication in Philadelphia. While there, she was asked one day to help a prospective graduate student named Ron Nirenberg get acquainted with the school and campus. It was not love at first sight, at least not on her part. For one thing, she saw herself as an independent, career-focused person, and for another, his long curly hair was a turn-off. When the next semester started, Ron pursued her for several months before she agreed to go out with him. For her, he even cut his hair. “At that point, I have to say, he looked darn attractive,” she confesses with a youthful laugh.

It was her job with Lionel Sosa’s advertising agency that brought the couple to San Antonio in 2001. Subsequently, as driven as ever, Prosper Nirenberg became the director of strategic planning for Garcia 360 and later started her own research consulting firm, ColectivaMente Consulting, which also included Ron for a while. Though she never encouraged her husband to run for office, she always urged him “to do things that would make Jonah proud of his dad if someday he gets to read about them.” Still, it wasn’t hard to detect Nirenberg’s inclination to create community-wide connections as he did while running the Trinity University’s jazz station.

To mark the station’s 10th anniversary, he organized the Year of Jazz, a year-long series of concerts made possible through a collaboration of KRTU and a range of arts and community organizations. He had also served as the head of their neighborhood’s homeowners association. So, there was no surprise when he asked her about the possibility of running for office. That was fine with her as long as he understood that she intended to continue on her own career path. On the campaign trail, Prosper Nirenberg and Jonah were present whenever Ron wanted them there. “I am bilingual, so I helped when needed. But, my priority was normalcy for Jonah during this time,” she said.

At home, the couple do not discuss mayoral business much. If he asks for her opinion on an issue, she will offer it, but generally, they keep “a Chinese wall” between private and public life. “I am always there to support him, but I never give him advice proactively. I want to be the loving wife when he needs me,” she said.

The greater visibility has not pushed her to

change her style and image. Comfortable clothes and Mexican dresses are her favorites, but she has made one concession: no more sweats and flip-flops in public.

So what does this very busy lady look forward to in 2018?

The rolling out of her entrepreneurial curriculum program for sure, and collaborating with other women who will soon be leading several local chambers of commerce. But

then, there is her other initiative — a campaign to promote Latino leaders through all communication means SAHCC possesses. “I want our kids to learn to associate Hispanic people with the words ‘leader’/’leaders,’ not just with the words that have been used lately around them by others like criminals or trouble. Latinos are leaders and they are the future we need to let our community embrace and engage with those adjectives, instead,” she said.

“I want our kids to learn to associate Hispanic people with the words ‘leader/leaders’...

Latinos are leaders and they are the future. We need to let our community embrace and engage with those adjectives instead.”

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game changers

Exposing the Truth About

“Grandma”

By Pamela Lutrell (Gigi to three)

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Photography by David Teran

he Baby Boomer generation has broken many stereotypes about aging, but none is more evident than in the realm of grandparenting. Today’s grandparents feel younger, look younger, work longer, wear many hats and refuse to be called GRANDMA or GRANDPA.

Most have not toned down their lifestyles, but rather are engaged with life on all levels, from professional to community service. Some share active roles in raising grandchildren, and others make sure time is regularly scheduled to see and interact with their grandchildren, even if this happens over Skype or Facetime, which means they have learned and stayed current with technology.

We met with six dynamic grandmothers who are the epitome of today’s women. They love life and

love making an impact on the world through their own contributions and through their family members.

Let’s learn what makes them game changers when it comes to grandparenting.

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Tonya Penfield, Nonnie (Two grandkids)

To remain young at heart, Tonya Penfield, 59, does not take herself too seriously and attempts to “squeeze every bit of life out of each and every day.” However, she has a serious career in management at USAA, where she has worked for almost 28 years and currently manages the entry-level hires for IT. Penfield is also a co-founder and CEO of a nonprofit company (Living In Victorious Expectation), and through this she speaks and travels to various events. She has been a runner for 40 years and still runs two half-marathons a year, and she sees a physician who manages her health holistically. Add in water skiing, reading, weekend retreats with friends and fun with her husband of 32 years, and she is one busy grandmother. However, Penfield believes one of the best gifts she gives her granddaughters is her time. “It pleases me when they get real excited about seeing their Nonnie, and I give them 100 percent of my full attention when we’re together.

That’s the best gift I can give them — my time.”

Lainey Berkus, MeMe

(Nine...four in San Antonio, five in Israel) Lainey Berkus, 67, stays young at heart with a positive attitude and striving for joy in each moment of every day. Berkus is the co-founder of The CE Group: Communications and Events, and though she is officially retired, she still consults on community relationships and marketing for two sister restaurants. Through community involvement, freelance writing and volunteer work with the arts, Berkus works to keep her mind sharp and her body fit, which is the essence of staying healthy for her. Also, her life is all about her grandchildren. “I want them to remember I was always there to share their laughter and dry their tears,” she said.

She reads bedtime stories to the ones in Israel over Skype and visits as often as possible. She is writing a book that is a collection of letters written to all of them. She has taught the San Antonio boys to ride scooters, bikes and skateboards. The boys spend every Friday night with Berkus and her husband (Zedie) learning to cook, set a table, play board games and think smart. The boys also win special MeMe dates out for learning and having fun. She even has a theme for 2018 for their time together … teach ways to show responsibility. She said, “I don’t take their visits for granted.

I always thank my grandchildren and their parents for sharing their lives with us.” january/february 2018 | 21

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game changers

Suzie Barrows, Zu-Zu (One grandchild)

Sixty-five-year-old Suzie Barrows believes rock and roll music is the best way to remain young at heart. “Listen to it, move to it, dance to it, sing/shout along with it, share it, and whenever possible, go hear it performed live. Do this every day, and I promise you will never feel old,” she said. She goes to several local bands once or twice a month but keeps a bucket list of active rock bands she has not seen yet. Along with this, Barrows works out on an elliptical three to four times a week and is a vegetarian, striving to eat 1,000 calories a day. She loves to read to her grandchild and take walks. “I hope my grandchildren will remember me smiling, laughing, singing and dancing,” she said. Perhaps they will know her as a bass guitar player … she is currently learning to play.

Judith Schroeder, Nanny (Four grandchildren)

Judith Schroeder, 76, remains young at heart in a variety of ways.

“Put on your lipstick and get dressed every day. Make your bed because it is just better to come home to. Wear pretty clothes, bright scarves and fun jewelry. Laugh with friends, go to lunch and drink wine. Go dancing and listen to live music. Exercise in ways that make you happy, “she said. These are just a few of the ways she enjoys life. Schroeder can be found in her NIA classes and barefoot dance classes at least four times a week or dancing with her husband at JAZZ TX. She served as a docent at the McNay Art Museum for 26 years, but is now considered emeritus.

However, Schroeder loves to browse art galleries with art-minded friends. She wants her grandsons to remember she loves and cherishes each one as a unique individual and will support them no matter what. Watching their sports and cheering them on is one way she shows that support.

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Julie Goudge, Goo

(Three with another on the way) Julie Goudge, 59, believes the best way to be young at heart is not to think old. “Keep current with as much technology as possible without letting it run your life, and find things to do you have never done before,” she said. Goudge recently returned from her first trip to Europe with her husband. She has changed her eating habits over the last five years and now eats clean and creates her own recipes that are low in sugar, gluten-free and delicious.

In fact, cooking with grandchildren is one of her favorite activities, along with riding the Brackenridge Eagle, going to the zoo and being outdoors. She hopes they will remember how she prayed for them and shared Jesus with them. She is a busy entrepreneur with her business, A Perfect Pair, which she co-owns with the next featured grandmother, Sally Vick. “I love it,” Goudge said.

Sally Vick, MiMi

(Six plus two more on the way) Sally Vick, 63, is partner to Julie Goudge with business ownership of The Perfect Pair. However, she also is a bookkeeper for the family business. She loves what she does and considers that to be the key to being young at heart. “Just keep doing what you love,” she said. Vick also walks four miles a day and attends a workout class and has a love of snow skiing. But on her big front porch, she can often be found with a grandchild. She likes to play outside with them, go on long walks, have fun at the DoSeum, and attend Bible study fellowship with them. “I want them to know I loved each one dearly,” she said.

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at home

Art Deco Duplex Makeover Artistic Living in Historic Monticello Park

By Robyn Barnes

Photography by Al Rendon

onticello Park in the Deco District was one of San Antonio’s first subdivisions. Located near Woodlawn Lake along Fredericksburg Road, the neighborhood had architecture including an amazing variety of revival, English Tudor, colonial, craftsman and bungalow-style homes, separated by very narrow streets that were not designed for curbside parking.

Linda and Michael Attwood were looking for an affordable fixerupper when they found the duplex in Montello Park 28 years ago.

Linda was an art director, and Michael was a studio photographer; the couple had two small children. They were looking for a place where they could live and work.

“We knew this neighborhood would become something special,” Michael says. “Back then, there was no Deco District, no historic designation. Parts of this area were pretty run down. But we could see there

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was something unusual in this area, and we wanted to be a part of it.”

“When we saw this place, I thought, ‘Oh, not a duplex! That’s too much work!’” Michael recalls. “But because this place had two addresses, it worked out well for the business and our residence. It was easy to keep the two separate.”

“But it was a wreck,” Linda says. “Everything was original. Nothing had ever been remodeled. There was no central heat or air, and the rooms were chopped up in the strangest ways.”

“I knew I had to gut the place,” Michael says. “We knocked out walls and reconfigured rooms. We relocated the entry of the upstairs duplex and opened the interior staircase to the downstairs. There’s lots of sweat equity in this house.”

“We lived in scaffolds and rubble for years,” Linda says. “Our kids thought that was normal!”

MIRROR IMAGE

The duplex is 2,900 square feet; the upstairs and downstairs are mirror images of each other. A small carriage house holds Linda’s classic 1960 Karmann Ghia; the garage apartment serves as a guest house.

Several years after the Attwoods completed the duplex renovation, they built a large two-story photography studio next to the carriage house.

The red oak floors in the main house are original. Where necessary, the Attwoods sourced replacement parts from Discovery Architectural Antiques in Gonzales, Texas. “We sourced replacement doors and glass doorknobs there, too,” Michael says. “We believe in recycling and repurposing, so we were glad to find that place.”

The Attwoods are always amazed at the quality of construction in their home. “This place was built in 1928,” Michael says. “We expected cheap construction, but it is more solidly built than new homes. You

can’t find the quality of wood that’s in our framing and the thickness of our walls in new construction. The interior walls look like plaster, but they are actually hand-troweled Portland cement.”

JAPANESE, SCANDINAVIAN INFLUENCE

Linda drew her interior design from Japanese and Scandinavian influences. “I like clean lines and simple furniture,” she says. “We love nature, the beach, art and music, and we’ve used those elements in our home.“ The downstairs living room features a comfy couch and chair positioned to watch football games on the big-screen television mounted on the opposite wall. Several of Michael’s photographs hang over the couch. A drum serves as a coffee table and as a source of percussion provided by grandchildren. These music enthusiasts also play the baby grand piano beneath the staircase. january/february 2018 | 25

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at home

We knew this neighborhood would become something special. Back then, there was no Deco District, no historic designation.

Parts of this area were pretty run down. But we could see there was something unusual in this area, and we wanted to be a part of it.

The gas fireplace near the front door is unusual because the tile surround is made of rare Muresque tiles, manufactured for a brief period in the 1920s and 1930s in Oakland, Calif. These tiles were very often sculpted with landscapes and were applied with a special glaze.

The Attwoods are fortunate in that both their fireplaces are made with Muresque tiles.

When Michael removed the front door to the upstairs apartment, he also removed several feet of the adjacent wall. He built two glass block walls in the space, a nod to the Art Deco neighborhood style.

“We love the clean look of the blocks and the way the light filters through them,” Linda says. “When the sun hits the blocks just right, there are prisms of color dancing across our living room walls.”

A long dining table separates the living area from the kitchen.

“This belonged to my mother,” Linda says. Dinner parties and family gatherings are held here, rather than in the upstairs quarters.

“Michael did a lot of food photography before he retired,” Linda says. “He used this kitchen for the food stylists to prepare what he photographed in his studio. This needed to be a functional space.”

Functional didn’t mean fancy. In the remodel, the Attwoods left the original cabinetry intact, installing a butcher block island to create 26 | sawoman.com

more space for food prep. The sink is original, as well. The mud room became a pantry, where the washer, dryer and refrigerator reside. The fridge received a coat of chalkboard paint and is a favorite chalk canvas for the grandkids.

A bi-fold screen at the right end of the dining table was made from the swinging café doors that used to open into the kitchen. The screen separates the living area from the bathroom, the art room and the guest room.

The art room contains Linda’s first drawing table, an antique that saw many years of use. The original Central Market sign is there, too, since it was one of Linda’s accounts. Her hand-tinted photographs are displayed, as well as her vintage surfboard. “I do not surf, but I like the idea of it,” she says.

There’s an antique Pachinko machine from her childhood leaning against the wall and a stained glass state of Texas hangs above it.

Michael’s brother made it.

The guest room is the grandkids’ playroom when they visit. One wall is lined with bookshelves containing all kinds of books, toys and games. A futon doubles as a guest bed and a place to sit and play.

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at home SECOND-STORY RETREAT

“Upstairs is really where we live,” Linda says, leading the way up the red oak staircase and through a door that opens into a small dining area. To the right is a large master suite, which was the living room in the former duplex. The wood-burning fireplace at the far end of the room is beside the door that opens onto a balcony.

“We love our balcony,” she says. “We sit out here and watch the neighbors go by. We have a great view of the city’s Fourth of July fireworks, as well as those over Woodlawn Lake.”

We’ve learned so much in this house about remodeling old homes, repurposing materials and about each other. It’s been a wonderful neighborhood to grow up in and a great house for us.

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The master suite has a tray ceiling, achieved by opening up the attic. “All the rooms up here have unusual ceiling treatments because we tore out the attic to raise the ceilings,” Michael says.

The upstairs kitchen is identical to the one downstairs, except the cabinetry is painted red. “Red is a color I love,” Linda says. “It’s full of light and energy.” The kitchen door opens onto a deck where the couple often share morning coffee. The deck overlooks the tropical garden they’ve planted between the downstairs kitchen and the studio.

Michael’s media room was once a bedroom for one of his children. Now it holds a black leather couch opposite the bigscreen TV. His old 8-by-10-view camera is positioned in the corner, as though ready to photograph the room. A musician himself, he leaned his red lacquer guitar up against a console, ready to be strummed when the whim strikes.

The other bedroom is now an office and a dressing room.

An old Art Deco wardrobe and an antique dresser hold clothing, because as Linda says, “These old homes don’t have much storage space.” The computer station in the corner indicates that even though the couple are retired, they still work occasionally.

FRESH FROM THE GARDEN

Linda and Michael are avid gardeners. Michael built Linda a beautiful greenhouse as a retirement gift. Here she spends hours potting and tending her plants. Behind the greenhouse and the studio is their organic garden, where they grow all kinds of vegetables, from asparagus and peppers to snow peas and tomatoes, depending upon the season. “We’ve been at this so long that many of the vegetables now seed themselves,” Michael says.

“We eat what we grow,” Linda says. “I think it is important for our bodies to be fueled with organic food. Even though you can buy organic in the stores, the only way you really know what you are getting is to grow it yourself.”

Doing it yourself has been the couple’s theme in this house for nearly 30 years, and they wouldn’t have it any other way.

“We’ve learned so much in this house about remodeling old homes, repurposing materials and about each other,” Michael says. “It’s hard to believe we’ve lived here this long and that our grandkids are now running about the place.”

“It’s been a wonderful neighborhood to grow up in and a great house for us,” Linda says. “Every day we get up and feel glad to be here.”

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Our 2018 Beauty Book brings new trends and lessons learned for looking your fresh, beautiful best throughout the year.

Join our beauty editor, Aquila, and several San Antonio women for a little girl talk on a subject we just cannot read about enough.

Top 5

BeauTy Trends: JADE ROLLING FACE OILS BROW GELS & GROWTH SERUM DIP NAILS VOLUME HAIR POWDERS

BeauTy By THe

deCade

LOOK YOUR BEST IN YOUR 20S, 30S, 40S, AND BEYOND

LoCaL

resourCes PRODUCTS, SERVICES, AESTHETICIANS, PLASTIC SURGEONS AND MORE

It’s 2018. Time to up your game. january/february 2018 | 31

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beauty book

As

2018’s

Top Five Beauty Trends from Head to Toe

By Aquila Mendez-Valdez

we launch headfirst into a new year, resolutions are rampant, and beauty goals are sprinkled in there, too. We want to be thinner, we want to have better hair, we want to finally nip that adult acne in the bud. The season’s hottest beauty trends have you covered for every inch of your beautiful body – from skin care solutions to voluminous hair in a snap. So you can focus on the resolutions that really matter, like finally learning to play guitar or knit a sweater…

3. BROW GELS & GROWTH SERUMS

Oh, you thought the bold brow trend would have faded away by now? No chance, according to the beauty industry. Anastasia has our favorite formula for brow gels to keep every hair in place, because while bold brows are in, messy ones are not. Some brands have even developed growth serums to take you from thin to thick in no time. So stop plucking, and start with Shisheido’s lash and brow formula to kill two birds with one stone.

1. JADE ROLLING

If you follow any beauty bloggers on Instagram, you may have seen a small green T-shaped tool in their hands as they apply their daily beauty regimen.

These little hand- carved pieces of jade are meant to roll over the face and neck, reducing inflammation and helping your products truly penetrate deeply.

They are part placebo effect, part actual science, but regardless, they make for a relaxing addition to your daily routine. Find various options with cult-like followings on Amazon, or at your local homeopathic store, and get rolling!

Move over, gel manicures, dip nails are the next big thing.

Rather than using harsh chemicals and an LED light to cure, the dipping method offered at a growing number of salons around town simply requires a literal “dip” into the powdery color, setting with a simple seal and topcoat – that’s it! It’s simple, takes less time to apply, and won’t damage your nails or skin in the long run. It may be the perfect solution for the downsides of acrylic and gel options.

2. FACE OILS

5. VOLUME HAIR POWDERS

It may seem counterintuitive to slather oil all over your clog-prone face, but it turns out that heavy-duty options that slick on and absorb rapidly are the secret to true moisture. Different from a serum, face oils can multitask and provide that dewy look without causing a breakout.

High-quality options balance the skin’s natural oil-producing levels, leaving you refreshed and glowing. Our favorite? Sunday Riley’s Juno Hydroactive Cellular Face Oil.

4. DIP NAILS

While dry shampoo is often capable of miracles, it can sometimes build up in the hair and be difficult to apply. Enter hair powder: a lightweight, volume-inducing product that takes only a few puffs to produce Texas-sized volume in even the finest hair. Try Oribe’s cult favorite, Volumizing Swept Up Powder Spray, for instant results. Just a couple of shots to the roots, setting with a round brush and heat, and you’re all set to have your highest hair ever.

2018 promises to be fun and fabulous with cutting-edge beauty technology at your fingertips. It might just be the year you can be your best self, but only time will tell!

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Beauty

beauty book

By Aquila Mendez-Valdez

BY THE DECADE

As the number of candles on the cake grows, it’s inevitable that the challenges our skin faces will grow too. There’s plenty of “musts” for your beauty routine no matter your age, but with each passing decade there are certain strategies you can employ to feel your best at any stage in life.

30s

Now is the time to establish a solid routine of eating healthy, exercising and drinking plenty of water.

These habits will set the foundation for clear skin and a strong body, two components of a long and vibrant life! It’s also when preventive measures are most important, like sunscreen and moisturizer.

Choose a cleanser that exfoliates

PRODUCTS WE LOVE

to keep skin gleaming.

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evanhealy Rose Geranium Facial Tonic HydroSoul, 4 oz, $26.50 Available online.

Mario Badescu Oil Free Moisturizer SPF 30, 2 oz., $28.00 Available at Nordstrom.

Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream Rinse-Off Formula, 3.4 oz, $22.00 Exfoliating cream that de-flakes and refines skin, clearing the way for your moisturizer.

Available at fine retailers.

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Beauty

beauty book

40s

BY THE DECADE

Like it or not, this is when fine lines and wrinkles will start to appear for most women as if by magic. Dietary changes such as garlic supplements, green tea, olive oil and salmon can go a long way to helping your body age gracefully.

This is also the time your metabolism will begin to slow significantly, so curbing caffeine/sugar intake is a must. Continue with your regimen of moisturizer and

PRODUCTS WE LOVE

sunscreen to maintain a healthy glow.

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Pure Love Olive Oil Cleanser, 3.5 fl oz, $19.50 Available online.

Philosophy Renewed Hope in a Jar Eye, 0.5 oz, $51.00 Available at Nordstrom.

Michael Todd Sonic Eraser Pro, $119 Use the Sonic Eraser to apply your skincare products — better than by hand— to greatly improve anti-aging results.

Available online.

50s

Skin can begin to feel dry at this stage in life, unfortunately, due to the inevitable changes menopause brings.

Begin implementing retinols and peptides into your skin care routine, if you haven’t already. Retinoids (Vitamin A) and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) are backed by the most scientific research, so consult your dermatologist for a product line that’s right for you.

And don’t forget about the neck! It’s essential to care for this sensitive area in your 50s, as the skin will begin to thin and turn crepey if not moisturized properly.

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Beauty

beauty book

60s

BY THE DECADE

By the time you’ve hit your sixth decade, regular facials are non-negotiable. Bump up the hydration with a rich moisturizer that doesn’t need reapplying throughout the day.

Aging can also be noticeable by this time in the hands and feet, so investing in a cream for both is worth the extra step in your routine. With proper self-care in the prior decades, your 60’s can still be lowmaintenance, but don’t be afraid to step up to noninvasive or more intense cosmetic

PRODUCTS WE LOVE

procedures if you wish.

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StriVectin Advanced Tightening Neck Cream, 1.7 oz., $95.

Available at Macy’s.

Over time, the visible effects of gravity appear reversed for even more refined and toned definition of the neck line, profile, and décolleté.

No matter the decade, taking care of yourself is of the utmost importance.

That may look like a bevy of products on your nightstand, or it may be a hike in the Hill Country for some fresh air.

Either way, it will be fabulous!

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fashion

BARBARA KING: Local Designer for the Everyday Woman ByAquila Mendez-Valdez

When Barbara King began designing, it was her grandmother who provided the materials. Now she is providing stylish looks for women all over San Antonio, and we caught up with her to find out what’s next for her brand, Lanell Designs.

SAN ANTONIO WOMAN: Hi, Barbara. Thanks for chatting with us today. Tell us, did you always love fashion?

just as I dreamed. I call my talent and skill a gift from God. I believe that is what sets me apart from others.

SAW: Is there a particular woman you design your clothes for?

What is “she" like?

BK: What is on the horizon for my business is to have Lanell Designs known not only in San Antonio but all across the United States. The Original Vandellas from Motown endorsed my fashion line, and that means so much to me. I have had orders from a few ladies in Sigatoka, Fiji. Several women wore my Signature Sheer tops. That’s such a great feeling as a designer.

Barbara King: I always loved fashion as a child and always wanted to wear clothes and style my hair in a way that looked different from my peers. When I designed my first dress, I wore it to school and everyone loved it!

BK: I design clothes for confident, powerful women. Women who want to feel and look good in what they wear. They come from all walks of life and love to dress in fashionable clothing.

SAW: How does your work differ from other designers in San Antonio? What sets you apart?

BK: My work differs from other San Antonio designers because I make ready-to-wear and also custom clothing. I am a self-taught designer, and everything comes from my head sometimes without even thinking about a particular design. I can come up with a design in my sleep, remember it and wake up the next morning and construct the garment

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SAW: What is on the horizon for your business?

Any exciting developments to share?

SAW: What is your vision for your clothes?

How do you see them being worn in the future?

BK: My vision for my clothes is for Lanell Designs to become so big and well-known that every woman would want to wear them. I also see my clothes being worn and shown all over the world in the near future.

Thanks so much for chatting with us, Barbara, and for gracing San Antonio with your talent!

fabfinds

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PEÑALOZA & SONS

STACK RINGS – If one is good, then two or three can only be better.

Mix and match colors and styles to coordinate with the latest fashion trends. Available at Peñaloza & Sons.

2001 N.W. Military Hwy.

210.340.3536

Images provided by Lanell Designs

penalozaandsons.com

BLUEQUAIL CLOTHING CO.

Designed for kids and all occasions, BlueQuail Clothing Co. provides fresh designs and prides itself on quick dry and UV protective clothing that is preppy but practical. BlueQuail Clothing Co. is a Texas-based company promising to deliver functional clothing styles that can take your kids from outdoor play to the dinner table. We invite you to learn more about our brand by visiting our website or following us on Instagram and Facebook.

bluequailclothingco.com

TEXAS DOVE HUNTERS ASSOCIATION

Join Texas Dove Hunters Association today! With your 2018 Standard Membership Package you get: Richardson 112 Hat, Window/Bumper Decal, Monthly e-Newsletter The Wing Shooter®, TDHA GameGuard Hunting License Holder, 2 Issues of Texas Dove Hunter Magazine per year.

All for $35 per year.

900 NE Loop 410, Suite D213

210.764.1189

TexasDoveHunters.com

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fashion calendar

January 6 A David Bowie Tribute and Fashion Benefit Show – Here Comes The Night Limelight on St. Mary’s Strip 9pm January 11 – 13 Lafayette 148 NY Spring 2018 Trunk Show Julian Gold January 14 San Antonio Quinceañera Expo Freeman Coliseum Hall 12 – 5pm

January 14 Thickskin: “Evolution of Beauty Defined: From Sarah Baartman to Billions” featuring Gwen DeVoe The Quarry Golf Course 5 – 8pm

January 16 – 17 Zac Posen Spring 2018 Trunk Show Julian Gold

January 16 – 17 Jeffrey Levinson Spring 2018 Trunk Show Julian Gold January 18 – 20 Lourdes Chavez Spring 2018 Trunk Show & Personal Appearance Julian Gold January 18 – 21 Winter Beauty Event Nordstrom The Shops at La Cantera

January 25 – 26 Evening Caravan Gown Event Julian Gold

January 27 Foxhole to Fashion: The Pink Berets Troops to Suits Fashion Show Double Diamond Equestrian Center 7 – 10pm

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January 30 – February 1 Kevan Hall Personal Appearance Julian Gold

February 13 – 14 Tom and Linda Platt Spring 2018 Trunk Show Julian Gold

February 14 Andie & Barbara Fashion Show for the Petroleum Auxiliary The Petroleum Club February 15 – 16 Sympli Spring 2018 Trunk Show Julian Gold

February 22 Fashion & Art Exhibit Curated by Kirsten Thompson UTSA Main Gallery 6 – 8pm

February 22 Andie & Barbara Fashion Show The Petroleum Club

This is one of the best times of the year to visit our area private schools for an open house or a tour. There is an abundance of top notch schools available in our area, so we offer this section for your consideration when making that all important decision of what school your children will attend.

If you are unable to attend the open houses, there are no worries, just call the school and schedule a tour and class visitation time. It is never too early to plan for next year and this special section of our magazine can guide you and your family through.

Even if you are looking at elementary grades, plan to attend a high school basketball game, and consider your decision into the future. It can be a fun experience to make this decision together as a family. january/february 2018 | 43

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

sawomanconnect.com

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women in business

By Iris Gonzalez

If

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Photography by David Teran

you love math, are thrilled to balance your household budget, and enjoy working with people, you may be

well suited for a banking career. Banks are among the leading employers in the financial field, as banking

is a core function within the financial services industry. The banking sector has a wide range of jobs and positions available, with many possible career paths.

Some bank jobs require you to work face to face with customers on a daily basis, while others allow you to focus on the more regulatory or auditing functions of a bank. Regardless of the job function, the important work

bankers perform helps provide the essential financial services that shape the lives of individuals and businesses,

even revitalizing entire neighborhoods via customer accounts, home loans or small business lending.

The banking professionals profiled all share a dedication to a high level of service for retail customers and every

type of business. They are also keenly aware of the positive impact banks can have on local communities. These women share what drew them to banking as a career and advise those seeking to pursue a similar path.

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women in business

need more confidence — a lot of “ Women times we second-guess ourselves. Keep

learning and gain competencies in your career, get accreditations, leverage your colleagues, and stay focused on your strengths.

“

Karen Mawyer

Chief Sales and Service Executive, Broadway Bank Throughout a career in banking spanning 25 years, Karen Mawyer has seen banking evolve from using dial-up modems selling mortgages with Fannie Mae one by one in the secondary mortgage market to bundling mortgages for mortgage-backed securities. The San Antonio native moved to Broadway Bank earlier in 2017 from USAA, where she worked for 17 years selling mortgages and improving customer experiences.

Mawyer returned to San Antonio after graduating from Texas A&M with her accounting degree. Initially she was unsure which career path to pursue. After becoming a CPA, she started as an auditor at World Savings Bank and then worked at Frost Bank, where she continued in auditing and eventually moved into mortgage banking.

As chief sales and services executive, Mawyer focuses on integrating sales and services for both personal and business banking clients within Broadway Bank. Always skilled at math, Mawyer is also a “people person” and continues to acquire new skills as she works across the spectrum of private, wealth and commercial banking services in her new position at Broadway.

“We’re a one-stop shop — from banking services for your busi52 | sawomanconnect.com

ness to your personal banking needs,” Mawyer said. “Broadway supports different sizes of businesses, from emerging family businesses to established multimillion-dollar companies.”

At Broadway Bank, Mawyer also spends time mentoring and developing talent in its workforce. Her office’s white board showed insights and guideposts in key areas, reflecting her intentional approach to building upon Broadway Banks’s culture and long- standing tradition of customer service and community support.

“Diversity of thought is essential for success,” Mawyer said. “Grow your network, support others, and you will be more successful.”

Mawyer finds San Antonio to be a relationship-based city with a strong sense of community. She also finds that often what makes one bank stand out from others is the customer’s experience. That’s where Mawyer finds herself most passionate, seeking new approaches to providing the best possible customer service.

“Women need more confidence — a lot of times we second-guess ourselves,” Mawyer said. “Keep learning, gain competencies in your career, get accreditations, leverage your colleagues, stay focused on your strengths.”

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women in business

Susan Heidrich

Senior Vice President and Central Texas Area Manager, Business Banking Team, Amegy Bank Susan Heidrich’s first job was serving local business

owners and bankers after school at a soda fountain in her hometown of New Braunfels. Her natural people

and math skills led her to a career in banking after

graduating from Southwest Texas State University

(now Texas State).

Heidrich started in 1974 in the loan department for

First National Bank in New Braunfels, which later be-

came Texas Commerce Bank and eventually JPMorgan Chase. She became the bank’s manager and later a

credit analyst and relationship manager responsible for business loans. In 2013 she joined Amegy Bank, where

she is senior vice president.

“I enjoy calling on clients or prospects, hearing

about their businesses and seeing where Amegy can

help to make them even more successful,” Heidrich

said. “I admire the fact that we are real bankers at

Amegy who are able to offer real solutions based on

our experience and knowledge.”

Heidrich still uses her math prowess and people

skills at Amegy Bank, reviewing credit packages and

working closely with clients.

“When I worked in a local bank in New Braunfels,

I loved it,” Heidrich said. “It’s fulfilling to see someone start a business and obtain working capital to become

a success.”

Heidrich finds San Antonio to be the “smallest

large city you will ever find,” where much business

comes from referrals. Building relationships is important ,not only to customer services needed but to advise on services that would be helpful for future financial needs.

“When I started in the 1970s, there were not many

female bankers,” Heidrich said. “I’ve had great man-

agers who supported me along the way, so I would adrole models.”

Heidrich recommends searching for mentors in the

workplace, including joining professional organizations or looking within personal networks of contacts.

“It was very interesting to work at the time when

you did everything,” Heidrich remembers. “Don’t get

pigeonholed into a single area and think anything new is beyond your grasp, keep learning, and ask for help.”

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had great managers who supported “I’ve me along the way, so I would advise

“

vise those starting out to look for mentors and other

those starting out to look for mentors and other role models.

january/february 2018 | 55

women in business

Lavonne Garrison Senior Vice President, Corporate Banking, Frost Bank

For Lavonne Garrison, banking was a natural progres-

sion from her early love of math and excellence in handling

money. She also had a close-up view of banking from observ-

ing her grandfather, who was a banker in Houston. It came

as no surprise when the Corpus Christi native majored in finance as an undergraduate and in marketing for her graduate degree at Texas A&M University in her hometown.

“I was always curious about my grandfather’s job and

was fascinated about how banking helped people’s lives and

contributed to building the community,” Garrison said. “I completed my master’s degree in order to become a more valuable resource.”

Garrison started her career during the economic

downturn of 1987 and has been working with Frost Bank

since 1994. She moved from Corpus Christi to San Antonio in 2011 when her husband relocated for his job. As a

certified wealth strategist at Frost Bank, Garrison works

closely with business owners on their commercial lending and wealth management needs, becoming their trusted adviser over time.

“Business owners work so hard at their business, they

also need professional advice on how to manage their wealth

and pass it on to their families and communities,” Garrison said. “I work closely with families who start their busi-

nesses, and I get to hear their stories, their challenges and

opportunities. I still work closely with some clients in Corpus Christi.”

Now that Garrison calls San Antonio home, she admires

its sense of community and culture. She understood how

Frost Bank is committed to supporting San Antonio, especially after hearing chairman emeritus Tom Frost give his often-repeated quote about banking: “We are not in the

money business, we are in the people business and happen to use money as a way to serve the needs of the people.”

“What drew me to Frost Bank was hearing Tom Frost

speak at a banking conference,” Garrison said. “He inspired

me, and I knew I wanted a career with that kind of culture.”

Garrison’s advice to those starting in banking is to re-

member one’s career does not always travel in a straight

path. As the banking industry pivots and evolves over time, the banker, too, must grow and acquire new skills.

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willing to take on new “ Beopportunities and look for ways

“

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to enhance your personal and professional development.

Dahlia Garcia Vice President, Business Banking, Crockett Bank

Dahlia Garcia was born and raised in Cor-

pus Christi, moving to San Antonio in 1992 to

attend the University of the Incarnate Word, where she earned a degree in management.

Garcia has worked in the banking sector since

1981 and is familiar with every aspect of the in-

dustry, from retail to commercial banking.

Her focus for the past four years has been

on her role as the community reinvestment act, or CRA, officer for Crockett Bank, a real estate lender. She wears multiple hats as vice

president, working on commercial and residential real estate lending and overseeing Crockett Bank’s CRA grant program.

“Crockett Bank invests in low and moder-

ate income areas, working with investors inter-

ested in commercial properties to help

revitalize those communities,” Garcia said.

She helps low-income families who do not

qualify for home mortgages elsewhere. Families

may not have the funds for closing costs or

down payments, so Garcia, as the bank’s CRA

officer, will help these families qualify for an af“There is a big unmet need for affordable

housing for low-income families in San Antonio,” Garcia said. “Rents are high, as high as

$1,100, and we can help bring that down to a

mortgage payment that is half that through a

combination of resources.”

Garcia partners with Neighborhood Hous-

ing Services San Antonio, a nonprofit organization that helps first-time homebuyers. She also works closely with the City of San Antonio’s

Department of Community and Development

can change lives and “ You make a difference through

the power of home ownership.

“

fordable home.

Before banking, Garcia worked with her parents in a florist shop, a business they eventu-

Planning Homeownership Incentive Program

ally closed. “A friend in the neighborhood was a banker, and I thought she had a cool job,”

provides assistance to homebuyers to help with

the flower shop.”

(HIP). This program started four years ago and

their down payment and some of the additional costs associated with purchasing a home.

“They are so excited when they become

homeowners,” Garcia said. “You can change

lives and make a difference through the power

of home ownership.”

Garcia said. “She was the influence that drew me into banking, which I pursued after I sold Garcia advises those thinking of a banking career to pursue a college degree in finance, ac-

counting or management because that will provide added career flexibility. Getting her college degree at 35 years opened doors for her in banking as she progressed throughout her career.

She also stresses the importance of networking, especially given San Antonio’s profes-

sional community. “Everyone knows everyone here,” Garcia said. “Someone will introduce you, as everyone tends to be helpful, helping you grow and giving you referrals.”

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women in business

clients look to us for “Our good advice and to excecute flawlessly. That relationship is invaluable, as it goes beyond just making a loan.

“

Cari Robinson

Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking Division, Bank SNB For Dallas native Cari Robinson, her approach to banking started

by acquiring knowledge and experience across the commercial real

estate industry. After receiving her degree in business administration from the University of Texas at Arlington, she started her career

working for a real estate investor, before moving on to commercial

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real estate financing. She worked previously at Principal Financial

Group and Mutual of Omaha Bank, before moving to San Antonio over three years ago.

Robinson joined Bank SNB in February 2014 and is senior vice

president of commercial banking, specializing in commercial real

estate banking, providing structured debt for

clients specific for their needs. Most of Robinson’s clients include developers, property owners and investors primarily based in the San Antonio area.

“We help our clients achieve their goals,”

Robinson said. “One way we do that is by tailoring debt to help them meet their objectives.”

In banking for 14 years, Robinson was drawn

to the industry because of her keen interest in

the world of commercial real estate finance.

Mentors impacted Robinson’s career the most,

encouraging her to move to the next level within

her career in banking.

“I’ve worked on many sides of the commer-

cial real estate transaction, including the invest-

ment and brokerage sides, as well as finance and

banking,” Robinson said. “My experience helps

me be well rounded as a commercial real estate

banker, and understanding all the parts of the

transaction helps me structure my clients’ banking needs appropriately.”

Robinson sees San Antonio as a city of great

opportunity, with no limit to what one can

achieve here. She feels it is a great town for

women in banking and for those working in commercial real estate.

“I appreciate being seen as a partner to my

clients and helping them achieve their goals,” Robinson added. “Our clients look to us for

good advice and to execute flawlessly. That relationship is invaluable, as it goes beyond just making a loan.”

She advises those starting out in banking to

be true to one’s self and surround yourself with

people of similar values. Robinson also reminds

women to be confident in their knowledge, but never stop learning. She recommends joining professional networking and collaboration

groups, such as the North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, the Real Estate Council of San

Antonio and the Urban Land Institute. Building

relationships does take time, but it is time that is

well invested, according to Robinson.

“Relationships are real here, they are a driving

force in San Antonio,” Robinson observed. With

strong relationships you become an important part of the transaction, where you function

more as a trusted adviser and partner rather than just a banker.”

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business calendar

January 9 CREW SA Workplace Trends and the Impact on the Office Market San Antonio Country Club 11:30am – 1pm January 10 SA Women’s Chamber of Commerce New Member Mixer Liberty Bar & Grill 5:30 – 7pm

January 10 NAFE Monthly Meeting Old San Francisco Steakhouse Check-in and Networking 11:30 – 11:45am Lunch and speaker - 11:45am – 12:30pm Opportunity Networking 1:00 – 1:30pm January 17 SA Women’s Chamber of Commerce POWERhour! Luncheon Old San Francisco Steakhouse 11:15am – 1pm

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January 23 NAWBO Women Business Owner Awards Cavender Audi Dealership 5:30 – 7pm

January 25 NAWBO Monthly Meeting Petroleum Club 7:30 – 9:30am

January 29 – February 1 SA Chamber of Commerce 40th Annual SA to DC Trip Washington D.C. Register at: www.sachamber.org/events/sa-dc-2018/

January 30 NAWBO Member Orientation One Randolph Brooks Pkwy 8:30 – 10am February 7 SA Women’s Chamber of Commerce Smart Women Series Location: TBD 11:30am – 1pm

February 14 NAFE Monthly Meeting Old San Francisco Steakhouse Check-in and Networking 11:30 – 11:45am Lunch and speaker - 11:45am – 12:30pm Opportunity Networking 1:00 – 1:30pm February 17 North SA Chamber of Commerce 44th Annual Gala Marriott Rivercenter 6 – 12pm February 22 NAWBO Monthly Meeting Petroleum Club 11am – 1pm

February 22 SA Women’s Chamber of Commerce TLD Spotlight!

Old San Francisco Steakhouse 8:30 – 9:45am

February 22 North SA Chamber of Commerce CFO: Will Disruption take a Byte out of your Business?

Norris Conference Center 11am – 1:30pm

Elizabeth Hill

spotlight

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Tech Sage Solutions Education/Major: BA Marketing

Photography by Janet Rogers

What is the main mission for your company?

We are business consultants that leverage technology to accelerate our clients toward competitive success.

Length of Service: 11 years What is it that you like best about your job?

Learning new technologies, educating and helping our clients.

What are your biggest challenges?

Our biggest challenge is finding the right team members that fit our culture.

What career path led you to where you are today?

After receiving my bachelor’s degree, I went into retail management with Foley’s department's stores in Houston. I was ready for a change after 11 years of retail, so I went into logistics. After the pharmaceutical company I worked for was purchased by McKesson Drug, it was time to do something different. I always had a love for technology, so I joined my husband in 2006 to assist with the business.

Who were your mentors?

John and I believe in continuous learning through conferences and signing up for training. Because of this, we are always looking for new technologies to offer to our clients especially due to the increased cybersecurity threats. I believe in educating our clients with what is happening in the technology. We believe a person should continue to grow, and you are never too old to stop growing.

My dad. He was a very wise man with a lot of common sense. He taught me a lot through the years. If life was challenging, he encouraged me to keep going. I was also a very shy person; he pushed me to join organizations and get involved. He did not go to college, yet he built a successful company and provided well for our family. He was very generous when a person was in need. Through the years, I have been blessed with many close friends. Through these friendships, we became mentors to each other. We share our wisdom and lean on each other. I also consider My Heavenly Father as a mentor. I lean on Him daily for wisdom.

What are some of your Resolutions for 2018?

What do you enjoy doing on a day off?

What sets your company apart from others?

Security will be the primary business focus since cyber threats are growing exponentially.

Continue to develop and grow the business.

On the personal side, exercise daily (I really do enjoy it), pick-up glass art. Finish my garden. Be more involved with the church and community. Spend time with my husband in non-work activities.

I love the outdoors and nature. I also love taking the dogs for a walk, especially when the weather is nice.

Tell us about your family.

I am very close to my family, and they are very special to me. When I can, I visit my mother and my siblings in the Houston area.

I was not blessed personally to have children, but through marriage, I have a special daughter and son-in-law, four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

What book/books have you read lately?

Since I love to read fiction and educational, there are many. I have been re-reading Gino Wickman’s Traction and Get a Grip since we are going through EOS training. The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni, Dragon Teeth by Michael Crichton, The Good Book by Deron Spoo.

What do you love most about San Antonio?

The culture, hill country (reminder I love the outdoors), relationships I have formed since I moved here in 1993.

People would be surprised to know that I ...

I love board games; I still have all my board games from my childhood. I always had an interest in cars, especially sports cars and I collect old books. january/february 2018 | 61

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women on the move MARGIE ARNOLD Margie Arnold has been elected by the San Antonio Conservation Society as its fourth vice president, with the primary responsibility of chairing the 70th presentation of the Conservation Society’s “A Night in Old San Antonio (NIOSA®)”, to be held Tuesday through Friday evenings, April 24-27, 2018, the city’s Fiesta San Antonio celebration. Arnold has a lengthy history with NIOSA as a volunteer — most recently serving as a NIOSA vice chairman for three years from 2015-2017.

NANCY BETHENCOURT IDEA Public Schools recently announced the principal, Nancy Bethencourt, of its newest campus in San Antonio, IDEA Ingram Hillos, opening in August 2018. Nancy was selected through IDEA’s Principal in Residence program, designed to prepare high-quality educators to effectively lead a new or existing IDEA school.

Nancy is a Colorado native with more than a decade of experience in education. While in Colorado, Nancy was an exemplar elementary school teacher in inner-city Denver, then an assistant principal in Aurora.

SUSAN BEAVIN Susan Beavin has been elected as the president of the San Antonio Conservation Society, a full-time volunteer position. Her first term runs July 2017 through June 2018. A native of San Antonio, Beavin received her Bachelor of Science degree with a teaching certificate from the University of Houston. Beavin most recently served a two-year term as the Society’s first vice president.

PATTI FLANAGAN, CPA Patti Flanagan has opened AccountsFit, which services San Antonio clients in accounting, finance, tax planning, and succession planning needs including QuickBooks setup and implementation, conversions to accrual basis, profitability analysis, cash flows, compliance, budgeting, forecasting, and debt compliance reporting needs.

BARBARA JOHNSON Broadway Bank welcomes Barbara Johnson as executive vice president, head of residential lending & consumer banking management.

She will focus on meeting the consumers’ expectations for simplicity and fast service, while matching them to the optimal lending product for their goals. Johnson has more than 30 years of experience in direct to consumer banking and financial services with a focus on risk management and real estate lending.

DANIELA OLIVER After 10 successful years heading the department of communications and marketing at the McNay Art Museum, Daniela starts a new venture with Daniela Oliver | Communications + Marketing. She offers a bilingual and bicultural approach to marketing, communications and public relations. Her work as a consultant and freelance contractor is primarily focused on the arts, culture, nonprofits, food, and lifestyle. Her clients include the DoSeum, the Linda Pace Foundation, and Marioli Restaurant.

TIFFANY ROBINSON Tiffany Robinson has been certified by the American College of Healthcare Architects. She is the first woman in San Antonio to earn this certification, and now one of only three local certified architects in this area. The American College of Healthcare Architects is a board certification for architects specialized in health care.

SARAH SANCHEZ Sarah Sanchez joined the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation (SAEDF) as senior vice president of business development in December 2017. As part of the business development team, Sanchez recruits new businesses and retains existing businesses in San Antonio. Sanchez is a seasoned economic development executive with extensive experience attracting both domestic and foreign direct investment to communities. Prior to joining SAEDF, Sanchez managed the public involvement efforts at VIA Metropolitan Transit.

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All Part of the Bigger Picture sa 2020

By Molly Cox

In 2010, thousands of San Antonians came together from across all areas of town to create something big. They discussed what they loved about San Antonio, what could improve it, and how we might measure that progress. They gave a few hours over several months to their city, all to build something that could change the lives of their neighbors and the future of San Antonio: a big and bold community vision.

Today, we approach the goals within that vision the same way.

At SA2020, the nonprofit organization acting as a caretaker of the community vision, we believe that a few hours out of your day, or maybe a day out of each month, can have an impact on San Antonio’s bigger picture. We like to think of it as a mosaic: Alone, you might just be one small tile, but when we act together — by volunteering, donating, voting or simply just by uniting around the same goals — we form a big, beautiful picture.

Each year, SA2020 releases an impact report — a comprehensive look at where San Antonio stands on our shared goals. If you’re reading this after January 19, you can see the full report at SA2020.org/reports or follow our community progress at SA2020.org/progress. And whether the data show that a goal has already been met, or whether it’s fallen so off track that it looks hopeless, we want you to always look at the bigger picture.

Why is this indicator moving in the right direction? Why is that one moving in the wrong direction? How do all of these indicators influence each other? What can I do to contribute to the community results that speak most to me?

And in San Antonio’s 300th year, there will be even more opportunities and reason than ever to contribute to those community results. You can support our arts and culture institutions by visiting their special Tricentennial exhibits and performances. You can commit to 300 miles of walking, biking, and/or running, to see more of San Antonio and get healthier. You can support the next generation and set up San Antonio for the following 300 years by becoming a mentor or hosting an intern at your business. In fact, if you’re reading this after January 19, we offer you 300 ways to create impact in our community at SA2020.org/300. Consider it an opportunity to make a resolution with results that benefit all of San Antonio.

This year, we hope you’ll discover how you’re a part of San Antonio’s bigger picture. When we all take our own small piece and work toward the same community results, we can build a stronger, more prosperous city — and a more beautiful San Antonio mosaic.

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role model

Erin Mitchell Clementson Building Outside the Box

By Dawn Robinette

66 | sawoman.com

Photography by David Teran

part of the fourth generation to work at G.W. Mitchell Construction, Erin Mitchell Clementson knows building well. Her role as director of business development may not require heavy equipment, but it does include building relationships while building the company’s brand.

G.W. Mitchell Construction literally helped shape the landscape of San Antonio, constructing projects that include what is now the McNay Art Museum, La Villita, the buildings that are now known as the Alamo Quarry Market and much of the campus of Trinity University.

“We have an incredible story. And it’s fun to tell,” she explains.

“We’ve been in business for 96 years. This company has built a lot of what are now historical buildings in San Antonio, and I think San Antonio is a city that thrives on that — we appreciate our culture, our heritage, our traditions. And our company is a part of that.

“It’s extremely personal to me. I don’t just work for any company.

I work for my family, and there’s extra motivation in that. It feels like I’m giving back to the family that raised me and has done so much for me,” she explains.

Clementson’s responsibilities include maintaining relationships with current clients while cultivating new business and marketing the company as a whole. The task requires her to wear different hats as she tackles the challenge of keeping G.W. Mitchell Construction front of mind. “There are a lot of good construction companies in San Antonio. We want to be one of the first they think of when they have a project,” she says.

To do that, she spends a lot of time building relationships: “I love being out meeting people, getting to know them — that’s my heart, my real passion. I thrive on relationships. I thrive on talking to people. I thrive on knowing them intimately and personally and knowing what’s going on with them. Those conversations fill me up.

“People in San Antonio are genuine. There are a lot of personal relationships. Business owners care about the people they are working with, and that fits well with us because we care about people. We care about the project, but we care about maintaining that relationship and doing whatever it takes,” she explains. “We do a lot of big projects and we’re a big company, but focusing on the people — including the people who work here — is huge.”

Clementson doesn’t fit the picture that may come to mind when you think of the construction industry, but that picture is changing.

“Thirty percent of our staff is female — and they are directors and senior level positions. You’ll find that across the board in the industry.

Maybe 10 years ago, people would have been intimidated to walk into this environment as a woman, but I don’t feel that. I feel respected.

And if you speak with confidence, that commands attention,” she says.

But making the leap to work in the industry took some convincing from her father, Bill Mitchell, president of G.W. Mitchell. “I knew nothing about construction. But I knew business development,” she notes.

As

“I think that’s important: Look at your skill set, what you’re passionate about. Look at what motivates you, what fills you — that’s the job you need to go after,” says Clementson.

“I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

And now that she works side by side with her father, she has a new appreciation for what it means to be a working parent. “Now that I work for him, I realize how much pressure he carries and how

much weight is on his shoulders. Yet when he came home every day, I had no clue. I think that his being able to take off the work hat and be completely present at home had a huge impact on all of us as kids,” she recalls.

That is something she’s taken to heart since starting her own family. She and her husband, Brandon, have two boys: Cooper, 4, and Mitchell, 8 months. With her children and a blossoming career, Clementson works to balance home and work life. “It’s all about boundaries. You have to fuel yourself. If you never turn off work — or never turn off being a mom — you’re going to get burned out.

“That doesn’t mean you don’t work from home sometimes. But when I’m here (work), I’m here. That’s 100 percent of my focus. And when I’m home, they are my priority,” she says. “I think it makes me a strong mom because my time with them is purposeful.”

Clementson feels a pull to support others and help them realize their passion. “So many people, especially women, are put in a box.

‘You will be a mom. You will come work for this, you will do that’,” she explains. “Don’t let anyone put you in a box and say ‘this is only what you can do in this industry or in this job’. Wherever you are — in your career or as a mom, I think it’s important to know that dreams and skills are put in us for a reason, and that is as important to pay attention to as obligations.”

Juggling work and home roles requires Clementson to use what her husband refers to as her “crazy organization” skills. “Time management is huge. I function better that way,” she explains. But she still goes with the flow. “Things can change, and you’ve really got to be flexible.

“Whatever you do, take ownership and authority in it” is the advice that guides Clementson. “I never want to do something 50 percent. I feel like if I’m going to be a working mom, I’m going to work to the best of my ability. I’m going to be a mom to the best of my ability,” she explains. “If you’re a stay-at-home mom, do that to the best of your ability. If you’re a volunteer, do that to the best of your ability. If you are called into a position, take ownership of that and have authority over it. Give it your all.” january/february 2018 | 67

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BOERNE

hill country woman

Provides Just the Right Business Setting for Woman Owners

By Jennifer O’Neill

Just 20 minutes outside of San Antonio, in the quaint Hill Country town of Boerne, five women blend their personal passions with the desire to serve the community they choose to call home. Women-owned businesses in Boerne include retail, restaurants, real estate and wellness, to name a few.

Janet Baker, president of Hill Country Women in Business, a local non-profit organization that supports and promotes women business owners in the area, touched upon the portion of women business owners their membership represents: “A little over 40 businesses are members of the group.”

There is no denying the attraction of Boerne’s mix of small town charm with the proximity to itslarger neighbor, San Antonio, and Baker believes that very quality is the reason it is favored over the big city. “The reason people start businesses here is the same reason they live here: They want to have a source of income via business, but with a quality of life,” she says.

While learning about these women, their enterprises and the ways in which they support one another, either through customer referrals, monthly meetings to plan community events or simply through Facebook to stay connected attests to the tight-knit community for which Boerne is known.

Celeste McCabe and Suzanne Hardeman, Celeste

When Celeste McCabe came

out of retirement to open her cloth-

ing store, Celeste, back in 2004, she

saw the possibilities of Boerne, saying, “I knew I wanted to open a

store, and I picked Boerne because I thought it had a lot of potential.”

Two years later, she convinced her

sister, Suzanne Hardeman, to move here and join her in the business,

and ever since then the two have been having fun working together while bringing their childhood aspirations to life. “We both love

clothes, and when we grew up, I would be the mannequin, and Celeste 68 | sawomanconnect.com

would be doing her 4-H project, telling me to hold still,” Hardeman

recalls of their days of growing up in Taft, Texas.

And McCabe’s initial affection for Boerne has paid off as the two

have seen business go a lot better than anticipated. They attribute the store’s success to filling a need with the clothing and accessories they

offer, along with the customer service given when someone walks in

the door.

“I’m real big on customer service. I like to send people out of here feeling good about themselves and looking good.”

McCabe and Hardeman want the women who visit their store to

feel confident and enjoy fashion, something they both do in their partnership as sisters and running a store together.

“I wanted to create an atmosphere that Boerne deserved, because it was love at first sight.”

Mazal arrived here after she defected from Czechoslovakia. Her

meticulous thought placed into Little Gretel’s construction and location, even down to the parking, all plays into the restaurant’s success

for almost 10 years, making it a town staple. That attention to detail is also expressed in the way she prepares her dishes, calling upon her

mother’s own experience as a chef and the old traditional cooking of

Jennifer Rust, HC Cryotherapy

A relative newcomer to the business scene in Boerne, Jennifer Rust,

her Czech heritage. As Mazal puts it, “I want people who come here to feel like they traveled without buying a ticket.”

an RN, opened HC Cryotherapy almost two years ago after suffering

Wendy White, Traditions at the Depot

from an injury during an athletic competition. Her wellness facility

hosts a number of services, from whole body cryotherapy to nutrition,

The

infrared sauna and NormaTec Compression. All aid as an alternative

stands out as travelers drive along

get the services she now offers.

subzero temperatures to produce a physiological reaction that sends

nutrients, endorphins and adrenaline throughout the body — can help those with chronic pain, anxiety and depression disorders, re-

covery from injuries or after surgery and even conditions such as multiple sclerosis. “It’s what really keeps me going because every day I’m

blessed to see somebody who walks in with pain and walks out with no pain, “she says.

Denise Mazal, Little Gretel

Chef Denise Mazal has

been serving up her signa-

ture Czech cuisine with its

traditional German flair in

Boerne since 2009. With help and encouragement

from her daughter, Veron-

depot

ing store, Traditions at the Depot,

five different places around San Antonio from her home in Boerne to

For example, benefits from cryotherapy — exposing the body to

train

part of this upscale women’s cloth-

time she was recovering from her injury, Rust was having to drive to

“My goal here with this whole place is really to serve the general population. People like me, who can’t find relief in other ways and don’t want to take medicine.”

original

brought in from Encinal, Texas, as

to medicine to help patients feel, look and recover at their best. At the

the south end of Hill Country Mile.

Wendy White is in her fourth year of ownership and the third owner

to pick up where previous ones left off, maintaining the same customers, and continuing to meet a need since 1996. It is the only retailer in town that carries the Brighton Jewelry line and also supports local

jewelry designer Claudia Lobao, selling her pieces in the store. And providing a variety of items for a wide range of customers is what

White strives for:

“That’s what I try to do with the articles and the clothing, and items I buy — to be for generations. Everybody can find something.”

When White was looking for a career change, moving into the role

of business owner seemed like the logical next step. In the clothing business from an early age, she helped her dad, on the wholesale side

of it. She spent a lot of time traveling and helping him, “I helped him

all my life and always enjoyed it.” Now as the owner of her own store,

White gets to help her customers enjoy a fun shopping experience with the variety in apparel, accessories, shoes and jewelry she carries.

ica (who at the time of the

interview was busy working

on the opening of an addition to Little Gretel, a full-service bar),

Mazal decided to open the restaurant as an answer to the request of an established clientele from her other business venture, a toy and

needlework shop located next door. “I knew the needs because people had always been asking why don’t you open a German restaurant?”

But building Little Gretel to what it has become today wasn’t an

overnight thing. Mazal explains it took years to bring her vision to

life. She took her time in building the space, using her background

as a civil engineer, and worked with an architect, researching other spots around the country.

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active living

Fear of the Gym

Get past gym anxiety and build a healthy habit

By Dawn Robinette

the little voice in your head is whispering, “New year, new you,” and the simple idea of going to gym makes you sweat, you’re far from alone.

While a seemingly large number of people have a self-confessed fear of going to the gym, there’s no official word for it: Despite the spelling, “gymnophobia” is the fear of nudity, not the gym.

If

So why should you put “gym anxiety” in your rearview mirror and hit the gym anyway?

“Exercise is the best thing you can do for a positive mood boost, better sleep and stress management while losing some weight along the way,” explains Kathryn Scoblick, a certified

health and wellness coach and author of Health Inspires: Your Way to Sustainable Weight Loss. “Once you get hooked, there will be no stopping you!”

Once you get hooked, there will be no stopping you!

70 | sawoman.com

Taking the initial step to start a workout routine is often the biggest hurdle, especially if you haven’t worked out in a while, or it’s never been part of your routine, explains Kim Folden, health and wellness director for the Thousand Oaks Family YMCA. “You have to be willing to make that lifestyle change.

It’s OK to start at ground zero. If you don’t ever start, you’ll never get going.

Taking that first step is the biggest challenge.”

Folden has heard every gym anxiety excuse in the book, but the most common one is the worry that gym “newbies” will stand out from the regulars.

“Every person who is in the gym that’s new, they think everyone is looking at them. They’re afraid of what other people think,” she explains.

“But everyone is worried about themselves. No one is looking at you.”

She notes that there’s no right or wrong way to get into shape, but your chances for success are higher when you start doing an activity you enjoy. To jump-start a workout routine in the gym, Folden’s advice is to ease into it. “A lot of people think you have to commit to long, hard workouts every day. But you’ll get injured and burn out quickly,” she notes. “Start with something you enjoy and do it in moderation. If it’s something you like, you’re more likely to stick to it, and it will become a habit.”

Scoblick echoes the idea that a fitness regimen must become a habit to be successful.

“The right approach to a new workout routine is one that is sustainable over time and becomes a part of your lifestyle,” she explains. “The ‘all in’ intense approach to exercise is not sustainable and may cause burnout or injury from pushing yourself too hard too fast. You might start with walking a few days a week for 20-30 minutes, and build up to a longer walk, adding more days as you create your healthy habit.”

If it sounds odd that walking and other outdoor activities can help your gym routine, it’s not. “Mixing it up helps you stick with it.

Getting outdoors to walk or hike, especially here in San Antonio, is a great way to add to your fitness routine. Just get out, get active, and get some fresh air,” explains Folden. “Getting in shape is a personal journey. It’s not the same for everyone. What you’re looking for is different — everyone has different lifestyles, routines and body types. Working out is not one size fits all.”

Folden suggests mixing things up in the gym as well. “Come into the gym, get on some cardio equipment, like a treadmill or cardio bike. Fifteen or 20 minutes is really all you need.

“You can join a group exercise class like yoga, step and rest or body pump classes, which feature cardio and strength training. Do that one or two days a week, then walk or stretch another day.

That’s three days a week of working out, which is a good way to build your habit.”

Something to keep in mind as you explore the right fitness routine: Strength training becomes more important as we age.

“Up until about the age of 30, we are more easily able to keep and grow muscle mass. Somewhere in our 30s, and as part of the aging process, we lose muscle mass and function if we are not doing something to keep it,” explains Scoblick.

continued on page 73

january/february 2018 | 71

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active living

continued from page 71

To ensure that you get the most out of a gym, its classes and equipment, Scoblick suggests working with a personal trainer.

“If you choose a gym membership, it will be worth your time to schedule a tour and/or a personal training session at the very least. You will learn how to use the equipment properly and prevent injury, reduce anxiety and promote familiarity with a structured workout routine that will get you on your way to better health.”

Folden agrees: “Never put a price tag on your health. Get a personal trainer.

They’re good at meeting you at your fitness level and helping you reach your goals one step at a time.”

Another professional that both Folden and Scoblick recommend visiting before starting a gym routine: your doctor. “Putting your health first is always a good idea, and starting an exercise regimen is part of that healthy recipe. Consult with your physician before starting any new exercise program, especially if you are 50 years old or older,” explains Scoblick.

“Pre-existing medical conditions need to be considered,” notes Folden.

“If you have a current injury, or one from the past, you should ask your doctor if there are specific exercises you shouldn’t do. The same goes for a heart condition or any medical issues.

But if your doctor has no concerns, you can ease into a fitness routine with moderation.”

Moderation is a tough pill for many to swallow as they look to jump-start a fitness routine. “You have to give yourself time. Everyone wants instant gratification, but that doesn’t happen.

It’s going to be a journey. And it’s OK to have bumps along the way.

Just start your journey and get it going,” explains Folden. january/february 2018 | 73

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health

What you should know about living in Texas

By Dawn Robinette

he name alone doesn’t sound that threatening, but Lyme disease has nothing to do with the citrus fruit most associate with a good margarita. First diagnosed in the northeastern United States, Lyme disease is the most common insecttransmitted disease in the U.S. Celebrities, such as Debbie Gibson, Shania Twain, Yolanda Hadid, and Kelly Osbourne, have brought attention to it recently by sharing their own struggles and diagnoses. But what is important here is that the tiny culprit that carries the bacteria behind the disease is on the rise in Texas.

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Lyme disease can be a chronic, debilitating disease. But early on, its symptoms resemble the flu, making it easy to misdiagnose. Caught in its early stages, Lyme disease is no worse than a case of the flu. But left unchecked — and untreated — the disease can spread to the heart, joints and the nervous system.

The disease is actually caused by a bacterium carried by infected ticks and in Texas, the black-legged tick is the principal carrier.

The thought of ticks themselves is enough to give most people the creeps: The tiny blood suckers bite and attach themselves, sucking your blood and sharing the bacterium through their saliva. Most humans are infected through the bites of immature ticks called nymphs.

Unfortunately, ticks aren’t hard to come by, especially if you like to enjoy the outdoors.

They can be picked up when walking or hiking through high grass or brush, as well as on golf courses, greenbelts, ranches and in any wooded areas. “The more time you spend outdoors, or in rural areas, the more likely it is that you will come in contact with them,” explains Dr. Heidi Abraham, an emergency medicine physician in San Antonio. “Hunting, camping, hiking — all of those can bring you into contact with ticks.”

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If you have pets,

they can also bring ticks into your home. And there’s no time of year that ticks aren’t an issue. Adult ticks are active during the fall and winter, and nymphs are active in spring and summer.

Both nymphs and adults are capable of transmitting the bacterium to humans. About a third of ticks carry the bacteria.

The good news?

Lyme disease is not difficult to treat, especially when caught early. Initial symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue and skin rash.

The rash resembles a bright red target, though only two-thirds of Lyme disease patients develop the rash. “The rash is a definite indicator. But if you don’t have a rash, feel like you have the flu and know that you were bitten, there’s a chance it’s Lyme disease,” explains Dr. Michael Magoon, owner/medical director of the Emergency Clinic Alamo Heights.

“Not everyone realizes they have a tick bite right away, but if you can find it, it helps with the diagnosis,” explains Dr. Magoon, a board-certified emergency physician.

He emphasizes the importance of telling your doctor that you might have been exposed. “At the nymph stage, you might have scrubbed off the tick when you were taking a shower. Bring it up as a potential when you’re talking with your doctor.”

Dr. Abraham agrees. “Just because you found a tick doesn’t mean you have the disease, but you want to mention it to your doctor.”

She also emphasizes that a tick bite doesn’t require a trip to the emergency room. “Your primary care physician can easily treat you.

A simple antibiotic started as soon as possible can preventively treat it.”

A blood test is available to confirm the diagnosis; however, it takes seven to 10 days to get the results. “And the blood work may

not pick it up. If we’re suspicious of Lyme disease, we’ll treat you while we wait to get the results,” he explains.

RASH RESEMBLES A BRIGHT RED TARGET

“If you develop the target, or if you had a tick bite and you think you have the flu, mention it to your doctor. It will help with the diagnosis and get the treatment started more quickly.”

“Prevention is the best medicine,” notes Dr. Abraham. “Protect yourself when you might be at risk. Use insect repellent and check yourself immediately after being outside. If you find a tick, remove it immediately.”

Dr. Abraham notes that folk remedies like petroleum jelly or burning the tick are not recommended. “Those remedies don’t work and take too long. Use tweezers, grasp it closely to the head and pull it straight out.”

To help avoid the need for removal, take precautions. “A DEET spray on your clothes can help deter them,” explains Dr. Magoon, who also suggests that hunters be cautious and wear gloves when handling deer.

Be careful when taking off your clothes so that any ticks on your clothing are not transferred. And should you find an unwanted friend and then start to feel ill, be sure to let your doctor know so you can be properly diagnosed and treated.

To safely enjoy

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sustainable gardening

A good knife is essential in any kitchen. Sharp knives make your food taste better (and look better, too).

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BEGIN 2018 WITH A UNIQUE FOOD PLAN Story and Photography by Iris Gonzalez

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fter the holidays comes the seemingly endless expanse of winter. One can easily settle into a routine of carrots, broccoli, apples and bananas for meals. Not only is a limited diet monotonous, it is not good for your health. You gain more nutritional value from a varied diet of colorful produce.

As a low-calorie option that also provides high levels of soluble fiber, winter vegetables and fruits also fill you up and prevent the release of ghrelin, the “hunger” hormone. Nutrient-dense choices can significantly reduce snacking between meals and help with clean eating resolutions.

Usher in the new year by trying unusual fruits and vegetables that are in season — here are eight to try.

CELERIAC OR CELERY ROOT is another name for the large edible root of the celery plant specially cultivated for this use. Its flavor is a cross between celery and parsley. Celery root stores well at cool temperatures and is readily available throughout the winter.

Shop for firm, unblemished roots that feel heavy for their size and store in the refrigerator unpeeled and wrapped in a dry paper towel to absorb excess moisture in an unsealed bag. Stored properly, celeriac will keep for up to three weeks. To prepare, scrub celery roots well, then trim the top and bottom with a sharp knife. Peel skin with a vegetable peeler and remove any pocked parts of the root with a sharp paring knife.

The roots roast well and can be paired with other root vegetables. Try making roasted celery root and Yukon Gold potatoes with honey and rosemary. Cut the vegetables into half-inch dice, toss in olive oil and salt, and roast on a sheet pan at 425 F. until browned and tender. Dress lightly with a combination of melted butter, honey and chopped fresh rosemary.

RUTABAGA is a root vegetable that is a hybrid between the cabbage and the turnip. Both turnips and rutabagas are members of the cabbage family. Rutabagas first appeared in North America around 1817, grown in Illinois.

TURNIPS are usually white or white and purple, while rutabagas are usually yellowish and brown, with rutabagas slightly sweeter than turnips. Turnips are typically harvested when small and tender, while rutabagas stay tender even at larger sizes. As with many vegetables, turnips or rutabagas should be chosen based on their firmness and whether they feel a bit heavy for their size.

Rutabagas come coated with a layer of wax to prevent them from losing moisture and drying out. Cut the rutabaga in half, then peel with a sturdy Y-shaped vegetable peeler. Both rutabagas and turnips can be roasted or cooked in casseroles or stews.

TIP For tasty ovenroasted fries toss rutabaga spears in olive oil and season with salt and seasonings of your choice, then roast at 425 F. for 30 minutes until tender. is *alsoRutabaga an excellent

addition to mashed potatoes after it is boiled and mashed.

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sustainable gardening

PARSNIPS, an easy-to-prepare root vegetable, are closely related to the carrot and parsley. They are sweet like carrots but starchy like potatoes. Like beets, parsnips were used as a sweetening agent for foods before cane sugar became a major import to Europe. When shopping, choose white parsnips — the whiter the flesh, the sweeter the parsnip. Select smaller roots that are firm and intact and avoid those that are yellowing or going brown around the core. Wash and peel them like carrots, then prepare as you would carrots or potatoes.

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Try dicing peeled parsnips and coat lightly with olive oil and salt. Roast at 425 F. for 30 minutes, then coat with a melted mixture of equal parts butter, white miso paste and maple syrup. Broil (watch carefully!) for a few minutes, turning the pieces once or twice until evenly glazed.

SPECIALTY CITRUS like BUDDHA’S HAND, MAKRUT LIMES, YUZU LEMONS and KUMQUATS are available when they are in season during the winter months. If using the rind of the fruit, be sure to purchase organic produce to avoid pesticides. These specialty citrus trees can also be grown in large containers on wheels in San Antonio. During extended freezes, roll the containers into a protected area and cover the entire plant with blankets.

BUDDHA’S HAND looks like an alien claw, but this citrus fruit has no juice or pulp. It has a sweet, lemon blossom aroma and a mild-tasting pith that is not bitter. The fruit can be zested or used whole. Try shaving thin slices of Buddha's hand for a salad or use it to top steamed fish. It can also be zested and mixed in to flavor sugar or salt, as Buddha’s hand citron is a great substitute for most recipes calling for citrus zest. This creepy-looking lemon hand can also be candied; homemade candied citron can be added to holiday bread and cake recipes.

MAKRUT LIMES and their leaves are used in Thai cooking and have a clean, slightly woodsy fragrance. The zest of the lime is a key ingredient in red and green curry pastes, while its leaves are fragrant and thick, dark green and shiny on the top.

Try making your favorite flan or panna cotta recipe using coconut milk instead of milk and several torn Makrut lime leaves steeped in the milk. The unique flavor of lime leaves makes for an addictive, memorable treat!

YUZU is a Japanese lemon that is valued for its highly aromatic rind. It is also one of the few citrus fruits that maintains its tart flavor at high cooking temperatures. Like the Buddha’s hand, yuzu is also a citron, meaning its juice is minimal and, as a result, expensive. Fragrant with an intense aroma, yuzu has a mix of flavors between a classic sweet lemon and a tart grapefruit.

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A great way to dress a winter salad is with a citron vinaigrette — try it with a salad of radishes and bitter greens like arugula and frisee. Add four parts goodquality olive oil, two parts lemon juice and one part balsamic vinegar to some salt and Buddha’s hand zest in a sealed jar and mix well.

Yuzu is used in Japanese cuisine and is an essential ingredient of Japanese ponzu sauce as well as yuzu-kosho, a spicy chili-salt made with yuzu zest.

You can try making your own with a quality sea salt, finely grated fresh yuzu lemon zest and a touch of chili.

It livens the flavor of everything from seafood to chicken, soups and roasted vegetables.

KUMQUATS have a short winter season, but are so worth their bright, sweet-tart citrus flavor. Always choose bright, plump kumquats without blemishes or spots.

They do not have much of an aroma, but their peels should look shiny. Look for organically grown kumquats, and keep cool in the refrigerator for several days if not using immediately. Kumquats have a thinner peel and thus a shorter shelf life.

Use kumquats whole, peel and all.

Their tiny seeds are edible, and the peel is much sweeter than its juice.

The secret to easy kumquat marmalade or relish is cutting off the top and squeezing out the sour juice and small seeds.

The resulting marmalade is both precious and gift-worthy.

RESOURCES Collection of healthy winter vegetable and fruit recipes: www.cookinglight.com/food/top-rated-recipes/best-recipes-winter-vegetables-fruits#winters-best-pasta-black-kale-caramelized-onions-parsnips

Recipe for candied Buddha’s hand: www.davidlebovitz.com/candied-citron-recipe/

Recipe using Makrut lime leaves: www.yummly.com/#recipe/HealthierRed-Thai-Chicken-Curry---without-the-shop-bought-sauce_-2035928

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mommy matters

EDU CATI ON

The Immersion Option

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aking the best decision about your child’s education is a parental priority. In San Antonio, parents are fortunate to have numerous school options available to choose from, but this can also make the search seem somewhat overwhelming. Among public, private, and charter schools there are numerous programs and options, but one program that is becoming increasingly popular is immersion.

What is immersion?

Immersion schools or programs offer a curriculum that includes instruction in two (or in some cases, more) languages.

Instruction begins as early as pre-K and continues through upper elementary, potentially resulting in a bilingual and biliterate student by fifth grade.

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Generally, students in dual language or immersion programs begin instruction with the 90/10 model, or by receiving instruction 90 percent of the time in the minority language and 10 percent in the majority or native language. This heavily exposes the students to the minority language throughout the day, allowing them to learn the language to fluency standards over time. This ratio is lessened each year until reaching 50/50 in upper elementary grades.

There are different types of immersion programs to include dual language immersion and Spanish immersion (the latter language being the most common, though there are other languages available in different immersion schools/programs).

Dual language immersion places an equal number of both English-speaking students and English learners in the same class. This

By Pamela V. Miller

allows the students to learn together and from each other. Spanish immersion is geared toward English-speaking students only, immersing them in the Spanish language. In most cases, instruction for these students also follows the 90/10 to 50/50 model. Each program offers the benefit of learning a new language to proficiency at an early age.

What if parents are not bilingual?

Parents DO NOT need to be bilingual for their child to be successful in an immersion program. These programs are developed to fully immerse the child in a new language for a large portion of the school day. Instruction and support are given during this time, and assignments focus on lessons the student has already learned. Additional support, if needed, can be obtained through the instructor.

Where do they offer immersion in San Antonio?

Dual language schools are becoming increasingly popular as the benefits of being multilingual in today’s world are essential. There are a good number of dual language schools and programs that can be found throughout San Antonio, to include charter, private and public school districts. Each school or district has its own program, application process and requirements.

If you are interested in an immersion program, a good place to start your search is to check with your school district, as many of the districts in San Antonio offer dual language or Spanish immersion programs (and in some cases, both). If you are interested in charter schools, you can also find a wealth of information at sachartermoms.com, and for private schools, check out saprivateschools.com.

S PA N I S H I TA L I A N FRENCH PORTUGUESE KOREAN DUTCH HINDI ARABIC BANGALI RUSSIAN GERMAN TURKISH URDU V I E T N A M E S E M A N D A R I N TA M I L Other Great Schools in San Antonio

While it’s easy to see why immersion programs are becoming increasingly popular, every child is different, and this program might not be the right choice for your child. There are a lot of great schools in San Antonio, and searching for a good fit doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Make an informed decision based on your child’s needs, and explore all of your options through the websites mentioned above, or use the comparison tool at www.greatschools.org.

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What are some benefits of Immersion?

According to the Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition, “Over nearly half a century, research on language immersion education has heralded benefits such as academic achievement, language and literacy development in two or more languages, and cognitive skills.” [1] In a study conducted by Rand Corporation, it was found that students enrolled in an immersion program tend to perform at the same or higher reading levels than non-immersion students.

“Students randomly assigned to immersion outperformed their peers in English reading by about seven months in grade five and nine months in grade eight.” [2] They are better able to understand linguistics, to include their native language, and possess better problemsolving capabilities. [3]

This can be a great opportunity for you to learn a new language as well! Studying together as a family has its rewards, and there are numerous language schools, DVD sets and online options for adults to explore new languages. School or program administrators may have more resources available for you, too.

References:

1. http://carla.umn.edu/immersion/documents/ImmersionResearch_TaraFortune.html 2. http://res.cloudinary.com/bdy4ger4/image/upload/v1446848442/DLI_Year_4_Summary_ Nov2015v3_1_jwny3e.pdf 3. https://www.publicschoolreview.com/blog/full-language-immersion-programs-in-publicschools

Students garner social benefits from the program, as it encourages them to think globally. By giving students in-depth exposure to a new language and culture, we are expanding their ability to communicate with different cultures and better understand the world we live in.

Being bilingual or multilingual in a global society also opens the door to future professional opportunities.

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Archimedes

Empowered Women of Epicc Vascular e truth is that nobody reaches the top without help and support from others. As a woman entrepreneur, in a male dominated industry, I have benefited from guidance, advice, and mentorship that has helped me overcome challenges, and propelled Epicc Vascular towards its ultimate goals.

I have been fortunate to hire and surround myself with strong women who are passionate about the work and understand the mission of our company. My “personal board of directors” as I call them, and many of our franchise owners are powerful and passionate women who are not afraid of risk and fully understand the grit and fortitude required to build a business.

Epicc Vascular grew rapidly from one local service area to national franchises and now we are set to open international operations in four countries. The ‘tip of the spear’ that defines Epicc Vascular has always been a Doggett determination to succeed, because you can’t make diamonds without the pressure. My team has experienced the daily highs and lows and they fully understand what Epicc stands for. I owe much of Epicc’s success to these women who stand with me and to my husband, who take the time to give me genuine feedback. They have helped build a stronger, wiser and more mature me.

Denette Buenrostro, RN

The women affiliated with Epicc are intelligent, ethical with empathy and compassion that goes beyond mere caring for our patients. They have an internal drive to make a real difference in healthcare.

Pictured above: Denette Buenrostro, RN President and CEO, Shara Smith, RN, VA-BC, Chief of Clinical Operations, Andrea Montes, Director of Operations, Yvonne McClellan Franchise Operations, India Williams Franchise Operations

@AHASANANTONIO #SAGORED SPECIAL INSERT FOR SAN ANTONIO WOMAN

aroundtown

W 1. Noisy Trumpet Digital & Public Relations

Noisy Trumpet, a new digital and public relations firm, officially opened doors on November 15 with a grand opening celebration in their offices at 7550 IH-10.

The event was marked with catering by Silo Elevated Cuisine. Guests were entertained by The Jim Cullum Jazz Band and pictures were taken with the symbolic trumpet telling San Antonio, they are here to help shout out messaging.

Pictured: Gabrielle Herrera, Sarah Strunk, Ryanne Dalton, Fran Yanity, Clarissa Castaneda all work for Noisy Trumpet.

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2. Over 100 and Going Strong

Congratulations to Alyce Hale, who recently turned 103 years old and still looks healthy and beautiful. Alyce, an elementary school teacher for sixty years, worked at USAA for 20, and believes the greatest invention ever was the sewing machine. She has outlived three wonderful husbands, and currently resides in Esplanade Gardens.

3. Keith Zars Pools Go Red Reception

Alyssa Tamez and Desaree Lamacchia were among many who attended the holiday reception on December 13 hosted by Keith Zars Pools for the American Heart Association’s Go Red campaign. Keith Zars Pools is also sponsoring the distribution of CPR kits to area schools in 2018

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4. Commercial Real Estate Women of San Antonio (CREW)

Brandey Wimberley-Orsag, Deborah Bauer, and Dena Welch were among many who celebrated at the CREW-SA holiday luncheon held at Flemings in December.

5. Centro Alliance Holiday Mixer

Laura Flores, Amy Shaw, Suzi Otis joined a large crowd on December 13 at the Broadway headquarters of Centro San Antonio Headquarters for a holiday mixer and networking evening.

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artbeat

KELLY ROUSH Takes Full Charge of Classic Theater

By Jasmina Wellinghoff Photography by Janet Rogers

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On

a quiet afternoon in November, Kelly Hilliard Roush and I take seats right on the stage set for A Doll’s House, the play she directed at the Classic Theater of San Antonio. It’s an interesting experience to be on stage in an empty theater. I had just seen the show a few days before, and the characters and their voices seemed still present in the space.

As a director and a former theater professor, Roush has had many opportunities to see the impact Henrik Ibsen’s iconic play has on students and audiences in general. “It’s one play students really responded to,” she says. “We would talk about it, and it was fun to hear what was exciting to them about it. They wanted to discuss the issues, the characters, everything.” So when she and colleagues started selecting plays for the Classic’s 10th season, she reread Doll’s House and found it still very relevant today, nearly 140 years after its premiere.

The work deals with restrictions that society imposes on individuals, especially in terms of limiting married women’s freedom to function as fully self-realizing adults. “I am excited to explore the play from a humanist point of view, how society shames us into boxes, both men and women,” she explains further. “I grew up in Texas in the ‘50s and ‘60s in a traditional home, but I was not a traditionally quiet, pleasant girl. I like breaking molds and having challenging conversations.”

And theater is the right business to be in for someone like Roush.

Molds are often re-examined and broken, provoking lots of challenging conversations. With experience in all aspects of the business — acting, directing, producing and administration — Roush joined the Classic in 2015 as the executive director, taking over from Rick Malone, one of the seven co-founders of the company. Though three of the original

co-founders left the Classic years ago, Malone and his wife, Diane Malone, and Allan and Terri Ross — all stage veterans — stayed closely involved until Jan. 1 of this year, when Roush was elevated to managing/artistic director of what is easily one of the best thespian houses in town. She is “honored” to be the one to lead it into its second decade by transitioning from a board-and-volunteer-run organization to a staff-driven one.

“I would like it to become a cornerstone of the community, so that we can continue to tell stories that need to be told in order to find out who we are as human beings today,” says this outspoken theater advocate. “Plays help us know how big or small we can be as human beings, and they teach us that we are not alone in our struggles. Plays teach us to be compassionate and make us realize that we are all connected through human experiences.”

To allow more people to experience the Classic’s Globe Awardwinning offerings, her plans include a major marketing push in the upcoming months, as well as the physical growth of the facility, possibly by adding a second space.

This may require moving to a new location, as the Classic currently shares its Art Deco District building with the larger Woodlawn Theater, and expansion possibilities are limited. Already in place, however, is an extended run for each production, which allows for word-of-mouth to spread and do its job. In addition, the company is making an effort to reach more Hispanic patrons with Spanish language plays and Latino playwrights.

Down the road, the ambitious leader would like to accomplish something that theater artists would be especially grateful for: pay actors, designers and directors professional-level salaries for their work, “because they are professionals.”

Meanwhile, the current 2017-18 season continues, with Bless me Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya (opening Feb. 16) and The Cherry Orchard, Anton Chekov’s masterful story of a society on the verge of being swept away by the winds of historic change (opening May 4). Two highly respected artists, Jose Ruben de Leon and Andy Thornton, will serve as the respective directors.

directed her three younger brothers in backyard plays of her own creation, while her mom made popcorn and sold tickets. “I was born to live out loud,” says Roush, who speaks in an animated, enthusiastic way about the things she cares about. “Thank God, I had amazing teachers. In fourth grade we did Shakespeare. I was Ophelia in fourth grade! I give credit to my teachers, who really opened my eyes.” Her high school theater teacher was John O’Neill, one of San Antonio’s premier thespians.

In college, she double majored in English and theater at Baylor, following that up with an M.F.A. in acting at Louisiana State University. The young actress then moved to Minneapolis, one of the capitals of U.S. theater, where she lived and worked for 12 years. That’s also where she met her husband, Bart Roush, who was in the same profession as managing director of a stage company. He asked her to appear in a play he was involved in, “and we fell in love.” To propose, Bart took her to Mexico, where he proceeded to present her with two surprises -- the ring, and the news that he was changing careers. He had decided to enroll in seminary to become a Christian minister.

Though she didn’t see it coming, it was not a huge surprise. “We had both grown up in faith-based families,” explains Roush, “and after we met. I invited him to go to church with me. That’s how he reconnected to his faith.”

She tells a cute story about how her father reacted when the engaged couple came to visit. “My father was worried that I would ruin Bart’s career,” she says, referring to her disregard of conventionality and her forceful way of expressing her opinions. But Bart had a gracious reply: “I wouldn’t want Kelly to be anyone but Kelly.” In 2003, the Roushes moved to Chicago, where Kelly eventually became assistant professor of theater at the nearby Aurora University.

Today, Bart, who chairs the Classic’s board of directors, serves as the pastor of Madison Square Presbyterian Church, and Kelly and their two sons are in church every Sunday morning. “I don’t want to reflect badly on my husband,” she says. “I love my husband and I love God.” But she is not the traditional pastor’s wife. “I have to be authentic,” she notes.

A big part of her authentic self is, of course, her love of theater and her desire to introduce new generations to the creative experience she had enjoyed as a student. The Classic has an extensive threepronged educational program that includes internships for older students interested in theater careers; free student performances and workshops based on classic plays and literature conducted in middle and high schools.

Roush loves to watch the students watch the shows because their reactions are spontaneous and direct. The groups that came to see Doll’s House were very involved in the story, and many stayed afterward to take part in a talk-back session. Proudly, she points out that studies have shown a positive correlation between students’ involvement in the arts — and specifically theater — and their academic performance. One teacher who had accompanied her students to see Ibsen’s play wrote a note to Roush, saying, among other things. “…. The kids would not stop talking. I have never seen so much excitement about a show.”

“ Plays help us know how big or

small we can be as human beings, and they teach us that we are not alone in our struggles.

Though born in Washington, D.C., young Kelly grew up in San Antonio, where her military father was relocated when she was 2. Her natural propensity to express herself manifested itself early on as she

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Living Life Out Loud

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Calendar

ference to celebrate the craft cocktail and the experience that surrounds it, while engaging the community in supporting children’s charities.

sanantoniococktailcon-

Arts & Entertainment lit up the hearts and minds of millions of rock fans with inspiring anthems like “Nights in White Satin” and “Tuesday Afternoon.”

majesticempire.com

ference.com

January 6 SAN ANTONIO COFFEE FESTIVAL La Villita

10am – 5pm The San Antonio Coffee Festival is a celebration of coffee – open to all coffee lovers! Taste amazing fresh, locally roasted coffee from all over the world. Free admission. sanantoniocoffeefestival.com

January 6 U.S. ARMY ALLAMERICAN BOWL Alamodome 12pm The excitement starts well before kick-off for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

Fans of the Bowl game are treated to the pageantry and passion of our U.S. Army soldiers as they systematically file into the Alamodome. The main event is the U.S. Army AllAmerican Bowl game, where the nation’s future

college and NFL stars display their talents in the East vs. West showdown.

usarmyallamericanbowl.com

January 9 2018 TEQUILA, TACO & CERVEZA FESTIVAL La Villita 2-6pm ¡Vamos San Antonio! The famous Tequila, Taco, & Cerveza Fest returns to the Alamo City for the 3rd annual festival! ttcfest.com

January 10-14 SAN ANTONIO COCKTAIL CONFERENCE

Each year this cocktail festival brings together top bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts for educational seminars, guided tastings and cocktail parties. Houston Street Charities presents the San Antonio Cocktail Con-

January 15 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. MARCH MLK Academy 10am Each year, a variety of educational, inspirational and celebratory events honor one of the nation's most revered civil rights leaders. sanantonio.gov/MLK

January 19 THE MOODY BLUES Majestic Theatre The Moody Blues have distinguished themselves over four decades as that shimmering jewel vindicating rock music as a substantial artistic contribution to Western culture. Since the 60’s, as a part of the historic original British invasion of Supergroups, The Moody Blues have

( EDITOR’S PICK )

THE SAN ANTONIO STOCK SHOW AND RODEO February 8-25 AT&T Center Also known as San Antonio Livestock Exposition, Inc. (S.A.L.E.) has grown to one of the largest, most prestigious single events in the city of San Antonio, with over two million visitors entering the grounds each year.

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January 20 SHAKIRA – EL DORADO WORLD TOUR AT&T Center 7:30pm Don’t miss twelve-time Grammy Award-winner and international superstar Shakira!

att.sanantoniocenter.com

January 20 7TH ANNUAL KINETIC KIDS WALK.RUN.ROLL Wheatley Heights Sports Complex 9am Benefiting over 2,700 children with special needs, participants can choose a 5K or 10K chip-timed run or competitive walk along serene Salado Creek or a 1-mile all-accessible course within the safety of the stadium. The family atmosphere includes super heroes, games, face painting, and free Magnolia pancakes at the finish line! kinetickidswalkrunroll.org

February 3-4 A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC PRESENTED

BY THE ALAMO CITY OPERA Buena Vista Theatre Legendary musical composer Stephen Sondheim’s, A Little Night Music is full of hilariously witty and heartbreakingly moving moments of adoration, regret and desire, containing Sondheim's popular song, the haunting Send in the Clowns. Directed by returning director, Russell Fox, the cast is a tour de force of some of the region’s best operatic professional talent. alamocityopera.com

February 6-11 THE COLOR PURPLE Majestic Theatre With a soul-raising score of jazz, gospel, ragtime and blues, The Color Purple gives an exhilarating new spirit to this Pulitzer

JAN/FEB

2018 Prize-winning story. Don’t miss this stunning re-imagining of an epic story about a young woman’s journey to love and triumph in the American South.

are held on the patio and garden of this popular tasting room. Featuring live music and prize giveaways.

grapevineingruene.com

majesticempire.com

February 11 TRICENTENNIAL FESTIVAL OF MUSIC & DANCE H-E-B Performance Hall 7pm San Antonio Metropolitan Ballet and YOSA present a powerful collaboration in celebration of San Antonio’s Tricentennial. This performance will include a variety of music and dance selections that resonate with the city’s rich cultural heritage. The concert will feature Karin Heiden’s ballet, For Those Left Behind, in honor of the men and women in military service and their families. sametballet.org

February 15 MEET TEXAS’ BEST WINEMAKERS The Grapevine in Gruene Historic District 5 – 8pm On the third Thursday of each month a featured winemaker showcases three of their newest released, top-selling or hardest-to-find wines, alongside a craft brew hand-picked by The Grapevine staff. The complimentary tastings

February 16-18 RED – BALLET SAN ANTONIO H-E-B Performance Hall, Tobin Center RED, Ballet San Antonio’s mixed repertory engagement, conjurs passion, love, and strength. The program includes a mixture of works including George Balanchine’s exuberant Rubies, Gerald Arpino’s Round of Angels, and additional works by Ballet San Antonio's artistic director, Willy Shives, including a world premiere! balletsanantonio.org

February 17 - March 11 BLESS ME, ULTIMA The Classic Theatre 8 – 10pm A drama set in the 1940s, centered on the socialpsychological maturation of a Mexican-American 6-year-old, Antonio Márez, living on the eastern plains of New Mexico. Ultima is a curandera, or folk healer, who helps Antonio contend with the battle between good and evil that rages in his village.

The Classic Theatre pays homage to Chicano literature pioneer, playwright and 2016 National Medal of Arts recipient Rudolfo Anaya with a fully staged version of his iconic breakthrough 1972 novel. classictheatre.org

February 17

2018 ASIAN FESTIVAL YEAR OF THE DOG UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures

February 17-18 OLD GRUENE MARKET DAYS Gruene Historic District 10am – 5pm Nearly 100 vendors offer uniquely crafted items and packaged Texas foods.

Enjoy specialty shopping, wine tastings, unique dining, live entertainment and river rides.

10am – 5pm The UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures celebrates the annual Asian Festival, observing the Lunar New Year and celebrating the many rich cultures of Asia.

The day-long event features authentic foods, music, dance, martial arts, shopping, games and entertainment from China, to the Indian subcontinent, and the island nations of the Pacific. asianfestivalsa.com

gruenemarketdays.com

February 24 YOU AND ME, MUMMENSCHANZ THE MUSICIANS OF SILENCE PRESENTED

BY ARTS SA Majestic and Empire Theaters 7:30pm For more than four

decades, Mummenschanz: The Musicians Of Silence from Switzerland have continued to develop non-verbal theatrical language independent from contemporary mask theatre. The stories told

by Mummenschanz are

purely visual.

Mummenschanz: The Musicians of Silence compose a playful paralanguage that can be understood and enjoyed by all.

majesticempire.com

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Coffee to Cocktails!

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san antonio eats

We all know women have distinctive tastes when it comes to dining out. So, ladies, this new restaurant guide is custom tailored just for you. Let us know about your favorite places on Instagram. (www.instagram.com/sanantoniowoman/) Bon appetit!

Coffee, Tea & Treats

Breakfast or Brunch

Scrumptious Candy for your Valentine

Warm Soup for Lunch

BOSS BAGEL & COFFEE

Unique bagels, smears and coffees from exceptional farms created by chef Brannon Soileau. $ 6458 N. New Braunfels bossbagel.com

CHOCOLLAZO

Ask for the European Drinking Cocoa, made to order once you arrive, in this specialty chocolate shop. $$ 4013 Broadway chocollazo.com

LOCAL COFFEE

Completely focused on the taste and quality of the coffee, including their own Merit Roasting Company brand in an eclectic neighborhood setting. $ Six locations: Shavano Park, Leon Springs, Alamo Heights, Pearl Brewery, Medical Center and Stone Oak localcoffee.com

Cappy’s

CAPPY’S

From mimosas to truffled scrambled eggs with crab and lobster in a champagne butter sauce, this is a perfect brunch setting in the beauty of Alamo Heights and loved by locals. $$ 5011 Broadway cappysrestaurant.com

DELICE CHOCOLATIER & PATESSERIE

An intimate French Bakery offering homemade candies, decorated cakes, and colorful macarons. $$ 946 N. Loop 1604 W #145 delicechocolatier.com

Stylish atmosphere with an egg-focused menu, plus American offerings for lunch or dinner. $$ 402 N. LOOP 1604 W. eggspectation.com Lolli & Pops

GUENTHER HOUSE

ROSELLA AT THE RAND

An upscale, warm, community eatery serving fresh roasted coffees, food, beer, and wine. $ 114 E. Houston St. rosellacoffee.com

Comfort Food

Stunning home setting at Pioneer Flour Mills in King William serving traditional American brunch. Outdoor and indoor dining plus a museum tour and store. $$ 205 E. Guenther guentherhouse.com

FREDERICK’S RESTAURANT

A must-try version of pho at this Asian-French fusion restaurant in an elegant setting. $$$ 7701 Broadway frederickssa.com

LA MADELEINE FRENCH BAKERY & CAFE

EGGSPECTATION

Rosella at the Rand

Frederick’s Restaurant

LOLLI & POPS CANDY SHOPPE

Set in an old fashioned candy shoppe and serving a variety of special candies and chocolates. $$ 15900 La Cantera Pkwy in The Shops at La Cantera lolliandpops.com

I love the Roasted Tomato Soup and Ham & Cheese sandwich (prosciutto, fontina, honeycomb, mustard) from Bakery Lorraine!

Asian Chili at Pacific Moon Hot and spicy with brown rice. DELICIOUS

My honest "comfort food" warmup meal is Gumbo. I get all the ingredients from Groomer's Seafood… and I make it homemade.

Traditional breakfast…bacon, eggs, hash browns and biscuits at Jim’s…. for extra “comfort” add pancakes!

My two go-to comfort foods for cold nights are Massamun Curry from Thai Dee or Cauliflower Cheddar soup from Central Market Deli.

Crab Bisque at Fish City Grill. Northwoods Shopping Center

Warm, quaint French country setting in this popular chain eatery known for soups, espresso, and fresh baked breads and desserts. $ Four locations in San Antonio lamadeleine.com

PALOMA BLANCA MEXICAN CUISINE

Known for one of the best tortilla soups, and for gluten-free and paleo options. $$ 5800 Broadway palomablanca.net

PICNIKINS PATIO CAFE

A blend of fast casual by day and upscale bistro by night. Known for scratch soups and gourmet sandwiches. $ 6901 Blanco Road and 5811 University Hts. Blvd. picnikinspatiocafe.com

RIVER CITY SEAFOOD GRILL

Cheesecake Factory

Delicious seafood gumbo served in a hearty bowl with a lengthy wine list. $$ 115 TX-1604 #1108 rivercityseafoodgrill.com

TWIN SISTERS BAKERY & CAFE

A relaxed, quirky café known for unique soups, brunch, and organic wine and beer. $ 6322 N. New Braunfels twinsistersbakeryandcafe.com

Romantic Dining Grey Moss Inn

THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY

So many desserts, so little time.

We recommend the red velvet cheesecake, s’mores galore cheesecake or the Chocolate Tower Truffle Cake. $$ North Star Mall and The Shops at La Cantera thecheesecakefactory.com

WHISKEY CAKE

This award- winning cake has toffee torte, bourbon anglaise, spiced pecans and whipped cream…a must try. $$ 15900 Via La Cantera whiskeycakessa.com

THE GREY MOSS INN

Enjoy rustic, romantic dining with a view, or cozy up to the fireplace for fresh steaks, seafood and a famous wine list. $$$ 19010 Scenic Loop Rd. in Helotes greymossrestaurantstx.com

SIGNATURE AT LA CANTERA RESORT AND SPA

Enjoy exquisite Texas cuisine by chef Andrew Weissman in a rustic setting with fireside dining. $$$ 16401 La Cantera Pkwy destinationhotels.com/ signature-restaurant

Happy Hour HANZO

Popular casual gastropub for creative cocktails, Japanese beer, and unusual oriental cuisine. $$ 7701 Broadway #124 hanzobar.com

OCHO IN HOTEL HAVANA

Riverside Old World charm with a Latin flair, featuring unusual foods and mojitos.$$ 1015 Navarro havanasanantonio.com

PAESANO’S 1604

A modern, upscale place known for Italian cuisine, a long wine list and a fireplace for a romantic setting. $$$ 3522 Paesano’s Pkwy paesanos1604.com Stonewerks Big Rock Grille

Desserts to Share STONEWERKS BIG ROCK GRILLE

THE BREAD BOX

Voted Best Cupcakes by Critics Choice. Only open from 9am-3pm, share a slice of cream cheese pound cake with lemon icing. $ 555 W. Bitters Rd., Ste. 115 thebreadboxsa.com

One of the most popular happy hours in town, with TV viewing, modern settings, and even a fireplace in Lincoln Heights. $$ 999 E. Basse Rd. and 1201 N. Loop 1604 W stonewerks.com continued on page 106 january/february 2018 | 105

Wine and Dine BLISS

Chef Mark Bliss is noted for putting San Antonio on the map in fine dining. This restored former filling station in trendy Southtown features his best New American fare with a well-stocked wine list. $$$ 926 S. Presa St. foodisbliss.com

FISH CITY GRILL

Intimate, bustling setting with Southern-style seafood and an extensive wine list. $$ 18130 San Pedro Ave. fishcitygrill.com Formosa Garden

burrito at any of four locations throughout the city. $ 4 locations in San Antonio losbalitostacoshop.com

MI TIERRA CAFE & BAKERY

Open 24 hours with classic Tex-Mex fare, baked goods, margaritas, and mariachis.

Since 1942, Mi Tierra Cafe & Bakery has been a San Antonio landmark in Market Square. $$ 218 Produce Row mitierracafe.com

Eclectic and Eccentric THE BROOKLYNITE

A known favorite for eclectic, artful ambience, vintage décor, chandeliers, and original twists on classic cocktails. $$ 516 Brooklyn Ave. thebrooklynitesa.com

LEON VALLEY CAFE

FORMOSA GARDEN

Popular Asian eatery with traditional Chinese food and an extensive wine list $$ 1011 NE Loop 410 formosasa.com

Simple building, elaborate tastes. Run by chef Eduardo Reyes and family. Daily specials from polenta spinach fried egg to homemade apple pie. $$ 6417 Evers Road leonvalleycafe.com Feast

Late Night JIM’S FAMILY RESTAURANT

A San Antonio staple for 70 years, Jim’s has locations throughout the city with most open 24 hours. They offer classic Americana diner cooking and serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner at all hours. $ Check website for your nearest location. jimsrestaurants.com Los Balito’s Taco Shop

FEAST

A stylish indoor/outdoor setting with an eclectic menu, crazy cocktails, and what they call a “buzzy” brunch in popular Southtown. $$ 1024 S. Alamo feastsa.com

Best-Kept Secrets C’EST LA VIE BAKING COMPANY

LOS BALITO’S TACO SHOP

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Open 24 hours serving Tex-Mex food and California style burritos. Get a jump on your hangover with an after-hours

A casual, friendly bakery with an open kitchen, serving homebaked goods, and light fare from local farms and artisans. $ 1024 S. Alamo feastsa.com

TRE ENOTECA

Chic, modern setting by chef Jason Dady featuring small plates and unique creations of pizza, steak and seafood. Make reservations. $$$ 555 W Bitters in Artisans Alley treenoteca.com

Private Dining

Chama Gaucha

WEDDINGS, BIRTHDAYS, HOLIDAY PARTIES, BUSINESS MEETINGS, ETC.

La Fonda on Main Up to 16 people 210-260-8068 lafondaonmain.com

CHAMA GAUCHA BRAZILIAN STEAKHOUSE Besides the perfectly grilled meats, Chauma Gaucha is also known for one of the best and most complete salad bars in town. $$$ 18318 Sonterra Place chamagaucha.com

The Barn Door

Up to 130 people 210-824-0116 thebarndoorrestaurant.com

Fig Tree on the River

Up to 40 people 210-224-9180 dine.figtreerestaurant.com

Aldaco’s Stone Oak

#Only in SA CAPPYCINO’S BISTRO

Casual dining offering highquality hamburgers, pizzas, salads, soups and sandwiches.

Bistro and patio dining available. $$ 5003 Broadway cappyccios.com

EL JARRO

Whether you choose Tex-Mex or gourmet Mexican fare, you’ll find it is delicious with famous margaritas and drinks. $$ 281 at Bitters eljarro.com Scuzzi’s

40-90 people 210-494-0561 aldacosrestaurants.com

Boudro’s

20-800 people 210-224-1313 boudros.com

Biga on the Banks 2-400 people 210-225-0722 biga.com

Carmens de la Calle Cafe

40-80 people 210-737-8272 carmensdelacalle.com

Grand Hyatt San Antonio

Achiote River Cafe: 30-150 Bar Rojo: 30-60 210-224-1234 sanantonio.grand.hyatt.com

Maggiano’s Little Italy 20-240 people 210-451-6010 maggianos.com

Texas de Brazil SCUZZI’S

Family-friendly Italian eatery with a patio and plenty of window space. Presents a vast wine list and cocktails. $$ 4035 N. Loop 1604 W scuzzisitaliangrill.com

15-45 people 210-299-1600 texasdebrazil.com

Old San Francisco Steakhouse

50-700 people 210-342-2323 theoldsanfrancisco.com january/february 2018 | 107

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dining

For a special Valentine’s Day, add a little

BLISS

By Scott Austin

Photography by Janet Rogers

Above: The cozy and charming Bliss dining room. At right: Charcuterie – combination of several meats and cheeses with accompaniments; Oyster Sliders – crisp fried Gulf oysters, candied bacon, buttermilk chive biscuits, spinach, brown butter hollandaise and chives; George Bank Sea Scallops – seared sea scallops, pepperjack-white cheddar, Anson Mills grits, sautéed spinach, avocado mousse, cilantro lime jalapeño beurre blanc; Duck/Foie Gras – Grilled Szechuan peppercorn and five spice crusted duck breast, seared grade "A" foie gras, butternut squash puree, Brussels sprouts, bacon, lacinato kale, pomegranate and pumpkin seeds, blackberry gastrique.

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San Antonio’s culinary star is on the rise, evidenced by the national press and most recently the designation as a UNESCO creative city of gastronomy. Chefs Mark Bliss and Bruce Auden are cornerstones in the ever-growing SA food scene.

In 1991, when chef Auden opened the original Biga, he recruited Mark Bliss as chef de cuisine. Auden and Bliss received national recognition for their work at Biga; chef Bliss built on that momentum to open Silo in 1997. If you have been around SA long enough, you know that in 1997 independent fine dining choices were slim to none. So the next time you book a seat on open table for SA’s newest spot, you might take a minute and thank Bliss and Auden for bringing their absolute best to SA for decades. And when you hear that either one of those chefs is doing a new thing, get in line fast because it is going to be good.

Bliss Restaurant opened in 2012 and since its opening has received national acclaim and multiple awards. Even with SA’s growing food scene, when it comes to fine dining, Bliss is consistently in my top three restaurants. Add to that a beautiful back porch, impeccable service and a menu that is locally sourced and seasonally updated, and honestly, I don’t know why you aren’t making a reservation right now... especially for Valentine’s Day dinner.

The menu is updated seasonally and posted on line weekly. When you first sit down, order the charcuterie board and a glass of prosecco. The charcuterie chef can handle your selections — yes, they have a charcuterie chef -- so you don’t want to miss that!

Have a bite and a little bubbly, then review the menu. Take your time and order your entire meal at once. The servers at Bliss are the best in SA and will pace your selections correctly and allow you to enjoy the evening. As for wine pairing, ask your server for recommendations. Their wine list is well thought out, and the staff is appropriately trained to recommend a pairing.

The two appetizers that have gained the most notoriety are the oyster sliders and the sashimi tostadas. You need to order both.

Start with crispy fried Gulf oysters, candied bacon, buttermilk chive biscuits, spinach, brown butter hollandaise and chives. Then order Japanese hamachi sashimi tostadas with roasted jalapeño avocado pico de gallo, ponzu, ginger slaw and aji amarillo yuzu vinaigrette. There are at least 10 of those ingredients that I would be thrilled to have alone, but Bliss brings them together into some of SA’s tastiest bites.

For your entree, the seared prime beef tenderloin is excellent, but I am going to encourage you to step outside the box a little.

You can get a steak anywhere, maybe not as

When you have the opportunity to taste food prepared by a legit chef, step outside of your comfort zone and trust the cook staff ’s ability to combine ingredients and build flavors that will take your meal to another level. good as this one, but when you have the opportunity to taste food prepared by a legit chef, step outside of your comfort zone and trust the cook staff ’s ability to combine ingredients and build flavors that will take your meal to another level. For instance, consider the Duck/Foie Gras with grilled Szechuan peppercorn and five spice-crusted duck breast, seared grade “A” foie gras, duck confit butternut squash puree, Brussels sprouts, bacon, lacinato kale, pomegranate and pumpkin seeds and blackberry gastrique. Full disclosure: My wife ordered this, and after I tasted her selection, I insisted we were going to be sharing our meals. The five spice is the perfect seasoning for the duck to stand out against the richness of seared foie gras.

The sea scallops are prepared masterfully, (a rare thing in this city I love), as seared sea scallops served with pepperjack-white cheddar Anson Mills grits, sautéed spinach, avocado mousse and cilantro lime jalapeño beurre blanc. The scallop/grits combo was a first for me, but it’s one of the items I crave when I think of Bliss. Restaurant Bliss’s mission is to express excellence in the most inclusive, genuine and hospitable way. They have accomplished this and much more in every aspect of the dining experience.

Valentine's Day is coming fast, and after reading this review, you should be ashamed to settle for anything less than Bliss this coming February 14! Do yourself a favor and make a reservation, especially on a national holiday. If the weather is right, sit on the patio and request a seat by the fire pit, or if you want to sit by the fire, call in advance and ask about the Chef ’s Table.

The Chef ’s Table experience is designed for groups of at least six guests, and reservations must be made in advance.

They offer a tasting menu at $100/person, and Bliss needs to know if there are any dietary restrictions.

Finally, Bliss is available for a variety of private dining venues for groups from five to 50. Enjoy your evening, and tell them San Antonio Woman sent you. january/february 2018 | 109

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guys to know

Eugene Simor Founder/CEO of Alamo Beer Company

By Jasmina Wellinghoff

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Photography by Janet Rogers

past the Brooklyn Avenue bridge on the near East Side, the street name changes to Burnet, and a copper-colored building complex comes into view on the left. That’s the attractively designed $8 million Alamo Beer Brewery, which celebrated its official public opening in March 2015. The facilities include the brewery proper, an office building and a beer hall, with a beer garden in the middle.

But company founder Eugene Simor started making his signature Alamo Golden Ale years before through a contract deal with Real Ale Brewing, a small craft beer operation in Blanco.

His big break came when Ben E Keith Beverages stepped in to distribute his product all over the region. Today, you can find Alamo Beer’s ales and lagers in many stores, including H-E-B. A native Californian, Simor holds a degree in industrial technology and worked as a sales engineer for Johnson Controls, Inc., where he was recognized with the National Sales Challenge Award and other distinctions. At the age of 30, wanderlust pushed him to leave his job to embark on a year-long journey of sailing, working on boats and visiting remote Indian Ocean islands. Back in the U.S., he eventually relocated to San Antonio and for a while ran a housing redevelopment business called the Goulash Group, before coming up with the idea of naming a craft beer after the “cradle of Texas liberty.” His current facility is only half a mile away from the shrine.

Simor is involved in a number of community boards and business organizations, and his beer hall and garden host a variety of community events. He and his wife, Neriza, have four children.

Just

What brought you to San Antonio?

I had just returned from traveling the world and had a college roommate who lived here. So, I kind of came to visit San Antonio and never left. It’s a very welcoming community, housing was still affordable, the weather is pretty good. It just seemed like a good place to grow a business and start a family.

Were you always a beer aficionado?

My taste for drinking beer started during my university years.

There was this small place which featured beer from all over the world. If you sampled all the beers from 40 countries, you received a plaque with your name on it. That was all the incentive I needed to try all the different beers. It stuck with me. Whenever I traveled, I wanted to try something new… When I came here, there were only a couple of small craft breweries, and all closed soon after.

I came up with a marketing idea to have a brand called Alamo.

I applied for the trademark, and it was through that process that I found out that there was a beer called Alamo from 1883 until Prohibition. But no one had claimed it since. The brand name goes perfectly with San Antonio and Texas. The story is already built into it; I don’t need to make anything up. And when you take into account what’s going on with the craft beers versus the big companies, it’s a little like the-few-versus-the-many in the Battle of the Alamo. Being independent and standing up for what you believe in is kind of what motivates the craft beer movement. In fact, our slogan is “Fiercely Independent.”

Tell us about the early years.

For the first 12 years my beer was brewed in Blanco, and I was doing all the sales, marketing and delivery in San Antonio by myself. I started real small, and I proved that my concept worked without having to spend a huge cash outlay to build a brewery right away.

(For that part he used his savings.) But when time came to build the present facility, I was not a startup company. I already had existing sales, the brand was known, and I had a distributor in place.

So I was able to secure a $5 million loan from the Small Business Administration and $3 million from local investors.

In addition to the name, how did you make your brand stand out in a very competitive market?

What made it popular is community outreach, which we still do.

We provide beer for many charity events, and we host functions here at our facility that serve as fundraisers for the nonprofits and as consumer awareness occasions for us. Our beer hall and courtyard are open to the public, and we are family-friendly and pet-friendly. It’s become a real gathering place. We also do about 40 in-store samplings a month throughout San Antonio and beyond.

Who formulates the beer recipes?

For years, we only had the Golden Ale, but when we started here, we launched four different styles of beer. Selecting the styles was a group decision, but fine-tuning it down to exact formulations was up to our brewmaster, James Hudec, who has more than 20 years of experience, including three years of training in Germany.

What’s your favorite beer?

I drink our Pilsner. It’s a traditional Central European-style Pilsner.

It tastes exactly like what you would get in the Czech Republic.

The neighborhood and former mayor Ivy Taylor supported the building of the brewery in the present location. Has it become somewhat of a catalyst for further development in this area?

I think our project did not kick off the redevelopment of the area, but it gave it a stamp of approval. It communicated that it was OK to reach over to this side of the tracks and invest money. I think our project gave a boost to what was already happening. The group SAGE, San Antonio Growth for the East Side, coordinates and keeps track of what’s going on. Everything, from several bars and restaurants to other small manufacturers has opened. The Dignowity Hill Neighborhood Association is very active, and that, too, has led to increased growth.

You wanted to talk about women and beer.

Yes. So many of the large companies have taken the frat approach to advertising beer, and most of that is offensive to women. I think more and more women have opportunities to try craft beers.

When they come in, we talk to them about what they like to drink, and we usually find one of our beer styles that will appease wine drinkers . . . Craft beer is a lot more appealing to women.

They just need to take the time to discover it.

Mr. Simor’s comments have been edited for publication. january/february 2018 | 111

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Weddings W

Stephanie Hanson Photography

Shelly Beck Photography

Mr. & Mrs. Pedro Olivarez III Christina Ochoa December 2, 2017

Sarah Naselli Photography

Photographer: Jackie Willome

Mr. & Mrs. Christopher “Burr� Thornton Chelsi Lauren Borders December 2, 2017

Photographer: Sydney Balusek

Photohaus Films

Mr. & Mrs. Tyler Vargas Brittany Untermeyer May 5, 2017

Mr. & Mrs. Ruben Amezcus Stefanie Renee Martinez April 8, 2017

Mr. & Mrs. Nick Flourney Casey Cody May 6, 2017

Mr. & Mrs. Federico Salinas Yvette Nandin December 2, 2017

january/february 2018 | 113

W LOOKING BACK

1955 Julian Gold, at their original location at 1616 Main Avenue offered a “fashion-wise" staff to assist their customers in choosing from their lovely merchandise selections.

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