San Antonio Woman Magazine Jan/Feb 2019

General

Angie Salinas

New MissioN: The Girl scouTs

WOMEN aND t h e i r HORSES WO ME N B A NK ERS YOU SHOULD KNOW

GO RED AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION F

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S P E C I A L I S T S

IN THIS ISSUE

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profile

leading ladies

This U.S. Marine Corps veteran is determined to change the lives of young girls. Find out how Gen. Angie Salinas is preparing future leaders and teaching them to thrive.

These five women have more in common than successful careers.

They share a passion for these magnificent creatures.

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90

For these bankers your

From Blanco, Johnson City and Spring Branch, meet three ladies who bring art, advertising and businesses to life in their communities.

women in hill country women business transactions more about relationships than equations.

They are putting you and your finances first.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

business 54

Business Calendar

96 108 106

Women on the Move

Dining Mexican specialties with a French flare make for tasty dining experience.

Spotlight on Barbara Slusher, owner of Sew Chic Alterations and tailoring.

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home 28

Cross the threshold and enter into the airy, elegance of this Olmos Park home.

stories 98

food Hill Country Eats SA Eats

lifestyle 35

Fashion Her custom boots are a staple in the Rodeo circuit. Meet bootmaker Tawana Timberlake.

38 Beauty This new year make a resolution to keep up with a successful skincare routine.

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special sections 41

Artbeat Meet Kristin Roach, the woman behind the music at the Alamo City Opera.

Health Do you know the difference between physical and emotional eating? Find out how the food you eat afftects your mood.

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Role Model Emma Faye Rudkin shares how she finds joy in breaking down barriers in the deaf community.

Active Living Exercise is key, and at 95, Rosemary Kowalski is proving it is never too late to start living an active lifestyle.

The Dossier featuring Ophthalmology, Optometry, LASIK and Vision Specialists.

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Guy to Know Leon Coffee tells his humble tale that led him to the Rodeo Hall of Fame.

Mommy Matters Find out how to make life sweeter without the added sugar.

TRENDING

Private School Open Houses Prepare your children for the future.

47 American Heart Association Go Red for Women

CHARCUTERIE BOARDS

COWBOY BOOTS Rodeo season is in high gear and what better way than to celebrate with your best pair of boots. You can never go wrong with this Texas trademark. Dress them up or down, rock your rodeo look all year round.

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These stunning displays should be at the top of your list when party planning this year. Impress your guests with a variety of meats, cheeses and additional bites that are sure to satisfy every palate.

Not only is this fare a wonderful addition to the menu, the board also makes for an eye-catching centerpiece.

LEOPARD PRINT Don’t be afraid to show off your spots this season. Adding a statement coat or bag to a simple outfit is an easy way to add some pizzazz to your overall look. Be bold this winter with this fierce print.

CONTRIBUTORS

Jason Roberts Jason studied fine arts and theater at Ohio State University, then pursued a career in show business and commercial art in New York City. He performed on Broadway, at The Metropolitan Opera, and on television. He supported himself as a freelance illustrator. Coming to faith in Christ in the mid 70’s was a pivotal point in his life. He worked in graphic design and illustration before moving into photography and video production.

Today he spends his time in photography and with his wife Deborah, working with Cru Military Ministry at Lackland Air Force Base.

Dawn Robinette A communications and marketing expert who loves to tell stories, Dawn Robinette was told by her high school English teacher that she couldn’t write. Proving her wrong, Dawn is an award-winning writer who enjoys telling the stories behind the places and faces that make San Antonio such a terrific city. A military spouse and mom who made her way to Texas as fast as she could, she’s Accredited in Public Relations by the Public Relations Society of America and works with clients to help them share their stories. She’s also a regular 10 SAWOMAN.COM

contributor for Alamo City Moms Blog.

EDITOR’S LETTER SAN ANTONIO WOMAN wants to inspire you.

Women of San Antonio: your lives, your stories, events that inspire and shape our city, shared on multiple platforms:

/SanAntonioWoman

Susan Thornton,

We reach nearly 30,000 people and engage nearly 3,000 on our posts each week. And we are currently liked by over 12,300 people.

SAN ANTONIO WOMAN EDITOR

Happy New Year!

I am so excited about the people and stories in our first issue of 2019! After 16 years of San Antonio Woman magazine, you’d think we’d run out of people to write about, but we just keep finding more and more incredible women (and men) in our city.

@SanAntonioWoman Over 10,000 people follow us. Do you?

Upon her retirement, General Angie Salinas, a highly decorated Marine, chose to come to San Antonio and invest her time and talents in The Girl Scouts. Her efforts as CEO are evident in the many young women she is pouring into who are developing leadership skills for life.

Our Leading Ladies are all highly successful women with a love for horses. From dres-

@SanAntonioWoman We have over 13,900 followers!

sage to polo, the Olympics to the rodeo to a herd of miniature ponies, these ladies all know how to get the best from them.

There are many wonderful people for you to read about in this issue. Rodeo season is upon us and we wanted you to meet Leon Coffee, the man behind the makeup who has been keeping bull riders and cowboys safe in San Antonio for the past 37 years.

Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy!

SAWomanConnect.com is a resource for connecting professional women from all over San Antonio.

For more information, please call 210-826-5375.

Susan Thornton, Editor susan@sawoman.com

PUBLISHER J. Michael Gaffney EDITOR Susan Thornton COPY EDITOR Gabrielle Hernandez FASHION & BEAUTY EDITOR Aquila Mendez-Valdez ARTS EDITOR Jasmina Wellinghoff GRAPHIC DESIGN Maria Jenicek ONLINE MEDIA Tuesday Shaw, Michelle Miles 12 SAWOMAN.COM

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Robyn Barnes, Iris Gonzalez, Gabrielle Hernandez, Meredith Kay, Berit Mason, Pamela Miller, Jennifer O’Neill, Dawn Robinette PHOTOGRAPHY Jason Roberts, Janet Rogers, David Teran, Fredrick Wilson, Al Zavala BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING Cindy Jennings, Patricia McGrath, Edward Romero ADMINISTRATION & CUSTOMER SERVICE Nancy A. Gaffney

PRINTING Shweiki Media, San Antonio, Texas EDITOR EMERITUS Beverly Purcell-Guerra ADVERTISING INFORMATION call (210) 826-5375 email: info@sawoman.com PUBLISHED BY

8603 Botts Lane San Antonio, TX 78217 210-826-5375 pixelworksmedia.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.

WHAT’S NEW LEXUS JUST LAUNCHED THE UX.

saprivateschools.com

From its smart size to its sculpted character lines, every element of the first-ever Lexus compact crossover is an embodiment of the city itself. Engineered to fit in, yet designed to stand out, the UX excels even in the tightest spaces. It is compact enough to maneuver around narrow streets and nimble enough to impress whether parking or driving. It also has ample cargo and cabin space to fit everything and everyone you’ll want to take on your next weekend adventure. Now available at North Park Lexus of San Antonio and North Park Lexus At Dominion.

THE SAN ANTONIO WOMEN’S CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOUNDATION HOSTED THEIR GALA.

saprivateschools.com

The Constellation of the Stars Award s Gala was held on November 10, 2018 at Valero.

The event honored San Antonio women leaders and celebrated the 30th anniversary of the San Antonio Women’s Chamber of Commerce with a tribute to the Tricentennial 30.

Tammie Jo Shults was this year’s recipient of the Spirit of Courage Award. Ursula Pari was the Mistress of Ceremonies. A portion of the evening’s proceeds benefitted Family Violence Prevention Services, Inc.

2018 POINSETTIA BALL WAS ON DECEMBER 13.

The 30th Poinsettia Ball was Thursday, December 13, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. The Friends of Hospice honored its 2015-16 President, LouAnn Noll and her husband, Wayne, for their dedicated service to providing hospice care to the uninsured in San Antonio and southwest Texas.

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The Poinsettia Ball committee, under the leadership of Beverly Pace, Chair, and Derrick Dodge, Co-Chair, worked hard to rally participation in this fabulous 300 Centennial event for the benefitof uninsured hospice patients.

SAINT MARY’S HALL STUDENT “SAVES THE BEES”.

On November 15, Saint Mary’s Hall 13-year-old Middle School student Jasmine A. was honored as the Impact Award winner at the She Rocks the World Gala in Tysons Corner, Virginia. Jasmine was recognized for her work addressing bee Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) and her efforts to restore endangered bee populations to St. John U.S. Virgin Islands.

After visiting St. John and conducting field studies, Jasmine learned that bees were disappearing at a rate of 15 percent every year. Soon after, Hurricane Irma devastated the beekeeping industry in the area. The beekeepers she met during her study lost their homes and businesses, and were denied federal assistance. As a result, Jasmine and her brother Quentin’s organization, Save the Bees, Inc. launched the “Bring Back the Beekeepers of St. John Project”; this initiative has been instrumental in helping the industry recover from the devastating impact of the hurricane. The project has successfully restored St. John’s beekeeping operations and provides needed income for local farmers as their economy continues to recover. Save the Bees’ mission is to empower people as citizen scientists to save wild bees from extinction, with 80 percent of spending directed toward scientific research, development, and education. The organization is entirely managed, controlled, and directed by teenagers.

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PROFILE

From Quantico to Cookies:

Major General Angie Salinas Preparing Tomorrow’s Leaders

By Dawn Robinette

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Photography by Jason Roberts

The Girl Scouts

are known for

their patch-laden sashes and vests, displaying hard-earned

pins, badges and awards for their Girl Scouting knowledge,

confidence and character that are going to make the world a better place—that sets the stage.”

“It’s the foundation I think we all need, especially today.

service and activities. So, it makes sense that Angie

The more mature I get, the more I have the opportunity to

Salinas feels at home as the Chief Executive Officer of

see the wave of time over the years. I can’t imagine what

Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas. After all, she earned a

today’s girls are going to be facing when they’re my age. I

few medals and awards of her own as a member of the

don’t know what their stories will be like. I don’t know what

U.S. Marine Corps.

their successes will be.”

Stepping into her office at the Sally Cheever Girl Scout Leadership Center in San Antonio, it’s clear that Salinas was no ordinary Marine. The walls, shelves and tables are lined

“Being a Marine is not for the faint of heart. That image: the few, the proud, the Marines,” she explains.

But what she saw at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in

with awards and mementos from the Corps. Logging 39

Paris Island, South Carolina didn’t match that image. “I

years in service and ultimately retiring as a Major General,

envisioned that these women would be a cut above. But I’d

Gen. Salinas was awarded the Navy Distinguished Service

see these kids get off the bus and they weren’t. They were

Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of

wallflowers. They were kids that were escaping. They’d

Merit with gold star, the Meritorious Service Medal with two

been abused.”

gold stars, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation

“I used to stand there and think, ‘If there was some way

Medal, the Army Commendation Medal and the Navy and

to get to these kids when they were younger, instead of

Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two gold stars during

waiting until they’re 18, imagine how successful they

her career.

could be.’”

The first Latina selected and promoted to the general

That came rushing back to her when she received a call

officer ranks in the U.S. Marine Corps, at the time of her

about joining Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas. Not about

retirement, Salinas was the senior ranking woman and

how to build future Marines, but how to build successful

Hispanic in the Corps. She joined Girl Scouts of Southwest

women. “I thought, OK, the Lord is talking to me. This is

Texas in 2015, leading an organization that serves nearly

your moment. This is your chance.”

15,000 Girl Scouts in 21 counties across South Texas.

When people hear her speak, they inevitably ask why she

Salinas herself wore the Girl Scout uniform for just a year, but it impacted her. “I remember getting to do things that I

chose to lead the Girl Scouts. “I had one executive ask me,

normally wouldn’t do. Having an adult leader, not someone

‘How in the world did the Girl Scouts get somebody like

who was your parent who tended to be judgmental when

you?’ I looked at him and said, ‘Why wouldn’t they get

you did something, this was someone who was there to

someone like me?’ I come from an organization that is a premier leadership organization, the Department of Defense. The Girl Scouts is the premier leadership organization for girls.”

This is where I choose to be because it’s important to me.

Salinas was drawn to the possibilities that the Girl Scouts represent for girls. “The idea of building girls of courage, confidence and character. It sounds odd because it’s the mission, but if you think about it, the idea of building girls of courage, JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

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PROFILE the girls who participate are not in traditional troops, defined as a troop with a volunteer leader. “We just don’t have the volunteers,” explains Salinas. To address that need, starter troops are led by Girl Scout staff until volunteers can be found.

Salinas sees Girl Scouts as a uniter and equalizer.

“I love to talk about the fact that I have girls who are over on the West side who, when they participate in Girl Genius (an afterschool program run by the Girl Scouts), we feed them as soon as they get off of the bus because that’s probably going to be the only meal they’re going to get for the rest of the day. Every day, you pray that you’re making their life just a bit better.

“Then we have a troop at St. Mary’s Hall, where they are led by an assistant city attorney, a structural engineer that works for the Air Force and a doctor, and all of their parents are well-off. What I love to talk about is that with all of the other things these girls could be doing, their parents choose to create a Girl Scout troop and have their daughters in it.

“The girls on the West Side, have parents or grandparents guide you and to say, ‘Do you think that’s the best you could

who are taking two or three buses to get to three or four

do?’ Or having one of your peers say ‘You did good.’ It was

jobs to make ends meet. And then there are the girls at St.

a place where I felt good about myself.”

Mary’s Hall. That’s what is phenomenal about this incredible

“Especially today, I really think we need that. I had to be 19 years old to do this [raising her hand to take an oath].

program: these girls on different sides of town are coming away with the same experience and self confidence it’s

I get to be part of an organization where at the age of 5,

going to take for them to be tomorrow’s leaders. That’s what

we’re taking an oath. ‘On my honor, I will try to serve God

is so powerful about all of this.”

and my country.’ Where else can you go today to help people at all times and to live by The Girl Scout Law, which

After 39 years of going where the Marine Corps sent her Salinas found her way to San Antonio thanks to family ties.

is good resource management, and treat people with

During her time in the Corps, Salinas’ mother lived with her,

respect … all those things?

moving from base to base during Salinas’ service. “She

“How do you teach respect? How do you teach

came to visit and she never left,” laughs Salinas. “She fell in

acceptable behavior? The lines are just so muddled now.

love with the Corps. She loved what I did. I tell people she

It’s hard for a kid to figure out what’s right.”

was a better Marine than I was.”

While the core of the Girl Scouts hasn’t changed, the

When it was time to retire, Salinas was thinking San

organization has evolved. “This is not your mother’s or

Diego, but San Antonio put them closer to family spread

grandmother’s Girl Scouts,” explains Salinas.

from Eagle Pass to Houston and from Dallas to the Valley.

This is an organization that is cutting edge.

to come in for holidays to spend time together. Now she

Her home in San Antonio is the epicenter, allowing everyone This is an organization that has everything you

can’t imagine being anywhere else. “I have fallen in love with

envision to prepare leaders. What I love about our

San Antonio. I really feel like I’m home.”

curriculum is that it is specifically researched and designed for women, for girls, to learn.

We know how to teach girls to thrive.

The Alice native is a descendent of one of the first five civilian settlers in Texas, granted land by Spain in 1767. “So I’m not native to San Antonio, but you can’t question my Texas roots.”

Another difference in today’s Girl Scouts is the variety of

While the bulk of her career has been spent in a uniform,

ways girls can participate in the program. The makeup of

Salinas’ list of accolades includes more than military honors.

Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas is somewhat unique: half of

She has received more other awards to numerous to count

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in the last few years.

And yet talking about herself doesn’t come easy. The

it. “I was lamenting about the jerk, going on and on. My family sat there nodding their heads, listening to me. Then I thought,

natural storyteller instead answers questions by sharing

‘This is the stupidest thing I could be doing.’ This guy, who is

tales of Marines she served with and the girls who she

probably not giving me a second thought, is dominating my

serves at Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas. “If I can tell the

time with my family, the people that matter. So I don’t take

story of the Girl Scouts, I’ve got to tell it,” she gushes.

anything home. It taught me that when I’m home, I’m home. I

Rattling off story after story of the incredible life-changing projects that the Girl Scouts take on as they work to earn the Gold Award, is the highest achievement within the Girl

don’t pick up the phone. I don’t focus on work.”

However, the habitual early riser does use her early morning hours to help focus for the day. After years of get-

Scouts, she positively beams. And she draws inspiration

ting up at 4:30 to work out her body won’t let her stay in

from all that they do.

bed. It’s a habit she feels has contributed to her success.

A piece of advice that she carries with her came from her days in the Corps.

the day, think out loud and get that center.”

“Pick your battles. Every time I felt wronged, I wanted

Scouts: changing the perception of what these girls can do

“That quiet time allows me to get ready, set my course for Part of that center is highlighting the stories of the Girl

to be the defender of everybody. But the reality is,

— and what Girl Scouts can do for them. “People still see

if you do it every single time, you’re crying wolf.

Girl Scouts as cookies. But what cookies really are is

And when it’s really important, you’re just going to be

entrepreneurial. It’s a business. The accountability, the

white noise to somebody. You need to be able to

logistics. The self confidence it takes to go up to a group of

choose. Is it worth it? Is it better to win the battle or

strangers and ask if they would like to buy cookies. And

do you want to win the war?”

when they say no, to go back to my booth because my commitment is to sell 200 boxes and the rest of my troop is

Another lesson that she carries came after a bad day. She went home grumbling about a person who had contributed to

counting on me. Where else do you teach resilience without having an adverse environment?”

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LEADING LADIES

The Equestrians THESE SAN ANTONIO LADIES ARE NOT HORSING AROUND

By Meredith Kay Photography by Jason Roberts

We each define success differently. Some of us define it with material abundance.

Wealth, expensive homes and cars, jewelry and designer clothing allow some women to show their success with tangible items. For others, it is about relationships, health and happiness, regardless of how much they have. For five dynamic San Antonio women, success is measured by the ability to follow their passions, and in this case, their passions are uniquely tied to their horses. These women live incredibly busy lives giving everything they’ve got to their careers, their families and the causes that are dear to their hearts, but they also have managed to pursue their love of horses, and their stories are amazing.

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Dr. Elizabeth McRae Enhancing Beauty for Humans and Horses Alike

understand that you are in the presence of a uniquely amazing woman.

As beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside, Dr. McRae has dedicated her career to helping women, and men, enhance their physical beauty at her clinic, McRae Medical Laser Spa in Boerne. She is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and has been a

Upon meeting Dr. Elizabeth McRae, she will excitedly tell you about her recent trip to Virginia for a no-kill fox hunt with

member of the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery since 2007. Dr. McRae published research for the

her girlfriends. She will then regale you with the story of how

ASLMS Journal in 2013, and has trained with specialists in

she rode a horse across the Steppes of Outer Mongolia,

the Laser and Aesthetic fields, along with plastic surgeons

and lived in yurts, just last summer. When she finally gets

and dermatologists, bringing the latest techniques and

around to telling you about the numerous U.S. Hunter

medical advances to the Texas Hill Country.

Jumper Association competitions that she has participated in, as well as the many awards that she has won, you will

Dr. McRae first discovered her love for riding horses as a young girl. She was born in Thierville, France, where her JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

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LEADING LADIES Dr. McRae, continued. father was stationed in the U.S. Army. She grew up in Germany and Oklahoma, where she learned to learned to

Ursula Pari From Barrel Racer to Polo Enthusiast

ride Western style. Today, she and her husband, Patrick, own several horses, including a colt from their own mare.

Clementine is Dr. McRae’s competition horse. She is an 11-year-old Hanoverian mare who was the 2014 Reserve Champion in the U.S. National Hunter Derby, and together, Clementine and Elizabeth were the Zone 7 Champions for 2017, and Texas State Champions in the Adult Equitation competition.

Somehow, she finds the time to ride at least five times a week, and takes time from her busy medical practice to travel the Hunter Jumper show circuit with her horses and her mobile medical spa, a 25-foot Airstream trailer called The Beauty Bug. Many of the competition riders keep their appearance in top form with Dr. McRae’s help. She is able to administer Botox and facial filler treatments from her mobile clinic, and often she is booked before she even arrives via Facebook appointments. This brilliant idea has allowed her to combine all of her passions to create another revenue stream while she rides and travels.

Back at the ranch in Boerne, Dr. McRae and her husband enjoy caring for their German Warmblood horses, and keeping up with their three adult children. She rides now for the sheer pleasure of it. She states that, “When you are first learning to ride for competition purposes, you are

Born in the heart of Cajun country, Ursula Pari grew up in Lafayette, Louisiana where an abundance of great food, and her love of horses sparked her two lifelong passions. She was a winning barrel racer on the high school rodeo circuit, and she competed in both barrel racing and goat tying while a Broadcast Journalism major at L.S.U. in Baton Rouge.

As a budding news journalist, Pari found her first broadcast job in Portland, Maine, where she spent the first seven years of her career as a news anchor. A Southern girl transplanted to the cold northeast, she searched for anything that would connect her back to her roots. It was then that she learned of a local indoor polo club that was looking for riders, so she checked it out and fell in love with the horses and the sport. Pari rode for the Down East Polo Club and she, along with her fellow polo teammates, would travel extensively throughout the northeast competing in polo matches. It was also in Maine that she purchased her first two horses. She then brought them to San Antonio when her career led her to become a news anchor for KSAT-TV, where she has earned top ratings for the past 23 years.

Friendly and outgoing, Ursula balances her successful career while she raises two teenagers, Jackson and Georgia, and runs a hundred-acre ranch near Retama Park

striving so hard to do everything correctly.”

with her husband, Patrick McLeod. The ranch serves as

“Now, it’s about riding to experience the moment, and the feel of the horse, and your surroundings.

It’s about moving carefully and prayerfully, and not necessarily about knowing what you are doing and where you are going.”

instrumental in bringing back to the Alamo City.

the home to the San Antonio Polo Club, which Pari was “When I came to San Antonio and found out that the city’s polo club had died out several years before, I decided that it was my job to bring it back,” states Pari passionately.

The San Antonio Polo Club is the oldest continually operating polo club in the country, and Pari, along with several dedicated polo enthusiasts, is on a mission to spread wareness about the sport, and encourage young people to learn about the sport, and eventually compete.

Ursula personally owns four horses of her own. They are When asked where her next adventure will take her, she

all varying degrees of thoroughbred mixes, and they all

lights up and tells you that she’d like to do an African safari

compete with her in polo matches. She spends time at the

on horseback through the Okavango Delta, and, “gallop

ranch caring for the horses every day. She is amazed at the

alongside the giraffe and antelope.” I have no doubt that she

therapeutic effect that horses have had on her life, as well

will achieve this dream and find another, equally amazing ex-

as the lives of others through the San Antonio Polo Club’s

perience to put on, and check off, her bucket list.

community outreach program.

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“As well, we’ve seen polo take that healing to a new

“As a woman in a pretty competitive industry, horses have been my escape and my medicine. I have watched them heal abused and neglected children in mere hours, transforming a troubled, angry child into a smiling, affectionate and loving human being.”

level. It grows a child’s self-esteem, confidence and leadership skills. It teaches them how to communicate and guide a large animal, as well as fostering teamwork with the horse and other team members.”

When she is not riding, you can find Ursula in the kitchen honing the Cajun recipes that she learned from her grandmother. She is as passionate about cooking as she is about horses and plans to pass this tradition down to her children, just as she continues to keep the tradition of the Polo Club alive here in San Antonio.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

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LEADING LADIES

Jane Macon A Mighty Force with a Love for Miniature Horses

reignited during her time spent in England in the 1980’s.

It was here that she was introduced to the miniature

When Jane Macon enters a room, people take notice.

She is a tiny dynamo with a kind word for everyone she

horses that the royal family kept to entertain the children.

A miniature horse is classified as being shorter than 34

encounters. Born in Kingsville, Texas, her grandmother was

inches at the withers. The breed began in Europe through

one of the first settlers in the area that now encompasses

the inbreeding of Shetland ponies and other breeds. The

the massive King Ranch. She was one of only eighteen

dwarf horses were used to pull carts in coal mines and were

women in her graduating class at UT Austin’s School of

brought to the United States in the 19th century for the

Law in 1970, and today her impressive list of credentials

same purpose.

and accolades could rival the most powerful leaders of our time.

Jane is a partner with the Bracewell Law Firm, a leading

Today, many of the miniature horses you see come from the Falabella bloodline that was crossed with the Shetland, and bred in Argentina. Macon has followed these traditional

law and government relations firm primarily serving the

breeding practices, and now houses her amazing collection

energy, infrastructure, finance and technology sectors

of over 400 miniature horses on a ranch near Blanco, Texas.

throughout the world.

Jane had always loved to pet the great horses on the King Ranch as a child, and her love of horses was 24 SAWOMAN.COM

Alamo Miniatures Ranch is a magical place where these beautiful, yet diminutive equines, graze happily on Texas Hill Country grass.

“We breed our miniature horses to be on par with any full-sized horse,” Macon states proudly. “They are perfectly balanced horses.”

Jane is married to Larry Macon, also an attorney, who has competed in over 2,000 marathons in his lifetime. They live in Monte Vista with five dogs and a kangaroo! They do not have children, but as Jane puts it, “Our animals are our kids.”

Alamo Miniatures is open to the public on certain days, and Macon gets out to the ranch at least once a week to check on her herd of tiny horses. She has built quite a business over the years, all while living an incredibly busy life and creating a history of success that would humble the strongest over-achiever. She is most definitely a force to be reckoned with, and she doesn’t show any signs of slowing down.

Christine Turner Breeding Olympic Champions and Preserving Texas History When you first drive through the gates at Indian Creek Farm, you will feel as if you have driven into the sweeping grandeur of the opening scene of an epic movie. The rolling hills, the well-maintained fence lines, and the beautiful horses grazing in their paddocks lure you forward toward the main house and stables. This ranch is precisely what comes to mind when you envision paradise in Texas.

At the helm of this great enterprise is Christine Turner, a beautiful lady with a gracious heart and a passion for champion horses, preserving Texas history and antiques.

Born in Pennsylvania, Turner moved often as a child, but landed in Texas where she met her husband, Tom Turner, Jr. (T.J.), here in San Antonio. She was the fourth Vice

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

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LEADING LADIES President of the San Antonio Conservation Society, which also serves as the chairman of N.I.O.S.A. She served in

The Turners have two daughters, Kelly and Tommie, along with two grandchildren, Bliss and Libby. Christine

this capacity for over 17 years, until she skipped out on

spends all of her time at the ranch, while T.J. carries on

the city life to breed and train champion and Olympic

the legacy that his father started at TETCO in San Antonio

competition horses.

during the week. They are an impressive family working hard to preserve the heritage of their beautiful land, and will hopefully continue their breeding and training program

“We specialize in breeding top quality sport horses with the hope that they will become Three Day Eventing/Dressage horses on an Olympic level,� states Turner.

for many years to come.

Turner does not personally compete with her horses at the professional level, but relies on the expertise of her Olympic rider, Boyd Martin, and his wife Silva, an experienced Dressage rider. Along with their incredible team of trainers, managers, staff and veterinarians, Boyd and Silva oversee the competition horses in Pennsylvania, while Christine and her crew manage the breeding and training programs at Indian Creek Farm.

Located in Bulverde on Highway 46, the ranch sits on land that was deeded to Deaf Smith, by the Republic of Texas, for his service as a courier sent to deliver a letter to Sam Houston when the Alamo fell. The land houses a home that was owned and built in 1874 by the Scheel family, who were some of the first German settlers to the area. They are buried on the property, along with several of their children.

The modern home, inhabited by Christine Turner and her husband, T.J., was built, shotgun style, above the stables.

Originally, the stables were used to hold sheep by the Scheels, and you can still make out the arrow slits, or narrow openings in the old exterior walls, where guns could be fired at approaching Indians. The property has much historical value and significance.

The breeding farm has only been in operation for 10 years, and already Christine Turner, Boyd Martin and the entire team have taken home some very prestigious awards. Thomas is an 11-year-old Trakehner that recently competed in the World Equestrian Games representing the United States. He was recognized, from his breed registry, for his competition scores

Katie Harvey Promoting the Beauty of the Arabian and the Attributes of Her Clients

and was awarded $10,000 for his performance. Another outstanding horse in the Turner collection is Big Red, a

Katie Harvey was born in Greenfield, Massachusetts, but

14-year-old Thoroughbred who represented the U.S. in the

as the bumper sticker states, she got to Texas as fast as

2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

she could. Moving to a small town outside of Waco at the

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age of two, her father relocated the family to start an

display case that houses her awards from various Arabian

Egyptian Arabian horse farm. She spent her childhood riding

Horse competitions. The office is comfortable and inviting, just

and caring for the horses, helping out in every area of the

like Katie’s personality, and she is excited to tell you the story

farm. Once she graduated from high school, she left her

about shooting the bobcat on one of her many hunting trips.

small town of China Spring to attend Southwest Texas State

When asked about her love for Arabian horses she

University, where she studied Mass Communications and

states, “I lost interest in horses and riding when I was about

Advertising. Upon graduation, she settled in San Antonio,

14. It wasn’t until my father gave me an Arabian horse as a

where she quickly started her own communications agency

wedding present, when I was 30, that my passion for the breed was reignited.” Since then, Harvey has won 15 U.S. Photography by Robert Hess

and Canadian National Championship titles, along with being named Arabian Professional and Amateur Horseman’s Association Working Western Amateur of the Year. She currently owns 14 Arabian and Half-Arabian show horses that are spread out around the country at various stables in Ohio, Arizona, and Texas.

She is equally proud of her charitable work on behalf of the Arabian breed. She has rescued several Arabians from slaughterhouses, and she is involved with the Arabian Horse Distress Fund, which helps those among the Arabian horse industry when they need a “hand up”. The fund has helped those in need when unexpected life events debilitate a family, like cancer or wildfires. “This is how we take care of our own,” Harvey states.

Katie also serves as the Vice President for the Arabian Professional Horseman Association, where her role is to, “Bring more people into the breed through promotion.”

Although she is an extremely busy professional, Katie does not lose sight of her blessings. She has been married to her husband, Jeff, a partner with the law firm Jackson/Walker, for 19 years now, and they have two boys, ages 15 and 16. “Balance and timing are everything. You can’t teach it. It comes with experience.”

“God is good. He has given me so many opportunities to glorify Him through work, family, volunteerism and giving.

There have been so many people who have helped me along my career path as well as my equestrian path.

I have tried to do the same, particularly helping women in business.”

at the age of 24. KGBTexas Communications is still a thriving organization, and in January, the company will celebrate their 25th anniversary.

She spent the early years of her career building her company and surrounding herself with an outstanding team that shared her vision. Her office, located in the Full Goods Building at The Pearl, showcases her achievements, as well as her passions. A gorgeous stuffed bobcat sits atop a

“I deeply believe that while you have your hand on a ladder up, you must also have your arm extended out to help others on their journey as well.

It’s our responsibility, and I really take it seriously.”

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

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AT HOME

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Third Time’s the Charm for this Olmos Park Renovation

By Robyn Barnes

Photography by Fredrick Wilson

The classic façade of this Olmos Park house on the treelined street is striking. You’d expect the interior to be similar to others on this winding avenue — elegantly decorated in sedate tones.

What you’d find once you crossed the threshold, however, would surprise you. And it proves the old adage that the third time is the charm.

Midtown Move The homeowners moved to Olmos Park five years ago to escape the traffic of their north side home. Their children attend a private school that required a long drive, and chauffeuring frequent after-school activities consumed too much precious time. The Olmos Park home, while requiring some renovation, seemed like a good solution to the problem.

The 8,000-square-foot house had four bedrooms, five full baths and one-half bath. There was a guesthouse out back, as well as a pool. Good amenities for a busy family.

They hired an interior design firm and explained what they wanted done. At first, the designer seemed like he’d deliver on their dreams. Partway into the project, he seemed

interior design store on McCullough. Joyeux Home Décor

to lose the vision and was dismissed.

had a chair in the window that called to the homeowner

A second firm was hired. Again, the vision was conveyed with photographs and descriptions of the desired color

every time she passed the store. Finally she stopped and inquired about the seat.

palette, look and feel. Again, the design team ignored the homeowner’s directions. Acute disappointment was the result.

“I didn’t want to spend time here,” the homeowner said.

She met a new designer “I told her my story,” the homeowner says. “Dy Lynne

“I was so irritated that they hadn’t paid attention to what we

said she’d stop by the house to take a look. I showed her

wanted. I wanted something light and airy, and what they

pictures to illustrate my ideas. We went from room to room

gave me was something heavy, dark and kind of Tuscan.”

Resigned to living with the result, she passed by a new

so I could tell her what we wanted to do. She quickly picked up on the look we were after.”

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

29

AT HOME

Fast Forward Dy Lynne and her husband, custom builder Jack Dabney, went back over the house again, showing the homeowners

prep and one for serving, separate this area from the rest of the living space. The islands and backsplash are surfaced in Calcutta gold marble. Three crystal chandeliers hang over

what could be salvaged and what would have to go. They

the prep island, which houses the dishwasher and a large

kept the travertine and wood floors and the carved cabinetry.

farmhouse sink. A six-burner gas stove is on the far wall

They donated hundreds of pounds of tile, countertops and

beneath a beautiful carved faux stone vent hood. All the

other building materials to local recyclers and charities.

appliances are stored behind dark wooden cabinetry with

From start to finish, the project was completed in three

heavily carved fronts. The expansive islands provide

months. That included custom-made furniture, ironwork,

extensive storage opportunities, fortunate for a family that

cabinetry, paint and countertops.

likes to entertain.

The family’s daily meals are taken at a rectangular table in

Airy, Elegant and a Little Bit of Bling The entry features reclaimed barn wood on each wall. A

the far corner of the room. The table has a zinc surface and a wooden base. Four comfortable upholstered chairs gather

baroque crystal chandelier provides cascades of light from

round the table, providing a great place to share food and

the 20-foot ceiling. Extra electric outlets were added to

the day’s events.

accommodate new sconces that flank mirrors to accentuate the natural light filtering through the arched front door.

Step through the arch into the great room, where the

The formal dining room is off the kitchen. A rectangular crystal fixture hangs from the coffered ceiling over the rectangular table that seats eight. French doors open onto

coffered ceiling soars overhead. The kitchen dominates the

an enclosed patio on one end of the room. Opposite is a

right side of the room. Two parallel islands, one for food

built-in bar with a marble countertop. The backsplash is a

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a heavy mesquite mantel supported by iron wedges. A 7-foot tall painting by local artist Elaine Ryan hangs over it.

Two flanking white sofas and four swivel chairs offer seating, while two large orb chandeliers provide overhead lighting.

“We had recessed lighting throughout the house when we moved in,” the homeowner says, “but it wasn’t enough, so we added extra cans and changed every light bulb to LEDs, which significantly brightened the house.

The extra cans made a big difference in the living area.”

Originally the house ended at the French doors that open onto the patio.

A second floor was added over the patio to serve as the husband’s hunting trophy room. The room is visible from the living area through an iron railing custom-made work of art, made of marble with water-jet cut infused glass.

Adjacent to the bar, a wall of frosted glass was installed to separate the dining room from the wine room. The family’s initials were applied to the glass as a decorative addition.

The living room is anchored by a large fireplace featuring

for safety and decorative appeal.

The powder room, with the exception of the backlit onyx vanity, was totally remodeled. New plumbing fixtures were installed, along with custom lighting. It’s the only room with a dark palette; the rest of the house is painted in white.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

31

AT HOME Total Transformation The homeowner says the master suite was completely transformed during the third renovation. “This room used to be so dark,” she says. “The furnishings, bed linens, the wood — everything was so dark and heavy.

The bedroom now features a gray tufted headboard that is 7 feet tall and wider than two king-sized beds. A white sofa and Mongolian sheep bench sit at the foot of the bed. All the linens and accent pillows are done in shades of gray and white. Two paintings

by Dallas artist Scott Kerr hang across the room from the tall windows dressed in white plantation shutters and custom draperies. A large crystal chandelier sparkles over all.

The master bath is striking.

The room is dominated by an oversized round tub and curved wall shower surround.

Both are set with gold metallic tiles.

“I really hated this tile,” the homeowner says. “We wanted to rip it out. But it was so expensive that we didn’t want to

“The alcove was useless to me, so we installed four comfortable swivel chairs and draperies, along with a coffee table. Now it’s a great conversation area.”

waste and that we could find a way to work with it. She found the crystal mobile that hangs from the skylight over

Trophy Refuge

the bath, and that diverts the eye. She also combined silver

Every hunter wants a magnificent place to display his

fixtures, sconces and mirrors to mitigate the effect of the tile.

mounts. In this case, a special room was added upstairs to

I can live with it now.”

display the husband’s many trophies. The barrel ceilings

The master closet is a thing of beauty. The entire room

reptilian finish is an interesting contrast to the coffered

is wooden cabinetry, enclosing the couple’s wardrobe. The

ceilings in the adjacent living room. A fireplace was installed

island in the center of the room is an elegant marble-topped

at one end of the room and a home theater at the other. The

dresser, custom-made to hold clothing and accessories.

center of the room is dominated by a pool table and sofa.

The crystal chandelier over the dresser, supplemented by

Shiplap lines the walls, complementing the wood floor.

can lights, illuminates the room.

The family room is at the back of the house. French doors

“I can’t tell you how happy I am with this home now,” the homeowner says. “Everyone who visits says it feels so light

open onto the patio, and windows in a conversation alcove

and airy — and that’s the feeling I want them to have. I love

allow the couple to keep a close eye on swimmers in the pool.

all the fixtures and the furniture. It took a long time to get it

The room’s kitchenette provides the family access to snacks

right, but now it’s perfect.”

as they watch television on the made-to-measure couch.

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Which proves that the third time is the charm.

34 SAWOMAN.COM

FASHION

San Antonio’s Bootmaker is on a Quest to Dress the Feet of Every Rodeo Girl

By Aquila Mendez-Valdez Photography by Al Zavala

When it comes to footwear, San Antonians know boots.

It’s rodeo season, so even more than normal we’re seeing the western wear taking over the street.

San Antonio Woman: How did you get into cowboy boots?

Tawana Timberlake: I can’t remember not ever being

Tawana Timberlake is a fixture in the San Antonio

enthralled with boots! But my addiction increased

community, often wearing the most daring look in

tenfold since retirement in 2007. No longer in a business

a sea of socialites. Her “Bling it On” custom boots

office, I now indulge all my fashion dollars in casual and evening or event type wear. Western has ALWAYS been

have also become staples on the rodeo circuit,

my preferred style; and boots are a must to complete

adorning the feet of Miss Rodeo USA and many more.

that look! My first design that I created for myself in

We sat down with the effervescent boot designer

2015 was born from a desire to have a pair of boots that screamed Texas, as I was going to see George

to find out how she envisions this business growing

Strait (front row) in Massachusetts. They are adorned

as big as the Texas sky.

with sequined bluebonnets, State of Texas outline, Texas map, yellow roses, horseshoes, Large Swarovski Lone Stars, longhorns, and totally encrusted with red white and clear Swarovski crystals.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

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FASHION SAW: Wow! What do you think makes cowboy boots a fashion statement?

TT: Perhaps it’s a feeling of being untamed, or “making a statement of the wild west,” but it’s never just been a trend here in Texas, it is a must fashion accoutrement! Some haute couture lines have added a modern twist to those who don’t want a total “cowgirl look”. I have even pulled off my evening ensembles wearing boots! Usually because I have “blinged them out.” In the last few years boot designers have started putting crystals on designs that are fab with evening wear for those who are comfortable doing it. Nothing is more fierce than a girl in her boots — fancy or basic; boots make a statement no shoe can ever duplicate.

SAW: Why should every girl own a pair of cowboy boots? Or should they?

TT: They absolutely should; and not just one pair! A girl can never have too many boots! The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo has received the PRCA Large Indoor Rodeo of the Year award for 13 consecutive years! It is the largest & most prestigious single event in the City, with over 2 million visitors attending in 2017! Boots are a must at the rodeo! But I wear them all the time — I have a t-shirt that reads “If I can’t wear my boots, I’m not going!”

SAW: What are some trends you’re seeing right now with boots?

TT: Lots of bling, studs, embroidered florals, intricate tooling and special themes to satisfy any desire for those who crave to go all out. If you can dream it, there are many custom boot makers to make them! “Flipped shaft” boots are the newest look-which is basically the shaft turned down to form an ankle style boot.

SAW: Is there anything you tell someone buying their first pair to stay away from?

TT: Comfort is key. There are some expensive boots that kill my feet and some inexpensive ones that feel great. Usually buy 1/2 size up so you can wear a sock for long days.

The correct fitting cowboy boot can be worn all day in total comfort.

SAW: What are your favorite pair of boots you’ve made for someone?

TT: I’d have to say Miss Rodeo America 2017, who was also Miss Rodeo Texas 2016.

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FABULOUS FINDS

J. ADELMAN ANTIQUES, ART & ESTATE JEWELRY Ruby and diamond rings, earrings and diamond cluster rings; beautiful, unique and available at J. Adelman Antiques, Art & Estate Jewelry - serving San Antonio since 1970.

PEÑALOZA & SONS

202 Alamo Plaza

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.

210.225.5914

adelmanantiques.com

2001 N.W. Military Hwy.

210.340.3536

penalozaandsons.com

TEXAS DOVE HUNTERS ASSOCIATION Join Texas Dove Hunters Association Today! With your 2019 standard package you will receive: a TDHA hat, TDHA decal, TDHA License holder and 2 issues of Texas Dove Hunters Magazine per year. $35. 3 year and lifetime memberships also available.

900 NE Loop 410, Suite D213

210.764.1189

texasdovehunters.com

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

37

BEAUTY

The beauty intentions San Antonio women are making in the New Year.

By Aquila Mendez-Valdez

While many San Antonio women have goals of losing weight or reading more in the New Year, we wanted to know if they’re also making promises to themselves when it comes to their beauty routine. What should you be incorporating into your morning and evening rituals for better skin in 2019? How can switching up your habits lead to a clearer complexion and your best year yet?

Here’s what they had to say: “Being a Mom of three, galloping across the globe, working full time, and having to drop everything for a meeting or conference call with a moments notice, my skincare routine has to be as easy as possible. With Nivea face cream, it's just that. My goal is to apply it every night to my hands and face for an entire month. It makes my skin look like I have slept a full 8 hours, that I had the perfect cappuccino every morning, and that I'm 10 years younger!”

– Pooja Palimar, Owner, The Au Pair Concierge

“I’ve been strict since I turned 14, and my mom traumatized me with the possibility of acne. I have a strict 7-9 step regimen. I take biotin and drink green tea. But I want to make a goal of getting one facial a month in 2019.” – Gabby Mata, Blogger, San Antonio Love List

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Professional makeup artist and 2018 San Antonio Fashion Award Makeup Innovator of the Year, Olivia Villa of Liv Beautified knows sticking to a skin care routine can feel like a hassle — especially after a long day.

She says, “Sticking to your plan is definitely possible — just make it easy to implement (organization is key. Remember, the best way to see the results you're looking for is through consistency.”

“Put aside extra time to pamper yourself daily,” Villa says.

“Taking time for yourself can make a serious difference in your mental clarity and send your confidence soaring.”

“I’m going to start doing face and neck exercises. I used to laugh at my mom doing them in the mirror, and her mom does them as well. But the proof is in the pudding: to this day they both still have toned and firm necks and faces.” – Shyler Leon, Realtor, Keller Williams

A quality education prepares your child for the future and offers them opportunities to pursue their dreams. With the abundance of private education available in San Antonio making that choice can be overwhelming. You want the right fit for your child and in order to do that you need to do your research. A good place to start is the open house — private schools offer open house and tour dates so that you will be able to make an informed decision regarding your children’s education. On the following pages you will find information on local school’s open house and tour dates.

For more information on private schools in our area, please visit

saprivateschools.com JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

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the Dossier OPHTHALMOLOGY OPTOMETRY LASIK & VISION SPECIALISTS

It’s difficult to have a vision for your future when you can’t see properly. Technological advances in the field of optometry and opthalmology have come a long way and continue by leaps and bounds every year. It’s a good idea to have your vision checked regularly, especially with the strain computer screens and smart phones put on our eyes.

Maybe it’s time to ditch those glasses for good. Lasik surgery has advanced as well, making the procedure available to a wide variety of vision maladies. The following pages feature local experts in the science of vision — gathered in one place for your convenience.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

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THE DOSSIER —

OPHTHALMOLOGY, OPTOMETRY, LASIK & VISION SPECIALISTS

Eye Associates of South Texas Sharron Acosta, MD – Owner and Founder 10935 Wurzbach Road, Ste. 202, San Antonio, TX 78230 Hours of operation: M-F 8am – 5pm Specialty: Eye Associates of South Texas provides a wide variety of medical and surgical treatments such as no stitch, no injection cataract surgery, including Femtosecond Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS); completely blade free LASIK vision correction surgery; Dry Eye disease diagnosis and therapy; glaucoma management and surgery; eyelid surgery; treatment for diabetic eye disease; along with routine eye exams including evaluation for contact lenses and glasses.

Experience: Established in 2001 by Dr. Acosta, the practice has grown to include offices in San Antonio, New Braunfels, La Vernia, Luling, Lockhart, Hondo, Gonzales and Seguin.

Dr. Acosta has been performing LASIK and other vision corrective surgeries since the late 1990’s. She performs

210-697-EYES EyesTx.com laser-assisted surgeries such as LASIK and laser cataract surgery and uses the new astigmatism and presbyopia correcting intraocular lenses. She has held leadership positions on local hospital boards and medical associations, and has been elected to serve as president of the San Antonio Society of Ophthalmology for the 2019-2020 term. Eye Associates of South Texas has grown to include three ophthalmologists and three optometrists to provide everything from eye surgery to vision plan exams.

What is the most common problem you see? One of the most common eye problems we see today is Ocular Surface Disease (OSD). I have been interested in the diagnosis and treatment of dry eyes for many years and it is now one of the biggest problems we see in the clinic today.

Parkhurst NuVision & Laser MedSpa Gregory D. Parkhurst, MD, FACS 9725 Datapoint Drive, Suite 200, San Antonio, TX 78229 Hours of operation: M-F 8am – 5:30pm What services do you offer? We offer vision correction and facial aesthetic procedures to almost any age. It’s best to have LASIK or one of the 8 modern variations as an adult because distance vision typically stabilizes around the age of 20. We also offer procedures to help middle-aged patients lose the reading glasses. We can often eliminate the need for readers and corrective eyewear for seniors at the same time their cataracts are being fixed.

What is the most common issue you see? Many think they do not qualify for LASIK because of age, astigmatism, strong prescriptions, or dry eyes from contact lens use. The truth is, vision correction procedures have expanded to solve almost all of these limitations. These days it is very rare for someone not

210-615-9358 ParkhurstNuVision.com to qualify for a vision correction procedure.

How many people in your family have had a vision correction procedure? I grew up with bad vision, 15 years ago I had laser vision correction. The results changed my life, which led me to specialize in the field. Since that time, I’ve performed modern LASIK for my mom, laser cataract surgery for both my dad and mother-in-law, and my wife has permanent contacts (yes that’s a thing). We are a referral center, so I’ve had the privilege to perform procedures on countless other eye doctors and their family members. It has been a joy and an honor to help so many people near and dear to me, and we strive to treat every patient we see the same way.

THE DOSSIER —

OPHTHALMOLOGY, OPTOMETRY, LASIK & VISION SPECIALISTS

3C Vision Specialists, PA Dr. Fernando Trujillo - Board Certified Ophthalmologist, Cornea & Refractive Specialist 999 E. Basse Road, Suite 103, San Antonio, TX 78209 Hours of operation: M-F 8am-12pm, 1-5pm What services do you offer? LASIK, cataract surgery, corneal transplantation, contact lenses, medical eye exams.

How do you know if you are a candidate for cataract surgery? If you present the following symptoms: decreased vision, glare, halos that interfere with activities of daily living, examples include driving, reading, watching TV, reading street signs, interference with hobbies, etc.

Did you know Dr Trujillo was trained by the Father of Refractive Surgery? He started his training as an ophthalmologist in 1995 with Dr. Jose Barraquer, a pioneer of vision correction surgery (LASIK). Dr. Trujillo is a cornea-trained ophthalmologist, who can ensure you are the best candidate and perform an impeccable procedure and care.

210-538-2020 Vision3c.com

How should people best monitor their eye health?

An eye exam once a year is the best way to monitor your eyes and prevent serious visual problems. Patients with personal or family history of diabetes or glaucoma may require more frequent visits. Symptoms like decreased vision, flashes, floaters or eye pain warrant a prompt visit to your eye doctor.

What we want patients to know about 3C Vision Specialists: We strive to offer the best care by offering the latest technology. The most important aspect is treating our patient as human beings with care, honesty and keeping their well-being above everything else.

South Texas Eye Institute Lisa Marten – Owner 2424 Babcock Road, San Antonio, TX 78229 Hours of operation: M-F 8am – 5:30pm What services do you offer? General ophthalmology, urgent eye care, eye surgery and refractive surgery including LASIK, PRK, cataracts, implantable contact lenses.

What is the most common issue you see? In the middle age population, the most common problem is presbyopia, difficulty seeing up close. In our elderly patients, cataracts are starting to form which cause stiffness of the crystalline lens, resulting in trouble focusing up close. We do screenings for Glaucoma, Diabetic Retinopathy, and macular degeneration.

How do you know if you are a candidate for cataract surgery? Cataract patients will start to struggle with activities of daily living, such as reading, driving, distinguishing colors.

Most of these symptoms are worse in low light conditions.

210-692-1388 southtexaseyeinstitute.com How should people best monitor their eye health? The average person who wears glasses, has a family history of eye problems, or is over the age of 40 should have an eye exam every year. Besides getting an updated prescription, there are medical conditions that can best be detected with an eye exam, like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and several others.

Why should clients choose South Texas Eye Institute?

Born in New Orleans, LA and raised in San José, Costa Rica, my unique combination of cultures allows me to bring my patients quality care and the best service in their native language. My patients value the time I take to explain eye conditions and their treatments. I donate my time for yearly medical mission trips to Mexico, and Costa Rica.

Women in Business

SAWOMANCONNECT.COM

SPOTLIGHT

Barbara Slusher SEW CHIC ALTERATIONS & TAILORING Why did you to start a business?

I wanted to provide a better future for my family while pursuing my childhood passion. As a single mother with my youngest son still in high school, it was a huge risk to forego the stability I enjoyed while working in education.

How did you learn how to sew? I taught myself in the 1960s out of a strong desire to emulate fashion icons like Jackie Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn. I’ve taken numerous courses and even traveled to New York when I started Sew Chic to study couture sewing.

What services do you offer? Initially, I worked on anything that could be sewn. Brides, grooms, and mothers were the most eager to invest in looking their best on their special day. As a result, I did a lot of couture bridal gowns, mother’s attire, suit tailoring, and bridal alterations.

Today, what is your business like?

We recently moved our flagship store in Alamo Heights to the Boardwalk on Broadway. Clients love the spacious fitting areas and boutiquelike atmosphere. We have 3 locations delivering high quality alterations and tailoring with excellent customer service. Each store has all the equipment for our sewing professionals to showcase their special talents in making bridal wear, designer fashion, suits, jeans, and all clothes fit properly.

quickly want to engage with the culturally rich lifestyle that San

How do you manage it all? I used to do all the sewing

Antonio makes available to everyone.

myself but demand was too great. We’ve had as many as

Are you from San Antonio? What is your background?

15 highly skilled employees with 20 years’ experience on

I was born here and primarily raised by my Spanish-speaking

average to ensure our quality is top notch. My daughter,

maternal grandmother who is a direct descendant of Jose

Sarah Salinas Hickman, is my right hand.

Antonio Navarro. He fought for women and people of color to

What is it like working with your daughter? We’re

retain land ownership rights in the Texas Constitution. I believe

blessed to have a wonderful synergistic relationship. Since

my passion for helping others stems from my connection to this

inception in 2007 she has handled all our marketing. After

great San Antonio founder, Texas patriot, and philanthropist.

starting a family, she left a successful corporate career to

How can we get in contact with you? My daughter and I

help manage the business full-time.

respond daily to all web inquiries. Walk-ins are welcome and

What do you think makes being a “San Antonio”

appointments are available too at our locations on Broadway

woman so special? Culture. Most San Antonio women

Street, Wurzbach Parkway, and I-10 West. For more information

have deep ties to the community, and even newcomers

and promotions check us out on social media @mysewchic.

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BUSINESS CALENDAR January 8 CREW San Antonio Luncheon San Antonio Country Club 11:30 AM January 8 North SA Women’s Chamber Power Networking Breakfast Norris Conference Center 7:00 AM January 22 NAWBO Women Business Owners Awards Finalist Reveal Party Cavender Audi Dealership 5:30 PM January 25 North SA Chamber of Commerce 29th Annual Learning Symposium The Winston School San Antonio 8:30 AM January 31 NAWBO Monthly Meeting Petroleum Club 11:00 AM

February 06 SA Women’s Chamber of Commerce February Powerhour luncheon Old San Francisco Steakhouse 11:15 AM - 1:00 PM February 11 NAWBO ADVOCACY DAY AT THE CAPITOL The Sheraton Hotel at the Capitol, Austin 3:00 PM February 12 CREW San Antonio Luncheon honoring Past Presidents of CREW San Antonio Country Club 11:30 AM February 12 North SA Chamber of Commerce Power Networking Breakfast Norris Conference Center 7:00 AM February 21 2019 Feb CFO: Economic Update Norris Conference Center 11:00 AM

BUSINESS DINING BUSINESS MEETINGS, PARTIES, ETC. ALDACO’S STONE OAK 40-90 people 210-494-0561 aldacosrestaurants.com BIGA ON THE BANKS 2-400 people 210-225-0722 biga.com J PRIME STEAKHOUSE 5 different private rooms 210-764-1604 jprimesteakhouse.com LA FONDA ON MAIN Up to 16 people 210-733-0621 lafondaonmain.com

SILO ELEVATED CUISINE AND BAR Up to 100 people 210-483-8989 siloelevatedcuisine.com SOUTHERLEIGH FINE FOOD & BREWERY Call for large groups 210-455-5701 southerleigh.com THE BARN DOOR Up to 130 people 210-824-0116 thebarndoorrestaurant.com THE VERANDA Space for all size groups 210-366-1220 theverandasa.com

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAKHOUSE, RIVERWALK Up to 100 people 210-227-8847 ruthschris.com

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

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BANKING

Banking on Relationships

By Dawn Robinette Photography by David Teran

The world of financial services may be filled with numbers and digits, but all of those plusses, minuses and transactions have one thing at their core: people.

Banks are behind so much of what happens in every corner of our community, but it’s the people in the banks who make a difference. It’s people who put those transactions into play and bring those numbers to life, making those transactions more about relationships than equations.

No one understands that better than these women in banking, each one of whom has built their career on relationships, connecting businesses and customers to the right solutions to help them flourish. Going far beyond a spreadsheet to make an impact for their clients, our featured Women in Business put people first. Their success comes through genuine care for their customers and determination to help those customers reach their goals. In their world, one plus one is always a good equation if it means building a relationship that helps make things happen.

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

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BANKING

Colleen Dean Managing Director, Private Bank, J.P. Morgan When you find out that Colleen Dean earned her degree in fashion merchandising, it’s hard to understand how she’s been at J.P. Morgan for 32 years. After a brief stint in national retail, she followed her love of numbers to the banking industry and never strayed.

But it’s not about the numbers. “It’s really about people, helping individuals with whatever their banking issues may be. What’s kept me on the private banking side of it is my interest in people, both our clients and the team I work with.”

Dean credits her genuine, authentic desire to help people as one of the ways she’s built relationships. “I believe I’m perceived as a go-to gal. No question is out of line. I’ll try to help with anything,” she explains. “People do business with people they like and people they trust. And for people to trust you, you have to do what you say you’re going to do and be dependable.”

Along with that, she believes communication makes a difference.

“Never underestimate the power of great communication, which includes listening. The power of your interpersonal skills and relationships.

There is no replacement for the personal touch. You’ve got to put your best foot forward every day and smile.”

“Don’t take everything so seriously,” she advises. “Be around positive people and laugh. If you can’t do that, maybe you should consider another role. I think you have to have fun at what you’re doing and you have to really enjoy it.”

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

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Lisa Mochel Vice President, Treasury & Liquidity Sales Officer, Texas Capital Bank Working with businesses to provide guidance and working capital solutions to improve their processes, Lisa Mochel thrives on helping her customers work more effectively and efficiently.

“I love working with businesses and business owners. No two businesses are the same, so it fascinates me to find out why people do what they do.”

Mochel got into banking by accident when she accepted a temporary position. But with more than 20 years under her belt, there’s little doubt she’s found her niche. “I’ve had the opportunity to build many relationships over the years. Relationships are something that I treasure. I’m not just interested in doing business; the people I work with often become personal friends. I love helping people.”

That sentiment fits in well at Texas Capital Bank. One of the bank’s philosophies is being involved in the community. For its 20th anniversary, the bank staff celebrated by delivering Meals on Wheels. “I feel privileged to be a part of this community.”

She credits great mentors as key to building a career. “Find people to bounce things off of and know you’ll get honest feedback. I have a couple of mentors I really rely on. They don’t sugar coat anything and tell me exactly what they think.”

Mochel also believes you have to really love what you do. “Figure out where you want to be. Pay your dues and work your way to the top. If you really want something, you have to be patient and you have to work hard for it.”

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BANKING

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Jennifer Wilkinson San Antonio Market President, American Bank Jennifer Wilkinson pictured herself owning a business and thought that working in banking would give her some perspective. “I thought banking would give me an opportunity to learn about different businesses, different industries, different management styles,” she explains. But when the opportunity came for her to go into business, she realized banking is where she wanted to stay. “Being a banker is fun and being able to work with a lot of different clients keeps me excited to come into work every day.”

Her interest in business fuels how she approaches working with her clients at American Bank. “I always take a deep dive and learn about the business as a whole. It’s intriguing to me to learn about the full management team, go through the operations, ask a lot of questions to understand the business.”

That in-depth approach helps her find solutions for her customers, even when their need falls outside of banking. “I don’t ever say no. I’ve always believed in finding a solution, so if it’s not something that I’m able to do, or the bank’s not able to do, I’ve never not been able to find some path toward what they’re asking for and some solution.”

Tackling challenges is something Wilkinson enjoys. “I’m a glass half-full kind of person. I’ve never dwelled on the negatives. I’ve always seen obstacles as an opportunity to put the puzzle together and solve the problem. I’ve never seen it as a stopping point. It’s how I’ve persevered.”

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>>

BANKING

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

>>

BANKING

Alex Wood Vice President, Commercial Lender in Middle Market, Broadway Bank With commercial banking experience in a wide range of industries including manufacturing, architecture, and professional service, Alexandra Wood enjoys the people behind the industries.

“I like knowing the actual owners of the businesses and building relationship and being the person that they call if they need something.

She enjoys helping customers grow their business and see them thrive.

She considers herself to be a trusted financial partner who gets to know her customers, their businesses and offer what it takes for them to succeed.

People are also what brought her to Broadway Bank, and its focus on its female employees. “They’ve made a concerted effort to grow the relationships of the women who work at the bank.” Much of that is through NOW, the bank’s “Network of Women”, an internal organization to empower the women of Broadway Bank, help them learn from each other and grow professionally. “It makes a big difference to know there are people who have your back,” notes Wood. “And that the bank itself has decided that’s important,” she explains.

Wood credits having a good mentor for her career success. “That was what really helped me get off the ground,” she explains. Her career advice for others? “The most important things would be persistence, not being afraid to ask for help and to find a good mentor.”

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WOMEN ON THE MOVE SHANNA CASTRO Shanna Castro practices law in San Antonio, Texas. She earned her J.D. from St. Mary’s University School of Law in 2010. In the summer of 2018, she and her partners founded Barton Benson Jones PLLC, a boutique commercial real estate firm. Shanna’s practice focuses on commercial real estate, finance, business and corporate matters, and mergers and acquisitions.

DANIELLE CONQUES Danielle Conques was announced as the Marketing, Social Media, and Events Coordinator for Keith Zars Pools. She brings her extensive knowledge of pool design and construction from working as a Design Consultant for Keith Zars.

Her background includes event planning, developmental leadership implementation, sales and management for non-profit organizations and retail. She attended Incarnate Word University and is the proud mother of four children.

TUESDAE KNIGHT Tuesdae Knight, recently named the President and CEO of SAGE – San Antonio Growth on the East Side, has more than 15 years non-profit experience. Working for companies such as FedEx, the YMCA, and most recently with the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, she has developed into a dynamic and forward-thinking leader. Tuesdae holds a BA from Tennessee State University and an MBA from Texas A&M International and is fluent in Spanish.

JENNIFER LINCOLN Jennifer Lincoln is a strategic partner with San Antonio businesses by developing and implementing customized treasury management solutions. As treasury management advisor, Jennifer collaborates with business owners to implement the best banking solutions for their organization, while providing merchant card capabilities and fraud protection services.

Jennifer is passionate about building proactive relationships with the San Antonio business community and beyond.

REBECCA MANSFIELD Rebecca Mansfield is the Director of Client Relations for Cadence McShane Construction. She has been involved with marketing and business development in the construction industry for the past 15 years. Previously, she worked for several large local advertising firms. In 2011, Mansfield won the distinguished honor of the Leonardo Award — Marketer of the Year from the Society for Marketing and Professional Services — San Antonio Chapter.

HOPE ROTH Hope Roth is the new Vice President of Marketing/Sales Communication for the San Antonio Zoo. Previously, she was the Vice President of Communication and Fund Development for Prospera Housing Community Services, the Director of Marketing at BJL Advertising and prior to that the Director of Sales Promotions at Sinclair Broadcast Group. Hope moved to San Antonio via Seattle, WA and has a BA in Communications from the University of Illinois in Chicago.

JOLSNA THOMAS Jolsna Thomas, graduate of UT Austin and the American University Washington College of Law, joined Rosendin Electric as Business Development Manager for Texas.

Since 2007, Jolsna has worked with general contractors for IUOE Local 3 in California, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah as the first female/minority head of their legal department. In her role, she seeks to expand Rosendin’s Texas presence through their design-build and design-assist experience.

VERONICA VASQUEZ Veronica Vasquez has been an attorney for 9 years. She has been an equity partner, a Game Room Hearing Examiner and the owner of her own law firm. Most recently, Veronica was the Director of the guardianship and probate department for Catholic Charities Archdiocese of San Antonio. As the incoming Judge of Bexar County Probate Court No. 2, she will apply her passion for probate law to deliver access, respect, and equity to Bexar County.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

HEALTH

What Kind of Hungry are You? Most women face two kinds of hunger

By Berit Mason

We eat to celebrate.

We eat to soothe.

We eat to relieve boredom, and to relieve stress.

Dr. Lisa Smith Kilpela is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry with UT Health San Antonio. She says we've almost forgotten what true hunger is.

“As kids, we get a sweet treat for doing something well, so we don't grow up learning how to distinguish between physical hunger, and psychological hunger.” She says the lines between

And on top of our emotional eating, we eat when we are hun-gry.

That is a lot of eating.

real hunger, to nourish the body, and emotional hunger, to nourish our soul, have blurred.

“Also, you have to add the complexities of the marketing and advertising of the food industry,” she says. “There is a lot of money put into making us think that we want things, that are food

No wonder, there is an obesity epidemic!

related. Then, there is a lot of money poured into the chemistry of food, making it irresistible, which complicates the relationship between the two hungers.”

So, we get confused.

Am I really hungry, or do I just want to eat?

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HEALTH “Biological hunger develops gradually over time. Hunger is an alarm system that you need fuel, and becomes

vitamins and minerals,” says Gross. “Bad foods deprive you of these nutrients, which affect your mood. You need B

stronger, and stronger. Emotional hunger comes on fast,

vitamins for the neurotransmitters, serotonin and melatonin,

with specific cravings.”

we need amino acids of protein, B complex, folate … all can

Smith Kilpela says when you could eat just about anything, then your hunger is a true hunger, but emotional hunger wants its “comfort” food. “When it is an emotion, a lot of times, it is a very specific craving.”

be depleted if you do not get enough fruits and vegetables and proteins.”

Emotional eating is part of life. But: “Eat — but not so much that you become uncomfortable. Eat something nourishing, then allow for the simple carbs.”

At parties, or buffets: “Fill your plate with the heathy stuff first, then go back for the desserts,” says Gross.

The food and mood connection is strong. So, the healthier your diet, the more nutrition you take in, the better you feel, because your body is getting what it needs, to take care of you.

“The carbs we need, are the ones that last: the whole grains, which feed the brain, providing the needed glucose.

And gut microbes also need fiber! Healthy guts fight off

Real hunger will devour a vegetable salad.

Emotional hunger only wants chocolate cake.

viruses,” Gross says. “A quote I like to use is: ´There are foods you go for, foods you slow down for, and foods you have once in awhile´.”

“We are like a car with two gas tanks, Tank B for biological hunger and Tank P, for the psychological hunger.

And if your Tank P is empty, food will not fill it, because that is not the problem. But with biological hunger, you will feel satiated,” she says.

The healthier your diet the better you feel

Learning to address emotional hunger, keeps weight off.

“Take a walk, a nap, do something relaxing, something that targets that emotion,” says Smith Kilpela.

If you are lonely, call a friend.

If you are tired, rest.

Feed yourself below the neck, not above the neck.

Geneen Roth is a long time writer about the relationship between women and food. In her book, “Breaking Free from Emotional Eating”, her first chapter is entitled: “Being Hungry is Like Being in Love: If You Don't Know, You're

Pile on the veggies, slow down on the burgers, and occasionally, have the gooey dessert. “Look at the label,

Probably Not.” She describes a work-shop participant so

at the first three ingredients. If you don't understand the rest

confused by the $70 billion dollar diet in-dustry, that she

of the ingredients, put it down,” she says. And if you are

thought eating only when hungry was “just another fad

going to feed yourself emotionally, avoid products with trans

diet.” That is how out of touch we have become, from

fat. Gross says trans fats are highly toxic to the liver.

something as natural, and as simple, as feeding your body.

Georgiana Gross, MPH, a research nutritionist with UT Health San Antonio.

“Every human needs 40 nutrients a day. Amino acids, 84 SAWOMAN.COM

The body knows what weight it should be, so along with exercise, people can achieve the right weight, if they eat when the body says to—and not when our emotions, or those advertisers, tell us to.

ACTIVE LIVING

By Jennifer O’Neill

he start of a new year always reminds us of the

who assists her in strength training, functional movement

importance of staying active and healthy.

training for daily life activities, and balance. When asked

Individuals of all ages can benefit from daily

what she enjoyed about her training she emphatically replied

physical activity, but for seniors it is particularly

with, “I enjoy none of it,” but admits she must do it in order

important. Even if for a short period of time, staying active

to maintain a vibrant quality of life. For her the rewards

can build overall strength for participation in other daily

reaped far outweigh the negatives, because the motivating

routine activities that may not come so easily as they once

factor behind it all is that she enjoys what she does —

did. The following are tips for staying healthy in your old

meeting people and attending events for her work with

age shared by a senior who has maintained an active

nonprofits. Exercising twice a week helps to keep her moving

lifestyle for 22 years.

everyday. And in today’s day and age many seniors are living

At almost 95, Rosemary Kolwaski

well into their 70s, 80s, and 90s like Kowalski, and they want

makes sure she gets her physical

to be able to stay involved and participate, whether it be in any

activity in, because for her, staying

regular daily activity or just keeping up with the grandkids.

strong and active is what allows her to pursue her passion of assisting

Number one and most important is It’s Never

nonprofits. Twice a week for one hour

Too Late To Start. Kowalski and her fitness

she meets at the local Y with her

regiment are the perfect example as she explained

certified personal trainer, Lisa Cuellar,

how she has been working out for a little over 20

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Try to Find An Activity You Enjoy. Kowalski admitted to not liking it, but she does it because what she enjoys about it is how much it helps her carry out her daily activities and “go, go, go” schedule. Her trainer also shared specific types of exercises that can be beneficial, such as cardio for your heart and lungs, stretching, and balance.

A big thing to remember is Don’t Give Up especially for those who are just starting out with a physical fitness routine, because it not only helps with your physical health, but also contributes to your overall mental health as well. Having a physical routine in place is beneficial in many ways giving you the power to get up, knowing you have something to do, and using different parts of your brain in the process.

Lastly, to go along with the mind and your brainpower, Use It Don’t Lose It. Exercises for your brain also help to create and maintain a healthy outlook. Finding ways to learn something new or creating friendships can make a difference as well.

Kowalski understands some individuals may not have transportation to get around, but learning to use the rideshare program Uber could not only get you where you need to go, but could teach you how to use technology to your advantage. She also explained how easy it could be to years which sounds like, and is, a long time, but when compared to her age that means she began around the age of 70. And that is perfectly ok, because all that matters is to just get out there and do it, get started.

Attitude is Every Thing. Don’t use age as an excuse, or say “I’m too old.” Kowalski explained how you should never use the word “retired.”

Take it out of your vocabulary and use the word “recycle.” Another advantage of making exercise part of your routine is the feeling of independence gained from it.

make new friends if you put yourself out there. Years ago both she and a girl of 16 were waiting to be picked up from an event. As they got to talking they enjoyed each other’s company in those brief minutes. They decided to exchange addresses and became pen pals to this day. Her interaction with this young lady provides independence like she mentioned above and a sense of purpose, a contribution.

As Kowalski shows, no matter your age or what you choose to do big or small, staying on the move can help in more ways than one.

Start Out Simple. Many may not be able to work out one-on-one with a trainer, but even just

If family members are nearby and available it is also

stepping out your front door for a simple walk is

beneficial to have their help, especially if it comes from

a start. And if you can find a friend to do it with,

adult children. Respect for one another and meeting half-

it makes it easier to make plans to get out there and

way to do what is needed to maintain a good quality of life

get moving.

can go a long way.

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MOMMY MATTERS

How much sugar is too much?

By Pamela V. Miller

he holiday season is that fun time of the year where

with sedentary lifestyles is creating some serious health issues

over-indulging tends to be acceptable (and encour-

for children nationwide, but how serious?

aged). While that’s fun for a little while, many of us commit to “resetting” our health goals at the start of the new year because we know this type of lifestyle isn’t sustainable.

But in reality, many of us are always over-indulging without realizing it, and what’s worse is we are setting a dangerous precedent for our children.

Some of the food and beverages we regularly consume

In 2016-2017, the obesity rate of children aged 10-17 in Texas was 18.5%.* • Type 2 Diabetes in children is on the rise and linked to the obesity epidemic.

Keeping our children healthy requires monitoring sugar

contain absurd amounts of sugar, and our children are having

intake, making better food choices, and getting them

way more than the recommended daily dose. This coupled

physically active. While this seems simple enough, consider

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that for some families, this means making some major changes that might be difficult to stick to. This is not a temporary change, but a lifestyle change.

Did you know that: •

A 12 oz. can of Coca Cola contains 36 grams of sugar, the equivalent of over 9 sugar cubes.

•

A 6.75 fl oz. juicebox of Apple & Eve apple juice contains 18 grams of sugar, the equivalent of over 4 sugar cubes.

•

A 6 oz. container of Yoplait yogurt contains 19 grams of sugar, the equivalent of over 4 sugar cubes.

Easing into a healthier lifestyle versus making drastic changes might help your family adjust to the commitment and stick to it.

Starting off small, like monitoring sugar intake, might increase your chances of staying healthy all year.

According to the American Heart Association, “Kids aged 2-18 should have less than 25 grams or 6 teaspoons of added sugar daily for a healthy heart.”* To put this into perspective, let’s examine foods and beverages they might consume

• Swap juices and soft drinks for plain or sparkling water with a splash of fruit juice or use one or two 100% fruit juice ice cubes.

• Substitute unsweetened applesauce for sugar in recipes using equal amounts.

• Start making your own sauces (dressings, ketchup, etc…) to control the amount of sugar that goes into them.

regularly.

A child who is eating

• Feel like something sweet? Try a new fruit or fruit in a different form than usual- like baked, grilled, or stewed.

“healthy”

• Sweeten cereals and oatmeal with fruit.

seemingly

might have a

• Use extracts (vanilla, caramel, etc…) in place of sweeteners.

yogurt for breakfast, a

• When baking, cut back on the amount of sugar the recipe calls for by 1/3 to 1/2 (this often doesn’t make much of a difference in taste).

juicebox with lunch, and sweetened applesauce as a snack

The new year is a great time to commit to

which

making improvements in our lives. It’s a fresh

equals 67

start, a chance to make the right choices, and

•

grams of sugar and doesn’t include everything else they would consume in that same day.

Some of these snacks alone exceed the daily recommended dose of sugar.

A 4 oz. container of Mott’s Sweetened Applesauce contains 22 grams of sugar, the equivalent of over 5 sugar cubes.

ensure that the next year is better than the ones before it. The key to living a longer, happier life is being healthy and we can do that by making better food choices for our families.

Removing sugar altogether from your children’s diet might be difficult as it goes

•

beyond limiting cookies, cakes, and pies.

Large amounts of sugar can be found in everyday items like salad dressing and ketchup, or in foods thought to be “healthier” like yogurt and fruit juices. Making this big change in your life might require making smaller, but effective, changes here and there.

•

A 12 oz. cup of McDonald’s Oreo McFlurry contains 64 grams of sugar, or the equivalent of 15 sugar cubes.

A 1/2 cup of HäagenDazs Frozen Yogurt, Vanilla contains 22 grams of sugar, or the equivalent of over 5 sugar cubes.

Resources: www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/ sugar/sugar-recommendation-healthy-kids-and-teens-infographic https://stateofobesity.org/states/tx/ www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/ sugar/sugar-recommendation-healthy-kids-and-teens-infographic http://missiongettinghealthy.blogspot.com/2009/12/how-muchsugar.html www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/ sugar/lifeis-sweet-with-these-easy-sugar-swaps-infographic

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HILL COUNTRY WOMAN

Art, Advertising, & Business ALONG HIGHWAY 281

By Jennifer O’Neill Photography by David Teran

Meet the ladies of Blanco, Johnson City, and Spring Branch, Texas who bring art, advertising, and a chamber of commerce to life within their communities.

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Libbey Aly Blanco Chamber of Commerce A chamber of commerce is designed to bring a city’s business community together to network and foster growth, but in the small town of Blanco, Texas that is not the case. Libbey Aly, Executive Director of the Blanco Chamber of Commerce, not only spearheads its membership activities to accomplish those tasks, but she also serves as the “face of Blanco” for locals and newcomers to drop in for help, something she has been doing on her own as a single staff operation for the last six years — the longest anyone has held the position. When she first started the job after responding to an ad in the paper, she admits she had a lot to learn as she is not just there to promote businesses and plan events for a community which is growing and experiencing lots of change.

Her 24 years as a resident, knowledge of everyone in town through previous work with the first internet service provider to the area, and serving as band booster president for five years, helped her in learning to navigate the promotional side of what she does along with the city and organizational politics involved.

The position allows her to not only work with others in the community but to also serve them — the part of her job which she greatly enjoys. Aly explains how she values being the first person new visitors meet when coming to the area and the person they can trust, explaining the Chamber is “the living room of Blanco” with not only new visitors coming in, but locals are always dropping by for help. They may be looking for information regarding city ordinances or to get information for a friend who might be moving to the area. With no two days being alike in her day-to-day tasks, she takes care of a membership consisting of close to 200 members from coordinating events, attending special events, and managing social media platforms, all while also operating as one of the directors of the area’s Visitors Center which calls for producing advertising and marketing to promote Blanco as a destination.

Aly and her musician husband are Dallas natives, and chose to call Blanco home after numerous visits that brought them to the surrounding area. She loves to take in the live music scene and get outside to explore all that Blanco and the Hill Country has to offer to be, as she puts it, “playing a tourist in our community.”

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HILL COUNTRY WOMAN

Patty Elliott Texcetera Seasoned business owners, Patty Elliott and her husband Tim, relied on timing, a knowledgeable resource, and the coveted factor in any type of real estate purchase — location, location, location — to open their gallery, Texcetera, in Johnson City. At the time, the then owners of the Pecan Street Brewing jumped at the opportunity to buy the historic building which was once the old library and located on the square in town for their space, which Elliott originally wanted as a retail stopping point for visitors to the area to help build Johnson City’s tax base. It’s when they brought in Manager, Anne Bradley, a fellow gallery owner herself in Fredericksburg, and who holds pre-existing relationships with artists and an eye for art which helped them take things to the next level with the space to the fine art, fine craft end. Her guidance contributes to the types of art and artists they currently feature in the gallery.

The gallery represents over 70 Texas artists who come from the local area, the surrounding Hill Country, the Valley, and Forth Worth, guaranteeing everything is made here in the state. Two of those artists include her sisters, one who paints cow head paintings and other landscape pastels and another who makes Texas flag and companion pillows.

Elliot’s daughter even played a role in coming up with the gallery name. And with a vast variety of things carried in the gallery, everything from small sushi dishes to hold rings all the way up to paintings and furniture, Elliott ensures it is also reminiscent of what she herself prefers to find when vacationing — something that is made in and represents that area to provide a memory. She also takes pride in carrying something that you may also have to think about such as a nice piece of furniture. With her customeroriented background in always trying to do everything to make the customer happy and feel good, it’s surprising to learn that she was once intimidated by art feeling uncomfortable in a gallery setting as though she was being watched. She credits Susan Kirchman, the one responsible for connecting her with Bradley, in getting her out of her shell when it comes to feeling confident in the different kinds of art she likes and purchases. Among her favorites types of art are those which are fun and organic, and her favorite artist is Ross de la Garza.

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Margaret Ousset The Ousset Agency

“When I grow up I want to be...,” a sometimes challenging

John’s German roots. She also explains how their

statement for children to fill in the blank, the standard go to

partnership is a good fit, and compliments the strengths

reply might include teacher, doctor, or policeman. For

they bring to the work they do, with John’s marketing

Margaret Ousset, Founder, Vice President, and Marketing

background aiding to bring in clients and her expertise in

Director of The Ousset Agency, she always knew she

advertising allowing her to take care of the other part. And

wanted to work in advertising. Her certainty made it easy to

“that part” is what she views as the fun, enjoyable side in

pursue her degree in journalism with a concentration in

what she does. “Clients come to us with a challenge, a big

communications from Southwest Texas State (now known

puzzle to put together. I get a lot of satisfaction from that.”

as Texas State University). From there she hit the ground

Ousset and her 12-person staff, eight of those which

running and began working with the downtown San Antonio

work on site and also includes other family — twin sons

advertising firm, Warren Reed & Friends. It was after a few

who work as account executives — found their niche in the

years there and then moving onto a loose partnership with a

specialized field of material handling and heavy equipment

former colleague when Ousset ventured out to open her

marketing, and they provide their services to companies in

agency with husband John. In reflecting on the decision to

locations as far away as Canada and Chile. The agency’s

start up the agency, Ousset jokingly shared how their youth

30-plus years of proven success in the business-to-

and blind awareness to the challenges of starting a business

business marketing field also came about by staying up to

pushed them to do so, “We were young enough that we

date on the changes that have taken place in the industry.

didn’t know any better of the challenges in opening your

And when she is not in the office, Ousset, “a preferred

own company.” The New Jersey native chose Spring

Texan” as she calls herself, enjoys spending time with her

Branch for the office location because of the area’s

two grandsons and trips to their Coast home.

landscape, liking the hills which brought to mind husband

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HILL COUNTRY HAPPENINGS

Bandera, Bulverde, Fredericksburg, Spring Branch A short drive north of San Antonio can lead to a whole world of excitement. Discover these Hill Country gems that are fun for the whole family.

January 19, 8 pm MARIO FLORES AND THE SODA CREEK BAND

Anhalt Hall 2390 Anhalt Rd, Spring Branch January 19 - 20 HILL COUNTRY GEM AND MINERAL SHOW

432 Lady Bird Drive, Fredericksburg January 20, 3 pm WINDSYNC WOODWIND QUINTET

Fredericksburg United Methodist Church 1800 N. Llano, Fredericksburg February 2 - 3, 5:30 pm BULVERDE SPRING BRANCH CHAMBER RODEO

Tejas Rodeo Company 401 Obst Rd, Bulverde February 14 - 28 FUNNY LITTLE THING CALLED LOVE

S.T.A.G.E., Inc. 1300 Bulverde Rd, Bulverde February 15 - March 3 MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT

Steve W. Shepherd Theater 1668 S US Hwy 87, Fredericksburg February 16 JIM BYROM

Anhalt Hall 2390 Anhalt Rd, Spring Branch February 19 - 20, 12 - 4 pm POST HOLIDAY BLUES

1851 Vineyards 4222 S State Hwy 16, Fredericksburg February 21 - 23 11TH STREET COWBOY MARDI GRAS

307 11th St, Bandera JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

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HILL COUNTRY EATS

TOP 20 RESTAURANTS YOU WILL LOVE BLANCO • BULVERDE • JOHNSON CITY • SPRING BRANCH

Take a road trip and check out some of Texas’ best restaurants — just a short drive from the city.

PECAN STREET BREWING Celebrate the art of the Craft and enjoy a brew with friends in this casual atmosphere featuring a pet-friendly biergarten.

106 E Pecan Dr, Johnson City • (830) 868-2500 PecanStreetBrewing.com

EL AGAVE Enjoy delicious Tex-Mex featuring all your favorites. Grab a seat and get a taste of chicken enchiladas, paired with the perfect margarita.

111 US-290, Johnson City • (830) 868-0812 EASY MAIN GRILL Chargrilled burgers and quality steaks are the name of the game.

Savory entrees are served in this homey atmosphere.

209 E Main St, Johnson City • (830) 868-7710 BRYAN’S ON 290 Bryan Gillenwater shares his culinary talents to create delicious Texas Hill Country cuisine.

Don’t miss his seasonally-inspired dishes.

300 E Main St, Johnson City • (830) 868-2424 BryansOn290.com

RONNIE’S ICE HOUSE BARBEQUE This long-standing establishment offers classic, no-fuss Texas barbeque with all your favorite sides.

211 US-281, Johnson City • (830) 868-7553 MARISCOS EL PAISA Fresh and reasonably priced Mexican seafood restaurant serving up fish tacos and shrimp baskets. Family friendly!

29094 US-281, Bulverde • (830) 980-1724 RICHTER’S ANTLER CAFé Casual eatery with lodge-style décor and a patio specializing in traditional, hearty Texan dishes.

1 Sun Valley Dr., Spring Branch • (830) 885 – 6328 FRONT PORCH BAR & GRILL American restaurant with fresh homestyle food. The food is prepared to order, not frozen or fast. Try their burger… made to order with a brioche bun!

2265 Bulverde Rd, Bulverde • (830) 438-3344 frontporchbarandgrill.com

TEXAS 46 BBQ Casual BBQ joint serving up BBQ, burgers, beer, whiskey, wine and more.

2 Sun Valley Dr, Spring Branch • (830) 743-9885 texas46bbq.com 96 SAWOMAN.COM

MOMMA JEAN’S KITCHEN Momma Jean's is a scratch kitchen with almost everything made to order and prepared in house by Gina/Momma Jean. But if Bob the Dishwasher is there, ask him to make the sausage gravy.

Ste 4 8545 US 281 N, Spring Branch • (830) 885-6556 TEJAS RODEO, STEAKHOUSE AND SALOON Seasonal rodeo venue also offers a live-music stage, a steakhouse, a bar, lodging and special events.

401 Obst Rd, Bulverde • (830) 980-2226 MAX’S ROADHOUSE Casual sports pub doling out burgers and bar bites in a festive, lofty space with a fireplace and patio.

5375 US-281, Spring Branch • (210) 352-0820 4TH STREET BISTRO With a menu that changes weekly, they offer fresh, exciting and elegant meals — whether you're celebrating a special occasion, or dinner with friends, anticipate the unexpected.

307 4th St., Blanco • (830) 833-3026 THE BEAN & BISCUIT Stop-in for a breakfast biscuit, scone, apple turnover, coffee, latte, and more.

310 Pecan St., Blanco • (830) 833-3129 thebeanandbiscuit.com

COPALLI CAFé Excellent coffee, health-conscious eats, and everything you need to feel right at home.

17080 TX-46 #101, Spring Branch (830) 228-5233 copallitx.com

AY CHIWAWA! MEXICAN CAFE Family-style Tex-Mex restaurant with live music.

403 Singing Oaks, Spring Branch • (830) 980-8887 myaychiwawa.com

THE LOFT COFFEE HOUSE | COFFEE FOR A CAUSE The Loft Coffee House serves fresh ground coffee brewed just minutes before ordering and homemade pastries baked daily.

They are a nonprofit ministry of Riverside Community Church.

Proceeds go toward other charitable organizations.

6260 US-281, Spring Branch • (830) 228-5638 loftcoffee.com

OLD 300 BBQ Rustic, Western-themed outpost for meat and sandwiches with patio seating and a banquet/ dance hall.

318 4th St, Blanco • (830) 833-1227 old300bbq.com

BLANCO RIVER PIzzA COMPANY Family-friendly pizza joint with live music.

306 Pecan St, Blanco • (830) 833-3221 CHESS CLUB CAFé Delicious comfort food in Blanco serving pastries, sandwiches, salads and excellent breakfast.

1020 US-281, Blanco • (830) 833-4930 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

97

ARTBEAT

Conductor Kristin Roach Thrives on

Variety

By Jasmina Wellinghoff Photography by Janet Rogers

When musician Kristin Roach heard that producer Mark Richter was starting a new opera company — now known as the

real-life experience of Kimberly Reed,

said Roach. “And that’s exciting for me,

who grew up as a man and a football

first because of the opportunity to

player. It has become the most produced

expose our audiences to these new

opera in the United States since it

works, but also because it’s a challenge

Alamo City Opera — she gave him a call.

premiered in 2014, noted Roach. Then

for a music director to work with so

“Do you have a music director yet?” she

in June, ACO will stage “Soldier Songs,”

many different musical styles. I thrive on

asked. He did not. “Well, you have one

a multimedia production that combines

variety. I don’t like to repeat myself.”

now,” she informed him. And she has

elements of theater, opera, rock music

been in charge of ACO productions ever

and animation to explore themes of

No danger of that. In early December, when we met for this interview, Roach

since. An experienced pianist, conductor

loss, patriotism, deployment, returning

was handling multiple projects and

and vocal coach, Roach had

home and dealing with PTSD.

responsibilities. In addition to preparing

collaborated with Richter on multiple projects before, so it wasn’t exactly a

Composed by David T. Little, the piece was originally created for baritone

for the ACO January opening, she was also serving as an adviser/conductor for

leap of faith on Richter’s part. He knew

Timothy Jones, who will reprise the role

the Seguin-based Texas Concert Opera

he was getting a good deal.

in San Antonio. This one has been on

Collective’s production of “Amahl and

the music director’s “wish list” since the

the Night Visitors,” as well as dealing

Since ACO’s founding in 2012, the two have worked on 22 productions,

mid-1990s when it was first produced in

with the end-of-semester whirlwind at

mostly smaller chamber works, often

a concert format.

Texas State University where she is a

sung in English and featuring more contemporary themes. The 2019

“One problem with traditional grand opera is that the stories deal with

faculty member. On top of all that, Roach was also getting ready to

winter-spring lineup is a good example.

themes from the past that might have

accompany Richter to New York to

Scheduled for Jan. 19-20 is the Texas

been relevant back then but no longer

audition singers for the 2019-20 season

premiere of “As One,” the story of a

are. Today’s composers want to write

during a week-long marathon of short

transgender woman’s life based on the

operas inspired by contemporary life,”

sessions with several hundred

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performers. “They are all fantastic but

only after the professor chastised her,

was the founding of Richter’s previous

what you are looking for is that one

that she changed her mind. “How dare

company, San Antonio Opera, for which

singer who really sticks in your mind,”

you drop my class! If you want to be an

she served as rehearsal accompanist

explained Roach, who also serves as a

opera conductor, no one can teach you

and chorus master at different times.

piano accompanist for the auditioning

what I can teach you,” he told her, and

Eventually, she found full-time

hopefuls. For Richter, her judgment and

he was right. The professor was the

employment as a choir director in two

musical knowledge are critical.

distinguished conductor David Effron,

different Episcopal churches, where

“Kristin is so attuned to what each aria or song is supposed to be musically

and to this day, Roach is grateful that he

altogether she spent 10 years. All along,

cared enough to speak to her.

however, the now more-established

that she complements what I do

musician was also pursuing a range of

perfectly,” he said. “I judge the

freelance jobs. Her bio lists conducting,

performers more from a theatrical

coaching and pianist engagements all

standpoint while she takes care of the

over the U.S. and abroad, as well as

musical part. And, amazingly, we usually

collaborations with famous stars such

end up with the same picks. She puts

as Renee Fleming, Denyce Graves,

tremendous attention into everything

Federica Von Stade and Placido Domingo when he performed here,

she does.”

(she was in the orchestra).

Together, the two have managed to

The mother of two boys, Roach had

attract and nurture a new operatic

to do what many mothers do — find a

audience in San Antonio that responds

way to fit her career around her parental

to the kind of programming they present.

role. “I wanted to be here to make their

MUSIC WAS ALWAYS PART OF HER LIFE

snacks, to go to PTA meetings, to be active in the community. I didn’t want to be traveling all the time,” she told us.

Roach’s first encounter with operatic

This summer, however, the conductor

singing was a musical evening her musician mother and a friend organized when young Kristin was in middle school. For the occasion, the two women chose an aria from “Hansel and Gretel,” they had never sung before.

Kristin, who was already a fairly good pianist, was pressed into service as an accompanist and singer helper.

Recalling the event, Roach remarked with a laugh: “That’s basically how I spend a lot of my days now.”

As a teen, she also played flute and

It’s a challenge for a music director to work with so many different musical styles.

I thrive on variety.

I don’t like to repeat myself.

will once again hit the road, first to fly to Orvieto, Italy, to work with American singers studying abroad, and then return to the U.S. to spend five weeks in Shreveport, LA, where she is the music director of the summer program, Spotlight on Opera. Come fall, it’s back to staging operas with Richter, who only half-jokingly declared that he “would have had a heart attack years ago, had it not been for Kristin.”

Before parting, we asked the difficult

was in the band at MacArthur High

question: How to make opera more

School. But her real introduction to

popular with mainstream Americans?

professional opera happened one summer when the San Antonio Festival

After getting her degrees from the Easton School of Music, the young

“Opera is a combination of many art forms, music, singing, dance, theater,

produced “Madame Butterfly” at the

woman returned to her hometown to

visual effects, etc., so there are many

Sunken Garden Theater. “I was

pursue a multifaceted career, with opera

points of entry for novices. But for me,

fascinated, fascinated! It made a huge

eventually taking center stage. “I have

all of those are in the service of

impression on me,” she noted.

Naturally, she pursued music in

been able to do a lot of different things

story-telling,” she said, thoughtfully.

in San Antonio that I probably could not

“Stories motivate people. That’s why

college as well but almost dropped out

have done elsewhere,” observed

they have to be believable human

of an opera conducting class, fearing

Roach. “I received a lot of support here;

stories. Alamo City Opera shows are

that she wasn’t prepared for it. It was

people know me.” One of those things

story driven.”

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

99

ROLE MODEL

Emma Faye Rudkin Connecting Loud and Clear to Help Others

By Dawn Robinette

Photograpy by David Teran

hen Emma Faye Rudkin was a teenager, she

receive hearing and speech resources, including hearing aids,

dreamed about changing the world. Those

FM systems and speech therapy, American Sign Language

dreams roared to life when Rudkin founded the

lessons, ministry-related activities and education enrichment

nonprofit organization Aid the Silent, becoming CEO of an effort that is now internationally known — and she started it all when she was just 18.

Aid the Silent works to help economically-disadvantaged

programs.

“We help children from infants through high school graduates, meeting a need that is completely overlooked,” explains Rudkin, who herself has been profoundly deaf

deaf children and teens reach their full potential and live life

since she was three. The seed for Aid the Silent grew from

more richly. The organization provides funds to help them

a story her father shared while dealing with a family law

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case involving a little boy who desperately needed hearing aids and was stuck in the foster system.

“My heart just broke. It was the first time I knew there is this

explains Rudkin.

Anxiety and depression are prevalent in the deaf community. The bubbly, outgoing, confident young woman

whole other world that has never been given the resources

shares her own issues to help others. “I have depression

they need. My life looks very different because I was given

and anxiety because of the struggles I’ve had as a deaf child.

those resources. Just because I was born in another family,

I’m still healing them,” she explains, noting that another of her

on a different side of town, my life looks very different. So

dreams for Aid the Silent is to fund therapy for the deaf.

that dream started growing inside of me.”

Rudkin, 22, founded Aid the Silent and started her college

Rudkin’s dreams seem endless, and she encourages others to follow theirs. “Don’t settle for the second dream.

career at the same time, juggling her dual roles as CEO and

Work for your first dream. A lot of times we start listening to

full-time college student while also serving as the first deaf

other voices, telling ourselves that we can’t.

Miss San Antonio. She is also the first to hold the title of Miss San Antonio more than once, wearing the crown in both 2015 and 2017. Add in a busy speaking schedule that often means she’s living out of a suitcase, and it’s no wonder she laughs when asked how she handles it all. “It means you won’t get any sleep, but it is possible to do it,” she says with a smile.

Part of her secret is not putting pressure on herself. “I

Don’t settle for what comes first or is most convenient. There’s a reason you had the first dream.

That is supposed to be your purpose. It makes us most alive.

would only dedicate a certain amount of time for school.

The rest of it was for other people.”

That’s how Rudkin views the world: how can she give back? It’s also part of what she encourages through Aid the

She credits her habit of how she speaks with people for how she connects with people. “I never say ‘you’, I say ‘we.’

I’m using language that shows that we’re in this together,

Silent. “I think people who have different needs are never

we need to do this, not ‘You need to do this.’ We are always

taught to be givers. But it’s nice to teach them that once you

as a whole pushing to become better people,” she notes.

receive, you give back. The kids that we have invested in are

“Becoming an inviter is a habit. Instead of constantly saying,

now investing in other deaf kids. Now they can help love

‘Let’s meet somewhere,’ say ‘Here’s what’s happening. I

their fellow deaf students.”

want you to be a part of my life’.”

That sort of connection is key to what fuels Aid the Silent:

While she’s mastered juggling her various commitments,

breaking down barriers and creating understanding of

she credits a friend for teaching her to say her “best yes” to

the deaf community. “People think that being deaf is an

help manage things. “Instead of just saying yes to everything, I

impairment, that something is wrong. Deaf people can do

save my yes for a few really good things so I don’t burn out.”

anything that a hearing person can except hear. The hearing

Rudkin recently added another line to her impressive

world is the one putting the limitations on someone who is

resume: college graduate. She notes that unfortunately,

deaf,” she explains. “Someone who is deaf is just longing for

it’s something that only 5 percent of the deaf community

the chance to show who they are.”

accomplishes. “Only 45 percent of the deaf community

To help break down those barriers, Aid the Silent gives sign

graduate high school. Sign language is symbols, not

language lessons to whole families, not just deaf children.

words. The average reading level is third or fourth grade.

Ninety percent of deaf children are born to hearing parents.

We can change that,” she says with a steely determination.

“Children will learn sign language in school, but their parents will not learn, or they speak Spanish, so there’s even another

With her knowledge and drive, it’s easy to understand why she was appointed by Governor Greg Abbott to serve on the

level of separation, creating barriers in their relationship,”

Texas Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities. “My

explains Rudkin. “When we offer sign language, the whole

mother taught me how to advocate for myself, which has

family attends so they’re all able to communicate.”

turned into advocating for other people now. She was my

That lack of communication creates a feeling of isolation for the deaf. “As a deaf kid, I was constantly feeling like I

voice and she’s taught me how to be the voice for others.

“Love your neighbors and love people like you love

wasn’t included in conversations and being on the outskirts

yourself. It isn’t as complicated as we try to make it. Joy

of life, just not knowing how to belong. Even just going to

is loving other people. Joy is helping other people.”

school was such a struggle to understand and comprehend,”

That’s a message that everyone needs to hear.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

101

GUY TO KNOW

LEON COFFEE Living Life 8 Seconds at a Time It’s an infectious smile and a witty nature that is all too familiar.

By Gabrielle Hernandez

Photograpy by Janet Rogers

even when he does, he won’t be far from the lifestyle. He

Leon Coffee delights thousands every night of the rodeo and

describes himself as a simple country man and spends his

has been doing so for numerous years. Call him a rodeo clown

days out on his ranch.

or a bullfighter; either way he is a legendary figure in the world of

However, rather than fighting bulls, he is training his horses,

rodeo. In fact, Leon was inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of

something that has been tradition in his family for generations. In

fame just last year (2018).

fact, he was out in his barn about to do just that when we spoke.

Will he be hanging up his green hat and wiping off the makeup for good anytime soon? Well, you can guarantee that 102 SAWOMAN.COM

Through fits of laughter, Leon shared his humble story of passion and joy.

This isn’t a traditional career path. How did you start out in this world of rodeo?

I started out as a bull rider and I would win just enough to keep me hungry. If they paid six places, I was seventh. I showed up at the rodeo one time and one of the bullfighters didn’t make it in. They asked if I could help and said “All you gotta do is run fast and act goofy.” I used to get kicked out of school for that, and now they are going to pay me for it! It sounded like a heck of a deal. Me and a friend of mine went out there and just played around. It was something we were doing for grins, and then I decided to get serious about it.

How did you create this iconic “Leon Coffee” persona everyone knows and loves?

Once you decide what you are going to do and how you are going to look, you have to maintain that. Everybody has to recognize you from every seat in the arena. You have to take care of the people from way up at the top to the bottom. I take that to another level in how I treat people. I want everyone to feel like they are my best friend and I am their best friend.

What is it like having such a large fanbase?

My granddad told us to always be humble, and if you’re not you wasted your life. I always want to be in second place and striving to get to another point — which for me is making another fan. I have fans throughout generations of families. No matter who you are, where you are at or how much time it takes, everyone in this world deserves at least one minute of my time. Putting smiles on faces is not something everyone can do. It is a gift, and I thank the good Lord every day for it.

The rodeo is a big part of your life and it is an important part of San Antonio as well. What is your favorite part of the rodeo experience?

Every eight seconds is a new story. There is no script to follow; I don’t care what you do or how you do it. You could write a script, but there is one participant who won’t read it — the bull. You never know what he is thinking or how he is

But it is an addiction to adrenaline that keeps me going and

feeling. You just have to roll on and see what happens. I live

still makes me want to do it now.

my life eight seconds at a time, and it has been a very enjoyable and satisfying job to be able to do that.

Do you see there being a stopping point in the near future?

Did you ever have a moment where you wondered whether or not you should keep going?

Every time I was lying in a hospital bed I was thinking, “Man I don’t know if I can do this.” One time a bull hit me on the

Yes, very soon. They asked me to stay on in San Antonio for this year, so we will see what happens. It has been 50 years from the first day I got on a bull to where I am now. Not many people can say they have done that. I have done 21

right side of my face, which had already been reconstructed

performances every year for 37 years just in San Antonio.

from another incident years before. I literally died five times in

That’s more performances than most guys have ever had in

one night. I said, “You know if I am a cat with nine lives, and

their whole career. I didn’t think I would be in it very long, but

I spent five of them in one night, I might need to slow down.”

here I am today in the hall of fame.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

103

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR First Thursday THE PEARL’S FIRST THURSDAY NIGHT MARKET

January 12 THE BAYLOR PROJECT

The Historic Pearl

4 – 8 pm Local vendors from the Pearl Farmers Market will now join Pearl every first Thursday evening of each month! Live music, dining and shopping will also take over Pearl, offering a chance to eat, sip and explore goods while shopping local.

AtPearl.com

Every Saturday MEDITATION IN THE JAPANESE GALLERY San Antonio Museum of Art

10:15 – 11 am Serene, guided meditation in the Japanese art gallery.

Cushions and stools provided. Free with admission.

SAMuseum.org

Every Sunday ALAMO HEIGHTS FARMERS MARKET 225 E Basse Rd

9 am – 1 pm Free and open to the public. Alamo Heights Farmers Market features over 25 vendors with farm fresh selections including fresh produce, grass fed/grass finished beef, lamb, goat and wild hog meats, chicken, eggs, kombucha, pecans, honey, gourmet coffee, lemonade and many more exciting products.

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Jo Long Theatre

January 5 SAN ANTONIO COFFEE FESTIVAL La Villita Historic Arts Village

Celebrate the art of coffee and sample beans from all over the world. Plus, meet local artisans who roast and brew over 80 different blends.

SanAntonioCoffeeFestival.com

January 5 U.S. ARMY ALL-AMERICAN BOWL Alamodome

This premier all-star event serves as a launching pad for future college and NFL stars.

Local athletes are nominated to play in this showcase of talent which allows the community to show their support for high school football.

Take a musical journey with this Grammy nominated husband and wife duo. Explore their authentic sound as they intertwine their soulful jazz and share it on stage.

Ticketmaster.com

January 14-26 CULINARIA RESTAURANT WEEK

January 19 AS ONE

The journey of a sole protagonist is split into two voices in this story of identity, authenticity and compassion.

Composed by Laura Kaminsky, experience the youthful challenges of Hannah and her quest to find herself.

AlamoCityOpera.org

The beloved movie takes center stage in the musical retelling of a bright heroine and her chihuahua. Elle Woods is the epitome of “Girl Power!” in this sassy production.

Tobin Center

Crooner and pianist Tony Desare serenades audiences with the musical stylings of Ol’ Blue Eyes. He joins

January 26 SNOWBALL 5K RUN Morgan’s Wonderland

Run for a reason and join the fifth annual Snowball 5k Run to supporting The Academy and The Bridge at Morgan’s Wonderland. Enjoy music, hot chocolate and so much more.

January 26 KHAKI & PLAID THE ROYAL BALL

Tobin Center

January 18-19 SINATRA AND BEYOND WITH TONY DESARE

ThePublicSA.org

MorgansWonderland.com

January 22 LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL

Majestic Theatre

the East Village of New York City. This story of finding your voice and living for now is sure to move audiences with its strong theme of love.

Buena Vista Theater

CulinariaSA.org

January 8-13 WAITRESS

MajesticEmpire.com

SASymphony.org

The San Antonio culinary scene is home to a diverse range of cuisines, including time-honored restaurants and buzzworthy newcomers.

Experience all that embodies the dining experience in the Alamo City.

SanAntonioSports.org

This uplifting show, with music written by Sara Bareilles, shares the story of waitress and expert pie maker Jenna. Enjoy this musical celebration of friendship, motherhood, and the magic of a well-made pie.

conductor Noam Aviel as you are surrounded with the classic tunes of Sinatra.

This annual event is hosted by Hope for the Future and serves as their primary fundraiser to assist families in obtaining the benefits of a Catholic School education. Central Catholic Alumnus Nicholas Gonzalez, of ABC’s “The Good Doctor,” will serve as the Honorary Chair at this year’s ball.

ASBidding.com/Register

January 26 TOWER CLIMB AND RUN

TobinCenter.org

Tower of the Americas

Jan. 25 – Feb. 17 RENT

Join in this challenging and unique fitness event that benefits those with cystic fibrosis.

Participants climb

The Public Theater of San Antonio

An inspiring musical about friends and artists struggling in

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

guests to show off their moves for one special night of dancing.

EDITOR’S PICK

Ticketmaster.com

February 7-24

SAN ANTONIO STOCK SHOW & RODEO

February 24 CIRQUE éLOIzE SALOON

AT&T Center

SARodeo.com

FightCF.cff.org

join the San Antonio Symphony to celebrate his musical passion.

in honor of loved ones, hopes, dreams and wishes.

SASymphony.org

TheSanAntonioRiverWalk.com

February 5-10 ANASTASIA

February 15-17 CARMEN — BALLET SAN ANTONIO

Majestic Theatre

January 28 IMPACT SA MEMBERSHIP KICKOFF Whitley Theological Center

Join in the Membership Recruitment Kickoff event as they celebrate their 15th year. Come and hear the story of Impact SA and their impact through nonprofits.

A romantic adventure unfolds on stage in this production inspired by the beloved film.

Discover the mystery of Anastasia’s past in the dazzling musical.

MajesticEmpire.com

Tobin Center

A tale of obsession, passion and jealousy – this ballet performance is based on a famous opera

by Georges Bizet. The gripping drama is set to beautiful music that allows the story to resonate with the audience.

ImpactSanAntonio.org

TobinCenter.org

January 31 A TRIBUTE TO EMILIO NAVAIRA

February 21 DANCING WITH THE STARS: LIVE!

Tobin Center

The late King of Tejano is honored in a special way in this one-night only performance.

Continuing his Tejano legacy, Emilio’s sons, along with his band,

February 9 CONFUCIUS WISHING LANTERNS River Walk

An ethereal evening awaits with colorful lanterns floating through the city. Cast lanterns into the river

TheSanAntonio RiverWalk.com

Tobin Center

Dust off your hat and shine those boots. It’s rodeo time. With another year of great competition and entertainers, the stock show and rodeo is not one you want to miss.

to the top of the Tower of Americas in a test of endurance. Celebrate the accomplishment with delicious food and great entertainment.

paintings, bead work and more.

The show is free to attend.

Majestic Theatre

The fan favorite competition is taking center stage here in the Alamo city.

Professionals are joined by special celebrity

7 - 11 pm Cirque Éloize’s latest adventure is inspired by the rich legacy of the Wild Wild West.

America is expanding.

The railroad is stretching westward to lands of untold promise. In the middle of the desert, a town comes to life. The Saloon doors swing open to reveal a motley cast of individuals, each with a tale to tell.

TobinCenter.org

March 1-3 MARDI GRAS ARTISAN SHOW San Antonio Riverwalk

11 am - 11 pm Artisans display and sell their beautiful handmade merchandise along the San Antonio River Walk.

Artisans are

different for each show but usually include pottery, textiles, jewelry, woodwork,

HEADS UP! March 2 BUD LIGHT MARDI GRAS RIVER PARADE AND FESTIVAL Arneson River Theatre & 2 1/2 mile downtown area of the River Walk

1 - 6 pm A procession of decorated river floats transform the River Walk into a floating Mardi Gras celebration. Krewes of costumed revelers and live entertainment celebrate San Antonio style.

Enjoy live music, entertainment, and food trucks.

The public is encouraged to come dressed in masks, costumes, and beads. Free admission.

TheSanAntonio RiverWalk.com

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

105

DINING

Ernesto’s Mexican Specialties & Seafood with a French Flair

By Iris Gonzalez

Photograpy by Janet Rogers

you are a first-time diner at

butter,” Torres said. “The mojo de ajo is

Ernesto’s Mexican Specialties

usually melted butter with garlic, but ours

French cooking classes at Handy Andy,

and Seafood, prepare to be

is a French butter emulsion that gives the

a leading supermarket in San Antonio at

pleasantly surprised. Owner Ernesto Torres infuses French cooking

dish a smoother, creamier taste.”

The unusual combination has worked

tant director of gastronomy and taught

the time. He left Handy Andy to work with his St. Anthony mentor and former

techniques throughout the menu to

well for Torres since he opened his first

boss, William Ardid at his restaurant,

create continental versions of familiar

restaurant, Ernesto's Seafood Corner

Chez Ardid.

Mexican recipes.

The menu's nine specialty sauces are

on West Avenue. His food proved

“Before I came to San Antonio, I was

popular enough to prompt him to move

working in the Gran Hotel Ancira in

prepared by hand, rather than whirred in

in late 1981 to a much larger space,

Monterrey when I was 17,” Torres said.

a blender. And their French cooking

where Ernesto’s is located currently on

“I have always been interested in fine

technique means the sauces are butter-

Jackson Keller Road.

based and addictively luscious.

“I take the Mexican sauce Veracruz of capers, olives, and tomatoes that is

Torres came to San Antonio in 1960 and worked 12 years at the St. Anthony

cuisine and wanted to offer San Antonio a taste of the food I knew so well.”

The family-run restaurant includes

Hotel’s private dining club, which then

Ernesto’s wife Graciela, sons Esteban

typically blended into a watery sauce,

featured elegant French cuisine. After

and Sergio, and daughters Maribel and

and instead we make it by hand and use

the St. Anthony Hotel, Torres was assis-

Belinda, as well as grandsons Ernesto III

106 SAWOMAN.COM

Another off-menu entrée is a combination plate featuring beef tenderloin garnished with a gen-

Opposite Page: Family-run Ernesto’s Mexican Specialties & Seafood dining room and bar.

This page: Clockwise from the top left: beef tenderloin garnished with crab meat and Veracruz sauce, cold avocado soup, the Ernesto’s family, steak San Antonio served with rice and beans.

erous helping of crab meat and Veracruz sauce, accompanied by two grilled shrimp dressed with an almond sauce.

Diners may order seafood and meat entrees with one of the nine sauces on the menu. One of the special

dishes from Mexico that are now commonly recognized.

“I was the first in 1979 to offer tortilla soup,” Ernesto said. “I was also the first

combination plates includes a kabob of

to have on my menu cold avocado

shrimp and lobster tail [Janet note: the

soup, ceviche, crab meat and shrimp

plate with the shrimp on a kabob] with

nachos, and fried oysters appetizers

the lemon and garlic butter-based mojo

served with cocktail sauce.”

con ajo sauce. Snapper arrives stuffed and Sebastian.

and being the first to offer local diners

with lump crab meat, ready for the

The family patriarch shows no signs of slowing down. Torres turns 80 in

The Shrimp Tropicana is one of

diner’s choice of French-style Mexican

February and has watched his family

Ernesto’s most popular dishes, an

sauce, while Steak San Antonio is beef

grow and learn the restaurant business over the course of his career.

off-menu special diners may request.

tenderloin with an avocado butter sauce

The cold salad comes with avocados

accompanied by a green-sauced

and shrimp served on a bed of lettuce,

chicken enchilada.

bathed in a warm butter sauce flavored

All desserts, dressings, croutons and

“My daughter Belinda was only 14 when she and my wife Graciela were our first chefs,” Torres said. “My

with pineapple, coconut, and orange

bread are prepared in-house. Torres

grandsons now work here. I don’t plan

liqueur.

enjoys experimenting with new recipes

on slowing down anytime soon.”

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

107

DINING

>>

SA EATS

SA Eats

We all know women have distinctive tastes when it comes to dining out.

So, ladies, this restaurant guide is custom tailored just for you.

For an expanded list of San Antonio Food & Dining choices, go to SAEats.com.

A Bite of Baked Goodies

a relaxed cafe with live jazz. $$ 111 Kings Ct eatatnola.com

BIRD BAKERY Order your own custom creations to share, or grab a treat for yourself. A delightful array of cakes and cookies are on display, decorated to perfection.

A selection of sandwiches are also available to accompany your dessert. $$ 5912 Broadway St BirdBakery.com

THE RIVER’S EDGE CAFé + PATIO BAR Outdoor riverwalk seating is the draw to this smart spot serving American and South Texan plates. $$ 200 S Alamo St riversedgecafesa.com DUCK DONUTS SAN ANTONIO HUEBNER COMMONS Freshly fried cake donuts topped with whatever you want!

Peanuts, Oreo crumbles, chopped bacon, sprinkles or shredded coconut…there is something for everyone! $ 11703 Huebner Rd #113 duckdonuts.com

Mid Day Munchies LA PANADERíA Enjoy bread cultura at this bakery-cafe, where Mexican heritage is shared through the joy of eating. Handmade bread and pan dulce are the crowning glory of this family-owned pastry heaven. $$ 301 E Houston St 8305 Broadway St LaPanaderia.com THE GUENTHER HOUSE Art nouveau home at Pioneer Flour Mills with homey American & Tex-Mex fare, brunch & outdoor dining. $$ 205 E Guenther St guentherhouse.com NOLA BRUNCH & BEIGNETS Classic New Orleans brunch fare & a variety of beignets served in 108 SAWOMAN.COM

Ez’S BRICK OVEN AND GRILL Colorful, retro-funky counterserve chain offering pizzas, burgers and other American faves. $$ 6498 N New Braunfels Ave 734 W. Bitters Rd ezsrestaurants.com MA HARPER’S CREOLE KITCHEN This creole kitchen has been in the heart of San Antonio for more than 25 years. Ma makes awardwinning gumbo and cornbread from scratch. $ 1816 N New Braunfels Ave BENJIES MUNCH There is always something new to try. Their menu is about “World*Food*Craft”, comfort food

from around the world. Menu items showcase produce in season. Their food truck has gone brick and mortar. $ 218 W Bitters Rd Suite 107 benjiesmunch.com

THE RUSTIC Casual indoor/outdoor music venue and eatery serving farmto-table regional fare, local beer & more. $$ 17619 La Cantera Pkwy Ste 204 therustic.com THE LUXURY With a trendy outdoor space, you can take in the starlight as well as a delicious meal. Grab a delicious Great Gatsby from their walk-up kitchen and enjoy the evening while sipping on your craft brew $ 103 E Jones Ave

SALATA Counter-serve chain offering made-to-order salads featuring signature dressings, plus wraps and soups. $ 4 locations throughout San Antonio salata.com FLORIO’S Established in 1980, this simple, family-owned pizzeria offers NYC-style pies plus subs and salads. $ 7701 Broadway BANGKOK 54 THAI CUISINE Traditional eatery with a mix of familiar Thai plates in a comfortable, artful dining room. $$ 2515 Nacogdoches Rd bangkok54texas.com HIGH STREET WINE CO. Modern, rustic wine bar and bottle shop with a menu of by-the-glass options paired with small bites. $$ 302 Pearl Pkwy #104 highstreetwine.com

Perfect for a Night Out SCUzzI’S ITALIAN GRILL Family-friendly eatery serving classic fare, wine and cocktails in a window-filled space with a patio. $$ 24165 West IH 10 Suite 433 4035 N Loop 1604 W #102 scuzzisitalianrestaurant.com ERNESTO’S MEXICAN SPECIALTIES For 36 years Ernesto’s has been serving up unique Mexican food you won’t find elsewhere in San Antonio. With options that feature both seafood and French flair, this family-run restaurant will not disappoint. PS. Don’t skip the dessert! $$ 2559 Jackson Keller EL JARRO DE ARTURO Vibrant eatery offering Mexican favorites and margaritas, plus frequent live music on the patio. $$ 17907 W IH 10 13421 San Pedro Ave eljarro.com

LITTLE RED BARN Bustling, western-style steakhouse with picnic tables plus beer, wine and margaritas since 1963. $$ 1863 S Hackberry littleredbarnsteakhouse.com

FREDERICK’S Strip-mall bistro serving a rotating menu of upscale FrenchVietnamese fusion eats in a cozy space. $$$ 7710 Broadway St #20 14439 NW Military Hwy #100 frederickssa.com

CHAMA GAUCHA Brazilian Steakhouse Upscale all-you-can-eat churrascaria with grilled beef, pork, chicken and lamb, plus a vast salad bar. $$$ 18318 Sonterra Pl chamagaucha.com

Fun and Funky

PAULA DEEN’S FAMILY KITCHEN Guests will enjoy classic Deen family recipes in a unique family-style setting just like they do in their very own homes. $$ 17907 W IH 10 pauladeensfamilykitchen.com GREY MOSS INN RESTAURANT Romantic spot from 1929 with steaks, seafood, a long wine list, patio dining and views. $$ 19010 Scenic Loop Rd greymossrestauranthelotestx.com

HOT JOY This happening locale boasts eclectic food and decor — creative Asian dishes and cocktails. $$ 1014 S Alamo St hotjoysa.com MAD HATTERS Buzzy spot with breakfast, lunch, brunch and tea parties in a funky setting with charming outdoor dining. $$ 320 Beauregard St madhatterstea.com

J. PRIME STEAKHOUSE Traditional American steakhouse combined with innovative recipes create an unforgettable experience. $$$ 1401 N Loop 1604 W Jprimesteakhouse.com LITTLE ITALY RESTAURANT & PIzzERIA Traditional eatery serving NYC-style pizza, pasta, entrees, beer and wine in an old-school setting. $$ 824 Afterglow St littleitalysatx.com

SAPPORO SUSHI AND ASIAN FUSION Casual strip-mall eatery with basic Japanese entrees, plus a selection of unique sushi rolls. $ 5638 W Hausman Rd sapporosa.com THE COVE Quirky, kid-friendly venue with organic American fare, live music, a laundromat and car wash. $$ 606 W Cypress St thecove.us

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

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WEDDINGS

Parish Photography

Mr. & Mrs. Sean McDonald (Katherine Biggs) November 10, 2018

Parish Photography

Allison Jeffers Wedding Photography

Mr. & Mrs. Jared Boysen (Nicole Rodriguez) November 16, 2018

Allison Jeffers Wedding Photography

Mr. & Mrs. Dustin Lenard (Jessica Bonine) November 10, 2018

Mr. & Mrs. Matthieu St. Romain (Molly Melone) Novrmber 17, 2018 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

113

LOOKING BACK Advertising

1939

The pinacle of San Antonio retailing.

114 SAWOMAN.COM