Saw janfeb 2016 issuu by PixelWorks Publications

RENEWAL Women Shaping The Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New Look

HOME TRENDS Creating Your Dream Closet

SPECIAL SECTION: American Heart Association Go Red for Women

Alamo Heights Start-up Goes National SAWOMAN.COM

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Shane Evans Co-Founder of Massage Heights

San Antonio WOMAN

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JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2016

Contributors

What’s New

At Home

Trend Report

Style

Fashion Calendar

Society Calendar

Beauty

Health

Business Woman Spotlight

According to Linda

Guys to Know

Role Model

Mommy Matters

Senior Care-Giving

Artbeat

CityScene

Entertainment Calendar

115 Travel 118 Hill Country Guide 121 Dream Home Guide 124 Dining 128 Weddings

129 Women on the Move

SPECIAL SECTIONS 77 Summer Camp Directory 99 American Heart Association

20 UP FRONT As cities strive to preserve their historical buildings and cultural heritage, San Antonio is fortunate to be ahead of the game. Meet four women who are doing their part to save urban sites, either as architects/ designers or business owners. Their success stories encompass the Granary ‘Cue and Brew at the Pearl, Friendly Spot in Southtown and the historic Plaza de Armas building next door to the Spanish Governor’s Palace.

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26 PROFILE Entrepreneur Shane Evans was led by her history of back pain to massage salons for relief, but she found the quality provided to be uneven. She and her husband, Wayne, decided to improve on the product and founded Massage Heights, a membershipbased massage service in an upscale environment. Its success led to additional locations and franchising, and today there are 140 Massage Heights retreats in the U.S. and Canada with the number expected to rise to 175 by year’s end.

60 WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Four women who have risen to positions of leadership in the banking industry share their stories. While banking is a money business, they see their roles as revolving around customers and their relationships with them. Their varied backgrounds include time as a weather expert for the takeoff and landing of FedEx planes and an encounter with a crocodile in Venezuela.

89 SUSTAINABLE

GARDENING

Elizabeth Johnson of Pharm Table restaurant is one of the leaders in the growing movement to serve locally sourced food.. She headed the Latin American department at the Culinary Institute of America in San Antonio for several years after studying anthropology and world cultures. She is committed to serving “real, farm-fresh nourishing meals that enable you to experience a better quality of life.”.

San Antonio WOMAN FROM THE EDITOR Nicole Greenberg, Editor San Antonio Woman

JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2016 PUBLISHER J. Michael Gaffney EDITOR Nicole Greenberg ASSOCIATE EDITOR Jasmina Wellinghoff COPY EDITOR Kathryn Cocke STYLE EDITOR Camilla Basse

Photgraphy by Marie Langmore

Happy New Year! Yes, 2016 has arrived, and we can’t wait to share with you the inspired stories and people that make this city one of the most exciting places to live. In this issue, we bring you stories of renewal. For some time now we have wanted to share the dynamic story of Shane Evans, co-founder, president and COO of Massage Heights. Creating one of the fastest-growing and highly regarded franchise businesses in the U.S. today was spurred by Evans’ Alamo Heights business debut. Her partnership and collaboration with husband Wayne, attention to high-quality service, training and support for her employees have made her a standout — not to mention her memorable stint on television show Undercover Boss. Sharing Evans’ passion for renewal and creative collaboration are the four talented women featured in our Upfront story. They have also used their ingenuity to reshape tired architectural treasures into San Antonio’s emerging new persona. From Plaza de Armas to icehouses and the hottest restaurant environments, San Antonio is gaining national attention because of the vision these women and their teams have brought to life. We continue to stay focused on sustaining treasures, but this time with our local food fare. Josie Seeligson’s Sustainable Gardening story spotlights Elizabeth Johnson’s Pharm Table concept and how supporting local farms is the cornerstone of her freshly prepared meals gracing many a kitchen table today. And, we follow that with Lauren Browning’s delicious review of Mexican style seafood restaurant, Costa Pacifica.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Robyn Barnes, Jennifer Bartlett, Lauren Browning, Nancy Cook-Monroe, Nicole Crawford, Linda Elliott, Pamela Lutrell, Kristin Mears, Josie Seeligson, Janis Turk PHOTOGRAPHY Jessica Giesey, Marie Langmore, Al Rendon, Janet Rogers, Janice Thach Elizabeth Warburton GRAPHIC DESIGN Tamara Hooks, Maria Jenicek BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING Steven Cox, Cindy Jennings, Madeleine Justice ADMINISTRATION & CUSTOMER SERVICE Nancy A. Gaffney ONLINE MEDIA Janice Thach SOCIAL MEDIA Rachelle Palasoda INTERN Alexandra Wagner PRINTING Shweiki Media, San Antonio, Texas EDITOR EMERITUS Beverly Purcell-Guerra FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION call (210) 826-5375 email: info@sawoman.com

PUBLISHED BY Style editor Camilla Basse gives us cool perspectives on textures that play well now and into spring. Then, we button up our style section with a list of can’t-miss fashion events and Guy To Know Jerry Wilmink of Wisewear, whose company creates glamorous smart technology jewelry that just might be the accessory of choice this spring and beyond. Wisewear’s partnerships with top-tier fashion brands remind us that looks and brains are always a smart match. And while we have you dreaming up new pieces for your closet, take in our home trends story with local experts sharing their take on creating the closet of your dreams. It’s almost as delicious as our dining story. Now that you’re dressed and ready to go, head to snow in our Travel story spotlighting New Mexico’s most popular ski resorts. Don’t forget to share your vacation photos. We post on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter multiple times a day with style photos, party pics, culinary tips and, of course, links to stories of women (and men) rocking this town. Enjoy,

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CONTRIBUTORS

KATHERYN COCKE Copy editor Kathryn Cocke attributes her interest in writing and grammar to her English teachers in the Alabama public school system. A graduate of the University of Alabama, she cut her editorial teeth at the Birmingham PostHerald and has subsequently worked for magazines and in public relations and corporate marketing. She has won regional and national awards for her work, but her proudest accomplishment was competing twice at the state level in the Scripps-Howard Spelling Bee and finishing second when she was an eighth-grader. She has enjoyed travel throughout Mexico and Europe, where much to her surprise, she discovered a Tex-Mex restaurant in the heart of Oslo, Norway.

JASMINA WELLINGHOFF, Ph.D. Jasmina Wellinghoff, Ph.D., is the associate editor of SAN ANTONIO WOMAN. An award winning journalist, arts critic and columnist whose more than 2,000 articles and reviews have appeared in local, state, national and foreign media outlets, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one of the best known journalists in San Antonio and has been with our magazine from the beginning. Her work has greatly contributed to the success and reputation of SAN ANTONIO WOMAN. For her contribution to the cultural life in San Antonio, Jasmina was awarded the 2006 Arts and Letters Award sponsored by the Friends of the San Antonio Public Library. She has also received numerous journalism awards from such organizations as the Texas Press Women, the Society of Professional Journalists and the Association of Women in Communication. Ms. Wellinghoff is also a photographer and a published poet.

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PHOTO BY JESSICA GIESEY

W WHATS NEW Hill & Ford P.C. Becomes The KFORD group For many years, the professionals of Hill & Ford, P.C., have proudly served their clients and have distinguished the firm in forensic accounting, litigation support, business advisory services and individual tax planning and consulting, as well as income tax preparation. As part of a five-year succession plan that culminated at the end of 2015 to address the transition of leadership at Hill & Ford, Gerald Hill has left the firm and will continue professional practice in another setting. Hill & Ford will continue to collaborate and consult with Hill on pending matters so that continuity of oversight and seamless transition of client services are assured. Beginning this year, the company will operate under its new name, The KFORDgroup, led by managing partner Kimberly C. Ford, CPA, CVA, MAFF. For more information visit theKFORDgroup.com.

Saint Mary’s Hall Student Investment Group Meets Business Leaders In early November, the Saint Mary’s Hall Student Investment Group (SIG) came together for a Q&A session with Starbucks’ chief financial officer, Scott Maw. The session was a unique opportunity for students to ask questions about one of the best-known companies in the U.S. Since its inception, the SIG has met with a variety of business leaders. The SIG started out as an idea for students who like investing and has evolved into a group learning about the financial industry, including securities trading. The group uses actual money, invests it in the stock market and manages a small investment portfolio. The group’s long-term goal is to grow the portfolio through researched investments. Eventually, the SIG hopes to give back investment earnings to Saint Mary’s Hall to fund student financial aid.

SAS to Bring 3,000 Pairs of Free Comfort Shoes to Victims of the Garland Tornado Texas-based shoe manufacturer, San Antonio Shoemakers, will deliver disaster relief in the form of handcrafted comfort shoes for those affected by the EF4 tornado that hit several Dallas County cities Saturday the 26th of January. The SAS Comfort and Support Team gave disaster victims an on-site custom fitting for a free pair of handcrafted shoes. The company will be bringing 3,000 pairs of shoes to hand out to tornado survivors from across Dallas County while supplies last. “The recent tornados were absolutely devastating to many Dallas area cities. Lives were lost. Hundreds of homes and buildings were damaged or destroyed. SAS is honored to have the opportunity to help those affected by providing SAS comfort and quality to those in need.” says San Antonio Shoemakers CEO, Nancy Richardson.

Dr. Belz opens new plastic surgery practice Dr. Jessica Belz, a native San Antonian and fellowship-trained plastic and reconstructive surgeon, recently opened her boutique plastic surgery practice in the Stone Oak area. She specializes in all types of breast, body, and facial aesthetic surgery, as well as breast reconstruction. Dr. Belz is committed to providing exceptional, compassionate care enabling patients to achieve their goals in a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment. 16 | sawoman.com

W UP FRONT

With Respect for the Past Four women shaping a new look for San Antonio BY JASMINA WELLINGHOFF PHOTOGRAPHY BY JESSICA GIESEY

ities across the U.S. are increasingly striving to preserve their historical buildings and cultural heritage and San Antonio is no different. In fact, we are ahead of the game. As part of the preservation effort, many old places are being creatively rehabilitated and either converted to new uses or adapted to meet the demands of contemporary life. The women we talked to for this article are doing their part in saving San Antonio’s urban sites, either as business owners or architects/designers.

INTEGRATING PAST AND PRESENT

Within the burgeoning Pearl

Hefty and I are sharing a light lunch in one of the front rooms of the

complex, itself a shining exam-

restaurant, furnished with simple rectangular wood tables and benches.

ple of renovation and reuse,

The room on the other side of the entry hall looks pretty much the same,

sits a relatively modest old house that seems out of place in the newly

only bigger. It’s easy to imagine a family living here — what with the

glitzy environment. Built in 1906, it was once the home of Ernst

cooking smells and the intimate atmosphere, you can almost hear a

Mueller, who emigrated from Germany to become the chief cooper at

mother calling kids to the table. Hefty looks appreciatively around, ob-

the Pearl Brewery and the father of four children. Today, still looking

viously happy with her handiwork. She loved “the bones” of the structure

homey and inviting, the former residence houses the Granary ‘Cue &

from the start, she explains, but it had been vacant for a long time, there

Brew, one of the best barbecue joints in the city and beyond. The

were no working utilities, and it was altogether in pretty bad shape.

woman responsible for integrating past and present in such a harmo-

Her first thought was “How do we adapt this place without losing

nious way is architect Kristin Hefty, who with her husband, Clay Hefty,

its character?” Yet it was clear that some rearranging of interior walls

operates the DADO Group, a firm that offers both design and construc-

was needed. The home’s kitchen was replaced by the bathrooms, and a

tion services.

new restaurant-grade kitchen was installed in an annex built at the

“We loved everything that was going on at the Pearl, and we wanted

back of the house. A covered side porch was also added for outdoor

to see if we could be part of it,” says Hefty, who specializes in redesign-

dining, but you would never guess that it was brand-new, so snugly it

ing culinary establishments. The couple eventually met with both Silver

hugs the house. And diners today look out at the world from the same

Ventures officials (developers of the Pearl) and the restaurant owners,

windows the Muellers used a century ago.

brothers Tim and Alex Rattray, “and it went on from there. I was pretty

The restoration team stripped off the floor linoleum as well as the

excited when I first saw the house. It had a lot of character,” she adds.

remaining oilcloth off the walls to expose the original wood boards and

20 | sawoman.com

paneling. Damaged planks were replaced by sound ones from other parts of the house. Sanded and polished to a golden glow, all that wood gives the place a cozy vintage feel. “The restaurant owners originally wanted something more modern, while Silver Ventures really cared about the old structure. We had to balance these two requests,” recalls the architect. Hefty has wanted to be an architect ever since her parents hired one to remodel their residence when she was a child. “To see them draw something and then see that drawing realized in three dimensions was impressive to me,” she notes. While attending the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science in Denton, she developed an interest in drawing, prompting a teacher to suggest architecture as a career. It proved to be the perfect profession for her. During her studies at UT, the young woman worked as an intern at a large New York firm where she was involved in the design of the Shanghai World Trade Center, the second tallest building in the world. But this sort of thing wasn’t her cup of tea. Following graduation in 2003, she spent several years with Lake Flato before striking out on her own. Today, the Heftys act as a team, with Kristin handling design while Clay takes care of the construction.

Their

other

rehab/reuse projects include the recently closed Monterey Restaurant in Southtown, a former gas station; the Sweet Leaf Tea offices in Austin and Rosella Coffee here that used to be a plumbing supply warehouse. All have won awards, in-

Architect Kristin Hefty specializes in redesigning culinary establishments. She and her husband, Clay Hefty, of the DADO Group, converted the 1906 home of a German immigrant into the Granary ‘Cue and Brew at the Pearl. ”It’s fun to create something new and dynamic while respecting the richness of the past,” she says.

cluding two for the Granary in

january/february 2016 | 21

W UP FRONT

After Jody Newman and her husband, Steve, moved to Southtown in 2003, they became interested in Texas icehouses. They decided to reopen the Friendly Spot on South Alamo, an icehouse/music venue that closed in the early â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;80s, now thriving as a gathering spot for young and old, They have since reopened two other establishments in the area as well as one on the North Side.

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2013, bestowed respectively by the San Antonio Business Journal

the surroundings), improve the electrical system and generally

and Remodeling Magazine.

bring everything up to code. The large outdoor seating areas fea-

DADO is now in demand by culinary establishments looking to

ture 1950s-type icehouse chairs in a rainbow of colors, and there

marry the old with the new. The company is currently developing

is limited indoor seating as well, complete with plain wood tables

a master concept for the renovation/ expansion of the venerable

that remind guests of old taverns. The new restaurateurs also used

Chris Madrid’s restaurant and for a couple of other projects in the

reclaimed wood to build two rustic bars that look like they might

Pearl and at La Cantera Hill Country Resort. Their commitment

have been around for a long time, though the draft beer dispensing

to sustainable architecture means they tend to use and reuse re-

equipment is definitely new and is, in fact, designed and installed

gional and original materials and minimize the energy needs of

by Steve Newman, who now runs a separate company, the New-

each structure.

man Project, installing similar systems for clients. This has left

“So much of the progress in San Antonio is taking place on the

Jody as the sole mistress of the icehouses.

culinary scene,” observes Hefty. “Restaurant owners are willing

Today, the Friendly Spot sells 250 types of bottled brew and

to do new and interesting things with their spaces because so

75 brands of draft beer plus “friendly” munchies for kids and

much of the dining experience is about atmosphere. It’s fun to cre-

adults. Playground equipment has been installed to keep the

ate something new and dynamic while respecting the richness of

urchins busy, while special weekly events such as movies and

the past.”

games appeal to their elders. In a nod to the 21st century, it also offers free Wi-Fi. Jody admits that some of the neighbors are less

SHE SAVES NEIGHBORHOOD GATHERING SPOTS

When Jody Newman and

than happy to have so much night activity nearby, but the New-

her new husband, Steve,

mans support a number of local initiatives, and many of their cus-

moved to Southtown in

tomers come from the surrounding area.

2003, she knew she had

“The concept fit so well in Southtown,” observes Jody, who is

found the right place to

a big supporter of small, locally owned businesses, which domi-

live. “We loved it right away,” says Newman, who now operates

nate in Southtown. “In some way, I feel like I am encouraging oth-

the beloved Friendly Spot on South Alamo and three other ice-

ers to rehabilitate old places in the area. It’s a pretty powerful

houses in town. “We liked the idea of living in an urban neighbor-

thing to help with the revitalization of the city. When politicians

hood where we could walk and bike to various places and be part

and business leaders mention the Friendly Spot as something that

of all the activities.”

people must see, my jaw drops. It’s nice to have an impact.”

The latter included an active art scene, special events like

Indeed, and it doesn’t stop there. More recently, Jody took over

First Fridays and a few popular eateries. But there wasn’t much

two other venerable establishments in the area that were about to

going on at 943 South Alamo, certainly “nothing that made people

close or had already closed: the Acapulco Drive Inn, where she

come here.” Both Newmans were employed in the insurance in-

subsequently opened a gourmet food truck park called Alamo

dustry at the time, but something happened to awaken their in-

Street Eat Bar, and a smaller icehouse, B&D Bar, across the street

terest in neighborhood beer joints. They saw a picture of the

from the Friendly Spot, which was operated by one man, Bruno

original Friendly Spot, an icehouse and music venue that closed

D’Zdanski, for 50 years. “I just felt I had to keep them alive, and I

in the early 1980s, and heard stories about how much it meant to

want to keep as much of their personalities as possible,” she says.

the surrounding community. It was a place to have a beer and

With that same goal in mind, the Newmans eventually reached

relax, where blue-collar workers mingled with sleek-suited

well beyond their neighborhood last June to buy and restore the

lawyers, and everyone had a good time. That got the Newmans

iconic Hills and Dales icehouse at Babcock and 1604. Everyone

joking about opening something like that when they retired. Yet

driving along 1604 is bound to notice the incongruously quaint

the idea appealed to them enough to induce them to research the

red structure that sits amid all the corporate-looking edifices that

history of icehouses in Texas. They discovered that though these

have sprung up in the area. Again, it has character and a rich his-

establishments originally sold ice, they eventually morphed into

tory as a local gathering spot. “Most people would just knock

outdoor beer gardens-cum convenience stores where neighbors

down these buildings, but I see the value of keeping the soul of

gathered to drink and socialize.

these businesses alive. These are not strictly business decisions

It was that spirit of informal friendliness that the Newmans

for us. I take risks, but there is an emotional payoff when I see

wanted to recreate when they leased the nondescript South Alamo

the excitement on people’s faces when they come to a place with

property in 2009 after Steve lost his job. “I wanted it to be a place

history, with a soul. And those smiles would not happen without

where everyone is welcome,” says Jody, who is known by her staff

me,” says Jody.

and customers as the Chief Friend. The couple tried to preserve the two funky buildings on the property but had to install modern coolers (covered in cedar to fit

Before parting, I ask Jody to recommend her favorite beers. She looks down, as if a little embarrassed, before delivering the unexpected reply: “I don’t drink beer.”

january/february 2016 | 23

W UP FRONT PLAZA DE ARMAS REBORN

A beautiful example of rehab/reuse is the Plaza de Armas building in the historic heart of downtown.

Recently re-imagined and

transformed by two women, Allison Chambers and Rachel Wright, both architects in the his-

toric preservation department of Ford, Powell & Carson, the reborn landmark is an airy, serene, light-filled place where you want to linger. Built in 1880 for Steves Lumber Company, the 58,000-square-foot structure — that actually consists of several interconnected buildings — was most recently used by the city as office space for the human resources department. In between, all sorts of businesses, including a saloon and a hardware store, used the premises, located next door to the Spanish Governor’s Palace. When the two architects came to see it for the first time, it wasn’t a pretty sight. “The employees had already left in 2011. It was basically a jumbled furniture wasteland,” says Chambers, who acted as project manager. “You couldn’t even get a feel for the space because it was all subdivided into cubicles.” She says this as we are sitting in the restored central hall named The Culture Commons, a spacious open area that can be used for exhibits or rented to arts and culture organizations for various gatherings. The gleaming wood floor consists entirely of salvaged original wood planks, and the original cast iron columns reach to the ceiling, where newly exposed wood joists function as an architectural feature in their own right. Ceiling lights are turned up to illuminate them. Since the building is a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, the architects had to follow strict standards, which obligated them to restore the edifice’s facade without changing its appearance. Inside, they had freer rein but still had to work within the federal guidelines for historic preservation and be sensitive to the architectural history of the place. Wright says she and Chambers became “the building whisperers” and listened to the building itself to “tell us where it hurts.” The old stones apparently did. The two partners eventually decided to highlight the

Both Wright and Chambers love the

materials used and the construction technology of the late 19th century.

adaptive reuse projects and have worked on other

Hence the exposed joists and masonry walls, formerly hidden by

restorations/adaptations, such as the South Texas Heritage Cen-

Sheetrock put in place by a previous occupant. And like Hefty, they also

ter at the Witte, the Huebner-Onion Homestead in Leon Valley, the

made every effort to reuse original materials, sometimes moving them

Texas Governor’s Mansion, the Missions and more. For Wright, there’s

from one place in the building to another. Not an easy task but impor-

an emotional connection with a number of these places. As a native San

tant for keeping the character of the space.

Antonian, she remembers being taken on school trips to historical land-

Today, in addition to the Commons and an adjacent narrow gallery,

marks, including the Spanish Missions. “Working on them today as a

the Plaza de Armas houses two TV studios for public and governmental

professional is a whole different experience,” she says. Oddly, the very

access channels and, upstairs, the comfortable offices of two city de-

first lecture she attended as a new graduate student at Columbia Uni-

partments: culture and creative development, and government and pub-

versity was about the San Antonio Missions. “It was surreal,” notes the

lic affairs. To get enough height to accommodate TV lights, the

architect, who was promoted to principal this past December.

downstairs floor was dropped four feet into the ground in the studio

Also in December, Centro San Antonio presented the pair with one

section of the building. The studios themselves are state of the art, pro-

of its 2015 Downtown’s Best Awards for Best Adaptive Reuse. For

tected from street noises and vibrations by steel rods within the ma-

Wright and Chambers, seeing the formerly dilapidated building come

sonry walls. Not surprisingly, the excavation uncovered an even older

to life again is the best reward. “It’s really exciting to see people enjoy

layer of history, as all sorts of objects from the time of the Spanish rule

our space,” observes Wright. “The occupants want to show off the his-

were found buried in the ground. They are now housed at UTSA’s Center

tory and heritage of the complex. They want people to know that this is

for Archeological Research.

a special place. It makes us feel extremely proud.”

24 | sawoman.com

A beautiful example of rehabilitation and reuse is the Plaza de Armas building in the historic heart of downtown, adjacent to the Spanish Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Palace. Under the guidance of architects Allison Chambers (left) and Rachel Wright of Ford, Powell and Carson, the renovated structure now houses TV studios for public and governmental access channels and offices for two city departments.

january/february 2016 | 25

W PROFILE

Shane Evans and her husband, Wayne, co-founded Massage Heights in 2004 with a single location in Alamo Heights. Today there are 140 Massage Heights locations in the United States and Canada employing 4,200 people, and the goal is to expand to 175 by the end of 2016.

Photo by Jessica Giesey

26 | sawoman.com

Elevating the Eþry Day Shane Evans details Massage Heights’ journey BY JASMINA WELLINGHOFF

ack in 2013, Massage Heights COO Shane

for employees who want to stay in the business. The average career

Evans took a brave step toward improving

span for a massage therapist is only seven years. I want to create

her company by deciding to appear on CBS’

career paths for them for the future.”

popular series Undercover Boss. The

A few other discoveries brought changes as well, along with the

premise of the show involves sending dis-

realization that involving employees in decisions that affect them is

guised high-level executives to work

a recipe for success. The most important result of her undercover

among their employees in order to examine

“the inner workings of their operation.”

sleuthing, however, may be the formation of the Massage Heights Family Fund to help employees in their time of need. At the end of

“We are a guest (customer)-centered business. Our product is

the show, when her true identity was revealed, there were a lot of

our people, the massage therapists. They are the ones who go behind

hugs and tears as she expressed concern for all featured employees

closed doors with the guest to deliver the service. It’s important that

and offered generous financial help to each.

they love their job,” explains Evans, the company’s co-founder. “I

Evans’ own story is not exactly a rags-to-riches tale, but it is

wanted to make sure that if there was anything that needed to be ad-

still a remarkable story of entrepreneurial success. She co-founded

dressed, that the company would be able to do so. We want to be an

Massage Heights with her husband, Wayne, in 2004 with a single

employer of choice in the massage industry.”

location in Alamo Heights, hence the name. A long-time victim of

To get selected for the show, she had to undergo a fairly lengthy

back pain, she had for years used massage to help her cope, but it

vetting process and surrender all creative control, including what

was expensive, often inconvenient, and the quality was uneven. The

kind of disguise to wear. The producers ultimately created “this

Evanses were spending a few post-Christmas days in Sedona, AZ,

Peggy Bundy character,” with big hair and glasses and a suitable life

in 2003 when Shane’s back went out, forcing her to seek relief at

bio. Then she and the crew hit the road to visit several Massage

the hotel’s spa. The massage cost over $200, and it was not effec-

Heights franchises around the country. Each time, she had to pretend

tive, she recalls.

that she was an entry-level worker, which — judging from the video

“That was the night when our business model was born,” notes

— was not hard to believe, given her tentative way of performing

the now pain-free executive and the self-described massage junkie.

massage or doing a facial. The filming took 12 days during which she

Excited, she kept Wayne awake listening to her idea of opening a

hoped to gain insight into the staff’s concerns and see how things

membership-based massage place offering affordable and conven-

could be improved.

ient professional massage services in an upscale environment. They

What she discovered was that most employees loved their work

hatched out a business plan on the ride back to San Antonio.

but had to deal with both work-related and personal issues. Some situations were heartbreaking. She was clearly moved when a male

Fast Growth

massage therapist confided that he was struggling financially and

At first, the couple had no intention to go into franchising. They

emotionally while raising his dead sister’s children. She also saw

figured they would have a few locations around San Antonio. Two

firsthand that massage was not an easy job. “I gained more appreci-

things combined to make them change their minds. Customers from

ation for the actual physical work they do. I didn’t know how hard

other parts of the city kept asking if they planned to open a salon

they worked,” says Evans, a tall, svelte woman who is not a

in their neighborhoods, so they opened a second one in the Stone

masseuse. “That induced me to try to figure out a better career path

Oak area, which attracted even more customers than the first one.

january/february 2016 | 27

Photo by Jessica Giesey

W PROFILE

Photo by Elizabeth Warburton

28 | sawoman.com

Top, Evans confers with Daniel Jaramillo, Massage Heights director of industry relations and development, and Sade Fleming, lifestyle consultant. Inset, with her husband and cofounder, Wayne; at left, with their daughters Wesli (left) and Braydi. Their daughter Kayci is not pictured.

Then one of their first employees, who had a business degree, expressed an interest in running her own show based on their model. That woman became the first franchisee. “We knew that we needed to grow; the franchise route allowed us to grow much faster,” remarks Evans. Today, there are 140 Massage Heights “retreats” in the U.S. and Canada — employing 4,200 people — and plans to expand to 175 by the end of 2016. Many new “units” will be in markets where the corporation already has an established presence, such as Denver, Nashville and Chicago, as well as Austin and San Antonio. (Several stores are owned by the corporation itself.) In addition to various massage modalities, the salons offer facials and skin care treatments and “body elevation” services like aromatherapy, hot-stone therapy and foot scrubs. The basic membership costs $60 a month, but there are other package offers with a combination of services. So far, the more recently introduced skin treatments account for only 15 percent of business. As the COO, Evans is currently focusing on building a more experienced executive team in the franchising area by hiring some top guns for the VP positions of marketing, operations, finances and information technology. “We are looking to expand to 300 stores in a few years, and to get us to that level we need people who understand what it’s going to take to deal with so many franchises,” she says. “Each franchisee has a liaison person at headquarters to hold their hand and consult with as they Photo by Jessica Giesey

go through the process of establishing their business, from finding the right location to hitting their targets.” In fact, a meeting on development strategy is taking place in her office while she and I talk in someone else’s office at corporate headquarters in the Comerica Building on 281. Though happy to talk to us, she does convey a sense of being rushed and under pressure. The success of each franchise is important to

And she is surrounded and supported by family members. In ad-

her. To achieve that, the core values of the corporation and of the

dition to her husband, her brother, Glenn Franson, joined the com-

franchisees have to be aligned, she points out. “The values we are

pany early on and is now the CEO. Her mother operates a salon in

looking for are loyalty, passion, authenticity and diligence. If you have

Austin, oversees the Family Fund and helps in various ways at head-

those, you are going to attract good people to work for you, and that

quarters, and another brother is part of the team, too. The Evanses

ultimately filters down to the guests and brings success.”

pride themselves on having strong family values and treat their staff as extended family. “People must enjoy their work in order to lead

Family Values

happy, healthy lives,” she notes. After her episode of Undercover

A Taft High School graduate, Evans says one of her biggest re-

Boss aired, Massage Heights received 3,500 job applications from

grets is that she never went to college. Unable to pay for higher ed-

eager therapists and hired a number of them. Franchise Business

ucation, her parents did not push her in that direction, but Dad

Review ranked Massage Heights 33rd Top Franchise to own in 2013,

eventually told her, “You either go to school or get a job.” She opted

and in 2014 Franchise Times named it as one of the smartest grow-

for the latter, met Wayne and married at 23. That first job was at a

ing brands in franchising.

health club where both Evanses were first introduced to the mem-

Ultimately, Evans would like to see Massage Heights touch 32

bership concept of business. She later worked in medical equipment

million lives. “I love that we are able to enhance the health and lives

sales and became the mother of three daughters.

of so many people,” she says sincerely. “Regular, competent massage

“I believe everything happens for a reason,” she comments. “My

solves problems, removes pain, reduces stress, reduces blood pres-

sales job provided me with the skills for this one. I’ve been blessed,

sure, makes you feel better. That’s pretty cool. We elevate the every-

really. Today, I am in a good position to help other people.”

day, as our brochure says.”

january/february 2016 | 29

THE GRAND RECEPTION HALL, a long room with a barrel-vaulted ceiling accented by ornate plaster moldings. Bruce personally applied gold leaf to selected moldings to restore the roomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s original glamour.

AT HOME W

Elegance Style in Historic Monte Vista Manor BY ROBYN BARNES PHOTOS BY AL RENDON

tlee B. Ayres was one of the most prominent Texas architects of the 1920s. He designed homes for San Antonio’s well-to-do, among them the home that

became the Marion Koogler McNay Art Museum. According to the Light newspaper in 1921, Ayres “drew plans for an even more sumptuous residence [in Monte Vista].” The house was an adaptation of the Italian style and was built for the princely sum of $100,000. Constructed of light cream brick and white ornamental stone, it has a terra-cotta roof and a terrace of black and white tile. Built at that time for Dr. F.L. Thomson, president of Grayburg Oil Company, it is now home to Bruce and Anna Liesman and daughters Tessa and McKenna. The corner lot is three-quarters of an acre, one of the larger

stunned by the grandeur and beauty of the exterior architecture,”

placements in Monte Vista. It sits high on a hill — “as high as

Bruce says. “It was so stately, and I was so intrigued with the

the South Texas Medical Center, although you’d never know it,”

architectural anomaly of a full-size window on the second floor

says Bruce.

being featured in the middle of the large chimney on the east

Ayres was noted for his innovative architecture, and this house is a prime example. It has a full basement that housed the original coal-fired boiler in what amounts to a concrete bunker.

side. We drove by the home routinely, paying respect, but never really thought it would someday be ours.” The “For Sale” sign went up in 2013, and fortune smiled. “We

“We understand that Ayres was known in his later career for

walked in for a tour, and it was amazing. The integrity of the

building fireproof homes,” Bruce says. “This may be because he

original house had been kept. The grandness of the dining room

saw so many of the old wooden Victorian homes burn. The base-

with its magnificent chandelier, the original tile and ornate plas-

ment is really a concrete box for the boiler. The radiators for the

ter moldings throughout the house — it was stunning. The only

steam system are inset in the walls and surrounded by concrete

renovation had been in the kitchen and glassing in a porch in the

boxes and metal gratings for extra protection. Even though a

1980s. The rest of it was all original,” Bruce says.

modern heating and cooling system had been installed prior to

“We spent three months agonizing about buying the house,”

our acquisition of the home, the boiler, now converted to natural

he continues. “The decision about becoming stewards of an his-

gas, still works.”

torical home would determine the course of the rest of our lives.

Bruce added, “This house is built like a commercial building,

We took the leap and know it was the right decision.”

using steel-reinforced concrete. Ayres was a pioneer in using this kind of construction in a residential structure.”

Grand reception Bruce obtained a copy of the house’s original floor plans, so

Stately — and For Sale!

he identifies each room the way Ayres did. The front door opens

The Liesmans were living in Alamo Heights when this house

into the grand reception hall, a long room with a barrel-vaulted

came on the market. “We’d discovered it years ago and were

ceiling accented by ornate plaster moldings. Bruce personally

january/february 2016 | 31

W AT HOME

DINING IN STYLE, This spacious room features more linear gold leaf molding, again Bruce’s handiwork, and a Baccaratstyle chandelier. A massive china cabinet with a beveled glass front displays the couple’s cut glass collection.

applied gold leaf to selected moldings to restore the room’s origi-

artist and friend Roberto Lozano is displayed, along with a beau-

nal glamour. The chandelier that hangs in the center of the room

tiful oil and acrylic painting by Bruce. Over the mantel hangs a

is a recent acquisition to commemorate the couple’s 30th anniver-

giclee print by Russian artist Oleg. In the corner by the piano are

sary. A large Italianate bookcase holds a collection of antique

two prints by A. Della Corte. There’s also an original oil and col-

glassware, Chinese vases and carvings. “One of the wonderful

lage by Antonio Arellanes. “We don’t really have a style,” Anna

things about having a large house is that we finally have room to

says. “We hang what we like.”

display and store many of the things we’ve collected over the years,” Anna says.

Through French doors at the south end of the grand salon is the sunroom, whose focal point is an Italian pietra dura inlay

To the left of the reception hall is the grand salon. The cen-

table, made of black marble inset with semiprecious stone in floral

terpiece is the mantel, which the Liesmans have been told may

designs. The table is surrounded by lush greenery that thrives in

be the work of Hannibal Piante, a noted local artisan who cast all

the sunroom. A wooden bar, found at a Kerrville estate sale, sits

the terrazzo moldings and columns on the home’s exterior.

near the table. “This is a working bar,” Bruce notes. “It gets a lot

The room is simply furnished with two white sofas facing across

of use during parties!”

a glass coffee table. A concert grand piano anchors the north side of the room, and several occasional tables and individual seating areas are near the French doors at the other end of the room.

Dining in style The dining room is enormous. The linear molding is of gold

The focus of the grand salon is art. The Liesmans’ assemblage

leaf, again Bruce’s handiwork. The Baccarat-style chandelier

runs the gamut from traditional to contemporary. Work by local

is huge, throwing rainbow prismatic effects across the room

32 | sawoman.com

W AT HOME when the sun strikes. Sconces matching the chandelier grace the walls, and an oversize Turkish rug lies beneath the dining table. “This room has 17 doors,” Anna says. “This house was built to circulate air.” A massive china cabinet with a curved beveled glass front holds the couple’s cut glass collection. A smaller antique cabinet holds more glassware. A Murano vase is displayed nearby. In contrast, the breakfast room is small and cozy, with red tile floors and lots of windows. The small oak table belonged to Bruce’s great-grandparents. An old-fashioned wooden icebox, rescued from an old home in Cuero, serves as a medicine and firstaid cabinet. The breakfast room has access to the large modern kitchen. The tile floor is original in a gray and white hexagon pattern. There is a rear door that was once the service entry.

Historic library The library, which serves as Bruce’s office, is across the foyer from the kitchen, near the base of the grand staircase. The room is richly paneled, with built-in bookcases and high windows. This room has its own bit of history. Matt Garcia, a Texas state legislator, lived in the house at one time. In order to keep up with events in Austin, he installed a teletype in the library. The hole where the wires connected to the control board in the basement is still visible beneath Bruce’s desk. Besides rafts of books, the library serves as a place to display more art. There’s a copy of Van Gogh’s The Starry Night that Bruce painted when asked to portray Van Gogh for a school program and a treasured photo of his great-great-grandparents. Another large collage by Antonio Arellanes hangs here, too. The butler’s pantry in the basement holds the couple’s extensive collection of china and glassware. “It’s such a luxury to have everything stored in a place where we can access it easily,” Anna says.

Upstairs gymnasium Upstairs are four bedrooms. One is the master suite and another is a self-contained suite for Tessa. The rooms are large, and the windows are sized to admit lots of fresh air and sunshine. Tessa’s bedroom and Anna’s dressing room were originally sleeping porches used in the summertime, so neither is air-conditioned. Portable units fill the bill until cooler weather arrives. Every woman who visits the upstairs falls in love with the huge linen closet designed to store enough sheets, blankets, towels and assorted linens for an army. “The really neat thing about this,” Top, the grand salon is simply furnished, with the focus on art, from traditional to contemporary. A concert grand piano anchors the north side of the room. Below, the library and Bruce’s office. Hanging over the fireplace is his version of Van Gogh’s Starry Night.

34 | sawoman.com

Bruce says, “is that when you open the door, the light comes on inside the closet. The light is actually shown on the house plans. This is 1921 electrics at work!”

january/february 2016 | 35

W AT HOME Top, a view of the sunroom with its Italian pietra dura inlay table of black marble inset with semiprecious stones. Below, a bedroom with windows designed to admit lots of fresh air and sunshine.

When Ayres designed the home, at the specific request of Dr. Thomson he constructed a large room upstairs that served as a gymnasium.

According to

records, it contained numerous exercising devices, including a rowing machine, punching bag and trapeze, as well as a locker and shower facilities. “We really didn’t need an exercise room,” says Bruce, “since we use one of the downstairs porches for that. When I saw this room, I knew it would be the perfect family room. It’s a great place to gather, hang out and relax.”

Tending a legacy The Liesmans are very mindful of the responsibilities of tending an architectural legacy and the importance of sharing it with the community. “We’ve hosted the Monte Vista Association, the International Piano Competition and the Classic Theatre of San Antonio and look forward to hosting other community events,” says Bruce

“An historic home like this

should be shared. “We feel extraordinarily fortunate to live here,” the couple agree. “To be stewards of this house is such an honor.” Anna sums it up: “After all is said and done, we love it here. It’s home.”

36 | sawoman.com

W HOME TREND REPORT

Dreaming about a gorgeous

Closet BY KRISTIN MEARS

ver watched a fixer-upper show and thought to yourself, “Why can’t my closet look like that?” Well … why

can’t it? Our San Antonio design experts can help you take that first scary leap into

the overwhelming task of remodeling. Revamp your drab closet into the storage space of your dreams with expert recommendations and a trend roundup in designing that one-of-a-kind space that shrieks style, function and a splash of glam. These experts are Gene Philipps, owner of Cabinetry Designs; Lynley Serratt, director of sales and marketing for Palmer Todd; and Errica Williams, marketing and retail manager of California Closets of the Texas Hill Country. From do-it-yourself to professional installation, closets can range from simple to high-end systems. Whether it’s adding custom storage solutions, convenient dressing areas, glamorous design details or a simple change of color, our select design experts share their expertise on how to achieve the ultimate organized dressing space.

38 | sawoman.com

GLITZ & GLAMOUR “Adding a little glamour to your closet system through the finishes you select can transform your space from ordinary to extraordinary,” explains Williams. Everything from highgloss to highly textured materials are being incorporated. Williams’ clients are more apt to select crystal handles and knobs as well as brass, both matte and polished, for hardware, poles and accessories. These small details not only add a bit of glitz and shine to the allure of the space, but they boost sophisticated interest. With elegant lighting, open space and inviting accessories, closets can be transformed to mirror a boutique with lavish finishes and high-end materials.

MAGICAL EFFECTS OF LIGHTING “The right lights can illuminate your clothing within a walk-in closet or accent a stunning display, adding both function and beauty to a space,” explains Errica Williams of California Closets of the Texas Hill Country. “The addition of lighting to a space changes everything.” There’s no such thing as “too much” light when speaking about closets. True color and texture come to life in natural light, so when taking on the task of remodeling your closet space, remember its first purpose — for your clothes. “Good lighting is critical for selecting your clothing and seeing the task at hand,” she explains. “It is also a style and architectural element, adding a lovely dimension to any closet.”

Image courtesy California Closets

STYLING TIP: High-quality wood hangers will give your closet symmetry and elegance. v Group similar colors together to give your wardrobe a clean, organized look.

“Not only is lighting being used to accentuate or decorate, it’s also being used out of necessity,” explains Lynley Serratt of Palmer Todd. “Clients are turning closets into further extensions of their living spaces by adding seating for reading and television viewing, so lighting is needed for more than just grabbing clothes.” january/february 2016 | 39

W HOME TREND REPORT

Image courtesy Cabinetry Designs

STYLISH & COLORFUL “Overall, our clients are wanting to personalize their spaces to enhance the mood and feel of their home as well as to have a little fun,” explains Williams.“Pops of color provide an easy way to inject personal style into a space with a burst of eye candy.” Closets have become more than just a place to store items; they have become a place to relax — a retreat. Painting the walls or selecting a colored wood finish can transform an ordinary closet into something exceptional. Instead of creating a monochromatic scheme, homeowners are being playful with color. Drawer faces and doors now come in different colors and finishes, and days of accent walls are diminishing as countertops are being used for the same effect. “Your design choices are virtually limitless,” explains Philipps of Cabinetry Designs. “With an impressive range of style, colors, woods, laminates, molding and hardware, a seamless, luxurious closet can be achieved — it’s just up to the customization and direction of the client.”

ORGANIZATION “Intentional or detailed organization is a big trend we are seeing from our clients,” says Serratt. “Organization to the point that we measure the clothes, how they fold their pants and how their clothes are hung. Custom inserts for types of jewelry, such as small earrings or necklaces, are being created; it’s about tailoring to the inventory of the client.” Whether it’s open shelving, stylish bins or compartments galore, organization is a must-have for a camera-ready closet. “Custom wardrobe solutions are the biggest trend,” says Philipps. “Our clients aren’t choosing ‘cookie cutter’ boxes and shelves for their custom-crafted closets. They are looking for designs tailored to their individual wardrobe and lifestyles.” Philipps’ clients want custom space-saving drawers and hideaway shelving, all with high-quality materials and impeccable designs catering to the individual.

40 | sawoman.com

ALL THE BELLS & WHISTLES Accessories are what make a closet “custom.” Integrating technology and specialty accessories like charging stations and security safes for precious items and keepsakes is becoming a frequent request for many closet renovations. “Incorporating things into their closets like shoe polishers, steam cleaners and even washers and dryers is another big trend we are seeing,” says Serratt. “Another common accessory is a ‘packing’ island. This not only adds character to the space, but it meets the client’s travel needs as well as functionality for storage and use.” Providing a place to pack a suitcase or extra drawers for small items, islands are popular for homeowners with large walk-in closets. “Consultations between designer and client are essential to create a tailored space that offers not only storage solutions, but an extension of their home,” says Philipps.

HIS & HERS Split or his-and-hers finishes are becoming a prominent design choice when considering how to revamp an outdated and cluttered closet. Not only does the split finish declutter a shared closet, but it gives personality to both spaces. “The great thing about having split finishes is seeing the contrast in color, design and feminine versus masculine,” explains Serratt. Handbags, sunglasses and reading glasses are showcased more like exhibitions with glass-front cabinets, drawers and bins to highlight certain pieces. Unusual ways to showcase shoes are prominent in renovations for shoe lovers, and men can display watches in compartmentalized storage or custom builtins that work for each individual’s tastes and needs.

FAB FINDS W KOCH RANCH New Year’s resolution to get healthy? With a gift card from Koch Ranches Gourmet Country Store, we make healthy eating easy. Koch Ranches offer nonGMO and gluten-free desserts, delicious organic frozen meals, as well as our own farm-raised, grass-fed meats and locally grown vegetables. The perfect gift for healthy eating in 2016. Simply fresh Texas foods.

2114 Mannix Drive

210.858.9795

gourmetcountrystore.com

TWIN LIQUORS Make a statement with the gift of wine. Choose from a variety of pre-made gift baskets and cocktail combo packs, or customize your own.

1.855.350.TWIN (8946) TwinLiquors.com

The #1 bestselling author and Food Network personality at last answers that age-old question “What’s for Dinner?”, bringing together more than 125 simple, scrumptious, step-by-step recipes for delicious dinners the whole family will love. Hardcover edition only $17.99 Order at

SanAntonioBook.com

PEÑALOZA & SONS A Finger Mate expandable ring shank replaces the existing shank on your ring, opens to go over knuckles, then locks closed in the wearing position. Available in 14K or platinum, from $300. At Peñaloza & Sons.

2001 N.W. Military Hwy.

210.340.3536

penalozaandsons.com

january/february 2016 | 41

W STYLE

Texture at BY CAMILLA BASSE, STYLE EDITOR

Play

t’s no secret that color and floral typically rule the runways for the Spring collections. That most certainly rings true again this year, but there are some new elements at play. Designers such as Chloe, Diane Von Furstenberg, Gucci, Tory Burch, Fendi and Carolina Herrera, among others, up the ante this spring with loads of texture. The runways were dripping with the likes of lace, floral appliqués, mesh, jacquard and fringe. The additions of textured pieces translate so easily into the everyday wardrobe, which makes this movement all the more exciting. Hello, color and floral, there’s some new kids in town this spring.

FLORALS L to R: kate spade NEW YORK petite falling floral top – North Star Mall kate spade NEW YORK rose brocade pencil skirt – North Star Mall bebe applique shorts – The Shops at La Cantera

42 | sawoman.com

RUNWAY

L to R: DVF embroidered lace jumpsuit; Carolina Herrera lace three-quarter sleeve top with culottes – Julian Gold; Chloe silk mousse line dress with hand embroidered lace; Carolina Herrera applique dress – Julian Gold; Adelyn Rae lace & crepe romper – Nordstrom; Alberta Ferreti overlay dress – JulianGold; Johnny Was Los Angeles white cardi – Adelante; Tory Burch fringe suit.

TEXTURE AT HOME L to R: Mason shaker pineapple tumbler – Nordstrom; Kim Seybert fete coasters, set of six – Neiman Marcus; Dian Austin Couture Home pure pewter bedding – Neiman Marcus; reusable papel picado table runner – Nativa – available in mulitple colors;

METAL & FRINGE L to R: Burberry the bucket bag – The Shops at La Cantera, Rafe Sara faceted shell minaudiere clutch – Neiman Marcus, Christian Louboutin Suede Bootie – Neiman Marcus, Chloe delfine rigid brass chain bracelet – Neiman Marcus, Creatures of the Wind ‘Seville’ pleated metallic brocade miniskirt – Nordstrom january/february 2016 | 43

FASHION CALENDAR January 7-8 Julian Gold Verricchi, Kushi and Autunno Leather Trunk Show January 7-9 andie & barbara Ming Wang Trunk Show January14-16 Julian Gold Lourdes Chavez Designer Trunk Show and Personal Appearance January 14 Niche Warehouse Sale January 19-21 Saks Fifth Avenue LaPrairie Facial Event

44 | sawoman.com

January 20 Saks Fifth Avenue LaMer Facial Event January 21 Saks Fifth Avenue John Hardy Jewelry Trunk Show January 21-22 Julian Gold Eveningwear Caravan January 26-27 Julian Gold Marisa Baratelli Eveningwear and Cocktail Trunk Show February 2-4 Julian Gold Lafayette 148 New York Spring 2016 Sportswear Trunk Show

SOCIETY CALENDAR Supporting the Community SUPPORT IN G T H E C OMM UN I T Y

January 16 Taste the Dream Gala Benefiting (SAGE) San Antonio for Growth on the Eastside Institute of Texan Cultures (UTSA Hemisfair Park Campus) 210-248-9178 January 16 Junior League of San Antonio 5K Run/Walk The Bright Shawl 210-225-1861 January 22 Alamo Kiwanis Club Charities 53RD Annual Western and Heritage Art Show Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center Lonesome Dove Room 210-226-4651 January 23 Hope For The Future Benefiting San Antonio Catholic Schools Seventh Annual Khaki & Plaid Gala Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center Ballroom C 210-734-1907 January 28 Leukemia/Lymphoma Benefit for Halo House Foundation Laugh for Lymphoma Honoring Dr. Karla Diaz Davalos Laugh Out Loud! Comedy Club 210-215-0177 January 30 North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce 42nd Annual Gala Marriott Rivecenter 210-384-7724

February 13 Friends of Hospice Valentine Luncheon, Style Show and Auction San Antonio Country Club 210-785-5850 February 20 North East Education Foundation Starlight Gala Omni Colonnade 210-497-4258 info@northeastfoundation.org February 23 UTSA Great Conversations Institute of Texan Cultures 210-458-6505 February 25 Go Red For Women Luncheon Benefiting American Heart Association La Cantera Hill Country Resort 210-810-3100 February 26 House of Neighborly Service 11th Annual “Great Gatsby” Gala Pearl Stable 210-314-2939 February 27 Vestido Rojo for SA Benefiting American Heart Association San Antonio Event Center 210-810-3100 March 19 Junior League of San Antonio 5th Annual Fete du Cuvee The Sky Room 210-225-1861

February 5 National Wear Red Day Awareness Initiative for American Heart Association

San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo For details about these events, call 210-225-5851 January 16 Let’s Rodeo Ball The Freeman Coliseum January 28 San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Western Art Auction Briscoe Western Art Museum February 4 Cowgirls Live Forever Scholarship Luncheon and Fashion Show Pearl Stable

February 6 Western Heritage Parade and Cattle Drive Downtown off Houston Street February 11-28 San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo AT&T Center/Freeman Coliseum February 25-27 Junior Livestock Auction AT&T Center/Freeman Coliseum Grounds

january/february 2016 | 45

W BEAUTY

The

Mane Event A Fresh Look for Your Locks BY KRISTIN MEARS

ant to knock years off your age without a single injection, incision or zap of any kind? Easy! Start with your hair color. You may have heard that a younger look and lighter color can take years off your face. Is it true? Yes, a simple change in shade can make a real difference in a woman’s skin tone, clarity and radiance. We asked local beauty experts to weigh in on trends for the new year in selecting hair color and choosing highlights and low-lights for the woman rocking her 30s and older.

Hair color

is one of the

most effective anti-aging tools we have. When choosing a color, it’s important to remember the goal is to enhance and enrich your natural color and subtly conceal grays. Many women can agree they know someone or they are guilty themselves of going too dark and achieving that “shoe polish” look — this hue looks inky and almost blue. Not only will a shade this dark showcase grays, it will drain the color from your face. 46 | sawoman.com

W BEAUTY Maria Antoinette Joeris, owner and stylist of Salon Visage, recommends,

“Whether you choose subtle or drastic change, consider your skin tone and eye color and also how much maintenance your new color will entail. Subtle changes will typically require less maintenance compared to drastic changes that are going to require more maintenance and be more costly.” She goes on to say, “For example, more sallow skin tones should stay away from ash tones. Warmer tones will create a softer hue.”

Many of us have admired the golden locks of actress Jennifer Aniston

look. Also, if you want full color coverage like on a dark woodsy brown,

and thought, “Hmm, could I go blonde?” The good side of going light is

I recommend a cream color for even coverage on darker hair tones.

the youthfulness it brings out. The trick, however, is to find the perfect

Cream colors give hair with darker tones a rich, even color. For clients

gold hue to make it just right. As we age, our skin tends to lose its luster,

with a higher gray concentration, I recommend translucent colors that

so going a shade or two lighter than your natural color can be very flat-

create a multi-dimensional effect. So with a single process color you can

tering. Beware, though, as going too light can have the same effect as

create a softer and lower maintenance highlighted effect.”

going too dark — aging. Hair that is too light can make your skin look

Do you like blue, pink and purple? Would you like those colors in your

“washed out,” so finding that happy medium can get any woman the

hair? It’s not exactly an easy look to pull off. Women who are over the

golden locks she desires.

age of 30 are looking for a more graceful and flattering do, and the mer-

Joeris explains, “Highlights a shade or multiple shades lighter can

maid look might not be the answer to looking youthful. To dip-dye or not

accentuate your natural hair color. Highlights can blend grey and soften

to dip-dye? Having lighter tips on the ends of your hair can make your

your complexion. This is a great way to add a multidimensional, youthful

face appear wider and also age you.

Hair Enhancements Box braids were a big hit in the ’90s, and since then, braids have evolved to enhance any hairstyle and any desired look. Whether it’s super tight French-braid pigtails or a one-sided plait, women over the age of 30 are creating interesting looks for any occasion with the simplicity of a braid. “For those with thinning hair, the loss could be due to aging, dieting or illness and also side effects of medications,” explains Joeris. “For hair replacements, when a client calls us for a consult, we will determine size, color, style and the type of wig or replacement piece she is interested in, whether it be a synthetic or human hairpiece. If properly cared for, they will last for years. Wigs can be dropped off, and we will shampoo and style them.” 48 | sawoman.com

Hair Removal Options Today, most women rely on some form of hair removal in their everyday beauty routines. Waxing bars/salons and eyebrow threading studios, to name a few, are continuing to rise. Our waxing specialists examine a roundup of hair removal options that have their clients pleased and booking future appointments.

WAXING —

“Wax and waxing techniques have evolved by leaps and

bounds,” says Lorrie Baggs, owner of Waxing the City. “The old adage that ‘beauty is pain’ isn’t true for our clients. Our wax doesn’t adhere to the skin, and our methods of removal — applying counter-pressure, and checking all of our work with an 8X magnifying light — are unique to our company. We never want to be the fastest, just the best.” Waxing is a great substitution for shaving. Not only does it last longer, but the skin has a better, smoother feel. “Many different waxing services ranging from eyebrows, legs, arms, to Brazilian and everything in between will help with those unwanted hairs,” says Lauren Randle, lead esthetician of The Woodhouse Day Spa. “We use soft and hard waxes depending on the wax service being rendered, and we strive to be as quick and painless as possible.” “If you have never waxed before, I recommend you do not use any topical before waxing because it can take a layer of skin off. If you are using Retin A or if you have done any type of peel, I recommend you wait at least two weeks, or you could do a laser, threading or sugar service,” says Salon Visage’s Joeris.

Other options to consider: LASER HAIR REMOVAL — Many women choose laser hair removal — a permanent hair reduction solution with an average of four to six visits for satisfactory results. Although the sound of “permanent hair reduction” has a nice ring to it, there are risks to consider, such as being treated with the wrong laser, suffering burns, hyperpigmentation or even increased hair growth.

THREADING —

Days of plucking are in the past. Tame those un-

wanted hairs with the ancient technique for removing unwanted hair — threading. Brows can now be shaped using interlaced, twisted cotton threads that are rolled across the face. This new method can be seen as an added service at many salons or at a specialty salon focusing on the art of threading alone. This technique is more precise than waxing and tweezing, and many women find that this is the best way to achieve a great arch and a clean finished look to their brows. Threading isn’t just applied to eyebrows; it can be done in all facial areas, including the upper lip, chin, sideburns and neck. This natural, no-chemical alternative is not only healthier for the skin, it’s long-lasting and less painful than waxing.

SUGARING — Why wouldn’t you want to choose a hair removal method that is natural and never tears the skin? With sugaring, clients can expect smoother results that last longer. Hair can be extracted within just seven days of growth (sometimes even less), instead of the 10-14 days needed with waxing. The sugaring paste looks like a thick ball of honey that is held in the hand. There are no sticks or strips used. The sugar is placed onto the skin by hand and is then applied in the same direction as the hair grows, resulting in less breakage. Sugaring is great for those sensitive areas such as Brazilians, the bikini area and underarms. january/february 2016 | 49

W HEALTH

Is a Doctor-Supervised

Diet Plan for You? BY PAMELA LUTRELL

ireworks are quiet, stockings are packed, and San Antonians once again stare down New Year’s resolutions with planning, hope and

extra pounds. Popular diet programs flood the market and confuse the

brain. ABC even premieres this month a new reality competition titled My

Diet Is Better than Yours, where personal trainers will pit their contestants and diets against one another.

However, true reality lives in local neighborhoods where some are making the decision to allow a medical professional, not a personal trainer, to oversee the weight-loss plan. Linda Ratner is an active mother of three and medical administrator of six urgent care clinics. “Interestingly, I have never had to struggle with my weight. I was always relatively thin and athletically built,” Ratner says. “I think my struggle began when my hormones changed, and combined with a less active, unhealthy lifestyle and working crazy long hours, it became the perfect storm.” She also credits a high stress level with weight gain and the onset of high blood pressure. The health discussion resulted in Ratner beginning a program called Ideal Protein (www.idealprotein.com) offered and monitored by her physician.

“The biggest advantage of a diet done along with my doctor was the accountability,” she says. “And the comfort of knowing that this plan is safe. I am required to go in for weekly weigh-ins, measurements and counseling sessions.” After six weeks, Ratner was down 20 pounds. She believes doing this program with her physician has changed her lifestyle. “Today, I am much more aware of the bad carbs I consume, and I realize I cannot eat as I did in my youth,” she says. “I no longer need the large servings, and I even replaced my coffee with green tea.” She believes the greatest benefit of the journey has been to acknowledge how incredible her body really is.

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W HEALTH Lifestyle changes Physician’s Assistant-Certified Shawn Mollica of the Deerwood Family Practice also recommends the Ideal Protein plan to her patients. “This particular diet resets your pancreas and liver,” she says.“This is what most people need to be able to start losing weight and to keep it off.” Mollica lost 25 pounds in about three months and has kept it off because it was a lifestyle change. “It is not a yo-yo diet,” she said. “It is designed in four phases in order to prevent the patient from returning to old habits.” As a medical professional, Mollica is prepared to hear all of the excuses women make about dieting. “I could write a book,” she says.

“I tell people I am sympathetic to their issues, but you must get over them. You can do anything you set your mind to if you want it bad enough.” Mollica believes her role is a vital one — to oversee medications associated with health issues that are a result of obesity; education about changing the lifestyle, including food choices and exercise; and encouragement along the way. There is another diet program that was developed by doctors for their diabetic patients in the 1980s. Medifast is one of the few clinically proven and substantiated weight-loss programs available. Medifast offers programs and products developed by physicians and has been recommended by 20,000 doctors since 1980. There are three San Antonio locations.

Another point of view

The doctor’s role is to assist the patient to see why he or she is overweight and how proper nutrition will help.

Dr. Kathleen Hands, M.D., of the Thyroid and Endocrine Center of South Texas, throws up the caution flag about any “diet” plan. She believes the doctor’s role is to assist the patient to see why he or she is overweight and how proper nutrition will help. “It is better to pay for a fitness coach than a diet plan,” she says. “There is no magical diet, and women should think twice about going on one.” She believes most weight lost on many diets will be gained back unless there is a true change in

— Dr. Kathleen Hands

habits. As a thyroid specialist, Dr. Hands cautions, “Remember, problems with your thyroid have nothing to do with obesity.”

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5 TIPS FOR EATHING HEALTHY IN THE NEW YEAR BY CARRIE ARMSTRONG

Shop local farmer’s markets and join communitysupported agriculture

Local food is more nutritious and buying food produced close to home gives you an opportunity to ask questions of local farmers and support our local economy. You will find a variety of fruits, vegetables, honey, pastured eggs and grass-fed meats. I try to fill my basket with local foods every week.

Try a new food or cooking technique

Experiment with avocado, pistachio or butternut squash oil. Tired of the same tossed salad? Try massaged kale salad with local pecans and goat cheese.

Don’t throw away those brown bananas

Peeled frozen bananas add a delicious sweetness to food. Use in place of sugar in baked goods, mix them with eggs and spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and ginger for delicious pancakes, or blend with your favorite nut butter and cacao powder for a yummy dessert.

Get creative with veggies

Spiralize your favorite veggies (zucchini, bell peppers, sweet potatoes…) and use in place of regular pasta. Kids and adults will have fun playing with their food and creating delicious, guilt-free dishes!

Jazz up plain water

Many times we feel lethargic and reach for a snack when our body is craving water. Boost your energy quickly with plain sparking water and add citrus, berries, cucumber or mint. Carrie Armstrong is CEO/Founder, Stargazer Wellness Coaching, LLC

january/february 2016 | 53

W BUSINESS WOMAN SPOTLIGHT

Crystal Rico New Horizons Computer Learning Centers

Photography by JANET ROGERS

Title: Team Lead/Account Executive for New Horizons Computer Learning Centers What do you do? New Horizons offers training room rentals and meeting room rentals and I oversee the needs of the company’s 22 training facilities. Our training and meeting room rentals provide flexible options for technical and non-technical training, meetings and conferences. Our company is also the largest training partner for Microsoft Learning Partners for helping individuals and companies achieve their learning goals. Length of time at this job: I have been with New Horizons for three years and three months. I joined the room rental team in May of 2015. What is it that you like about your job? I enjoy working under leadership that believes in and challenges me. What I like the most is how my company empowers me to succeed through learning. When did you know that you were in the right place in your career? I saw other opportunities at different places, but New Horizons showed me a clear path and provided me a chance to grow; that’s when I knew I was where I belong. What did you want to be when you were growing up? I wanted to be an astronaut. How amazing would it be to look back at our beautiful planet from space? What person do you most admire? My husband. He never gives up and always encourages me to be strong. He is my rock, such an awesome dad and husband. Who has been the biggest influence on your life personally and professionally? In my personal life, I would have to say my in-laws. I see how hard they work and how much they have accomplished. In my professional life I must say my current manager (Mark Villareal). He is the most amazing leader I have ever had. I would follow him anywhere just to be led by such great leadership. What brought you to San Antonio? The city life and atmosphere brought me here. I was raised in a small town just southeast of San Antonio called Nordheim, with a population of 322 people. In some cases, when you grow up in such a small town, you just can’t wait to get to the city. What is your favorite thing to do in San Antonio? I love to try different foods, so I would say going out to eat. San Antonio has a great number of restaurants, and I love trying them. How would you describe your leadership style? I consider myself a “player coach” working to be a full-time coach and lead by example. What book/books have you read lately? One Minute Manager and I am currently also reading The Weekly Coaching Conversation. What do you like most about San Antonio? The friendly people. It doesn’t matter where you are in San Antonio, you are bound to meet someone new and friendly everyday. What is your favorite relaxation strategy? I love to laugh, so laughing and listening to music would be my two relaxation strategies. What are your goals? My goal is to become a million dollar producer in the upcoming year. Also, I hope to continue growing as a leader and develop other leaders.

Who were your mentors? My algebra teacher, Mrs. Eckhart, was the first to really open my eyes. My coach and current leaders have also been my mentors.

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What is the best advice that you have ever received? Setting goals is the first step to turning the invisible to the visible. People would be surprised to know that I … am a really good pool player. I grew up in a small south Texas town. With only a couple of activities in a small town, it was easy to pick up the love of pool.

For more with Crystal Rico, go to sawomanconnect.com.

january/february 2016 | 55

W ACCORDING TO LINDA

What’s Relevant in San Antonio by LINDA ELLIOTT

The Secret to

Long-Term Success

was curious about what a cabinet in the spare bedroom

care Think Tank. We’ve got member chapters in San Antonio and

held. I found totally obsolete VHS tapes of really good

Austin and will likely start one in Houston and other Texas cities,

movies and lots of cassettes, together with the equipment

possibly eventually moving into other states. We’ve built a ma-

to play them. Remember those things? Remember the

chine that works well in communicating with members through

good old days when those were high-tech? Actually, I miss

technology, making expansion very manageable. The most ex-

those good old days because life was simpler. But saying

citing part of our health care focus, however, is our blog site and

we want to relive the “the good old days” is not really healthy. The

its future. Our chapter members provide us with content for the

reality is, if we don’t change with the times, we’ll never make it.

site, and we post it through a newsletter and several social

Look at what happened to Blockbuster and Radio Shack.

media vehicles. It’s like wildfire spreading. To hear that people

It’s called INNOVATION. My ever-faithful Wikipedia defines in-

from 10 different countries are now following is mind-boggling.

novation as “a new idea, more effective device or process. This is

The power of social media is quite impressive. Healthcare Think

accomplished through more effective products, processes, serv-

Tank can actually live well beyond me!

ices, technologies, or ideas that are readily available…” We thrive

My next story is about Rory Siefer, owner of Epic Bound

on innovation, always looking for the latest and greatest. Look at

Books, a private book-publishing company in San Antonio that

how Apple has all but taken over the world through innovation.

creates timeless family biographical and corporate history

What about Starbucks? They used to only serve coffee. Now they

books. She is one of the very best in the world. Her high-quality

offer a wide assortment of food and beverages, not to mention Wi-

coffee table books will be passed from generation to generation.

Fi and an interactive website.

As we are quickly becoming a world of less paper, she can’t get

It’s a necessary hurdle we must overcome to succeed in business

away from it, but she has come up with a way to implement tech-

and in life. Without being innovative, we become boring and hum-

nology through audio/video integration. It’s now possible to in-

drum. We’re not very exciting to be with, and we can become like

corporate QR codes into the books, allowing anyone with a smart

snails, just slugging along while the rest of the world is whipping by

device to access the digital files. That means home movies and

us. Believe me, I know because I’ve been there.

scans of personal letters and speeches can all be viewed while

Let’s look at what we can do to become more innovative. I’m

reading the book, making for a truly interactive experience. As

convinced that whatever you do, you must have an element of

you read about how your dad worked on the farm as a child, use

technology involved. We simply cannot create that bit of excite-

your smartphone to pull up a home movie of him riding the trac-

ment without using technology in some form or fashion. I am cer-

tor around the family homestead. Perhaps he may even be able

tainly no techie, but I do make sure the people I work with can

to narrate the story for you. Little Johnny never knew his grand-

cover me on that front. What I do know for certain is that I’ve

dad when he was alive, but he can hear him tell the story and

GOT to use it to run a successful business.

watch him in action. That is using innovation to turn a history

I’m going to tell you two stories – one is about how I have built a new direction in my business through social media, and the other is about a woman who has enhanced her product by adding a very creative component. I’ll begin with my story. Not only do I have Elliott Connection, but several years ago I

book into a living, breathing keepsake that will last for generations to come. I relate these two stories because one or both can be applied to you and your business. Creating a way to utilize the power of social media in your business may be a good way to go. Bringing

started a subsidiary company called Healthcare Think Tank.

your product or service into the 21st century by adding an element

When I decide to retire, Elliott Connection will very likely go

of technology may be what you need to consider. Have fun, be

away because it is too branded. That is not the case with Health-

creative and innovate!

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january/february 2016 | 57

SAN ANTONIO’S JENNIFER L. SCROGGINS, INVESTMENT ADVISOR REPRESENTATIVE FOR PLATINUM WEALTH SOLUTIONS WILL HELP GUIDE WOMEN’S NETWORK FOR SIGNATOR

The network, which will be launched in the fall, will provide resources and opportunities for business and professional growth to Signator’s women advisors, and look to attract more women to Signator. “We couldn’t be more pleased for Ms. Scroggins helping us as we launch this important program,” said Matthew Rigatti, vice president, Signator Investor’s Inc. “Since joining Signator more than XX years ago, not only has Jennifer achieved terrific things for her clients and practice, she also has inspired other professionals along the way.” “Signator has always had a strong group of female advisors, we’re now looking forward to launching our program to provide resources and help them identify each other to share best practices. Jennifer Scroggins will be a tremendous asset in this endeavor.” ABOUT SIGNATOR INVESTORS, INC. Founded in 1968, Signator Investors, Inc., powered by John Hancock Financial Network, is an independent broker-dealer and Registered Investment Adviser based in Boston, Mass., that supports a national network of independent firms with more than 1,500 advisors and representatives across the U.S. Signator is strongly committed to diversity and equal opportunity. Signator partners with financial professionals who have proven experience and share its commitment to putting clients first. The firm’s open product platform includes a comprehensive range of investment, advisory and protection products from leading carriers. And its first-class support, wealth of local and national resources and flexible business models help entrepreneurially minded financial professionals ensure that their clients are well taken care of. For more information, please visit www.signatorinvestors.com. 0185-20150903-251109

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“

As a result of this initiative I had the idea to start my own local women's advisory council here in San Antonio because of my passion and commitment to helping women in the community. The group will be intimate (no more than 20) and made-up of diverse business leaders with one common goal: To be the leading resource/voice for women in San Antonio. Our goal is to help one another achieve higher success in our respective businesses by communicating our own individual business needs and working together to accomplish those. It can include HR issues, financing issues, how to grow a successful practice/team, establishing a succession plan, how to protect our business and grow the business effectively, and building long term relationships to name a few. Angie Lewis, an executive at The Bank of San Antonio, helped me launch this idea and has been a long-time friend and client. She has worked closely with me to plan for her future for her and her daughters.

“

San Antonio resident Jennifer L. Scroggins, Investment Advisor Representative for Platinum Wealth Solutions, has been selected as a founding member of the advisory council to Signator Investors, Inc.‘s national network for women advisors.

Jennifer L. Scroggins Investment Advisor Representative Platinum Wealth Solutions

january/february 2016 | 59

W WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Four Leading Bankers

To Risk, Relationships and Reaping Life’s Rewards BY JENNIFER BARTLETT PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELIZABETH WARBURTON

he executives I met for this story have “leaned in,” Sheryl Sandberg- style, in a big way. All of them are mothers and work tirelessly to balance family and career. After taking risks, asking a lot of questions and working from the ground up, they have achieved positions of leadership in the fast-paced banking industry. And what they love most about their jobs is the relationships they have forged with their clients. Banking is a money business, but the inner workings of the industry revolve around relationships. Broadway Bank’s Pam Houston started in the oil and gas industry in the 1970s; Texas Capital Bank’s Annalese Smolik, in investment banking; Plains Capital Bank’s Rose Mary Slagle, as a secretary to a lending officer in Harlingen; and Lone Star National Bank‘s Maggie Ortiz, as a bank teller. Today these bankers are considered leaders, and they share with us some unique life experiences and anecdotes that define their careers in banking.

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“Give me a puzzle, and I’m ready — I will find the answer.” PATRICIA HOUSTON, BROADWAY BANK

PATRICIA HOUSTON, BROADWAY BANK Houston’s 30-year career in the banking industry makes her something of a grande dame in this group of young up-and-comers. She is one of the women in the banking industry who paved the way for these bright young minds that have come after her. She did so in an era when she would find few of her kind to lean on. Houston began her career as one of very few women to enter the oil and gas industry as a certified professional landman and is now senior vice president and mineral manager in the Broadway National Bank wealth management division. Her brilliance as a banker is obvious on first meeting, but what is most impressive about her is her warmth and humility. She puts on no airs. For a woman who has made her way as a “landman” in the oilfield, Houston is charming, down to earth, and what we would have called in the old days, “a real lady.” Houston’s toughness, her abilty to adapt and her can-do attitude come directly from her background. She was raised in a military family that exposed her to a variety of countries and cultures and, more importantly, taught her something crucial: Never be afraid to open the next door. According to Houston, it is a good thing to take risks. She has done so her whole life. In the 1950s and ’60s Houston lived in Okinawa and Germany and then in Greece. She went to the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, and then entered the workforce. She earned her degree in medical records and administration, but wasn’t able to find a job. So she went to night school, took accounting courses and started working for an oil and gas company. That was in the late ’70s, and she never looked back. Houston says tenacity is the key to her success. She has had to engage in some tough negotiations in her line of work, but she

is clear-headed when she reflects on what it takes to get a deal done. “Do your homework and just stay in there,” is her advice. Houston loves the research-oriented focus of the oil and gas industry. She is a lifelong learner and approaches her job as an academic. She gains all the knowledge she can before going into any negotiation, thriving on understanding the details and meeting the challenges of a deal. “Give me a puzzle, and I’m ready — I will find the answer.” This goes back to her tenacity. Houston advises young women seeking to enter the field to ”always be prepared, to do your homework, and to have complete knowledge when you enter any room.” When asked to describe the differences between men and women in her field, she smiles before answering: “Women are armed with knowledge and focus on the critical details. It’s an advantage we have whether we’re negotiating or collaborating.” She explains that when you go into any situation, you want them to look at you and think, “She knows what she’s talking about.” She sees knowledge as her best and most potent weapon. ”Arm yourself with knowledge and fair dealing,” she advises. Houston echoes what other female executives in the field say: Building relationships is crucial to success in the industry. “Once you build these relationships, it helps you with any bumps in the road. Women are much more into the personal relationships than men are. This gives women in the field a distinct advantage. Relationship building is particularly important when it comes to delivering hard news to clients,” she says. Houston says that whenever you have to say “no” to clients or tell them you can’t do something for them, you need to offer them something else. She explains, ”I think about how I can offer an alternative

january/february 2016 | 61

W WOMEN IN BUSINESS or pitch the news and then talk about what the future can bring and how that future might look brighter than the present does.” Working with a lot of legacy families who seek to maintain and grow what their father or father’s fathers built, Houston is often focused on maintaining and sustaining wealth for future generations. To this end, she underscores that it is always important to tell clients “the absolute truth. You have to let a client make the final financial decision, but you have to give them the whole picture, and always tell the truth.” Houston advises young women seeking a career in the banking industry to ask lots of questions. She also explains the importance of collaboration and sharing knowledge. “Two heads are always better than one,” she notes. Houston’s main job at Broadway Bank is to expand its oil and gas business beyond the South Texas market. To that end, she is sanguine on future prospects. “Our client base is increasing. Broadway‘s president, Pam Parish, is very progressive. She knows the oil and gas industry is a huge opportunity for growth,” she says. Houston takes seriously Broadway Bank’s motto, We’re here for good, and by all accounts, so is Patricia Houston. ANNALESE SMOLIK, TEXAS CAPITAL BANK Annalese Smolik is vice president of Texas Capital Bank, serving corporate clients across industries including manufacturing, retail, insurance and oil and gas. She oversees large accounts — anything over $25 million in revenue. She made her way to Texas Capital Bank by way of a New York investment bank where she worked as an analyst. She brings a New York sensibility to her role at Texas Capital and credits her strong work ethic to her upbringing: “My father always taught me by example that nothing comes to you for free. You have to be willing to work hard to get where you want to be.” Smolik immigrated to the U.S. from the U.K. in 1983 with her family. Her father was a chemical engineer, and her family came to Houston for his job. They also came to find the best care for Annalese’s sister, who had cerebral palsy. Smolik initially attended Honors College at the University of Georgia and then continued her studies at the University of Texas at Austin. She started on the medical school track, majoring in biology with a minor in Spanish. But then she decided to flip-flop, choosing Spanish as her major. It was the first of many risks she would take on the way to her current profession. Smolik has always felt that if there was something she needed to learn in order to succeed, she could figure it out. Nothing proved her can-do attitude more than her study abroad in Venezuela during her senior year. It was a dangerous time to be there, but she immersed herself in the language, learned a lot and gained unique life skills that, strangely enough, would serve her very well in the banking industry. She tells of a perilous climbing trip that she and friends took up Pico Espejo in Venezuela. The group got lost. They had provisions and felt they had some decent survival skills, but the truth was they didn’t know where they were. They found an old cable line in the middle of nowhere, and as they followed that line on foot, they came across an old house with a chimney coughing up a thin line of smoke. An older man living there offered them a place to stay. The group was saved. “You can do a lot of things when you are put in a tough situation — when you are truly worried about your survival. Failure is not an op-

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tion. The mountain taught me when there is no defined path, the path you carve yields even greater rewards,” she says. The Venezuela trip also taught her another important lesson about survival, one that launched her career. As her group camped out in Los Llanos, or, as she puts it, “the middle of nowhere,” the camp tracker instructed them to “go get their dinner.” She and her friends assisted in wrestling a crocodile from a swamp, harnessing its snout, skinning it and frying it up for dinner. When applying for jobs in New York, Smolik found a way to make her applications stand out by including her crocodile story in her cover letter. In it she wrote, “If I can figure out how to survive in Venezuela and catch a crocodile to cook for dinner, I can probably figure out how to navigate a career in investment banking.” It opened the door for her to get several interviews with investment banks wanting to meet the crocodile hunter. She got a job at J.P. Morgan and immediately hit the ground running. Smolik was young, new to the industry, and admits times were tough. Her personal life took a backseat. “I had friends in PR or in the fashion industry, and part of their job was going out to networking functions. I didn’t have free time, and it was a little bit lonely,” she recalls. Her friendship circle was limited to the people with whom she worked. She also had a long-distance relationship with the man who is now her husband. She explains, “I didn’t fit in with the single crowd because I had a boyfriend, but I didn’t fit in with the married crowd either because I was in a long-distance relationship.” Though it was a transitional time with many challenges, Smolik’s resilience and her laser focus on her career saw her through. Moving to San Antonio in 2004 set her career on another trajectory. She found herself married, with three kids, and working at Texas Capital Bank. As far as challenges women in banking face, Smolik doesn’t see any disadvantages to being a woman in the industry. She underscores the importance of sustaining a high level of integrity and maintaining professional boundaries. She is candid on the issue of pay and gender: “If there is a candidate who is better for the position than I am, hire him. I want to be compensated based on my merit.” Smolik also places a high value on time — hers and that of her clients, explaining, “I try not to go to a meeting unless I add value. I think people have to know their client‘s time is valuable. If you ask a CEO to sit down for an hour, that’s an hour they are not working on their business or spending time with their family. When I set a meeting, I have a purpose for being there.” Perhaps the best advice Smolik offers young women (and men) looking to enter the banking industry is “Roll your sleeves up and work hard. Earn it. Don’t expect it.” Smolik has succeeded in balancing a successful career with a vibrant family life. She notes her job at Texas Capital allows her the flexibility to be there for her kids as much as possible. Tenacity, hard work, integrity and a distinct ability to forge her own path make Annalese Smolik an executive who is clearly still on the way up. ROSE MARY SLAGLE, PLAINS CAPITAL BANK Rose Mary Slagle of Plains Capital Bank is originally from Harlingen and attended UT Pan American. Eager to make her way in the workforce, she left college prior to graduation to work in banking. She was offered a position as a secretary for a lending officer at a bank. That

“You have to be willing to work hard to get where you want to be.” ANNALESE SMOLIK, TEXAS CAPITAL BANK

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W WOMEN IN BUSINESS

“Everybody that walks through the door is a person that we need to make feel valued.” ROSE MARY SLAGLE, PLAINS CAPITAL BANK

started her banking career. In those years she took a role “in pretty much every position there is in the banking industry except for being a teller.” She was surprised at how much she liked the work. In 1987 Slagle took a detour from the finance industry to work for Southwest Airlines. It was something she had always wanted to do. She was with Southwest for approximately 10 years, working as a ticket agent and then in operations dealing with the landing and taking off of the aircraft. With Southwest she had to be weather certified, and so she went to a weather school. She did the weather observation for the FedEx planes that were taking off and landing at Harlingen Airport. There were five people in that role at the time, and she was only the second female to work in that position with Southwest Airlines at that airport. She shouldered the burden of one of the most stressful jobs in the industry: dictating to pilots the weight and balance of the aircraft for safe take-offs and landings. Slagle then moved to San Antonio and stayed home to raise her family. As her children grew, she knew she wanted to go back to work. Because of her love of numbers, she decided to go back into banking when her second child entered middle school. In 2011, she returned to the industry after landing a job with First National Bank. She admits that at first it was intimidating to think about going back to work. “The way that people apply for a job is not personal anymore,” she says. “It is all through the Internet. Because of online

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applications, I could only submit what was on my résumé. That’s the only thing I had to play on. You couldn’t even call and reflect your personality through a phone call.” Slagle was shocked by how much had changed since she had left the industry. Everything had become computerized. “Calculations used to be done with a calculator,” she says. “Now you just put things into a program, and the program spits out the calculations.” She applied to several institutions, and didn’t get any response except from First National Bank. They needed a lending assistant for the president of one of the branches on the West Side. She took the job. Two years ago, Plains Capital acquired First National Bank. Slagle’s experience with the culture of Southwest Airlines was something she had really missed, and the acquisition of First National by Plains Capital allowed her to return to that feeling of a family culture in a business organization. “When Plains Capital acquired First National, I knew I was home. I felt it immediately. Especially with the support of Mike Molak, San Antonio regional chairman, and Sarah Pendley, San Antonio regional operations manager. Plains Capital is a family-friendly, customer-oriented institution.” Soon after the acquisition, she was invited with a group of employees to go to Dallas to have lunch with the executives and CEO Alan White to learn about the culture at the bank. She was selected to be one of the leaders to bring the culture back to their particular branches,

W WOMEN IN BUSINESS

“I encourage young women to be confident and to consider moving beyond the known path.” MAGGIE ORTIZ, LONE STAR NATIONAL BANK

and she was excited to be part of something bigger than just banking. Plains Capital had a mission, and the mission drove the whole enterprise. Slagle knew this is where she wanted to be for the long haul. Slagle is unapologetic about her love of numbers, but she also admits that it is her love of the people she works with that keeps her going. She says, “If you’re not happy with who you are working with, it makes it really difficult for you to enjoy where you are. There hasn’t been a day that I get up in the morning and say, ‘Ugh, I have to go to work today.’ Every day is a new day, and I am inspired by our CEO, Alan White, who sends an email to all employees every morning of inspiration, motivation, urgency, reminding us why we are here.” At Plains Capital she has found her purpose and her place. In thinking about women in the workplace, Slagle remarks that women have an “intuition or an upbringing that revolves around family. It really is who you work with. You have to think to yourself, ‘Do you care about how you take care of your customer?’ Because everybody that walks through the door is a person that we need to make feel as though they are valued. I think a lot of people disregard that, and think our job is all about numbers. It really isn’t. It is about how to take care of your customers for their benefit. Women are uniquely suited to do that kind of caretaking and to sustain those vital relationships.” Slagle is excited about the future. She talks about the challenge that all banks now face in dealing with cybersecurity. She also notes

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that the physical activity of banking has changed. Though people may not be coming into the lobby as much, relationships are built and sustained online, and that means verifying the identity of our customers. “We have to make sure that the technology is taken care of. We may not see our customers all the time, but we are talking to them through online transactions or on the phone. What sets us apart is that we send personal notes that are hand-written and signed. Just because we don’t see them in the lobby doesn’t mean we aren’t thinking of them. And despite the technology, we know that personal relationships are important. That is key to our business. That’s part of the mission,” she says. Every day since she’s been with Plains Capital, Slagle has felt that feeling of mission, and she’s proud to be “leaning in” at her home away from home. MAGGIE ORTIZ, LONE STAR NATIONAL BANK Maggie Ortiz is senior vice president of commercial lending at Lone Star National Bank. She is a straight-up dynamo lit from within by a passion for her work. She juggles her demanding job at the bank with caring for a family of four, including two young children under the age of 7. Her work/life balance is centered around the two families she cares for: her work family and her family at home. She aims to do right by both every single day. Born and raised in San Antonio, Ortiz grew up in a single-family

household and went to St. Mary’s University. She has been in the banking industry for 17 years and credits her work ethic as the key to her success. “As an only child, I didn’t come home and spend time with brothers and sisters. I looked for things to get involved in,” she says, emphasizing, “All my mom’s attention was focused on me, and it kept me out of trouble. She grew up in a household of two women. We were very independent. If something was broken down or needed fixing, we had to do it ourselves.” It is this can-do attitude that she carries over into her professional life.One of Ortiz’s legacies from her mother is the attitude: “Just figure it out.” In her junior and senior years at St. Mary’s, Ortiz worked as a teller on the weekends while still maintaining a full load of course work at school. As soon as she started working at a bank, she knew she had found her career path. She was drawn to the numbers right away. She loved that she could “figure it out” by digging, doing research and finding answers. When she graduated, Ortiz got a position as a credit analyst for IBC Bank and then moved to commercial lending. She was drawn to IBC for the people there. “A lot of women in leadership roles in corporate industries want to be there not simply because of the content of the work, but because of the culture of the workplace,” she says. Ortiz illustrates why this is particularly important for women: “You spend more time at work than you do with your family. You want to enjoy those experiences. You want to have an interest in what the people around you are doing in their lives.” It is that culture that keeps her going. Ortiz drew on her “no-fear” attitude when she moved from IBC to new ventures, first at Cadence and now at Lone Star National Bank. She reflects, “When you are dealing with any type of change, whether it is in professional or personal realms, it is scary. But if you think it is the right decision for you, you have to mine that confidence. If, at the end of the day, you don’t succeed, you know that you took that risk and gave it a try. For women this is particularly important. Women sometimes are afraid to make a move because they worry about leaving a comfortable spot. I encourage young women to be confident and to consider moving beyond the known path.” Today, Ortiz services existing customers and helps the bank grow the market. Lone Star National opened in 1983 and has over 600 employees and 33 locations across South Texas, with five branches in San Antonio. Ortiz hopes to help Lone Star National continue its growth throughout Texas. As for her clients, she talks of them as friends and family. She takes her relationships very seriously, feeling an intense responsibility to care for a client that she has come to know. She says, “You get to hear stories about their children and their grandchildren. And you get to know them. Your clients trust that you are going to make decisions that will help them grow and offer security to their families. As long as you are honest with your customers, I think you can help them through tough transitions.” Ortiz emphasizes that you can’t always be a “yes” person, but you can be honest, and you can give them alternatives. Ortiz’s advice for young women? Take risks. She says, “Early on, I was afraid to ask questions, but then I learned that if I don’t ask questions, I’m never going to progress. This profession is an ongoing education, so learn from an early age that the more you ask, the more you know. Accept failure because if you fail, at least you took the risk. How cool is that? ”

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W GUYS TO KNOW

Gerald “Jerry” Wilmink, Ph.D., M.B.A., CEO Founder of WiseWear BY JASMINA WELLINGHOFF PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELIZABETH WARBURTON

Dr.

Gerald “Jerry” Wilmink earned his B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. in biomedical engineering from Vanderbilt University and, more recently, an M.B.A. from UT Austin, all of which prepared him well for what he is doing today as the founder and CEO of WiseWear, a promising tech startup that makes “wise” wearables. Though a number of companies have rushed into this field, WiseWear’s products, aimed at women, are actually attractive enough to wear as jewelry. At present, the company offers three styles of bracelets that hide a sensing device that monitors fitness-related parameters such as heart rate, the number of steps walked, distance traveled, calories burned and total active time. In addition, should the wearer find herself in an emergency situation, she can simply tap her bracelet to send a distress signal to a predetermined list of contacts, along with information about her location. What makes these products unique is the material used and their stylish look. No cheap plastic here. The three styles, collectively dubbed the Socialite Collection, are all made of brass, plated in 18karat gold or rhodium. The bracelets connect to your phone, giving the wearer more options. Prior to launching WiseWear in 2013, Wilmink worked first as a research associate with the National Academy of Sciences, in which capacity he founded and led the first terahertz (Thz)-sensing lab for the Defense Department. The lab co-developed the first THz spectrometer to assess skin burn injuries in battlefield situations. (Terahertz radiation is part of the electromagnetic spectrum, between microwaves and infrared light waves, but the technology to detect or use its power was practically nonexistent at the time.)

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We met with Dr. Wilmink at his company’s headquarters on the North Side, where at least 10 biomedical and electrical engineers are busy developing health-related tech devices. What brought you to San Antonio? When I got my Ph.D., I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I grew up. So I was exploring research positions and received the National Academy of Sciences postdoctoral research fellowship to start a new lab for the Department of Defense — the Terahertz Biosensing Laboratory. That was located at Brooks City Base here.

What motivated you to start WiseWear? The inspiration was my grandfather Dominic Cameratta. I was raised by him and my mother. He suffered from a condition called Lewy Body Dementia, which is a cross between Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. His symptoms included memory issues and changes in gait and balance issues. In 2010, he got up in the middle of the night, lost his balance and fell. He passed away the day after Christmas that year. Before passing, however, he asked me, “When are you going to start that medical device business that you’ve been talking about since graduate school?” I have always wanted to create devices that help people, and that’s why I pursued biomedical engineering. However, in the research environment I never felt like I was making a real impact in helping people. His death was the beginning of this whole idea. Our first product was a hearing aid that had three elements – it functioned as a hearing aid but also had sensors that detected dehydration and the ability to tell seniors that they were in danger of falling down. It was the first preventive way to prevent older people’s falls. That product requires FDA approval, and it’s still in production. Along the way we patented an antenna system that allows us to transmit Bluetooth within the confines of a metal medical device. Previous wearables were made of plastic because it’s easy to transmit Bluetooth signals to a smart phone through plastic. We patented a system that allows us to transmit these signals through metal. This breakthrough was the foundation of our business. Women don’t want to wear plastic; they want to wear real jewelry.

That’s a huge leap forward for wearables. Our selection of metal is genius on a number

of levels. First, our system allows us to transmit Bluetooth signals 10 times further than normal Bluetooth, which is a big deal. Second, metals exhibit an oligodynamic effect, which means they are antimicrobial; they don’t carry bacteria like plastic, so there will be no skin rashes and things like that. And they are water-resistant (safe for showers, sweat and any weather conditions.) And here is a cool thing: Our products are mix-and-match. We call it “the beauty and the brain.” (He proceeds to demonstrate how the bracelet can be separated into the top “beauty” part and the lower “brain” part and how the same brain part may be recombined with a different top for a different look.)

Who designed the styles of the Socialite Collection? We believe that form, function and fashion truly intersect in our products. We are partnering with some leading designers from New York City. Our first designer was Lee Chen, who served as a chief operating officer at Ippolita and also worked for Swatch and Tom Hardy. She is now on our board. She and her team flew in from New York, and we designed the collection together. And we have plans to do other collections with other designers as well.

Are the bracelets available for sale, and if so, where? Through our website (wisewear.com), and soon from some major retailers, but we can’t discuss their names at this time.

On your website I saw a product called Evolve. What is it? There are five products in production here. The bracelets are the first to hit the market. Evolve is a health and fitness monitoring device for professional sports players and fitness enthusiasts. It’s not a jewelry-type product.

You are often invited to speak at various conferences such as TEDMED and SXSW. What do you talk about? I am invited to speak on a variety of topics — technology, entrepreneurship, innovation and about how we developed our products. I’ve probably given a few hundred talks by now and published 60-plus papers on sensor technology

and engineering. I also have 10 pending patents worldwide. I was a pretty big nerd before I chose this (current) route. I ran a research lab, so I published a lot of papers about our research. I also served as a program manager for the Department of Defense SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research program) and in that capacity helped businesses develop innovative sensing products.

What is your advice for budding entrepreneurs? My main advice is, if you are starting a business, don’t do it to get rich. If you want that, become a hedge fund manager! My advice is, find the sweet spot … If you have a passion for something and you have the right skills, start the business because you can have a positive impact on the world. (He draws three circles on the board to represent passion, skills and impact, explaining that the sweet spot is where those three partially overlap.) If you can get to the intersection of these three things, you’ll never work a day in your life. That’s my best advice for someone who wants to start a business. Dr. Wilmink’s comments have been edited for publication. january/february 2016 | 69

W ROLE MODEL

Role Model

Stephanie Newman General Manager of Santikos Theatres’ Embassy 14 BY KRISTIN MEARS PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELIZABETH WARBURTON

hile many San Antonians are enjoying their movie pop-

corn and awaiting a brain-freeze from their giant

ness of the industry. “I knew I wanted to be that kind of manager some day,” she says.

Slurpee at the highly rated Santikos Theatres, Stephanie

Having been at Santikos Theatres for over 11 and a half years,

Newman — general manager of the Embassy 14 — is

Newman has faced times of adversity and triumphs along her jour-

hustling and bustling behind the scenes to make sure her theater

ney. “There were times I wasn’t sure this was what I wanted to do,”

and staff are doing everything to make each moviegoer’s experience

she recalls. “Being with a company for a while means you will see

one to remember.

many people come and go, and inevitably there will be a few that you

Newman’s career path unfolded at the ripe age of 17. “I started working in a movie theater when I was 17 as a part-time job,” she

don’t see eye-to-eye with. I see those times now as opportunities that made me more patient and mindful of my overall goals.”

says. “I quickly fell in love with the atmosphere and the people. I

Not only is Newman fulfilled from the exciting “movie theater”

knew I wanted to see where I could go with it.” It was the demeanor

environment, she is amazed with the advances in the industry, the

of her own general manager and his knowledge and self-collected

promising direction that the company is heading in, and its phil-

manner in handling tough situations that enhanced Newman’s fond-

anthropic endeavors. “Being a part of this company now is a great

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feeling. Our owner gave a generous gift to the San Antonio Area Foundation,” Newman says.

“

The work we do is for a beautiful cause. Mr. Santikos built a legacy, and I am proud to be a small part of what is to come.

“

Newman can agree that her family has contributed to shaping her into the person

Stephanie Newman

she is today. “I have two wonderful younger

Age: 31

brothers who are my favorite people in the world,” she says. “My mother and stepfather live here in San Antonio, and my father and stepmother live in a suburb of Hous-

Why she is a role model: Never afraid to do the dirty work along the way, Stephanie Newman worked hard to pay her dues and advance her way from a concessionist to general manager of Santikos Theatres: “I think any woman that knows what’s important to her and makes that a priority is a role model.” She does just that and can accept that role herself.

ton. They were all in different sections of law enforcement throughout their careers.” Also a part of the family are Newman’s

Her role models: “My mother and my first general manager. My mother has the strongest work ethic and has never been afraid to stand up for what she believes in. My general manager taught me about professionalism and respect in the workplace. He helped garner my interest in this business.”

mother’s two dogs, her brothers’ four dogs and her cat. “I consider all of them my family,” she says.

Words or phrases she lives by: “Suck it up, buttercup! I tell myself that on a regular basis. Life can be heavy and taxing, but it helps to remind myself that I can take the heat and keep going.”

When Newman isn’t busy managing a larger staff, higher volume and more

Last book read or favorite book: The last book I read was John Dies at the End by David Wong, and my favorite book is The Shining by Stephen King.

amenities at her newest location, she is inFavorite band: Heavy-metal group Metallica. volving herself with charities and animals — two passions of hers. “My greatest pas-

Favorite movie: Star Wars, episodes four to six. “It’s too hard to pick just one.”

sion has always been animals,” she says.

Favorite pastime in San Antonio: “San Antonio has a great zoo; I love going there.” As many San Antonians will agree, she says, “There is also great shopping and delicious restaurants.”

“When I lived in Houston, I volunteered weekly at a local ‘no-kill’ shelter. I regularly donate to the ASPCA and the National

Where she grew up: “I was born in Dallas, but grew up here in San Antonio.”

Wildlife Federation. I’ve also recently taken

Most memorable moment as a youth: Being invited to take the SATs as a seventh-grader. “It was nice to be recognized academically, and to be with a group of fellow middle school kids that cared about that as well.”

up running 5K’s for local animal charities. The San Antonio Area Foundation mentioned above heads up the ambitious initia-

Describe a personal goal: “To be more like the person my pets think I am. Oh, and to learn to speak German!”

tive to make San Antonio a “no-kill” city. Newman comments, “I have a long-haired black cat named Sam that is 10 years old; this is a plight that is very close to my heart, and one that I want to become more

Describe a professional goal: “I have always wanted to continue to learn about this business. I love movie theaters and this industry. It’s grown so much in the 14 years that I’ve been working here, and I want to keep up with the technology and every facet of the business. I started my career with this company at the Silverado 16 Theatre, and I would love to return to it in the future and someday work at the corporate level.”

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W MOMMY MATTERS

Fostering

Commitment Personal Responsibility in Children BY NICOLE CRAWFORD

Your daughter comes home from a long day of school and collapses on a couch with a sigh. “Mom, I cannot go to dance tonight. I just don’t even like it anymore.” You point out she’s only been doing it for three weeks. She insists it’s not for her, and she needs to play soccer instead. As a parent, what do you do? Even though my children are young, I’ve already found myself asking this question. Whether you’re dealing with extracurricular activities, chores, homework or family events, instilling a sense of commitment and personal responsibility in your children is one of the most important and daunting tasks parents face. I asked Licensed Professional Counselor Anne Seay for her insights on this common struggle. Here are a few of the recommendations she had for navigating the often murky and turbulent waters of commitment and personal responsibility with your children.

Define commitment As we usher in the first months of 2016, sit down as a family and identify commitment as a family value you want to work on this year. Anne noted this is a great first step to forming strong personal responsibility. Use concrete examples to illustrate what commitment actually looks like. As Anne noted, “Commitment is a good value, of course, but what does it mean? There are many different ways to interpret this value. Ask your kids: What does this mean to you? How will you do this in your life? Then explain what you expect, in measurable terms. For example: ‘When I accept a part in the school play, I will be there for rehearsals. When I sign up for the debate team, I will research my topic and practice with my team.’” 72 | sawoman.com

W MOMMY MATTERS Make it relatable As parents, it’s easy to forget that kids might not have a clear idea of what our values look like in real life. When you discuss what commitment means, take the time to also discuss how it looks by using concrete examples your children will understand. Anne suggested a few ways to make commitment relatable for children. She explained: “Another powerful way to teach kids is to help them see the alternative. How would you feel if I committed to do something for you and didn’t do it? How would you feel if your partner for a school project decided he/she didn’t want to do it anymore? Try to speak their language… Often, kids feel there is a vast divide between them and adults, and it can be very isolating and frustrating. Bridge that gap with examples and lessons you have learned in your life.”

Be a model As parents, we are the first examples of commitment for our children. Honoring the commitments you make to other people – and especially to your children – is crucial to teaching your children this important value. As Anne noted, “When we honor our commitments for our children, we teach them that we can be trusted. Kids learn they are safe in this environment. When I tell you I will pick you up at 5, I do. When I tell you I will throw the ball with you after school, I do.” That’s not to say there won’t be times you don’t follow through. When those things happen, apologize. As Anne put it, “Show you are fallible, too.” Showing your children that you are sorry communicates that broken commitments are the exception, not the norm.

Be encouraging, but realistic When I was a kid, I wanted to dabble in every hobby and extracurricular activity I could. That’s a normal part of childhood, and it’s beautiful. Anne provided her recommendations for helping children explore and grow their natural curiosity while also avoiding burnout and quitting: “Childhood is a time to explore new things. It is normal for kids to try lots of different hobbies, and we all want to encourage our children to have the courage to do just that. Doing so allows kids to learn who they are and what they love. “It is easy to stick to the things we love. It only becomes tricky when we get into situations where we thought we’d love something and don’t. But the value is still the same. There are important lessons to learn, both for the kids and for the parents. Help your kids think through big decisions, such as whether to sign up for the team or the school play. Talk about what will be expected of them and what sacrifices they may need to make as a result. If you sign up for the soccer team, you will not be able to take dance class, for example. Be encouraging, yet realistic.” 74 | sawoman.com

Listen and empathize So you’ve discussed the meaning of commitment, and things are off to a great start. It doesn’t stop there. Commitments can be hard on kids, so take time to check in with them frequently and see how things are going. As Anne noted, “It is important to talk to your kids, but it is even more important to listen to them. Really listen. Ask questions when you don’t understand something. Don’t assume you know what your child is thinking.” Don’t automatically assume your child wants to quit an activity or avoid a chore because he or she is lazy or uncommitted. There might be something else going on that is driving his or her desire to break the commitment. The only way to find out is to sincerely ask and listen.

Reflect on your motives It’s a classic movie plot: Dad is still bitter because he didn’t make the major leagues. Dad has baby, baby grows up, and dad forces his unrealized dream on his son or daughter. The ending is rarely pleasant. Unfortunately, it’s cliché for a reason. Be sure to take a step back and identify why you want your child to make a given commitment. Anne called this “personal inventory.” She recommended asking the following question: “Who really wants the child to play concert piano? Does the child want this? Or is this something you always wanted to do but never had the chance? “Check in with and be honest with yourself. If it is the latter, you might consider a different hobby for your child. Too often, the lines are blurred between what we want, as well-meaning parents, and what the child wants.”

Don’t be that tragic movie parent. Be honest with yourself. If your child pursues a commitment because he or she wants to, it’s much more likely to stick.

When is enough enough? Of course, being flexible is also a big part of parenting. So how do you know when it’s OK to allow your child to break a commitment? Anne shed some light on this important question: “You certainly do not want to force your child to continue in any activity that is causing undue stress. If the child is not eating, sleeping or is unable to concentrate because of a commitment, by all means, stop. The health and well-being of the child trumps the commitment. Always. If you reach that point, do what you need to do to protect your child’s health.” Even in this situation, Anne noted there is a lesson to be learned: “The lesson to the child here is that if you find yourself in a situation that is harmful, talk to your parent or a trusted adult and get out,”

Teaching your children to see the good in these situations will build a strong work ethic for their future and help them become more resilient young adults.

It can be difficult to continue with a commitment when the going gets rough. Anne noted that finding the good is a key element of not giving up: “Help the child who signs up for the soccer team and regrets it find the good in it. They may have made a new friend at soccer practice or found that they are good at running long distances, for example.”

*Anne Seay has an undergraduate degree in human development and a master’s degree in counseling. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice and works with adolescents, young adults and families. Her specialties are anxiety and stress management, self-esteem, grief, life transitions and college preparedness.

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Aquatic Sciences Adventure Camp San Marcos, Texas (512) 245-2329 www.eardc.txstate.edu/camp.html

Camp Chai 7900 Northaven Road Dallas, Texas 75230 (214) 739-2737 www.jccdallas.org

Camp Fern For Boys & Girls 1046 Camp Road Marshall, Texas 75672 (903) 935-5420 www.campfern.com

Briarwood Retreat Center 670 Cooper Canyon Road Argyle, Texas 76226 (940) 241-2099 www.briarwoodretreat.org

Camp Champions 775 Camp Road Marble Falls, Texas 78654 (830) 598-2571 www.campchampions.com

Camp For All 10500 NW Frwy., Ste. 220 Houston, Texas 77092 (713) 686-5666 www.campforall.org

Camp Aranzazu 5420 Loop 1781 Rockport, Texas 78382 (361) 727-0800 www.camparanzazu.org

Camp Coyote 80 Rose Ranch Road Huntsville, Texas 77320 (800) 677-2267 www.campcoyote.com

Camp Gilmont 6075 State Hwy 155 North Gilmer, Texas 75644 (903) 797-6400 www.campgilmont.org

Camp Balcones Springs 104 Balcones Springs Drive Marble Falls, Texas 78654 (830) 693-2267 www.campiscool.com

YMCA Camp Cullen 460 Cullen Loop, Ste. A Trinity, Texas 75862 (936) 594-2274 www.ymcacampcullen.org

Forest Glen Camps 34 Forest Glen Huntsville, Texas 77340 (936) 295-7641 www.forestglen.org

Camp C.A.M.P. P.O. Box 27086 San Antonio, Texas 78227 (210) 671-5411 www.campcamp.org

Camp El Tesoro 2700 Meacham Blvd. Ft. Worth, Texas 76137 (817) 831-2111 www.campfirefw.org

Camp Hoblitzelle 8060 Singleton Road Midlothian, Texas 76065 (972) 723-2387 www.hoblitzelle.com

Camp Honey Creek for Girls P.O. Box 140 Hunt, Texas 78024 (830) 238-4630 www.camphoneycreek.com

Camp Lonehollow 1010 Cooley Lane Vanderpool, Texas 78885 (830) 966-6600 www.lonehollow.com

Camp Mystic for Girls 2689 Highway 39 Hunt, Texas 78024 (830) 238-4660 www.campmystic.com

Camp Rio Vista for Boys 175 Rio Vista Road Ingram, Texas 78025 (830) 367-5353 or (800) 545-3233 www.vistacamps.com

Camp Huawni Coed Camp 103 South Main Street, Suite C Henderson, Texas 75654 (936) 657-1982 www.camphuawni.com

Camp Longhorn Inks Lake Camp Longhorn Road Burnet, Texas 78611 (512) 793-2811 www.camplonghorn.com

Camp Olympia 723 Olympia Drive Trinity, Texas 75862 (936) 594-2541 www.campolympia.com

Camp Sierra Vista for Girls 175 Rio Vista Road Ingram, Texas 78025 (830) 367-5353 or (800) 545-3233 www.vistacamps.com

Camp JCC 12500 NW Military Hwy San Antonio, Texas 78231 (210) 302-6820 www.jccsanantonio.org

Camp Longhorn Indian Springs 1000 Indian Springs Road Burnet, Texas 78611 (512) 756-4650 www.camplonghorn.com

Camp Olympia Sports-Coed 723 Olympia Drive Trinity, Texas 75862 (936) 594-2541 www.campolympia.com

Camp Stewart for Boys 612 FM 1340 Hunt, Texas 78024 (830) 238-4670 www.campstewart.com

Camp Peniel, Inc. Christian Camp 6716 E. FM 1431 Marble Falls, Texas 78654 (830) 693-2182 www.camppeniel.org

Camp Sweeney P. O. Box 918 Gainesville, Texas 76241 (940) 665-2011 www.campsweeney.org

Camp John Marc 2824 Swiss Avenue Dallas, Texas 75204 (214) 360-0056 www.campjohnmarc.org Camp La Junta P. O. Box 139 Hunt, Texas 78024 (830) 238-4621 www.lajunta.com

Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest Camp Mitre Peak 5217 N. Dixie Odessa, Texas 79762 (432) 550-2688 or (800) 594-5677 www.gsdsw.org

Camp Chrysalis 391 Upper Turtle Creek Road Kerrville, Texas 78028 (830) 257-6340 www.crosstrails.org

Camp Summit 17210 Campbell Road Dallas, Texas 78252 (972) 484-8900 www.campsummittx.org

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Camp Texlake Girl Scouts 5700 N. Pace Bend Road Spicewood, Texas 78669 (512) 264-1044 www.gsctx.org

Carolina Creek Christian Camp 84 Wimberly Lane Huntsville, Texas 77320 (936) 594-4446 www.carolinacreek.org

Camp Travis 2800 CR 414 Spicewood, Texas 78669 (830) 620-4263 www.tbarmcamps.org

Charis Hills 498 Faulkner Road Sunset, Texas 76270 (940) 964-2145 www.charishills.org

Camp Waldemar for Girls 1005 FM 1340 Hunt, Texas 78024 (830) 238-4821 www.waldemar.com

Cho-Yeh Camp & Conference Center 2200 South Washington Livingston, Texas 77351 (936) 328-3200 www.cho-yeh.org

Camp Wood Lake 1200 Avenue D Brownwood, Texas 76801 www.gsctx.org Camp Young Judaea 121 Camp Young Judaea Drive Wimberley, Texas 78676 (512) 847-9564 www.cyjtexas.org

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Ebert Ranch Camp 752 Ebert Lane Harper, Texas 78631 (830) 257-6340 www.crosstrails.org

EquipGirl Residential girls' summer camp P.O. Box 2187 Boerne, Texas 78006 (830) 537-6157 www.equipgirl.com Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) 104 Hi Stirrup Horseshoe Bay, TX 78657 (512) 748-0814 www.fcaaustin.org Frontier Camp 131 Frontier Camp Grapeland, Texas 75884 (936) 544-3206 www.frontiercamp.org Girl Scouts Camps â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Texas Camp La Jita Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas (210) 349-2404 or (800) 580-7247 www.girlscouts-swtx.org/camp

Girl Scouts Camps – Texas Camp Mira Sol Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas (210) 349-2404 or (800) 580-7247 www.girlscouts-swtx.org/camp Greene Family Camp 1192 Smith Lane Bruceville, Texas (254) 859-5411 www.greene.urjcamps.org Heart O’ the Hills Girls Camp 2430 Highway 39 Hunt, Texas 78024 (830) 238-4650 or (830) 238-4067 www.hohcamp.com Hunters Chase Farms Equestrian Camp 4909 Lone Man Mountain Road Wimberley, Texas 78676 (512) 842-2246 www.hunterschasefarms.com

iD Tech Computer Camps 22 states and Washington, DC (408) 871-2227 or (888) 709-TECH www.idtech.com

Laity Lodge Youth Camp 719 Earl Garrett Street Kerrville, Texas 78028 (830) 792-1220 www.llyc.org

Indianhead Ranch Summer Camps – Wildlife Conservation 3110 Indian Head Ranch Road Del Rio, Texas 78840 (830) 775-6481 www.indianheadranch.com

Lutheran Camp Chrysalis 391 Upper Turtle Creek Road Kerrville, Texas 78028 (830) 257-6340 www.crosstrails.org

John Knox Ranch 1661 John Knox Road Fischer, Texas 78623 (830) 935-4568 www.johnknoxranch.com

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january/february 2016 | 81

Sea Camp P. O. Box 1675 Galveston, Texas 77553 (409) 740-4525 or (409) 740-4894 www.tamug.edu/seacamp

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Sea World San Antonio Adventure Camps 10500 Sea World Drive San Antonio, Texas 78251 (800) 700-7786 www.seaworld.org/adventurecamps

T Bar M Sports Camp 2549 Hwy. 46 West New Braunfels, Texas 78132 (830) 620-4263 www.tbarmcamps.org

YMCA Camp Flaming Arrow P.O. Box 770 Hunt, Texas 78024 (800) 765-9622 or (830) 238-4631 ymcacampflamingarrow.org

Sky Ranch 24657 County Road 448 Van, Texas 75790 (903) 569-3482 www.skyranch.org Slumber Falls Camp 3610 River Road New Braunfels, Texas 78132 (830) 625-2212 or (830) 625-4688 www.slumberfalls.org

82 | sawoman.com

Texas Catholic Boys Camp 5045 Junction Hwy 27 Mountain Home, Texas 78058 (830) 866-3425 www.tecaboca.com Texas Elks Camp 1963 FM 1586 Gonzalez, Texas 78629 (830) 875-2425 www.texaselkscamp.org

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Karen Kosub, resident service director at the Forum at Lincoln Heights, socializes with resident Marian Kosub (no relation).

SENIOR CAREGIVING W

FIND THE

JOY

Creating a successful day for dementia sufferers BY NANCY COOK-MONROE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANET ROGERS

wo sets of doors mark the entrance to the Bridge to Re-

The scene could have been a pre-K activity room of toddlers

discovery at the Forum at Lincoln Heights. Intended for

grasping the basics of the world into which they’d recently been

the residents’ security and to prevent them from wander-

born. But in this one, the participants are at the other end of the

ing off, the two doors are also symbolic of how visitors

life span; it unfolds daily at the Forum at Lincoln Heights

should mentally prepare to enter the unit. To be admitted, visitors

Alzheimer’s and Memory Support program. (To a visitor, the well-

must ring a doorbell, and a staff member lets the visitor in, some-

known illustration of human development sprang to mind — the

times even with the help of a resident, greeting you to their

march through time from infancy to erect adulthood and then grad-

“home.” As visitors enter through the first door, they leave their

ual collapse back to infancy.)

rational world behind and then enter through a second door and into the residents’ world.

While similar scenes play out every day in San Antonio’s other 60 or so memory care programs, the Forum at Lincoln Heights ap-

I experienced this when I recently visited the Forum at Lincoln

proach is unique. Karen Kosub, the Forum’s resident service di-

Heights. Upon entering, I observed one of the residents as he held

rector and a licensed social worker, says its Bridge to Rediscovery

a green plastic doughnut over a fat conical peg and hesitated, un-

is the only program that employs the Montessori educational

sure whether it fit there or on another peg holding plastic squares.

method in working with Alzheimer’s patients and those suffering

Nearby, a group sat in a line of chairs listening to a woman telling

from other types of dementia. (Varieties and causes are described

them a story. A couple of them dozed.

on the Forum’s website.)

january/february 2016 | 83

W SENIOR CAREGIVING

“I like taking care of older people. It’s my calling,” says Kosub, who is a licensed social worker. The Forum’s Bridge to Rediscovery employs the Montessori educational method for patients suffering from Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia.

“Dr. Montessori allowed children to be successful by allowing

2007, was one of three professionals of the Forum’s parent com-

them do whatever they could do well as long as they want, as long

pany, Five Star Senior Living, to be trained and credentialed in the

as they’re learning something, and as long as they want to do it,”

Montessori approach to working with memory loss.

Kosub explains. For instance, a resident can paint a watercolor — or a picture

She introduced the method to the Forum that year and continues to train others.

with pudding, if that’s what they’re capable of — for as long as they want. “As long as they feel good, it doesn’t matter,” Kosub says. If they don’t enjoy an activity, they’re free to quit so long as they

“I just like taking care of older people,” she says. “It’s my calling.”

stick with it for at least five minutes. The goal is a feeling of success in the resident as opposed to frustration, isolation, confusion

Key to entering the life of a person who’s suffered memory loss

or other hurtful emotions tough on them as well as on families.

are sensory cues, such as familiar objects, music and aromas. In

While Alzheimer’s and dementia sufferers cannot regain memory,

the hallway of a residential wing, a (non-working) pay phone hangs

the Bridge to Rediscovery program attempts to build success by

on a wall and a fireside chat-style radio plays during meals, which

connecting with a resident’s own life.

are served on good old-fashioned Fiestaware. The staff bakes cook-

“You get into their world and you rediscover what they have,

ies and pops popcorn for their homey aromas and flavors. Before

what they’ve had and what they can still do now. We work with

dinner, everyone sings patriotic songs whose words are known to

their capabilities, not their disabilities. Our goal is for them to re-

all. Over time, the songs, along with warm washcloths, signal time

connect with themselves, reconnect with something they can relate

to transition to the dining room.

to and have a successful day. We go into their world, into their journey,” says Kosub. Kosub has been working in the field of elder care for 40 years,

In an individualized effort to help residents feel successful, families provide photos and objects from the patient’s earlier life for creating a personal “memory box” used to evoke response or

starting as a high school volunteer at a VA hospital near Buffalo,

just the delight of familiarity. Besides giving staff members tools

N.Y. She moved to Fort Worth in 1995 and began at the Forum in

to connect with the patient and his or her past, the box gives family

1999. Since moving to San Antonio, she has served on the board

members something to talk about with their loved one so visits will

of directors of the Alzheimer’s Association’s local chapter and, in

be more enjoyable.

84 | sawoman.com

But as the disease progresses, patients may stop talking altogether. Longtime San Antonian Loreta Lee says her sister, Margaret Cox, suffers from advanced Alzheimer’s disease in addition to having broken her hip in 2013 while living at a different nursing home. After being in hospice for 10 days, she moved to the Forum and didn’t speak for six months. She was withdrawn and lifeless. Her move to the Forum changed her life. “The staff at the Forum has helped her, paying attention to her,” Lee says, “so during the day she’s been able to move from a small room where stories are read to the larger room with more residents. She can’t take part in the activities herself, but she enjoys watching the others. Sometimes she’ll say a word.” Now, she is aware and responsive. Since dementia progresses at different rates, the staff stimulates residents’ curiosity with walks, bus rides and parties in other parts of the Forum. Special activities are planned daily. Among them, a Happy Trails Visit in which animals are brought in, Blast from the Past discussions, flower arranging and, in the courtyard, Dig and Find, when residents dig up items the staff has buried. “They’re conversation starters,” Kosub says. “The point is to engage them.” As the disease advances, residents prefer to stay in the place that has come to feel most safe – the Bridge to Discovery wing. A courtyard garden with a walking path for the exclusive use of memory care residents prevents them from feeling confined. Of the 28 current residents of the Forum’s Bridge to Rediscovery program, about 90 percent are women. To make the five men feel like less of a minority, the staff hosts special events for them a couple of times a month. With help from male maintenance workers, for example, the men have played sports trivia with beer and pretzels and celebrated Father’s Day together with grilled steaks in a separate area of the Forum. The men’s group also has set up a putting green and had young men from local colleges visit and lead a Trivial Pursuit-type interaction. “Off the record, they also like the ladies’ tea parties, mainly because of the cookies,” Kosub says, laughing. She notes that lessons learned first in life stay the longest with a person. “These men learned manners early, and they still are very mannerly around the ladies,” Since dementia takes a toll on family members, the Alzheimer’s Association sponsors six family support groups throughout San Antonio and its outskirts. The North Central San Antonio group has met at the Forum since 1999. Working patiently with elderly people isn’t for everyone, Kosub points out, so she hires staff members not necessarily with experience but “with a big heart” who can be trained. She herself not only manages the memory care program but also assisted care for a total of 58 beds. It’s a lot of work but gives a lot of gratification. She explains, “What you get back from people — well, I can’t say better than a paycheck because we have to pay our bills — but it’s the biggest payment you could ever have, working with these people and making somebody happy. If you can go home and say, ‘I made somebody’s day today,’ that’s a big paycheck. That’s a big paycheck.”

january/february 2016 | 85

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SUSTAINABLE GARDENING W

Chef Elizabeth Johnson Shares Her Philosophy To Support Local Growers BY JOSIE SEELIGSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANICE THACH

ardeners can tip their shade hats to the Culinary Institute of America for nourishing a move-

ment that has now seeped through our

soil and grown strong roots: San Antonio’s locally sourced food community. During the last eight to 10 years, the CIA of San Antonio has graduated many chefs who have remained regional and connected with community farmers and ranchers for fresh, sustainable and delicious options. One person who’s not only fanned the flames but helped ignite them is Elizabeth Johnson, now of Pharm Table restaurant, which opened its doors at the Radius Building last September. For years she headed the CIA’s Latin American department, but before that studied anthropology and world cultures, traveling extensively abroad and earning her own culinary degree in Mexico City. Through the years, she’s cobbled a personal philosophy of food and living that she now serves up as Pharm Table’s mission: “To serve real, farm-fresh, nourishing meals that enable you to experience a better quality of life.” The menu choices use novel combinations of fresh vegetables, legumes, citrus and proteins — all ingredients sourced locally.

january/february 2016 | 89

W SUSTAINABLE GARDENING Recently, Johnson and I sat talking at one of Pharm Table’s rustic wood tables. Sprigs of fern plant just clipped from patio plants rose from small vases, and wait staff greeted customers by name as they entered, adding to the casual community feel of a restaurant that proudly displays a sign listing the local farms and businesses they source. Many creative organizations inhabit the neighborhood in and around the Radius Building — the Tobin Center, Southwest School of Art, Gemini Ink, SA Chamber Orchestra and others, adding to the overall synergy. As we drank freshbrewed teas, one of her farm purveyors, Mitch Hagney of Local Sprout hydroponics, walked in with a huge armload of freshly picked and washed kale. He pulled off ruffled green leaves for us to sample in their naked goodness. Call it garden romanticizing, but there is something meaningful — and flavorful — about tasting something just attached to the earth. Johnson herself knows a lot about plant life and its roles in both mental and physical health. She keeps an evolving garden at her own house, having removed all turf from the front and back yards: “I thought it was blasphemy to be watering sod in South Texas.” Instead, she’s planted regionally suited forage bushes like agarita, chili pequins, horsetail, nopal cacti, a Meyer lemon tree and butterfly plants to attract monarchs and even once-absent bees for better ecological balance. She tried multiple raised beds and wanted more, but finally had to ask herself, “What do I want my backyard to be? Do I want it to be work or a form of refuge?” Managing a restaurant business and teaching, the home/garden balance she leaned toward, became more of a family refuge. She knew plenty of people she could support by buying their vegetables, which in turn supported her own mission of balance. Johnson works hard to live with balance and teach its importance to others, encouraging people to be mindful of what they eat and how they eat it. Food choices, like other life choices, can either nourish or deplete. She explains, “Just like people choose music, colors and activities — some balance, others aggravate. Food is the same. Get rid of things that aggravate you, and you feel better.” Pharm Table also offers fresh meal bags to take away and use at home, with breakfast items, soups, salads, sweets and more, all locally sourced, nutritious and free of glutens, dairy and sugar. “We all have a natural propensity to heal ourselves through food. I want to nourish people, teach them to eat in a mindful way. What you eat

90 | sawoman.com

is really important, but how you eat is also. If you take time to eat in a slow, mindful way, you’ll feel more satiated. Food goes hand in hand with education. It’s like a puzzle. In order to complete it, you need multiple pieces,” Johnson says. Sometimes she’ll serve a salad with chopsticks, so the process of eating is more conscious than it might be with a fork. She also teaches lunch and dinner classes on Ayurvedic ancient health care methods, which sort body types into three categories that react differently to various foods. She has studied the world’s “blue zones,” five regions designated by National Geographic researchers with the highest density of people living more than 100 years. She notes many of these cultures use plant-based diet combinations to form complete proteins, which clearly must be working and hence are on her menu. “We celebrate world cuisines, but we dissect them so we can understand their profiles. I have a love and passion for the story of food and the cultures that have molded and shaped the foods we eat,” Johnson says. This January, she will teach a class at the San Antonio CIA on Ancient Foods in a Modern World.

january/february 2016 | 91

W ARTBEAT

A Rising Country Star

Abbi Walker BY JASMINA WELLINGHOFF PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANET ROGERS

bbi Walker grew up singing in church choirs, but when she decided to make singing her career, she chose a very different music genre — her own brand of country tinged with Southern rock and a bit of soul here and there. Her recently released second album, Fiesty, sizzles with assertive, dynamic numbers that both move you and make you want to move. In a letter to this magazine, the singer/songwriter described the album as “most definitely a record for women, more specifically it’s for Texas women… “I am first-generation Texan from both sides of my family. My mom is from Okla-

92 | sawoman.com

homa, and my dad is from Mississippi,” explains the tall, blond Walker, who indeed looks like a Texas gal. “I didn’t realize how much Texas had shaped my life until I was older and moved away… I grew up listening to strong female singers, but now Texas country music is totally dominated by men. On the top 100 charts, maybe 10 percent are women. So it was important for me to present music written by a woman for women who are one half of the market. Texas women have a strong Texas identity. It’s a sisterhood.” The sisterhood, and other fans, got to know Walker through her live shows as well as her first six-track record, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, which featured the song, Southern

Soul, that made it into the top 20 on the Texas Country Radio Chart. Live performances regularly take her all over Texas, including memorable gigs at the San Antonio and Houston Stock Shows and Rodeos. In Houston, Walker was the only female act last year to headline a concert at the famed Hideout Club, which is known for spotlighting the best bands in Texas. “That was a really big deal,” says the artist, who followed Miranda Lambert’s touring show. She will also appear at the 2016 San Antonio Rodeo (see box). Fans also helped fund the production of Fiesty through an IndieGoGo campaign, which raised $20,000 for the project. All the songs except the old hymn, All is Well, are

Abbi’s Upcoming Shows Feb. 23, Bud Light stage San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Feb. 25, the Frontier Club, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo March 8, the Hideout Club, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo April 19, Rodeo Austin April 30, Sandfest, Port Aransas say that several of the Fiesty tracks could rise to the top spot on the Texas Music Chart. To help that happen, the talented songstress works hard on promotion, too. Given that the radio station DJs pretty much control what the public will hear, she recently embarked on a grueling four-state trip to visit as many stations as she could, driving thousands of miles while subsisting on Subway sandwiches. “It was a huge learning curve” for her. One thing she will not do, however, is change her music to fit the commercially popular trend. “You want to be liked and you want your music to be played, but if it comes at the cost of artistic authenticity, then what have you gained?” she wonders. “One of the reasons I write my own songs is because I know what I want to say. I can’t sing what I don’t believe in.” written by Walker in collaboration with her husband, Ryan Petkoff, or the producer, Rick Alvarez, who also worked with the Dixie Chicks. Fiesty was recorded in San Antonio in Alvarez’s studio with some of the best musicians around, including Texas country legend Lloyd Maines. The title Fiesty reflects her personality. “Oh, yes! My family says I have always been ‘spirited,’” she explains, laughing. “I am a strong, feisty person.” A Dallas Observer writer got that message clearly when she described Walker’s style in this way: “Vocally, Walker sounds as Texan as they come, and the take-no-shit Southern woman attitude is on prominent display.” The article went on to

Finding Her Own Voice Although born in Amarillo, Walker grew up in Alamo Heights, the oldest of Baptist minister Dr. David Walker’s three children. Our interview takes place in her parents’ new home on Summit Avenue, in a room dominated by the imposing head and mighty horns of King Edward the Elk, shot many moons ago by her father. All the men in the Walker family are hunters, she says. King Edward has been a steady presence throughout her childhood and adolescence. Her musical education started at her grandmother’s knee, as grandma Jane Walker — who with her sister sang in Campus Crusades all over the U.S. — played the piano

and encouraged the very young Abbi to sing along. Then came the church choirs and the study of classical piano. What she learned from choral music, she notes, is how to incorporate harmonies in the songs she writes today. Music took a back seat in college, however, as she opted to major in marketing and pursued marketing jobs for a while. Still, she could never completely stay away from the thrill of live performance, which has always had the power to make her feel fully alive. She remembers even enjoying the shows she and her sister put on “for the squirrels,” when they were little, with fake microphones in their hands. Not surprisingly, Walker recorded two gospel albums before she ever thought of going country, and was, in fact, invited by a Nashville label to work on a new one when the financial markets crashed in 2008 and the offer was withdrawn. As years passed, she found herself increasingly drawn to country music. “It’s the most authentic genre. Country music sings about real life. I also liked how the CMA Awards showed respect for faith and family. That’s what I wanted to be associated with,” says the artist. Yet it took her a while to find her true voice. Life as a preacher’s daughter had imposed a certain pressure on her to behave like a gentle, Godly woman. “I spent 25 years of my life terrified of what people thought about me,” she explains. “I followed the rules and became subservient. I didn’t know how to harness my energy. When my dad once said that I had a racehorse kind of personality, I heard it as a condemnation.” Fortunately, Walker eventually realized that spirited women like herself have always been part of country music. The first time she performed her own material was scary, but by the end of the show, “I loved it.” Being herself and singing heart-crafted stories is what she was meant to do. “I’ll be me and you’ll be you (the audience), and we’ll be fine,” she concluded. Having other women identify with her songs means a great deal to her. Eschewing the almost formulaic love songs that dominate so much of popular music, she writes lyrics that amount to a proclamation of independence: Don’t be afraid to show the world who you are, get out of toxic relationships, don’t let rules suffocate you, and don’t let anyone stop you from pursuing your dreams. Her own dream right now is to someday pack arenas and help women empower themselves, one show at the time. “I want to be an arrow of hope,” she notes. january/february 2016 | 93

W SAARTS.COM CityScene

A Different Kind of New Year’s Resolution BY JASMINA WELLINGHOFF

‘

is the season for New Year’s resolutions, which are easy to make and even easier to break. According to Time magazine, the 10 most common promises people make to themselves are to lose weight, quit smoking, learn something new, get out of debt, eat healthier, spend more time with family, travel to new places, be less stressed, volunteer and drink less.

All sound good, but you and I already know

events, though the lists are not comprehensive: www.getcre-

that most of them will never be implemented,

ativesanantonio.com. Theater listings can be found at www.sathe-

beyond perhaps a few weeks at best. To change

atre.com/playbill, and for a range of events, including literary and

a habit is a time-consuming endeavor, requiring

musical ones, you can also go to www.saevents.com. Individual or-

discipline and persistence. Research shows

ganizations have their own websites, of course.

that simply getting used to drinking more water, for instance, takes at least three weeks of mindful monitoring of one’s behavior. Change is not easy.

And here are some of my suggestions for January and February, all featuring San Antonio artists. The San Antonio Symphony, which is probably the one arts organization that everyone is familiar with,

I am as guilty as anyone. Last year, I resolved to write a poem a

will present its sixth winter festival focusing on the music of the

week throughout 2015. I have always loved poetry and have been

Americas — North, South and Central — spotlighting a range of

writing it on and off since I was a child. It seemed like a reasonable

composers, from Gershwin and Copland to Piazzolla, Arturo Marquez

proposition. Well, I have written exactly one new poem since last

and Daniel Catan. One of the concerts, American Cello, will feature

January. Clearly, my good intentions quickly evaporated amongst the

a newly commissioned cello concerto by contemporary composer

demands of daily life.

Jeffrey Mumford.

So why am I writing this? Because I want to suggest a New Year’s

Also participating in the fest is San Antonio’s most original art

resolution that’s easy to keep, and it’s fun, too. How about commit-

music group, the SOLI Chamber Ensemble, which plays exclusively

ting to attend one — just one — San Antonio-made arts event every

new music. Scheduled for Jan. 25-26, their concert, Postcards from

month this year? This city has at least 10 theater companies, several

Las Americas, will take you on a musical tour through Argentina,

dance groups, several chamber music ensembles, a symphony and

Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Uruguay, Mexico and the U.S. If you want to

many galleries, performance groups, literary readings, etc. The

stretch your musical tastes, it’s definitely worth your time (www.so-

choice is vast and ticket prices affordable. The emphasis here is on

lichamberensemble.com). A number of other groups are planning spe-

“made in San Antonio,” as opposed to touring and visiting acts. Noth-

cial programs as well, so this is a great time to soak up a lot of great

ing wrong about enjoying national stars or traveling shows, but if we

music — orchestral, chamber and vocal (www.sasymphony.org).

do not support our own, we’ll be all the poorer for it. I have met San

And for music of a different kind, check out the many local and

Antonians who regularly attend touring Broadway shows at the Ma-

regional artists who will be performing, along with national stars, at

jestic yet are totally unaware of local theater.

the Stock Show & Rodeo in February. The full lineup was not avail-

Where to start? Reading the press, including this magazine, helps

able at the time of this writing, but we were assured that there would

you stay informed. Another source may be the city’s Department of

be quite a few. One of them is profiled in this issue’s ArtBeat column.

Culture and Creative Development that lists both organizations and

See you at the concert(s)!

94 | sawoman.com

AROUND TOWN HOTEL EMMA OPENS Hotel Emma opened recently. The 146-room boutique hotel on the northern banks of the San Antonio River invited guests to experience San Antonio as if a guest in the well-appointed home of interesting friends. With distinct design features in all guestrooms, seventh floor suites featuring two stories and private terraces, and unique amenities throughout, Hotel Emma presents a historyrich and unique view of South Texas. Hotel Emma adds to the Pearl culinary experience with three distinct new offerings: Supper, an American Eatery, Sternewirth Bar and Club Room, and Larder Fine Groceries and Foods.

1. Caroline Matthews and Web Sellers 2. 3. 4. 5.

Bill Shown Frank Burney and Elizabeth Fauerso Chef John Brand Elise Boyan, Beth Smith, Mark Yanke, and Frank Burney

january/february 2016 | 95

Calendar

MADONNA January 10 The AT&T Center

ART // MUSIC // FILM // THEATER // DANCE // CHARITY // OUTDOORS

Through January 2016

ART IN THE GARDEN The San Antonio Botanical Garden New exhibit featuring artist Kim Beck takes place through end of January. The project, One-Way Trail, consists of a series of routes and views throughout the Garden. Each tour is led using signage and audio accessed by cell phone. Garden visitors will find themselves led by unexpected guides, such as a rancher, a poet, an arborist, a child, a dog, and a Buddhist priest. Funded by the Russell H. Rogers Fund for the Arts, this exhibit is a collaboration with Blue Star Contemporary Art Museum. www.sabot.org

January 9

BRIAN REGAN The Majestic Theatre, 8pm Brian Regan is a tremendous standup comedian who has appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman 28 times. Now he’s visiting close to 100 cities each year and selling out some of the most beautiful venues on the continent. www.majesticempire.com

January 9

THE PINK FLOYD LASER SPECTACULAR The Tobin Center, 8pm In its 30 years of touring, Paramount’s Laser Spectacular has become a cult classic, presenting the music of Pink Floyd as

you have never seen it before. Laser Spectacular carries listeners away on a mind-expanding journey driven by cutting-edge effects, highpowered lasers, large screen video projections and lighting effects. www.tobincenter.org

January 9 – January 17

THE SAN ANTONIO COCKTAIL CONFERENCE Downtown – various venues Every year we bring together top bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts for educational seminars, guided tastings and cocktail parties. The Cocktail Conference, presented by Houston Street Charities, donates 100 percent of its profits to benefit children.www.sanantoniococktailconference.com

January 10

SPANISH BRUNCH: PAELLA & FLAMENCO The McNay, 1pm-3pm A celebration of Spanish art, dance, and food for the whole family. The McNay partners with Casa de España for two Sunday brunches featuring scrumptious Spanish fare and a flamenco performance. Join us as we say hola and adios to Miró: The Experience of Seeing on the first and last weekends of the exhibition. Featuring paella, sangria, aguas frescas, and a flamenco performance by Sonya Jimenez and Fandango Dance Troupe. www.McNayart.org

January 10

MADONNA The AT&T Center, 7pm Madonna announces her first performance ever in San Antonio. The Rebel Heart Tour follows the spring release of Madonna’s Rebel Heart album on Interscope Records. Rave reviews of the album include: Rolling Stone Magazine: “Rebel Heart is a long, passionate, self-referential meditation on losing love and finding purpose in chilling times.” The LA Times: Rebel Heart, like its creator, pushes through the pain and more often than not lands solidly and with great grace on its feet.” www.attcenter.com

January 11

AN EVENING WITH MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS The Majestic Theatre, 8pm Macklemore & Ryan Lewis are ontour in the United States playing a series of intimate shows at historic theaters. They will perform their five Top 10 hits and continue their commitment to advance issues of equity and justice partnering with organizations dedicated to these same values. www.majesticempire.com

January 13

A MEL BROOKS MUSICAL THE PRODUCERS

SPANISH BRUNCH PAELLA AND FLAMENCO January 10 The McNay

The Tobin Center, 7:30pm Bialystock and Bloom! Those names should strike terror and hysteria in anyone familiar with Mel Brooks' classic cult comedy film. Now as a big Broadway musical, The Producers once again sets the standard for modern, outrageous, in-yourface humor. It is a truly

( EDITOR’S PICK ) January 22

53RD ANNUAL WESTERN AND HERITAGE ART SHOW Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, 6:30 pm The Western & Heritage Art Show and Sale features exclusive, original artworks by artists throughout the Southwest region. The participating artists display and sell their art with a portion of each sale being donated to the various charities supported by Alamo Kiwanis. The artwork includes oil paintings, watercolors, etchings, sculptures, and other various original works. www.kiwanisartshow.com

96 | sawoman.com

"boffo" hit, winning a record 12 Tony Awards and wowing capacity crowds night after night. www.tobincenter.org

Nicholas Payton on trumpet; musical director Gerald Clayton on piano; Joe Sanders on bass; and Justin Brown on drums. www.thecarver.org

January 15

January 26 - 31

WINTER ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW The San Antonio River Walk, 8pm Enjoy a stroll along the picturesque River Walk, stop to talk to our vendors who will share information about their craft, and take home an item that will enhance your home, wardrobe or garden. www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com

January 19 & 20

FIRST ANNUAL SAN ANTONIO FEMINIST FILM FESTIVAL: SCENE AND HEARD SHOWINGS Alamo Draft House Park North, 6-9:30pm View four films that stress the education, health care and political history of women in the current era. The films show positive reflections of increased empowerment for all women. www.facebook.com/SanAntonioFeministFilmFestival

KINKY BOOTS The Majestic Theatre, Times vary Broadway’s huge-hearted, highheeled hit. With songs by Grammy® and Tony®-winning pop icon Cyndi Lauper, this joyous musical celebration is about the friendships we discover and the belief that you can change the world when you change your mind. Inspired by true events, Kinky Boots takes you from a gentlemen’s shoe factory located in Northampton to the glamorous catwalks of Milan. www.majestic empire.com

February 4 – February 28

THE DIVINERS The Vexler, Show times vary This marvelously theatrical play is the story of a disturbed young man and his friendship with a disenchanted preacher in southern Indiana in the early 1930s. www.vexler.org

January 21

JANET JACKSON The AT&T Center, 8pm Janet Jackson's tour is not only Unbreakable, it is now unstoppable thanks to her fans across North America. The multiple Grammy® Award-winner and multi-platinum selling artist announced a second North American leg to her Unbreakable World Tour with an additional 27 new cities added to what has become one of the most highly anticipated international tours. www.attcenter.com

January 23

MONTEREY JAZZ FESTIVAL ON TOUR Carver Community Cultural Center, 8pm-10pm The Monterey Jazz Festival, the longest continuously running jazz festival in the world, returns to the road in 2016. Featuring critically acclaimed Grammy®-winning jazz artists, the latest edition of the allstar tour band features Raul Midon on guitar and vocals; Ravi Coltrane on tenor and soprano saxophones;

February 5

JERRY SEINFELD The Majestic Theatre, 7pm America’s premier comedian, Jerry Seinfeld, will be performing his signature stand-up routine at the Majestic Theatre. Seinfeld has been hailed for his uncanny ability to joke about the little things in life that relate to audiences everywhere. Seinfeld now sets his sights on performing both nationally and internationally in 2016. www.majesticempire.com February 5 – February 7

JAN/FEB

FOR MORE ON SAN ANTONIO ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT VISIT WWW.SAARTS.COM

2016

ART // MUSIC // FILM // THEATER // DANCE // CHARITY // OUTDOORS SESAME STREET LIVE February 6-7 The Freeman Coliseum

MARDI GRAS ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW River Walk, 11am Enjoy a stroll along the picturesque River Walk, stop to talk to our vendors who are anxious to share information about their craft, and take home an item that will enhance your home, wardrobe or garden. Participating vendors display some of the most unusualhandmade merchandise available anywhere. Whether its jewelry, pottery or fine art you are interested in, you are sure to find what you’re looking for. www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com

February 6

A NIGHT AT THE OSCARS Boerne Performing Arts, 7:30pm The Orchestra of the Stars will feature the best and brightest artists and soloists as they present a lively and entertaining performance specializing in the music that “made” the movies! With its unique presentation of TV and movie themes, ranging from Superman to James Bond, ET to Schindler’s List, this premier touring ensemble of America’s finest musicians will kick off the fifth anniversary season of Boerne Performing Arts. Come celebrate in “red carpet” style. www.boerneperformingarts.com

JANET JACKSON January 21 The AT&T Center

February 6

DANCING WITH THE STARS: LIVE! ‘DANCE ALL NIGHT TOUR’ The Majestic Theatre, 8pm Launching this winter, Dancing with the Stars: Live! - Dance All Night Tour features a bigger cast than ever before, including pro dancers Lindsay Arnold, Sharna Burgess, Artem Chigvintsev, Valentin Chmerkovskiy, Keo Motsepe, Peta Murgatroyd, Emma Slater, Alan Bersten, Brittany Cherry and Jenna Johnson with more casting to be announced. In this all-new production, the dancers are freed from the ballroom to bring you a 90-minute action-packed live show. www.majesticempire.com

February 6 – 7

SESAME STREET LIVE Freeman Coliseum, Show times vary No children’s television show has had anywhere near the impact as this educational and cultural phenomenon… and with Sesame Street Live tickets, the entire family can come out and enjoy learning from beloved characters including Big Bird, Ernie, Bert, Cookie Monster, Elmo, Oscar and the rest of the Muppets live on stage. www.freemancoliseum.com

February 6-7

OPERA PICCOLA Charline McCombs Theatre Opera Piccola of San Antonio presents a new Star Trek version of Mozart’s hilarious classic, The Abduction from the Seraglio, featuring the Enterprise crew, Klingons, and space girls. Sung in English the production celebrates the 50th anniversary of the iconic sci-fi series. Kristin Roach leads the full human orchestra and chorus of Klingons. Opening night will feature a Star Trek costume contest with a cash prize of $250.00 Feb. 6 and 7, at the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre. www.operapiccolasa.com.

February 12 – 14

PETER PAN The Tobin Center, Show times vary Your imagination takes flight on a spectacular journey to Neverland with its adventurous boy hero, Peter Pan, presented by Ballet San Antonio. www.tobincenter.org

February 14

BUD LIGHT MARDI GRAS RIVER

PARADE AND FESTIVAL River Walk, 11am – 7pm A procession of decorated river barges will transform the San Antonio River Walk into a floating Bourbon Street. Crews of costumed revelers and live entertainers will celebrate Mardi Gras San Antonio style. Enjoy live music on Arneson Stage from 11am to 7pm, and a festival of food, arts and crafts, activities and more at La Villita. Parade will take place 3pm5pm. www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com

February 17

BAND OF THE ROYAL MARINES AND HIGHLAND PIPERS AND DANCERS Lila Cockrell Theatre, 7:30pm Royal Marines Musicians are regarded as one of the most versatile in the military musical world. Musicians are required to attain a high standard on both a string and a wind instrument. The Corps of Drums has a glittering presence at the front of all Royal Marine Bands on the march and gives a visual impact that is second to none. www.artssa.org

February 19

FAMILY FLASHLIGHT NIGHT The San Antonio Botanical Garden, 6 – 8:30pm

When the sun sets, it’s your chance to see a different side of the Garden. Encounter nighttime insects, stargaze, and test your directional skills in a light maze. Be sure to bring your flashlight and maybe a sweater in case it’s a cool night. Kids and adults alike will enjoy this rare look at the Garden. www.sabot.org

February 21 & 22

9TH ANNUAL ON AND OFF FREDERICKSBURG ROAD STUDIO TOUR Bihl Haus Arts, times vary Presented by Bihl Haus Arts, the 9th Annual On and Off Fredericksburg Road Studio Tour offers art enthusiasts and the public a personal glimpse into the private homes, art studios and galleries of more than 70 established artists including painters, sculptors, metalsmiths and photographers. Additionally, some 200 musicians, poets, theater troupes and dance groups help make this annual event the biggest art studio tour in San Antonio. www.OnandOffFred.org

February 25

TAO: SEVENTEEN SAMURAI Boerne Performing Arts, 7:30pm Back to Boerne by popular demand, this exciting new show will bring you athletic bodies and contemporary costumes combined with explosive Taiko drumming and innovative choreography. www.boerneperformingarts.com TAO: SEVENTEEN SAMURAI February 25 Boerne Performing Arts

BUD LIGHT MARDI GRAS RIVER PARADE February 14 The River Walk

january/february 2016 | 97

AROUND TOWN

98 | sawoman.com

The Red and White Ball benefiting South Texas Blood & Tissue Center was held on October 3, 2015 at the Marriott River Center

2015–2016 Go Red For Women Executive Leadership Team Mary Rose Brown (2016 Chair) NuStar Energy Jelynne LeBlanc-Burley (2015 Chair) CPS Energy April Ancira Ancira Auto Group Harriet Dominique USAA Linda Doubrava KPMG Dear Friends, Blakely Fernandez Bracewell & Giuliani, LLP

Heart disease is the number one killer of women. What is even more tragic is that far too few women realize their own risk of this preventable disease. That’s why it’s my goal – and I hope it’s yours – to raise women’s awareness of their risk and protect our mothers, daughters, sisters, friends and ourselves.

Renee Flores AT&T Marjie French University of Texas at San Antonio Harriet Helmle Covenant Multifamily Offices Rosemary Kowalski The RK Group Nancy Loeffler Frost Bank Debbie Marino SWBC Jennifer Moriarty, Moriarty Consulting Debbie Morrill University of Texas Health Science Center Dr. Tanujah Singh Saint Mary’s University Jared Skok, Tesoro Tinsley Smith Zachry Corporation Lisa Stone JB Goodwin Realtors Cara Tackett Pape-Dawson Engineers, Inc. Suzanne Wade H-E-B Peggy Walker Bank of America

Our health impacts every facet of our lives. Without it, we can’t be the women we aspire to be – nor can we care for those most dear to us. As you read through this special insert, you will find some staggering statistics about women’s heart health that illustrate why it is one of the most important issues of our time. Armed with this information, I hope you are inspired to join a very special group of like-minded women who have partnered with the American Heart Association to fight heart disease. Women in the Circle of Red contribute significant resources and influence to fund life saving research, education and advocacy for heart health on a local and national level. Your contribution will have a positive impact on the mission of the American Heart Association and will continue to support women’s heart and stroke research as well as women’s education programs in our community. As the 2016 Go Red For Women Chair, I consider it an honor to be an ambassador carrying the message about women’s heart health throughout the San Antonio community. I encourage all of you to join me in support of the American Heart Association and help us directly impact thousands of local women. With heartfelt gratitude,

Mary Rose Brown 2016 Go Red For Women Chair

Mark Webb University Health System Joanna Weidman NuStar Energy Carri Baker Wells Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP Sonia Medina Williams

American Heart Association San Antonio, SouthWest Affiliate 8415 Wurzbach Road I San Antonio, Texas 78229 I 210-810-3100 I heart.org/sanantonio

AHASanAntonio

@AHASanAntonio

@AHASanAntonio #GoRedSA

SPECIAL SECTION FOR SAN ANTONIO WOMAN

2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2016 American Heart Association Circle of Red Members Palmira Arellano, Dr. Ildiko Agoston, Cristina Aldrete, Isabella Badouh, Phyllis Batson, Christine Beneby, JoAnn Boone, Mary Rose Brown, Tisha Cortines, Linda Doubrava, Margaret Dudley, Beth Eadie, Lisa Gillespie, Robyn Greene Riley, Caryn Hasslocher, Harriet Helmle, Stacy Hicks Herr, Barbara Holmes, Sandy Hughey, Barbara Joseph, Rosemary Kowalski, Jelynne LeBlanc-Burley, Angela Lee, Virginia Lopez-Rodriguez, Jane Macon, Noelle Manasco, Jane Neenan, Gay Nord, Donna Normandin, Pamela Otto, Amy Perry, Dr. Kristen Plastino-Arnold, Mindy Roewe-Lyman, Jenna Saucedo, Marsha Shields, Cara Tackett, Suzanne Wade, Carri Baker Wells, Sandi Wolff

SPECIAL SECTION FOR SAN ANTONIO WOMAN

2015 – 2016 American Heart Association Board of Directors Dr. Steven Bailey (Board President) UT Health Science Center San Antonio, Division of Cardiology Geoffrey Crabtree Methodist Healthcare System

Dr. Brenda G. Jackson

Gay Nord Methodist Hospital & Methodist Children’s Hospital

Gary Joeris Joeris General Contractors James H. Kizziar, Jr. (Board Chair) Bracewell & Giuliani, LLP

Dr. Kristen Plastino-Arnold UT Health Science Center San Antonio, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology

Graham Reeve Baptist Health System

Dr. James A. Watts Brooke Army Medical Center

Dr. J. Fernando Triana Cardiology Clinic of San Antonio

Dr. A. Landon Wellford, IV Heart and Vascular Institute of Texas

SPECIAL SECTION FOR SAN ANTONIO WOMAN

Doctor’s Orders With Dr. Ildiko Agoston

The holidays have once again come and gone. I’m sure that while many of us were busy experiencing unforgettable moments with our children and loved ones, we as women didn’t stop to think about ourselves and what it takes to be healthy so that we’ll be around for many more holidays. In celebration of the New Year and American Heart Month, plan to set new health goals for yourself. As you do so, please keep a very important fact in the forefront of your mind — the number one cause of death in women in the U.S. is heart disease. It is also crucial to know that heart disease in women frequently presents differently than it does in men, often with vague symptoms of chest discomfort, jaw pain (resembling toothache), indigestion, or shortness of breath. As women, it is important that we are also aware of the lifestyle changes that we can make to decrease our risks of heart disease and stroke. Although we cannot change our age or our family history, there is actually a great deal that we can do to alter our “cardiovascular fate”. Make minor dietary modifications, like skipping dessert or exchanging the buttery, salty popcorn for a healthier snack; say no to cigarettes; stand up from the computer and walk 30 minutes every day; know your numbers — blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, BMI (body mass index) — and understand what they mean to your health. Unfortunately, in our society, women of color and/or lower socioeconomic status are disproportionately affected by coronary heart disease (CHD). A recent study published in Journal of the American College of Cardiology revealed that less than half of all young patients under the age of 55 who suffered a heart attack, and also possessed more than one risk factor, were even aware before the event that they were at risk. This percentage is even higher for women. How can we fight a disease if those who are most at risk don’t even know it? This American Heart Month make an appointment with yourself to learn all the facts to help keep you healthy. Also, make an appointment with your doctor and be brave enough to demand an answer to a very vital question: “What is my risk of developing a heart attack?” There are many tools that your doctor can use to actually put a number to that answer and help you put it in perspective. Once you know the risk, start changing your habits. Schedule more time with yourself for the coming year to be able to focus on exercise, eating healthy, and finding ways to de-stress so that you will be here for your family for years to come.

Make 2016 the year that you focus on yourself and your healthy heart!

SPECIAL SECTION FOR SAN ANTONIO WOMAN

Questions to Ask Your Doctor Cholesterol

What is my total cholesterol level? What is my triglyceride level? What are my HDL (“good”) and LDL (“bad”) levels? What is cholesterol and how may it affect my health? What is a healthy cholesterol level? How often should I have my cholesterol checked?

Obesity and Body Mass Index

What is my weight? What is my height? What is my Body Mass Index (BMI)? What BMI range is healthy for me? At what weight would I be considered overweight? Obese?

Smoking

How can I quit smoking? How can I avoid gaining weight after I quit smoking?

Diabetes

What is my fasting blood glucose (sugar)? What is diabetes and how may it affect my heart health? Diabetes runs in my family. How can I prevent it? I have diabetes. How can I control it? I have diabetes, and I know that increases my risk of heart disease and stroke. Should I be on medication(s) to help lower or manage my risks?

High Blood Pressure

What is my blood pressure? What is my systolic number? What is my diastolic number? What is high blood pressure and how may it affect my health? How often should I have my blood pressure checked?

Physical Activity

What can I do to increase my physical activity levels?

Risk

If I am at intermediate or high risk for heart disease, are medicines for blood pressure control, cholesterol control (e.g., statin, niacin, fibrates) and aspirin appropriate for me?

Family History

Does my family history of heart disease and stroke put me at increased risk for these diseases?

Heart Attack and Stroke

What is a heart attack? What is a stroke? What are my risk factors for heart attack and stroke? How would I know if I am having a heart attack or stroke? What should I do if I think I’m having a heart attack or stroke?

SPECIAL SECTION FOR SAN ANTONIO WOMAN

1.5 MILLION WOMEN standing strong to end the

NO. 1 KILLER OF WOMEN 90% of women who sign up for Go Red make at least 1 healthy behavior change 50% lose weight

50% get regular physical exercise

60% change their diets

40% check their cholesterol

33% talk with their doctors about heart health plans

670,000 LIVES SAVED since the launch of Go Red in 2004 300 fewer women are dying per day 34% fewer American women now die from heart disease 23% more Americans know that heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women AWARENESS HAS DOUBLED AMONG HISPANIC WOMEN AND TRIPLED AMONG AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN

SPECIAL SECTION FOR SAN ANTONIO WOMAN

Heart Healthy Recipes Almond Snack Mix Serves 4 1/2 cup per serving Ingredients 1/3 cup whole unsalted almonds 2/3 cup bite-size multibran or whole-grain cereal squares 1/2 cup low-fat granola cereal without raisins 1/4 cup dried apricot halves, cut into strips, or golden raisins 1/4 cup sweetened dried cranberries Preparation Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the almonds in a single layer on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 5 to 10 minutes, or until lightly toasted, stirring once or twice to ensure even baking. Transfer to a plate to cool completely. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, stir together the remaining ingredients. Stir in the cooled almonds. Cook’s Tip: If all the snack mix isn’t likely to be eaten on the day you make it, we recommend using the golden raisins. The moisture of the apricots may cause the cereal to lose its crispness over time. Be sure the almonds are completely cooled when you add them to the mix; otherwise, they will make it soggy. © American Heart Association

Nutrition Facts Calories 174 Total Fat 6.5 g Saturated Fat 0.5 g Polyunsaturated Fat 1.5 g Monounsaturated Fat 4.0 g Cholesterol 0 mg Sodium 72 mg Carbohydrates 29 g Fiber 5 g Sugars 14 g Protein 4 g Dietary Exchanges 1 starch, 1 fruit, 1 fat

Raspberry-Mango Breakfast Parfaits Serves 4 – 3/4 cup yogurt, 1/2 cup fruit, and 2 tablespoons sauce per serving Ingredients 2 cups fresh or frozen unsweetened raspberries, thawed if frozen 1 medium mango, diced (about 1 1/2 cups) 4 6-ounce containers fat-free, sugar-free vanilla yogurt 1 tablespoon sugar 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon Preparation In each of 4 parfait glasses or wine goblets, spoon 2 tablespoons raspberries, 2 tablespoons mango, and a heaping 1/3 cup yogurt. Repeat the layers, using all the remaining yogurt. In a food processor or blender, process the remaining raspberries and mango with the sugar and cinnamon until smooth. Spoon over each serving. © American Heart Association

Nutrition Facts Calories 169 Total Fat 0.5 g Saturated Fat 0.0 g Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5 g Monounsaturated Fat 0.0 g Cholesterol 4 mg Sodium 99 mg Carbohydrates 35 g Fiber 5 g Sugars 25 g Protein 6 g Dietary Exchanges 1 1/2 fruit, 1 fat-free milk

SPECIAL SECTION FOR SAN ANTONIO WOMAN

TRAVEL W

This Spring Break

GO TO SNOW SKI NEW MEXICO BY JANIS TURK

SKI APACHE Photo copyright Ski Apache.

Looking for the vacation of a lifetime, one your family will never forget? Why not go to snow?

es, even during Spring Break, into late March, snow is falling not far from Texas, so if your kids have never seen it, or you and your honey just need a little snuggle time by a fireplace or a mountaintop experience at a ski resort, why not head to the mountains this year? New Mexico is the perfect snow ski destination, winter through spring, because San Antonio folks can drive away from the Alamo City in the morning and be at a ski resort by supper time. Ruidoso, New Mexico, is fewer than nine hours away by car, so it’s a great drive-to destination offering affordable family-friendly options for skiers and those who simply want to see snow. Ruidoso’s Ski Apache is the first big ski resort you’ll come to in New Mexico when leaving Texas. There, 11,400 feet above sea level, near the top of the Sierra Blanca Peak (the highest peak in the southern

Rocky Mountains), this popular resort rests on land within the Lincoln National Forest and is operated by the Mescalero Apache Tribe’s Inn of the Mountain Gods. It’s a fabulous place for first-time skiers and pros alike. Drive a little farther, just above Albuquerque, and even more snow and ski options are available, including the Sandia Peak Ski Area, only a 45-minute drive from the Albuquerque metro area. Located in the Sandia Foothills, Sandia Peak Ski & Tram has been selected by Vacation Home Rentals as the “Best Family Attraction” in New Mexico. Northeast of Albuquerque, snow lovers also enjoy the beauty of Santa Fe. A popular destination for Texans year-round, it’s even a bigger draw each winter and spring when visitors can enjoy not only the beauty, culture, art, architecture and cuisine of this historic city with its 400-year-old main plaza, but they can also january/february 2016 | 115

W TRAVEL make the town their base for a ski and snow sports vacation. With affordable hotel options in town, and with condos and ski resort options all along the road up the mountain to Ski Santa Fe, there are so many ways to enjoy a great snow and ski vacation in Santa Fe — even during Spring Break. Not far from Santa Fe rests the delightful little village of Taos and the Taos Ski Valley. On the mountain just above Taos there are a number of other popular ski resorts, too, including Angel Fire, Red River, Sipapu, Taos Ski Valley and Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area. Mix it up in one of these snowy spots with snowboarding, tubing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and indoor skating, or just sit by the fire in one of Taos’ fabulous hotel resorts and enjoy a hot tub in the snow.

SKI SANTA FE Photo copyright Ski Santa Fe.

Where to go? Ski Apache: Set 11,400 feet above sea level, near the top of Sierra Blanca, Ski Apache offers 750 acres of skiable terrain, over 55 trails. Since 1961, people have been making the trek to enjoy some of the Southwest’s best snow here, and with an average of 15 feet of snowfall per year, it’s easy to count on good powder for skiing. This place can service 16,500 skiers and boarders per hour and features a new passenger gondola. Ski Apache has a Ski and Snowboard school to help first-time snow skiers get ready to hit the intermediate runs right away. Already a pro? Here 45 percent of the runs are rated as advanced. Snow boarders can go anywhere in the ski area and will want to check out “The Boneyard,” Ski Apache’s terrain park featuring five standard boxes, one rainbow box, three flat rails, a flat down rail, an A-frame rail and a battleship rail. Ski Santa Fe: With a base elevation of 10,350 feet, Ski Santa Fe is the launching point for a super ski experience just 16 miles from downtown Santa Fe, a city rich in culture, fine arts and exceptional cuisine. Ski Santa Fe offers 79 trails, sees an average of 225 inches of snowfall annually, and features 600 acres of stunning terrain with 1,726 vertical feet of skiing. Best of all, back in town, guests can enjoy some of Santa Fe’s 200 restaurants, stunning art galleries, shops and spas while staying in luxury hotels, condos, B&Bs or family inns. Our favorite place to stay? La Fonda on Main on the plaza. We also love to spend an afternoon at the Ten Thousand Waves luxury spa. 116 | sawoman.com

TAOS SKI VALLEY Photo copyright Taos Ski Valley.

Taos Ski Valley: Surrounded by stunning wilderness, and infused with the cultures of the Native Pueblo, Hispanic and European peoples who have defined it, Taos Ski Valley is steeped in legend and mystique. Stay in the cabins on the mountain at Taos Ski Valley or in town at one of the lovely hotel properties in the area, such as El Monte Sagrado or even a bit outside town at the luxurious El Rancho de San Juan near Espanola. Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort: New Mexico’s year-round destination for family-friendly fun is located on Highway 518, just 20 scenic miles southeast of Taos and 34.1 miles from historic Chimayo. The resort is easy to access, as Highway 518 is paved, plowed and was built to be extra wide for easy snow-season travels. There is also a free Blue Bus service to and from Taos, making a trip to Sipapu even more convenient. Angel Fire Resort: Winter or summer, play on the downhill slopes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in northern New Mexico. With an average snowfall of 210 inches, Angel Fire draws skiers, snowboarders, sledders, tubers, shoppers and snowman builders. Learn a new

sport or improve your skills with highly trained ski and snowboard instructors at the Angel Fire Resort ski area. Night skiing and a wide variety of winter sports are also available. Take the Polar Bear Plunge into Eagle Nest Lake, enter the Shovel Race, and enjoy Super Bowl, Mardi Gras or Spring Break celebrations. Weekend activities and ski and snowboard races are held here, too. Also enjoy cross-country skiing, glade skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobile rides, horse-drawn sleigh rides, or simply read a good book fireside while the snow falls. Pajarito Mountain Ski Area: Located on the eastern edge of the Jemez Mountains in north central New Mexico, 5 miles west of Los Alamos, Pajarito offers 750 acres of land owned by the Los Alamos Ski Club, which developed it as a ski area in the late 1950s. Pajarito Mountain currently has about 300 acres of cleared skiable terrain, as well as some exciting tree-filled ski runs, and offers some of the best bump skiing in the state. This ski area is rarely crowded and is noted for its lack of lift lines.There is no lodging at the mountain, but there are several hotels and other lodging options available in Los Alamos and Santa Fe. Red River Ski & Summer Area: Set in the Southern Rockies, just north of Taos, in the middle of Red River, this ski area offers winter and summer fun for everyone near the former little gold rush boomtown of Red River, with its tiny population of fewer than 500 residents. Surrounded by the Carson National Forest, this is one of New Mexico’s most idyllic spots for nature lovers and skiers alike. Sandia Peak Ski Area: Just a 45minute drive from the Albuquerque metro area, here visitors will find Sandia Peak’s certified snow sports school, a complete rental shop, a skiers’ cafe and the Sandia Peak Sports Shop. The 2.7-mile trip on the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway transports guests above deep canyons and scenic terrain. The vantage point from the observation deck atop the 10,378foot Sandia Peak in the Cibola National Forest affords an 11,000-square-mile panoramic view of the Rio Grande Valley and the Land of Enchantment. The area is also home to the New Mexico Ski Museum and Hall of Fame. january/february 2016 | 117

W HILL COUNTRY GUIDE

Ride Tall in the Saddle

BANDERA The Cowboy Capital of Texas STORY AND PHOTOS BY JANIS TURK

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Oppisite: Horses at Rancho Cortez. Right: Cowboys ride at Rancho Cortez, a dude ranch at the edge of the Hill Country Natural Area in Bandera County.

ach year, Texas celebrates the official National Day of the Cowboy, and on that hot, dusty July day, there’s no better place to be than the cool Hill Country town of Bandera. But even in winter, visitors love this little Wild West hitching-post town that locals proudly call “The Cowboy Capital of the World,” because it truly lives up to its nickname.

A quiet town that looks a little like a spaghetti Western movie set, Bandera (population 857) rests less than an hour’s drive northwest of San Antonio, riding tall in the saddle at the head of what once was the Great Western Cattle Trail (also called the Dodge City Trail and the Old Texas Trail), embodying the brave spirit of the Texas cowboy. Home to rodeos and horseback riding, river fun and dude ranches, Bandera feels like the kind of place where real-life cowboys ride off into the sunset. From this tree-shaded Hill Country range high in the Edwards Plateau region, riding along rich rambling rivers, deep green valleys and tall limestone cliffs, Texas cowboys drove cattle from Bandera to Dodge City, Kansas, and points west, from about 1866 through 1900. Although Texas’ brief but epic cattle trail era ended more than a century ago, the myth and mystery of the American cowboy still live on in Bandera. Here rodeos, trail rides and campfires continue to be everyday parts of small-town life. Named “Bandera” for the Spanish word for flag, the town was first a Polish settlement. Today it is thoroughly Texan. Resting

near the banks of the Medina River, Bandera is the quintessential Wild West watering-hole, where visitors are still likely to see horses tied to downtown hitching posts near hopping honky-tonk bars — a place where the beer is cold and the dance floor is hot. Small blueplate-special-style cafes, “Mom-and-Pop” shops and an old-fashioned general store line Main Street, where trucks and horse trailers are parked out front. On the streets, horses are almost as common as cars. Sure, lots of locals still wear cowboy hats (white straw in summer, dark felt in winter), and just about everyone owns — and often wears — cowboy boots. Bandanas are a common handkerchief, too. What’s there to do in Bandera? Since 1933, visitors have enjoyed Bandera’s little Frontier Times Museum, featuring more than 40,000 Old West relics, Western art, antiques, Indian artifacts and posters of Buffalo Bill Cody’s Wild West Show. The museum also celebrates the National Day of the American Cowboy with special exhibits each summer. Another must-stop spot on Main Street is the OST Restaurant, named for the Old Spanish Trail. An authentic old-time diner

and gossip spot, this casual cafe features country cooking, like chicken-fried steak smothered in cream gravy and hot steamy enchiladas drowning in melted cheese, along with heaping helpings of Southern hospitality. Although they have a bar along one wall, alcohol isn’t served here — just drinks like hot coffee, iced tea, Dr Pepper, root beer, lemonade and such. Taxidermy moose mounts adorn the walls, and the barstools were made from actual saddles. There’s also a room full of photographs of iconic cowboy actor John Wayne. No visit to Bandera would be complete without a cold brew at an old school Texas beer joint, bar or honky-tonk dance hall, as they call them there. Some of Bandera’s best include Arkey Blue’s Silver Dollar, the Longhorn Saloon, the 11th Street Cowboy Bar and the Chickin Coop. There, families with kids of all ages are welcome, and folks can get a cold drink, try a dance lesson or two, hear live Texas music and dance the two-step. The 11th Street Cowboy Bar will be the Mardi Gras headquarters during Carnival season this winter as it hosts the annual Bandera Cowboy Mardi Gras celebrations,

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W HILL COUNTRY GUIDE Jan. 28-30, featuring an hour-long Mardi Gras parade at noon on Saturday, Jan. 30, as well as a gumbo cook-off, Zydeco music and dancing, other big-ticket bands and more, so get your beads and boots on and grab a mask before heading there this January. Bandera’s Carnival celebrations will take place in advance of the actual Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras Day, Feb. 9, so busloads of Louisiana folks come to Bandera for the fun, and locals can still make it to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, too. All year long, though, locals love to ride horses — and not just in big parades. Visitors and residents alike enjoy the Sunday trail rides that start at the Longhorn Saloon at 1 p.m. They bring their own horses (visitors can rent horses or wagons at the bar), and the whole posse moseys on over from one Bandera watering hole to the next and then ends up eating chili and enjoying a full bar back at the Longhorn Saloon, where a live band plays for an early evening dance. Motorcycle groups also love to roll through — and stop — in town. On most Saturday afternoons, the Bandera

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Cattle Company’s gunfighter re-enactments take place again at 2 p.m., and it all happens at the Bandera County Visitors Center. MidMarch through November from noon to 4 p.m., guests may also see cowboys on horseback, a chuck wagon, a longhorn steer, cowboy musicians, a trick roper or character re-enactments at an event called “Cowboys on Main.” Although they won’t start up again until June, be sure to put Bandera’s summer rodeos on your calendar this year. Rodeos take place on weekends all summer through the end of August. During the rest of the year, cowboys practice roping skills at private arenas in the area. Besides all that, Bandera County is probably best known for its dude ranches, offering guests a chance to experience life as a cowboy with horseback riding, trail rides and chuck wagon meals. Many ranches edge the sprawling back country of the Hill Country State Natural Area, covering 5,400 acres of rugged state-protected land. With nearly 40 miles of multi-use trails, deep valleys, spring-fed streams and stone-studded hills, the area allows visitors to experience the same things

and see the same lands that cattle drive cowboys did 100-plus years ago. But don’t think Bandera is just an oldfashioned place — it has lots of activities modern adventure travelers enjoy. From professional golf courses, to river fun, to endurance runs and races, day hikes and so much more, there are many different ways to experience Bandera. It’s also close to Lost Maples State Park, where fall colors draw throngs of visitors each autumn. Bandera offers visitors the Texas they’ve longed to find, and it’s the perfect place to celebrate the spirit of the Wild West for Mardi Gras in winter, the National Day of the Cowboy in summer or any other time of year. So, naturally, it’s no wonder Texans consider Bandera the yippie ki-yay cowboy capital of, yes, the world.

To see a weekly calendar of Bandera events or learn more about visitor events, visit Bandera online at www.banderacowboycapital.com.

DREAM HOME Guide

Luxury homes available for purchase in San Antonio and the Surrounding Texas Hill Country Area

SanAntonioDreamHomes.com

W DINING

Costa Pacifica Seafood from south of the border BY LAUREN BROWNING PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANET ROGERS

LAUREN’S FLAVOR TIP: Add a squeeze of lemon or lime to almost anything, and it will bring out the flavor even more.

lenty of Mexican seafood dishes surface in San Antonio, but few restaurants devote themselves wholly to the pursuit of Pacific coastal cuisine like Costa Pacifica. The bright and clean flavors are indicative of healthier eating, perfect for accomplishing a New Year’s resolution without sacrificing good taste. Opening the restaurant in 2011, business partners and cousins Moris Saide and Tommy Saide set out to capture the attention of fine diners, settling in the same upscale shopping center as Silo Elevated Cuisine on North Loop 1604. Four years later and thriving, they have just opened a second venture on San Antonio’s western frontier, near I-10 and the Dominion. Instead of duplicating the spacious and upscale look from North Loop 1604 (just east of Blanco Road), the owners conceptualized a hybrid version of Costa Pacifica, a more compact but more accessible space, which combines their trademark quality and hospitality with a “fast casual” service approach for busy weekdays, transitioning to a wait staff in the evenings, but still just as casual. The sleek ocean blue design on the inside, along with the inviting view of the hills on the outside patio, make dining at Costa Pacifica especially fun and welcoming for all. “Our lunch customers want vibrant, healthy, delicious coastal Mexican food at a reasonable price, but they need to get back to work. So

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we’ve expedited the process,” explains Moris. Customers order at the counter from a streamlined menu overhead so they are not overwhelmed with choices. They can enter and exit within 30 minutes. The goal is to set fast food restaurant captives free — free to choose real food, prepared from scratch, by a real chef only a few feet away. While seafood is the hallmark of Costa Pacifica’s cuisine, other appealing options beckon. For the averse or the allergic, I recommend the Taco del Patrón (thick slices of lightly seared rib-eye on a homemade corn tortilla) and Grilled Chicken Taco (marinated pieces of grilled chicken breast served on a corn tortilla with a thin layer of refried pinto beans). Not a big seafood fan myself, I took the “when-in-Rome” approach and courageously ordered all seafood items to share with a group of friends. Surprisingly, all plates were clean by the end of the evening – no one left hungry. The Tostada Shrimp Ceviche and the Tostada Oriental (fresh tuna slices, guacamole and their special rasurada sauce containing soy sauce) were among the favorite appetizers. In hindsight, the best way to enjoy the tostadas is to order the Tostada Sampler, allowing you to explore three other varieties as well. As for Moris’ favorite appetizer, it is the Torre Lida, layers of fresh marinated tuna, avocado, garlic-lime mushrooms formed into a tower

Clockwise from top left: Torre Lida, Grilled Caper Salmon, Guacamole Tower, Executive Chef Chuy, Sashi Tommy.

and doused with rasurada, sesame seeds and sesame oil. Curious why he lit up when he described it, I ask, and he exclaimed, “Easy! I named this dish after my wife, Lida, so of course I pick that one.” Further stepping out of my comfort zone, I enjoyed the octopus taco next. Despite my preconceptions, the octopus was not chewy but had a delicate flavor, enhanced by the accompanying onions and tomatoes. For the main course, I highly recommend the Mahi Mahi Au Gratin, a filet served over homemade rice and a creamy red bell pepper sauce on the side. So how does Costa Pacifica make a seafood convert? My clue dawned when Moris boasted, “We squeeze a LOT of limes.” Adding acid to food is an ancient preservation technique also known as pickling. Preservation for the sake of food safety no longer has the same importance it once did, thanks to refrigeration, but adding the appropriate amount of acid to something edible almost always enhances its flavor, especially seafood. Understanding Saide family history brought immediate clarity to why these cousins went into the restaurant business in the first place. As Moris reflected, “We were raised to be good hosts. My great-grandparents were from Lebanon, and all we heard growing up was, ‘EAT MORE!’ Growing up in Mexico, our families taught us to put each other first, and

now we try to encourage these same values with our employees. If they are not putting their families first and not having fun working, then what’s the point?” he surmised. “Many employees have been with us since the beginning; we would not be where we are without them,” he says, citing a few core team members, like the talented mixologist from Venezuela who is now the general manager, and the executive chef, “Chuy,” known by Moris as a “creative genius” and an architect by trade. Happy hour at Costa Pacifica is very popular, so stop in for one of their outstanding cocktails and one of Chuy’s creations. Costa Pacifica is also a great family restaurant. There are the usual favorites for the kids, like fish, chicken, quesadillas and hamburgers, but even better, I suggest ordering the Coconut Shrimp from the adult menu and splitting it between children or with an adult – a real crowd-pleaser. Don’t forget to end your meal with one of their homemade desserts. We DEVOURED the crepas de cajeta in seconds. Unlike most dulce de leche desserts, the cajeta crepes were not too sweet and left us satisfied. Seafood fans and foodies alike, Costa Pacifica is well worth multiple visits, as there are so many interesting dishes to try. Additionally, the staff is warm and willing to help with requests. The Dominion location recently opened for business and will host a grand opening in February. january/february 2016 | 125

TIME EAT to

RESTAURANT GUIDE SUSHI ZUSHI

AMERICAN

Silo

1133 Austin Highway (210) 824-8686 434 N. Loop 1604 (210) 493-8989

BIGA ON THE BANKS BIRD BAKERY BLISS BOUDRO’S CAPPY’S CAPPYCCINO’S BISTRO CYPRESS GRILL ANNE MARIES’S BISTRO SAN ANTONIO CAFÉ CHEESECAKE FACTORY FEAST THE GRILL AT LEON SPRINGS GUENTHER HOUSE HOULIHAN'S J. ALEXANDER’S JOSEPHINE STREET KONA GRILL LIBERTY BAR MADRID ROOM MAGIC TIME MACHINE MAMA'S CAFE RAINFOREST CAFÉ RESTAURANT GWENDOLYN SCENIC LOOP CAFE SILO ELEVATED CUISINE STONE WERKS VINEYARD ZEDRIC’S

TAIPEI

203 S. St. Mary’s 225-0722 5912 Broadway 804-2473 926 S. Presa 225-2547 314 E. Commerce 224-1313 5011 Broadway 828-9669 5003 Broadway 828-6860 170 S. Main St., #A, Boerne (830) 248-1353 555 Funston Place 826-5800 1150 S. Alamo 271-7791 7400 San Pedro 798-0769 1024 S. Alamo 354-1024 24116 IH-10 W. 698-8797 205 E. Guenther 227-1061 14601 IH-35 N. 651-4744 385 N. Loop 1604 W. 494-3371 555 E. Basse 824-0275 400 E. Josephine 224-6169 15900 La Cantera Pkwy. 877-5355 1111 S. Alamo 227-1187 300 E. Travis 227-4392 902 N.E. Loop 410 828-1470 2442 Nacogdoches 826-8303 7929 Pat Booker Rd. 653-2002 517 N. Presa 223-3297 152 E. Pecan #100 222-1849 25615 Boerne Stage Rd. 687-1818 1133 Austin Highway 824-8686 434 N. Loop 1604 483-8989 Broadway at Basse 823-3508 27315 FM 3009 (830) 980-8033 5231 Broadway 824-6000

ASIAN Hsiu Yu 8338 Broadway St San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 828-2273

BIG KAHUNAS CHINA BISTRO DING HOW FORMOSA GARDENS FUJIYA GOLDEN WOK

ILSONG GARDEN INDIA OVEN INDIA PALACE KOI KAWA MANOLA’S THAI MENCIUS’S GOURMET MON THAI BISTRO P. F. CHANG’S SAWASDEE SUSHIHANA SUSHI ZUSHI

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203 S. St. Mary’s 999 E. Basse 18720 Stone Oak 2211 N.W. Military 18802 Stone Oak 300 W. Bitters 126 W. Rector 9405 San Pedro 1146 Austin Highway

741 W. Ashby Pl. 10103 Huebner Road 4531 N.W. Loop 410 1011 N. E. Loop 410 9030 Wurzbach 8822 Wurzbach 8230 Marbach 6905 Blanco Rd. 1031 Patricia 8440 Fredericksburg 4051 Broadway 7212 Blanco Rd. 7959 Fredericksburg 4901 Broadway 255 E. Basse 15900 La Cantera Pkwy 6407 Blanco Road 1810 N.W. Military IH-10 W. and Wurzbach

733-8473 340-7944 340-7944 828-9988 615-7553 615-8282 674-2577 366-4508 366-1033 692-5262 805-8111 348-9071 615-1288 822-3253 507-1000 507-6500 979-9110 340-7808 691-3332

TASTE OF ASIA THAI LAO RESTAURANT TOKYO STEAK HOUSE TONG’S THAI

472-2900 826-8500 545-6100 366-3012 403-3316 496-6266 524-9908 341-4461 829-7345

BARBECUE BUN ‘N’ BARREL THE BARBEQUE STATION CHIT CHAT BBQ THE COUNTY LINE RUDY’S COUNTRY STORE THE BIG BIB TWO BROTHERS BBQ

1150 Austin Hwy. 610 N.E. Loop 410 218 N. Cherry 111 W. Crockett 10101 I-10 W. 24152 IH-10 W. 15560 I-35 N. 10623 Westover Hills 104 Lanark Dr. 12656 West Ave.

828-2829 691-3332 271-2888 229-1491 641-1998 698-2141 653-7839 520-5552 654-8400 496-0222

CAJUN/CREOLE ACADIANA BIG EASY CAFE BOURBON STREET SEAFOOD THE COOKHOUSE PAT O’BRIEN’S

1289 S.W. Loop 410 4822 Walzem Road 2815 N. Loop 1604 720 E. Mistletoe 121 Alamo Plaza

674-0019 653-5688 545-0666 320-8211 212-8698

EUROPEAN ANAQUA GRILL CITRUS CRUMPETS FIG TREE FOLC FREDERICK’S FREDERICK’S BISTRO THE GAZEBO AT LOS PATIOS HOUSTON STREET BISTRO LAS CANARIAS LA FRITE BELGIAN BISTRO LION & ROSE ENGLISH PUB LÜKE NOSH SAVEURS 209 WAXY O’CONNOR’S

555 S. Alamo 150 E. Houston 3920 Harry Wurzbach 515 Villita 226 E. Olmos 7701 Broadway 14439 N.W. Military #100 2015 N.E. Loop 410 204 E. Houston 112 College 728 S. Alamo 5148 Broadway 842 N.W. Loop 410 700 E. Sonterra Blvd. 125 E. Houston 1133 Austin Highway 209 Broadway 234 River Walk

229-1000 227-9700 821-5454 224-1976 822-0100 828-9050 888-1500 655-6171 476-8600 518-1000 224-7555 822-7673 798-4154 798-5466 227-5853 824-8686 639-3165 229-9299

HAMBURGERS BIG’Z BURGER JOINT BOBBY J’S BUCKHORN SALOON BURGER BOY CHRIS MADRID’S CHEESY JANE’S CHESTER’S HAMBURGERS

FATTY’S FUDDRUCKERS

2303 N. Loop 1604 W. 13247 Bandera Rd. 318 E. Houston St. 2323 N. St. Mary’s 1900 Blanco 4200 Broadway 1006 N.E. Loop 410 9980 IH-10 W. 16609 San Pedro 621 Pat Booker 1624 E.Commerce 115 Alamo Plaza 8602 Botts Ln.

408-2029 695-4941 247-4000 735-1955 735-3552 826-0800 805-8600 699-1222 494-3333 658-3000 299-8110 223-9944 824-6703

GOURMET BURGER GRILL LONGHORN CAFE MO MAK’S SAM’S BURGER JOINT TEXAS HAMBURGER CO TIMBO’S

18414 Hwy. 281 N. 17625 Blanco Rd. 13838 Jones Maltsberger 330 E. Grayson St. 9010 Huebner Rd. 1639 Broadway

545-3800 492-0301 481-3600 223-2830 699-1189 223-1028

ITALIAN 1203 N. Loop 1604 W. ALDINO AT THE VINEYARD 8539 Fredericksburg ALDO'S RISTORANTE BRAVO CUCINA ITALIANA 15900 La Cantera Pkwy. CAPPARELLI’S ON MAIN 2524 N. Main CARRABBA’S ITALIAN GRILL 12507 IH-10 W. CERRONI’S PURPLE GARLIC 1017 Austin Hwy. DOUGH PIZZERIA 6989 Blanco 200 E. Grayson, #100 IL SOGNO OSTERIA LORENZO’S 8032 Fredericksburg Rd. LA FOCACCIA ITALIAN GRILL 800 S. Alamo 824 Afterglow LITTLE ITALY LUCE RISTORANTE E ENOTECA11255 Huebner LUCIANO’S 849 E. Commerce 401 South Alamo 521 River Walk MICHELINO’S MILANO RISTORANTE 11802 Wurzbach PAESANOS 555 E. Basse 111 W. Crockett Loop 1604 at N.W. Military 255 E. Basse PIATTI PIATTI EILAN 1701 La Cantera Pkwy., #7 PICCOLO’S 5703 Evers Rd. 16019 Nacogdoches POMPEII ITALIAN GRILL TRE TRATTORIA 4003 Broadway

340-0000 696-2536 877-9300 735-5757 694-4191 822-2300 979-6363 223-3900 692-9900 223-5353 349-2060 561-9700 223-0500 888-7030 223-2939 493-3611 828-5191 227-2782 493-1604 832-0300 251-3542 647-5524 946-5518 805-0333

MEDITERRANEAN DEMO’S COPA WINE BAR GREEK TO ME JERUSALEM GRILL JOHN THE GREEK MIMI & DIMI’S PAPOULI’S GRILL

7115 Blanco 2501 N. St. Mary’s 19141 Stone Oak Pkwy. 5440 Babcock Rd. 3259 Wurzbach Rd. 16602 San Pedro 7159 W US Hiwy 90 8250 Agora Pkwy., #120 255 E. Basse, #384 11224 Huebner, #201

342-2772 732-7777 495-2672 699-6688 680-8400 403-0565 674-3464 659-2244 804-1118 641-1313

MEXICAN/LATIN El Jarro 13421 San Pedro San Antonio, TX 78216 (210) 494-5084 ÁCENAR MODERN TEX-MEX 146 E. Houston AJUÚA! CUISINE DE MEXICO 11703 Huebner ALAMO CAFÉ 10060 IH-10 W. 14250 San Pedro ALDACO'S 100 Hoefgen 20079 Stone Oak Pkwy. AZUCA NUEVO LATINO 713 S. Alamo CASA RIO 430 E. Commerce BETO’S 8421 Broadway CIELITO LINDO 19141 Stone Oak Pkwy. EL CHAPARRAL 15103 Bandera 2838 N. Loop 1604 EL MIRADOR 722 S. St. Mary’s EL MIRASOL ALTA COCINA 13489 Blanco IRON CACTUS MEXICAN GRILL200 River Walk LA FOGATA 2427 Vance Jackson LA FONDA ALAMO HEIGHTS 1633 Crownhill LA FONDA ON MAIN 2415 N. Main LA FONDA OAK HILLS 350 Northaven LA HACIENDA DE LOS BARRIOS 18747 Redland Rd. LA MARGARITA 120 Produce Row LOS BARRIOS 4223 Blanco MAMACITA’S 8030 IH-10 W. MI TIERRA CAFE AND BAKERY 218 Produce Row

ORIGINAL MEXICAN PALOMA BLANCA PALOMA RIVER WALK PAPPASITO’S CANTINA PERICO’S BAR AND GRILL PICANTE GRILL PICO DE GALLO RIO RIO CANTINA ROSARIO’S ROSARIO’S NORTH SALSALITO’S SAZO’S LATIN GRILL SOLUNA COCINA MEXICANA TACO TACO TOMATILLOS CANTINA URBAN TACO

528 River Walk 5800 Broadway 215 Losoya 10501 IH-10 W. 10820 Bandera 1439 E. Sonterra Blvd. 3810 Broadway 111 S. Leona 421 E. Commerce 910 S. Alamo 7915 San Pedro 14535 Nacogdoches 11523 Bandera 101 Bowie 7959 Broadway 145 E. Hildebrand 3210 Broadway 290 E. Basse, #105

224-9951 822-6151 212-0566 691-8974 684-5376 402-6006 822-3797 225-6060 226-8462 223-1806 481-4100 646-8088 558-6788 223-1000 930-8070 822-9522 824-3005 332-5149

PIZZA 2920 McCullough BARBARO 7959 Broadway BRAZA BRAVA PIZZERIA CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN 11745 IH-10 W. 255 E. Basse Rd. 7701 Broadway FLORIO’S PIZZA GRIMALDI’S PIZZA 330 E. Basse, #101 618 McCullough GUILLERMO’S MISS ELLIE’S 903 E. Bitters Rd SORRENTO 5146 Broadway 19141 Stone Oak Pkwy. TRILOGY PIZZA BISTRO VOLARE GOURMET PIZZA 5054 Broadway

320-2261 320-2100 699-4275 424-2014 805-8646 832-8288 223-5587 499-1258 824-0055 404-1818 828-3354

SEAFOOD FISH CITY GRILL FUSION SEAFOOD, STEAK LANDRY’S SEAFOOD PAPPADEAUX SEAFOOD OSTRA ON THE RIVER THE SANDBAR SILO TERRACE OYSTER BAR STARFISH WILDFISH SEAFOOD GRILLE

18130 Hwy. 281 N. 11703 Huebner Road 517 N. Presa 76 N.E. Loop 410 212 W. Crockett 200 E. Grayson 22211 IH-10 West 709 S. Alamo 1834 N.W. Loop 1604

495-3474 694-4201 527-1845 340-7143 396-5817 212-2221 698-2002 375-4423 493-1600

SOUTHWESTERN CALIZA GRILL CANYON CAFE FRANCESCA’S AT SUNSET ORO RESTAURANT AND BAR

420 W. Market 225 E. Basse 16641 La Cantera Pkwy. 705 E. Houston

224-6500 225-0722 558-6500 225-5100

STEAKS 222-2362 877-0600 691-8827 495-2233 222-0561 494-0561 225-5550 225-6718 930-9393 545-6965 695-8302 490-8302 225-9444 479-8765 224-9835 340-1337 824-4231 733-0621 342-8981 497-8000 227-7140 732-6017 341-5424 225-1262

Chama Gaucha 18318 Sonterra Place San Antonio, TX 78258 (210) 564-9400 ANTLERS LODGE THE BARN DOOR BOLO’S ROTISSERIE GRILLE FLEMING’S GREY MOSS INN KIRBY’S STEAKHOUSE LITTLE RHEIN STEAKHOUSE MORTON’S STEAKHOUSE MYRON’S STEAKHOUSE J. PRIME STEAKHOUSE THE PALM PERRY’S STEAKHOUSE RUTH'S CHRIS

9800 Hyatt Resort Dr. 8400 N. New Braunfels 9821 Colonnade 255 E. Basse Rd. 10901 Scenic Loop 123 N. Loop 1604 E. 231 S. Alamo 849 E. Commerce 10003 N.W. Military 1401 N. Loop 1604 W. 233 E. Houston 15900 La Cantera Pkwy. 7720 Jones Maltsberger 600 E. Market Street

520-4001 824-0116 691-8888 824-9463 695-8301 404-2221 225-1212 228-0700 493-3031 764-1604 226-7256 558-6161 821-5051 227-8847

ENHANCE YOUR LISTING!

Call (210) 826-5375 for more information. january/february 2016 | 127

W Weddings

Mr. and Mrs. Luis Manuel Salcedo (Caroline Cassidy Kessler) October 31, 2015

Jenna-Beth Lyde/Parish Photography

Mr. and Mrs. Jake Little (Kendall Keahey) November 21, 2015

Aves Photography

Mr. and Mrs. Will Denny Gaffney (Kristen Alyssa Kortchak) November 14, 2015

David Sixt Photography

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Jenna-Beth Lyde/Parish Photography

Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Mendizabal (Heather Speck) November 21, 2015

David Sixt Photography

Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Thomas Kieso (Alyson Rene Goldberg) November 7, 2015

David Sixt Photography

Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Thomas DiOrio (Dorothy Anne McGowan) October 24, 2015

WOMEN ON THE MOVE W

Janna Christian

Vivian Edwards

Galia Farber

Vivian Edwards, a 15-year leader in the senior living market, is the new community executive director at Memory Care of New Braunfels. She will oversee all aspects of the daily operation of the 64-bed memory care/ Alzheimer’s/dementia community opening early this year. Her previous experience includes Colonial Gardens Alzheimer’s Assisted Living of Texas in Austin, CIMA Hospice in San Antonio and other assisted living facilities. She earned a degree in business from San Antonio College.

The City of San Antonio Department for Culture and Creative Development announces Galia Farber as the new San Antonio Film Commissioner, working to cultivate relations with the location film and production community and market San Antonio as a filmfriendly destination. Her 15 years of experience range from independent film to public television as a production manager for KLRU-TV, the Austin PBS affiliate. She earned a master’s in arts management from City University in London.

Jackie Goerges

Linda Rapp

Anne Seay

Phyllis Browning Company welcomes Realtor® Jackie Goerges to its North Central office. A lifelong resident of San Antonio, Jackie employs exceptional knowledge of the city in her real estate career. She provides personalized services and strives to continuously exceed her clients’ expectations.

Linda Rapp has been named executive director of the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center. She is a blood banking industry veteran beginning with American Red Cross, where she has held 14 positions, including CEO of the center in Mobile, Alabama. For the last 12 years, she was director of customer operations for the Red Cross national testing laboratories in St. Louis, Missouri. She is a graduate of the University of Missouri.

Anne Seay, MA, LPC, has opened a private counseling practice. Licensed in the State of Texas with a bachelor’s degree in human development and a master’s in counseling, Seay has extensive training in anxiety and stress management, grief, self-esteem and college preparedness. After nearly four years of work with the University of the Incarnate Word, she is focusing her practice on helping middle- and high-school students and young adults.

Janna Christian has joined Phyllis Browning Company as Realtor®. An active member of the community, she brings a diverse set of skills to her real estate career. She has extensive knowledge of Gonzales and the surrounding areas and delights in assisting clients in finding their dream homes.

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W LOOKING BACK

1961 Cool Crest Miniature Golf on Fredericksburg Road has been a popular destination for parties and date nights for generations.

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