GAME CHANGERS 3 Go-To Women Who Get the Job Done WOMEN IN BUSINESS Four Attorneys Dedicated to Success of Entrepreneurs SPECIAL SECTIONS:
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Sandee Bryan Marion The Honorable Judge
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62 16 PROFILE She’s tough, intelligent, and wise all packaged with a smile. Meet Fourth Court of Appeals Judge Sandee Bryan Marion, and read her reflections on an impressive career.
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20 GAME
CHANGERS
These three leaders are known as the “go-to” professionals to get any job done. They are leading in professional and community service circles.
62 WOMEN IN BUSINESS
San Antonio has an impressive docket of women attorneys, and these five ladies are making a difference in several areas of business law.
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108 DINING Yummi Sushi just may be the best kept secret in town, but the taste of their sushi is worthy of headlines…. delicious in every way.
San Antonio WOMAN
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JULY/AUGUST 2017 PUBLISHER J. Michael Gaffney
FROM THE EDITOR Pamela Lutrell, Editor San Antonio Woman
EDITOR Pamela Lutrell ASSOCIATE EDITOR Jasmina Wellinghoff COPY EDITOR Kathryn Cocke FASHION & BEAUTY EDITOR Aquila Mendez-Valdez CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Scott Austin, Robyn Barnes, Molly Cox, Linda Elliott, Iris Gonzalez, Pamela Lutrell, Pamela Miller, Dawn Robinette, Janis Turk, Jasmina Wellinghoff
Dear Readers:
PHOTOGRAPHY Janet Rogers, Martin Waddy, Iris Gonzales, Eber Guerrero, Al Rendon
The heat is on! Welcome to the July/August issue of SAN ANTONIO WOMAN. We all know
GRAPHIC DESIGN Tamara Hooks, Maria Jenicek
how oppressive summers can be around South Texas.
ONLINE MEDIA Raleigh Hart, Social Media
Unfortunately, it can also affect the demeanor of many and actually bring on grumpy, angry attitudes. But one woman of strength who always seems to have a smile on her face, despite what the thermometer says, is the Honorable Judge Sandee Bryan Marion. She is ever gracious and about to enter a new stage in retirement. We were thrilled she agreed to this in-
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING Cindy Jennings, Madeleine Justice, Patricia McGrath ADMINISTRATION & CUSTOMER SERVICE Nancy A. Gaffney, Raleigh Hart
terview. Judge Marion is joined in this issue with a collection of San Antonio’s best and brightest women attorneys in our annual Women in Law section. All are impressive and worthy of consideration. We also are aware of the women in town who are known as the go-to, get-it-done women. You can give them practically any project or challenge and rest assured, they will get the job
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done. Meet these amazing ladies in our Game-Changers interview. PUBLISHED BY
We are excited to welcome back to this issue a special appearance by one of our favorite columnists, Linda Elliot. She shares an inspiring story for local businesswomen. The fruits of networking are often abundant. Networking and connecting is the goal for our new SA Woman Connect print section and www.sawomanconnect.com. You will want to be a part of
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both. Let us know if we can help! Turn up the air, spritz on the rose water, and sit back to enjoy the women of San Antonio in this new issue. Keep Smiling,
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CONTRIBUTORS ROBYN BARNES Robyn Barnes' passion is writing about homes and the people who live in them. As a regular contributor to the Home column for 78209 MAGAZINE, she has seen all kinds of homes. "I've seen historic homes and cutting-edge modern penthouses," she says. "It's a privilege to share a family's home and a slice of their lives with readers. A house can be a fabulous monument to design and architecture, but it isn't really interesting until you meet the family who lives in it." Robyn also writes the Home column and is a regular contributor to the Senior Caregiving column for SAN ANTONIO WOMAN.
PAMELA V. MILLER Pamela V. Miller is a freelance writer and blogger at Wine and Lavender, a lifestyle blog geared toward mothers. Pamela spent nine years in the banking industry before meeting her husband in New York City. After marrying, she took on the role of military wife and moved to the Pacific Northwest, where she and her husband raised their family for five years. In 2013, they decided to settle down in San Antonio, and she quickly fell in love with this city for all of its unique qualities. Her educational background includes a BA in liberal arts with an emphasis on culture and media studies.
JASMINA WELLINGHOFF Jasmina Wellinghoff, is the associate editor of SAN ANTONIO WOMAN. An awardwinning journalist, arts critic and columnist whose work appeared in local, state, national and foreign media outlets, she has been with our magazine from the beginning. Her work has greatly contributed to the success and reputation of SAN ANTONIO WOMAN. She is the founder of the Alamo Theater Arts Council, which later honored her by naming its most prestigious award, the Jasmina Wellinghoff Award, in her honor.
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W TRENDING
STAY CONNECTED /SanAntonioWoman We reach nearly 30,000 people and engage nearly 3,000 on our posts each week. And we are currently liked by almost 12,000 people.
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CELEBRATE AMERICA
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SOFT SUMMER HAIR
Share with us on our Facebook page your favorite July 4th traditions, and celebrate patriotism all summer long!
Our favorite pool locations have been trending… just like this beauty from Keith Zars Pools.
Despite the heat, more SA ladies are wearing their softest locks now, thanks to locally made products by Melody Edens Salon.
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Join the fun August 5 for the River Walk Ford Canoe Challenge. Remember to Tweet your updates for who is winning!
Lunch Bots are the trendy new stainless steel containers for the healthy way to take lunches kids love. Check it out and keep your student excited about lunch time.
In style this school year for all supplies are rich marble prints. Look for this new pattern to be on shelves soon.
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july/august 2017 | 13
W WHAT’S NEW SAN ANTONIO HAS A NEW COFFEE TABLE BOOK
NEW FARMERS MARKET OPENS NEXT TO WHOLE FOODS MARKET IN THE QUARRY Thanks to Koch Ranches, the Farmers Market in Alamo Quarry Market has returned. The market is located at 255 E. Basse in the parking lot near Whole Foods Market and will be open on Sundays from 9 a.m. until 1p.m. The Farmers Market features over 25 vendors, including several returning favorites along with bright new additions. The vendors’ farm fresh selections include fresh produce, grass/fed finished beef, lamb, goat, and wild hog meats, chicken, kombucha, pecans, honey, farm-fresh cheeses and many more exciting products. Join them each Sunday for farm-fresh, healthy options. For more information, please contact Cheryl at Koch Ranch (210) 8589795 or email her at Cheryl@kochranches.net.
Native San Antonian Al Rendon and copywriter Gary S. Whitford have collaborated on San Antonio: A Photographic Portrait, published by Twin Lights Publishing in Massachusetts and available at local and online booksellers. Al and Gary hosted a book signing and sale on First Friday, June 2, at Rendon Photography, 733 S. Alamo 78205. San Antonio: A Photographic Portrait is 128 pages of beautiful photography and narrative, with details and landscapes from all around the UNESCO world heritage missions, to our significant landmarks, beautiful River Walk, Fiesta and Rodeo coverage, bluebonnets and longhorns. The photographer and writer have done projects together for decades, and they are happy to finally have a bigger and better San Antonio book since Gulf Press published their San Antonio Sights & Scenes in 1995. It's an appropriate gift and artful addition to any decor.
KEITH ZARS POOLS PROUDLY INTRODUCES LX GLASS
CONGRATULATIONS, SAINT MARY’S HALL CLASS OF 2017! On May 26, a total of 94 graduates from the Class of 2017 came together on the Saint Mary’s Hall campus to take part in the school’s commencement ceremony. This year’s graduates will attend 63 different colleges and universities with 69 percent attending schools out of state. The group earned nearly $11.8 million in merit scholarships. The Class of 2017 also includes a U.S. Presidential Scholar (the only student from San Antonio and one of eight from Texas). Collectively, the class completed 14,623 community service hours. Nine student-athletes will play a sport at the collegiate level. 14 | sawoman.com
The new high-end glass bead pool finish by Keith Zars. Each glass bead was hand chosen by Keith and formulated with cementitious mix to create 16 different blend options. Every blend was given a name distinctive to the coloration. Sea Song's hues of blue shimmer to the harmonic sounds of the sea, while the black and clear beads of Spurs Crest shine just like the hometown favorite team. LX Glass is a smooth finish that will not tug or tear your bathing suit, and with it’s undulated texture, your skin forms a grip with traction so you do not slip. Keith Zars Pools sources all the beads, cutting out the middle-man, and offers the luxury glass finish at a fraction of the cost of other brands’ pebble finishes. Keith Zars believes in offering superb quality and stands behind this finish with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee and 10 year warranty. For more information on the luxurious finish, visit keithzarspools.com or call 210-494-0800 to set up a free consultation and 3D design.
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A STERLING JUDICIAL CAREER Sandee Bryan Marion Heads Fourth Court of Appeals BY JASMINA WELLINGHOFF PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANET ROGERS
murder case and a domestic violence dispute are a normal part of a work day for Sandee Bryan Marion, the chief justice of the Fourth Court of Appeals, located in San Antonio. On May 16, she and two of her colleagues spent the morning hours hearing the oral arguments presented by lawyers on both sides of each issue. In the murder case, the original defendant claimed that his right to be represented by a legal counsel of his choice had been denied by the lower court, while the husband convicted for assaulting his wife questioned whether the trial court jury should have been allowed to hear the tape of his wife’s 911 call. The complex arguments had to do with the right of the accused to cross-examine his accuser and the fact that he couldn’t do so because the wife did not testify in person. A secondary issue was involved as well. “The lawyers submit written briefs to us, and we read about the cases in advance and look at cases that they are relying on to make their arguments,” explains Justice Marion, who was elected to her position as chief justice in 2014. “The hearings are an opportunity to question the lawyers about the law as it applies to the facts of the case in order to better understand their positions. Upon the conclusion of oral arguments, the panel of justices goes into a conference to discuss the cases and rule on them.” The Fourth Court of Appeals has jurisdiction over 32 Texas counties and hears some 1,100 appeals per year. That covers a lot of both civil and criminal ground, and the litigated issues range from plastic-bag bans that merchants dislike to all sorts of vile crimes except the ones involving capital punishment. A lot of cases are relatively straightforward, but some may require digging deep into the intricacies of the law. A case Marion remembers as a particularly challenging one involved the question of underground water ownership and the right of a pecan grower to sustain his business by watering his trees as nec-
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essary. That right was jeopardized by watering restrictions imposed by the Edwards Aquifer Authority, aiming to save water resources for the greater good. It was determined that the landowner owned the water on his property and that the restrictions amounted to a governmental eminent domain takeover. Marion’s panel sent the issue back to the trial court with instructions on how to calculate the “just compensation” due to the grower. The Texas Supreme Court let the ruling stand. “It was a fascinating issue because you had the landowner’s rights versus the public interest of water conservation,” notes Marion. Clearly, the justices’ rulings affect people’s lives deeply. Marion acknowledges the serious responsibility involved. “Sometimes it is very difficult,” she admits. “But I study each case in depth and consult with my colleagues and the staff lawyers... It’s a very collaborative process. On a really difficult case, I tend to set it aside for a while to think about it, and then I go back to read more and really research the law. And there were times when I felt that the law should be changed, but all judges take an oath to follow the law, so that’s what I do.” Known for her calm and dignified demeanor in court and otherwise, the justice expresses herself carefully, speaking in measured cadences. But she allows a bit of enthusiasm to sneak in as she describes her satisfaction with her present job. “I love being on the appellate court because of the challenge of putting the puzzle together on each case: trying to make sure that in this fact scenario we must apply this law, and making sure that we are doing it properly. I find that challenge fascinating. As the chief justice, however, I have another and equally invigorating challenge – being the administrator of the court. We have seven judges, 15 lawyers and lots of clerks, and it’s rewarding to work with so many smart, independent-thinking people.” As part of her new duties she appears before the state legislature for various hearings, which she also considers important and rewarding.
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I study each case in depth and consult with my colleagues and the staff lawyers... It’s a very collaborative process.
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A Well-Lived Life As a high school student, San Antonio-born Sandee Bryan thought she would be a Spanish teacher. Not only did she love that language, but upon visiting Mexico with her Spanish Honorary Society, she also fell in love with the Mexican culture and people. Then, while pursuing her Spanish language degree at UT Austin, she abruptly decided to go to law school. To this day, she can’t explain how exactly this came about, but she points out that “excellent grades” helped her get into St. Mary’s Law School, her father’s alma mater. After some early misgivings, dad became quite supportive and paid for her schooling. From there on, it was pretty much smooth sailing. Upon graduation, she joined Hollon & Marion in Boerne, married partner Ed Marion and had her only child, Natalee, now also a lawyer. The small-town setting gave her a chance to handle a wide range of cases, which built up her professional confidence. In 1986, Marion moved back to San Antonio, where she became a partner in the firm of Goode, Casseb and Jones before setting her sights on a judicial career. The event that ignited her desire to be a judge occurred one day while she was sitting in Judge Robert Barton’s court in Boerne, waiting for her client’s hearing. Instead of mentally reviewing her own case, she paid close attention 18 | sawoman.com
to Barton’s moves in the unfolding trial. It surprised her that the judge ruled in everything the way she thought she would have ruled had she been in his place. Maybe I could be a judge, she thought. It took seven more years, but that was the spark that eventually led to a 25-year judicial career that began with her election to the probate court bench. Though she lost her first race against a Democratic opponent, victories followed, sometimes simply because she had no opponents. A jurist with an excellent reputation, in 2002 Marion was appointed to the Fourth Court of Appeals, and in 2014 she “made history,” (according the Express-News) when she became the first Republican chief justice ever to be elected to that court. It’s notable that all current justices on the Fourth Court are women. “We first became an all-female court in 2005,”notes Marion, “and then-Chief Justice Alma Lopez was so proud of us that she wrote a letter to Oprah telling her that we were the first all-female court in the country and that she (Oprah) should do a feature on us. Now we are all-female again.” She sees no difference between men and women when it comes to judicial work, but women talk and bond over different interests in their downtime, she says.
Though her campaigns were clean and relatively painless, she agrees with folks who believe that judges should not be elected along party lines, yet she recognizes that Texans are not likely to give up the right to select their judges anytime soon. She’s a proponent of eliminating straight ticket voting, which often pushes good judges out of office simply because voters may be in the mood for political change at the top. In addition to her work and family life, Justice Marion highly values her membership in the Rotary Club and the many service projects she has been involved with through the club. Her face literally lights up as she speaks of mentoring young girls and following their progress through graduation. “All of mine have graduated,” she says proudly. The club expanded her horizons in many ways and connected her with interesting people she would not have met otherwise. In 1998-99, she served as the organization’s first female president. “It has been a huge part of my life,” she says. In fact, Marion is in the picture that you see when you access the local chapter’s “About Us” online section: four men in dark suits and the always-elegant judge in a red one. For the past 23 years, Marion has been happily married to her second husband, Dr. Homero Garza, whom she met when their respective
daughters were in the same third grade class. The couple enjoy getting together with their large extended families on holidays. The Garzas usually prefer to relax by exploring area restaurants, maybe chatting in Spanish, which is his first language. With her term on the Fourth Court of Appeals ending on Dec.31, 2020, Marion is contemplating retirement, though a small window is left open for a possible change of plans. “A lot can happen between now and then, but if I had to make a decision now, I think I’ll end my career on a high note. I have by far exceeded all my expectations . . . I hope I’ll be remembered for really appreciating and following the law and setting an example in the judiciary for being patient, dignified and respectful. Many have done this before me; I just hope I’ll be remembered as one of them.”
Opposite page: Summer intern law students Chase Hardy, Kathryn Kluge, and Matthew Salazar are currently working to assist Judge Marion. Above: Sandy and husband, Homero, love entertaining friends and family at home.
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Go-To Leaders... They Get the Job Done BY JASMINA WELLINGHOFF PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARTIN WADDY
In San Antonio, they are known as the leaders who get the job done. If you have a professional or community need, just go to one of these women, and they will either help or point you in the right direction. They are forging community partnerships, connecting people who need to be connected and helping individuals and organizations to find new opportunities. These women are game changers in our community in many ways.
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Bonnie Prosser Elder Bonnie Prosser Elder has been involved in community service since she was a child. Her mother was a member of Jack & Jill of America, an organization of mothers “dedicated to nurturing future African-American leaders by strengthening children through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving and civic duty.” The young Bonnie clearly took all of that to heart. Today, she is the general counsel and VP of the legal department at VIA Metropolitan Transit and an extraordinary volunteer who is always willing to lend a helping hand. On the job, she is responsible for the oversight and coordination of all legal services for the organization that operates a fleet of 475 buses on 93 bus lines covering a service area of 1,226 square miles. Her responsibilities include the risk management and claims section as well as all legal issues that may come up with the expansion of services and general legal support for all other departments. When VIA starts implementing its long-range plan, Vision 2040, which envisions a multi-modal transportation system for a growing population, the legal group expects to get very busy. Elder’s community involvement starts with professional organizations such as chairing the American Public Transit Association Legal Affairs Committee but extends well beyond that. She is the current or former member of a number of organizations, including, of course, the one she grew up in, Jack & Jill. Once she became a mother, she followed in her own mother’s footsteps, raising her daughter to be aware of community needs. She is also a member of the local chapter of Links, Inc., another national and international service organization of prominent women. “Most of my volunteer work is in support of children,” said Elder. “For instance, the Links members work with the East Side branch of the Boys & Girls Club to expose children to the arts, introduce them to civic engagement, teach them about bullying and lots of other issues. There’s a program every week. We also raise money for scholarships to St. Philip’s College. This year, I am the chair of the fundraising gala, and I also chair the ethics committee, and we all spend time with the children at the club.” She was also in the first group of black women to join the local Junior League more than 15 years ago, and largely thanks to their presence, the League started working with the Davis Scott YMCA — across the street from her East Side high school — and the Miller Child Development Center, also in that area. “I am pretty sure the Junior League had never done that before,” she noted. “You know, in the world of nonprofits money is important, but what is also very important is putting warm bodies, hands and hearts into the community, and the Junior League does that very well.” At the time, Elder was aware that she was a pioneer of sorts as she and a few others brought diversity to the previously rather uniformly white women’s organization. And there were lots of similar firsts in her life. Teenage Bonnie was the first black twirler in her high school, and she became the first woman and the first black person to attend a meeting of the American Public Transit Association Legal Affair Committee when her then-boss at VIA took her with him to the gathering. In addition, she is the only black woman to attain the position that she holds with a major transit agency in Texas. Little wonder that diversity issues have become a big part of her thinking and community involvement across the board. With her sister, she has volunteered to help her alma mater, UT Austin’s, outreach into
minority communities. This is something she doesn’t even include in her CV, but it’s an extremely important task.
“There are so many talented young people graduating from high school who don’t think that they can get into UT, let alone get a scholarship. Nobody’s told them what to do. UT did a big outreach event here, and we did more specific outreach to certain schools,” she says. Though she doesn’t formally represent VIA through her community work, she says, “It’s hard for me to be in a place without in some way representing VIA since I have been here so long.” In fact, her entire postlaw school career has been with VIA. She is often invited to speak on a variety of issues, and all sorts of people call her for all sorts of help. If someone’s child wants to go to law school, she’s happy to take the kid to lunch and mentor him or her. If someone else calls needing a VIA ID or information or looking for a job — not necessarily with VIA — she puts them in touch with someone who can help. Not long ago, her former music teacher asked her to read to her students during Black History Month, and Elder said yes. “People know me and they call. Sometimes they would say, ‘Mrs. So-and-so suggested I call you…’ We are still connected as a community. I always try to help.”
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Mary DeLay When you walk into Mary DeLay’s office at the UT Health Science knowledgeable about biomed issues and resources in San Antonio. Center (UTHSC), you can’t fail to notice a large treadmill positioned Her duties may also involve facilitating the interviewing process along one wall. The VP and chief of staff for the school’s president, Dr. for a new director of the UT Health Cancer Center, arranging high-level William Henrich, DeLay uses the machine to relieve back discomfort meetings and representing UTHSC on the Greater Chamber’s board. as she works. “I’ve mastered the skill of typing while walking at the In addition, DeLay runs the community engagement program on her speed of 1.8 miles/hour,” she explained. Now she alternates between own. The Health Science Center partners with a large number of nonher regular desk and the treadmill one. profits and businesses in the city. She is in charge of the United Way-adThe treadmill says something about this hard-working woman who ministered State Employee Charitable Campaign (SECC) for the is not about to let back pain slow her down. DeLay joined UTHSC 27 university and the allocation of the collected funds, which mostly go to years ago as its first director of development and alumni relations health-related organizations, such as the Heart Association or the Diaunder President John Howe, M.D., staying and prospering through the betes Society. She tries to be evenhanded and allocate the limited funds presidencies of Dr. Francisco Cigarroa and now Dr. Henrich. As chief fairly. Some of the monies are returned to the health schools in the form of staff, she works closely with the president to provide administrative, of research grants, which deepen the collaborative relationships and organizational and planning support for the president’s vision and inibenefits a broader cause. And if you need a doctor, you can also call her tiatives, oversees the running of the president’s office and administers office, and they’ll find you one among their stellar physicians. a community engagement program. “I love my job,” said DeLay. “I have worked with some incredible “I am the stepping stone to the president, who gets requests every leaders who taught me a lot, leaders with a heart who want to help the day from a wide range of people to collaborate on projects, to speak community as well as UTHSC. I, too, find that rewarding. Every day I feel at meetings, and all sorts of requests. It is my job to make those conlike I am going to do something to connect people who need to be connections and to help. I’ve been here so long, lots of community folks nected. I feel like I am a partner to Dr. Henrich in a lot of things.” already know me,” noted DeLay, who has an easy, pleasant manner Married for 23 years to businessman Alan DeLay, with four kids about her. And sometimes it’s more than making connections. Not long between them – one of whom is her adult son – she finds time for her ago, Dr. Henrich was approached by Renée Flores, the 2016 chair of step-grandkids and will soon become a grandmother of twins. Yet the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, who wanted to explore amazingly, she still has energy left over for more community work. On ways to make San Antonio’s key industries even better. She called the her own, DeLay is part of the United Way Women’s Leadership Council, initiative “Good to Great to Global,” and asked Dr. Henrich to chair the which provides child care scholarships for parents wanting to return task force on health care and biosciences. The latter is a $30.6 billion to school, as well as a “zone ambassador” for Leadership Women Inc., sector that employs one of every six people locally. a Dallas-based organization that trains women to become active leadDeLay handled the logistics of the entire ers. At the time of our interview, she project, helping to form Dr. Henrich’s commitwas preparing to host an event for the “There’s a lot of potential in San Antonio. tee by suggesting representatives from other program’s local alumnae: “I believe in We just need to believe in ourselves,” scientific institutions in town and actively partheir cause. I went through the program ticipating in the formulation of a proposal on in 2002. We need women who want to how to move toward “great” and “global.” Needless to say, she is very make a difference in their community.” 22 | sawoman.com
Cynthia Teniente Matson When she came back to San Antonio in 2015, Cynthia Teniente Matson hit the ground running. As the second president of Texas A&M University-San Antonio, she started building an ambitious program of growth for the school, with an eye on how to benefit not only the school but the wider community as well. Merely two years later, she is one of the most visible women leaders in the city. “San Antonio is a big part of my life,” said the San Antonio native, who left her birthplace when she was 8.
“Now that I am the president of Texas A&M-SA and realize the impact that the university can make in the city, I am feeling very connected to my roots and San Antonio.” Matson presides over a beautiful campus on the southern edge of the city that currently has 5,500 students, the majority of whom are Hispanic and female. Many are the first in their family to attend college, and a good number are working adults. About 17 percent are affiliated with the military. The school offers 25 undergraduate majors and 11 graduate programs. Under her leadership, A&M-SA has finally become a four-year college, after being an upper-division-only institution since 2009. It welcomed its first freshman class in the fall of 2016. What attracted her to the job, she said, was the opportunity to shape the educational future of a university “with A&M excellence.” Currently, new buildings are being built – including the first dormitory; more students are enrolling; and new programs that will serve the needs of the community are being developed, among them water resources management, cyber sciences and computer engineering. “Public universities are called Stewards of Place,” she explained, “and that means we have a responsibility toward our community. Texas A&M-SA is mentioned in the SA Tomorrow plan as an engine of economic growth in this area. We are preparing students to meet the needs of the employers in the fast-changing job market.” To that end, she has also founded the Center for Experiential Learning and Community Engagement that develops partnerships with other local institutions, which then offer students real-life avenues to enhance learning by doing. Community service, internships, civic engagement and service learning are all facilitated by the center. One recent example was the help communication students provided on the PR campaign for the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center’s film festival. Another group of students under the leadership of Professor Megan Wise de Valdez is surveying the population of mosquitoes that carry the Zika virus. This project is a collaboration with Metro Health, other entities, and volunteer homeowners on whose properties the mosquito traps are placed. The university is reaching out in other ways as well. In partnership with Bexar County, it has established an archival library in a downtown building, which received publicity not long ago when it agreed to house and take care of the historical book collection of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. At present, there are several other collections in the vaults, noted the president, indicating that she was interested in providing this service for others in the community as well. Matson personally follows the example she has set up for the school. Asked if she saw herself as a “go-to” person in the community, she said, Yes, anyone can contact her. With active social media accounts, which she checks regularly, she is very accessible to students,
colleagues and other San Antonians. She serves on a number of local and higher-education boards and committees. As a United Way board member, Matson oversees the organization’s campus campaign, and she participates in the work of Women’s Leadership Council, the same group that Mary Delay talked about. When District 4 councilman Rey Saldana approached her about serving on the city tricentennial commission, she obliged. And former Mayor Ivy Taylor tapped her to help with My Brother’s Keeper, a national initiative started by President Obama to help boys and men of color to achieve their potential by staying in school and graduating. In addition, Matson plays an active role with national higher education bodies, including the American Association of State Colleges and Universities’ task force in charge of putting together a study on the impact of partnerships, something at which she’s clearly an expert. Married to Mike Matson, the president is the mother of two young adult sons, one of whom stayed in California, where the family lived before 2015, while the younger one is a student at A&M-SA. While in California, she worked as the VP of administration and chief financial officer for the California State University-Fresno. Given her heavy work and volunteer load, how does she recharge her batteries, we wondered. “I enjoy being out at community events, and I enjoy exercising. Cycling along the Mission Reach of the River Walk is so relaxing,” said the trim, chic executive. “There’s such serenity there; It’s time I spend by myself, time for thinking.” july/august 2017 | 23
W AT HOME
The Hecks now call it home BY ROBYN BARNES PHOTOGRAPHY BY AL RENDON
How often does an architect design a home for a friend and discover it should have been his all along? That’s what happened to Jim Heck and his wife, Tricia. Jim is an architect and principal of Fisher Heck Architects. During more than 40 years of architectural design in San Antonio, he’s worked on a variety of projects including religious; historic preservation, restoration and rehabilitation; higher education; commercial; museums; and residential. When good friends asked him to design a home for them in Bluffview Estates, Jim approached it like every other project he undertook: He listened to what his friends wanted, asked questions and designed a home that satisfied their needs and responded to the natural features of the site. “This home is indicative of a lot of the work we do because it’s unique,” Jim says. “We change our design style to meet the client’s requirements and respect the context of the surroundings. In this case, the couple came from Chicago and liked Frank Lloyd Wright’s work. This home incorporates elements of his work.” Trish says one of those elements is timelessness. “You can’t date the architecture of this house,” she says. “The design is as current now as it was when it was built. That’s one of the things I love about it.” “When my clients asked me to look at this lot on the bluff, I was so envious,” Jim says. “Tricia and I had always talked about where we’d live when we retired. She wanted a place with a sunset view, and I thought that meant we’d have to move out of the city. I didn’t know a view like this existed inside the city limits. “The lot is about two-thirds of an acre, and about half of it is down the side of the bluff,” he continues. “The view is over a golf course, which will never have houses on it, and the city skyline is in the distance. It’s really breathtaking to watch the sunset in the evening.” Jim’s design incorporated the element of surprise. “The site is what determines the orientation of the house,” he says. “When you drive up to the house, you can’t tell what’s in the backyard because the houses in the cul-de-sac hide the vista. I wanted visitors to cross the threshold and have the panoramic view hit them in the face! I wanted them to get a spectacular first impression of this residence.”
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Finishes first Jim says interior designer John Tarr worked with the client on the home’s finishes. “Much of what you see is custom work,” Jim says. “With the exception of a few rooms, all the floors are walnut. The doors are custom-made of walnut and are 8 feet high. All the trim is custommade; the baseboards are all 8 inches high. All the outlets are located in the baseboards, rather than in the walls. The travertine floors are beautiful and easy to clean, as are the black granite countertops.” “The lighting in the house is astounding,” Tricia says. “We have the ability to program all the lighting in the house. Each set of lights in a room is individually programmable, and there are 120 light fixtures in the house. “ That doesn’t include the individual fixtures in all the cove lighting, she adds. Jim says the client sought a home with clean lines and simplicity everywhere. “You’ll notice that throughout the home, where there are
True Bluff View The crown jewel of the Heck home is the backyard. The deep porch has a vented grill, perfect for outdoor entertaining. There are two seating areas on the porch, as well as a cabana with another dining area. The pool and the spa fit between the porch and the wall that lines the bluff.
countertops, they are all the same black granite. The cabinets are made of the same material and are the same color. The neutral tones used throughout the home create a feeling of consistency.“ The clients were very happy in the house for a number of years. Jim and Tricia often told them how much they loved the home and wished they could live there. One day, Jim received a call from the client explaining the couple was moving and asking if Jim and Tricia would like to buy the house. They did.
Doorway to the sky The imposing wooden front doors were made in California; the transom matches in material and style. Crossing the threshold into the living room provides a wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling view of treetops and Texas july/august 2017 | 25
W AT HOME
The living area showcases the view, Southwestern art, and a huge metal sculpture gifted to them by their friends. Below: The master bedroom is Jim’s favorite room. They believe the space is designed to speak one word…peace.
sky. Everything in the room is designed to take advantage of the view. Jim and Tricia collect Southwestern art, both from local artist and friend Brad Braune and a variety of Santa Fe artists. Pieces of their collection are displayed throughout the room. What about that massive metal sculpture on the wall behind the dining table? “That piece was a gift left for us from our friends,” Jim says. “We’re not quite sure what it represents, but we think it has a musical quality. It is so heavy that when I painted the accent color on the wall, I used special brushes to work around and within the metalwork. It was just too heavy to remove.” Across the room is a seating area in front of the fireplace and builtin bar. The large red rug was ordered to Jim’s specifications to mimic the curve of the two facing sofas.
Spiritual space To the left of the bar is the foyer for the master suite. “This is our spiritual space,” Tricia says. One of her favorite items here is a reproduction of a tapestry by John Nava from Our Lady of Angels Cathedral in Los Angeles, depicting John the Baptist baptizing Jesus. Across the room hangs a painting by beloved San Antonio artist Brother Cletus Behlmann, a Marianist brother and former artist-in-residence at St. Mary’s University. The master bedroom is Jim’s favorite room in the house. The softly vaulted ceiling with cove lighting and soaring wall of windows provides an ethereal ambiance. There is comfort in the king-size bed, dressed
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in a turquoise spread and fluffy purple pillows. Jim designed the bed to fit beneath the three coves in the wall that serve as home to matching glass vases with cactus flower accents. The gas fireplace in the corner is covered in white travertine that glistens in the sunlight. The furnishings are spare; the feeling is of peace. The master bath is the dream of any busy couple trying to get ready for work in the morning. The room is very large, with his and her vanities and toilet closets at opposite ends. Spacious his and her walk-in closets with pull-down rods and built-in dressers provide plenty of storage space. The walk-in travertine spa shower and Jacuzzi bath complete the luxurious space.
W AT HOME
The entire house is a showcase for beautiful artwork and the homeowners are happy to share the story behind each piece. The staircase welcomes visitors and leads up to two bedrooms and a bathroom suite. Below: The kitchen is a favorite gathering place, especially with a hidden wine refrigerator, which remains stocked all year, and a warming tray built into the island.
No galley kitchen Tricia loves to entertain — a galley kitchen would never suit her needs. Gatherings of family and friends can run upward of 30 or more, so she needs the spacious kitchen with its large island and pendant lighting. She has a wine refrigerator that stays stocked and a commercial icemaker. The double oven and microwave help feed a crowd, and there’s a warming tray built into the island. Adjacent to the kitchen and the patio is an informal dining room. The pantry, just off the kitchen, holds everything the family needs for parties and meals for two. The room is 10 by 6 feet and has adjustable floor-to-ceiling shelving. Beyond the west kitchen wall is the carpeted study. Natural light from two walls of windows accents the coffered ceiling. The north wall features built-in cabinets that hold a wide-screen television and speakers that provide surround sound. Several couches provide comfortable seating, and in a pinch, fold out to make extra sleeping space. A spiral staircase leads upstairs to two bedrooms, complete with en suite bathrooms. “When our family stays with us, there’s plenty of room upstairs for them to hang out together,” Tricia says. “When we go to bed, they go upstairs, and we never hear them.” 28 | sawoman.com
A man’s room Jim has his own version of a man cave. It once served as Tricia’s home office but now houses exercise equipment, Jim’s memorabilia and even a full-size buffalo spear. Several mounted ducks fly across one wall, and a reproduction of a Brown Bess musket hangs near a window. A wall of cabinets contains Jim’s extensive train collection. The room also contains a full-size wine refrigerator and another holding the fruits of Jim’s home brewing hobby.
july/august 2017 | 29
W FASHION
BY AQUILA MENDEZ-VALDEZ, FASHION AND BEAUTY EDITOR
Cool Couture for the summer heat
The classic fashion cities of the world are hardly associated with warm temperatures year-round: New York, Paris, London. We can instantly conjure up images of couples strolling their famous streets in chic trench coats and mysteriously seductive scarves. The warmer summer months, however, often offer up a less glamorous side to style if one is not lounging by the pool or soaking up the rays of Cannes. So what is a San Antonio woman to do? Though we wish swimsuits and bodyskimming kaftans were an around-the-clock option, the good news is the season’s trends are breathtakingly breezy and stunningly simple. Kick off your next shopping spree with a pinstripe cotton top, preferably off the shoulder if you dare. If you don’t, this Johanna Ortiz blouse still mixes things up with a twist tie front and statement sleeves, also a huge trend this summer. Ruffles are another carefree route to a memorable look, which means this embroidered skirt from Saks Fifth Avenue has skyrocketed to the top of our virtual shopping cart. The high-low hem adds a bit of salsa flair to an otherwise understated piece, and as we all know, San Antonio just doesn’t do understated. In the accessory realm for summer, big, bold shades are a must-have, and Quay Australia is currently leading the pack in that department. Pick up these rose gold beauties from Dillard’s and rest assured the aviator frames will flatter just about any face shape. If you’re loving the pom-pom trend well into the summer months, keep it rolling with these Ava Claire darlings for a steal at just 25 dollars. Then swipe on my all-time favorite lip balm meets gloss, Dior Addict Lip Glow in a berry or pretty-in-pink hue for a look that is anything but heavy. Pop your lips’ new best friend into a richly bedazzled clutch like this
Pinstriped blouse with embroidered skirt, both from Johanna Ortiz at Saks Fifth Avenue.
peacock-inspired Kate Spade beauty, and you’ll also be
Earrings by Ava Claire.
hinting at the season’s it bag material: straw. It screams
Rose gold sunglasses by Quay Australia.
Caribbean vacation, but wherever you’re headed, it will turn heads.
Peacock-inspired clutch by Kate Spade.
Try one trend or try them all; the important factor to remember is summer style should only lift you up and never weigh you down.
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Dior Addict Lip Glow.
FASHION CALENDAR W July 9 Quinceañera Expo Henry B. Gonzalez Center 900 East Market St. 12 – 5pm Quinceañera Expo is an event like no other. It has been created with quinceañeras in mind and designed to focus exclusively on everything a future quinceañera will need for her event. www.quinceaneraexpos.com July 13 Sisley Facial Event Neiman Marcus 15900 La Cantera Pkwy. Cosmetics, Level One 10am – 5pm July 16 Tata Harper Spa Event Neiman Marcus Cosmetics, Level One 10am – 5pm July 20 The Heart Association Elaine Turner 5922 Broadway St. 4 – 7pm www.elaineturner.com July 21 – August 6 Anniversary Sale Nordstrom 15900 La Cantera Pkwy. One-of-a-kind sale – offering brand-new fall merchandise at super sale prices for a limited time!
July 27 Cle de Peau Synactif Facial Event Neiman Marcus Cosmetics, Level One 10am – 5pm August 3 Fall Trend Presentation Fashion Group International La Cantera Resort 16641 La Cantera Pkwy. August 16-17 Joseph Ribkoff Fall 2017 Trunk Show Julian Gold 4109 McCullough Ave. August 17 Child Safe Elaine Turner 5 – 8pm August 19 Vintage Handbag Event Dillards at La Cantera August 22-23 Eileen Fisher Fall 2017 Trunk Show Julian Gold August 24-25 Evening Gown Caravan Event Julian Gold August 25 SAMMinistries Elaine Turner 3 – 8pm
July 23 Bon Voyage Cancer! Fashion Show Fundraiser Kasie Helpz Kidz & Love Helpz Kidz Tour San Fernando Hall 231 West Commerce St. 12:30 – 3pm A fashion show fundraiser taking you places and taking on cancer! During this local San Antonio event, the models (children fighting cancer or who have beaten it) will strut their stuff on the runway at the San Fernando Hall. All the proceeds raised will go back to our local San Antonio children in $500 medical grants. www.khkidz.org
july/august 2017 | 31
W FAB FINDS
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
ENCORE FOR WOMEN Paint the town red with this Akris reversible red/camel dot jacket and cami accented with St. John’s gold rock beads. Have fun pairing it with red Prada sneakers and this red/camel animal print Antonio Melani handbag. Find fashion that deserves a second life at Encore for Women.
1931 N.W. Military Hwy.
210.341.0939
EncoreForWomen.com
SHETLER FINE JEWELERS Featuring Rene Escobar Fine Jewelry, a proud third-generation jeweler based in South Florida. Rene Escobar and his team of artisans are committed to authenticity, originality, evolution, and to the endurance of one of the world’s most beautiful arts. You can find Rene Escobar’s artistic pieces at Shetler Fine Jewelers on Broadway.
7373 Broadway, Suite 106
210.826.0660 32 | sawoman.com
shetlerfinejewelers.com
july/august 2017 | 33
W BEAUTY
Fashion Leaders’ Summer Beauty Favorites BY AQUILA MENDEZ-VALDEZ
ANGELINA MATA, MATA ATELIER “Summer is my favorite time of the year. The warmth of the sun is comforting to me, and I use less product in the summer months because my skin is not as dry. My favorite all-in-one product is organic coconut oil, perfect for my hair, face and body. I even use it in my coffee. Easy summer living!”
XITLALT HERRERA-SALAZER, REGIONAL DIRECTOR, FASHION GROUP INTERNATIONAL, SAN ANTONIO CHAPTER “I love the summer months when the days are longer and you can relish in the warm rays filled with vitamin D. I change my beauty routine to my favorite Peau Vierge Anti-Aging Complexe by Le Metier. I love the look of the chic chrome bottle on my vanity but love the magic inside this tinted treatment even more. I substitute it for my foundation and love all of the benefits, as it provides sheer, natural-looking coverage that instantly perfects and feels like a second skin. When I use it, my skin feels smooth, tightened and ready to bask in the fun of summer.”
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There is something about summer that brings out the best in a San Antonio woman’s beauty. She is the essence of vibrancy and energy, floating between social engagements and relaxing moments, languishing in the sun. We asked eight of our favorite South Texas style mavens to share their best time-tested tips and products to add to your beauty routine as the temperatures rise.
BURGUNDY WOODS, STYLE LUSH TV "I work so much, and summertime begins preparations for the Fall San Antonio Fashion Awards. Sleep is constantly interrupted. I get more dehydrated than usual, and hours in front of a computer cause my eyes to suffer tremendously. My summer beauty must-have is Trish McEvoy Instant Solutions Triangle of Light Eye Masks. I leave these on under my eyes for 10 minutes, and immediately my bags are reduced, brightened and moisturized. It's like a much-needed nap in a bag. I can't live without them."
ALICIA GUEVARA, THE OXYGEN ROOM AND BEAUTY BAR “Kiehl’s makes some of my favorite beauty products, but if I had to pick one thing to recommend, it would be their new lip balms. They have SPF 25 on the lips mixed with my favorite flavors and flower, the peony. I also love Berry when I am on the beach; it looks amazing with a tan.”
KRISTEN V. BUSH, BOGE BOUTIQUE “Shout out to Clinique for creating the perfect concoction for your lips! It is soft and moisturizing like ChapStick®, check. It doesn't melt in the summer sun, check. And my favorite part: It goes on rather sheer but immediately draws the unique, natural tones from your lips, so each person's kisser looks like their own kind of sunshine! CHECK!”
CARROLL DORSEY WALKER, JEWELRY DESIGNER “Summer has always been my favorite season, and I’m a sun baby, which is not a good thing with my fair skin. Sunscreen is a must, but I love tan legs. My favorite ‘go-to’ item is Jergens BB Body Perfecting Cream to even out and slightly darken my overall skin tone. It creates an instant glow for that smooth and sexy look!”
ANDREA RODRIGUEZ, CHALET COSMETICS “Sun Shower is one product I will be using every single day this summer. This natural toner is the fastest, easiest way to keep my skin feeling fresh, and I can’t get enough of the tropical Coconut Lime scent. I just pour it on a cotton pad and swipe across my face to remove dirt and oil and gently exfoliate for a brighter complexion.”
MARNIE GOLDBERG, MSGOLDGIRL.COM “In the summer I like to pare down my beauty routine, so multi-tasking products are a definite musthave. My go-to product for the summer is the It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream. It moisturizes my skin, has SPF 50 to protect against the strong Texas sun and gives beautiful, luminous coverage. It’s a moisturizer, sunscreen and foundation in one product, and it lasts all day.”
july/august 2017 | 35
W ROLE MODEL
Amy Marie Lopez Developing Business through Consistency, Persistence and Positivity BY DAWN ROBINETTE.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANET ROGERS
As a child, Amy Marie Lopez, director of business development for
definitely helped my success,” she says.
RE/MAX Associates-The Schrader Group, didn’t like to be told no. She
As director of business development, Lopez works to develop busi-
recalls, “When I didn’t get what I wanted, I would write my parents a
ness for The Schrader Group, building, managing and nurturing rela-
letter. I’d have my reasons, I’d lay it all out, and I’d sign it, ‘Love, Your
tionships with referral partners to keep The Schrader Group top of
Daughter, Amy.’ Staying up later, getting more allowance, you name it.
mind. With an assistant and a team of three associates, she manages
My mom still has the letters!”
450 to 500 relationships to help make The Schrader Group San Anto-
That seems like a natural beginning for someone who is known for
nio’s top real estate agency.
her persistence. “I take what I do very seriously. I’m committed to what
That’s far from where she started five years ago when she moved
I do and I’m persistent. I’ve heard again and again that the reason the
to San Antonio without a job and with no friends or family here. She
people work with me is that I never give up. I really don’t like to take
ultimately landed her position with The Schrader Group, taking on a
no for an answer. I think that my persistence and consistency have
role with no job description. “It was a new position. I was intrigued
36 | sawoman.com
at the opportunity, but wasn’t really sure where to begin,” she says. “At the time, what I was doing was unheard of. There was no one to train me, so I had to learn my way through it. At first, I was really scattered, but as I started meeting people and learning the industry, I developed a focus.” That focus led Lopez to become an active member of the Greater San Antonio Builders Association. She currently serves on the association’s board of directors and was named Marketing Professional of the Year in 2014, 2015 and 2016. The 2017 awards will be presented later this year, and, yes, she’s in the running once again. Her marketing skills have also been recognized by the Texas Association of Builders. She was named Marketing Professional of the Year in 2015, bringing the award home to San Antonio while competing against individuals from
Amy Marie Lopez with her daughter, Coco (Collette), and husband, Grant Lopez.
across the state. Joining the industry without a real estate background, she values
everybody is going to like you. And that’s OK. No matter what you do or
the connections and industry knowledge provided by the trade associ-
how hard you work, they’re not going to like you. I had to accept that
ation. “Eighty to 90 percent of our business is from new home con-
early on: Some relationships are not worth the drama or the extra work.”
struction. That means working with builders,” she explains.
Lopez doesn’t listen to negativity. “I switch negatives to positives.
She served on the association’s Sales and Marketing Council, then
When things start to become an issue or a setback, I face it head on.
founded the Young Professionals Leadership Committee, helping es-
A lot of people are afraid of conflict or confrontation, but I address it
tablish guidelines to give its members opportunities for both network-
directly,” she says.
ing and education. “I loved the association, but realized it was lacking
She also sees inspiration all around her. “I get inspiration from
a ‘youth group.’ When I brought it up, they said, ‘That sounds great,
everything and everyone. Little things I see -- kind gestures, people who
why don’t you start one?’, so I did,” she says.
go above and beyond, coworkers who take time to help you, little things
In addition to receiving two Presidential Citations, presented by the association’s president to three individuals annually, Lopez was named
like someone buying you Starbucks. You have to find inspiration daily to keep yourself motivated. If it’s not there in front of you, find it.”
Associate Member of the Year in 2016. The award usually goes to
She believes the same about self-confidence. “You have to be con-
someone older and more established in the industry. She recalls, “I
fident,” she says. “Talk yourself up. Build yourself up. People don’t
had just received the Presidential Citation. I was sitting at the banquet
build you up as much as you can build up yourself. A lot of people lack
with my husband and had just said what an honor it would be to win
that real, deep confidence. But you have to know that you know what
Associate Member one day, later in my career when I was more estab-
you’re talking about, you know what you want and you’re going to get
lished. Then they called my name. I was in shock.”
it. You can take on the world at that point!”
A graduate of Texas A&M University Corpus Christi with a master’s
A planner who once had her life all sketched out, Lopez has taken
degree in communication and a bachelor’s degree in psychology, Lopez
a path that’s led her to understand that everything happens for a rea-
began her career in social work, where she was a case worker man-
son. For women who worry that they haven’t achieved a milestone by
aging a case load of 50 clients a month. The emotionally draining po-
a certain age, she advises, “Don’t look at the numbers, don’t worry
sition took a toll, and she realized that it wasn’t what she wanted to
about your age. You’re right where you’re supposed to be.”
do. “I have so much respect for those who follow that calling. It’s vital work. It just wasn’t for me,” she says.
While her schedule is packed with breakfast, lunch and dinner meetings, Lopez is ultimately a homebody who enjoys spending time
She’s always valued education, so she decided to pursue her mas-
with her husband, Grant, and 18-month-old Collette, known as Coco.
ter’s degree, graduating in just a year and a half before accepting a job
With busy and often opposite schedules, she blocks both family time
teaching public speaking at the university. But she felt it was time for
and time when she and Grant can be together. She also emphasizes
something more. That’s where San Antonio enters the picture. Based
the importance of self-care: “You have to have balance. You can lose
on her accomplishments since then, it’s obvious that it’s the right fit.
yourself in your job, but you have to take care of your emotional, social
But she carries some lessons from her days as a social worker: “Listening and patience. That’s a big part of relationship building. You
and physical self.” With that, she believes in the power of journaling. “Writing out our
have to stop and listen. People want to be heard, even when they just
thoughts is important to make them a reality. Write them down or you’ll
need to vent. If you sit, listen, acknowledge their feelings, be there for
forget them. A lot of people talk about things but don’t do it. Write it
them—they’ll remember that.”
down, figure out a plan, then do it, ” she advises.
While she’s skilled at relationships, she’s also quick to point out, “Not
We have no doubt that’s just what she’ll make happen.
july/august 2017 | 37
W MOMMY MATTERS
5 Important Discussions To Have with Your Teens Before They Start High School BY PAMELA V. MILLER
W
hen we were children, it took very little to keep us happy during the summer. Ice cream, swimming and bike riding were enough to keep us entertained. Our parents’ biggest worries were scrapes, bumps and determining how long it had been since we ate so they could either approve or deny pool time. Those were much simpler times for us all. By the time we were ready to enter high school, no longer could our happiness be kept afloat by simple activities. Life became much more complex, with our happiness being determined by our success with friends and relationships. Our interests grew more focused on becom-
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ing or acting like adults, and our parents’ worries grew in number and intensity. They became engulfed in issues they could no longer mend or control. The summer before high school is like no other because it's the last chance parents have to prepare their teens for this next, very crucial stage in life. This new chapter is filled with emotions, experiences and exposure to situations that have the ability to change their lives permanently. The only way to ensure your teen’s success and safety is to provide them with the knowledge and guidance needed to make sound decisions during this tumultuous time.
So before sending them off to high school, here are five important discussions you need to have with your teens:
THE IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in October 2016, the unemployment rates for youth without a high school diploma were 24 percent for young men and 20 percent for young women. “In contrast, the jobless rates of young men and women with at least a bachelor's degree were 8.3 percent and 5.1 percent, respectively.” (1)
Having a high school diploma opens the door to attending college and, subsequently, more employment opportunities. Your teen needs to understand the importance of having an education, how their work in high school affects their college eligibility and the effect all of this will have on the rest of their life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 41 percent of high school students surveyed in 2015 admitted to having engaged in sexual behavior. Also in SEX 2015, “half of the nearly 20 million new sexually transmitted diseases reported each year were among young people, between the ages of 15 to 24” and “nearly 230,000 babies were born to teen girls aged 15–19 years.” (2) By the time they enter high school, it’s likely that your teens have already had a discussion about sex. However, this is a topic that bears reminding. TV, music and the internet have a way of glamorizing sex without fully explaining the dangers associated with engaging in the act. Educating your teens on sex and the risks involved is important to their health and future.
DRUGS AND ALCOHOL
“In 2015, the Monitoring the Future Survey reported that 10 percent of eighth-graders and 35 percent of twelfth-graders drank during the past 30 days, and 5 percent of eighthgraders and 17 percent of twelfth-graders binge drank during the past two weeks.” (3)
One of the scariest scenarios for a parent is answering a call from the police or hospital about their child. Teens need to know that in addition to endangering themselves, they could potentially harm others while under the influence. For this reason, it is imperative that you discuss the risks associated with underage drinking and drugs before they start high school.
FIND YOURSELF, BUT DON’T LOSE YOURSELF IN THE PROCESS
High school brings on many changes in teens, including being influenced by the behavior of their peers. Choosing the wrong crowd or behaviors to mirror makes them susceptible to negative situations and consequences. Having a discussion about integrity, responsibility and self-preservation before they start school can help them to make the right choices.
The transition from middle to high school can be a confusing and scary one. Our children need to know that they can count on HAVE AN “OPEN DOOR” their parents for support and guidance through these difficult years. You need to be POLICY able to trust them, but they also need to be able to trust you. Letting them know that they can come to you with concerns or questions is one of the best things you can do for your teens. Not only will it strengthen your relationship, but it can also prevent unnecessary damage from being done. Even if you think your teen is not listening, planting these seeds can go a long way. We all want to raise responsible and successful adults, but in order to do so, we need to provide them with the knowledge and guidance necessary to make the right decisions.
Resources: www.bls.gov/news.release/hsgec.nr0.htm. •. www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/sexualbehaviors/ www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/underage-drinking.htm
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Central Catholic High School
Keystone School
Saint Mary’s Hall
2017-2018
SAPRIVATESCHOOLS.COM SAPRIVATESCHOOLS.COM TMI – The Episcopal School
Saint Mary’s Hall
St. Thomas Episcopal School
SAPRIVATESCHOOLS.COM
San Antonio Families Continue to Support
PRIVATE SCHOOL OPTIONS BY PAMELA LUTRELL Saint Mary’s Hall
Enrollment numbers have grown, campuses are expanding, and new schools have opened with fresh opportunities for families in the area. Parents continue to support local private education for basically the same reasons. However, many local private schools have built new campuses or refreshed the old, making them even more attractive to local families. Kristan Schrader, school director for Colonial Hills United Methodist School, said, “Parents are always interested in class size and what their child will learn during a school year.”
SMALL CLASSES MEAN MORE ATTENTION TO YOUR CHILD The decision to send a child to a private school isn’t always based on religious beliefs or personal values, but rather on the small class and campus size that private schools often provide. Students may get more one-on-one attention and find a better atmosphere for study in a small classroom. Schools that encourage teachers, administrators, parents and students to work together may be more in tune to students' needs and help them thrive academically. Julie A. Saboe, director of admissions of The Winston School of San Antonio, said, “Most parents are looking for low teacher-to-student ratios in classrooms with a positive learning environment offering the student the opportunity to succeed and excel academically and in extracurricular activities. They seek teachers with the expertise and knowledge to meet the needs of diverse learners by employing unique teaching strategies, closely monitoring student progress and consistently communicating with the parent.”
CHOICE CURRICULUM Because they are not tied to the minimum standard requirements of public schools, many private schools offer more diverse curriculum options and college preparatory classes for students. Several local schools such as Saint Mary’s Hall offer philosophy, music and art courses that public schools no longer offer. Margaret Ann Casseb, director of admissions at St. Luke’s Episcopal School, said, 42 | sawoman.com
“ St. Luke’s offers an advanced curriculum with smaller class sizes providing each scholar a more personalized educational experience. Our innovative approach to learning in a faith-based environment adds to the uniqueness of our school.”
CO-ED VS. SAME-SEX ENVIRONMENTS Some studies have found that students study more, are less easily distracted and feel less self-conscious in schools and classrooms with children of their own gender. Some local private schools — Incarnate Word High School, Providence Catholic School, Central Catholic High School, San Antonio Academy and others — offer all-girl or all-boy classes. Of course, some parents believe that a co-educational setting provides better socialization options, so many local private schools are co-educational. Parents must decide what environment best meets their child’s educational needs. However, it is traditions such as this that send parents to consider Incarnate Word High School, said Taylor Numi, marketing and advertising coordinator.
THE IMPORTANCE OF SECOND-LANGUAGE LEARNING The internet, travel and international business options are making the world seem smaller and bringing people together from across the globe, so foreign language instruction is now more important
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than ever and ensures students will find more career options in their future. Some private schools in San Antonio offer half- and full-day programs in languages other than English, such as Spanish, French or even Mandarin. Using language immersion methods, students integrate language learning into their daily lives in a way that seems almost effortless and natural, just as first-language learning was when they were babies.
PREPARATION FOR COLLEGE AND THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY Many local private schools claim outstanding records of college placement and even provide counseling and programs to assist students in acceptance at prestigious universities. Most offer college preparatory coursework, college-credit and dual-participation high school classes and SAT/ACT testing prep courses. Some sponsor after-school volunteer programs, mentoring programs and internships. Some schools offer travel opportunities with parents and teachers to see museums and sites in Washington, D.C., New York and even Europe. One group of fourth-graders from a private school in Los Angeles recently flew to their state capital in Sacramento for a day of far-away field trips — something a public school class is unlikely to do. Many parents feel such opportunities may better prepare students for a university setting, where diversity, openness to other cultures and languages and strong firsthand knowledge of geography and the global community are valued and advantageous. “Parents choose Keystone because they love to see their children challenged to their full intellectual potential as they simultaneously enjoy an intimate, nurturing and diverse campus,” said Angela Rabke, director of communications at Keystone School.
PRIVATE SCHOOLS AND SPECIAL NEEDS Since all children have different gifts, skills sets and learning challenges, private schools are a place where an individual student’s needs may be considered. Whether a student has a physical, emotional or learning challenge, smaller private schools are often able to adapt to his specific needs. Often the small classroom size offers a setting where a child with special needs can get more individual attention and assistance.
Keystone School
tention, which is enhanced by small classroom sizes and low student-to-teacher ratios. They are also impressed with the number and quality of extracurricular opportunities for students to get involved with, from robotics and theater to athletics and service. TMI fosters the interests and passions of all our students.”
MORE AFFORDABLE THAN YOU THINK PRIVATE SCHOOLS AND SPORTS It is an oft-repeated fallacy that private schools don’t offer enough sports and other extracurricular activities. In truth, most private schools in our area offer football, basketball, soccer, softball and more and compete with other private schools’ teams across the city and state. Drama, debate teams, service organizations and more are available in private schools, as well as cheerleading, 4-H, Scouts, band and choir. If you think a private school won’t give your child an advantage in sports, consider this: In a small private school, a student is more likely to participate in games than he or she would be if they were enrolled in a large school where tens or hundreds of others could be vying with them for a place on the field. Stephanie Livsey, director of community relations/webmaster at TMI – The Episcopal School of Texas, said, “Individual attention and extracurricular opportunities are the two most important areas to parents when visiting TMI. During a Shadow Day visit, parents and students see how our dedicated faculty provides every student with individualized at-
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Some people believe private schools are exclusive places that only wealthy families can afford, but that’s not true. Many local private schools offer tuition and textbook scholarships, grants and other financial aid. For instance, one popular parochial school in San Antonio offers just over $1 million in financial aid to students. Many local private schools offer a discount to families who enroll more than one child in their schools, and some church-based schools have lower tuition rates for members of their church, synod, synagogue or parish. If you’ve always thought you couldn’t afford private school, make an appointment with an admissions counselor at the private school you’re interested in — you may be pleasantly surprised by the financial options that are available to your family. Many programs include scholarship opportunities. San Antonio’s educational community offers parents many quality selections throughout the city with great success stories for graduates. Summer is the perfect time to tour properties and hold lengthy discussions to have all questions answered.
SAN ANTONIO AREA DIRECTORY OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS The Academy at Morgan’s Wonderland Special Needs 5235 David Edwards Drive San Antonio, TX 78233 (210) 479-3311 www.morganswonderland.academy Acorn School Preschool – Kindergarten 3501 Broadway San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 826-8804 www.theacornschool.net Antioch Christian Academy K-6th Elementary School 227 Eross San Antonio, TX 78202 (210) 222-0159 www.acasat.com Antonian College Preparatory High School 6425 West Ave. San Antonio, TX 78213 (210) 344-9265 www.antonian.org The Atonement Academy PK – 12th 15415 Red Robin Rd. San Antonio, TX 78255
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(210) 695-2240 www.atonementonline.com Blessed Hope Academy High School 4930 Research Dr. San Antonio, TX 78240 (210) 697-9191 www.blessedhopeacademy.com Blessed Sacrament Catholic School PK – 8th 600 Oblate Dr. San Antonio, TX 78216 (210) 824-3381 www.blessedschool.com Bracken Christian School PK – 12th 670 Old Boerne Rd. Bulverde, TX 78163 (830) 438-3211 www.brackenchristian.com Brighton Center Special Needs School 14207 Higgins Rd. San Antonio, TX 78217 (210) 826-4492 www.brightonsa.org
The Buckner Fanning Christian School PK – 8th 975 Mission Spring San Antonio, TX 78258 (210) 721-4700 www.tsams.org Calvary Chapel Christian Academy K – 12th 2935 Pat Booker Rd., Ste. 118 San Antonio, TX 78148 (210) 658-8337 www.calvarysa.com/academy The Christian School at Castle Hills PK – 12th 2216 N.W. Military Hwy. San Antonio, TX 78213 (210) 377-8485 www.castlehills.school Central Catholic High School 9th -12th 1403 N. St. Mary’s San Antonio, TX 78215 (210) 225-6794 www.cchs-satx.org CHILD Montessori School Ages 2 – 5th grade 2829 Hunters Green St. San Antonio, TX 78231
SAPRIVATESCHOOLS.COM (210) 493-6550 www.childmontessori.org The Circle School Pre-K – 8th 217 Pershing Ave. San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 822-0461 www.thecircleschool.org Colonial Hills United Methodist School Pre-Kindergarten – Kindergarten 5247 Vance Jackson San Antonio, TX 78230 (210) 349-1092 www.colonialhills.info Concordia Lutheran School PK – 8th 16801 Huebner Rd. San Antonio, TX 78258 (210) 479-1477 www.clssatx.com Converse Christian School and Learning Center PK – 1st 9146 FM 78 Converse, TX 78109 (210) 659-0203 www.conversechristianschool.org
Cornerstone Christian School Kinder Campus K – 12th 8755 Stone Oak Parkway San Antonio, TX 78258 (210) 979-6161 (Elementary) (210) 979-9203 (High School) www.sa-ccs.org Crossroads Christian Academy PK – 6th 5834 Ray Ellison Blvd. San Antonio, TX 78242 (210) 623-4500 www.wherelifechanges.com/academy Discovery School of San Antonio Inc. PK – 1st 222 Salem Dr. San Antonio, TX 78201 (210) 344-3472 mydiscoveryschool.com Eisenhauer Road Baptist School PK – 6th 3950 Eisenhauer Rd. San Antonio, TX 78218 (210) 655-6831 www.erbcsa.org Eleanor Kolitz Academy K – 8th
12500 N.W. Military Hwy., Ste. 150 San Antonio, TX 78231 (210) 302-6900 www.ekhla.org First Baptist Academy PK – 12th 1401 Pat Booker Rd. Universal City, TX 78148 (210) 658-5331 www.fbauc.com Gateway Christian School K – 12th 6623 Five Palms San Antonio, TX 78242 (210) 674-5703, ext. 35 www.gw-school.org Geneva School of Boerne K – 12th 113 Cascade Caverns Rd. Boerne, TX 78015 (830) 755-6101 www.genevaschooltx.org The George Gervin Academy Pre-K – 12th 6944 South Sunbelt Dr. San Antonio, TX 78218 (210) 568-8800 www.gervin-school.org
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SAN ANTONIO AREA DIRECTORY OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS Grace Christian School K – 12th 7760 Prue Rd. San Antonio, TX 78249 (210) 265-8166 www.gracechristianschool-sa.com Hill Country Montessori School Ages 18 months – 12 years 50 Stone Wall Dr. Boerne, TX 78006 (830) 229-5377 www.hcmontessori.org Great Hearts Northern Oaks 17223 Jones Maltsberger Rd San Antonio, TX 78247 (210) 888-9483 www.greatheartsnorthernoaks.greatheartsacademies.org Holy Cross of San Antonio High School 9th -12th 426 N. San Felipe St. San Antonio, TX 78228 (210) 433-9395 www.holycross-sa.com Holy Name Catholic School K – 8th 3814 Nash Blvd. San Antonio, TX 78223
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(210) 333-7356 www.hncstx.org Holy Spirit Catholic School K – 8th 770 W. Ramsey San Antonio, TX 78216 (210) 349-1169 www.hscssa.org Holy Trinity Presbyterian Day School Ages 6 weeks – 3rd grade 16245 Nacogdoches Rd. San Antonio, TX 78247 (210) 599-7640 www.holytrinitypres.org/school Incarnate Word High School 9th -12th 727 E. Hildebrand San Antonio, TX 78212 (210) 829-3100 www.incarnatewordhs.org John Paul II Catholic High School 9th -12th 6720 FM 482 New Braunfels, TX 78132 (830) 643-0802 www.johnpaul2chs.org
Keystone School K – 12th 119 E. Craig Pl. San Antonio, TX 78212 (210) 735-4022, ext. 325 www.keystoneschool.org Little Flower Catholic School K – 8th 905 Kentucky Ave. San Antonio, TX 78201 (210) 732-9207 www.littleflowercatholicschool.org Lutheran High School of San Antonio 9th – 12th 18104 Babcock Rd. San Antonio, TX 78255 (210) 694-4962 www.lhssa.org MacArthur Park Lutheran Preschool Pre-K 2903 Nacogdoches Rd. San Antonio, TX 78217 (210) 822-5374 www.macparkelca.org Maranatha Adventist School K – 8th 2526 Goliad Rd. San Antonio, TX 78223
SAPRIVATESCHOOLS.COM (210) 333-8861 www.maranathasdaschool.netadvent.org Montessori Children’s House of SA Ages 18 months – 2nd grade 4911 Golden Quail Rd. San Antonio, TX 78240 (210) 558-8339 www.montessorichildrenshousesa,com Montessori School Int’l Ages 18 months – 6 years 8222 Wurzbach Rd. San Antonio, TX 78229 (210) 614-1665 www.msitexas.com Montessori Schoolhouse Ages 18 months – 12 years 10711 Dreamland Dr. San Antonio, TX 78230 (210) 341-0731 www.mymontessorischoolhouse.com The Montessori School of San Antonio 3-14 years 17722 Rogers Ranch Pkwy. San Antonio, TX 78258 (210) 492-3553 www.montessorisa.org
Mount Sacred Heart School 2 years – 8th grade 619 Mount Sacred Heart Rd. San Antonio, TX 78216 (210) 342-6711 www.mountsacredheart.org New Braunfels Christian Academy Pre-K thru 5th 995 Mission Hills Dr. New Braunfels, TX 78130 (830) 629-6222 www.nbchristianacademy.org New Braunfels Christian Academy Middle and High School 220 FM 1863 New Braunfels, TX 78132 (830) 629-1821 www.nbchristianacademy.org New Life Christian Academy Hybrid PK – 12th 6622 Hwy. 90 West San Antonio, TX 78227 (210) 679-6001 www.newlifehybrid.com Northwest Hills Christian School K – 8th 8511 Heath Circle Dr. San Antonio, TX 78250
(210) 522-1102 www.nwhcs.org Our Lady of Perpetual Help School K – 8th 16075 N. Evans Rd. Selma, TX 78154 (210) 651-6811 www.olphselma.org Palm Heights Christian Academy PK – 8th 1106 W. Malone Ave. San Antonio, TX 78225 (210) 923-8600 Providence Catholic School for Girls 6th -12th 1215 N. St. Mary’s St. San Antonio, TX 78215 (210) 224-6651, ext. 210 www.edline.net/pages/providence_HMS.net Legacy Christian Academy PK – 12th 2255 Horal St. San Antonio, TX 78227 Elementary: (210) 674-0490 Jr./Sr. High: (210) 645-4081 www.rainbowhillsschool.net
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SAN ANTONIO AREA DIRECTORY OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS River City Believers Academy PK – 12th 16765 Lookout Rd. Selma, TX 78154 (210) 656-2999 www.rcbaonline.com River City Christian School K – 12th 5810 Blanco Rd. San Antonio, TX 78216 (210) 384-0297 www.rivercitychristianschool.org Rolling Hills Academy K – 8th 21240 Gathering Oak San Antonio, TX 78260 (210) 497-0323 www.rollinghillscatholic.org Royal Point Academy K – 4th 9965 Kriewald Rd. San Antonio, TX 78245 (210) 674-5310 www.royalpointacademy.com Saint Mary’s Hall K – 12th 9401 Starcrest Drive San Antonio, TX 78217
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(210) 483-9100 www.smhall.org St. Andrew’s Weekday School and Great Beginnings Pre-K – Kindergarten 722 Robinhood Pl. San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 824-8737 www.standrewsumcschool.org St. Anthony Catholic High School 9th -12th 3200 McCullough Ave. San Antonio, TX 78212 (210) 832-5600 www.sachs.org St. Anthony Elementary School 205 W. Huisache San Antonio, TX 78212 (210) 732-8801 www.stanthonysa.org St. Cecilia School PK – 8th 118 Lowell St. San Antonio, TX 78210 (210) 534-2711 www.saintceciliaschool.org
St. David’s Episcopal School Preschool/Kinder from 16 months 1300 Wiltshire Ave. San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 824-2481 www.saintdavidschool.net St. George Episcopal School PK – 8th 6900 West Ave. San Antonio, TX 78213 (210) 342-4263 www.saintgeorgeschool.org St. Gerard Catholic High School 9th -12th 521 S. New Braunfels Ave. San Antonio, TX 78203 (210) 533-8061 www.stgerardsa.org St. Gregory the Great School PK – 8th 700 Dewhurst San Antonio, TX 78213 (210) 342-0281 www.saintgregorysa.com St. James the Apostle Catholic School PK – 8th 907 West Theo Ave. San Antonio, TX 78225
SAPRIVATESCHOOLS.COM (210) 924-1201 www.stjamesschoolsa.org St. John Berchmans School PK – 8th 1147 Cupples Rd. San Antonio, TX 78226 (210) 433-0411 www.sjbschool-sa.com St. John Bosco Elementary School PK – 8th 5630 W. Commerce San Antonio, TX 78237 (210) 432-8011 www.stjohnbosco-satx.org St. Leo the Great Catholic School PK – 8th 119 Octavia Pl. San Antonio, TX 78214 (210) 532-3166 www.stleothegreatschool.net St. Luke Catholic School PK – 8th 4603 Manitou Dr. San Antonio, TX 78228 (210) 434-2011 www.stlukecatholic.org
St. Luke’s Episcopal School PK – 8th 15 St. Luke’s Ln. San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 826-0664 www.sles-sa.org St. Margaret Mary Catholic School PK – 8th 1202 Fair Ave. San Antonio, TX 78223 (210) 534-6137 www.stmmcs.org St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School PK – 8th 1700 Clower St. San Antonio, TX 78201 (210) 735-1381 www.stmmsa.org St. Matthew Catholic School PK – 8th 10703 Wurzbach Rd. San Antonio, TX 78230 (210) 478-5099 www.smcssa.org St. Monica Catholic School PK – 8th 515 North St. Converse, TX 78109
(210) 658-6701 www.saintmonica.net St. Paul Catholic School PK – 8th 307 John Adams Dr. San Antonio, TX 78228 (210) 732-2741 www.stpaulroyals.org St. Paul’s Episcopal Montessori School Ages 18 months – 12 years 1018 E. Grayson St. San Antonio, TX 78208 (210) 271-2861 www.stpaulsmontessori.org St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles School PK – 8th 112 Marcia Pl. San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 824-3171 www.stpeterprince.org St. Pius X School PK – 8th 7734 Robin Rest Dr. San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 824-6431 www.stpiusxsa.org.
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SAN ANTONIO AREA DIRECTORY OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS St. Thomas Episcopal School PK – 5th 1416 N. Loop 1604 E. San Antonio, TX 78232 (210) 494-3509 www.stthomaskids.com
San Antonio Christian Schools PK – 12th 19202 Redland Rd. San Antonio, TX 78259 (210) 340-1864 www.sachristian.org
Sunnybrook Christian Academy PK – 12th 1620 Pinn Rd. San Antonio, TX 78227 (210) 674-8000 www.sunnybrooklions.com
St. Thomas More School PK – 8th 4427 Moana Dr. San Antonio, TX 78218 (210) 655-2882 www.st-thomas-more-school.org
San Antonio Country Day Montessori School 2 years – 6th grade 4194 Jung Rd. San Antonio, TX 78247 (210) 496-6033 www.countrydayschool.net
Sunshine Cottage for Deaf Children PK – 5th 603 E. Hildebrand San Antonio, TX 78212 (210) 824-0579 www.sunshinecottage.org
Salem Sayers Baptist Academy PK – 12th 5212 FM 1628 Adkins, TX 78101 (210) 649-1178 www.sayersacademy.com San Antonio Academy of Texas PK – 8th 117 E. French Pl. San Antonio, TX 78212 (210) 733-7331 www.sa-academy.org
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Scenic Hills Christian SDA PK – 9th 11223 Bandera Rd. San Antonio, TX 78250 (210) 523-2312 www.scenichills.academy Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran School PK – 8th 6914 Wurzbach Rd. San Antonio, TX 78240 (210) 614-3742 www.shlutheran.org
TMI — The Episcopal School of Texas 6th – 12th 20955 West Tejas Tr. San Antonio, TX 78257 (210) 698-7171 www.tmi-sa.org Town East Christian School PK – 12th 2030 Bible Blvd. San Antonio, TX 78220 (210) 648-2601 www.teeagles.org
SAPRIVATESCHOOLS.COM Trinity Christian Academy K – 12th 5401 N. Loop 1604 East San Antonio, TX 78247 (210) 653-2800 trinitychristianacademy-sa.com Trinity United Methodist School PK – 5th 5319 Newcome Dr. San Antonio, TX 78229 (210) 684-5214 www.trinityums.org Village Parkway Christian School PK – 5th 3002 Village Pkwy. San Antonio, TX 78251 (210) 680-8187 www.villageparkwaychristian.net The Winston School San Antonio PK – 12th 8565 Ewing Halsell Dr. San Antonio, TX 78229 (210) 615-6544 www.winston-sa.org
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WOMEN IN BUSINESS sawomanconnect.com
CONNECT
LINDA ELLIOTT
Make Connections – And Change Lives! BY LINDA ELLIOTT I’m in the business of making connections. Actually, so are you. The difference is that I make a living at it, and very likely, you don’t – or you don’t think you do. The reality is, you are probably making valuable connections every day, not only for yourself, but for others. You simply are not aware of it! Let me share a couple of true stories that will cause you to believe this world is truly small. I’ll try to prove true the wellknown adage “what goes around comes around” can happen in our little world of possibilities. Through a mutual acquaintance in Orange County, Calif., Susan Knox of Atlanta and I were connected. Our connector said he only knew two human beings who do what Susan and I do for a living and that we should get to know each other. We kept in touch for a couple of years and finally realized that it was time for us to “officially” meet. Susan came to San Antonio, and we knew as soon as I picked her up at the airport that this would be a magical connection. Susan and I have developed a bonding relationship. We recognize each other’s strengths and challenges, and we collaborate to conquer and overcome in all that we do together. We’ve started a bi-monthly newsletter called “Connection Insights” that is distributed to our respective colleagues and associates. It is our goal to connect people I know with those she knows. In other words, we are connecting Texas with Georgia! We are working with a couple of mutual clients. Both are from San Antonio, and she has introduced them to people in Atlanta. I’m meeting with people from Atlanta who want to do business in San Antonio. One particular client that we are both working with is MilTribe, a purpose-driven, online platform formed exclusively for verified active and veteran service members and their families to assist with integration into their military or civilian communities. The MilTribe Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, has been formed to raise funds to provide grants that assist military dependents in the ability to participate in academic, extracurricular, athletic and community programs. Susan and I have agreed to be the co-executive directors of this foundation. Now I segue to another true story. Shannon Badger, a fellow NAWBO member, asked me to meet with a good friend who needed some direction in her career path. I never like to say no to friends, so I agreed to do so. When I was told she was a residential Realtor, all I could think is how can I possibly offer any advice to a residential Realtor? Her friend, Lindsey Litton, called me, and we met for coffee at Starbucks. I was pleasingly impressed with Lindsey. She definitely had the tenacity and fortitude it takes to succeed in life, but there is a drawback for her. She is never in one place for long. Lindsey is an Air Force wife and has moved four times in her young married life. She knows what military families must go through and how tough it is to be uprooted every few years, only
to move to other communities, make new friends and switch careers. As I listened to her speak about her challenges of making it in the real estate business, it dawned on me that with her in-depth understanding of military life, she could carve out a niche market. I was excited about this “brilliant” idea. My enthusiasm and belief in her ignited a fire within her. She totally embraced the direction of making her company exclusively a military relocation business. Next I connected her with a dear friend named Pat, who was at that time working for the Joint Forces as the chief of marketing and Interactive Solutions for INCOM. He helped Lindsey put together a marketing plan to reach out to bases throughout the country. Part of that plan was to establish the Litton Group to serve as brokering agent for buying and selling homes for military families. Taking that plan a step further, Lindsey started the Milhousing Network (MHN), consisting of other military spouses in multiple communities. MHN is an online support site for military families that are relocating. It offers tips, advice and resources for all aspects of the moves. It’s all about spouses helping spouses. It is pretty amazing what has happened in such a short period of time. Lindsey and I had that fateful cup of coffee on Sept. 16, 2015. In 2016 she was the recipient of NAWBO’s Entrepreneurial Spirit Award for Rising Star. The Litton Group was also recognized as one of the top producing residential groups in the San Antonio market. In fact, under the new business model Lindsey met her first annual revenue goal in just two months! Lindsey now lives in Colorado Springs after her husband’s transfer, but the Litton Group continues to thrive in San Antonio, with her partner managing the business. Lindsey now focuses on growing the Milhousing Network throughout the country. MHN helps military spouses navigate their move with resources, Realtors and tools to ease their moving stress. Recall Pat, whom I introduced Lindsey to in the beginning? He connected her with the CEO of MilTribe. MHN has been named the relocation partner for MilTribe. Together, both MilTribe and MHN are able to better serve our soldiers and their families no matter where the military might take them. Remember also that MilTribe is Susan’s and my client. That initial meeting between Lindsey and me absolutely validates that “what goes around comes around.” Whoever would have dreamed that she and I would be reconnected through a mutual client? It is absolutely possible for you to be able to make life-changing connections for others or for you to be that lucky beneficiary of a connection that will change your own life. Just look what a conversation over a cup of coffee created for Lindsey, MilTribe and the Elliott-Knox team. Anything is possible!
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WOMEN IN BUSINESS
SPOTLIGHT
Joan Bailey Consultant for Mission Ridge Range and Academy (MRRA) What do you do? Business development for MRRA. Length of time on this project: Over a year. Why is your business special? With the current environment, my goal is to help educate women with gun safety, self-defense and overall safety awareness, a cornerstone at MRRA. Education/Major: University of the Incarnate Word, BA in communications. What career path led you to where you are today? For many years, I managed a corporate underwriting program for Bexar County Medical Society, interacting with over 4,500 physicians. Working with these professionals encouraged me to establish my own consulting business. When did you know you were in the right place in your career? I was at a crossroads and was approached by a colleague with a challenging and wonderful opportunity that would make a difference in women’s education about firearms and safety. 60
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Who were your mentors? I had the great opportunity to work with Steve Fitzer, executive director, Bexar County Medical Society. He was honest, fair and a great mentor. What do you enjoy doing on your day off? Playing golf and cards (onze!) with my girlfriends. What is your favorite vacation? Returning to the mountains of North Carolina where I vacationed as a kid. What do you like to do in your spare time? Walk my dogs. What type of music do you like? R&B and Carolina beach music. What is your favorite movie? Being There. Who has been the biggest influence in your life? My parents were my biggest cheerleaders, and my father constantly challenged me to reach my potential.
What community groups or nonprofit groups do you support? The Animal Defense League of Texas (oldest no-kill shelter of Texas). I am serving as chairmen of the seventh annual Fur Ball on Thursday, March 29, 2018, at the Witte Museum. For more information, go to adltexas.org. Another passion of mine has been the Leukemia Lymphoma Society Man & Woman of the Year campaign. I also have been a longtime supporter of the San Antonio Library Foundation. Do you have a favorite restaurant? Café Dijon, Chris Madrid’s and anything Mexican! How do you find balance in your life — career, community and home life? What is balance? Hahaha…. What is the best advice that you have ever received? Don’t sweat the small stuff …. and, in the scheme of life, it’s all small stuff. People would be surprised to know that… I got my concealed handgun license over five years ago.
BUSINESS CALENDAR Every Tuesday Business Mixer Luncheon Braza Brava Pizza Napoletana 7959 Broadway St. #300 11:30am Meet up every Tuesday at Braza Pizza for great networking opportunities. Good times meeting new people and business owners. You will have 2 minutes to talk about your business. Bring a friend and lots of business cards! This event is FREE.
August 2 North SA Women’s Chamber of Commerce SBA (8)a Business Development Program Overview SA District Office 615 E Houston St. Ste. 298 11:30am – 12:30pm
July 5 North SA Chamber of Commerce SBA 8(a) Business Development Program Overview SA District Office 615 E Houston St. Ste. 298 11:30am – 12:30pm
August 9 NAFE Old San Francisco Steakhouse 10223 Sahara Dr. Check-in & Networking 11:30 – 11:45am Lunch & Speaker 11:45 – 12:30pm Opportunity Networking 1 – 1:30pm
July 11 NAWBO Cocktail Connections Location: TBD 5:30 – 7:30pm July 12 NAFE Meeting Old San Francisco Steakhouse 10223 Sahara Dr. Check-in & Networking 11:30 – 11:45am Lunch & Speaker 11:45 – 12:30pm Opportunity Networking 1 – 1:30pm July 25 SA Women’s Chamber of Commerce Bloom Business Program Location: TBD 11am – 1pm July 26 SA Women’s Chamber of Commerce Networking Mixer Location: TBD 5:30 – 7:30pm
August 8 NAWBO Member Orientation Location: TBD 8:30 – 10:30am
August 18 North SA Chamber of Commerce 2017 Mayors Vision for San Antonio Hyatt Regency SA Riverwalk 123 Losoya St. 11am – 1pm August 24 NAWBO WMB Luncheon Petroleum Club 8620 N New Braunfels Ave. #700 11:30am – 1pm August 29 SA Women’s Chamber of Commerce Bloomberg Business Program (Graduation) Location: TBD 11am – 1pm
July 27 NAWBO WMB Breakfast Petroleum Club 8620 N New Braunfels Ave # 700 7:30 – 9am
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PROFILE
Women in Law Relationships and Expertise Equal Better Client Outcomes BY IRIS GONZALEZ
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARTIN WADDY
There are two professionals every business owner eventually needs: an accountant and a lawyer. For entrepreneurs just starting or already running a small business, many may wonder if they need a business lawyer. Those beginning with little extra capital to spare may think to hire an attorney experienced with business matters only when they are confronting a legal issue. Instead, it’s helpful to think of retaining the services of a trusted legal adviser as a cost of doing business that can save money and help your business over time. The four business law attorneys profiled agreed prevention is the best way to avoid paying considerable attorney costs at a later point in your business, especially if a legal mistake results in additional costs and consequences. A consultation arrangement with a business attorney can provide the business owner with legal guidance on almost every aspect of their enterprise, from basic zoning compliance and copyright and trademark advice to formal business incorporation, lawsuits and liability.
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WOMEN IN BUSINESS An enduring legacy of integrity Catherine Stone Langley & Banack, Incorporated Attorneys and Counselors at Law 745 E Mulberry Avenue, Ste 900 www.langleybanack.com
After growing up in a mill town in northern Maine, practical considerations drove Catherine Stone to pursue a career in law. Following a long career as a judge, she retired for six weeks before returning to the law firm where she tried her first big case — Langley & Banack. “I served as a briefing attorney at the Fourth Court of Appeals for a one-year term upon graduating from law school at St. Mary’s — law school is what brought me to San Antonio,” Stone said. “I met my husband going to college in Massachusetts; it was my Texan husband who brought me to Texas.” Once she finished law school, there was no question for Stone of leaving San Antonio. She loved its diversity, the military presence, its vibrant culture and the friendliness of its people. After working as a lawyer for almost 12 years, she served on the Fourth Court of Appeals in San Antonio for nearly 21 years, the last six years as chief justice. She judged civil and criminal cases appealed from lower courts in South Texas and the Hill Country. Back at private practice at Langley & Banack, Stone heads its appellate practice group, in which she practices in many areas of law, including business law. As both an appellate lawyer and an appellate judge, she draws upon her varied legal experiences. “As a judge, I enjoyed the mix of the academic study of law and the practical application of law in various cases I judged,”
Stone said. “As an appellate judge, you rule on everything, from criminal cases to business cases large and small, so there is great exposure to businss in that regard.” After decades in San Antonio, Stone uses her extensive knowledge of how businesses both large and small navigate the legal landscape in her practice. “I’ve learned so much every single day, I feel that my work as a lawyer is not unlike my work as a judge,” she said. “I see the human element driving all aspects of business law, since it’s always about the people behind all businesses, regardless of a company’s size.” Talking to the retired judge, one quickly realizes Stone considers her ability to help others challenge injustice as one of the privileges of possessing a law degree. Over her long legal career, Stone has developed a reputation as a fair professional practicing law with integrity. “I give people the benefit of the doubt—it’s the best I can give you as a client,” she said. It’s no surprise the first piece of advice Stone offers anyone starting a legal career is to “remember no amount of money is worth losing your good name. Once you start your practice, find a mentor with a good reputation, not just in the practice of law, but someone who is compassionate as well. People are honored to be asked to be a mentor.”
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PROFILE personal relationships foundation for success Dawn Finlayson Barton, East & Caldwell 700 N. St. Mary’s Street, Suite 1825 www.beclaw.com
For Dawn Finlayson, her father, noted Dallas lawyer Fred Bruner, drew her into the practice of law. As she was growing up, Finlayson’s father ensured she had a front-row seat to history. At 17, she accompanied him to the U.S. Supreme Court, listening to his arguments on behalf of his client, the physician in the Roe v. Wade case. Her father also represented Jack Ruby, the nightclub owner who shot and killed President John F. Kennedy’s assassin, Lee Harvey Oswald. An accomplished litigator, Finlayson focuses her practice on employment law. Her clients include all types of businesses, including large publicly held companies, large and small private corporations and various types of governmental entities. She represents companies and government agencies at every level of employee negotiation and dispute, from the drafting of employment agreements and employment handbooks to the representation of companies before local, state and federal administrative agencies, as well as employment-related litigation. Finlayson attended St. Mary’s Law School and decided to stay in San Antonio with her husband, who is a native. She started her career in the federal court, working for then-federal Judge William S. Sessions, who would go on to become the FBI director in the Clinton administration. “My work on the federal court led to my focus in employment law because so much of employment law is federal law oriented,” Finlayson said. What strikes Finlayson about practicing law in San Antonio are the deep roots of the legal community and how much rela-
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tionships matter. Building these enduring relationships takes time but pays dividends. “People know they can trust me, and I know I can trust them,” she said. “It’s less expensive for the clients, too, because what you are working toward is a resolution of the client’s issues. Building relationships means there are better outcomes for the clients.” Representing so many companies in employment legal cases, Finlayson advises business owners to be proactive. “The growing pains of a startup are, in many cases, avoidable,” she said. “It’s better when you can work with business before the ‘big bad thing’ happens to avoid those problems.” She meets many clients once they’ve made a legal mistake, which becomes an expensive lesson, a one-time event before they understand the proper way to operate the enterprise. “Find counsel with whom to work on a daily basis, a trusted counselor who can guide your business through its different stages,” Finlayson advised. “Your counsel can direct you to the appropriate specialized lawyer if you need it, much like your doctor would refer you to another specialist.” For lawyers starting their careers, Finlayson recommends they consider taking a government position because one can focus on an aspect of federal law and develop an expertise. That initial government experience can take you far, especially if you look for mentors. “Look for people of integrity and knowledge— choose wisely whom to work with, especially when you first start,” Finlayson suggested.
WOMEN IN BUSINESS UNDERSTANDING ‘NO’ TO GET TO ‘YES’ Katherine Noll Dykema Cox Smith 112 E. Pecan Street, Suite 1800 www.dykema.com
Katherine Noll has a broad-based federal income tax practice focused on a diverse range of complex tax issues, including business transactions, executive compensation, employee benefits and tax-exempt organizations. She understands well business needs, given her work in the finance industry before law school, including several years’ work at a commercial bank. As she advises businesses on strategic tax issues in mergers and acquisitions, formation of business ventures and asset and stock dispositions, Noll has developed a reputation for her innovative solutions to negotiating complex tax codes. Representing individuals, closely held businesses, publicly traded corporations and tax-exempt organizations in IRS audits, as well as handling federal and state administrative appeals and litigation in U.S. Tax Court and U.S. District Court, she understands there is more than one way to approach a complex tax issue. Born and raised in San Antonio, Noll went to Baylor University as an undergraduate. Afterward she worked in Dallas doing financial analysis, then commercial lending, in an institutional bank. That experience led her to law school and a master’s degree in tax before returning home to San Antonio. As a tax lawyer Noll works to build a rapport with her clients and in negotiating with the other parties involved. “By understanding the other side, I can negotiate the best outcome for my
client,” she said. As she continues to work on regulatory issues, Noll finds herself focusing on the root causes. “I’m the one looking to know why,” she said. “If I get a ‘no,’ I work to understand the ‘why’ behind that ‘no’ answer. If I can change the variables going into that ‘no,’ I know I can change the outcome.” At the Dykema Cox Smith law firm for her career to date, Noll understands that “more than in other towns in Texas, relationships are imperative to establish if you’re practicing law here in San Antonio.” As for new lawyers, Noll would recommend they focus and develop strengths. She leveraged her analytical skills into a tax law practice. “Figure out what differentiates you from everyone else,” she said. “I’m known as ‘the creative solution lawyer’—once you figure out your value proposition, you can focus on how to best use your strengths in order to be successful.” To do well in business law, one must first understand how businesses work in order to help clients understand their business needs. While it may be overwhelming at first, learning business operations in order to practice business law is part of becoming a seasoned attorney. “Remember not to be intimated when you first start in law,” Noll said. “The expert in anything was once a beginner.”
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PROFILE
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
INVESTED IN SUCCESSFUL CLIENT OUTCOMES Sasha Begum and Juanita Peláez-Prada Begum Peláez-Prada Law 5826 Interstate 10 Frontage Road www.bp-law.com
Sasha Begum has over 10 years’ experience in domestic and international corporate matters, working for large companies assisting startups from inception through the growth stage and beyond. She started her career at Bracewell & Giuliani’s Houston office, where she worked in real estate, infrastructure and oil and gas companies. From there she moved to Baker & McKenzie’s and spent the last six years working as Cardtronics’ associate general counsel before deciding to start her own firm in San Antonio. Juanita Peláez-Prada counsels clients in civil litigation matters, including business and commercial disputes, labor and employment matters, family law disputes and intellectual property and trademark controversies. Her experience as a litigator serves her in assisting and counseling her clients in legal compliance, assessing risks and developing strategies for avoiding litigation. She also assists corporate clients with general business issues, including corporate formation and dissolution and contract negotiations. Peláez-Prada and Begum’s long-standing partnership started as a friendship while they were still in high school. Each has a decade of legal experience and can offer business clients Peláez-Prada’s litigation and real estate experience, while Begum addresses corporate and transactional law. A third lawyer in their firm specializes in immigration law. The two decided to start their own firm in 2016 while on a play date with their respective young sons, who are each 4 years old now. An added strength they possess is that both are perfectly fluent in both Spanish and English, thus able to cater to Mexican nationals who need legal counsel for their businesses and immigration issues. Both eagerly agreed that in order to be a partner in your client’s success you should be able to speak their first language and understand their culture. For Begum and Peláez-Prada, being bicultural and bilingual are assets to their legal practice in San Antonio. Peláez-Prada spoke about how her family moved to San Antonio from Dallas because they found San Antonio to be a welcoming city with a rich cultural heritage. Begum, born and raised in Brownsville, attended high school at Saint Mary’s Hall, where she met Peláez-Prada. What prompted her to pursue law was her mother’s negative experience selling
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her business and using a lawyer who did not represent her business interests well. “My mom had cancer and needed an attorney to sell her business,” Begum said. “She was not protected from business liabilities in that sale, but she didn’t know any better. I want to make sure that doesn’t happen to anyone else, so I walk my clients through the entire process so they know what to expect and they understand what they are signing.” Begum’s advice to those starting out is to remember to leverage the skills acquired in your legal education: “You can use your legal education in many ways because law school teaches you to think critically, and that can be applied to many professions.” Peláez-Prada points out how San Antonio is a unique market for lawyers because of the importance placed on maintaining relationships. She advises, “Think of being more than a lawyer— in essence, you are a partner with your clients, helping their businesses prosper and succeed. We’re invested in their outcomes, and I would recommend anyone starting out approach their practice in much the same way.”
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Women on the Move GRACE ABREGO Re/Max Associates (San Antonio) is pleased to welcome Grace Abrego as a new Realtor on staff. She is a San Antonio native and bilingual. After graduating from John Jay High School, Grace attended San Antonio Community College. Her real estate career spans 15 years as a licensed agent and includes mortgage lending experience plus extensive knowledge of the home inspection process.
VERONICA EDWARDS San Antonio native and InGenesis founder and CEO, Veronica Muzquiz Edwards has officially become “Dr. Edwards,” completing her doctorate in business administration from the University of the Incarnate Word, where her research focused on disaster preparedness and crisis leadership. She also serves as chairperson of the International Organization for Standardization, Technical Committee 304, which sets global standards in health care organization administration.
CRISTINA MORALES HEANEY The National Association of Women Business Owners® (NAWBO) appointed Cristina Morales Heaney, of US Safety Services, to the 2017-2018 Board of Directors. The board, composed of leading women business owners from across the country, will continue NAWBO’s mission of elevating women into greater economic, professional, social and political spheres worldwide.
JUNE MOYNIHAN June Moynihan was promoted to executive director of the San Antonio Bar Association. During her tenure, she’s achieved the organization’s largest fundraising goals; revitalized its Fellows Program; reorganized its pro bono project, the Community Justice Program; led efforts in strategic planning; and most recently won a State Bar of Texas award for her flagship project, Law Week 2016
CATHERINE REED Catherine Reed of Bradshaw Designs received her NCIDQ certification in June. To earn the coveted title, a candidate must study at an accredited university, work for two years under a registered designer, and pass a series of three exams. After graduating with honors from Texas Christian University in 2014, she joined the team at Bradshaw Designs and began working toward her certification.
MADHU SRIDHAR Madhu Sridhar was elected president of the League of Women Voters of the San Antonio Area. She will lead the nonpartisan political organization in its mission of encouraging informed and active participation in government, increasing understanding of major public policy issues, and influencing public policy through education and advocacy. She is a past president of the Massachusetts League of Women Voters and possesses leadership and management experience in the corporate and nonprofit sectors.
LYNN WEIRICH Lynn is a founding member of NAWBO-SA. With her leadership, NAWBO-SA founded a scholarship program that has awarded over $200,000 to young women entrepreneurs. Lynn was recently invited to serve at a national level on NAWBO’s Council on Health Care, Pension, and Workforce Issues. Lynn is president of Business Financial Group. Securities and advisory services are offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser.
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If you are a WOMAN ON THE MOVE and would like to announce your promotion or move to a new company, please contact our editor, pamela@sawoman.com.
SUMMER SLIDE: Not a Cool New Dance That’s Sweeping the Nation BY MOLLY COX
Summer slide is the tendency for students to lose some of the achievement gains they have made during the school year. I realize that this statement can be deflating. Summer is for fun and relaxation and raspas, after all. Research says your child needs about two to three hours of learning per week during summer vacation to prevent learning loss. A Johns Hopkins study showed that low-income students lose more than two months in reading achievement. And regardless of income level, most students lose two months of grade-level equivalency in math skills every summer. The National Summer Learning Association (NSLA) found that teachers spend anywhere from three to six weeks at the beginning of the year re-teaching material from the previous school year. And academics aren’t the only thing at risk during the summer. Your kid’s physical fitness also takes a hit. Studies show that children should be limited to two hours a day or less of screen time — that’s video games, watching TV or messing about on their computer or phone — while they should get about one hour of physical activity per day. So… what can you do about it?
College Signing Day 2017 Photo By VanessaVelasquez
Remember that “Eight is Great” “Reading at least eight books over the summer helps kids maintain their reading skill level during the months they are not in school,” says Mary Flannigan, director of communications and partnerships at San Antonio Youth Literacy. “But a key point is self-selection. The opportunity for your child to select and read what they are interested in, rather than what is on level or what they ‘should read,’ is very important.” SRG Force Provides After School Programming Courtesy Photo
Create something or experience something “Arts-based learning is like sneaking the vegetables into the sauce. By simply adding a creative activity into daily schedules, students foster their natural curiosity. Encourage your kids to seek opportunities to learn and express themselves,” advises Nicole Amri, program director of SAY Sí. “Start with something as simple as giving them a journal to record their experiences over the summer through drawing, writing or photography. San Antonio is also rife with ongoing and free arts and cultural activities for the whole family, which engages them in social ways as well.”
Get creative with physical activity Alfred Chavira, the director of health and wellness at Any Baby CanSan Antonio, says, “Kids respond well to games with parent participation and friendly competition. For example, create an obstacle course in your backyard with five to seven obstacles in which kids can compete with you or their siblings. We all hate working out but enjoy activities that, in the end, result in us increasing physical activities, like dance breaks. Creativity is a must with endless possibilities for parents to use.”
Give back and get involved Volunteering has been shown to create a sense of self-worth and instill self-esteem. And students who participate in community service are more likely to graduate from high school than those who don’t. At SA2020, we connect people to organizations that are working in the areas about which they are most passionate. So sit down with your family and talk to them about our community challenges, then spend some time this summer volunteering to become part of the solution. Find a handy-dandy list of organizations, like the ones who gave such solid advice above, at SA2020.org/partners. Maybe, instead, you’d like to invest dollars rather than time. You can do that, too. In fact, a study recently funded by Excel Beyond the Bell San Antonio showed that for every dollar invested in their partner agencies’ programs, $3.66 in benefits to the community is generated. Find more information at beyondthebellsa.org. After celebrating the end of another school year and relaxing for a bit, we hope you and your kids make this a summer of action. And maybe you could also learn one of those new dances sweeping the nation!
W BOOMERS
Caring for Loved Ones: The Nuts and Bolts Behind Quality Home Care BY DAWN ROBINETTE
It’s a story facing families every day: Mom has had mild dementia for a while, but she and Dad have been married 48 years, and it’s his “job” to take care of her. So he compensates, compromises his own care and ends up in the hospital himself. The family never knew how advanced Mom’s dementia had gotten, because Dad covered it so well. Now they both need help.
The details may vary, but at some point, everyone is faced with a situation that requires home health care or home care. Understanding your options so you’re prepared to make decisions for your family and loved ones is key. Home care and home health care sound interchangeable, but they’re vastly different. Home health care requires a doctor’s prescription, is paid for by health insurance and involves the services of skilled labor, such as licensed nurses or therapists. Home care is a much wider array of services, including everything from companionship (so someone is not home alone) to personal grooming and other activities of daily living. Home care does not require a prescription, is usually paid for privately or through long-termcare insurance, can range from a few hours a day/a few days a week to 24-hour care and is not provided by skilled labor. Unskilled labor does not mean untrained — it simply means someone who is not licensed, but the companies providing the care services are licensed and regulated by the state. What can be arranged with home care? The simple answer is almost any service an individual needs. It could be simple things that an individual can no longer manage on their own, such as personal care, meal preparation, light housekeeping, transportation for medical appointments or general errands, and medication reminders. It also includes companionship — someone to be with them and engage them in activities. Home care can provide moderate to total assistance with tasks such as safely taking a shower, getting dressed and other grooming activities. This can be temporary, as when someone is recovering after 72 | sawoman.com
surgery or an illness, or long term, with the services provided adjusting as the needs of the individual change. “We work with people on a short-term basis, post hospitalization, helping them manage their needs until they’ve fully recovered, as well as long-term patients who need regular assistance,” explains Andres Cruz, alternate administrator with Pride PHC Services in San Antonio. If short-term personal care sounds simple, it’s not. Personal care — helping someone safely take a shower, get dressed and tackle other grooming activities — is essential. Meal preparation and grocery shopping are important because balanced meals are needed to help someone maintain their health. Medication reminders, and ensuring that medication is taken, is key. Organizing appointments, keeping a social calendar, ensuring that the home is tidy and safe — all of that helps someone maintain their independence. It also relieves overwhelmed family members who may be trying to juggle all of that around their jobs and other commitments. “Home care allows someone to stand in for the family so they can maintain their schedule, continue to be breadwinners and manage their lives in addition to being responsible for a loved one’s care,” explains Dawn Hamilton with Caring Companions. “Statistics show that the health of a caregiver declines 50 percent faster than the individual that’s ill. Caregivers ultimately wear themselves down and set themselves up for failure because they’re trying to do everything on their own,” explains Hamilton. She speaks from personal experience after navigating the needs and care of her husband, John, who lost his battle with Lewy Body Dementia earlier this year. She tried to handle his care on her own, but ultimately turned to
home care for help. “Life has to go forward. You still have to have your livelihood. You still have to maintain your schedule, but your loved one needs care. It’s overwhelming.” says Hamilton. Home care also allows family members to be family, versus caregivers. “Providing care for a family member is hard on your health; it’s stressful and changes the dynamics of your relationship. There’s nothing wrong with simply wanting to be the daughter versus the care provider,” explains Jackie Robb, director of operations for Home Instead Health Care. “If your loved one doesn’t live with you, or lives far away, home care providers are the extra hands/eyes/ears you need, giving the family and health providers information on the individual, while ensuring that they take their medication, are eating properly and are safe.” Working with a home care provider begins with an in-home consultation to assess each individual’s needs and to customize a personal plan of care. The assessment recommends the number and length of visits that will address the needs of each individual — there’s no set standard. “We talk to families and individuals, review the status of the home and what the individual needs, then make a recommendation based on the services needed,” explains Robb. “We also do safety risk assessments, checking the home environment for scattered rugs, cords that are in the way — things that could cause falls. We even help clear clutter to help make an environment as safe as possible.” One aspect of home care that is highly customizable is frequency of care. Clients can request services only as needed, or just a few days a week. Some may need help daily for two, four, eight or 12 hours, but are safe alone at night, while others may need help around the clock to help with all aspects of daily living. Some agencies may schedule as short as a two-hour visit, while others have a four-hour minimum, so that’s something to consider when reviewing home care providers. In Texas, licensed home care providers are known as Home and Community Support Service Agencies that are licensed and regulated by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services, or DADS. DADS visits each provider regularly to ensure they are following all mandated regulations, often making unscheduled visits to review care logs and recordkeeping. They also follow up on complaints — any client has the right to report a provider to DADS. When reviewing home care options, research the agencies you’re talking to and ask about their history, license status and training. Ask to see a copy of their license and proof of their liability insurance and bonding. Ask what their billing procedures and operating hours are. Do they have a back-up plan in place in the event that a scheduled caregiver is unavailable? How long have they been in business under the current owner? What is the background of the management staff? “Mostly, how comfortable do you feel when you call the office or visit with the staff? Does it seem like they genuinely care about you and your family’s needs? I know this sounds odd, but do you get the ‘warm fuzzies’ when you talk with them? It’s important for you to feel that they care,” explains Cruz. “Call the agency at different times of the day. If it takes two days to get a call back, that’s probably the response you can expect when you have a need.
“And know that you can always change agencies if you decide that the service is not meeting your expectations.” july/august 2017 | 73
-Kind, Caring
Assistance & Resources
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BEAUTY SUPPLIES
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SENIOR CONCIERGE
Adam’s Gift provides the world with all natural beauty products to soften, exfoliate and nourish your skin. We aim to put a smile on your face and provide a unique experience to each person that uses our product.
SENIOR BLESSINGS “Offering The Gift Of Time”
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Caring Companion Non-Medical, Shopping, Transportation & Escort, Home Organization. Bonded, Insured, Screened, Private Pay. Se Habla Español, Belinda Torres Hernandez Complimentary Consultation & Gift Certificates. 210.632.8000 www.SeniorBlessings.com Serving North Central San Antonio
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CARPET AND UPHOSTERY CLEANING
At Edward Jones, we meet with you to learn your individual needs so we can develop a strategy to help achieve your long-term financial goals. See how personal service can make a difference.
SELF DEFENSE
Anna’s Chem-Dry
Anna’s Chem-Dry is a carbonated carpet & upholstery cleaning service. We specialize in Spot Removal, pet stains/odors and 24 hour water removal.
My mission is to equip, empower and educate women to protect themselves and their families. Don't be a statistic.... Owners Anna L. & Randy Counts Independently Owned & Operated Commercial & Residential
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DENTAL SERVICES
CREATIVE REAL ESTATE SOLUTIONS E.D. Real Estate Ventures LLC Offering creative solutions for your real estate problems
• We buy “as-is” • No repairs needed • Fast closings • Pre foreclosure • Foreclosure • Estate homes • Inherited homes • Back taxes • Homes in Disrepair • Can’t Afford the Mortgage Payments any longer?
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Geriatric Dental Group of South Texas 5282 Medical Drive, Suite 104 San Antonio, TX 78229
Specializing in the aging mouth, personalized cosmetic dentures, solutions for darkened or stained teeth, brittle teeth, and non-surgical gum disease treatment. Special expertise with Alzheimer's and dementia patients. On site dental lab and walkers and wheelchairs welcome. Ask about our mobile dentistry services!
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MEDICARE
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We provide clients with biblical truths for restoration with daily life challenges, such as unresolved past hurts, marriage problems, abuse, etc. We service children, adolescents and adults. Our philosophy is: God is never the problem. He is always the solution.
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Dr. Marie Priestly 210.325.9418 www.rpcc.us
HOME HEALTH CARE
WELLNESS
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Back are the DAYS when a visit is by the Doctor, not to the Doctor!
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Fitness Instructor I have spent a lifetime in the field of physical fitness and my focus is on wellness, nutrition, flexibility and strength. My goal is to help people live, function, and feel better everyday through simple deep breathing, meditation and movement. Seniors, Corporate and Military.
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PERSONAL ATTENDENT SERVICES
PROPERTY DAMAGE EXPERTS
PRIDE PHC SERVICES is a San Antonio, Woman owneroperated business. Pride’s mission is to advocate for indeCindy Cruz, RN pendence by providing personal care services that improve the quality of life and overall well being of the individuals Owner/President 210.949.1303 we proudly serve.
We are the “Paramedics of Property Damage” Please call us in the unfortunate event of a water or fire emergency! We are a locally, family-owned business that provides 24/7 emergency services.
IN HOME CARE
HOME HEALTH CARE & HOSPICE
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DANIEL CASTILLO 5460 Babcock Rd Ste. 120C San Antonio, TX 78240
“Exceptional Provider Service, nurse owned & operated agency. Providing “Exceptional” Care! Rates starting at: $14/hr based on acuity with NO MINIMUMS! Serving San 210.569.9561 Antonio, surrounding cities. Available 24/7! Call Today for a free consultation. www.exceptionalproviderservice.com
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DANIEL CASTILLO 7400 Louis Pasteur Dr San Antonio TX 78229 210-231-0435 "Premier Home Health and Hospice is a Nurse Owned and Operated Agency located in San Antonio with coverage of up to a 50 mile radius. Services include: Nursing, Home Heath Aide, and Therapy Services."
HOLISTIC HEALTH
FINANCIAL SERVICES My name is Charles Common, I am a financial professional with New York Life. offering many products from family protection, long term care, retirement account tax strategies. mortgage protection, as well as business tax strategies to name a few. New York Life Insurance Company 8000 IH 10 West Suite 800 • San Antonio, TX 78230
Charles Common O: (210) 342-7878 C: (210) 897-7247
With 30+ years of experience in the health care, senior and palliative care management. Amira works with her client’s body, mind and spirit to lead them on their path to wellness with better health, Amira Abdelkader, RN improved nutrition, minimizing aches and pain and gaining (210) 858-7523 more energy. www.jamilina.com Bgreat2start@gmail.com
RESOURCES FOR SENIORS
BOOKKEEPING & TAX SERVICES
H.U.G.S. Foundation, Inc. (Helping U Grow Strong)
We are an organization dedicated to assistance with mental health care and home placement for victims of sexual abuse and trafficking. We understand their critical needs to feel safe and become healthy members of society once again.
KEN SMALL
210-724-8631
kensmall@thehugsfoundation.org
www.thehugsfoundation.org
AUTO INSPECTORS
Inspect Auto Inc. Peter S. Flores
(210) 287-2299 inspectautoinc.com Our job as a mobile inspection service company is to help clients know what flaws a vehicle may have before they purchase or sell. Questions...Give us a call!
For additional information on resources for seniors visit:
www.SeniorSanAntonio.com
W HEALTH
Seeing Clearly: Eye Health in the Age of Technology BY DAWN ROBINETTE
If you find yourself rubbing your eyes while enjoying this issue of SAN ANTONIO WOMAN, don’t blame the magazine. Blame your blink rate. “Studies show that our blink rate decreases by 50 percent when concentrating on something. That could be reading, driving or screen time — any time you’re ‘in the zone’,” explains Dr. Allison Young. “We normally blink 12 to 15 times a minutes, but when we’re concentrating, it goes down to six times a minute. You have to replenish your tear film. In other words, remind yourself to blink.” As we find ourselves increasingly tied to screens — you can even read this magazine online — digital eye strain is becoming more prevalent. It’s something that Dr. John Nevelow, an optometrist and fellow of the American Academy of Optometry with Nevelow Eye Associates in San Antonio, sees frequently. “I have patients who have difficulty refocusing from their screens back to another image — the paperwork they may be working from or seeing out of the window. They may have trouble adjusting their vision from the office for their drive home. They blame their glasses and come in for a new prescription. But their prescription hasn’t changed—it’s digital eye strain,” says Dr. Nevelow. Standard symptoms of digital eye strain are tired eyes, headaches, trouble focusing and eyes that feel sandy or gritty. “That gritty feel is dryness,” explains Dr. Young, a board-certified ophthalmologist and a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology at Stone Oak Ophthalmology Center. Trouble focusing is actually trouble refocusing: getting your eye to adjust from the near vision required for screen work to the distant vision needed for driving. Why is it so hard to focus on a screen and then change your gaze to something else? Both doctors Young and Nevelow point out that humans’ eyes were designed for distance vision, not the close work that screen time requires. “We were supposed to be out hunting, gathering, ranching, whatever, but we’re inside. Our eye muscles have to contract more than they were designed to,” explains Dr. Young. “When you’re concentrating on something close, there’s a muscle in your eye that’s literally flexing to help you see. Think of it as sitting with your biceps flexed all the 76 | sawoman.com
time. That would tire out your arm, and it definitely tires out your eyes.” Which brings us back to the simple act of blinking. Blinking moistens your eyes to prevent dryness and irritation. To help avoid digital eye strain, be sure to blink. “I even tell patients to put a sticky note next to the screen to help remind them to blink,” says Dr. Young. “There’s also an old school rule: 20/20/20. Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Looking far away relaxes the focusing muscle inside the eye to reduce fatigue. So relax your eyes and give them a bit of a break,” says Dr. Young. “I also tell my patients to get outside. Focus on distance for a while.” Taking breaks is something Dr. Nevelow stresses as well. He notes some people now work with two or three computer screens at a time, then hop to their phones or tablets. “Their eyes never get a break.” Both doctors frequently prescribe eye drops to help patients with digital eye strain but are quick to point out that you can’t confuse lubricating eye drops with eye drops designed to "get the red out." “Drops designed to get the red out actually constrict the blood vessels, which can make matters worse. Lubricating drops have the same construction as actual tears, so they replenish your eyes,” explains Dr. Young. Dr. Nevelow has also prescribed computer glasses for some patients. Like bifocals, the lenses are split, but instead of distance vision, the glasses offer middle and near sight, allowing people to focus on the screen as well as other items, like paperwork, to help reduce strain. By the way, age can play into digital eye strain. “The lens inside of our eye has the ability to change dramatically, but it gives out on us a little as we age,” explains Dr. Young. “The younger the person is, the more flexible the eyes are, and they can more easily compensate so you don’t notice refocusing problems as much. But by the middle to late 40s, it becomes more of a problem. Screen time just enhances the problem,” says Dr. Nevelow. Dr. Young notes that gender can also play a role with eye strain and dry eyes: “We know that as hormones change, tear production goes down. The cornea has the densest concentration of nerves in the body—you want your eyes to feel good. I tell my female patients over 40 to use lubricating drops twice a day, no matter what.” And don’t forget to blink.
W SUSTAINABLE GARDENING
South Texas Summer Crops Ornamental and Tasty BY IRIS GONZALES PHOTO BY IRIS GONZALES
Pick easy-to-grow vegetables for a productive summer of gardening. For South Texas residents, our climate allows for gardening pretty much year round — except in the height of summer. July and August are typically our hottest months, and not many vegetables can survive the relentless heat and sun. Most summer crops grown elsewhere are planted locally in springtime so lettuce and other tender leafy greens can mature before temperatures soar. But easy summer gardening does exist. The key is to choose food crops that thrive under these challenging conditions. The bonus with many of these plants is that you can grow them in containers or tucked among existing landscape. Choosing pretty flowering plants in your landscape that also produce food in the hottest part of the year makes for easy summer gardening in South Texas.
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A good rule to remember is that vegetables need full sun and well-drained soil to do well.
If your summer travel schedule prevents you from attending to your garden, there’s always fall vegetable gardening, which for us begins in late summer. Gardening in the fall means getting crops to mature before winter frosts begin, around Nov. 25 at the earliest. Most tomatoes, peppers and eggplants require around 100 days to harvest. Use Aug. 17 as a starting point for when to transplant these crops into the ground. For other typical hot weather vegetables such as beans, squashes, pumpkins, cucumbers and Swiss chard, plant those seeds directly into the ground around Aug. 12.
Here are some suggestions to get you started growing easy summer food crops in your South Texas garden. Amaranth
This warm-season vegetable can be eaten in many ways, including boiled, fried, pickled and cooked in soups, gumbos and casseroles. The best okra varieties to grow in Texas are Annie Oakley (Compact), Blondy (Compact), Burgundy, Cajun Delight, Clemson Spineless, Emerald, Lee, Louisiana Green, Stewart’s Zeebest (Heirloom) and Velvet. Many grow okra for the large yellow flowers the plants produce about two months after planting. Harvest the okra pods when they are ready for picking three to four days later. Regular picking will help keep the plants producing both flowers and okra. Okra seed is easily saved for next year by letting some of the last pods on the plant grow until large. Remove pods and dry, then save seeds for next summer.
A stunning ornamental plant for landscaping, amaranth is both edible and easy to grow. Sturdy plants can grow over 6 feet tall, depending on the variety. Varieties to try include Green Calaloo Amaranth, Elena's Rojo Amaranth and Hopi Red Dye Amaranth. Sow amaranth throughout the summer, watering occasionally until established. The plant leaves and seeds are edible and packed with protein. Amaranth keeps producing all summer long no matter how hot it gets, providing plenty of young leaves to use in salads or older leaves for cooked dishes. A popular vegetable in many countries, the light green leaves are great in stews, stir-fries and soups. Its taste can be a bit bland, so it takes well to assertive sea-
78 | sawoman.com
PHOTO BY IRIS GONZALES
Okra
soning. The leaves freeze beautifully — blanch the leaves, then drain and freeze. Amaranth seeds mature over a long period, so stalk heads must be collected several times for best production. The stalks can be cut and hung upside-down indoors, then collect seeds on a tarp as they fall, threshing and winnowing seeds once the seed heads are dry. They are prolific re-seeders, so you can save some seed or watch for volunteer amaranth sprouting nearby next year.
Malabar Spinach This beautiful, heat-loving Asian vine is not a true spinach but a different species, basella rubra. Its succulent leaves are great in salads and stirfries. Grown as an annual, the leaves are tasty both raw and cooked. Rich in vitamins A, C, iron and calcium, Malabar spinach does well in heat and humidity, its thick leaves not bothered by pests. The Alba variety has white flowers and green vines, while the Rubra Malabar spinach has pinkish flowers and purplish red vines. Like okra and amaranth, Malabar spinach can be grown in a large patio pot as long as it has a tall trellis to climb. If grown in a large hanging pot, the vines can spill over until harvest time.
Bronze Fennel Bronze fennel is a tough plant, with both aromatic leaves and seeds that are used in dishes throughout the Mediterranean. Black Swallowtail caterpillars love this plant, so do not pick off the distinctive black, white and yellow caterpillars. The foliage is also used as an accent in flower arrangements and lasts a long time. Choose the spot to plant bronze fennel carefully, as it is a prolific perennial. One plant can easily grow into a 3-foot-wide patch over time! Harvest the bulb and slice into quarters to allow for easy removal of the tough inner core. Thinly slice the remaining fennel and massage a flavorful vinaigrette into the slices. Add thinly sliced apples, and you’ll have a memorable summer salad that lasts a couple of days in the refrigerator.
Web Resources https://garden.org/apps/calendar/ http://bexar-tx.tamu.edu/earth-kind-horticulture/best-plants-for-bexarcounty-south-texas/container-gardening-or-porta-growing/ http://www.flavorsofmumbai.com/amaranth-leaves-sabzi-recipe/
july/august 2017 | 79
W GUYS TO KNOW
Andres Andujar CEO, Hemisfair Park Area Redevelopment Corporation (HPACR) By JASMINA WELLINGHOFF Photography by JANET ROGERS
Born in Colombia after his parents emigrated to this South American country from their native Hungary, Andujar moved to the United States as a young man to attend UT Austin, where he earned a degree in architectural engineering. Following graduation, in 1980 he got a job in San Antonio and made his home here for the next 30 years. During this time, Andujar held several different positions, including serving as group executive officer with the local office of 3D/International, then the third-largest architectural firm in the city. The firm later merged with the much larger Parsons Corporation, a design, construction and management company. Andujar stayed with Parsons and was eventually dispatched to Denver to oversee the expansion of that city’s airport. But when the opportunity to lead the transformation of the Hemisfair Park presented itself, he was more than happy to return to San Antonio. He’s been at the helm of the huge project since 2011. Before any new construction could start, HPARC had to develop a master plan, take care of various logistics, look for potential private sector partners and secure initial funding. Right now, the most obvious changes in the park are the Yanaguana Garden, a large, well-equipped children’s playground; and the demolition of the western wing of the old Convention Center. During our conversation with the CEO, we could hear the happy voices of youngsters playing outside. 80 | sawoman.com
How would you summarize the vision behind the Hemisfair Park redevelopment? The vision for the transformation of the 1968 world fair site is to bring it back to a neighborhood similar in density to what existed in the area before the fair. The new Hemisfair will be a vibrant urban oasis where locals will live, work and play, and everyone will be welcome. At completion, three unified parks will be surrounded by residences, offices, retail and parking. It will be a destination that attracts San Antonians from every corner of the city as well as visitors.
What attracted you to this job? I felt that this idea of Hemisfair redevelopment could help transform San Antonio as a whole; that it could change how we feel about our community and engender a sense of pride in who we are. We believe that great cities have great urban parks, and Hemisfair is being set up to become that central park for our city. Our tagline is “Hemisfair — Where San Antonio Meets.”
And phase 3? The transformation is going to take place in three phases. Could you describe each one? The Yanaguana Garden is part of phase 1, which we call the southwest zone. The Garden has been a huge success since it opened in October 2015. It has become the second most visited park per-acre in Texas, and people from all over San Antonio use it. In addition to the garden, there’s an acre of land that’s set aside for development in this zone. We have selected AREA Real Estate to build 150 units of housing, and the construction starts next week. (early June). The developer will invest $28 million, and they pay us rent for the land. This and other private-public partnerships are important because we’ll receive revenue to attain financial sustainability in order to operate and maintain the 19 acres of parkland. Also, 10 of the 24 historic houses on the property have been restored and will be leased to local businesses, such as CommonWealth Coffee & Bakery and Dough Pizzeria. One business has already opened, the restaurant Con Safos. Phase 2 is the Civic Park, which will eventually have a better name. The 2017 bond program allocated $21 million toward the construction of this 9-acre park, but the total cost will be $60 million. The difference will be funded through a combination of philanthropic donations, tax credits and revenue. Adjacent to it is another private development, a much larger one, a $225 million development at the corner of S. Alamo and Market Streets to be built by the Zachry company. In addition to residences, there will be a hotel, a food hall, retail and office space. The construction will start in July of 2018.
Why not sooner? The design will take that long, and also, we are going to have important celebrations in 2018 that will take place in the park. For these events, we will create a temporary lawn in the area. We have NCAA Men’s Final Four next March-April, the 50th anniversary of Hemisfair and the city’s tricentennial celebration in May of 2018. After that, we’ll start the building of the permanent park.
Who is designing the park, and when will it be completed? It’s being designed by the Seattle-based firm Gustafson Guthrie Nichol (all three are women); they are amazing park designers. Kathryn Gustafson designed Princess Diana’s Memorial in London’s Hyde Park, among many other projects. Completion is expected in 2020.
That will be the Tower Park, a more modest 5-acre community park that may feature a community garden. We are still figuring that out. We will begin the planning process by asking the community for its input. The Tower of the Americas is in that zone, so there’s already a tenant. The question is how that plays into the equation, what sort of development is possible and what the developers are interested in.
Let’s talk a bit about you. How did you pick UT of all the colleges in the U.S.? My parents liked to have foreign exchange students stay with us. One of them was from Texas, and he and I became friends even though he was 21 and I was 13. He wanted to learn Spanish, and I was the boy in the family. We stayed in touch with him, and he sent information about UT to us. My parents liked the idea that he would be there to keep an eye on me. And I received a scholarship from the school.
Was it difficult to adjust to American culture? Yes, hard. I spoke little English, and it was hard to make friends. I played in a band back home and had lots of friends. But school went well. Since I had no other activities, I studied all the time.
Do you have a favorite spot here in Hemisfair where you like to hang out? Yes, in the Yanaguana Garden. We say it’s for everyone, “pre-K to gray” (he points to his hair, laughing). There’s a section with games for adults, ping-pong, chess, bocce ball. My favorite is playing pingpong with people.
Are you happy with the overall progress of the Hemisfair project? Oh, yes. Yesterday we received two awards from the Texas Public Works Association, one for the restoration of the historic homes, and the second one for the park streets. And the readers of the San Antonio Current voted Yanaguana the “best playground” in the city. Everything’s coming along well. I think that our greatest competitive advantage has been thoughtfulness… We take the time to think through every step and put strategies in place to execute a world-class development that’s not only beautiful but also financially self-sustainable. Mr. Andujar’s comments have been edited for publication. july/august 2017 | 81
82 | sawoman.com
Texas Organ Sharing Alliance serves more than seven million people in 56 Central and South Texas counties. Starting with the four physicians who founded TOSA in 1975, the mission remains true more than 40 years later: "Saving lives through the power of organ donation."
NEW CEO NAMED AT TEXAS ORGAN SHARING ALLIANCE
Texas Organ Sharing Alliance (TOSA) ushered in 2017 with a number of changes, including its leader following the retirement of Patrick J. Giordano, who served as the organ procurement organization’s (OPO) Chief Executive Officer for almost 20 years. TOSA’s Board of Directors announced the selection of Joseph Nespral, MD, CPTC, to the organization’s staff at the start of the year. Nespral, who most recently served as TOSA’s interim CEO, is one of TOSA’s longest-tenured employees, hired in 1997. He is the longest-serving Clinical Director/Chief Operating Officer for an OPO in Texas. Before coming to TOSA, Nespral worked at OPOs across the country, including New York Organ Donor Network, LifeLink of Georgia and LifeLink of Puerto Rico. He has a degree in medicine from Central East University in the Dominican Republic and is a Board-Certified Procurement Transplant Coordinator. “I’ve had the privilege of working with our exceptional staff at TOSA, our generous donor families who provide a second chance to others and our transplant centers that work diligently to save their patients” said Nespral. “Now I look forward to leading our TOSA family as we continue to persevere in our mission to save more lives.”
A SPECIAL SECTION FOR SAN ANTONIO WOMAN
PAGE 03
Almost 20 years since its last update, Texas Organ Sharing Alliance (TOSA), the agency providing organ donation and recovery services for families in Central and South Texas, unveiled a modern look in its new corporate logo, website and domain. TOSA CEO Joseph Nespral said the move to update the company’s image will help the non-profit organization as it strives to inspire individuals to save lives and sign up as organ donors. “This new logo reflects who we are as a company today,” Nespral said. “We’re excited to have this innovative branding as we move forward in a new phase of our organization.” The TOSA logo has significant meaning and relates directly to the life-saving work we're committed to. It prominently features a heart to represent warmth, life and generosity . It evokes characteristics of TOSA's staff and recognizes that organ donation saves lives. The heart blends into a partial infinity symbol, representing the continuation of life via organ donation. The infinity symbol alone can be read as the number eight, which are the number of lives a single donor can save. The blue-to-red gradation represents how the loss of life brings about new life when organs are donated. The branding was developed by Red-
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A SPECIAL SECTION FOR SAN ANTONIO WOMAN
door Creative of San Antonio, Texas. The last time TOSA updated its logo was in 1997, when the organization changed its name from South Texas Organ Bank to Texas Organ Sharing Alliance. The website at the new domain, www.TOSA1.org, provides a clean, user-friendly design complete with facts about donation, as well as information to assist donor families and community members interested in joining the Donate Life mission. “As we educate our community on the urgent need for more organ donors, we want to provide the public easy access to our website and lifesaving information,” Nespral said. Headquartered in San Antonio, TOSA has satellite offices in Austin and McAllen. The company and its staff have consistently been recognized as a Top Workplace by San Antonio Express-News. Texans are encouraged to register online at DonateLifeTexas.org or at Texas Department of Public Safety or the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. For information on organ donation and community initiatives, contact TOSA at 866-685-0277 or visit TOSA1.org.
KEY POINTS ABOUT ORGAN DONATION There is a severe shortage of organ donors in this country.
As of June 2017, nearly 120,000 patients are on the national waiting list in need of an organ transplant.
Register your decision at www.TOSA1.org and please inform your family of your decision to donate.
11,000 of them are Texans
9.5 million Texans have registered their decision to Donate Life.
A NEW NAME IS ADDED TO THE UNITED NETWORK FOR ORGAN SHARING WAITING LIST EVERY 10 MINUTES
TRANSPLANT SUCCESS RATES INCREASE WHEN ORGANS ARE MATCHED BETWEEN MEMBERS OF THE SAME ETHNIC AND RACIAL GROUP. A patient is less likely to reject a kidney if it is donated by an individual who is genetically similar. Therefore, a lack of organs donated by minorities can contribute to death and longer waiting periods for transplants for minorities. • Donation does not disfigure the body or prevent an open casket funeral. • Donated organs are removed in a sterile surgical procedure, similar to open heart surgery, in a hospital operating room by skilled surgeons. • Organ and tissue donation is considered only after all efforts to save the patient’s life have been exhausted and death has been legally declared. • Few people are too old or too young to donate. Currently there are no age limits for donors. At the time of your death, medical professionals will determine whether your organs are transplantable. •
More than half of those awaiting transplant in the US are minorities
The organ allocation system is blind to wealth, celebrity and social status. Donated organs are placed in recipients based on best medical match and most critical need.
More than 7,000 of the patients on the national waiting list died last year (about 20 patients per day) without ever receiving their transplant because there are not enough organs to transplant. Of the 2.3 million people who die in the U.S. every year, less than two percent are eligible to be organ donors. Almost everyone, however, can be a tissue donor.
THERE IS NO MAJOR RELIGION IN THE U.S. THAT IS OPPOSED TO ORGAN AND TISSUE DONATION. In fact, many religions endorse organ and tissue donation as an act of charity.
Organs that can be transplanted are the heart, kidneys, pancreas, lungs, liver and intestine.
• No costs directly related to organ or tissue donation are passed on to the donor’s family or estate.
TEXAS ORGAN SHARING ALLIANCE www.TOSA1.org • 210.614.7030 • 1.866.685.0277 PAGE 06
A SPECIAL SECTION FOR SAN ANTONIO WOMAN
One person can save eight lives!
PUNTOS CLAVE ACERCA DE LA DONACIÓN Existe una severa escasez de órganos en este país. Más del 50% de las personas en espera de un trasplante son minoría en los E.U.A.
Desde junio del 2017 hay cerca de 120,000 pacientes en la lista nacional de espera por un trasplante.
11,000 son Tejanos
Si usted desea registrarse como donante de órganos visite: www.TOSA1.org e informe a sus familiares acerca su decisión, así podrán respetar sus deseos cuando llegue su momento.
Done Vida como los 9.5 millones de Tejanos que han registrado su decisión. CADA 10 MINUTOS UN NUEVO NOMBRE ES AGREGADO A LA LISTA DE PACIENTES EN ESPERA DE UN TRANSPLANTE DE ÓRGANOS DE UNOS.
ES MENOS PROBABLE QUE UN PACIENTE RECHACE UN ÓRGANO SI EL DONANTE ES GENÉTICAMENTE SIMILAR, DE LA MISMA ETNICIDAD Y GRUPO RACIAL.
NINGUNA RELIGIÓN EN E.U.A SE OPONE A LA DONACIÓN DE ÓRGANOS Y TEJIDOS. De hecho, la mayoría de las religiones aprueba la donación de órganos y tejidos como un acto de caridad.
Los órganos trasplantables son el corazón, riñones, páncreas, pulmones, hígado e intestino.
Más de 7,000 pacientes en la lista nacional de espera murieron el año pasado. Alrededor de 20 personas por día mueren por no haber suficientes órganos para trasplantar.
De los 2.3 millones de personas que mueren en los E.U.A cada año, menos del dos por ciento son elegibles para ser donantes de órganos. Sin embargo la mayoría, pueden ser donantes de tejido o córnea.
•
La donación no desfigura el cuerpo o previene mostrar a la persona en un funeral con el ataúd abierto.
•
Los órganos que son donados son removidos quirúrgicamente en un hospital, en un lugar estéril, por cirujanos especializados, similar a una operación del corazón.
•
La donación de órganos y tejido es considerada solamente después de que todos los recursos fueron agotados para salvar al paciente y la declaración de muerte fue legalmente certificada.
•
Nunca se es demasiado mayor o demasiado joven para donar. No hay edad límite para convertirse en donante. Al momento de su muerte, médicos profesionales determinarán si sus órganos son trasplantables o no.
•
El sistema para asignar órganos no tiene ninguna preferencia hacia el rico, famoso o estatus social. Los órganos donados son trasplantados a los pacientes gravemente enfermos o tienen mayor compatibilidad.
•
No existe costo adicional para las familias donantes de órganos o tejido.
TEXAS ORGAN SHARING ALLIANCE Una persona puede salvar 8 vidas!
www.TOSA1.org • 210.614.7030 • 1.866.685.0277 A SPECIAL SECTION FOR SAN ANTONIO WOMAN
PAGE 07
139 DONORS
501 LIVES SAVED
Texas Organ Sharing Alliance (TOSA), the organ procurement organization that provides organ donation and recovery services for families in Central and South Texas, had a record-breaking 501 organs transplanted, thanks to the actions of heroic registered organ donors and families who supported the cause of organ donation.
A new record of 139 individuals provided 501 organs to patients, giving hope to the nearly 11,000 people who continue to wait for a lifesaving organ transplant in Texas. “None of this is possible without the donors and their families,” said TOSA CEO Joseph Nespral. “We are encouraged daily by their strength, generosity and support of our mission to save lives through organ donation.”
TOSA’s data shows that 32 percent of these donors made the decision to save lives by signing up with Donate Life Texas, the state’s official registry for organ, eye and tissue donors in Texas. Additionally, nearly 78 percent of families approached by TOSA consented to organ donation.
Across the nation, organs transplanted also set a record high; more than 33,600 organs were transplanted in the U.S. in 2016, up nearly 20 percent since 2012. “The increase in organ transplants is partly a realization of an ongoing commitment to improvement at organ procurement organizations, transplant hospitals and UNOS,” said United Network for Organ Sharing CEO Brian Shephard.
TOSA and its staff have consistently been recognized as a Top Workplace by San Antonio Express-News. Headquartered in San Antonio, TOSA has satellite offices in Austin and McAllen.
Texans are encouraged to register to be organ, eye and tissue donors online at DonateLifeTexas.org or at Texas Department of Public Safety or the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. For information on organ donation and community initiatives, contact TOSA at 866-685-0277 or visit TOSA1.org.
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A SPECIAL SECTION FOR SAN ANTONIO WOMAN
For the Garza family of Palmview in the Rio Grande Valley, the urgent need and uncertainty of a life-saving gift was not new. Saul and Alicia Garza already had their youngest son, Caleb, undergo a major surgery to repair his heart. So when their youngest daughter, Shantel, was born with a chronic liver disease called biliary atresia and given only two years to live, they kndw already what type of gift would save their child’s life. Her only chance at survival was a liver transplant. As a newborn, Caleb was given one day to live. Before he underwent surgery to reconstruct his heart with donated tissue, the family decided they would like their precious boy to help others as a donor should he not survive. “From that moment we were organ donors,” Alicia recalls. “Even before Caleb received the tissue donation, we had decided as a family he would be a donor.” As Shantel waited for a lifesaving liver transplant, the Garza family prayed their daughter would be healed, and they
Thanks to her donor family, Shantel has been able to lead a
prayed for their would-be donor family. After 10 months of
normal life. And like all children, she has been granted the
waiting, and three false alarms, Shantel’s family received
opportunity to grow, thrive and discover her passions.
word that there was a liver match for her.
Shantel says she enjoys spending time with her family – she’s the youngest of six – and has recently taken up softball.
“We prayed immediately,” Alicia said. “We were so thankful
But her ultimate passion is singing.
to God for this gift, and we prayed for the donor’s family because they lost their loved one. We were happy and sad at
For years, Shantel has sung at events for Texas Organ Shar-
the same time.”
ing Alliance to show the community and donor families firsthand what a lifesaving gift looks and sounds like. And
FOR SHANTEL, NOW 12 YEARS OLD, THE GIFT SHE
last year as her brother Caleb dealt with heart complications
WAS GIVEN WAS NOT LOST ON HER.
that ultimately led to his unfortunate death, Shantel took
“I always thank my donor family. They cared enough to
the time to write a special song for her donor family.
give me the gift of life from their special loved one,” said Shantel. Shortly after her transplant, the Garza family had
The song recounts her journey as a baby, the worry her fam-
written Shantel’s donor family to offer their gratitude. For
ily endured and the grace from her donor family that has al-
10 years they wrote until Shantel decided to write the letter
lowed her to live.
herself. Seeing the letter prompted the donor family to respond. They wrote they were happy to see she was doing
“You’re a special part of me and you will always be,” she
well and had hoped to meet someday.
wrote. “Thank you, my donor family.” She hopes to one day sing it to them in person. “I want to thank them in person,” she said. “Without them, I wouldn’t be here.”
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A SPECIAL SECTION FOR SAN ANTONIO WOMAN
REGISTER TODAY AT www.TOSA1.org FIND OUT MORE Texas Organ Sharing Alliance @txorgansharing @txorgansharing
PAGE 12
A SPECIAL SECTION FOR SAN ANTONIO WOMAN
Texas Organ Sharing Alliance’s Hospital Services (HS) Department works closely with more than 120 hospitals in our service area, which encompasses 56 counties in Central and South Texas. HS staff develops and cultivates professional relationships with hospital staff members as well as administration to educate on the importance of building a culture of donation in their facilities. “We are dedicated to providing quality education to hospital staff so we can ensure every family whose loved one is a potential donor is given the opportunity to save lives,” states Director of Hospital Services Dorothy Starr. “TOSA works consistently with our hospitals to identify any potential donors after all lifesaving efforts are made.” In addition to making donation possible, the Hospital Services team encourages hospital partners to generate a culture of organ donation within their facilities. Some of those ways include honoring donors and their families with memorials and events in their hospitals. Hospitals are also encouraged to participate in a special National Hospital Organ Donation campaign spearheaded by the Health Resources and Services Administration. The campaign challenges hospitals to educate staff and the community about organ, eye and tissue donation. Hospitals earn points for each awareness event and donor registration drive they have. In 2016, 43 hospitals in
Baptist Medical Center CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Health Doctor's Hospital at Renaissance Edinburg Regional Medical Center Edinburg Children's Hospital McAllen Medical Center Methodist Children's Hospital Methodist Hospital Methodist Specialty and Transplant Hospital Methodist Stone Oak Hospital Metroplex Adventist Hospital Mission Trail Baptist Hospital North Central Baptist Hospital Northeast Baptist Hospital Renaissance Transplant Institute San Antonio Military Medical Center Seton Medical Center Austin Seton Medical Center Williamson Shannon Medical Center South Texas Veterans Health Care System Audie Murphy Veterans Hospital St. David's North Austin Medical Center St. Luke's Baptist Hospital The Children's Hospital of San Antonio University Health System - University Hospital University Medical Center Brackenridge Valley Baptist Health System - Harlingen Valley Baptist Medical Center - Brownsville Valley Regional Medical Center
TOSA’s service area participated. Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas McAllen Heart Hospital Mission Regional Medical Center St. David's Medical Center St. David's South Austin Medical Center
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A SPECIAL SECTION FOR SAN ANTONIO WOMAN
Baylor Scott and White Hillcrest Baylor Scott and White Medical Center - Lakeway Cedar Park Regional Medical Center Harlingen Medical Center Knapp Medical Center Providence Health Center Rio Grande Regional Hospital Starr County Memorial Hospital
Methodist Texsan Hospital Metropolitan Methodist Hospital Northeast Methodist Hospital
TOSA HONORS OUR 2016 GIFT OF LIFE DONORS Adam L. Adriana S. Ahinara G. Alida R. Alvaro G. Amos P. Andrew G. Angelica O. Atalia R. Beatriz V. Bonnie P. Bret J. Brittany W. Caden D. Candace A. Carlos L.P. Carlos R. Caroline M. Casey R. Charlsea C. Christian G. Christian W. Christine M. Colin C. Dakota A. Danny H. David H. David S.
CONTACT TOSA:
Denise V. Dennet W. Dennis H. Derrick M. Devon N. Doretta L. Drake E. Duane W. Dustin P. Eduardo H. Emmanuel G. Evan T. Fabian S. Felix S. Fernando A.C. Francisco C. Frank R. Frankie M. Frenkel T. Heather G. Hugo D. Ian L. Imunique D. Iris G. Iris R. Irvin M. Isamari C. Jacklyne H.
Jacob R.E. Jason B. Jason H. Jenny R. Jerry S. Jessica S. Joel A. John K. Jonathan D. Jordan I. Jose A. Jose A. Jose C. Jose E. Jose M.E. Juan C. Julie C. Kacy H. Kelly A. Kelsey W. Kenneth H. K'lanie R. Lance P. Landon P. Lane H. Latoya J. Lisa C. Lori M.
Lori S. Luis M. Manuela P. Marco F. Maria C. Maria P. Marie L. Martha C. Martin M. Mary V. Matthew J. Michael S. Michelle G. Michelle S. Monique M. Myrliannette C. Nadia P. Nathan A. Nathan S. Nelda L. Omar D. Orquidia C. Patricia W. Patrick P. Paul A. Peter D. Prudencio P. Rachel M.
Randall H. Raul G. Rene T. Reyna G. Rhonda S. Richard M. Ricky T. Rory S. Sandra H. Savannah G. Savitramma S. Shannon C. Silvia H. Stacie V. Stephanie S. Stephen S. Steven B. Tashan C. Timothy K. Toni V. Travis Z. Traviz A. Trevor M. Vicky B. Victoria P. Yolanda G. Zane D.
• for more information about organ donation or the Donate Life Texas registry • to request a speaker at your church, workplace, school or civic club • to become a volunteer and help raise awareness of organ donation
NORTHERN REGION 7000 North Mopac, Suite 160 Austin, Texas 78731 (512) 459.4848 O (512) 459.7794 F
CENTRAL REGION (HEADQUARTERS) 8122 Datapoint Drive, Suite 200 San Antonio, Texas 78229 (210) 614-7030 O (210) 614-2129 F
www.TOSA1.org
SOUTHERN REGION 1400 N. McColl Road, Suite 104A McAllen, Texas 78501 (956) 630-0884 O (956) 687-7185 F
W TRAVEL
Fun in the Sun in Rockport-Fulton Enjoy the Charm of the Texas Coast BY JANIS TURK
I can’t help but hum a Jimmy Buffet tune when I think of the Texas Coast, a place at the center of so many good times in the sun that I’ve shared with family and friends. Lucky for San Antonio folks, beachy good times are close at hand in Rockport-Fulton, two small adjacent coastal towns just a 2.5-hour drive from the Alamo City. Coastal fun is there for the asking—fishing, boating, sunbathing, bird-watching and more—in twin towns packed with fun attractions. Rockport-Fulton offers an array of appealing lodging options, including condos, bed and breakfast inns, hotels, motels and even bayside houses with boat slips, built to fit any vacation budget, making a weekend getaway or a family fling before school starts back in August an easy, affordable trip. Bird-watchers and fishermen particularly love Rockport-Fulton, too; for not only is the area home to some of the best fishing in Texas, it’s also known as a sanctuary for birds where you can view the migration of rare and endangered whooping cranes and tiny hummingbirds, especially in September. In fact, this area of the Texas Coast is home to more than 500 different species. 100 | sawoman.com
Here is what to do and see in Rockport-Fulton: Lighthouse Inn can even book special golf packages the hotel offers in connection with the course at the Rockport Country Club. Another favorite stay, with roomy condos overlooking the bay, is Laguna Reef Condominiums (1021 Water St.) Laguna Reef also has a pool and exercise room, and with its prime location overlooking the water not far from town, good times and good eats are never far away.
1. Check in and chill out. OK, it’s not exactly a typical beach vacation destination, but many San Antonio women like staying at the regal Queen Anne-style mansion that is home to Angel Rose Victorian Inn (902 E. Cornwall St.), a former home that has been restored to its 1890s elegance. With a breeze-friendly front porch, it’s the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon on a rocker with a big glass of iced tea and a good book. Of course, most families want a beachier spot overlooking the bay when they come to Rockport-Fulton. Our family likes the Lighthouse Inn at Aransas Bay (200 S. Fulton Beach Road, Rockport), a nautical-themed boutique hotel with direct private fishing pier access, an outdoor pool and lounge area, a complimentary buffet breakfast, a lending library with books and games to enjoy, waterfront rooms, free WiFi and more. Best of all, it has stunning views of the water as well as good eats at the Palm Room Bar and Grill. Guests at the
2. Visit Rockport-Fulton’s most famous house. You can’t spend the night here, but you can surely visit The Fulton Mansion, built between 1874 and 1877. Today it stands as an architectural landmark and museum open to the public through the Texas Historical Commission. Located behind the mansion, the Education and History Center offers interactive exhibits and a gift shop. With self-guided audio tours you can visit the gorgeous mansion, the pride of the Texas Coast, overlooking Aransas Bay.
3. Enjoy coastal cuisine. Everybody’s favorite casual family spot seems to be The Boiling Pot (201 S. Fulton Beach Road, Fulton), where you can get a big Cajun-style boil of shrimp, snow crab, king crab, blue crab, stone crab, spicy potatoes and corn, along with sides like red beans and rice and raw oysters. It’s messy and it’s fun, and kids love coloring on the butcher-block paper tablecloths while they wait for the food. Another old-standby favorite for Texas Gulf seafood is the ever-popular Charlotte Plummer's Seafare Restaurant (202 N. Fulton Beach Road, Fulton). For fine dining with a casual vibe try Latitude 28◦ 02’ Restaurant, 105 N. Austin St., Rockport, featuring fresh coastal cuisine and fine art in a serene setting in old downtown Rockport. However, if a “Cheeseburger in Paradise” is what you crave, stop at Pop’s on Goose Island.
4. Look for fowl and fin. Visit Goose Island State Park, a 321.4-acre Texas State Park surrounded by the St. Charles and Aransas Bays and across Copano Bay from Fulton. It’s also known for “The Big Tree,” an enormous 1.000plus-year-old coastal live oak, as much as it is for its wildlife. The Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is another popular spot for birders and other nature enthusiasts who enjoy coming to this area to observe the natural habitat of migratory birds and vanishing native wildlife of coastal Texas. More than 75,000 visitors tour the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge via land or boat each year. Bird-watchers can explore the shorelines and nearby islands in search of the great blue heron, tricolor heron, great egret, snow egret, roseate spoonbill, brown pelican, black necked stilt, rails, ibis, curfew, sandpipers, gulls, wood stork and terns—just some of the many birds you can see in the RockportFulton area, more than 175 of which are endangered species.
5. Go fish. For fishing enthusiasts, professional guides are available for allday deep-sea and fly-fishing outings, and fishing tournaments are offered on various weekends throughout the year. There are also several public piers where you can fish for free.
6. Become a beach bum. Rockport Beach is perfect for family fun because it has been Blue Wave certified by the Clean Beaches Council, a not-for-profit organization devoted to helping the public identify the nation’s cleanest, safest and most environmentally well-managed beaches. Kids also will love the Aquarium at Rockport Harbor, featuring Bay and Gulf marine life, activities for the youth, marine artifacts, shell collections and more. Visit the aquarium from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursdays-Mondays (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays). Best of all, admission is free! july/august 2017 | 101
W ARTBEAT
Helping Young Dancers Realize Their Dreams Children’s Ballet of San Antonio founder Vanessa Bessler BY JASMINA WELLINGHOFF PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANET ROGERS
On
Sunday, May 7, the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA) presented the last performance of Swan Lake, its second
other ballet schools in town a chance to shine as well. Taking part in the two performances of Swan Lake were 170 kids and three male
and closing production of the 2016-17 season. All the roles, including the leads, were danced by young dancers below the age of 18 before a large audience of families and supporters. Though dance skills were by necessity uneven, the principals were accomplished performers well beyond what can be expected for their age. Seventeen-year-old Catalina Barrera (Odette, the White Swan) and 13-year-old Mackenzie Kirsch (Odile, the Black Swan) danced with grace and confidence, while their partner, 17-year-old guest artist Isaac Sanders, positively vowed the crowd with his Act II solo variations. Needless to say, the sight of so many earnest young dancers in pretty costumes was heartwarming, with the youngest tots adding a generous dose of cute appeal. “We give young dancers, ages 3 to 19, the opportunity to develop their skills and perform on stage in all roles. Our leads are often very young, like 12 or 13. Our Sugar Plum Fairy (in The Nutcracker) was 12,” explained CBSA’s founder and artistic director, Vanessa Bessler, who established the Dance Center of San Antonio as a ballet school, and CBSA as the pre-professional nonprofit dance company. “I saw that these kids could handle it. People can’t believe how young they are.” The training program currently has about 100 students who can choose between several options of either pre-professional or recreational dance training, depending on their schedules and interests. But the shows are cast through open auditions, which give dancers from
guest artists — themselves teenagers. “We also invite other young artists from other disciplines to appear in our shows — gymnasts, fencers, theater artists, musicians,” said the artistic director. “We try to integrate as many children as we can. For the next Nutcracker we’ll try to integrate special needs kids, too.” In addition to Bessler herself, the adult pros who make it all happen include guest ballet mistress and former Houston Ballet principal Amy Fote, costume designers Francoise Sell and Susan Trevino, and set and projections designer David Morgan, all well regarded for their skills. “It’s a top-of-the-line team,” said Bessler. Next fall, CBSA will again offer its version of The Nutcracker called The Children’s Nutcracker, which will be followed in the spring of 2018 by Don Quixote, another staple of the ballet repertoire, albeit with a San Antonio twist. This knight’s story is labeled “de San Antonio.”
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From Panama to San Antonio A Panama native, Bessler, née Angulo, discovered ballet more or less on her own by watching The Nutcracker on TV. “I remember leaping all over the house. At age 4, I was doing splits,” she recalled. “However, my mother was reluctant to take me to the Academy of the National Ballet of Panama because it was very competitive and demanding, and she was afraid that they might not accept me. One summer, she finally took me to an open class. That’s where one of the
teachers (Joyce Vives) saw me and asked my mother to take me to the pre-professional class. After a single year, she told my mom, ‘Vanessa is going to be a professional ballerina.’” The teacher was right. Even though Vanessa was already 10 when she started training — kind of late in the ballet world — she “loved it right away.” Still, it was challenging at times. When the stressed little girl started crying at home at one point, Mom promptly took her out of the school, only to have to take her back there when her daughter cried even harder because she was missing her classes. “My sweetest memories are connected to those hard days at the academy,” said Bessler, smiling broadly. The talented young ballerina was asked to dance with the main company in her junior year, and by 18, she was appearing on stage in principal roles. In addition to home-turf training, Bessler also studied with other teachers in other countries, including at the Joffrey Ballet School in New York and the school of the National Ballet of Cuba. Devoted as she was to her art, she did not neglect her scholastic education either, earning a degree in business and pedagogy in Panama City before relocating to Miami to pursue an MBA. Dance careers are relatively short, so she was preparing for her post-dance future. It was also in Miami that she met her husband, Tim Bessler, with whom she later relocated to Cincinnati and still later to the Alamo City, where Tim now works as dean of students at St. Mary’s University. Both he and their two sons are involved with CBSA. While in Cincinnati, Bessler made the decision to transition into teaching. “I really loved the stage, but it was an easy transition,” she noted. “I danced a lot because I started young and did so many roles, but by the time I put my pointe shoes away, I was ready for a change.” Following the family’s move to San Antonio, she spent five years teaching at Saint Mary’s Hall, building a network of students, contacts and supporters, before striking out on her own in 2015. As a teacher, the former ballerina is well versed in three of the best-known teaching methods in ballet — the Vaganova, Cecchetti and Royal Academy of Dancing methods — and holds teaching certificates in all three. Her favorite, however, is the approach developed by Agrippina Vaganova in St. Petersburg, Russia. “I grew up with the Vaganova curriculum. It’s very thorough and complete, and it produces elegant, powerful dancers,” she said.
Successful Students That’s the business she is in – training future “elegant, powerful” dancers. One of them is Mackenzie Kirsch, the graceful Odile from Swan Lake, who has been studying with Bessler for eight years. Her dream is to become a professional ballerina someday. “Mrs. Bessler has been an amazing teacher,” said the 13-year-old dancer. “She prepares us so well for our productions and for the ballet competitions, like YAGP. She can be hard on you, but it’s worth it. All the hard work is beginning to pay off.” “YAGP” refers to Youth America Grand Prix, an international competition despite its name, in which Mackenzie has made her teacher proud. This year, she won third place at regionals in Houston, was among the top 12 in the national round in Boston and received an invitation to take part in the international event in New York City, competing with the best of the best. And she is not the only one. Bessler proudly lists similar achievements by other students. In addition, they often get scholarships for “summer intensive” studies with prominent training programs, including the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in New York
Bessler says with confidence her business is to train elegant, powerful dancers.
and Connecticut, and in one case, the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow. This summer, the Dance Center of San Antonio will offer its own ”summer intensive” taught by Houston Ballet Academy teachers. “I want to create opportunities for kids who cannot travel to Houston or New York to experience working with different artists. I am bringing a little bit of the wider ballet world to San Antonio,” said Bessler. Given her students’ successes, it’s not surprising that the coach herself was recognized by YAGP with the Outstanding Teacher Award in 2016. For a teacher, seeing her students succeed is the best reward. “To see them develop and grow as artists is very satisfying to me,” she said. “These young artists and I share a dream. They want to dance, and I am helping them to dance and learn. We work together to make this happen.” july/august 2017 | 103
W SA EATS OUT
Coffee to Cocktails! We all know women have distinctive tastes when it comes to dining out, so, ladies, this new restaurant guide is custom tailored just for you. Let us know about your favorite places on Instagram. (www.instagram.com/sanantoniowoman/) Bon appetit!
Coffee, Tea & Treats Madhatter’s Tea House & Café
Breakfast or Brunch
Let’s Lunch
Elegant Dining
GUENTHER HOUSE Stunning home setting in Pioneer Flour Mills in King William serving traditional American brunch. Outdoor and indoor dining plus a museum tour and store. $$ 205 E. Guenther guentherhouse.com
CAPPYCCINO’S BISTRO Casual dining offering highquality hamburgers, pizzas, salads, soups, and sandwiches. Bistro and patio dining. $ 5003 Broadway cappyccinos.com
TRE TRATTORIA This Tuscan-Italian eatery is the creation of noted chef Jason Dady and features farm-fresh Italian cuisine. Next to the new Witte Museum. $$ 4003 Broadway tretrattoria.com
EGGSPECTATION Trendy, modern location with an egg-focused menu throughout the day. $$ 402 North Loop 1604 eggspectation.com MADHATTER’S TEA HOUSE & CAFE Unique location for breakfast, brunch, lunch and tea parties in popular Southtown area. $ 320 Beauregard madhatterstea.com
SCUZZI’S ITALIAN GRILL Family-friendly Italian restaurant featuring specialty Italian dishes and a unique salad menu. Both indoor and outdoor patio dining. $$$ 4035 North Loop 1604 scuzzisitaliangrill.com
La Panaderia
CHAMA GAUCHA BRAZILIAN STEAKHOUSE Besides their perfectly grilled meats, Chama Gaucha is also known for one of the best and most complete salad bars in town. $$$ 18318 Sonterra Place chamagaucha.com Rebelle
NOLA BRUNCH & BEIGNETS A New Orleans-style brunch, including a variety of beignets in a comfortable, cozy café setting. $ 111 Kings Court eatatnola.com COMMONWEALTH COFFEE Coffee, latte, cappuccino, espresso plus artisanal French pastries, savory croissants, sandwiches, soups, salads, and crepes complete in a home-like setting with outdoor patio. $ 118 Davis Court commonwealthcoffeehouse.com
LA PANADERÍA The Panaderos have a unique approach to the making of their pan that allows for long fermentation, so that the bread is unlike any other bread you have ever tasted. Serving exotic Latin American breads, coffees and specialty bakery items. $$ 8305 Broadway lapanaderia.com
First Course Salad Kitchen
FIRST COURSE SALAD KITCHEN Delicious, healthy menu of specialty salads, signature wraps and soups, including vegetarian options. $ 22015 IH-10 W Access Rd #107 fcsaladkitchen.com
REBELLE Stylish and swanky atmosphere in the elegant St. Anthony Hotel; known for their meats, seafood and cocktails. $$$ 300 East Travis rebellesa.com
Food Trucks SA Woman Loves ... Summer Salads • Asian Chicken Salad at First Course Salad Kitchen • “Special Salad” with grilled jumbo shrimp at El Jarro • Corbo’s Chicken Breast Salad La Griglia at Fratello’s • “Commonwealth Salad” at Commonwealth Coffee • Chickpea Salad at Feast 104 | sawoman.com
PHILLY’S PHAMOUS CHEESESTEAKS Voted best cheesesteak in SA. Authentic cheesesteaks (owner from North Philly). $ 210-621-8908 Find them on Facebook: PhillysPhamousItalianIce
MAIZ SA’s first mobile flauta cart with a goal of fusing the heart of Sinaloa to the heart of SA. $ 210-907-6421 Find them on Facebook: Maiz210 Honchos
Desserts WHISKEY CAKE First known for an award-winning dessert: a toffee torte with bourbon anglaise, spiced pecans and whipped cream. A generous slice of whiskey cake is $8. $$ 15900 Via La Cantera whiskeycakesa.com KUMA A colorful ice cream shop, known for Hong Kong waffles filled with novel combinations of scoops and toppings. $ 6565 Babcock #17 Find them on Instagram: kuma.satx
HONCHOS Authentic churros stuffed or coated with a variety of sweet dips. Also serves ice cream and coffee. $ 210-304-6771 Find them on Facebook: gohonchos
Chocollazo
Casual TWO BROS BBQ MARKET Casual, laid-back Texas setting known for oak-smoked meats and home-style sides. The large play yard makes this kidfriendly with outdoor dining. $ 12656 West Ave. twobrosbbqmarket.com
CHOCOLLAZO A strictly dessert restaurant and chocolate shop with a full menu of items such as Nutella silk pie, s’more brownie sundae and chocolate fondue. $ 4013 Broadway chocollazo.com
Torchy’s Tacos
Fun with Kids LA HACIENDA de LOS BARRIOS Another trusted location from the Barrios family complete with traditional Tex-Mex food, margaritas, live music, patio dining and a playground. $$ 18747 Redland Road lhdlb.com
TORCHY’S TACOS Inventive street-style tacos in creative combinations for any meal, including breakfast. $ 999 East Basse in The Shops of Lincoln Heights torchystacos.com FEAST Chef Stephan Bowers calls it a New American cuisine with a Mediterranean flair set within trendy Southtown. Enjoy crepes, blintzes, eggs and unique cocktails along with patio dining. $$ 1024 S. Alamo Street feastsa.com
Blanco BBQ
BLANCO BBQ Scrumptious Texas barbecue with homemade sides served indoors or outdoors near a state-of-the-art playscape with extra surprises for kids on weekends. $$ 13259 Blanco Road blancobbq.com
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THE POD RESTAURANT A unique design of colorful pods serving family-friendly scratch cooking. Indoor or outdoor dining with a large grassy field for the kids to play. $$ 18745 Redland Road thepodrestaurant.com
Happy Hour
1401 North Loop 1604 W jprimesteakhouse.com PAESANO’S ON 1604 Italian cuisine loved by locals in a beautiful, contemporary setting. Be sure to try their classic shrimp paesano with a fabulous wine. $$$ 3622 Paesanos Parkway paesanos1604.com SUSTENIO Nestled in the chic Eilan Hotel, this Southwestern eatery features locally sourced and fine wines supported with a spicy menu. $$$ 17103 La Cantera Pkwy. eilanhotel.com
Best-Kept Secrets Paramour Rooftop Bar
PARAMOUR ROOFTOP BAR Where people go to be seen and to see those who enjoy fine wine and drinks with city views and artistic décor.. $ 102 9th Street paramourbar.com BAR 1919 Swanky speak-easy style with hipster bartenders in a trendy Southtown setting. Happy hour goes M-F 4-7pm with savings on well drinks, 19 draft beers, the Jameson, specialty drinks and the noted sweet potato bomb. $$ 1420 S. Alamo St. bar1919.com WILDFISH SEAFOOD GRILLE This contemporary chain takes Happy Hour seriously and is one of the most popular places on the Northside. Happy Hour runs from 4-7PM with $2 off cocktails, beer and wine. Don’t forget patio dining and a full specialty menu. $$$ 1834 North Loop 1604 W wildfishseafoodgrille.com
Wine & Dine
Jerusalem Grill
JERUSALEM GRILL Fresh, healthy Middle Eastern fare, breakfast to dinner, including freshly baked nan bread, rich soups, kabob, hummus and vegetarian options. $ 9210 Wurzbach Rd (in the Medical Center) 3259 Wurzbach Rd (Across from Ingram Park Mall) jerusalemgrill.net LEON VALLEY CAFE Simple building, elaborate tastes run by chef Eduardo Reyes and family. Daily specials. from polenta spinach fried egg to homemade apple pie. $$ 6417 Evers Road leonvalleycafe.com BIGA ON THE BANKS A chic eatery on the River Walk featuring American fare and an ever-changing menu created by chef Bruce Auden. Must-have dessert: Sticky Toffee Pudding ($9). $$$ 203 S. St. Mary’s St. biga.com
Sustenio
J. PRIME STEAKHOUSE For a taste of New York dining, visit this exquisite contemporary steakhouse. Unwind with a vast wine list and live piano music. $$$ 106 | sawoman.com
Eclectic/Eccentric CANDELIGHT COFFEEHOUSE A unique, cozy café/coffeehouse/wine bar like no other with sofas and patio dining.
Art by local artists; happy hour and Wine Down Wednesday. $ 3011 N. St. Mary’s Street candlelightsa.com Bakery Lorraine
Texas-size portions. Open 24 hours. $$ 918 N. Main luluscafeinsa.com MI TIERRA CAFE & BAKERY Open 24 hours with classic Tex-Mex fare, baked goods, margaritas, and mariachis. Since 1942, Mi Tierra Cafe & Bakery has been a San Antonio landmark in Market Square. $$ 218 Produce Row mitierracafe.com
#Only in SA BAKERY LORRAINE A unique bake shop serving sandwiches, cookies, tarts, muffins, macarons and more at The Pearl. $ 306 Pearl Pkwy. #10 bakerylorraine.com THE LUXURY Popular, offbeat kitchen and bar, serving big plates of homestyle food with a view of the River Walk in a funky outdoor setting. $ 103 East Jones facebook.com/ TheLuxurySA
Late Night
SHUCK SHACK
SHUCK SHACK Another venue by chef Jason Dady, known for oysters, lobster rolls, crawfish and seafood bites served in a rustic setting. $$ 520 E. Grayson shuckshack.com
JIMS
JIM’S A San Antonio staple for 70 years, Jim’s has locations throughout the city with most open 24 hours. They offer classic Americana, diner cooking and serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner at all hours. $ Check website for your nearest location. jimsrestaurants.com
Cappy’s
CAPPY’S From mimosas to truffled scrambled eggs with crab and lobster in a champagne butter sauce, this is a perfect brunch setting in the beauty of Alamo Heights and loved by locals. $$$ 5011 Broadway cappysrestaurant.com
Lulu’s Bakery & Cafe
EL JARRO DE ARTURO Long-time favorite for delicious Tex-Mex fare and fun on the patio with live music. Margaritas are a must. $$ 13421 San Pedro Ave. eljarro.com
LULU’S BAKERY & CAFE Home of the 3-pound cinnamon roll, classic burgers, and fried chicken. Traditional food in
Coming soon....
www.SAEatsOut.com july/august 2017 | 107
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Yummi Japanese Restaurant Why Everyone is Talking BY MITCHELL SCOTT AUSTIN.
F
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANET ROGERS
ull flavor, light-bodied meals that don’t weigh you down are
wine made by fermenting rice. If you are new to sake, start off with a
essential for summer survival in South Texas. Sushi is my go-
cold unfiltered selection like Sho Chiku Bai Nigori. This is your gateway
to meal when the South Texas summer heat has passed un-
sake, and you want to walk through this gate! Cold unfiltered sake is
comfortable and spends months in the ridiculous range. There’s
light-bodied with subtle fruit undertones. It’s cloudy in appearance
nothing better when the temperature hits 100 degrees than fresh
and perfectly refreshing.
sashimi, steamed edamame, seaweed salad and miso soup. Yummi
Yummi offers some other fun sake selections like flavored cold sake
Sushi distinguishes itself amongst a growing Japanese food scene in
and more traditional hot sake. While you enjoy the sake, order some
SA, and with summer already here, you will want to add it to your
appetizers. Yummi’s menu is extensive, and their dishes are ideal for
weekly meal rotation. Start off with an order of the spicy edamame, sautéed in chili peppers and oil. Don’t consider this an appetizer; it’s more like Japanese
sharing. Order a few appetizers, and hold onto one menu; order a few more dishes; a few more drinks; a few more dishes; a few more drinks, you get the idea.
chips and salsa, a perfect complement while you search the menu and
For appetizers, the gyoza, Japanese homemade dumplings, are
place your drink order. Yummi features several Japanese beers on tap,
deep-fried, although you can have them steamed if you prefer. I rec-
including Kirin Ichiban, Sapporo and Asahi Dry as well as a solid se-
ommend the deep-fried. This preparation crisps up the edges of the
lection of wines. But do yourself a favor — go for the sake, a Japanese
dumpling, creating an excellent textural contrast to the soft dough and
108 | sawoman.com
Clockwise from the top left: Spicy Tuna Tartar, Hamachi Razer Appetizer, Habañero Salmon Roll, Grilled Terriyaki Salmon, Chirashi, Play Boy Roll, Mochi Ice Cream.
light filling. The other must-have on the appetizer menu is the tempura.
the eel, tuna or octopus. They offer a sampler if you aren’t sure what
Yummi’s tempura is light, flaky and well seasoned. You can choose from
to choose.
vegetable, chicken, shrimp or a mix; the shrimp is a real standout.
If you have been hiding California rolls when you and your friends
Yummi’s dinner menu offers traditional Japanese sushi alongside
go for dinner, Yummi is the place to try something new. You can trust
delicious Tex-Mex sushi fusion. Deukbok Cha, the owner and oper-
the integrity of the food and ingredients. If sushi isn’t your thing, try
ator of Yummi, says they ensure freshness by ordering through many
one of the entrees such as the Chilean sea bass or the Korean barbe-
different high-quality vendors who deliver throughout the week,
cued ribs. Sushi rolls in San Antonio are fun combos of cream cheese,
which helps keep ingredients fresh; their high standards come
jalapeños and, at times, brisket! Yummi offers a huge selection of this
through most in the sashimi and nigiri. Nigiri is sushi rice covered
kind of roll, and if you want, they will deep-fry a few of them. You need
with a slice of sashimi or raw fish; it is always the best order to test
to try at least one of these deep-fried rolls. Deukbok recommends the
the merits of a sushi joint. Yummi’s nigiri is on point. The rice is
habañera salmon roll and the Boerne roll.
sticky and flavorful, and the fish is served at the right temperature,
Yummi is a family-owned-and-operated Japanese restaurant with
chilled to ensure freshness but not so cold as to deprive you of the
two locations. The first, in Leon Springs, opened in 2010. Their sec-
delicious flavor. Sushi-grade salmon is a real treat, buttery texture
ond location opened in 2016 at West Avenue and Bitters. Happy hour
with only a slight fishy taste, but venture beyond the salmon and try
and lunch are great times to stop in and give Yummi a try.
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Calendar
Every Tuesday Tuesday Nights at The Briscoe Briscoe Western Art Museum 210 W. Market St. 4 – 9pm, Extended hours and FREE ADMISSION every Tuesday night. www.briscoemuseum.org
Saturdays and Sundays Pearl Weekend Market The Historic Pearl 303 Pearl Parkway Saturdays, 9am – 1pm Sundays, 10am – 2pm Pearl Weekend Market, a true representation of a South Texas growing, ranching and artisanal food community, features a producer-only Farmers Market on Saturday followed by a Sunday market with a bigger emphasis on artisanal and prepared foods. All 45-plus vendors
are located within a 150mile-radius, selling produce, meat, eggs, baked goods, locally produced cheeses, olive oils and a diverse selection of prepared foods and treats. Go meet your local food producers! www.atpearl.com
July 4 Fourth of July Celebrations Enjoy festivals, concerts and fireworks at locations across San Antonio, including Freedom Fest at Market Square, an arts and crafts show along the River Walk and
extravaganzas at local theme parks.
www.hemisfair.org
July 9 Gospel Brunch with a Texas Twist Gruene Hall 1281 Gruene Road, New Braunfels 10:30am - The Gospel Brunch is led by Bret Graham, one of Gruene Hall’s favorite country musicians. Bret sings his cowboy style gospel tunes and accompanies The Gospel Silvertones, one of Austin’s most uplifting gospel groups. The New Orleans-style gospel brunch also features a
August 22, 2017 7:30pm
ED SHEERAN Singer, songwriter and guitarist Ed Sheeran comes to San Antonio in August. One of the biggest pop stars of the decade, he won a Grammy Award for song of the year with Thinking Out Loud. His song Shape of You is currently No. 1 on the charts.
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buffet catered by Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar. www.gruenehall.com
July 7 First Friday Hemisfair 434 S. Alamo St. 6 – 9pm - Every First Friday, Hemisfair brings you a fun night of music, movement and culinary experiences to kick off your weekend. Bring the whole family this month as they host a totally excellent, Totally ‘80s Party. Hear your favorite ‘80s jams from a live cover band, enjoy an Alamo City Improv performance, and join San Antonio Dance Umbrella’s Jazzercise (yes, really). It’s gonna be radical!
( EDITOR’S PICK )
AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX www.edsheeran.com/tour
Arts & Entertainment
July 19 Playdates: Ferdinand the Bull San Antonio Museum of Art 220 W. Jones Ave. 10 – 10:45am Playdates cultivate, nurture and inspire creativity while developing an appreciation of art and world cultures. Toddlers experience stories, gallery activities, handson art, movement and music. Space is limited; first-come, first-served. www.samuseum.org
July 17, 18 & 19 Stingray Summer Camp San Antonio Aquarium 6320 Bandera Road 8:30 – 10:30am Summer campers will experience hands-on learning with a husbandry staff member serving as their guide for three exciting two-hour camp days. Campers will have the chance to prepare animal diets and feed some of the aquarium’s most interesting residents, including stingrays, seahorses, reptiles, birds and even the giant Pacific octopus. www.sanantonioaquarium.com
July 27 7th Annual Chair-ity Gala Ronald McDonald House Charities Old San Francisco Steakhouse 10223 Sahara Street 7pm This local event features an eclectic mix of 50-plus unique, hand-embellished chairs, benches, tables, mirrors and stools by local artists, designers and art students. Guests will enjoy live and silent auctions of chairs and furniture items matched with gift certificates, dinners, gift baskets, tickets, getaways and other items. Tickets are $125, $1,250 for tables of 10. Proceeds benefit organization’s mission: to provide a home, not just a room, to critically ill children and their families who must travel miles outside their own community to seek medical treatment. www.rmhcsanantonio.org
July 29 Super Saturday: A Golf Full of Whales Witte Museum 3801 Broadway St. Noon – 4pm Inspired by Whales: Giants of the Deep, the Witte invites you to dive into a wet and wondrous world as we discover the vast number of whale species that call the Gulf of Mexico their
JULY/AUG
2017 Scouts and Girl Scouts, compete on the San Antonio River. www.riverwalkcanoerace.com
Tex-Mex bands in the music industry, will perform. The concert is free, and parking is just $4 per carload. Go early and enjoy the great shopping. www.tradersvillage.com
home. Explore the different ecosystems that contribute to our Gulf and how you can take care of them in a Super Saturday dedicated to life in and around the Gulf of Mexico. www.witemuseum.org
July 27 – August 27 Jack MCGilvray – The Lakehouse Exhibition Southwest School of Art Russell Hill Rogers Gallery 1 – Santikos Building 9am – 5pm The Lakehouse is a body of work documenting a changing landscape and the effects of these changes on three generations of a family. www.swschool.org
gether world-class artists in a celebration of the orchestral works of W.A. Mozart. The two-day engagement features performances of Mozart’s compositions by some of Central and South Texas' most outstanding professional musicians and ensembles, and the event even sees participation from the student community, as well. Attendees can expect long-form programs, piano recitals and enchanting chamber music. www.mozartfestivaltexas.org
August 4 First Friday Hemisfair 434 S. Alamo St. 7 – 9pm Bring the whole family this month to pump up the jams at Hemisfair’s ‘90s Hip Hop Dance Party. The A.M. Project is on the ones-and-twos, bringing in local DJs to keep the tunes going, while San Antonio Dance Umbrella will be running hip hop dance classes all night. Wear your best ‘90s gear! www.hemisfair.org
July 29 – August 6 Mozart Festival Texas 2017 University of the Incarnate Word 4301 Broadway St. Established in 2011 by Maestro Terence Frazor, Mozart Festival Texas in San Antonio brings to-
August 5 Ford Canoe Challenge River Walk below Chamber of Commerce and Grompers Park 602 E. Commerce St. 7 – 10:30am Over 90 canoe teams, including local celebrities, city officials, corporate teams, Boy
August 11 Art Party: Heaven and Hell San Antonio Museum of Art 200 W. Jones Ave. 6 – 8pm Enjoy live music, gallery tours inspired by the Museum's collection at 5:30, 6:15 and 7:15 p.m. (space is limited), specialty cocktails by Blue Box Bar (cash bar) and art making. www.samuseum.org
August 12 Back-to-School Supply Sale The McNay Art Museum 9am – 12pm Stock your shelves with surplus art supplies and other goodies from past McNay programs. Items include found objects, paper, paints, costumes and more. Proceeds support education programs. The sale takes place in the Jones Building located behind the museum.
August 31 – Sept. 3 Kendall County Fair Kendall County Fairgrounds 1307 River Road, Boerne Born in Boerne in 1905, the Kendall County Fair is an agricultural celebration in the rolling and rural Texas Hill Country. Featuring an
Apple Pie Contest and various livestock rodeo events, the Kendall County Fair harkens back to its roots, when community residents gathered in the early 1900s to exchange agricultural tips and recipes. In addition to the carnival and rodeo, there is a plethora of food and craft booths as well as kids’ activities. Live music is provided, and each evening ends with a dance. www.kcfa.org
July 4 Fourth of July Celebrations Enjoy festivals, concerts and fireworks at locations across San Antonio, including Freedom Fest at Market Square, an arts and crafts show along the River Walk and extravaganzas at local theme parks.
www.mcnayart.org
August 13 Back-to-School Concert Traders Village 9333 SW Loop 410 10am – 5pm The past six years, Traders Village has collected school supplies for children who do not have the means to get the supplies they need to start school. Five-time Grammy Award winner Little Joe y La Familia, one of the most popular july/august 2017 | 111
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Weddings W
Mr. & Mrs. Matthew Mitchell (Vaughn Worth Parker) January 21, 2017
Allison Jeffers Wedding Photography
Mr. & Mrs. Heith Higginbotham (Tess Nolen) April 29, 2017
Anne Marie Photography
Mr. & Mrs. Kellie Finch (Traci Dennis) March 25, 2017
Paul Overstreet/Overstreet Photography
May Carlson Fine Art Photography
Mr. & Mrs, Zach Borroum (Devin Saur) April 22, 2017
Paul Overstreet/Overstreet Photography
Mr. & Mrs. Russell Purpura (Andrea Elizabeth Kline) March 11, 2017
David Sixt Photography
Mr. & Mrs. Eric Scott Covey (Jaclyn Nicole Richter) January 14, 2017
july/august 2017 | 113
W LOOKING BACK
1924 A San Antonio couple drives their new car from the Neal Nash Motor Company at 207 Augusta, San Antonio.
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