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Margie O’Krent Journeying through Life and Career with the Support of Her Husband
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SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2016 Contributors Trending What’s New At Home Style Fashion Calendar Beauty Society Calendar Health Mommy Matters Role Model Guys to Know Business Woman Spotlight According to Linda Boomers Sustainable Gardening Entertaining Hill Country Guide Travel Artbeat CityScene Dream Homes Entertainment Calendar Women on the Move Weddings
SPECIAL SECTIONS 83 Women in Commercial Real Estate 99 2016 March of Dimes
20 UP FRONT With two women running for president this year, we decided to talk to a few women who have been in politics for a while, to gain insight on what it takes to run for elected office today.
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26 PROFILE Margie O’Krent describes her life as a love story. She is referring to her husband, Sam O’Krent, whom she met in high school, married a few years later, and with whom she has weathered life’s joys and sorrows for the past 32 years.
66 WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Discover the journeys of four SA marketing leaders who work in the diverse arenas of health care, mixed-use development, energy and transportation.
124 DINING The camaraderie and spirit at Alberico’s are truly infectious and flow into the restaurant’s enticing dishes. With a few exciting changes recently, including a new chef, read why Alberico’s is on the trajectory of being a highly prized local favorite.
San Antonio WOMAN PhOTgrAPhy by MArie LAngMOre
FROM THE EDITOR Nicole Greenberg, editor San Antonio Woman
In this issue we visit with leaders from throughout San Antonio to explore the profound power of decisionmaking. Their anecdotal perspectives about their decisive nature and strong sense of self are key to their personal and professional success. We are glad to share their stories with you. First up, we introduce you to Margie O’Krent. Starting out in life with her soul mate and husband, Sam, by her side is one of the greatest decisions O’Krent ever made. We get a glimpse at her big heart, coupled with her keen acumen for business, and how both paved the way for her to share love to causes near and dear to her heart. Then came her own time of need as breast cancer entered her life. You will come away from this story reminded of the courage women like O’Krent bestow in taking on this disease and how crucial good decisions coupled with the love and support of family and friends are. One of the most important decisions we face as Americans this fall is our vote for president. With two women seeking the highest elected office in the land, we turn to three local women to give us the scoop on what goes into the decision to run for office, campaign and brand their personal style of leadership. Their experiences compel us to pay attention to the decisions we make with our myriad ways of support, in the voting booth this November, and in the future. Our Women in Business story profiles four women brand strategists who lead top San Antonio entities from a range of industries to tell us about their role in steering corporate image. From mixed-use development, to health care, energy, and public transit, our leaders weigh in on what it takes to create brand-savvy strategies that work — especially in today’s cluttered and social media-packed marketplace. Of course, don’t miss our special section on the March of Dimes and the importance of newborn health. And, in honor of breast cancer awareness month in October, we offer an insightful story on updates for breast reconstruction after mastectomy. And Beauty and Style are not to be missed, with expert feedback about the importance of posture as we don fall’s latest trends in color and texture. This issue, like those that have preceded it, is filled with in-depth perspectives and ideas by the women who are moving San Antonio forward. It is a special city and wonderful place to call home. I have gained so much in getting to know the many women we have featured. While I will continue on as an avid reader, I am saying farewell as editor to focus more time on my family. My children’s life stories are still being written, and I am excited about the direction they are headed. I have enjoyed immensely my collaboration with the publishing, development, design staffs and contributors that steer this magazine to life on a bimonthly basis. I will miss this professional family greatly. I look forward to reading about the women who continue to transform this great city. Friend and SAN ANTONIO WOMAN contributor Pamela Lutrell takes the helm with the November/December issue she already has underway. She looks forward to hearing your ideas and suggestions and the work you are doing to make this city great. With heartfelt appreciation, Nicole Greenberg
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SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2016 PUBLISHER J. Michael Gaffney EDITOR Nicole Greenberg ASSOCIATE EDITOR Jasmina Wellinghoff COPY EDITING Kathryn Cocke, Abbey Francis STYLE EDITOR Camilla Basse CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jennifer Bartlett, Lauren Browning, Nicole Crawford, Keli Davidson, Linda Elliott, Pamela Lutrell, Kristin Mears, Josie Seeligson, Janis Turk PHOTOGRAPHY Jessica Giesey, Al Rendon, Janet Rogers, Elizabeth Warburton GRAPHIC DESIGN Tamara Hooks, Maria Jenicek ONLINE MEDIA Pamela Lutrell, Online Media Editor Brittney Lopez, Web Designer BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING Steven Cox, Cindy Jennings, Madeleine Justice ADMINISTRATION & CUSTOMER SERVICE Nancy A. Gaffney, Raleigh Hart INTERNS Makenzie Ashley, Alexandra Wagner PRINTING Shweiki Media, San Antonio, Texas EDITOR EMERITUS Beverly Purcell-Guerra
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CONTRIBUTORS
AL RENDON Al Rendon photographs the homes seen in SAN ANTONIO WOMAN and 78209 MAGAZINE. “A room is four walls until someone moves in the first object. People choose their environment and the decor in a room to express their personality. The room expresses the family’s taste. My photographs use light to bring a home’s personality to life. When I raise the camera and focus on a room’s view, I am composing to express its owners’ personality in the best light.” He has had more than a dozen major solo exhibits, and his work is in such permanent collections as the National Portrait Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution and the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago.
JOSIE SEELIGSON Josie Seeligson, who wrote about decorative citrus gardening for this issue of SAN ANTONIO WOMAN, earned a BS from Vanderbilt University and an MA in journalism from UT Austin. She has written freelance articles and copy through the years for various publications and businesses. She has worked on both staff and the board of Gemini Inc. Literary Arts Center. For the last decade she also has run a wholesale oak tree nursery at Pajarito Ranch, where she is regularly covered in ant bites, cactus thorns and compost from gardening and other outdoor projects. Josie was born and raised in San Antonio, where she currently lives with her husband and children.
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THIS ISSUE Margie O’Krent has lived an extraordinary love story with her husband Sam. We get a glimpse at the journey she has taken with her partner in life and business, in support of community, and her battles with breast cancer.
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SHADES OF UPLIFTING BLUE
REMEMBER THE ALAMO
HALLOWEEN AT LA VILLITA
Mix it up with Fall’s high-shine plus heavy-hitter leather trim. Leopard print blouse by Robbi & Nikki by Robert Rodriguez, available at Chalet.
Archeologists digging at the Alamo have discovered stones beneath Alamo Plaza that could be part of the 18th century Mission San Antonio de Valero’s main gate.
October 29-30, 2016: Día de Los Muertos Celebration at La Villita. Traditional art and culture plus live music. Celebrate the Day of the Dead San Antonio style.
Embracing daily inspirational quotes and sharing them via our social media.
OKTOBERFEST
MUSIC FOR YOUR EARS
STYLE — FALL BOOTS
Sept. 30-Oct 2: Held in downtown Fredericksburg on MarktPlatz. Come celebrate German heritage with music, artisans, food, drink and family fun.
JAZZ, TX — New music venue at the Pearl Brewery offering a blend of jazz, blues, big band, salsa, conjunto and more. “Upscale jazz club with the grit of a traditional Texas dancehall.”
These boots are made for Fashion! Check out these Christian Louboutin booties available at Saks Fifth Avenue. Just in time for your fall wardrobe update.
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DID YOU KNOW? We distribute 30,000 copies of SAN ANTONIO WOMAN to nearly 500 locations throughout San Antonio and surrounding areas and to subscribers in 244 cities throughout the U.S.
W WHAT’S NEW SAINT MARY’S HALL REPRESENTS AT LATIN NATIONALS Ten talented Saint Mary’s Hall Middle and Upper School Latin students recently traveled to the Indiana University campus to participate in the annual National Junior Classical League Latin convention. Over the course of a week, the students competed with more than 1,600 Latin scholars from across the nation in art and academic contests, ludi (games) and olympika (athletics). They also enjoyed colloquia (fellowship), costume parades, dances and nightly meetings and elections with the Texas State Junior Classical League delegation. The Saint Mary’s Hall team performed well in academic events such as Latin derivatives, mythology, ancient geography, Roman life, Latin literature, vocabulary, Greek history and the academic heptathlon. Several students earned sweepstakes points for an overall ranking at the convention. Five Middle School students and five Upper School students proudly represented the Saint Mary’s Hall world languages program on the national stage. Saint Mary’s Hall prepares students for success in college and fulfillment in life through challenging academics, a wide variety of athletic opportunities and a thriving fine arts program. To learn more, visit www.smhall.org.
CHRISTUS HEALTH NAMED 2016 MOST WIRED Technology is improving the efficiency of hospital care delivery and creating a new dynamic in patient interactions, according to results of the 18th annual Health Care’s Most Wired® survey by the American Hospital Association’s (AHA) Health Forum. CHRISTUS Health was recognized as an industry leader in this year’s survey. “CHRISTUS Health is very pleased to be recognized for the second consecutive year as an industry leader in health information technology,” said chief information officer, George Conklin. “Our advanced technologies enable our clinicians to move quickly when accessing secure data needed to make rapid medical decisions. For example, we’ve implemented a ‘tap-n-go’ solution that enables clinicians to quickly access electronic medical and other systems, so that they aren’t required to log on to different devices as they make rounds through our hospital settings.” HealthCare’s Most Wired® survey is published annually by Health & Hospitals Networks (H&HN). The survey and benchmarking study is a leading industry barometer measuring information technology use and adoption among hospitals nationwide, surveying 680 participants, representing an estimated 2,146 hospitals — more than 34 percent of all hospitals in the U.S. The survey examines how organizations are leveraging IT to improve performance for value-based health care in the areas of infrastructure, business and administrative management; quality and safety and clinical integration.
STORIES & METAPHORS
© AL renDOn
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FotoSeptiembre USA International Photography Festival is underway throughout San Antonio and the Hill Country. As part of the festival, photographer Al Rendon launches his latest photography exhibition, Stories & Metaphors, at Cappy’s Restaurant at 5011 Broadway Street Sept. 12-Oct. 24. An opening reception is scheduled for Sept. 17, 3:45-5pm. The exhibit Cappy’s presents is a retrospective of Rendon’s unique cultural and conceptual photography. We are surrounded by a constant parade of cultural moments. When the photographer captures and preserves an image, the moments become stories and metaphors. Stories & Metaphors, is free and open to the public. For details, contact 210-288-4900 or alrendon@satx.rr.com.
W UP FRONT
Political Players IT’S NO LONGER AN ALL-MALE CLUB. MORE WOMEN THAN EVER ARE RUNNING FOR OFFICE. by JASMinA WeLLinghOFF PhOTOgrAPhy by eLiZAbeTh WArbUrTOn
Not that long ago, the world of politics was an all-male club that only occasionally admitted a woman into its ranks. But that’s rapidly changing. With two women running for president this year, we decided to talk to a few women who have been in politics for a while, two as elected officials and one who plays an instrumental role as a fundraiser in her clients’ campaigns. LETICIA VAN DE PUTTE Her name is familiar to all of us in San Antonio and beyond. A lifelong Democrat, Leticia Van De Putte spent 25 years in the Texas Legislature, fighting for her constituents and Texans in general, and accomplishing much for veterans, children’s health, education, the prevention of human trafficking and a number of other causes. What motivated her to run that first time in 1990, she says, was anger. “I got mad. I didn’t understand why there were no policies to support preventive health care. In the 1980s, every cow in Texas had to be immunized, but there was no such policy for children,” she recalls. “There was no state-funded kindergarten for all, even though data showed a strong link between early education and later educational success. And I couldn’t understand why small business was burdened with endless bureaucratic demands. As a pharmacist, I had to deal with 17 agencies and commissions in order to run my pharmacy. Also, as a state, we were not living up to our promises to our veterans.” Though she had six children under the age of 9 at the time, plus a business to run, she put her name in the hat for the seat vacated by Rep. Orlando Garcia in District 115 — and won. It was a true grassroots campaign. With the support of family and women friends from the neighborhood and her women’s business club, she literally knocked on 20 | sawoman.com
doors all over the West Side, where she grew up and still lived. We called ourselves the “Stroller Brigade,” she says, smiling at the memory of herself and friends campaigning with babies in tow. Shoe leather and face-to-face meetings won the day; there was little money or fancy technology involved. After nine years in the Texas House, Van De Putte moved to the senate, winning one election after another. Given the size of her new district, however, the campaigning style had to change, since “you couldn’t possibly knock on 8,000 doors.” So fundraising became part of the picture. Asking for money was hard at first, she admits. “Like most women, I was taught to be humble. ’Be humble, sweetheart,’ I was told growing up. But I had to get over that quickly,” she quips. Like most politicians, the new senator depended on her campaign managers to help organize the fundraising. Of her 12 political campaigns Van De Putte won 10 but lost the last two. Many observers felt that she was making a mistake by joining former Sen. Wendy Davis as her running mate in the gubernatorial race of 2014, yet the senator has no regrets. “I learned so much! Running for lieutenant governor I discovered the beauty and greatness of this state and its people,” she comments. “It was a magnificent journey.” That loss was followed by the tight San Antonio mayoral race that led
“It’s about making a difference in people’s lives.” LETICIA VAN DE PUTTE
to a runoff election in June 2015, which Van De Putte lost to present Mayor Ivy Taylor. Asked to elaborate on key elements of a successful campaign, the seasoned politician eagerly points out that candidates must realize that “it’s about the people, not about them and their ego; it’s about making a difference in people’s lives.” If an aspiring politician seeks her advice, she usually asks him/her the following questions: Why do you want to run? Do you like dealing with people? Do you know what it means to work within a framework of strict rules? How do you handle crises — because you are going to encounter quite a few? Can you live with confrontation? She further explains that you can buy technological, fundraising and marketing expertise, but “you can’t buy heart and brains.” What she found personally most challenging was giving up control in her pharmacy business and at home. Yet there was no choice. Some pharmacy duties she used to perform had to be delegated to staff, and the family had to hire help at home. As for the work in Austin, she loved working on public policy issues and worked well with her Republican colleagues to get things done. “We may have different opinions, but they are still good people,” she notes. When things get really heated, a good politician knows how not to take things personally. “You win some, you
lose some,” she adds philosophically. In person, Van de Putte is so easy to relate to that you may forget that you are in the presence of one of the most prominent San Antonio politicians who remains a force in the Democratic Party. In fact, she chaired the rules committee for the 2016 Democratic National Convention and remains active on many fronts. More recently, Van de Putte joined forces with former Texas Secretary of State Hope Andrade to launch a consulting/lobbying firm that’s already gaining momentum. It’s worth mentioning that Andrade is a Republican. After so much winning, how did she handle the recent losses, especially in the mayoral election of 2015 that she was widely expected to win? “It was devastating … for a short time,” she says. “But my life and value are not in a title. I know that I can continue to be a leader.” Then after some hesitation, she tells me about the near-tragedy that befell her family just days after Election Day. Her daughter Nicole, the mother of three young kids, contracted a serious infection seemingly out of the blue, necessitating 12 days in intensive care and no assurances that she would survive. Nicole made it, but her mother was seriously shaken: “I was so happy that she survived! I took some time to spend with our children and grandchildren. And I realized I can lose an election any day, but I can’t lose a child.” september/october 2016 | 21
W UP FRONT
“As a medical doctor, I am used to working in an area of truth. Entering the gladiator sport of politics was very different.” TEXAS STATE SENATOR DONNA CAMPBELL
DONNA CAMPBELL Like Van De Putte, current Texas State Senator Donna Campbell also got into politics because she was dissatisfied with the way things
chair in Columbus, where she lived, what she could do to help reverse that trend. The response was very specific: Run against (U.S. Representative) Lloyd Doggett. And so she did.
were going in public life. Though a conservative, she was a busy ER
“I just jumped in with the passion of concern,” notes the senator. “I
doctor at the time with little involvement with Republican Party activ-
started going to Republican meetings to announce that I was going to
ities. “Maybe I went to a couple of Republican meetings at the most,”
run against Doggett.” And as in Van de Putte’s case, some people —
she notes. However, as her concern about growing government intru-
mostly women — volunteered to help, recruiting others along the way.
sion in people’s lives grew, one day she asked the Republican precinct
The candidate visited doughnut shops, gas stations and Wal-Mart stores
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to introduce herself to voters. In the end she did not win that one, but she came close. “I did not feel a sense of loss,” observes the amiable legislator. “I knew I was going to continue on this path.” After the family moved to New Braunfels with a 4-year-old adopted daughter (Campbell also has three older stepdaughters), and redistricting changed the electoral map, the path led through new territory. Not deterred, Campbell ran in Texas Senate District 25 against longtime State Sen. Jeff Wentworth and made history as the first person to ever defeat an incumbent Republican senator. She took it as a confirmation that ordinary people were tired of the status quo. Bonding and relating to voters was easy, she explains, because they were kindred spirits. They, too, were upset with government intrusion, Obamacare, the
Women who would like to run for political office or otherwise engage in politics and governance can get help from a number of existing programs. Several are listed below.
tolling of their roads, the lack of school choice, the scarcity of jobs, the encroachment of development around military bases and other issues close to her own heart. She did hire professionals to help with various aspects of campaigning this time around, but she also put a lot of her own money into it. Still, in that Republican primary, Wentworth spent $727,568 to Camp-
Annie’s List — Based in Austin, the organization aims “to change the face of power.” It recruits, trains and raises money for qualified Democratic candidates and endorses candidates (www.annieslist.com).
bell’s $175,000. Campbell then proceeded to score an easy victory against her Democratic opponent. Again, like Van De Putte, the senator emphasizes the importance of message and values in the success of a political campaign. Clearly her message resonated. She was re-elected in 2014. Born into a military family, Campbell has an impressive education in the medical field, starting with two nursing degrees, including a master’s, and followed by an MD, and board certifications in two medical specialties – ophthalmology and emergency medicine. Working with Christian Eye Ministries, the doctor has performed hundreds of eye surgeries in the West African country of Ghana as a volunteer. She opted
Build the Bench — An informal San Antoniobased group started in 2015 “to encourage, mentor, support and educate” women seeking elective office or board and commission appointments (contact colcasey@yahoo.com). Candidate Development — A new initiative of the Texas Federation of Republican Women to prepare women to run for office. The eight-week online program with prominent guest speakers launches in September (www.tfrw.org).
for ER work, she says, because it gave her more flexibility, which turned out to be a blessing now that she is a legislator. She still works in three different hospital ERs and travels between three Texas cities. Interestingly, on her first day at the Capitol, she was called to render help to an aide who had fainted. Though the legislature is not in session all the time, her work as a representative of the people goes on. Meeting with constituents, speaking to civic groups, fundraising and committee meetings continue be-
The Latina Leadership Institute — A nonpartisan program of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce designed to prepare women who want to run for office and those seeking positions on local, state and federal boards and commissions. It also trains women for leadership roles within political campaign management (www.sahcc.org).
tween sessions. She serves as the chairwoman of the Veteran Affairs and Military Installations Committee (that she’s especially proud of) and is a member of a number of others, such as Education, Health and Human Services, Administration and Intergovernmental Relations. For her, one difficult aspect of politics is the lies and maligning that
Maggie’s List — A national network focusing on helping conservative women candidates get elected to the U.S, Congress (www.maggieslist.org).
the other side tends to throw at you, and “you don’t always have a forum to explain that it’s not true. As a medical doctor, I am used to working in an arena of truth. If facts are not respected, somebody is going to die,” she observes. “Entering the gladiator sport of politics was very
The Women’s Campaign School at Yale University gives week-long, issue-neutral training in all aspects of campaigning (www.wcsyale.org).
different.” That’s why she decided to avoid negative campaigning, sticking strictly to facts and letting voters compare her and her opponent’s records. Candidates should run on their vision without tearing down their opponents, she says emphatically. “How can I malign someone and pray to God to help me? I am ultimately accountable to the Lord.” september/october 2016 | 23
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NORMA DENHAM After 11 years of raising money for the Muscular Dystrophy Asso-
fundraiser interacted with some of the most prominent women in the
ciation, Norma Denham chose to explore a new and more perilous ter-
field, learning the finer points of polling, strategizing, fundraising and
ritory – political fundraising. “I did it because I had a skill that I think
messaging. “It definitely gave me a new perspective on campaigning.
is rare. I have a knack for fundraising, and I like a challenge,” she
A campaign is really like a short-term corporation,” she says.
says. “I had gone to political fundraising events, and I said to myself,
Denham sees her business as apolitical, willing to take on both Republican and Democratic candidates, and she defines herself as an
‘I could do this!’” Launching her firm, Norma Denham & Associates, in 2009 when
independent who votes for candidates from both parties. Her favorite
the economy wasn’t exactly flourishing was risky, but she was ready
fundraising strategy is to raise a lot of money for her client even be-
and eager to take a chance on something new. Today, her roster of
fore a race gets underway. The money intimidates the potential oppo-
clients features many prominent local power-brokers, including Mayor
nents, sometimes discouraging them from even entering a race. To
Ivy Taylor; Commissioners Kevin Wolff and Tommy Calvert; State Sen.
make that possible, however, the candidate must be involved in
Jose Menendez; State Reps. Diego Bernal, Diana Arevalo and John
fundraising as well, not just by attending events but by actively solic-
Lujan; and Councilmen Joe Krier and Ray Lopez. Some former clients
iting funds himself.
are Sheriff Susan Pamerleau, mayoral candidate Mike Villarreal, Bexar
Family engagement is another important element. Based on her ex-
County Judge Nelson Wolff and former
perience, you must approach a donor at least
Councilwoman Elisa Chan.
three times to achieve results. Otherwise
It wasn’t easy, however, admits Denham,
people forget. Another crucial thing is to pro-
whose base of operation is an office in the
duce fun events that make people feel good
Workery, the nicely repurposed complex on Poplar Street now housing a variety of spaces that individuals and small businesses can rent. The first politico to hire her was former Councilwoman Chan, thanks to a connection Chan had with Denham’s husband, an IT specialist. Next was Kevin Wolff, with whom she established a good rapport right away, and he let her handle his entire 2012 campaign. Things got easier from there.
“Money helps you present your ideas and helps you brand yourself, but there are examples of individuals who have won with little money.”
updated information. She knows whereof she speaks. Last year alone her firm raised $2 million for her Bexar County clients. So, how would she define the role of money in political success? “It’s funny,” she says, “money is most important and then not so important. Sometimes you may raise a lot of money, but if the voters don’t know you, they are not going to vote for you. Money helps you present your ideas and helps you brand yourself, but there are examples of in-
“Political fundraising is different from the nonprofit version,” observes Denham.
and then follow up with thank-you letters and
NORMA DENHAM
dividuals who have won with little money.”
“The latter has that feel-good-about-it as-
Such was the case with Diana Arevalo, who
pect. We all like to do something good for
recently won a seat in the Texas House. In
people in need and the community. Political fundraising is not about saving a life. It’s more businesslike, and busi-
an unusual turn of events, Arevalo contacted Denham after the election to help raise funds to cover her campaign
nesses are more likely than individuals to support politicians. They ex-
debts and future expenses. There are also plenty of examples of well-
pect something in return. In fact, the majority of voters and donors want
known politicos who lost despite sizable war chests.
to see a change of some sort.”
And then there is that thing called charisma that some individuals
Her firm grew slowly, thanks largely to word-of-mouth and her de-
have and others don’t. Bill Clinton and Henry Cisneros had it, she points
termination to contact as many people as possible to create a database
out, and “if you have it naturally, it always helps.” From her perspective
of contacts. Networking is essential in her business. “I would find any
as a fundraiser, getting to know the politician well through repeated
excuse to be seen and say hello to potential donors,” she admits. “My
election cycles makes it easier for her “to sell who they really are.”
list of contacts is pretty extensive, and I update it on a daily basis.”
Denham’s advice to women who dream of entering politics is to get
Still, there was a period a couple of years ago when Denham considered
involved with their communities, from neighborhood associations and
giving up. Luckily she didn’t, as she is now in the enviable position of
PTAs to nonprofits, school elections and civic organizations. And she
being able to pick and choose her clients.
takes her own advice. A member of both the Hispanic Chamber and the
In 2015, she further honed her skills by attending the Women’s Cam-
Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, she serves on the Latina
paign School at Yale University, a nonpartisan, issue-neutral leadership
Leadership Institute Steering Committee for the Hispanic business
program “whose mission is to increase the number and Influence of
group in addition to being the chair of the Exhibits and Education Com-
women in elected and appointed office.” While there, the San Antonio
mittee for the Witte Museum.
september/october 2016 | 25
W PROFILE
A LOVE STORY by JASMinA WeLLinghOFF
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PhOTOgrAPhy by JeSSiCA gieSey
Margie O’Krent describes her life as a love story. She is referring to her husband, Sam O’Krent, whom she met in high school, married a few years later, and with whom she has weathered life’s joys and sorrows for the past 32 years.
One current source of joy is that they are working together as coowners of O’Krent’s Abbey Flooring Center, a company that evolved from earlier family businesses going back to Sam’s great-grandfather, who started his first business in 1915. Sam took over in 1990 and is now guiding the enterprise into its second century. Housed in a handsome three-story building on Loop 1604 — designed by
Sam and Margie O’Krent confer with colleagues Lea Coronado and Laura Reuter (forward) on new arrivals of flooring choices.
Margie’s brother Stephen Kramer — O’Krent seems to offer every imaginable kind of floor covering, from ceramic tiles that look and feel
both of which are especially important when the bulk of your customers
like rustic or polished wood to all sorts of real wood, stone, luxury vinyl
are people looking for home décor.
tile, cork and a mind-boggling array of carpets. In addition to working with her husband, what she likes best about the “Though for most San Antonians our name is associated with carpet,
job is the chance to improve the lives of their customers and employees,
hard surfaces have become much more prevalent,” explains Margie,
as well as give back to the community beyond their walls. “We often
while giving me a tour of the premises. “The wood look in tile is big; it
joke that our employees are our kids since we don’t have children,” she
has a contemporary feel that people like with the added durability for
says. “We treat them as family, and we also love our San Antonio com-
active family lifestyles.” She points out that the store has a “special re-
munity that has been so kind to us. Our family built a successful busi-
lationship” with Mannington Mills, a fourth-generation family business
ness here. Giving back to our community is very important to us.”
like O’Krent’s, known for the quality of its hand-crafted luxury vinyl tile and laminate. Carpet and rug brands they carry include Karastan,
Three Careers
Masland, Fabrica and Antrim, in addition to the Wools of New Zealand
Though she loves it now, Margie admits that working in the family busi-
products that cannot be found anywhere else in San Antonio. In some
ness was never considered an option for her years ago. Following a five-
cases, customers can design their own rugs.
year stint as a CPA with Ernst & Young, the young woman felt unhappy and “stuck. I realized that accounting wasn’t for me. I was good at it, but
As a CPA by training, Margie serves as vice-president and chief financial
I really needed a different path in life,” she explains. Yet going into busi-
officer for the company, though she also supervises human resources,
ness with her husband didn’t feel right either. She wanted to be inde-
IT, purchasing and advertising. Back in the mid-1990s, O’Krent’s joined
pendent. Serendipity interfered when she met a friend of her husband
a larger entity, the Abbey Carpet franchise group that Margie describes
who was a flight attendant. Fond of travel, Margie decided to interview
as a networking and buying association. “They provide us with re-
for a job with American Airlines and was accepted. To alleviate Sam’s
sources, and we can pick and choose which ones to take advantage of.
concerns about the lifestyle changes the new job would force upon them,
Over 800 stores are involved, which gives us real buying power in the
she promised to quit flying if “it didn’t work for either one of us.” But it
industry,” she notes. It also helps with marketing and merchandising,
worked. “It turned out to be one of the best decisions I made in life,” she
september/october 2016 | 27
W PROFILE
“ A friend told us that taking care of a cancer patient is a team sport — and we are definitely a team.” — Margie O’Krent
says, her face lighting up at the memory. What followed was 25 years
rest of her life worrying about recurrence. The ordeal took several
with the airline, though during the last 10 she barely flew a few times a
months, but “we were done with it.” Following reconstructive surgery,
year. The marriage not only did not suffer, it became stronger. It was like
her life resumed more or less normally. It was also during this trying
a new honeymoon every time the spouses reunited.
time that the love story with Sam deepened. He went with her to every appointment and every test, supporting her all the way. Her eyes mist
Things changed again in 1997 after Sam’s elders and mentors, his fa-
at the recollection of her husband’s loving support.
ther and grandfather, both died within months of each other, and subsequently an employee was caught embezzling. His wife’s CPA skills
The Cancer Returns
were needed in the business. She obliged, yet continued flying, albeit
Unexpectedly, in 2013 the cancer returned. It was harder to notice at
not as frequently. Then something else happened soon afterward that
first because of her reconstructive implants, but a series of sophisti-
affected both their lives. Only 36, Margie discovered a lump in her
cated medical tests confirmed the bad news. Both husband and wife
breast one day and panicked. Young and athletic, she had a hard time
were in training for another marathon at the time, and ironically, Margie
accepting the diagnosis. “It was a surreal moment,” she recalls.
was feeling strong and healthy. This time the choice treatment was chemo, which made her sick and exhausted for months. She lost her
After pondering her options, Margie opted for bilateral mastectomy
sense of taste and smell, yet one asset she did not lose was her hair. A
rather than less drastic solutions because she didn’t want to spend the
doctor told her about a device called “cold cap,” which worn during
28 | sawoman.com
As company co-owner, VP and CFO, Margie O’Krent is involved in much of the day-to-day operations, including constant review of the products they offer to customers.
chemo helps prevent hair loss. Once again, Sam was with her through-
the Cure. In addition, she serves on the board of directors of the South
out the ordeal, her steady source of strength, she says, again moved by
Texas Blood and Tissue Center Foundation, where she and Sam will be
the memory. Then wanting to lighten up the moment, she quips: “A
the recipients of this year’s Red & White Gala chairman’s award in Oc-
friend told us that taking care of a cancer patient is a team sport —
tober. In 2011, the San Antonio Business Journal honored her with its
and we are definitely a team.”
Women’s Leadership Award in volunteer leadership.
Today, she is on maintenance therapy and in remission. Exercise, which
Encountering cancer not once but twice changes a person’s perspective
helped with recovery, continues to be a big part of her life, as is her
on life, and it was no different for Margie. It’s a “monumental” experi-
volunteer work, mostly with health-related causes. Remarkably,
ence that for a while wipes everything else off your personal radar, yet
O’Krent’s was the first small business in San Antonio to install and train
you eventually return to ordinary life and start taking care of ordinary
staff in the use of automated external defibrillators (in cases of cardiac
things but with heightened appreciation. In that context, she quotes
arrest), and the couple also organize the Arthur O’Krent Golf Classic
something her mother used to say about closeness in marriage: “You
that has raised over $1 million for the local chapter of the American
always need to keep talking about the little things. The big things will
Heart Association. Margie currently serves on the board of governors
be taken care of, but if you don’t share the little things, you are going
for the Cancer Research and Therapy Center, supports the Susan G.
to grow apart.” These days, Margie is happy to deal with the “little
Komen Foundation and rolls out an 8-foot pink carpet for the Race for
things” in life.
september/october 2016 | 29
W AT HOME
A SOLID FOUNDATION by KeLi DAViDSOn PhOTOgrAPhy by AL renDOn
In 2011, native Texans Lauren and Jay Bullock were preparing to leave New York City, where they had lived for the last decade for Bermuda, when they were asked about relocating to San Antonio instead. They jumped at the opportunity to raise their young son in more familiar surroundings, a city from which Lauren’s father hailed. The stately rock homes and picturesque neighborhoods Lauren loved visiting as a child came to mind. Her son would be able to embrace the outdoors in a way their New York apartment would never permit.
enTryWAy: bullock adores this festive painting by local artist Tracy Williams. Orchid arrangements by baker Tatum sit on a henredon console table. OPPOSiTe PAge: This gustave baumann painting is one of his only Texas paintings featuring Landa Park. bullock painted the antique sideboard to modernize it. The hermes scarf turned pillow was her idea and rests on an antique chair she found in round Top, Texas.
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The Bullocks purchased a classic 1920s H. C. Thorman-designed Olmos Park rock house. Lauren was inspired to adorn it with a décor to complement the home’s straightforward, understated lines. Getting some help from high school friend Delaney Warren of Warren Interiors, Lauren began planning the house’s design with one clear image — they were finally going home — to stay. Their son’s childhood memories would be rooted there, and Lauren went about carefully planning the house with him in mind. She wanted her home beautiful and easy for entertaining friends and family, but also a “real” place where children and dogs could happily play. Lauren and Jay are finally home, and it is as beautiful and rewarding as she pictured it to be.
september/october 2016 | 31
W AT HOME
Dining rOOM: The porch, repurposed as a dining room with its original turquoise mission tile, is what sold bullock on the house. Table (and chairs), a wedding gift from AbC Carpet & home in new york, feature a driftwood centerpiece from home Accessory Company and aqua vintage telephone cups made into whimsical candleholders. Chinese pottery and screens are vintage from Crandale galleries, Dallas. The red and black painting is by local artist Waddy Armstrong.
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W AT HOME
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LiVing rOOM AT TOP: Custom tuxedo sofas by M&J Upholstery in Dallas and gray linen chairs by Lillian August anchor the room. Charcoal and white pillows and glass coffee table are by Kravet. Faux bois side tables are from restoration hardware. Acrylic tray and driftwood sculpture are from The Tiny Finch. An old wagon wheel frame turned mirror bought in round Top sits above a cherished small painting of a peacock bullock bought at the Zoo ball. The large colorful painting at right is by local artist Peggy Calvert. AbOVe: Striking floral painting above mantel is by Waddy Armstrong. bold contemporary striped Luis Vega Trevino artwork, purchased in San Antonio, adorned the couple’s Fifth Avenue apartment before being displayed in Olmos Park. Chinese Chippendale chairs covered in cowhide are from CircaWho.com. round petrified wood side table was bought in round Top. KiTChen: The peacock painting by evita Lopez was purchased by the bullocks at Paloma blanca during one of their first meals as San Antonioans. The italian pottery by Deruta raffaellesco was the “china” they registered for when they wed. range by Kitchenaid.
september/october 2016 | 35
W AT HOME
MASTer beDrOOM: The custom four-poster bed with pineapple finials frames a linen re-covered headboard. Decorative bed pillows by Schumacher with a brimar brush fringe are paired with another custom hermes pillow designed by the homeowner. A Sferra duvet cover and a throw found at round Top complete the look. Custom navy linen draperies flank leather chairs from hill Country interiors and were relocated from the bullocks’ blanco ranch. Framed antique maps and works on paper were found in round Top.
MASTer bATh: The bullocks renovated and expanded the master bath using white Thassos marble subway tiles to mimic the look of their bath in new york, which Lauren loved. restoration hardware sconces are offset by custom mirrors and cabinetry. Lauren’s mother’s antique silver tray and prints of San Antonio landmarks add warmth to the modern space.
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AROUND TOWN
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AUGUST 18, 2016 PLAINSCAPITAL BANK hosts their First Annual Charity Shoot at San Antonio Gun Club honoring Jack Roney and benefiting SA Youth. 1. Paula Pena, Paula Vibert, Andrea Ozuna, Ashley Topp 2. DeVan Watts, Mike Molak, Cynthia Le Monds, Connie Gilbert, Brooke Garcia 3. Shara Ward, Kimberly Blackburn, Michelle McNutt, Janet Molak 4. Paula Vibert, Sarah Pendley
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STYLE W
BY CAMILLA BASSE STYLE EDITOR
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FALL FASHION TREND REPORT
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TEXTURES To Transform Your Personal Style
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I believe it is safe to say we are all eagerly anticipating that first nip in the air. As we prepare for fall to be ushered in, it is high time to explore the must-have trends. Luxe shades of uplifting blues, spice, deep reds and clay dominated the runways and will translate into wearable pieces this fall. Velvet, lace and high shine are the key elements for apparel, accessories and even home décor. Menswear-inspired pieces as well as shearling also take center stage. Embellished handbags are the MVP for fall and the perfect way to add a little kick to your wardrobe. With all of these wonderfully chic options, your fall wardrobe is certain to be a perfect 10.
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1. Gianvito Rossi Pump — Saks Fifth Avenue. 2. David Yurman Rings. 3. Gianvito Rossi Red Suede Pump — Neiman Marcus. 4. Lela Rose Tinsel Fringe Skirt — Neiman Marcus. 5. Alfani Color Blocked Coat — Macy’s at La Cantera. 6. i.n.c. International Concepts Clutch. 7. Melissa Goff Metallic Striped File Folder. 8. Melissa Goff Spiral Notebook. 9. ILLUME® Melrose Jar Candle — Nordstrom. 10. Chloe Bag — Saks Fifth Avenue. september/october 2016 | 39
Fall FAB FINDS W
PEÑALOZA & SONS
Color your world beautiful with diamond and colored stone ring guards. Mix and match color for the coordinated fashion look of the season. Available in platinum, yellow or white gold at Peñaloza & Sons.
W
AROUND TOWN
2001 n.W. Military hwy.
210.340.3536
penalozaandsons.com
THE TUESDAY BRIDGE CLUB CELEBRATES 50 FABULOUS YEARS
TEXAS DOVE HUNTERS ASSOCIATION
Join Texas Dove Hunters Association today! With your 2016 Standard Membership Package you get: Richardson 112 Hat, Window/Bumper Decal, Monthly e-Newsletter The Wing Shooter®, TDHA GameGuard Hunting License Holder, 2 Issues of Texas Dove Hunter Magazine per year. All for $35 per year.
900 ne Loop 410, Suite D213 San Antonio, TX 78209
This past May marked the 50th anniversary for a group of friends who have withstood time, so a special commemoration was held in their honor at Club Giraud. “We would have lost track of each other if it had not been for the bridge club meetings twice a month,” said Betsy O’Connell. This celebration of friendship has occurred faithfully since the 1960s and endured the passing of one member, Margo Whitt Olson. “The years have come and gone so swiftly It seems just yesterday it was the 1960’s We have shared each other’s joys and tears And been a rock through all these years.” (Excerpt from a poem written by member, Marcia Harris) Pictured (L-R): Valerie Guenther, Susie Martin, Marcia Harris, Linda Hammond, Betsy O’Connell, Sue Storm, Rose Marie Banack
210.764.1189
TexasDoveHunters.com
LOMA DE VIDA SPA
at La Cantera Resort & Spa
The Loma de Vida (Hill of Life) Spa necklace is a unique design by Tracee Nichols, only available at La Cantera Resort & Spa, priced from $450. Features: Nichol’s rough circular design with a diamond center, while small amethysts mark north, south, east, west. 12 small diamonds complete circular edges. Each placement has meaning. This piece reflects the beauty and serenity found at the new resort spa.
16641 La Cantera Parkway
210.558.6500
destinationhotels.com/ la-cantera-resort-and-spa 40 | sawoman.com
CREW LUNCHEON AUG. 9 CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women) hosted its monthly luncheon on Aug. 9 at Norris Conference Center. CREW is an organization that promotes women who are professionals in the commercial real estate industry. Their monthly luncheons feature an industry-related speaker and include organizational updates. Pictured L-R are members Cheryl Pyle, Chelsy Houy (intern) and organization president, Carrie Caesar, presenting.
september/october 2016 | 41
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FASHION CALENDAR
September 2-3 Neiman Marcus Gurhan Precious Jewelry Trunk Show September 7 Neiman Marcus Project Beauty Couture Salon, Level Two $25 ticket reservation September 7 Saks Fifth Avenue Dolce and Gabbana Launch Fall ready-to-wear, shoes and handbags September 7 Julian Gold Victor Alfaro Fall 2016 Designer Trunk Show September 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Bvlgari Jewelry and Watch Event
October 5 Saks Fifth Avenue Nini PA and Lunch Benefiting Mission Road Ministries October 5-6 Julian Gold Mariquita Masterson Jewelry Trunk Show October 6 Neiman Marcus Konstantino Personal Appearance and Trunk Show October 6-7 Julian Gold Planet – Lifestyle Sportswear Collection
September 9 Saks Fifth Avenue David Yurman Fall Trunk Show
October 13-14 Julian Gold Peggy Jennings – Designer Trunk Show
September 14 Saks Fifth Avenue Etro Fall 2016 Show
October 18-19 Julian Gold Starfire – Jewelry Trunk Show
September 17 Neiman Marcus Cusp Event: Sips, sweets and gifts with purchase
October 19-20 Saks Fifth Avenue Katy Briscoe Trunk Show
September 21 The Tiny Finch Ratio Art Show Morgan Weidinger, artist September 22-23 Julian Gold Dian Malouf Jewelry Trunk Show September 23-24 Neiman Marcus Marco Ta Moko Personal Appearance September 26-27 Saks Fifth Avenue Oscar de la Renta Resort Trunk Show September 28 Julian Gold Trask Fall 2016 Shoe Trunk Show September 29-30 Julian Gold St. John Fall 2016 Designer Trunk Show
October 4 Saks Fifth Avenue Roberto Coin Jewelry Trunk Show
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October 5 Neiman Marcus David Webb Jewelry Trunk Show
October 20-21 Julian Gold Lafayette 148 New York – Resort 2017 Trunk Show October 27 Saks Fifth Avenue Key to the Cure Benefiting CTRC With Max Mara Launch
W BEAUTY
MAKING A GREAT
FIRST IMPRESSION First impressions. You only get one shot, and most people will judge you within the first few seconds of meeting you.
We’re all guilty of committing a wardrobe faux pas or initiating an awkward moment in these situations. Making an assured first impression is incredibly important and necessary in gaining relationships and exuding self-confidence from the get-go, and how we “carry ourselves” can convey inner and outer beauty as much as other factors, such as our apparel and etiquette. Luckily, it doesn’t cost anything to have good posture. With the help of our experts — SAN
by KriSTin MeArS
ANTONIO WOMAN style editor Camilla Basse; Diane Gottsman, national etiquette and dining authority, author and founder of The Protocol School of Texas; and Courtney Percy, vice president of marketing for Julian Gold — walking into a room with your head held high, gleaming with confidence and style, will become habitual, contagious and leave a powerful first impression.
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What is your body saying?
“I consider posture and etiquette to be closely related to body language,” says Percy. “How a person carries herself influences how others see her as well as her
own personal moods and habits.” A big part of how we communicate with others is through our body language. You could unknowingly be sabotaging yourself through negative body gestures such as wandering eyes, slumping shoulders, weak handshakes, fidgeting, etc. “Your body language is always sending a message,” explains Gottsman. “People make judgments based on what they see, and the way we present ourselves is the first message we send another person. It lets them know how we feel about ourselves and the situation.” Everything from your posture to how you angle your body can play a crucial part of first impressions. “As a wardrobe stylist, I place a great deal of importance on what to wear when trying to make a great first impression,” explains Basse. “I always recommend my clients keep their outfit and accessories clean and simple — never fussy.”
Confidence is key
“Confidence is beautiful,” says Percy. “It doesn’t matter your size, color or shape. Confidence in who you are is always
beautiful, and posture and etiquette are a reflection of one’s confidence and mood.” Whether you are in a social or professional setting, your body language will go hand in hand with your confidence level. “Proper etiquette and good posture are always well received, whether directly or indirectly,” explains Percy. “The way you sit, stand, your mannerisms, and your facial expressions reveal a lot about a person — sometimes more than the actual words you are using.” A person with strong posture will come across as more confident than a person who is slouched over, and those around you will be influenced by your body language. “Speak your name with confidence,” suggests Gottsman. “Introduce yourself by stating both your first and last names — it’s more powerful. Sharing only your first name is forfeiting half of your influence.”
Practice makes perfect
Simply being aware of your body language can result in immediate improvements. “While you can’t entirely control what someone else thinks,” explains Gottsman, “you can make
every effort to put your best foot forward.” Important behaviors when presenting yourself, such as maintaining eye contact, smiling, having a firm handshake and staying polite, are simple but effective ways to make a lasting impression. “There is always room for improvement,” says Percy. “Be mindful of how you present yourself, and always work to present your best self. Imagine how discouraging and off-putting it is to see someone fidgeting, staring off or showing disregard as you are speaking to them.” Basse advises her clients to “keep their posture top of mind when entering a room because so often it is the nonverbal that captures that great first impression you are seeking.”
september/october 2016 | 45
W SOCIETY CALENDAR September 16 Art To The Power of Ten Benefiting McNay Art Museum McNay Art Museum 210-805-1722 September 17 Pasta e Basta! Casual Dining and Opera Performances Benefiting Alamo City Opera Leon Springs Dancehall 210-314-6696 September 17 Walk to End Alzheimer’s Benefiting Alzheimer’s Association AT&T Center 210-822-6449 September 20 8th Annual Raise Your Glass for Girls Benefiting Girls Inc. of San Antonio Sunset Station 210-212-2592 September 21 Centro San Antonio 20th Anniversary Golf Tournament Brackenridge Park Golf Course 210-225-3862 September 21 Plate Changers Les Dames d’Escoffier Marriott Riverwalk Hotel 210-268-7375 September 23-24 12th Annual CHOSEN Women’s Conference Summit Christian Center 210-822-2158 ext 221 September 24 Art Heals Heart: Open Art Studio The Ecumenical Center 210-616-0885 September 24 Free to Soar Gala Benefiting Morgan’s Wonderland Morgan’s Wonderland 210-495-5888 September 24 South Texas Buddy Walk Benefiting Down Syndrome Association Heroes Stadium 210-349-4372 September 24 UT Health Science Center’s Annual President’s Gala Honoring Gen. Joe and Patty Robles Grand Hyatt San Antonio 210-567-2028 September 27 YWCA Women of Influence Awards Luncheon Oak Hills Country Club 210-228-9922 x232 October 1 Hill Country’s Got Talent Boerne Community Theatre Gala Kronkosky Place 830-249-9166
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October 1 Light the Night Walk Benefiting Leukemia & Lymphoma Society La Villita 210-998-5400 October 1 NAMI Walks for the Mind Benefiting National Alliance on Mental Illness Morgan’s Wonderland 210-734-3349 October 1 No Show Gala Live Broadcast and Silent Auction on WINGS Facebook Tacos & Tequila Benefiting WINGS 210-946-9464 October 2 My Princess and Me Benefiting St. PJ’s Children’s Home The Tobin Center 210-533-1203 October 6 Land We Love Green Spaces Alliance Gala Honoring Linda Hardberger Scenic Springs in Grey Forest 210-222-8430 October 6 Girl’s Night Out Hosted by North Central Baptist Hospital and Village Stone Oak Shopping Center 210-297-4910 October 6 Legacy of Hope Luncheon Benefiting The Ecumenical Center San Antonio Country Club 210-616-0885 October 8 38th Annual Cattle Barons Gala Benefiting American Cancer Society Estancia at Thunder Valley 210-595-0249 October 8-10 Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities Grand Hyatt San Antonio www.hacu.net October 10 Arthur O’Krent Golf Classic Benefiting American Heart Association Resort Course at La Cantera 210-227-7387 October 13 Quinceanera Benefiting Women’s Global Connection UIW Rosenberg Skyroom 210-828-2224 ext.297 October 15 Red and White Ball Benefiting South Texas Blood & Tissue Center Marriott Rivercenter 210-249-4498 October 15 Wine Down at the Garden San Antonio Botanical Garden 210-207-3250
October 17 Witte Museum 46th Annual Witte Game Dinner The Witte Museum 210-357-1905 October 20 Think Pink: Women In Medicine and Law Dinner Baptist Breast Center Think Pink Campaign Event Benefiting Susan G. Komen Foundation Holy Trinity Catholic Church j1947holt@aol.com October 21-30 CTRC Council Partners Shopping Card Benefiting Cancer Therapy & Research Center Participating retailers 210-450-5571 October 21 11th Annual Fore Nursing Scholarships Golf Tournament Fort Sam Houston 210-358-9860 October 22 Art Heals Heart: Open Art Studio The Ecumenical Center 210-616-0885 October 22 Paint the Parkway Pink 5k Run/1 Mile Walk/Kid’s Fun Run North Central Baptist Hospital painttheparkway@gmail.com October 28 Harvest of Hope Benefiting San Antonio Food Bank La Cantera Hill Country Resort 210-337-3663 October 28 A Taste of Success - Casino Night Benefiting Dress For Success Sheraton Gunter Hotel 210-737-1515 October 29 Tejas Rodeo Run Brew-Ha Roundup Half Marathon and 5K Kids Run Benefiting The Children’s Bereavement Center Tejas Rodeo 210-736-4847 ext. 249 November 2 National Eating Healthy Day American Heart Association Citywide 210-617-2600 November 3 Runway Benefiting San Antonio Food Bank San Antonio Food Bank Warehouse 210-337-3663 November 3 Thankful! Farm to Table Dinner Hosted by Johnny Hernandez Benefiting Family Services Association Travis Park 210-299-2405
september/october 2016 | 47
W HEALTH
BUILDING CONFIDENCE AFTER A
Mastectomy WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY ABOUT BREAST RECONSTRUCTION by PAMeLA LUTreLL
Dr. Maria A. Palafox
Dr. Michael Baumholtz, FACS
Dr. Regina M Fearmonti, FACS
Whether or not to pursue reconstruction after a mastectomy of one or more breasts is a difficult decision breast cancer patients face. Because of all the medical factors involved, many women decide not to reconstruct. However, most admit reconstruction is critical to building hope, joy, confidence and a return to normalcy. SAN ANTONIO WOMAN talked with three prestigious local physicians to discover the advancements in breast reconstruction and discuss a few factors women should consider. The group included Dr. Maria A. Palafox of South Texas Breast Surgery, Dr. Michael Baumholtz, FACS, of San Antonio Cosmetic Surgery, and Dr. Regina M. Fearmonti, FACS, of her namesake facility.
SAW: Please tell us about your experience with breast reconstruction surgery. Dr. Palafox: I have been in private practice since 2005; although we all learn very basic surgical management of breast cancer in our residency training, I began going to oncoplastic breast surgery courses in 2008. The care of the breast cancer patient has evolved tremendously; to keep up, I read daily in addition to attending courses and meetings. I also do genetic counseling for patients at high risk for breast cancer after proctoring with other doctors who do this. Dr. Baumholtz: My practice is a mix of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Of the reconstructive procedures, breast reconstruction remains a commonly requested procedure. I’ve been working in the field of breast cancer and reconstruction since 2000. Dr. Fearmonti: I am a private practice plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Alon Aesthetics Plastic Surgery in Shavano Park. I have been in South Texas since 2012 and perform approximately three breast re48 | sawoman.com
constructions per week in South Texas Medical Center and New Braunfels. I am board certified in both plastic surgery and general surgery and have completed year-long fellowships in both breast surgical oncology and reconstructive microsurgery, the entire process taking 11 years to complete after medical school. You could say that breast cancer and caring for those affected has been a big part of my life.
SAW: Describe some exciting updates happening in the breast reconstruction area. Dr. Palafox: Probably the newest thinking in breast cancer surgery is the concept of maintaining the most natural look possible. Breast cancer surgery used to be just about removing the cancer to achieve a cure. Aesthetics were secondary. Now we realize that maintaining or restoring as much as possible of a woman’s breast contours goes a long way toward self-esteem, positive body image and confidence. These are essential as women journey through their cancer and into survivorship. I don’t want a woman to have a daily reminder of her cancer.
W HEALTH Dr. Baumholtz: There are far more new developments in the field of genetic screening. Breast reconstruction can be a very simple algorithm for most patients, while at the same time individualizing their procedure to their needs. Dr. Fearmonti: Right now, fat grafting continues to evolve as a reliable method to correct partial mastectomy/lumpectomy defects, especially in patients who have received radiotherapy. The fat that we remove from your own body by liposuction is processed and purified and then injected into the radiated skin pocket and breast defect to improve contour and skin quality. We have been adding amnion, a donated sterile growth-factor-enriched suspension, to the fat to increase its uptake and lead to even further improvement in skin quality. I feel that this holds much promise for heavily radiated patients.
SAW: How does the method of treatment a patient selects affect breast reconstruction? Dr. Palafox: In general, there have been two surgical choices to treat breast cancer: lumpectomy or complete mastectomy. Now with the concept of oncoplastic surgery taking hold, there are many options within the two categories that all have the same goal: natural-looking, symmetrical breasts. A patient choosing lumpectomy may need to achieve symmetry, depending on how much breast tissue is removed, so a reduction on the opposite side is an option. For women choosing mastectomy, there is the option of skin-nipple-sparing mastectomy, where the skin envelope is left behind and filled with an implant. Other patients might choose more complex reconstructions, where muscle or tissue from the abdominal wall or back is used. The timing of reconstruction is variable; some women want to do reconstruction at the same time as their cancer surgery. Other women have their reconstruction done even years after their initial surgery. The need for additional treatments, such as radiation and chemotherapy, will affect the decision for reconstruction as well. Dr. Baumholtz: Treatment of the cancer may involve one approach or a combination of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. In the presence of radiation treatment, it is my preference to delay the reconstruction six to 12 months. While there is some evidence suggesting a patient doesn’t have to wait that long, the biology of radiation and the damage it can produce haven’t changed much over the years. Yes, overall radiation treatment is getting safer, but if it’s my family member, I’m likely to recommend waiting to allow the tissues to settle before reconstruction. In terms of how I reconstruct patients, I generally tell them that we will start with an implant-based reconstruction unless there is a biological reason not to (such as prior infection, radiation or failed implant). If I need a tissue-based reconstruction, I typically use the latissimus muscle flap (found beneath the shoulder blade), as it doesn’t have the same functional impact as the abdominal muscle flaps. Dr. Fearmonti: The reconstruction must not interfere with the cancer treatment. Reconstruction can be completed at the time of breast cancer surgery in prophylactic (before developing cancer) and early-stage cancers. In invasive and advanced cancers, I often delay any permanent reconstruction until the stage and need for other adjuvant treatments (chemotherapy, radiation) are known. A tissue expander, or
50 | sawoman.com
temporary fillable implant, can be placed at the time of mastectomy in those cases as part of a two-stage reconstructive procedure and can be left in place during those other treatments. Radiation, which is needed for lumpectomy and some mastectomy patients, leads to a permanent fibrotic response of the affected skin and underlying muscle. Tissue expander/implant-based reconstructions, which rely on that skin and muscle to stretch to produce a natural teardrop shape, often fail in radiated patients. I often recommend an autologous (using your own tissue) reconstruction in these patients, in which tissue from the abdomen, back, buttock and inner thigh can be used to make one or both breasts.
SAW: Is a nipple/aerola tattoo a preferred and accepted method of cosmetic reconstruction? And if so, what are the percentages of women who select this approach? Dr. Palafox: Nipple and areola tattoos are an option for women who no longer have a nipple, such as women who have complete mastectomies and undergo an abdominal wall muscle reconstruction. Nipple reconstruction is also an option — it uses a small sliver of skin sewn to itself and “planted” on the breast mound. It needs to “take” or grow roots, so it’s not foolproof. Tattooing is a nice option, but not covered by insurance. A newer technique is 3-D nipple tattooing that uses subtle differences in the shades of ink to create a nipple and areola that are very realistic in appearance. There are several places in San Antonio that perform 3-D nipple tattoos. Dr. Baumholtz: In my practice about 50 to 60 percent of the patients choose to have nipple/areolar reconstruction (all methods). Of the methods used, tattooing is becoming more accepted. One woman in San Antonio stands out for her excellence in 3-D tattooing — Terry Lively.* Dr. Fearmonti: Approximately 80 percent of my patients undergo tattooing of the nipple-areolar complex as their final stage of a reconstructive process. There are many ways to reconstruct a nipple-areolar complex, from local flaps (actually raising and closing the skin on the breast mound to create a projected structure) to skin grafts and nipple sharing (removing a piece of a contralateral intact nipple and implanting it on the reconstructed breast). In patients that choose implantbased breast reconstructions, I find that their thin skin precludes any additional incisions for concerns of delayed wound healing. I have found that a 3-D tattoo that resembles a nipple with shadowing and surrounding areola can be done to match the opposite side as well as conceal some of the surgical scars.
SAW: Do you use cadaveric tissue? Dr. Palafox: I believe that you are referring to the use of cadaveric tissue such as Alloderm for reconstruction. The most common use of this is to create a “hammock” for the implant, since the pectoralis muscle does not completely cover the implant when it’s put in. This cadaveric tissue undergoes a multi-step process to remove all the cells that could cause rejection. Also, the tissue donors are screened for infection such as HIV and hepatitis. There is a low risk of infection, and it can cause temporary redness of the overlying skin—red breast syndrome.
Dr. Baumholtz: Yes. If I need to reconstruct immediately after mastectomy or a delayed reconstruction where the inferior skin is quite thin, I will use cadaveric tissue. This tissue has been completely stripped of anything that made it unique to its previous owner. Instead, it now provides a scaffolding for the patient’s own tissue to grow into.
breast reconstruction is less utilized in women of color and in older women. There are many reasons for this — socioeconomic, personal, medical and financial. I encourage all my patients to at least consider it, since it goes such a long way toward self-worth and making their cancer journey more tolerable.
Dr. Fearmonti: Cadaveric tissues, known collectively as acellular dermal matrices, are used to support an implant-based reconstruction and to prevent an implant from falling. They originate from donated human dermal skin that has been processed to remove cells and DNA while preserving the essential structural components. They came on the market about 20 years ago, and now there are also porcine (from a pig) and bovine (from a cow) products. I used to use them selectively in patients with thin tissue or for revisionary surgery — both reconstructive and cosmetic; I now use them for almost every tissue expander/implant-based reconstruction, as I find the ultimate implant position and appearance is improved.
Dr. Baumholtz: It depends on the patient. Sometimes I am referred a woman who tells me she has no desire for reconstruction but was sent by her general surgeon. Typically I explain her options and let her make the decision. Often the patient will return at a later date for reconstruction — even if she was adamant that she didn’t want anything.
SAW: How important is quality breast reconstruction to the mental healing of a woman who has experienced breast cancer treatments and/or surgery? Dr. Palafox: Recent studies indicate that about 30 to 40 percent of women who undergo mastectomy have breast reconstruction. Overall
Dr. Fearmonti: Studies have shown that reconstruction after breast cancer leads to emotional and psychological healing. I feel that discussion of reconstruction with patients, even at the early stage of diagnosis, gives them hope and helps them cope even with the cancer treatments. It’s the “light at the end of the tunnel.” *Note: Dr. Baumholtz recommended Terry Lively for nipple tattoos in this interview. For the remainder of 2016, she is offering free nipple tattooing for breast cancer survivors who have undergone reconstructive surgery. She also offers a free consultation. She may be reached at 210-585-8410.
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BLUE STAR CONTEMPORARY HOSTS 26TH ANNUAL RED DOT FUNDRAISER Blue Star Contemporary held its 26th Annual Red Dot fundraiser on May 18. This year’s fundraiser, which coincided with Blue Star’s 30th anniversary, featured 80+ artists and raised vital funds helping Blue Star Contemporary to further its mission. 1. Guests at the Red Dot fundraiser. 2. Catriona Morrison at the Red Dot Fundraiser. 3. Elizabeth Lyons and Alexa Brundage
10TH ANNUAL SPLENDOR IN THE GARDEN The 10th annual Splendor in the Garden gala took place on May 11, welcoming more than 550 guests to an outdoor evening in the beautiful 38-acre San Antonio Botanical Garden. Proceeds support family programming initiatives at the Botanical Gardens. PHOTOS BY GREG HARRISON
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W MOMMY MATTERS
Kids & Bellyaches THEY’RE OFTEN STRESS-RELATED by niCOLe CrAWFOrD
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was the first morning of our summer vacation trip, and we were all sitting down at the table to get ready for breakfast. Suddenly a scream of terror came from across the bayhouse. It was my daughter, who was 5 years old at the time. I jumped from the table and ran in her direction. She was in the bathroom. The screaming stopped as I opened the door. “What’s wrong?” “It won’t come out! It’s stuck!” she exclaimed, panic-stricken and terrified.
Let’s face it: Gastrointestinal problems can be downright scary, especially when you’re a kid. And when you’re a child, few things are worse than having these issues at school. School nurses are seeing these problems more and more among kids. Here are some tips to help you understand what might be happening.
ASK THE NURSE School nurses Eleanor Pringle and Kathi Martinez of the Alamo Heights Independent School District shared their experience with gastrointestinal problems students often experience, including the following: Constipation: Both Pringle and Martinez acknowledged that constipation tends to be most problematic with younger students and is often stress-related. Stomach upset: Nurse Pringle noted that stomachaches are one of the top two complaints she sees in her clinic. “It is difficult to determine if this has a pathologic cause, if it is stress or if it is a way for the student to disengage from academic or social environments. If stomach ache is recurrent, I will contact a parent and recommend a visit to a primary health provider. If it is accompanied by other symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting or intense distress, I will contact a parent for further evaluation,” she says.. Food allergies and intolerance: Nurse Martinez noted she has seen an increase in food intolerances and allergies since she first started as a nurse. “Irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s disease occur occasionally in this population,” she noted. “It’s hard to say if the incidence has increased or if it is being diagnosed more frequently due to better screening and follow-up.”
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PREVENTION IS KEY: 5 STEPS YOU CAN TAKE Nurses Pringle and Martinez suggested the following five tips to prevent gastrointestinal problems during the school day. 1. Schedule morning bathroom time Nurse Pringle suggested a simple practice parents can use to help prevent problems before their kids head off to school: “I encourage parents to help their kids establish a bowel schedule that includes taking time to use the restroom in the morning before school, even if there is not an urge to use the bathroom. This establishes a pattern that can enable the child to have more control over when and where he or she has a bowel movement. Lots of times, students are very busy at school and will defer bathroom use.” 2. Drink more water School nurse Kathi Martinez recommended packing two or three small water bottles to help balance your child’s gastrointestinal system. She provided the following guidelines for daily water intake: 5-8 years = five 8-ounce glasses of water 9-12 years = seven 8-ounce glasses of water 13+ years = eight to 10 8-ounce glasses of water
Add one or two additional glasses of water per day for children who participate in sports or during the hot summer months. 3. Adjust fiber intake If your child suffers from frequent constipation, adding fiber to his or her diet is a must. Nurse Pringle recommended packing several snacks for your child to eat during the day, but stay away from processed items and opt for healthier, highfiber choices. “Many pre-packaged snacks are loaded with processed ingredients, refined sugars and flours and have little dietary fiber. Carrot sticks, low-sugar cereal bars, raisins, apple slices are all examples of high-fiber, low-added-sugar snacks that promote regular digestion. Additionally, probiotic foods like low-sugar yogurt help maintain healthy gut bacteria, which can aid in digestion.” 4. Exercise regularly To keep digestive processes moving as they should, make sure your child gets at least one hour of exercise each day. According to Nurse Pringle, “Vigorous physical activity is another way to ‘get things moving’ and should be engaged in at least an hour a day, if not longer. All of our students engage in a physical activity class one hour a day and have daily outdoor recess.” 5. Manage stress Nurse Martinez acknowledged that stress is often the root cause of gastrointestinal concerns: “When children are faced with a new task to learn, whether it is letters in kindergarten or advanced math in junior high or high school, it can create an upset tummy, which sometimes will lead to a loose bowel movement or a diarrhea stool. Helping your child to deal with stress through mindfulness, positive self- talk, deep breathing, other stress-relieving activities like prayer or mediation can help decrease the stress and hopefully alleviate the effects on the bowels. As a parent, be willing to prepare and assist your children with learning. This will help alleviate or reduce their stress.”
PREVENTION IS SIMPLE A few glasses of water later, things were running smoothly again for my daughter on our summer trip. It’s kind of funny to laugh about now, but constipation and other gastrointestinal issues can be seriously distressing for young and old alike. Back-to-school is prime time for these problems to surface because of stress, change of routine and different eating habits. Take these steps to keep your child out of the bathroom – or the nurse’s office – and in the classroom.
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W ROLE MODEL
Role Model Katie Kinder DeBauche DIRECTOR OF INDIVIDUAL GIVING FOR THE SAN ANTONIO FOOD BANK by KriSTin MeArS PhOTOgrAPhy by eLiZAbeTh WArbUrTOn
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atie Kinder knew early on that she wanted to make a difference, and it was important to her to work with others to achieve something today that they weren’t able to do yesterday. DeBauche’s dad, David Kinder, calls San Antonio home. “I am an only child to my mom, Suzette Patton, and dad, David Kinder. I am also close with my step-dad, Tim Patton, and step-mom, Vickie Kinder. My parents and Tim are well-respected attorneys here in Texas.” After attending Saint Mary’s Hall, Kinder went on to earn a degree in Latin American studies from the University of Texas at Austin. After competing and winning a placement in the University of Texas Systems Bill Archer Fellowship Program, DeBauche moved to Washington, D.C., and represented UT Austin as a congressional fellow for former San Antonio Congressman Charlie Gonzalez. “One of my first immersive experiences in politics came during my time as a Bill Archer Fellow in Washington D.C.,” says DeBauche. “I
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worked in Congressman Charlie Gonzalez’s office on Capitol Hill, doing all the work expected of an intern — manning the phones, reading and responding to mail and faxes, attending briefings, etc. So many people think Congress is all about extreme partisan gridlock. There is plenty of that, but that view ignores the immense impact your congressman, or any elected official for that matter, has on your life.” After her congressional fellowship ended, DeBauche won a competitive placement in one of Washington’s top lobbying firms. “Instead of taking the big paycheck and rubbing elbows with members of Congress,” says DeBauche, “I came home with the single focus of doing what I can to make San Antonio as great as it can be.” With a passion for making a lasting, positive impact on the city, DeBauche returned to her roots to make it her mission to improve the lives of everyone living in our city. That was only the beginning of DeBauche’s initiative. She worked as finance director and deputy campaign manager for Tina Torres in her
KATIE KINDER DEBAUCHE Age: 28
state representative campaign for House District 117, and later worked as finance assistant at Annie’s List, a statewide political action committee dedicated to electing progressive women to the Texas House and Senate. In 2013, DeBauche entered into nonprofit development. “I started my development career as a campaign staffer here in San Antonio,” she explains. “Dan DeBauche, now my husband, at the time was campaign manager for a state representative race. He took a chance and hired me for a position that didn’t really exist, and with no campaign experience whatsoever. One of my jobs was to manage fundraising, and I never stopped!” Through that campaign and ever since, Katie Kinder DeBauche has been drawn to the work of building bridges and networks between people who are willing to put their time, talent and resources into making our city and our state a better place. Had she chosen her profession, she would most likely be using her Latin American studies degree, but her giving heart continues to lead her to help in the fight to make a difference in San Antonio. As director of individual giving for the San Antonio Food Bank, DeBauche is able to engage with thousands of people, young and old, rich or poor, who want to make a difference. “Whether you and your family have lived here for six months or, like mine, for six generations,” says DeBauche, “you feel the responsibility of caring for others.” The San Antonio Food Bank has a mission greater than just collecting canned goods. Not only are DeBauche and her team feeding 58,000 individuals a week through grocery and meal distribution (over 20 million pounds of fresh produce every year), they are hosting nutrition and wellness classes, offering farmer’s markets to clients, as well as teaching job readiness and workforce development classes. “The San Antonio Food Bank tackles the complexities surrounding food insecurity and hunger,” explains DeBauche. “The most rewarding part of my job is helping people understand that their gifts matter, no matter the size.” Donating a dollar to the San Antonio Food Bank will provide seven meals to someone in need. “We can make a real, measurable impact together,” says DeBauche, “one day and one dollar at a time. “For too many children, the summer months are a time away from their regular breakfast or lunch at school,” explains DeBauche. “One in four children are food insecure and may not know when or where they will have their next meal.” Serving over 130 sites, some serving up to three meals a day, the Food Bank set a goal to distribute 12 million summer meals to children — an additional 6 million meals above what would normally be distributed. “Every day, I help make a difference by meeting an incredible need facing our community,” says DeBauche. “My profession is so rewarding because my work ignites change for good and fuels civic organizations. From electing women to elected office; providing access to affordable legal services for veterans, families and children; supporting San Antonio’s world-class symphony; or providing nourishment to 58,000 foodinsecure individuals a week, every day is rewarding and meaningful.” In all of her duties as a woman in leadership for San Antonio, DeBauche also serves as a commissioner on the Mayor’s Commission on the Status of Women for the San Antonio City Council, on the executive committee and as secretary of both the Junior League of San Antonio and Girls Inc. of San Antonio, and as a board member of the Youth Orchestras of San Antonio. “Along with my husband, I work closely with progressive women — both elected officials and candidates for elective office — to help them get the resources they need to run effective, winning campaigns,” she says.
Why she is a role model: Katie Kinder DeBauche is striving to help women who have advanced to executive and leadership positions give the younger generations unwavering support. “Recently, a member of my team came to me and asked, ‘What should I be doing now so that I can have your job one day?’” recalls DeBauche. “For some people, that question would be threatening — and they might pull up the ladder to prevent that person from reaching their full potential. For me, it’s the exact opposite. I wish for my colleagues to grow personally and professionally, learn by doing, take more responsibilities — and earn my job. I know that I’ll never get to the next rung on the ladder if I’m only focused on protecting the rung I’m on. So I answered her and said, ‘We can start that process right now.’” Her role models: “I am lucky to count two trailblazing and inspirational women as my role models — my mom, Suzette Patton, and my great-aunt, retired USAF Col. Clara Melnik Vermillion. My Great-Aunt Clara climbed the Air Force ranks during a time when not many woman earned the rank of colonel.” Words or phrases she lives by: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” — Winston Churchill; “We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back.” — Malala Yousafazi. Favorite pastime in San Antonio: “Spending time with friends on the roof of the Bushnell, admiring the San Antonio skyline and our beautiful city.” Where she grew up: “I was born and raised in San Antonio. I grew up in Monte Vista and Southtown, before Southtown looked like it does today. I spent my teenage years in central San Antonio.” Most memorable moment as a youth: “When I was in grade school, my mom would leave early from work every Tuesday and pick me up after school from Saint Mary’s Hall. Every week we would pick a different mission to visit. No matter how many times we would visit the missions, my mom and I were always awestruck by their beauty and history. Our city is fortunate to have had our missions designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They are an invaluable treasure for our city and our shared culture, and we should all be thankful that they will be protected for generations to come.” Describe a personal goal: “I love to travel, and I hope to visit every continent. I have three left to go!” Describe a professional goal: “In the future, I hope to serve as executive director/CEO for a nonprofit that is part of the fabric of San Antonio.” What struggles, obstacles or triumphs have shaped you? “One of the biggest times of my life was the moment I realized I wanted to devote myself to making my home, San Antonio, and all of Texas a better place. In 2011, I won a hyper-competitive place in the Bill Archer Fellowship Program, through which I represented the University of Texas at Austin in Washington, D.C. Near the end of my fellowship, I was in the running for a lucrative, coveted position with a Washington, D.C., lobbying firm. After five rounds of intense interviews — some in Spanish, some over two hours long — I landed the job. But it didn’t feel right. The pull of returning to San Antonio and helping shape our city was too strong. I weighed the idea of solving problems in our city that I knew well against solving abstract political problems for corporate clients. To the amazement of my D.C. friends and colleagues — many of whom had applied for that same job — I turned down the lobbying gig, flew home and got to work and have never looked back.”
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GUYS TO KNOW
Sean McNelis ATTORNEY, RETAIL ENTREPRENEUR by JASMinA WeLLinghOFF PhOTOgrAPhy by JAneT rOgerS
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graduate of St. Mary’s Law School, Sean McNelis is the founder/owner of McNelis & Associates, a firm that specializes in construction/real estate law in relation to commercial and public projects. He has recently represented prominent construction companies such as Guido Brothers and Kopplow Construction in high-visibility projects, including the DoSeum, a Witte Museum addition and the ongoing Botanical Garden expansion. His entire legal career has been in this field, starting with a couple of associate positions in construction litigation at two different firms, followed by six years as shareholder and team leader for Matthews and Branscomb’s construction law division. He is a member of multiple professional associations and a leader in both legal and various other phil-
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anthropic, art, biomedical and alumni organizations. The San Antonio Business Journal listed McNelis as one of the “40 Rising Business Leaders under 40” in 2004/2005 and Texas Monthly recognized him as both a “Texas Rising Star” and a “Super Lawyer” multiple times, including in 2015 and 2016. In 2014, the attorney decided to venture into the retail field by opening Sporting District, a specialty men’s store at the Pearl, cleverly named after a former local red-light district by the same name. The handsomely appointed shop offers “provisions for manly pursuits through a curated selection of distinctive clothing, accessories and lifestyle merchandise befitting the tough, rogue and refined sides of the modern gent.”
What prompted you to open the shop?
How involved are you personally in the management of the store?
Out of the blue I got a call from the Pearl one day telling me that somebody had told them that I was interested in opening a men’s store and that they had reserved a spot for such a store in the complex. I told them they were nuts. I never intended to open a store. I hung up, but I started thinking about it and became fascinated with the idea. San Antonio needs a good men’s store to elevate its game… Within two weeks I called the Pearl people back, and six months later we were opened.
Daily. I try to visit the store four to five times a week. When we first opened, I used to work in the store one or two days a month to get a feel for what the customers were looking for. I wish I could do more of that. It’s fun. Practicing law may be exciting but it’s not creative. Owning a store allows you to be very creative.
Was the space ready for you? Oh, no! it was dirt floors and no walls. It became fun (to create our space). The floor you see here consists of 140-year-old wood boards from the old Joske’s department store downtown. As a lawyer, I had a client who had renovated the old Joske’s building, and I had heard that they had this great lumber over there, so I decided to buy it and put it in my store. This lumber came in oxcarts from Louisiana in the 1880s. I’ll tell you another cool thing. Steves & Sons was the lumberyard in San Antonio that purchased and brought the lumber originally. They painted the company’s name on some of the boards, and we have a few of the painted pieces here. And what makes it even cooler is that Marshall Steves was a partner of mine in my old law practice.
How did you choose your merchandise? Frankly, I like cool stuff, and I knew what San Antonio was lacking. So, I decided that’s the niche we should fill. Everything in our store is Southern-made, essentially the best of the South, from Raleigh Denim from North Carolina, the best denim in the world, to Hamilton shirts from Houston, run by the fourth generation of Hamilton shirt makers. Everything in our store has a story to tell. There’s actually a person behind the product, and we know him. I was familiar with some of these brands, then I searched out the others. Right here behind your shoulder is a pair of jeans dyed in whiskey barrels from (the craft denim brand) Marc Nelson Denim in Knoxville. Nobody else sells whiskey-stained denim in San Antonio! I wanted to open a store that San Antonio could be proud of and that could hold its own against Austin, Dallas or even Los Angeles or New York… We were named one of the five best men’s stores in the South by Garden & Gun Magazine and the Conde Nast Traveler mentioned us as well. We are getting a lot of national attention, in part, because there’s a resurgence of interest in Southern culture and way of life… Also, we not only find these makers, we collaborate with them to develop new private-label products exclusively for us.
Let’s talk a bit about your law practice. What are the main challenges in figuring out a contract for, say, something like the Botanical Garden expansion? There are a number of issues, but probably the most important one is the fair apportioning of liability between the partners. If you are working on a project that must be completed by a particular date, what happens if it’s not finished on time? It’s not fair to pass all the risk on to the general contractor, whose profit margins are comparatively low. Thus the parties have to agree in advance on risk allocation. If it’s a public-private project, that adds another layer of complexity. It’s three-dimensional chess! It may not be creative, but it’s intellectually challenging. You have to know where all the pieces fit together on a 3-D project.
It must be satisfying for you to see the finished results and know that you were instrumental in the development of a project. I love seeing things get built. The nice thing about construction is that you can see the results that make San Antonio a better place to live. I love pointing out to my children that I had a role in that. I may not have hammered a single nail, but I created the documents that made it happen.
Recently, you returned from a safari in Africa. Tell us about that. I went to Tanzania for a three-week classic, tented E. African safari, just nature and a few of us. We hunted Cape buffalo and sable. It is said that the buffalos look at you as if you owe them money, and they are very aggressive and dangerous. That’s the fun part. It’s all fair chase though. This is spotting and stalking hunting, so you are trailing the animal and may end up walking for six hours a day. That’s the kind of hunting I enjoy most. I like raw nature, that experience of man against the elements. It recharges my batteries. When I come back from a hunt, I feel like I have rediscovered my place in the world and am ready to start again. You know, our store’s tagline is “Provisions for Manly Pursuits.” Unfortunately, a lot of aspects of manhood have been diminished over the years. Hunting is one way to preserve some of that.
Can you describe the Dallas Safari Club you were inspired to form here? In my spare time – of which I have none – I’ve just formed the San Antonio chapter of the Dallas Safari Club. Over 50 people came to the meeting. Our group promotes conservation of wild life habitat, antipoaching initiatives and pro-hunting initiatives, the latter involving teaching the next generation hunting skills and gun-ownership responsibility. We hunt only post-reproductive males.
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W BUSINESS WOMAN SPOTLIGHT
Photography by JANET ROGERS
Brooklynn Chandler Willy CEO & FOUNDER TEXAS FINANCIAL ADVISORY
What do you do? I acquire clients, manage money, pay bills and referee employee issues. I’m also a radio show host for the Texas Financial Radio show that airs every Sunday at 1 p.m. on KTSA 550 AM. Length of time at this job: I have been there since January 2008. What is it that you like best about your job? There is no ceiling. I can make it as big as I can dream. Education/Major: Baylor University, Bachelor of Arts: business, political science and Spanish. St. Mary’s School of Law: Juris Doctorate. What did you want to be when you were growing up? A lawyer. What brought you to San Antonio? Law school and the desire to be closer to family. What career path led you to where you are today? I did not set out to do what I am doing, much less own my own company. I thought I would be an attorney, but once I was in law school, it did not feel right. I remember thinking on the first day of law school, “Oh no, this isn’t 60 | sawoman.com
going to work,” but I could not quit. During my third year, I bought a book about thinking outside the box of careers you could have with a law degree — without being the traditional lawyer. It was not until I was assisting an insurance salesman’s clients with their estate plan that I saw the light. I realized at that moment that I could use my law degree and do something I found joy in. Praise the Lord!
like to see it from their point of view. I tend to get stuck in the weeds, so when I ask for their input, it helps refocus my attention on what needs mending.
What are your goals? I would like to grow my business and have a team of the best tax strategists, investment advisors and estate planners in all of South Texas. #DreamBig
What community groups or not-forprofit groups are you involved with as a volunteer? My sisters and I started a nonprofit foundation, SHMILY (See How Much I Love You) Gifts from Above. It provides financial and emotional support for students seeking a higher education who have lost a parent while in college. We have taken in six students so far and would love to help more. I also give a lot to my children’s school, Buckner Fanning School at Mission Springs.
Who has been the biggest influence in your life personally and professionally? Personally, I think my family has the biggest influence on me. Professionally, I think Tony Robbins has had the largest impact on my professional career.
What do you enjoy doing on a day off? One downside to owning a business is that you do not have a day off. My brain never shuts off. I am constantly thinking, reading and researching ways to grow my business.
What person do you most admire? There are so many people in this category for me, but I would have to say the prize goes to my mother. She’s a boss and a champion in every way.
What is the best advice that you have ever received? If you can think it, you can achieve it.
How would you describe your leadership style? Collaborative. I am constantly asking my staff for input. I
What books have you read lately? Double, Double. E-Myth. Beyond the 401K. Talk Like Ted. The Ministry of Motherhood. Exciting stuff, I know...
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What’s Relevant in San Antonio by LINDA ELLIOTT
POWER of CONNECTIONS
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any of you reading this article have received my monthly Linda’s Connection Corner e-communique that links onto my blog of the month. For three years beginning in August 2013 my focus was on the Power of Connections. There was a specific power for every month, and then I repeated the same powers each year, with a new twist. I brought to an end my power blogs at the end of this third year, taking a hiatus for two months to plan my next adventure. Upon the suggestion of several people, I’ll share some pearls of wisdom from those blogs. August 2013 – 2015: Power of Social Media (2014 blog) I started my social media quest one year ago because I knew it was where the world was headed. I continue to be fascinated and confounded by its sheer force. Anonymity no longer exists. We are out there for the world to see. Pretty scary, isn’t it? Social media play a major role in us, being so accessible and exposed. We are often judged based on what people read about us online, so best to be cautious and discreet when sharing on social media. September 2013 – 2015: Power of Relationships (2013 blog) So, how do you broaden your bank of relationships? First and foremost, “Be interested, not interesting!” Ask questions – learn about people! Get involved – find a cause you are passionate about. Allow people to see that caring, softer side of you. Find ways to help others by offering your support and encouragement. Have a selfless rather than a selfish attitude. The right kind of attitude will always pay off in the end. Good relationships are built on integrity. You must maintain trustworthiness and honesty in order to maintain respect from others.
October 2013 – 2015: Power of First Impressions (2015 blog) The best advice I can offer is to be true to yourself. Don’t pretend to be someone you really aren’t, because your true identity will be discovered. Make that first impression you leave the real deal. In so doing, you will never have to make excuses or apologize. You are genuine. Remember that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Beauty is not just skin deep. It emanates from the core of your soul and defines the real you. November 2013 – 2015: Power of Connecting vs. Networking (2015 blog) He (Jeffery Gitomer) and I think the same when it comes to comparing networking to connecting. When you go to networking events, you must go with your objective being to meet the people you would like to meet. You want to make friends and help them get business. He calls it “netweaving,” which is basically finding business for others rather than trolling for leads for yourself. I like that! December 2013 – 2015: Power of Giving (2015 blog) “Kindness doesn’t cost you anything, but will bring you riches beyond your wildest dreams.” The power of giving comes from a selfless act – where you simply give from your heart. This act of giving is not tied to any special event, holiday or celebration. It is merely a time when you give from your heart because you want to share what you have, show your appreciation and sincerely care for the ones you are giving to. You should not give with the expectation of receiving 62 | sawoman.com
something back in return. You should give because you want to. January 2014 – 2016: Power of Goal Setting (2015 blog) Interestingly, similar parameters are used for both your professional and personal goal setting. Every goal you set should be a S-M-A-R-T one: Specific – You have clearly defined what you want to accomplish. Measurable – You have identified targets and milestones to track your progress. Attainable – Your goal is realistic and manageable. Relevant – You have identified a goal that fits with your professional/personal model. Time-Based – You have identified a specific period of time for the goal. February 2014 – 2016: Power of Positioning (2014 blog) Positioning yourself and your company – EXTREMELY important to your success! What sets you apart from your competitors? You may know who you are and what you do, but do your customers and clients? Are you communicating the right message about “YOU”? March 2014 – 2016: Power of Integrity (2016 blog) … I feel that there is no love of anything or anybody without having integrity. Integrity is the primary virtue that allows us to express ourselves sincerely and openly without a deceptive ulterior motive. It defines character! April 2014 – 2016: Power of Attitude (2015 blog) How often do we hear the words impossible, never, no way, unimaginable, can’t be done? I think it’s best to live by the adage, “If there’s a will, there’s a way.” Or another, “Consider your cup half full, not half empty.” It’s all about having a positive attitude. Believe me, it makes getting out of bed every morning so much easier. May 2014 – 2016: Power of NO! (2015 blog) Saying NO is one of the most important aspects of living a life filled with balance, integrity and authenticity. Being able to say NO with confidence and sincerity is one of the most important aspects of creating peace and power in our lives. By doing so, we create healthy boundaries while honoring ourselves and just being real. June 2014 – 2016: Power of Listening (2016 blog) Great leaders are great listeners. They recognize knowledge and wisdom are not gained by talking, but rather by listening. ALL great leaders are adept at reading between the lines. They have the uncanny ability to understand what is not said, witnessed or heard. July 2014 – 2016: Power of Follow-Up (2016 blog) The manner in which you follow up, both personally and in business, will ultimately be the strongest determining factor for how others judge you. Oftentimes, you must walk a thin line to determine the best ways to follow up with others. You don’t want to be so aggressive that you are deemed a pest, nor do you want to be lackadaisical, giving the impression you are not really interested. Go to www.elliottconnection.com/blog for blogs, interviews and other relevant info.
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W WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Marketing in Today’s World FOUR LOCAL LEADERS DISCUSS THEIR JOURNEYS AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES by JenniFer bArTLeTT PhOTOgrAPhy by eLiZAbeTh WArbUrTOn
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he lion’s share of our lives is spent sitting behind a desk communicating through a screen. We no longer have to leave our homes to shop, pay bills or even purchase groceries, and our cumulative daily “screen time” really starts to add up. While online communication has put the world at our doorstep and access to people almost anywhere, it has also led to our increasing isolation from the world, as we often find ourselves sitting alone in a room, tapping on a keyboard. The four marketing leaders profiled here hail from the diverse arenas of health care, multiuse development, energy and transportation. They have figured that to navigate their industries’ ever-evolving landscapes, they are employing enduring principles of direct communication and interactive experiences to get their messages out. And their circuitous journeys to where they are today, coupled with their unflagging optimism about their profession, underscore how much they rely on the support of others and in turn give back to their company and community at large.
PALMIRA ARELLANO Methodist Healthcare Born and raised in San Antonio, Palmira Arellano attended UTSA and had planned at the outset to become a lawyer. The oldest of five children, she was heavily influenced by grandparents who taught her the importance of a strong work ethic and a kind heart. “For my grandparents, everyone they met was important. They taught me to treat everyone equally, whether you were talking to someone who worked as a housekeeper or as a CEO.” Arellano’s parents were also important role models. “My mother did not work. She raised five children and in a very gracious way. My mom and dad were wonderful role models — the best ever. They did nothing but encourage me in every decision I made and taught me the basics of how to be a good human being,” she says. 66 | sawoman.com
Her plan to go into law took a turn when her aunt, a community relations director at a local radio station, offered her an internship while Arellano was still in school. “That experience opened doors,” she remembers. She was allowed to sit with community leaders who were change agents in San Antonio. Watching them and getting to participate in planning events with people of this caliber had a huge impact on her. Arellano decided she wanted to be a change agent, too. While at UTSA, she competed in the Miss Hispanic San Antonio competition. “I came in second place,” she says. And she so impressed one of the judges during the interview portion of the competition that she offered Palmira a job a week later in the area of public relations. She took the plunge, and her career in PR was born. Arellano says that part of the “secret sauce” of her professional success is her attitude: “I look at everything that comes in front of me, and I never discount anything. I don’t close the door to anybody. I share a lot with everyone I meet, and I work to make connections.” She sees the world as wide-open. She has never shied away from walking through an open door, making a new friend or taking on a new challenge. She is eager to connect with anybody and everybody. She wants to get to know you. And her gift is her ability to see the importance of every interaction, even the smallest ones, and to treat everyone she meets with respect. Arellano ended up working for eight years in advertising for Sosa, Bromley, and Aguilar, working on such prestigious accounts as Proctor & Gamble, Western Union, Coca-Cola and Polaroid. She had dual roles as PR director and senior account executive. She notes, “People were just starting to talk about Hispanic advertising, and I got in on the ground floor.” One day she got a phone call from a headhunter recruiting for Methodist Healthcare. She had mixed feelings about leaving her job, but she says, “I knew that Methodist was a solid company to work for.” She took the plunge. “When I started there, I knew about marketing and PR, but I didn’t know about health care.” Arellano was not deterred. She knew she could learn, and that’s exactly what she did. She points to four important keys to success in her industry. She says mentoring others is crucial. It has been one of the most joyful parts of her job. Her ability to adjust to a changing industry is paramount because, as she points out, things are changing all the time, and you either have to get used to that or get out. Arellano also underscores the importance of having a mission to do good: “If I didn’t believe in what Methodist does every day, I couldn’t get up and go to work.” Finally, she notes that her success is in large part attributable to her can-do attitude and her ability to look ahead and never quit. She has never failed to walk through an open door or to extend a hand to a stranger. Connection is key to her success.
ELIZABETH FAUERSO Pearl Development Elizabeth Fauerso, chief marketing officer at Pearl, a mixed use development just north of downtown San Antonio, oversees the entity’s marketing and public relations department. She cuts an impressive figure. Her office is reflective of someone who is organized and purposeful with a decidedly artistic flair. It is no wonder since her background is in comparative religion and the arts. While she is a native San Antonian with deep roots here, she actually spent her youth growing up bouncing between Europe, Los Angeles and southeast Iowa. She is the child of ubercreative parents — her father, a musician and her mother, a writer and teacher. “It was incumbent on us to do something different,” Fauerso says. “If we came to my parents and said, ‘I’m going to be an artist,’ that was celebrated. If we had said, ‘I’m going to be something more conventional, like a lawyer or a business person,’ that would have engendered a certain amount of scrutiny.” From an early age, Fauerso was encouraged to question everything, which is central to her identity and guides her throughout her life, personally and professionally. “I had wanted to teach English in Chile because, well, how cool would that be?” explains Fauerso. During an interview with a Chilean busiseptember/october 2016 | 67
W WOMEN IN BUSINESS nessman, she drew upon her strong liberal arts education from Trinity University and impressed the businessman with her command of philosophy — especially that of German philosopher Martin Heidegger and his philosophy on the power of language. She eventually landed the job — writing case studies for his management consultancy in Mexico City. Her work allowed her to see the world. Fauerso followed that as vice president and executive director of strategic planning at Dieste, a leading Hispanic marketing agency, overseeing product development for brands such as Levi’s, AT&T, Proctor & Gamble, and PepsiCo. She also worked with advertising entity Zuckerman Fernandes & Partners and then had her own marketing firm in San Francisco and London. She also served as group planning director at Bromley Communications here in San Antonio. Having the opportunity to live and work in such far-flung places offered Fauerso the perspective of an outsider, which she says has been central to her professional development. Though she’s an insider in San Antonio, she’s never lost that edge that comes with being an outsider too, and she mines that perspective in her work. Her knowledge of Heidegger was also a springboard for shaping her own philosophy on marketing, PR and community development. Fauerso throws off traditional branding strategies or a traditional adherence to big ad agency metrics, opting instead for the power of telling a story. As Heidegger says, “Man acts as though he were the shaper and master of language, while in fact language remains the master of man.” This is certainly how Fauerso treats the Pearl, a space that has a language, a temperature and a heartbeat where the community and the development engage in a real relationship of give-and-take. For her, working to expand Pearl and overseeing its evolution is not about “branding” it as one particular thing. It is about helping to create stories around the space that reflect its past, present and future. This is so the people who come to Pearl contribute to what it is and what it becomes. The community shares in making meaning out of the space, and in that way, Pearl is a living, breathing thing that grows with the community, allowing it to be many things to a variety of diverse constituencies. “People interact with the space differently, and this should be welcomed,” says Fauerso. She underscores that if a marketing executive offers a singular definition of a brand or an experience for the consumer, he or she runs the risk of boxing out potential constituencies. Letting individuals define their own relationship to the Pearl or offering multiple inroads for connection builds longer-lasting relationships, and gives the space greater flexibility and an ability to change over time. The Pearl is in a near-constant state of evolution, and Fauerso recognizes that the people who visit the complex are also evolving. Fauerso emphasizes that failure has also been part of her success. She had been working in London and was feeling pretty sanguine about her future. One day she was celebrating the success of a large event she was working on, and the next, she had lost her boyfriend, her job and her living quarters. The Twin Towers had fallen in New York City, and she felt as though everything in the world had collapsed. She called her grandmother, whom she describes as “a force of nature,” and at the matriarch’s insistence she returned home to San Antonio. She had not realized how comforting and empowering it would be to be back home: “My identity was here. It was something I could wrap myself in for comfort, but also something I could use to reimagine my life.” Fauerso says that coming back to San Antonio not only helped her
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to understand who she was, but also compelled her to think about the obligation she had to contribute to this city. She then pauses for a moment to tell me about when she became a mother to her daughter Josie, now almost 3, and her realization that her role as a parent and as a professional are connected. She emphasizes how important it is to be able to bring her daughter into her work world — much like her parents integrated their professional pursuits with her and her siblings. “Being a professional with sons and daughters invited into our work worlds helps us promote a healthy perspective about the realities of being engaged professionals and parents. We live in a world where our work and personal lives intersect and can influence the other for the better — it’s an ecosystem much like Pearl,” says Fauerso. Getting to work every day at Pearl, a development that has changed the complexion of the city, is a huge gift and it is setting an example not only for Fauerso but also for the rest of the city at large.
JOANNA WEIDMAN NuStar Energy, LP Joanna Weidman came to San Antonio in middle school by way of Fairfax, Va. While attending school in San Antonio at Eisenhower and then Churchill, she found her love of writing. She did well in her English courses and says she was a “one trick pony” because she did not have a natural talent for her other school subjects. In high school, Weidman was enthusiastic about getting involved and learning as much as she could. She wrote for the school newspaper and worked on the yearbook staff. Then she found a new passion, event planning, when she served on the teen board at Dilliard’s department store. “There was a woman who had a job doing special events at Dilliard’s, and that sounded like something I would like,” explains Weidman. She followed that experience with an internship at KSAT-TV, where she finally pinpointed where her passions lay and decided what she would major in at college. She attended the University of Texas at Austin, earning a bachelor’s in journalism with a concentration in public relations. “I love to write and do events and utilize different communication tools,” says a smiling Weidman. And from there she has shaped a successful career in communications in San Antonio and has never looked back. Weidman joined NuStar. LP in 2007 and today directs its internal and external communications as the senior vice president of administration while helping to oversee the company’s facility services. Prior to her work at NuStar, she was corporate communications director at Valero Energy Corporation, director of public relations and marketing at CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Health Care, and worked at the Atkins Agency, a marketing firm where she helped direct public relations campaigns for the San Antonio Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, the Alamodome, the Hard Rock Café and many others. NuStar, a leading energy company, is all buzz and excitement and youthful energy at its employee-centric campus. Weidman herself em-
bodies the young energetic spirit of her company. She is wickedly smart, thoughtful, even analytical in her answers to questions and unabashedly enthusiastic about NuStar Energy and her mentors, Bill Greehey and Mary Rose Brown. Her devotion to her company and her bosses is almost religious, always underscoring the gratitude she feels toward the people who brought her up in the energy industry. She alights on a feeling of belonging at NuStar that helps her to do her job well. It is a feeling she seeks to cultivate in her employees. “To belong to a place means that one has loyalty to it, but also that the place has loyalty to you,” Weidman says. “Every decision NuStar makes is about its employees first.” Weidman’s job at NuStar is to establish new employee communication tools, events and activities. She leads project teams and even helped lead the team that planned and constructed the new $100 million corporate campus, which has received numerous awards, including “Best New Office Development” in 2013 by the San Antonio Business Journal. “To say it was challenging is an understatement, as I had no experience in real estate or construction,” she says. “Fortunately, Mr. Greehey and Mary Rose provided leadership and resources that we needed to be successful.” As part of her role at the company, Weidman activates daily communication with employees: “We utilize a folksy, easy style of writing that reflects the voice of our executive leadership.” The various platforms of communication include an online portal, online newsletter and TV screens in the break room as well as posters and promotional flyers – much devoted to promoting events and various employee-focused communication. Weidman also helps oversee communications about the company’s
financial performance, operational and safety milestones, and how the company’s operations around the world are doing. This includes new capital projects, employee benefits enrollment, various HR programs and even back-to-school fairs. She also has to keep the communications flowing to and from her counterparts located throughout the world, relying on the company’s intranet. When asked about being a high-ranking female executive in the energy industry, traditionally a male-dominated profession, she replies, “Women have made strides in engineering and energy. One of the cool things is there is a local organization here in San Antonio called Women in Energy, and we have lots of employees involved. We also have a lot of young women becoming more engaged in this, and the group is helping its members stay informed about what is happening in our industry, how we can get more involved and move up the career ladder. We have to encourage younger women to consider our industry.” She continues, “We have several women who are in senior management here at NuStar, and mentoring is important. As an example, we have a high school age intern we secured through the city’s SAWorks initiative, and she is getting to experience various aspects of our company so she can learn about the exciting careers she can have in energy – maybe communications?” says a hopeful Weidman. Weidman emphasizes that the key to her success is all about the people she works with. She says that public relations works best when the relationships between people internally function well. The loyalty she feels toward her company and the people in it are the things that drive her passion for NuStar and what she does. And the employees get to benefit from her attention to the quality and integrity of the messages they receive, positively reinforced in so many different ways.
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W WOMEN IN BUSINESS itan Transit in 2015, she coordinates marketing efforts and oversees communications for the agency. She describes her job this way: “My role includes strategic and creative development for everything
from
branding
to
collateral
materials, events to media and advertising for VIA initiatives.” Benavidez credits her outstanding and passionate team and describes a positive, creative culture as the engines that drive their success. She also credits VIA leadership, saying, “I’m inspired by our leadership at VIA from our esteemed chair and board of trustees, to our president and CEO, our senior executives and our chief of staff, who have shared a vision to move our community forward.” Benavidez studied government and literature at the University of Texas at Austin, (where she also served as a presenter at the Barbara Jordan National Forum on Public Policy in 2007). After college her career began at her hometown newspaper, where she earned her first professional byline and met her first wave of professional mentors that would support her during and after her journalism career that included time as city editor and government and politics editor for the San Antonio ExpressNews. “The newsroom is a special place. I like to say that I grew up there. And in many ways that’s true,” she says. From journalism to the broader arena of communications, public relations, and now marketing, Benavidez sees how all of her professional experiences fit together in one greater narrative arc. “Sometimes a mentor isn’t someone you work with in an office. Sometimes a mentor is someone whose work inspires or
RACHEL BENAVIDEZ
influences you, draws you in, in the way
VIA Metropolitan Transit
gravity keeps a satellite in orbit,” she re-
Rachel Benavidez is formidable. Smart and talented, she is a woman
flects. She remembers author Sandra Cisneros as one of these mentors.
who is not afraid to speak her mind. When she does, she is at once so
Benavidez interviewed Cisneros during her tenure as editor for San An-
graceful and passionate that you cannot help feeling her excitement.
tonio Magazine, and she was struck by Cisneros’ style as much as by
Starting as the director of marketing and promotions for VIA Metropol-
the content of what she said. “Ms. Cisneros was a truth teller, someone
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who didn’t sugar coat — not her criticisms of others or her own shortcomings or pain. I knew her through her published work, but sitting with me in that Southtown coffee shop was someone three-dimensional and real.” Cisneros gave her important advice that day, encouraging her to be real and to follow her path, regardless of what culture says. Clearly, Benavidez has taken that advice to heart. Today her professional goals revolve around communicating the values and benefits of public transportation, and doing so consistently, creating and supporting opportunities for community engagement and working to increase ridership, public awareness and a positive perception of VIA. Her passion for her work is evident in the way she describes the agency, the community and the city she seeks to bolster through the creation of a great public transportation system. She is thoughtful about the position she is now in and the opportunities in front of her, explaining, “I joined VIA at an exciting time for our region, as transportation choices become increasingly important. Approximately 150 new people are arriving in our region every day. That’s about 1.6 million new residents by the year 2040. Part of my work is to communicate why public transportation — why VIA — is an integral part of creating sustainable growth in our community.” Her dedication to that community is evident in her leadership style and her consistent efforts on behalf of the greater San Antonio region. Benavidez counts herself lucky to have had many mentors who have offered her encouragement and support throughout the years. Among them are family, friends, colleagues, artists, writers and others. “I crossed paths with these people at the exact right time. Lucky for me!” she exclaims. And she returns the favor of being supportive to her community through her work, as cheerleader for VIA and for the region. Her devotion to her community is evident in everything she says and in the way she describes her ideas about career, life and self. She is someone who has truly blended her vocation with her avocation.
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BOOMERS W
STRENGTH TRAINING as we
Start slow, start light BY PAMELA LUTRELL
W
ith a desire to have more muscle strength and to lose weight, Karen Burrows, 57, began a strength-training program three years ago and has enjoyed the benefits immensely. “I have more energy and feel better about myself overall,” she says. She also recalled a recent story where she tripped while walking with family and was able to catch herself before falling. “This even impressed my sons and was nothing I could have done before I began working with weights,” she said.
“The advantage to beginning strength training later in life is you are more willing to train smarter and you are more willing to seek out advice so you can train smarter,” says Kim Folden, personal trainer for several San Antonio gymnasiums. After eight years as a personal trainer, Folden has worked with many baby boomer adults. “Several years ago, I was lucky enough to train a women’s-only multisport team, which consisted of women ranging in age from 45 to 60 years old,” she said. “What I learned from training with those women was absolutely invaluable. And I incorporate everything I learned from them into my training regimen prescribed for clients over 50.” She believes it is never too late to start a strength-training program, but many older adults tend to stay away. Folden said, “Baby boomers do not take muscle strength as seriously as they should. Most men and women do not know how or what to do for strength-training exercises. It can be intimidating and overwhelming if you have never been exposed to this type of regimen.” september/october 2016 | 73
W BOOMERS Tiffany DeWitt, RD, registered dietitian for Abbott Industries, said, “Everyone knows we lose muscle over time, but most just accept it as inevitable and do not try to do anything about it.” In May, Abbott and AARP released a survey taken of 1,480 adults aged 50-plus and discovered most desired more strength and energy in their current lifestyles. Overall, 85 percent surveyed said they were in good or better health. But most were not very concerned about muscle loss. DeWitt confirmed,
“Many do not realize building muscle and bone goes hand in hand. It is never too late to begin strength training with exercise and increased protein in the diet.” Muscles play a key role in movement, balance, posture and the body’s metabolism. Muscle loss can also contribute to a lack of energy and make even simple activities such as grocery shopping more difficult. There are over 600 muscles in the body, and they can be strained by stretching too much or improperly, as when lifting something of considerable weight. If a muscle is not used, it gets smaller and weaker. This is known as atrophy. “Boomers expect to slow down as we get older, but the science shows there’s a lot we can do to prevent or delay some of the more debilitating effects of aging,” said Gabrielle Redford, executive editor, Health, for AARP. “Exercising and eating right are critical to staying healthy, and starting in our 40s, we begin to lose muscle mass, through our 50s, 60s and beyond.” Folden recommends,“Start slow, start light. As your body gets used to strength training, start picking up a heavier weight, or add in another day of strength training to your routine. And seek out a personal trainer. Most of the time, after doing only a few sessions with a personal trainer, you will feel confident and ready to strength-train on your own.” She acknowledges most men and women above age 50 were traditionally hammered with “cardio, cardio, cardio” as the source of overall health and wellness. “While cardio-based exercises help strengthen the heart (also a muscle), they do not give the same musculoskeletal benefits that strength training does. In order to keep our bodies functioning, maintain bone density and live a more active and pain-free lifestyle, strength training is a must as part of a wellness regime,” she said. In the AARP-Abbott survey, 57 percent participated in cardio, but only 24 percent were in weight training and 14 percent in yoga. This should be a red flag to baby boomers desiring an active lifestyle for years to come.
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september/october 2016 | 75
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78 | sawoman.com
An elegant form of edible landscaping A few years ago I planted a small Satsuma orange tree in our backyard. Lovely evergreen leaves unfolded barren for a sea-
SANDBAR’S KEY LIME PIE
son or so, until finally, late one spring, delicate white flowers fragrantly blossomed near the back porch. That summer, round green balls appeared on its branches like Christmas tree ornaments, showing promise to grow into larger spheres of juicy orange segments — or so I imagined. Until one day I walked into our kitchen, and my husband proudly pointed to a bowl on the table, saying, “Look! Our lime tree made a bunch of limes, and I picked them for us!” Citrus trees can be an elegant form of edible landscaping. As evergreens, most citrus keep a good face throughout the year, and in good years grace their keeper with gifts of grapefruit, oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins, tangerines, tangelos, pummelos, kumquats, citron or calamondin. Oils in the colorful reptilian peels create pleasing aromas and add flavor to sweet or tart inner flesh. Citrus is ready to harvest between October and May, during cooler months when many regional fruits don’t naturally grow. Most citrus are picked ripe and ready to eat. Unlike tomatoes, peaches or bananas, you can’t pick or buy them green and allow them to ripen on your countertop; they must ripen on the tree. Even commercial growers must hand-pick citrus fruit in waves, as different fruits ripen
Crust: 21/2 sleeves graham crackers 3 tablespoons sugar 1/4 cup (or 1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter Filling: 2 cans sweetened condensed milk 1 cup Key lime juice or lime juice 7 eggs Zest of 3 limes
to their correct colors and are then promptly ready to consume. Harvests can sometimes be overabundant and shelf life limited, so citrus tree keepers are known to bring bulging bags of limes to party hosts, trade for vegetables with gardening friends, regularly create re-
Chantilly Cream: 1 cup heavy whipping cream 1 teaspoon sugar, or less, to taste 1 tablespoon Key lime juice or lime juice Lime zest, to taste, divided use
freshing cocktails, marinades, salads and even pasta sauces, sponsor neighborhood kids’ lemonade stands and invite others to please come pick away. One friend with a huge bounty once placed a basket on her front porch with a sign: “Free lemons!” Citrus can also be fragile and temperamental divas. They want the sunny side of the yard, prefer a side structure for shelter, and during freezes must be covered or brought inside. For this reason, most commercial Texas groves take root in the Rio Grande Valley, where the sun shines relentlessly and winters pass mildly. During coolweather holidays, many people near the Rio Grande Valley give bushels of grapefruit or oranges as gifts, since they are readily avail-
For crust: Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a food processor, process graham crackers, sugar and butter. Test to see if the mixture sticks. If not, add a little more butter, but not too much or the crust will become greasy. Press into 18-by-12-inch pan, or half sheet pan, and bake about 8 minutes. Reduce heat to 320 degrees. For filling: Mix together sweetened condensed milk, Key lime juice, eggs and zest in stainless steel bowl with a stick blender or mixer. Pour filling on top of crust, either hot or cold, and bake at 320 degrees for 10 minutes at the most. Bake until a slight shimmer forms on top of tart. Center should still have some jiggle. If skin forms, it is overdone and should be removed immediately. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let filling set.
able and inexpensive.
For Chantilly Cream: Whip cream, sugar, lime juice and zest until mixture thickens.
But Texans are not alone; Europeans have traditionally gifted citrus
To serve: cut into slices, set on plate and top each slice with Chantilly Cream and additional lime zest to taste.
since the Middle Ages. During cold winter months when fresh fruit was difficult and expensive to acquire, only the richest people regularly ate ured for flavor and vitamins. And once people realized that baking fruit
Per serving (based on 16): 360 calories (39.8 percent calories from fat), 16 g fat, 135 mg cholesterol, 180 mg sodium, 47 g carbohydrates, 1 g dietary fiber, 8 g protein.
into a cake doused with alcohol could preserve it, the mighty Christmas
From Andrew Weissman
it. A piece of citrus therefore was a special gift, saved up for and treas-
fruitcake was born. september/october 2016 | 79
W SUSTAINABLE GARDENING Spaniards first planted citrus in Texas during the1700s, and by the 1900s Texas boasted thousands of trees, including grapefruit, lime, lemon, and orange, and exported 500 carloads a year. During the 1930s Depression years, citrus marketers had to turn surplus oranges into juice, frozen concentrate and powders. Citrus farms survived, and many new citrus varieties were developed and patented. Today the state fruit of Texas is the Red Grapefruit. Along with the Red Grapefruit varieties, many other great selections for Texas gardeners abound, including the Texas Superstar® Satsuma mandarins, Meyer or Ponderosa lemons, Mexican or Persian limes and Meiwa kumquats. Fanick’s nursery off W.W. White Road offers great local wisdom and wide citrus selection (www.fanicknursery.com). My aunt once bought a home with a citrus tree collection in place along its side yards and inner courtyard; nestled among other shrubs, vines and trees, the citrus trees were a wonderful selling point of interest. As I wandered through the side yard admiring the lemon, grapefruit and lime trees, one tree in particular caught my eye, bearing fruits that resembled claw-like blobs with grapefruit skin. Alarmed this tree might host a citrus disease, I called horticulturalist David Rodriguez at Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Agency (http://bexar-tx.tamu.edu) and described the odd fruit. I didn’t get very far before he gently laughed and finished the description of “Budhha’s Hand,” an exotic citrus used in Asian dishes, but grown in Texas mainly for ornamental interest.
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For successful citrus growing, plant them outside in early spring after danger of frost has passed. Citrus want full exposure, with 8-10 hours of sun. They do well in pots (and make great potted-plant gifts), which can be taken inside during freezes. If they do freeze, they can re-grow after being cut back. Use well-drained potting soil and feed monthly with a water-soluble fertilizer. Citrus flowers have both male and female parts so they pollinate themselves, and single citrus trees make lovely accent trees in a planted garden. To fully celebrate citrus, don’t miss the Texas Citrus Fiesta in the Rio Grande Valley town of Mission the last weekend of January. “Part folk art, part pageantry,” the festival features a carnival, fun run, vaquero cook-off and Parade of Oranges replete with King Citrus, Queen Citrianna and Princess Grapefruit Blossom. For more information on Texas citrus, visit www.texasweet.com.
ENTERTAINING W
NOW AN ANNUAL GATHERING WHERE GUESTS DRINK IN THE ART BY KELI DAVIDSON
Fun and whimsy abounded in Alamo Heights at an annual wine and art party created by resident Austin McNeel Siegel. “Vino Palooza” is an annual event that Siegal created to showcase her love of art with her friends and family. The fun event promotes local artists and the art community in San Antonio, and does so while guests share a glass of good wine in a more intimate setting than a gallery.
Photo by Janet rogers
Austin McNeel Siegel (pictured right) taking in the art with good friend Rick Rivas.
The house party that became an art show idea was created when McNeel Siegel moved into her eclectic house in the heart of Alamo Heights several years ago and decided to have a housewarming party. “The entry way to the house has an art gallery feel to it, but I wasn’t crazy about the paintings that I had to display.” McNeel Siegel then invited a few artist friends to exhibit their work in her house for her party and then asked guests to bring a bottle of their favorite wine. The party was such a success that she repeated it the following year and aptly named it Vino Palooza. september/october 2016 | 81
PHOTOS BY RAMIN SAMANDARI
W ENTERTAINING
1
3
2
All of the featured artists chosen are local and directly support the San Antonio art community. This year, Vino Palooza’s selection highlighted four women artists — including Ruth Burink, Deborah Keller-Rihn, Laura Mijangos Rapp and Petra del Sol. A licensed professional counselor, McNeel Siegel enjoys the balance that art brings to her life and reflects, “You hear a lot of tough and heartbreaking stories in therapy. Immersing myself in design or art is a welcome diversion. Art can be therapeutic too.”
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TOP RIGHT: McNeel Siegel at her spirited wine display as guests mingle. She cleverly topped her wine table with black chalk-friendly paper for guests to write messages throughout the evening.
Vino Palooza gathers a diverse group of people and artists around a large table set for wine and pick-up nibbles to keep guests flowing around the house and drinking in the art. The centerpiece is the large table covered in chalk paper wherein guests write their own thoughts, as well as sharing comments on the wine and art. A fun evening to support a great cause, this is what Vino Palooza is all about, and it flowed very well this year. 1. Vino Palooza invitation 2. Mesquite wood sculptures by artist Ruth Burink 3. Spiritual art by artist Deborah Keller-Rihn
Commercial real estate acquisitions and sales are moving so quickly in San Antonio it is no wonder the careers of those in the industry are soaring. Women are found throughout this thriving field in sales, law, finance and management. Market trends continue to track upward, bringing optimism throughout San Antonio for our growth and potential. From the Pearl Brewery to South town, the city offers a trendy creative flair for businesses and upcoming professionals. San Antonio is now a more cost-efficient option than Austin with all the bells and whistles offered in the state’s capital. This month, San Antonio Woman introduces readers to a sampling of the superstars of commercial real estate. Whether you need office space for relocation or a place to open a new endeavor, these are the power-house women in the know, and they are ready to offer assistance.
W WOMEN IN COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE SHERI ARNOLD CCIM
A newcomer to the San Antonio area, Sheri Arnold is no stranger to the CRE business. She is the Principal/Broker for Coldwell Banker Commercial Arnold and Associates in Southeast Texas and has recently expanded that footprint by acquiring Coldwell Banker Commercial Alamo City, a 25 year old company serving the commercial real estate needs of San Antonio. As an entrepreneurial leader, Sheri brings over 30 years of economic development experience with a bold and creative focus to our region. Her relentless pursuit of excellence and unstoppable work ethic continually places her clients’ needs first. “I’ve worked hard to establish my reputation as a trusted expert and leader in industrial, retail, commercial, office, land acquisitions, development, property management, and consulting since I began my business in southeast Texas over 26 years ago” says Arnold. “It is exciting and fulfilling to expand into the San Antonio market and work with so many experienced professionals on a variety of projects. It’s especially wonderful to see how many outstanding women are leading CRE in this region.” Sheri was awarded the prestigious Mentor/Protégé Award at the 2016 CBC Global Conference. She and her protégé were the first women to win this award. Additionally, Sheri currently serves on Coldwell Banker Commercial’s Corporate National Advisory Board as one of eight members and the only female to occupy this board position. In 2015, she won the Athena International Leadership Award from the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce and has been honored from numerous professional and civic organizations. She has the notable CCIM designation, is an active member of CREW San Antonio and the International Council of Shopping Centers. “Joining CBC was the best decision I ever made. Being a franchise allows for entrepreneurial spirit to flourish, brokers to think creatively, and relationships to have organic growth, while receiving support and guidance from the corporate office. Our success is built upon a culture of drive, instinct, and passion for our business.”
13750 San Pedro, Suite 270 San Antonio, TX 78232 210.483.6250 • 409.659.7977 84 | sawoman.com
WOMEN IN COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE W CYNTHIA LEE CCIM, GRI
An award-winning licensed real estate Broker for KW Commercial, Cynthia Lee, is among an elite 7% who holds the CCIM designation, Certified Commercial Investment Member. CCIMs are recognized as leading experts in commercial real estate with advanced knowledge in financial and market analysis. With this expertise, Cynthia specializes in office and retail tenant representation and carries the prestigious title of Director of Real Estate for two national brands including San Antonio-based Massage Heights. In addition to franchising and group real estate management, Cynthia has a team in place to handle all commercial real estate transactions both locally and nationally while maintaining her commitment to excellent communication with the client. Cynthia gained experience as a commercial real estate broker while working for Transwestern, one of the top commercial brokerages in the country. Cynthia transitioned to KW Commercial to practice both commercial and residential – a synergy she believes is critical. She knows where consumer growth is happening and further enhanced her residential knowledge by earning the top residential designation, GRI, Graduate Realtor Institute. Cynthia’s background includes 16 years as a television news anchor and reporter for KABB-TV in San Antonio. She currently serves on two boards: Hemisfair Park Area Redevelopment Corporation (City of San Antonio) and CCIM San Antonio. She is a Leadership San Antonio alum and was recently featured as a top Broker in the June 2016 issue of Texas Monthly magazine. Cynthia is a mother to a four-year-old daughter and in her spare time, is a certified kickboxing and boot camp instructor for two local gyms and plays the piano. Cynthia grew up in Seguin, Texas and is a graduate of SMU in Dallas, Texas.
Licensed Broker Associate #0607833 M: 210.386.8148 • O: 210.630.6100 • cynthialee@kw.com september/october 2016 | 85
W WOMEN IN COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE CAROLYN JOHNSON FLETCHER Commercial Escrow Officer
Carolyn is a commercial escrow officer with Alamo Title Company; specializing in commercial closings including: SbA, hotels, motels, office buildings, strip centers, C-Stores, restaurants, and multi-family. Carolyn has served on the following boards: CreW, CCiM, CTAggL and actively serves on committees for each organization. Carolyn has served on the CreW-network gold Standards committee and is an eVA rOSOW Award of excellence recipient. As an active volunteer for the San Antonio Stock Show & rodeo, she serves on the Steer and bar-b-Q committees. Customer Service and communication are a high priority with Carolyn’s team! Alamo Title Company has been in San Antonio for over 90 years and is part of the Fidelity national Title group, the largest title insurance group in the United States.
18618 Tuscany Stone Drive, Suite 240 San Antonio, TX 78258 Main: 210.490.1313 • Direct: 210.536.0205 Carolyn.fletcher@alamotitle.com
RUTH L. JORDAN RID, IIDA, LEED AP
The Jordan group is a full service interior Design firm that serves the commercial real estate industry through innovative design and timely production. The firm teams with commercial real estate brokers and provides a wide range of services to aid in their leasing efforts. Founded by ruth Jordan in 2012, The Jordan group specializes in the design of corporate and healthcare interiors. Currently a member of the real estate Council of San Antonio, Commercial real estate Women and international interior Design Association, ruth has served on numerous executive boards and volunteers time through these organizations. Licensed in the State of Texas for interior Design, she is also a LeeD Accredited Professional. in addition to business owner and entrepreneur, ruth is a devoted wife and proud mother of two boys.
16607 Blanco Road, Suite 801 • San Antonio, TX 78232 O: 210.267.8320 • ruth@thejordangroup-sa.com www.thejordangroup-sa.com
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WOMEN IN COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE W DEBORAH BAUER Founder, Drake Commercial Group
Deborah Bauer is the founder of Drake Commercial Group, a commercial real estate brokerage company founded in 1986 and based in San Antonio, Texas. For the last thirty years Deborah has been representing investors and developers for retail, office, multi-family and large master-planned developments. Drake Commercial Group’s reputation, as well as Deborah Bauer’s commitment to excellence earns her the respect of the commercial real estate community as a top professional. Deborah has been the recipient of numerous awards including: Entrepreneurial Spirit and Visionary award from NAWBO, Business Achievement Award from North Chamber, Entrepreneurial Leadership award from San Antonio Business Journal and Best in Commercial Real Estate — Land Deal from San Antonio Business Journal as well as being featured in NSIDE Magazine and also the cover and feature story of San Antonio Woman magazine.
19310 Stone Oak Parkway, Suite 201 • San Antonio, TX 78258 O: 210.402.6363 • F: 210.402.6767 www.drakecommercial.com september/october 2016 | 87
W WOMEN IN COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE CARRIE CAESAR
CBRE, First Vice President, Capital Markets Investment Properties Carrie Caesar has been in the San Antonio commercial real estate industry since 1991 and joined CBRE in April 2000. Carrie specializes in the disposition of income producing investment property throughout Central and South Texas. In her tenure, Carrie has closed numerous commercial property transactions encompassing over 10.4 million square feet of space. As leader of the San Antonio Investment Properties Team, Carrie oversees the entire sale process. Equipped with 25 years of experience, Carrie has a unique understanding of Texas capital market trends, as well as the skill set to underwrite and develop marketing strategies to drive pricing for investment properties in the Central & South Texas market. Through her knowledge and expertise, Carrie is able to provide value-added services for her clients through the real estate process. AFFILIATIONS AND ACCREDITATIONS • Board Member & Past President, CREW San Antonio • Member, International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) • Former Advisory Board Member, Graduate School of Business/LERE, Texas A&M University • Institute for Professionals in Taxation, Former Instructor – Income Approach to Value • Guest Speaker San Antonio CCIM Symposium and CREW Forum • Aggie Real Estate Network, Past President and Member • Named among top 10 Producing Brokers in Commercial Real Estate by the San Antonio Business Journal for 2015 • Licensed Real Estate Salesman, State of Texas
200 Concord Plaza, Suite 800 • San Antonio, TX 78216 T: 210.507.1121 • C: 210.275.4933 • carrie.caesar@cbre.com www.cbre.com 88 | sawoman.com
WOMEN IN COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE W LINDSEY TUCKER CBRE, First Vice President, Advisory & Transaction Services
Lindsey Tucker is a First Vice President with CBRE’s Advisory & Transaction Services | Investor Leasing division in San Antonio. She specializes in leasing and marketing office and medical office properties on behalf of institutional and private owners. Since she began her career in 2001, Ms. Tucker has completed more than five million square feet of commercial leasing transactions. Ms. Tucker’s comprehensive understanding of design principles enable her to consult on asset renovations and improvements, and her sharp branding and marketing strategies produce a velocity of deal activity to ensure client success. Ms. Tucker has represented some of the largest owners in the nation, including KBS Realty Advisors and Hudson Advisors. Her clients include KBS, Brookwood Financial, Harbert, Welltower and MJR Investments. Among her recent accomplishments at CBRE, Ms. Tucker brought Éilan’s Promenade One and Two office buildings to 100% occupancy in a 14-month timeframe, and City View, a highly recognized Class A office building, to 100% occupancy. AFFILIATIONS AND ACCREDITATIONS • Member, real estate Council of San Antonio • named among top 25 Producing brokers in Com-
mercial real estate by San Antonio business Journal for 2015 and 2014 • Licensed real estate Salesperson, State of Texas
200 Concord Plaza, Suite 800 • San Antonio, TX 78216 T: 210.507.1131 • C: 210.846.5578 • lindsey.tucker@cbre.com www.cbre.com september/october 2016 | 89
W WOMEN IN COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE LAURIE GRIFFITH
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, TEXAS CAPITAL BANK, COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE Laurie is a 30 year veteran in Commercial real estate banking. her 16 years with Texas Capital bank has given her the opportunity to provide specialized and creative financing for all Commercial real estate types. Texas Capital bank is headquartered in Texas and works with clients throughout the state and across the country. Texas Capital bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of Texas Capital bancshares, inc. (nASDAQ®: TCbi) and is consistently recognized by Forbes as one of the best banks in America. Laurie has served the community through various committees and boards throughout her career. Currently she is serving as Co-Chair of the UTSA Founder’s Council for the embrey real estate Finance and Development, Member of the UTSA College of business Council, Treasurer of the real estate Council of San Antonio and Legacy board member for Commercial real estate Women. Previous awards include the eva rosow Award of excellence and the AThenA Leadership Award.
745 East Mulberry, Suite 350 San Antonio, TX 78212 O: 210.390.3805 • C: 210.859.0817
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W HILL COUNTRY GUIDE
My Favorite
Fredericksburg WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO DO IN AND AROUND THIS MOST POPULAR HILL COUNTRY TOWN BY JANIS TURK
enChAnTeD rOCK ©STeVe rAWLS
What is new to say about a place I’ve been to a thousand times? You might be surprised. With each new visit, there are more wonderful places to discover. As the author of several guidebooks and countless magazine features on Fredericksburg and the Hill Country, I am often asked for advice about what to see and do in Fredericksburg. So I’ve compiled a “favorite Fredericksburg” list for this fall. VAUDeViLLe Dining © JASOn riSner
Otto’s German Bistro — Otto’s is an upscale bistro serving Germanic cuisine in a convivial setting. The chefs use only quality local meat and produce as well as the finest organic and sustainable ingredients available. They also serve classically inspired cocktails, craft beers and fine wines. Open daily, Otto’s stays open late and also offers Sunday brunch. 316 E. Austin. 830-307-3336. August E’s — Since 2004, August E’s has delighted guests with “nouveau Texas cuisine,” as well as steaks, sushi, fresh fish and more, along with an award-winning wine book. Voted “Zagat’s” highest-rated restaurant in the Hill Country and AAA three-diamond award member, August E’s enjoys an upscale casual atmosphere enhanced by soothing background music and contemporary art. 203 E. San Antonio. 830-997-1585.
RESTAURANTS Der Lindenbaum — The Linden Tree, located in a historic limestone building; this sunshiny little spot on Main Street offers authentic German cuisine. Order the cucumber salad and the Wiener schnitzel and save room for dessert. 312 E. Main St. (830) 997-9126. The Farm Haus Bistro at Fredericksburg Herb Farm — This fine restaurant (with a separate bar) features the fresh cuisine of a talented young chef who often changes his menu to reflect the season. Set in an 1800s rock house just four blocks from Main Street, the restaurant is just one of the charms of this little herb farm with a retail space, a fabulous spa and fresh and inviting overnight guest cottages. 405 Whitney St. 830-997-8615.
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Vaudeville on Main Bistro and Supper Club — Vaudeville is a oneof-a-kind restaurant and retail experience with a spacious showroom, gallery, bistro-style café and special evening Supper Club meals. Upstairs, enjoy home furnishings, decor accessories and contemporary giftware; below street level shop for cooking gadgets and gourmet treats, and enjoy good eats for lunch or supper in the Bistro, which features daily lunch specials, freshly baked pastries and specialty meats and cheeses and boasts an extensive wine and beer menu. Vaudeville’s courtyard is devoted to The Supper Club, home to the new “V Supper Club” offering a three-course prix fixe menu on Monday nights, a four-course prix fixe menu on Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday brunch. Closed Tuesdays. 230 E. Main. 830-992-3234.
CArOL hiCKS bOLTOn ©bLAKe MiSTiTCh
SHOPS
the morning with a homemade breakfast before taking a hike at Enchanted Rock. In the evening, sip wine on a rooftop terrace while watching the sunset. This is an unforgettable place. 300 Trois Lane (off Hwy 16 across from Enchanted Rock). 830-685-3415. The Hangar Hotel — This stylish aviation-themed Hangar Hotel is a unique hotel designed with an exterior appearance of a WWII hangar of the 1940s. Gleaming with fine woods, granite, custom carpet and tile and stylish furnishings, the Hangar Hotel is a fashionable little hotel for adults, with décor that features airplane memorabilia, model planes, USO history and the romance of the 1940s. 155 Airport Rd. 830-997-9990. Austin Street Retreat — Tucked away just a block off Main Street, this little compound of four stylish historic Sunday-haus-style cottages has been a favorite of mine for decades. Book El Jefe, Eli’s, Kristin’s or Annie’s Cabin for a truly romantic retreat or Maria’s cottage for a family stay. 408 W Austin St. 866-427-8374. WiLDSeeD FArMS ©JULiA erMLiCh
Carol Hicks Bolton Antiquities is an eclectic, interesting store that features the largest selections of antiques and antique accessories in town. For over 25 years, this shop has offered attractive and funky French and European antiques and has been featured in national magazines. 301 S. Lincoln. 830-997-5551. Dogologie carries “all things dog!” With delightful and unique highquality products for dogs, you and your pooch will love this place. 148 E. Main St., Suite B. 830-997-5855.
ART GALLERIES InSight Gallery is a large, gleaming art gallery with works by some of the finest painters and sculptors living and working today in landscape, figurative, impressionistic, still life, wildlife and Western art. Whether you are drawn to the masterful work of Mian Situ, the contemporary cowboy paintings of Bill Anton or the powerful works of Roy Andersen, you’re sure to find something to capture your imagination here. Closed Mondays. 214 W. Main St. 830-997-9920.
WILDFLOWER STOP SeTTLerS CrOSing ©COLLeen DUFFLey
Wildseed Farms, the nation’s largest working wildflower farm, opens its doors seven days a week for visitors to enjoy the seasonally blooming fields, a gift shop and one of the largest plant nurseries in Central Texas. After shopping, visit the Brew-Bonnet Biergarten and sip a cold brew. 100 Legacy Drive 7 miles east of town on Hwy 290 830990-8080.
FESTIVALS AND SEASONAL EVENTS Put on your lederhosen and enjoy a real German-style Oktoberfest, Sept. 30 – Oct. 2. Check out the Texas Mesquite Arts Festival Fredericksburg, Oct. 7-9.
LODGING Settlers Crossing — Travel & Leisure called it “One of America’s Top10 Bed and Breakfast” inns. I call this serene 35-acre property dotted with Pennsylvania Dutch-style stand-alone cottages one of my favorite places to stay. Just 7 miles outside of Fredericksburg on the road to Luckenbach. Ranch Road 1376 at Settler’s Crossing Rd. 800874-1020. Trois Estate at Enchanted Rock — The Trois Estate is a manifestation of thought, prayer and belief. It is a hand-built artistic village in an Old World European style inspired by San Miguel de Allende. Spend the night in one of the Bed & Breakfast suites, and then greet
Eat your heart out at the Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival, Oct. 22. Gear up for the holidays during Chamber Light Night Christmas Parade and Afterglow celebrations, Dec. 2. Be a nosy neighbor and see the gorgeous houses on the 59th Annual Holiday Home Tour on Dec. 3.
WINE & WINERY STOPS Becker Vineyards — Located in the Texas Hill Country between Fredericksburg and Stonewall, Becker Vineyards’ tasting room is set in a 19th-century German stone barn reproduction surrounded by september/october 2016 | 93
W HILL COUNTRY GUIDE lavender fields. Featured in Wine Spectator and Food & Wine magazines, Becker Vineyards’ wine has even been served in the White House. Becker is open for tastings, winery/cellar tours, wine gift purchases, wine club and picnicking. Relax on the veranda during the spring and summer or by the hearth of an open fire during the winter in Becker’s Tasting Room, and visit during the annual Lavender Festival in spring (late April/early May). Hwy. 290 East /464 Becker Farms Rd., Stonewall, TX. 830-644-2681.
ChOCOLAT ©TriSh rAWLS
Lincoln Street Wine Market — Fredericksburg’s oldest and best wine and cigar bar with an enchanting patio and live music on the weekends, Lincoln Street offers the finest in wine, cigars, cheese, bread, olives and atmosphere. 111 S. Lincoln St. 830-997-8463.
ufacturer of this European method of making chocolates that dates back almost two centuries. With more than 27 years in business, the professional chocolatiers also make silk fudge, truffles, Colettes, barks, caramels and much more. Stop by for a sample. 251 W. Main St. 830-990-9382.
NATURAL ATTRACTION Enchanted Rock State Natural Area – A National Treasure, Enchanted Rock is a massive pink granite batholith creating a giant dome in the Hill Country outside of Fredericksburg. Climb the ancient dome for amazing Hill Country views. But there’s more at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area than just the dome. You can hike, backpack, camp, rock climb, picnic, bird watch, study nature, geocache and stargaze. Located 18 miles outside town. 830-685-3636.
MUSEUM
SWEET SHOP Chocolat (Quintessential Chocolates) specializes in hand-crafted liquid liquor- and wine- filled chocolates and is the sole American man-
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National Museum of the Pacific War stands adjacent to the boyhood home of Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, who served as CinCPAC, Commander in Chief, United States Pacific Fleet, during World War II. Here, visitors can enjoy the 6-acre Museum Complex and immerse themselves in Pacific War history and American and Japanese culture of that time and enjoy heartfelt tributes to the heroes of the Pacific theater. A fabulous state-of-the-art museum, this is a muststop for families. 340 E. Main Street. 830-997-8600.
W TRAVEL
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EAT, STAY, PLAY in Santa Fe YEAR-ROUND FUN IN “THE CITY DIFFERENT” by JAniS TUrK
“The City Different” seems an odd official nickname for a city as pretty as Santa Fe, New Mexico. However, this popular vacation destination’s century-old moniker conveys the message that Santa Fe is a city like no other. Adobe-inspired architecture, markets filled with turquoise and silver jewelry, Native American textiles and art, Georgia O’Keeffe paintings, green-chile-pepper-enhanced cuisine, romantic hotels edging a central plaza: All these give this quintessentially Southwestern city an almost magical allure. Many say that the vibe in Santa Fe strikes them on a spiritual level, and some locals say they visited once and experienced such an instant connection to the area that they chose to move there. With art and music festivals, fine art galleries and museums, world-class spas, romantic lodging options, historical and cultural treasures, serene subalpine, savannah and grassland landscapes, snow ski resorts and more, Santa Fe is different, all right— and, yes, different is good.
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EAT Geronimo, Canyon Road, 505-982-1500 For more than two decades, this famous elegant eatery along Canyon Road has often been voted Santa Fe’s best restaurant, serving inventive Southwestern fare in a historic 1756 adobe house with a welcoming wooden front porch. In fact, Geronimo has been voted one of the “Top 100 Restaurants in the Country” by OpenTable. Santa Fe’s only Mobil/Forbes 4 Star and AAA Four Diamond award-winning restaurant, Geronimo offers a fine dining experience featuring chef Sllin Cruz’ seasonal “global eclectic” cuisine.
The Famous Plaza Café, Santa Fe Plaza, 505-982-1664 This iconic café on the main plaza is Santa Fe’s oldest restaurant, a family-owned diner that locals and visitors both enjoy. A consistently good family-friendly place, the Famous Plaza Café has been run by a Greek family, the Razatos, since 1947, serving everything from blue corn green chile, carne asada, enchiladas and chicken-fried steak to gyros with a Greek salad on the side.
© JAniS TUrK
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La Casa Sena and La Cantina at Casa Sena,
La Fonda on the Plaza, 505-982-5511
Across from La Fonda, near Santa Fe Plaza, 505-988-9232 For more than 30 years, La Casa Sena has been a true Santa Fe tradition, serving New American West cuisine inspired by local influences and seasonal ingredients. This classy little eatery also offers an award-winning wine list and features a shady patio, an outdoor bar and a wine and spirits shop. In the restaurant’s adjacent and more informal La Cantina, diners can enjoy a cabaret setting, as talented singing wait staff sing show tunes and other crowd-pleasing songs. A stay at La Fonda and a musical meal at La Cantina is a family tradition our kids enjoy whenever we visit Santa Fe.
La Fonda on the Plaza has been a distinctive 4 Diamond luxury Santa Fe destination for 90 years, and it’s the Santa Fe hotel my family likes best. Renovated in 2013, the hotel offers 180 guest rooms, including 15 exclusive luxury-level rooms and suites built around a rooftop terrace (we always book the suite closest to the terrace). All rooms and suites feature original artwork and hand-crafted/handpainted headboards created by local artisans. Upgrades such as spacious sitting areas, fireplaces, separate living and sleeping areas and balconies are available. With a cocktail lounge, fitness area, hot tub, sauna and pool and a bright inner courtyard restaurant, this hotel boasts an ideal location close to the Plaza and the Cathedral Basilica. Through Oct. 31, guests can enjoy an “Eat, Stay, Cook! A Culinary Adventure” package, and through Dec. 31, spirits fans can enjoy “Book, Lime & Shaker,” a citywide tequila trail tour package.
STAY Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi on the Santa Fe Plaza, 505-988-3030 The Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi is one of the most serene little luxury inns in the city, and best of all, it is set on the historic Santa Fe Plaza. With architecture that blends into the adobe-style theme of downtown buildings, the hotel rooms celebrate a modern, sophisticated Southwestern aesthetic, featuring hand-crafted/hand-painted furnishings and gas-lit kiva fireplaces. The Anasazi Restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with brunch on Sundays. A current discount deal allows guests to spend three nights and enjoy a complimentary fourth night when booking now through Dec. 17, or book a Rosewood Escapes package to enjoy even more special options and amenities.
PLAY “Different” things to do in Santa Fe: •
Visit the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, near La Fonda, and then walk over to the lovely little Loretto Chapel with its mysterious legendary spiral staircase.
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Stroll through the Palace of the Governors and the New Mexico History Museum on the Plaza.
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Visit the famous Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and take a road trip to the village of Abiqui (48 miles away) to visit O’Keeffe’s home and
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W TRAVEL studio and Ghost Ranch retreat and education center. (Reservations may be required, and opening dates may change). •
Shop and nosh on good eats at the Santa Fe Farmer’s Market on weekends.
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Browse the shops and art galleries along Canyon Road.
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Experience a completely new, immersive form of storytelling at the incredible House of Eternal Return by art collective Meow Wolf and supported in part by Game of Thrones creator and resident George R.R. Martin. This 20,000-square-foot electronic and tactile multimedia art experience for all ages and interests is “like nothing you’ve ever seen before,” says Martin.
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Hit the new Santa Fe Margarita Trail, an ongoing culinary cocktail experience that highlights 31 restaurants and bars offering uniquely designed and named margaritas using the finest tequilas and ingredients. A passport includes all the restaurants and recipes, and as you collect stamps, you earn prizes.
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See cliff-dwellings and petroglyphs at Bandelier National Monument. It’s set on 33,000 acres of spectacular rugged canyon and mesa country with cliff dwellings and drawings that provide evidence of a human presence there over 11,000 years ago.
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Visit the New Mexico Museum of Art. Just west of the Plaza, the New Mexico Museum of Art (formerly the Museum of Fine Arts) displays an extensive permanent collection of Southwestern artists, including major pieces by Georgia O’Keeffe.
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Relax and restore your body, mind and spirit with a spa day at Ten Thousand Waves, a luxurious Japanese-inspired spa and wellness retreat featuring serene lodging and healthful dining options.
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Ski Santa Fe. With a base elevation of 10,350 feet, Ski Santa Fe is located only 16 miles from downtown and features 79 trails (20 percent easy, 40 percent intermediate, 40 percent expert), 225 inches of average snowfall, and snowmaking on more than 50 percent of the mountain, making it a great place for family ski trips.
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Road trip over to Taos, another distinctly New Mexican-style town about an hour’s drive from Santa Fe. There stay at El Monte Sagrado Living Resort and Spa, visit the Taos Pueblo, and snow ski in winter and early spring at Taos Ski Valley.
Dr. Sanjie Garza-Cox March of Dimes Chairman
One Dynamic Woman Meet Dr. Sanjie Garza-Cox, Board Chairman for the March of Dimes (MOD). In addition to serving at MOD, Garza-Cox is also a neonatologist at MEDNAX, Chief of Staff at Children’s Hospital of San Antonio, and very much a San Antonio advocate. “I am deeply invested in the betterment of our community’s health through education and advocacy,” she said. “My entire family has made San Antonio home. We all love the small town feel while thriving in one of the largest, most dynamic and diverse metropolitan cities in the world.” Garza-Cox is a natural fit to lead MOD into a new critical time. “The March of Dimes is one of the leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to improve the health of mothers and their babies,” she said. “It has decades of proven research, education and advocacy in preventing birth defects, maternal health and reducing infant mortality. San Antonio remains as one of the cities with the highest rate of premature birth. We know that there are multiple factors that trigger premature labor and the problem is incredibly complex.” She explains the March of Dimes clearly understands that only multidisciplinary research with multiple lines of inquiry will improve our chance of finding methods of prevention. As a result, the March of Dimes Prematurity Research Centers have been created across the country to unite brilliant minds into finding the diagnostics and treatments to prevent premature birth. She said, “Now, that is a major reason to support this organization. I’ve seen too many families destroyed by prematurity and I’m ready to see it end.” She has many plans as chairman of the board. “We are strategizing a city unification in support of this organization as premature birth, birth defects and infant mortality affect every aspect of our community, including the family unit, business expenditures, healthcare costs and emotional burdens. I would like to see our community unite in this critical need,” she said. And, she hopes the community will lend support. “Anyone can help with volunteering, encouraging their employers, families and friends to get involved. Any donation, big or small, gives us a fighting chance in eliminating babies dying too soon or spending days and months in the confines of a hospital bed.”
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A SPECIAL SECTION FOR SAN ANTONIO WOMAN
Greater San Antonio and Surrounding Communities
2016 PREMATURITY PREVENTION SUMMIT Friday, November 4, 2016
“Healthy Woman Healthy Future” Our vision is to unite the community to positively impact the health of women, infants and families through the reduction in preterm births within San Antonio and surrounding communities.
PREMATURE BIRTH IS THE #1 KILLER OF BABIES
San Antonio received an “F” in the March of Dimes’ 2015 Prematurity Report Card. San Antonio’s prematurity rate of 11.5% means that 1 in every 9 babies is being born too early and too small. This collaborative and multi-disciplinary summit is intended to reduce the preterm birth rate in our community. Topics include: Community efforts to prevent prematurity.
Prematurity is defined as a baby born before 37 weeks.
Medical interventions to reduce prematurity including 17P. The barriers and socio-economic impact on prematurity.
8:00 am — 4:30 pm Morgan’s Wonderland Event Center 5223 David Edwards Drive, 78233 TO REGISTER: marchofdimes.org/SASummit 6
A SPECIAL SECTION FOR SAN ANTONIO WOMAN
2015 PREMATURE BIRTH REPORT CARD Preterm Birth Rate
San Antonio
Grade
11.5%
In November, March of Dimes released the 2015 Prematurity Report Card, and while the country has seen some progress in prematurity rates, San Antonio has not enjoyed such progress. San Antonio received an “ F”. An “F” for us means that too many of our babies, 11.5% of births, or 1 in 9, are being born too early and too small. And more alarming is that some areas of San Antonio have even higher rates — up to 19.3% prematurity! Prematurity affects us all. No organization or individual is exempt from this terrible crisis. This is indicative of what lies ahead in our future. As best stated by Healthy People2020, "the well-being of mothers, infants and young children will determine the health of the next generation and can help predict the future of public health challenges for families, communities and the health care system."
PRETERM BIRTH: DEFINITION AND SOURCE Premature or preterm birth is birth less than 37 weeks gestation based on the obstetric estimate of gestational age. Data used in this report card come from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) natalityfiles, as compiled from data provided by the 57 vital statistics jurisdictions through the Vital Statistics Cooperative Program. This national data source is used so that data are comparable for each state- and jurisdiction-specific premature birth report card. Therefore, data provided on the report card may differ from data obtained directly from state or local health departments and vital statistics agencies, due to timing of data submission and handling of missing data. The preterm birth rate used to assign the grade shown at the top of the report card is from the NCHS 2014 final natalitydata. The city or county preterm birth rates and grades are calculated from the NCHS 2013 final natalitydata, while the preterm birth rates by race/ethnicity are calculated from the NCHS 2011-2013 final natalitydata. Preterm birth rates are calculated as the number of preterm births divided by the number of live births with known gestational age multiplied by 100.
Grade
Preterm birth rate range Scoring criteria
A
Preterm birth rate less than or equal to 8.1% Score less than or equal to 0.0
B
Preterm birth rate of 8.2% to 9.2% Score greater than 0.0, but less than or equal to 1.0
C
Preterm birth rate of 9.3% to 10.3% Score greater than 1.0, but less than or equal to 2.0
D
Preterm birth rate of 10.4% to 11.4% Score greater than 2.0, but less than or equal to 3.0
F
Preterm birth rate greater than or equal to 11.5% Score greater than 3.0
This is the reason for the 2016 Prematurity Prevention Summit as it is a continuation of our on-going overarching maternal and child health efforts. We need you as part of the "village" to give every baby a fighting chance!
A SPECIAL SECTION FOR SAN ANTONIO WOMAN
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FAST FACTS
Progress is Not Victory
15 million babies are born too soon every year worldwide. 1 million will die before their 1st birthday
Preemies are
3x more likely to die
SOME AREAS OF
5 CENTERS, 1 GOAL
SAN ANTONIO
A FIGHTING CHANCE FOR EVERY BABY
HAVE
PREMATURITY RATES UP TO
19.3%
March of Dimes Funded Research Centers Ohio Collaborative
Preventing premature birth
Stanford University
in San Antonio could mean an annual savings up to
The University of Pennsylvania Washington University in St. Louis
$222 million MARCH OF DIMES NEEDS YOU
U Chicago . Northwestern . Duke
GOALS
UPCOMING EVENTS
• By 2020, achieve 8.1% prematurity rate • By 2030, achieve 5.5% prematurity rate • Promote awareness and education for women • Increase usage of 17P • Reduce early elective deliveries • Increase ZIKA awareness
• Signature Chef’s Auction, October 7th • Prematurity Prevention Summit, November 4
YOUR LOCAL PROGRAMS AT WORK • • • •
Antepartum Family Support Program Becoming a Mom-Comenzando Bien Centering Pregnancy NICU Family Support
March of Dimes invests $569,000 worth of research grants in the San Antonio comminity 8
A SPECIAL SECTION FOR SAN ANTONIO WOMAN
2015-2016 PREMATURITY PARTNERS
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2015 SIGNATURE CHEFS AUCTION SPONSORS
2016 MARCH FOR BABIES TOP TEAMS & SPONSORS
Accenture LLP Americus Diamond Argo Group Us, Inc. Bill Bochat Brown and Ortiz, P.C. Capital Group CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Health Care - San Antonio Timothy Cleland Community First Health Plans, Inc. The Deberry Group LLC Denmar Construction Company, Inc. / Mark Nichols Emerus Hospitals Patrick Eurek Sanjie Garza-Cox Gordon Hartman Family Foundation Horizon Design and Development Institute for Women’s Health Jefferson Bank Tim Kaufeldt Jennifer Kelly KFW Engineers & Surveying Belinda Conte & Chris Koob Koob Consulting Group Legacy Sitework LLC Chris Marinez Jerry Merck Mission Pharmacal Company Henry Munoz Brenna & Alex Nava Nustar Energy L.P. Pediatrix Medical Group Inc Professional Service Industries, Inc. Reinhard Schmoyer LLP Retina Assocs of South Texas PA George Salinas Seaworld Entertainment, Inc. Select Building Systems, Inc. Natalie Sirjuesingh University Health System Valero Energy Corporation Paul Vance Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Inc Werner’s The Culinary Experts Whataburger The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company Billy Wilkinson
Accenture Alamo Scientific Alliance Data Systems AllState Insurance Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Ashley Furniture - San Antonio AT&T Baptist Health Becton Dickson Capital Group CenterPoint Energy Chi Eta Phi Sorority Citi Bank CIWH Marching for Miracles Community First Health Plans Enterprise Everest Institute Famous Footwear HEB HYATT Jefferson State Bank Kleckley Team Lockheed Martin San Antonio Methodist Health System / HCA Mission Pharmacal North East Independent School District Oak Farms Pediatrix Medical Group Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Prayers Granted / Bexar County San Antonio Military Medical Center NICU Silver Eagle Distributors, L.P. St. Luke’s NICU Family Partnership Council Sykes Family Team Team Rylan Jacob TeamElliot Top Ladies of Distinction- Top Teens of America, Inc University Health System San Antonio Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc
2016 SUMMIT PARTNERS Children’s Hospital of San Antonio City of San Antonio-Metro Health-Healthy Start Community First Health Plan Institute for Women’s Health Methodist Healthcare Molina Healthcare Texas Department of State and Health Services University Health System Foundation Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
A SPECIAL SECTION FOR SAN ANTONIO WOMAN
Ambassador Family Says,
“It’s our turn to say thanks” “There lay the tiniest baby I had ever seen. She was encased in an incubator with blinders over her eyes to protect them from the light. She looked like a little skeleton with a sheet of skin draped over her body. There were tubes everywhere, and all I could do was drop to my knees and cry. This was my baby, my child, a part of me. My soul ached.” Paralegal Lisa Lyse Henderson described the first time she saw her baby daughter, Shelby, after her premature birth at 2 pounds 2 ounces. Shelby, now age 8, decided to enter the world early, on the very day Henderson’s pregnancy had reached 26 weeks. Henderson, though, was considered an “at risk pregnancy” due to her age of 40. She has worked with a local law firm since 1998 and was at work that day preparing for court; however, when she rose to leave, her water broke and she was rushed to Northeast Baptist Hospital. Shelby would spend the next three months and 18 days at Methodist Children’s NICU. Her mother said, “It was so hard to just have given birth to such a tiny being, and not be able to touch her or hold her because you are told that she might not survive. Because her lungs were not fully developed and she needed a blood transfusion, she could not be overstimulated.” After arriving at Methodist to see Shelby, Henderson was informed she might not be able to touch her for two to three weeks. One astute nurse recognized her anxiety and asked if she would like to speak with a counselor, someone who could help her get through the difficult emotional trauma. She directed her to the March of Dimes, and Helen picked up the call. “This lady who spoke to me gave me hope,” Henderson said. “She told me about other parents who have gone through the same, if not worse, experience than I and had positive outcomes. This truly helped. “I will say that if it wasn’t for my be-
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lief in God and the March of Dimes, my beautiful daughter wouldn’t have survived. Helen told me my baby could sense whatever I was feeling. She said she could sense my fear and sadness, and would not be able to win the battle without me.” During the long process, Henderson often believed it would not matter if she were present or not, but she was informed by Helen not to leave. ‘The baby would know,” she said. One evening when Shelby was two months old, Henderson handed her back to the nurse to place her in the incubator, and as she looked back, the eyes of her small daughter were fixed on her. She said, “Those three months and 18 days seemed like forever, but we got through them. We are here for the March of Dimes because they were there for us when we needed them the most. Shelby and I both want to give back to the ones who gave us life. If helping to fund the research to stop early births is the way, then we are here to help. We owe it to the other little babies who come into the world earlier than expected.” Recently, Shelby was crowned Little Miss Juneteenth 2016, and her proud mother believes it is just the platform they need to assist the March of Dimes. She said, “This is an organization that encourages our young black San Antonio residents to learn about their heritage and give back to their community.” She and Shelby will be representing the March of Dimes as a small way to say “thank you.”
A SPECIAL SECTION FOR SAN ANTONIO WOMAN
2017 March for Babies Chairman Ed Belmares
San Antonio’s March of Dimes division is pleased to announce Ed Belmares as the 2017 March for Babies chairman. Over the years, Belmares has proven his dedication to the development and care of San Antonio and the surrounding area. “Civic engagement has always been woven into the fabric of who I am,” he said. “But serving on the local board of the March of Dimes is particularly important to me because our mission addresses at the earliest stages the future health of our community.” Belmares would like to bring greater awareness to the mission of the March of Dimes. “Prematurity doesn’t affect just the family, but it also affects the entire community. I feel that our community should feel connected to our mission and participate,” he said. “The March for Babies is how we fund the amazing research the March of Dimes is doing. We know this research will ultimately find the cause of prematurity.” Belmares is proud of the fact that 45 years ago the March of Dimes held the first walk in the country right here in San Antonio. “I feel especially honored to know that my efforts will continue the legacy of research and progress,” he said. “I hope to grow our walk with community participation and awareness of our mission.” Belmares was born and raised in San Antonio. He and his wife, Niki, are the parents of Stevie, Marisol and Diego. He is the Chief Operating Officer for KFW Engineering & Surveying. Prior to joining KFW, he was the assistant city manager for the city of San Antonio.
Save the date
Friday, October 7, 2016 | 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm Hyatt Hill Country Resort and Spa 9800 Hyatt Resort Dr. | San Antonio, TX 78251 Chairmen — Dawn Krauskopf & Kirk Thompson Lead Chef — Heather Nañez Bohanan’s Prime Steaks & Seafood SIGNATURECHEFS.ORG/SANANTONIO 14
Join us for San Antonio’s oldest and largest culinary showcase, featuring top culinary masters. Each tasting is thoughtfully created to tantalize the palette of even the savviest “foodie” and highlight the chef’s unique and exceptional talents. Amidst a lively party atmosphere guests will enjoy exquisite cuisine, spirited cocktails and enticing auction packages. Sponsorship Levels $25,000 – $15,000 – $10,000 – $5,000 – $2,500
A SPECIAL SECTION FOR SAN ANTONIO WOMAN
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AROUND TOWN MCNAY ART MUSEUM CELEBRATES 8TH ANNUAL SPRING PARTY The McNay Art Museum celebrated its 8th Annual Spring Party on June 3. With Coney Island as the backdrop, guests donned their boardwalk best attire as they strolled among the carnival game booths, sideshow acts, musical entertainment and twinkling lights. The party included favorite Coney Island delicacies and cocktails and featured a fabulous silent auction, with items from the city’s best restaurants, boutiques, sports, and entertainment businesses.
0 TICKETS $5 Sept 29th, 2016
7:00pm to 10:00 pm AT THE DOSEUM - 2800 Broadway
UP TO 30 RESTAURANTS LIVE ENTERTAINMENT • SILENT AUCTION CASINO GAMES AVAILABLE
BENEFITING TM
SAN ANTONIO’S MUSEUM FOR KIDS
september/october 2016 | 115
www.tasteOfTheHeights.com 210.822.7027.
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MUSIC FOR THE SOUL
Deborah Marshall MUSIC THANATOLOGIST PLAYS HARP FOR THE DYING by JASMinA WeLLinghOFF PhOTOgrAPhy by JAneT rOgerS
The Abode Home is a unique place where terminally ill patients are embraced and taken care of. It’s not a hospice, says the brochure, “but rather a home with a simple, welcoming, peaceful ambience for guests entering the last three months of life.” The sprawling house is indeed peaceful, almost serene, as caregivers and volunteers go about their work with dedication and compassion. The reason I am visiting on this particular day is to witness a vigil by music thanatologist Deborah Marshall, the only such professional in the entire state of Texas. Joined by Abode’s director,
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Martha Jo Atkins, the two of us tiptoe into a room where Carla, a lung cancer patient, is lying in bed in a rather agitated state, with her grieving father watching tenderly over her. Marshall sets up her portable harp, introduces herself to Carla, who is not fully conscious, and after a few quiet moments, starts plucking the strings with a gentle touch. It takes a little while, but Carla eventually relaxes and her nervous movements subside. “It’s magical,” whispers Atkins. The sound of the harp in the darkened room ends up casting a spell over all of us.
Half an hour later, Marshall and I retreat into a lounge to talk. “When I play, I am guided by what’s going on with the patient,” she explains. “I started playing one piece, but it didn’t match her need, so I switched from an unmetered piece to a metered one that has a regular tempo, which provides an atmosphere of stability. Steady repetition helps people who are agitated. I was also observing her breathing, and I could tell when she was responding even though she was unconscious. “This music is not for entertainment,” she continues. “It’s called prescriptive music, and it’s meant to be soothing for both patients and family members. The music creates a safe space to think and feel things that might have been too hard to consider before or express in words.” Music thanatology is a new subspecialty of palliative care that utilizes both harp and voice to serve the physiological and emotional needs of the dying. It can alleviate a range of physical symptoms such as pain, restlessness, sleeplessness and breathing difficulties. Though there are historical precedents for combining music and medical care, the modern thanatology therapy was first developed several decades ago by musician Therese Schroeder-Sheker and her Chalice of Repose Project. As an undergraduate, Schroeder-Sheker worked in a geriatric facility where people often died alone, and their bodies were quickly removed from the premises. The young woman was deeply disturbed by such insensitivity. On one occasion, she entered a patient’s room to find him in the throes of dying. Intuitively, she stayed with him, held him and sang softly to him. The dying man gradually quieted and eventually died peacefully in her arms. That was the spark that later gave rise to palliative music therapy. The music used in vigils may come from a range of sources — Gregorian chants, hymns, lullabies, Celtic songs and other traditional melodies – but it is always contemplative and calming. “Carla could not listen to Mozart or Beethoven,” says Marshall. “The melody has to be short and simple. In training we were taught to analyze the music to see how we could use it and make it unique for each situation.” Though health care personnel and the general public are still largely unaware of the benefits – and even existence – of music thanatology, there are practitioners today all over the U.S. and beyond who have been certified by the Music Thanatology Association International. Unlike the founder, they are often not musicians to begin with, but learn to play the harp while in training.
She Discovered Her Calling That was, in fact, the case with Marshall. She played saxophone in school and sang in church choirs, but that was it. A native Texan, Marshall worked as an X-ray technologist for 25 years in several
Texas cities, later switching to massage therapy because “all my life I have wanted to be in a helping profession.” In between, she spent two years as an IT system installer for a for-profit corporation and “couldn’t stand it.” When she first saw Shroeder-Sheker interviewed on TV, Marshall was “dumbstruck.” What a wonderful thing to do! she thought. Yet it wasn’t until years later, while living in Dallas, that she decided to apply to the Chalice of Repose school and got in. Her “Dallas life” was packed up in two weeks with no regrets. Then, when on the first day of school, someone offered to rent her a house at a good price, everything seemed to fall in place. “I felt like I was doing what my soul wanted me to do. I had found my real calling,” says the therapist. “Every person there felt the same way. There was a man who had come all the way from Australia because he so passionately wanted to do this work (with the dying).” Finding a job after graduation, however, proved difficult. Nevertheless, having fallen in love with the Montana mountains, she stayed in Missoula for the next 16 years, earning a living as a massage therapist. Due to various circumstance, Marshall did not get her certification until 2012 after moving yet another time to Eugene, Ore. There, the opportunity eventually arose to develop her Heart Resonance music thanatology practice as part of the music ministry at her church. Now back in Texas to be closer to family, Marshall has been volunteering her services for Abode Home as well as two hospices, VITAS and Heart to Heart. “When I got here, no one knew anything about music thanatology. We are pioneers in this field. My dream now is to get a paying job and have hospital and hospices realize the real value of this work,” she says. Do patients ever comment, given that many are still conscious and able to interact? “Some patients want to talk, but they really don’t need to say anything. I want them to rest deeply in the music. Some go to sleep, and some want to sing with the harp,” she explains. “Those who have had vigils before seem to remember the music in their bodies, and they relax faster.” Families, however, are invariably deeply grateful. “Death has become such a separate thing in our society, removed from ordinary life. Most people don’t know what to say or how to behave around a dying person. But the vigils open people up. There’s so much love and tenderness then,” says Marshall. Her work has changed her own thinking about life and death, she adds. “I have become acutely aware that no one has guaranteed time on Earth. It has made me more aware of my spirituality and has made me a kinder, more compassionate person. I now relate to the world through a heart that’s open and vulnerable. That changes you.”
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By JASMINA WELLINGHOFF
September is Photo Festival Month Founded in 1995 as a “unique and eclectic forum for the exhibition and celebration of photography and photographically based art,” Fotoseptiembre USA has become an established and eagerly anticipated art festival in San Antonio and the surrounding cities. It attracts regional, national and international artists who this year will show their work in 30-plus exhibits in a variety of venues, large and small. The openings start in late August and continue Melancholia throughout September. Where to start? I sought input from festival founder and director Michael Mehl, who is particularly excited about a wave of new and youthful energy among local producers and curators. Not only are they enthusiastically planning and mounting exhibits, they are doing it with a remarkable level of professionalism, he emphasized. One such place to visit is Digital Pro Lab, where organizer Amanda Dominguez has turned the premises into a gallery and hired curators Melanie Rush Davis and Kemp Davis to put together a show based on the theme This is What I Know, which is also the show’s title. Seventeen talented artists will present their interpretations of this intriguing and definitely not straightforward concept (www.digitalprolab.com). Other galleries that have come on board with new zeal are the Freight Gallery (www.freightsatx.com), the Musical Bridges Around the World Gallery (www.musicalbridges.org), R Space (www.ladybasegallery.com) and El Cielo, a small space run by artist Susie Monday (www.susiemonday.com). Another trend Mehl has noticed this year is a focus on San Antonio as subject matter. Two examples of that are Musical Bridges’ exhibit, Puro San Antonio, curated by new gallery director and artist Julya Jara, and Highwire Arts’ San Antonio & Beyond: Prehistoric Rock Art To Urban Spaces & Familiar Eats. It looks like they are covering a lot of ground (www.highwirearts.com). Listen to Mehl and check them all out. Chances are you’ll be pleasantly surprised. At major institutions, two exhibits that may be of special interest to San Antonians are Photographic Project – World War ll Veterans and U.S. Marines at the University of the Incarnate Word Semmes Gallery and Ansel Adams — Distance and Detail at the Briscoe Museum. As the name indicates, the former consists of two parts — photos of veterans who may be some of the last sur118 | sawoman.com
vivors of the Greatest Generation, and photos of U.S. Marines, which collectively attempt to capture the essence of what it means to be a Marine. Documenting a different history, the Briscoe show offers a rare opportunity to view Adams’ work that has been celebrated and admired for decades. He is often credited with starting the art photography genre. No less than three different shows will be mounted at the Southwest School of Art, including a challenging installation by Austinite Seth Orion Schwaiger called Complex 2, which requires active viewer participation to reveal its full, and apparently unsettling, impact. UTSA, San Antonio College and St. Mary’s University are also in the game with significant exhibits, as are many private galleries such as the highly respected Ruiz-Healy Art (Mexican artist Graciela Iturbide), the REM Gallery (Kent Rush) and Cinnabar (Sabine Senft). But perhaps the most exciting development this year is that the Photographic Society of America has chosen to hold its annual conference here during the festival, a tremendous tribute to the fest and the reputation it has established nationally and beyond. In conjunction with the meeting, the group will produce a major international print showcase at the Wyndham San Antonio Riverwalk Hotel. Not to be outdone, the Texas Photographic Society is joining the fun, too, with a huge event featuring more than 50 of its members at the Central Library. Wow! Are you getting dizzy yet? There’s more: Mehl himself curated most of the amazing SAFOTO Web Galleries that you can peruse online. To see the complete calendar of events and visit the web galleries, check out www.safotofestival.com. Make your choices, get set, go!
DREAM HOME Guide
Luxury homes available for purchase in San Antonio and the Surrounding Texas hill Country Area SanAntonioDreamHomes.com
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Rock Lobster!
Calendar
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ART // MUSIC // FILM // THEATER // DANCE // CHARITY // OUTDOORS Through September 5
September 2
MAYA - HIDDEN WORLDS REVEALED
KANSAS
Presented at the new Mays Family Center at the Witte This is the largest traveling exhibition about the Maya ever to tour the United States, and this is the Texas premiere of the exhibition. The exhibit uses a combination of authentic artifacts along with multimedia and interactive, hands-on activities to reveal our deep ties to this astonishing civilization. Experience the way Mayans lived, learn their calendars, mathematics, and cosmology through interactive opportunities. Please note: The exhibit is massive, the largest ever at the Witte, so we recommend scheduling a longer than average time to enjoy the exhibition, and its demonstrations and programs. www.wittemuseum.org
Now Open
THE BATTLE FOR TEXAS EXHIBIT Alamo Plaza at Blum Street Inside the Shops at Rivercenter Now open at the Rivercenter Mall on the River Walk, The Battle For Texas exhibit is a one-of-a-kind experience bringing visitors on an emotional journey through the 13 fateful days of battle that gave birth to the great state of Texas. The exhibit comprises an extraordinary collection of never-seen-before artifacts. See Davy Crockett’s long knife, Santa Anna’s captured sash pistol, sword and scabbard plus Juan Seguin’s holster. Additional artifacts include flags, cannonballs and Mexican infantry uniforms and helmets. www.battlefortexas.com
The Tobin Center, 8pm After 40 years, Kansas continues to perform their beloved hits like Carry On My Wayward Son and Dust In The Wind to large, enthusiastic audiences around the world. www.tobincenter.org
September 3
MAROON 5 The AT&T Center, 7pm Grammy Award®-winning rock band, Maroon 5, announces their upcoming Fall tour. The highly anticipated tour kicks off in San Antonio and includes dates throughout North America www.attcenter.com
September 3
DEMI LOVATO AND NICK JONAS The AT&T Center, 7pm Both multi-platinum-selling music artists, Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas, invite you to experience Future Now: The Tour. www.attcenter.com
September 6
DURAN DURAN The Tobin Center, 7:30pm Duran Duran will be busting out the tunes from their critically acclaimed new record, as well as classics from their illustrious career, which include Rio, Hungry Like the Wolf and Girls on Film. www.tobincenter.org
Color Me Badd, Coolio, Rob Base and more. www.attcenter.com
September 13
BUD LIGHT, THE TASTE The River Walk, 6 - 8:30pm Bud Light, The Taste brings the local San Antonio crowd to Houston Street and the River Walk to sample culinary offerings from over 30 participating restaurants over a three-day period. www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com
September 6 DURAN DURAN The Tobin Center
September 13 - 18
THE SOUND OF MUSIC The Majestic Theatre, times vary The Hills Are Alive in a brand new production of The Sound of Music The beloved musical story of Maria and the von Trapp family will once again thrill audiences with its Tony®, Grammy® and Academy Award® winning Best Score, including My Favorite Things, Edelweiss and the title song. www.majesticempire.com
Puff Daddy, Lil Kim, Mase, Faith Evans, Mario Winans, 112, Total, Carl Thomas, The Lox and French Montana will take the stage to perform hit after hit, cementing Bad Boy’s place as the driving force behind hip-hop and R&B music and culture. www.attcenter.com
September 14
BREWS AND BLOOMS
5 SECONDS OF SUMMER
The San Antonio Botanical Garden 6:30-9:30pm Enjoy craft brew sampling, food booths, and music, all set in the gorgeous flowering Botanical Garden. A casual evening for adults 21 and older. ID is required. Working closely with San Antonio Cerveceros, Brews and Blooms provides a venue for new and seasoned local craft breweries to showcase their beer selections, from Blonde Ales and Wits to Pale Ales and IPA’s, including limited releases from local breweries. Stay tuned to the gardens website - for details and when tickets will be available. www.sabot.org
The AT&T Center, 7pm 5 Seconds of Summer’s self-titled debut album entered the Billboard 200 at No. 1, selling 260,000 units in the U.S. in its first week of release, marking the biggest debut for a new act in 2014 and the biggest debut ever by an Australian artist. See them live in San Antonio. www.attcenter.com
September 11
I LOVE THE ‘90’S
September 16
The AT&T Center, 7pm A night of 90’s hitmakers featuring Salt N Pepa, Vanilla Ice, Tone Loc,
The AT&T Center, 7pm
THE BAD BOY FAMILY REUNION
September 17
MIRANDA LAMBERT The AT&T Center, 7:30pm See Miranda live on stage with special guests Kip Moore and the Brothers Osborne. www.attcenter.com
September 22
RITA COOLIDGE September 17
The Brauntex Theater, 8pm Rita Coolidge is a legendary performer with over 40 years in the business. Her many hits include (Your Love Has Lifted Me Higher) , The Way You Do The Things You Do and We're All Alone. www.brauntex.org
September 25
PARSONS DANCE The Tobin Center, 7pm Parsons Dance is New York City based modern dance company, internationally renowned for creating and performing contemporary American dance of extraordinary artistry that is accessible and enriching to diverse audiences. www.tobincenter.org
Coming Soon
ZOO BOO
September 11 I LOVE THE 90’S The AT&T Center
( EDITOR’S PICK ) September 17
BREWS AND BLOOMS The San Antonio Botanical Garden 6:30-9:30pm Enjoy craft brew sampling, food booths, and music, all set in the gorgeous flowering Botanical Garden. A casual evening for adults 21 and older. ID is required. Working closely with San Antonio Cerveceros, Brews and Blooms provides a venue for new and seasoned local craft breweries to showcase their beer selections, from Blonde Ales and Wits to Pale Ales and IPA’s, including limited releases from local breweries. Stay tuned to the gardens website - for details and when tickets will be available. www.sabot.org 122 | sawoman.com
The San Antonio Zoo Visit the Zoo for “spook”tacularly scary fun at this 30th Annual Halloween event. Zoo Boo is a safe, and non-scary Halloween event for families with children 12 years of age or younger, held on the grounds of the San Antonio Zoo. Activities include trick-or-treating, entertainment, and games. Children can participate in the costume contest. *All games are 50 cents to play. www.sazoo-aq.org
FOR MORE ON SAN ANTONIO ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT VISIT WWW.SAARTS.COM
SEPT/OCT
2016
ART // MUSIC // FILM // THEATER // DANCE // CHARITY // OUTDOORS
November 6 YOSA GOLD SERIES 1 REMEMBERING DAVID BOWIE The Tobin Center
October 9 THE B52’S The Tobin Center
September 27
September 24-25
ALICE IN CHAINS
FALL PLANT SALE
The Majestic Theatre, 8pm Alice In Chains has garnered multiple Grammy nominations, and amassed a diehard international fan base whose members number in the millions. They remain one of the most successful and influential rock bands of all time. www.majesticempire.com
The San Antonio Botanical Garden,10am - 2pm Purchase plants for your landscape that save you time, money and water! www.sabot.org
September 29
The Majestic Theatre, 7:30pm Since lead-singer man Mike Love penned the lyrics to the Beach Boys’ first hit, Surfin,’ in 1961, dozens of the bands songs have become eternal anthems of American youth, including Surfer Girl, Fun, Fun, Fun, I Get Around, California Girls, Help Me Rhonda, Barbara Ann, Good Vibrations, Wouldn’t It Be Nice, and Kokomo. Join the band for one night only. www.majesticempire.com
CHIPOTLE SUSTAINABLE FILM SERIES San Antonio Botanical Garden Gates open at 6pm, the film starts at sundown. This year’s Chipotle Sustainable Film Series brings you films related to agricultural practices. Inhabit: introduces permaculture – a design method centered on utilizing the patterns and features observed in natural ecosystems, and showcasing the diversity of projects already underway. www.sabot.org
OCTOBER 15 WINE DOWN AT THE GARDEN San Antonio Botanical Garden
October 4
October 28 BUD LIGHT HALLLOWEEN FEST The River Walk
aging yet valiant knight, is filled with romance, humor, bravura dancing and exquisite costumes and sets. It’s a must see for the entire family. www.tobincenter.org
THE BEACH BOYS
October 9
THE B-52’S The Tobin Center, 7:30pm It is well known that the B-52s are The World’s Greatest Party Band. And 36 years and over twenty million albums into their career, there can be no doubt as to why they remain one of rock music’s most beloved and enduring bands. Get ready to get on your feet and dance the night awayRock Lobster! www.tobincenter.org
October 14 - 16
BALLET SAN ANTONIO DON QUIXOTE
October 15
HERMAN’S HERMITS The Brauntex Theater, 8pm See Herman’s Hermits with star of both the screen and stage Peter Noone. www.brauntex.org
October 15
WINE DOWN AT THE GARDEN The San Antonio Botanical Garden,6:30 - 9:30pm Presented by Total Wine & More, Wine Down at the Garden is an upscale evening in the Garden, There will be delicious food and wine for adults 21 and older. Save the date for this special fall evening. www.sabot.org
October 28
BUD LIGHT HALLOWEN FEST The River Walk 7 - 10:30pm The best Halloween party in San Antonio is on the River Walk. This year’s party features a costume contest, enchanting music and an eerie river parade! The party kicks off at 7pm. The costume contest starts at 8pm followed by the river parade at 9pm. www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com
November 6
YOSA GOLD SERIES 1 REMEMBERING BOWIE The Tobin Center, 7pm Celebrate the legacy of David Bowie with memorials by Glass, Pärt, and Purcell, plus the world premiere of Troy Peters’ new concerto for SOLI Chamber Ensemble, San Antonio’s renowned specialists in contemporary music. This thrilling program also includes two of the world’s most popular orchestral works, the 1812 Overture and Márquez’s Danzón No. 2. www.tobincenter.org
November 13
ERTH’S DINOSAUR ZOO LIVE The Tobin Center, 7pm Get ready for the ultimate playdate – 65 million years in the making – as Erth’s Dinosaur Live guides your family on a breathtaking tour through prehistoric Australia. You’ll observe, meet and interact with an eye-popping collection of amazingly life-like dinosaurs and other creatures presented in a theatrical performance that will thrill and entertain kids while stimulating their imaginations in ways that will forever connect them to their world. www.tobincenter.org
November 13 ERTH’S DINOSAUR ZOO LIVE The Tobin Center
The Tobin Center, times vary Set in sunny Spain, the thrilling full-length ballet, adapted from the famous Cervantes tale of an
September 17 MIRANDA LAMBERT The AT&T Center
september/october 2016 | 123
W DINING
Alberico’s
A WELCOMING RESTAURANT AND WINE BAR THAT TRANSPORTS YOU by LAUren brOWning PhOTOgrAPhy by JAneT rOgerS
D
riving along McCullough, you may have noticed an inviting replacement to the launderette in the prime corner space of The Yard Shopping Center. Known as Alberico Fine Wine, it moved in over a year ago, giving San Antonio food and wine followers several questions to discuss. “Is it a restaurant?” “Is it a wine bar?” “Is it a wine store?” Although the answer is “all of the above,” owner Ric Ramos is quick to clarify Alberico’s primary intent is to be known as an approachable restaurant with uncompromising standards. With a few exciting changes over the last several months, including a new chef, Alberico’s is well on the trajectory of being a highly prized local favorite. Setting the tone, Ramos brings a warm and personable nature to Alberico’s. All who encounter him will be inspired by his generous and welcoming attitude. He explains, “I learned the true nature of hospitality and serving others from my parents, so I named the restaurant ‘Alberico’ in their honor. It is a name that has remained in our family for generations.” Ramos also brings an aesthetic sensibility to Alberico’s, using his travels to help guide him in the sophisticated design details. A few examples include the exterior green doors and the main dining room. The green doors, inspired by a trip to Bordeaux, beautifully capture the quaintness. The interior main dining room resembles a modern farmhouse or estate winery with its big open space and surrounding windows, perfect for natural light to pour in over the inviting pine floor before sunset. The walls contain images of captivating wineries, and the high ceiling suspends shimmering spiral chandeliers. The ambiance was so alluring we felt transported. The food experience transported us as well. Brenton Childs is the new executive chef and is responsible for making some very favorable revisions in their menu as well as in their operations. Childs has an impressive résumé, having worked for Sandra Bullock and as the sous chef at Vespaio in Austin. Besides holding other prominent positions, he also completed a rigorous butcher certification program, and as a result he takes great pride in “nose to tail” cookery. Look for menu items and specials that reflect his skillful touch. Overall, the menu flows with enticing dishes, so ordering was my biggest challenge. My husband and I followed our usual protocol of splitting entrees and sharing appetizers, and soon the fun began. We started with the baked brie, which came with toasted baguette slices and house-made grape jam. Since it’s often a staple at many private parties and gatherings I have attended, I was a little confused why such a seemingly trite appetizer was on the menu. Once it arrived on our table all warm and gooey, laced with a most uncommon but delicious 124 | sawoman.com
grape jam, I quickly put my concerns to rest. In a home setting, the baked brie is on a buffet, usually icy cold and hard by the time I arrive in the line. If I am honest, I always skip past it — not worth the calories. Warm brie, however, brought straight from the oven to my table? Worth every rich bite — who can resist? Next we tried the exquisite beef empanadas, made from C.A.B. ribeye and sharp cheddar. From the baking process, they were surprisingly light and puffy, and we could easily have eaten the lobster and grilled corn empanadas as well, but opted to show some restraint and save them for our next trip. Instead, we chose the arugula and kale salad — a marvelous blend of earthy and peppery greens dressed with white wine and truffle vinaigrette. For an entrée, I chose the Salmon L’Orleans. The filet of Scottish salmon was perfectly cooked — crisp on the outside and moist on the inside. All of the elements accompanying the salmon — the tender lentils, the spiced pineapple, the mustard herb butter — came together as a beautiful chorus, a harmonic display of sweet, salty, sour, spicy, bitter and umami flavors. This is a dish I could return for on a weekly basis. Another notable dish was my husband’s scallops and Brussels sprouts. We immediately noticed the impressive sear, and yet the scallops were not dried out from over-cooking. Although Brussels sprouts have come into vogue on plates across San Antonio, even showing up in the prepared foods section of the grocery store, not all are created equal. Childs’ version is the addictive kind — they were executed with such precision and seasoning, I devoured my share like a ravenous kid eating a bag of potato chips! So pleased with these dishes, we were eager to conclude with a few desserts. For chocolate lovers, I recommend “The Chocolate Experience,” two warm chocolate cakes oozing with dark, rich chocolate from the inside. It is their take on a molten chocolate cake, and it was undeniably superior to every warm brownie or warm chocolate cake version I have tried elsewhere in San Antonio. This one is the real thing. Don’t miss it. For tiramisu fans, their bananas Foster interpretation is delicious. Purists will be pleasantly surprised at how well the bananas complement the tiramisu flavors. Overall, Ramos and his team are very attentive and accommodating, going above and beyond to ensure guests have a relaxed and unpretentious food and wine experience that is remarkable. If you have any questions or concerns about the menu, be sure to make them known. I watched a table of regulars beside me make some special requests, and chef Childs jumped right into action, even coming out personally to check on everyone. The camaraderie and spirit at Alberico’s are truly infectious, and I look forward to returning. Bon appétit!
Empanadas
Alberico’s Dining Room
Simple salad with beets
Lobster empanadas
Scallops with Brussels sprouts in cream sauce
The Chocolate Experience
september/october 2016 | 125
TIME EAT to
RESTAURANT GUIDE SUSHI ZUSHI
AMERICAN
Silo
1133 Austin Highway (210) 824-8686 434 N. Loop 1604 (210) 493-8989
BIGA ON THE BANKS BIRD BAKERY BLISS BOUDRO’S CAPPY’S CAPPYCCINO’S BISTRO CYPRESS GRILL ANNE MARIES’S BISTRO SAN ANTONIO CAFÉ CHEESECAKE FACTORY FEAST THE GRILL AT LEON SPRINGS GUENTHER HOUSE HOULIHAN'S J. ALEXANDER’S JOSEPHINE STREET KONA GRILL LIBERTY BAR MADRID ROOM MAGIC TIME MACHINE MAMA'S CAFE RAINFOREST CAFÉ RESTAURANT GWENDOLYN SCENIC LOOP CAFE SILO ELEVATED CUISINE STONE WERKS VINEYARD ZEDRIC’S
TAIPEI
203 S. St. Mary’s 225-0722 5912 Broadway 804-2473 926 S. Presa 225-2547 314 E. Commerce 224-1313 5011 Broadway 828-9669 5003 Broadway 828-6860 170 S. Main St., #A, Boerne (830) 248-1353 555 Funston Place 826-5800 1150 S. Alamo 271-7791 7400 San Pedro 798-0769 1024 S. Alamo 354-1024 24116 IH-10 W. 698-8797 205 E. Guenther 227-1061 14601 IH-35 N. 651-4744 385 N. Loop 1604 W. 494-3371 555 E. Basse 824-0275 400 E. Josephine 224-6169 15900 La Cantera Pkwy. 877-5355 1111 S. Alamo 227-1187 300 E. Travis 227-4392 902 N.E. Loop 410 828-1470 2442 Nacogdoches 826-8303 7929 Pat Booker Rd. 653-2002 517 N. Presa 223-3297 152 E. Pecan #100 222-1849 25615 Boerne Stage Rd. 687-1818 1133 Austin Highway 824-8686 434 N. Loop 1604 483-8989 Broadway at Basse 823-3508 27315 FM 3009 (830) 980-8033 5231 Broadway 824-6000
ASIAN Hsiu Yu 8338 Broadway St San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 828-2273
BIG KAHUNAS CHINA BISTRO DING HOW FORMOSA GARDENS FUJIYA GOLDEN WOK
ILSONG GARDEN INDIA OVEN INDIA PALACE KOI KAWA MANOLA’S THAI MENCIUS’S GOURMET MON THAI BISTRO P. F. CHANG’S SAWASDEE SUSHIHANA SUSHI ZUSHI
126 | sawoman.com
203 S. St. Mary’s 999 E. Basse 18720 Stone Oak 2211 N.W. Military 18802 Stone Oak 300 W. Bitters 126 W. Rector 9405 San Pedro 1146 Austin Highway
741 W. Ashby Pl. 10103 Huebner Road 4531 N.W. Loop 410 1011 N. E. Loop 410 9030 Wurzbach 8822 Wurzbach 8230 Marbach 6905 Blanco Rd. 1031 Patricia 8440 Fredericksburg 4051 Broadway 7212 Blanco Rd. 7959 Fredericksburg 4901 Broadway 255 E. Basse 15900 La Cantera Pkwy 6407 Blanco Road 1810 N.W. Military IH-10 W. and Wurzbach
733-8473 340-7944 340-7944 828-9988 615-7553 615-8282 674-2577 366-4508 366-1033 692-5262 805-8111 348-9071 615-1288 822-3253 507-1000 507-6500 979-9110 340-7808 691-3332
TASTE OF ASIA THAI LAO RESTAURANT TOKYO STEAK HOUSE TONG’S THAI
472-2900 826-8500 545-6100 366-3012 403-3316 496-6266 524-9908 341-4461 829-7345
BARBECUE BUN ‘N’ BARREL THE BARBEQUE STATION CHIT CHAT BBQ THE COUNTY LINE RUDY’S COUNTRY STORE THE BIG BIB TWO BROTHERS BBQ
1150 Austin Hwy. 610 N.E. Loop 410 218 N. Cherry 111 W. Crockett 10101 I-10 W. 24152 IH-10 W. 15560 I-35 N. 10623 Westover Hills 104 Lanark Dr. 12656 West Ave.
828-2829 691-3332 271-2888 229-1491 641-1998 698-2141 653-7839 520-5552 654-8400 496-0222
CAJUN/CREOLE ACADIANA BIG EASY CAFE BOURBON STREET SEAFOOD THE COOKHOUSE PAT O’BRIEN’S
1289 S.W. Loop 410 4822 Walzem Road 2815 N. Loop 1604 720 E. Mistletoe 121 Alamo Plaza
674-0019 653-5688 545-0666 320-8211 212-8698
EUROPEAN ANAQUA GRILL CITRUS CRUMPETS FIG TREE FOLC FREDERICK’S FREDERICK’S BISTRO THE GAZEBO AT LOS PATIOS HOUSTON STREET BISTRO LAS CANARIAS LA FRITE BELGIAN BISTRO LION & ROSE ENGLISH PUB LÜKE NOSH SAVEURS 209 WAXY O’CONNOR’S
555 S. Alamo 150 E. Houston 3920 Harry Wurzbach 515 Villita 226 E. Olmos 7701 Broadway 14439 N.W. Military #100 2015 N.E. Loop 410 204 E. Houston 112 College 728 S. Alamo 5148 Broadway 842 N.W. Loop 410 700 E. Sonterra Blvd. 125 E. Houston 1133 Austin Highway 209 Broadway 234 River Walk
229-1000 227-9700 821-5454 224-1976 822-0100 828-9050 888-1500 655-6171 476-8600 518-1000 224-7555 822-7673 798-4154 798-5466 227-5853 824-8686 639-3165 229-9299
HAMBURGERS BIG’Z BURGER JOINT BOBBY J’S BUCKHORN SALOON BURGER BOY CHRIS MADRID’S CHEESY JANE’S CHESTER’S HAMBURGERS
FATTY’S FUDDRUCKERS
2303 N. Loop 1604 W. 13247 Bandera Rd. 318 E. Houston St. 2323 N. St. Mary’s 1900 Blanco 4200 Broadway 1006 N.E. Loop 410 9980 IH-10 W. 16609 San Pedro 621 Pat Booker 1624 E.Commerce 115 Alamo Plaza 8602 Botts Ln.
408-2029 695-4941 247-4000 735-1955 735-3552 826-0800 805-8600 699-1222 494-3333 658-3000 299-8110 223-9944 824-6703
GOURMET BURGER GRILL LONGHORN CAFE MO MAK’S SAM’S BURGER JOINT TEXAS HAMBURGER CO TIMBO’S
18414 Hwy. 281 N. 17625 Blanco Rd. 13838 Jones Maltsberger 330 E. Grayson St. 9010 Huebner Rd. 1639 Broadway
545-3800 492-0301 481-3600 223-2830 699-1189 223-1028
ITALIAN 1203 N. Loop 1604 W. ALDINO AT THE VINEYARD 8539 Fredericksburg ALDO'S RISTORANTE BRAVO CUCINA ITALIANA 15900 La Cantera Pkwy. CAPPARELLI’S ON MAIN 2524 N. Main CARRABBA’S ITALIAN GRILL 12507 IH-10 W. CERRONI’S PURPLE GARLIC 1017 Austin Hwy. DOUGH PIZZERIA 6989 Blanco 200 E. Grayson, #100 IL SOGNO OSTERIA LORENZO’S 8032 Fredericksburg Rd. LA FOCACCIA ITALIAN GRILL 800 S. Alamo 824 Afterglow LITTLE ITALY LUCE RISTORANTE E ENOTECA11255 Huebner LUCIANO’S 849 E. Commerce 401 South Alamo 521 River Walk MICHELINO’S MILANO RISTORANTE 11802 Wurzbach PAESANOS 555 E. Basse 111 W. Crockett Loop 1604 at N.W. Military 255 E. Basse PIATTI PIATTI EILAN 1701 La Cantera Pkwy., #7 PICCOLO’S 5703 Evers Rd. 16019 Nacogdoches POMPEII ITALIAN GRILL TRE TRATTORIA 4003 Broadway
340-0000 696-2536 877-9300 735-5757 694-4191 822-2300 979-6363 223-3900 692-9900 223-5353 349-2060 561-9700 223-0500 888-7030 223-2939 493-3611 828-5191 227-2782 493-1604 832-0300 251-3542 647-5524 946-5518 805-0333
MEDITERRANEAN DEMO’S COPA WINE BAR GREEK TO ME JERUSALEM GRILL JOHN THE GREEK MIMI & DIMI’S PAPOULI’S GRILL
7115 Blanco 2501 N. St. Mary’s 19141 Stone Oak Pkwy. 5440 Babcock Rd. 3259 Wurzbach Rd. 16602 San Pedro 7159 W US Hiwy 90 8250 Agora Pkwy., #120 255 E. Basse, #384 11224 Huebner, #201
342-2772 732-7777 495-2672 699-6688 680-8400 403-0565 674-3464 659-2244 804-1118 641-1313
MEXICAN/LATIN El Jarro 13421 San Pedro San Antonio, TX 78216 (210) 494-5084 ÁCENAR MODERN TEX-MEX 146 E. Houston AJUÚA! CUISINE DE MEXICO 11703 Huebner ALAMO CAFÉ 10060 IH-10 W. 14250 San Pedro ALDACO'S 100 Hoefgen 20079 Stone Oak Pkwy. AZUCA NUEVO LATINO 713 S. Alamo CASA RIO 430 E. Commerce BETO’S 8421 Broadway CIELITO LINDO 19141 Stone Oak Pkwy. EL CHAPARRAL 15103 Bandera 2838 N. Loop 1604 EL MIRADOR 722 S. St. Mary’s EL MIRASOL ALTA COCINA 13489 Blanco IRON CACTUS MEXICAN GRILL200 River Walk LA FOGATA 2427 Vance Jackson LA FONDA ALAMO HEIGHTS 1633 Crownhill LA FONDA ON MAIN 2415 N. Main LA FONDA OAK HILLS 350 Northaven LA HACIENDA DE LOS BARRIOS 18747 Redland Rd. LA MARGARITA 120 Produce Row LOS BARRIOS 4223 Blanco MAMACITA’S 8030 IH-10 W. MI TIERRA CAFE AND BAKERY 218 Produce Row
ORIGINAL MEXICAN PALOMA BLANCA PALOMA RIVER WALK PAPPASITO’S CANTINA PERICO’S BAR AND GRILL PICANTE GRILL PICO DE GALLO RIO RIO CANTINA ROSARIO’S ROSARIO’S NORTH SALSALITO’S SAZO’S LATIN GRILL SOLUNA COCINA MEXICANA TACO TACO TOMATILLOS CANTINA URBAN TACO
528 River Walk 5800 Broadway 215 Losoya 10501 IH-10 W. 10820 Bandera 1439 E. Sonterra Blvd. 3810 Broadway 111 S. Leona 421 E. Commerce 910 S. Alamo 7915 San Pedro 14535 Nacogdoches 11523 Bandera 101 Bowie 7959 Broadway 145 E. Hildebrand 3210 Broadway 290 E. Basse, #105
224-9951 822-6151 212-0566 691-8974 684-5376 402-6006 822-3797 225-6060 226-8462 223-1806 481-4100 646-8088 558-6788 223-1000 930-8070 822-9522 824-3005 332-5149
PIZZA 2920 McCullough BARBARO 7959 Broadway BRAZA BRAVA PIZZERIA CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN 11745 IH-10 W. 255 E. Basse Rd. 7701 Broadway FLORIO’S PIZZA GRIMALDI’S PIZZA 330 E. Basse, #101 618 McCullough GUILLERMO’S MISS ELLIE’S 903 E. Bitters Rd SORRENTO 5146 Broadway 19141 Stone Oak Pkwy. TRILOGY PIZZA BISTRO VOLARE GOURMET PIZZA 5054 Broadway
320-2261 320-2100 699-4275 424-2014 805-8646 832-8288 223-5587 499-1258 824-0055 404-1818 828-3354
SEAFOOD FISH CITY GRILL FUSION SEAFOOD, STEAK LANDRY’S SEAFOOD PAPPADEAUX SEAFOOD OSTRA ON THE RIVER THE SANDBAR SILO TERRACE OYSTER BAR STARFISH WILDFISH SEAFOOD GRILLE
18130 Hwy. 281 N. 11703 Huebner Road 517 N. Presa 76 N.E. Loop 410 212 W. Crockett 200 E. Grayson 22211 IH-10 West 709 S. Alamo 1834 N.W. Loop 1604
495-3474 694-4201 527-1845 340-7143 396-5817 212-2221 698-2002 375-4423 493-1600
SOUTHWESTERN CALIZA GRILL CANYON CAFE FRANCESCA’S AT SUNSET ORO RESTAURANT AND BAR
420 W. Market 225 E. Basse 16641 La Cantera Pkwy. 705 E. Houston
224-6500 225-0722 558-6500 225-5100
STEAKS 222-2362 877-0600 691-8827 495-2233 222-0561 494-0561 225-5550 225-6718 930-9393 545-6965 695-8302 490-8302 225-9444 479-8765 224-9835 340-1337 824-4231 733-0621 342-8981 497-8000 227-7140 732-6017 341-5424 225-1262
Chama Gaucha 18318 Sonterra Place San Antonio, TX 78258 (210) 564-9400 ANTLERS LODGE THE BARN DOOR BOLO’S ROTISSERIE GRILLE FLEMING’S GREY MOSS INN KIRBY’S STEAKHOUSE LITTLE RHEIN STEAKHOUSE MORTON’S STEAKHOUSE MYRON’S STEAKHOUSE J. PRIME STEAKHOUSE THE PALM PERRY’S STEAKHOUSE RUTH'S CHRIS
9800 Hyatt Resort Dr. 8400 N. New Braunfels 9821 Colonnade 255 E. Basse Rd. 10901 Scenic Loop 123 N. Loop 1604 E. 231 S. Alamo 849 E. Commerce 10003 N.W. Military 1401 N. Loop 1604 W. 233 E. Houston 15900 La Cantera Pkwy. 7720 Jones Maltsberger 600 E. Market Street
520-4001 824-0116 691-8888 824-9463 695-8301 404-2221 225-1212 228-0700 493-3031 764-1604 226-7256 558-6161 821-5051 227-8847
ENHANCE YOUR LISTING!
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W WOMEN ON THE MOVE Paula Gold-Williams Paula Gold-Williams is now president and CEO of CPS Energy after previously serving as interim president and CEO. Managing finances for the nation’s largest gas and electric utility, she served as executive vice president - financial and administrative services, chief financial officer and treasurer and had been CPS Energy’s chief financial officer since 2008. She also served as chief administrative officer and controller. Before joining the utility in 2004, Gold-Williams had been regional controller for Time-Warner Cable and vice president of finance for Luby’s, Inc. She holds an MBA and is a CPA and CGMA (Chartered Global Management Accountant).
Janie Canty-Mitchell, Ph.D. Janie Canty-Mitchell, Ph. D., has been named chair of the Healthcare Diversity Council board of directors. She serves as professor and chair of the Department of Family and Community Health Systems and is interim chair of the Department of Health Restoration and Care Systems Management in the School of Nursing.
Lauren Lee Lauren Lee has been promoted to new business development at Crandall & Associates Insurance. Born and raised in San Antonio, she joined the family business in 2013. She has gained extensive knowledge of employee benefits during her three years at Crandall & Associates and is eager to move into marketing.
Luci K. Leykum, MD Luci K. Leykum, M.D., professor of medicine, has been named chief of the newly created Division of General and Hospital Medicine. Dr. Leykum, associate dean for clinical affairs since 2010, has been division chief of hospital medicine since 2008. In her new position, she will work with the 60 faculty members from the combined divisions to support and build on their educational, clinical and research endeavors.
Tara Roussett St Jude’s Ranch for Children, now known as SJRC Texas in the Texas region. has named Tara Roussett as CEO. She brings nearly two decades of experience in the child welfare field, including eight years working in senior and executive level management at SJRC. Roussett began her career in foster care, which ignited her passion to serve children. She earned a BA in interdisciplinary studies with a specialization in early childhood education from UTSA and an MBA from Howard Payne University. She holds dual licensure as a Child Care Administrator and Child Placing Agency Administrator.
Jenna Saucedo-Herrera Jenna Saucedo-Herrera has been named president and chief executive officer of the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation (SAEDF). During her time at CPS Energy, Saucedo-Herrera was instrumental in numerous important and complex economic development projects, demonstrating strong leadership, innovative solutions and a deep knowledge of economic and community development.
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Weddings W
Mr. and Mrs. Walter Clark Cadwallader (Patsy Paige Ragland) April 16, 2016
Photo by Goen South
Mr. and Mrs. John Raymond Christie ll (Sallie Williams McAllister) May 14, 2016
Photo by jenna-Beth Lyde
Mr. and Mrs. Eric Waetjen (Alexandra Zuzula) May 7, 2016
David Sixt Photography
Photo by jenna-Beth Lyde
Mr. and Mrs. Vinny Oliver (Allison Stein) May 7, 2016
David Sixt Photography
Mr. and Mrs. James Greenlee Murry, lll (Reenie Louise Reagan) April 30, 2016
David Sixt Photography
Mr. and Mrs. John William Deaver (Alaine Landy Walsh) April 9, 2016
september/october 2016 | 129
W LOOKING BACK
1962 Remember when finding a new prom dress meant a trip to the fabric store, searching through the latest patterns and material?
130 | sawoman.com