78209 Magazine June 2024

TAYLOR LANE

Welcome to the June edition of 78209 Magazine! Isn’t this month’s cover so FUN? I absolutely love the Huntopia exhibit on display at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Even though temperatures are already heating up, getting out and exploring the neighborhood is still bearable in the mornings.

On a recent adventure with my daughter, we discovered Greenhouse coffee shop in Olmos Park. A fresh and friendly spot with the best lemon poppy seed muffin I’ve ever had. Check out our Best Bet in ’09 eats to see what I ordered!

Our neighbors this month are also an adventurous bunch - at home and at work. Their son Wade was very excited to show us his Ninja Turtle collection at our photo shoot! Raphael is his favorite, of course.

As we prepare for another toasty summer, you will want to keep our business profile this month on your radar. Grant Winston, owner of Current Power Technologies shares how his company is helping to keep the AC flowing!

Another insightful leadership feature by coach Angel Santiago is also in this edition. He got to chat with the general manager at Sunset & Co. (the BEST hardware store around) and shares the difference leading with heart and caring for others can make.

Cheers!

Photo by Suzanne Pack, Celebrated Reflections

CONTRIBUTORS

PUBLISHER

Las Tres Muchachas

EDITOR

Taylor Lane

DIRECTOR OF SALES & PARTNERSHIPS

Dale Lane

ADVERTISING SALES

Cindy Jennings

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Cathleen & Dale Lane

Kimberly Pipes FOR ADVERTISING & INFORMATION (210) 236-5834 info@78209magazine.com Published by A Las Tres Muchachas Production

305 E Ramsey, San Antonio, Texas 78216 (210) 236-5834 | @78209magazine www.78209magazine.com

Cover Photo by Romero Broomfield

To view us online, visit: 78209magazine.com | To Subscribe: $19.95 (one year) Contact us: info@78209Magazine.com | (210) 236-5834 Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! | @78209magazine

About The Cover June 2024

It’s HUNTOPIA at the San Antonio Botanical Garden! Just when you think their exhibits can’t get any more magical, they do. This month’s cover photo, taken by Romero Broomfield, features the sculpture Naya, 2023 by Hunt Slonem.

16

Business Profile

Many 78209 residents who don’t want to be left out in the cold, or dealing with the heat for that matter, are installing backup generators in their homes. Current Power Technologies is making a name for itself, serving these customers while building its electrical contracting business in other areas.

18 Meet Your Neighbors

Rising 78209 couple making a mark through their careers at the San Antonio Botanical Garden and Alamo Anglers. Living in Terrell Hills and raising a three-yearold budding angler and golfer, keeps the Simmons Family plenty grounded.

28 Leadership

When you step into Sunset & Co., you can tell that every detail is handled with care. We sat down with General Manager, Joyce Benavidez, to learn how she leads with the heart and understand what caring leaders can do.

Huntopia showcases a series of monumental pieces and curated installations, combining Slonem’s vibrant artworks and the Garden’s natural beauty. The largescale art sculptures are a joyful, glittering array of show-stopping pieces created with various mediums, including works featuring tens of thousands of handcut, hand-applied pieces of glass. The artist’s signature animal muses will be giant-sized for plenty of photo-worthy moments of sculptural play throughout the Garden’s 38 acres.

- IN THE LOOP -

PLANS TO TRANSFORM BROADWAY IN THE WORKS

The streetscape design for Broadway in Alamo Heights introduces new elements that transform the corridor into a “complete street” with a robust palette of landscape, hardscape, street trees, wayfinding, pedestrian lighting and street furniture that express the unique identity of Alamo Heights. Reworking the right-of-way puts Broadway on a “road diet” with fewer vehicular lanes and reduced on-street parking in favor of widening the sidewalk zone to create community gathering spaces at restaurants and cafes and to promote walkability in the neighborhood. The revised street section includes bike lanes running north/south which align with the planned

improvements to the Broadway corridor further south through downtown San Antonio and enhances the city’s micro-mobility network. The design features innovative green stormwater infrastructure such as rain gardens in the right-of-way and sidewalk zones to allow the cross section of the street to perform as a first-flush filter of stormwater which will improve the quality of water that is conveyed to the San Antonio River downstream.

Courtesy of Overland Architecture + Urban Design, in association with TBG Partners

BOUTIQUE FITNESS STUDIO, URBAN LAGREE, TO OPEN FIRST SAN ANTONIO LOCATION

The fitness studio will offer the popular Lagree Fitness method that includes high intensity, low impact resistance training on Megaformer machines. Pre-sale for classes are now open.

Boutique fitness studio, Urban Lagree, is excited to announce it will be opening its first San Antonio location in June. The studio focuses on workouts that promote core stability, cardio endurance and high-intensity strength training. Urban Lagree will open in central San Antonio at 3910 McCullough Avenue in Olmos Park on Monday, June 10, 2024.

To celebrate its San Antonio opening, Urban Lagree will host a free Open House event at the studio on Saturday, June 15 from 11 AM to 1 PM where guests can stop by and learn more about the Lagree Fitness method. The event will feature health and wellness vendors, giveaways, music by a local DJ and more.

Urban Lagree offers the popular Lagree Fitness method, a high intensity, low impact workout focused on muscular endurance using a specialized machine called the Megaformer. The Lagree method was started in 1998 by Sebastien Lagree and is a workout that continues to grow globally. It is a celebrity workout that has been adopted by Jennifer Aniston, Kim Kardashian, and many more. Urban

Lagree will be the first studio in San Antonio to offer Lagree classes instructed on the latest Megaformer - the Mega Pro - a streamlined version of its predecessor now including tilting platforms.

POSTINO WINECAFÉ CELEBRATES NEW LOCATION WITH SAN ANTO CULTURAL ARTS DONATION

Postino has partnered with San Anto Cultural Arts in anticipation of the opening of their new South Broadway location in San Antonio. During the month of June, Postino

South Broadway will donate $1 from each bruschetta board purchased to San Anto Cultural Arts.

A cornerstone of Postino’s brand is giving back to the communities in which it operates. In San Antonio, the restaurant and wine bar has partnered with San Anto Cultural Arts, a San Antonio, TX nonprofit founded in 1993 with the mission to foster human and community development through community-based arts. The June donation will help bolster the organization’s efforts to offer community-based arts programs that engage residents and foster the talents of youth by educating them on the history and techniques of public art while documenting and preserving the rich history and heritage of San Antonio.

- IN THE LOOPSTAGE 3 WATER RESTRICTIONS

Effective Thursday, April 11th, the City of Alamo Heights declared Stage 3 Water Restrictions. These are changes mandated by order of the Edwards Aquifer Authority.

Landscaping Watering (using automatic or manual irrigation systems) is permitted only once EVERY OTHER week between hours 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. The last number of your address determines what day you are able to water.

You may use drip irrigation, soaker hose, or bucket (5-gallon or less container) during any day of the week but only between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. A hand-held hose may be used any day of the week at any time.

For more information visit https://www.alamoheightstx.gov/.

Calendar

Drop-in Guided Tour: Huntopia

San Antonio Botanical Garden

Thursday, June 6, 2024 | 9 am & 10 am

Tuesday, June 11, 2024 | 9 am & 10 am

Saturday, June 15, 2024 | 9 am & 10 am

Thursday, June 20, 2024 | 9 am & 10 am

Tuesday, June 25, 2024 | 9 am & 10 am

Bakery Lorraine PRIDE Cookies

In celebration of Pride month, Bakery Lorraine is offering a rainbow-colored cookie with proceeds benefiting San Antonio-based LGBTQIA+ organization, Thrive Youth Center.

Saturday Yoga at Brackenridge Park Saturday Mornings in June

WHO: Brackenridge Park Conservancy, City of San Antonio Parks & Recreation Department, City of San Antonio District 1 Councilwoman Dr. Sukh Kaur

WHEN: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.; Fitness class from 10:00 -11:00 a.m.

WHERE: Brackenridge Park - 531 Brackenridge Way, San Antonio, TX 78212

Meet at the open field to the right of Lambert Beach Softball Field.

Father’s Day Fiesta on the Rooftop

June 16th - 12:00 - 4:00 PM

Hey Dads! Come celebrate Father’s Day, rooftop style, at the San Antonio Zoo! Feast on your favorite flavors of meats and classic dishes. Enjoy an ice-cold beverage on our Fiesta Rooftop Terrace, with music, games for the kids, and up-close animal encounters. Make this year’s celebration unforgettable. See you there!

Current Power Technologies

Current Power Technologies

Current Power Technologies Experiencing Steady Growth Helping Customers Ensure They’re Never Left Without Electricity

By Bruce X. Forey | Photography by David Teran

Be prepared. More 78209 residents follow that motto to ensure their lights stay on. Current Power Technologies is benefiting from increased interest in backup power at homes and businesses. Owner Grant Winston says more home and business owners are wary of electric reliability after winter storm Uri hit in 2021 when many were left without electricity and feeling the bitter cold for days.

“After that, I think there was a big change in demand for backup power. It just showed how sensitive our grid really is,” Grant said. “My customers are highly independent thinkers and literally want to take power into their own hands. A backup generator is peace of mind.”

Grant says when the media covers almost anything dealing with Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), the 2021 outage crisis, or future grid reliability, the phone rings.

“People are paying attention, and there’s a correlation between when the grid makes the news and our generator sales.”

Current Power Technologies has customers throughout San Antonio, with about 40 percent of its sales coming from 78209. Like most products, generators improve with technology. Oldschool home generators were mostly smaller and less powerful and usually provided backup power to a section of the house. Now, they are more effective in the same footprint and mostly power the entire home.

Grant says generators can also benefit homeowners with solar systems. On cloudy days, the solar panels usually don’t produce enough energy to charge the batteries that are often purchased as a renewable energy solution. A generator can fully charge the battery so the owner can use the battery to power their home.

“With this setup, you have the potential to live completely off the grid. However, 95% of the value from a generator is for a reliable backup when the power goes out,” Grant said.

Part of the renewable energy evolution is the growing popularity of electric vehicles. Current Power Technologies is part of the industry through the installation of electric vehicle or, EV chargers.

“I think everyone was forecasting quicker growth than we’re currently seeing. What we’re seeing now is realistic growth,” said Grant. “Current Power Technologies is here to help build out that infrastructure as we move towards a more electrified world.”

Current Power Technologies primarily installs level-two EV chargers for residential homes. The company is also the authorized installer for a manufacturer that specializes in supplying EV chargers to apartment complexes.

Installing generators and EV chargers helped Current Power Technologies grow its residential electrical contracting business. When customers realized Current Power Technology employees were electricians, they asked if they could do other electrical repair projects at their homes.

“We are a licensed electrical contractor qualified to do any type of residential and commercial electric work,” said Grant. “For one customer, we installed a generator and then upgraded the entire electrical system in the home.”

Current Power Technologies has been operating out of its Sunset Rd. location since 2019. The small, family-owned business employs 12 people. Grant’s wife, Brittany, is the company’s director of marketing.

Grant added, “Our company is modeled on the “Four F” concept of faith, family, fitness, and finance.”

As business increases, so does the need for qualified workers. Grant offers new hires a long-term career opportunity in the electric contract industry with extensive training.

“I don’t think college is for all of us, so I’m very supportive of building up the trades,” Grant said. “We bring people under our umbrella and pay for all of their electrical schooling as they move towards being a journeyman or master electrician.”

In addition to supporting local businesses, Grant and Brittany are active in the local community. The Winston’s have three girls, ages 10, 8 & 6 years old, and live in Alamo Heights.

The Simmons Family

- MEE T YOUR NEIGHBORS -

The Simmons Family

A Love for Funky Jazz Keeps the Simmons Family Grooving in Terrell Hills

By Bruce X. Forey | Photography by David Teran

For one 78209 family, a match made in heaven started with the online dating site, Match.com.

“I lived on a ranch at that time, in the middle of nowhere,” Brandon Simmons recalled. “I realized quickly that the perfect gal wasn’t going to walk through the front gate.”

Something unique about Brianna’s Match.com profile caught Brandon’s attention.

“I listed my favorite band as The Meters,” Brianna Simmons remembered. “Brandon messaged me and said he loved listening to The Meters on his boat. I kind of did a massive eye roll.”

But there was enough intrigue to agree to meet in person. Music continued to play a part in the courtship. They met at Jazz TX, the live music restaurant/bar at the Pearl. But a concert with a popular 80s band cut their first date shorter than Brandon was perhaps expecting.

“I said, I’m excited to meet you, but a friend just told me she has front-row tickets to see Duran Duran, so I’ll have to leave soon and go to the show,” Brianna remembered. “But he understood and was very agreeable.”

Brianna and Brandon met again for an extended date, and the rest is history. They were married two and a half years later.

Brianna has the pleasure of working at one of the most beautiful surroundings in San Antonio. She’s Vice President of Development for the San Antonio Botanical Garden, which attracts over 400,000 visitors annually. Brianna is responsible for all fundraising, which includes memberships, donor contributions, corporate sponsorships, exhibitions, and more. Since privatizing from the City of San Antonio as a nonprofit 501c3 in 2019, the Garden’s budget has doubled, and member households have grown from 5,400 to over 13,300.

“All contributed revenue goes through my office. I’m proud of the success of our annual gala, along with our first luncheon fundraising event, on April 30, which raised almost $400,000,” Brianna said.

Brianna is also thankful for the welcoming work culture at the Botanical Garden.

“Our President and CEO Katherine Trumble hired me in July 2020, while six months pregnant, knowing I would be out a couple of

months after the birth of my child,” Brianna said. “I’m very grateful for their confidence in me to lead the fundraising strategy for our organization.”

Brandon is the co-owner of the recently opened Alamo Anglers, a fly-fishing retail store located in the Boardwalk on Broadway. The store held its soft opening on November 11, 2023, and continues to grow its business steadily. Alamo Anglers focuses on technical equipment and clothing. A former fishing guide, Brandon knows the area waters or has contacts with other guides to help customers catch fish locally and around the world.

“We felt there was an opportunity for a fly shop with expertise on tackle and where to fish,” Brandon said. “We’re beginning a travel program this year where we offer hosted trips. I’m very excited about introducing that service to our customers.”

Brandon has worked in the outdoor industry his entire career. Prior to Alamo Anglers, he helped launch a successful outdoor clothing line that required a lot of travel.

“With a child and being on the road several days a week, I wanted to stay close to home, so I moved forward with opening the store,” Brandon recalled.

The family resides in Terrell Hills, which they love for its friendly neighborhood vibe and short drive to work. The fire department even makes house calls at birthday parties.

Brianna recalled, “As many children do, our son, Wade, loves fire trucks and the Terrell Hills Fire Department stopped by for his twoyear old birthday party and let all the kids climb in to experience the truck. It was so great!”

They spend a lot of time outside with Wade who’s now a very active three-year old.

“He’s very coordinated and athletic, and we’re committed to fostering his love of the outdoors,” Brianna said.

Brandon added, “I put a golf club in his hands and let him start whacking plastic balls and learned he really loves playing golf, so we started him with some lessons.”

The next time you’re in Terrell Hills and hear the funky jazz sound of The Meters, there’s a good chance Brianna and Brandon are nearby.

Photo by Robert ShawJUNE 2024

- ON THE MARKET -

April 2024 Real Estate Housing Stats in 78209 Zip Code

New

and existing single-family homes

Source: San Antonio Board of Realtors

There were 61 closed listing in 78209 for April 2024, a 35.6% increase compared to April 2023 which had 45 closings.

The average sales price in April 2024 was $646,764. This is a 27.9% increase over the April 2023 average of $505,702.

The median sales price saw a similar jump from $452,500 in April 2023 to $575,000 in April 2024, reflecting a 27% increase.

Sold price per square foot rose from $242 in April 2023 to $267 in April 2024. This could indicate a higher valuation of properties on a per-square-foot basis.

Sale to list price ratio remained steady between April 2024 and April 2023. Homes sold for about 93% of their original list price.

New listings in 78209 increased from 60 in April 2023 to 72 in April 2024, a 20% rise.

Active listings increased 61.7% with 207 hitting the market in April 2024 compared to 128 in April 2023. This indicates a more competitive market with more options available for buyers.

Pending sales decreased slightly from 40 in April 2023 to 35 in April 2024, a 12.5% drop.

The average days on market (DOM) for homes to sell spiked to 54 days this past April. In April 2023 homes it took about 36 days for a home to find a buyer.

The months of inventory, which measures how long it would take to sell all active listings at the current sales pace, increased from 2.8 months in April 2023 to 5.1 months in April 2024.

Conclusion

With increases in average and median prices, a rise in new and active listings, and longer days on market, the 78209 area is experiencing a shift that could influence buying and selling strategies. Buyers have more options and potentially more bargaining power. Sellers may need to adjust expectations and strategies to attract buyers in a more competitive market.

EMBRACING NEURODIVERSITY

By Dr. Michelle Spoonemore, Head of School, The Winston School San Antonio

Neurodiversity is a popular term to describe differences in how people’s brains work. It is often used in the context of neurological or developmental conditions such as ADHD, dyslexia, or other learning disabilities to bring awareness to the idea that there’s no “right” way for the brain to work and no “correct” way for learning. Instead, there is a wide range of ways people perceive and respond to the world, and these differences are to be embraced and encouraged.

One in five children in the United States has a learning difference - a neurological disorder affecting people’s ability to interpret what they see and hear or to link information from different parts of the brain. These differences can affect how well children read, write, speak, compute, and handle similar tasks.

For nearly 40 years, The Winston School San Antonio has provided a life-changing experience for neurodiverse students in grades K-12 who have struggled to reach their potential in traditional classroom environments. At Winston, we recognize that when students can’t learn the way we teach, we must change the way we teach. Winston hosts an environment for students to embrace their neurological differences while developing their strengths and talents through small class sizes and multi-sensory instructional approaches, using

visual, auditory, and hands-on activities to teach essential concepts. Our average class size of eight students ensures personalized attention fostering academic and personal growth. Our curriculum includes organizational and study skills supporting academics and fostering classroom success, emphasizing students’ strengths, restoring self-esteem, and building confidence.

As a community, The Winston School San Antonio provides diverse enrichment and athletic programs to foster the spirit of creative expression, promote social and emotional development, and enhance the character development skills learned through individual and team activities.

Beyond day school opportunities, The Winston School Center for Neurodiversity provides additional services, including psychoeducational testing and consulting, ADHD and executive functioning coaching, dyslexia therapy, academic intervention, and college admissions counseling. We are committed to sharing the gifts of neurodiversity in every child.

For more information about how Winston can make a difference for your family, visit www.winston-sa.org.

- SCHOOL NEWS -

2024 PRESIDENT’S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENTS

Saint Mary’s Hall is delighted to announce to the 2024 President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) recipients. PVSA is the nation’s premier volunteer awards program that recognizes individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to take action too.

Please help us in congratulating the following PVSA recipients:

Bronze Awards

Cecilia Canseco ‘26

Annie Herff ‘26

Jason Jones ‘24

Sophia Junaidi ‘24

Austin Meyer ‘26

Cypress Rabke ‘25

Chloe Serot ‘24

Abi Sorensen ‘26

Adrian Sorensen ‘26

Kathryn Tubb ‘26

Silver Awards

Edward Briggs ‘26

Venkaya Dutta ‘25

Gonzalo Cuervo ‘25

Sabrina Esmail ‘24

Eleanor Jones ‘24

Addison Meyer ‘27

Hudson Moore ‘25

Nicolas Zavala ‘24

Isabella Acosta ‘26

Tanzeel Ali ‘25

Rabani Bajaj ‘27

Sofia Blanco ‘27

Colston Book ‘27

Fiona Briggs ‘26

Owen Colwell ‘27

Lindsay Do ‘26

Ben Holder ‘26

Sophie Holder ‘24

Alexandra Holmgreen ‘25

Charlotte Holmgreen ‘27

Riya Jampana ‘26

Meryl Jones ‘27

Gage Lipscomb

Harini Logan ‘26

Meriwether Rabke ‘27

Mazreen Sanjana ‘26

Lauren Thomas ‘25

Saviandra Treviño ‘25

- SCHOOL NEWS -

MULES UP FOR THE CLASS OF 2024!

With pomp and circumstance, Alamo Heights High School celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2024 on May 23 at Harry B. Orem Stadium. This year’s class of 384 graduates was honored for their outstanding academic and extracurricular achievements.

The Class of 2024 earned close to $8 million in college scholarships. Our newest graduates will next attend prestigious universities across the state and nation including Brown University, Purdue University, Yale, Rice University, Vanderbilt, the University of Texas at Austin, and Tulane University.

“In the coming days and weeks, you will embark on an exciting new chapter in your journey of life,” said Alamo Heights High School Principal Cory Smith. “In a world that often values conformity and the well-trodden path, it is the trailblazers who truly make a difference. Embrace the spirit of exploration and innovation. Don’t be afraid to

deviate from the expected route. Instead, carve out your own path, one that is uniquely yours. The world is full of opportunities for those that dare to dream and have the courage to pursue those dreams.”

During the ceremony, Principal Smith announced the Outstanding Senior Girl and Boy, as voted on by the faculty and staff. Ana Salgado Soberanes was honored as Outstanding Senior Girl and Jacob Young was named Outstanding Senior Boy. Both were lauded as exemplifying character, integrity, and the characteristics of the district’s Profile of a Learner.

Emphasizing connection and community, Principal Smith recognized all Alamo Heights ISD teachers who played a role in the graduates’ education from Howard Early Childhood Center through high school.

Leading up to the graduation ceremony, seniors were able to take part in many traditions. They attended Senior Sendoffs at Cambridge and Woodridge elementary schools, reuniting with former teachers and walking down memory lane with pictures and yearbooks. The graduates also donned their caps and gowns for Senior Walks and paraded through both elementary schools among cheering teachers and students.

Seniors whose parents work in Alamo Heights ISD were honored at a reception highlighting the connections of AHISD families. Employees were also invited to award diplomas to their children on stage at the graduation ceremony.

- SCHOOL NEWS -

EVE CAVAZOS ’27 TIES SCHOOL RECORD, WINS TAPPS 5A STATE TITLE IN HIGH JUMP

Conditions at the TAPPS State Championship Track and Field meet weren’t perfect for a championship-level meet, but that didn’t hinder Eve Cavazos ‘27 in her ability to tie the school record that she set earlier in the year and secure the TAPPS 5A State Title in the Girl’s High Jump on Friday, May 3.

Cavazos was just one of two freshmen in the field of the top eight high jumpers in the state, pitting the four best from the south region against the four best in the north. Entering the competition at the height of 4’8,” she missed at her first attempt but refocused and cleared it on her second attempt. Knowing that would put her behind those who cleared it in their first attempt, she needed to secure first attempts in at least the next two heights. Moving on, she cleared 4’10’, 5’0”, and 5’2” all on their first attempt. This pushed her into first place due to her only having

one miss! This is the first ever high jump TAPPS State Champion for SMH. Congratulations, Eve!

LOVE THE WAY YOU LIVE

Beth Adolph’s Story: Finding Home in 78209

By Terri Landez, The Village at Incarnate Word

Beth Adolph, originally from New Orleans, was alone in her home when Hurricane Ida struck in August 2021. She had survived more than a few hurricane seasons - including Katrina in ‘05 - but knew after Ida that she did not want to go through another Louisiana hurricane season on her own.

In June 2022, Beth moved to San Antonio to be closer to family and found her new home at The Village at Incarnate Word. What began as a pursuit to be closer to family blossomed into so much more at The Village. Beth discovered a supportive community where she could thrive personally and socially.

A life-long Catholic, Beth enjoys the opportunity to attend daily Mass at The Village’s on-site sanctuary, St. Joseph’s Chapel, and serves as a Eucharistic Minister. Her involvement in Spiritual Life activities has led to friendships with many other residents, including her next-door neighbor, Valerie Arcement, and some retired Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word.

In promoting a balanced lifestyle, The Village provides ample options for enhancing residents’ physical health. Beth and Valerie attend fitness classes offered daily, which boast a wide range of activities, including HITT workouts, yoga, dance, hiking, biking, swimming, and beyond. The Village also maintains multiple exercise spaces, including a wellness center, the Linda & Sid Williams III Aquatic Center with an indoor heated pool and jacuzzi, and a rehabilitation gym where residents can complete physical therapy.

As a life-long learner, Beth takes advantage of educational opportunities facilitated by The Village’s partnership with the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW). She opted to audit an Art History course, though residents can explore any subject of interest. Beth also frequents the nearby Landa Library and

participates in book clubs hosted at The Village. Outside of The Village, there is plenty to explore in Alamo Heights and the surrounding areas. Valerie and Beth love going for nature walks at the nearby Headwaters trails and walking next door to Central Market for fresh produce and flowers. The Village also offers transportation to popular local spots like the Pearl, Brackenridge Park, museums, restaurants, shops, and much more.

The best part of life at The Village depends on who you’re talking to. For some, it is the loving staff, the spiritually enriched environment, the rich history and traditions, or the strong sense of community. For Beth, it’s the people. Beth and Valerie say their neighbors are the kindest people they’ve ever met, who reflect the core values of The Village: dignity, compassion, integrity, collaboration, and stewardship.

Situated in the heart of Alamo Heights, The Village at Incarnate Word is more than just an active 55+ community; it’s a vibrant home to over 250 older adults from diverse backgrounds. To learn more about The Village at Incarnate Word and available floor plans, call to schedule a tour today at (210) 829-7561.

Caring is What Counts: The Surprising Benefits of Leading with Heart

By Angel Santiago | Photography by Taylor Lane

Amy and David Doyle, along with Rees Peacock, own Sunset & Company, a funky, fun, gifty hardware store nestled in the beloved Sunset Ridge Shopping Center at the heart of Alamo Heights. They had a vision to provide quality products and exceptional customer service at a fun place to shop for men and women of all ages. Joyce Benavidez is the General Manager entrusted with maintaining an easy ambiance that both customers and team members can enjoy.

In my conversation with Joyce, we talked about how good ownership and good management can greatly influence the atmosphere in the workplace and ultimately improve customer satisfaction. Joyce emphasized the importance of supporting both ownership and employees, leading by example, and having a thorough understanding of all roles within the organization. “I see my role as a guide for the team, allowing them to excel in their positions,” Joyce said. “I want people to know I care, I really do care - about this job, the ownership, and the employees. I really care about what I’m doing here.”

She couldn’t be more right. If there is a quality to bring into everything that you do, it is care. According to Simon Sinek, author and inspirational speaker on business leadership, leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about caring for those you are in charge of. It is about leading with heart. Leading with heart and caring for others is not a weakness; it is a fundamental attribute that significantly enhances leadership effectiveness. Even before Joyce was a manager, people could tell she cared; she was the go-to person. “Team

members were coming to me and asking me questions, and I was answering them, and if I didn’t know, I’d figure it out.”

Leading with heart and caring for others is a powerful leadership trait that positively influences both the leader and their team. It fosters trust, engagement, and resilience, and it creates an environment where employees feel valued and motivated. This not only enhances individual and team performance but also contributes to the overall success and sustainability of the business.

Leading with heart means being a compassionate, empathetic, and authentic leader who prioritizes the well-being and growth of your people while also driving results and success. It’s about creating a culture of care, trust, and connection where everyone feels valued, heard, and empowered to thrive.

In the context of leadership, it has many benefits, one of them being improved relationships. Caring leaders build stronger, more meaningful relationships with their team members. This fosters trust and mutual respect, which are essential for effective collaboration and communication. And when it comes to communication, Joyce learned early on, thanks to some lessons from her father, that how you talk to people matters. “Even though I’m not a perfect communicator,” Joyce said, “I realized that everybody’s different and you have to talk to everybody differently. Being able to communicate with everybody in different ways brings it all together.”

By leading with heart and caring for others, leaders can:

• Drive Engagement: When leaders show genuine concern for their employees’ wellbeing and professional growth, it increases employee engagement and motivation. Team members are more likely to be committed and dedicated to their work.

• Enhance Morale: Caring leadership contributes to a positive work environment, boosting overall morale. Employees feel valued and appreciated, which can lead to higher job satisfaction and reduced turnover.

• Increase Productivity: Teams led by caring leaders often demonstrate higher levels of productivity. When employees feel supported and understood, they are more likely to put forth their best efforts and achieve their goals.

• Encourage Team Cohesion: A caring approach fosters a sense of belonging and teamwork. Employees are more likely to collaborate and support each other, resulting in a more cohesive and effective team.

• Foster Resilience: Teams led by caring leaders are often more resilient in the face of challenges. The support and encouragement from a caring leader help employees navigate difficulties and stay focused on their objectives.

Leading with heart isn’t about being soft— it’s about being a bold, visionary leader who recognizes the incredible power of human connection and compassion in driving success. Your journey toward becoming a heartfelt leader demands dedication and continuous effort. It begins with small, impactful steps. Let’s transform your organization together. Reach out to me today to discover how to cultivate a culture of care and compassion that resonates throughout every level of your team.

Let’s embark on this transformative journey to greatness!

Blessings, Angel Santiago 210.239.3435

How Often Should You Have Your Carpets Cleaned?

Not only do dirty carpets and rugs look bad, but not getting them cleaned consistently enough can shorten their lifespan. Dirt and grime act like sandpaper, eating away at carpet fiber every time you walk on it. But just how often should you get your carpets and rugs professionally cleaned? There are a few factors to consider.

Carpet Warranty

If you have newer carpet, it might have come with a manufacturer’s warranty. Most require annual cleanings by a professional cleaning company as a condition of the warranty. Be sure to read all the terms and conditions to make sure you are in compliance and can take advantage of that warranty if the need should arise.

Eyeball (or Nose) Test

Does your carpet look (or smell) like it needs to be cleaned? As a rule of thumb, you want to clean your carpets before they get to this stage. Dirt begins accumulating at the base of your carpet long before it becomes visible, which will be much sooner for lighter carpets and rugs.

Your carpet also absorbs and clings to smells from spills and accidents over time, which tend to be more noticeable to your guests when entering your home. Regular cleanings can keep your carpet and rugs looking and smelling fresh.

Who Uses Your Carpets?

The heavier amount of traffic your carpets and rugs receive, the dirtier they will get. Pets who travel between outside

and inside track dirt and allergens that your carpet and rugs will absorb. And as most pet owners know, the occasional accident is not always avoidable.

Homes with children are also recommended to have more frequent cleanings. Kids have a lot of spills and messes that can affect the cleanliness of your rugs and carpet. Additionally, babies and young children spend a lot of time on the carpet, and you want to keep it fresh and clean for them.

Seasonal Needs

Whether your carpet is due for a cleaning can also depend on seasonal and environmental factors. If your area has received a lot of rain or snow lately, it’s more likely that mud or other dirt has been tracked into your home.

Additionally, if you suffer from seasonal allergies, having your carpet cleaned could be a source of relief. Carpet and rugs act like a giant filter that absorbs pollen from the air, but once it gets full, it releases them back with every step.

A good rule of thumb is to have your carpet and rugs cleaned annually to maintain any warranties and keep your home looking and smelling fresh. If any of the above factors apply, you may want to consider more frequent cleanings every 6-8 months.

If the rugs in your home are due for a cleaning, take advantage of our 2-for-1 sale happening through the end of February and visit our website for in-home cleaning discounts.

DaisyCares Pet Food Program at the San Antonio Food Bank

DaisyCares has created the DaisyCares Pet Food Program to provide dog and cat food to needy families, enabling them to keep their companion animals when faced with economic hardship.

DaisyCares and the San Antonio Food Bank have collaborated to create a designated pet food program designed to provide struggling families and individuals with pet food assistance for their four-legged family members. Cat and dog food is sourced through food drives, retail sites, and manufacturers/distributors.

Need pet food? Call (210) 431-8326

Host a Pet Food Drive

By hosting a pet food drive at your place of work, at a school, or community organization, you are helping families and their pets to stay together. To get started, contact DaisyCares for more information.

For more information about volunteering at Daisy Cares, visit daisycares.com/volunteer.

Be sure to also check out our their wish list for muchneeded items!

Dog Food (cans or bags)

Cat Food (cans or bags)

Dog Treats

Cat Treats

New Toys & Accessories

Potty Pads

Cat Litter

Johnny Kothman, DVM

Chris LaBrie, DVM

- CHURCH DIRECTORY -

ALAMO HEIGHTS BAPTIST CHURCH

6501 Broadway St. San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 824-9539

Services: Sunday 11:00am

Wednesday 6:30pm Praise and Prayer

ALAMO HEIGHTS

CHRISTIAN CHURCH

6435 N. New Braunfels Ave. San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 828-5728 alamoheightscc.org

Services: Sunday: 10:50am

ALAMO HEIGHTS

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

6201 Broadway St. San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 824-0271 alamoheightspres.com

Services:

Sunday 8:30am and 11am

ALAMO HEIGHTS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

825 E. Basse Road San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 826-3215

ahumc.org

Services:

Sunday 8:30am, 9:30am and 11am

CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

510 Belknap Place San Antonio, TX 78212 (210) 736-3132

cecsa.org

Services:

Wednesday 11:00am, 6:00pm Sunday 7:30am, 9am, 11:00am, 5:00pm

CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH

6720 Broadway St. San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 822-3394 clcah.org

Services:

Sunday 8:30am and 10:30am

MOUNT CALVARY

LUTHERAN CHURCH

308 Mt. Calvary Drive

San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 824-8748

mtcsa.org

Services:

Sunday 8:30am and 11am

NORTHWOOD

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

518 Pike Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 824-7238

Services:

Sunday mornings at 11am

NORTHROCK CHURCH

ALAMO HEIGHTS

1540 Nacogdoches

San Antonio, TX 78209 northrocksa.com

Services:

Sunday mornings at 10am, 11:30am

PEARL STREET CHURCH

400 Pearl Parkway

San Antonio, TX 78215 (210) 504-8897

Services: 9:00am, 10:30am,12pm, 1:30pm

ST. ANTHONY DE PADUA

CATHOLIC CHURCH

102 Lorenz Road

San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 824-1743

stanthonydepadua.org

Services:

Monday thru Friday 9am, Saturday 5pm

Sunday 7:00am, 8:30am (Spanish), 10:30am, 12:30pm

ST. DAVID’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH AND SCHOOL

1300 Wiltshire Ave.

San Antonio, TX 78209 saintdavids.net (210) 824-2481

Services: Sundays at 8am & 10:30am

ST. LUKE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

11 Saint Luke’s Lane

San Antonio, Texas 78209 slecsa.org - (210) 828-6425

Services:

Sunday 8am, 9am, 11am and 6pm Wednesday Eucharist at 8am during the school year

ST. PETER PRINCE OF THE APOSTLES CHURCH

111 Barilla Place

San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 822-3367 stpeterprinceoftheapostles.org

Services:

Saturday Mass 5:30pm Sunday 9am, 11am, and 5:30pm Tuesday and Thursday 7am Wednesday 5:30pm, Friday 8:00am

ST. PIUS X CATHOLIC CHURCH & SCHOOL

3303 Urban Crest Dr San Antonio TX 78209 (210) 824-0139

spxsa.church

Services:

Saturday - 4:30pm

Sunday - 8:00am, 10:15am, 12:00 pm, 1:30pm (Sp), 5:00pm Daily Masses: Monday - 6:30pm Tuesday-Friday - 8:15am

TRINITY BAPTIST CHURCH

319 E. Mulberry

San Antonio, TX 78212 (210) 733-6201 trinitybaptist.org

Services: Mulberry Service 9am Bible Study 10:15am TriPoint Service 11:30am

UNITY CHURCH

8103 Broadway San Antonio, TX 78209 unityofsa.org (210) 824-7351

Services: Sunday 11am

Children’s Church 11am

If you are unable to make it to a service, check your church website and see if they are livestreaming so that you can worship from home.

Brackenridge Park is celebrating 125 years to honor the people, traditions, and experiences in nature the park has brought to San Antonio. The Brackenridge Park Conservancy is hosting events throughout the year to celebrate this milestone. Please visit brackenridgepark.org for a list of events and programming.

Scan QR code to support Brackenridge Park for the next 125 years!

The Brackenridge Park Conservancy is a steward of Brackenridge Park’s natural, historic, educational, and recreational resources and an advocate for their preservation and enhancement for the benefit of current and future generations.

FIND YOUR

Perfect Pair

BEVERAGE PLANNING FOR WEDDINGS , SHOWERS, PARTIES, AND MORE!

GRAB AND GO!

Police Blotter

Narcotics Violation, Tamper with Evidence Officer stopped a vehicle displaying an expired registration sticker issued to another vehicle; during a pre-tow inventory of the vehicle a clear plastic bag containing methamphetamines and a clear liquid was found where a passenger was sitting; the passenger admitted the drugs were his and he attempted to destroy the drugs by adding water.

05/01/24

6900 blk. Broadway

Emergency Detention

An officer conducting a welfare check on a female subject determined the subject was in mental crisis and a danger to herself or others; transported to a mental health facility for evaluation.

05/02/24

6100 blk. Broadway

Assault, Bodily Injury

An ATM customer was assaulted with a crutch yielded by a male subject stated the victim was taking too long to finish his banking business; subject left prior to police arriving.

05/03/24

4600 blk. Broadway

Evading Arrest, Motor Vehicle Theft

An officer on patrol during late night hours observed two subjects attempting to break into vehicles; the subjects evaded officers attempts to take them into custody by fleeing in a vehicle reported stolen in San Antonio; the subjects crashed the vehicle rendering it undriveable and fled on foot successfully evading by running through residential backyards.

05/07/24

100 blk. Claywell

Theft

Jewelry stolen from a bathroom: suspects are workers in the apartment during times when it was unoccupied.

05/07/24

5500 blk. Broadway

Narcotics Violation

Driver stopped for a traffic violation was found to have an invalid driver’s license; a pre-impound inventory of the vehicle discovered maijuana and cocaine.

05/07/24

500 blk. Austin Hwy.

Theft by Fraud

Terroristic Threat

Male caller communicated a threat of bodily harm via telephone to a random employee of a business.

4700 blk. Broadway

Vehicle Burglaries

Three vehicles were unlawfully entered by breaking windows to steal purses left in open view on the seats of the vehicles.

50 Alamo Heights Blvd.

Assault, Family Violence

Domestic disturbance between family members during which one family member was injured by another; one subject taken into custody and transported to the police department for

100 blk. E Edgewood

A vehicle attempted to evade an officer initiating a traffic stop by turning into a private driveway and parking the vehicle; officers detained two male subjects in the vehicle one of which had AH Municipal Cout warrants; the other had AH Municipal Court warrants and several active arrest warrants issued by Bexar County with a caution “armed and dangerous”; during a pre-impound-ment inventory of the vehicle several identification documents, credit cards and vehicle keys belonging to other named persons were located; also tools commonly associated with vehicle burglaries.

Driver stopped for a traffic violation was determined to be under the influence of alcohol

5900 blk. Broadway

Victim was scammed into sending a large sum of money to persons impersonating police officers claiming the victim had arrest warrants.

05/07/24

300 blk. Alta

Theft (shoplifting)

Two females selected liquor and ran out of the store without making payment.

05/09/24

5100 blk. Broadway

Mail Theft, Possession of Criminal Instruments, Fraudulent Possession of Identifying Information, Narcotics Violation

An officer initiated contact with a male subject loitering around a closed business during late night hours; at the time of the contact the subject was going through mail he had stolen from three mail boxes in an apartment complex across the street; subject was found in possession of identification belonging to others, checks and credit cards belonging to other persons; the subject was also found to be in possess of methamphetamines and related paraphernalia.

05/10/24

5300 blk. Broadway

Wanted Person

Male subject creating a disturbance in City Hall was found to have an active arrest warrant issued by Bexar County for 9-11 Abuse.

05/10/24

6100 blk. Broadway

- VINTAGE VIEW -

Looking North on Broadway and Hildebrand.