In the Loop

By Ron Aaron Eisenberg

ZOO WELCOMES BIRTH OF ENDANGERED SPECIES

San Antonio Zoo recently saw the birth of several endangered species including the psychedelic rock gecko.

“We are excited to welcome these significant births to our community,” said Tim Morrow, President and CEO of San Antonio Zoo. “This baby boom is a testament to the dedication of our incredible animal care staff and a celebration of wildlife diversity from around the world.”

Morrow noted the zoo celebrates all new births; but, some are even more meaningful to securing a future for wildlife due to their conservation status in the wild.

In recent months, the zoo has welcomed crested couas, scalybreasted lorikeets, curl-crested aracaris, fairy bluebirds, Eastern Pilbarra spiny-tailed skinks, Yunnan mountain rat snakes, West African crowned cranes (vulnerable), Malaysian giant pond turtles (critically endangered), lemur leaf frogs (critically endangered), pinstripe damba cichlids (critically endangered), San Marcos redtail splitfins (critically endangered), Green Mantella tadpoles (endangered), and the popular psychedelic rock geckos (endangered).

Psychedelic rock geckos are an endangered species found only on two tiny islands off the most southern tip of Vietnam. San Antonio Zoo is the first known Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) institution to reproduce this species after receiving them from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

OPNNA SETS MEET THE CANDIDATES NIGHT & 2ND ANNUAL NEIGHBORFEST

The Oak Park Northwood Neighborhood Association will hold a meet the candidates’ night on Thursday, September 29, at 7 p.m. at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, 722 Robinhood Pl., 78209.

Candidates for Bexar County Judge, Bexar County Commissioner’s Court Precinct 3, and State Representative District 121 all were invited to participate in the event. They will be asked to give short introductory talks, followed by a question and answer session. Each candidate will then have an opportunity to deliver 1-minute closing remarks.

OPNNA president Gina Galaviz Eisenberg (my wife) will moderate the evening. The candidate forum is open to one and all. The neighborhood association is also planning to hold its 2nd annual NeighborFest, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on November 13, at the City of San Antonio’s Northridge Park, 821 Chevy Chase Dr., 78209.

The event will feature fun and games for children, plus free cotton candy and food and drink for children and adults. A local band, Sonic Radio, will provide live music.

By Ron Aaron Eisenberg

MORE CHANGE COMING TO BROADWAY IN 78209

Just a few weeks after the old Viva Book Store, 8407 Broadway St. was demolished following a fire, Guido Construction is tearing down a part of the old Mooney Art Gallery at 8302 Broadway. The space has been vacant for several years.

The property is now owned by CNG Real Estate Investments LLC. The company confirmed to me their plans to build new corporate offices for CNG Engineering, with move-in slated for sometime in 2023. CNG is currently housed at 1917 N. New Braunfels Ave, near Ft. Sam Houston.

According to its website, CNG Engineering is a professional mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering design firm that provides master planning, design, and building commissioning services for public and private sector projects across the State of Texas. Since it was founded in 2004, CNG has worked on multi-million dollar municipal, higher education, health care, K-12, and commercial offices throughout Texas.

The 8302 Broadway property was appraised at $1.1 million dollars by the Bexar County Appraisal District.

FORMER SITE OF LIBERTY BAR REBORN AS CARRIQUI

An innovative, 380-seat, 11,000 square-foot restaurant named Carriqui is now open on the site of the old Liberty Bar, at 239 E. Grayson Street.

The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. It is named after a bird -- the green jay of South Texas. The venue’s owners say the flight path of the carriqui is the inspiration for the menu. Potluck Hospitality owns and operates the eatery.

It showcases South Texas foodways—from the Rio Grande Valley to the Texas coast and north to San Antonio. Menu items include fresh seafood from the Gulf, Rio Grandeinspired botana platters, pit-cooked barbacoa and brisket, a masa program, and a robust cocktail and beverage program. For those who may not know, according to author Cyndy Bartelli, Botana platters begin with a layer of tortilla chips or quesadillas with added layers of refried beans, cheddar cheese, grilled vegetables, a hearty helping of tender beef or chicken fajitas, and random globs of guacamole and sour cream. Salsa is essential. Tortillas, beans, and rice are always present. Some say a botana platter is like nachos on steroids.

Led by Executive Chef Jaime Gonzales, Carriqui is located in the historic building formerly home to Boehler’s Liberty Saloon and Liberty Bar. The restaurant features three different main dining spaces: The Carriqui House, The Rock House, and Courtyard & Back Porch. Private dining options for large groups and parties will also be available. For more information about Carriqui visit carriquitx.com.

By Ron Aaron Eisenberg

ALAMO HEIGHTS CENTENNIAL 5K FUN RUN

As part of its Centennial Celebration, the City of Alamo Heights is holding a 5K run on Saturday, October 1st. This will be one of the first events to celebrate the milestone. The race will begin at 8:00 a.m.

The run will be on a timed course, but all participants have the option to run or walk. Registrants will be given a centennial logo t-shirt and a finisher’s medal!

The run begins and ends in the Alamo Heights City Hall parking lot, 6116 Broadway 78209

Registration fee: - $25 – until midnight September 18th - $30 – until midnight September 30th - Family/Team of 5 or more - $20 person – a $5 discount per person

No Race Day entries will be accepted. To register visit - https://tinyurl.com/2p9exzyx

Race day packets may be picked up on: Thursday, September 29th, 2:00 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. @ City Hall, 6116 Broadway Friday, September 30th, Noon to 5:00 p.m. @ City Hall, 6116 Broadway Saturday, October 1st (Race Day) - Packet Pick-up (7:00 a.m.).

ALAMO HEIGHTS LITTLE LEAGUE

Congratulations to the Alamo Heights Little League 8-10 Year Old Baseball All Star team on their very successful post season run. Undefeated through both the District Tournament at McAllister Park and Sectional Tournament in Jordanton, the boys advanced to the Texas West State Tournament in Abilene July. This was the first time a baseball team from the ‘little league division’ advanced to the State Tournament. A tremendous effort was put forth by the coaching staff and the families in support of the young men, celebrated by a drive through parade held at the Alamo Heights Little League fields on the evening of July 13th prior to the team heading to Abilene. The boys capped their summer with a Quarter-Final finish in the tournament.

“Little League is full of unique experiences that create lasting memories and life long friendships. This is an amazing accomplishment for these boys and their coaches. This group of players and their families, embraced their summer of baseball that started in late May. Taking full advantage of the opportunity and providing our community with exciting evenings of games, a parade ,and a spectacular run to the State Tournament. The impacts of their efforts are already being seen in increased interest in our fall ball and players already talking about the 2023 season.” Said Todd Allison, President of Alamo Heights Little League.

Alamo Heights Little League, founded in 1949, serves over 1000 kids in our Spring Little League season between our TBall, Softball, Baseball and Challenger Leagues. Our Fall Ball program held mid-September through November, has several hundred participants, with the purpose to help develop skills and further knowledge of the game.

For more information on our programs, to register for the upcoming season, or sponsorship opportunities please visit

www.AHLL.org

AnArte Gallery & Studio

Where Art and Passion Collide

By Meredith Kay | Photography by David Teran

Most of us have dreamt about starting a business that caters to our passion, but very few get the opportunity to pursue that dream, or just never take the leap of faith. It is a daunting idea, and only the bravest of souls will dare to step out of their security and venture into the unknown. This is the story of one dynamic lady who dared to follow her dream to bring art to the people of ’09 and beyond.

Ana Montoya was working as a successful professional in the cosmetics industry for 20 years when she started to take her dream of owning an art gallery seriously. Ana was born in Nuevo Laredo and moved across the border with her family at the age of four. She grew up inspired by her hard-working grandmother who made a living as a beauty stylist and a seamstress, and her interest in beauty, fashion, and art only grew as she became a young adult, moving to San Antonio to pursue her education and a career in her mid-20’s.

It was only in her late-30’s that Ana began to seriously contemplate her desire to open an art gallery to feature local artists. Her first gallery was a small space on Hildebrand, and she began AnArte 21 years with a handful of artists and zero experience. Luckily, Ana’s energy and enthusiasm moved her forward as she made a name for herself within the art community while introducing and promoting local artists. After 15 years at The Collection shopping center on Broadway, Ana expanded her gallery space in 2021 and now represents over 50 artists from San Antonio and around the country. She even features a few international artists she met through other artists and a few who discovered on social media.

Ana’s bubbly personality and zest for life are evident when you meet her. She absolutely loves what she does and truly enjoys connecting with people through the beauty and expression of art. Featured artists include Bibbi Anderson, Jennifer Balkan, Eric Breish, Alex Brochon, Jessica Collins, Steven Daluz, Analy Diego, Adrian Falcon, Ana Hernández, Isabelle Kotara-Lopez, Sandra Mack-Valencia, Laura Mijangos, Lucy Peveto, Brook Rosser, Maricela Sanchex, Kathy Sosa, Lionel Sosa, Lilianna Story, Sam Wilson, and Anna Wypych.

The gallery hosts a monthly exhibition with rotating artists, specialty cocktails inspired by the artist, along with small bites and music, creating a unique event for art lovers regardless of experience.

Ana says, “When you walk into AnArte, you will encounter some of the most beautiful art pieces you’ll ever see. The art is happy and colorful, and I guarantee that you will walk out smiling.”

AnArte Gallery strives to be accessible to every art lover and offers pieces to fit any taste or budget. So, if you are just beginning your journey and your education as an art collector, you will feel comfortable as you are guided through collections and introduced to diverse artists and unique pieces.

Clients are welcomed with a warm smile and a glass of pink champagne by the knowledgeable ARTE family staff, director Sofia Ortega, residential and corporate art consultant Sofia Casso, and Ana’s son, Louis Davila who executes the delivery and installation of art. “AnArte is a family. We treat all of our clients equally. I wanted to create a gallery that is warm and inviting so that everyone feels welcome regardless of their socio-economic background.”

Ana has recently secured the space next door to the gallery to create an additional concept called Casa AnArte which will house large format art pieces, sculptures, custom furniture, and one-of-a-kind home décor. This addition was prompted by the success of the gallery’s summer art classes for kids and adults. Casa AnArte is set to open later this year and will have a full calendar of gallery exhibits, events, monthly classes for adults and kids orchestrated by Ana’s sister, Cristal Galvan, and Miami based artist, Michelle Marra.

AnArte Gallery 7959 Broadway, Suite #202 (@ Sunset) | (210) 826-5674 Monday & Tuesday 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. | Wednesday to Saturday 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Sunday 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Gail Gilliam

Fostering Love & Paws in ’09

“To foster an animal is a great gift of kindness.” -Unknown.

By Alexis James Photography by David Teran

For the last 20 years, Gail Gilliam has fostered kittens in the community and given the gift of love and kindness to hundreds of animals in need.

Gail has lived in Alamo Heights since 1979 and is the proud owner of Condominiums Unlimited, where she specializes in condominium association management in 78209 and 78212. On top of running her small business Gail also serves the community by volunteering for the Animal Defense League of Texas (ADL), the oldest no-kill shelter for abandoned, abused and neglected dogs and cats. “Fostering is so much fun with lots of love as your reward. When you foster, the ADL provides all necessary supplies such as toys, litter, food, and medicine.”

Gail’s passion for fostering kittens has a sweet beginning. “When my nieces and nephew were younger, we would visit the ADL on Saturdays as an adventure and play with the kittens and puppies. The kittens loved to play nonstop, and I thought having this sweet playground in my home would be fun; after I took home my first litter of kittens, I was hooked!

Gail fostered an inspiring amount of 97 kittens during her first year of volunteering. “Kittens are very easy as they find their litter box almost immediately and rarely have accidents.” Says Gail. “Usually, foster kittens are weaned from their mother and give all their love to you as their caregiver. I love watching them play together; they run, jump, wrestle, and tumble nonstop for 30-45 minutes, then everyone gets in my lap to get love and take a long nap.”

Gail wants the ‘09 community to know that there are a lot of opportunities to foster, including fostering bottle babies. “There’s an urgent need for fosters who can bottle feed kittens and puppies who have lost their mother and are still nursing.” For over 20 years, Gail has played a vital role in the Animal Defense League of Texas’s most significant fundraising event, the “Fur Ball.” She currently serves as the Silent Auction Chair. “This year, the proceeds from the Fur Ball Gala will help support the Medical Program serving marginalized and underserved sections of San Antonio. This initiative dramatically reduces the roaming per population in these areas.” States Gail.

When asked what her favorite part of planning the event is, Gail said, “I have so much fun working with my friends, neighbors, and local businesses procuring unique items for the Fur Ball silent auction. She adds, “I love the wine and whiskey pull; for $50, you get to pull a surprise bottle of wine or spirits, and some of the bags have surprises!”

Gail saw a need in the ADL for those who foster and recently started a new organization that helps meet the needs of volunteers. “The Foster club meets for lunch quarterly, and we discuss our babies. (Puppies & Kittens). It’s a wonderful new community where we support each other. We share advice, discuss concerns, and learn so much from one another. We babysit for one another, and if there is an emergency, we help each other out.”

Gail loves the amazing community and friendships she has built by being a part of the Animal Defense League. Her favorite things about the 78209 community are the beautiful shops and restaurants within walking distance and her friendly neighbors!

To learn more about the ADL & Fur Ball 2022, visit adltexas.org.